Urban-Reviews.com - AA Fiction Reviews

4 out of 5 books

Virginia DeBerry And
Donna Grant
What Doesn't Kill You

Thomasina "Tee" Hodges has always had her life under control. Tee raised her daughter Amber by herself after her divorce and has been riding high ever since. But everything changes in an instant when Tee is suddenly laid off and doesn't tell anyone. To make matters worse, she just threw a big wedding for Amber and then wakes up the next morning with the best man. Tee's average normal life is now suddenly spiraling out of control towards bankruptcy. Tee is suddenly faced with having to make some huge sacrifices in order to survive. Will she be able to depend on herself to get things together?

What Doesn't Kill You is an entertaining novel by Virginia DeBerry and Donna Grant. DeBerry & Grant once again brings us a tale that is thought-provoking and relatable. What makes this story stand out is the way that it is told. By having the main character Tee tell this story in the first person, it makes you feel as if your best girlfriend is talking to you. There are some very timely issues in this novel such as job loss and impending bankruptcy that readers will be able to identify with. This is not a fast-paced read, but you can see the gradual development of this story as you get further into the book. You will find yourself rooting for Tee to get everything back on track. What Doesn't Kill You is a great novel filled with realistic situations and smart, sassy humor.

Reviewed by Radiah Hubbert for Urban-Reviews.com

4 out of 5 books

Meesha and De'Nesha are back with a pimp, a playa, a killer, and a drug dealer...all major components in the hood, the ghetto, the projects, whichever is your description of choice. They introduce Tavon 'Sweet' Johnson, the infamous pimp that works his moneymakers on poles as well as private parties. He invests his income into lucrative sexually-based businesses. Sex is his business and his business is to sexually pleasure all who seek him and his Diamond trim out for their freakiest fantasies. Then we have the equally wealthy and business savvy Kaseem, who assumed the HNIC title when Maleek, the hoods' predecessor caught a bid and had to vacate the throne. Kaseem luxuriates in the perks with the job, but there's a longing for something other than this lifestyle. An unexpected package shows up with his ex-girl that broke his heart, but it only intensifies his determination to try a different path in life. But will the love of his life, Quilla, be willing to ride or die?

DeMarcus is an ex-gang banger finds forgiveness in Allah and is released from the prison system after 10 years of incarceration. His girlfriend Zoey's allegiance is empowering and reaffirms his commitment to remain legit. Being an ex-convict constantly assassinates any job opportunities for DeMarcus, and it destroys Zoey's career. He also battles a corrupt parole officer and the call of the old life. Rhakmon, the ladies man, hustles fake designer bags, sexes as many women as he can, and takes their money while getting inside their heads for his profit. This is his 'one' game plan. A night of frightening sexual egotism has placed Rhakmon in an awful position which he masterfully turns the table on his latest victim, Shaterica.

The Hood Life is the third installation to Meesha and De'Nesha's Hood series, and it is every bit as wild as the previous two. Of course 'the hood' wouldn't be the same without Ms. Cleo and Ms. Osceola on the front stoop getting it all and then some. This storyline varies as the authors explore another focal point with the story being from the male point of view. They touch on all aspects of these four characters storylines and have you once again rapidly reading from beginning to the very end and more than likely have to do a 'rerun' of another hit novel. The characters have a lot of dark sides which makes this a very different yet dangerously alluring read! Hot sex scenes, a bit of suspenseful and compassionate moments only further enchants the readers. Ms. Meesha Mink and Ms. De'Nesha Diamond are once again on point in their game and have mesmerized their fan base with challenging and mesmerizing stories of life in the hood! Wonderful job ladies!

Reviewed by Tazzyt2bossye for Urban-Reviews.com

Meesha Mink And
De'Nesha Diamond
The Hood Life

4.5 out of 5 books

Delilah Dawson
Better On Top

Toni Lyons is a single mother with a 5 year old daughter named Twyla who has autism. She owns her own auto repair business, but she's still a little strapped for cash. When her best friend Eileen asks her to be a tester of her new matchmaking website Orchid Soul, she's a little hesitant. But when she finds out she can make some extra money, she jumps at the chance to become a tester for the site. Toni thinks nothing of it, only that it's a job and she could use the cash since Dan (her baby daddy) was no longer in the picture. She will soon learn that Orchid Soul will change her life drastically.

