Buzz Books 2025: Romance by Publishers Lunch

 Book Excerpt:

"Welcome to Buzz Books: Romance 2025! This edition of our longstanding, much-beloved Buzz Books series includes 18 excerpts from some of the buzziest upcoming romance titles of the year. Whether you are an avid romance reader or are curious about this fast-growing genre, this edition has something for everyone. At the end of most excerpts, you will find a link to download or request the full galley—exclusive to the NetGalley edition!

Discover compelling stories from acclaimed authors, including Alexandria Bellefleur, Kate Clayborn, Emily McIntire, Lauren Rowe, and Nikki St. Crowe, alongside exciting debuts from Taylor Esposito, Jessica M. Felleman, Jaclyn Rodriguez, and Edward Schmit.

This diverse collection spans young adult, new adult, and adult romance across multiple beloved subgenres and tropes: sports romance, contemporary romance, dark romance, romantasy, Greek mythology retellings, Western romance, enemies-to-lovers, second chance romance, and more.

New for this edition of Buzz Books Romance, we've not only given you a guide to the age category of the titles, but also a heat level. We hope this guides your reading choices.

Finally, if you love this edition, be sure to keep an eye out for our following publication, Buzz Books: Spring/Summer 2026."

Title:  Buzz Books 2025

Author:  Publishers Lunch

Publisher:  Publishers Lunch BUZZ BOOKS

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"Buzz Books 2025" by Publishers Lunch

My Insight:  

"Welcome to Buzz Books: Romance 2025! This edition of our beloved Buzz Books series includes 18 excerpts from some of the most anticipated upcoming romance titles of the year. Whether you are an avid romance reader or simply curious about this fast-growing genre, this edition has something for everyone. At the end of most excerpts, you will find a link to download or request the full galley, which is exclusive to this NetGalley edition! Discover compelling stories from acclaimed authors, including Alexandria Bellefleur, Kate Clayborn, Emily McIntire, Lauren Rowe, and Nikki St. Crowe, along with exciting debuts from Taylor Esposito, Jessica M. Felleman, Jaclyn Rodriguez, and Edward Schmit. This diverse collection spans young adult, new adult, and adult romance across multiple beloved subgenres and tropes: sports romance, contemporary romance, dark romance, romantasy, Greek mythology retellings, Western romance, enemies-to-lovers, second chance romance, and more. New for this edition of Buzz Books Romance, we've provided not only a guide to the age categories of the titles but also a heat level. We hope this assists you in making your reading choices. Finally, if you enjoy this edition, be sure to keep an eye out for our next publication, Buzz Books: Spring/Summer 2026."

FIGHT FOR YOU: A Standalone Scottish BWWM Romance (MacKenzie Crime Family) Kindle Edition by Amarie Avant

 Book Excerpt:

"He promised to save me. Then he left me behind....

JORDYN

Jamie MacKenzie was my light in a childhood of captivity—until his clan ripped him away and left me in the dark.
Now, he's back. No longer a boy, but a battle-hardened ex-Marine, armed with vengeance and regrets.
He says he'll burn the world to the ground to free me—even if I fight him every step of the way. But I'm not just haunted by my past... I belong to a ruthless Bratva tsar who branded me as his. And he won't let me go without a war.

JAMIE

I failed Jordyn once. I'll never make that mistake again.
She doesn't trust me. Doesn't want saving.
But I'm done letting others hurt her.
I'll go to war with the Russian who owns her—or the family I was born into—if that's what it takes.
Clan MacKenzie doesn't forgive betrayal. And neither do I.
 
This fierce, emotionally charged BWWM romantic thriller is packed with heart, vengeance, and high-stakes redemption. While this story contains mature themes, including trafficking and the loss of a child, these elements are handled with care and sensitivity; reader discretion is advised. At its heart of the suspense is a story about finding light in the darkest places—and the fierce, unrelenting fight to reclaim hope, love, and freedom."

Title:  Fight For You

Author:  Amarie Avant

Publisher:  A. A.

