From Fighting Cages to Romance Pages: MMA, Romance & Real-Life Inspiration with Author Nikki Castle (E54)

Author Alena Bruzas on The Broken Edge of the World: Gothic Romance, Grimm Fairy Tales & Mental Health Representation! (E63)

Hello Rebel Readers, This week on the Rebel Reads Podcast, we’re joined by bestselling author Alena Bruzas to celebrate the release of The Broken Edge of the World (out now!). Inspired by the Grimm fairy tale “Hans My Hedgehog,” this captivating novel blends Gothic romance, mystery, folklore, and unforgettable characters into a story that lingers long after the final page. Set on a remote prairie preserve in Nebraska, The Broken Edge of the World follows Sylvie, a young woman seeking refuge from her inner struggles by taking a secluded summer job. But what begins as an escape quickly becomes something far more dangerous as she’s drawn toward a mysterious attraction, hidden secrets, and an ancient curse she can’t ignore. In this heartfelt conversation, Alena opens up about:  Reimagining a Grimm fairy tale for modern readers  Writing Gothic romance with emotional depth  Creating authentic OCD representation through Sylvie’s journey  The importance of mental health representation in fiction  Themes of identity, self-worth, perception, healing, and love  The inspiration behind The Broken Edge of the World Whether you love Gothic romance, dark fairy tale retellings, emotionally rich love stories, or books that spark meaningful conversations about mental health, this episode is one you won’t want to miss. A huge thank you to Penguin Random House for coordinating this wonderful conversation with Alena Bruzas. If you enjoyed today’s episode, please like, follow, share, leave a review, and comment, your support helps us connect more readers with incredible authors and stories.  Subscribe to the Rebel Reads Podcast for weekly conversations with today’s most exciting authors, book recommendations, publishing insights, and everything readers love. Happy Listening!

Season 3 Premiere: USA Today Bestselling Author Willow Aster Talks Writing Romance & Real-Life Inspiration (E62)

Hello Rebel Readers and Hello Season 3! We’re kicking off the newest season of the Rebel Reads Podcast with an unforgettable conversation featuring USA Today bestselling romance author Willow Aster. Fresh off the release of her highly anticipated novel, Endless Summer Nights, Willow takes us behind the scenes of her love stories, sharing the inspiration, unforgettable characters, and creative process behind it all. We also chat all about All for Love, the third interconnected standalone in her beloved Windy Harbor series, exploring the heart, emotion, and romance that have readers falling in love with her books time and time again. In this episode, we go beyond the pages to explore Willow’s incredible writing journey, including how one of her stories was inspired by real-life events, you won’t believe the details. We also chat about balancing creativity with authenticity, the moments that shaped her career, and what continues to inspire her to write unforgettable romances. We also chat about: *  The inspiration behind her newest novels *  Her writing process and creative journey *  The real-life story that influenced one of her books *  What she’s currently reading and what’s next for Willow Whether you’re already a longtime Willow Aster fan or searching for your next addictive romance read, this episode is packed with laughter, behind-the-scenes stories, writing insights, book recommendations, and plenty of swoon-worthy moments.  Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. If you loved this episode, don’t forget to like, follow, rate, review, and share the Rebel Reads Podcast. Your support helps us bring more incredible authors and bookish conversations to readers everywhere.

Lunchtime Listens: Inside The Lure of Wolves and Whispers: Author Amanda Connolly on Dark Romantasy, Forbidden Magic & Slow-Burn Romance (E61)

