Mile Long TBR

Romance

Six Degrees of Separation: From Anne Tyler to Jojo Moyes in Six Books

     milelongtbr      4 Comments

Hi, Friends!

In January I was introduced to the concept of a bookish game of six degrees of separation by Carla @happiestwhenreading .

The concept is simple- make a chain associating the month’s title chosen by Kate at booksaremyfavouriteandbest, and see where you end up by linking it to six other titles.

This month’s title is Anne Tyler’s latest novel, Redhead By the Side of the Road. This month includes a lot of romance- it was mostly unintentional, but by the end I really leaned in to it since it is the month for romance.

It’s a book I haven’t read and know little about, but the synopsis calls it “an intimate look into the heart and mind of a man who finds those around him just out of reach, and a funny, joyful, deeply compassionate story about seeing the world through new eyes.”

That immediately brought to mind another book with a man in similar circumstances, so let’s jump in.

First Degree 

The first book that popped into my head is The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry, an absolutely charming read about a grieving widower who owns a struggling bookstore.

Like the blurb for The Redhead at the Side of the Road suggests, A.J. goes through a similar arc and ends up getting a new lease on life when something unexpected brings him more than he could have ever imagined. This is a book that I hold close to my heart and recommend that anyone give it a chance.

Second Degree 

Nina Hill is a kindred spirit and this is another book that instantly became one that I loved.

Not only does the title have the protagonist’s name in it like the above title, but it’s also set in a book shop and the character goes through a major transformation when her family and horizons expand.

Third Degree

Yes, we have more names in the title here, but the main thing that makes me choose Josh + Hazel as the next link is that both books include a scene set at “trivia night” that is one of my favorite parts of each book.

Josh + Hazel is one of my absolute favorite romance novels – I love the quirky Hazel and more reserved Josh and their efforts to find love- with other people.

He’s Korean-American and I love the way the authors incorporated his culture, family, and Korean cooking into the story.

Fourth Degree 

When I think about books that make you hungry with food descriptions Jasmine Guillory is always top of the list. Add in dating with different cultures and a gang of friends and we’re at The Proposal.

I’d still love to get Carlo’s family recipe for enchiladas to try someday!

Fifth Degree

One look at the cover tells you The Proposal deals with romance and baseball and The Bromance Book Club nails both of those topics!

I can’t believe I waited so long to read this one after seeing everyone rave about it!

This is book number one in the series and I can’t wait to get my hands on the next books!

Sixth Degree

Thinking about books where I’ve only read the first in the series Me Before You is the obvious choice.

In this case it’s not because I only just discovered the books or because I didn’t love book one.

It’s because I’ve never cried so hard reading a book as I did in Me Before You and it has me a little hesitant to give the next one a go. I definitely will one day, but have to be in the right headspace for such emotional reads!

Well, there you have it! From The Redhead at the Side of the Road to Me Before You in 6 steps! 

If you joined in this challenge please do comment below so I can go see where this title took you!


Next month (March 6, 2021), the challenge starts with Phosphorescence by Julia Baird. I hope you’ll play along and check back to see where the journey takes us.

December Reading Wrap Up

     milelongtbr      8 Comments

Hi, friends!

I’m a little bit late getting my monthly wrap-up posted for December, largely because I read 14 books making it one of my biggest reading months ever.

These were all enjoyable reads, but for this post, I’m breaking them down into books I loved and books I liked. Let’s get started!

Books I Loved

1. Be Dazzled by Ryan La Sala

First, we have this Queer YA romance. I’m so glad  I read this book in the final days of 2020- it immediately slid in to take a spot as one of my 5 Favorite YA reads of the year. 

This book is an absolutely delightful YA read. I love the characters Raffy and Luca and their journey as they navigate first loves and coming out, as well as how to really show up for each other.

The premise of the Cosplay competition a’ la Project Runway was so much fun, and I absolutely loved it even though I’ve never been to a Comic-Con. 

Many thanks to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for the advance copy.

