Happy Friday my froomies!

This week has been a long one for me, but also it was a good one! I have been reading (GASP I KNOW) and I have been loving every minute of it.

As February comes to a close, I want to remind you that black books, media, authors, etc. exist outside of the month, so I encourage you to continue adding black books and authors to your TBR throughout the year, and not just during Black History Month.

And on that note, here is another author that I want to see on more people's list!

The author in the spotlight today is.......

JESSICA CAGE!

Jessica's books showed up on my page with two single words, "Booty Juice". Now if were as taken aback and intrigued as I was, then you also sped to her page to inquire on the book that started with the aforementioned words. As soon as I read I Accidentally Summoned a Demon Boyfriend, I knew this was my type of book.

Most of you know that I am a lover of monster romance novels. They are glimpses of humanity translated from non-humans. They live, breathe through different methods, and love. The connections they form run deep because we remove the expectations that we place on humanity and see the love that we often search for. It can be used as a tool of self reflection as to finding the sort of love we crave as well as understanding more about us as human beings. There is something so beautiful whenever this is translated by Black authors and in Black stories, because it adds a deeper layer to the conversation and how society sees the "monster vs the man" argument. I say this because Jessica does this, bringing unabashedly black characters who are funny due to Black colloquialisms and mannerisms, but also has glimpses into society. We root for these characters because they mirror people I have seen in my day to day life as well as wanting them to succeed past the outside pressures that wish to tear them down.

Now, how did I get all of that from "booty juice", you may be wondering. Well, I shall get to that point! Take for example, the character Jericha Brown from the third book in the Accidents Happen series, I Accidentally Hired a Shadow Walker. Jericha is a badass woman who has worked hard to get where she is, a no nonsense boss of her security firm. She is bold and brass in a way that I have seen many a Black women, and also misunderstood to her more non-black counterparts. She knows that her personality can be seen as "too much" but never lets that hold her back. In fact, she shows up and lets it be know that she is breaking that glass ceiling, because to hell with that.

This is just an example of the characters that Jessica creates that are interwoven with humor and baddassery, and you can tell that it just springs from her as both a person and an author. She talks, on her author page, that she was told that "There is no money in writing" and, for a time, let that narrative stop her but not anymore. What would the world be if we listened to the narrative that our dreams are only worth what monetary value that they can produce? Certainly not one that I or many other Black creatives would wish to be a part of.

And so, we shape the world by our work, creating the spaces that are necessary for others to thrive. Jessica does this in droves, and I cannot wait to dive more into her works.

And so, if you take anything away from this, do take the time to read her books. Not only are you going to laugh from the absolute fun you are going to have, but you are helping to contribute to someone so kind and amazing.

Find out more about Jessica Cage on her website:
https://www.jessicacage.com/books

Hello by Brigaders! My dear Mushies!

Welcome back to Snippet Saturday!!!!!!!!

Life has been lifing as of late, and it has sapped me of my creativity when it comes to writing.

Well, that just means we have a new story to share. Or at least, the bare bones of one!

It is a modern romance, following Jas and River as they navigate their budding romance and the complexities that their own separate lives create. Jas, a 36 year old single mother to an 11 year old daughter, has to deal with life after grief, issues with her in laws, as well as the day to day expenses that seem to pile up. Thankfully, she has the greatest support system in her mother and best friends, all who act as an anchor in Jas and Nora's life.

River is a 27 year old returning student to college after dealing with their own blowbacks that had them drop out. Studying anthropology and history, River works at a local museum as well as does cosplay at cons and on social media. They use any and all pronouns but do love using they/them the most.

So yes, this is going to be a sapphic/queer romance with queer, lesbian, genderfluid representation. This will also be dual POV.

This story, still unnamed, is currently in the plotting phase, but I did indeed write a bit of a scene between our two main characters where they are out at a club, Jas with her friends and River with theirs.

And here is a snippet of that scene:

Lights flashed all around, beats muffled to background haze as my heart synced with the electronic tempo. Glistening skin, clothes dampening,  but the clinging fabrics Weren’t the only thing I feel. All night, no matter how many partners I danced with, her eyes were on me. Perhaps it was that knowledge that led me back out on the dance floor. 

