Forbidden (Old West #1) by Beverly Jenkins

 

About

Rhine Fontaine is building the successful life he's always dreamed of—one that depends upon him passing for White. But for the first time in years, he wishes he could step out from behind the façade. The reason: Eddy Carmichael, the young woman he rescued in the desert. Outspoken, defiant, and beautiful, Eddy tempts Rhine in ways that could cost him everything . . . and the price seems worth paying.

Eddy owes her life to Rhine, but she won't risk her heart for him. As soon as she's saved enough money from her cooking, she'll leave this Nevada town and move to California. No matter how handsome he is, no matter how fiery the heat between them, Rhine will never be hers. Giving in for just one night might quench this longing. Or it might ignite an affair as reckless and irresistible as it is forbidden . . .

My Thoughts

I have now officially found my new favourite author for romance. Rebel was good but Forbidden was GREAT. Rhine and Eddy was the most epic couple you can read about. I spent my entire weekend just reading this story. Yes it wad that good.

In Forbidden, we meet Rhine Fontaine an ex slave who started over his life passing for white. After amassing a great fortune and influence in his town, for the first time he questioned whether this was how he wanted to live when he literally stumbled upon Eddy.

Determined to make it on her own terms in life, Eddy set her sights on California, however some terrible circumstances left her almost dead in the desert. Being rescued by the handsome Rhine led Eddy to a life that she never expected.

Full of love, emotion and everything else. Forbidden is the type of book that makes you want to reread.

Excellent.

Sweetness in the Skin by Ishi Robinson

 

About

A Jamaican girl is determined to bake her way out of her dysfunctional family and into the opportunity of a lifetime.

Pumkin Patterson is a thirteen-year-old girl living in a tiny two-room house in Kingston, Jamaica with her grandmother (who wants to improve the family’s social standing); her aunt Sophie (who dreams of a new life in Paris for her and Pumkin); and her mother Paulette (who’s rarely home). When Sophie is offered the chance to move to France for work, she seizes the opportunity and promises to send for her niece in one year’s time. All Pumkin has to do is pass her French entrance exam so she can attend school there. But when Pumkin’s grandmother dies, she’s left alone with her volatile mother, and as soon as her estranged father turns up—as lazy and conniving as ever—the household’s fortunes take a turn for the worse.

Pumkin must somehow find a way to raise the money for her French exam. In a moment of ingenuity she turns her passion for baking into a true business. Making batches of sweet potato pudding, coconut drops and chocolate cakes, Pumkin develops a booming trade—but when her school and her mother find out what she’s up to, everything she’s worked so hard for may slip through her fingers.

My Thoughts

One word.

Brilliant.

I enjoyed this novel from start to finish. In Sweetness in the Skin we meet teenager, Akisha Patterson aka Pumkin. She was a girl with a dream to live in France which was born out of her aunt Sophie's love for everything French. But Pumkin's less than ideal life in Jamaica with an abusive mother, absentee father makes that dream almost impossible. That is until aunt Sophie gets an opportunity to work in France.

Determined to get to her aunt, Pumkin was prepared to fight against the odds to fulfill her dream. There were sad and emotional moments in the novel but there were equally joyous ones as well. I really enjoyed the story and highly recommend this book. One of my best reads for 2025 so far.

Rebel (Women Who Dare #1) by Beverly Jenkins

About 

Valinda Lacey's mission in the steamy heart of New Orleans is to help the newly emancipated community survive and flourish. But soon she discovers that here, freedom can also mean danger. When thugs destroy the school she has set up and then target her, Valinda runs for her life—and straight into the arms of Captain Drake LeVeq.

As an architect from an old New Orleans family, Drake has a deeply personal interest in rebuilding the city. Raised by strong women, he recognizes Valinda's determination. And he can't stop admiring—or wanting—her. But when Valinda's father demands she return home to marry a man she doesn't love, her daring rebellion draws Drake into an irresistible intrigue.

My Thoughts

Hands down an excellent book. It has been a long time that I enjoyed a romance novel. I dont really read this genre but my goodness where have Beverly Jenkins been my entire life?

This story had everything, drama, suspense and lots of passion. The historical part was definitely wonderful. It really went into detail depicting the era. I couldnt get enough.

Oh and that Drake Le Veq....OMG what a character. The chemistry between him and Valinda left me speechless. I am going to binge read this entire series and get my hands on all Jenkins' books. Excellent writing.

Book Review: Daisy Darker by Alice Feeney

 

The New York Times bestselling Queen of Twists returns…with a family reunion that leads to murder.

