In this episode of Culture Lit, host Octavia Marie celebrates Black romance novels with 9 brand new upcoming 2025 releases that promise to make your heart skip a beat. She introduces 'Just Our Luck' by Denise Williams, 'Audra and Bash' by Tia Williams, 'Candidly Yours: Carnival Chronicles' by Reece Ryan, 'The Love Lyric' by Christina Forrest, 'Breakpoint' by Yahrah St. John, 'Losing Sight' by Tati Richardson, 'Frenemies with Benefits' by Cynthia Williams, 'A Tropical Rebel Gets the Duke' by Adriana Herrera, and 'The Romance Rivalry' by Susan Lee. Octavia also shares her luxurious self-care rituals, including pairing these reads with gourmet snacks and drinks. Tune in for romance recommendations and self-love inspiration!

Find this and other recommendations at The CultureLit online BookShop and support independent bookstores at Visit my bookshop!

Culture Lit is a community celebrating black women and black love, and a reminder that black women deserve joy, love success, second chances, and all the beautiful magic the world has to offer.

Please follow the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts or wherever you listen to your podcasts!

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Music credit: Cool Jazz Beat by FASOL PROD

A Subito Media production

Today's episode is a special one! Tune in for Octavia's list of Top 10 Black Romance Books of 2024! There's more than just romance. There's strong character arcs, cinnamon roll heroes, slow burns, and second chances. What's next on your TBR?

Find this and other recommendations at The CultureLit online BookShop and support independent bookstores at Visit my bookshop!

Culture Lit is a community celebrating black women and black love, and a reminder that black women deserve joy, love success, second chances, and all the beautiful magic the world has to offer.

Please follow the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts or wherever you listen to your podcasts!

Let me know what you’re reading, what you’re thinking, and what you’re thinking about what you’re reading.

STAY CONNECTED

Instagram: becomingoctavia

Twitter: xooctaviamarie

FB: BecomingOctaviaMarie

Music credit: Cool Jazz Beat by FASOL PROD

A Subito Media production

Mentioned in this episode:

You can find all the books I've reviewed in this podcast in my Bookshop! Visit https://bookshop.org/shop/CultureLitPodcast to get your copy!

Visit my bookshop!

Join host Octavia Marie as she takes listeners on a heartfelt journey through the pages of "A Love Like the Sun" by Riss M. Nielson, a captivating romance that explores the delicate transition from friendship to love. The story centers around childhood friends Laniah Thompson and Isaac Jordan, who navigate the complexities of adulthood while rekindling their deep-seated bond amidst personal struggles. Laniah, a dedicated homebody running a natural hair care business with her mother, grapples with financial struggles and health challenges, while Isaac, now a social media sensation, faces the pressures of fame. Their decision to fake a romantic relationship sparks genuine feelings, prompting listeners to reflect on the complexities of relationships transitioning from friendship to romance. With a rich exploration of themes such as grief, resilience, and the impact of the past on present decisions, this engaging discussion resonates deeply, inviting readers to find solace and inspiration in their own love stories.

Listen in while Octavia Marie skillfully unpacks the emotional layers of the story, illustrating how Laniah’s struggles with her family business and health challenges contrast with Isaac’s glamorous yet isolating fame. The podcast dives into the significance of their shared history and how it serves as a foundation for their evolving relationship. Through poignant flashbacks, listeners gain insights into their childhood bonds, which enrich the narrative and elevate the emotional stakes. The episode encourages a deeper understanding of how personal experiences, grief, and the challenges of adulthood shape their journey toward love, making it a relatable exploration of the human condition that resonates with anyone who has navigated the complexities of love and friendship.

Find this and other recommendations at The CultureLit online BookShop and support independent bookstores at Visit my bookshop!

Culture Lit is a community celebrating black women and black love, and a reminder that black women deserve joy, love success, second chances, and all the beautiful magic the world has to offer.

Please follow the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts or wherever you listen to your podcasts!

Let me know what you’re reading, what you’re thinking, and what you’re thinking about what you’re reading.

STAY CONNECTED

Instagram: becomingoctavia

Twitter: xooctaviamarie

FB: BecomingOctaviaMarie

Music credit: Cool Jazz Beat by FASOL PROD

A Subito Media production

Mentioned in this episode:

You can find all the books I've reviewed in this podcast in my Bookshop! Visit https://bookshop.org/shop/CultureLitPodcast to get your copy!

Visit my bookshop!