The Sweetest Return by Aja

 Book Excerpt:

"Eight years apart. One HBCU Homecoming. And a first love their bodies never forgot.

Eight years ago, Imani Bennett chose the future she had worked for and lost the man she thought was forever. Now she's back in Pittsburgh for her HBCU's Crown Weekend, and Andre “Dre” Jones is impossible to avoid: retired football star, successful businessman, and still the only man who can make her body remember before her pride catches up.

One Homecoming weekend brings the heat rushing back. But if these college sweethearts want more than a scorching reunion, they'll have to build a second chance big enough for two ambitious lives—and brave enough to survive being seen."

Title: The Sweetest Return

Author: Aja

Publisher: She Loves Words Publishing 

Reviewed By: Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

'The Sweetest Return' by Aja

My Review:

'The Sweetest Return' is another wonderful, beautiful novel by this author, Aja. This story, featuring the characters Imani and Andre, is beautifully presented and gives the reader a lot to think about throughout the read.  I loved Imani's strength in this story and how much communication was needed, which made for a magnificent read.  I loved this second-chance love story, handled so well that it kept me turning the pages till the end, as you will admire all the love it gives. It has so many ups and downs that, if you know anything about love, you know they can happen too, but if you hang in there...this is where I say you must pick up 'The Sweetest Return' to get the whole story, so well described and presented.  

Thank you to the author; another wonderful read.  Keep on bringing them on to us!

Mr. Blackwood by Cassie Verano

 Book Excerpt:

"Power. Money. Authority. He has everything he wants—and he always gets what he wants.

Real estate and financial investment magnate Jabari Blackwood is enthralled the moment he sees the stunning new tenant in one of his office towers. Bright, ruthless, and unimpressed by his reputation, Camilla Valentine is unlike any woman he's ever met.

As publisher of a successful magazine, her only mission is to land the exclusive story that could launch her publication to the next level. Camilla doesn't know that the elusive tycoon she's been hunting for a story is also the owner of the new building where she's relocated her company.

When Jabari asks her out, Camilla accepts for one reason only: access. If she can step inside his world, her chances of exposing the enigma surrounding the formidable billionaire will be better. But what begins as a strategic move quickly becomes something far more dangerous. Beneath the façade of Jabari’s imposing presence is a seductive, passionate, and captivating man who awakens feelings she has never experienced.

When Camilla’s secret is exposed, Jabari is devastated to learn that her interest in him wasn't sincere. Rather than walk away, Jabari is determined to punish her for what he perceives to be the ultimate betrayal. Camilla is determined to prove that the woman he met has fallen hopelessly in love with the man behind the empire.

While submitting to the desires of Mr. Blackwood may be the only way to prove her love, she just may lose herself and her business playing a game she’s ill-equipped for."

Title: Mr. Blackwood

Author: Cassie Verano

Publisher: C. V.

Reviewed By: Arlena Dean

Rating: Four 

Review:

'Mr. Blackwood' by Cassie Verano

My Review:

Will Jabari Blackwood get Camilla Valentine, since he usually gets 'everything he wants'? It was quite a read to see how these two meet up, with Camilla having only one thing on her mind: finding out what she needed for her story about that particular billionaire. Readers will find this interesting, especially as Jabari questions Camilla's realness toward him. I will stop here and say this is a read that will keep the reader turning the pages to see what comes next. Will things change for Camilla as he learns more about Mr. Blackwood? You must keep reading to see whether Mr. Blackwood can prove his love.  

 

  

Mrs. Endicott's Splendid Adventure Novel by Rhys Bowen Adventure

 Book Excerpt:

"Blindsided by betrayal in pre-WWII England, a woman charts a daring new course in this captivating tale of resilience, friendship, and new love by the bestselling author of The Rose Arbor and The Venice Sketchbook.

Surrey, England, 1938. After thirty devoted years of marriage, Ellie Endicott is blindsided by her husband’s appeal for divorce. It’s Ellie’s opportunity for change too. The unfaithful cad can have the house. She’s taking the Bentley. Ellie, her housekeeper Mavis, and her elderly friend Dora—each needing escape—impulsively head for parts unknown in the South of France.

With the Rhône surging beside them, they have nowhere to be and everywhere to go. Until the Bentley breaks down in the inviting fishing hamlet of Saint Benet. Here, Ellie rents an abandoned villa in the hills, makes wonderful friends among the villagers, and finds herself drawn to Nico, a handsome and enigmatic fisherman. As for unexpected destinations, Saint Benet's simple paradise is perfect. But fates soon change when the threat of war encroaches.

