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Fever: A Novel
The second of two steamy and entertaining romance novels, published under the beloved and distinguished author’s real name for the first time
Three years have passed since four friends—Geneva, Chevy, Crystal, and Noah—had a steamy summer of secrets and sleeping around. As another summer is fast approaching, they’ve sworn off any extracurricular activities, but as the temperature rises in the city, the friends find themselves in hot water again.
Geneva is busy taking care of her daughter and trying not to get too involved with her son’s young business manager. Chevy gets a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to assist a diva who might want more than what’s in the employment contract. Crystal has promised to save herself for Mr. Right (instead of jumping into bed with another Mr. Right Now), but her commitment is tested when an old acquaintance reenters her life. And while Noah is getting very cozy with his new neighbors in London, he’s still everyone’s favorite (and only) confidant who can’t stop himself from meddling in other people’s business.
But secrets don’t stay secrets for long among these friends, and with sexual tensions high on both side of the pond, everyone is sure to catch the fever. . . .
Three years have passed since four friends—Geneva, Chevy, Crystal, and Noah—had a steamy summer of secrets and sleeping around. As another summer is fast approaching, they’ve sworn off any extracurricular activities, but as the temperature rises in the city, the friends find themselves in hot water again.
Geneva is busy taking care of her daughter and trying not to get too involved with her son’s young business manager. Chevy gets a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to assist a diva who might want more than what’s in the employment contract. Crystal has promised to save herself for Mr. Right (instead of jumping into bed with another Mr. Right Now), but her commitment is tested when an old acquaintance reenters her life. And while Noah is getting very cozy with his new neighbors in London, he’s still everyone’s favorite (and only) confidant who can’t stop himself from meddling in other people’s business.
But secrets don’t stay secrets for long among these friends, and with sexual tensions high on both side of the pond, everyone is sure to catch the fever. . . .
- GenresRomance
352 pages, Paperback
Published October 7, 2025
4 people are currently reading
213 people want to read
About the author
Bernice L. McFadden
22 books2,284 followersBERNICE L. McFADDEN is the author of ten critically acclaimed novels including Praise Song for the Butterflies (Long listed for the 2019 Women's Prize in Fiction ) The Book of Harlan (winner of a 2017 American Book Award and the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work, Fiction) Sugar, Loving Donovan, Nowhere Is a Place, The Warmest December, Gathering of Waters (a New York Times Editors’ Choice and one of the 100 Notable Books of 2012) and Glorious . She is a four-time Hurston/Wright Legacy Award finalist, as well as the recipient of four awards from the Black Caucus of the American Library Association (BCALA).
McFadden has also penned five novels under the pseudonym: Geneva Holliday
She is a visiting assistant professor of creative writing at Tulane University in New Orleans. She is at work on her sixteenth novel.
McFadden has also penned five novels under the pseudonym: Geneva Holliday
She is a visiting assistant professor of creative writing at Tulane University in New Orleans. She is at work on her sixteenth novel.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
October 9, 2025
Thank you @duttonbooks for the #gifted copies of 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝗼𝘃𝗲 and 𝗙𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿! #DuttonBooks #BerniceLMcFadden #Groove #Fever
𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: 𝐅𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫
𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫: 𝐁𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐋. 𝐌𝐜𝐅𝐚𝐝𝐝𝐞𝐧
𝐏𝐮𝐛 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝐎𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟕, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 - 𝐎𝐮𝐭 𝐍𝐨𝐰!
Fever is set three years after Geneva, Crystal, Noah, and Chevy had the steamy summer in New York City. With another summer approaching, they find themselves in trouble again. While I enjoyed the drama in Groove, I think I enjoyed this book more. There is just so much messiness in this book and you can’t help but be drawn into it. My favorite character was Chevy, but Noah comes in at a close second. If you are looking for a quick read series that is full of steam and lots and lots of drama, this is one to pick up! The flawed characters make them feel so real and I think that’s why I appreciated them so much.
𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: 𝐅𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫
𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫: 𝐁𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐋. 𝐌𝐜𝐅𝐚𝐝𝐝𝐞𝐧
𝐏𝐮𝐛 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝐎𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟕, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 - 𝐎𝐮𝐭 𝐍𝐨𝐰!
