Lincoln

I had my chance at love and I threw it away. I don’t deserve another.

I’ve dedicated my entire life to my community. There’s no time for anything else.

But then I met her. Ciara Jeffries is everything I told myself I didn’t want but she might be everything I need. If I can just hold on to her.

Ciara

If I don’t get out of this town I’ll lose my sanity, my loved ones, and my life. I need a fresh start and Austin, Texas feels like as good a place as any.

I wasn’t supposed to build connections and I definitely wasn’t supposed to fall in love.

Lincoln Cole has other plans for me. He has me breaking all my rules and I feel safe in his arms.

But safety is a luxury I don’t have.

I thought I ran far enough but my past will never let me go and my recklessness may just get Lincoln burned.

Isaiah

I had my chance at a family and it was stolen from me.

I was told I was a joke, so that’s just what I’ll be.

But then she gives me news that turns my whole life upside down. Nina Williams is my second chance at a family and she might just be the missing key to my heart. I just need to prove to her I’m not the joke I pretend to be.

Nina

After the loss of my parents, I’m all my brother and sister have. I’m trying to piece my family back together.

I wasn’t ready to start a family of my own.

One night with Isaiah Cole changed all my plans. He’s nothing like I thought he was and I feel happy in his arms.

But happiness isn’t built to last.

When Isaiah has a chance to complete the family he always dreamed of, will the family I never knew I wanted be left behind?

Kai

How long do you have to be apart from someone before you can say you don’t know them anymore?

How long does someone have to be out of your life before your every waking thought doesn’t revolve around them?

Olivia Harding bulldozed her way into my life at twelve years old. She broke my heart at nineteen and I haven’t seen her once in the thirteen years since.

She chose her career over me. And now, because life is a cruel and coldhearted bitch, I’m praying that she gives me a chance to help her save it.

The smart thing to do would be to keep my distance, to keep it strictly professional.

But I’ve never been smart when it comes to her.

Olivia

Soccer is all I ever wanted in life.

And then I met Kai Morris.

He turned my life upside down in the best way possible. He was there when those that I needed weren’t and how did I repay him? I broke his heart.

He should hate me after what I did and he definitely shouldn’t be willing to help me get my career back on track.

Now, for the next year I’ll have to feel his touch, smell his intoxicating scent, and look into his devastatingly beautiful eyes. He makes me want things I haven’t thought about in so long.

But I can’t have him.

There’s too much at risk. Too much truth I’ve tried to protect him from all these years.

When the truth comes out, will he be able to forgive me? Because I don’t think I’m strong enough to walk away from him a second time.

Amid the current firestorm of interest in women’s basketball, Natasha Howard reveals the tremendous obstacles she overcame to become a three-time WNBA champion who continues to excel on the hardwood.

THE PAST THREE YEARS HAVE SEEN A WORLDWIDE EXPLOSION of interest in women’s basketball and the rise of young superstars like Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and Paige Bueckers. As the audience grows exponentially, the public is hungry to know more about some of the women who have ushered the sport into this bright spotlight, including elite and still-active veterans like Breanna Stewart, A’ja Wilson, Natasha Howard, Napheesa Collier, and others.

Before Natasha Howard was a three-time WNBA champion, before she was named Defensive Player of the Year, she was a thoughtful girl growing up in very difficult circumstances. Her mother faced challenges of her own while shepherding her four children between cities, and sometimes in and out of homeless shelters. 

Young Natasha’s life changed when her uncle Greg introduced her to basketball―with a bribe that included candy. Tash was instantly hooked. But what does a basketball player do when her school doesn't have a girls' team? She joins together with a friend to demand that they be allowed to try out for the boys' team. Which is what Tash did―and then became a starter.

In 2025 Natasha Howard was named MVP of the 2025 WNBA Commissioner’s Cup. She currently plays with the Minnesota Lynx and shows no signs of slowing down at the age of thirty-four. The Vision Through My Lens is her powerful story of building a life for herself through basketball. As a gay, Black woman, she used all her strength to forge forth, to triumph over an astonishing array of obstacles. Coauthored by Deyscha Smith, this memoir tells an unusually empowering tale of a strong girl becoming a stronger woman.

Celebrate the release of Bringing Wreck with Omise’eke Natasha Tinsley!

EVENT DEETS

When: Sunday, October 18 @ 6 PM CST

Where: 2310 Elgin St, Houston, TX 77004

How: 

• RSVP ONLY to reserve your seat.
• RSVP WITH BOOK to reserve your seat and purchase a copy of Bringing Wreck, supporting both the author and our store programming. The book will be available for pickup at the event.

