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.
Category: 3 Star Reads
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.
One of Us is Lying
Five students walk into detention and only four walk out alive. When one ends up dead, the rest become suspects in his murder. Set in a picturesque high school, "One of Us Is Lying" reveals shocking secrets and explores teenage duplicity. The characters, though archetypal, harbor deep complexities, making for a compelling read for young adults.
All the Sinners Bleed
A historic first, Sheriff Titus Crown grapples with a haunting past while confronting a ruthless serial killer in the close-knit town of Charon. As the web of suspects unravels, the town's dark underbelly is exposed, pitting Crown in a harrowing battle of good versus evil. S.A. Cosby's detailed storytelling immerses readers in a gripping, albeit heavy, narrative. Unravel the layers of mystery and delve into the weighty themes that paint this evocative thriller.
Waiting to Exhale
Terry McMillan's "Waiting to Exhale" captivates with the intertwining stories of Bernadine, Savannah, Gloria, and Robin. Abridged on Audible, the characters' struggles and desires grip listeners. Bernadine faces abrupt single motherhood, Savannah seeks true love, Gloria juggles business and motherhood, and Robin's persona intrigues. Despite the abridgment's brevity, the audiobook offers a tantalizing taste of the novel's power.
The Block Party
A web of secrets, betrayal, and murder entangles the residents of an exclusive cul-de-sac in this gripping mystery. With a slow but deliberate pace, the story delves into complex relationships and hidden motivations, culminating in an unexpected conclusion. The provocative tale offers a colorful cast of characters, each harboring their own dark secrets and motives.
Watch It Burn
In the small Texas town of Edenberg, the drowning of Beverly Hoffman unveils a sinister underbelly tied to the popular personal development company Genetive, Inc. As the story unfolds through the eyes of Nichole, Jenny, and the late Beverly, suspicions and revelations drive the narrative. With a predictable ending, distracting subplots, and a cult-like company, Kristen Bird's "Genetive" is a mixed bag, best suited for newcomers to the thriller genre.
The Hookup Plan
by: Farrah Rochonpublished: Aug 2, 2022genre: Romance, Contemporary, Fiction368 Pages, PaperbackGoodReads Link Previous Books in this Series:The Boyfriend Project #1The Dating Playbook #2 I. Characters The final installment in this series follows London, a pediatric surgeon, and, Drew a partner with a consulting firm hired to review the operations and finances of the hospital where… Continue reading The Hookup Plan
The Dating Playbook
by: Farrah Rochonpublished: Aug 17, 2021genre: Romance, Contemporary, Fiction384 Pages, PaperbackGoodReads Link Previous Book in this Series --> The Boyfriend Project #1 This review is going to be easy because it's pretty much going to mimic my review of book #1. I. Characters This story follows Taylor and Jamar - or Diesel Dixon, as he… Continue reading The Dating Playbook
A Love Song for Ricki Wilde
by: Tia Williamspublished: Feb 6, 2024genre: Romance, Contemporary, Fiction352 Pages, E-Book ARC Courtesy of NetGalleyGoodReads Link Tia. Tia. Tia. I love a good love story but, I am missing something with this one. Something just wasn't coming all the way together for me. I. Characters One thing I cannot discredit about this book is the… Continue reading A Love Song for Ricki Wilde
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