1 Star Reads · Mystery · Thriller

The Inmate

New nurse practitioner Brooke Sullivan breaks all the rules at a maximum-security prison, hiding her past with the dangerous inmate Shane Nelson. As tension escalates, secrets unravel in this gripping thriller. Can Brooke navigate her forbidden connection without putting herself in mortal danger? The stakes are high in this explosive prison drama.

3 Star Reads · Romance

While We Were Dating

Jasmine Guillory's "While We Were Dating" follows the unexpected romance between Ben and Hollywood star Anna Gardiner. Their flirtation during an impromptu road trip blossoms into a steamy affair, challenging Ben's aversion to the limelight. With familiar characters and Guillory's passionate storytelling, this novel offers a refreshing take on love without "struggle love" tropes, perfect for black women readers.

3 Star Reads · Contemporary · Romance

Zora Books Her Happy Ever After

Zora, a dedicated bookstore owner, finds herself caught in a love triangle after meeting charming author Lawrence and his thoughtful friend Reid. As she navigates their competing affections, she realizes that first impressions can be deceiving. Despite some pacing and dialogue issues, the book offers a delightful and brisk read, perfect for a lighthearted escape.

2 Star Reads · Romance

Honey Girl

Grace Porter, a stressed-out PhD graduate, impulsively marries a stranger in Vegas, leading her on a journey of self-discovery and messy adulthood. "Honey Girl" struggles to find its narrative purpose, with shallow character development and unengaging writing. While it may not appeal to everyone, it could still serve as an unconventional start to Black History Month reading.

2 Star Reads · Mystery · Thriller

The IT Girl

A decade after a friend's mysterious death, Hannah’s world is upended when fresh evidence suggests the wrong man was convicted. As she grapples with impending motherhood and old secrets, the narrative unfolds between past and present, revealing a lack of compelling characters and excessive descriptive prose. "In a plot rife with internal conflict, the truth remains elusive."