Looking for a little romance, drama, or mystery this summer? Or just want to peak into the lives of others and forget about your own for a little while?
Here are some sizzling, stylish, and smart books to take you away, make you shake your head, and put a big smile on your face. Check them out and get your read on this summer.
UNBURNABLE by Marie-Elena JohnIf you're looking for some enchantment, check out Marie-Elena John's debut novel, UNBURNABLE (April), which was recently released in paperback. Set in both the Caribbean island Dominica and Washington, D.C., this page-turner is a tale of real-life magic, betrayal and vengeance that's sure to keep your attention until the end.
THE GIRL WITH THE GOLDEN SHOES by Colin ChannerIn this lyrical novella, respected writer Colin Channer reminds readers of his superb talent. THE GIRL WITH THE GOLDEN SHOES (May) is, at its core, a moral fable. Set on a fictional Caribbean island, Channer follows a young girl as she learns to survive after being banished from her home, a fishing village. She embarks on the adventure of a lifetime. Captivating and engrossing, you won't be able to put this one down.
THE DEVIL'S MAMBO by Jerry RodriguezThis may be the summer of the sexy detective. First up is the debut novel from Jerry Rodriguez, aptly titled, THE DEVIL'S MAMBO (May). Former NYPD Homicide detective Nicholas Esperanza is plunged into the dark underbelly of the Big Apple on a dangerous mission to find his girlfriend's missing fourteen-year-old niece. Sex. Drugs. Murder. More Sex. This one has all the necessary elements, and then some, for the crime noir fan.
CASANEGRA by Blair Underwood, Tananarive Due, and Steven BarnesNext up is a triple-threat. Written by Mr. Sexy Blair Underwood, award-winning writer Tananarive Due, and New York Times bestselling author Steven Barnes, CASANEGRA (July) is sexy, smart, and savory. The novel follows Tennyson Hardwick, a former actor and gigolo, who turns into an irresistible detective when he's forced to solve a murder and save himself from taking the fall. CASANEGRA has all the right elements for a great summer read.
DIVA'S LAST CURTAIN CALL by Angela HenryIf you're looking for feminine detective power, turn to DIVA'S LAST CURTAIN CALL (June) featuring author Angela Henry's amateur sleuth, Kendra Clayton. The third book in Henry's mystery series, this installment follows Clayton as she solves the murder of a fading actress in order to clear the name of her sister, an aspiring actress. Written to tackle the discrimination faced by African-American actresses in Hollywood, the book is more than a whodunit.
INSATIABLE by Heather Hunter with Michelle ValentineWhat happens when an ex-porn star writes a novel? You get INSATIABLE (July), the over-the-top debut from Heather Hunter, who wild radio personality Wendy Williams deemed "The Queen of Hip Hop Sex." Loosely based on Hunter's rise as an actress in the adult film world, this one is not for the lighthearted. But if you want a hot, sweaty summer, look for INSATIABLE (co-written with Michelle Valentine) next month.
C.R.E.A.M. by Solomon JonesVeteran journalist Solomon Jones delivers another tale that mingles Philly's streets with its politics. Recently released in paperback, C.R.E.A.M. (June) follows an ex-convict who's determined to turn her life around and make a clean break from her past. When Karima "Cream" Thomas reaches out to her shady aunt who is poised to become mayor, Karima may have to take it back to the streets to save her life.
MOMMY'S ANGEL by MiashaMiasha, who wrote the popular DIARY OF A MISTRESS is back with her third novel, MOMMY'S ANGEL (June). After tragedy strikes her family, fifteen-year-old Angel Washington finds herself in a do-or-die situation to support her younger siblings. But when she becomes tempted by the fast life, Angel has to avoid the potential downward spiral she faces. Miasha delivers a street story about the costs of survival.
