Author Empi Baryeh's Blog

NEANDERTHAL MARRIES HUMAN There are three things you need to know about Janie Morris:  1) She is incapable of engaging in a conversation without volunteering TMTI (Too Much Trivial Information), especially when she is unnerved, 2) No one unnerves her more than Quinn Sullivan, and 3) She doesn't know how to knit. After losing her boyfriend, apartment, and job in the same day, Janie Morris can't help wondering what new torment fate has in store. To her utter mortification, Quinn Sullivan—aka Sir McHotpants—witnesses it all then keeps turning up like a pair of shoes you lust after but can't afford. The last thing she expects is for Quinn to make her an offer she can't refuse. New York Times Bestselling Author Penny Reid’s debut novel! ★ AAR top 100 romances of all time ★ Neanderthal Seeks Human is book #1 in the Knitting in the City series. Each book is a standalone, full length (110k words), contemporary romantic comedy novel, and follows the misadventures and exploits of

The series This series was my introduction to Talia Hibbert’s writing. I thoroughly enjoyed her writing style and humour. I particularly liked the fact that the main characters were ordinary everyday people - a refreshing change from the billionaire and royal romances I’ve been reading lately. Each of the main characters was flawed in a way that made them feel real and relatable. I should say, each story deals with one or more issues that may be triggering for some readers. I listened to the audiobooks for the main 3 books in the series. The production was great, and I loved the narrator (Rupert Channing). The spin-off (book 1.5) wasn't available as an audiobook, so I read the ebook and often found myself reading it in Rupert Channing’s voice.= A girl like her (book 1) Evan is the new guy in town. Nice guy that he is, he decides to introduce himself to his next-door neighbour by baking him or her a pie. The neighbour turns out to be Ruth Kabbah, a girl with a sullied reputation i

IMPROMPTU SEDUCTION BY STEPHANIE NICOLE NORRIS Raised as a debutante, ladylike, and reserved, London Jones has stepped into unknown territory. From the moment her life collided with a man who should’ve been off-limits, a bachelor with a hot reputation—staying out of his way was the sensible thing to do. However, she finds herself caught in a tangled web of passionate fervor whenever he comes near. So much so that her ability to place a barrier between them becomes a futile battle. The heart wants what it wants, and London’s heart yearns for him.   Borboleta...    She was the impetus of his desire. The only one who captured his eye for more than a moment and beckoned his soul to blend in beautiful bliss with hers. For software engineer Kyle Valentine, his attempt to hold back the hedonism that struck whenever they were together threatened to be his undoing. His heart yearned to connect with London’s soul, and soon he finds himself questioning if he’s worthy of her love. But now

Rhapsody: Interracial French Mafia Romance (The Butcher and the Violinist Book 1) In Paris, they called him Le Boucher. The Butcher of the Corsican. Jean-Pierre’s greatest gift was a lack of feelings. His past had ripped them away. But then he saw Eden. On stage, she played her violin, spinning his head with songs that he’d tried to forget. Unable to stop himself, he makes Eden his obsession. And unlike any normal man, he takes what he wants. But there’s someone in the shadows, blocking his path. His plans for Eden won’t be so simple. This mystery person sends Russians his way, igniting a war with the Bratva. Too bad, there’s no limit to his obsession for her. No force that can stop him. No bullet to get in his way. Jean-Pierre would kill anyone and destroy anything to taste Eden’s love, even go to war. Sonata: Interracial French Mafia Romance (The Butcher and the Violinist Book 2) The Butcher of the Corsican.  Jean-Pierre’s relentless pursuit of Eden has paid off. But can he keep her

Faking It never felt so good in this red-hot new stand-alone by New York Times best-selling author K. Bromberg - available in audio first! Zane Phillips mistook me for his dog walker. It shouldn't surprise me that the man with a suit more expensive than my rent would assume that I was there to serve him. The positive? I put him in his place. The negative? I missed my job interview because of it. Now I find out he's a rich Australian entrepreneur, and he wants to make up for tanking my interview. Yes, he's impossibly hot - but he's also an arrogant jackass - so...no thanks. But after a little white lie I tell spirals out of control, I'm somehow offered the chance to play Zane's girlfriend to help promote his new dating website - and the best part? He can't say no because he'll get caught in his lie, too. Little did I know this would entail sharing a tour bus with him for the next few months. The fact that the bus has just one bed isn't the most ideal

