Book Besties
Book Besties
Welcome to the Book Besties Podcast — your weekly deep dive into the world of urban fiction, romance, and thrillers crafted by Black authors. Each episode, we keep it real, raw, and unfiltered as we discuss the latest books we've read, share our ongoing TBR (to-be-read) lists, and explore the stories that keep us hooked. Join us as we spotlight fresh voices and introduce you to new Black authors making waves in the literary scene. Plus, we’ll be hosting exciting giveaways, sharing book recommendations, and tackling all things book-related with honesty and passion. Whether you're a longtime f
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Episodes
Industry drama and controversies 09.07.2026 42:22
summaryJoin Monique and Aquarius as they celebrate their one-year anniversary of the Book Bestie Podcast, sharing behind-the-scenes stories, recent reads, industry drama, and upcoming plans. This episode is a fun, candid look at their journey and the vibrant book community.
Deep Dive into 'Reclaiming Love' and 'Remind Me Again' 03.07.2026 49:17
summary In this episode, Monique and Aquarius discuss their recent reads, including 'Reclaiming Love' by L. Kasen and 'Remind Me Again' by Brianne Danae. They explore themes of grief, love, and relationships, sharing insights and favorite moments from their latest books.
The Joy of Reading: New Releases and Book Club Updates 27.06.2026 37:50
summary Join Monique and Aquarius as they share their latest reads, book club updates, and thoughts on diversifying their reading habits. This lively episode explores new releases, favorite authors, and the joy of connecting through books.
Kevin Ross on Writing, Inspiration, and Creating a Thriller 26.06.2026 40:19
summary In this episode, Kevin Ross, author of The Sixth Floor, shares insights into his writing process, character development, and the inspiration behind his psychological thriller. We explore themes of relationships, curses, and the creative journey of a debut author.
Explore Shea Marie's 'Twenty Years of Separation' for a story of love and loss 19.06.2026 48:05
summary Join Monique and Aquarius as they discuss their recent reads, including 'Genesis' by Aubrey J, 'Part Two' by Nina, and 'Twenty Years of Separation' by Shea Marie. They explore themes of love, betrayal, and personal growth, sharing insights and recommendations for summer reading.
From Classroom to Creative: Kay Shanee's Writing Journey 11.06.2026 57:52
summary Join us as we explore the journey of Kay Shanee, a prolific author with 69 books, and delve into her life, writing career, and the compelling stories she creates. Discover her transition from education to writing, her family life, and the inspiration behind her diverse catalog. Join us for an engaging conversation with author Kay Shanee as she shares her writing process, favorite authors,...
Managing reading time and budget 24.05.2026 43:34
summary This episode features a lively discussion on recent books, reading habits, and the challenges of parenting and busy schedules. The hosts share their latest reads, book series insights, and tips for managing book budgets and time for reading.
Embracing the Chaos and Creativity in the Book Industry with Author Tay Monae 14.05.2026 55:51
summary Join Aquarius Barnett and friends as they discuss recent reads, book community dynamics, and upcoming events in this lively panel. They share insights on urban fiction, series trends, and navigating book community drama, offering valuable perspectives for avid readers.
Petals & Prose Event 07.05.2026 35:34
summary Join Aquarius and Monique friends as they discuss recent reads, book community dynamics, and upcoming events in this lively panel. They share insights on urban fiction, series trends, and navigating book community drama, offering valuable perspectives for avid readers.
Behind the Mic: Friends, Books, and Book Events 01.05.2026 33:18
This episode covers the journey of two friends as they celebrate their podcast's fourth season, share their love for books, discuss upcoming book events, and delve into their recent reading experiences and book recommendations.
Urban Fiction and Its Lessons: A Deep Dive 16.04.2026 43:08
summary Join Aquarius and Monique as they discuss the realities of creating content, the challenges in the book community, and insights into urban fiction and new book releases. They share personal experiences, industry observations, and upcoming reads, making this episode a must-listen for book lovers and content creators alike.
Themes of arranged marriage and love 10.04.2026 49:35
summary Join Monique and Aquarius Barnett as they delve into Jahquel J latest novel 'Rich in Rotten' exploring themes of arranged marriage, love, betrayal, and personal growth. They discuss the characters' journeys, plot twists, and the author's storytelling style, providing insights and recommendations for readers.
The Secret Power of Patience in Bulletproof Love by l. B. Gaines 02.04.2026 53:25
Explore the emotional depths of love, heartbreak, and forgiveness in today's episode with LB Gaines, an acclaimed author and English professor. If you crave raw, flawed characters who reflect real struggles and deep love, this episode is your next must-listen.
