Best RomBkPod Podcasts (2025)

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BONUS EP QUEER AVON 1:13:27

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4+ y ago1:13:27

1:13:27

“QUEER AVON” This week in celebration of Pride month, host Sarah Jean is interviewed by archivist Steve Ammidown about her on-going research into romance publisher Avon’s queer history BONUS EP HOST > SARAH JEAN (she/her) From the woods of Massachusetts, Sarah Jean has been reading queer romance for 12 years. She runs a queer book club called Rainb…

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Ep #232 41:11

4+ y ago41:11

41:11

“SWEET, SWEET SLOW BURN” This week Sarah Jean concludes our ode to Romance Friendly Librarians with special guest librarian Amy Dittmeier and a focus on queer romance EP 232 HOST > SARAH JEAN (she/her) From the woods of Massachusetts, Sarah Jean has been reading queer romance for 12 years. She runs a queer book club called Rainbow Readers of Massac…

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Ep #228 45:04

4+ y ago45:04

45:04

“DON’T BUY ME FLOWERS” This week Sarah Jean concludes our Platonic Friendship theme with special guest author and editor Claudie Arseneault and a focus on queerplatonic relationships in romance EP 228 HOST > SARAH JEAN (she/her) From the woods of Massachusetts, Sarah Jean has been reading queer romance for 12 years. She runs a queer book club calle…

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Ep #231 51:25

4+ y ago51:25

51:25

“AUDIO LOVE” This week host Danielle shares her love for romance audio books with RomBkPod producer, Sarah Johnson, a recent convert to the format EP 231 HOST > DANIELLE (she/her) is the voice behind LoveReadListen.com where she writes about her adventures in reading romance, YA, and audiobooks. Danie has a passion for promoting Black Romance and c…

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Ep #227 55:41

4+ y ago55:41

55:41

“THAT COZY FEEL” This week Danielle hosts the podcast and combines the Platonic Friendship and Romance Friendly Librarian themes with special guest author and librarian Necole Ryse EP 227 HOST > DANIELLE (she/her) is the voice behind LoveReadListen.com where she writes about her adventures in reading romance, YA, and audiobooks. Danie has a passion…

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Ep #230 39:28

4+ y ago39:28

39:28

“META ROMANCE” This week Melinda & Melanie host the podcast and continues our April tribute to Romance Friendly Librarians with special guest Jess Pryde and a focus on self-referential romance EP 230 HOSTS > MELINDA UTENDORF (she/her) was that child reading Baby-Sitters Club and Sweet Valley High books with a flashlight until 2 a.m. and checking ou…

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Ep #226 43:36

4+ y ago43:36

43:36

“FRIEND-BUILDING” This week Melinda hosts the podcast with guest host Melanie & special guest author Katrina Jackson as they continue our March theme: Platonic Friendship, and discuss how friendships are vital to world-building EP 226 HOSTS > MELINDA UTENDORF (she/her) was that child reading Baby-Sitters Club and Sweet Valley High books with a flas…

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Ep #229 40:59

4+ y ago40:59

40:59

“DEEP DIVE” This week Ana hosts the podcast and introduces our April tribute to Romance Friendly Librarians with special guest Robin Bradford with a focus on slow burn romance EP 229 HOST > ANA COQUI (she/her) A lifelong genre reader, Ana grew up reading fantasy, sci-fi & mystery novels in Puerto Rico, before finally wandering into the romance sect…

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Ep #225 30:46

4+ y ago30:46

30:46

“POCKET FRIENDS” This week Ana hosts the podcast with guest author Alyssa Cole as they introduce our March Theme: Platonic Friendship in Romance EP 225 HOST > ANA COQUI (she/her) A lifelong genre reader, Ana grew up reading fantasy, sci-fi & mystery novels in Puerto Rico, before finally wandering into the romance section of the library in search of…

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Ep #224 54:21

4+ y ago54:21

54:21

“EXTENDED STAY” This week Sarah Jean concludes our Grumpy/Sunshine theme with special guest author Roan Parrish and a focus on queer romance EP 224 HOST > SARAH JEAN (she/her) From the woods of Massachusetts, Sarah Jean has been reading queer romance for 12 years. She runs a queer book club called Rainbow Readers of Massachusetts (https://www.faceb…

