Review: Pretty Boy Must Die by Kimberly Reid

 

 

 

 

Synopsis:

A CIA prodigy’s cover is blown when he accidentally becomes an internet sensation in #Prettyboy Must Die, inspired by the #Alexfromtarget story.

When Peter Smith’s classmate snaps a picture of him during a late night run at the track, Peter thinks he might be in trouble. When she posts that photo–along with the caption, “See the Pretty Boy Run,”–Peter knows he’s in trouble. But when hostiles drop through the ceiling of his 6th period Chem Class, Peter’s pretty sure his trouble just became a national emergency.

Because he’s not really Peter Smith. He’s Jake Morrow, former foster-kid turned CIA operative. After a massive screw-up on his first mission, he’s on a pity assignment, a dozen hit lists and now, social media, apparently. As #Prettyboy, of all freaking things.

His cover’s blown, his school’s under siege, and if he screws up now, #Prettyboy will become #Deadboy faster than you can say, ‘fifteen minutes of fame.’ Trapped in a high school with rabid killers and rabid fans, he’ll need all his training and then some to save his job, his school and, oh yeah, his life.

Rating: 3-stars

Review:

Pretty Boy Must Die by Kimberly Reid is an entertaining spy novel. However, it felt like it was just too easy going. The volume of high risks, did not leave me feeling scared. The danger was something an ordinary hacker could do instead of a teenage boy hacker who happened to be a spy. Also, he went against his boss a lot. If she wanted him out of an operation, why wasn’t there more of an effort? It just was not realistic. I could not connect this story to being about spies. These so-called spies were novices who were lucky. The teenage boy spy thing did peak my interests which is why I wanted to read this book. All in all, this novel failed my expectations of a teenage spy world.

 

Review: Beyond Chains by Mark Anthony NZE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Synopsis:

Michael Nnaji is a dedicated cleric, and an exceptionally, brilliant young man that bluntly, refuses to perpetrate sinister acts, his superior in their ministry orchestrates.

His refusal puts him in chains and he’s faced with a choice, accept the proposition, and become a multi millionaire or refuse to compromise his faith, and continue suffering behind bars.

He prays ardently, for divine intervention, and hopes to be let off the hook some day.

Out of the unconditional love, Sandra has for him, she assures him that she will see to his freedom but the allegation against him is so grievious, and only a miracle – a quick one can save him from a damnable incarceration.

An expository of the ills that prominent personalities commit in the African society.

Rating: 4-stars

Review:

Beyond Chains by Mark Anthony NZE is entertaining African urban fiction read. There were more urban fiction elements to this novel than Christian ones. The main protagonist, Michael Nnaji, is stuck in a bad position when his superior uses his power to control Michael. Michael is a likable character with many flaws. Giving a more realistic appeal to readers. I found his position to be intriguing. There were many ways it could escalate out of control. But he does have a choice to do what is right…making a tough choice is harder especially when the readers like myself is driven into Michael’s society. His society operates differently than most. This gives way to action, suspense, and evil versus good. I enjoyed how the author showed me what it was like being behind bars as a black men and how one’s hope can quickly diminish. Overall, Mark Anthony NZE has created a great plot that pulls readers in fast and leaves their hearts racing.

Author Interview: MarkAnthony NZE

Meet Author MarkAnthony NZE

Interview with MarkAnthony NZE 

ULM: When did you first decide to become an author? Why?

NZE: The decision came, over two decades when I was in high school and, it was due to my voracious reading of novels.

ULM: How would you describe your character, Michael Nnaji?

NZE: My main character, Michael Nnaji is affable, brilliant, and honest with an unwavering faith.

ULM: What inspired you to create your book, Beyond Chains?

NZE: The inspiration to create Beyond Chains came as a result of some of the malpractices I witnessed in churches, and contemporary African societies generally, and Nigeria particularly.

ULM: What themes will readers find within your book?

NZE: They’re basically; perseverance, uprightness, and the absolute belief in good always triumphing over evil irrespective of how long the latter must have gone before the former.

ULM: Describe Beyond Chains, using only three words.

NZE: Beyond Chains is iconoclastic, classic, and interesting.

ULM: What boundaries are pushed and tested inside of your book, Beyond Chains?

NZE: Faith and integrity.

ULM: What was it like creating your antagonist for this story?

NZE: It was challenging as well as fascinating.

ULM: What other projects are you planning to write, if any?

NZE: Currently, I am at work on another phenomenal novel which is directed towards helping the young generation discover exactly what they’re called on earth to do and not stepping into areas that they will struggle till the rest of their lives without making any impact.

ULM: Where can readers find you and your work online?

NZE: They can simply visit me at my website; www.markanthonynze.com

Review: The Sun Does Shine by Anthony Ray Hinton

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Synopsis:

A powerful, revealing story of hope, love, justice, and the power of reading by a man who spent thirty years on death row for a crime he didn’t commit.

In 1985, Anthony Ray Hinton was arrested and charged with two counts of capital murder in Alabama. Stunned, confused, and only twenty-nine years old, Hinton knew that it was a case of mistaken identity and believed that the truth would prove his innocence and ultimately set him free.

But with no money and a different system of justice for a poor black man in the South, Hinton was sentenced to death by electrocution. He spent his first three years on Death Row at Holman State Prison in agonizing silence—full of despair and anger toward all those who had sent an innocent man to his death. But as Hinton realized and accepted his fate, he resolved not only to survive, but find a way to live on Death Row. For the next twenty-seven years he was a beacon—transforming not only his own spirit, but those of his fellow inmates, fifty-four of whom were executed mere feet from his cell. With the help of civil rights attorney and bestselling author of Just Mercy, Bryan Stevenson, Hinton won his release in 2015.

With a foreword by Stevenson, The Sun Does Shine is an extraordinary testament to the power of hope sustained through the darkest times. Destined to be a classic memoir of wrongful imprisonment and freedom won, Hinton’s memoir tells his dramatic thirty-year journey and shows how you can take away a man’s freedom, but you can’t take away his imagination, humor, or joy.

Rating: 4-stars

Review:

The Sun Does Shine by Anthony Ray Hinton is an informative nonfiction read. It is a memoir of one man’s experience and suffering of the injustice of our justice system. Political issues and racial issues were used to put innocent black men into jail. Some never got out of there. Very few ever regained their life back from the mistakes of the justice system. The messages in this book were strong and the author’s viewpoint can easily persuade others why. Having suffered under this injustice himself, he is speaking out about it. So much time was stolen from innocent men, like Anthony Ray Hinton. Overall, this memoir was powerful and should be read by all readers regardless of racial background.

Review: Burnt Orange by Meiah Shaun

Synopsis:

A coming-of-age story of Erin and Erika, Texas twins in an abusive home in a town segregated by white and black color lines, who are wounded by the revealing of a shocking family secret and long to escape their circumstances and erase what they have been labeled. Follow their journey in this compelling novel filled with inspiration and triumph.

Rating: 4-stars

Review:

Burnt Orange by Meiah Shaun is an interesting read. The characters felt so real. I can feel their troubles grow as the pages fly by me. Two sisters, twins, live in a black and white community. A place where there is a lot of racial tension. One twin, holds a lot of hope for the world. Her view is simple. Move away from their town if it’s so bad to live within…yet, her family stays and blames the white man for the lack of good jobs. The father isn’t my favorite character. I think he could be better towards his girls. This book is an emotional journey that will keep readers like myself hooked. Wondering what happens to the twin girls, Erin and Erika. The life they girls live is a difficult one. Yet they find some happiness. I liked how their grandmother, Momma, instilled good Christian values to the girls. She’s a comfort to have and they love her. I respected her. Overall, Meiah Shaun is a great writer. Her words come to life among her pages. Overall, I recommend this novel of hers to readers everywhere.

Review: Where Triples Go to Die

Synopsis:

In irreverent, laugh-out-loud style, Where Triples Go to Die illuminates the messy intersection of sports, race, and romance in contemporary college life. Black superstar Juke Jackson and white counselor Malcolm Wade, each facing relationship crises at home, forge a bond at school as Wade guides Jackson’s quest to join the legion of African Americans who transformed our national pastime. An array of intervening campus issues—date rape, unplanned pregnancy, revenge porn, academic integrity violations, and the aftershocks of war among them—will keep even readers unfamiliar with The Infield Fly Rule turning the pages to find out what happens next. 