2. Little Cruelties by Liz Nugent

Next up is this multigenerational family drama. Little Cruelties is a completely engrossing read. I couldn’t put the book down as I tried to find out what would happen next to the Drumm brothers.

This book is dark and twisted, the Drumms are anything but a happy family, and their continual betrayals and cruelties to each other are awful yet in families things are often more complex than they appear.

Read this if you like reading about dysfunctional families or enjoyed Ask Again, Yes.

Many thanks to Scout Press and NetGalley for the advance copy.

3. The Rib King by Ladee Hubbard

The Rib King is a riveting work of literary historical fiction centering around black employees in a white household struggling to maintain their affluent lifestyle. The characters in this book are so complex and fascinating- they are ones that will stay with you long after finishing the book.

The author has seamlessly woven the history of the time and commentary on a number of social issues such as race and class disparities into a fascinating narrative. Despite the story being set 100 years ago, the issues raised are still relevant today, making this an especially important read.

Many thanks to Amistad and NetGalley for the advance copy.

4. The Truths We Hold by Kamala Harris

Hearing the story of our soon-to-be Madame Vice President in her own words was nothing short of inspiring, and reading this book left me confident in her leadership.

This book tells Harris’ story of being raised by a single mother who challenged her and taught her to believe in herself in her abilities. It goes on to talk about her early career in politics and the policies she believes in the most.

So much of Kamala’s appeal is in her relatability and insistence that government must work for everyone- even those in the most marginalized groups, and this book shows both her heart and struggle which is why she is a fantastic leader.

5. The Bromance Book Club by Lyssa Kay Adams

I’ve seen a lot of buzz about these books and finially decided to see what the hype is about. Well, it lived up to it, guys!

With his marriage on the line Minor League Baseball player Gavin joins the Bromance Book Club – a gathering of guys who read romance novels in an attempt to keep the ladies in their lives happy.

This book is funny, sweet, and steamy and easily became one of my favorite romances of the year. Now I just need to get a hold of the rest of the series!

6. After All I’ve Done by Mina Hardy

“She’s lost her best friend, her husband–and possibly, her mind.”

After All I’ve Done a delightfully twisted domestic suspense/thriller with multiple POVs, and the ultimate unreliable narrator- one dealing with memory loss. I did figure out a couple of the surprises relatively early on in the book, but there were a lot that I didn’t guess, some that were absolutely shocking.

This was an enjoyable psychological thriller and I look forward to reading more from the author.

I loved the multiple narrators for the alternating points of view and thought they each brought something unique and exciting to the story. Highly recommend the audio.

Many thanks to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for the advance copy.

7. The Mystery of Mrs. Christie by Marie Benedict

I’ve been an Agatha Christie fan for about 20 years- I couldn’t have been more than ten years old when my mother first gave me a copy of And Then There Were None. In the years since then I’ve reread that favorite many times and regularly read other titles by the author.

This book imagines what may have happened surrounding the author’s mysterious 11-day disappearance in 1926. There are a number of details about Christie’s life as well as a book within a book, making this the perfect read for fans of her work.

8. Dear Child by Romy Hausmann

Hausmann has given us a complex and well written psychological thriller. There are so many twists, yet the story is never hard to follow.

This is an impressive debut and I look forward to reading more from the author, though I did feel the ending was a little rushed, especially in comparison to the depth earlier in the book. Still an enjoyable standout thriller.


Many thanks to Flatiron Books and NetGalley for the advance copy.

Books I Enjoyed

9. Dear Emmie Blue by Lia Louis

Dear Emmie Blue is such a charming and heartfelt read! It has such a lightness, just like Emmie’s balloon and there are so many good and kind characters that it warms my heart.

Much more than a romance novel, this is a story of unexpected things giving us far more than the plans we have in mind.

Many thanks to Emily Bestler Books and NetGalley for the advance copy.

10. The Perfect Guests by Emma Rous

After enjoying Rous’s debut novel The Au Pair I was eager to read more from her.

The Perfect Guests is a gothic thriller full of suspense, family drama, and multiple timelines. I love the “Clue” and Agatha Christie vibes, as the guests are summoned to a dinner party at Raven Hall, a long abanonded mansion, for a game.