Fever is set three years after Geneva, Crystal, Noah, and Chevy had the steamy summer in New York City. With another summer approaching, they find themselves in trouble again. While I enjoyed the drama in Groove, I think I enjoyed this book more. There is just so much messiness in this book and you can’t help but be drawn into it. My favorite character was Chevy, but Noah comes in at a close second. If you are looking for a quick read series that is full of steam and lots and lots of drama, this is one to pick up! The flawed characters make them feel so real and I think that’s why I appreciated them so much.
October 17, 2025
Fever
Bernice L. McFadden
Continuing the train of thought presented in book one, imagine it’s the second season and the core crew is back. Luckily for us there has been about a three year time lapse. So, you know the tea is gonna be hot.
What y’all know about a celibacy pact? Huh? Well, Geneva and Crystal have good intentions when they pose the pact. The only thing is both of them appear to be experiencing unnecessary strife due to their lack of companionship 😏. Long story short, their existing methods aren’t working anymore. All the while, they’re trying to maintain to each other that there’s no issue.
Geneva has a new addition and she promises herself to make better decisions. Crystal has become even more focused on work after what she had to deal with Kendrick. Due to the fallout, she got a little mean streak going. It doesn’t help that her roster isn’t hitting like it used to.
Anyway, Geneva catches the attention of a suitor that has ties to someone close🫣. It’s nice to see her living in an essence of happiness.
While Crystal is forced to make
accommodations for an unexpected guest.
Chevanese’s well has ran dry. She has to put in a lot of work to change her circumstances. Surprisingly, she’s not afraid to do what she has to do. It’s good to see that some things actually do change, but in some ways they’re still the same.
Noah is still across the pond. He and Zhan find themselves engaged into a peculiar proposal with their neighbors. It’s all absolutely entertaining.
As I’ve previously stated, I love the way Ms. McFadden displays the evolution of a character. The point of the character arc is not to completely alter their core attributes, but to display the evolution of these fictional people during the developmental process.
Thank you NetGalley & Plume for the ARC.
#readandtellwithshantel #ARC #BerniceLMcFadden #Fever
Bernice L. McFadden
Continuing the train of thought presented in book one, imagine it’s the second season and the core crew is back. Luckily for us there has been about a three year time lapse. So, you know the tea is gonna be hot.
What y’all know about a celibacy pact? Huh? Well, Geneva and Crystal have good intentions when they pose the pact. The only thing is both of them appear to be experiencing unnecessary strife due to their lack of companionship 😏. Long story short, their existing methods aren’t working anymore. All the while, they’re trying to maintain to each other that there’s no issue.
Geneva has a new addition and she promises herself to make better decisions. Crystal has become even more focused on work after what she had to deal with Kendrick. Due to the fallout, she got a little mean streak going. It doesn’t help that her roster isn’t hitting like it used to.
Anyway, Geneva catches the attention of a suitor that has ties to someone close🫣. It’s nice to see her living in an essence of happiness.
While Crystal is forced to make
accommodations for an unexpected guest.
Chevanese’s well has ran dry. She has to put in a lot of work to change her circumstances. Surprisingly, she’s not afraid to do what she has to do. It’s good to see that some things actually do change, but in some ways they’re still the same.
Noah is still across the pond. He and Zhan find themselves engaged into a peculiar proposal with their neighbors. It’s all absolutely entertaining.
As I’ve previously stated, I love the way Ms. McFadden displays the evolution of a character. The point of the character arc is not to completely alter their core attributes, but to display the evolution of these fictional people during the developmental process.
Thank you NetGalley & Plume for the ARC.
#readandtellwithshantel #ARC #BerniceLMcFadden #Fever
October 2, 2025
After three years, Geneva, Chevy, Noah, and Crystal are back for another summer. Some new men, new jobs, new spicy encounters. I will say that in both Groove and Fever I never really saw anything coming. It was very entertaining. These books are being re-released after originally being published in the early 2000s, and I believe that there are three more books in the series. I’d totally keep reading about these characters if the others in the series were also reprinted. It’s got all the drama, sex, and laughs – all the things you want in a quick read. But also, just remember this was written 20 years ago so there was a part that gave me pause, but I think it was just described that way at the time.
McFadden’s memoir, Firstborn Girls, came out earlier this year and I’ve been wanting to read it. However, I wanted to read some of her work before reading her memoir. These are my firsts books of hers and won’t be my last. There was even a slight nod to her novel Sugar in the book that didn’t go unnoticed.
Thanks to NetGalley and Dutton Books for the gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication October 7, 2025
McFadden’s memoir, Firstborn Girls, came out earlier this year and I’ve been wanting to read it. However, I wanted to read some of her work before reading her memoir. These are my firsts books of hers and won’t be my last. There was even a slight nod to her novel Sugar in the book that didn’t go unnoticed.
