Hello Rebel Readers,

In this episode of the Rebel Reads Podcast, we’re joined by the incredible Zoraida Córdova—bestselling author of The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina, the Brooklyn Brujas trilogy, Meant to Be Series, Valentina Salazar Is Not a Monster Hunter, and Star Wars: The High Republic: Convergence and many more.

Born in Ecuador, and raised in Queens, NY, Zoraida is a fellow New Yorker whose storytelling is deeply shaped by her life experiences, culture, and family roots. She began writing at just thirteen years old, and her lifelong dedication to storytelling has blossomed into more than two dozen published novels spanning fantasy, romance, middle grade, and science fiction.

In our conversation, Zoraida shares how her identity and New York upbringing influence her characters and worlds, how real-life experiences transform into magical narratives, and what inspires her creative writing process. We’ll also explore where her ideas come from, how she develops them into immersive stories, and what keeps her imagination thriving across genres.

Whether you’re a writer, a dreamer, or a fan of magical, heartfelt storytelling, this episode will leave you inspired by Zoraida’s journey and creative spirit.

 Subscribe to the Rebel Reads Podcast so you don’t miss this inspiring and magical conversation!

Happy Reading!

Hello Rebel Readers!

We’re serving up our very first Lunchtime Listen with the brilliant author A.M. Dunnewin! 

Growing up with a love for mysteries and thrillers, A.M. has carved her own unique path in the literary world. As an affiliate member of the Horror Writers Association, her stories span across genres—often with a dark, unexpected twist. With a B.A. in Psychology, a deep love for chai tea, and a bookshelf stacked with everything from classics to graphic novels, she brings her passion for words to life in exciting ways.

In this bite-sized episode, A.M. shares her writing journey, what inspires her stories, and a sneak peek at what she’s working on now. It’s the perfect companion for your lunch break, coffee run, or anytime you want a quick literary escape. 

 Tune in, get inspired, and find your next TBR addition!

Hello Book Lovers,

This week on the Rebel Reads Podcast, I’m joined by the incredible Beth Kander—a genre-defying author and screenwriter whose work has been described as “riveting” and “habit-forming.” With tangled roots in both the Midwest and the Deep South, Beth’s writing beautifully weaves together old and new worlds, often with a darkly funny twist.

Beth’s highly anticipated debut novel, I MADE IT OUT OF CLAY (MIRA Books / HarperCollins), hit shelves in December 2024—and it’s making waves. In this episode, we dive into her creative journey, from screenwriting to publishing her first novel, her passion for storytelling, and the real-life inspiration behind her work.

We also talk about writing, life, and what it means to balance creativity with family life. I’ve had the pleasure of connecting with Beth virtually before, but I’m absolutely thrilled to finally bring you this inspiring conversation!

 If you love books that blur boundaries and conversations that spark creativity, you don’t want to miss this one!

Hello Book Lovers,

This week, I’m joined by Author Bianca Miller — a self-proclaimed bubbly introvert who thrives in the beautiful chaos of storytelling. She pours every ounce of herself into her romance novels, crafting stories that are raw, tender, and healing — the kind that break your heart before piecing it back together with even bigger, brighter happy endings.

Bianca’s journey began in 2008 with late-night fanfiction and has grown into powerful tales that weave love, mental health, and resilience into unforgettable narratives.

In our conversation, we dive into her newest release, The Breath Between Us — a novel that shines a light on unfiltered emotions and the resilience of love. But we also talk about real life: motherhood, balancing dreams, and how love continues to carry us through even the darkest chapters.

Tune in to hear how Bianca turns her own chaos and heart into stories that connect, heal, and inspire. And if The Breath Between Us speaks to you, grab a copy and let yourself be swept away by its raw beauty.

As always, thank you for being part of the Rebel Reads community. Don’t forget to follow along for more episodes, author spotlights, and conversations that remind us why we love stories so much.

Until next time — keep reading, keep dreaming, and let books guide you back to the light.

Hello Book Lovers,

In this wildly entertaining episode, I sit down with the hilarious and fearless Jennifer Rose to talk about her steamy, chaotic, and emotionally addictive romance that had me laughing out loud, blushing, and rooting for a possessive HEA that should probably come with a warning label.

We get into everything: dark romance, morally gray men who absolutely need therapy (but want their heroine more), sharp-tongued heroines who bite back, and why readers can’t get enough of love stories that dance on the edge of madness.

I had so much fun with this one—not just because the book gave me all the feels—but because Jennifer brings such boldness and brilliance to everything she writes. Talented, funny, and completely unapologetic, she’s rewriting the rules of romance one unhinged hero at a time.

We’re beyond excited to drop this episode right before her next release, From the Wreckage—hitting shelves August 28th! It is a must read!

Come for the chaos. Stay for the steam. Leave feral. Happy Reading!

We were thrilled to welcome Krystal Marquis, author of The Davenports, to the Rebel Reads Podcast!  She joined us to chat about her swoon-worthy historical debut, her love of libraries, and the real African American history that inspired her stunning novel. 

The Davenports—is a sweeping romance set in 1910s Chicago that follows one of the few African American families of immense wealth and status, inspired by the groundbreaking legacy of C.R. Patterson, the first Black car manufacturer in the U.S.

From crystal chandeliers to carriage houses, this book is packed with forbidden romance, ambitious women, and bold dreams—offering a glimpse into a period of African American history that’s often overlooked. And yes, there’s even a subtle nod to the brilliance of Madam C.J. Walker woven in.

As seen on NBC’s TODAY:

“The perfect read for fans of escapist historical fiction.”

Whether she’s dreaming up her next novel, planning her next trip to the Book Barn, or plotting her own Jurassic Park —Krystal is a storyteller we can’t get enough of.

Catch her episode on the Rebel Reads Podcast and grab your copy of The Davenports today—before the highly anticipated sequel drops!

Calling all hockey romance lovers—this one's for you! On this episode of the Rebel Reads Podcast, Cheryl sits down with USA Today and International Bestselling Author Rachel Leigh, whose steamy and suspenseful romances are impossible to put down. Known for her flawed bad boys, strong heroines, and just the right amount of darkness, Rachel dishes on her bestselling Ice Lords series—an explosive college hockey, enemies-to-lovers, why-choose saga that will leave you breathless.

We dive into book one, Break Your Pucking Heart, and get the inside scoop on her brand-new release Bend The Pucking Rules—dropping July 11th! From inspiration and writing rituals to spice levels and reality TV guilty pleasures, this conversation is a total power play.

This episode was truly a treat for Cheryl, who is never shy about her love for dark romance—making this spicy hockey series a dream come true.

⚠️ Warning: May cause intense book hangovers and spontaneous swooning.

🎙️ Listen now wherever you stream podcasts—and don’t forget to grab Bend The Pucking Rules this week!

Hello Book Lovers,

In this enchanting episode, we sit down with debut author Kristen Kandibo to explore her sweeping fantasy novel, The Sibyl of the Wind. Kristen shares the inspiration behind her richly imagined world—where widows face impossible choices, wolves roam forbidden woods, and a group of outcasts dares to defy the rules of a kingdom built on control. We also dive into her dual life as a Speech-Language Pathologist, how storytelling plays a role in both her profession and passion, and the magic she finds exploring the Hudson Valley. From crafting potions to finding your pack, this episode is a love letter to the transformative power of fantasy and the stories that help us find our voice.

Hello Book Lovers,

Cheryl sits down with KJ Micciche, a Queens-born rom-com author and nonprofit founder who’s spinning stories—and a few unexpected poles—into unforgettable love stories.

We chat about KJ’s hilarious new novel, where Cape Cod collides with calamity: seafood trays fly, jobs are lost, and an underground bachelorette party venue becomes the last resort for two unlikely partners. It’s flirty, chaotic, and full of heart.

KJ opens up about her journey from helping kids with dyslexia to writing rom-coms that are equal parts laugh-out-loud and deeply emotional.

Tune in for laughs, love, and a little sparkle from the stage to the page.

Don’t forget to follow KJ on social media and sign up for her newsletter at Author | K.J. Micciche#RebelReadsPodcast #KJMicciche #RomComReads #PoleTwistsAndPlotSpins #AuthorSpotlight #CapeCodRomance #SummerReads

Hello Book Lovers!

In this episode, Cheryl sat down with Meredith Schorr to chat about the release of her brand-new romance novel and much more.

They chatted about everything from the nostalgic influence of Judy Blume and the evolution of teenage slang to the rhythms of life in New York City, the quiet joy of libraries, and the lasting imprint grandmothers leave on our lives—and our fiction.

Meredith’s new book is a warm, witty roommates-to-lovers romcom that is perfect for curling up with on a quiet afternoon. It was such a joy to be part of her new release, and we cheered her on as this beautiful story headed out into the world. 

Tune in to the episode and treat yourself to her latest novel— Roommating! You are bound to fall in love!