Beyond the Page: Your Summer Escape, Inspired by Black Authors

Summer is here, and with it, the irresistible call of sun-drenched beaches, cool breezes, and the promise of escaping into a captivating story. This year, we're urging you to pack your bags – both literally and figuratively – and embark on adventures fueled by the brilliant imaginations of Black authors. Forget the mundane; these five highly anticipated reads for 2025 will transport you to thrilling underworlds, dazzling celebrity romances, and deeply resonant historical landscapes. And to truly elevate your experience, we've curated bespoke travel suggestions inspired by the very pages of these must-reads. So, grab your swimsuit, your favorite beverage, and get ready for a summer of unforgettable journeys, both real and imagined.

Where Southern Grit Meets High Stakes: King of Ashes by S.A. Cosby

If your idea of a perfect beach read involves white-knuckle suspense and a deep dive into the complex underbelly of Southern life, S.A. Cosby's King of Ashes is your ticket. Pitched as a "Godfather-inspired Southern crime epic," this novel promises to be a masterclass in tension and character. We follow Roman Carruthers, a sharp financial whiz from Atlanta, whose carefully constructed life is shattered when his father's "accident" forces him back to his corrupt hometown.

He's drawn into a dangerous web involving a murderous drug gang, a hefty debt incurred by his younger brother, and the looming threat to his family's crematorium business. As Roman attempts to outwit the ruthless Black Baron Boys, he also grapples with the decades-old mystery of his mother's disappearance, weaving a rich tapestry of crime, betrayal, and haunting family secrets. Cosby's signature gritty prose and propulsive storytelling ensure that this will be a book you simply cannot put down.

Find out more about S.A. Cosby and his books at his official website: https://www.hgliterary.com/sa-cosby

Purchase King of Ashes here from a Black-owned bookstore: https://blackbookstore.com/products/king-of-ashes-hc-2025

Your Inspired Vacation Experience: The Southern Noir Escape

To truly immerse yourself in the world of King of Ashes, imagine a sophisticated yet subtly edgy trip through the American South. Start with a few nights in Atlanta, Georgia, soaking in the city's modern financial hub and vibrant nightlife, much like Roman's initial successful life. From there, venture into the more rural, atmospheric towns of western North Carolina or Virginia, where the novel's fictional Jefferson Run might find its real-world counterpart.

Instead of staying in standard hotels, seek out boutique inns or even private rentals that offer a blend of Southern charm and a hint of mystery. Think old, beautifully restored homes with sprawling verandas and perhaps a slightly overgrown garden, perfect for pondering secrets.

Spend your days exploring small-town antique shops, sampling authentic Southern cuisine at local diners, and perhaps even visiting a historical cemetery or two (without the criminal element, of course!).

For an added thrill, consider booking a guided "true crime" walking tour in a city like Charleston, South Carolina, or New Orleans, Louisiana, which have rich, often dark, histories. While not directly linked to Cosby's specific plot, these tours will provide a fascinating insight into the historical and cultural forces that can give rise to the kind of complex criminal enterprises explored in King of Ashes. Picture yourself sipping a mint julep on a quiet evening, the humid air thick with untold stories, as you turn the pages of Roman Carruthers's desperate fight for his family.

Lights, Camera, Romance: No Ordinary Love by Myah Ariel & The Love Lyric by Kristina Forest

For those who crave the escapism of celebrity romance, Myah Ariel's No Ordinary Love and Kristina Forest's The Love Lyric offer two distinct but equally captivating narratives.

In No Ordinary Love, Myah Ariel brings us the sizzling story of Ella Simone, a pop superstar in the midst of a messy divorce, and Miles Westbrook, MLB's most eligible and notoriously "bad boy" player. When a wardrobe malfunction at an awards show throws them together, the tabloids explode, forcing their teams to orchestrate a PR relationship. What begins as a carefully choreographed performance quickly blurs the lines between reality and show, as Ella finds herself drawn to Miles in a way that threatens her carefully constructed life and her fight for independence. Ariel is a master of emotional depth and undeniable chemistry, making this a truly swoon-worthy read.

