I really enjoyed this short story by Talia Hibbert. I enjoyed how the story developed. And why our characters are in the space they’re in. 

100% spice within the first few pages. Cute cozy novella. Creative way to get the MC’s together 

“Forbidden” explores the history of passing for white through the eyes of MMC Rhine Fontaine. We see the complexities of the relationship he has with FMC Eddy as he’s going through this story as a white dude. So throughout the story - she is taken aback as to why this guy is so attracted to her knowing how dangerous their union can be. It’s so good!

Dorothy is almost finished with her PhD in wildlife biology. She and her lion companion Toto get abducted by aliens and land on an other worldly planet. Once they land- they realize there are dinosaurs on this planet. They’re saved by sexy alien Sol and later on by equally as attractive Lok. 

I loved the moments of Black girlhood with the relaxer trauma. The finding a bonnet on another planet. So real. 

This is truly one of Beverly Jenkins best novels. The story we follow from both MC’s is inspiring. Sable Fontaine, a former slave finds herself smitten with Raimone LeVeq, Union army general. A man of Haitian descent with deep pockets. What I enjoy about this book is that this story provides an unlikely princess tale. The slave girl
Gets the happy ending. 

Book 2 to Grayaon Grove. Grayason family. Eli Grayson has to save his newspaper at the time, Black publications were necessary to share news and information to Black people. Eli needs to find a bride. Here he finds Jewel. A marriage of convenience somewhat enemies to lovers. She’s not too keen on marrying a former man ho. .. Eli’s past catches up with him - were then thrown into a “who done it” situation. It’s a slower paced, but adventurous read. If you enjoyed “Vivid” you’ll love “Jewel”.