Series:  MacKenzie Crime Family

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five

Review:

'FIGHT FOR YOU: A Standalone Scottish BWWM Romance (MacKenzie Crime Family), by Amarie Avant 

My Insight:

"Fight For You" offers a breathtaking love story set against the fascinating backdrop of the Scottish mob. The profound bond between Jamie and Jordyn radiates throughout their emotional journey, especially as Jamie fiercely fights to rescue Jordyn after her kidnapping. Their path to healing and personal growth unfolds with grace, delivering an uplifting message about the incredible power of love. Get ready for a thrilling rollercoaster of emotions—suspense, romance, and drama come together with themes of betrayal and mistrust. The author skillfully spins a captivating tale centered around the mysterious MacKenzie Crime Family, perfectly immersing readers in a world where love stands strong against life’s challenges. Prepare to be swept into an unforgettable adventure!

Sinful Submission: A Dark Why Choose Trilogy Kindle Edition by Stephanie Nicole Norris

Book Excerpt:

"Three men. One woman. When danger and desire collide.

They thrive on the thrill of the chase, unapologetic in their pursuit to consistently hit their mark—or get their woman. Businessmen by day, hitmen by night, these frat brothers live, work, and kill together. They're dangerous, raw, and too ruthless for their best friend's little sister, who should be off-limits to them, especially with an enemy who is constantly circulating in their orbit. They could get her killed if they aren't careful. Yet, one by one, they each get sucked deeper into her intoxicating web as the morally gray lines begin to blur and they realize that the only way to move forward is to succumb to their desires ... and share her.

Resort tycoon Titan Valentine is a merciless, beautiful monster in a tailored suit who dances the thin line between power and danger. Santari Lake mistook his quiet, commanding presence for survival, but she didn't realize she'd become the flame he aches to be consumed by. Every time he holds back, it's not mercy... It's foreplay. And when she finally offers her submission, he loses the hold on his control completely."

Title:  Sinful Submission

Author:  Stephanie Nicole Norris

Publisher:   Love Is A Drug Ink LLC

Series:  A Dark Why Choose Trilogy

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five

Review:

"Sinful Submission" by Stephanie Nicole Norris

My Insight: 

'Sinful Submission: A Dark Why Choose Trilogy' is a complete and satisfying read, offering a window into the world of the Valentines, with a spotlight on Titan and Santari.   The story is presented in a way that will keep you turning the pages, with all your questions answered in this incredible narrative.  To fully appreciate the series, I recommend reading the entire trilogy.  

His Royal Enemy: Elite Alliance (The Royals of Kéra Asnela) Kindle Edition by Stephanie Nicole Norris

 Book Excerpt:

"The crown awaits Prince Remington Winthrope as he prepares to become King of Kéra Asnela. When assassination attempts threaten not only his life but the stability of his kingdom, he turns to the most unlikely royal: Princess Izara of Myriad, the daughter of his imprisoned enemies.

Brought to Winthrope Estate Palace as both informant and prisoner, Izara finds herself caught between loyalty to her homeland and an unexpected attraction to the man who holds her family captive.

Their verbal vitriol creates a hostile relationship, but proximity breeds a dangerous desire that threatens everything they've fought for."

Title: His Royal Enemy

Author:  Stephanie Nicole Norris

Publisher:    Love Is A Drug Ink LLC

Series:  The Royals of Kéra Asnela

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five

Review:

"His Royal Enemy: Elite Alliance" by Stephanie Nicole Norris

My Insight:  

'His Royal Enemy; Elite Alliance' was another excellent read from this author, offering readers some wonderful romance stories. In this series, we are given well-developed characters with a storyline that will keep readers turning the pages to the end, leaving them wanting even more. The storyline of Remington and Izara, who were enemies full of distrust, is so engaging that it will captivate you from the first page. You must pick up this good series to see how it will all turn out for them in the end.

Sparks Fly, Tempers Flare: A Young Adult Teen Drama (Blooming Book 1) Kindle Edition by Dominique Davis

Book Excerpt:

"One Tree Hill meets Friday Night Lights in this binge-worthy series where a teen's homecoming sets off a chain reaction through the community.

After her mother's death, 16-year-old Sloane Crawford reluctantly returns to her childhood home and the drama-filled small town she left behind. Moving in with her estranged father only reopens old wounds from his affair that destroyed her family.