Sadie is desperate, so she accepts the job acting as a guest in a murder mystery . But could it be too good to be true? She soon learns of a tragedy that occured there years ago, when the previous owners lived there. But is something sinister still inhabiting Raven Hall?

I had some suspicions that ended up being correct, but there were so many twists that therer were still a ton of surprises in store. I love how everything connected, albiet in a very tangled way.

Many thanks to Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley for the advance copy.

11. The Wife Upstairs by Rachel Hawkins

The Wife Upstairs is Jane Eyre reimagined as a modern gothic thriller set in Alabama, where Jane meets recently widowed Eddie Rochester.

Jane sets her sights on him, but she may be in for more than she’d realize as it becomes clear he’s not just mysterious- he’s hiding something. I loved all the twists and how Hawkings pays homage to the Bronte classic throughout the novel while giving readers a new book.

It’s a suspenseful and twisted book full of surprises, and I think Jane Eyre fans will appreciate it and thriller and domestic suspense readers will love the book as well.

Many thanks to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the advance copy.

12. Too Much and Never Enough by Mary L. Trump

This book by Mary L. Trump, the President’s niece reveals Trump family history that lead to him becoming the man he is. There are also a number of details of the questionable choices and actions he’s made over the decades.

The author is a psychologist, so this adds another level of insight to her revelations. Many parts of the books are hard to read. Still, Mary L. Trump’s insight is something that is worth being shared and I’m glad I read this book for deeper understanding.

13. In a Holidaze by Christina Lauren

This cute Christmas romance was a fun read for the holidays!

Mae gets stuck reliving her Christmas holiday after an accident sends her back to the past. The Groundhog Day vibes were fun, though I was honestly expecting more of an emotional punch with this one.

Still, it’s a fun ride as Mae realizes that this may just be an opportunity for her to save her annual holiday spot and reveal her feelings for her longtime crush.

14. The Hunting Party by Lucy Foley

Finally, we have this chilling wintery thriller by Lucy Foley. A group of friends goes away to celebrate the new year, but one of them doesn’t make it home.

With close quarters, no outside access to their remote location, and enough tension that anyone could have a motive it’s clear that one in the group is a killer.

This book had a lot of tension and I loved the atmosphere and messy character relationships, though the book wasn’t quite as shocking as I’d hoped. Still, it’s a fast and readable thriller- perfect for snowy days!

There you have it, friends!

One of my best reading months ever to wrap up the wild year that was 2020.

Have you read any of these titles? If not, I hope you’ve at least found one to add to your own TBR!

Tell me one of your favorite December 2020 reads in the comments!

The Stationery Shop by Marjan Kamali

     milelongtbr      2 Comments

The Stationery Shop Reviiew


Last week I read The Stationery Shop by Marjan Kamali, a novel weaving the history of Iran with a love story that spans decades.

The anniversary of one of the pivitol events is today, 19 August, so first let’s take a look at some of the lesser known history and then read on for a full review of The Stationery Shop.

The History:

The only thing new in the world is the history you don’t know.

Harry S. Truman

This quote is part of the epigraph for The Stationery Shop, which is very fitting considering the history surrounding the story.

On 19 August 1953 in Iran there was a coup overthrowing Prime Minister Mosaddegh, the democratically elected leader of Iran. Close to 300 were killed as a result of the violence that day. 

The US CIA would not publicly acknowledge their involvement until 60 years later, after decades of denial. Britain’s MI6 was also involved.

That day’s events were said to have “left a profound and long-lasting legacy” on the country of Iran. 

I’ve included some videos that go into more detail about the coup and the political and economical factors which lead to it.

Breaking news in 2013 when US involvement in the coup was confirmed.
This video goes more in-depth about the coup and the political and economical situation that lead up to it.

Synopsis:

For the characters in the book, that fateful day in August 1953 forever changed the course of their lives.