A gorgeous body pressed up against my behind, a palm brushes against my hip dip as we rock together fluidly to the music. As the hand skated further up my hips, my eyes found hers. Those rich brow eyes gleaming in the strobe lights, pupils flaring as she takes further notice of the scene before her. I watch as her brows begin to crease together, the frown settling in. A small gasp leaves my lips as her nostrils flare, a sound that coaxes a small squeeze at my side. The sensation causes me to temporarily break eye contact, lashes fluttering closed, lips parting slightly. 

Perhaps it was the knowledge that I was driving River wild with this teasing. Maybe seeing that sliver of something whisper to his features as my favorite spot on my body gets a gentle squeeze. Maybe it was the euphoria of being touched or Vi’s special snack finally kicking in, but I was feeling myself. 

“Can I cut in?” 

A rich vanilla scent lulled me in, as a hand brushed against mine. Turning to face River, I gave a soft smile. 

“Mm, perhaps.” I look over to my gorgeous dance partner who gives me a knowing wink. Looking between River and I, she blows me a kiss before walking off to dissappear into the crowd. I don’t get much of a look at the sight of her walking off because my chin is tilted in River’s direction, their thumb brushing lightly at my cheek. 

“May I have this dance?” They ask as she steps dangerously closer, encapsulated my senses in vanilla musk. “I promise I can keep up.”

A smirk curled their lips, those eyes traveling down my frame in delicious appreciation. If looks could devour, I’d be their meal. 

Gladly…. 

Quickly pushing that thought down, lest I want to melt the touch alone, I closed the distance between us. Inhaling in, the warmth Cradled at my flesh as I brushed against them, turning until they were at my back. 

“You are trouble.” 

Keeping them behind me made it easier to hid the flush that threatened to creep up my neck. I had to keep myself steady. There was no way I could catch myself stumbling for this gorgeous person. 

A younger gorgeous person. I had to remind myself. 

“I’d personally like to see myself as good.” Leaning in closer, their voice must have dropped an octave and it nearly had my heart stop. The hairs on my neck stood as whispers of breath blew through the follicles, ticking my skin. “Good as in—-” 

They smell too fucking good….

“Good… For you.”

With a hand firmly holding each of my hips, there would have needed to be a caution sign immediately because I was a puddle. Thighs lightly pressed together, I took a deep breath for clarity before turning towards her. 

“Careful River,” I warn. “You are going to end up biting off more than you can chew with me.” 

And there was that grin. That cocky ass grin that, on anyone else, would look condescending. 

“Oh, see now, when I bite, I plan on doing more than just nibble on you, Jas.”

My dear Froomies.

It is Friday, everyone's favorite day, and we are back to spotlight another author that is near and dear to my heart.

Drum roll please..........

ANALEIGH SBRANA!!!!!!

It truly should not come as a shock to you that I adore Analeigh. I've written analysis of both Lore of the Tides and Lore of the Wilds, both are published on here, and I have a book tree that is just her books. Safe to say, she is one of my favorites.

The moment I picked up Lore of the Wilds, or it picked me as my friend gifted me a physical copy, I was unaware that this book would spark an obsession. That I was going to be served a beautiful fantasy narrative that is imaginative, full of heart, and something that all book readers should be exposed to. We are exposed to the world of Lore through her eyes, and from the beginning, we are met with two facts:

1. The inhabitants of her town were ripped away from their world to Alytheria, and cannot leave.

2. Lore loves books and and has a vast collection of them.

While those two points may not connect on the surface, it becomes apparent to the reader that the stories are of high value because they are used as ways to teach the youth of what life was like in their rightful land. Given that this is black fantasy, the practice of elders retelling stories and becoming storykeepers is something that is important within Black History, preserving them through oral means to be used as celebrations and warnings. Beautifully described by Analeigh, we follow Lore as she carries the narratives and history throughout the first and second novel, making choices in order to make a place for her people where they can be safe.

In her second novel, we see the growth in Analeigh's writing, as well as seeing Lore through devastating lows, that also mirror Black history.

"To every Black reader who grew up looking for themselves on the fantasy shelves, this one's for you"
-Analeigh Sbrana

That is the quote that I needed in my life, and Analeigh is an author who understands the need for Blackness in Adult Fantasy. Around 6% of traditionally published authors are Black and the number is even smaller within the fantasy space. Which is abysmal.