Find out more about Myah Ariel and her books at her official website: https://www.myahariel.com/

Purchase No Ordinary Love here from a Black-owned bookstore: https://www.blkandcompany.com/products/no-ordinary-love

Kristina Forest, a USA Today bestselling author, delivers the final installment in her beloved Greene Sisters trilogy with The Love Lyric. This novel focuses on Iris Greene, the responsible eldest sister, a corporate executive and single mother. When she meets charismatic R&B singer Angel Harrison, an undeniable spark ignites. Their paths intertwine further when Angel becomes the new brand ambassador for Iris's company, forcing them to navigate a professional relationship with ever-growing personal feelings. Forest excels at crafting heartfelt, adult romances with real-world complications, and The Love Lyric promises a sweet and sexy journey of second chances and finding love where you least expect it.

Find out more about Kristina Forest and her books at her official website: https://www.kristinaforest.com/

Purchase The Love Lyric here from a Black-owned bookstore: https://rep.club/products/love-lyric

Your Inspired Vacation Experience: The Glamorous Getaway

To live out the fantasy of No Ordinary Love and The Love Lyric, envision a vacation that blends high-octane glamour with intimate, secluded romance.

For the pop star and athlete vibe of No Ordinary Love, consider a luxury escape to Los Angeles, California. Book a suite at a chic Beverly Hills hotel, where you can rub shoulders with industry insiders (or at least pretend to). Spend your days exploring the glitz of Hollywood, perhaps taking a private tour of a famous studio, or attending a high-profile sporting event. In the evenings, dine at exclusive restaurants, enjoy cocktails at rooftop bars with panoramic city views, and experience the thrill of being in the heart of the entertainment world.

For moments of privacy, consider a secluded villa rental in Malibu or the Hollywood Hills, where you can unwind by an infinity pool, far from the paparazzi's gaze.

For the R&B star and corporate executive romance of The Love Lyric, a dual-city experience could be perfect. Start in a vibrant music city like Atlanta, Georgia, or Nashville, Tennessee, soaking in the rich musical heritage, catching live performances, and exploring recording studios. Then, transition to a sophisticated, yet equally romantic, destination like New York City. Imagine staying in a luxurious apartment in a trendy neighborhood, experiencing the fast-paced corporate world by day, and indulging in intimate jazz club evenings or Broadway shows by night. The blend of professional ambition and artistic passion mirrors the journey of Iris and Angel.

Unraveling the Enigmas: Needy Little Things by Channelle Desamours

For those who prefer their beach reads with a side of mystery and a dash of the supernatural, Channelle Desamours's Needy Little Things sounds like a captivating blend.

This debut speculative YA mystery introduces Sariyah Lee Bryant, a Black teen with an uncanny, almost premonition-like ability: she can hear what people need, from the mundane to the life-saving.

When her friend Deja vanishes shortly after Sariyah fulfills one of her "needs," Sariyah is tormented by the possibility that her gift is a curse. Determined not to let Deja become another forgotten Black girl, Sariyah, along with her friends, delves into the mystery of Deja's disappearance, all while navigating her own family struggles.

Desamours promises a unique magical concept wrapped in a twisty, fast-paced thriller that also tackles crucial social issues like racial bias in missing persons cases.

Find out more about Channelle Desamours and her books at her official website: https://www.channelledesamours.com/

Purchase Needy Little Things here from a Black-owned bookstore: https://frugalbookstore.net/products/pre-order-2025-02-25-needy-little-things-by-channelle-desamours

Your Inspired Vacation Experience: The Urban Detective Challenge

To truly step into Sariyah's world, your ideal vacation should combine urban exploration with a touch of mystery. Consider a trip to a vibrant, diverse city like Atlanta, Georgia, where the novel is set. Spend your days exploring different neighborhoods, from bustling downtown areas to quieter residential streets, much like Sariyah might navigate her community.