Before: In the months leading up to the coup Roya, a teenage girl living in Theran is dreaming of a bright future. Her father wants her to be independent and educated in a time and place where this is not the norm for women. The Stationery Shop is her refuge, filled with books and kind shopkeeper who always let her sit and read poetry. 

Then she meets a boy. Bahman, a boy with high hopes as well, a boy who will change the world. Roya falls in love with him.

Unfortunately, forces beyond their control threaten their blossoming relationship.

Analysis:

This book was absolutely beautiful. It’s drawn comparisons to both Khaled Hosseini’s novels and Nicholas Sparks’ The Notebook. While there are certain similarities, The Stationery Shop is something unique and mesmerizing, but just as sure to tug at your heartstrings as those books. Like with A Thousand Splendid Suns I sobbed through the final pages of The Stationery Shop, though the story was not nearly as harrowing.

I loved reading this book for so many reasons. The characters were so enderaring, and I especially loved Roya’s relationship with her father.

The discussion on the treatment of mental health and women’s health issues in Iranian culture was also insightful and important. It’s something that I haven’t seen much about, and I was thankful to see Kamali’s treatment of these subjects.

Takeaway:

The Stationery Shop is a beautiful five-star read. It blurs the lines between the historical fiction, contemporary fiction, and romance genres, making for an unforgettable story that will stay with you.

Content Warning:

miscarriage, death, death of child, mental illness, violent death, abortion,

The Switch by Beth O’Leary Review

     milelongtbr      Leave a Comment

The Switch has been one of my most anticipated book releases of the year, and it’s finially here! Keep reading to see if it lived up to my expectations- and the high standard set by Beth O’Leary’s debut novel The Flatshare.

Synopsis:

The Switch is a charming novel about two women- grandmother and granddaughter who both find themselves in need of a change of scenery.

When Leena is ordered to take a two-month sabbatical from her high-pressure job in London, she decides to go her grandma Eileen’s house in the English countryside for a change of pace.

Eileen, almost 70 and newly single, needs a change of pace as well and decides to switch lives with her granddaughter.

She moves to London and starts online dating while Leena stays in her hometown and tries to mend her relationship with her mother and unplug from her hectic corporate life.

Analysis:

Obviously, there are growing pains as each woman adjusts to her new life, and this provides some great comedy as Elieen learns about dating in the age of technology, and Leena has to learn to live without her devices.

This book was so much more than a cute comedy, though.

In the style I’m coming to expect from Beth, she discusses some darker things; in this case grief and loss.

While the plot of The Switch seems very different from the Flatshare, they are both lovely books with similarities. They explore family relationships, juxtapose serious realities with fun, charming story lines, and have characters you can’t help loving.

Audiobook Review:

This was such an endearing and fun story, and I love the dual narrators who brought the story to life. They did a great job with the characters of Leena and Eileen and kept the pacing of the book consistent.

This book is a great one to listen to on Audio. You can listen on Libro.fm and get a free book for signing up!

Takeaway:

I absolutely adored this book. It’s such a heartwarming read, and offers a much-needed escape and breath of fresh air to your summer TBR. It really is the feel-good book we need right now.

I definitely recommend The Switch- and considering the audiobook format if that’s something you enjoy.

I rated the book four-stars, though looking back I can easily see myself rounding up to five-stars of pure joy.

Many thanks to Macmillian Audio and NetGalley for the advance listening copy.

June Reading Wrap-up

     milelongtbr      1 Comment

june stack @milelongtbr

June ended up being a pretty good reading month for me, especially because when the month started I’d been in a bit of a slump.

I ended up reading 9 books, though I included Jane Eyre on my wrap-up stack because I’ll be finishing it soon and it’s my classic book pick for the month.

Of the 9 books I finished, so many of them I absolutely loved, and while a few of them I struggled to give some of them a starred rating, they were all four and five star reads for me.

My June reading goals took a dramatic shift, because while I initially thought this would be the month of the thriller for me, I didn’t finish a single one. Instead, I reassessed my reading, prioritized books by BIPOC authors, LGBTQ perspectives, and I unexpectedly fell in love with YA again. It had been a year since I’ve read a YA book, and I read three this month!

