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Groove
The first of two steamy and entertaining romance novels, published under the beloved and distinguished author’s real name for the first time
You never know what’s going on behind someone’s groove.
New York City, April 2002: Geneva, Crystal, Noah, and Chevy, a close friend group, are all mid-thirty, flirty—and ready to embrace the heat of the summer.
But behind closed doors, each of them has struggles of their Geneva keeps accidentally falling for the charms of her good-for-nothing ex-husband; Crystal is a high-flying executive with a picture-perfect life and a boyfriend who might just be too good to be true; Noah is attempting to keep the spark alive between him and his European boyfriend, but the flames of temptation keep catching fire in the most unexpected of places; and then there’s Chevy, who couldn’t care less about love and only wants a life of champagne dinners and designer bags, no matter the cost.
But as the city heats up and tensions keep bubbling under the surface, Chevy gets entangled with a hot and mysterious stranger. The group must come together to save their friend before it’s too late—and before secrets break their forever friendship.
You never know what’s going on behind someone’s groove.
New York City, April 2002: Geneva, Crystal, Noah, and Chevy, a close friend group, are all mid-thirty, flirty—and ready to embrace the heat of the summer.
But behind closed doors, each of them has struggles of their Geneva keeps accidentally falling for the charms of her good-for-nothing ex-husband; Crystal is a high-flying executive with a picture-perfect life and a boyfriend who might just be too good to be true; Noah is attempting to keep the spark alive between him and his European boyfriend, but the flames of temptation keep catching fire in the most unexpected of places; and then there’s Chevy, who couldn’t care less about love and only wants a life of champagne dinners and designer bags, no matter the cost.
But as the city heats up and tensions keep bubbling under the surface, Chevy gets entangled with a hot and mysterious stranger. The group must come together to save their friend before it’s too late—and before secrets break their forever friendship.
352 pages, Paperback
Published October 7, 2025
11 people are currently reading
3486 people want to read
About the author
Bernice L. McFadden
21 books2,264 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 - 30 of 39 reviews
August 23, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC of this novel. All my thoughts and opinions are my own.
Real rating: 0.25 stars
It’s not a good sign when the first few pages of a book make me dread the rest.
It’s as though the writer(s) of this book watched the first three episodes of the tv show Harlem and suddenly had a burst of inspiration. That’s neither derogatory nor complimentary. Just a statement of fact.
The creative choice for character introductions felt incredibly lazy to me. It was essentially an info dump with a sprinkle of a fourth wall break. There are a slew of other ways to introduce characters, especially an ensemble cast, and the author chose the most elementary option.
These characters are way too old (most teetering on, and even spilling /over/, 40, in fact) to be this much of a mess. Everyone’s problems are worse than the next person — and all of those problems are entirely of their own making.
It would’ve also been nice to know who’s POV I was reading when the chapter started instead of trying to figure it out throughout the chapter. There’s like 6 different POVs — why on earth would you not state who’s talking?
This is more so a personal thing, but I absolutely abhor when drugs are in a book, movie, or tv show — especially when it’s casual. I also hate when a form of media opens up with a sex scene. I cannot express enough how much I hate being formally introduced to a character in that manner. And the fact that more than half of them are cheaters or accomplices to cheaters just drained me.
They all have the moral compass of a piece of wet lettuce. Crystal is the only remotely decent person. But she’s also everybody’s biggest enabler. Wants a man and a friend more than she wants any self-respect. And it’s crazy how much I don’t care about the happiness, health, or wellbeing of any of these characters. They could all drop dead right now and I wouldn’t bat an eye.
I genuinely don’t know why any of them are friends. A group of enablers who not-so-secretly hate each other. In fact, I believe they should all block and delete each others’ numbers, move to opposite ends of the country, and never contact each other again.
The random and concerningly casual pedophilia that was dropped in there at the eleventh hour had me doing a double take.
And to top it off, the manner in which this author keeps bringing up Nigerians makes me wish I could give this book zero stars.
Real rating: 0.25 stars
It’s not a good sign when the first few pages of a book make me dread the rest.
It’s as though the writer(s) of this book watched the first three episodes of the tv show Harlem and suddenly had a burst of inspiration. That’s neither derogatory nor complimentary. Just a statement of fact.
The creative choice for character introductions felt incredibly lazy to me. It was essentially an info dump with a sprinkle of a fourth wall break. There are a slew of other ways to introduce characters, especially an ensemble cast, and the author chose the most elementary option.
These characters are way too old (most teetering on, and even spilling /over/, 40, in fact) to be this much of a mess. Everyone’s problems are worse than the next person — and all of those problems are entirely of their own making.
It would’ve also been nice to know who’s POV I was reading when the chapter started instead of trying to figure it out throughout the chapter. There’s like 6 different POVs — why on earth would you not state who’s talking?
This is more so a personal thing, but I absolutely abhor when drugs are in a book, movie, or tv show — especially when it’s casual. I also hate when a form of media opens up with a sex scene. I cannot express enough how much I hate being formally introduced to a character in that manner. And the fact that more than half of them are cheaters or accomplices to cheaters just drained me.
They all have the moral compass of a piece of wet lettuce. Crystal is the only remotely decent person. But she’s also everybody’s biggest enabler. Wants a man and a friend more than she wants any self-respect. And it’s crazy how much I don’t care about the happiness, health, or wellbeing of any of these characters. They could all drop dead right now and I wouldn’t bat an eye.
I genuinely don’t know why any of them are friends. A group of enablers who not-so-secretly hate each other. In fact, I believe they should all block and delete each others’ numbers, move to opposite ends of the country, and never contact each other again.