Back at school, tensions flare as Sloane reconnects with old friends who resent her for abandoning them. Especially heated is her rocky relationship with her former best friend, Emory, the daughter of the woman her father betrayed them with.

As Sloane struggles to adapt to her new normal, long-held grudges threaten to boil over. To move forward, she'll have to confront the fractured bonds left in the ashes of her family's traumatic history. But finding forgiveness won't be easy in a place where the past refuses to stay buried."

Title:  Sparks Fly, Tempers Flare: A Young Adult Teen Drama

Author:  Dominique Davis

Published:  D.D.

Series:  Blooming Book 1

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Four

Review:

'Sparks Fly, Tempers Flare' by  Dominique Davis

My Insight:  

'Sparks Fly, Tempers Flare' weaves a complex web of relationships that leaves Sloane in a challenging situation. After witnessing her father's affair with the mother of her best friend, Emory, and the passing of her own mother, she is forced to return to her father's home. There, she must navigate the intricate dynamics with the woman who ruined her life and the stepsister who was once her closest friend.  The story delves into the complexities of love, friendship, and betrayal, keeping readers intrigued.  

Will Sloane be able to reclaim the love and friendship she so desperately craves, or will the betrayal she experienced continue to haunt her? 

The characters and storyline of 'Sparks Fly, Tempers Flare' are crafted to keep the reader engrossed, eager to see how the author weaves this compelling narrative. The story, filled with love, friendship, and betrayal, will leave readers with much to ponder long after they've turned the last page.

 

My Bully, My Aunt, & Her Final Gift Kindle Edition by Harold Phifer

 Book Excerpt:

"Every Villain doesn’t wear a mask. Sometimes she’s your aunt! Maybe, closure doesn’t come with silence, but with Reflections, Truth, & A Touch of Humor!

In "My Bully, My Aunt, and Her Final Gift", Hal revisits the complicated relationship he shared with his late Aunt Kathy, a woman who stood as the antithesis of positivity in his life. Despite her domineering and often cruel behavior, her passing left Hal with an unexpected opportunity for humor, healing, and reflection.

As he plans her memorial—a gathering that no one seems eager to attend—Hal's childhood memories resurface, pulling him back into a world shaped by his aunt's unpredictable rules and twisted philosophies. Blending heartfelt truths with laugh-out-loud moments, Hal weaves a tale of resilience, self-discovery, and ultimately, redemption. This memoir offers a lighthearted yet honest look at how even the darkest relationships can leave behind gifts of wisdom and self-awareness."

Title:  My Bully, My Aunt, & Her Final Gift

Author:  Harold Phifer

Publisher:  BookBaby

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Four

Review:

"My Bully, My Aunt, & Her Final Gift" by Harold Phifer

My Insight:  

"My Bully, My Aunt, and Her Final Gift" enveloped me in an emotional journey that lingered in my thoughts long after the final page was turned. Hal's tumultuous experiences with his seemingly pious yet cruel aunt were both shocking and profoundly eye-opening. It’s astonishing to witness how someone could embody such wickedness beneath the polished facade of righteousness. Despite the oppressive shadow cast by his aunt, Hal's resilience radiates brightly, illuminating his path as he navigates this complex and challenging relationship. This powerful narrative compels us to delve deeper into the stark realities of such situations. It truly prompts a haunting question—could this occur in real life? Absolutely! I wholeheartedly recommend this captivating read to anyone yearning for a thought-provoking and emotionally enriching experience!

Possessing the Secret of Joy (The Color Purple Collection Book 3) Kindle Edition by Alice Walker

 Book Excerpt:

"An American woman struggles with the genital mutilation she endured as a child in Africa in a New York Times bestseller, "as compelling as The Color Purple" (San Francisco Chronicle).

In Tashi's tribe, the Olinka, young girls undergo female genital mutilation as an initiation into the community. Tashi manages to avoid this fate at first, but when pressed by tribal leaders, she submits. Years later, married and living in America as Evelyn Johnson, Tashi's inner pain emerges. As she questions why such a terrifying, disfiguring sacrifice was required, she sorts through the many levels of subjugation with which she's been burdened over the years.


