Next of Kin by Kia Abdullah

 Book Excerpt!

'A gripping legal thriller that will leave you reeling. A book that will stay with you long after the last page. The ending is a stunner!' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'This was a roller coaster of a book, an immersive read, a sublime plot with very open and direct dialogue. Expertly written and highly recommended. Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'Kia Abdullah is the absolute queen of the courtroom drama' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'WOW!! This book is astonishingly brilliant! An absolute masterpiece.'

Title: Next of Kin

Author: Kia Abdullah

Publisher:  K. A.

Reviewed By: Arlena Dean

Rating: Four

Review:

'Next Of Kin' by Kia Abdullah

My Review:

'Next of Kin' is a powerful and emotional story that gives you plenty to think about once you finish. I kept asking myself, what happened to that poor child?

If you enjoy family drama with court cases, this novel has plenty of that to offer.

The story keeps you turning the pages, eager to find out what happens next and what secrets will be revealed.

Give it a read if you like stories with surprising endings.

Buzz Books 2026: Romance with Publishers Lunch

 Book Excerpt:

"Welcome to Buzz Books: Romance 2026, curated by industry insider Publishers Marketplace to showcase upcoming books from both established voices and emerging talents. Whether you are an avid reader of horror romance, age-gap, or mafia, or simply curious about this fast-growing genre, this edition has something for everyone. Peruse 29 exclusive excerpts from some of the buzziest upcoming love stories, steamy makeouts, and monster mashes of the year. 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 filled with mythology and love triangles like Bethan Croome’s Reign, or F1 academy rivalries in Piper Lawson’s Crash Course, or the culturally rich Palestinian-American romance in Zahra, Unapologetic, and a new installment in Keri Lake’s New York Times bestselling The Eating Woods trilogy. This diverse collection spans young adult, new adult, and adult romance, featuring alluring subgenres and tropes such as sports romance, contemporary romance, dark academia, romantasy, Western, and more.

And of course, our popular heat scale is back, too 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥! We hope this helps guide your reading choices—whether you like the bedroom door cracked or blown wide open.

Buzz Books is our love letter to the books and reading community we adore, and we are glad you are part of building the buzz for great books."

Title: Buzz Books 2026

Authors:  Various 

Publishers: Various

Reviewed By: Arlena Deam

Rating: Five

Review: Buzz Books 2026: Romance with Publishers Lunch 

My Review:  

I look forward to reading several of the interesting titles you have provided. I did find a few authors whose books sounded like my kind of romantic reads. Many of these reads are loaded with good information about their novels.  

Thanks to Buzz Books for the opportunity to read and review this sampler.

In What World by Bridget Morrissey

Book Excerpt:

"Two high school rivals begrudgingly reunite as adults to investigate the disappearance of their beloved former teacher, only to wind up traveling through a series of alternate realities together.

Total opposites, Marlowe Jenkins and Priscilla Covington-French hated each other in high school. Now in their thirties, Marlowe is barely scraping by while Priscilla is wildly successful. Their rivalry should be long dead, yet both women remain connected through their mutual mentor, drama teacher Dallas Winthrop. Their unending tension has nothing to do with the fact that they've kissed. More than once.

When Dallas goes missing, each woman believes she can figure out where he is. Except this is no ordinary disappearance. Dallas has found a way to explore alternate versions of reality. While trying to follow him, Marlowe and Priscilla find other versions of themselves instead, surprised to learn that not all Marlowes and Priscillas are fueled by hate. In fact, some Marlowes and Priscillas have very different strong feelings for one another...

The more Marlowe and Priscilla are forced to rely on each other, the harder it becomes to ignore their simmering attraction. But with every alternate reality they search, they only get further from their real life and responsibilities. Do they play it safe and hide behind their rivalry, or take a chance on each other that could permanently change the world as they know it?"

Title: In What World

Author: Bridget Morrissey

Publisher:  Berkley

Reviewed By: Arlena Dean

Rating: Four

Review:

'In What World' by Bridget Morrissey

My Review:  

"In What World" is a romantic read with interesting characters [Marlowe Jenkins, Priscilla Covington, and Dallas Winthrop] who deliver an engaging and meaningful story that keeps readers turning the pages. I enjoyed how the author presented a compelling story with multiverse timelines, adding interest.

