Alyssa Cole is a versatile novelist who writes historical, science, contemporary, and romance fiction. In September of this year, she released When No One is Watching. 

It is described as Rear Window meets Get Out in 2020. The protagonist, Sydney Green is a no nonsense Black woman, born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. She has no intentions of leaving her neighborhood until she is good and ready, despite the constant nagging (with a monetary reward) from one of her White neighbor Theo. She watches, in acquiescence, as her neighborhood diversifies with all the people she knew and loved, disappearing.  

Sydney does not have much of a life. She cared for her sick mom and her most recent relationship dumped her on Valentine’s day, in a text. Other than that, when she’s not working, she spends her days and nights spying on her new neighbors who she has a slightly unhealthy obsession with.

This story addresses the gentrification happening in the poor and predominantly Black neighborhoods, with minor scrutiny on the perils the residents who are forced out, are thrust into.  

It is a great read, much different from her other books. With over two thousand reviews on Goodreads, and a four-star rating on Amazon, it is worth reading if only to pique your curiosity. You won’t be disappointed.

Cole also has an upcoming release on December 01 titled, How To Catch A Queen from the “Runaway Royals” series. This new series is a spin-off of the auspicious “Reluctant Royals” series. 

Shanti Mohapi marries the shy king of Njazi. However, the arrangement is not everything she was expecting it to be. Shanti sounds like Cole’s quintessential protagonist with aspirations not quite within reach. Familiar characters from the Reluctant Royals series make a cameo in this romance as well.

If you have not had the pleasure of enjoying an Alyssa Cole novel, I would start with her romance. If you don’t read romance, When No One is Watching is your best introduction to her authorial voice.  

The second book in this series titled, How To Catch A Princess is available for pre-order as well, with a release date of May 25, 2021.

It’s also worth mentioning that Alyssa Cole is the host of a virtual “Date Night with Loyalty Bookstore” with romance authors that can be seen on Youtube. It is the answer to 2020 quarantining and social distancing practices. Previous guests have been Farrah Rochon, Priscilla Oliveras, and Nalini Singh. 

For more information on Alyssa Cole, check out her website alyssacole.com