BLURB I would have been stupid to turn the opportunity down. A feature film starring the hottest man in Hollywood—and me. It wasn’t just the chance of a lifetime; it was the first time I’d landed the leading role. But Tanner James isn’t just any actor, aka “Sex God”. He’s the man who took my virginity then shattered my dreams. If I can use this part to launch a new career, it will be worth it. If I can stop myself from falling back into bed with Tanner, it will be a miracle. And my heart? He can’t take that from me this time. He’s had it all along. Forma t: audiobook MY REVIEW The story Jenna, an almost has-been model, has had a hard time moving into acting. On the verge of fading into obscurity, she finally lands an acting job - a lead role, no less. Only one catch. Her co-star is the man who broke her heart ten years ago. She's still telling herself she's over him, so doing a movie with him is a big fat no, but something happens that makes refusing the job a luxury she can

BLURB The boy who always felt like mine is now the man I can't have… Dig a little and you'll find photos of me in the bathtub with Ezra Stern. Get your mind out of the gutter. We were six months old. Pry and one of us might confess we saved our first kiss for each other. The most clumsy, wet, sloppy . . . spectacular thirty seconds of my adolescence. Get into our business and you'll see two families, closer than blood, torn apart in an instant. Twenty years later, my "awkward duckling" best friend from childhood, the boy no one noticed, is a man no one can ignore. Finer. Fiercer. Smarter. Taken. Tell me it's wrong. Tell me the boy who always felt like mine is now the man I can’t have. When we find each other again, everything stands in our way--secrets, lies, promises. But we didn't come this far to give up now. And I know just the move to make if I want to make him mine. MY REVIEW Kimba Allen and Ezra Stern grew up across the street from each other. They

Blurb As a child Hester Wyatt escaped slavery, but now the dark skinned beauty is a dedicated member of Michigan's Underground railroad, offering other runaways a chance at the freedom she has learned to love. When one of her fellow conductors brings her an injured man to hide, Hester doesn't hesitate…even after she is told about the price on his head. The man in question is the great conductor known as the "Black Daniel" a vital member of the North's Underground railroad network. But Hester finds him so rude and arrogant, she begins to question her vow to hide him. When the injured and beaten Galen Vachon, aka, the Black Daniel awakens in Hester's cellar, he is unprepared for the feisty young conductor providing his care. As a member of one of the wealthiest free Black families in New Orleans, Galen has turned his back on the lavish living he is accustomed to in order to provide freedom to those enslaved in the South. However, as he heals he cannot

QUEEN MOVE BY KENNEDY RYAN “This thoroughly modern soulmate story blew me away!”  -- Talia Hibbert, USA Today bestselling author   Queen Move, an all-new passionate and unforgettable friends-to-lovers romance from RITA® Award-winning and  Wall Street Journal  bestselling author Kennedy Ryan, is available now!    The boy who always felt like mine is now the man I can't have… Dig a little and you'll find photos of me in the bathtub with Ezra Stern. Get your mind out of the gutter. We were six months old. Pry and one of us might confess we saved our first kiss for each other.  The most clumsy, wet, sloppy . . . spectacular thirty seconds of my adolescence. Get into our business and you'll see two families, closer than blood, torn apart in an instant. Twenty years later, my "awkward duckling" best friend from childhood, the boy no one noticed, is a man no one can ignore.   Finer. Fiercer. Smarter.  Taken. Tell me it's wrong.  Tell me the boy who alw

BLURB *** You MUST read FLOW, before starting GRIP. ** Resisting an irresistible force wears you down and turns you out. I know. I’ve been doing it for years. I may not have a musical gift of my own, but I’ve got a nose for talent and an eye for the extraordinary. And Marlon James – Grip to his fans – is nothing short of extraordinary. Years ago, we strung together a few magical nights, but I keep those memories in a locked drawer and I’ve thrown away the key. All that’s left is friendship and work. He’s on the verge of unimaginable fame, all his dreams poised to come true. I manage his career, but I can’t seem to manage my heart. It’s wild, reckless, disobedient. And it remembers all the things I want to forget. MY REVIEW Grip is an interracial romance between Marlon (Grip), and African-American man, and Bristol, a Caucasian woman. Eight years ago, during spring break, they met and spent a week together falling in love. However, a couple of rude awakenings led Bristol to swear off Gri

