Cardyn Brooks's Blog

Need to laugh out loud? To feel inspired? To feel seen? To feel encouraged to pursue your heart's most ambitious desires despite overwhelming odds against succeeding?  
Read Zarna Garg's memoir, which offers an intimate, compelling coming of age, immigrant's journey, family saga, and keen observations about humans and life as experienced by a hilarious, intrepid individual. 
[front cover of "Zarna Garg, This American Woman: A One-In-A-Billion Memoir" showing the Statue of Liberty holding the author in her arms with the New York City skyline in the lower half of the background] 
This American Woman: A One-In-A-Billion Memoir by Zarna Garg non-fiction memoir Ballantine Books, April 2025 
Universal themes of family love and family conflict, support and abandonment, grieving as a years' long process with lulls, parenting and being parented (or not), finding your people in friendship, romance, community presented and dissected with the author's sharp wit and insights make this memoir an entertaining and motivational read. Poignant hilarity. 
Two memorable passages* (page numbers refer to hardcover library edition): pg. 133 "I'm such a freak!" I told Shalabh later. "Why can't I do anything normal? It's like I was born to just not fit anywhere and to freak everyone out." 
pg. 250 He's [Shalabh] actually a full-on Western feminist, although he doesn't realize it... But somehow it hasn't occurred to him not to treat women as equals... 
*My reading, writing, and reviewing is romance-centric, which provides context for why these passages stuck with me.
This week's BAC Issues (Book Acquisition Compulsion)
[bookstack of 6 books, from top to bottom: Black-Owned: The Revolutionary Life of a Black Bookstore, Mate, Best Woman; bottom 3 books arranged showing only the bottom edges of their pages] 
This weekend launches my extended family and me into consecutive days of loving chaos. I'm thankful for all of them and for all of you. 
Wishing you an abundance of all good things that feed your body, mind, and spirit! 

Halloween is over but in these three compelling reads each featured character is haunted by their pasts. 
[3 books arranged showing their front covers, from left to right: King of Ashes, Revolve, Good Spirits] 
King of Ashes by S.A. Cosby contemporary mystery suspense thriller with romantic elements Flatiron Books: Pine & Cedar, June 2025 
Some legacies are deadly and finding answers to questions that have lingered for years makes it almost impossible for Roman and his sister Neveah to save themselves, their surviving family members and the business they've sacrificed to build. Threats abound in this turbulent, layered, genre mashup that mesmerizes with shock and awe as it entertains and illuminates. 
This author offers characters and dilemmas with gorgeous language and brutal reality that deliver on all the book world hype. So good. 

Revolve (Off the Ice #3) by Bal Khabra contemporary new adult romance Berkeley, October 2025 
Competitive couples figure skating is more than hard enough under the very best circumstances, but mounting a comeback while searching for a new partner after the whole world witnessed her almost deadly traumatic injury that keeps getting replayed online might break Sierra's resolve. Enter suspended hockey player and former couples skater Dylan Donovan, with a partying f-boy reputation. What could go wrong? Just about everything, except maybe so many wrongs turn into exactly the right combination for healing and success. 
Messy family dynamics, college antics, sexy times, and tenderness along with laughs. 

Good Spirits (Ghosted #1) by B.K. Borison contemporary speculative fiction with romance Avon, October 2025  
Harriet and Nolan collide at the intersection of disbelief and boredom in this clever modern spin on A Christmas Carol that includes funny nods to other riffs on the original holiday classic tale. It's heavy on variations on themes of alienation and grief. Strong integrated world-building, lots of combative verbal foreplay along with charming secondary characters and hints toward setup for book two make this an engaging detour from this author's previous compelling works. Expecting even more mystical satisfaction from book two in this Ghosted series. 