FOREVER A HUSTLER'S WIFE by Nikki Turner
Nikki Turner, the princess of street lit has finally dropped her long-awaited sequel to A HUSTLER'S WIFE. FOREVER A HUSTLER'S WIFE (April) brings back Des and Yarni in another tale of love, sex, murder, and revenge. Turner knows what her fans want and she brings it again.
THE CURSED by L.A. Banks
Want a little vampire drama? THE CURSED (July), the ninth book in L.A. Banks' incredibly popular Vampire Huntress Legend Series picks up right where THE WICKED left off with Damali and her crew. In this latest installment, Damali must face off against all the vampires she hasn't slain. Armageddon has begun. Better be prepared for this one.
NEW ENGLAND WHITE by Stephen L. CarterFollowing his highly-acclaimed debut novel, THE EMPEROR OF OCEAN PARK, Yale law professor Stephen L. Carter is back with a NEW ENGLAND WHITE (June) a thriller involving an upper-class African American family that explores underlying issues of politics and race. Mystery, intrigue and superb writing. What more can you ask?
THE OPPOSITE HOUSE by Helen OyeyemiShe was only eighteen when she wrote her first book, the critically acclaimed, THE ICARUS GIRL. The young literary star, Helen Oyeyemi returns with THE OPPOSITE HOUSE (June) another mythical tale where two young women search for the truth about identity. With international ties that crosses locations, cultures, languages and religions, Oyeyemi brings complexity to her sophomore effort.
HUNGER by Erica Simone Turnipseed
Following up on her stunning debut, A LOVE NOIRE, Erica Simone Turnipseed's HUNGER (July) reunites freethinking Noire and her urbane African ex, Innocent in a post-9/11 world. The two unlikely lovers have grown up and are battling their own thirty-something crises. They find solace in each other's beds, but will have to work hard to become permanent fixtures in one another's lives. Forthcoming in paperback, HUNGER is a must-read for romantics and book clubs.
CRYSTELLE MOURNING (August) is the debut novel from a welcomed new voice in fiction. Journalist Eisa Nefertari Ulen weaves a story of forgiveness, love, and heartbreak. Philly Native Crystelle has a comfortable life in trendy Brooklyn with her fiancé. But when a ghost from her past continues to haunt her, she'll have to return to the neighborhood where she grew up to revisit and resolve her pain. A touching read that's sure to resonate in hearts. Available in hardcover, look for the paperback in August.
THE EX FILES by Victoria Christopher MurrayEssence bestselling author Victoria Christopher Murray continues to confront real-life issues in her latest novel THE EX FILES (July), which chronicles a prayer group where four women must come to terms with faith and heartbreak. Friendships emerge as the women journey towards forgiveness and redemption. Definitely a heartfelt read.
EVERYBODY SAY AMEN by ReShonda Tate BillingsleyReShonda Tate Billingsley returns to the Houston congregation of her #1 Essence magazine bestseller, LET THE CHURCH SAY AMEN. EVERYBODY SAY AMEN (July) retains the faith, soul, and drama of Billingsley's first offering.
DELILAH'S REVENGE by S. James GuitardThere's nothing more dangerous for a man than a woman with a plan. That's the premise of S. James Guitard's new novel DELILAH'S REVENGE (April) which begins with the line, "I couldn't kill her enough times to make me happy, but that didn't stop me from trying." Drama, drama, and more drama. But with a spiritual core, deliverance also takes center stage.
Comments: (8)
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By: Yolanda on 6/13/2007 5:14AM
I love to read, and I will be checking out a few of these titles. Thanks for letting me know there is a sequel to one of my faves "Let The Church Say Amen".
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By: Angela Henry on 6/13/2007 2:31PM
Felicia,
Hey! Thank you for including Diva's Last Curtain Call in your summer reading suggestions! I love your blog and have found out about some great books here to add to my TBR pile ; ).
Have a great summer!
