Urban-Reviews.com - African-American Fiction

Gloria Mallette
If There Be Pain

5 out of 5 books

Kyle Lawson is a successful businessman that has everything a man could want. His biggest flaw is his arrogance and his ability to string three women in his life along without a conscience. Kyle sees absolutely nothing wrong with his scandalous behavior but his family wants him to stop playing around and be a responsible adult. Kyle wants everyone to leave him alone. Things go from bad to worse for Kyle when his beloved Native American shaman grandfather dies. After his traumatic death, Kyle begins to have terrifying dreams that causes physical and mental pain. He runs to a tarot reader that tells him that one of the women in his life will put him in danger. Kyle thinks that cutting ties with all of his lovers will end his nightmares but he finds out that it’s not that simple. He better pay attention to the meaning of those dreams before it’s too late.

If There Be Pain is an exceptional novel by Gloria Mallette. Mallette brought us an engaging storyline and characters that her fans have come to know and love. But what I really loved about this book was how this author incorporated a supernatural element into this story. The Native American shaman, tarot reader, and Kyle’s nightmares added a whole new level to this already wonderful novel. Fans of this author’s previous books will find that this story is truly unlike anything she’s ever written and will be pleasantly surprised. There also a valuable lesson to this story: You can’t go through life disrespecting people without consequences. If There Be Pain is enthralling and dynamic. Gloria Mallette has taken her writing to even greater heights.

4 out of 5 books

Keith Lee Johnson
The Honeymoon Is Over

Ex-NBA hopeful Nelson Kennard is a self-made business man who’s engaged to sexy Parris Stalls. Nelson is trying to expand his business but it has not been profitable as he would like. Parris is tired of waiting for Nelson’s ship to come in and breaks up with him. Parris runs into the arms of Shenandoah Armstrong who has a score to settle with Nelson. Things get interesting when Nelson becomes the self-made millionaire that Parris always wanted him to be. Now Parris wants to reap the benefits because she still loves Nelson and never had any real feelings for Shenandoah. Meanwhile, Nelson has found a new love interest but he still has love for Parris. Will he take her back?

The Honeymoon Is Over is an entertaining novel by Keith Lee Johnson. Johnson expertly brought us a complex relationship that gets out of control really fast. What I really liked most about this novel is that it was not your typical relationship novel. There’s a lot of shocking twists and even murder in this book that will have readers glued to the pages. The Honeymoon Is Over is a true page-turner.

Richard Jeanty
Neglected Souls

5 out of 5 books

Katrina’s life has been anything but easy. At the age of fifteen, Katrina was kicked out of her parent’s house due to being pregnant. Katrina was forced to live on welfare and in a shelter until she meets Tony. Tony seems like her knight in shining armor but he’s nothing but a pimp looking for his next money maker. Katrina leaves Tony after he discovers that she’s pregnant with her second child. Katrina goes back to prostitution to support her two children Nina and Jimmy. But when Katrina is sent to jail, Nina and Jimmy are left to fend for themselves. Nina and Jimmy must be strong for other if they’re going to survive.

Neglected Souls is a riveting novel by Richard Jeanty. Jeanty skillfully takes readers on an emotional journey of a young family struggling to make it. I loved the way this author captured the turmoil and hopelessness of Katrina, Nina and Jimmy. I felt myself rooting for Nina and Jimmy as they were trying to fight their way out of the ghetto. Readers will be glued to the pages to the very end. Neglected Souls is the perfect lead in to the sequel Neglected No More.

5 out of 5 books

Richard Jeanty
Neglected No More

Life for Jimmy and Nina has turned for the better. Nina is married and is a police sergeant and Jimmy is married and now plays for the Boston Celtics. Jimmy is riding high on success and fame but he’s trying to run from the skeletons in his closet and survive a health crisis. When someone from his past threatens to sabotage his career, Jimmy has to turn to Pastor Jacobs and Nina for help. But will they be able to help Jimmy without putting their own lives at risk? Nina and Jimmy also get the shock of their lives as the missing links of their family history finally come together.

Neglected No More is the perfect sequel by Richard Jeanty. Jeanty masterfully continues the story of Nina and Jimmy. I liked the way this author incorporated the shortage of African-American organ donors and his thoughtful social commentary into the storyline. Readers will also get the full explanation on why Katrina’s parents acted the way they did towards her and her siblings. Neglected No More is thought-provoking and dynamic. Richard Jeanty is proving himself to be a force to be reckoned with in the literary industry.