BLURB Jacob St. Williams, aka Coby, aka The Alpha, is the president of an urban television network called the Urban Choice Channel. He grew up down the street from Mama Peaches! He reluctantly signs up to be a part of the Southlake Park Bachelors Auction. His lovely bidder, Ms. Ryse Taylor, not only finds herself in a small bidding war but a fight for the top spot as Alpha! Two alphas going head-to-head. Who will submit? MY REVIEW I liked the premise of this story. One one hand, there was Coby, a man who likes to be in control, likes to 'take care' of his woman. On the other hand, stood Ryse, a woman who took pride in being able to do things for herself.  With two headstrong characters, I expected sparks and explosions and hot passion - and mutual submission. Their attraction to each other was instant, and they did butt heads quite a bit. Unfortunately, that seemed to be all they did when they were together. Even their reconciliation was more of an external force that

QUEEN MOVE BY KENNEDY RYAN   “Combining sweet nostalgia with the important issues Kennedy never shies away from,  Queen Move  is nothing less than wonderful. I couldn’t put it down and never wanted it to end!”  -- Alexa Martin, Author of Intercepted   Queen Move , an all-new powerful second chance standalone from  Wall Street Journal  bestselling and RITA® Award-winning author Kennedy Ryan, is coming May 26th and we have your FIRST LOOK!     Make sure to enter on Kennedy’s site to win a QUEEN BOX, stuffed with a signed paperback and all the things you’ll need to treat yourself like a queen!   Prologue Kimba Two Years Before Present   Is there anything sadder than a daddy’s girl at her father’s funeral? My mother’s quiet sniffs a few seats down give me the answer. A grieving widow.

Blurb *FLOW must be read before GRIP* In 8 years, Marlon James will be one of the brightest rising stars in the music industry. Bristol Gray will be his tough, no-nonsense manager. But when they first meet, she’s a college student finding her way in the world, and he’s an artist determined to make his way in it. From completely different worlds, all the things that should separate them only draw them closer. It’s a beautiful beginning, but where will the story end? FLOW is the prequel chronicling the week of magical days and nights  that will haunt Grip & Bristol for years to come. My Review You know when you read a book about two characters who have history, but you know you're getting only glimpses of the past and sometimes you wish you knew more about what went down? Well, Flow is that book. A prequel to Grip, this book outlines the first meeting between Marlon James (Grip) and Bristol Gray. Grip is cock, but manages to be intense and sweet. Bristol is a bleeding heart but

Trinity Jordan leads a quiet, normal life: working from home for the Hive, a multifunctional government research center, and recovering from the incident that sent her into a tailspin. But the life she’s trying to rebuild is plagued by mishaps when Li Wei, her neighbor’s super sexy and super strange nephew, moves in and turns things upside down. Li Wei’s behavior is downright odd—and the attraction building between them is even more so. When an emergency pulls his aunt away from the apartment complex, Trinity decides to keep an eye on him…and slowly discovers that nothing is what it seems. For one thing, Li Wei isn’t just the hot guy next door—he’s the hot A.I. next door. In fact, he’s so advanced that he blurs the line between man and machine. It’s up to Trinity to help him achieve his objective of learning to be human, but danger is mounting as they figure out whether he’s capable of the most illogical human behavior of all…falling in love. My Review I'm not particularly into sci

  lurb  Wanted: Fake Girlfriend Madison needs a job. Jared needs a fake girlfriend. Too bad she hates him. And he’s super hot, which makes it even worse. A simple lie turns into a big mess when family gets involved and a fake engagement turns into a fake wedding. Madison didn’t mean to start all this trouble. And she didn’t mean to fall in love with the stuffy Jared Jameson. Love hurts, when his kisses are only fake. My Review Based on a tip from her roommate, Madison walks into Jameson Technologies looking for a job as an administrative assistant. She has no experience, but how hard could it be, right? She's an actress, after all. Meanwhile Jared, the CEO, is expecting his fake date for a family dinner. A case of mistaken identity and the heroine's need for a job forces them into a business arrangement. It was supposed to be a one-day deal, but things didn't work out as planned.

