HOME AND AWAY - Rochelle Alers Kensington/Dafina BUY Reviewer:  Brenda Larnell | Rating: A HISTORIC FICTION

Harper Fleming is done with being passed over. As a journalist for a Chicago newspaper, she’s been refused a shot at the sportswriter position she longs for. And her on again/off again relationship is going nowhere. Leaving both behind, she heads to Nashville, Tennessee, where she plans to interview her widowed grandfather, Bernard Fleming, for a book about his father Kelton Fleming’s time in the Negro Baseball Leagues.

THE PERFECT MURDER - K.D. Richards West Investigaions (Book #12) Harlequin Intrigue BUY Reviewer: Shirley Fleming |  Rating: A ROMANTIC SUSPENSE

LA cop turned PI Travis Collins was a rookie when Chelsea Harper’s father was put away for murder. Now Chelsea needs Travis to find the true culprit and clear her dad's name. When she narrowly misses being the victim of a hit-and-run, he starts believing that an innocent man is in prison. With the threat escalating and Travis determined to fight their growing attraction, can he lead Chelsea to the truth before a desperate killer succeeds a second time?

OCTBER 2024

NOVEMBER 2024

JANUARY 2025

SECOND-CHANCE BODYGUARD - Particia Sargeant The Touré Security Group (Book #3) Harlequin Romantic Suspense BUY Reviewer: Brenda Larnell | Rating: A ROMANTIC SUSPENSE

Hezekiah Touré cares about two things: looking after his younger brothers and managing the Touré Security Group. To protect his family, he agrees to go into hiding with Celeste Jarrett after a serial killer threat. As a private investigator, Celeste has information Zeke’s family can use. As a woman he tried to love, she’s always been hard to reach. Sharing a safe house might lead to sharing her bed, but can he convince her to trust him? Or will the wounds she suffered in the past drive them apart again?

CHURCH GIRL - Niama Simone Harlequin Afterglow BUY (26 November) Reviewer: Shirley Fleming |  Rating: A CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE

Aaliyah Montgomery isn’t just ditching her wedding. She’s also fleeing her suffocating small town and her family’s expectations. She’s got plans—for college, for finding herself. But landing a job in Chicago that fits her schedule isn’t easy. Good thing Von Howard is desperate to find a live-in nanny. Bad thing that he’s a gritty, grumpy, gorgeous tattoo artist carrying as much baggage as he has ink.

	FALLING FOR THE COMPETITION - Darby Baham The Friendship Chronicles (Book #5) Harlequin Special Edition BUY Reviewer:  Shirley Fleming |  Rating: A CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE
When Keisha Edwards collides with Rhodes scholar Julian Langley, she briefly considers switching from her MBA to chemistry—because theirs is off the charts! But when Tall, Dark and Arrogant asks for her number? The answer is no. Besides, if Keisha’s going to graduate top of her class, she doesn’t have time for romance.

FLIRTING WITH ALASKA - Belle Calhoune Moose Falls/Alaska (Book #2) Hatchette Forever BUY Reviewer:  Brenda Larnell | Rating: A CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE

Caleb Stone isn’t ready to give up his Hollywood dreams. But after a disastrous run on a reality dating show paints him as an unapologetic player, Caleb needs a little time and space to regroup. Luckily, his hometown of Moose Falls, Alaska has both, plus a job helping his brothers run Yukon Cider. Even dialed down, Caleb’s flirtatious vibes are a hit at work, except for one woman who seems completely, totally, frustratingly immune to his charms–—the gorgeous new photographer for Yukon Cider’s upcoming ad campaign.

	PROTECTED - Sharon C. Cooper Atlanta's Finest (Book #6) Amaris Publishing BUY Reviewer:  Brenda Larnell | Rating: A CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE
Personal security specialist Parker Wilcox should be dead. Instead, he’s been hiding in plain sight for years. But when a mishap threatens his cover, he’s terrified his past will bring danger to the lives of those he loves—especially Chelsey Bailey. The only way to protect her is to put distance between them, but how can he live without the only woman who owns his heart?

NEVER TOO LATE - A. C. Arthur The Corporation (Book #2) Artistry Publishing BUY Reviewer:  Brenda Larnell | Rating: A CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE

Music mogul, Niko DiLaurentis is all about building his empire and making his money. Raised by the streets and saved by the church, he managed to turn out better than anyone who knew him expected. Now, he has everything he could ever dream of, except her. If she were the type to believe in curses, Rowyn Blackstone would swear one had been placed on her. For as long as she can remember she’s been recovering from one loss after another. But she’s not built to break and her eyes always remain on the prize. Until she sees him again.