We need more authors like Analeigh, more people like her, who fill this space with their words, creating an impact where it needs it most.

Hey loves!

We are starting a series called Flaunt It Friday. A day where I shout out and spotlight author and upcoming releases that I am looking forward to!

We are starting out with one of my FAVORITE authors, Kimberly Lemming.

If you found yourself on Booktok around 2021 like I did, you were also served an influx of books and genres, probably ones that you have never encountered before. While monster romance was not out of my comfort zone, I had only dipped my toes into vampire and shifter romances, aka romances where it was centered around the more human attributes and the fact that they were a monster was second nature. I also never saw books that were unabashedly black female center within Monster romances and romance as a whole. When I was served one fine morning a video of a content creator who was talking about this book (that would soon become my whole personality) I did not know that my life would change.

That Time I Got Drunk and Saved A Demon.

What in the world was this title? The art was also cartoonish in a way that felt fun and lighthearted, and the promise of spice, all of those factors had me saving that video to add it to my TBR pile. Then one book became two. Two became getting an arc for the third, and it all culminated into me crafting a space that is just Kimberly Lemming dedicated.

Kimberly has a way of bringing characters to life that feel so real. Like I could walk down the road and encounter Brie or Cinn and hang out. They are relatable in a way that feeds to the soft/badass black girl experience, one that seems to be lacking in the publishing world. All crafted in a world that, while purely fantasy, the humor and the romance certainly feel real.

So, I hope I can persuade you to read any and all the books by Kimberly Lemming. I for one am also excited for the next release in her Cosmic Chaos series "I Punched an Alien and Now We're in Couples Therapy" set to be release in August of this year! By the title alone, I think this one is also going right to the Kimberly shrine.

I adore these titles so much!

Happy Wednesday my froomies and friends!

We are halfway through the week and, at least where I am, the temperature is starting to climb up. I certainly do not want to jinx it, because Midwestern weather can be finiky!

BUT we are heading into the later part of the week, and I wanted to do a check in!

Words Written: 605

Is it mostly just formatting and working on the framework? Yes, but I am still counting it! I have been in the weeds of some SERIOUS writers block and, when that usually happens, I start writing a new story.

Soooo.... I am writing a modern sapphic romance between a single mother in her late 30s and a nonbinary content creator. I have never written a modern romance, other than the short I did for the One Page, One Love Anthology I was published in. But I am stepping out of my comfort zone and so far, I am loving the details I have so far!

Mushroom Brigade will be getting more in depth talks about this one!

Books Read: 3

The blockage has also hit my reading, but I am getting some done! Graphic novels seem to be the sweet spot and I have taken a liking to one in particular. It was called Cardboard Kingdom! I plan to do a review on it as well!

I hope you guys are having a wonderful week so far! We're almost there!

Happy Monday and the start of the work week! I hope you don't have a bad case of the Mondays! Although, eating loads of lasagna and relaxing like Garfield would be great!

Yesterday was a blast celebrating the Benito Bowl with my friends and having a huge PR feast. It was also a beautiful rendition of the Black National Anthem by Coco Jones. Both of these displays of what truly makes America what it is warmed my heart and made me feel a bit more reflective in my choosing of hopefuls for this week.

Here they are:

Air & Essence by Mikayla D. Hornedo

Now I was enamored and enthralled by the first book when I listened to it on the way to renfaire last year, and I have been CRAVING to jump back into the world of Dayanara and her people.

The Great Disillusionment of Nick and Jay by Ryan Douglass

I am a lover of reimagined period pieces, especially when they are queer and Black centered. This is a retelling of the Great Gatsby, documenting love, joy, and the pursuit of happiness when society deems it as wrong. The moment my friend told me about this book, I knew that it was going to be something that would resonate with me!

Becoming Boba by Joanna Ho

This is a book that I am absolutely planning to read, since I will be doing a read aloud at the school I work at. Becoming Boba is a story about self love and being true to who you are. It also touches on Asian identity and knowing if you are enough. I thought that this book would also be great for Chinese New Year

Those are my hopefuls for the week. We will see what I add to it or how far I get through it!

Also ALSO, I am excited that Bindery is getting an Android App set to be released tomorrow! AHHHHHHH! So if you are an android user like myself, we will be able to use Bindery as an app!