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Ep #222 23:14

5y ago23:14

23:14

“COMMON GROUND” This week Melinda hosts the podcast with special guest author E.E. Ottoman as we continue our February theme: Grumpy/Sunshine EP 222 HOST > MELINDA UTENDORF (she/her) was that child reading Baby-Sitters Club and Sweet Valley High books with a flashlight until 2 a.m. and checking out stacks of books from the library every […]…

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Ep #221 26:37

5y ago26:37

26:37

“SOFTEN THE WORLD” This week Ana hosts the podcast with special guest author Talia Hibbert as they introduce our February theme: Grumpy/Sunshine EP 221 HOST > ANA COQUI (she/her) A lifelong genre reader, Ana grew up reading fantasy, sci-fi & mystery novels in Puerto Rico, before finally wandering into the romance section of the library […]…

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Ep #220 45:21

5y ago45:21

45:21

“GAYS IN SPACE” This week Sarah Jean concludes our Sci-Fi & Fantasy romance theme with special guest author Christine Ragland & a focus on queer romance EP 220 HOST > SARAH JEAN (she/her) From the woods of Massachusetts, Sarah Jean has been reading queer romance for 12 years. She runs a queer book club called […]…

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Ep #219 46:12

5y ago46:12

46:12

“A LITTLE MAGIC” This week host Danielle continues the Sci-Fi & Fantasy romance theme with special guest author L. Penelope EP 219 HOST > DANIELLE (she/her) is the voice behind LoveReadListen.com where she writes about her adventures in reading romance, YA, and audiobooks. Danie has a passion for promoting Black Romance and can’t wait to […]…

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Ep #218 11:34

5y ago11:34

11:34

“SFF FAVORITES” In this short compilation episode, we’ve edited together past Sci-Fi & Fantasy romance recommendations from hosts Meka and Melinda EP 218 HOSTS > MEKA (she/her) is the voice behind BookAbility.me where she writes about her adventures in reading romance and being visually impaired. Meka loves pushing books and can’t wait to share her…

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Ep #217 34:13

5y ago34:13

34:13

“WORD OF MOUTH” This week Ana hosts the podcast with guest author Tasha Suri as they introduce our January theme of Sci-Fi & Fantasy Romance and discuss the power of word of mouth marketing EP 217 HOST > ANA COQUI (she/her) A lifelong genre reader, Ana grew up reading fantasy, sci-fi & mystery novels in […]…

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BEST OF 2020 / 2021 PREVIEW 42:44

5y ago42:44

42:44

“ROMANCE RE-SET” Happy New Year! In this episode the entire RomBkPod team gathers for a special bonus chat as we discuss our favorite romance reads from 2020 and our most anticipated romance reads for 2021 BONUS EP HOSTS > ANA COQUI (she/her) A lifelong genre reader, Ana grew up reading fantasy, sci-fi & mystery novels […]…

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Ep #216 43:45

5y ago43:45

43:45

“KINKY LEMONS” This week host Sarah Jean concludes our Food in Romance theme with special guest author Jude Sierra and a focus on #QueerRomance EP 216 HOST > SARAH JEAN (she/her) From the woods of Massachusetts, Sarah Jean has been reading queer romance for 12 years. She runs a queer book club called Rainbow Readers […]…

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Ep #215 49:02

5y ago49:02

49:02

“FOOD & FRIENDS” This week host Danielle continues the Food in Romance theme with special guest reader/reviewer Kini, plus Kini reveals details of her new project EP 215 HOST > DANIELLE (she/her) is the voice behind LoveReadListen.com where she writes about her adventures in reading romance, YA, and audiobooks. Danie has a passion for promoting […]…

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Ep #214 49:17

5y ago49:17

49:17

“COMFORT FOOD” This week host Melinda continues our Food in Romance theme with guest host Geri and special guest author and #RomanceClass creator Mina V. Esguerra EP 214 HOSTS > MELINDA UTENDORF (she/her) was that child reading Baby-Sitters Club and Sweet Valley High books with a flashlight until 2 a.m. and checking out stacks of […]…