Nick Benson is coming home from war. After his fiancé was killed in the war, all he wants to do is go home to his parent's house. Unbeknownst to him, the house is not the way he remembered it. Since his mother has Alzheimer's and his dad is unable to care for her, they move into an assisted living residence and leave the house to Nick. Nick soon finds out the single family home has been made into a duplex and he starts to renovate it. During the renovation, he meets his neighbor Toni. Being a computer programmer, Eileen also asked him to be a tester for Orchid Soul. During a computer glitch, Nick and Toni become a match on the website. They soon find out each other's fantasies. Nick is no longer the ladies man he used to be. Toni wants a man to take care of her, even though she puts up this stubborn act that she needs no one. The wall that separates their two households soon comes down, and so does the barriers around Toni's heart. Things heat up between the neighbors...more than Toni was willing to participate in.

Better On Top, the sequel to Up All Night, proves to be just as good as the first book. This time the book focuses on the two characters Toni & Nick. You will see how the author gives you just enough details for you to understand how Toni does not want to get involved with anyone right now. She does the same with Nick. She shows you how Nick has changed from being nicknamed "The Reverend," to just becoming plan old Nick, someone who's looking for love and companionship. This story has some very, very steamy scenes that occur between Nick and Toni. But you also see how nurturing he is with Toni's autistic daughter Twyla. Because of this, Toni's wall around her heart starts to crumble. I enjoyed this book, as well as the first one. Delilah Dawson has done it again.

Reviewed by Jackie for Urban-Reviews.com

4 out of 5 books

Todd Darling (aka Terry and Michael James) has all the qualities of a man that any woman would want. He's the perfect husband---to three different women. Todd has seduced three different women under assumed names. It's all too little, too late when Nikki, Jacqueline, and Dawn find out that their marriage was nothing but a mirage. Nikki finds herself broke and pregnant. She moves in with a lesbian friend Zelda and her partner. Things get complicated when Zelda decides that she and her partner would be better parents to Nikki's unborn child. Jacqueline moves in with her relatives down south, but she clashes with their suspicious lifestyle. Dawn is forced to move in with her older sister and brother-in-law who have some marital issues of their own. But when Nikki, Jacqueline, and Dawn become involved in the ultimate plan for revenge, they may get a little more than they bargained for.

Counterfeit Wives is an intriguing novel by Phillip Thomas Duck. Duck catches the reader's attention from the very first page with no-holds-barred dialogue. You know right away that this is not going to be a run-of-the-mill story. What makes this novel standout is the excellent character development. Each of these women are very different but they all share the betrayal of a husband that they thought they knew. They also have some issues in their own personal lives that they have to deal with in order to move forward. This story would not be complete without a surprising twist that you won't be prepared for. Strong characters, emotionally-charged dialogue, and shocking twists makes Counterfeit Wives a true page-turner. Phillip Thomas Duck once again displays his excellent storytelling skills.

Reviewed by Radiah Hubbert for Urban-Reviews.com

Listen to our exclusive interview with Phillip Thomas Duck
in the On The Line section.

Phillip Thomas Duck
Counterfeit Wives

4.5 out of 5 books

A.C. Arthur
Wanting You

Celise Markam has been a pampered princess her entire life. Her family owns a chain of luxury hotels, but Celise wants to do her own thing. Celise wants to open her own restaurant. She has the schooling and the experience, but not the support of her father. She has also just gotten out of a bad relationship. Celise just needs a change and to be able to stand on her own two feet without being told what to do. Jason Carrington is also stepping out on his own without the support of his father and away from the family business. Also the son of a privileged family, this handsome hotel owner has a couple of problems. He has just met the most wonderful woman, until he finds out who she is. Someone is also trying to sabotage his hotel. Can these two find a way to make the biggest merger of their lives?

Wanting You is a romance with just the right amount of an erotic vibe without being over the top. A.C. Arthur does a wonderful job with word choice and descriptive words to paint a vivid picture of what is going on. Arthur also does a great job of developing the characters and making them and their situations believable. Wanting You is a excellent read.

