All the Men I’ve Loved Again

Pride’s flirty if occasionally frustrating solo debut (after We Are Not Like Them) follows Cora Belle from insecure college freshman to successful career woman torn between two very different men. Having been one of the very few Black students at her prestigious private school, Cora’s excited to be in the more diverse environment of Hamlin University and make friends who look like her. She forges a lifelong bond with besties Kim and Neisha and dates Lincoln Ames, an ambitious scholarship student. Even Cora’s overprotective single father loves Lincoln, but an unexpected betrayal drives the couple apart near graduation. Cora then rebounds into a fling with talented photographer Aaron that fizzles out when he moves abroad. Years later, with her 40th birthday fast approaching, both men reenter Cora’s life, finally with serious intentions. There’s some gratifying romantic wish-fulfilment to this premise, but Cora takes a disappointingly passive role in the love triangle as she waffles between men. Far more successful is the portrayal of female friendship and Cora’s sweet relationship with her father. The passionate love scenes and strong Black supporting cast will make this a hit with fans of Jasmine Guillory and Tia Williams. (July)

This review has been updated to remove a spoiler.