By the end, readers get a sapphic romance with magical elements that holds their interest through the alternating timeline.

Thank you to NetGalley, Bridget Morrissey, and Berkley for providing me with an advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.

IRL: In Real Life Kindle Edition Aja

 Book Excerpt:

"Talia Vaughn knows better than to confuse online chemistry with real-life intimacy.

Micah Sutton is grounded, careful, intentional, and far too easy to want, but what starts in comments, mutual circles, and public familiarity quickly becomes something neither of them can keep casual.

As private moments deepen and real feelings rise, timeline drama, old almost, nosey family, and best-friend reads force Talia and Micah to face the difference between being desired and being loved out loud.

Because some connections are cute online.
Some are dangerous in person.
And some are too real to hide.

IRL (In Real Life) is a grown, sexy standalone Black romance about online chemistry, public mess, private feelings, real-life intimacy, and love that has to show up everywhere it matters."

Title:  IRL: In Real Life

Author:  Aja

Publisher:   She Loves Words Publishing

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five

Review:

'IRL: In Real Life' by Aja

My Review:

This romance novel explores realistic themes and keeps readers interested from start to finish. The ending leaves you wanting to know more.

Aja tells the story of Talia Janae Vaugh and Micah Sutton in a way that draws you in. Their conflicts are interesting, and the way things work out feels satisfying.

Talia and Micah are a great match, even as they face different challenges together.

The story brings in characters like Kendra, Zaria, Clara, Nicole, Devon, Mena, Bryce, Candice, and others, which adds to the novel's mature and thoughtful tone. Please pick up this good read to see how well the story ends.

Trials & Tribulations (MPWG Law Firm Book 4) by B. Love

 Book Excerpt:

"For Navy Robertson, she has literally everything she wants except marriage and a family of her own. While she believes she might be able to get those things with her boyfriend, Ian, his toxic back-and-forth with her closest friend is causing drama in their relationship that Navy is finding harder to ignore.

For over a decade, Zander Gough has been content being Navy's closest friend. The more serious things get between her and Ian, the more difficult it is for Zander to deny his feelings for her. When Navy decides her friendship means more than her romantic relationship, she sees a side of Zander and Ian that she didn't expect.

Will the truth of their feelings shift these friends into lovers, or will Ian's claim on Navy's heart ruin her friendship with Zander for good?"

Title:  Trials & Tribulations

Author:  B. Love

Publisher:  Prolific Pen Pusher

Series:  MPWG Law Firm Book 4

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

'Trials & Tribulations' by B. Love 

My Review:  

'Trials and Tribulations' emerged as my preferred series within this group. I found the relationship between Navy and Zander particularly compelling, as the author skillfully developed their connection from friendship to romance, culminating in a satisfying conclusion. This series resonated with me more than the others. I encourage readers to explore it and discover the reasons for my enthusiasm.

Plea (MPWG Law Firm Book 3) by B. Love

 
Book Excerpt:

"Venus Atkins has everything she wants in life and believes it will be complete after she is married to her fiancé. The problem is, the closer they get to the wedding, the more her relationship with Trevor unravels. She's never been a cheater, but the chemistry she has with Carson has her questioning not only her relationship but her moral code as well. As difficult as it is, Venus makes it to the day of her wedding faithfully, but it isn't her fiancé who wants the first look—it's Carson.

Carson Walker is a certified lover boy who has the heart, looks, and wealth to get any woman he wants. Ironically, the moment he finds out he has a baby on the way, he connects with a woman on a deeper level than he ever has before. Refusing to believe in love at first sight, Carson commits himself to his baby and the unofficial relationship he has with Asia. However, when it's time for Venus to say I Do, Carson realizes it won't be as easy as he thought it would be to let go of a woman he's technically never had.

Will Venus and Trevor tie the knot, or will she find herself entangled by a soul tie formed with Carson without her consent?"

Title:  Plea

Author:  B. Love

Publisher:  Prolific Pen Pusher

Series:  MPWG Law Firm Book 3

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

'Plea' by B. Love

My Review:  

'Plea' was another enjoyable work by this author, as she effectively depicted the love and respect between Carson and Venus. I appreciated how Carson demonstrated clarity in his desires. The narrative was engaging and dynamic, particularly due to the complex interactions involving Trevor and Asia. Readers will need to explore this third installment to fully appreciate its presentation.