Despite my reading plans changing, I’m very happy with everything I’ve read and several of the titles have the potential to change ratings and earn my “all the stars” rating.

June Five-Star Reads

Felix Ever After by Kacen Callender

This book spoke to my heart more than I could ever have anticipated and also helped rekindle my love for the YA genre.

You can’t help but love Felix and root for him as he tries to navigate high school, his future, and figuring out who he is. And as a trans-boy none of that comes easily.

This is my first time reading a book from a trans perspective and as much as I loved the character, voice, and story, this book will forever stand out to me for the insight it provides about identity, marginalization, and how much the same we all are, despite our differences.

I’m Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness by Austin Channing Brown


I’m Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness is a powerful book that explores author  Austin Channing Brown’s experiences with racial inequality.
⁣
⁣ From her upbringing in a white neighborhood in Ohio to her career working in predominantly white offices she’s dealt with it all; microaggressions from “nice” white people, discrimination, being the target of racial slurs, and looks of disbelief that she is, in fact, the person in charge.
⁣
⁣While I classify the book as a memoir, this isn’t merely a personal account of one Black woman. That’s not to say that all Black stories are the same, but rather that  Brown has done a phenomenal job of discussing the broader scope of how these experiences are shared in the Black community, and examining why these problems exist & why they’re harmful.
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⁣This book reaffirms so much of what we’ve been hearing over the past month about structural racism,  white fragility, & social justice. ⁣It’s a must-read for these times and those working to be a better antiracist ally. Check out my full review of I’m Still Here.

Beartown by Fredrik Backman

Beartown was one of those books I knew I was going to love, but put off actually reading for way too long.

Well, luckily I recommended it to a friend, which gave me the motivation to finally take it off my TBR.

Leave it to Fredrick Backman to give us characters that take up your heart, and a story that utterly destroys it.

This small hockey town will never be the same after what happens, and neither will I. Backman’s simple prose cuts right to the core and the book made me feel the full spectrum of emotions in such a visceral way. I look forward to reading more in this series.

On the Come Up by Angie Thomas

Despite reading nothing but rave reviews about On The Come Up, I didn’t think it would be a book that interested me. I haven’t been reading much YA, I’m not especially a fan of rap music… blah, blah.

Well, I’m happy to say I could not have been more wrong. I absolutely adored this book, especially listening to the rap parts on audiobook.

On The Come Up has so much to say, and the message is especially relevant to the conversations about white privilege as Bri is profiled and mistreated by the security officers at her school.

This book is funny and full of heart as much as it is hard truths. I loved the characters Thomas gave us and especially that Bri is more focused on pursuing her passion than she is on boys. I’m looking forward to reading more from her.


⁣

The Last Train to Key West

I am a huge fan of Chanel Cleeton, so it should come as little surprise that I loved The Last Train to Key West and binged it in under 12 hours.


Cleeton has quickly become one of my favorite writers in the historical fiction genre, so I couldn’t wait to get my hands on The Last Train to Key West and see what her latest adventure has in store for us.


As a Florida girl, I loved that Cleeton explored a little-known part of our state’s- and country’s history in the book. She brings us to the Great Depression Era and the Labor Day Hurricane that devastated the Keys in 1935, while the three women are under pressure from both natural and other destructive forces in their lives.

The Half Sister by Sandie Jones

“It’s funny what we thought the other one had.”

The Half Sister by Sandie Jones is a gripping domestic suspense novel perfect for fans of her earlier books and those who enjoy fast-paced novels exploring the dark secrets and inner workings of families.

Kate and Lauren have never been the closest sisters, but the months after their fathers’ death has only brought them further apart. Then one day a young woman shows up with the news that they share the same father, something confirmed by an online DNA test, and these four women; Lauren, Kate, their mother Rose, and half-sister Jess try to make sense of the man they knew and find the truth.

But with each of them guarding secrets from one another, will they ever find out what really happened? Or will they end up destroying each other in the process?