Hello Rebel Readers, In this captivating episode of Rebel Reads Podcast, we sit down with debut author Amanda Connolly to discuss The Lure of Wolves and Whispers, a darkly addictive romantasy filled with forbidden magic, deadly competitions, political intrigue, slow-burn romance, and unforgettable twists. Inspired by Irish mythology, atmospheric fantasy worlds, and the emotional intensity readers crave from today’s biggest romantasy hits, Amanda shares the journey of writing a sweeping fantasy romance while balancing a demanding career as a political journalist and editor. From carving out creative time after a full workday to building a world filled with danger, desire, and destiny, Amanda reveals what it took to bring Maeve’s story to life. Fans of enemies-to-lovers romance, morally gray characters, fierce heroines, deadly bride competitions, and epic fantasy adventures will love this conversation. We dive into the inspirations behind the book, the power of sacrifice, creating a seductive yet dangerous love interest, and what readers can expect from this exciting new trilogy.  Episode Soundtrack: Reputation era vibes by Taylor Swift — dark, dramatic, fearless, and full of “trust no one” energy.  In This Episode We Discuss: • Writing romantasy while balancing a full-time career • The inspiration behind an Irish-inspired fantasy world • Forbidden magic and the sacrifices we make for family • Creating complex heroines and morally gray love interests • Enemies-to-allies-to-lovers romance tropes • Political intrigue, power struggles, and survival • Building a debut fantasy trilogy readers won’t want to put down What would you sacrifice to survive? If you enjoyed this episode, please like, share, and follow Rebel Reads Podcast. Your support helps us bring more incredible authors and book conversations to readers everywhere.  Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, YouTube, or wherever you enjoy your podcasts.  Don’t forget to leave a review and share this episode with your fellow book lovers. Every follow, rating, and share helps our community grow and helps more readers discover their next favorite book. Happy Listening!

Fae, Fantasy & Resilience: Award-Winning Indie Author Danielle Orsino on Writing Epic Fantasy, World Building, Living with Chronic Illness, and Following Her Dreams (E.60)

Hello Rebel Readers, On this episode of the Rebel Reads Podcast, host Cheryl Briggs sits down with award-winning indie fantasy author Danielle Orsino, creator of the acclaimed Legacies of Light & Dark series, to discuss her incredible journey from nursing to becoming a celebrated author of mystic dark fantasy and urban dark romantasy. Inspired by legendary creators including Jim Steranko, Chris Claremont, George Pérez, Anne Rice, Jim Henson, and Wonder Woman, Danielle has built immersive worlds filled with powerful characters, magic, resilience, and hope. But behind every page is an equally compelling real-life story. In this episode, Danielle shares: * Her transition from a career in nursing to full-time author * How storytelling first began while caring for patients undergoing difficult treatments * Living and writing through her chronic illness journey * Building the Legacies of Light & Dark universe * The realities of being an indie fantasy author * Finding the right editors and creating a trusted publishing team * The impact of Goodreads reviews on authors and readers * Her writing process, world-building, and character development * Advice for aspiring fantasy and romantasy writers Whether you’re a fan of dark fantasy, urban fantasy, romantasy, indie books, fae stories, strong heroines, or you’re curious about the publishing world, this conversation offers an inspiring behind-the-scenes look at creating unforgettable stories while overcoming life’s greatest challenges. If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the Rebel Reads Podcast, leave a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, and share this episode with your favorite book lover. Happy Listening!

The Lowe Job Release Day Special: Author Grace Alexander on Fame, Family & Fierce Women- Lunchtime Listens Edition (E59)

Hello Rebel Readers, On this episode of the Rebel Reads Podcast we’re celebrating the release of The Lowe Job, the dazzling and razor-sharp debut novel from author Grace Alexander. In this episode, Grace joins us to discuss the inspiration behind The Lowe Job, the complexities of sisterhood, and how growing up with sisters helped shape the unforgettable Lowe women. She also shares an honest look at her writing journey, including balancing creativity with motherhood and finding precious writing time during maternity leave. We dive into:  The inspiration behind The Lowe Job  Family dynamics and sister relationships  Writing a debut novel during maternity leave  Fame, scandal, and social commentary in fiction  The challenges and rewards of the publishing journey  Creating complex female characters readers will love Funny, insightful, and packed with heart, this conversation is perfect for readers who love contemporary women’s fiction, book club picks, family dramas, and stories that spark meaningful discussion. The Lowe Job is available now wherever books are sold.