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Ep #213 38:50

5y ago38:50

38:50

“FROM DONUTS TO DURIAN” This week Ana hosts the podcast with special guest author and donut aficionado Jackie Lau as they introduce our December theme Food in Romance EP 213 HOST > ANA COQUI (she/her) A lifelong genre reader, Ana grew up reading fantasy, sci-fi & mystery novels in Puerto Rico, before finally wandering into […]…

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Ep #212 40:51

5y ago40:51

40:51

“KISSING MONSTERS” This week host Sarah Jean concludes our Paranormal & Urban Fantasy theme with special guest author Jordan L. Hawk and a focus on #QueerRomance EP 212 HOST > SARAH JEAN (she/her) From the woods of Massachusetts, Sarah Jean has been reading queer romance for 12 years. She runs a queer book club called […]…

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Ep #211 1:03:10

5y ago1:03:10

1:03:10

“SPIN IT” This week host Danielle continues our Paranormal & Urban Fantasy theme with special guest author Dria Andersen as they highlight the Black indie romance community EP 211 HOST > DANIELLE (she/her) is the voice behind LoveReadListen.com where she writes about her adventures in reading romance, YA, and audiobooks. Danie has a passion for […]…

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BONUS EP NALINI SINGH 1:15:14

5y ago1:15:14

1:15:14

“OF ANGELS & SHIFTERS” In this bonus episode of RomBkPod hosts Ana, Melinda, & Meka chat with special guest, queen of paranormal romance, Nalini Singh BONUS EP HOSTS > ANA COQUI (she/her) A lifelong genre reader, Ana grew up reading fantasy, sci-fi & mystery novels in Puerto Rico, before finally wandering into the romance section […]…

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Ep #210 32:47

5y ago32:47

32:47

“SEQUEL BAIT” This week host Melinda continues our Paranormal & Urban Fantasy theme with special guest author Chencia C. Higgins as they discuss the scarcity of inclusive paranormal romance EP 210 HOSTS > MELINDA UTENDORF (she/her) was that child reading Baby-Sitters Club and Sweet Valley High books with a flashlight until 2 a.m. and checking […]…

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Ep #209 50:32

5y ago50:32

50:32

“KEEP HOPE ALIVE” This week Ana hosts the podcast with special guest authors Bree and Donna of Kit Rocha as they discuss the unique role paranormal and urban fantasy romance can play in times of struggle EP 209 HOST > ANA COQUI (she/her) A lifelong genre reader, Ana grew up reading fantasy, sci-fi & mystery […]…

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Ep #208 47:12

5y ago47:12

47:12

“FOUND IN TRANSLATION” This week Sarah Jean concludes our Found Family theme with special guest writer/editor Ryane Chatman as they discuss the cultural intricacies of Japanese anime and manga EP 208 HOST > SARAH JEAN (she/her) From the woods of Massachusetts, Sarah Jean has been reading queer romance for 12 years. She runs a queer […]…

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Ep #207 55:05

5y ago55:05

55:05

“FAMILY OF FRIENDS” This week host Danielle continues our Found Family theme with special guest reader/reviewer Sharonda Isadora as they celebrate the Black indie romance community EP 207 HOST > DANIELLE (she/her) is the voice behind LoveReadListen.com where she writes about her adventures in reading romance, YA, and audiobooks. Danie has a passion…

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Ep #206 26:29

5y ago26:29

26:29

“BUDDY READING” This week host Melinda continues our Found Family theme with special guest reader/reviewer Melanie and they share their own found family story EP 206 HOST > MELINDA UTENDORF (she/her) was that child reading Baby-Sitters Club and Sweet Valley High books with a flashlight until 2 a.m. and checking out stacks of books from […]…

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Ep #205 44:44

5y ago44:44

44:44

“SAFE HAVEN” This week Ana hosts the podcast with special guest author Rebekah Weatherspoon as they introduce our October theme of Found Family EP 205 HOST > ANA COQUI (she/her) A lifelong genre reader, Ana grew up reading fantasy, sci-fi & mystery novels in Puerto Rico, before finally wandering into the romance section of the […]…

