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Scarlet Yearnings Beyond First Glance: Stories of Love and Desire
Not yet published
Expected 1 Jun 26Love is the Work that Happens After the Spark.Twelve stories. Three cities. One ultimate First impressions are only the beginning.
In the bustling high-rises of New York, the corporate offices of Toronto, and the vibrant neighborhoods of Chicago, the characters of Beyond First Glance are at a breaking point. From a long-standing friendship tested by a sudden, haunting silence to a marriage precariously built on the secrets of a spy’s cover, these interconnected tales navigate the messy, complex, and beautiful aftermath of the "initial spark".
This isn't a collection of fairytale romances; it is a profound exploration of love as a reckoning. Within these pages, among others, you will
Ari Parker, a formidable professional "fixer" who discovers that her own heart cannot be managed with ruthless efficiency.Amara Brooks, a brilliant surgeon forced to lower her defensive walls when a transformative relationship challenges her guarded nature.Nadine, who receives a rare second chance to reclaim a lost love twenty years after she was persuaded to walk away.Spanning the Black diaspora from Ghana and Trinidad to the heart of North America, Beyond First Glance captures a diverse, multicultural world where the past is never just a footnote—it is an active participant in the present.
This collection offers a mature, character-driven journey through the psychological nuances of modern connection. It is a book for anyone who knows that staying is a choice, honesty is a practice, and the truest love is found when we finally dare to look again.
Are you ready to look deeper?
In the bustling high-rises of New York, the corporate offices of Toronto, and the vibrant neighborhoods of Chicago, the characters of Beyond First Glance are at a breaking point. From a long-standing friendship tested by a sudden, haunting silence to a marriage precariously built on the secrets of a spy’s cover, these interconnected tales navigate the messy, complex, and beautiful aftermath of the "initial spark".
This isn't a collection of fairytale romances; it is a profound exploration of love as a reckoning. Within these pages, among others, you will
Ari Parker, a formidable professional "fixer" who discovers that her own heart cannot be managed with ruthless efficiency.Amara Brooks, a brilliant surgeon forced to lower her defensive walls when a transformative relationship challenges her guarded nature.Nadine, who receives a rare second chance to reclaim a lost love twenty years after she was persuaded to walk away.Spanning the Black diaspora from Ghana and Trinidad to the heart of North America, Beyond First Glance captures a diverse, multicultural world where the past is never just a footnote—it is an active participant in the present.
This collection offers a mature, character-driven journey through the psychological nuances of modern connection. It is a book for anyone who knows that staying is a choice, honesty is a practice, and the truest love is found when we finally dare to look again.
Are you ready to look deeper?
263 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication June 1, 2026
2 people are currently reading
2 people want to read
About the author
Scarlet Ibis James
11 books49 followersHi everyone! I’m Scarlet Ibis James, an award-winning author and storyteller based in New York City. I was born in Trinidad and Tobago, and that Caribbean rhythm runs through everything I write—the language, the humor, the pulse of community, and the courage it takes to love imperfectly.
My fiction explores the many faces of love—romantic love, family bonds, friendship, and the complicated work of loving ourselves. I write about ordinary people facing difficult truths, second chances, and the quiet decisions that shape a life.
Readers often tell me my stories leave them thinking about their own relationships long after the last page. That means everything to me. I believe storytelling can help us see each other more clearly, and sometimes even heal what we’ve carried for years.
If you enjoy character-driven fiction, conversations about love and family, and stories that feel honest, tender, and a little hopeful, you’re in the right place. 🌺
Recent Honors:
2025 IAN Book of the Year Award Winner – Novella NYC Big Book Award Winner – Multicultural Fiction International Firebird Book Awards – First Place (African American Fiction, Literary Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Best for Provoking Philosophical Discussions) Literary Titan Gold Book Award – Fiction International Impact Book Award – Short Story Collection American Legacy Book Awards – Finalist (Multicultural Fiction) Readers’ Favorite Book Awards – Three 5-Star Reviews
My fiction explores the many faces of love—romantic love, family bonds, friendship, and the complicated work of loving ourselves. I write about ordinary people facing difficult truths, second chances, and the quiet decisions that shape a life.
