...But Make It Books

Join Niccara as she welcomes Arriel Vinson, Reese's Book Club LitUp Fellow and debut author, to the pod! We talk about her novel-in-verse, "Under the Neon Lights", the power of Black girls with big names, and how change—whether it's gentrification, divorce, or growing up—creates opportunities for freedom and belonging.YA lovers, especially those who appreciate stories centered on Black girlhood, identity, and community, this episode is for you! Make sure you pick up "Under the Neon Lights" from where you get your books!Follow us at: @butmakeitbookspod @thebookishhottieFollow & Find Arriel Vinson: arriwrites.com & @arriwritesUse my Mahogany Books link here using code BMIB.Don't forget to rate, subscribe and review!Mentioned in this episode:African AncestryWe are the pioneers of genetic ancestry tracing for Black people globally, reconnecting you to your specific African roots–the country and the people. Our scientists compare your DNA markers to the largest African reference database in the world in order to find your African origin up to 2000 years ago.African AncestryThe Seven Daughters of Dupree Pre-Order Offer Nikisha Elise Williams, the host of the Black and Published podcast, is celebrating the release of her forthcoming novel, The Seven Daughters of Dupree. This historical fiction novel is about the secrets kept between mothers and daughters over the course of seven generations and is told backwards in time from 1995 to 1860. The Seven Daughters of Dupree will be released on January 27th, 2026, but is available for pre-order now at MahoganyBooks.com. Please consider pre-ordering The Seven Daughters of Dupree today.African AncestryWe are the pioneers of genetic ancestry tracing for Black people globally, reconnecting you to your specific African roots–the country and the people. Our scientists compare your DNA markers to the largest African reference database in the world in order to find your African origin up to 2000 years ago.African Ancestry

Join Niccara as she welcomes Aricka Alexander, Young Adult Romance & Queer Adult Romance writer, to the pod! We talk about her newest release, "Where There's Smoke", growing up in the South, and how love is driving force for what we do and inspiration that we find right in front of us.Romance lovers, especially my sapphic romance lovers, this episode is for you! Make sure you pick up "Where There's Smoke" from where you get your books!Follow us at: @butmakeitbookspod @thebookishhottieFollow & Find Aricka Alexander: instagram & websiteUse my Mahogany Books link here using code BMIB.Don't forget to rate, subscribe and review!Mentioned in this episode:African AncestryWe are the pioneers of genetic ancestry tracing for Black people globally, reconnecting you to your specific African roots–the country and the people. Our scientists compare your DNA markers to the largest African reference database in the world in order to find your African origin up to 2000 years ago.African AncestryAfrican AncestryWe are the pioneers of genetic ancestry tracing for Black people globally, reconnecting you to your specific African roots–the country and the people. Our scientists compare your DNA markers to the largest African reference database in the world in order to find your African origin up to 2000 years ago.African AncestryThe Seven Daughters of Dupree Pre-Order Offer Nikisha Elise Williams, the host of the Black and Published podcast, is celebrating the release of her forthcoming novel, The Seven Daughters of Dupree. This historical fiction novel is about the secrets kept between mothers and daughters over the course of seven generations and is told backwards in time from 1995 to 1860. The Seven Daughters of Dupree will be released on January 27th, 2026, but is available for pre-order now at MahoganyBooks.com. Please consider pre-ordering The Seven Daughters of Dupree today.

Join Niccara as she welcomes K.Powell, a thriller writer you need to know about! We talk about her newest release, Say I Do and explore the lines between love, obsession, possession, and what it means to be the last woman standing.Thriller lovers, this episode is for you! Make sure you pick up "Say I Do" from where you get your books!Follow us at: @butmakeitbookspod @thebookishhottieFollow & Find K.Powell: instagram & websiteUse my Mahogany Books link here using code BMIB.Don't forget to rate, subscribe and review!Mentioned in this episode:The Seven Daughters of Dupree Pre-Order Offer Nikisha Elise Williams, the host of the Black and Published podcast, is celebrating the release of her forthcoming novel, The Seven Daughters of Dupree. This historical fiction novel is about the secrets kept between mothers and daughters over the course of seven generations and is told backwards in time from 1995 to 1860. The Seven Daughters of Dupree will be released on January 27th, 2026, but is available for pre-order now at MahoganyBooks.com. Please consider pre-ordering The Seven Daughters of Dupree today.

Join Niccara as she welcomes Tanvier Peart, social advocate by day and giving us the feels at night! We talk about her newest release, Tender Offer and explore second chances, redemption, growth, social advocacy layered in romances, and cinnamon role main characters. You won't regret listening to this conversation. Make sure you pick up "Tender Offer" from where you get your books! Follow us at: @butmakeitbookspod @thebookishhottieFollow & Find Tanvier Peart: instagram & websiteUse my Mahogany Books link here using code BMIB.Don't forget to rate, subscribe and review!