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Ep #204 44:51

5y ago44:51

44:51

“BOSOM FRIENDS” This week Sarah Jean concludes our Friends to Lovers theme with special guest librarian and reviewer Anna Clutterbuck-Cook and debate the inherent queerness of the trope EP 204 HOST > SARAH JEAN (she/her) From the woods of Massachusetts, Sarah Jean has been reading queer romance for 12 years. She runs a queer book […]…

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Ep #203 34:41

5+ y ago34:41

34:41

“JUST FRIENDS” This week host Danielle continues our Friends to Lovers theme with special guest author D. Rose and discuss the prolific Black indie romance community EP 203 HOST > DANIELLE (she/her) is the voice behind LoveReadListen.com where she writes about her adventures in reading romance, YA, and audiobooks. Danie has a passion for promoting …

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Ep #202 45:35

5+ y ago45:35

45:35

“MY EX’S MOM” This week Meka and Melinda, aka Melinka, continue our Friends to Lovers theme with special guest author Mina Waheed and introduce the F2L spinoff trope “My Ex’s Mom” EP 202 HOSTS > MEKA WHITE (she/her) is the voice behind BookAbility.me where she writes about her adventures in reading romance and being visually […]…

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Ep #201 1:03:33

5+ y ago1:03:33

1:03:33

“AMIGOS Y AMANTES” This week Ana hosts the podcast with special guest author Priscilla Oliveras as they introduce our September theme Friends to Lovers and discuss the growing Latinx Romance community EP 201 HOST > ANA COQUI (she/her) A lifelong genre reader, Ana grew up reading fantasy, sci-fi & mystery novels in Puerto Rico, before […]…

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REMEMBERING COREY ALEXANDER 43:54

5+ y ago43:54

43:54

Today we pause to remember Corey Alexander. Corey was one of the earliest supporters of RomBkPod. Their advocacy for content warnings and compassionate representation in romance has guided RBP from day one. Earlier this year, it was a privilege to interview Corey on the subject of neurodivergent rep in romance. Today we share this interview again, …

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BONUS EP ACCESSIBILITY 1:07:08

5+ y ago1:07:08

1:07:08

“H. E. A-CCESSIBILITY” Welcome to RomBkPod season 2! This week Melinka discusses a topic close to their heart: accessibility. BONUS EP HOSTS > MEKA WHITE (she/her) is the voice behind BookAbility.me where she writes about her adventures in reading romance and being visually impaired. Meka loves pushing books and can’t wait to share her favorites [……

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BONUS EP #MYFIRSTJENKINS 27:50

5+ y ago27:50

27:50

“MY FIRST JENKINS” Happy #JenkinsJuly! This week the entire RomBkPod team gathers to discuss their #MyFirstJenkins stories and preview upcoming #JenkinsJuly prompts BONUS EP HOSTS > ANA COQUI (she/her) A lifelong genre reader, Ana grew up reading fantasy, sci-fi & mystery novels in Puerto Rico, before finally wandering into the romance section of t…

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BONUS EP BEVERLY JENKINS 52:57

5+ y ago52:57

52:57

“BLESSED BY MS. BEV” Happy #JenkinsJuly! This week the entire RomBkPod team gathers for a special interview with Beverly Jenkins to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Vivid, homemade doughnuts, and the power of romance BONUS EP HOSTS > ANA COQUI (she/her) A lifelong genre reader, Ana grew up reading fantasy, sci-fi & mystery novels in […]…

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BONUS EP PRIDE WOLF 49:50

5+ y ago49:50

49:50

“FINDING COMMUNITY” This week Sarah Jean concludes our series of bonus Pride month episodes exploring Queer Romance and found family with special guest author Constanza Wolf BONUS EP HOST > SARAH JEAN (she/her) From the woods of Massachusetts, Sarah Jean has been reading queer romance for 12 years. She runs a queer book club called […]…

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BONUS EP PRIDE PETERSON 1:01:03

5+ y ago1:01:03

1:01:03

“CLAIMING CONFABULOUS SPACES” This week Sarah Jean continues our series of bonus Pride month episodes exploring Queer Romance and found family with special guest author May Peterson BONUS EP HOST > SARAH JEAN (she/her) From the woods of Massachusetts, Sarah Jean has been reading queer romance for 12 years. She runs a queer book club […]…

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BONUS EP PRIDE JORGENSEN 38:16