In Possessing the Secret of Joy, Alice Walker exposes the abhorrent practice of female genital mutilation in an unforgettable, moving novel.

This ebook features an illustrated biography of Alice Walker, including rare photos from the author's personal collection."

Title:  Possessing the Secret of Joy

Author:  Alice Walker

Publisher:  Open Road Media

Series:  The Color Purple Collection Book 3

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five

Review:

"Possessing the Secret  of Joy" by Alice Walker

My Insight:  

"Possessing the Secret of Joy" courageously tackles the challenging issue of female circumcision, and the author's sensitivity in addressing this complex topic is truly impressive. Although I found it to be a demanding read, I am so thankful I decided to dive in. For those who enjoyed "The Color Purple," you'll be delighted to encounter Tashi, the daughter-in-law of Celie, who makes a heartfelt appearance in this story.

I don't want to give too much away, but I genuinely encourage you to explore "Possessing the Secret of Joy." The author has a unique gift for bringing tough themes to life, and their storytelling is nothing short of extraordinary.

As we navigate the narrative, we are reminded of the tragic reality that many children have suffered due to this practice, with some losing their lives or facing lifelong challenges. While it may be a challenging read, it is incredibly meaningful and opens our eyes to crucial truths that deserve our attention. You won't regret picking this one up!

The Temple of My Familiar (The Color Purple Collection Book 2) Kindle Edition by Alice Walker

 Book Excerpt:

"The Pulitzer Prize–winning author of The Color Purple weaves a 'glorious and iridescent' tapestry of interrelated lives in this New York Times bestseller (Library Journal).

Includes a new letter written by the author

In The Temple of My Familiar, Celie and Shug from The Color Purple subtly shadow the lives of dozens of characters, all of whom in some way deal with the legacy of the African experience in America. From recent African immigrants, to a woman who grew up in the mixed-race rainforest communities of South America, to Celie's own granddaughter living in modern-day San Francisco, all must come to understand the brutal stories of their ancestors to come to terms with their own troubled lives.  


As Walker follows these astonishing characters, she weaves a new mythology from old fables and history, a profoundly spiritual explanation for centuries of shared African American experience.


This ebook features an illustrated biography of Alice Walker, including rare photos from the author's personal collection.


The Temple of My Familiar is the 2nd book in the Color Purple Collection, which also includes The Color Purple and Possessing the Secret of Joy."

Title:  The Temple of My Familiar

Author:  Alice Walker

Publisher:  Open Road Media

Series:  The Color Purple Collection Book 2

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"The Temple of My Familiar" by Alice Walker

My Insight:  

I thoroughly enjoyed "The Temple of My Familiar"; it’s a captivating historical novel that intricately weaves together themes and narratives, making it a remarkable continuation of the author's poignant storytelling first introduced in "The Color Purple." For the most enriching experience, I highly recommend diving into that book first, as it lays a robust foundation for understanding the depth of the characters and their journeys. 

While some sections are layered and complex, I assure you that if you persevere, everything will beautifully converge by the end. Prepare yourself to encounter a rich tapestry of fascinating characters, each with their own unique stories and insights, alongside thought-provoking themes that resonate long after you turn the last page. The unforgettable storyline is filled with emotional twists and turns that will keep you eagerly turning the pages, lost in its world. You're truly in for a literary treat! I thoroughly enjoyed "The Temple of My Familiar." It’s a captivating historical novel that intricately weaves together themes and narratives, serving as a remarkable continuation of the author's poignant storytelling first introduced in "The Color Purple." 

Blessings and Disasters A Story of Alabama by Alexis Okeowo

 Book Excerpt:

"In Alabama, we exist at the border of blessing and disaster…."

'Alexis Okeowo grew up in Montgomery—the former seat of the Confederacy—as the daughter of Nigerian immigrants. Here, she weaves her family's story with Alabama's, defying stereotypes about her endlessly complex, often-pigeonholed home state. She immerses us in a landscape dominated today not by cotton fields but by Amazon warehouses, encountering high-powered Christian business leaders lobbying for tribal sovereignty and small-town women coming out against conservative politics. Okeowo shows how people can love their home while still acknowledging its sins.