Shelia M. Goss
My Invisible Husband

4 out of 5 books

Nikki Montana is a single 34-year-old account executive that is tired of her family pressuring her about getting married. Nikki decides to fake a Las Vegas wedding to please her family. On her return trip to Dallas, Nikki meets the sexy Byron Matthews on the plane. She is already too caught up in her web of deceit and now everyone wants to actually meet this mysterious new husband. Not having any other options, Nikki enlists the help of Byron to play as her husband. Will Byron go along with Nikki’s crazy plan or will he just walk away?

My Invisible Husband is a widely entertaining novel by Shelia M. Goss. Goss brought a unique and fast-paced storyline. I loved the drama and the humor in this novel. Some of the dialogue had me laughing out loud. This story will definitely have readers flipping the pages. My Invisible Husband is delightful and uproariously funny.

Read our exclusive interview with Shelia M. Goss in our Inside Out section.

4 out of 5 books

Endy
In My Hood

Desiree “Rae-Rae” Johnson was once a successful business woman that avoided the ‘hood’ like the plaque until her life went downhill. She meets her soul mate Bilal “Bunchy” Wilson not knowing that he is a heroin addict. Instead of leaving him alone, Desiree tries to understand his addiction and ends up battling her own crack addiction. Bilal and Desiree’s lives as drug addicts go from bad to worse as they struggle to survive and witness a double murder. They soon devise a plan and pull off a huge robbery and murder that lands them in prison. Desiree is released and vows to make a better life for herself being drug free. Desiree meets and falls for a top drug dealer Ishmael Jenkins not knowing his own devastating past. Ishmael’s loyalty is tested in the streets and Desiree may be caught in the crossfire. Will they survive?

In My ‘Hood is a phenomenal debut novel from Endy. Endy did a masterful job of depicting how a woman can go from being a successful business woman to a self-destructive crack addict. I really loved the character development of this story. I could feel the emotional struggle of Desiree as she tried to stay clean and live a normal life. I also like the fact that Desiree tried to convince Ishmael to get out of the game and that she didn’t allow him to lavish her with money and gifts. This story is not just about Desiree and Ishmael but there are other characters and sub-plots in this story that leads to a jaw dropping ending. In My ‘Hood is down-to-earth, emotionally charged, and electrifying. Hopefully we will see more novels from this author in the future.

Read our exclusive interview with Endy in our Inside Out section.

Jacki Simmons
Stripped

4 out of 5 books

Caiza Bell is a young law firm secretary and business school student. She was living the glamorous life while living with her fiancé Jacey and didn’t have to worry about things like bills and money. Caiza’s world comes crashing down on her when a stupid mistake forces her into a life of poverty and an eviction notice. Caiza turns to her best friend Myeshia to help her get out of this financial turmoil. Myeshia introduces Caiza into the seedy but lucrative world of stripping at The House of Sin. Caiza quickly becomes the star of the club and gets more money lavish gifts than she ever expected. But all that glitters isn’t gold and Caiza soon finds out that all of this money and new found fame comes with price…a price that could be deadly.

Stripped is an exciting debut novel by Jacki Simmons. Simmons gave us an engaging story about a young woman’s struggle to survive by any means necessary. I loved the realistic storyline. I really saw how fast Caiza had to grow up after she’s forced to be out on her own. There were also good supporting characters like Caiza’s best friend Myeshia that made this story soar. Stripped is fast-paced and entertaining. This is a wonderful start to Jacki Simmons’ career.

Read our exclusive interview with Jacki Simmons in our Inside Out section.

4 out of 5 books

T. F. Walters
My Brother's Keeper

Dallas and Dakota Seabrook are brothers trying to survive in the Harlem ghetto. Their mother Nora is trying to make ends meet and raise strong young men on her own. Dallas is focused in school and is a budding basketball star. Dakota is tired of his family living in poverty and answers the call of the streets instead. Dakota soon makes enough money to move his family out of the ghetto and makes his mom a homeowner. Everything seems to be going great for the Seabrook family until Dakota is the victim of a brutal homicide. The police conduct a weak investigation that leaves Nora and Dallas with more questions that answers. Dallas graduates high school becomes a police officer and vows to find his brother’s killer. But when Dallas finds a break in the case, he must make a tough decision that will haunt him for the rest of his life.

My Brother’s Keeper is an excellent debut novel by T.F. Walters. Walters does an excellent job of telling this coming-of-age story. I liked how this story was told through the eyes of Dallas. The scenes are so descriptive that you can actually picture everything that is taking place. I also enjoyed the murder mystery element to this novel. My Brother’s Keeper is enthralling, and awe-inspiring.

Check out our interview with T. F. Walters in our Inside Out section.