Hello Rebel Readers,

In this powerful episode of the Rebel Reads Podcast, I’m joined by indie author Maya-Gawonii, visionary behind Cowrie Crossings, for a heartfelt conversation on storytelling, healing, liberation, and the beauty of writing from intuition.

We talk all about Maya’s unique writing style, and what it means to create when inspiration comes naturally and unapologetically. Maya also opens up about novel The Margins Between Us, a hauntingly beautiful sapphic love story where fiction, reality, and emotion begin to blur in unforgettable ways.

This episode is thoughtful, honest, inspiring, and full of the kind of conversation that lingers with you long after it ends.

 Tune in now and don’t forget to follow the Rebel Reads Podcast for more author conversations, bookish chats, and stories that matter.

Happy Listening!

Hello Rebel Readers,

Get ready for a fun, fangirl-filled, hockey romance obsessed episode you won’t want to miss! 

This week on the podcast, we’re joined by breakout author Emma Miller, whose journey from Wattpad sensation (with over 20 million reads!) to published author is nothing short of inspiring. Emma opens up about her writing beginnings, her deep love of storytelling, and how her passion for books turned into a thriving author career.

We dive into her newest novel, The Center of Attention, and the inspiration behind it. Plus, we fully gush over all things hockey romance (because obviously ). From swoony book boyfriends to the magic of sports romance, this episode feels like sitting down for coffee with a fellow reader who just gets it.

And yes… we absolutely talk about our shared love for Elle Kennedy and the hockey romance world she helped make iconic.

When Emma isn’t writing, you can find her at the Boy Aquarium taking pointers for her novels and cheering on her team!  If you’re a sports romance girlie, a hockey romance addict, or just love discovering authors with incredible journeys, this episode is for YOU. Episode out on all platforms, like, share and follow!

Happy Listening!

 If you’re a sports romance girlie, a hockey romance addict, or just love discovering authors with incredible journeys—this episode is for YOU.

Hello Rebel Readers,

In this exciting episode of the Rebel Reads Podcast, host Cheryl Briggs sits down with USA Today and New York Times bestselling author Shanora Williams for a fun, honest, and behind-the-scenes conversation about books, publishing, and the stories readers can’t get enough of. 

Shanora and Cheryl dive into their shared love of grumpy fictional men, the ever-evolving Bookstagram world, and what it really takes to navigate the journey from indie publishing to traditional publishing success. Shanora also shares valuable advice for new and aspiring authors, including how to build the right team, develop a writing process that works, and stay authentic in the fast-paced book industry.

The conversation also celebrates Shanora’s highly anticipated new fantasy novel, Mayhem and the Mortal (releasing March 17, 2026). Blending the chaotic adventure vibes of D&D with twisted fairy-tale energy reminiscent of The Wizard of Oz, the story follows a desperate young woman who hires a ruthless assassin to help break her sister’s curse—launching a wild quest filled with danger, secrets, misfits, and unexpected alliances.

In this episode, we discuss:

 The appeal of grumpy love interests and morally complex characters

 Shanora’s journey from romance bestseller to fantasy author

 Navigating Bookstagram and the modern book community

 The realities of indie vs. traditional publishing

 Her writing process and the team behind the scenes

 Crafting fantasy with bold heroines, humor, and high stakes

 Advice for new authors entering today’s publishing world

If you love fantasy romance, messy magic, dangerous love interests, publishing insights, and author conversations, this episode is for you.

Tune in to hear the story behind Mayhem and the Mortal and why Shanora Williams is quickly becoming a must-read voice in modern fantasy.

Happy Listening!

Hello Rebel Readers,

In this compelling episode of the Rebel Reads Podcast, we sit down with acclaimed author Robert Gwaltney to discuss his haunting new Southern Gothic novel, Sing Down the Moon, released March 3.

Robert shares the inspiration behind the novel, drawing from the culture, folklore, and landscapes of the American South. We dive into the rich storytelling traditions of the region, including fascinating Southern pearls of wisdom and the powerful symbolism of the Gheechee tree.

Listeners will also get an inside look at Robert’s writing process, from developing lyrical Southern settings to shaping complex characters. He also discusses the collaborative side of publishing and how he has a great friendship with author bestselling authors, that play an integral role in refining and bringing a story to life.

This conversation explores:

• The traditions and mythology of the American South

• The inspiration behind Sing Down the Moon

• Southern Gothic storytelling and literary fiction

• The writing and editing process behind a powerful novel

• Life, culture, and storytelling from the South

If you love Southern Gothic fiction, literary storytelling, author interviews, and behind-the-scenes insights into the writing process, this episode is one you won’t want to miss.

 Listen now and discover the world of Sing Down the Moon. Happy Listening!

Hello Rebel Readers,

In this episode, we dive into debut author Cassie Miller’s incredible journey, from writing alongside her students to publishing her debut YA romance novel.

Cassie, a librarian with roots in the Hudson Valley (and who grew up in her family’s costume shop ), shares the full behind-the-scenes story of creating young adult fiction, the spark, the process, the revisions, and what it really takes to bring a YA rom-com to life.

We talk about:

 Writing with her students

 Building a small-town sports romance world

 Crafting dual POV & first love

 The emotional journey to debut

 Landing blurbs from big-name authors (go check her page!)