In this perspective-shifting work that is both an intimate memoir and a journalistic triumph, Okeowo investigates her life, other Alabamians' lives, and the state's lesser-known histories to examine why Alabama has been the stage for the most extreme results of the American experiment.'

Title:  Blessings and Disasters

Author:  Alexis Okeowo

Publisher: Henry Holt and Co.

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Four

Review:

"Blessings and Disasters" by Alexis Okeowo

My Insight:   

'Blessing and Disaster' was well delivered by this author, especially if you are interested in the' history of understanding the intricate layers of the resilience of its people' in Alabama. Now, if you did not live in the South, I know this will be an eye-opener for you, reading how this author gives us a clear picture of this painful history of how one grew up and was shaped into who they are now. This story may be a little hard to read, given its history of the slave trade, civil war, and racism, but if you can get through it, it will be a compelling and unforgettable read.   All that's left to say is that it's history, whether we like it or not, of what happened as Alexis Okeowo, who lived through it, growing up there.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and Henry Holt and Co. for my ARC copy.

Library Thing... Degree of Guilt (Baby of the Bailey Book 1) Kindle Edition by Dan Cogan

 Book Excerpt:

"How can one man have two different brains? Then again, how can two men have one?

Soraya Wallace arrives home from an outing on Hampstead Heath with her daughter, Huette, and grandchildren just as a workman (Calvin Coffey) comes running from the house. Inside the house, Soraya finds the body of her husband, Walter, lying battered to death in a pool of blood, with a blood-stained hammer nearby. Calvin insists that he was there to give a quote for a loft conversion and found the body. But Soraya knows nothing about any such planned building work. And when Calvin is arrested, the police can find no trace of his existence before six months ago.

Young, feisty, and at times reckless law pupil Emily du Lac is pulled from other duties to help her supervisor, Nigel Farringdon KC (the first black head of St Jude's Chambers), in Calvin's defense. Emily is not afraid of the challenge - she grew up around the Old Bailey, and her estranged father was head of chambers as well as Nigel's mentor. But with whispers of "nepotism" swirling around her, Emily has something to prove and is not averse to putting everything on the line to catch a hammer-wielding murderer - including her life."

Title:  Degree of Guilt

Author:  Dan Cogan

Publisher:  Man of Mystery Publication Dec. 26, 2024

Series:  Baby of the Bailey Book 1

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"Degree of Guilt" by Dan Cogan

My Insight:

'Degree of Guilt' is a gripping crime and legal thriller that draws you in with its captivating storyline set in England. After returning home with her daughter and grandchildren, Soraya Wallace uncovers something unexpected that sets off a chain of events. The narrative follows Emily du lac, a young law student, as she steps into the courtroom to defend the accused. The legal drama is filled with intriguing twists and turns, keeping readers on their toes. Beyond the courtroom proceedings, the story unfolds with additional suspenseful elements that promise to maintain your interest. Prepare for a richly detailed read that introduces a variety of characters, each of whom could potentially be a suspect. As you delve into the pages, you'll find yourself guessing and piecing together clues—who could really be guilty?

If you are into thriller reads, this one is for you.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and LibraryThing for the book to review.

Siren (The Enigma Affairs) Kindle Edition by Aja

Book Excerpt:

What begins as a calculated partnership ignites into an undeniable inferno. Taraj, a reclusive R&B star with a soul full of secrets, faces a life-altering decision: cling to his solitary existence or surrender to the spellbinding beauty with a voice that shakes his very foundation.

Their arrangement was supposed to be temporary—a means to an end—but every shared moment blurs the lines between need and desire. With hearts on the line, love is proving to be the fiercest contender, waging a war neither is prepared to fight... or willing to lose.

The Enigma Affairs are CONTEMPORARY STANDALONE ROMANCE stories.

