Reviewed by Foluso Falaye for Readers' Favorite

Ready or not, here they come; the battle has only just begun. The guns are manufactured in hell, and the beasts are ferocious and grotesque. Light energy generated through belief, hope, and trust is the only force that can save them. Darius McPherson, an inexperienced angel who died at the young age of 25, is sent on a mission to save the world and has to work with a drug dealer, a wary female reporter, and an unfriendly scientist. To make things worse, a group of exiled angels is working to bring hell to heaven and earth, and he has only three days to complete his mission. David B Gittlin's Three Days to Darkness narrates a battle between good and evil, and it is scary, fast-paced, and super fun.

It's like your worst nightmare, only much worse. There's a high possibility of being blasted into a pitch-black void for all of eternity, and that's just a shade of the darkness that threatens to devour the light. David B Gittlin's book is rooted in biblical principles, albeit making use of explicit language and introducing some controversial interpretations that may not correlate with popular Christian beliefs: "The stories of miracles are merely metaphors.” I found it especially interesting how the main protagonist is an African American with a desire to help his community. Moving on to the plot, Three Days to Darkness is a well-scripted page-turner; one I would like to read again for the thrill of it. Just don't make the mistake of reading it alone at night!

Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite

In Hans Brunner’s Forever Day, Felix Joseph–Maria Fuchs leaves his family’s Swiss hotel and boards a liner bound for Australia, expecting a season abroad yet encountering a decision that will not release him. On the voyage, he meets Janine, a schoolteacher returning to Victoria, and their connection transforms travel into the possibility of relocation. After crossing the continent through temporary employment and long mechanical delays, he returns to Europe with the unresolved question of whether Australia is a destination or a detour. Months of official scrutiny stand between his intention and his departure, forcing him to decide whether he will anchor his future in the country he has only begun to know. When he prepares to step once more onto Australian soil, the journey is no longer about distance, but about choosing the life he is willing to claim as his own. “So far…. forever day was yet to come.”

Hans Brunner’s Forever Day takes its name from Felix's idea of a forever day: the single perfect moment one would choose to relive for eternity, suspended in joy, untouched by change, doubt, or ordinary time. Felix is fun to follow, but also shows a remarkable sense of self, and where he stands when it comes to what he knows is right, whether he's invited to a publicity pageant and chooses professional integrity over visibility, or agrees to Janine’s wish to return to Australia after a tragedy. I really like Janine, who may just be among the most patient and understanding of partners, but it is often Brunner's ancillary characters that steal the scene. Gus, a roadside buyer who proposes purchasing the disabled Morris and drives Felix toward Kalgoorlie, is a particular standout. Brunner's take on the landscapes depicted is incredible, from an office overlooking Lake Zurich, to a Queensland farmhouse with a water tank pump that clogs and a hay shed shared with grazing steers. Readers who enjoy intelligent, witty, and immersive literary and coming-of-age stories will adore Forever Day. Very highly recommended.

Reviewed by Jennifer Senick for Readers' Favorite

Hearts and Bones by Lawrence D. Bub follows Maya over about a decade of her life. It alternates between her college years in the 1980s and her third year of medical school in the 1990s. During her freshman year, she crosses paths with Peter, a charming fellow student who carries the weight of a mental illness. The story blends Maya’s medical training with memories of her early adulthood, revealing moments when her past and present collide. As she faces the struggles of young love and family expectations, especially regarding her mother’s care, the book gradually reveals how her earlier experiences shape her future. As everything moves forward, more details emerge about the couple’s challenges, creating a fuller picture of what brought Maya and Peter together and what stands in their way. Will they ultimately have a future together, or will the burdens of life keep them apart?

Hearts and Bones by Lawrence D. Bub is an interesting coming-of-age-meets-present-self novel that pulled me in from the beginning. I enjoyed the alternating timelines. It made Maya’s journey genuine. The writing isn’t flashy, but it’s sincere, especially in the quiet moments when Maya recalls her mother as she was before everything happened. The book captures the strain of early adulthood so well, from hectic hospital shifts to the small, hopeful moments that keep her moving forward. Her relationship with Peter was my favorite part. They had a natural chemistry. If you adore a love story grounded in real-world struggles, this is the book for you.

Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite

Bills by John Yelverton is an adventure story about friendship and the excitement of sport fishing. Set against the backdrop of the Gulf of America and the East Coast, the narrative follows Jason Baymont and his team aboard the Family Tradition as they face the ups and downs of competitive fishing tournaments. The novel is filled with dynamic characters, each bringing their unique personality and perspective to the story. The descriptions of the ocean, boats, and the fish are vivid, painting a picture of the beauty and power of nature. The inclusion of historical and cultural references, such as Hemingway’s legacy and the significance of the Gulf Stream, adds depth to the narrative.