The random and concerningly casual pedophilia that was dropped in there at the eleventh hour had me doing a double take.
And to top it off, the manner in which this author keeps bringing up Nigerians makes me wish I could give this book zero stars.
November 1, 2025
“Groove” is a total nostalgia trip. Reading it in 2025, it really felt like being whisked back to that late ’90s, early 2000s vibe…you know, that warm and cozy, friendships-are-everything kind of storytelling that we don’t always see these days in our kind of lone-wolf society. It’s not as deep or polished as McFadden’s later masterpieces, but it’s definitely a fun ride.
Honestly, this book had been chilling on my shelf for like a decade until the re-release nudged me to finally pick it up…guilty as charged! And I’m glad I did. It’s light, it’s cute, and it’s a nice little throwback to simpler times. Enjoyed it for what it was!
Honestly, this book had been chilling on my shelf for like a decade until the re-release nudged me to finally pick it up…guilty as charged! And I’m glad I did. It’s light, it’s cute, and it’s a nice little throwback to simpler times. Enjoyed it for what it was!
October 22, 2025
A funny unhinged mess 😂
October 17, 2025
Thank you @duttonbooks for my free books and @prhaudio for the free audiobooks!
Groove is full of extremely bold personalities. Geneva Holliday really brings out the drama in her writing with each character in ways that bring their own set of mess and drama to the story.
There's the one who can't stop chasing love, the friend who keeps everyone laughing, the one always caught in messy situations, and the one trying to hold it all together. Their antics made the book fun even when I kept shaking my head at the foolishness.
The audiobook was also good because it added energy and made each personality pop. Overall l'd say it's not anything I over-loved but it's still one of those sassy reads that kept me entertained! I'll be moving onto Fever next!
Groove is full of extremely bold personalities. Geneva Holliday really brings out the drama in her writing with each character in ways that bring their own set of mess and drama to the story.
There's the one who can't stop chasing love, the friend who keeps everyone laughing, the one always caught in messy situations, and the one trying to hold it all together. Their antics made the book fun even when I kept shaking my head at the foolishness.
The audiobook was also good because it added energy and made each personality pop. Overall l'd say it's not anything I over-loved but it's still one of those sassy reads that kept me entertained! I'll be moving onto Fever next!
October 15, 2025
Groove Bernice L. McFadden
This novel is giving early 2000s women-led sitcom. These characters are seamlessly identifiable. I would classify their friendship as respectfully messy. All the mischief in their respective lives made me want to continue to read. This republication provides the nostalgia of the banter we loved before trigger warnings were expected😏.
Geneva is in quite an undesirable situation. She’s still in the Projects with no real professional goals. Her main focus is her ever expanding waistline and raising her son to be a mindful young man. In moments of desire, she finds herself contending with the company of her ex-husband 👀.
Crystal is supposedly the friend that has it all figured out. With further examination, 🧐 I quickly learned that that’s far from the truth. While she is perfectly stable in her professional life, she’s lacking romantically.
Not everything is as simple as what it appears to be. The POV allows the reader to be privy to information before the actual characters are aware of anything .
Chevanese is really something else. Imagine a friend that you care for deeply, but she will do nefarious things to get whatever it is she wants. It’s her prerogative to use her feminine persuasion to get ahead.
Lastly, Noah is suffering from self-inflicted mental trauma. The support he requires is supplied with a satirical tone. It’s quite hilarious.
Thank You NetGalley & Plume for the ARC.
#readandtellwithshantel #BerniceLMcFadden
#Groove #ARC
This novel is giving early 2000s women-led sitcom. These characters are seamlessly identifiable. I would classify their friendship as respectfully messy. All the mischief in their respective lives made me want to continue to read. This republication provides the nostalgia of the banter we loved before trigger warnings were expected😏.
Geneva is in quite an undesirable situation. She’s still in the Projects with no real professional goals. Her main focus is her ever expanding waistline and raising her son to be a mindful young man. In moments of desire, she finds herself contending with the company of her ex-husband 👀.
Crystal is supposedly the friend that has it all figured out. With further examination, 🧐 I quickly learned that that’s far from the truth. While she is perfectly stable in her professional life, she’s lacking romantically.
Not everything is as simple as what it appears to be. The POV allows the reader to be privy to information before the actual characters are aware of anything .
Chevanese is really something else. Imagine a friend that you care for deeply, but she will do nefarious things to get whatever it is she wants. It’s her prerogative to use her feminine persuasion to get ahead.
Lastly, Noah is suffering from self-inflicted mental trauma. The support he requires is supplied with a satirical tone. It’s quite hilarious.
Thank You NetGalley & Plume for the ARC.
#readandtellwithshantel #BerniceLMcFadden
#Groove #ARC
October 9, 2025
Thank you @duttonbooks for the #gifted copies of 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝗼𝘃𝗲 and 𝗙𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿! #DuttonBooks #BerniceLMcFadden #Groove #Fever
𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐯𝐞
𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫: 𝐁𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐋. 𝐌𝐜𝐅𝐚𝐝𝐝𝐞𝐧
𝐏𝐮𝐛 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝐎𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟕, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓
Groove is the first of two books in a series which follow Geneva, Crystal, Noah, and Chevy as they navigate life in their 30s in the summer in New York City. Each one of them is struggling with something, and we get to see all of the drama and messiness of their life unfold. Told through a multiple point of view format, this book was entertaining because there was so much going on. With that said, the switching between POVs made it difficult to keep track of what was going on at times and I wish there would have been names at the start of each chapter so I knew which POV I was reading.
𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐯𝐞
𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫: 𝐁𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐋. 𝐌𝐜𝐅𝐚𝐝𝐝𝐞𝐧
𝐏𝐮𝐛 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝐎𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟕, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓
Groove is the first of two books in a series which follow Geneva, Crystal, Noah, and Chevy as they navigate life in their 30s in the summer in New York City. Each one of them is struggling with something, and we get to see all of the drama and messiness of their life unfold. Told through a multiple point of view format, this book was entertaining because there was so much going on. With that said, the switching between POVs made it difficult to keep track of what was going on at times and I wish there would have been names at the start of each chapter so I knew which POV I was reading.
did-not-finish
October 7, 2025Dnf at 20%. The characters were very east coast shallow and I just couldn't get into it. I did like the different POVs and if the characters weren't so cringy I would have stuck with it
July 11, 2025
Arc review!
This was age friendly (30 yr olds) fun, reflective, refreshing and real. I was engaged from start to finish. I got so lost so easily that I didn’t even know how long I’d been sitting without drinking anything 😂
I don’t do spoilers but this read is definitely one I’ll buy for my shelves and recommend on my booksta
This was age friendly (30 yr olds) fun, reflective, refreshing and real. I was engaged from start to finish. I got so lost so easily that I didn’t even know how long I’d been sitting without drinking anything 😂
I don’t do spoilers but this read is definitely one I’ll buy for my shelves and recommend on my booksta
October 2, 2025
The cover is beautiful, a tad misleading. I would not say that this a second chance romance which was what I was expecting. It is not.
It follows four friends in NYC – all of whom are going through it in different ways. The beginning was a little confusing with the different character POVs, but once I got into the story, I saw the value of all First POV introductions to get a sense of all the characters before we dived into the story. Just remember going into this that it was originally written in 2005, and it reads that way sometimes. Overall, I really liked it. I read it in one day. It was really entertaining, and the characters are memorable. With the way the world is going, honestly, I’ve been enjoying super-fast reads.
Thanks to NetGalley and Dutton for the gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication October 7, 2025
It follows four friends in NYC – all of whom are going through it in different ways. The beginning was a little confusing with the different character POVs, but once I got into the story, I saw the value of all First POV introductions to get a sense of all the characters before we dived into the story. Just remember going into this that it was originally written in 2005, and it reads that way sometimes. Overall, I really liked it. I read it in one day. It was really entertaining, and the characters are memorable. With the way the world is going, honestly, I’ve been enjoying super-fast reads.
Thanks to NetGalley and Dutton for the gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication October 7, 2025
October 16, 2025
Groove by Bernice L. McFadden and Geneva Holliday
Thank you to Dutton | Plume for my gifted bookof this steamy, unhinged, and deliciously chaotic novel.
Let me just say it: Groove is a hot mess in the best possible way. Reading it felt like being pulled into a vintage group text from the early 2000s that you can’t leave. Every character has baggage, secrets, and just enough charisma to keep you rooting for them—even when you’re also yelling at them to get it together. It’s bold, brash, and sometimes too real. If messy adult friendships, questionable choices, and steamy chaos are your thing, then congratulations, you’ve found your next favorite disaster.
Set in New York City in April 2002—aka the pre-social-media, low-rise-jeans, lip-gloss-and-timberlands era—we meet four thirty-something friends: Geneva, Crystal, Noah, and Chevy. The vibe? Think Sex and the City, but swap the cosmos for cheap wine, trauma bonding, and unpaid therapy sessions disguised as brunch. These four are flirty, frazzled, and all teetering on the edge of a summer that might break them.
Geneva is the relatable queen of bad decisions. She’s a single mom trying to focus on her weight and mental health, but keeps tripping over her trash ex-husband like it’s a sport. One minute she’s on the treadmill, the next she’s tangled up in his lies again. Her son is hormonal, the fridge is empty, and the rent is late—but somehow she still has time to entertain nonsense. Bless her heart.
Crystal is the one with the flawless LinkedIn and the Instagrammable life, but under the surface? Red flags and deep denial. She works at a women’s shelter, her man is fine and rich, and she lives in a dream apartment—but something isn’t adding up. You can practically hear the foreshadowing humming in the background like an off-key alarm clock.
Noah is the group’s chaotic compass. Openly gay, stylish, and witty, he’s trying to stay committed to his long-distance boyfriend while also realizing he might not be as strictly gay as he thought. Spoiler: bisexuality exists, and Noah is trying to figure that out while also dodging temptation, longing, and the lingering idea that he’s not fully seen. His chapters were some of my favorites—he’s messy, but honest.
And then there’s Chevy. Whew. Chevy is what happens when you put your self-worth in designer bags, glam wigs, and the opinions of sugar daddies. She’s broke, beautiful, and burning through her friends’ patience like it’s clearance perfume. I wanted to shake her, hug her, and then block her number—all within the same scene. Her arc is the messiest, and possibly the most urgent, especially when she gets involved with a mysterious stranger that takes “toxic” to Olympic levels. You know it’s bad when the friends start considering an intervention.
The dialogue? Snappy. The sex? Graphic, funny, and often a little too real. The structure? Multiple POVs, but be warned: there are no helpful nameplates at the start of each chapter. You have to guess who’s talking based on vibes, context clues, and whatever mess they’re dealing with that day. Once you find the rhythm, it works—but it is a disorienting start.