Ellie’s second act in life is just beginning—and becoming an adventure she never expected.

Title: Mrs. Endicott's Splendid Adventure

Author: Rhys Bowen

Publisher: Lake Union Publishing

Reviewed By: Arlena Dean

Rating: Five 

Review:

'Mrs. Endicott's Splendid Adventure by Rhys Bowen

My Review:  

'Mrs. Endicott's Splendid Adventure' turned out to be a really enjoyable book. I don’t usually pick up novels like this, but I gave it a try and ended up liking this WWII story. The way France was described and the setting made it hard to put down, and the characters were especially interesting. If you’ve ever wondered what someone might do when their husband of 30 years asks for a divorce, this book shows how Elle Endicott handled it. I enjoyed following her journey and meeting the memorable people along the way.

When We Ride on Our Enemies by Roy Glenn

 Book Excerpt:

"Roy Glenn returns with his bestselling Mike Black saga, which has continued to excite readers for two decades.

When Shayla Clark murders Giovanni Folliero, a made man in The Montanari Family, it forces a sit-down between kingpins Mike Black and Salvatore Marino. At that meeting, Marino tells Black, “There will be no peace until Shayla Clark is dead and you hand over her dead body.” But Black refuses to give Shayla’s name up, instead choosing to lead The Family to war—one in which they are outmanned and outgunned. Is this the one thing they can’t survive?"

Title: When We Ride on Our Enemies

Author: Roy Glenn

Publisher: Urban Books

Reviewed By: Arlena Dean

Rating: Four

Review:

'When We Ride on Our Enemies' by Roy Glenn

My Review:  

When Shayla Clark kills Giovanni Folliero, a made man in the Montanari Family, kingpins Mike Black and Salvatore Marino come together. Marino delivers a stark warning: "There will be no peace until Shayla Clark is dead and you hand over her dead body." Black refuses to give up Shayla, choosing loyalty over safety, and marches The Family into a war they are ill-prepared to win. The Family's very existence now teeters on the edge. This was a good read.

When She Was Ours: A Novel by Anna Nordberg

Book Excerpt:

"Thea Erickson, a renowned surgeon, is filled with both joy and grief as her family gathers at their home on a summer night in 1995. Her elder daughter Phoebe is getting married, but even the happiness of the day feels bittersweet, as Thea grapples with a terminal cancer diagnosis. She worries she won’t be around to support her younger daughter Astra, who’s still in college, but even Thea cannot foresee what is to come—a terrible accident the night of the wedding that changes Astra’s life forever.

In a last-ditch effort to protect her family, Thea arranges a secret meeting with an old family friend and extracts a promise that will reverberate long after she’s gone.

Years after her mother’s death, Astra has moved forward with a career and relationship, but she still struggles with her grief. When a man reaches out to her and Phoebe, offering a window into their mother’s past, Astra must make a choice, and her decision forces her to face what it means to love someone after they’re gone, who we decide to forgive, and how families reckon with the past."

Title: When She Was Ours: A Novel 

Author: Anna Nordberg

Publisher:  ‎Lake Union Publishing 

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Four

Review:

'When She Was Ours' by Anna Nordberg

My Review:  

I really enjoyed reading When She Was Ours and found it hard to put down. The story is very emotional and explores themes like grief, loss, family, and the bonds between mothers and daughters. It felt like a unique experience.

The Christmas Yes List A Heartwarming Holiday Novel by Melissa Ferguson

 

Book Excerpt:

"All she wants for Christmas is a rejection.

Chloe Hollis is done people-pleasing. After one too many bad decisions--including a job that asked her to cross a line she couldn't--she's determined to change. Her plan? Collect ten nos before Christmas by asking strangers for the most ridiculous favors she can think of.

It should be easy.

But then? Then she meets James.

Instead of shutting her down, the charming out-of-towner keeps saying yes—to Christmas karaoke, to small-town holiday traditions, to every spontaneous, hilarious, totally chaotic idea she throws his way. And the more he says yes, the harder it becomes for Chloe to stick to her plan... or protect her heart.

Because James has a reason for saying yes to everything, too—and it might cost them both more than they bargained for.

As their opposite missions collide in a swirl of festive mishaps, unexpected courage, and undeniable chemistry, Chloe starts to wonder if the biggest risk isn't rejection after all... but saying yes to something real.