John Yelverton excels at capturing the essence of the fishing world. The technical details of marlin fishing are smoothly woven into the story, providing readers with an authentic look into the sport without overwhelming them. The camaraderie among the crew is heartwarming, and their shared passion for fishing is unmistakable, moving the story forward with energy. The pacing is balanced, alternating between thrilling fishing scenes and quieter moments of reflection. Bills is a tale of perseverance, teamwork, and chasing dreams. The characters’ victories and struggles will be familiar to those who fish and love the outdoors, and their steadfast determination will inspire. Readers who enjoy stories centered around adventure, teamwork, and personal growth will find Bills highly engaging. For fishing enthusiasts or those who simply enjoy tales of overcoming challenges and chasing passions, this book offers a compelling and heartfelt journey.

Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite

Bright Little Girls by Lorna Hollifield follows the tumultuous journey of Eliane Pangolin, a 27-year-old aspiring writer and dancer living with obsessive-compulsive disorder. As she struggles with past trauma and mental health challenges, Eliane remains emotionally entangled in the unresolved murder of her college friend, Lux. The crime continues to cast a long, dark shadow over her life. Haunted by betrayal from her best friend Jett and pursued by a sinister figure who stalks her every footstep, Eliane navigates a path filled with obsession, memory, and revelation. Her desire to chase literary dreams in Paris, Texas, intersects with the chilling reality that she may still be in the killer’s sights. But how can she protect herself when her dreams and obsession are so much bigger than all this?

Author Lorna Hollifield's suspenseful and character-driven story delves into the psychological complexities of trauma, betrayal, and mental illness. Eliane is a compelling protagonist, and her internal struggles with OCD and her broken relationships add depth to the suspenseful stalker plotline. The author effectively weaves together Eliane's past and present, gradually revealing the impact of Lux's murder and the betrayal by Jett. I loved how the story was narrated by Lux’s ghost. We get an imperfectly perfect look into Eliane's life as she tries to find a rhythm that best suits her life while also trying to outsmart her stalker. The narrative style is a little sarcastic and blunt at the same time. I love the descriptions and the atmosphere. The setting of Paris, Texas, provides a unique and atmospheric backdrop for Eliane's journey of self-discovery and confrontation with her stalker. Bright Little Girls is a raw, emotionally charged, and stunning novel that will have readers sitting on the edge of their seats.

Reviewed by Miche Arendse for Readers' Favorite

Dangerous Pursuit by Bethany Rosa follows Jackson Soloman as he battles with dealing with his new and very much unwanted assistant. Mia Marcos finds herself on the receiving end of not only her boss's desire but his ire as well. As the two continue to take shots at one another, all while still getting work done, they unknowingly start to develop feelings for one another. The problem is that Mia is only seventeen and her boss is all but a decade older than her. The two must navigate this complex relationship while Mia tries to keep her secrets hidden.

Dangerous Pursuit by Bethany Rosa is one of the most entertaining books I have read in a while. I couldn’t help but laugh at Jackson and Mia’s antics throughout the book and I thoroughly enjoyed every second of it. Despite the obviously questionable nature of their relationship, I found myself enjoying their interactions. I think Rosa did a wonderful job with this story and how it played out both in pacing and just general dialogue. I could easily see this book being adapted into a movie or, even better, a series. Both characters are so different and yet so similar in their stubbornness. You see them develop and change through each chapter the more they interact with one another, which was really enjoyable. I also liked the supporting characters in the story and felt that they came across as very realistic in their reactions and advice to the main characters. Overall, I think this book was amazing and I would definitely love to read more from this author.

Reviewed by Ruffina Oserio for Readers' Favorite

Her Wild Body by Noa Raveh is a raw and visceral exploration of female desire, self-discovery, and the complex nature of modern relationships. The story follows the narrator, Eleanor, a woman navigating a seemingly conventional life with a husband and children, while embarking on passionate, transformative affairs with women. The narrative unfolds through a series of fragmented, often erotic, vignettes, exploring Eleanor's encounters and her evolving understanding of her own body and desires. Eleanor lives a double life: devoted wife and mother by day, polyamorous goddess by weekend. Her open marriage with Tom satisfies her – until she meets Esther. This captivating artist ignites a desire that threatens to consume Eleanor's carefully constructed world. As their connection deepens, Eleanor faces an impossible choice: surrender to this intoxicating passion or protect the life she's built. Can she find true fulfillment in Esther's wild body?