Angela Henry
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By: Ronnie on 6/13/2007 5:24PM
I love to read and I love to refer others to authors that are well worth reading. Add Fire and Rain to your list of Summer Reading. Check out author Devon Callahan his novel is great. visit his website www.skylarwrites.com or Google his name Devon Callahan. Fire and Rain is sure to please!
Happy reading to all.
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By: Angel M. Hunter on 6/14/2007 1:15PM
Check out "Turned Out" by Angel M. Hunter
I'm available for bookclubs via email or phone.
msangelhunter@aol.com
The Essence® bestselling author of Fakin' It and Sister Girls lends a sizzling twist to an unexpected lust triangle—and shows why getting what you want isn’t always best…
Champagne Rose and her boyfriend Zyair Truesdale have been living together the past five years. She’s a successful publicist, he’s a thriving restaurant owner, and they’ve both been secretly blaming their stale sex life on their long hours. Both agree that a vacation to Hedonism, a nude resort in Jamaica, just may do the trick. But Neither Zyair nor Champagne can believe their eyes when they witness what goes on right out in the open at the resort, and they’re soon revved up and ready to get busy. When Zyair suggests they invite another woman into their bed, he’s ecstatic to know it’s always been Champagne’s fantasy. And he agrees that he will only watch—which has always been his fantasy.
Champagne, on the other hand, likes the new sexual experience a little too much, and she slowly but surely allows more women into—and edges Zyair out of —her bed. But with all of Champagne’s new conquests and cravings, will they be able to pull their relationship back out of the freak zone? Explicit sex and language.
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By: Angel M. Hunter on 6/14/2007 1:15PM
The Essence® bestselling author of Fakin' It and Sister Girls lends a sizzling twist to an unexpected lust triangle—and shows why getting what you want isn’t always best…
Champagne Rose and her boyfriend Zyair Truesdale have been living together the past five years. She’s a successful publicist, he’s a thriving restaurant owner, and they’ve both been secretly blaming their stale sex life on their long hours. Both agree that a vacation to Hedonism, a nude resort in Jamaica, just may do the trick. But Neither Zyair nor Champagne can believe their eyes when they witness what goes on right out in the open at the resort, and they’re soon revved up and ready to get busy. When Zyair suggests they invite another woman into their bed, he’s ecstatic to know it’s always been Champagne’s fantasy. And he agrees that he will only watch—which has always been his fantasy.
Champagne, on the other hand, likes the new sexual experience a little too much, and she slowly but surely allows more women into—and edges Zyair out of —her bed. But with all of Champagne’s new conquests and cravings, will they be able to pull their relationship back out of the freak zone? Explicit sex and language.
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By: kamea on 6/14/2007 8:35PM
If you love to read and want to experience two good books this summer, check out new author Donna Michele Ramos.
Her debut contemporary novel HIGH RISE (#10 Essence Best Seller List Jan. 2006 and #5 BlackBookPlus.com Jan. 2006) and historical that takes place on a slave plantation in Virginia during the Civil War, BORROWED TIME her newest release will each take you on a trip through every emotion. A sequel to HIGH RISE should be ready by this winter.
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By: D on 6/29/2007 12:09AM
I am printing this list today. There are so many on the list that has me excited. I hope I can find most in the library because my reading habit is reeking havoc on my finances. Let's not forget some oldies but goodies. Rediscover Hugh Holton if you are into suspenseful, action-packed crime novels. He was a Chicago policeman and wrote from experience. I have found and purchased all of his books.
Happy Reading!
D.
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By: Atreian on 7/08/2007 5:50PM
I'm adding all of these books to my summer reading list. If you enjoy a great novel check out "The Aura of Love" By Kathy J. Marsh her website is KathyJMarsh.com. I couldn't put it down, Marsh gives you romance, suspense, and the paranormal. Her imagination is out of the world.
I have heard great things about Blair Underwood's book and it is next on the list. I can't leave out the great L. A. Banks.
Have fun and read everything!
Atreian
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