Thanks to NetGalley and Dutton Books for the gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication October 7, 2025
October 16, 2025
Fever by Bernice L. McFadden; Geneva Holliday
Published by Dutton | Plume. Thank you to the publisher for my gifted Books.
Let’s just get this out of the way: Fever is not a book you read—it’s a vibe you survive. This is Bernice L. McFadden writing as Geneva Holliday, which basically means she took off her pearls, poured a glass of something expensive, and said, “Let’s get messy.” And messy it gets. If Groove was the friends-with-benefits stage of this series, Fever is the full-on emotional entanglement with questionable decisions, accidental reunions, and secrets you pretend to forget but absolutely don’t.
Three years have passed since Geneva, Crystal, Noah, and Chevy played musical beds all over New York City. They swore off drama, hookups, and summer bad decisions. Which, of course, means they are absolutely about to fall face-first into all three. It’s tradition.
Geneva is now a single mother trying to keep her dignity intact while side-eying her son’s young, annoyingly attractive business manager. She says she’s not interested, but we’ve read romance before—we know what that denial means. Meanwhile, Crystal has decided to save herself for Mr. Right, which is cute until Mr. “Remember Me From That One Time?” strolls in looking like a thirst trap with emotional baggage. Noah has relocated to London and is trying so hard to play house with his partner, but then the new neighbors show up looking like a gay power couple pulled from a Zara ad, and suddenly monogamy feels like a dare. And Chevy? Bless her hustling heart. She finally lands a gig with a demanding diva, and let’s just say the job requirements include high heels, high stress, and low impulse control.
What makes this book irresistible is that it knows exactly what it is. It’s not trying to be deep literary fiction or some sanitized version of adulthood. It’s bold, unapologetic, and gloriously chaotic. Holliday (McFadden, let’s be real) writes with the kind of sharp wit and emotional clarity that turns soap opera-level drama into something richer. These aren’t caricatures—they’re fully formed, deeply flawed, sometimes ridiculous people who make bad choices and then keep going because that’s what life is.
The pacing? Lightning fast. Chapters are short, snappy, and addictive. This is the book equivalent of “just one more episode” until you realize it’s 3 a.m. and you’ve already drafted an imaginary email to the author demanding a sequel. The multiple POVs bounce between each character like a sitcom on espresso. One moment you’re laughing at Chevy’s inner monologue, the next you’re groaning as Crystal backslides again, and before you know it, Noah’s drama has you contemplating a move to London just for the tea.
There’s sex—oh, is there sex. Not the glossy, airbrushed kind either. It’s messy, emotional, sometimes reckless, always human. There’s vulnerability and desire, jealousy and need, and those painfully real moments where a character realizes they’ve caught feelings they were definitely not trying to catch. It’s hot, sure, but it’s also smart about it. Holliday doesn’t use heat as filler—it reveals character, drives plot, and (thankfully) never forgets to be fun.
Still, it’s not all banter and bedroom scenes. There’s weight here. These characters are dealing with parenthood, career pressures, aging, identity, and the lingering ache of choices that can’t be undone. The book doesn’t moralize or lecture—it just shows people trying and failing and trying again. That honesty gives the story a soul beneath all the sparkle.
Let’s also take a second for the dialogue. It’s slick, biting, and so real I swear I’ve heard some of these conversations verbatim in group chats. Holliday has an ear for how people talk—messy, layered, defensive, hilarious. It’s part of what makes the book so immersive. You’re not reading it—you’re eavesdropping and loving every second.
Favorite quote? “She’d promised herself no more drama, but here she was, breaking that vow in three-inch heels and a borrowed dress.” That one line sums up Fever better than I ever could. It’s about people who know better and still run headfirst into chaos because sometimes the heart wants what it shouldn’t, and sometimes the summer heat just fries your common sense.
Are there flaws? Sure. The book isn’t aiming for subtlety—it’s here for a good time, not a Pulitzer. Some storylines resolve a little too neatly, some arcs could use more breathing room, and occasionally a character’s choice will have you yelling “Why are you like this?” into the void. But none of that stopped me from tearing through this like it owed me money.
Bottom line: If you loved Groove, you’ll inhale Fever. It’s steamier, funnier, messier, and maybe even a little more tender. If you haven’t read Groove, start there—then get ready to dive into this one like it’s the deep end of a pool filled with bad choices and great storytelling.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆
4 stars – because it’s wild, witty, and impossible to look away from. This is summer fiction done right.
