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!

Hello Rebel Readers,

Step into the dark, twisty world of Tanya Grant author of propulsive thrillers full of secrets, murder, and gossipy group dynamics. In this episode, Tanya chats about her latest novel, Made You Look, inspired by the Catskills, just a few hours from the home of Rebel Reads!

We dive into how she balances the chaos of motherhood with the thrill of storytelling, her romance writing, and the sometimes, suspicious research adventures that fuel her novels. Between chasing her kids and navigating life while creating her novels, Tanya shares what it really takes to bring a story to life.

If you love thrillers that keep you guessing and a peek behind the curtain of a writer’s life, this conversation is not to be missed. Happy Listening!

From debut novelist to a People Magazine feature, author Anna Barrington joins the Rebel Reads Podcast for a candid, compelling conversation about her experience in the art world to writing her debut novel. I sit down with my fellow New Yorker to explore the journey behind her debut novel, The Spectacle, and the creative path that brought it to life.

From the heart of New York City’s art scene in her twenties, Anna brings her gallery experiences to life, exploring how those encounters shaped her journey from real life to fiction

Bold, thought-provoking, and deeply engaging, this is a must-listen for readers who love literary fiction, cultural critique, and behind-the-scenes author journeys.

Listen now on Spotify and join the conversation.

Happy Listening!

Hello Rebel Readers,

First Episode of 2026 and we're dropping a GOOD one!

In this exciting and inspiring episode of the Rebel Reads Podcast, I’m joined by author Emily Everett, whose debut novel All That Life Can Afford was selected as the April 2025 Reese’s Book Club Pick

Emily and I chat about her author journey, her work with The Common Magazine, and her experience being chosen for Reese’s Book Club. We also dive into the inspiration behind her debut novel, the writing and publishing process, and the moments that shaped her path to national recognition.

This conversation is fun, insightful, and packed with behind-the-scenes details, making it the perfect way to kick off 2026. If you love author interviews, book podcasts, Reese’s Book Club picks, and debut novel stories, you won’t want to miss this episode. Happy Listening!

Hello, Rebel Readers!

As we head into a big holiday week, we’re bringing you the perfect listening treat. A brand-new episode of the Rebel Reads Podcast has officially dropped, and I am beyond excited to share this conversation with the incredible internationally bestselling author Allison Larkin.

In this episode, it’s two New Yorkers getting to chat, connecting over shared roots and Allison’s deep New York inspiration that continues to influence her storytelling. We dive into her creative process, her unique writing style, and her refreshingly honest experience writing with ADHD, including her journey as a constellation thinker and how her brain weaves stories together.

The laughs, warmth, and authenticity are real chatting with Allison truly felt like an instant friendship over coffee. This conversation is heartfelt, relatable, and the perfect companion for the holiday hustle.

Listen now wherever you get your podcasts and join us for a meaningful, feel-good episode that celebrates stories, creativity, and genuine connection. Happy Listening!