Happy Monday! We’ve acquired the names of some films you should see, books you should read, and music to listen to when you get the chance.
These are must-reads and watches you won’t want to miss!
MOVIES
Fast and Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw-in U.S. theaters August 2
Ever since hulking lawman Hobbs, a loyal agent of America’s Diplomatic Security Service, and lawless outcast Shaw, a former British military elite operative, first faced off in 2015’s Furious 7, the duo have swapped smack talk and body blows as they’ve tried to take each other down. But when cyber-genetically enhanced anarchist Brixton gains control of an insidious bio-threat that could alter humanity forever–and bests a brilliant and fearless rogue MI6 agent, who just happens to be Shaw’s sister–these two sworn enemies will have to partner up to bring down the only guy who might be badder than themselves.
Starring: Dwayne Johnson, Jason Statham, Idris Elba, Vanessa Kirby
Source: rottentomatoes.com
Luce-in U.S. theaters August 2
It’s been ten years since Amy and Peter Edgar adopted their son from war-torn Eritrea, and they thought the worst was behind them. Luce Edgar has become an all-star student beloved by his community in Arlington, Virginia. His African American teacher, Harriet Wilson, believes he is a symbol of black excellence that sets a positive example for his peers. But when he is assigned to write an essay in the voice of a historical twentieth-century figure, Luce turns in a paper that makes an alarming statement about political violence. Worried about how this assignment reflects upon her star pupil, Harriet searches his locker and finds something that confirms her worst fears.
Starring: Naomi Watts, Tim Roth, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Octavia Spencer
Source: rottentomatoes.com
Otherhood-available on Netflix August 2
For empty nesters, what’s the difference between letting your children grow up and letting them grow distant? This year, on Mother’s Day, feeling marginalized and forgotten, long time friends Carol, Gillian and Helen decide to drive to New York to reconnect with their adult sons, and in the process, they realize their sons are not the only ones whose lives need to change. A journey to relate becomes a journey of rediscovery that forces these women to redefine their relationships with their children, friends, spouses and most importantly, themselves. Written and directed by Cindy Chupack, OTHERHOOD is a soulful, hilarious and honest exploration of life after motherhood.
Starring: Angela Bassett, Patricia Arquette, Felicity Huffman
Source: rottentomatoes.com
BOOKS
Brazen and the Beast by Sarah MacLean-published July 29th-Avon
The Lady’s Plan
When Lady Henrietta Sedley declares her twenty-ninth year her own, she has plans to inherit her father’s business, to make her own fortune, and to live her own life. But first, she intends to experience a taste of the pleasure she’ll forgo as a confirmed spinster. Everything is going perfectly…until she discovers the most beautiful man she’s ever seen tied up in her carriage and threatening to ruin the Year of Hattie before it’s even begun.
The Bastard’s Proposal
When he wakes in a carriage at Hattie’s feet, Whit, a king of Covent Garden known to all the world as Beast, can’t help but wonder about the strange woman who frees him—especially when he discovers she’s headed for a night of pleasure . . . on his turf. He is more than happy to offer Hattie all she desires…for a price.
An Unexpected Passion
Soon, Hattie and Whit find themselves rivals in business and pleasure. She won’t give up her plans; he won’t give up his power . . . and neither of them sees that if they’re not careful, they’ll have no choice but to give up everything . . . including their hearts.
Kiss by Jill Mansell-published July 29th-Avon
When aspiring musician Izzy is knocked off her motorbike, she doesn’t just lose her dignity—she loses both long-term boyfriends, her job, and her beautiful apartment. Gina, who caused the accident, has more important things to worry about: her husband has just deserted her for his pregnant mistress. Why should she care about Izzy? Yet somehow, Gina finds herself opening her home to Izzy and her spirited teenage daughter.
It’s there that Izzy meets Gina’s oldest friend, heart-stoppingly handsome Sam, whose lingering kiss is almost impossible to ignore. But there are just a few obstacles between that first kiss and the happily ever after that has always eluded her…
I Do Love You Still by Mary B. Morrison-published July 29th-Dafina
Between their rising careers and insatiable passion for each other, Xena Trinity and Memphis Brown seem to be perfect partners. Sure, they break up constantly, but their love and sexual chemistry is undeniable. Since their ultimate goal is to marry and start a family after Memphis fulfills his dreams, they believe they can one day have it all. Until Xena gets a once-in-a-lifetime chance to take her fashion brand from Savannah to New York City—just after track star Memphis clenches an Olympic spot . . .
Never conceiving Xena could outshine him, Memphis crosses a new line: He looks elsewhere to fill the void of her abandonment and betrayal. Fed up with Memphis’s shenanigans, Xena moves on to a new man who supports her dream of building her brand . . . until her heart makes her yearn once more for a life with her soulmate, Memphis. With her career and love life hanging in the balance, Xena is forced to re-evaluate her priorities. Which man can she depend on for happiness? Will she take another chance on Memphis? Or stay with the self-made billionaire offering wisdom and stability? Will turning to her business partner or her best friend for advice give her answers or more complications?
Just when Xena has hope everything will turn out fine, life-altering discoveries put her and Memphis’s careers on pause—breaking more than their hearts. And getting real enough to manage this devastation could cost Xena and Memphis more than they ever imagined . . .