Relatively modest BAC Issues this week (Book Acquisition Compulsion)

[bookstack of 5 books, from top to bottom: The Gist of Bid Whist, Slow Burn Summer, Save the Date; those 3 stacked with their spines outward atop 2 books showing only their bottom edges] 
Simply seeing books and being near them adds joy to my existence. So holding them in my hands, opening them and reading them generates ecstasy. Is it the echo of the spirits of my ancestors who were enslaved and forbidden by law from learning to read or write rejoicing that their descendants are reaping the benefits from their endurance and faith? Maybe. But I most definitely read and savor every word of every book borrowed or purchased in gratitude for their stamina. 
Always wishing you good health, peace of mind & some pleasure every day! 

An extra hour gives 60 more minutes of reading! (Not working on my 2 different WIPs. Not housekeeping. Not the last mow of the season. Not anything practical. Sometimes making the practical choice is over-rated.:-) 
[front cover of trade paperback book "Nikki Payne, The Princess and the P.I." showing a curvaceous Black woman leaning against the front of a desk with a Black man standing behind the desk] 
The Princess and the P.I. (Bennetts #3) by Nikki Payne contemporary fiction w/suspense & romance Berkeley, September 2025 
Fiona and Maurice are determined to right some grievous wrongs and their plans go sideways when she's accused of murder. They make what each hopes will turn out to be a mutually beneficial deal. Grief, religious zealotry used to justify misogyny and oppression, complicated family dynamics and more make their quest to hold the guilty accountable a treacherous endeavor. Snappy dialogue, DMV-area Easter eggs, and lots of drama add humor and poignant layers about making peace with one's past. 
Readers sensitive to themes on domestic violence and abuse of authority may want to read with care.  

[front cover of novella "The Holiday Hookup List, Alexis Daria" a string of white decorative lights surrounding the title and author name] 
The Holiday Hookup List by Alexis Daria contemporary erotic romance Montlake, October 2025 
Childhood rivals Valencia and Gideon run into each other two weeks before Christmas and decide the time is right to explore holiday activities in and out of bed. Incendiary encounters (with some squick) ensue and lead to unexpected tenderness. A balanced mix of grief, soul searching, and laughs make this a special gift of a super spicy love story. 
And rumor has it that it's Novella November. Read this to celebrate. 

This week's BAC Issues (Book Acquisition Compulsion)! My book stack grew only by one book, which I read and reviewed above since it was a novella.;-)   [a book stack of 15 books showing only their bottom edges] 
Despite choosing to use my extra hour of weekend time to read, last week generated 1000+ words per day on my two different WIPs. 

Please prioritize your medical and mental health as circumstances spin at dizzying speeds. You have what's required to survive and thrive, even when it feels like you don't. 
Happy creating! 

The countdown to Halloween adds incentive to reading scary tales, even for me as a scaredy cat. 
[a bookstack of 6 books, from top to bottom: The Covenant of Blood, Blood Ties, Uncharmed, Never Been Witched, Love's a Witch, Joy Goddess] 
The Covenant of Blood by J.S. Living, author & publisher supernatural fantasy with romantic elements 2022 
Liz, daughter of Vlad the Impaler and The Blood Countess, has questions. About her mother, her origins, her purpose. More than one faction wants to stop her from finding those answers. Secrets, betrayals, adventures, bloody mayhem, and more ensue across a saga offered in three intricately woven parts. 

Blood Ties: A Collection of Three Covenant of Blood Stories by J.S. Living, author & publisher supernatural fantasy with romantic elements 2024 
Readers have some questions. This concise collection offers answers and deeper context for characters' motivations along with gorgeous artwork. Plus, there's a cover reveal teaser for the upcoming The Brotherhood of Blood. 

Joy Goddess: A'Lelia Walker and the Harlem Renaissance by A'Lelia Bundles non-fiction biography Scribner, June 2025 
Great-granddaughter of A'Lelia Walker, who Langston Hughes crowned "the Joy goddess of Harlem's 1920s", excavates the relics of her family origins with compelling revelations that convey the complexity of time, place, and sociopolitical, cultural, and economic context. It's a balanced mix of intimate personal portrait and broad historical record. 