This is not a clean, polished, rom-com with quirky mishaps and cutesy makeovers. Groove is gritty, loud, unfiltered, and a little too close to home. These characters aren’t always likable—and honestly, that’s the point. They’re fully realized, flawed, and sometimes infuriating. But that’s what makes their moments of connection, humor, and loyalty hit so hard. Even when they’re at their worst, they’re still trying. They show up, even when they shouldn’t. They fight. They forgive. And they keep circling each other, like satellites on the edge of a nervous breakdown.
Favorite quote? “Sometimes your groove is just survival with a cute outfit on.” And if that doesn’t describe your 30s, I don’t know what does.
There’s a cliffhanger, naturally. So yes, I will be marching straight into Fever like someone trying to get their deposit back after a party got out of hand. I need answers. I need closure. I need to see if any of these characters grow—or just spiral in better shoes.
In short: Groove is not tidy, not safe, and definitely not for everyone. But it is raw, hilarious, unflinching, and full of life. If you’ve ever loved a friend you also low-key hated, stayed too long in a dead-end relationship, or ignored every red flag because the vibes were good? This book gets you. It’s a beach read for people who bring emotional baggage to the shore.
4 out of 5 stars.
It’s not perfect, but neither are its characters—and that’s exactly the point.
#Groove #BerniceLMcFadden #GenevaHolliday #NetGalley #RomanticDrama #MessyFiction #NYCStories #BookReview #FictionWithFlaws #FallReads2025 #SexAndTheCityVibes #BlackFiction #DysfunctionalFriendshipGoals #WittyFiction #ChaoticGood
Thank you to Dutton | Plume for my gifted bookof this steamy, unhinged, and deliciously chaotic novel.
Let me just say it: Groove is a hot mess in the best possible way. Reading it felt like being pulled into a vintage group text from the early 2000s that you can’t leave. Every character has baggage, secrets, and just enough charisma to keep you rooting for them—even when you’re also yelling at them to get it together. It’s bold, brash, and sometimes too real. If messy adult friendships, questionable choices, and steamy chaos are your thing, then congratulations, you’ve found your next favorite disaster.
Set in New York City in April 2002—aka the pre-social-media, low-rise-jeans, lip-gloss-and-timberlands era—we meet four thirty-something friends: Geneva, Crystal, Noah, and Chevy. The vibe? Think Sex and the City, but swap the cosmos for cheap wine, trauma bonding, and unpaid therapy sessions disguised as brunch. These four are flirty, frazzled, and all teetering on the edge of a summer that might break them.
Geneva is the relatable queen of bad decisions. She’s a single mom trying to focus on her weight and mental health, but keeps tripping over her trash ex-husband like it’s a sport. One minute she’s on the treadmill, the next she’s tangled up in his lies again. Her son is hormonal, the fridge is empty, and the rent is late—but somehow she still has time to entertain nonsense. Bless her heart.
Crystal is the one with the flawless LinkedIn and the Instagrammable life, but under the surface? Red flags and deep denial. She works at a women’s shelter, her man is fine and rich, and she lives in a dream apartment—but something isn’t adding up. You can practically hear the foreshadowing humming in the background like an off-key alarm clock.
Noah is the group’s chaotic compass. Openly gay, stylish, and witty, he’s trying to stay committed to his long-distance boyfriend while also realizing he might not be as strictly gay as he thought. Spoiler: bisexuality exists, and Noah is trying to figure that out while also dodging temptation, longing, and the lingering idea that he’s not fully seen. His chapters were some of my favorites—he’s messy, but honest.
And then there’s Chevy. Whew. Chevy is what happens when you put your self-worth in designer bags, glam wigs, and the opinions of sugar daddies. She’s broke, beautiful, and burning through her friends’ patience like it’s clearance perfume. I wanted to shake her, hug her, and then block her number—all within the same scene. Her arc is the messiest, and possibly the most urgent, especially when she gets involved with a mysterious stranger that takes “toxic” to Olympic levels. You know it’s bad when the friends start considering an intervention.
The dialogue? Snappy. The sex? Graphic, funny, and often a little too real. The structure? Multiple POVs, but be warned: there are no helpful nameplates at the start of each chapter. You have to guess who’s talking based on vibes, context clues, and whatever mess they’re dealing with that day. Once you find the rhythm, it works—but it is a disorienting start.
This is not a clean, polished, rom-com with quirky mishaps and cutesy makeovers. Groove is gritty, loud, unfiltered, and a little too close to home. These characters aren’t always likable—and honestly, that’s the point. They’re fully realized, flawed, and sometimes infuriating. But that’s what makes their moments of connection, humor, and loyalty hit so hard. Even when they’re at their worst, they’re still trying. They show up, even when they shouldn’t. They fight. They forgive. And they keep circling each other, like satellites on the edge of a nervous breakdown.
Favorite quote? “Sometimes your groove is just survival with a cute outfit on.” And if that doesn’t describe your 30s, I don’t know what does.
There’s a cliffhanger, naturally. So yes, I will be marching straight into Fever like someone trying to get their deposit back after a party got out of hand. I need answers. I need closure. I need to see if any of these characters grow—or just spiral in better shoes.
In short: Groove is not tidy, not safe, and definitely not for everyone. But it is raw, hilarious, unflinching, and full of life. If you’ve ever loved a friend you also low-key hated, stayed too long in a dead-end relationship, or ignored every red flag because the vibes were good? This book gets you. It’s a beach read for people who bring emotional baggage to the shore.
4 out of 5 stars.
It’s not perfect, but neither are its characters—and that’s exactly the point.
