Here are my top contemporary picks for June part 1!
The Boyfriend Project by Farrah Rochon
A witty rom-com that explores the “unique joys of strong female friendships and the particular struggles of Black women in the workplace, all within a great love story.” –Jasmine Guillory, bestselling author of Party of Two
Samiah Brooks never thought she would be “that” girl. But a live tweet of a horrific date just revealed the painful truth: she’s been catfished by a three-timing jerk of a boyfriend. Suddenly Samiah-along with his two other “girlfriends,” London and Taylor-have gone viral online. Now the three new besties are making a pact to spend the next six months investing in themselves. No men and no dating.
For once Samiah is putting herself first, and that includes finally developing the app she’s always dreamed of creating. Which is the exact moment she meets the deliciously sexy Daniel Collins at work. What are the chances? But is Daniel really boyfriend material or is he maybe just a little too good to be true?
I have a slight obsession with the show Catfish and how Samiah’s live tweet blow up is everything the show is about. It’s a very witty tale that deep dives into real life issues. I love that not only did she get a great catfishing story out of it but, she got three new best friends.
Last Tang Standing by Lauren Ho
Crazy Rich Asians meets Bridget Jones’s Diary in this funny and irresistible debut novel about the pursuit of happiness, surviving one’s thirties intact, and opening oneself up to love.
At thirty-three, Andrea Tang is living the dream: She has a successful career as a lawyer, a posh condo, and a clutch of fun-loving friends who are always in the know about Singapore’s hottest clubs. All she has to do is make law partner, and her life will be perfect. And if she’s about to become the lone unmarried member of her generation in the Tang clan–a disappointment her meddling Chinese-Malaysian family won’t let her forget–well, she doesn’t need a man to complete her.
Yet when a chance encounter with charming, wealthy entrepreneur Eric Deng offers her a glimpse of an exciting, limitless future, Andrea decides to give Mr. Right-for-her-family a chance. Too bad Suresh Aditparan, her office rival and the last man her family would approve of, keeps throwing a wrench in her plans. Now Andrea can’t help but wonder: In the endless tug-of-war between pleasing others and pleasing herself, is there room for everyone to win?
If you loved Crazy Rich Asians, this is for you. Andrea is a great heroine, she’s 33 and drowning in family expectations. Her life plan (really mom’s life plan for her) was blown to bits when she ended up single. Written in a diary format, we discover Andrea’s journey in singledom is hilarious with various setups, self discovery and even a horribly awkward Tinder date. There’s definite laugh out loud moments and I also enjoyed learning about different cultural norms.
Thoroughly Whipped by Tillie Cole
I, Faith Parisi, love my life. I have the best job—resident sex-advice diva for Visage magazine—I have the best friends, and I live in the best city in the world. Things are pretty damn fabulous. That is, until Henry “Harry” Sinclair III comes crashing back into my world like a bad case of herpes.
I hate the way Harry’s lip curls in contempt whenever he sees me. I hate his bright blue eyes and those inexplicably offensive dimples. I hate his stuffy English accent and the stick that’s permanently jammed up his aristocratic ass. More than anything, I hate that he’s now my boss.
But my professional prospects start to look up when a chance at writing Visage’s big summer feature falls into my lap. Success won’t be easy. I’ll need to let go of all my inhibitions—not that I have that many of those—and jump, stiletto heels first, into a hedonistic new world. An exclusive, secretive world, filled with leather, latex, and Manhattan’s elite.
Pulling this off will take every ounce of daring I have, and every ounce of focus. I can’t afford to get distracted by anything, least of all my new boss, his arrogant mouth, or the way the ice between us seems to be slowly melting away.
Another hilarious addition to the round up, it has equal parts wit and steam. Faith and Harry start off as enemies but it isn’t long before no one can ignore the heat between them. Taking surprising turns, Tillie Cole sets up an erotic world that’s ultimately fun.
This month I’m pledging to read more new-to- me authors and there’s two right here on this list. What are you reading this month?