 And her release happening NEXT WEEK

Her debut, Meet Me Under the Lights, is already creating buzz and trust me, this one is a must-read for romance lovers.

If you love debut author stories, enemies-to-lovers tension, and small-town summer vibes, this episode is for you.

 Tap the link in bio to listen now

 Tell me your favorite YA romance in the comments

 Save & share with your book besties

Check out this episode on all platforms!

Happy Listening!

Hello Rebel Readers,

New York Times & international bestselling author Laura Taylor Namey joins the Rebel Reads Podcast for an unforgettable conversation about family, heritage, and the heart behind her viral young adult novels.

Best known for A Cuban Girl’s Guide to Tea and Tomorrow, a Reese’s Book Club pick and BookTok favorite. Laura shares the exciting news about the highly anticipated film adaptation and what it feels like to see her story head to the big screen. We also dive into her newest release, If We Never End, out March 3rd, and the emotional inspiration behind it.

In this powerful episode, we talk about:

 Writing authentic Latinx stories in YA fiction

 How Laura’s Cuban-American heritage shapes her storytelling

 Honoring loved ones through literature

 From classroom teacher to bestselling author

 The impact of Reese’s Book Club & BookTok on her career

 Romance, identity, and coming-of-age themes readers adore

If you love diverse books, young adult romance, Latinx representation, Reese’s Book Club picks, or stories about family and first love, this episode is for you.

 Listen now and don’t forget to follow, rate, and share the Rebel Reads Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you stream.

Happy Listening!

Hello Rebel Readers,

Valentine’s Day weekend may be over… but at Rebel Reads Podcast, we’re still celebrating love, romance, and all the swoon-worthy feels 

In this special Meet the Author episode, Cheryl sits down with USA Today bestselling author Jenna Hartley, the queen of feel-good forbidden romance, for a heartfelt, steamy, and inspiring conversation you won’t want to miss.

Jenna opens up about how her real-life forbidden love story with her husband of over 20 years inspired the passionate, obstacle defying couples in her novels. We dive into:

 - Forbidden romance tropes

 - Billionaire boyfriends (our favorite!)

 - Steamy, slow-burn chemistry

-  A swoony sneak peek at her upcoming hockey romance

 - And even her fun nod to Charlie Puth and the role music plays in her creative process

This episode blends romance books, real-life love, emotional depth, pop culture, and irresistible tension. Perfect for fans of contemporary romance, billionaire heroes, and forbidden love stories.

If you love authors who write with heart, heat, authenticity and loves to add the Spice, this one is for you.

Don’t forget to follow, rate, and share the Rebel Reads Podcast. Love is still in the air… press play.

Happy Listening!

Hello Rebel Readers, From Lambda Literary Award-winning author Alexandra Villasante comes Fireblooms, an emotionally rich story about grief, love, and healing that lingers long after the last page.

In this Rebel Reads conversation, Alex joins me to talk about her tender, thought provoking speculative queer romance set in a town that uses technology to promise safety by controlling language. We dive into themes of queerness, forgiveness, and what it truly means to feel safe, as we follow seventeen-year-old Sebastian navigating grief, family trauma, and an unsettling community designed to eliminate hate speech and bullying at a cost.

Alex also shares her journey as a Latinx creator, her deep commitment to supporting young readers, and the incredible community work she does to uplift kids and families through stories. She is a true inspiration. This conversation was incredibly heartwarming. Alex was so easy to talk to and even offered words of encouragement that I know I will carry with me forever.

Alex, thank you for everything you do. Not just for the book world, but for the time, care, and learning you give back so generously. Thank you for creating space not only for Latinx voices, but for all kids and families to truly enjoy and feel seen in books.

Hello Rebel Readers,

In this episode of the Rebel Reads Podcast, we sit down with USA TODAY bestselling author Samantha Markum to talk about her laugh-out-loud, swoon-worthy new YA rom-com, The Roommate Arrangement—on sale January 27, 2026!

Samantha shares the inspiration behind the story, her love of rom-com tropes like forced proximity and brother’s-best-friend, and how she balances humor, heart, and ambition in her writing. We also chat about her creative process, life as a YA author, and the moments that make writing feel a little magical.

Perfect for fans of smart, charming rom-coms with big feelings, this episode is a must-listen for readers who love secrets, sparks, and summer chaos.

Tune in and add The Roommate Arrangement to your TBR.

Happy Listening!

Hello Rebel Readers,

In this episode of Rebel Reads Podcast, we sit down with debut novelist Joelle Babula, a former journalist turned nurse practitioner who writes boldly about infidelity, desire, emotional chaos, and the beautifully complicated realities of being human.

Joelle’s debut novel, Infidelity Rules, is unapologetic, provocative, deeply honest and so is this conversation. From caring for patients by day to crafting daring fiction by night (often fueled by wine and a carefully curated cheese board), Joelle shares her writing journey, her leap between careers, and why the most uncomfortable topics often make the most truthful stories.

We talk bold fiction, complex characters, creativity without filters, and yes, recipes, cheese, and wine. The best conversations are always better with good food and great stories. Expect humor, heart, rebellious energy, and candid storytelling.

 A must-listen for readers who love bold fiction, complex characters, and honest conversations that break the rules.

Happy Listening!