Five-Star Reads of 2020

In between writing 2 books this year, I read 64 books. I met some new authors across romance, historical, contemporary, commercial fiction. I read some favorites as well. Here is the list of the seventeen books that I gave five-star reads in no particular order. I look forward to another year of reading and...more reading!

FICTION

1. Yellow Wife by Sadeqa Johnson ***

2. Somebody's Daughter by Rochelle B. Weinstein

3. The Good Sister by Sally Hepworth

4. Pretty Baby by Mary Kubica

5. In the Deep by Loreth Anne White

6. Wrath by Victoria Christopher Murray

7. A Little Bit of Karma by ReShonda Tate Billingsley

8. The Stolen Daughter by ReShonda Tate Billingsley

9. Lady Clementine by Marie Benedict

ROMANCE

1. How to Undo the Proud Billionaire by Joss Wood

2. Off Limits Attraction by Jayci Lee

3. Back in the Texan's Bed by Naima Simone

4. A Home for Her Daughter by Jill Weatherholt

5. Scandal in the VIP Suite by Nadine Gonzalez

6. If the Boot Fits by Rebekah Weatherspoon

7. Trust Fund Fiancé by Naima Simone

8. Seduced by a Steele by Brenda Jackson

What's On My Must-Read List for 2021?

1. THE PERSONAL LIBRARIAN by Victoria Christopher Murray and Marie Benedict

2. THE MYSTERY OF MRS. CHRISTIE by Marie Benedict

3. ISLAND QUEEN by Vanessa Riley

4. A WOMAN OF INTELLIGENCE by Karin Tanabe

5. A LOW COUNTRY BRIDE by Preslaysa Williams

6. LOCAL WOMAN MISSING by Mary Kubica

7. LIFE AFTER DEATH by Sister Souljah

8. THE ROAD TO ROSE BEND by Naima Simone

9. ALL THE THINGS I MEANT TO TELL YOU by Tiffany L. Warren

10. SWEET TEA by Piper Huguley

11. MRS. WIGGINS by Mary Monroe

Review: Fate

Fate by Natasha D. Frazier
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Melanie Bennett met Detective Brian Morris a year ago when he worked on her best friend's case. They meet again when he stops into her place of business. They renew their connection and that's where the story begins.
One of the things I enjoyed about this read is the author's ability to set up a scene. I felt as if I was there, enjoying a delicious piece of steak. That's how well she described it. I also loved how she addressed the use of a strong, black character seeking therapy. Melanie had faced horror in her past and sought the necessary help to overcome. There were lots of prayers and the characters faiths were evident. I think many will enjoy this quick and heartwarming read.
This is my first read from this author and I think her writing will get better with each work. I received an ARC in exchange fro my honest review.

View all my reviews

Review: Accidentally Engaged

Accidentally Engaged by Farah Heron
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Reena Manji is a financier but her secret passion is bread. She has a bread starter that is like her family and takes it everywhere. But Reena wishes she could escape her real family. Her parents are determined to interfere with her love life and set her up with a Muslim husband. Reena will not be a part of their matchmaking and does not want to be with anyone who works for her father, no matter how handsome or wonderful Nadim's accent. But when she is offered the opportunity to participate in a cooking contest meant for couples, Reena finds herself in a fake engagement with the very man she refused to marry!

Farah Heron told a story of love filled with so much drama that I could hardly keep up. I enjoyed the food and the culture. Both of the main characters were flawed but somehow managed to find themselves once they found each other. The family dynamic was so complicated and knotted, I didn't know if the author would have been able to unravel the storyline to a satisfying, realistic ending, but she did. My favorite scenes revolved around the cooking show. I found Nadim and Reena's banter refreshing.

The conflict with family and family acceptance is powerful and greatly described. There were a kitchen sink full of secrets that had me raising my eyebrows on several occasions. Saira was one of my favorite characters and her story was quite colorful but I loved how the author ventured into somewhat taboo subjects such as mental illness.