Rating: 4-stars

Review: 

Where Triples Go to Die by Phil Hutcheon is a great read. It’s entertaining to follow. Sports never die out with fans. Here, readers get to explore a lot of real life issues. The struggles are believable. The characters make this an interesting journey. A contemporary piece of fiction that had me captivated page-by-page. The content held my full attention. It wasn’t the kind of book, I would normally pick up to read. However, it still grabbed my attention. Engaging, intense, and enough drama to keep those pages turning. Never a dull moment. Loss, friendship, and most importantly baseball are themes found inside this novel. Overall, it was good. I recommend it to those really interested in sports fiction.

Review: A Time to Stand

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Synopsis:

In a small Georgia town where racial tensions run high and lives are at stake, can one lawyer stand up for justice against the tide of prejudice on every side?

Adisa Johnson, a young African-American attorney, is living her dream of practicing law with a prestigious firm in downtown Atlanta. Then a split-second mistake changes the course of her career.

Left with no other options, Adisa returns to her hometown where a few days earlier a white police officer shot an unarmed black teen who is now lying comatose in the hospital.

Adisa is itching to jump into the fight as a special prosecutor, but feels pulled to do what she considers unthinkable—defend the officer.

As the court case unfolds, everyone in the small community must confront their own prejudices. Caught in the middle, Adisa also tries to chart her way along a path complicated by her budding relationship with a charismatic young preacher who leads the local movement demanding the police officer answer for his crime.

This highly relevant and gripping novel challenges us to ask what it means to forgive while seeking justice and to pursue reconciliation while loving others as ourselves.

 

Rating: 4.5-stars

Review:

A Time to Stand by Robert Whitlow is an interesting yet significant piece of literature. Here, readers explore the toughest of racial tensions by white versus black. A white officer shoots an unarmed black teen. The lawyer in this case is Adisa Johnson. An African American attorney in a man’s world. Tensions rise with each adding page. Anger, frustration, fear, and justice ring out everywhere. Then there’s  the romantic entanglements that make this story even more complex.  Writer Robert Whitlow adds to the suspense by creating several twists and turns that readers won’t expect. So many factors play a part of this plot. It’s easy to judge than to listen. Innocent people are under fire due to the situation presented inside…pressure builds and the drama as well. I was thoroughly impressed with the talent demonstrated by this writer. He created a believable, exciting, and intriguing tale. Hooking me in with every word. The main characters were well-developed. I look forward to reading more by Robert Whitlow in the future. Overall, I highly recommend A Time to Stand.

Review: Planez

Synopsis:

Essence Brown is a beautiful fashion magazine editor-in-chief living in New York City. When she meets Malcolm Hill, a handsome real estate agent from Chicago on a business trip, things began to heat up. They say you shouldn’t mix business with pleasure, but what happens when you do? 
Planez will take you on a ride of your life, full of sex, thrill and betrayal. This isn’t your ordinary flight…fasten your seat belt and prepare for take off. 

Rating: 4-stars

Review:

Planez by Mariah James is an alluring read. Hot, spicy, and full of action. The heat spread like a wild fire. Consuming the reader whole. The plot was interesting. Mariah James created an adult fictional piece that had me riding a rollercoaster. The emotions were everywhere. Intense and exciting. New. Both Essence and Malcom kept me guessing. The pages were entertaining to keep on following the pair. Mariah James also included each protagonist’s viewpoint. I think that made this book a good read. Overall, it was enjoyable to watch as the characters struggled and fell in love. 

Review: Between Lost and Found

Synopsis:

Janelle Marshall’s life is finally going according to plan. Her perfect, upscale career–and her perfect, successful boyfriend–will make her future as secure and predictable as her childhood never was. And with luck, Little Bill, the grandfather who raised her will someday understand why she’d rather play it safe than be impulsive. But just when she should be happiest, she gets a distressing call: Little Bill has gone missing. Now Janelle must go to the one place she’s long avoided–the tiny mountain town of Mammoth Falls, South Dakota.

Tracking down her eccentric grandfather is easier said than done, and Janelle has no choice but to stay as long as it takes. Yet little by little, she’s drawn in by the unique town, the helpful locals, and their distinctly straightforward ways. Before long, she realizes that those who also care about Little Bill are struggling with their own vulnerabilities–and secrets as deep as the mistakes they try to set right. As Janelle learns to draw on their support and hard-won experience, she’ll challenge her past, comes to terms with her present–and chart her own surprising course forward.

Vibrant, heartfelt, and uplifting, Between Lost and Found is about gaining the courage to take chances, learning to let go, and rediscovering the family–and the self–you thought you knew… 

Rating: 4-stars

Review:

Between Lost and Found by Shelly Stratton is a great read for women everywhere. It’s about family, life, and taking chances. I enjoyed following the characters as they went about their lives. Choices were made and some consequences happened. It was an enjoyable journey. This was my first book that I’ve read by Shelly Stratton. In the beginning it dragged some but then sped up a little. A woman’s grandfather goes missing…so, she leaves behind her perfect life to head back home to him. There she finds some peace. Facing her fears, Janelle learns a lot. But it takes her grandfather to help her a bit. The title fits in perfectly with the protagonist. Overall, it was a great read. 

Review: Even When It Hurts (Seventy Times Seven)

Synopsis:

Maxine Hunter and Reverend Claude Jacobs have been engaged for a year and unable to decide on a final wedding date. The delay for their marital bliss comes in the form of Claude’s longtime friend, Geneva Shade. Geneva is in love with Claude and has decided she’s going to do whatever it takes to be with him, even if it means damaging his life. Claude is unaware of Geneva’s mental illness, which makes him oblivious to her sinister tricks to break up him and Maxine. Maxine’s eyes are wide open to Geneva’s games, but after one incident too many, Maxine is finally pushed to her breaking point. Claude finally sees Geneva for who she really is, but it’s seemingly too late. Will Claude and Maxine be able to forgive Geneva and each other, Even When It Hurts? 

Rating: 4.5-stars

Review:

Even When It Hurts: Seventy Times Seven by D.A. Kelley is an African American novel that shows how hard life can be. The characters struggle just like the rest of us. Choices are made. Sometimes more often than not, they make the wrong decisions. This, then leads them to instant regret. A torn relationship and insecurities. Taking the steps to accept, forgive, and move on will be hard. If they can forgive where will that leave them? Anger, lust, and evil planning are just a few things keeping the characters apart. But what God pushed together, might be fixed…or not. D.A. Kelley wrote a book that all women can relate to…even most men. We all have had something similar happen in our lives. I enjoyed how she combined real life and issues like mental illness into an entertaining read. Overall, I recommend to to readers everywhere.

Review: My Soul Looks Black

Synopsis:

In this captivating new memoir, award-winning writer Jessica B. Harris recalls a lost era—the vibrant New York City of her youth, where her social circle included Maya Angelou, James Baldwin, and other members of the Black intelligentsia.
In the Technicolor glow of the early seventies, Jessica B. Harris debated, celebrated, and danced her way from the jazz clubs of the Manhattan’s West Side to the restaurants of the Village, living out her buoyant youth alongside the great minds of the day—luminaries like Maya Angelou, James Baldwin, and Toni Morrison. My Soul Looks Back is her paean to that fascinating social circle and the depth of their shared commitment to activism, intellectual engagement, and each other.
Harris paints evocative portraits of her illustrious friends: Baldwin as he read aloud an early draft of If Beale Street Could Talk, Angelou cooking in her California kitchen, and Morrison relaxing at Baldwin’s house in Provence. Harris describes her role as theater critic for the New York Amsterdam News and editor at then burgeoning Essence magazine; star-studded parties in the South of France; drinks at Mikell’s, a hip West Side club; and the simple joy these extraordinary people took in each other’s company. The book is framed by Harris’s relationship with Sam Floyd, a fellow professor at Queens College, who introduced her to Baldwin.
More than a memoir of friendship and first love My Soul Looks Back is a carefully crafted, intimately understood homage to a bygone era and the people that made it so remarkable.

Rating: 3.5-stars

Review:

My Soul Looks Black by Jessica B. Harris is a great memoir. Her book is about famous African Americans featured in New York. Yet, I felt this Read fell flat. She spoke about the people but didn’t give more details about them that would have made this more of a fascinating read. It seemed like she mostly talked about those around her and not about having direct contact with these people mentioned. When she mentions a little bit about herself, it was okay. Still Jessica B. Harris could have done more for this memoir. I was interested in the title of this book and was curious as to what it held. After reading it, I’d say it’s okay but not exceptional. 