To embrace the mystery-solving aspect, look for interactive experiences:

• Escape Rooms: Many cities offer high-quality escape rooms with intricate puzzles and immersive storylines. Choose one with a detective or mystery theme to put your observational and problem-solving skills to the test.

• Scavenger Hunts: Urban scavenger hunts or geocaching adventures can turn a city into a giant puzzle. These often lead you through various landmarks and hidden gems, requiring you to decipher clues to reach your next destination.

• Self-Guided Mystery Tours: Some companies offer downloadable self-guided mystery tours, where you receive a packet of clues and a fictional case to solve as you explore a specific part of the city.

• "Mystery Weekend" Packages: A few specialized travel companies or hotels offer "mystery weekend" packages, where guests participate in a themed whodunit over a few days, interacting with actors and gathering clues to solve a fictional crime. While Needy Little Things is YA, the essence of the "uncovering secrets" and "searching for answers" fits perfectly with these experiences.

This type of vacation encourages you to be observant, connect the dots, and experience a city with a heightened sense of intrigue, just like Sariyah.

A Journey Through Time and Legacy: Happy Land by Dolen Perkins-Valdez

For readers who appreciate historical depth and stories that resonate long after the final page, Dolen Perkins-Valdez's Happy Land is a profound choice. Inspired by true events, this novel follows a woman named Nikki who travels to visit her grandmother in western North Carolina, seeking answers about her family's history. Instead, she unearths an incredible connection to the "Kingdom of the Happy Land," an autonomous community founded by formerly enslaved people in the Appalachian mountains. As Nikki delves into these long-held family secrets, she discovers the courage and resilience of her ancestors and the enduring legacy of a place built on the promise of freedom and self-determination. Perkins-Valdez is known for her powerful storytelling and ability to bring forgotten histories to life, making Happy Land a truly enriching read.

Find out more about Dolen Perkins-Valdez and her books at her official website: https://dolenperkinsvaldez.com/

Purchase Happy Land here from a Black-owned bookstore: https://rep.club/products/happy-land

Your Inspired Vacation Experience: The Heritage and Nature Retreat

To honor the spirit of Happy Land, your ideal vacation should blend historical immersion with the tranquility and beauty of nature.

Plan a trip to the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina or Virginia. Instead of coastal beaches, seek out a charming cabin or a secluded lodge nestled within the mountains. Spend your days hiking scenic trails, exploring national parks, and connecting with the natural landscape that provided refuge and opportunity for communities like the "Kingdom of the Happy Land."

Interweave your nature retreat with visits to historical sites that speak to the resilience and agency of Black communities in the post-Civil War South. Research local historical societies, museums, and even preserved homesteads that offer insights into African American life during Reconstruction. While the "Kingdom of the Happy Land" may not have a direct, publicly accessible site, many areas in the Appalachians have rich, though often overlooked, histories of self-sufficient Black settlements.

Consider visiting:

• The International Civil Rights Center & Museum (Greensboro, NC): While focused on a later period, it provides essential context for the struggles and triumphs of Black Americans.

• The Great Smoky Mountains National Park: While much of its history is well-known, delve into the stories of the diverse communities, including Black families, who lived in and around these mountains.

• Local historical markers and small community museums: These often hold the most intimate and revealing stories of specific populations.

  
  

This journey would be a quiet, reflective one, allowing you to connect with the echoes of history while surrounded by the beauty of the landscape that offered hope and a new beginning.

This summer, let your reading list be your passport to extraordinary worlds, and let those worlds inspire your real-life adventures. Whether you're chasing thrills, basking in romance, unraveling mysteries, or stepping back in time, these incredible books by Black authors offer the perfect launchpad for a season of discovery. Happy reading, and happy travels!

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