#Fever #NetGalley #BerniceLMcFadden #GenevaHolliday #ContemporaryRomance #SummerReads #SpicyFiction #MessyCharacters #DramaQueensUnite #WittyRomance #RomComReads #HotGirlLit #DuttonBooks #BookTokApproved #BookReview #FictionWithFlavor #RomanceWithBite
Published by Dutton | Plume. Thank you to the publisher for my gifted Books.
Let’s just get this out of the way: Fever is not a book you read—it’s a vibe you survive. This is Bernice L. McFadden writing as Geneva Holliday, which basically means she took off her pearls, poured a glass of something expensive, and said, “Let’s get messy.” And messy it gets. If Groove was the friends-with-benefits stage of this series, Fever is the full-on emotional entanglement with questionable decisions, accidental reunions, and secrets you pretend to forget but absolutely don’t.
Three years have passed since Geneva, Crystal, Noah, and Chevy played musical beds all over New York City. They swore off drama, hookups, and summer bad decisions. Which, of course, means they are absolutely about to fall face-first into all three. It’s tradition.
Geneva is now a single mother trying to keep her dignity intact while side-eying her son’s young, annoyingly attractive business manager. She says she’s not interested, but we’ve read romance before—we know what that denial means. Meanwhile, Crystal has decided to save herself for Mr. Right, which is cute until Mr. “Remember Me From That One Time?” strolls in looking like a thirst trap with emotional baggage. Noah has relocated to London and is trying so hard to play house with his partner, but then the new neighbors show up looking like a gay power couple pulled from a Zara ad, and suddenly monogamy feels like a dare. And Chevy? Bless her hustling heart. She finally lands a gig with a demanding diva, and let’s just say the job requirements include high heels, high stress, and low impulse control.
What makes this book irresistible is that it knows exactly what it is. It’s not trying to be deep literary fiction or some sanitized version of adulthood. It’s bold, unapologetic, and gloriously chaotic. Holliday (McFadden, let’s be real) writes with the kind of sharp wit and emotional clarity that turns soap opera-level drama into something richer. These aren’t caricatures—they’re fully formed, deeply flawed, sometimes ridiculous people who make bad choices and then keep going because that’s what life is.
The pacing? Lightning fast. Chapters are short, snappy, and addictive. This is the book equivalent of “just one more episode” until you realize it’s 3 a.m. and you’ve already drafted an imaginary email to the author demanding a sequel. The multiple POVs bounce between each character like a sitcom on espresso. One moment you’re laughing at Chevy’s inner monologue, the next you’re groaning as Crystal backslides again, and before you know it, Noah’s drama has you contemplating a move to London just for the tea.
There’s sex—oh, is there sex. Not the glossy, airbrushed kind either. It’s messy, emotional, sometimes reckless, always human. There’s vulnerability and desire, jealousy and need, and those painfully real moments where a character realizes they’ve caught feelings they were definitely not trying to catch. It’s hot, sure, but it’s also smart about it. Holliday doesn’t use heat as filler—it reveals character, drives plot, and (thankfully) never forgets to be fun.
Still, it’s not all banter and bedroom scenes. There’s weight here. These characters are dealing with parenthood, career pressures, aging, identity, and the lingering ache of choices that can’t be undone. The book doesn’t moralize or lecture—it just shows people trying and failing and trying again. That honesty gives the story a soul beneath all the sparkle.
Let’s also take a second for the dialogue. It’s slick, biting, and so real I swear I’ve heard some of these conversations verbatim in group chats. Holliday has an ear for how people talk—messy, layered, defensive, hilarious. It’s part of what makes the book so immersive. You’re not reading it—you’re eavesdropping and loving every second.
Favorite quote? “She’d promised herself no more drama, but here she was, breaking that vow in three-inch heels and a borrowed dress.” That one line sums up Fever better than I ever could. It’s about people who know better and still run headfirst into chaos because sometimes the heart wants what it shouldn’t, and sometimes the summer heat just fries your common sense.
Are there flaws? Sure. The book isn’t aiming for subtlety—it’s here for a good time, not a Pulitzer. Some storylines resolve a little too neatly, some arcs could use more breathing room, and occasionally a character’s choice will have you yelling “Why are you like this?” into the void. But none of that stopped me from tearing through this like it owed me money.