Reviewed by Tenecia for Urban-Reviews.com

3.5 out of 5 books

Laila Stewart is a free spirited individual who loves life. She left the confines of corporate America to become a freelance copy writer. She is unconventional in every way imaginable, including living on a houseboat. Then there is Hudson Godfry. He is an attorney by trade, but him and his partner have set out to become owners of a black owned winery in Washington State. All of his money and time are focused on the winery. So he has to break things off with Laila, even though she is the best thing that has ever happened to him, until he can give her everything she deserves. When Laila house swaps and moves to Washington, will Hudson have room in his life for Laila or will he allow her to walk away?

First Crush has a very unique story line. The two main characters both have careers that are not your typical everyday jobs. It makes the story very interesting. Along with the romance element, you learn something that the average person doesn't know too much about. The storyline does lag at certain times, and it seems to be a little disconnected at other times. Gamble makes up for that by making the main characters very realistic. The main male character will remind you of at least one male you know. The loving, good brother is there somewhere; he is just buried underneath several insecurities. The female character is there for him, trying to keep the relationship together. Sound familiar?

Reviewed by Tenecia for Urban-Reviews.com

Read our exclusive interview with Marcia King-Gamble
in the Inside Out section.

Marcia King-Gamble
First Crush

5 out of 5 books

Gwyneth Bolton
The Law of Desire

Minerva Athena Jones is determined not to lead the hood life that she has been exposed to all her life. When her brother, her only living relative, comes up dead, she is persuaded to leave L.A. to go New Jersey. Now a recent graduate, Minerva Jones is on the run for her life. Lawrence Hightower is a narc who is determined to keep the criminals off the street. When he notices a beautiful young woman with two ex-cons, he is drawn to her for some reason. Lawrence is keeping a watchful eye on Minerva to find out what she is really all about. When Minerva needs to go to a safe house, Lawrence takes her to his family's winter house. There he finds out a lot about Minerva Athena Jones, but is it enough for both of them to trust again?

The Law of Desire is another installment of those sexy Hightower men. Bolton is a phenomenal writer that continues to bring her characters to life on the pages of her books. She has a style of writing that just flows. With The Law of Desire, Gwyneth Bolton keeps you coming back for more.

Reviewed by Tenecia for Urban-Reviews.com

5 out of 5 books

First Lady Audrey Graham is extremely proud of her son Stiles. He was following in his step dad's footsteps. He was about to graduate from Duke Divinity School and go on to become an associate minister at his step dad's church Holy Rock. She knew he would become the man in charge once Pastor Chauncey Graham retires. Now it is time for Lady Audrey to find her son's wife. And she knew exactly who she wanted to marry her son. Her name was Rena Jackson.

Rena was her daughter Francesca's best friend and they were inseparable. In front of everyone they were just friends, but behind closed doors they were lovers. Francesca, who demanded to be called Frankie had a horrible childhood. She was molested by a family member and a minister at her father's church. She never told anyone because of what they might think of her. So, she kept it bottled in and suddenly, this sweet and innocent little girl began to become resentful and angry towards God. Unbeknownst to anyone, someone did know her secret and it was not Rena.

When Stiles and Rena become engaged, Frankie's mysterious past is about to come to light. This will ruin the lives of all that are involved including her father. As they say, it's about to hit the fan, and a tragic accident happens. Francesca and Rena are now forced to face the music of their sorted past.

Sheila E. Lipsey should be applauded for the work she created for My Son's Wife. She has brought up a subject that some do not like to speak about and just want to sweep under the rug. She doesn't miss a beat with the way she ties in the Christian community in this novel. The detail and the characterization she gives each person in My Son's Wife is commendable. She touched on some subjects that some authors like to stay away from. You understand what Francesca, Rena, and Stiles are feeling when they realize the decent the First Lady has caused. My Son's Wife is a great read.

Reviewed by Jackie for Urban-Reviews.com

Read our exclusive interview with Shelia E. Lipsey
in the Inside Out section.

Shelia E. Lipsey
My Son's Wife

3 out of 5 books

Gwynne Forster
Secret Desire

Captain Luke Hickson is an attractive widower who has a past that he doesn't want to relive. He is very elusive, that is until Kate Middleton and her son come to town. Kate is being targeted by someone and Luke will not rest until he finds the culprit. In the meantime, he is trying to resist the chemistry between him and Kate, at least until after she is no longer under his protection. That is easier said than done because Kate has found her wings after being in a loveless marriage for 10 years. She is ready to test those wings and Luke is the man she wants.