A Kiss for the Ages by Grace Burrowes, author & publisher (ebook cover not shown) historical romance novella June 2025 
Actual grown folks corral children, teens, young adults, instigators, staff, and adversaries while setting aside grief and taking chances on possibilities for new love. Amusement,  embarrassment, and exasperation abound. Sexy times too.

Witch, Please Reads 
Uncharmed by Lucy Jane Wood supernatural romance Ace, September 2025 
A people-pleasing witch, an incorrigible teen, and a grumpy warlock forced to collaborate with each other generate laughs and tenderness. 

Love's a Witch by Tricia O'Malley supernatural romance Gallery Books, August 2025 
A cursed witch, a grumpy mayor, and the community that needs them to work together to preserve the town and protect its future offer readers a delightful tale. 

Never Been Witched (Starfall Point #3) by Molly Harper supernatural romance Sourcebooks Casablanca, August 2025 
A conflicted witch, a considerate rich guy in need of help, looming threats, a delusional ex, challenging family dynamics, and haunting spirits provide assorted drama, intrigue, and fun while leading to love. 

And More BAC Issues (Book Acquisition Compulsion)  [a bookstack of 11 books spines outward, from top to bottom: The Princess and the P.I., The Holiday Hookup List, Cover Story, Follow My Voice, 90 Days to Love, Drop Dead, The Scot's Seduction, The Silver Hills Boarding House, To Kill a Badger, Here and Now, Girl Anonymous; to the left of a bookstack of 6 books with bottom edges outward]  

Between irresistible "new books" displays at the libraries that support my reading habits and picking up my fulfilled requests, my TBR list will never shrink! At least borrowing them from the library motivates me to read and return in consideration for other patrons. Auto-renewal features are convenient and much appreciated when those good intentions fail. 
Author-wise, making consistent progress on my two different WIPs while also needing to pursue some research on a few topics to keep the momentum going. 

Always wishing you good health, peace of mind & joy!  

Reading, writing, and eating my feelings are my default coping strategies and so far this month I've been averaging 1k+ words per day on a WIP fun idea that's been percolating in my thoughts for almost a year! 
My first drafts are always handwritten, which helps me sketch out my thoughts without getting distracted by the allure of a tech device screen.     [a zippered fabric notebook case with a plastic clipboard inside showing above the top with the edge of one sheet of paper clamped under its clip; a mechanical pencil and a large rubber eraser atop a package of 150 sheets of college ruled notebook paper all slanted across the right edge of the notebook case; and all those items sitting atop a lap desk] 

An inspiring read + BAC (Book Acquisition Compulsion) Issues [hardcover copy of Uncommon Favor... by Dawn Staley propped in front of a stack of 13 books with a trade paperback copy of To Kill a Badger spine-out to the right of it] 
Uncommon Favor: Basketball, North Philly, My Mother, and the Life Lessons Learned from All Three by Dawn Staley nonfiction memoir Atria/Black Privilege, May 2025 
Purpose. Place. Origins and community. Ethical commitment.
In this captivating memoir, our favorite coach lays out a game plan for living a life of integrity and intention as shaped by every facet of love: tough, enduring, parental, familial, friendship, romantic, collegial. 

AND this week my TBR stack grew only by one book!!!

Please choose to take good care of yourself. Happy reading & creating! 

Recording insightful virtual panel chats with a variety of successful authors and publishing services professionals as a continuation of the 6th and final The Write Women Book Fest along with mini-sodes of author interviews for The B!tchy Quill podcast inspired me to start writing every day again, which resulted in thousands of mostly usable output on two different WIPs! https://www.thewritewomenbookfest.org/2025-program.html#/ 

It also reminded me to read J.S. Living's work.  [The Covenant of Blood and Blood Ties arranged face up next to Realm of Thieves and The Younger Man stacked] 