Readers often tell me my stories leave them thinking about their own relationships long after the last page. That means everything to me. I believe storytelling can help us see each other more clearly, and sometimes even heal what we’ve carried for years.
If you enjoy character-driven fiction, conversations about love and family, and stories that feel honest, tender, and a little hopeful, you’re in the right place. 🌺
Recent Honors:
2025 IAN Book of the Year Award Winner – Novella NYC Big Book Award Winner – Multicultural Fiction International Firebird Book Awards – First Place (African American Fiction, Literary Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Best for Provoking Philosophical Discussions) Literary Titan Gold Book Award – Fiction International Impact Book Award – Short Story Collection American Legacy Book Awards – Finalist (Multicultural Fiction) Readers’ Favorite Book Awards – Three 5-Star Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Confession time: short story collections are not usually my thing. I’m very much a novel reader. Give me a big book, lots of pages, time for characters to grow—that’s my comfort zone. So this book ended up being a bit of a wild ride for me.
The first few stories didn’t really grab me. The opening three felt more like snapshots than full stories, and at that point I honestly started wondering if this collection and I were simply not a good match. But I kept reading.
And imagine my surprise when the next thing I know I’m on the treadmill at the gym—of all places—bawling my eyes out over a story called Released for the Day. Two former college sweethearts run into each other by accident in their forties and end up spending the day talking about what happened between them all those years ago. Their reconnection feels mature and unhurried, full of honesty and even a little humor. The way they talk through their breakup—with vulnerability and courage— it just felt incredibly real If only that maturity would exist in real life....
I was certainly not prepared for the next one What Grandmothers Hold. The ONE story that rocked my world. It’s about a little girl who has been raised by her grandparents while her father builds a new life somewhere else. The story takes place on the day he finally comes to visit with his new family, including her 2 years old sister. It feels messy and painfully real, beautifully crafted: the excitement of the child, the quiet anger of the grandfather, and the complicated love of a grandmother who stepped in when she had to.
What I loved most is that the story doesn’t force a neat ending. . I can't spoil the ending, but it pulled at my hear strings in a way that I will remember for a long time.
From that point on something shifted for me. My early reluctance turned into curiosity, and I found myself genuinely wondering what kind of story would come next.
Not every story landed the same way for me, but a few hit me straight in the chest.
If, like me, you don’t usually reach for short story collections, I recommend you give this one a try.
Thank you so much to Victory Editing, NetGalley & Scarlet Ibis James for the ARC. This book will be published on June 1, 2026.
The first few stories didn’t really grab me. The opening three felt more like snapshots than full stories, and at that point I honestly started wondering if this collection and I were simply not a good match. But I kept reading.
And imagine my surprise when the next thing I know I’m on the treadmill at the gym—of all places—bawling my eyes out over a story called Released for the Day. Two former college sweethearts run into each other by accident in their forties and end up spending the day talking about what happened between them all those years ago. Their reconnection feels mature and unhurried, full of honesty and even a little humor. The way they talk through their breakup—with vulnerability and courage— it just felt incredibly real If only that maturity would exist in real life....
I was certainly not prepared for the next one What Grandmothers Hold. The ONE story that rocked my world. It’s about a little girl who has been raised by her grandparents while her father builds a new life somewhere else. The story takes place on the day he finally comes to visit with his new family, including her 2 years old sister. It feels messy and painfully real, beautifully crafted: the excitement of the child, the quiet anger of the grandfather, and the complicated love of a grandmother who stepped in when she had to.
What I loved most is that the story doesn’t force a neat ending. . I can't spoil the ending, but it pulled at my hear strings in a way that I will remember for a long time.
From that point on something shifted for me. My early reluctance turned into curiosity, and I found myself genuinely wondering what kind of story would come next.
Not every story landed the same way for me, but a few hit me straight in the chest.
If, like me, you don’t usually reach for short story collections, I recommend you give this one a try.
Thank you so much to Victory Editing, NetGalley & Scarlet Ibis James for the ARC. This book will be published on June 1, 2026.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Scarlet Yearnings Beyond First Glance is a masterful collection that I cannot recommend highly enough for readers who crave emotional depth paired with sharp, modern wit. The author captures the beautiful complexity of "chosen family" through characters like Marcia and Talia, whose "sister-energy" moves effortlessly from funny moments to navigating chronic illness together. It is rare to find a story that balances "dramatic nonsense" with such a grounded, heart wrenching depiction of support, making the bond between these women feel incredibly authentic and vital.