I look forward to reading the next series, MPWB Law Firm Book 4, to discover its developments.

Inadmissible (MPWG Law Firm Book 2) by B. Love

Book Excerpt:

"Growing up watching her father habitually cheat on her mother scarred Taj Sanders in ways she didn't recognize until she noticed the same pattern in her own relationships. When her fiancé cheats on her and gets his side chick pregnant, Taj decides she's done with men and love altogether. A drunken night at a hotel bar puts her at the mercy of a stranger who chooses to protect her and keep her safe instead of taking advantage of her—and he makes sure no one else does either.

Tristan Pierce, a quarter of the partnership for Montgomery, Pierce, Walker, and Gough, is known as the best strategist in Rose Valley Hills. When he lays eyes on Taj one year after saving her at the bar, he's determined to not let her get away again so easily. He plays along, helping her make her ex jealous, which leads to them spending the night together. For Taj, one night is enough. For Tristan, their night together is the beginning of their forever.

As fate would have it, Taj finds in Tristan a man safe enough to choose and worthy of her love. Unfortunately, that's no longer her heart's desire. Tristan makes it his mission not only to soften her heart to love but to return her to her softness as a woman. With her hesitance to trust him and a lingering ex that won't let go, Tristan is in for the biggest strategic undertaking of his life. Planned correctly, his actions can lead to his happily ever after with the woman he's confident will be his wife. But one incorrect move or inadmissible action, and he may scar Taj's heart worse than it already is."

Title:  Inadmissible

Author:  B. Love

Publisher:  Prolific Pen Pusher

Series:  MPWG Law Firm Book 2

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

'Inadmissible' by B. Love 

My Review:

'Inadmissible' is another great series that keeps you interested with the story of Tristian and Taj. I enjoyed reading about how patient Tristian was with Taj, especially since she struggled to trust men after everything she had been through. Can Tristian help Taj change her mind? Can the right kind of love heal her heart? I recommend picking up this book to see how the author tells their story. Now, I'm looking forward to the next series, MPWG Law Firms Book 3, to find out what happens next.

 

Objection (MPWG Law Firm Book 1) by B. Love

 

Book Excerpt:

"Kaos Montgomery is one of four managing partners at Montgomery, Pierce, Walker, and Gough Law Firm. He handles the organized crime unit, defending mafia leaders, drug lords, and assassins. Though Kaos spent his younger days in the underworld, he thrives and takes pride in the legit life he lives now... though some people in his past and personal life wish they could bring back the old him.

Serenity Monroe has one goal—to thrive at Montgomery, Pierce, Walker, and Gough. It is the most prominent, prolific, and prosperous law firm in Rose Valley Hills. As Kaos Montgomery's executive assistant, Serenity takes pride in providing him and the office with what her name means: a state of calm, peace, and absence of trouble.

As light as Serenity's presence makes the office and Kaos's life, there's a darkness from his past that threatens his reputation and her safety. Technically, their love is forbidden because she works for him, but that doesn't stop the bond that blooms between them. When the pair agrees to blur the lines and make their professional relationship personal, they have more than just the board and other partners at the firm to worry about. They have to deal with the ghost of Kaos's past indiscretions too.

Title:  Objection

Author:  B. Love

Publisher:  Prolific Pen Pusher

Series:  MPWG Law Firm Book 1

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Four

Review:

'Objection' by B. Love

My Review:

'Objection' proved to be an engaging series, offering a compelling and enjoyable romance that consistently held my interest. The protagonists, Kaos and Serinity, were well-developed and effectively conveyed their affection for one another, particularly within the context of their professional environment. I am now eager to begin the next installment, MPWG Law Firm Book 2, to explore the developments in this narrative.

Summer of Love by Kerri Maher

 Book Excerpt:

"It's the summer of 1967, and the counterculture revolution is in full swing in San Francisco. Every street is alive with the music of Jim Morrison and Dionne Warwick, and in view of the Golden Gate Bridge, young people come together, waving anti-war signs and shouting for equal rights. No one is more attuned to messages of love and peace than Winnie Hartley, who has just graduated from UC Berkeley and is determined to use poetry to capture the ever-shifting world around her. When she reconnects with her high school boyfriend, an aspiring musician, their creative bond further fuels her work, and it feels like her life is finally taking off.

