The Reading Rift

Step into the Rift with me as I sit down with author Orin Steele to talk all things By Blood, Shadow, and Fire 🔥 (out now!)

In this episode, we go way beyond the book… We talk about Orin’s journey to becoming an author, the moment she realized “I can actually do this,” and what it really looks like to build a writing career with intention.

We also dive into:

⚔️ Publishing outside the traditional/Amazon-heavy model

📚 Building a community instead of just an audience

❤️ How readers can truly support authors

And of course… a spoiler-free peek at the book 👀

If you loved Daughter of No Worlds, The Bridge Kingdom, or A Fate Inked in Blood… you’re going to want this one on your TBR.

One of my favorite takeaways from this conversation: It’s okay to change your mind—and becoming the monster in someone else’s story doesn’t make you the monster of your own. 🎧

Link to connect and get the book: https://linktr.ee/orinsteele?utm_source=linktree_profile_share

Listen now wherever you get your podcasts 💬 Tell me—what’s your favorite morally gray FMC? #TheReadingRift #BookPodcast #FantasyRomance #IndieAuthors #Bookstagram #DarkFantasy #Romantasy #AuthorInterview #readersofinstagram

Welcome to the reading rift, I am your host Lydia Legacy and today I have the privilege of speaking with TL Combs about her newest book The Forsaken Crown. In this episode we will get to know author TL Combs, talk about self publishing, and discuss what does it cost to be kind, and complex relationships in books.

📖 Background: Professional chef to farm life to writing

📖 Early reading & Inspo

📖 Writing: Biggest challenge and favorite parts

📖 Publishing misconceptions

📖 Book Elevator pitch, Origin Story, tetherbeasts and more!

📖 Are feelings weakness or strength?

📖 Marriage & relationships: complications in multi-cultural relationships & hard work

📖 Lessons from main characters

Author: T L Combs

Book: The Forsaken Crown

#bookish #bookgirly #romantasy

Links:

Website: https://www.authortlcombs.com/

Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/author_tl.combs?utm_source=linktree_profile_share

Get the book: https://amzn.to/4uYTM62

Welcome to the reading rift, I am your book bestie Lydia Legacy and today I have the privilege of speaking with K R Paul about her newest book The Ballad of Ashes and Spring.

In this spoiler free episode we will get to know author K R Paul, talk about self publishing, and discuss common romance themes that K R Paul writes differently and also discuss a topic that's been on my mind lately of the relationship between service members and vets and the creative arts. Stay tuned for a great episode!

1. Background, Military, Cosplay
2. Early reading
3. Writing journey
4. Publishing misconceptions and advice
5. Book pitch
6. Main characters: What do you want people to learn from your relationship between your FMC and MMC?
7. Romance: What issues in romance books did you want to fix in your book?
8. Military and Vets and the use of the arts

Links:

Get the book: https://amzn.to/4t6HPK9

Website: https://authorkrpaul.com/about/

Welcome to the Reading Rift, I am your host Lydia Legacy and today I have the privilege of talking to author Megan Jauregui Eccles!

For listens in today’s episode we will get to know the author and spoiler free details about her book, Sing the Night which released on March 10th 2026 and then we will talk about what it means to be relentless and how to handle the challenge of learning things you’ve always believed to no longer be true. This is going to be an amazing interview so stick around.

1. Author bio and background
2. Publishing path
3. Book details
4. What does it mean to be relentless
5. What do you do when you’ve learned something and it changes how you see life
6. Author goals and details

I hope you enjoyed the episode. Below are links to the author and the book.

Megan links: https://www.meganjaureguieccles.com/links

Sing the Night good reads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/239399529

Sing the night Amazon: https://amzn.to/4bJGov4

Affiliate Disclaimer:

Some of the links in this description may be affiliate links. This means we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you choose to make a purchase through them. We only share books, products, and resources we genuinely love or believe add value to our community. Thank you for supporting the channel—it helps us continue creating content for you 🤍

Welcome to the Reading Rift, I am your host Lydia Legacy and in this episode we dive into the banter of married romance author duo Piper & Jack Davenport.

We learn about the wild adventure in rock and roll to becoming romance authors and the inside scoop of what its like being married to a creative person. They share their advice on how to support your creative partner.

Website: https://piperdavenport.com/en-usd

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/JackDavenportAuthor

LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/AuthorPiperDavenport

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@piperdavenportauthor

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jackdavenportauthor

Please follow Piper HERE:

Facebook

http://www.facebook.com/piperdavenport

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/piperdavenportauthor/

TikTok

https://www.tiktok.com/@piperdavenportauthor

BookBub

https://www.bookbub.com/authors/piper-davenport

Piper's Newsletter

http://eepurl.com/b66Eob

Please follow Jack HERE:

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJackDavenport/

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/authorjackdavenport/

BookBub

https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jack-davenport

TikTok

https://www.tiktok.com/@jackdavenportauthor

What was the first book you read that made you feel seen?

In this episode host Lydia Legacy sits down to talk to Katrina Kwan to not only talk about her newest book The Legend of the Nine Tailed Fox, but also to talk about why storytelling is important and why everyone’s story is important

Website: https://katrinakwan.com/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/katrinazkwan/

GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22384657.Katrina_Kwan

Other Book recs:

Red City by Marie Lu

Michelle Wong House of the Beast

Elizabeth Lim

Other books by Katrina

Knives, Seasoning, and A Dash of Love

The Last Dragon of the East

Legend of the Nine-Tailed Fox

Love Among Thieves (May 12th)

Affiliate Disclaimer:

Some of the links in this description may be affiliate links. This means we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you choose to make a purchase through them. We only share books, products, and resources we genuinely love or believe add value to our community. Thank you for supporting the channel—it helps us continue creating content for you 🤍

"Dark romance? It's not what you think. Here's why this genre is so much more than just edgy stories…

Drop a 🔥 if you've ever hesitated to try it — but secretly wanted to.

Growing up, I was all about mystery and fantasy—Harry Potter, Judy B. Jones, Hunger Games. But it wasn’t until I discovered Haunting Adeline in 2025 that I realized dark romance could be a powerful way to explore trauma, healing, and intense emotional journeys.

What drew me in? The character arcs — watching flawed, dark characters grow and find love despite their darkest sides. It’s also about the hope that even the most broken can heal. And honestly, it’s a safer space to face our own shadows through fiction.

Dark romance isn’t romanticizing trauma—it’s empathizing, understanding, and sometimes finding healing in the chaos. It’s thrilling but also deeply emotional. So, have you ever wondered why we’re so hooked on these stories?

Comment your thoughts below or tag someone who needs to hear this—sometimes, a dark story can bring the light.

Full series info & more stories—link in bio

#DarkRomance #HealingThroughFiction #IndieAuthorLife #RomanceReader

Get the Book: https://amzn.to/4tKM3bd

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tattedbamagirl72?_r=1&_t=ZT-948rGnwJjKP

IG: https://www.instagram.com/andavisauthor?igsh=b3ZlMXdncWd1bzZo

Affiliate Disclaimer:

Some of the links in this description may be affiliate links. This means we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you choose to make a purchase through them. We only share books, products, and resources we genuinely love or believe add value to our community. Thank you for supporting the channel—it helps us continue creating content for you 🤍

Welcome back to The Reading Rift ✨

This week, Lydia and Bec sit down with J.N. Kindig, author of The Nightmare Novellas, for a deep dive into indie publishing, gothic horror, worldbuilding, and what it truly takes to bring a dark story to life.

🔞 Listener Note: This is an adult podcast with adult themes and language. 📚 Spoiler-Free Episode: You can absolutely listen even if The Nightmare Novellas is still on your TBR!

In this episode, we talk about:

• Growing up as a reader and the authors who shaped her voice • From dragon stories on construction paper to gothic fiction and horror • Battling self-doubt and finding the “I can actually do this” moment • Writing under pressure and drafting a novel in just a few months • Crafting blurbs that actually sell your book • Self-publishing vs. traditional publishing — and the realities behind both • Social media strategy for indie authors (what actually works?) • What readers can do to truly support authors • The logistics of self-publishing and what she’d do differently next time

We also explore the world of The Nightmare Novellas:

• A spoiler-free introduction to nightmare hunters and the state of the world • The deeper themes woven through the story • Religious influences and the role of the gods • Character naming, map-making, and worldbuilding inspirations • The origin story behind the book

Plus… 👀 You’ll hear the first line of the next book: “Cassander Esclarmonde should’ve killed his brother when he had the chance.”

If you love gothic horror, layered worldbuilding, strong thematic depth, and honest conversations about indie publishing, this episode is for you.