Beyond the personal friendships, the book offers a sophisticated look at the professional and romantic lives of characters like Ari and Harry, dealing with heavy themes like workplace integrity and the "combative" labels often pushed onto women of color. Ari’s realization that integrity is a "muscle to be flexed and rested" is a standout moment of growth, while Harry and Amara’s slow-burn romance in the hospital setting provides a tender contrast to the high stakes environment. Whether it’s Harry noticing Amara’s stress relief victory dances or the quiet courage it takes to stand one's ground in a boardroom, this book proves that the most powerful act a person can commit is simply choosing to stay and be truly seen. These are just the beginning stories. Wait till you get to The Affair she didn’t see coming. Lawd! In the end Love is something we need to keep working on without losing oneself. Highly recommend!!!
Beyond the personal friendships, the book offers a sophisticated look at the professional and romantic lives of characters like Ari and Harry, dealing with heavy themes like workplace integrity and the "combative" labels often pushed onto women of color. Ari’s realization that integrity is a "muscle to be flexed and rested" is a standout moment of growth, while Harry and Amara’s slow-burn romance in the hospital setting provides a tender contrast to the high stakes environment. Whether it’s Harry noticing Amara’s stress relief victory dances or the quiet courage it takes to stand one's ground in a boardroom, this book proves that the most powerful act a person can commit is simply choosing to stay and be truly seen. These are just the beginning stories. Wait till you get to The Affair she didn’t see coming. Lawd! In the end Love is something we need to keep working on without losing oneself. Highly recommend!!!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Love is a complicated thing. It fills us with joy, warmth, fear, desire, unease, contempt, loneliness, and grief. Scarlet Yearnings Beyond First Glance: Stories of Love and Desire by James takes us on a beautiful journey through the many facets of love, featuring a collection of thoughtful, emotional stories. You'll mourn love lost, celebrate love rekindled, and hold your breath for love's new beginnings. Each story draws you in and leaves you wanting more, curious about what the future holds for those individuals.
In my opinion, this is a book that is best savored. I really enjoyed taking my time with each story and letting it settle before moving on to the next one. It gave me the chance to sit with the characters and their experiences a little longer.
For those curious, this is not your typical romance book, but that is part of what makes it special. Instead of focusing only on happily-ever-afters, it looks at love in a deeper, more honest way. It explores what love means, both the beautiful parts and the complicated ones.
Thank you, NetGalley, for the opportunity and this ARC.
In my opinion, this is a book that is best savored. I really enjoyed taking my time with each story and letting it settle before moving on to the next one. It gave me the chance to sit with the characters and their experiences a little longer.
For those curious, this is not your typical romance book, but that is part of what makes it special. Instead of focusing only on happily-ever-afters, it looks at love in a deeper, more honest way. It explores what love means, both the beautiful parts and the complicated ones.
Thank you, NetGalley, for the opportunity and this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is an amazing book packed with different stories, some of the short stories I really didn’t want them to end because i was so curious to see how the story would end, but short stories always have a way of leaving you feeling like you’re in an unfinished loop.
The book was amazing I totally enjoyed how it felt like moving from a giddy girl’s apartment story to a detective set up, you get the best of both worlds under one cover. I absolutely recommend giving it a read.
The book was amazing I totally enjoyed how it felt like moving from a giddy girl’s apartment story to a detective set up, you get the best of both worlds under one cover. I absolutely recommend giving it a read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Scarlet Yearnings: Beyond First Glance explores what happens after attraction fades and real love begins. Across interconnected stories, women confront marriage strain, fractured friendships, buried secrets, and second chances that demand courage. If you love layered, discussion-worthy fiction, join the ARC list at scarletibisjames.com and read early. 🌺
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
There are books you read, and then there are books you feel. Scarlet Yearnings: Beyond First Glance belongs in the second category. Scarlet Ibis James delivers a masterclass in tension and vulnerability.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews