Alyssa Cole
An Unconditional Freedom

An Unconditional Freedom

From the publisher: "Daniel Cumberland, born free in Massachusetts, studied law with dreams of helping his people—dreams that died the night he was kidnapped and sold into slavery. Daniel is rescued, but he's a changed man. When he's offered entry into the Loyal League, the covert organization of Black spies who helped free him, he seizes the opportunity for vengeance against the Confederacy and those who support it. Daniel is aggravated by the headstrong and much too observant new detective he’s paired with, and Janeta is intrigued by the broken but honorable man she is tasked with betraying. As they embark on a mission to intercept Jefferson Davis and thwart European meddling, their dual hidden agendas are threatened by the ghosts of their pasts and a growing affection that could strengthen both the Union and their souls—or lead to their downfall."

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A Prince on Paper: Reluctant Royals

A Prince on Paper: Reluctant Royals

What happens when a good girl finds herself up close and in person with the bad boy prince she loves to hate? Johan is no stranger to using the paparazzi to his advantage and decides a fake engagement with Nya is the best way to protect his brother, the heir to the throne. Nya may have given up on the existence of Prince Charming but Johan just might change her mind. This is the third book in the Reluctant Royals series and for the best reading experience, you'll probably want to read the first two books first. Spoiler alert: they're amazing. If you're not already reading Alyssa Cole, you're missing out.

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A Princess in Theory: Reluctant Royals

A Princess in Theory: Reluctant Royals

The first book in Alyssa Cole's excellent contemporary Reluctant Royals romance series introduces Naledi, a stressed out grad student who relies on logic to guide her in every situation. When she gets an email from Prince Thabiso of Thesolo declaring his intentions to fulfill their childhood betrothal, Naledi writes it off as spam. She grew up in the foster system of NYC, not a faraway country she's never heard of. But when the prince shows up in the city with romantic proposals and a different version of her life's history, Naledi starts to follow her heart. What ensues is a modern day fairytale between a self-sufficient science nerd and a crowned prince who's determined to be a great leader. I loved reading their story and meeting delightful side characters who show up in subsequent books. Note: each book in this series includes open door scenes.

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That Could Be Enough

That Could Be Enough

Author:

Mercy Alston knows the best thing to do with pesky feelings like "love" and "hope": avoid them at all cost. Serving as a maid to Eliza Hamilton, and an assistant in the woman's stubborn desire to preserve her late husband's legacy, has driven that point home for Mercy—as have her own previous hear...

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An Extraordinary Union

An Extraordinary Union

In her author’s note, Alyssa Cole shares that while she always wanted to write historical romance, she’d “never want to write about THAT. The Civil War, that is.” But after reading Ta-Nehisi Coates’s blog post on the Civil War in The Atlantic, Cole was deeply influenced to bring that time period and its remarkable Black historical figures to life. The heroine, Elle Burns, is based on Mary Bowser, a former slave with an eidetic memory, who spied for the Union. Elle joins forces with another undercover agent—Pinkerton detective Malcolm McCall. Sparks fly as they take on the Confederate Army and risk their lives, and love, for justice. (Note: this one includes open-door romance).

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Radio Silence (Off the Grid Volume 1)

Radio Silence (Off the Grid Volume 1)

Author:

I haven't read this sci-fi romance but it's Alyssa Cole so I know it's great. If you're not already reading Alyssa Cole, you're missing out.

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A Hope Divided (The Loyal League Book 2)

A Hope Divided (The Loyal League Book 2)

Author:

Alyssa Cole shares that while she always wanted to write historical romance, she'd "never want to write about THAT. The Civil War, that is." But after reading Ta-Nehisi Coates' blog on the Civil War in The Atlantic, Cole was deeply influenced to bring that time period and its remarkable Black historical figures to life. This is book two in the series, but Cole's books work really well as standalones; I started this series with book three and it was just fine.(Note: this one includes open-door romance).

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When No One is Watching

When No One is Watching

This new thriller, described as Rear Window meets Get Out starts with a bang and never lets up; her familiar voice is put to good use in this shocking tale of history, lies, and gentrification. Sydney’s Brooklyn neighborhood is turning over fast, with longtime older tenants moving out and upstart young couples moving in. But when she accidentally discovers a sinister connection, these moves suddenly begin to look threatening. Add in a tortured past, present family challenges, a budding romance with a hot new neighbor (and heads up, f-bombs galore), and you’ve got a thrilling read.

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Let Us Dream

Let Us Dream

Author:
Series: 21 novellas

Alyssa Cole might be well-known in romance circles for her contemporary Reluctant Royals series, but she's also an incredible historical romance writer—and her novellas pack a lot of story (and steam) into a one-sitting read. Set in Harlem 1917, this novella follows star-crossed lovers Bertha and Amir as they navigate women's rights, immigration, and prejudice in New York City. Cole paints a vivid picture of the time and crafts such incredible characters in just a few pages. Pick this one up for a quick dose of historical detail and a swoony love story, and heads up for a few open door scenes.

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How to Catch a Queen

How to Catch a Queen

I thoroughly enjoyed this slow-burning, sexy, and socially engaged series opener, with cameos from some Reluctant Royals characters, featuring a whip-smart queen and a shy but sexy king. When Shanti Mohapi marries the king of Njaza, he tells her that they're to be married in name only, with no relationship and practically no contact with each other. But when he realizes that he needs to make changes to the fabric of his country, Shanti is the best advisor and partner he could ask for. As they work together to create new beginnings for Njaza, they can't help but fall in love. Cole has a well-deserved reputation for writing intelligent, inclusive novels, and also for writing open door romance, so heads up for several such scenes.

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A Duke by Default: Reluctant Royals

A Duke by Default: Reluctant Royals

The second book in Cole’s Reluctant Royals series follows NYC socialite Portia to Edinburgh where she’s about to apprentice with grumpy swordmaker Tavish. She’s ready for a fresh start but things don’t go smoothly—and that’s before she accidentally discovers Tav is the secret son of a duke. According to the MMD team members who put this on my radar, Tav and Portia’s dynamic makes for some laugh out loud moments with chemistry aplenty. There’s great ADHD rep, plus Cole shines at depicting friendship in this contemporary romance series. You don’t have to read the first book about Portia’s best friend Ledi first—this stands alone just fine—but you’ll probably want to. (Open door.)

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