Review: The Prada Plan 5

Synopsis:

In this explosive addition to the New York Times bestselling series, Ashley Antoinette brings you pain, pleasure, love, hate, as YaYa struggles to hold it all together before life blows up in her face, in The Prada Plan 5.
Disaya finally has it all. The man she fought for is hers at last. Her name is Mrs. Indie Perkins and their daughter is safe. Leah is gone. Life is supposed to be good. So why isn’t she satisfied? Why does life suddenly seem so bitter? YaYa’s Prada Plan had worked but with the riches comes pain.
She and Indie have grown apart, and with Parker now a permanent fixture in their lives, Indie is pressured to juggle it all. But YaYa’s patience is running thin. Indie is loving her wrong. Her life isn’t what she wants. Her Prada Plan has changed…and now, it’s time to pursue a plan B in order to get what she really wants… 

Rating: 4-stars

Review:

The Prada Plan 5 by Ashely Antoinette is another drama filled urban fiction read. Having not read any of the previous novels, it was hard to follow along. Trying to figure out why the main charcaters made the choices they did was not easy to understand. However, the drama filled world of their was certainly entertaining. There was never a boring moment. Tough love, bad choices, wrong relationships, and trouble were just some of the issues brought into the book. Living the rich life isn’t easy, nor as fun as the fantasy of it. Pressure lies heavily upon the charcaters…their actions will layout their futures…chasing after dreams is hard. Ashley Antionette is a talented writer. I have read other novels co-written by her. This novel would be easy to follow along if I had read her previous Prada novels. However, the plot was fast-paced and juicy. The entertainment never ended. Overall, The Prada Plan 5 was a great read. 

Review: Perfect Pleasures

Synopsis:

World famous MMA champion Zachary Barrett has returned to his home in Phuket, Thailand, and his elite training camp, Revolution. Thanks to his twin brother, a renowned pro trainer in Colorado, Zachary is primed and ready for his next title bout—but his toughest match may be with the sports journalist assigned to write an exposé on him. Not only is she gorgeous, she’s after a well-guarded secret that Zach soon realizes makes her off limits in every way…

 

It’s true that Kenzie Monroe has an ulterior motive for pursuing Zachary. The half-Asian beauty believes he’s connected to her estranged father, a former MMA fighter who disappeared years ago. And the more Zachary avoids her, the more determined she is—and the hotter their game of cat and mouse becomes…until they both surrender. But as lust, love, and friendship combine, Zachary knows he has to answer all of Kenzie’s questions—because outside of the ring, the heart makes the rules… 

 

“Mello hits all the right notes…A smart heroine, a sensual hero, witty repartee, and complex family dynamics.” – Publishers Weekly on Playing for Keeps 

Rating: 3.5-stars

Review:

Perefect Pleasures by Deborah Fletcher Mello is a contemporary African American novel. It’s heat level is packed full. The charcaters’ chemistry ignites with every page. Lighting a fiery passion within them. One is after the other for answers. She won’t stop until she gets what she wants. However, neither charcater expected the raw desires to flare up…

This novel looked good. It’s written fine. But there’s really no personal connection from the reader to the charcaters. The story is all sexual which is fine, since the title suggests that. It just felt like the emotional connection between characters wasn’t really developed. They struggle with their issues. It’s like they are hiding from reality by having sex. Other than those issues, the book was fine. Entertaining read overall. I haven’t read any previous novels by Deborah Fletcher Mello so, I can’t compare how her writing fell from the others. But her novel holds promise, just needs more work. 

Review: Luxe 2

Synopsis: 

In Luxe Two: A LaLa Land Addiction by New York Times bestselling author Ashley Antoinette, there is only one thing more powerful than anything…the love of the high…
Bleu is addicted…addicted to the luxe life and it has led her down a road of self-destruction. She knows what it feels like to be turned out by the game. With a crack cocaine addiction that she can’t seem to escape, she is desperate for a savior. Her problem is she has two great loves that want to come to her rescue. When her best friend, Noah comes searching for her she is faced with a dilemma. Will she let him save her? Or will she stick with the kingpin, Iman, who has loved her since their first encounter? Or will both men lose her to a love she can’t get rid of…one that abuses her…and one that will be the death of her… 

Rating: 4.5-stars

Review:

Luxe 2 by Ashley Antoinette is an urban fiction tale that nailed my attention. Immediately, the main charcater’s life was hitting rock bottom. The life of drugs over taking her. Luckily, Bleu had two men in her life and several friends to help her. One man is a kingpin the other is a best friend who wants to rescue her. But only if Blue lets him. Noah is the man that is good for the main charcater. I can’t say too much without giving away the plot…next, there’s Iman. He loves Bleu but her heart says Noah. Yet he’s still a major part of life in more than one way. Bleu is a strong heroine that will need to make major decisions soon before it’s too late for her. Surprises and plot twists are ahead for readers. I enjoyed reading this African American novel. It portrayed real lives in a fictional sense. Everything was believable. Overall, I recommend Luxe 2 to readers. 

Review: The Gay Preacher’s Wife

Synopsis:

The deeply personal memoir of Lydia Meredith, a woman who spent almost thirty years married to a preacher—only to have her husband leave her for a MAN —and how her life becomes a testimony of tolerance and a theology of love and acceptance.
After being married to Reverend Dennis A. Meredith for almost thirty years, Lydia Meredith discovers a shocking truth: the love of her life left her for a MAN. Now, Lydia opens up for the first time about how that revelation shattered her world—and strengthened her faith.
With her life turned upside down, Lydia struggled to put the pieces of her broken heart back together and that led her to pursue understanding through an accredited theological education. She wanted a way to put her family back together and she found Jesus’ ministry and teachings were “actually” about teaching tolerance and love for people who are labeled different.
Candid, honest, and incredibly touching, Lydia Meredith shows that faith and perseverance can get you through any challenge life throws your way.

Rating: 4-stars

Review:

The Gay Preacher’s Wife by Lydia Meredith is a deep memoir. Inside, I followed her journey as an African American women. Just being in that category is hard enough. Then, to add to the fact her husband had lied to her for the past 30-years. Well, it was easy to sympathize with her. I can only imagine how hard that was to deal with after finding out. Having a man lineage his wife for an reason is hard on the soul and heart. Lydia Meredith’s husband left her for another man. Wow. I wouldn’t know how to handle that scenario myself, if placed in the same situation. Her journey was emotional and interesting. I believe the writer dealt with the situation in the best ways possible. I can’t judge her nor her husband. Life is complicated, messy, and hear shattering. Readers can easily connect with Lydia as her words engage them further into her life. Overall, this personal memoir took great faith and courage to share. I recommend it to others. 

Review: The Striver’s Row Spy

 

Synopsis: 

Stunning, suspenseful, and unforgettably evocative, Jason Overstreet’s debut novel glitters with the vibrant dreams and a dangerous promise of the 1920s Harlem Renaissance, as one man crosses the perilous lines between the law, loyalty, and deadly lies…

For college graduate Sidney Temple, the Roaring Twenties bring opportunities even members of his accomplished black bourgeois family couldn’t have imagined. His impulsive marriage to independent artist Loretta is a happiness he never thought he’d find. And when he’s tapped by J. Edgar Hoover to be the FBI’s first African-American agent, he sees a once-in-a-lifetime chance to secure real justice.

Instead of providing evidence against Marcus Garvey, prominent head of the “dangerously radical” back-to-Africa movement, Sidney uses his unexpected knack for deception and undercover work to thwart the Bureau’s biased investigation. And by giving renowned leader W. E. B. Du Bois insider information, Sidney gambles on change, that could mean a fair destiny for all Americans…

But the higher Sidney and Loretta climb in Harlem’s most influential and glamorous circles, the more dangerous the stakes. An unexpected friendship and a wrenching personal tragedy threaten to shatter Loretta’s innocent trust in her husband—and turn his double life into a fast-closing trap. For Sidney, ultimately squeezed between the Bureau and one too many ruthless factions, the price of escape could be heartbreak and betrayal no amount of skill can help him survive.