Bottom line: If you loved Groove, you’ll inhale Fever. It’s steamier, funnier, messier, and maybe even a little more tender. If you haven’t read Groove, start there—then get ready to dive into this one like it’s the deep end of a pool filled with bad choices and great storytelling.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆
4 stars – because it’s wild, witty, and impossible to look away from. This is summer fiction done right.
#Fever #NetGalley #BerniceLMcFadden #GenevaHolliday #ContemporaryRomance #SummerReads #SpicyFiction #MessyCharacters #DramaQueensUnite #WittyRomance #RomComReads #HotGirlLit #DuttonBooks #BookTokApproved #BookReview #FictionWithFlavor #RomanceWithBite
September 27, 2025
Fever by Bernice L.McFadden is the second book in a duology whereby we are still following the same five characters Geneva, Crystal, Chevy and Noah this book takes place a few years after book 1. Geneva after getting pregnant and giving birth to a baby girl called Charlie decides to cut ties with her ex husband and finds herself wrapped up in a relationship with her son’s band manager. Crystal is on a dry spell from men after her long term relationship ended but after bumping into an old friend who is way better looking than she realises and has her questioning why she was staying away from men for all this time. Chevy has managed to secure the job of her dreams working for a rather controversial radio host which provides her with everything she could ever need money, designer clothes and trips away. Noah decided to move to England to be with his long term partner Zhan after they managed to rekindle their relationship after Noah’s previous struggle with his sexuality however when a new gay couple move in next door temptations arise.
For me this book was way better than the first one however there were some things that I wasn’t too sure about. For example book one ended on a cliff hanger and I was slightly disappointed when we didn’t pick up where we left off because I thought things could’ve gotten super interesting had that happened however I did enjoy what we did get the drama was hot and I found this super interesting. I can’t help but think that these books would make such a great drama filled TV show and is something I would like to see. I just felt like because we didn’t pick up where we left off with book one there were lots of plot holes throughout or things I wish we could’ve not necessarily gone back to but at least touched on. This series doesn’t feel complete and I could honestly read another book set in this world/universe.
Thanks to Netgalley for allowing me to read this early!
For me this book was way better than the first one however there were some things that I wasn’t too sure about. For example book one ended on a cliff hanger and I was slightly disappointed when we didn’t pick up where we left off because I thought things could’ve gotten super interesting had that happened however I did enjoy what we did get the drama was hot and I found this super interesting. I can’t help but think that these books would make such a great drama filled TV show and is something I would like to see. I just felt like because we didn’t pick up where we left off with book one there were lots of plot holes throughout or things I wish we could’ve not necessarily gone back to but at least touched on. This series doesn’t feel complete and I could honestly read another book set in this world/universe.
Thanks to Netgalley for allowing me to read this early!
August 26, 2025
This book was just as messy and great as the first one, and I devoured it just as quickly. It truly felt like diving back into the lives of old friends who never fail to keep things entertaining. The story was definitely a wild ride—full of secrets, drama, and temptation that had me flipping the pages faster than I expected.
My favorites are still Noah and Chevy. Noah continues to be the glue of the group, even when he’s meddling more than he should, and Chevy’s storyline had me grinning more than once. Geneva, though, really tested my patience this time. While I understood her insecurities, I couldn’t help but want her to put on her big girl panties and take a leap of faith. Crystal’s struggle to balance her promises to herself with the temptation of old flames also added another layer of tension that kept things interesting.
What I love most is that the characters are flawed, messy, and sometimes frustrating—but that’s exactly what makes them so real and addictive to read about. Geneva Holliday has a way of pulling you right into the chaos, and I would happily visit these friends again to see where life (and trouble) takes them next.
Thanks Netgalley and Dutton | Plume for the ARC and opportunity to provide an honest review.
My favorites are still Noah and Chevy. Noah continues to be the glue of the group, even when he’s meddling more than he should, and Chevy’s storyline had me grinning more than once. Geneva, though, really tested my patience this time. While I understood her insecurities, I couldn’t help but want her to put on her big girl panties and take a leap of faith. Crystal’s struggle to balance her promises to herself with the temptation of old flames also added another layer of tension that kept things interesting.
What I love most is that the characters are flawed, messy, and sometimes frustrating—but that’s exactly what makes them so real and addictive to read about. Geneva Holliday has a way of pulling you right into the chaos, and I would happily visit these friends again to see where life (and trouble) takes them next.