After years of avoiding each other, Daisy Darker’s entire family is assembling for Nana’s 80th birthday party in Nana’s crumbling gothic house on a tiny tidal island. Finally back together one last time, when the tide comes in, they will be cut off from the rest of the world for eight hours.

The family arrives, each of them harboring secrets. Then at the stroke of midnight, as a storm rages, Nana is found dead. And an hour later, the next family member follows…

Trapped on an island where someone is killing them one by one, the Darkers must reckon with their present mystery as well as their past secrets, before the tide comes in and all is revealed.

With a wicked wink to Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None, Daisy Darker’s unforgettable twists will leave readers reeling.

My Thoughts

What a twist at the end! I didn't see that one coming at all. Unexpected twists are what make me even more excited about books and Daisy Darker did not disappoint in this regard.

Daisy Darker was born with a broken heart (literally) which made her feel unseen in her family. With the exception of Nana, her grandmother, Daisy often felt alone and unloved.

On Nana's eightieth birthday, the entire family was invited to Nana's seaside mansion for the weekend. The family thought that Nana was going to read her will since she was somewhat wealthy having written successful children's books with Daisy as her inspiration.

The reading of the will was a disappointment but then things started taking a deadly turn as members of the family kept dying every hour. The person behind this you will be amazed to see....

In all I loved the suspense.

Book Review; The Lion's Den by Iris Mwanza

 

A missing boy. A corrupt system. A case that could change everything…

When young queer dancer Wilbess “Bessy” Mulenga is arrested by corrupt police, fresh-from-the-village rookie lawyer Grace Zulu takes up his cause in her first pro bono case. Presented with a freshly beaten client, Grace protests to the police and gets barred from accessing Bessy, who then disappears from the system—and the world—without a trace. As she fights for justice for Bessy, Grace must navigate a dangerous world of corrupt politicians, traditional beliefs, and deep-seated homophobia.

With the help of a former freedom fighter and the head of her law firm, who’s rallying for one last fight as AIDS takes its toll on him, Grace brings together a coalition of unions, students, and political opposition to take on the corrupt administration of President Kaunda. But will justice prevail in the face of such overwhelming odds?

The Lions' Den is a gripping and enduring novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. With unforgettable characters and a thrilling plot, Iris Mwanza has announced herself as a major new talent in fiction.

My Thoughts

Simply Put, a decent read.

Set in Zambia in the early 1990's, we follow Grace Zulu a young, bright attorney who has her first big case, one that is controversial as she is defending Willbess Mulenga, a young man charged with lewd homosexual acts. As the case unravels, we also get an insight of Grace's journey to become a lawyer which was of course not a smooth path.

I always like stories that helps readers understand the main characters by delving into their past for us to understand the present. This author did that expertly in this novel. Although the topic dealt with heavy issues, I would say this was definitely a well written novel.

Wonder by RJ Palacio

 

About

I won’t describe what I look like. Whatever you’re thinking, it’s probably worse.

August Pullman was born with a facial difference that, up until now, has prevented him from going to a mainstream school. Starting 5th grade at Beecher Prep, he wants nothing more than to be treated as an ordinary kid—but his new classmates can’t get past Auggie’s extraordinary face. Wonder, begins from Auggie’s point of view, but soon switches to include his classmates, his sister, her boyfriend, and others.

My Thoughts 

You are probably wondering whaaaat? Yeah I read a middle grade book and absolutely loved it. This book was my school book club pick for January 2025 and I cannot wait to see what the kids think about it..

In Wonder, we meet August a ten year old, who was born with a rare condition that left his face somewhat odd. Having had a series of surgeries in his early childhood, Auggie (as he was called) had to be home schooled.

Now, at the cusp of fifth grade Auggie is about to start school for the very first time. What will his classmates think when they see his face? As he navigates this new experience, this book takes us through an emotional rollercoaster.

This book was indeed amazing and it is one of those stories that I think that is good for children to learn about empathy and kindness in spite of differences. I look forward to the book discussion and I highly recommend this book.

How MY Neighbor Stole Christmas by Meghan Quinn

 

About:

A new holiday enemies-to-lovers romance from USA Today bestselling author Meghan Quinn.

Every Kringle in Kringletown celebrated Christmas a lot.

But Cole Black on Whistler Lane, unfortunately, did not.

As his fellow citizens decorate their quaint town, brimming with carols and glad tidings, Cole wants nothing more than to hibernate the winter away. But his dreary plans are thwarted when his Christmas nemesis, Storee Taylor, moves in next door to care for her Aunt Cindy. Immediately, the new neighbor turns his life into a real nightmare before Christmas, especially when she decides to enter the town Christmas Kringle contest in honor of Cindy. And better yet, Storee is determined to win.

Over Cole's dead body, she will. With help from his friend Max, Cole decides to enter the competition as well, to beat Storee at her own game by pretending that this hometown grump's heart has grown three sizes this season and he's fallen for the girl next door. And unfortunately for Storee, she has to follow his lead to have a chance at the Christmas Kringle title.

But the competition isn't the only thing that heats up. Cole and Storee's fake relationship becomes very real, and before they know it, they're attempting to hide it from Aunt Cindy. Things get complicated, the competition gets tough, and all it takes is one single night for someone to steal it all…

My Thoughts 

I do not usually read Christmas themed or romance books but seeing how popular this one was, I decided to give it a try and it was just ok in my opinion.

In this novel, we meet Storee (loved this name by the way), a California city girl who, upon hearing that her aunt Cindy was ill, along with her sister Taran went to assist her. Aunt Cindy lived in a Christmas town where there is Christmas all year round. It is also a place where Storee and Taran enjoyed their best childhood Christmas memories. The girls have not been there in ten years.

In walks the boy next door Cole, who grew up to be extremely handsome. Upon hearing that Storee was back, bad memories came flooding back. Things took a turn when Cole found out that Storee was entering the town Christmas competition. Determined to prove a point (you will have to read to get it), Cole entered the competition as well. Their paths crossed and what began as a fight slowly blossomed into something unexpected.

The book really began much like your typical holiday movie but somewhere later on it became quite steamy. All in all it was an ok story. While it was not exactly my cup of tea, it was well written and there were parts that were quite enjoyable.

Women Unhinged by Vaughn T. Stanford

 

About:

Are Women Crazy?

Girls are sugar, and spice, and nice. But then they grow up…

After the runaway success of his feature Men Are Dogs in the National Standard newspaper, Steven Gardner is on a mission to tell the other side of the that women can be just as toxic as men. Every Sunday he leaves readers hungry for more as he dishes on one harrowing relationship after another, with the goal of opening the eyes, minds and hearts of a nation where abuse of men by women is a taboo subject.

But the pressure from all this exposure, as well as from his own legion of personal demons, threatens to break Gardner. Can he be the voice of suffering men? Or will he implode under the weight of his own secrets and deceptions?

My Thoughts

Women Unhinged was the highly anticipated sequel to Men Unleashed and let me tell you this book did not disappoint.

In this sequel, we encounter Trinidadian crime journalist Steven Gardener again. After his award winning series Men Are Dogs, where he delved into the myriad of ways that men destroy relationships, he is now flipping the script and discussing women who become men's worst nightmare.

As a woman this story definitely had a different impact on me in that, we often blame males for the downfall of relationships. What this story did was emphasize that women are more often than we care to admit, equally to blame for break ups.

The book was set in Trinidad and Tobago and what I appreciated as well was some of the social issues related to the family that was also brought forward. Especially in terms of custody and divorce. As a Trinbagonian, this has always been in the public domain, the fact that males are unfairly treated by the courts in custody matters. Most times the court rules in favour of the women. It is something that we have been grappling with a while now.

This book is definitely a MUST read.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! 2025 IS FINALLY HERE

 

Dear Readers,

I would like to take this time to express thanks to all those who have been reading this blog for the past year (s). Your support gives me encouragement to continue to use my little space on the internet to share my love for reading with the world. 

In 2024, due to other commitments I was the most efficient in granting authors review requests. I plan in 2025 to make more time to do that as I like discovering new and emerging authors for my enjoyment. As 2025 unfolds I hope to continue to read and review some more exciting books.

To conclude this note I would like to wish all of you a very Happy New Year 2025, and as usual....

HAPPY READING 

From

Trini Girl Reads

 

Book Review; The Perfect Son by Freida Mc Fadden

 

About

"Mrs. Cass, we were hoping your son could answer a few questions about the girl who disappeared last night..."

Erika Cass has a perfect family and a perfect life. Until the evening when two detectives show up at her front door.

A high school girl has vanished from Erika's quiet suburban neighborhood. The police suspect the worst--murder. And Erika's teenage son, Liam, was the last person to see the girl alive.

Erika has always sensed something dark and disturbed in her seemingly perfect older child. She wants to believe he's innocent, but as the evidence mounts, she can't deny the truth--Liam may have done the unthinkable.

Now she must ask herself:

How far will she go to protect her son?