Many thanks to St. Martin’s Press; Minotaur Books, and NetGalley for the advance copy.

June Four-Star Reads

The Boyfriend Project by Farrah Rochan

A strong lead, supportive female friendships, and plenty of steam… what more could you ask for from a contemporary romance?

Not only is the book a fun read, it also explores some important and relevant themes like the discrimination faced by black women in the workplace and the pressure society places on women to be with a man.

This book had great character development! I loved seeing Samiah and Daniel come together and look forward to reading the next books in this series.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Forever Publishing for the advance copy. Check out my full review of The Boyfriend Project here.

Boyfriend Material by Alexis Hall

Boyfriend Material by Alexis Hall is a fun, flirty romance about Luc, a man finding himself in a bit of a mess. Though only peripherally famous- his parents were rock stars decades ago- the paparazzi still to catch him at his worst moments, much to the dismay of his job at a charity where he’s expected to appear to have it together for the donors he’s courting. To improve his image and keep his job, Luc needs the right man on his arm- so he sets out to find someone to be photographed with and take to his work fundraising event as his “boyfriend.”

The only person he can find is Oliver- the last person on earth he wants to spend time with. The complete opposite of Luc, Oliver has it all together. A rising career as a lawyer, a perfect body, a socially conscious world-view. They reluctantly begin “dating” but realize they may enjoy spending time with each other more than either of them realized.

While this book initially appears light and fun, there is some great character development here as Luc and Oliver both come to realize things about themselves that’s more than you’d expect from the average romance novel. There’s also the discussion of the homophobia and mistreatment the men are subject to in their personal and professional lives, making this a book.

While you’ll enjoy the fake-dating trope, British humor, and witty banter, this book has a lot more substance and is definitely one to read and think about.

Many thanks to Sourcebooks Casablanca and NetGalley for the advance copy.

By the Book by Amanda Sellet

By the Book by Amanda Sellet is a charming modern retelling of Persuasion, and the YA book is sure to be enjoyed by teen and adult readers alike.

Mary Porter-Malcolm lives her life by the book, always looking to classic literature to find answers about life. While this is something many bookworms can relate to, she finds that her books don’t all translate well to public high school, and when she finds herself after a career at a smaller school. She’s got a lot to learn if she’s going to make it through high school in one piece. and with the new group of friends she sets out to learn about normal teenage experiences while introducing the girls to the lessons she’s learned from her beloved books. Some things, though, you just have to experience for yourself. The book is filled with quirky characters, myriad literary references, and plenty of moments that will make you laugh.

Many thanks to HMH Books for Young Readers and NetGalley for the advance copy.

Well, there you have it: my June Reading Wrap-up! I loved each of these books, and if any of the titles sound interesting to you definitely add it to your summer TBR!

Go check me out on Instagram to hear more about what I’m reading!

Upcoming Romance by BIPOC Authors

     milelongtbr      Leave a Comment

BIPOC Romance books

I’ve seen many great, diverse reading lists pop up around the internet but wanted to extend this to highlight upcoming releases of fiction by BIPOC authors. These 6 romance titles that are scheduled for publication in the coming months are perfect to add to your TBR.

With so many of us committing to diversify our reading in light of current events, it’s important to remember to keep reading books from BIOPC authors even when it’s not “trendy.”

Keeping up with upcoming book releases can be a great way to do that. Whether you’re looking for books to keep your teens busy this summer or want to get lost in a good read yourself, this is the perfect list.

This list features 6 romance novels from BIPOC authors in general fiction and romance. They’re all are set to be published in the next few months and are currently available to read now or request on NetGalley.

If you have already bought and read other recommended titles by BIPOC authors, are on a tight budget, or simply want to help amplify BIPOC writers by supporting their emerging titles, this can be a fantastic way to get more relevant titles to read.

I have listed the publisher and scheduled U.S. publication date with each title, but please bear in mind that these may vary based on your country and that COVID-19 has impacted a number of publication dates, so these are subject to change.

Unlike most of my recommendations, the books on this list are not all ones which I have read personally, but am suggesting for those trying to find new and diverse romance stories by BIPOC.