Title:  Siren

Author:  Aja

Publisher:  She Loves Words Publishing LLC

Series:  The Enigma Affairs

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five

Review:

'Siren' by Aja

My Insight:  

'Siren' is a captivating story about two characters, Sienna and Taraj, who unite through their passion for music. You'll want to dive into this narrative to discover how they weave together a poetic love story that resonates with the idea of true love. This tale is a delightful blend of various elements, creating a soulful love story that feels interconnected. The author skillfully keeps the reader engaged, ensuring that you're eager to turn the pages and find out what happens next for these two intriguing characters. By the conclusion, you'll be treated to a soulful, poetic, and beautifully crafted narrative that's sure to leave a lasting impression.

 

How to Sell a Romance by Alexa Martin

Book Excerpt:

"Emerson Pierce loves everything about being a kindergarten teacher except the painfully low salary. It isn't until she hears about Petunia Lemon—an opportunity to sell makeup products, make some extra money, and meet a group of skin-care aficionados—that she begins to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Sure, it sounds a little too good to be true, but what's the worst that could happen?

Investigative reporter Lucas Miller didn't always have a chip on his shoulder...until his wife joined Petunia Lemon, drained their savings, and filed for divorce. Now he's a little bitter, a lot single, and determined to expose the company. After infiltrating their largest convention yet, the last thing he expects is to lose sight of his mission for one night with the gorgeous woman at the bar.

When Emerson and Lucas learn that she's his daughter's teacher, they decide to ignore their scorching chemistry. Until things with Petunia Lemon turn downright diabolical and Emerson turns to Lucas for help. They work together to bring the company down, but can the two come out on top in this pyramid scheme of love?"

Title:  How to Sell a Romance

Author:  Alexa Martin

Publisher:  Berkley Publishing Group

Reviewed By: Arlena Dean

Rating: Four

Review:

'How to Sell a Romance' by Alexa Martin

My Insight:  

The title "How to Sell a Romance" presents an intriguing premise for a love story. What unfolds when Emerson Pierce meets Lucas Miller? As their relationship develops, Emerson discovers that Lucas is a journalist currently writing an article about a multi-level marketing (MLM) scheme. This revelation is significant for Emerson, as her school principal has encouraged her to join the MLM run by Petunia Lemon. As the plot progresses, Emerson learns more about Lucas and his child, Isla, who is one of her kindergarten students. To complicate matters, Emerson realizes that Isla's mother is Petunia Lemon, the very person associated with the MLM.

To get the whole story, you must pick up this good read to see how it all comes together in the end.

Thank you, NetGalley and Berkley, for the free ARC.

 

Body of Evidence (A Rain City Legal Thriller Book 6) Kindle Edition by Stephen Penner

Book Excerpt:

"She was murdered ten years ago. Now, she has a story to tell.

Seattle Attorney Daniel Raine is hired by Jim Carpenter, who has been charged with a cold case murder.

A body has been discovered, buried under Carpenter's business. When the remains are identified as a missing girl who was responsible for the DUI death of his own daughter, he instantly becomes the prime suspect.

It's a clear case of a grief-stricken father out for revenge.

Believing Carpenter's vehement protestations of innocence, Raine sets out to uncover the truth about what really happened on that fateful day ten years ago.

However, the case becomes increasingly complex as Raine finds himself battling a power-hungry prosecutor with ambitions for higher office.

Even worse, all the witnesses seem to have something to hide, and as he digs for the truth, Raine has to fight through a tangled web of secrets and lies.

A web that will soon turn deadly…"

Body of Evidence – the sixth book in the brilliant legal thriller series featuring attorney Daniel Raine.

Title:  Body of Evidence

Author:  Stephen Penner

Publisher:  Inkubator Books

Series:  A Rain City Legal Thriller Book 6

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five

Review:

"Body of Evidence" by Stephen Penner

My Insight:  

'Body of Evidence' is a gripping courtroom drama that centers on attorney Dan Raine, who finds himself embroiled in a high-stakes murder case. With his client facing serious charges, the tension escalates when the client's wife is also implicated in a murder. The story unfolds with a cast of three lawyers navigating the complexities of the law, secrets, and moral dilemmas. As Raine works to clear his client's name, readers are taken on a thrilling journey filled with twists and turns. You'll definitely want to pick up this sixth installment to see how the intricate web of the case unravels and whether the attorneys can secure justice for their clients. The suspense will keep you turning the pages eagerly!