Rating: 4 stars

Review:

The Striver’s  Row Spy by Jason Overstreet is a great read for all. It combines a lot of elements and sets off an intriguing tale. The story takes readers back to the historical time period of the 1920’s. A lot goes on during that time. It offers a new opportunity to the main character that seems highly unusual yet it happens. The suspense, danger, and mystery, sets readers guessing. My mind was spinning with what ifs. An African American man being offered a high yet dangerous job hooked me. The story lured me in deep. A job that proves more, risky than originally planned…leaves Sidney stuck in one crisis after crisis. Circles of going, undercover, has ways of biting one back…Harlem and the aristocratic lifestyle is an interesting read. I loved how it came to life inside this novel. Jason Overstreet brings the impossible things into a highly entertaining piece of fiction. However, I can’t picture one man turning over another of his own kind no matter what the pay or job offer is. Other than that the story was interesting. I recommend it to all who love the civil rights movement and a good mystery.

 

 

Review: Who’s Between the Sheets 2

 

Synopsis:

Xavier has been the one who has been holding Hazel down but when Jamal decided to walk out he seized the opportunity. Now that Jamal and Hazel are officially over he begins to start having feelings for her, but he must make a decision and he must make it fast; should he remain loyal to his cousin Jamal or follow his heart.

Nikki is glad that Jamal is all hers until she meets Ethan. She soon finds herself craving Ethan more than she craves her own man. But little does she know that Ethan has a secret of his own and Jamal hasn’t been keeping it 100 with her either. She soon finds herself having to choose between Jamal and Ethan.

Jet is back again and she ain’t playing this time around. She has a secret that is threatening to be exposed and she will stop at nothing to keep it hidden. Jet pretends she has reformed herself by enrolling in college and doing all the right things that she needs to do to keep her man, but little does she know Xavier is catching feelings for Hazel and he is torn in between the two. Will she still be able to win Xavier back into her corner in time before her secret is revealed?

Lisa is back again and is playing for keeps. She wants what she wants and she still secretly wants Jet back in her bed. But when she finds out that Jet has moved on and has so many secrets that she is trying to keep contained Lisa decides she will be the one to bring Jet down off her high horse and expose her for the liar that she is. But will Lisa get a chance to tell Jet’s dark secrets or will she be a little too late?

The second installment of Who’s Between the Sheets will keep you on the edge of your bed; amazed at who is actually between the sheets.

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Who’s Between the Sheets 2 by Shanice B. is definitely full of drama from the get go. I couldn’t believe how many issues pop up within a character’s life when they factor in the sex equation. Trying to keep up with who’s with who will keep readers constantly on their toes. The sex is deep enough to break and form new relationships everything. Once one relationship is broken another is formed. Then that newly formed relationship that has built up based on the hot sex goes down once a new player comes into the equation. Sex. It is truly a human being’s worst form of destruction. The lives of the characters are crazy but real. I can definitely see these adults acting this way in real life. Sad but so true. Each character thinks they have it good until one or both of them screws up their initial relationship…does loves really exist or it all about the bedroom? Shanice B.’s writing is superb. This urban street romance is another fantastic drama roll, that continues nonstop. I have found that each character is his or her own destruction. Even family members get more wrapped up, into their family member’s life issues that it’s hard to pull back. An intriguing roller-coaster ride that will keep readers turning the pages. Overall, I recommend this novel to all adults due to the topics covered in this read.

 

Review: Love in the Family Cartel (Redemption)

 

Synopsis:

Meet Harlem, a true beauty with the brains and body to match. Always viewed as the golden child, she vowed to never disappoint her father. The doting daughter gave up her dream of attending culinary school to attend college and major in Pre-Law –per her father’s request. A successful completion of the bar exam landed Harlem on the State’s payroll, and a spot within The Family, the most notorious drug cartel. Headed by Grandfather Maurice, Harlem, and her younger sister Harmony doesn’t have many options, as the two are forced into the wrath of their family’s business. It was her father’s plan all along. Secretly, Harlem yearns for a life outside of The Family’s life.

As fate would have it, Harlem’s wishes are granted when she stumbles upon the handsome Carter. She quickly falls for the successful businessman, but her father isn’t too pleased with her choice of mate. His hatred resonates in his actions as he tries to destroy the beautiful union of Carter and Harlem. Their father quickly realizes that the rules of the game have changed and maybe he has bitten off more than he can chew. After pushing his daughter’s into the pit of fury, he prays that the two make it out alive.

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Love in the Family Cartel: Redemption by Brittany McBryde is one thrill ride readers don’t want to miss. The drama is crazy but good. There’s never a boring moment within this novel. Brittany McBryde keeps her readers entertained with steamy sex, danger, and intrigue. Reader’s will not be able to guess what happens to each character or why it happens. The suspense creates a strong desire to keep on reading. Soon, readers will find themselves finished with the book. The characters’ lives overlap each other’s. A woman in the cartel business was sent to order a hit against another cartel leader. That leader just happened to be her recently married husband. One moment she’s on the phone with him and the next she watches him get into his car and BOOM! Her love is gone. She had no idea. But the one who ordered her to take the hit knew all to well who her husband really was. Someone blood related to her…then there’s the case of another woman endanger her daughter’s life. Died from a gunshot. A gun that the police have found to be unregistered. That leaves her into even deeper hot water than before. Her man was shocked that they lost their only daughter due to her not being able to take care of the kids properly…at least their son was still alive. The cartel family was off, on a good start but now, it’s starting to crumble as their lives get more entangled than thought. Love in the Family Cartel: Redemption is a realistic urban street romance that all will want to read. Overall, I highly recommend it to readers everywhere.

 

 

Review: Regret the Day I Said Yes

 

Synopsis:

How much of yourself are you really willing to give up to keep a happy home?

After catching her husband with a mouth full of someone else’s vagina, Janelle has to decide if she can forgive and forget.

That thing called LOVE can turn your entire world upside down and knock you on your ass in the blink of an eye.

Alan has done the unthinkable and just might have burned any chance of reconciliation with his wife after leaving her stranded and flown home with his mistress.

Regret the Day I Said Yes: Too Late For Sorry is a story about a group of couples who think they have found the answer to having a happy lifelong marriage.

Bailee & York and Tiffany & Damon have been secretly swinging for years. As they see their friends’ marriages on the brink of disaster they encourage them to give it a try to spice things up.

While it all seems logical at first, time later reveals that every choice has a consequence; Good or bad, their actions can come back to haunt them.

Can these marriages be saved? Can these friendships be rebuilt?

Have you ever regretted the day you said yes? Sometimes it’s too late for sorry.

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Regret the Day I Said Yes by Regina Swanson is one brilliant masterpiece. Talk about drama! This story is full of drama. The emotions are so intense and flying everywhere. Readers will be intrigued from the first page. The action and suspense of what will be, keeps readers hooked. Regina Swanson has once again, put her superb writing into another fabulous read. Her characters are three-dimensional. Their issues become the readers’ issues. Marriage can rip apart faster than we thought…just how fast is something readers will be shown. When men have it good with a good decent woman…they somehow think they

When men have it good with a good decent woman…they somehow think they need something more because their lives got too boring or too hard to handle. Wusses. If a man needs another woman on the side then, the issues lie with him. The wives and other women in this story are realistic that it’s funny. I can visualize all the scenes. Regret the Day I Said Yes is more like a fast-paced movie than a novel. Detailed just enough to pop images into readers’ minds. Jealousy, rage, lust and the feeling of loss are all woven into this title. Great emotional journey. Ups and downs just like real life. Regina Swanson has a way of making her novels real. It’s hard to believe they’re just fiction. Juicy, steamy, and addictive. I managed to read the whole novel in an hour. Absolutely, loved reading this urban romance. The harsh realities that couples face when their loved one cheats…hurts. Friends are more entangled in each other’s lives than they thought. Sex with the other person’s partner. Yet not all couples know that their partner is cheating until it comes out in the open. Children are angry because their father cheated on their mom. Then the woman he cheated with is awful towards his kids…now, he’s rethinking his relationship with her. Friendships are forever changed. The sparks and desires are enchanting. Overall, I highly recommend this novel to readers everywhere.

 

Review: Love Me If You Can (3)

 

Synopsis:

Keandria quickly learns that good things never last long. After deciding to give Ethan a second chance she quickly realizes that Ethan is up to his same old tricks and is smashing another chick named Amber. Keandria eventually begins to wonder will Ethan ever really change.

After being falsely accused of rape and almost being sentenced to prison A.J is determined to work on his relationship with Kayla. A.J is grateful to be free but isn’t about to let Jasmine off the hook so easily. He’s on a mission to find her and make her pay for accusing him of a crime that he didn’t commit. But after finding her, he quickly wishes that he didn’t.