#Groove #BerniceLMcFadden #GenevaHolliday #NetGalley #RomanticDrama #MessyFiction #NYCStories #BookReview #FictionWithFlaws #FallReads2025 #SexAndTheCityVibes #BlackFiction #DysfunctionalFriendshipGoals #WittyFiction #ChaoticGood
September 3, 2025
2.5⭐️
Groove by Bernice L. McFadden is a story that follows four friends in their mid to late thirties as they navigate the craziness of adult life in New York. Geneva is a single mum to her teenage son Eric and is trying to raise him as best as she can whilst also struggling with money, her weight and confidence. Crystal works for a women’s DV shelter and is seeing a guy called Kendrick who works for his fathers company which requires lots of his time meaning he’s not in town very often leaving Crystal to feel lonely and rift in their relationship to start forming. Chevy is simply a hot mess who often alters her appearance to try and please herself and the men she is often entertaining for the sole purpose of getting as much money out of them as possible in order to pay her rent or buy new wigs, clothes, shoes, makeup or even boobs! Noah came out as gay from a young age and has been with his partner Zhan who lives in London for a few years however after seeing and interacting with a couple of women in town for some reason he finds himself attracted to them and eventually sleeps with them causing him to struggle to come to terms with what this could mean for his sexuality.
Personally, I will be giving this books 2.5 stars what attracted me to this really was the concept which was unique to me as I haven’t read anything like this before. However, I just don’t think this book was for me for a lot of the time it didn’t feel like much was happening and things only started happening towards the end and considering this book is so short I wish it would’ve used its time a bit more wisely. I also don’t feel I understood the humour or the banter between these characters it felt like none of the others even liked Chevy which made me question why they still spoke to her and hung out with her but like I say that could just be me misinterpreting the banter between characters. Some of the scenes in this felt so unnecessary I don’t want to spoil the book so I won’t explain which but just some of them were kind of ew. I think I will be reading Fever which is the next book in hopes that it will recover this series for me but I’m definitely going to take a break before doing that.
Groove by Bernice L. McFadden is a story that follows four friends in their mid to late thirties as they navigate the craziness of adult life in New York. Geneva is a single mum to her teenage son Eric and is trying to raise him as best as she can whilst also struggling with money, her weight and confidence. Crystal works for a women’s DV shelter and is seeing a guy called Kendrick who works for his fathers company which requires lots of his time meaning he’s not in town very often leaving Crystal to feel lonely and rift in their relationship to start forming. Chevy is simply a hot mess who often alters her appearance to try and please herself and the men she is often entertaining for the sole purpose of getting as much money out of them as possible in order to pay her rent or buy new wigs, clothes, shoes, makeup or even boobs! Noah came out as gay from a young age and has been with his partner Zhan who lives in London for a few years however after seeing and interacting with a couple of women in town for some reason he finds himself attracted to them and eventually sleeps with them causing him to struggle to come to terms with what this could mean for his sexuality.
Personally, I will be giving this books 2.5 stars what attracted me to this really was the concept which was unique to me as I haven’t read anything like this before. However, I just don’t think this book was for me for a lot of the time it didn’t feel like much was happening and things only started happening towards the end and considering this book is so short I wish it would’ve used its time a bit more wisely. I also don’t feel I understood the humour or the banter between these characters it felt like none of the others even liked Chevy which made me question why they still spoke to her and hung out with her but like I say that could just be me misinterpreting the banter between characters. Some of the scenes in this felt so unnecessary I don’t want to spoil the book so I won’t explain which but just some of them were kind of ew. I think I will be reading Fever which is the next book in hopes that it will recover this series for me but I’m definitely going to take a break before doing that.
December 19, 2025
I got an ARC of this book.
I was enthralled from page one. I wanted to know all about this friend group. I was ready to be in this world. I wanted to know every little messy detail of what Chevy was doing. Chevy is a queen of getting and getting out of trouble. I wanted the best for all of them, but I had a soft spot for Geneva. Trying to raise her son, deal with lonliness, and then the fall out of that. The way that she had some issues when even Crystal, who is clearly another mother to her son steps in, felt so real and honest. I was living for that part of the friendship. Crystal and Geneva were the big parts of the depth for me.
The biggest issue to me was Noah. Bisexuality exists. Trans men exist. This really isn't that huge of a deal. The fact that it was his entire plot and him cheating on his boyfriend was seen as easily gotten over and whatever, because it was with women was just odd. If it was the opposite situation it would have been a huge deal. It was just strange. The pure acceptance of gayness, but the narrowness of that acceptance to being one version of gayness felt so restricting. Very masc for masc level. Matched with the only fit and/or rich men need apply vibes of the rest and it felt like a way to fetishize Noah instead of him being able to exist. I wanted better for Noah.
There were some issues with chapters and POV switches not being labled, so it took a bit to realize who was doing what. By the end those switches were second nature. It is much more obvious in the sequel too.
I was enthralled from page one. I wanted to know all about this friend group. I was ready to be in this world. I wanted to know every little messy detail of what Chevy was doing. Chevy is a queen of getting and getting out of trouble. I wanted the best for all of them, but I had a soft spot for Geneva. Trying to raise her son, deal with lonliness, and then the fall out of that. The way that she had some issues when even Crystal, who is clearly another mother to her son steps in, felt so real and honest. I was living for that part of the friendship. Crystal and Geneva were the big parts of the depth for me.