My BAC (Book Acquisition Compulsion) Issues continue as seen below, where my goal was to dash into the library to pick up the one book that was on hold for me, and ended up being lured toward the "new books" shelves and found irresistible titles, as usual. That was at one branch, then the same mission at the neighboring county's branch yielded a similar outcome.  [photo collage: left image - Love's a Witch; right side - a stack of DVDs and books, from top to bottom - 4 DVDs: Shooting Stars, The Roundup, Replicas, Chasing Shadows, 5 books: Gabriela and His Grace, Roommating, The Ripple Effect, Uncommon Favor, Joy Goddess all arranged on a counter with a potted plant] 
Recovering from the joyous success of the 2-day in-person TWWBF2025 event and savoring the entertaining and educational experiences offered by the virtual panel chats and author interviews have revived my motivation to write every day and feel productive in healthy instead of obsessive ways. So my weekly book reviews are going on hiatus, probably until January 2026. I'll continue to post book pics and an occasional review.  
Happy reading! Happy creating! And as always, wishing you good health, peace of mind & joy, along with some pleasure every day 

Still reading my feelings with two mysteries that include romance (of course), a romance set in the world of auto racing, and a non-fiction workout book to revamp my fitness routine since I'm also eating my feelings, and not with kale. 
[4 books arranged front covers up, from left to right: How to Have a Killer Time in D.C., A Waltz on the Wild Side, Not So Fast, 7-Minute Body Plan] 
A Waltz on the Wild Side (Wild Wynchesters #6) by Erica Ridley historical romance Forever, August 2025 
Abuse of power, voting rights, artistic gatekeeping, and more themes that apply to today's real-life struggles are woven into this entertaining historical romp of a rescue turned mutual courtship. Riffs on how families and communities are chosen and created add poignant notes throughout Viv and Jacob's adventure. Absurdist mayhem involving assorted animals and dangerous, often rebellious activities add fun along with substantial social commentary. 

How to Have a Killer Time in D.C. (Oliver Popp's Travel Guides to Murder #1) by Sam Lumley contemporary mystery with some romantic elements Kensington, April 2025 
What happens when a self-contained travel writer who happens to be autistic and a gregarious photographer get assigned to work together to entice people to visit the U.S. nation's capital of Washington, D.C.? Charming chaos. Oliver and Ricky bounce from one sketchy situation to another as they figure out who done it while following clues and getting to know each other. An understanding of the geographical area of D.C. and Maryland combined with humor about the politics and quirks of the region add more layers to this engaging tale that launches what seems destined to become a promising series. 

Not So Fast by Karen Booth contemporary romance Afterglow Books, April 2025 
Everybody's a critic, especially Formula One podcaster Mia of driver Xander. But after they meet in-person their chemistry generates explosive connections. Variations on themes of navigating life with neurodivergence and anxiety in addition to the pressure to succeed as measured by society's benchmarks add layers of relevance to this fun adversarial love story.

7-Minute Body Plan: Quick Workouts & Simple Recipes for real results in 7 Days by Lucy Wyndham-Read  non-fiction health DK, 2020 
So turns out that eating my feelings while also reading them equals a very sedentary lifestyle when added to the fact that being a published author and book reviewer also involves lots of sitting. This book revived my motivation to exercise every day by allowing me to think, "Okay, it's only 7 minutes" which most days leads to my picking up hand weights for a few reps afterward and/or moving through some Pilates or yoga flows for a total of 20-30 or more minutes. And on the days of doing only the 7 minutes, that still leaves me sweaty and feeling it throughout my body in a good way. Haven't tried any of the recipes yet, but the ingredients and instructions look accessible. 

My BAC Issues (Book Acquisition Compulsion) have returned!
[a bookstack of 7 books, from top to bottom: The Secret Crush Book Club, Heart Strings, Ladies in Hating, Holiday Ever After, Never Been Witched, Fake Skating, Nolo's Guide to Estate Planning] 
Sending extra good vibes to everyone who is directly affected by the U.S. federal government shutdown. These are very challenging times. (Duh!) Please remember that most of our ancestors dealt with circumstances that were as daunting, if not more so. We will find our way forward even if the paths we take are uncharted and harrowing. 
Always wishing you good health, peace of mind, joy & happy reading!   

