Presented by Charm City Books
In this session, romance authors look closely at second-chance tropes. They will share how they write authentic heartbreak, believable growth, and the sweet relief of a hard-won reconciliation. Come listen as they discuss why readers love seeing older, wiser characters rewrite their futures, reclaim their joy, and fall in love all over again.
Moderated by Morgan Menzies (@prettylittlebookshelf)
JL Seegars is an indie romance author who takes pride in writing books that make you swoon, cry, and swoon some more. All of her works center around Black women and the lovingly possessive men who are obsessed with them. Their stories, like their love, is tinged with a little heartbreak, but it never stops her from delivering the coveted HEA.
Natasha Bishop is a contemporary romance author living in Baltimore, Maryland, with her family and fur baby. She likes to write about sweet and badass women and the men who love them down. When she′s not writing, she′s usually reading, playing with her adorable dog, or hunting down delicious gluten-free snacks.
Danielle Allen is a USA TODAY Bestselling author, an educator, and a life coach. Moving with authenticity and intentionality, she has found a way to merge the three as a writer of sexy romance stories full of heart, humor and heat. With a background in social sciences, helping people better understand themselves so they can become the best version of themselves is one of her passions. Writing contemporary romance novels that challenge the status quo of the genre is another.
LaQuette writes sexy, stylish, and sensational romance—the kind of sentimental-and-steamy stories that feel like Hallmark movies… if Hallmark suddenly ramped up the sexy and gave us the hawt love scenes we deserve. Expect big emotions, bold choices, and characters who strut through the pages like the book is their own personal runway. A proud Brooklyn native, she crafts unapologetically bold, character-driven Black and interracial romances where Black women are joy-filled, desired, and absolutely treasured. These women know they belong on the page—and dare you to try telling them otherwise. When this current Ph.D. candidate isn’t writing, reading, or studying, she’s probably trying on (or hunting down) her next must-have makeup find. And honestly? No one would be surprised if it’s yet another shade of red or pink lipstick. At this point, it’s basically a personality trait. Contact her at https://dot.cards/laquette.
Shameka Erby is a writer from Philadelphia currently living in Baltimore. Her love affair with romance novels started early, and she loves writing sweet and sexy love stories. Now the author of both short story collections and many romantic novels, Shameka’s joy is in writing gentle, emotional, passionately heated stories of Black love starring plus sized and queer characters. She also publishes a newsletter, Just A Girl and Her Laptop.
Morgan Menzies is a literary curator who turns reading into impact. She has interviewed authors like Kennedy Ryan, Tia Williams, and V. E. Schwab among many others who are shaping today’s literary landscape. Through PrettyLittleBookshelf and her work in the Washington, D.C. area, Morgan transforms reading into shared experiences, curating literary events across the Washington, D.C. area like The Reading Lounge and Book It Around™ that spark meaningful conversation and foster community. Featured in The Washington Post, Essence, and Elle, Morgan doesn’t just share stories, she creates spaces where they come alive.
