Episode Details

Sponsored by WHFC 91.1 FM 

In this vibrant, unfiltered conversation, Rich Bennett sits down with romance authors Cardyn Brooks, Kristie Wolf, and Samantha Heil to explore the booming world of romance literature—from spicy tropes and steamy storytelling to the indie book event scene that’s redefining how readers discover love stories. Whether you're a longtime romance fan or curious about the genre's explosive popularity, this episode offers insight, laughter, and maybe a little blushing.

Guests:  

·         Cardyn Brooks is a book reviewer, erotica author, and outreach director for the Write Women Book Fest. Her work centers on emotionally intimate, sexually explicit fiction that reflects diverse, joyful Black love stories.

·         Kristie Wolf is an indie romance author known for her steamy “Project Viper” military romance series and “Knife to the Heart” small-town series. She writes interconnected standalones with plenty of “chili peppers.”

·         Samantha Heil is co-founder of the Book Fair at Bel Air and one half of the writing duo ES Rosalyn. She writes young adult and now adult romance rooted in nostalgic 2000s pop culture, while also advocating for literacy and book accessibility.

Main Topics:

·         The shift from Young Adult to Adult Romance and why it matters for indie authors

·         The spicy “chili pepper” scale of romance books and how authors calibrate heat levels

·         Understanding romance tropes like “enemies to lovers,” “grumpy sunshine,” and “secret baby”

·         How TikTok and BookTok are transforming romance marketing and reader communities

·         The explosion of dark romance and how readers are embracing bolder content

·         The importance of trigger warnings in adult vs. teen books

·         Self-publishing, inclusivity in romance, and writing joyful Black love stories

·         The rise of book fairs like Write Women Book Fest and Book Fair at Bel Air

·         Marketing challenges and wins for indie authors

·         Special editions, character art, and the collector culture in romance 

Resources mentioned: 

·         Write Women Book Fest – Grand Finale on July 19, 2025, in Bowie, MD

·         Book Fair at Bel Air – August 23, 2025, at the Bel Air Armory; expanding to HCC arena in 2026

·         Project Viper Series by Kristie Wolf

·         Seducing the Burkes and When She's on Top by Cardyn Brooks

·         Mixtape Series by ES Rosalyn (Samantha Heil & Erin)

·         The Bitchy Quill Podcast

·         Authors Mentioned: Abby Jimenez, Penelope Douglas, Jeff Zentner, Maya Banks, Sarah J. Maas

·         Books Mentioned: A Court of Thorns and Roses, Fourth Wing, Throne of Glass, Atomic Habits, The Butcher and the Blackbird, Viola Davis’ Memoir

·         Book Artists & Services:

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