The characters and storyline of Secret Desire are very realistic. The characters can be related to someone you know and the storyline of fear to get involved with someone after you have been hurt is very realistic. However, the word choice is not that of everyday conversation which makes it hard to read at certain points. The story also does not connect well at certain times. Forster does do a good job with the suspense element of the story. She keeps you guessing as to who is terrorizing Kate until almost the end of the story.

Reviewed by Tenecia for Urban-Reviews.com

4.5 out of 5 books

It's almost the end of the school year. Not much is happening at DRB: upcoming prom, tutoring sessions, sex, virginity pacts and missing periods.

For Mina, things with her and Brian are cruising along good. She's saddened by the fact that soon he'll be leaving her for college. Instead of dwelling on that fact, she's making it so that they become inseparable. The two become so close that Mina begins neglecting her self-appointed role as overseer in regards to the clique.

Lizzie and Todd are gently passing the awkwardly cute stage. Lizzie enjoys his time, his sense of humor and even likes their "make out" sessions. Lately, she fears that they are accelerating into a lane she's so not ready for and decides to coast to the side of the road.

Kelly is coming more and more out of her shell. It's been some time since she's seen or heard from Angel. As usual, Mina's meddling has given Kelly something to do with her free time. Greg, a student she's tutoring in Spanish, may not be making those grades, but he appears to be the right speed for Kelly until Angel becomes a bump in the road.

Cinny finds herself stuck in stop and go traffic. While she and Heem journeyed back into a relationship, she's feeling a little pressed right now. Heem is headed off to college. Unlike Mina, she can't wait to see him go. Before she can get too happy, her period doesn't show up and Heem is talking about "we," as in forever. Cinny finds herself in a serious fender-bender.

Frustration and desperation leave the clique hot and sticky. Mina finds herself fighting not only with Brian, but Lizzie too. Lizzie is content with the mess that has become of her and Todd's relationship. Poor Kelly gets caught up in Angel's web. A missing period puts Cinny's entire life on hiatus. Will the clique be able to put a halt to all of the theatrics before it's too late?

Who You Wit? is the fourth installment to the Del Rio Bay series. Despite the serious subject matter, it dishes out a witty and bracing observation into the life of teens. As always, I'm pleased that authors, especially those writing teen novels, are accountable. While the book may be written for teens, parents can relax in knowing that the messages are not only significant, but deal with the consequences as well. Who You Wit? and The DRB series are an easy recommendation for young readers.

Reviewed by Nardsbaby for Urban-Reviews.com

Paula Chase
Who You Wit?

4 out of 5 books

Jacki Simmons
Shot Glass Diva

Growing up with the best of everything was nothing new to Honorina Estelle Davis, simply known as "Honey." Coming from wealthy parents, Honey experienced the good life: the best clothes, culture, anything that Honey wanted, she got it. But sometimes looks can be deceiving. Honey did not get along with her strict and domineering mother who had a drinking problem, and Honey rebelled in the worst way. Sex and alcohol became accustomed to Honey at a young age. When Honey brings shame to the Davis name, she is "cut off" from her trust fund and is left on her own. Honey does what she knows best, hustle. Honey learns fast and quick how to get what she wants from men. Whatever is needed to get the job done, even if it includes drugging men and unsuspecting victims, Honey is down for it. Honey then comes across Sammie who turns her world upside down. Now a suspect in a murder, how will Honey get out of this mess?

Mikaylo was Honey's first love. He was eighteen, half black and Puerto Rican. Mikaylo was a pretty boy who could speak fluent Spanish and keep it hood when he wanted to. When Honey discovers she is pregnant, she looks to Mikaylo to come up with a plan to get her out of the situation. But the plan involves leaving her child with people she doesn't even know. Upon the birth of their daughter, is Mikaylo the stand-up guy he appears to be?

Ritchie, a friend of Honey's from back in the day, is known as a "booster." Anything you need, Ritchie can get it. He takes Honey under his wing as her mentor. He teaches her the trade of everything he knows and also opens up his home to Honey. But Ritchie has problems of his own: a crazy girlfriend named Tatiana who doesn't buy the platonic relationship between Honey and Ritchie. What is Ritchie supposed to do? Should he put his friend out on the street to appease Tatiana, or end his relationship with his girlfriend altogether?