The biggest issue to me was Noah. Bisexuality exists. Trans men exist. This really isn't that huge of a deal. The fact that it was his entire plot and him cheating on his boyfriend was seen as easily gotten over and whatever, because it was with women was just odd. If it was the opposite situation it would have been a huge deal. It was just strange. The pure acceptance of gayness, but the narrowness of that acceptance to being one version of gayness felt so restricting. Very masc for masc level. Matched with the only fit and/or rich men need apply vibes of the rest and it felt like a way to fetishize Noah instead of him being able to exist. I wanted better for Noah.
There were some issues with chapters and POV switches not being labled, so it took a bit to realize who was doing what. By the end those switches were second nature. It is much more obvious in the sequel too.
August 17, 2025
I was invited by the publisher to review this book. Summer is on the horizon for a group of four friends in New York City. Geneva, Crystal, Noah, and Chevy are anticipating the heat and all that comes with it of summer, but of course, all are also grappling with their own personal issues. Geneva can't quite seem to kick her ex-husband to the curb, Crystal seems to have it all personally and professionally (but of course that is never truly the case), Noah is trying to keep things going between him and his long-distance boyfriend, and Chevy who cannot kick his materialistic habit. Chevy does wind up getting wrapped up in a stranger that appears one day, and the group of friends realize they must work to break Chevy free of this woman, before things unravel.
I really enjoyed this book! The author captured the feeling of summer so easily, I felt like I was walking the streets of NYC with this foursome. As for the characters themselves, they were very fleshed out and written in a very whole manner. The author did a great job of making each character accessible and relatable, and I found myself wistful for a group of friends like these!
Thank you to NetGalley and Dutton/Plume for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this book! The author captured the feeling of summer so easily, I felt like I was walking the streets of NYC with this foursome. As for the characters themselves, they were very fleshed out and written in a very whole manner. The author did a great job of making each character accessible and relatable, and I found myself wistful for a group of friends like these!
Thank you to NetGalley and Dutton/Plume for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 8, 2025
Groove is messy, sexy, funny, and real — the perfect mix of drama and heart. It follows a group of friends in New York City who are trying to balance love, lust, and self-worth while navigating all the chaos that comes with adult relationships. Geneva, Crystal, Noah, and Chevy each have their own flaws and insecurities, which makes their stories feel extra relatable.
What I really liked about Groove is how it captures the ups and downs of friendship. The way these characters love, fight, and look out for each other feels genuine. It’s not just about romantic love — it’s about the bonds that hold us together even when we make a mess of things. The book has plenty of steamy moments and sharp humor, but underneath it all, there’s real emotion and growth.
If I had one critique, it’s that sometimes the story jumps quickly between different points of view, which made me wish I had more time with certain characters. But overall, the energy and personality of the writing made it hard to put down.
Groove is bold, wild, and entertaining. It’s perfect if you enjoy books that explore friendship, love, and desire with a mix of humor and heart
What I really liked about Groove is how it captures the ups and downs of friendship. The way these characters love, fight, and look out for each other feels genuine. It’s not just about romantic love — it’s about the bonds that hold us together even when we make a mess of things. The book has plenty of steamy moments and sharp humor, but underneath it all, there’s real emotion and growth.
If I had one critique, it’s that sometimes the story jumps quickly between different points of view, which made me wish I had more time with certain characters. But overall, the energy and personality of the writing made it hard to put down.
Groove is bold, wild, and entertaining. It’s perfect if you enjoy books that explore friendship, love, and desire with a mix of humor and heart
January 3, 2026
This is the first of two books written by Bernice L. McFadden originally published under her pen Geneva Holliday. It really is a throwback to the contemporary fiction that many of us grew up reading in the 1990s and early 2000s. The novel centers around 4 friends. Geneva is an overweight single mother who feels she hasn’t lived up to her potential. Crystal is a successful administrator that everyone goes to when in trouble. Chevy is always chasing fame and fortune. Noah is a proud gay man struggling with his sexuality.
With such strong personalities in the friend group, lots of antics ensue. Some of it makes you want to cheer for the characters. Other times you want to yell at them. The book ends in a cliff hanger that had me immediately wanting to pick up the second book.
This book is categorized as a romance. I don’t agree with that classification. There wasn’t a clear main love interest for any of the characters. So I am not sure why it is considered a romance. Perhaps because there are some sexy scenes.
I was sent an electronic advanced readers copy of this book by the publisher, Dutton Books via Netgalley.
3.5 stars
With such strong personalities in the friend group, lots of antics ensue. Some of it makes you want to cheer for the characters. Other times you want to yell at them. The book ends in a cliff hanger that had me immediately wanting to pick up the second book.
This book is categorized as a romance. I don’t agree with that classification. There wasn’t a clear main love interest for any of the characters. So I am not sure why it is considered a romance. Perhaps because there are some sexy scenes.
I was sent an electronic advanced readers copy of this book by the publisher, Dutton Books via Netgalley.
3.5 stars
October 1, 2025
2.5 ⭐️
Thank you Dutton Books for sending me a physical copy of the book and the NetGalley for also providing an eARC as well.
First of all, this was probably one of the messiest group of friends I have read about in a long time! It was giving dramatic, messy, reality television feel. Because of the messiness of the drama it kept me engaged with the reading.
My complaints is that I felt the plot was kind of all over the place. I also had an issue with the different POVs for each chapter but not being told whose POV it is until further reading and realizing whose speaking. The characters were quite insufferable and half the time I was rolling my eyes especially with Chevy and trying to find the silver lining. The ending felt dramatically rushed and I was really trying to find some sort of character growth. That’s all I have to say.
Thank you Dutton Books for sending me a physical copy of the book and the NetGalley for also providing an eARC as well.