Meanwhile, miles up the winding coast, her sister Miranda stays close to home, throwing herself into running the family business, Hartley Vineyard. She's determined to make California wine that rivals the French. But change is in the air this wild and heady summer, and each sister will make choices that set their lives hurdling down paths neither would have imagined.

Fifty years later, Dawn Hartley stays as far as possible from her family's famous vineyard, until a work assignment requires her to research the bestselling Vineland novels penned by a famously anonymous author. Determined to discover the identity of this mysterious writer—who seems to know things no one should about her family—Dawn embarks on a soul-searching journey along the windswept coast of California to uncover her family's secrets even as she's keeping a big one of her own."

Title:  Summer of Love

Author:  Kerri Maher

Publisher:  Berkley

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"Summer of Love" by Kerri Maher

My Review:

'Summer of Love' is a well-written and emotionally engaging novel. It addresses important topics such as relationships, alcohol, and recovery through the experiences of two sisters, Winnie and Miranda, their mother, and a niece [Dawn]. The Northern California vineyard setting is also particularly enjoyable.

The story offers thoughtful themes that linger long after you finish the book.

Crash Into Me A Novel by Robinne Lee

 Book Excerpt:

"In a complicated marriage and raising her children in Los Angeles's toxic playground of privilege and power, Cecilia Chen is struggling to find her real self among the many labels assigned to her: wife, mother, artist, daughter.

Until the moment she crashes–literally–into the Anouk Ferrand. It's been twenty years since she last encountered the enigmatic model on a photo shoot in Mexico.

And it's this chance second meeting that will upend Cecilia's life.

Seeing Anouk again forces Cecilia to revisit their brief time together and question where she truly fits in. Can the renewed intensity of her explosive physical and emotional entanglement with Anouk finally give her an answer?

Heartbreakingly real and emotionally layered, Crash Into Me illuminates the unexpected detours that change our lives forever."

Title:  Crash Into Me

Author:  Robinne Lee

Publisher:  St Martin's Press

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Four

Review:

'Crash Into Me' by Robinne Lee

My Review:

'Crash Into Me' is a compelling novel that sustains the reader's interest throughout. The narrative deeply engages readers in the lives of Cecila Chen and Anouk Ferrand, effectively building anticipation for their reunion after twenty years.

I recommend this book for its nuanced examination of complex marital relationships and its insightful portrayal of love's resilience in the face of adversity.

Three minutes and twenty-seven seconds: God, Where Were You? by Lakisha Johnson

 

Book Excerpt:

"Three minutes and twenty-seven seconds. That's all it took to change Skylar Parks' life forever.

After walking away from a three-year relationship, thirty-six-year-old Skylar Parks makes a quiet promise to God that she'll trust Him completely. She recommits her heart, surrenders her plans, and pours herself into rebuilding her life.

But in three minutes and twenty-seven seconds, everything changes. When a man she trusted violates her in a way that doesn't just wound her body, it shatters her sense of safety, her identity, and her faith in the God she believed would protect her.

Now, sleep is replaced with anger, and her prayers turn into arguments with the God she once trusted. Because while her faith whispers, " Trust God, her pain screams, " Where were you?

Torn between bitterness and belief, Skylar must decide if she'll hold on to God in the midst of her pain or let go of the faith she once clung to."

Title:  Three Minutes and Twenty-Seven Seconds:  God, Where Were You?

Author:  Lakisha Johnson

Publisher:  Twins Write 2

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

'Three minutes and twenty-seven seconds:  God, Where Were You? by Lakisha Johnson

My Review:  

'Three minutes and twenty-seven seconds: God, Where Were You?' is a great book that you won't want to put down. The characters, situations, scriptures, and sermons make you want to keep reading to find out what happens to Skylar.

Wild Reverence: A Novel by Rebecca Ross

Book Except:

" Set in the world of the gods first introduced in Divine Rivals, #1 New York Times bestselling author Rebecca Ross delivers a sweeping, beautiful adult novel filled with tension, romance, and dark secrets.

True love is more divine than any ruthless god.