My Thoughts

Ok I know what you're thinking, this girl really likes Freida Mc Fadden. But her books keep drawing me in....The perfect son was just as good as the others but I guessed who did it very early which is unusual for a Freida book.

In The Perfect Son we meet Erika and Jason parents of two kids Liam and Hannah, siblings who could not have been more different. While Hannah was your typical rebellious teenager, Liam 16, was the ideal son and student. Erika however, knows that Liam has a dark side and went out of her way to hide this side of her son.

Things get crazy when Olivia Mercer, Liam's crush goes missing. The police and community begin to suspect Liam since he had some issues in the past.

This book was a great rainy day read.

Book Review: One of Us Is Lying by Karen M. Mc Manus

 

About

Pay close attention and you might solve this.

On Monday afternoon, five students at Bayview High walk into detention.

Bronwyn, the brain, is Yale-bound and never breaks a rule.

Addy, the beauty, is the picture-perfect homecoming princess.

Nate, the criminal, is already on probation for dealing.

Cooper, the athlete, is the all-star baseball pitcher.

And Simon, the outcast, is the creator of Bayview High's notorious gossip app.

Only, Simon never makes it out of that classroom. Before the end of detention Simon's dead. And according to investigators, his death wasn't an accident. On Monday, he died. But on Tuesday, he'd planned to post juicy reveals about all four of his high-profile classmates, which makes all four of them suspects in his murder. Or are they the perfect patsies for a killer who's still on the loose?

My Thoughts

This book has been on my TBR since it came out. I did not want to look at the TV series before I had an opportunity to read the novel. I am glad I read the book first though because I thoroughly enjoyed it. 

In One of Us Is Lying we meet Bronwyn, Addy, Cooper and Nate who together with the controversial blogger Simon at detention. This day would lead to a tragedy that will change the lives of four of these teenagers forever.

I loved the mystery, drama and the writing style in this book and I look forward to reading the others.

Book Review: People Person by Candice Carty Williams

 

About

Dimple Pennington knew of her half siblings, but she didn't really know them. Five people who don't have anything in common except for faint memories of being driven through Brixton in their dad's gold jeep, and some pretty complex abandonment issues. Dimple has bigger things to think about. She's thirty, and her life isn't really going anywhere. An aspiring lifestyle influencer with a terrible and wayward boyfriend, Dimple's life has shrunk to the size of a phone screen. And despite a small but loyal following, she's never felt more alone in her life. That is, until a dramatic event brings her half siblings Nikisha, Danny, Lizzie and Prynce crashing back into her life. And when they're all forced to reconnect with Cyril Pennington, the absent father they never really knew, things get even more complicated.

My Thoughts 

This book was on my TBR since it came out. After reading Queenie I was really excited for this release. Not sure why I took so long to get around to reading it, but I am glad that I did.

In People Person we meet Cyril, and his five kids by four different mothers. Cyril was your typical Caribbean charmer who broke many hearts in his days. In all of that his children grew up living very apart until a peculiar tragedy brings them all together, showing the reader that blood is thicker than water.

In the book though we follow Dimple (one of the daughters), it is Dimple's really messed up lifestyle which brings these siblings together. What was unique was that each sibling had such a distinct personality.

Very interesting story with even more interesting characters. If you haven't read this one, try it.

An Unusual Grief by Yewande Omotoso

 

About

How do you get to know your daughter when she is dead?

This is the question which takes a mother on an unusual journey of self-discovery, both mental and sexual. When her daughter Yinka dies, Mojisola is finally forced to stop running away from the difficulties in their relationship, and also come to terms with Yinka the woman.

Mojisola’s grief leads her on a journey of self-discovery, as she moves into her daughter’s apartment and begins to unearth the life Yinka had built for herself there, away from her family. Through stepping into Yinka’s shoes, Mojisola comes to a better understanding not only of her estranged daughter, but also herself, as she learns to carve a place for herself in the world beyond the labels of wife and mother.

A bold and unflinching tale of one women’s unconventional approach to life and loss.

My Thoughts 

This book explained the many layers to grief. Mojisola was a mother on a mission. The mission was to figure out why her daughter Yinka committed suicide. The relationship between mother and daughter was strained so it came as a shock to Mojisola why her daughter would kill herself.

In trying to piece together this loss Moji learned a lot about not only her daughter's life but herself as she immersed herself into Yinka's world.

This book was an interesting take on relationships and depression. The title was very suitable I think because Moji's way of dealing with grief was so unusual you definitely have to read the book to understand.