Thanks Netgalley and Dutton | Plume for the ARC and opportunity to provide an honest review.
October 8, 2025
Fever picks up after the events of Groove and turns the heat up even more — literally and emotionally. The same group of friends is back, older but not necessarily wiser, trying to keep their promises to stay out of trouble. Of course, that doesn’t last long. Old habits, new temptations, and unresolved feelings come bubbling up, and things get messy fast.
What stood out most to me was how the book dives deeper into each character’s journey. Geneva’s juggling motherhood and complicated feelings, Crystal’s trying (and failing) to stick to her “good girl” plan, and the guys have their own battles with love and self-control. The tension, drama, and vulnerability felt very real — like watching people you know try to get their lives together but keep slipping up.
At times, the drama leans a little over the top, but honestly, that’s part of the fun. It’s steamy, emotional, and full of the kind of moments that make you want to shout, “No, don’t do that!” but also keep reading to see what happens next.
Fever is a juicy, fast-paced continuation that delivers all the heat and heart you could want. If you liked Groove, this one gives you even more passion, drama, and growth — with a few surprises along the way.
What stood out most to me was how the book dives deeper into each character’s journey. Geneva’s juggling motherhood and complicated feelings, Crystal’s trying (and failing) to stick to her “good girl” plan, and the guys have their own battles with love and self-control. The tension, drama, and vulnerability felt very real — like watching people you know try to get their lives together but keep slipping up.
At times, the drama leans a little over the top, but honestly, that’s part of the fun. It’s steamy, emotional, and full of the kind of moments that make you want to shout, “No, don’t do that!” but also keep reading to see what happens next.
Fever is a juicy, fast-paced continuation that delivers all the heat and heart you could want. If you liked Groove, this one gives you even more passion, drama, and growth — with a few surprises along the way.
September 16, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️½
Fever is a bold, fast-paced novel that dives headfirst into the complexities of desire, betrayal, and self-discovery. Writing under the pseudonym Geneva Holliday, Bernice L. McFadden brings her signature emotional depth to a story that’s both provocative and deeply human.
The book follows a group of friends navigating the fallout of secrets, lust, and long-held resentments. Holliday’s voice is sharp and unapologetic, and she doesn’t shy away from the messiness of relationships. While the pacing is brisk and the drama intense, there are moments where the plot feels a bit rushed or the character motivations slightly underdeveloped. Still, the emotional core remains strong, and the themes of healing and empowerment resonate.
This isn’t your typical McFadden novel—it’s edgier, more playful, and definitely more scandalous. If you're looking for a juicy, character-driven read with a touch of grit, Fever delivers.
📚 Thank you to NetGalley and Dutton | Plume for the ARC! I appreciate the opportunity to read and review this title.
Fever is a bold, fast-paced novel that dives headfirst into the complexities of desire, betrayal, and self-discovery. Writing under the pseudonym Geneva Holliday, Bernice L. McFadden brings her signature emotional depth to a story that’s both provocative and deeply human.
The book follows a group of friends navigating the fallout of secrets, lust, and long-held resentments. Holliday’s voice is sharp and unapologetic, and she doesn’t shy away from the messiness of relationships. While the pacing is brisk and the drama intense, there are moments where the plot feels a bit rushed or the character motivations slightly underdeveloped. Still, the emotional core remains strong, and the themes of healing and empowerment resonate.
This isn’t your typical McFadden novel—it’s edgier, more playful, and definitely more scandalous. If you're looking for a juicy, character-driven read with a touch of grit, Fever delivers.
📚 Thank you to NetGalley and Dutton | Plume for the ARC! I appreciate the opportunity to read and review this title.
December 24, 2025
I got an ARC of this book.
Book one had some issues, but I loved the characters and wanted to know what they got up to. This book was just more of the same. I enjoyed the characters and their distinct voices, but the plots were just not as engaging.
Geneva is still dealing with being fat and aging (30s). Noah is mad his boyfriend wants a threesome, accuses him of cheating, despite spending all of book one cheating on his boyfriend with women. Chevy is Chevy, but it pays off this time with the weirdest plot of the book. The queerphobia around that plot was also wild. It is fine that Chevy is straight, but the sheer revulsion and constant narration about possibly sleeping with a woman was too much for me.
Overall, this wasn't the best follow up, though I still love this world and the characters. It just didn't add anything that was exciting.
Book one had some issues, but I loved the characters and wanted to know what they got up to. This book was just more of the same. I enjoyed the characters and their distinct voices, but the plots were just not as engaging.