D.M. Needom Release Boost Hosted by Words Turn Me On #DMNReleaseBoost 🌟✨🌟✨🌟✨🌟✨🌟✨🌟✨🌟✨ My Daze of Dancing with the Dark Muse  (Better to Burn Out Series Book 1) Genre: Rock Fiction Release Date: March 13, 2020 Some say, Nigel Hartagan is a legend, and that’s certainly true in his mind. He seems to have everything; a successful music career, a talented wife, and beautiful daughter, but nothing is as real as it appears from the outside. When a temptress, he calls the Powder Goddess comes into his world, Nigel soon discovers a monster lurking inside him. Everything he once treasured has become worthless as he slips further into the Goddess’s clutches. The inner beast takes control and debauchery becomes his goal. While he loves his new Goddess more than his musical mistress, Nigel soon begins to question if the price she requires is too high as he realizes he’s in a battle for his life. Mature Content 18+

BLURB They had no idea how much their lives would change…forever. Imani Karunzika is fiercely independent and refuses to be forced into a loveless marriage with the domineering man her parents want for her. When her friend Crown Prince Wasim al-Hassan of Barrakesch learns he’ll be passed over for the throne because he has no wife, she suggests a plan where they enter into a fake engagement. He can then secure his birthright, and she can get her parents off her back. But the marriage must proceed as planned. Wasim becomes the king, she becomes the queen and is now under the rule of a man whose power and authority is unmatched. But Imani’s greatest struggle lies not within the walls of the palace, but inside herself as she fights to keep the ultimate secret—that she’s madly in love with the king. MY REVIEW I enjoyed this story, but this review was hard to write, because for everything I liked, there seemed to be something that didn't particularly work for me. So here goes... I

Blurb Inspired by current events. Angela Lipscomb is flattered when Prince Andres of Estoria expresses interest in her, but she’s not looking for love. Not with a demanding career that takes all of her time and vivid memories of the pain caused by a broken heart. But their attraction is too strong to resist, and soon she’s convinced that an international fling couldn’t possibly hurt…could it? Prince Andres is incapable of taking no for an answer. The playboy prince has set his sights on Angela, and neither the vastness of the ocean nor the distance of continents will keep him away. But when reality steps in, he’s forced to make a tough decision. Can their relationship work? Or are they better off apart? MY REVIEW Angela meets Andres at the wedding of her best friend (Dahlia, heroine from Princess of Zamibia). It's clear from the first meet that the attraction is mutual. After a romantic evening together, Andres wasn't ready to let go. Angela on the other hand had her reaso

Title: Crashers Author: Lindy S. Hudis Genre: Crime Thriller Release Date: September 9th, 2019 #Crashers Hosted by Words Turn Me On Enter the world of Crashers! A riveting story of love, desperation and greed.  Fraudulent car accidents is a multi-million dollar racket, involving unscrupulous medical providers, personal injury attorneys, and the cooperating passengers involved in the elaborate network—and who also receive a portion of the illegal proceeds. Such is the fate of newly engaged, Nathan and Shari, whose joy is tempered by the dark cloud of mounting debt. 

Ambition. Revenge. Love. Raised to resist. Bred to fight. Survival is in my blood and surrender is never an option. Though surrender is what Maxim Cade demanded of my body and heart, I had other plans. We were fast-burning fascination and combustible chemistry, but the man I trusted with everything was a trickster. A thief who stole my love. If what we had was a lie, why did it feel so real? The man I swore to hate will have it all, and wants me at his side. But power is a game, and we're the pawns and players. Facing insurmountable odds, will we win the world, or will we lose it all? MY REVIEW The Rebel King is the concluding part of Kennedy Ryan's All The King's Men duet. This part of the story tests Maxim and Lennix's love as tragedy strikes. At this point, I should say, "yes, yes, yes!" because I KNEW that (tragedy) would happen. As mentioned in m y review of The Kingmaker , I'd expect it to be the cliffhanger...