 

Such Good People A Novel by Amy Blumenfeld

 Book Excerpt:

"An emotionally gripping, character-driven novel about the ripple effect of a split-second decision to protect a friend.

"A poignant story of love, loss, loyalty, and being torn between right and wrong. You won't be able to put this one down."—Emily Liebert, USA Today best-selling author of Pretty Revenge.

"One of those multi-dimensional must-reads that wins both as a page-turning legal story about social injustice, prejudice, and redemption, and an emotional character-driven tale of love, family, and lifelong friendship. Fans of Tayari Jones' An American Marriage, Rebecca Searles' In Five Years, and Allison Larkin's The People We Keep will devour Amy Blumenfeld's latest triumph. Such Good People is Such a Good Book!"—Samantha Greene Woodruff, best-selling author of The Lobotomist's Wife and The Trade Off.

It's 10 p.m. on a Thursday in the spring of her freshman year of college, and April is standing at the back of a crowded Manhattan bar waiting for her friend, Rudy, to arrive. Their eyes lock the moment he enters the room, and in an instant, lives and legacies are altered forever.

Within hours, Rudy is arrested. Within days, April is expelled. Within weeks, he's incarcerated. And within months, she meets Peter, a prodigious young attorney who makes her world recognizable again.

Nearly fifteen years later, April is happily living in Chicago, married to Peter, a mother of three with a fulfilling career and a standing yoga date with her girlfriends. On the eve of Peter's election for local office, Rudy is up for parole. Headlines explode about April's past, jeopardizing Peter's campaign and everything they hold dear. Suddenly, April is faced with an impossible choice: protecting the life she created, or the person who sacrificed everything to make that life a possibility. Such Good People is a captivating portrait of blurred lines, divided loyalties, and what it means to love purely, steadfastly, and interminably."

Title:  Such Good People

Author:  Amy Blumenfeld

Publisher:  SparkPress

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Four

Review:

"Such Good People" by Amy Blumenfeld

My Insight:

'Such Good People' is a beautifully crafted and captivating read. The main characters, April and Rudy, lifelong best friends, find themselves ensnared in a heartbreaking tragedy that sets the stage for a profound exploration of loyalty and sacrifice. The narrative masterfully weaves together the past and present, offering multiple perspectives that pull you deeper into the emotional complexities of their lives. With each turn of the page, you'll find yourself completely absorbed in the story, as the voices of April, Rudy, and Peter intertwine to create a rich tapestry of human experience. This multi-dimensional tale is not only engaging but also thought-provoking, making it impossible to put down until the final word is reached.

Thank you, NetGalley and Sparkpress, for the advance reader's copy.

Save Me by Mona Kasten

 Book Excerpt:

"Money, glamour, luxury, power—Ruby Bell couldn't be less interested in these things if she tried. After being awarded a scholarship to one of England's most prestigious and expensive private schools, Maxton Hall, all she wants is to keep her head down, work hard, and get accepted to Oxford. She keeps her distance from everyone, especially the arrogant, rich, and extremely handsome James Beaufort, ringleader of the school's party boys.

When Ruby discovers a scandalous secret about the Beauforts, she is suddenly on James's radar. It only gets worse when James is forced to work with her to plan the school's annual gala. Yet the more time they spend together, the more they realize they share much more than they thought.

Falling for James Beaufort was never part of her plan, yet Ruby can't help but let her feelings sweep her away. But James must make a decision for himself: will he choose what's expected of him, or what he feels for her?"

Title:  Save Me

Author:  Mona Kasten

Publisher:  Berkley Publishing Group

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Four

Review:

'Save Me' by Mona Kasten

My Insight:  

"Save Me" is a mesmerizing romantic tale that intricately weaves together Ruby's fierce determination and James' insufferable arrogance. To fully appreciate the profound connection that unfolds between these two compelling characters, I wholeheartedly encourage you to immerse yourself in this captivating narrative. It masterfully illustrates how Ruby's humility challenges James, while he, in turn, introduces her to the joys of living fully. The story envelops you in its charm, ensuring you are enthralled until the very last page. Moreover, the rich tapestry of secondary characters adds layers of depth and intrigue, enhancing the overall experience and making this a truly unforgettable read.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review