The Science of Racism Everything You Need to Know but Probably Don’t—Yet by Keon West

 Book Excerpt:

"In this frank, funny, and meticulous book, a leading social scientist lays out the striking facts we know about racism, how we have uncovered them, and how we can start to fix them."

Studies and surveys show, time and again, that about 50 percent of people believe that racism is no longer an issue today. The other half would disagree—vehemently. Much of the writing on the subject of race and racism is equally divisive, in large part because so much of it is based on opinion and personal experience. It's not grounded in empiricism. It's not science.

In The Science of Racism, social psychologist Keon West corrects that idea, moving this urgent conversation beyond anecdote and polemic in search of conclusive answers and solutions. Starting with a fascinating look at experiments around race in hiring, Dr. West brilliantly and methodically walks readers through our comprehensive understanding of this controversial topic. He looks at how racism impacts every stage and all facets of life, from birth to death, in education, work and business, friendships and relationships, police and the justice system, and healthcare. He also looks at the challenges around studying these questions, how we can uncover the truth, and where we go from here: why unconscious bias training can actually make things worse and what systems and techniques can lead us to a more equitable future."

Title: The Science of Racism
Author: Keon West
Publisher: Abrams Press
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:
"The Science of Racism" by Keon West

My Insight:

"The Science of Racism" was an interesting and well-written read. If you believe that racism is nonexistent, this book is a must-read. Dr. West effectively illuminates the reality of racism today, providing compelling evidence through various studies demonstrating its ongoing impact. His explanations are thorough and accessible, making complex concepts more manageable for the reader to understand.

Thank you to Net Galley and Abrams Press for the opportunity to read this insightful work in advance.

Justice For Her Past: A Miranda Chase Legal Thriller (Miranda Chase Legal Thriller Series Book 4) Kindle Edition by Freya Atwood

 Book Excerpt:

"A father's murder. A daughter on trial. A courtroom bombshell no one saw coming.

Miranda Chase has spent twenty-five years believing she and her brother killed their abusive father. Now, facing a lifetime behind bars, she's prepared to fight for her freedom—until the man she supposedly murdered walks into the courtroom alive.

The case against her crumbles, but the truth is far more terrifying. Someone was buried that night. Someone died by her hand. And someone wants to make damn sure she never finds out who.

With the FBI shielding her father, her brother tangled in a web of secrets, and a past that won't stay buried, Miranda is running out of allies—and time. Because the closer she gets to the truth, the clearer it becomes…
She's not the only one with blood on her hands."

Justice for Her Past is an exciting, blood-pumping legal thriller written by Freya Atwood and published by Cobalt Fairy.

Title: Justice for Her Past
Author: Freya Atwood
Publisher: Cobalt Fairy LLC (January 29, 2025)
Series: Miranda Chase Legal Thriller Series Book 4
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Justice For Her Past" by Freya Atwood

My Insight:

"Justice For Her Past" is an engaging legal thriller series that answers many questions about Miranda's future. The author's well-told story reveals a lot and keeps readers hooked with its many twists and turns. Additionally, the extended epilogue offers further insights into Miranda's future, enriching the overall experience for the reader.

Last Twilight in Paris by Pam Jenoff

 

Book Except:

"London, 1953. Louise is still adjusting to her postwar role as a housewife when she discovers a necklace in a box at a secondhand shop. The box is marked with the name of a department store in Paris, and she is confident she had seen the necklace before when she worked with the Red Cross in Nazi-occupied Europe — and that it holds the key to the mysterious death of her friend Franny during the war.

Following the trail of clues to Paris, Louise seeks help from her former boss, Ian, with whom she shares a romantic history. The necklace leads them to discover the dark history of Lévitan — a once-glamorous department store that served as a Nazi prison — and Helaine, a woman who was imprisoned there, torn apart from her husband when the Germans invaded France.

Louise races to find the connection between the necklace, the department store, and Franny's death. But nothing is as it seems, and forces are determined to keep the truth buried forever. Inspired by the true story of Lévitan, Last Twilight in Paris is both a gripping mystery and an unforgettable story about sacrifice, resistance, and the power of love to transcend in even the darkest hours."

Title:  Last Twilight in Paris

Author:  Pam Jenoff

Publisher:  Harlequin Trade Publishing | Park Row

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Four

Review:

'Last Twilight in Paris' by Pam Jenoff

My Insight:

'Last Twilight' is a unique story set during WWII. It was co-authored by two and provides readers with an engaging novel. 

The narratives of Louise, Joe, Gabriel, and Helaine are particularly captivating. While the story addresses various horrors of war, it also weaves in elements of romance. Overall, the reader experiences a blend of history and storytelling that includes unexpected twists and turns and themes of hope, love, and betrayal, all of which keep the reader turning the pages until the end.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance reading of your book.

The Love Lyric by Kristina Forest

 

Book Excerpt:

"An R&B singer and a corporate executive find love that hits the right notes in this romance by Kristina Forest, USA Today bestselling author of The Partner Plot.

Iris Greene used to be a woman with a plan. But all that changed after she met the love of her life at twenty-five, got pregnant and married…and then became a widow and a single mother in just over two years. After years of hustling, Iris is the director of partnerships at a beauty company and raising sweet six-year-old Calla by herself. Despite her busy life, she still can't help but feel lonely. She just needs to catch her breath—and one night, at her sister's wedding, when she steps outside to do just that, she sees a particular singer who takes her breath away. . . .

By all accounts, pop R&B singer Angel Hughes has it made. He's a successful musician and has just scored a brand ambassador deal with an emerging beauty company. But he's still not fulfilled; he's not producing songs he's passionate about, and there's a gaping hole in his love life. When he visits the Save Face Beauty office to kickstart his campaign, he's delighted to see Iris, his stylist's sister—the beautiful woman he's secretly had a crush on for years.

Despite their obvious attraction to each other, they must stay professional throughout the campaign tour—a goal that doesn't quite pan out. But when it becomes clear their lives aren't in sync, can they fall back in step to the same rhythm and beat?"

"Kristina Forest's Green Sisters series blends swoon-worthy romantic moments with a healthy dose of sisterly bonding and a dash of glitz and glamor. Each book is a well-rounded treat."—Alexis Daria, bestselling author of You Had Me at Hola

Title:  The Love Lyric

Author:  Kristina Forest

Publisher:   Berkley

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

'The Love Lyric' by Kristina Forest

My Insight:

"The Love Lyric" is a heartwarming read featuring the Green Sisters, mainly focusing on Iris, a widow navigating her new life. She finds herself drawn to Angel, a musician who seems like he should be off-limits, leading to a tension-filled relationship that raises questions about their circumstances. This book captures grief and drama and a budding romance that keeps the reader engaged. The dynamic between Iris and Angel is compelling, and adding Iris's supportive sisters and her daughter further enhances the narrative. I appreciated the character development, especially how Iris learns to let go of her 'fear and obligation,' which allows her to grow. Kristina Forest expertly weaves together love, loss, and music themes, creating a rich, emotional experience. This story is a testament to her storytelling ability and is definitely a must-read for fans of contemporary romance.

Thank you, NetGalley and Berkely, for the early read.