These days it's not an issue of IF a secret gets revealed, but when, how and by whom.  
[a bookstack of 9 books from top to bottom: It All Falls Down, Summer's Echo, Only Lovers in the Building, Alice Chen's Reality Check, Ready to Score, Eliza and the Duke, Broken Harbor, The Story That Wouldn't Die, Framed in Death] 
It All Falls Down (Trust #3) by Daines L. Reed contemporary fiction 

Juliene Dune is at a crossroads. Every aspect of her life and nearly all of her relationships are forcing her to make hard choices. How will she decide who to keep and who to cut loose? Compelling narrative momentum and complicated characters in messy entanglements make her journey an irresistible read. 

Summer's Echo by Robbi Renee contemporary romance 
What happens when unspoken truths fester for years? Summer and Echo discover difficult answers while working to heal and thrive. First love, heartache, and lessons learned the hard way on the path to reconciliation combine with tenderness and humor in this charming tale. 

Only Lovers in the Building by Nadine Gonzalez contemporary romance
For different reasons, Liliane Lyon and Benedicto Romero need to retreat and regroup. Miami Beach offers the perfect spot. This sunshine/grumpy pairing celebrates romance novels and tropes. Joyous. 

Alice Chen's Reality Check by Kara Loo & Jennifer Young contemporary New Adult fiction with mystery and romantic elements 
A reality show spoof as social commentary and a who-done-it with adversaries turned allies then lovers makes the battle between Alice Chen and Daniel Cho super engaging and very funny in addition to heartfelt. 

Ready to Score by Jodie Slaughter contemporary romance 
Workplace shenanigans, ambition, the patriarchy, and football night lights all conspire to create what seems destined to become a lose-lose situation for professional rivals Jade Dune and Francesca Lim. Their bumpy path to improving their odds of creating a win-win for both of them at work and in love offers fundamental truths about culture and community, along with tenderness and laughs. 

Eliza and the Duke (Doves of NY #2) by Harper St George historical romance 
Opposites attract and collide when Eliza Dove asks Simon Cavell for one night of risky explorations. Danger is addictive and she wants more. So does Simon. Mayhem ensues and leads to love. 

Broken Harbor (Sparrow Falls #3) by Catherine Cowlescontemporary romance 
Themes of community, family by choice, and safe places to heal make Sutton and Cope's story appealing. Readers sensitive to details about addiction, interpersonal violence, and stalking may want to skip or skim some passages. 

The Story That Wouldn't Die (Jolene Garcia #2) by Christina Estes contemporary mystery 
Power players and shady characters don't like questions or the people who ask them, which creates two strikes for investigative journalist Jolene Garcia. Local politics, community intrigue, and inquisitive individuals uncover scandals and solve puzzles tied to dangerous consequences. It's fun too. 

Framed in Death (In Death #61) by J.D. Robb futuristic contemporary mystery 
Another sociopathic narcissist serial killer gets caught by Eve, Roarke and their crew. This series is a comfort read for me with a focus on reading about them as a couple and their circle of family found and chosen.  

No* BAC (Book Acquisition Compulsion) Issues this week!*Only because there was no time in my schedule to swing by the two different public library branches holding books - physical and digital - for me to claim. 
Always wishing you good health, peace of mind, joy & happy reading! 

Reading is my happy headspace. The more stressful life is, the more solace books offer. 
[2 trade paperback books face-up - Love on the Rebound and Beautiful Broken Love next to 3 trade paperback books standing spines outward from left to right - Lavender's Blue, Rest in Pink, One in Vermillion] 
Love on the Rebound by Aries Skye contemporary romance Black Odessey Media, 2024 
Angela Richards is recovering from more than one kind of heartbreak and masking her private hurts with public bravado. Kinston Jordan isn't fooled even as he deals with the aftermath of his own romantic disappointments. 
The name glossary, acknowledgements, and teaser for Love on Board also entertain and entice. 

