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'Ships Happen on the High Seas, In Closets, Bookstores...

Mentorships, Internships, Allyships, Partnerships, Friendships, Relationships... 
[8 books, from left to right: There's Only One Sin in Hollywood, Summer Official, Witch Queen Rising, Love By the Book, The Last Page, Without a Clue, Bloodlust, The Shippers; arranged atop 3 trade paperback books with only the outer page edges showing] 

There's Only One Sin in Hollywood by Rasheed Newson 
1900s historical fiction 
Flatiron Books, June 2026 

In three parts (acts?) of immersive sliding timelines filled with actual Hollywood, sociopolitical, cultural facts and notable figures, the character of pragmatic Aaron Touissant narrates his life and that of the tragic film star Xavier C. Barlow, a compelling embodiment of cautionary tales of the exponential risks of being a gay, Black man in the mid-20th century with unsentimental candor. Its similarities to present-day realities are disappointing, but not surprising in this brutally direct fictional memoir. 

Books mentioned in the acknowledgements as research materials have been added to my tbr list.

[note: inclusion of homophobic slurs as common parlance of the era] 


Summer Official by Rebekah Weatherspoon 
teen contemporary romance 
G.P. Putnam's Sons, April 2026 

Opposites side-eye, circle, then attract in this sweet-with-substance young love story about internal and external pressures of recognizing the evolution of who you are and what you want for yourself and for your life. Saylor and Heaven, as individuals and as a couple, tap into their courage to claim themselves. 


Witch Queen Rising by Savannah Stephens 
contemporary New Adult fantasy 
Ace, April 2026 

Family drama, romantic heartbreak and complications in addition to powers that scare Seraphine Barreau and her community, ultimately motivate her to step into her purpose. Conflicts, betrayals, and every kind of battle ensue. 


Love by the Book by Jessica George 
contemporary fiction 
St. Martin's Press, April 2026 

What happens when life and adulting make people who were expected to remain forever friends disappear? Remy and Simone stumble upon the answers together in this gorgeous ode to the importance of loving friendships. 


The Last Page by Katie Holt 
contemporary romance 
Alcove Press, May 2026 

Mentorship, chosen family, legacies, community... Ella and Henry's love story uses a Hallmark movie format to examine and celebrate the essential need for safe spaces. 


Without a Clue by Melissa Ferguson 
contemporary New Adult-ish romance with mystery 
Thomas Nelson, February 2026 

This wacky romp offers laughs and tenderness along with far-fetched mayhem as Pip and Nash fall in love. 


Bloodust by Sandra Brown and The Shippers by Katherine Center provide their signature brands of intrigue and resolutions. My backlog of borrowed books shrank a bit until my trip to the library to return books resulted in my yielding to the temptations of an enticing "new arrivals" display.

Always wishing you good health, peace of mind, safety, joy & some pleasure every day 

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