Geneva is still dealing with being fat and aging (30s). Noah is mad his boyfriend wants a threesome, accuses him of cheating, despite spending all of book one cheating on his boyfriend with women. Chevy is Chevy, but it pays off this time with the weirdest plot of the book. The queerphobia around that plot was also wild. It is fine that Chevy is straight, but the sheer revulsion and constant narration about possibly sleeping with a woman was too much for me.
Overall, this wasn't the best follow up, though I still love this world and the characters. It just didn't add anything that was exciting.
January 3, 2026
This is the second of two books written by Bernice L. McFadden originally published under her pen Geneva Holliday. This book reunites friends, Geneva, Crystal, Chevy and Noah. Each has different things going on since the previous book. Geneva is working at a diner. Crystal hasn’t found a new love but is still working as an administrator. Chevy is still looking for fame and fortune but needs a job. Noah has moved to be with his lover.
This book reads more like a romance than the first book of the series, Groove. Each of the characters has a relationship that may lead into a romantic one. At the end everyone does get the happy for now ending that is characteristic of the romance genre.
I was sent an electronic advanced readers copy of this book by the publisher, Dutton Books via Netgalley.
3.5 stars
This book reads more like a romance than the first book of the series, Groove. Each of the characters has a relationship that may lead into a romantic one. At the end everyone does get the happy for now ending that is characteristic of the romance genre.
I was sent an electronic advanced readers copy of this book by the publisher, Dutton Books via Netgalley.
3.5 stars
October 8, 2025
We are back three years later with our group of friends from Groove! Not much has changed. Geneva is still living in the projects, Noah is back and forth between London and NYC, Crystal has taken a vow of celibacy, and Chevy is still jobless and penniless. However, change is on the horizon for our friends! I loved this book. I couldn’t help but root for each of these characters. I wanted them to be successful and to find love! I loved the character development between both books. This is a great series and I really jive with Bernice McFaddens writing!
December 24, 2025
This felt like the book Bernice McFadden would have written in the early 2000s, nostalgic in tone and full of the era’s energy. The last third felt rushed, which was frustrating because those were moments I genuinely wanted to linger in. The friendship at the center of the story was interesting in theory, but it often had me wondering, do they even like each other?, like they’re holding on just because they’ve always known each other. A solid nostalgic read, but it didn’t quite land for me beyond that.
January 18, 2026
It’s been at least 20 years since I last read this book and this time I listened to the audiobook and I laughed my head off. It was hilarious and the narrators were so good. This’s the second book of the series of 4 childhood friends and their relationship. Geneva, Crystal, Chevy and Noah and their antics were hilarious and I needed to hear something light. Bernice L. McFadden/ Geneva Holliday did a great job.
August 24, 2025
Thank you to the author, publisher and Net Galley for providing an ARC of this title.
This is book 2 in a series. This book picks up 3 years after book 1, with summer quickly approaching. The title, Fever, captures the essence of summer, again like with well developed characters with realistic personalities and situations.
4 stars
This is book 2 in a series. This book picks up 3 years after book 1, with summer quickly approaching. The title, Fever, captures the essence of summer, again like with well developed characters with realistic personalities and situations.
4 stars
September 1, 2025
The drama? Unapologetic. The characters?
Messy, magnetic, and real enough to jump off the page. They had me leaning all the way in like I was right there in the mix.
What I loved most is the pace - it never slows down. One minute it's playful, the next it's sharp, and the whole time it keeps you locked in.
Messy, magnetic, and real enough to jump off the page. They had me leaning all the way in like I was right there in the mix.
What I loved most is the pace - it never slows down. One minute it's playful, the next it's sharp, and the whole time it keeps you locked in.
October 26, 2025
This follow-up picks up about three years after the first book, and let me tell you, the drama did not calm down one bit. Geneva, Crystal, Noah, and Chevy are all back, trying to get their lives together, but somehow things only get more complicated. Between new relationships, old habits, and that wild celibacy pact, I was glued to the pages just to see how it would all play out.
I actually think I enjoyed this one more than the first. It had that same addictive energy but felt a little deeper in how it showed each character’s growth...or lack of it. The characters are flawed, impulsive, and emotional, which made them feel real. Chevy was my favorite this time around, with Noah close behind. I loved how each storyline added a new layer of chaos while still keeping things funny and relatable.