Please Note: Books purchased from other retailers are not permitted in the bookstore and are not eligible for the signing or photo line. To participate in the signing and photo opportunity, you must either purchase a copy from Kindred Stories or select the RSVP: I Already Have the Book ticket option, which allows you to bring a copy purchased elsewhere. If you already purchased your book from Kindred Stories, you may select the RSVP Only ticket option and bring your Kindred Stories copy to the event.

If you purchase a ticket and are unable to attend the event, your ticket is non-refundable. If your ticket includes a book, an email will be sent to all attendees before and after the event with instructions on how to receive your book. Books must be claimed within 14 days following the event. If your book is not retrieved it will be returned to the publisher and will not be available for pick up in the future.

ABOUT THE BOOK

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Omise’eke Natasha Tinsley is Professor and Chair of Black Studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Her books include The Color Pynk: Black Femme Art for Survival (2022), Beyoncé in Formation: Remixing Black Feminism (2018), Ezili’s Mirrors: Imagining Black Queer Genders (2018), and Thiefing Sugar: Eroticism Between Women in Caribbean Literature (2010).

A groundbreaking guide to understanding-and transforming-the psychological impact of being Black in America.

Despite centuries of systemic trauma, Black communities continue to demonstrate unmatched resilience, creativity, and strength. Yet the emotional burden of navigating race, identity, and survival in modern America remains one of the most overlooked public health issues of our time.

Healing While Black offers a compelling, research-informed look at how trauma shows up-and how to heal from it. Combining modern psychology, historical analysis, and culturally grounded practices, this book provides a practical roadmap for improving mental health, building resilience, and strengthening overall well-being.

Inside, readers will learn:

* How generational trauma affects the brain, body, and behavior
*
* The psychological effects of racism and systemic inequity
*
* Evidence-based tools for emotional regulation and stress recovery
*
* Culturally relevant healing practices backed by science
*
* How to transform personal healing into empowerment and legacy
*

Engaging, accessible, and deeply relevant, this book is designed for individuals, families, educators, therapists, and organizations committed to supporting Black mental health.

Whether you're looking to understand your own healing, support a loved one, or build healthier communities, this book delivers clear insights and actionable strategies for long-lasting change.

This work reminds you of one truth: Healing is your birthright - and reclaiming it is revolutionary.

Celebrate the release of The Art of Loving You with Natasha Bishop!

EVENT DEETS

When: Friday, April 17 @ 7PM

Where: Kindred Stories (2310 Elgin St. Houston, TX 77004)

How: RSVP WITH BOOK to support the author and our store programming.

or

Signing Line Only (Entry at 8:05 PM): These tickets do not include access to the author talk. This will allow immediate entry at 8:05 PM where will be able to get a copy of The Art of Loving You signed and get a photo with the author. 

*Please note outside copies of the book will not be allowed in the bookstore and you will not be eligible for the signing/photo line. You must buy a book from Kindred Stories.

ABOUT THE BOOK

From the buzzy, viral sensation Only For The Week, comes the next book in Natasha Bishop’s The Forever Falling series, featuring an intimate bucket list road trip, sexy banter, and a sweet and spicy second chance romance.

If you’re reading this, I’m dead.

Dani Jenkins is a boss. A model turned influencer, she doesn’t have time for taking a risk on romance. She prefers to keep things casual, but when her mentor Tanya dies, she is brought face-to-face with the man who broke her heart.

Dani and Micah had their chance at love...

Artist Micah Wright is a protector who loves fiercely. He’s known as the man everyone can count on, but he’s never forgiven himself for letting down the woman he loves. With Tanya’s dying wish forcing Dani and Micah back together to complete a scavenger hunt road trip, Micah sees a second chance for them to get things right.

Does time heal all wounds?

Tensions are high as their undeniable connection reignites, but Dani refuses to let her guard down. As they continue their journey, Micah is determined to prove to Dani that love is worth fighting for, but can she release her fears and relearn the art of loving?

Tropes: Friends to lovers / He falls first / Second chance romance / Black joy /Forced proximity / Right person, wrong time / Fling to forever

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

ABOUT THE CONVERSATION PARTNER

Alexandra Warren is a contemporary romance author with over thirty works to date, all of which intentionally center Black love. She is also the co-founder of Girl, Have You Read…, a digital platform dedicated to Black romance written by Black authors. 

When she’s not in front of her computer, she enjoys traveling, spending time with family, watching sports, and clearing her DVR. Alexandra is a proud native of Omaha, Nebraska, but she currently calls Houston, Texas home.