New Review:Between Pleasure & Friends : A Steamy BOK Slice-of-Life Novelette (The Brothers of Kemet):Kai Leakes

 

4 out of 5 books

Asia Grant is enjoying her life as a stylist in Accra, Ghana. She’s a consultant on a video shoot and is fully in her element. But someone’s surprise appearance may knock her off her square. Malik Hughes decides to surprise his best friend/crush Asia in Accra. But are Asia and Malik just friends or is it something more?

Brothers of Kemet : Between Pleasure & Friends is a steamy, quick read from Kai Leakes. Leakes gives you a sneak peak into the world of the Brothers of Kemet and Asia and Malik’s relationship. This story is a standalone novellette but it does make you want to go back and read the Brothers of Kemet books. Brothers of Kemet : Between Pleasure & Friends is sexy, read that will heat up those fall and winter nights.

Reviewed by Radiah Hubbert

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The Forthcoming:The Mysterious Death of Junetta Plum (A Harriet Stone Mystery):Valerie Wilson Wesley:Release date:December 16, 2025

 

1926: Harriet Stone, a liberated, educated Black woman, and Lovey, the orphaned, biracial 12-year-old she is bound to protect, are Harlem-bound, embarking on a new, hopefully less traumatic chapter in their lives. They have been invited to move from Connecticut by Harriet’s cousin, Junetta Plum, who runs a boardinghouse for independent-minded single women.

It’s a bold move, since Harriet has never met Junetta, but the fatalities of the Spanish flu and other tragedies have already forced her and Lovey to face their worst fears. Alone but for each other, they have little left to lose—or so it seems as they arrive at sophisticated Junetta’s impressive brownstone.

Her cousin has a sharp edge, which makes Harriet slightly uncomfortable. Still, after retiring to her room for the night, she finally falls asleep—only to awaken to Junetta arguing with someone downstairs. In the morning, she makes a shocking discovery at the foot of the stairs.

What ensues will lead Harriet to question Junetta’s very identity—and to wonder if she and Lovey are in danger, as well. It will also tie Harriet to five strangers. Among them, Harriet is sure someone knows something. What she doesn’t yet know is that one will play a crucial role in helping her investigate her cousin’s murder . . . that she will be tied to the others in ways she could never imagine . . . and that her life will take off in a startling new direction.

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The Forthcoming:The Ex Dilemma (Batchelor Life Book 1):Elle Wright:January 27, 2026

 

Wesley Batchelor is desperate for an image reboot—stat. A mysterious social media influencer keeps revealing his many reckless romantic liaisons, putting everything Wesley has worked so hard for at stake. Worse, he’s in deep trouble with his grandmother and Batchelor Enterprises boss, Joyce, his one and only true cheerleader. So he’s stunned and relieved when his gorgeous ex, private detective Albany Keyes, is recruited to track down the leaker . . .

All Wes has to do is keep a cool-headed professional distance. Easy, right? Until the incendiary passion between him and Albany suddenly reignites. And he realizes he wants more from her—just like always . . .

For Joyce's sake, Albany reluctantly accepts the assignment to aid Wes. After all, she needs the money to regroup after a disastrous divorce. But this time, she's going to call the shots. She doesn’t need her heart re-broken by the only man she's ever loved. Yet she soon finds their differences are drawing them together again. And again. And again. Now, with both their careers and their hearts on the line, can they risk another chance on each other—this time, for keeps?

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New Review : Sageborn : Shakir Rashaan

 

5 out of 5 books

Yasir Salah is the new kid at his high school. He’s trying his best to fit in without drawing too much attention to himself. There is a storm brewing inside Yasir that he doesn’t understand. Why does his eyes change colors and where is this extreme heat coming from on his skin? His family always warned him to be careful. But no one ever told him about his past and exactly what he is. To further confuse things, Yasir notices a quiet beauty named Zahra that peaks his interest. What is a young man to do?

Shakir Rashaan brings us into an entertaining paranormal world with Sageborn. Rashaan does a good job with bringing Yasir’s story to life. It was refreshing to see an African American male teen as the lead character in this kind of story. Rashaan did an excellent job with keeping the same elements of the prior release of this book while adding more exciting elements. You get more insight into Yasir’s surprising background as well as Zahra and other characters. Yes, this is a teen & young adult book but adults will enjoy this too! Sageborn is full of magic, secrets, heart-stopping action that will get you ready for book two.

Reviewed by Radiah Hubbert

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The Forthcoming: A Tricky Situation: Marlon McCaulsky : Release date : October 3, 2025

 

Falling in love is the easy part, maintaining your relationship is where it gets tricky. This group of tight-knit friends are all taken aback by the sudden revelation that Jason has not only become a father to a five year old overnight, but he's also found himself in an unexpected romantic entanglement with someone new.

The marriage between Mike and Kima faces strain as he hires an attractive new employee. Meanwhile, Deja questions her suitability in her relationship with Kurt upon encountering an unforeseen houseguest that disrupts their harmony.

As the drama continues to unfold, it remains to be seen if any of the relationships within the group will survive the challenges that lie ahead.

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The Forthcoming : Big Girl Blitz (Curve, 3) : Danielle Allen : Release date : April 14, 2026

 

Because life’s too short, and mean girls ain’t sh…
Jazmyn Payne fled her hometown―and the fatphobes who made her life hell– the minute she graduated high school. Growing up, her haven was her Aunt Addison, and when her health takes a drastic turn, she insists that Jazz should spice up her life. Emphasis on spice.

But dating is the last thing Jazz had on her mind.

Until Lamar Anderson sits next to her at the local sports bar. He is sexy, fun, and refreshingly drama free. With him she's able to pretend that everything is alright. But as real life intrudes, Jazz has to decide if she can leave the past where it belongs… for a love that she deserves.

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The Forthcoming : Where the False Gods Dwell : Denny S. Bryce : Release date : February 24, 2026

 

Inspired by real-life legendary choreographer Katherine Dunham’s groundbreaking expedition into the heart of Caribbean dance culture, this uniquely captivating novel imagines the experiences of three very different women who accompany her, hoping to find their destinies—yet find themselves forced to survive a historic event . . .

Chicago, 1935. Othella is an orphaned con artist who needs to escape the city's brutal underworld... or else. Vivian Jean is a wealthy wife, student, and anthropologist eager to prove herself professionally and personally. Zinzi is a Jamaican labor union activist determined to bring change to her homeland's plantation system. Thanks to a series of fortunate mishaps and coincidences, all three join Dunham’s voyage to the Maroon village of Accompong in Jamaica’s Cockpit Country—and perhaps discover what they desperately want most . . .

Through skill and curiosity, Othella becomes a valued member of the expedition, even as she struggles to conceal her past. Zinzi's knowledge of the Cockpit allows the expedition to explore uncharted territory, even as a forbidden love and fierce resistance threaten everything she seeks to protect. As Vivian Jean’s observations help Dunham make unprecedented discoveries, she grapples with her second husband's guilt and accusations. Yet, amidst their private battles, nature presents an even greater challenge . . .

As deadly Hurricane Jérémie bears down on the island, imperiling the women’s mission—and their lives—they must form a difficult sisterhood. As the storm rages outside the small parish that is their shelter, they will need each other more than anyone or anything they’ve ever needed.

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