✨ Connect with J.N. Kindig:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorjnkindig?igsh=bDR3Znl5cXJ3ajZ1

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@authorjnkindig?_r=1&_t=ZT-93p5SQtgOLu

Website: https://www.authorjnkindig.com/books

Buy the book: https://amzn.to/4rb0J1T

Some of the links in this description may be affiliate links. This means we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you choose to make a purchase through them. We only share books, products, and resources we genuinely love or believe add value to our community. Thank you for supporting the channel—it helps us continue creating content for you 🤍

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and leave a review — it helps us continue spotlighting incredible authors in fantasy, romantasy, and beyond.

See you in the Rift 🖤

Welcome to The Reading Rift: Cosmere Deep Dives 📖✨

In this series, Lydia and Bec are diving headfirst into Brandon Sanderson’s Cosmere, starting with Mistborn Era One—breaking down the magic systems, characters, themes, and worldbuilding that make this universe so iconic.

Whether this is your first step into the Cosmere or a reread with fresh eyes, these episodes are designed to help you understand what’s happening, why it matters, and how it all connects—without assuming you’re already an expert.

⚠️ Important Notes:

• This is an adult podcast with adult language and topics

• Spoiler warnings apply for the Mistborn books discussed in each episode

• We’ll always clearly state which book(s) we’re covering

✦ What to expect from our Mistborn deep dives:

🔩 Magic System Breakdown

🧠 Character & Theme Analysis

🌍 Worldbuilding & Lore

🌀 Cosmere Context (Spoiler-Aware)

📚 Reader Perspectives

• Veteran Cosmere reader vs first-time reactions

• What hits differently on a reread

📖 Start (or continue) your Mistborn journey

🛒 Buy the book here: https://amzn.to/45weJKN

If you love epic fantasy, intricate magic systems, and stories that reward close reading, you’re in the right place.

Affiliate Disclaimer:

Some of the links in this description may be affiliate links. This means we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you choose to make a purchase through them. We only share books, products, and resources we genuinely love or believe add value to our community. Thank you for supporting the channel—it helps us continue creating content for you

Welcome back to The Reading Rift! I’m Lydia, joined by Bec, and this week we’re sitting down with Lindsey Richardson, author of Godsbane ⚔️✨

✨ Listener Notes: • This is an adult podcast with adult language and topics • This episode is completely spoiler free, so you can listen even if Godsbane is still on your TBR

In this episode, Lindsey shares her journey as a reader and writer, the creative process behind Godsbane, and what it’s like navigating indie publishing in the fantasy space. We talk writing doubt, revision, worldbuilding, mythology, romance, and the realities of bringing an epic fantasy story to life.

✦ What we cover in this episode:

📚 Early Reading & Creative Roots • Growing up with books or discovering them later • Author idols and formative reads • Teachers and mentors who influenced her writing • The inspiration behind her author bio and impeccable music taste

✍️ Writing & Craft • When writing became more than a hobby • Handling doubt and imposter syndrome • The moment she knew she could really do this

🕰️ The Writing Timeline • Whether Godsbane was her first book • Drafting and revision process with tips for writers • Early challenges in the writing journey

📖 Publishing as an Indie Author • Choosing self publishing vs traditional publishing • Common misconceptions about publishing • Editing, production, and thoughts on KDP • Social media as an author • The audiobook process for indie authors • What readers should know about supporting authors

📘 Book Talk (Spoiler Free!) • Elevator pitch for Godsbane • Comparable reads • Emotional experience for readers • Origin story of the book • Real life themes woven into fantasy

🌍 Worldbuilding & Mythology • Creating gods and belief systems • Naming characters and hidden meanings • Balancing real life themes with epic fantasy

💘 Romance • Writing a supportive male love interest • Why that representation matters • The ultimate debate: Cal, shadow daddy or cinnamon roll? 👀🔥

✨ Closing Thoughts • Other books Lindsey has written and what’s coming next • Long term vision for her writing career • Why she writes

📚 Get the book: 🛒 Godsbane by Lindsey Richardson: https://amzn.to/3ZWGZCY

🔗 Connect with Lindsey Richardson:

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_lindseywrites_?igsh=MWZqcDRyYmV0OW04aw== 📘 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@_lindseywrites_?_r=1&_t=ZP-93k5F6Ccd1q 🌐 Website: https://www.lindseyrichardsonauthor.com/

Affiliate Disclosure:

Some of the links in this description may be affiliate links. This means we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you choose to make a purchase through them. We only share books, products, and resources we genuinely love or believe add value to our community. Thank you for supporting the channel—it helps us continue creating content for you 🤍