There is definitely a lot of steam, but it never overshadows the emotion or the friendship at the core of the story. I liked seeing how each person tried to evolve and handle the fallout from their past choices. Even when they made questionable decisions, I still found myself rooting for them.
If you love drama-filled, fast-paced stories with realistic characters and plenty of spice, this series is worth picking up. It’s messy in the best possible way and the perfect binge read for when you just want to get lost in other people’s chaos.
Thank you NetGalley and Dutton for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I actually think I enjoyed this one more than the first. It had that same addictive energy but felt a little deeper in how it showed each character’s growth...or lack of it. The characters are flawed, impulsive, and emotional, which made them feel real. Chevy was my favorite this time around, with Noah close behind. I loved how each storyline added a new layer of chaos while still keeping things funny and relatable.
There is definitely a lot of steam, but it never overshadows the emotion or the friendship at the core of the story. I liked seeing how each person tried to evolve and handle the fallout from their past choices. Even when they made questionable decisions, I still found myself rooting for them.
If you love drama-filled, fast-paced stories with realistic characters and plenty of spice, this series is worth picking up. It’s messy in the best possible way and the perfect binge read for when you just want to get lost in other people’s chaos.
Thank you NetGalley and Dutton for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
November 5, 2025
𝙰𝚁𝙲 𝚁𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚎𝚠
🌟🌟🌟🌟
Fever is book two in the series, and I must say I enjoyed this book more than I enjoyed the first. The characters feel more mature. The character development was good, and the storyline and friendship were *chef's kiss*.
Thank you, NetGalley and Dutton, for the ebook in exchange for my honest review.
🌟🌟🌟🌟
Fever is book two in the series, and I must say I enjoyed this book more than I enjoyed the first. The characters feel more mature. The character development was good, and the storyline and friendship were *chef's kiss*.
Thank you, NetGalley and Dutton, for the ebook in exchange for my honest review.
Currently reading
September 1, 2025I received an ARC from Diamond Bridges from Dutton Marketing.
September 11, 2025
I recently finished two books by one of my favorite authors: Bernice McFadden. Did you know that she wrote a romance series under a pen name “Geneva Holliday”. I have always wanted to read them but never gotten around to them. Now they are being published under her legal name and I’m so excited. Peep the covers 🧡
These books are very entertaining , hilarious (yes laugh out loud funny) and satisfying reads. The author uses the term “humorous erotica” so there’s that as well. I loved meeting these characters and reading about all their secrets. My favorites was Chevy and all her messiness, she definitely needed to get a grip on reality and take some responsibility as an adult. I recommend this one for a variety of readers that enjoy humor, messiness, friend groups, and quick reads. This book is full of the 90’s and early 2000’s vibes and so it was especially nostalgic for me.
These books are very entertaining , hilarious (yes laugh out loud funny) and satisfying reads. The author uses the term “humorous erotica” so there’s that as well. I loved meeting these characters and reading about all their secrets. My favorites was Chevy and all her messiness, she definitely needed to get a grip on reality and take some responsibility as an adult. I recommend this one for a variety of readers that enjoy humor, messiness, friend groups, and quick reads. This book is full of the 90’s and early 2000’s vibes and so it was especially nostalgic for me.
November 2, 2025
When I started reading this book and saw that it would be from multiple characters’ POV, I felt let down but she did it so effortlessly and kept the chapters so short that I really got into it!
November 3, 2025
What a let down. Book 1 had so much steam, laughter, and spice and this continuation went completely left with what felt like an aimless plot for all four characters.
August 30, 2025
I was invited by the publisher to review this book. In this second installment, readers are brought back into the orbit of four friends Geneva, Chevy, Crystal, and Noah. Three years have passed, and summer is once again approaching. Geneva is busy with her family and attempting to not get too close to her son's younger business manager, Chevy has great chance at employment but it comes with some strings, Crystal is trying to make better choices with her love life, and Noah is in London forming new relationships.
I loved the title of this book, Fever, which captures that summer essence - love and sexuality in the summer, is like a fever. These four characters are once again well-fleshed out, with real life personalities and circumstances. But the sensuality in this book is top notch, and I just loved my reading experience with these characters.
Thank you to NetGalley and Dutton/Plume for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I loved the title of this book, Fever, which captures that summer essence - love and sexuality in the summer, is like a fever. These four characters are once again well-fleshed out, with real life personalities and circumstances. But the sensuality in this book is top notch, and I just loved my reading experience with these characters.
Thank you to NetGalley and Dutton/Plume for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
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