Title: The Christmas Yes List

Author: Melissa Ferguson

Publisher: Thomas Nelson Fiction

Reviewed By: Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five

Review:

'The Christmas Yes List' by Melissa Ferguson

If you are looking for a good Christmas read...'The Christmas Yes List' will give it all to you, from being a good romance story with plenty of laughter through all of their banter together.  So, get ready for a good read, especially during the Christmas holiday.  What will happen when Chloe meets James at the airport? Now, what will develop for these two characters?  This is why you'll want to pick up this Christmas read: to see how Chloe and James handle it all, and how they develop and grow together.  

The author also leaves us with a wonderful epilogue that fits so well with this wonderful, heartfelt Christmas love story. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Thomas Nelson, for the excellent read.

 

Church Fellas by Shelia E. Bell

 Book Excerpt:

"TV IN A BOOK!

Another "Perfect story about imperfect people like you...and me!
In "Church Fellas," the 15th installment of the My Son's Wife series, Hezekiah, Stiles, Khalil, and Christian each battle their own demons. Hezekiah McCoy can't seem to let go of a past relationship, even though it landed him in prison. Stiles Graham must bury a ghost of his past if he wants to move on with a new love. Khalil McCoy's adulterous affairs destroyed his marriage, and now he must face the painful reality that the woman who once loved him most now despises him. Christian Black stands at a crossroads where temptation knocks, and everything he holds dear depends on the choices he makes.

Four men. Four battles. Will they find redemption before it's too late...because even men of God have battles no one sees... and not every battle is won in the sanctuary."

Title: Church Fellas

Author: Shelia E. Bell

Publisher: S.E.B.

Reviewed By: Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

'Church Fellas' by Shelia E. Bell

My Review:

'Church Fellas' was definitely one of those reads that you can't put down until the very end.  Let's see: we have four men who were friends, and some were family members, who, even though they were involved in church, still had a real battle staying right with God. By the way, this was the author's 15th installment of the My Son's Wife series.  So, to really understand what's gone on earlier, I suggest you read the whole series for a better understanding of what is up with Khalil, Stiles, Hezekiah, Mason, Christian, and I don't want to leave out some of the women...Eliana, Fancy, Pepper, Sister Mavis, Rianna, Detria, Mya, Sophia, Luna, and Wendi.  Yes, there were a lot of characters in this story, so you will have to keep up with all of who, why, and where to the very end.  

Will there be an affair that destroys a marriage? Will this couple be able to fix this situation before it's too late? Will there be forgiveness, and will new pastors be assigned to churches when it's all said and done? Will the father and son be able to forgive each other? This is where I say, from my reading, a lot of this happens even in our churches, whether we want to admit it or not, after it's all said and done. I want to stop here and not give too much away.  I want you to read it for yourself to see how the story comes out by the end.  

This author did a wonderful job bringing this story to life.  I really enjoyed the read and hope you will pick up 'Church Fellas' and see how well this story comes out.  You will enjoy it...I am more than sure you will. 

Thank you to the author, Sheila E. Bell.  You did a wonderful job with this African American Christian Fiction.   

Between You, Me, and the Fence Post: A Novel by Hunter Snow

 Book Excerpt:

"A poignant, emotionally honest story about love, addiction, and the quiet bravery it takes to choose yourself.

Actress Claire Davis has spent her life pretending—on and off screen. When she meets Reed Hart, the charismatic frontman of a once-popular band, she believes she's found something real.

But Reed is addicted to more than fame. And loving him means living in the space between who he is and who he swears he'll become.

Claire waits. She hopes. She tries to save him. When Reed finally seeks help, she thinks it's their turning point.

Instead, it's her wake-up call."

Title: Between You, Me and the Fence Post

Author: Hunter Snow

Publisher: Tellwell Publishing

Reviewed By: Arlena Dean

Rating: Four

Review

'Between You, Me, and the Fence Post by Hunter Snow 

My Review:  

'Between You, Me, and the Fence Post' was quite a good contemporary fiction read. The novel includes many different perspectives from several characters: Claire, Mario, a director, and Reed. We learn that Claire is an actress, and while filming under Mario's direction, she meets Reed. We find out that earlier, Claire had lost her previous love to diabetes

After meeting Reed, things seem to change as the two become good friends, along with his daughter; however, Claire can't see that things aren't what they seem with the three of them.  What was really going on with Reed?  

The story really takes off, and there is so much going on that you will find yourself upset with all that was happening, dealing with alcoholism, grief, abuse, infidelity, and power.  All of this is happening as Claire's career seems to be taking off in a good way.  

What will happen as Claire finds out that she is being manipulated?  This is where I will stop and say you must pick up this novel and see how the author brings it all out, because the story will leave you with many thoughts.   One of my thoughts was that this is not a love story.

But don't take my word...read 'Between You and Me and the Fence Post' and see for yourself... what do you think?

 

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.