Join Niccara as she welcomes the masterminds behind one of the biggest Black book festivals, the Black Romance Book Festival. We talk about how this amazing event sold out in 30 minutes (30 MINUTES?!), why Black romance, the healing power of community and love and so much more. Lock in to this amazing conversation. Come for the vibes but stay for the healing. Remember tickets go on sale on August 15th. Follow us at: @butmakeitbookspod @thebookishhottieFollow & Find Black Romance Book Festival: instagram & websiteUse my Mahogany Books link here using code BMIB.Don't forget to rate, subscribe and review!

Join Niccara as she welcomes USA Today bestselling author Kristina Forest, whose mission centers on writing the books she wished she had as a young Black teenager. In this powerful conversation, we explore how Black romance serves as a source of healing and affirmation for readers across both YA and adult genres. Kristina opens up about her journey of crafting stories that intentionally showcase Black joy, healthy family dynamics, and the transformative power of love through works like her Greene Sisters series, "The Neighbor Favor," "The Partner Plot," and her latest YA novel "Heartsick."Whether you're seeking books that affirm and transforms, this conversation offers healing romance and coming-of-age stories, this is an episode for you!Follow us at: @butmakeitbookspod @thebookishhottieFollow & Find Kristina Forest: instagram & websiteUse my Mahogany Books link here using code BMIB.Don't forget to rate, subscribe and review!

Join Niccara as she welcomes indie thriller writer, Desiree Moodie to discuss her newest novel, "The Perfect Mother".*Some Spoilers*In this conversation, the desperation, the messiness, and the unspoken truths of motherhood through the pages and genre of her newest thriller following Dawn and Evelyn in an idyllic suburban town that hides more within the seemingly perfect lawns and picturesque homes. Make sure you get "The Perfect Mother" as well as her other works!Follow us at: @butmakeitbookspod @thebookishhottieFollow & Find Desiree : site, instagram, SubstackUse my Mahogany Books link here  using code BMIB.Don't forget to rate, subscribe and review!

Join Niccara as she welcomes a fellow Black book influencer, Lakia Barr at Kia's Korner who mission is focused on how to get people excited about reading, and increasing the visibility and support for Black authors and Black books. In this conversation, we talk hidden truths we find in the pages of our favorite reads, self discovery through literature, and how books have a way to bring squared with the realizations about ones' self. If you are looking for additional reflection through the pages of your favorite reads, this is an episode for you! Follow us at: @butmakeitbookspod @thebookishhottieFollow & Find Lakia : site, instagram, GoodreadsUse my Mahogany Books link here  using code BMIB.Don't forget to rate, subscribe and review!

Join Niccara as she welcomes a fellow Black book influencer, Alexis Milton at Lex Reads who is a passionate literary advocate dedicated to amplifying Black voices in literature. In this conversation, we talk finding home in the pages of our favorite novels as well as community amongst other bookish folks and nurturing the wells of our communities where we are. If you want to find out how to build communities and sanctuaries where you are this is for you and other book lovers who are looking to grow their to be read lists. Follow us at: @butmakeitbookspod @thebookishhottieFollow & Find Lex Reads: site, instagram, youtubeUse my Mahogany Books link here  using code BMIB.Don't forget to rate, subscribe and review!

Join host Niccara as she welcomes the powerful bicoastal friend duo, Sujeiry Gonzalez and Krista Purnell, of Corner of Press as they continue to pioneer the romance genre for women of color. In this conversation, we talk about our favorite tropes, friendship in unlikely places, and how bar conversations can spark big ideas. Romance lovers this is for you but for anyone with big dreams and bigger hopes dive into this honest conversation. Follow us at: @butmakeitbookspod @thebookishhottieFollow the ladies of Corner of Press: @lovesujeiry @givethemromance @thekplifeUse my Mahogany Books link here  using code BMIB.Don't forget to rate, subscribe and review!

Join host Niccara as she welcomes Baltimore native, author and publisher, MultiMind to "...But Make It Books."In this conversation, Niccara and MultiMind dive into her love of fountain pens, traveling, creating and owning your own vision and path and how everything you do in life can lead you to your purpose. With candid reflections on independent publishing, charting your own path, and the newest release of their book "The Harlequin" this is definitely a jam packed episode. Follow us at: @butmakeitbookspod @thebookishhottieFollow MultiMind: @multimindpublishing Don't forget to rate, subscribe and review!