First of all, this was probably one of the messiest group of friends I have read about in a long time! It was giving dramatic, messy, reality television feel. Because of the messiness of the drama it kept me engaged with the reading.
My complaints is that I felt the plot was kind of all over the place. I also had an issue with the different POVs for each chapter but not being told whose POV it is until further reading and realizing whose speaking. The characters were quite insufferable and half the time I was rolling my eyes especially with Chevy and trying to find the silver lining. The ending felt dramatically rushed and I was really trying to find some sort of character growth. That’s all I have to say.
August 23, 2025
I absolutely loved this book! It was hilarious, fun, and completely addictive. I flew through it in no time. I fell in love with every character, but Chevy and Noah stole the show for me. Chevy was a total hot mess, and watching them stumble, fumble, and somehow still win my heart had me laughing out loud. I also loved how the humor and fun were balanced with real moments of emotion. The story moved so quickly and smoothly that I felt like I was right there with them the whole time. I can’t wait for the follow-up because I need more of this chaos, humor, and heart in my life. This book is pure joy from start to finish.
Thanks Netgalley and Dutton | Plume for the ARC and opportunity to provide an honest review.
Thanks Netgalley and Dutton | Plume for the ARC and opportunity to provide an honest review.
September 21, 2025
𝙴𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚁𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚎𝚠
🌟🌟🌟
Now, this book, Groove, is just pure drama, crazy friendships, and messiness all in one. Honestly, most of these characters are unlikeable but try to redeem themselves.
We have 5 different POVs, including one from a friend's boyfriend. Let me try to break this down.
-Possible spoiler-
* Geneva is a single mom that is trying her best but is living in poverty. I didn't really like the way she treated her son.
* Crystal was an okay character and an okay friend.
* Noah didn't know if he was gay or bisexual! But I enjoyed his character and going on his sexual journey.
* Chevy, I disliked her from the first moment she was introduced to us.
* Kendrick is the boyfriend of Crystal and has a drug addiction nobody knows about.
Yup, that's my review.
🌟🌟🌟
Now, this book, Groove, is just pure drama, crazy friendships, and messiness all in one. Honestly, most of these characters are unlikeable but try to redeem themselves.
We have 5 different POVs, including one from a friend's boyfriend. Let me try to break this down.
-Possible spoiler-
* Geneva is a single mom that is trying her best but is living in poverty. I didn't really like the way she treated her son.
* Crystal was an okay character and an okay friend.
* Noah didn't know if he was gay or bisexual! But I enjoyed his character and going on his sexual journey.
* Chevy, I disliked her from the first moment she was introduced to us.
* Kendrick is the boyfriend of Crystal and has a drug addiction nobody knows about.
Yup, that's my review.
September 15, 2025
Four friends all at odds with where they are in life Crystal, beautiful, successful, fabulous home with a sexy wealthy man who has a secret that could crush her hopes and dreams. Noah the GBFF struggling with his desires to be with women sexually. Geneva the single mom of a hormonal teenage boy still hooking up with her ex hoping for better. Chevy, beautiful but selfish uses men for money finds herself in a terrible situation that could ruin her life and jeopardize the friendship.
Wild lives with supportive friends. Quick read, ready to see how it all works out…bring on Fever.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
Wild lives with supportive friends. Quick read, ready to see how it all works out…bring on Fever.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
August 24, 2025
Thank you to the author, publisher and Net Galley for providing an ARC. I was invited by the publisher to read both this book and the sequel, "Fever".
This is book 1, and we are introduced to a group of four friends in NYC, anticipating heat and summer, but also dealing with their own personal issues.
This was a very enjoyable book, capturing the feeling of summer. Characters were well fleshed out and written very well. Each character is relatable, and you just may wish to find a group like this to hang out with.
4 stars.
This is book 1, and we are introduced to a group of four friends in NYC, anticipating heat and summer, but also dealing with their own personal issues.
This was a very enjoyable book, capturing the feeling of summer. Characters were well fleshed out and written very well. Each character is relatable, and you just may wish to find a group like this to hang out with.
4 stars.
October 6, 2025
This is a poignant look into friendships and what it takes to be a good friend during times of struggle. We follow four friends that seemingly have a tight friendship and support group, but that quickly fades away as each person deals with their own personal struggles. We see them deal with substance abuse, financial woes, a quest to find sexual identity, and weight loss issues. I really enjoyed this book. It was raw which I really appreciated. Each character certainly has their flaws, but you find yourself rooting for them all the same.
November 25, 2025
This was a cute fun read! It reminded me of an episode from a 90s strong female black cast in their mid 30s living in the city trying to figure out life.
I liked it for what it was and didn’t expect anything more grand, sometimes simple reads are just that. The story lines weren’t complex or layered like I am used to but it was a cute weekend read. I loved getting sent the copies from the publishers to review and glad Geneva was able to finally reveal herself!! She even reposted my story and posted to her page as well and followed me on ig!!
I liked it for what it was and didn’t expect anything more grand, sometimes simple reads are just that. The story lines weren’t complex or layered like I am used to but it was a cute weekend read. I loved getting sent the copies from the publishers to review and glad Geneva was able to finally reveal herself!! She even reposted my story and posted to her page as well and followed me on ig!!
October 27, 2025
3.5
This was a fun and crazy mess. Thank God I don’t have friends like Chevy. What a hot ass mess she is and they are enabling her which just made her a more trifling character. This reminded me of Waiting to Exhale, except there is a gay man (who doesn’t know why he loves vajayjay so much), but blames it on Beyoncé. Nothing but secrets and bad choices between this group of friends. Love Bernice L, so I’ll read anything she writes.