CHRISTMAS IN CLOVER CREEK - Sean D. Young Clover Creek (Book #3) Independently Published BUY Reviewer: Brenda Larnell | Rating: A CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE

After years of chasing success and purpose, Cedric Clark returns to Clover Creek feeling lost and uncertain. His once-bright future as an Army Corps of Engineers officer and a rising star in the corporate world has crumbled, leaving him searching for something more. The last place he ever thought he’d find it was the small town he couldn’t wait to leave behind. But with the holiday season in full swing, Clover Creek’s charm—and one captivating event planner—start to work their magic.

KING DAVID - Jacquelin Thomas Heart and Hope Publishing BUY (3 December) Reviewer:  |  Rating: CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE

David Winters has the voice, the talent, and the drive to dominate the R&B music scene. With the guidance of his best friend and legendary producer, Jonathan Graham, David rises quickly to superstardom. But fame comes with its challenges—rivalries, temptation, and the dangerous pull of power. As David's success grows, so do the threats from Jonathan’s father, Saul Graham, a fading music mogul desperate to keep his throne.

A LIFETIME IN 30 DAYS - A. C. Arthur Montlake BUY Reviewer:  Brenda Larnell | Rating: A CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE

Savannah Carlson has one month before she hits the big four-oh. With her best friends, Jamaica and Ronni, she’s making every weekend toward that milestone count—party-wise. Vanna’s plans go awry when her shady, no-good, unreliable, estranged husband, Caleb, dies in a boating accident. The real sucker punch lands when Vanna is arrested for embezzlement at his funeral. Her man certainly is the gift that keeps on giving.

TANGLED IN CHRISTMAS - Unoma Nwankwor A Luxe Noir Christmas KevStel Publications BUY Reviewer:  Brenda Larnell | Rating: A CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE

In the small, charming and affluent town of Luxe Noir, Mayor Nengi Touré has one primary goal—making the Luxe Christmas Market a resounding success. With her re-election looming in the background, the last thing she needs is a scandal. But when an unexpected holiday mishap ties her to Elijah Westbrook—the elusive and recently returned son of Luxe Noir’s most prominent family—rumors spread like wildfire. Their only option is to play along. For mutually beneficial reasons, they agree to a fake relationship, hoping to keep their lives free of complications.

SOUL STAR - Aja Soulmates (Book #5) She Loves Words Publishing BUY Reviewer:  Brenda Larnell | Rating: A CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE

In 1959, Zhara Williams moves to Pittsburgh with her family, hoping for a fresh start in a new city. What she finds instead is judgment, self-doubt, and an unexpected chance at love. Immanuel Green, a steadfast carpenter, sees Zhara’s quiet strength and chooses to stand by her, no matter the cost. As their love blossoms, Zhara uncovers the legacy of the women who came before her—a legacy written in the stars.

DAYCARE SANTA - J. L. Campbell A Sweet & Wholesome Holiday Romance The Writer's Suite BUY Reviewer:  Brenda Larnell | Rating: A CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE

A split with her business partner just as the festive rush begins, leaves her drowning in the pressures of keeping her business afloat. Her six-year-old son, Luca, takes matters into his own hands by writing an outrageous letter to Santa. Regina can’t avoid Zack Winters, the stand-in St. Nick, who turns up in the most unlikely places as the holiday draws nearer. As she juggles business and parenthood, he throws out a challenge. Can she enjoy the season and accept the help she needs to rescue her business before the clock strikes midnight on Christmas Eve?

	MASK UNBOUND - Kelsey Green High Class Society Holiday Independently Published BUY Reviewer:  | Rating: CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE
Forced into an arranged marriage, Malaysia was his obsession—a prize he paid richly to claim. Patience was never his virtue. Yet Tripp waited to make her his. But a week before their wedding, she vanished, leaving him with nothing but questions and a thirst to find her. He set the world ablaze trying to locate his runaway bride, and all he found were ashes.

MASK UNBURNED - Sherelle Green High Class Society Holiday Coffee'd Pink Creative BUY Reviewer:  | Rating: CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE

Attending the masquerade gala with her secret society members was supposed to be Ryah’s escape—a night of mystery and anonymity, far from her usual chaos. But when the elevator grounds to a halt, enclosing her with the man she’d been cautiously watching all evening, her plan unraveled. Cairo represents everything she should steer clear from. Especially with eyes so deeply piercing, they threaten to strip away her carefully constructed walls with each sarcastic exchange.

MASK UNBROKEN - Angela Seals High Class Society Holiday Independently Published BUY Reviewer:  | Rating: CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE

Bailey had planned for a magical night at the city’s most exclusive holiday masquerade, where glamour and intrigue promised the perfect New Year’s Eve escape. The rules were clear: impress, charm, and find a midnight match among the masked elite. But when a stranger’s hypnotizing gaze locks on hers, his presence sends her heart into a spiral—equal parts thrilling and fearful. Beneath the glittering lights, temptation burned, and she can’t shake the eerie feeling that he knows exactly who she is.