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!

Hello Rebel Readers,

This week we have a holiday special + lunchtime Listens Treat!

Rebel Reads Podcast is bringing you not one, but two reasons to press play! In honor of Hanukkah, we’re dropping a special holiday edition that doubles as the perfect lunchtime listen, and trust us, this episode is pure joy!

This Week’s Guest: New York Times Bestselling Author Caitlin Rozakis!

We’re chatting with the incredible Caitlin, diving into her beloved novels, her creative journey, and, yes, you read that right, how one of her novellas was adapted into a Hallmark movie… A HALLMARK MOVIE!!!

Caitlin and I also chat about our shared home city, NYC, and how New York City plays such a powerful role in some of her most beloved novels, bringing heart, magic, and authenticity to the stories readers can’t get enough of.

This conversation is warm, fun, inspiring, and full of behind-the-scenes moments you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to Caitlin’s work, this episode is one you do not want to miss.

Special Shoutout to Our Sponsors

A huge thank-you to our amazing sponsors for always being such an important part of the Rebel Reads community, especially Rock This Way Crystal Shop for their continued support and love.

Grab your lunch, light the candles, and tune in, because Rebel Reads is celebrating stories, joy, NYC love, and a little Hallmark magic. Happy Listening!

Hello Rebel Readers,

In this hilarious, and completely captivating episode, we sit down with USA Today Romance Author B. Celeste, the beloved new adult and contemporary romance author. B is known for giving powerful, emotional voices to raw, realistic characters, especially those navigating chronic illness and finding love through it all.

B. opens up about her inspiring author journey, the importance of spotlighting chronically ill characters, and the emotional depth she pours into every story. We dive into the behind-the-scenes hilarity too, like how her mom and grandma (who loves the spicy… and the spicier, the better!) weigh in on her steamy scenes. She also shares her unforgettable experience with Lucy Score, her iconic advice on taping up boobies, and the ongoing need to finally try Taco Bell.

We also dish on her newest release, Three Pucking Words, the fiery book in her brand-new hockey romance series. Love me some hockey romance. Plus, since book talk is never optional, we gush over Navessa Allen’s Lights Out (definitely one of my all-time favs) AND bond over the fact that we are true KU girlies through and through.

Emotional, empowering, spicy, chaotic, and booklover approved—this is an episode you absolutely do not want to miss. Happy Listening!

Hello Rebel Readers,

Bestselling author Alicia Thompson (With Love, From Cold World; Never Been Shipped) joins us for a fun, fast-paced, absolutely delightful deep dive into the stories and sparks that inspire her. From her Paramore-superfan roots to the moments that shaped her newest novel, Alicia brings the perfect mix of heart, humor, and behind-the-scenes magic.

We chat about meeting your favorite bands, the thrill (and chaos) of meeting your idols, and the books she’s loving right now—plus a spotlight on her two most-read, must-check-out novels.

If you’re into romcoms, music that slaps, obsessive fandom energy, or insider intel from one of romance’s sharpest voices, you’re in for a treat. Tune in and fall in love with Alicia’s world. This is one you don't want to miss!

Today we’re wrapping up Season One with a sleigh-stopping, blush-inducing Holiday episode. Trust me, this one is HOT enough to melt the snow.

We’re joined by Brittany Ann, Amazon Top 50 Bestselling Author, whose sizzling novella Deck the Halls With Cowboys has readers kicking off their boots and fanning themselves. This story is sexy, bold, kink-sprinkled, and delivers the kind of holiday heat we didn’t know we needed… until now.

Brittany takes us behind the scenes of her writing, opens up about crafting crave-worthy cowboy chemistry, and even drops a few teasers that had us blushing, giggling, and genuinely needing to go touch some grass.

If you love steamy holiday romance, spurs that jingle, and cowboys who know exactly what they’re doing…

You absolutely CANNOT miss this episode.

The spice is real and so is the conversation!

Hello Rebel Readers!

With so many of us hitting the road over the next few days, we’re excited to bring you a travel special edition of Lunchtime Listens. If you’re looking for the perfect episode to keep you company on your journey, this one is a must-hear!

In this episode, we chat with author Michele Kwasniewski, whose dynamic career spans over years in film and television production. Michele began her journey as a film set assistant on iconic movies like Independence Day, Face/Off, Primal Fear, and Evita. She later transitioned to television, working her way up to production manager on popular shows including Big Brother, Adoption Stories, Extra Yardage, and Meet the Pandas. She is also a proud member of the Producers Guild of America.

Michele’s vibrant behind-the-scenes experiences in Hollywood inspired her to write The Rise and Fall of Dani Truehart series—bringing all the drama, heart, and raw authenticity of the industry to the page.

Tune in for an engaging conversation filled with creativity, industry insight, and inspiration, perfect for your holiday travels. Grab your headphones and enjoy this special edition of the Rebel Reads Podcast!

Happy Listening!

Hello Rebel Readers,

ENTER WITH JOY: This episode may cause real laughs and instant M.A. Wardell fandom!

This episode contains uncontrollable laughter, author charm, and the kind of joyful chaos only M.A. Wardell can bring.

I sit down with Lambda Literary Award–nominated author M.A. Wardell, the incredible mind behind the spicy MM rom-coms he always wished existed. Our laughs were completely authentic, the kind that stay with you and my time with M.A is truly one I’ll never forget.

M.A's stories celebrate messy, flawed characters who find healing, humor, and love in all its beautiful chaos. But in this episode, we’re going deeper: exploring M.A’s incredible journey from wanting better MM representation to becoming a traditionally published author with Forever Publishing. His path is an inspiring blend of passion, persistence, plot twists, and unwavering love for storytelling.

We’re also celebrating something HUGE, the release of his newest rom-com, Teacher of the Year, out today! Matt shares the inspiration, heart, and humor, plus spice behind the book and what readers can expect from him next.

This episode is for rom-com fans, spice lovers, readers craving joyful representation, and every writer dreaming of seeing their name on a spine someday. M.A journey proves that even the messiest beginnings can lead to magical, unforgettable endings.

Hello Rebel Readers,

Today’s Rebel Reads Podcast is an extra-special release in honor of World Diabetes Day 2025, a day dedicated to awareness, education, and the power of community.

This year’s theme, “Diabetes Across Life Stages,” reminds us that diabetes affects every chapter of life. Today, we’re opening up real conversations about resilience, support, and the emotional realities of navigating Type 1 diabetes, especially how it shapes our relationships and the connections we build.

Our guest is the incredible Leigh Jack, indie romantic-suspense author of The Hearts Series, The Next Chapter and Newest release You're a Mean One, Mr. Green. Diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes later in life, Leigh shares a deeply personal look at her diagnosis, how it changed her world, and why meaningful representation matters. She also opens up about weaving Type 1 diabetes into her main character’s journey — bringing visibility and authenticity to the page for readers who need it most.

Leigh is a reading teacher from New Jersey, a mom to two energetic kids, and a dog mom to two fluffy pups. A true storyteller, she finds magic in everything from children’s books to Chick Lit and turns life’s beautiful chaos into stories that stay with you. Over the past year, Leigh and Cheryl have grown a genuine friendship off-mic, two East Coast book lovers already dreaming up an in-person event together.

This heartfelt episode is all about community, representation, and the courage it takes to share your story.

You’ll laugh, you’ll feel, and you’ll walk away inspired.

Tune in today for a powerful World Diabetes Day conversation you won’t want to miss.