This was a fun and crazy mess. Thank God I don’t have friends like Chevy. What a hot ass mess she is and they are enabling her which just made her a more trifling character. This reminded me of Waiting to Exhale, except there is a gay man (who doesn’t know why he loves vajayjay so much), but blames it on Beyoncé. Nothing but secrets and bad choices between this group of friends. Love Bernice L, so I’ll read anything she writes.
November 17, 2025
Thank you to Dutton books for sending me the reprinted copy.
What a freaking mess! I feel like they all hate Chevy (rightfully so)...why are they friends with her? She's the worst kind of friend and takes advantage of them all and they get nothing in return. I liked that the chapters were short but it would always take me a second to realize who's POV we were in because they were all in first person and the voices were never distinct. I could only tell who's POV we were in based on the details of what was being said. At one point I didn't even realize Geneva was talking until the END of the chapter.
I also don't really understand why this needed a reprint....?
What a freaking mess! I feel like they all hate Chevy (rightfully so)...why are they friends with her? She's the worst kind of friend and takes advantage of them all and they get nothing in return. I liked that the chapters were short but it would always take me a second to realize who's POV we were in because they were all in first person and the voices were never distinct. I could only tell who's POV we were in based on the details of what was being said. At one point I didn't even realize Geneva was talking until the END of the chapter.
I also don't really understand why this needed a reprint....?
November 17, 2025
I appreciated how this book captured the nostalgia of the early 2000s and didn't shy away from the problematic behaviors and language either. It’s a fast-paced, fun read, but the multiple POVs kept confusing me; I often had to stop and figure out whose head I was supposed to be in, and sometimes that didn’t click until halfway through a chapter. I’m excited to see how their stories continue to unfold in Fever.
December 15, 2025
This book was so full of juicy drama and gossip. It was like watching a train wreck and not being able to look away, and I mean that in all of the best ways. I devoured this book!
I loved following this group of friends and all of their drama. I just could not get enough of it. It was truly a wild time. I can’t wait to read the next book by this author.
Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this book via NetGalley!
I loved following this group of friends and all of their drama. I just could not get enough of it. It was truly a wild time. I can’t wait to read the next book by this author.
Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this book via NetGalley!
December 30, 2025
This book was a wild ride omg. This was some grown folks messy shit to be exact. I literally listened day and night cause after the first 30 Minutes to an hour, the story got wild. But it was moderately-paced. I enjoyed the diverse case and how even the side characters had some issues going on. Shoot, the side characters almost had better storylines than the main characters. This was a really fun read for the end of the year
October 8, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and Dutton for this read. I have to ask...what did I just read? This was soooo eye popping. This was a messy set of unlikeable friends getting together doing a whole lot...I have nothing more to say as I can not spoil it. I think it is a good read and there is another book after this called Fever I think.
October 26, 2025
This book is loud, funny, chaotic, and so full of heart. Reading it felt like jumping into a group chat with old friends you love but who also drive you absolutely crazy. Every character is flawed, complicated, and real in a way that makes you see a little bit of yourself in each of them.
We follow four friends, Geneva, Crystal, Noah, and Chevy, as they navigate life, love, and the absolute chaos that comes with both. Geneva is a single mom trying to keep it together while making every bad decision possible. Crystal looks like she has her life figured out, but deep down she’s unraveling. Noah is hilarious, dramatic, and stuck between self-discovery and heartbreak. And Chevy? She’s that friend you want to hug and shake at the same time because she just keeps finding new ways to self-destruct.
What I loved most is that this story doesn’t sugarcoat anything. The friendships are messy, the relationships are complicated, and everyone is trying to survive while pretending they’re thriving. The banter feels natural, the pacing never drags, and the mix of humor and heartbreak hit just right. It’s sexy, raw, and emotional without trying too hard.
This is not a neat, feel-good kind of book; it’s real. It’s about people who screw up, love hard, and keep showing up anyway. By the end, I was completely invested and already reaching for the next book. If you like stories that are chaotic, relatable, and full of flawed characters who somehow make it work, this one’s for you.
Thank you NetGalley and Dutton for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
We follow four friends, Geneva, Crystal, Noah, and Chevy, as they navigate life, love, and the absolute chaos that comes with both. Geneva is a single mom trying to keep it together while making every bad decision possible. Crystal looks like she has her life figured out, but deep down she’s unraveling. Noah is hilarious, dramatic, and stuck between self-discovery and heartbreak. And Chevy? She’s that friend you want to hug and shake at the same time because she just keeps finding new ways to self-destruct.
What I loved most is that this story doesn’t sugarcoat anything. The friendships are messy, the relationships are complicated, and everyone is trying to survive while pretending they’re thriving. The banter feels natural, the pacing never drags, and the mix of humor and heartbreak hit just right. It’s sexy, raw, and emotional without trying too hard.
This is not a neat, feel-good kind of book; it’s real. It’s about people who screw up, love hard, and keep showing up anyway. By the end, I was completely invested and already reaching for the next book. If you like stories that are chaotic, relatable, and full of flawed characters who somehow make it work, this one’s for you.
Thank you NetGalley and Dutton for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
October 26, 2025
This was a hate read. I can't say I enjoyed it I just wanted it to be over. I didn't like any of the characters and the only one with any redeeming qualities was Crystal. I didn't care what happened to any of them and it was far from steamy.
Thank you to Netgalley and Dutton for providing me with a digital copy.
Thank you to Netgalley and Dutton for providing me with a digital copy.
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