Born in the firelit domain of the under realm, Matilda is the youngest goddess of her clan, blessed with humble messenger magic. But in a land where gods often kill each other to steal power and alliances break as quickly as they are forged, Matilda must come of age sooner than most. She may be known to carry words and letters through the realms, but she holds a secret she must hide from even her dearest of allies to ensure her survival. And to complicate matters . . . there is a mortal boy who dreams of her, despite the fact they have never met in the waking world.

Ten years ago, Vincent of Beckett wrote to Matilda on the darkest night of his life—begging the goddess he had befriended in dreams to help him. When his request went unanswered, Vincent moved on, becoming the hardened, irreverent lord of the river who had long forgotten Matilda. That is, until she comes tumbling into his bedroom window with a letter for him.

As Fate would have it, Matilda and Vincent were destined to find each other beyond dreams. There may be a chance for Matilda to rewrite the blood-soaked ways of the gods, but at immense sacrifice. She will have to face something she fears even more than losing her magic: to be vulnerable, and to allow herself to finally be loved."

Title:  Wild Reverence

Author:  Rebecca Ross

Publisher:  Saturday Books

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

'Wild Reverence' By Rebecca Ross

My Review:

'Wild Reverence' was an enjoyable read that may bring a few tears. The story offers poetic writing, yearning, and a magical system that keeps the reader turning pages until the end.

Matilda and Vincent were authentic in their romance. Pick up this read to see what it took for them to find their way back to each other. Be ready for a good love story.

Coming Home by Kennedy Ryan

 Book Excerpt:

"They got everything they wanted...but never had each other.

Touré Wallace and Niomi Spencer were close friends at Finley College, the prestigious HBCU they attended. The attraction that simmered between them every semester was a question they never got to ask or answer before soaring ambitions launched them to opposite corners of the world. Both chased their dreams of grit and glamor as high-profile journalists. They got it all...except a shot at being more than friends.

Years later, Touré is an award-winning investigative journalist, and Niomi is America's most popular morning-show host, but they both feel like something's missing. When their alma mater recruits its most famous alums for an interview during homecoming, every look, every touch is electric. The air hums with what could have been, and they're tempted by what they could have right now, if only for one weekend. Have they traveled the world, chasing something special, when all it took was coming home?"

Title:  Coming Home

Author:  Kennedy Ryan

Publisher:  Scribechick Media LLC

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Four

Review:

'Coming Home' by Kennedy Ryan

My Review:  

'Coming Home' tells the story of Toure and Niomi as they get a second chance at love. The book wraps up on a hopeful note, with a college reunion and centennial celebration bringing everything together.

This short novel is a good pick for anyone looking for an uplifting, well-organized romance.

Forever Carly: A Second Chance Holiday Romance (Second-chance Series Book 1) by Michele Sims

 Book Excerpt:

"Secrets, deceptions, and lies.

Michele Sims, the multi-award-winning author of the Moore Family Saga is back with a second chance romance novel.

Carly Rivers, a small town girl with big dreams to become a renowned expert on historical African American communities unexpectedly encounters her college sweetheart, Mason Moore, after ten years apart in Charleston, South Carolina.

Mason has transformed his family’s business into an international conglomerate.
Both are rising from the ashes of a failed marriage."

Title:  Forever Carly: A Second Chance Holiday Romance

Author:  Michele Sims

Publisher:   Green Books Publishing, LLC

Series:  Second Chance Book 1

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

'Forever Carly: A Second Chance Holiday Romance (Second-chance Series Book 1) by Michele Sims

My Review:

'Forever Carly' is a well-crafted second-chance romance featuring Carly Rivers and Mason Moore, who reconnect after ten years apart as former college sweethearts.

Both Carly and Mason married others, but those relationships ended. When they meet again, they discover a renewed connection. Their journey is complicated by challenges posed by their exes, but the story explores themes of forgiveness, redemption, and hope. 'Forever Carly' is recommended for readers seeking an uplifting romance.

The Children A Novel by Melissa Albert

Book Excerpt:

"Guinevere Sharpe has two childhoods.