Noa Raveh’s characters are elaborately drawn, though often presented through Eleanor’s subjective and highly sensual lens. Eleanor herself is a stunning character — a capable professional and devoted mother, yet also a woman driven by a powerful, almost insatiable desire. Her internal world is rich and often turbulent, laid bare through candid reflections on her experiences. Her primary lovers, Noga, Mowgli, Shira, and Tammy Gil, represent different facets of female connection and desire. Noga embodies a gentle, almost spiritual, intimacy. Mowgli is wild and primal, pushing Eleanor to explore the boundaries of pain and pleasure. Shira offers a fleeting, clandestine connection, while Tammy Gil is a whirlwind of energy and passion, challenging Eleanor's sense of self and leading her to confront her limitations and desires. The contrast between mundane family life and corporate work and the intense, often covert nature of her affairs highlights the tension in Eleanor's life. Her Wild Body is a book for mature readers and those comfortable with LGBTQ themes. This author writes with fire about sex, exploring the feminine energy in a way I have never read before.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Janie's Hope by S.R. Fabrico concludes the Southport Series with a compelling story about a neurodivergent woman's journey to uncover her family's secrets. Raised in isolation, Janie steps into the world of Southport despite her father's warnings about lurking dangers. Her unexpected connection with Noah becomes a source of strength as she investigates the mysteries surrounding her mother's death. Together, they navigate the complexities of love, trust, and self-discovery while discovering long-buried truths that threaten to change everything Janie has ever known about herself and her family. The small-town setting becomes a character in itself, filled with secrets and unexpected allies that help Janie piece together her past while building a future she never imagined possible.

Author S.R. Fabrico brings remarkable sensitivity to the final installment of the Southport Series, creating a story that I couldn't put down until the very end because every twist built up to an even bigger conclusion. Fabrico's portrayal of Janie's neurodivergent perspective offers fresh insights into human connection and personal strength, as well as an original viewpoint that's far from the typical narrative style of most family or crime dramas. The romance between Janie and Noah develops with beautiful authenticity, showing how true love can help us overcome our deepest fears, and I adored the use of dialogue with so much emotional energy in every line. Fabrico's ability to maintain suspense while developing complex relationships demonstrates real skill in balancing multiple narrative elements and the different threads of both the mystery and the emotional arc come together really naturally. Southport comes to life vividly and with multisensory detail, offering readers an immersive read that makes them feel part of the community. The exploration of how family secrets can shape our identity, and how finding the truth often requires more courage than we think we possess, is a profound lesson neatly layered into the tale. Overall, Janie's Hope delivers a satisfying conclusion to the series that will resonate with readers long after they turn the final page. I would certainly recommend it to fans of the series so far.

Reviewed by Delene Vrey for Readers' Favorite

Cicero James, Miracle Worker by Hal Emerson is a cracking read. Cicero James is a Worker – someone who, through some horrible tragic event in his life, awakened the ability to fight creatures from the space between spaces. He has a Mentor, an older doctor who took Cicero in after his mother passed. Cicero does mundane things, the daily grind at his uneventful job, but in his free time, he does Works, meaning he takes contracts from the Worker higher-ups and then sends the beasties back to where they belong. Unfortunately, his last beastie killed him. At least that was what should have happened. When Cicero wakes up in the morgue with no deadly wound to his chest, let’s just say things get complicated. Cicero has to escape an unknown threat and prove to Marlowe’s associates that he is to be trusted while coming to terms with his apparent immortality.

Hal Emerson has written an exciting and action-packed urban fantasy and Cicero James reminds me of Harry Dresden and Harley Merlin. The narrative is first-person driven and immediately drew me in, as the author uses age-related language, style, and register. Cicero relates what happens to him in colloquial language, revealing his emotions and making him seem like a typical young man of the 2020s. The book transports the reader into an urban fantasy world that has been well thought out. The allusions to modern-day television and entertainment and references to current world affairs give credence to the characters and plot. The narrative is written as Cicero’s first-hand account of what happened and therefore comes across as authentic and believable. The main theme is the power play between good and evil. There are also themes of trauma and its effects and of trust and deceit. I have not read such a gripping and exciting urban fantasy in a while and I recommend this to anyone who loves gritty urban wizardry.

Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite

In The Roots Run Deep by Chris Strong, Chris West is overcome with intense grief at his childhood friend's funeral, finding the sorrow linked more to the loss of a family member than to a friend's passing. Nostalgia kicks in and West reflects on his past with the Cool Crew, a group of friends from Coolidge Lane who once dreamed of a road trip to Mt. Hood. But life happens, and as an adult West is sandwiched between his busy life and a desire to reconnect with his friends. Buddy, who meets Stella at an airport after a minor accident, marries her, and they have a child within four years. Meanwhile, Izzy’s suicide attempt prompts West, Buddy, and Sean to finally organize that dreamed-of trip to Mt. Hood, looking to provide Izzy with a supportive escape from what pushed him to the edge, only to discover that he is not the only one who needs support, or whose life hangs in the balance.

The Roots Run Deep by Chris Strong threw me for a bit of a loop because I was pretty sure I knew more about the funeral West is eulogizing than it turns out I did. The author has some twisty turns in there and they're both beautiful and devastating. This completely character-driven novel transitions between the friends as kids and the friends as adults on their trip, and proves that there is a story to be told in which the journey is the whole point and not the destination. The beauty of literary fiction is that it has the flexibility to be more artistic without getting tied up in a single discernable plot. We know someone has died, and we learn of the trip that precludes it...but then Strong pulls out his ace card. The writing is simple and straightforward with some fun nods to generational pop culture. Overall, Strong gives us a thoughtful work of escapism that will no doubt resonate with readers. Recommended.