Thank you #Forever and #Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

View all my reviews

Review: How to Undo the Proud Billionaire

How to Undo the Proud Billionaire by Joss Wood
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Radd Tempest-Vane is on a mission to restore his family's properties and good name. He has gained all but one property and that owner is only willing to sell - on one condition - if Radd hosts the wedding for the man's daughter at his lodge. Radd agrees but finds himself searching for a florist for the wedding. That's when he meets Brinley Riddell.
Brin takes the job on a whim, knowing the money she will earn is what she needs to boost her new business and give herself a fresh start. At the end of this gig, she will finally have what she craves - independence. But neither Brin nor Radd expected to feel a hot and heavy instant attraction.
How to Undo the Proud Billionaire is the first in Joss Wood's series and my first read from this author. First, you need serious writing chops to be able to pull off the instant attraction/love storyline between strangers that is not only believable but also gives the reader character development. I think Joss Wood does just that in this read. That made this really enjoyable where sex isn't the main storyline. Though the heat factor is there, the lush setting in beautiful South Africa, it was about the character's journey to loving themselves first, accepting themselves that pulled at my heartstrings.
So yes, while it meets the expectations of the trope and romance, the author even included some memorable life lessons that readers can take away.
"stop thinking so much and be happy. To stop worrying so much about what people think about you and start living life, on your terms."
"It doesn't matter how people see you...It's how you see yourself."
I can't wait to read more in this series.
Thank you, #netgalley and #harlequin for this advance read in exchange for my honest review.

View all my reviews

Review: Second Chance on Cypress Lane

Second Chance on Cypress Lane by Reese Ryan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Reporter Dakota Jones has high dreams for her career but all that ends when she finds herself embroiled in a scandal that ruins her reputation. After losing her weekend anchor position, Dakota decides to return home to Holly Grove, out of the spotlight. The only problem is in a small town, she is bound to run into the man who was once her first love.

Dexter Roberts ended his relationship with Dakota when they were teens but he has never forgotten his first love. When he learns Dakota has returned home, Dex knows he has to grab this second chance to make things right. He has never loved anyone like her and hopes they can move forward from the past to an even better future.

Reese Ryan delivered in this second chance romance! I loved Dakota and Dexter's story and found them believable. I love small town reads and how she was able to effortlessly bring the town and beach to life using her descriptions. Dexter was such a great and well-written character. I could feel his sincerity and I found myself rooting for him. I could see how he changed from a youth to a man and there is nothing sexier than a man who goes after what he wants--respectfully, of course.

I think readers who love sweet readers will eat this up. This is the first in this series and I believe the other books will be just as good. Reese Ryan has set up the supporting characters to provide for so many good tales. I look forward to more in this series.
Thank you #Netgalley and #Forever

View all my reviews

Review: Off Limits Attraction

Off Limits Attraction by Jayci Lee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Jihae Park keeps a cool face no matter what is happening. Yet, she has a hard time keeping it together when she meets film producer, Colin Song. He recruits her to invest in his movie and the two vow to remain professional though there is an almost immediate attraction. An attraction that grows into a hot affair which might become something more. If only Colin didn't have a secret that could destroy their romance.
Off Limits Attraction is my second read by Jayci Lee, and I have seen so much growth in this work. I felt like she took the time to build the right setting and plot points that made this a strong story. The descriptions made me feel like I was in the story. On another note, I loved that this featured Asian characters and the cover is simply beautiful.
Colin and Jihae were hot together and I read this in hours. I loved how each character came into their own and I felt for Jihae's character. I was so glad to see her development and empowerment.
I look forward to reading more from this author. I feel she is going to get better with each book she writes.
Thank you #Netgalley and #Harlequin for the chance to read and provide a honest review.

View all my reviews

Review: Back in the Texan's Bed

Back in the Texan's Bed by Naima Simone
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ross Edmond is shocked to learn the only woman who he loved has given him a son. He is eager to know his child and suggests they move in together to coparent. Charlotte Jarrett, a chef, returns home after three years to take a job at the restaurant Sheen to further her career. Soon, she runs into her old love and she discovers the fire between them hasn't died. Both Ross and Charlotte rekindle their relationship though past hurt and pain still lingers. Pretty soon, they have to decide if they can have a future or if a common enemy will come between them once again.
Whew!
This is my second Harlequin read by Naima Simone. Ross struggled with his parents' rejection and I worried he would never come into his own. Fortunately, he has met the right woman in Charlotte and his son has given him the impetus to be a better man. This conflict with Ross and his parents drove a lot of the storyline and Naima Simone's talent kept me reading until I was done. This author is a whiz at writing insanely hot love scenes and brings quality to Harlequin's Desire line. I loved her use of descriptives and she has a creative flair that makes me want to read more of her work. I look forward to reading whatever she pens because I know I will not just be entertained but I'll be sucked into the story until the very end.
Fans of second chances will not be disappointed in this read. And, can I take a moment and rave about the cover? It is beautiful like most of the Desire line. Kudos to the designer!
Thank you #Netgalley and #Harlequin

View all my reviews