In one, she and her brother, Ennis, live in the wooded shadow of their family's isolated Vermont farmhouse; in the other, the pages of their mother’s world-famous Ninth City books, where their magical adventures have made them household names. In reality, Guinevere's childhood isn't the enchanted idyll her mother’s readers imagine: she and Ennis are growing up near-feral, unwashed and underfed, escaping each day to the wild woods they’ve made their playland. As Edith Sharpe’s books explode into epic popularity, the threats of a rural childhood give way to the escalating perils of fame—until the night it all goes up in flames, leaving Edith’s series unfinished and her children the sole survivors.

Now an adult coasting on her mother's name, Guinevere is mid-promotion for a ghostwritten memoir when her estranged brother, an artist who has until now spurned his family's legacy, announces an upcoming installation titled, simply, Mother. As rumors swirl around a death connected to his last show, unsettling recollections from Guinevere’s childhood begin to surface. Her public facade starts to crack, forcing her to confront the questions she's spent the last twenty years running from: What really happened the night of the fire? And what dark history lies behind their mother’s fantasy world?

The Children is wise to the mythic weight childhood memories gather over time, and the way our most beloved stories grow up with us. It's for anyone who's ever revisited an old favorite and found its pages cast in a darker light, the line separating magic from reality blurring as we discover the books that once comforted us carry shadows of their own."

Title:  The Children

Author:  Melissa Albert

Publisher:  William Morrow

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Four

Review:

'The Children' by Melissa Albert

My Review:

The Children is a captivating exploration of a dysfunctional family. The story follows siblings Guinevere and Ennis as they navigate a life altered by tragedy. After a fire destroys their home and claims the lives of everyone except them, the narrative shifts between the present and the past, keeping readers engaged and intrigued.

The novel skillfully intertwines elements of literary fantasy, family legacy, grief, magical realism, and sibling relationships, providing a rich and diverse reading experience. Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for the digital review copy.

Murder by the Book by J.L. Campbell

 Book Excerpt:

"A riveting, dark, and layered thriller that cuts through the glamorous façade of the publishing world to expose the true cost of ambition.

Some stories are too dangerous to tell, especially when they're your own.

Addison Comstock is a literary icon, known for her bestselling crime novels, razor-sharp tongue, and relentless rise to the top. But behind her polished brand lies a ruthless past filled with secrets, betrayals, and broken lives—including those of the writers she's employed to ghostwrite her success.

When her longtime editor collapses and dies during a team retreat in Jamaica, what appears to be a medical emergency soon begins to feel like something far more sinister. Tensions rise, loyalties fray, and whispers of sabotage grow louder. Someone in Addison's inner circle has decided enough is enough, and the truth is becoming stranger than fiction.

As the body count climbs and buried truths resurface, Addison is desperate to maintain control of her crumbling empire. But with accusations flying and her dirty past threatening to go public, even Addison begins to question who she can trust . . . and how far she's willing to go to protect her legacy."

Title:  Murder by the Book

Author:  J. L. Campbell

Publisher:  Black Odyssey Media

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Four

Review:

"Murder by the Book" by J. L. Campbell

My Review:

'Murder by the Book' was a good thriller read that kept me turning the pages to see what happened next. The characters,  [Addison], along with the story's twist and secret, made for a really engaging read, keeping the reader guessing till the end.   

Thank you, Netgalley and Black Odyssey Publishing, for the advance readers' copy to read and review.

What the Island Asks by J Martin

 Book Excerpt:

'When Seraphina Lockwood returns to Hatteras Island after her father’s death, she expects only to settle unfinished business before returning to the life she built elsewhere. Instead, the island offers her something she never resolved: Beckett Crowe, the man she left behind, and the version of herself she abandoned with him.

As old rhythms resurface—wind, tide, wood, and weather—Sera is forced to confront the cost of escape and the quiet persistence of love rooted in place. Her reunion with Beckett is marked by restraint rather than urgency, shaped by years of absence and the shared knowledge of what leaving once destroyed.

What the Island Asks is a slow-burn literary romance about return, emotional inheritance, and the courage required not to run. It is a story of love that does not demand—but waits.'

Title:  What the Island Asks

Author:  J. Martin

Publisher:  J. M.

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

'What the Island Asks' by J. Martin

My Review:

'What the Island Asks' delivers an evocative blend of emotional depth and romance, delving into the complexities of aging and the exhilaration of rediscovered love.  

Expect suspense that will propel readers forward as Sera and Bennett’s story unfolds.  

By the end, readers experience a moving, satisfying story about rekindled love.