Each month, Beyond The Page: A GBH Book Clubfeatures a notable author, who takes part in a live Q&A with a GBH personality to discuss the intricacies of that month's novel. With each monthly book selection, we also ask the author for a list of reading recommendations. For its Augustedition, Beyond The Page selected Alyssa Cole's When No One Is Watching, a novel that Booklist reviews as “[A] searing indictment of the inseparable evils of racism and gentrification wrapped in an anxiety-inducing thriller with elements of romance and horror..."
Here are five reading suggestions from Alyssa Cole:
Make A Scene by Mimi Grace: In this pitch-perfect romcom, baker Retta Majors needs a date to her cousin’s wedding, which unfortunately happens to also be her ex-boyfriend’s wedding. Determined to save face in front of her family, and prove she’s over her ex, Retta enlists the co-owner of the new boxing gym next door to serve as her fake boyfriend, but their chemistry is all too real!
Song of Blood & Stone (Earthsinger Chronicles #1) by L. Penelope: Jasminda, a farmer shunned for her magic, and Jack, a spy, are pulled into political intrigue as they race to save their warring kingdoms. Fans of epic fantasy like Game of Thrones and romance like Outlander will love this fantastic series starter, and the way Penelope seamlessly weaves together complex magical systems, court politics, mystery, and love story.
The Boyfriend Project by Farrah Rochon: In this women’s fiction with romantic elements, a livetweet of a bad date leads three women to realize they’re dating the same jerk; they dump him (which is of course is captured in a viral video!) and keep each other as friends who are pursuing goals, not guys. Samiah works at a tech company but has dreams of making her own app, but her sexy new co-worker (who has secrets!) is a distraction she can’t resist.
Deal with the Devil (Mercenary Librarians #1) by Kit Rocha: In a post-apocalyptic America run by tech corps, a band of supersoldiers who’ve defected only have once chance at survival—laying a trap for a group of mercenary librarians using their deadly skills to bring hope to their community. This sexy, rollicking futuristic road trip to recover a lost Library of Congress data hoard is a summer blockbuster of a sci-fi romance and perfect for lovers of the Avengers and Orphan Black.
I Know What You’ve Done by Dorothy Koomson: This taut and twisty thriller set in an upscale British neighborhood pulls you in from the opening pages and doesn’t let go. When aloof and above-it-all neighbor Priscilla shows up on Rae’s doorstep, dying but determined to hand over her voyeur’s journal of neighborhood busybody notes, Rae is pulled into a mystery that upends everything she thought she knew.
What she's reading now:
The Heart Principle by Helen Hoang: A burnt out classical musician, whose boyfriend wants to open the relationship but doesn’t believe she’ll step out on him, swipes right on a tattooed motorcycle riding cancer survivor struggling to find himself. Beautifully written, The Heart principle is sexy, humorous, and heartbreaking, with emotionally resonant characters.
Next up on her "To Be Read" list:
Sisters In Arms by Kaia Alderson: A much-needed and excellent new entry into the WWII historical fiction genre, this book fictionalizes the real life 6888th Postal Battalion, the only all-Black female American Battalion to be deployed overseas. Alderson
Looking for more? Then join the club. Don't miss out on the next selection and virtual session by joining the Beyond The Page Facebook Group and signing up for the e-mail newsletter.