They all sound like great choices, and if you aren’t approved through NetGalley I’d consider preordering a physical copy from a Black-owned bookstore.

Romance Novels by BIPOC : 

The Wrong Mr. Darcy by Evelyn Lozada

This book is set to release on 25 August 2020 by St. Martin’s Press

NetGalley Description:

In Evelyn Lozada and Holly Lorincz’s lightly inspired Pride and Prejudice romantic comedy, two unlikely people discover the error of judging by first impressions and the beauty of family, friendship and love. This book will entice you through the last page.

Hara Isari has big ambitions and they won’t be sidetracked by her mother’s insisting that she settle down soon. She dreams of leaving her small-town newspaper behind, as well as her felon father, and building a career as a sports writer, so when she is chosen to exclusively interview a basketball superstar, she jumps at the chance. It’s time to show the bigwigs what she’s truly made of.

At the same time, she meets a rookie on the rise, Derek Darcy. Darcy is incredibly handsome, obnoxiously proud, and has a major chip on his shoulder. Hara can’t think of a man more arrogant and infuriating. However, fate keeps bringing them together—from locker rooms to elegant parties, to the storm of the century—and what begins as a clash might just be more complicated than Hara anticipated. When she begins to see Darcy in a new light, Hara is not quite sure if she should drop the ball or play the love game.

Ties That Tether by Jane Igharo

This book is set to be published on 29 September 2020 by Berkley Publishing group. 

NetGalley Description: 

When a Nigerian woman falls for a man she knows will break her mother’s heart, she must choose between love and her family.

At twelve years old, Azere promised her dying father she would marry a Nigerian man and preserve her culture, even after immigrating to Canada. Her mother has been vigilant about helping—well forcing—her to stay within the Nigerian dating pool ever since. But when another match-made-by-mom goes wrong, Azere ends up at a bar, enjoying the company and later sharing the bed of Rafael Castellano, a man who is tall, handsome, and…white.

When their one-night stand unexpectedly evolves into something serious, Azere is caught between her feelings for Rafael and the compulsive need to please her mother. Soon, Azere can’t help wondering if loving Rafael makes her any less of a Nigerian. Can she be with him without compromising her identity? The answer will either cause Azere to be audacious and fight for her happiness or continue as the compliant daughter.

How to Fail at Flirting by Denise Williams

This book is scheduled to be published by Berkley Publishing Group on 01 December 2020.

NetGalley Description:


NetGalley Description:

One daring to-do list and a crash course in flirtation turn a Type A overachiever’s world upside down.

When her flailing department lands on the university’s chopping block, Professor Naya Turner’s friends convince her to shed her frumpy cardigan for an evening on the town. For one night her focus will stray from her demanding job and she’ll tackle a new kind of to-do list. When she meets a charming stranger in town on business, he presents the perfect opportunity to check off the items on her list. Let the guy buy her a drink. Check. Try something new. Check. A no-strings-attached hookup.  Check…almost.

Jake makes her laugh and challenges Naya to rebuild her confidence, which was left toppled by her abusive ex-boyfriend. Soon she’s flirting with the chance at a more serious romantic relationship—except nothing can be that easy. The complicated strings around her dating Jake might destroy her career.

Naya has two options. She can protect her professional reputation and return to her old life or she can flirt with the unknown and stay with the person who makes her feel like she’s finally living again.

You Had Me At Hola by Alexis Daria

This book is scheduled to be published on 04 August 2020 by Harper Collins Publishers.

NetGalley Description: 

“Soapy, smart and so sexy… with vibrant characters and electric chemistry comparable to the telenovelas that inspired it, you’ll be thrilled You Had Me At Hola doesn’t come with commercials!”–Sarah MacLean, New York Times bestselling author

RITA® Award Winning author Alexis Daria brings readers an unforgettable, hilarious rom-com set in the drama-filled world of telenovelas—perfect for fans of Jane the Virgin and The Kiss Quotient.

Leading Ladies do not end up on tabloid covers. 

