I think I may forever credit Selena Montgomery (aka ~the~ Stacey Abrams) for initiating me into the genre of romantic suspense thrillers. NEVER TELL was everything it promised and more. Following a forensic psychology professor with a dark past and a nosy journalist trying to preserve his father’s legacy, we are immediately immersed in this deadly mystery that’s unfolding in New Orleans. This plot was excellent and intriguing; I constantly wanted to know what was happening, and I was essentially glued to the audiobook (side note, but January Lavoy’s voice is INCREDIBLE). 

This novel features a perfect balance of romance and mystery, and the characters all felt so full of depth, even the side characters or characters we meet for a moment. I totally didn’t see the reveal coming, and it might just be one of the best plot twists I’ve ever read. This book made me want to read all of her backlist, and I immediately looked up her romantic suspense backlist and I’m prepared to be hooked for life. If you’re someone enjoys romance or suspenseful thrillers or BOTH, then I highly recommend this book!

SEVERANCE definitely keeps you reading with very intentional writing, and I liked the easy transition between Candace Chen’s past and present. Candace is a funny, whip-smart protagonist that I definitely saw myself in. Her story and journey definitely makes you think twice about the comfort and security in routine. At some point, I found myself wondering if the fever was a metaphor for the rottenness and obsession with routine in our modern society? There’s also themes of work culture, capitalism, family dynamics, and immigration.

An excellent installment in the Nsibidi Scripts; no sophomore slump in sight! I love the dynamics between the members of Sunny's Oha coven, and I love Sunny as a character. I'm excited to go on another adventure with her in Akata Woman! I like how this book both ties up the loose ends of the first book while also introducing another conflict that will propel us into the third book.

Boring and convoluted beginning with a manipulative protagonist. Way too much inner monologue.

I was bored, and the story moved incredibly slow without the writing being captivating enough for me want to continue.

This is hilarious with a capital EVERYTHING. Being inside Kian’s head is like having a good friend unknowingly go off on a monologue, complete with random, spot-on, and not-so-obscure-but-also-super-obscure-yet-totally-relevant pop culture references. Kian is surrounded by a solid support group of his bff Divya and brother Jamal. Divya and Jamal are such fleshed out characters; I totally wouldn’t mind a love story between the two.

WOW WOW WOW. What can I even say about this novel besides the fact that IT. ABSOLUTELY. FRICKIN. ROCKS. It's a truth universally known...that Talia Hibbert writes some of the best steamy scenes EVER, and sis did not disappoint in this one. I found myself CACKLING out loud every other page, and books rarely garner that reaction from me. The character of Dani is such an expert portrayal of how a confident woman can easily be insecure about one specific thing, and one does not cancel out the other. Zaf is a testament to being so concerned with coping and moving on that you don't actually deal with what's hurt you. These two characters together are SIZZLING hot and hilarious, but they stand as solid and complex characters on their own, as well. I am VERY EXCITED for the next novel about the third Brown sister, Eve.