Bookcast Episode 120: The Wayward Host Returns

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Bookcast Episode 120: The Wayward Host Returns

Back from my brief break!

DL White-Romantic Fiction

May 26, 2025

Transcript

The wayward host returns! After a few weeks away from the mic, I'm back with updates on my reading progress (now at 73 books toward my 175-book goal), what I've been streaming, and preparations for the upcoming Black Romance Book Fest. I also share updates on my fan fiction story The Music of My Heart, which just got two new chapters.

I talk about why I decided not to pitch a book at the book fest, my current writing projects that are behind schedule, and all the life events keeping me busy this spring. Plus, I give you the inside scoop on Black Romance Book Fest 2026.

Reading Update [00:03:23]

I've read 73 books toward my goal of 175 books in 2025, putting me four books ahead of schedule at 42% toward my goal. I'm absolutely going to smash that goal but probably won't change it again until after summer.

Recently Completed Books:

Fuck With Your Boy by Nicole Falls (Friends and Lovers book 3)
People of Means by Nancy Johnson
A Dead Draw by Robert Dugoni (Tracy Crosswhite #11)
Night Wherever We Go by Tracy Rose Payton
Ignacio by Delaney Diamond (Family Ties book 5)
Can't Get Enough by Kennedy Ryan (Skyland book 3)
This Side of Beautiful by Tai
Devil in a Blue Dress by Walter Mosley (Easy Rawlins book 1) - didn't enjoy this one
Father of the Bride by Shea Sanders
The Boomerang by Robert Bailey (thriller)

Currently Reading:

August Lane by Regina Black (releasing in July)
King of Ashes by SA Cosby
Plus Size Player by Danielle Allen

**To Read**

The Stacks podcast released a great nonfiction summer reading guide and I added five books to my TBR, plus a couple others I've had saved. Not reading these anytime soon, but they're on my wishlist:

- "The Secret History of the Rape Kit: A True Crime Story" by Pagan Kennedy

- "A Devil Went Down to Georgia: Race, Power, Privilege, and the Murder of Lita McClinton" by Deb Miller Landau

- "Into Thin Air: A Personal Account of the Mt. Everest Disaster" by Jon Krakauer

- "A Better Ending: A Brother's Thirty-Year Quest to Uncover the Truth About His Sister's Death" by James Whitfield Thomson

- "Liliana's Invincible Summer: A Sister's Search for Justice" by Cristina Rivera Garza (Pulitzer Prize winner)

- "No More Tears: The Dark Secrets of Johnson & Johnson" by Gardiner Harris

- "The Barn: The Secret History of a Murder in Mississippi" by Wright Thompson

Streaming Update [00:09:31]

Most of my shows are on hiatus. Said goodbye to The Irrational, Papa's House, and The Equalizer (none were renewed).

Looking forward to my fall lineup: Watson, Elspeth, The Pit, Will Trent, plus season 3 of The Diplomat and new season of Landman in November.

Currently watching Poker Face season 2 on Peacock and caught up on Untold: The Fall of Favre on Netflix.

Writing & Publishing Updates [00:15:24]

I haven't been writing much due to all the distractions. Decided not to pitch a book at the book fest because it's just not ready —I need to remind myself of who I am as a person and listen to my CliftonStrengths. I'm behind on at least two books: Missing Persons (wanted to release this summer) and Still I Rise (supposed to be out this fall). They'll be out when they're out.

Fan Fiction Update [00:17:28]

The Music of My Heart has two new chapters available this week. Chapter 21 covers Zoe's industry showcase at Echo Hollywood where she performs for 60 handpicked music industry professionals. Multiple labels express interest and Alec steps up as her manager while JC provides quiet support from the background.

Chapter 22 shows that success brings its own problems - Zoe gets recognized in public leading to uncomfortable encounters with aggressive fans, and then discovers one of her songs has been leaked, putting her in crisis management mode.

Black Romance Book Fest Prep [00:23:25]

I'm deep in prep for Black Romance Book Fest with about 1,800 people coming. It's been sold out since day one. I've got my rolling cart, die cut handle bags for preorders, and ordered my last 10 hardcover copies of Brunch at Ruby's. Fair warning: I won't be doing a detailed recap after the fest. If you want full coverage, check out Lit Library podcast or Romance in Colour.