After a messy public breakup, soap opera darling Jasmine Lin Rodriguez finds her face splashed across the tabloids. When she returns to her hometown of New York City to film the starring role in a bilingual romantic comedy for the number one streaming service in the country, Jasmine figures her new “Leading Lady Plan” should be easy enough to follow—until a casting shake-up pairs her with telenovela hunk Ashton Suárez. 

Leading Ladies don’t need a man to be happy. 

After his last telenovela character was killed off, Ashton is worried his career is dead as well. Joining this new cast as a last-minute addition will give him the chance to show off his acting chops to American audiences and ping the radar of Hollywood casting agents. To make it work, he’ll need to generate smoking-hot on-screen chemistry with Jasmine. Easier said than done, especially when a disastrous first impression smothers the embers of whatever sexual heat they might have had. 

Leading Ladies do not rebound with their new costars. 

With their careers on the line, Jasmine and Ashton agree to rehearse in private. But rehearsal leads to kissing, and kissing leads to a behind-the-scenes romance worthy of a soap opera. While their on-screen performance improves, the media spotlight on Jasmine soon threatens to destroy her new image and expose Ashton’s most closely guarded secret.

Destination Wedding by Diksha Basu

This book is scheduled to be published on  30 June 2020 by Ballantine Books.

NetGalley Description:

From the internationally bestselling author of The Windfall. . . . What could go wrong at a lavish Indian wedding with your best friend and your entire family?

“A witty and romantic novel perfect for all readers.”—Terry McMillan, author of It’s Not All Downhill From Here

When Tina Das finds herself at a crossroads both professionally and personally, she wonders if a weeklong trip to Delhi for her cousin’s lavish wedding might be just the right kind of escape. Maybe a little time away from New York will help get her mind straight about her stalled career, her recent breakup, and her nagging suspicion that she’ll never feel as at home in America as she does in India. Tina hopes this destination wedding, taking place at Delhi’s poshest country club, Colebrookes, will be the perfect way to reflect and unwind. 

But with the entire Das family in attendance, a relaxing vacation is decidedly not in the cards. Her amicably divorced parents are each using the occasion to explore new love interests—for her mother, a white American boyfriend, for her father, an Indian widow arranged by an online matchmaker—and Tina’s squarely in the middle. A former fling is unexpectedly on the guest list, a work opportunity is blurring the lines of propriety on several fronts, and her best friend Marianne’s terrible penchant for international playboys is poised to cause all sorts of chaos back home. The accommodations are swanky, the alcohol is top-shelf, but this family wedding may be more drama than Tina can bear and could finally force her to make the choices she’s spent much of her life avoiding.

Infused with warmth and charm, Destination Wedding grapples with the nuances of family, careers, belonging, and how we find the people who make a place feel like home.

The Single Mom’s Second Chance by Kathy Douglass

This book’s scheduled publication date is 21 Jul 2020 by Harlequin Special Edition.

NetGalley Description:


In Harlequin Special Edition stories, relate to finding comfort and strength in the support of loved ones and enjoy the journey no matter what life throws your way. Believe in love. Overcome obstacles. Find happiness.

She could use a shoulder to lean on…

“We’ll get through this. I promise.”Facing the fight of her life after a cancer diagnosis, widow Roz Martin is forced to ask her estranged brother-in-law to help care for her children. Being there for his nieces and nephew is a no-brainer for gym owner Paul Stephens. But being there for the woman who’d betrayed him by marrying his half brother is hard. Especially when he discovers the feelings he once had for Roz never died…

The books on this list are a great starting point for upcoming romance by BIPOC authors.

Please keep publication dates in mind as reading and posting timely and constructive reviews to retail sites is a great way to amplify BIPOC voices.

And, of course, also consider requesting your local library buy these books, purchasing a copy for family or friends (preferably from a Black-owned bookstore), posting honest favorable reviews to retailer sites, and searching for backlist titles by one of these authors.

Start reading these romance books by BIPOC authors and stay tuned for more upcoming own voice titles in nonfiction.

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