We chat with Shari B. Pennant about These Kindred Hearts, which sees seventeen authors from varied backgrounds come together to showcase the diversity of romance and celebrate the wild hearts of teens in this timeless, sweeping YA Romantasy anthology edited by Shari B. Pennant.
Hi, Shari! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?
Hi! My name is Shari B. Pennant, and I am a Jamaican-American author and illustrator. I write fantasy and adventure for all ages, plus romance for teens and adults. My YA anthology, These Kindred Hearts, is out June 2026 and is filled with magical romances featuring BIPOC characters. In addition to editing this anthology—which was a blast—I also contributed a short story called “Meet Me at World’s End,” which is a friends-to-lovers tale between two demon hunters in the middle of an apocalypse. Plus, I have a contemporary fantasy short story about nerdy magical girls called “The Book Club” in the YA anthology Cool. Awkward. Black.
I’m also a foodie who loves to travel.
When did you first discover your love for writing and stories?
Before writing books, I started out as a kid making my own little comics! I love comics, manga and animation, so my love of storytelling began there. That’s what I always thought I’d end up doing. But I loved writing short stories and novels much more.
Quick lightning round! Tell us:
- The first book you ever remember reading: Say Cheese and Die! By RL Stine
- The one that made you want to become an author: Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan
- The one that you can’t stop thinking about: Legendborn by Tracey Deonn
These Kindred Hearts is a new YA romantasy anthology from 17 authors and edited by you! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?
Fantastical. Otherworldly. Swoonworthy. Powerful. Charming.
What can readers expect?
Readers can expect thoughtful representation in each story, and seventeen Happily Ever Afters, no matter the odds. These characters face down everything from disappointed parents to eldritch monsters and come out on top—feeling happy, free and in love.
Can you share some insight into some of the stories within?
There are so many different kinds of romantasy stories, ranging from cozy and speculative to epic and adventurous. The book opens with “Our Cursed Tides” by Vanessa Montalban, a second-chance romance between a vengeful siren and a doomed sailor, and “A Fate Written in Stars” by Nia “N.E.” Davenport, a deadly royal romance set in the underworld. Sophie Li’s “Chloe’s Cat” has a grumpy cute-boy-eating kitten and Angela Montoya’s “The Color of a Broken Heart” features a talking mannequin that can waltz. There’s a little something for every romance reader.
Can you tell us about the process of an anthology coming together and your role in editing?
I first thought of this concept in late 2023 after reflecting on the genre and the need for more diverse voices. I started pulling it all together in the spring of 2024. I felt so blessed, because everybody I reached out to was so excited and believed in this project from the very beginning. Almost everybody jumped onboard within the first 48 hours! A few months later, our team set up a New Author contest where unpublished writers could submit a short story to be included in the anthology. My editor and I selected two incredible new authors, Chelsea Padilla and Jennifer Helen, who wrote “Old Gods” and “A Feathered Omen” respectively.
What’s next for you?
As always, I’m working on something new and shiny. Children’s books will always have a special place in my heart, so I’m working on fantasy books for Middle Grade and YA readers. But I’m also trying my hand at Adult romance too. So stay tuned!
Lastly, what books are you looking forward to picking up? Any you’ve read so far this year that you’ve enjoyed?
Recently, I read Phantasma by Kaylie Smith, which has lived in my head rent-free. I’m also currently reading Between Friends & Lovers by Shirlene Obuobi, The Vanquishers by Kalynn Bayron and Now, Conjurers by Freddie Kölsch.
