Have you started your Read Widely journey? If not, head to your local library and pick up a copy of our headline title, A More Perfect Union by Tammye Huf, or any of our other recommended reads! All part of Manchester Libraries year-long promotion of fabulous fiction by authors of colour, highlighting the best voices recently published in the UK.

So, with temperatures rising we’re turning up the heat an extra notch with July’s recommendation, the passionate novel, If I Don’t Have You by Sareeta Domingo.

Chosen as one of Jacaranda Books TwentyIn2020 promotion, If I Don’t Have You was also shortlisted for the Diverse Book Awards.

A captivating, sexy romance that explores the limits of love at first sight

Afro-Brazilian filmmaker Ren is recovering from a romantic betrayal. Kayla is a Black British artist and journalist keen to make her mark. Thrown together during a string of interviews in New York for Ren’s latest film, they’re struck by an irresistible attraction. The two surrender to one night of searing honesty and passion, which leaves them with more questions than answers about the future. With secrets lurking between them, letting their romance continue could upend the separate lives Ren and Kayla have so carefully built. But can they really risk losing their miraculous connection?

Extra copies of all the books featured in this year’s Read Widely campaign are available to borrow from your library. Or, if you’re part of a Manchester Libraries reading group and fancy giving any of them a go, get in touch for a book set by emailing christina.harrison@manchester.gov.uk

To check availability or reserve a copy for collection from your local library please access the online catalogue here.