BLURB The man who broke her heart… Is the man she now needs more than ever! Heir to his family’s global empire, branding genius Miguel Astacio turns everything into marketing gold. Only his best friend’s sister seems immune to his magic touch. Until Tanya Carrington comes to him to save her floundering nightclub. Miguel is ready to rectify past mistakes. But will his supreme sacrifice win the heart of the woman he loves? MY REVIEW Path to Passion is not quite a second chance romance as the main characters never dated. However, it is clear from the start that they liked each other back in college and neither got over their falling out.  Recently divorced Tanya only wants Miguel's marketing expertise to save her fledgling business she inherited after the divorce. The fact that he's grown into an even better man than the one she knew all those years ago doesn't help. As they work together, falling back in love is inevitable.  The heroine wasn't exactly what I

BLURB The fate of a family hangs in the balance. The Obi family live a charmed life, the picture of success and love. But when their only son Emeka marries a woman his parents deem unworthy, the ties that bind begin to unravel. Wealthy, happy and successful, Emeka’s world changes when he sets his eyes on Anita, a beautiful teacher who captures his heart. Though his family disapproves, Emeka is determined to make her his wife. But after what was supposed to be a brief introductory ceremony, his perfect world begins to collapse around him. Determined to build a happy life with his new bride, Emeka keeps his family at a distance. But he soon finds himself immersed in desperate schemes of his overbearing parents, which gets out of hand when he uncovers a secret that threatens to tear the family apart. Now, the Obi family members are in danger of losing everything they hold dear. The unimaginable is happening and series of events have already begun to push them into the darkest t

BLURB Revenge and love collide in this Billionaires of Black Castle novel by USA TODAY bestselling author Olivia Gates Rafael Salazar came back to Rio to destroy the man who stole his childhood. Then he spies the beauty across the ballroom…and passion overwhelms him. Even after the shock of discovering who she really is, he vows to make her his. Eliana Ferreira has never met a man like Rafael—powerful, irresistible, unstoppable. She knows something dark drives the self-made billionaire, yet she can't deny him anything…until she discovers his terrible purpose. She is expecting his baby and is days away from becoming his bride, but will his revenge tear them apart forever? MY REVIEW I love Olivia Gates' and the high stakes plots of her novels. The premise of this story promised the same, although it turned out not to be what I expected. This book is filled with passion pretty much from chapter one, even though sex doesn't happen until about 70 percent into t

QUEEN MOVE BY KENNEDY RYAN Queen Move, an all-new beautiful and unforgettable second chance romance from RITA® Award-winning and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Kennedy Ryan, is coming May 26th and we have the stunning cover!  The boy who always felt like mine is now the man I can't have… Dig a little and you'll find photos of me in the bathtub with Ezra Stern. Get your mind out of the gutter. We were six months old.

Life is beautiful especially when you're in love. Dive into these hand-picked contemporary romance novellas and fall in love this Valentine's Day. Featured stories The Curse of Valentine by Glory Abah She will be loved by Zee Monodee When Love Happens by Rosemary Okafor Until Morning by Mukami Ngari Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of the book, and this review is given voluntarily MY REVIEW

LIEUTENANT TAYLOR has spent his life haunted by the tragic loss of his mother. His babysitter, Mama Peaches, stepped in and filled the void. As loving and maternal as Peaches was, he never got over not being able to fix his mother. Subconsciously driven by the fact that he couldn’t save her, he has spent the last twenty years buying and fixing old houses. With more money than he can spend, he moves from Southlake Park to New York City, in search of a topnotch Investment Banker. OCTAVIA WASHINGTON is a much sought-after Investment Banker. She has cultivated a semi-symbiotic workaholic relationship with Lieutenant. So much so that they are both unsuccessful in their personal love lives. Lieutenant’s nerves are rattled when he gets a call from Peaches about participating in a bachelor auction. He does not want to be sold like fresh meat, but he feels obligated. So, he comes up with a scheme in the name of Ms. Octavia Washington. Will they be able to pull the wool over Mama Peaches’