After learning that Ethan is the cause of her demise Kayla does her best to move on but images of that awful night still haunt her. After seeking counseling, she eventually starts to second guess her relationship with A.J. She begins to wonder should she continue to be with him. A.J can feel that Kayla is pulling away. He does his best to please her to only be pushed away. He soon falls into the arms of his ex-Amber for comfort. The drama escalates when he finds out that Amber also has her own agenda and is still pissed, that he left her to work things out with Kayla.

Love is tested and revenge is on the rise in this finale. Love Me If You Can 3: The Finale will pull you in and keep you glued to your kindle until you reach the very last page.

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Love Me If You Can 3: The Finale by Shanice B. is a fabulous ending to a hot drama series. This is one urban street romance that sucks readers in whole. The drama never ends with these characters. If the guys try to do what’s right only to be pushed away…then, there’s only so many times they will take it. Then, after they reach their boiling point they will break away and move on…the ladies are just as bad. A married woman is giving a cheating man a second chance only to find that he’s still cheating on her. When she meets up with a guy from the past…she wonders about her current relationship.  A decent man has a new girlfriend but when he sees a hooker that he slept with working a regular job…he begins to wonder why he let her go. A woman accused a man of rape and he’s now released. His plan is to bring her down. However, fate is not fair. His friend seems to be interested in the evil woman. Tension is all over this read. Shanice B. brings heat, action, and suspense to her readers. There are so many boiling points within this novel, it’s hard to put it down. The guessing of what the final outcome will be is addictive. Love may or may not be in the cards for any of these characters. Even the good guys mess up and the romance is steamy. There’s never a boring moment. A true and final page turner in this exciting series. I loved following the characters’ final chapter. Overall, I highly recommend this African American novel to all. Love Me If You Can 3: The Finale is a definite must read. 

 

Review: Money, Power & Sex

 

Synopsis:

Four Lives, four separate motives, one unbelievable outcome. Follow this twisting tale, full of romance, action, suspense, and drama. Watch each person desperately try to reach their desires and discover why they are willing to sacrifice whatever it takes to answer one question. How far are you willing to go for Money, Power, and Sex?

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Money, Power, & Sex by Norian Love is a powerful love story. Instantly it wraps readers into its depth. It was easy to lose myself, within this novel. Danger, greed, power and loyalty are all wrapped up in this dark read. Some people chose their lifestyles and others force some to fall into the darkness. The characters are both liked and hated. Their lives are messed up from the beginning to end. There only was safe is if you’re dead. Love causes people to do things to protect the ones they care about…and love can also carry a death sentence to those around you. Sad, well-written, and suspenseful. The action kept me turning the pages. Drama can also be found in the urban romance. Norian Love also incorporated a little street life dirt into the story. Street life can be a deadly game. Never know what will or won’t happen. Money, Power,  & Sex is all it takes for motive…overall, this tale is one that readers won’t want to miss. The characters are only left with choices…choices that can drag them down or pull them back up…I highly recommend this edgy read to readers everywhere.

 

Review: Sky (Me Against The World

 

Synopsis:

We got a glimpse of Sky in “I Hate That I Love You” but now we get to hear her full story. Lauren was dealt a bad hand from birth but when she runs away and finds the life she always wanted, things start to change. Her life changes overnight when Sky’s born. Sky had the things Lauren would stay up at night crying, and dreaming about… A family that loved her, anything she wanted at her fingertips but most of all Sky had a safe home. Lauren never felt safe at night until she met Mrs. Carter and Jalen but one day that was all taken from her and her life as she knew it would never be the same. Sixteen, with a heart full of pain and revenge on her brain Sky’s forced out in this cold world trying to find her way. Will she find her way in this mean world or will she get swallowed alive?

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Sky (Me Against The World) by Keyanna Ford is truly a deep insider’s view, to the ugly side of our world. Sure we know about crimes that are committed but when a family turns against a child…that’s the worst kind of crime of all. A seven-year-old girl runs away from after her mom’s boyfriend tries touching her in a way no man should. Yet the mother knows and let it happen anyway. Luckily, the little girl finds an elderly woman who takes her. Once she’s safe inside with the older woman, the little girl’s life changes forever. For once she is treated like a child and loved. However, happy endings never last in real life. Again the world has returned to blow Sky a cruel hand. The elderly woman is now suffering from cancer and is dying…then, there’s the elderly woman’s son, who has become an uncle to little Sky. While they’re at home they get a terrifying call…Uncle was shot and didn’t survive the surgery…Little Sky is now a teen and lost the only good she had in life. Now, it’s up to her to find a good life or to fall back in the dark.. Keyanna Ford’s writing is superb. Her novel is African American literature but it presents real life scenarios, that all need to be more aware of… and I loved how well-developed the tale was. This was a fast-paced story that will grab readers’ hearts and suck them in whole. I loved reading every page…addictive, sad, and well-written. Overall, I highly recommend Sky (Me Against The World) to readers everywhere.

 

Review: Who’s Between the Sheets

 

Synopsis:

What’s done in the dark will always be brought to the light. Some secrets can never be kept hidden.

Hazel and Jamal have been together for six years and are just now getting married. Just after the wedding Hazel soon starts regretting saying the words I Do. Hazel eventually begins to realize that Jamal isn’t the perfect husband that she thought she married.

Jamal has never really been faithful to Hazel but marries her anyway. He has been cheating on her for over two years. He loves Hazel but Hazel doesn’t know how to sexually satisfy him, which puts Jamal in a complicated situation.

Xavier has been with Jet for four years and they have one daughter together. Jet wants her freedom to drink and party all night without hearing Xavier breathing down her neck. Xavier wants Jet to be responsible and stay out the clubs, but she isn’t hearing any of that. Jet soon starts sleeping with someone else and when Xavier finds out Jets secret all hell breaks loose, he dismisses her and decides to raise their daughter on his own.

Who’s between the sheets tells a story of different couples who just aren’t satisfied with their partners sexually. You will be amazed when you find out WHO IS actually BETWEEN THE SHEETS.

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Who’s Between the Sheets by Shanice B. is definitely one urban romance that readers don’t want to miss. Shanice B.’s talent continues to shine on with every novel that she writes. I can’t believe how realistic her characters are. The emotional journey is powerful and believable. It’s easy to lose oneself within each character’s shoes. Understanding and sympathy can be felt for some female and one male character. Marriage life is full of its ups and downs…especially for characters like Hazel. Her husband has been cheating on her for two years with a stripper. The stripper is pregnant and then ends up losing the baby. But that doesn’t stop the stripper from destroying what’s left of Hazel’s marriage. The marriage is barely hanging on by a thread and only hanging on due to her recent discovery of being pregnant with her cheating husband’s baby. As soon as the stripper comes by with her plan to destroy…Hazel gives up and her husband, Jamal, finds that marriage is just not what he wants anymore. His brother is fed up with the way he treated his wife Hazel but knows that he can’t his brother. Then there’s Jamal’s brother is having relationship issues with his girl. Finds out that she’s been sleeping with another woman. On top of all that, she’s been an irresponsible mother. But after his woman’s lover secret comes out…Jamal’s woman comes back to him. Working on being a better mother and girlfriend to Jamal…but only time will tell if everything will work out for Jamal and his woman. Drama is tenfold in this exciting tale. I was surprised by all the crazy stuff going on that Shanice B. was able to keep things going straight…it was easy and fast to read. I felt like I was watching everything happen as it happened. Incredible…steamy, and contains a lot of adult content…but definitely a must read. Who’s Between the Sheets will keep readers guessing…

 

Review: What the Hell Was I Thinking

 

Synopsis:

In an attempt to deal with the physiological trauma of being molested as a young girl, 28-year-old China agrees to be hypnotized by her therapist to speed up her rehabilitation. During her session, China recollects family secrets of deceit, rape and murder. In order to figure out why her life is upside down, China explores her past of lesbianism, sexual additions, self identity issues and much more. It slowly becomes obvious that China’s choices weren’t the only ones effecting her life because China’s mother, Renee, has a closet of secrets that have shaped China’s destiny as well.

As China fights to provide a better future for herself and learn from the mistakes that cost her the life of her unborn child, she learns there are only two options when dealing with the hard times in life: either triumph or parish.

What the Hell was I Thinking is an urban drama that shows that every thought has an action and every action has a consequence.