Navigating Book Series and Standalones 26.03.2026 40:29
Summary Join Monique and Aquarius Barnett as they discuss recent concerts, personal life, reading habits, and the latest in book releases and author support. Dive into their insights on slow burns, book series, and the book community's dynamics.
Certified Pressure by Sha Jones 20.03.2026 48:42
summary Join Aquarius Barnett and Monique as they discuss their recent reading adventures, including the intense series 'Pressure,' new authors, and the dynamics of the book community. They share insights on supporting Black authors, navigating book drama, and exploring new genres, all while reflecting on their personal experiences with illness and recovery.
The Rise and Challenges of the Book Community 13.03.2026 51:47
In this episode, Aquarius and Monique dive into the evolving landscape of the book community, addressing its growth, internal conflicts, and the importance of staying true to the love of reading. If you're passionate about books and the community around them, this discussion offers valuable perspectives on preserving the joy and integrity of book culture.
Gentrification and Innocence: A Deep Dive into 'Last Summer on State Street' 05.03.2026 32:49
summary In this episode of the Book Bestie podcast, hosts Aquarius and Monique discuss their recent readings, focusing on Black literature and authors. They dive into a detailed discussion about the book 'Last Summer on State Street,' exploring themes of gentrification, childhood innocence, and the complexities of growing up in challenging environments. The conversation also touches on new...
Navigating the Book Community 26.02.2026 51:59
Summary In this episode of the Book Besties Podcast, hosts Aquarius and Monique discuss the evolving landscape of the book community, touching on the increase in drama and negativity that has overshadowed the joy of reading. They share their recent reads, focusing on the importance of positive connections within the book space, and highlight new releases and upcoming books to look forward to. The...
The Power of Storytelling in 'Take My Hand' 20.02.2026 47:45
Summary In this episode of the Book Bestie podcast, hosts Aquarius and Monique discuss their recent reads, focusing on the powerful themes in 'Take My Hand' by Dolan Perkins Valdez. They explore the historical context of women's reproductive rights, the impact of social media on authors, and the importance of reader feedback. The conversation emphasizes the subjective nature of reading...
Exploring the Depths of Bleu by Masterpiece 13.02.2026 43:34
Summary In this episode of the Book Bestie Podcast, hosts Monique and Aquarius dive into their recent reads, sharing insights and recommendations across various genres, including urban fiction and historical narratives. They discuss the emotional depth of characters in 'Blue' by Masterpiece, the significance of parental expectations in literature, and the evolution of urban literature. The...
Unveiling Kay Powell: A Journey into Writing 06.02.2026 48:46
Summary In this engaging conversation, Kay Powell shares her journey as a writer, detailing how the pandemic reignited her passion for storytelling. She discusses her latest book, 'Say I Do', a romantic thriller that delves into complex characters and themes of manipulation and trust. The dialogue explores character dynamics, particularly Ivy's struggles with mental health, and highlig...
The Art of Storytelling: Insights from Kutura B 29.01.2026 1:07:24
Summary In this episode of the Book Bestie podcast, hosts Monique and Aquarius Barnett engage in a lively conversation with author Kutura B. They explore her creative process, the impact of real-life experiences on her writing, and the importance of character development and emotional storytelling. Kutura shares insights into her literary influences and the authenticity that resonates with her rea...
"Exploring the All or Nothing Series with Karalynne" 22.01.2026 1:00:10
In this engaging episode, Monique and Aquarius Barnett sit down with author Karalynne to discuss her journey into writing and the creation of her popular urban fiction series, 'All or Nothing.' Karalynne shares insights into her writing process, character development, and the challenges she faced in self-publishing. The conversation delves into the themes of her books, the complexities of...
Season Three Kickoff: New Beginnings 08.01.2026 31:17
Summary In this episode of the Bookbesties Podcast, Monique and Aquarius celebrate the start of Season Three and share their holiday reading experiences. They dive deep into the themes of the book 'Body Count', discussing its empowering narrative and character dynamics. The conversation also touches on unexpected twists in the story, their reading goals for the new year, and the excitement...
Celebrating Our Podcast Journey 02.01.2026 33:05
Summary In this episode of the Book Bestie podcast, hosts Aquarius Barnett and Monique reflect on their accomplishments over the past year, discuss the books they've read, and dive into a detailed review of 'Ho Ho Housewife' by Jaquelle J. They explore character dynamics, family relationships, and personal growth, while also looking ahead to future podcast plans and upcoming reads for...
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