Join host Niccara as she welcomes acclaimed multi-hyphenate creative force Felicia Pride to "...But Make It Books."In this conversation, Pride discusses her remarkable journey from literature lover to award-winning filmmaker, TV writer, and founder of HONEY CHILE, her production company dedicated to Black women 40+. Pride, whose impressive credits include writing for "Queen Sugar," "Grey's Anatomy," and her current role as Co-Executive Producer on "Bel-Air," opens up about her creative evolution across different storytelling mediums. She shares insights on her upcoming projects, including the highly-anticipated series adaptation of "Seven Days in June" for Amazon.With candid reflections on representation, identity, and the power of authentic storytelling, this episode will sure to be a treat for all those who listen. Follow us at: @butmakeitbookspod @thebookishhottieFollow Felicia: @itshoneychile @feliciapride  Don't forget to rate, subscribe and review!

Join Niccara as she delves in with LaDarrion Williams, author of "Blood at the Root" to discuss all things magic, Black people, Black life, and the trusting in your own magic even when you are in doubt. As always, rate, subscribe, and review us wherever you are listening. Follow us at: @butmakeitbookspod @thebookishhottie

In this special live episode, co-host Brandon goes producer mode behind the camera with our audio engineer, Donte at The Trap Factory for a special interview with Niccara and author and Afro Minimalist, Christine Platt. Dive in as we talk about the generational need for ownership, silent identity markers and living for you.   Live taping took place at Charm City Books in Baltimore MD  Pick up your copy of Christine's The Afrominimalist’s Guide to Living With Less at Charm City Books

Authenticity and cultural appropriation... but make it books with Yellowface by R.F. Kuang.   Tap in with Brandon and Niccara as they explore all the themes and nuisances in Kuang's work Yellowface. What is authenticity? Who owns what and how do we decide?   Get any books discussed here: www.charmcitybooks.com (http://www.charmcitybooks.com/)   Don't forget to rate, review, subscribe and share !   Follow us at @butmakeitbookspod @b_rad.books @niccarasbookclub Bookishlyhealing.com

Welcome backkkkk to a new season of …But Make It Books! Join Niccara and Brandon as they get back into the groove discussing everything from what they did with their break, what books they are loving, what chapter of this life is called and more.    Get any books discussed here: www.charmcitybooks.com   Thank you for listening and sharing!

After a much needed break, we are back! As a bonus, we have a LIVE episode…But Make it Books! Join Niccara, Brandon, and Sadeqa Johnson, author of the NAACP Image Award nominated The House of Eve, as they discuss how Black women deserve bodily autonomy, the effects of classism, Sadeqa’s writing process, adoption, and dream casting ideas. Welcome back everyone!   Books Discussed: The House of Eve by Sadeqa Johnson   Check out the visual discussion here Follow us on Instagram: @butmakeitbookspod  Get any books discussed here: www.charmcitybooks.com where you always earn 5% back in store credit on all your purchases.    Thank you for listening and sharing!

We are officially back in full swing with your favorite bi-weekly bookish pod…But Make it Books! Join Niccara and Brandon as they discuss the necessity of taking a break, check in on our reading, set forth reading hopefuls, and figure out how we get back into the groove of being a reader.    Joining us on our Instagram on March 11h as we chat with The Kitchenista (Angela Davis) on IG Live at noon est.

The 3rd episode of the Ambition Trilogy has arrived on…But Make it Books! Join Niccara, Brandon, and Mateo Askaripour, author of  Black Buck, as they discuss the plot of his coming novel “This Great Hemisphere”, people as products, "can we separate the creator from the work?", and mourning Kanye West.   Books Discussed: Black Buck by Mateo Askaripour This Great Hemisphere by Mateo Askaripour Yellowface by R.F. Kuang   Check out the visual discussion here Follow us on Instagram: @butmakeitbookspod Get any books discussed here: www.charmcitybooks.com Thank you for listening and sharing!

We are all the way LIVE…But Make it Books! Join Niccara, Brandon, and Deesha Philyaw, author of a Finalist for the National Book Award for The Secret Lives of Church Ladies, as they discuss how the church fashions young Black women, the importance of intergenerational representation, Deesha’s writing process, and share light discourse about Greenleaf. This episode marks our first live event and we hope you can join us at the next one!   Books Discussed: The Secret Lives of Church Ladies by Deesha Philyaw   Special Thanks: Baltimore Center Stage Hopscotch Bottle Shop Love More Bmore Naomi Rivers, author of THIS: A Simple, Complex Love Story Sacred Touch Xander and Olive Jewelry   Follow us on Instagram: @butmakeitbookspod  Get any books discussed here: www.charmcitybooks.com   Thank you for listening and sharing!