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

What the Hell Was I Thinking by MZ Joe is a dark urban read. Inside, readers will explore issues that are still being faced within out society today. Child abuse, sexual harassments, and sexual identity. This novel was definitely fast-paced and realistic. The family issues going on were believable and sad. I couldn’t believe all that went on with the main character when she was only a child and then continued as she grew up…then there are the marital issues, molestation, and rape. Quite an eye opener read. The writer left strong points such as watch out for men that are too close your kids and watch your kids at all times. If left unattended, bad things can happen just like what happened to the main character inside this novel. Now, as a grown adult, the character still struggles from her past and present.

What the Hell Was I Thinking takes readers on a young woman’s journey into her past and present. It was also done in a way that makes readers more aware of bad situations. I liked how they MZ Joe kept me guessing as to what would happen next in China’s life. China was raped by a man her mother was having an affair with…and when the affair was ended the man took revenge on China. After that, China was never the same again. Sex was a constant in her life. The story was like a rollercoaster…both good and bad points. This urban fiction was well done. I highly recommend it to readers everywhere.

Upcoming Reviews…

Review: Mocha & The Billionaire’s Son 2

 

Synopsis:

The fast paced BWWM novel with a twist is back. Mocha and Billy have professed their love to each other in holy matrimony. As they begin their journey as husband and wife, they face the everyday trials associated with being newlyweds. Can their love overcome and sustain them through the honeymoon stage and beyond?

Crazy Amy is still off her meds and wreaking havoc wherever and however she pleases. When she is on the loose, it’s wise to keep your husbands closer than ever before. Hollywood meets psychopath is bound to send someone over the edge.

Erin is still dealing with the effects of Amy’s torture and being held, hostage. Putting her life back on track is proving to be more difficult than expected with a new threat to her life and future happiness. Will Charles be able to protect her from the past life that she once loved?

As these lives intertwine and stretch from Houston to Hollywood, take a front row seat to find out whose relationship is as solid as a rock and whose will crumble under pressure.

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Mocha & The Billionaire’s Son II by Regina Swanson is spicy, intense, and full of drama. Inside this exciting new novel, we find that Mocha and Billy are now a married couple. They experience their first disagreement. Then there’s Billy’s dad who doesn’t approve of Mocha and won’t accept her as his daughter-in-law. Billy’s mom, Nancy, was just caught having sex with her lover, in Billy’s basement. Mocha finds out that her husband is ticked off with his mom for sleeping with a man other than his father. But then there’s Billy’s father who has slept with almost every one of his female employees…Also, the crazy killer is still on the loose. No one knows where she went. Erin is still afraid that the killer will come after her for not going with the killer’s plans. Erin is also, trying to make amends for what she has done wrong…especially to Mocha and Billy. Mocha won’t accept Amy’s apology. Mocha is still feeling the after effects of Erin’s ill intentions. But that’s not all…there is a loving man in Erin’s life. What happens to each of these characters is exciting to follow as the addictive and heated plot continues to unfold. Mocha & The Billionaire’s Son II is a highly entertaining contemporary romance that will keep readers turning the pages. Regina Swanson has the raw talent for creating plotlines that drag readers deep into her fictional worlds and for creating characters, that are easy to connect with on every level. Overall, I highly recommend this hot, sexy, and juicy tale to all.

Review: Mocha & The Billionaire’s Son

Synopsis:

Above all else choose love. In a world where the cards are stacked against interracial couples, who would choose to travel that road?

Mocha is CEO of Baldwin Enterprises. She runs the company for Billionaire William Baldwin. William Baldwin’s only son, Billy, is ready to settle down and start a family. Mocha is the object of his desire. But nothing comes easy in a world of love and hate. While Mocha and Billy are determined to be together, can they overcome the evil doings of a crazy psycho who’s just as determined to keep them apart.

Come on this journey with Billy and  as they are tested beyond belief in this tale of love that conquers all.

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Mocha & The Billionaire’s Son by Regina Swanson almost made me think I was reading a thriller at first…the two main characters came onto the stage and that was when the I knew what I was reading. The crazy pyscho killer in this exciting new title made me feel chills down my spine. It was like at any point in time she could kill anyone and get away with it. Then, there is another woman woman who is nothing but jealous of Mocha, the black CEO. Mocha caught the desire and attention of the billionaire’s son. A white rich man wants nothing more than just to have her as his. This sets off a friendship with the jealous woman and the psycho killer. Just how far things will go…will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Regina Swanson also knows how to heat up the pages for her readers. With every page, I felt the raw animalistic attraction between Billy and Mocha. Hot, steamy, and bold. Mocha & The Billionaire’s Son is a romance featuring two lovers going agaisn’t all odds to be together. Readers will find themselves immediately lost within this read. Overall, I highly recommend it to all.

Review: Love & Hustle

 

Synopsis:

Sometimes things won’t work out no matter how hard you try.

Brittanya and De’Quan have been looking for love in all the wrong places. Once their paths cross, they assume that the love Gods have finally decided to shine a little light on them. Both have been raised in dysfunctional environments. So when things start to happen that are clear warning signs of a toxic relationship, neither seem to be able to recognize it. The last thing on their minds is going their separate ways.

Brittanya’s thug addiction could very well cost her something that she could never recover from. De’Quan, blinded by what could be may very well lose the most precious thing to him, freedom.

Will Brittanya and De’Quan realize that their addiction to each other has negative consequences for them both? Or will they be able to overcome and find the real love that they both so desperately seek.

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Love & Hustle by Willnide Desrosier is definitely a dark and edgy read. There’s tons of drama, trouble, and hearts on the line. Inside this urban romance, readers will find a lot of adult content such as drugs and sex. The main characters are an interesting set. Both come from different sides of the world but share the same kind of experiences when they were growing up…Brittanya is a tattoo artist. She doesn’t want any other job but the one she has. College is not anything she wants either. However, like all women, she wants true love. But in her line of work finding that will be like looking for a needle in a haystack. Then there’s De’Quan. He’s a thug who wins Brittanya’s heart and he too is looking for true love. For De’Quan and Brittanya finding their true love will be difficult and once found it will be even harder to keep. Consequences, drama, and trouble follow these two as their journey deepens. Every page contained a lot of action and enough juicy details to keep readers hooked. Willnide Desrosier’s writing is great. Her characters come alive. The intrigue is thick and heavy. The romance and heat is hot enough to set the pages on fire. Overall, I would recommend Love & Hustle to readers everywhere.

 

 

Review: Thugalicious

 

Synopsis:

What’s done in the dark always comes to the light.

There is more to Braelyn Diamond Baldwin than meets the naked eye. A savvy business woman by day and a Thugaliscious TrapQueen by night.

Braelyn feels the need to win at everything she does. She is at the top of her game right now but just when she thought she had everything under control, a secret that she’s been keeping is brought to light. This secret threatens everything that she holds near and dear to her heart.

Will Braelyn take drastic measures to stay on top or accept her fate of being dethroned?

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Thugalicious by Tyrianna Gregory is the most complex novel ever. This urban drama is so high the intensity can be felt sizzling from the pages being read. I held my breath waiting for the explosion that I knew was bound to come out…the situations inside this well-written tale are beyond complicated. Nothing like a good messy romance to read. Tyrianna Gregory brings a lot of action, heat, and suspense within this exciting read. Yes, there are a lot of issues happening with the main character Brae but that’s what makes this novel interesting. Life is messy. Crap happens. The writer brought out a realistic character with believable struggles. Yes, I can definitely see a woman struggling with raising a child, with her first love, who doesn’t find out until he’s in the hospital. Then, there’s the issue of her being pregnant and loving another man as well as being buried deep into a dark career. There was never a boring moment on any of the pages. The dialogue was great and the characters fit their roles perfectly. I would definitely recommend this novel to other readers and look forward to the next novel in this exciting adventure. I have to know what happens next.

 

Review: Deceived

 

Synopsis:

Stony Jackson is a man easy on the eyes and a total charmer, he’s well accustomed to having his choice of women with a simple flash of his million-dollar smile. Even after settling down with the one tryst that could make his toes curl, he is not completely fulfilled. It’s not until Stony is reunited with the woman he failed to conquer, that he realizes he wants to have his cake and eat it too. A chance meeting brought her back into his life and he staked his claim on her for keeps, but will it last if she finds out about the secrets he is working so hard to keep hidden?

Addison Short is hot on the path to becoming the top attorney in the state when she stumbles upon the man of her dreams. A face from her past, this man proves to be a total package. Their marital bliss is in full swing, yet Addison finds herself unfulfilled with her motherly duties. Will a trip to New York help rekindle her passion or will her world be turned upside down?

