Forbidden Hearts And Fairy Tales Reimagined with Bria Rose

#197 - Forbidden stories aren’t just about shock—they’re about truth we’re often afraid to name. I sat down with author Bria Rose to explore how dark romance gives readers a safe place to wrestle with power, consent, and grief, and how a reimagined Beauty and the Beast can turn survival into self‑love. Bria shares how childhood bullying and a lifelong bond with Belle’s courage shaped her voice, then opens the doors to Her Dark Promise, where Belle is the Beast, the castle is in France, and the magic is human: trauma, desire, and the choice to heal on your own terms.We move from Disneyland memories to real‑world cast life—4 a.m. shifts, sunrise yoga at the castle, and the electric joy of cast previews that remind grownups why Walt designed the park for them, too. Then Bria breaks down dark romance with clarity: morally gray leads, explicit trigger notes, and tropey pressure cookers that challenge comfort zones without glamorizing harm. She explains how to retell a classic without infringing copyright—keeping essence, ditching replicas—and why nods like “the gray stuff” land best when anchored by character depth.The publishing journey is a masterclass: a three‑month draft, two years of rewrites, a decisive pivot to self‑publishing, and a learning curve through KDP, keywords, ISBNs, and design. Sixty cold emails led to one yes and a special edition—proof that you only need one door to open. Along the way, Bria centers representation and found family: all types of characters, sign language, and a castle that becomes a refuge for anyone told they don’t belong. We wrap with new projects—an audiobook, a HarperCollins imprint deal, a spicy Pinocchio retelling—and practical advice for aspiring writers: write the words, then make them better.If this conversation sparked something in you, tap follow, share it with a friend who loves retellings, and leave a quick review. Your support helps more curious listeners find the show and keeps these stories moving.To learn more about Bria and her books check out www.authorbriarose.com and give her a follow on Instagram @authorbriarose. Give me a follow on Instagram @journeywithjakepodcast and learn more about my personality and what I love.Want to be a guest on Journey with Jake? Send me a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/journeywithjake Xploreum connects you with authentic wilderness expeditions led by trusted local experts. Browse real adventures, book directly with experienced guides, and get $200 off your first trip using code HumanAdventure2026 at xploreum.io/humanadventure.