IRP member and Mentee, Sirkka Smith shares what she loved about creating her book, The Third Thing:

What is your recommendation of another Romance book from another BIPOC author?

IRP member and Mentee, Pascale Kavanagh shares what she loved about creating her book, Casting a Spell:

This was my seventh novel and, by far, the most difficult book to write. It had a very personal message: the suppression and destruction of a group of people whose power was only ever used and abused. This idea, while the world was reflecting that sentiment in the most dangerous ways, tested every bit of my resolve. It’s the only book I’ve had to do a top-to-bottom rewrite because I felt the stakes were so high and I needed to get it right. The end product fills my heart with both joy and sadness because I appreciate my endeavor, while feeling heartbroken that it so closely reflects our deep and pervasive social issues.

What is your recommendation of another Romance book from a Black author?

There are so many Black authors whose work gives my heart-eyes! Most recently, it’s been Talia Hibbert, with her newest releases Get A Life, Chloe Brown, and Take a Hint, Dani Brown. Her mastery at storytelling and creating characters who pulse with life, is nothing short of awe inspiring.