Adrian Jordan is living the fairy tale life that most people can only dream of. With a college-sweetheart marriage, a pampered, lavish life, and a man that offers good looks, charm, wealth, and serious pipe-laying, Adrian lives every day in orgasmic bliss until a secret bond with a long-forgotten acquaintance threatens to expose skeletons long locked away.

This sizzling page-turner places all three lives on a collision course as they’re thrown into the flames of deceit, betrayal, and turmoil–will they escape or become fatalities of love?

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Deceived: One Man Two Lives by Sydni Anderson is full of urban drama, romance, and betrayal.  One man is secretly living two separate lives with two women who are completely clueless of the situation…however, both knew each other from college. It has gotten to the point that both women suspect that their man is cheating…and one night’s events will almost blow his cover and set the ball rolling for his destruction. One woman was making her way to the top of her career when she had met her husband. They have a daughter but she wants more…she wants back in her job field. She thought her husband cheated on her and when she went to discover the truth…she ended up arrested. Addi has met a new man who heats her from outside and within…but she doesn’t want to cheat on her husband. Then there’s Adri who is also with Addi’s husband. She thinks their man has cheated but she settled for his lies that he’s not. But as the juicy intense plot unfolds…can one man hold his two lives together or risk losing both? Addi is at a crossroads in her life and her best friend has hooked up with the hot policeman that arrested Addi. Where fate has taken these characters is left for readers to discover on their own. I loved reading this title from Sydni Anderson. Her characters are believable and the scenes are smoking hot. Overall, I highly recommend this tale to readers everywhere.

 

 

Review: Love Me If You Can 2

 

Synopsis:

Ethan thought that Kayla was down for him until he finds himself locked up and serving 30 days in the county jail. After serving his thirty day sentence, Ethan is released and revenge is on his mind. Kayla has moved on and has decided to work things out with her baby daddy A.J.

Ethan starts following Kayla and A.J and begins to play both of them against one another. Ethan doesn’t plan on Kayla ever having a happily ever after with A.J.

Keandria is devastated when she learns Ethan has been released from jail. She’s fallen in love with James and prays that Ethan stays away from her and their son. But Ethan has other plans. Keandria soon realizes that Ethan wants his family back and is willing to do whatever he can to work things out with her. Who will she choose James or Ethan? Will she forgive Ethan for being abusive and cheating on her?

Jasmine has stepped back into the picture and throws everyone for a curve ball. She wants what she wants and is making it her business to expose everyone’s secrets. She has a lot of anger directed towards Ethan and Keandria and she doesn’t plan on stopping until everything that has been done in the dark comes to light.

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Love Me If You Can 2 by Shanice B. is wound up too tight in this urban drama that it’s hard to resist. The plot thickens to a boiling point…who will survive and who doesn’t, keeps readers on the edge of their seats as they race through this exciting tale. I simply can’t get enough of these fabulous characters. Their sassy strong personalities and heated love debates and love triangles keep me guessing. I want Keandria to be with a man that make her happy but now it seems that her new man, as well as her old one, have both sunk low in handling things with her. Who she picks to keep on living with is a question that drives readers further into the plot. Then there’s an unexpected twist with Jasmine wanting to wreck havoc on everybody’s life that has the power to flip the entire plot over and make it interesting…Love Me If You Can 2 is the craziest yet most intense urban drama romance that I have ever read. I absolutely loved reading this new title by Shanice B. Her writing is brilliant and realistic. Overall, I highly recommend this new title to readers everywhere.

 

Review: Love Me If You Can

 

Synopsis:

Some people chase love, some people chase money, while others chase both. Love and money can bring out the best and worst in people.

Keandria is a single mother who is working as an escort to make ends meet. She has just left her abusive baby daddy and is doing her best to make it on her own. Drama soon escalates and turns deadly when her baby daddy makes it clear that he will not help her with their child and would rather spend his money entertaining his new chick, Kayla. Keandria soon finds comfort from one of her clients which complicate matters. Keandria finds herself feeling emotions that she hasn’t felt in years, but soon wonders are they all in vain. Will the love prevail or will past betrayal and hurt destroy her future?

Michele is Keandria best friend and works as a stripper at Choppers night club. When Michele meets Jason one night at the club, things soon start to change. Jason starts to catch feelings and decides that if they are going to be official, she has to stop stripping and find another job. Michele doesn’t want to stop stripping, but she doesn’t want to lose Jason either. Michele will have to decide what she loves the most her money or Jason.

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Love Me If You Can by Shanice B. is  hot, sexy, and seductive. The writing takes readers deep into the drama high story. This urban romance is intense…it starts off with a woman who deals with her annoying baby daddy that doesn’t know when to quit. She works her butt off, at an adult center so that she can pull off enough money to take care of her and her child. There is plenty of trouble between parents and the threat of child visitation rights.  A woman fighting to provide for her child finds out that things between her parents are just as bad as her own issues. Then there is her friend who also works as a stripper. She too has men issues. Men screwing other women when they already have a woman who wants them. I rooted for the two women as they kicked their men’s butt out to the curb. The future looks bumpy but it might just be worth fighting for…Keandria has a new man in her life helping her with the custody battle and Michele has a man that wants her but she has to quit her stripper job…can these ladies find the happiness they both deserve or will their battles take everything away? Love Me If You Can by Shanice B. is absolutely a must read for all. I couldn’t get enough of these tough female characters and their men issues. Romance is in the air and drama is so intense that it’s addictive like a drug. Overall, I highly recommend this novel to readers everywhere.

 

 

Review: Charmed by the Best

 

Synopsis:

Is it possible to love two men simultaneously?

This is the foremost question on Chayne’s mind as she is forced to confront the drama associated with being entangled in the ultimate love triangle.

Chayne is gorgeous, intelligent, classy yet sassy and is admired by many. Nevertheless, she remains closed to the possibility of new love because her heart still beats for her high school sweetheart Devon. Devon is everything Chayne loves charming, tall, handsome, and a star basketball player to boot. However, the two were forced apart by distance as they embarked on two different collegiate paths.

Despite distance and time Chayne and Devon, both remain unwilling to completely move on. That is until Chayne, meets Sterling, a handsome, articulate, college athlete, who comes from a wealthy family. Enamored by her charm and beauty Sterling sweeps Chayne off of her feet, or so he thinks.
Now Chayne’s path has led her down twist and turns and ultimately to a fork in the road, Devon or Sterling? While attempting to embrace love she is faced with the consequences of opening her heart to two different men. Chayne’s world is consumed with love, lies, and loss as she attempts to answer the question, how do you follow your heart when it is split between two loves?

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Charmed by the Best by J. Shanay is stunning. This urban drama fiction is packed with everything readers want. Action, suspense, and heat. J. Shanay introduces two characters that are so realistic that it’s amazing this novel is just a piece of fiction. There is Chayne. A smart, sassy, and beautiful African American woman who grows up loving a boy. The boy who stole her first kiss and her heart. Devon is the good looking sports guy that grows up near Chayne. They both go through similar family issues and are deeply in love with one another. However, time takes them away from one another time and time again. Every time they meet they feel the pull on their hearts. Tragedy soon strikes and leaves them separated once again…as life goes by Chayne and Devon go their own ways. That’s when a new player comes in…Sterling.  Sterling is a hot and wealthy sports guy who has fallen for Chayne. Charmed by the Best is an urban romance about one woman whose heart has to decide which man she loves. J. Shanay’s writing kept me lured and sucked in from page one. Her characters and their emotional journeys are enticing. They are easy to connect to on every level. This urban fiction is definitely three dimensional, and I highly recommend it to others.

Review: A Thuggish, Ruggish Love 3

 

Synopsis:

How far would you go to protect the one you love? Can you be that Ride or Die Chick?

When Blaze is faced with a lengthy prison sentence, Aleah is given the opportunity to become his savior. With an indecent proposal on the table that can be used to set Blaze free, will Aleah put aside her values and morals so that they can be reunited?

Xavier has Mackie on the brain! She was just that good. He’s willing to do whatever it takes to keep her in his life, including going against doctors’ orders. But this time, will it cost him more than just his time and money. With his body weak and frail, will he put his trust into someone who doesn’t have his best interest at heart?

Mackie has the weight of the world resting on her shoulders. On the run from three different law enforcement agencies and with Blaze and Diesel not easily accessible, she has to decide if life is worth living. As she is pushed to the limit, can she find the strength needed to overcome the possibility of losing everything that she holds near and dear to her heart?