5+ y ago38:16

38:16

“ACE OF PIRATES” This week Sarah Jean continues our series of bonus Pride month episodes exploring Queer Romance and found family with special guest author Kara Jorgensen BONUS EP HOST > SARAH JEAN (she/her) From the woods of Massachusetts, Sarah Jean has been reading queer romance for 12 years. She runs a queer book club […]…

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BONUS EP PRIDE BURGOINE 1:06:19

5+ y ago1:06:19

1:06:19

“OF PRIDE AND PIRATE CAPYBARA” This week host Sarah Jean kicks off our series of bonus Pride month episodes exploring Queer Romance and found family with special guest author ‘Nathan Burgoine BONUS EP HOST > SARAH JEAN (she/her) From the woods of Massachusetts, Sarah Jean has been reading queer romance for 12 years. She runs […]…

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BONUS EP MALE REP 34:10

5+ y ago34:10

34:10

“EVERYTHING OLD IS NEW AGAIN” In this special bonus episode host Ana chats with Steve Ammidown from the Browne Popular Culture Library about the history of male representation in romance NOTE: This discussion was recorded during the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic FULL NOTES FORTHCOMING BONUS EP MUSIC CREDITMusic: “Lift Off” by JahzzarFrom the Free Music Ar…

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Ep #132 47:44

5+ y ago47:44

47:44

“BEYOND CINNAMON ROLLS” This week Sarah Jean hosts the podcast with special guest author Allie Therin as we conclude our April “betas & cinnamon rolls” theme with a focus on Queer Romance EP 132 HOST > SARAH JEAN (she/her) From the woods of Massachusetts, Sarah Jean has been reading queer romance for 12 years. She […]…

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Ep #131 56:18

5+ y ago56:18

56:18

“H&R BLOCK BAE” This week Danielle hosts the podcast with special guest author Nicole Falls as we discuss our favorite Black Romance male MCs EP 131 HOST > DANIELLE (she/her) is the voice behind LoveReadListen.com where she writes about her adventures in reading romance, YA, and audiobooks. Danie has a passion for promoting Black Romance […]…

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Ep #130 55:56

5+ y ago55:56

55:56

“BETA IN THE STREETS, ALPHA IN THE SHEETS” This week Meka and Melinda, aka Melinka, host the podcast joined by special guest author Olivia Dade and continue our discussion of beta and cinnamon roll MCs EP 130 HOSTS > MEKA WHITE (she/her) is the voice behind BookAbility.me where she writes about her adventures in reading […]…

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Ep #129 43:54

5+ y ago43:54

43:54

“MORE CINNAMON ROLL DOMS, PLEASE” This week Ana hosts the podcast with guest Corey Alexander as we discuss neurodivergent representation in romance EP 129 HOST > ANA COQUI (she/her) A lifelong genre reader, Ana grew up reading fantasy, sci-fi & mystery novels in Puerto Rico, before finally wandering into the romance section of the library […]…

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BONUS AMA EP 29:10

5+ y ago29:10

29:10

“ASK ME ANYTHING” In this special bonus episode hosts Ana, Melinda, and Sarah Jean chat about romance comfort reads and answer audience questions NOTE: This discussion was recorded during the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic FULL NOTES FORTHCOMING BONUS EP MUSIC CREDITMusic: “Lift Off” by JahzzarFrom the Free Music ArchiveCC BY-SA 3.0…

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Ep #128 44:27

5+ y ago44:27

44:27

“QUEER WOMEN IN HISTORY” This week Sarah Jean hosts the podcast with guest Margrethe as we conclude our March “unlikeable” MCs theme with an exploration of women in Queer Romance EP 128 HOST > SARAH JEAN (she/her) From the woods of Massachusetts, Sarah Jean has been reading queer romance for 12 years. She runs a […]…

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Ep #127 47:13

6y ago47:13

47:13

“THE MANY FACES OF UNLIKEABLE” This week Danielle hosts the podcast with guest Essie as we discuss “unlikeable” MCs with a focus on Black Romance EP 127 HOST > DANIELLE (she/her) is the voice behind LoveReadListen.com where she writes about her adventures in reading romance, YA, and audiobooks. Danie has a passion for promoting Black […]…