Beautiful Broken Love by Shanora Williams contemporary romance Montlake, 2024 
Nearly paralyzed with grief, Davina Klein-Roberts is struggling to move forward. Entrepreneurial success leads her to crossing paths with Deke Bishop who's dealing with his own heartache. Together, they figure out how to apply the lessons of past loss and mistakes to enrich their lives as individuals and as a couple. Laughter, drama, and sexy times included. 

The Liz Danger series by Jennifer Crusie & Bob Mayer Lavender's Blue Rest in Pink One in Vermillion contemporary mystery with romance Argh Ink, 2024 
Liz Danger's goal to get in and get out of her hometown, that she hasn't visited in 15 years, with a quick turnaround is a bust as soon as she enters the town limits. Murder, mayhem, all kinds of secrets, interpersonal drama, and ridiculous although dangerous conflicts make this genre mashup a fun read that delivers lots of laughs, emotional complexity, and some spice. 
Fans of the Crusie and Mayer writing partnership rejoice!  
  

[The Game Is Afoot trade paperback book laying face-up next to 3 hardcover books spine-up from left to right - Mrs Spy, Kiss Her Goodbye, Atmosphere] 
The Game Is Afoot (Mavis Miller #2) by Elise Bryant contemporary mystery with romantic elements Penguin, July 2025 
In the personal and professional aspects of her life Mavis Miller is juggling a lot. She's doing her best and still feeling overwhelmed. And that's before her child's soccer coach drops dead during a match. Outrageous suburban high-jinks ensue. More reading joy for fans of Jayne Allen and Sophie Kinsella. 
note: Readers sensitive to detailed descriptions of spiralling high anxiety and panic attacks may want to proceed with caution. 

My speed reads, for fiction that's saturated in heavy sociopolitical and emotionally wrenching themes and traumatic content without the guaranteed HEA of the romance genre. 
Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid late 20th-c. contemporary fiction 
Packed an emotional punch for me as a person who remembers watching NASA shuttle launches and landings on school days. A balanced blend of character development, scientific context, and layers of time and place makes this an epic and intimate read. 
Kiss Her Goodbye (Frankie Elkin #4) by Lisa Gardner contemporary mystery thriller suspense 
More complicated sociopolitical intrigue and tangled family dynamics combined with personal demons, shady characters, misdirection, and sacrifice. Wrenching with glimpses of hopeful possibilities. 
Mrs Spy by M.J. Robotham mid-20th-c. contemporary spy thriller 
So many secrets and most of them deadly... It's a good thing Maggie Flynn knows how to improvise. A heartfelt tale of moving forward through grief, presented with slick style. 

This - and a few of last - week's BAC Issues (Book Acquisition Compulsion), one of which ended up getting read sooner than expected. [a bookstack of 6 books from top to bottom: The Game Is Afoot and Alice Chen's Reality Check arranged spine-out atop 4 books showing only the bottom of their pages] 
If you value freedom of speech for all, one accessible way to support it is to visit your local public library and to use their many resources and attend their programs. 
Always wishing you good health, peace of mind & joy. Happy reading! 

Laugh or cry; do or die.
[front cover of a hardcover copy of "That's How They Get You..."]
That's How They Get You: An Unruly Anthology of Black American Humor edited by Damon Young nonfiction & some fiction Pantheon Books, June 2025 
This scintillating mix of personal essays, short stories, stream of consciousness musings, text threads and more all portray and dissect examples of the sharp observations and fundamental truths of the broad array of Black humor from slapstick absurdities to poignant angst. Make sure to read and savor every word. 

Current & previous BAC Issues (Book Acquisition Compulsion) courtesy of the public library, as usual  [a bookstack of 10 books: bottom showing only the bottom page edges; top 3 with spines outward-from top to bottom; Lavender's Blue, Rest in Pink, One in Vermilion] 
During these very challenging times please make extra effort to prioritize taking care of yourself and make time for enjoying some simple pleasures every day. Like reading;-)