Keya has found the love of her life in Khalil. He’s just what she needed to bring peace to her chaotic life. With Xavier in the hospital and Aleah consumed with Blaze, she learns to stand on her own. Trying to find a balance between loving Khalil and taking care of Xavier stretches her beyond her limits. Soon she will have to choose between love and happiness or putting family first.

Every woman needs a Blaze and every man needs an Aleah. Let A Thuggish Ruggish Love show you why.

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

A Thuggish, Ruggish Love 3 by Regina Swanson is superb. Yes, it contains adult content. The sex is steamy hot and everywhere. The attraction among the characters is enough to heat any night. There’s abuse, drama, and romance. The suspense of what is and will happen to Blaze, Xavier, Mackie, and Aleah is stunning. I never knew what to expect. The romance between couples is high and messy. Emotions, as well as hearts, are on the line. Decisions will have to be made. Once again, I found myself deeply lured within Regina Swanson’s brilliant series. A Thuggish, Ruggish Love 3 is perfect. It realistically portrays the urban street life and the hostility between law enforcement and the thugs. Life isn’t all about happily ever afters and starting a family. It’s about finding yourself, being true to yourself and finding a way to survive what one has been dealt with…I enjoyed following the set of interesting characters as well as news ones. The story comes to life with this writer’s talent on every page. Overall, I highly recommend this latest novel by Regina Swanson.

Review: A Thuggish, Ruggish Love 2

 

Synopsis:

“For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open.” – Luke 8:17, NIV

When Mackie, Xavier, Blaze and Aleah all met up in the same place at the same time it was explosive. Nobody knew how their lives were intertwined.
The result left Xavier fighting for his life.

With Xavier unconscious and not able to point his finger at the shooter, detectives begin their investigation into who shot him?

Aleah is falling in love fast and hard. She’s never been a part of anything close to resembling street life but for a chance at love she’s willing to ride or die for Blaze.
Mackie has been thrown for a loop with Xavier being shot. She seeks the comfort of her best friend since childhood as she tries to come to turns with what she’s done.
Diesel has always been team Mackie. He wants to carry her away from the only life that she has ever known. With several obstacles in their way, will they be able to avoid the demons that are chasing them?

Blaze has spent his entire life protecting his little sister. As Mackie’s sins are trying to catch up with her, he continues to put his life on the line to keep her safe. But with the Feds hot on his tail, he must decide if he is willing to continue to put Mackie first or accept a life that includes being locked up.

Keya’s stress level is through the roof. When she finds out Aleah’s role in Xavier being shot, she comes unglued. Their sisterly bond is stretched to the point of popping.
As the anticipation builds surrounding these lives, find out if Xavier is given a lease on life; if Blaze and Aleah can build a life together; if Mackie is able to leave the game behind; and if Keya can find it in her heart to forgive.

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

A Thuggish, Ruggish Love 2 by Regina Swanson has just got hotter and more intense than one before it. Wow…the drama and romance heat up inside this new novel. The writing continues to impress me as it lures me deep into four lives that just keep getting more complicated. Complicated, sexy, and emotional…that’s A Thuggish, Ruggish Love 2 by Regina Swanson. The suspense from the last novel’s ending expands into this title and it’s impressive. The old and new issues get tangled and loyalties blur. Where will Keya, Xavier,  Aleah, Mackie and her brother Blaze end up…then there’s a new character who gets more attention…and Keya might just find a bit of happiness for once. The big questions that keep readers on the edge of their seats are whether or not siblings will stick together or go with what finally makes them happy.

A man is left hospitalized and his sister, new lover, and wife are worried if he’ll make it out fine. Then there’s his sister who works hard at her job and trying to help her brother and his wife with their issues. Blaze doesn’t want the thug life but his sister loves it and now it’s coming back to bite them both in the ass…only thing is Blaze willing to go to the lengths to protect his sister from what he tried telling her not to do or will he do what he needs to do to be happy? Aleah is in a rut. Her husband went from a loving great man to very abusive faster than she could ever imagine. He stops with abuse but ignores her all the time and then finally goes after another woman. A woman that is highly dangerous…and living a dark lifestyle that’s about to crumble….a simple fight ensues and all of them are involved in some way or another. Will they survive or fall trying? A Thuggish, Ruggish  Love 2 is steamy, fast-paced, and intriguing. Regina Swanson doesn’t disappoint. Her characters have once again, dragged me deep into the center of their lives. Their world became my own…Overall, I highly recommend this urban street romance to all.

 

Review: Get Rich or Die Trying

 

Synopsis:

ROME and RAIN had the ordinary hood life with struggles. Their mother was raising them with sugar and spice and everything nice. But the sudden death of their mother sent them on the run from social services. No way did either sister want to be a product of the foster care system. With the odds stacked against them, Rome formulates a plan and makes a vow to get money by any means necessary.

MASON and MARCUS are known in the hood as Rich and Money; two petty hustlers that flood the Marcy Projects with mediocre dope. The two had big dreams, but with no money or support, their dreams fell short.

Rome, Rain, Mason and Marcus stumbled across each other after a wild police chase. The crew orchestrates a get rich quick in a five-year plan. When Marcus and Mason start to develop feelings for the sisters they soon find out that Love & Dirty Money don’t mix.

Lies, death, and deceit linger around the crew as they fight their way to the top. Find out what happens when your only focus in life is to GET RICH or DIE TRYING.

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Get Rich or Die Trying by Brittany McBryde is truly an intriguing novel. There’s action, drama, sex, and danger on every page. There are two sisters each one is married to one of the two Martin brothers. Each guy cheats on his wife but when one man’s wife cheats on him…he feels broken. But so is she. The man she cheated with was angry at her for questioning why he told everyone including her husband about their baby they were going to have. This almost led to a shot out. From that day on Money’s wife was never the same. She goes to feeling emotional to ashamed to depressed. Rain’s life is on the line…and her sister Rome must help her..before she’s lost forever. Then there’s the drama and trouble of Rome’s theft heist that has her shaking with worry. Never has there ever been any issues until her latest heist. Rich told her not to do the dirty jobs anymore…but she wouldn’t…maybe she will learn her lesson…

Get Rich or Die Trying is exciting to read. A group who have worked together to steal money to get where they are now…are now dealing with family issues as well as threats. Infidelity issues and a job gone wrong, as well as the suspicion, of how they all came, into money, from nowhere, will leave this incredible set of characters fighting to get rich or die trying. The plot moves super fast and gives readers little time to figure it out before new trouble brews. Brittany McBryde’s novel is suspenseful and kept me turning the pages. I was blown away by the characters’ stories within the overall story. The emotions as well as the characters’ actions will captivate readers and keep them hooked. Overall, I highly recommend this novel to readers everywhere.

Review: Made for Me to Love

 

Synopsis:

True love does triumph…in some shape and form.

Isabelle has always risen above tragedy and heart break. When her baby died, she rose and survived. As she dealt with a cheating and abusive husband, she rose and survived. Isabelle thought her chance at finding happiness was fading, but real love was nearby. When true love presents itself she realizes accepting it is not the easiest thing to do. This tale tells the struggle of the human spirit’s desire to be loved even when it is not entirely right.

Set in the 1970’s, Made For Me To Love is a heart-warming story based upon actual events in the author’s life.

My Rating: 5 stars

My Review:

Made for Me to Love by Unnis Ballad is an inspritational journey that readers will love. Heartbreaking at first, then there’s the fight to stay strong despite everything that happens. Yes, life tosses us curves balls and pulls the rug from under our feet occassionally, but readers will find this one woman’s fight is the hardest. Love created a precious gift and only to be taken away from the arms of one woman. Then, her relationship with her man is one that many women find themselves trapped within. However, Isbelle fights and she fights with all the passion and strenght God has given her. Being happy is something we all want. Unnis Ballad’s realistic and believable character, Isabelle believes that happiness just isn’t within her reach, until fate brings something to her. Maybe, just maybe Isabelle will finally find what she deserves after all. Happiness.

Made for Me to Love is a remarkable African American piece of literature that is heartbreaking. A story how how many lives come together all facing a future that none of them wanted. The ending was something, I didn’t expect. It was definitely one that readers won’t see coming. Unnis Ballad weaves family, love, and loss all into this beautifully written story. The characters are well-developed. I enjoyed reading this novel, and I highly recommend it to readers everywhere. It will definitely open up one’s eyes to the world’s cruel fates.