Sammie Lee was an investment broker who meets Honey. He offers her a proposition she can't turn down: the job as a "mistress." Her living expenses and a condo are all at her disposal as long as she is available when he needs her. Sometimes everything that looks good isn't always good. When Sammie Lee's wife is murdered, more skeletons come out the closet, including questions about sexuality, lies, and deceit. Is Sammie the man he says he is?

Shot Glass Diva was an interesting read. It showed how one person can go from wealth without a care in the world to being on the other side, hustling and doing whatever it takes to survive. I enjoyed the book because it showed the growth of the main character Honey. She went from being a spoiled brat to a mature mother doing whatever she has to do to regain the custody of her daughter after she finds out her daughter is in foster care. I also like how Jacki Simmons gave detailed background on all the characters involved because it allowed you to set the scene and get a grasp of the storyline better.

Reviewed by Kristin for Urban-Reviews.com

4 out of 5 books

Marion "Snookey" Lake may be behind bars, but his legacy in the drug game continues with his son Whiskey Battle. Whiskey is the enforcer for the Bad Boyz II Syndicate, a dangerous gang that has control over the narcotics coming into Savannah, Georgia. He does whatever he needs to do to survive. Whiskey and his crew face a huge obstacle when a police chief steps up his efforts with getting drugs off the streets. With rogue cops and other hustlers on their side, will Whiskey's crew still be able to come out on top?

Mo' Dirty is a fast-paced sequel to Dirty South by Darrell King. Although this story is a sequel, you can easily read this book as a stand-alone novel. King pulls the reader into the dangerous world of the southern drug game. This story is full of non-stop drama, police corruption, and murder that will keep readers glued to the pages. Mo' Dirty is a gritty page-turner that will keep you guessing until the very end.

Reviewed by Radiah Hubbert for Urban-Reviews.com

Darrell King
Mo Dirty: Still Stuntin'


	5 out of 5 books
J. J. Michael It's Not Over Yet	It's Not Over Yet revisits Lindy who was once ostracized for using her powers. She is now married, has a son, and is a successful pediatrician. Lindy now uses her knowledge as a pediatrician to help people. However, all is not well in Lindy's world. Her marriage is lacking affection and someone from her past soon comes into her life and will test her vow of celibacy. Oh and the Reverend Betty Goldstein is the pastor of the Church of the Melchizedek, which is causing controversy because of the healing that takes place there. People go there to get healed; however, the identity of the healer is shrouded in secrecy. The public is dying to know the identity of the healer and the media will go through any lengths to try and be the one to first tell of their identity. Will the public ever find out who the healer is? After reading this book, I must say that the author gave it the right title. It's Not Over Yet by J.J. Michael is the sequel to Life is Never As It Seems. Again, the author gives us mystery and intrigue! It also explores the different beliefs when it comes to spirituality. I don't recall ever reading a story that has so many complex characters with so many secrets. Can you say, "Skeletons in the closet?" J.J. Michael provides another thought-provoking story that really is a page turner. I read almost half of it in a 60-minute sitting under the hair dryer. If you read the first book, then you have got to read this one. Trust me when I say that you will not be disappointed. Reviewed by LaShonda Bates for Urban-Reviews.com

5 out of 5 books

Odell "Roc" Miller Jr. is truly a walking memorial. Everyone in the hood either wants to be him or take what he has. He has definitely lived up to his name and status and has become the most feared hustler North Philly has ever seen. Following the leadership of his mentor and dearest friend Mr. Holmes, Roc is in the middle of two wars with two of the people he loves the most; his best friend Boggy and brother Lil Mac aka Solo. Trying to come up with a plan that will bring everyone together and stop all the killing has Roc's marriage on the rocks. Everything he has tried to get away from is coming at him full force. Is Roc really as thorough as he seems to be or will he bust under pressure?

I must say that Zoe and Yusuf Woods have been placed on my favorite authors list. Blood of My Brother 2 was EXCELLENT. It goes beyond expectations and I was really impressed. The story was so in depth that it made you feel like you are a part of their circle. The brothers in the story used the game of chess and wise words from various books they've both read to get at each other without actually doing it. Blood of My Brother 2 was really put together well, and I don't think Zoe and Yusuf Woods left one thing out.

Reviewed by Angie for Urban-Reviews.com

Zoe and Yusuf T. Woods
Blood Of My Brothers 2

3.5 out of 5 books

Deaubrey Devine
Destiny Hope Faith Devine

Divine is a sexy, single man that loves to have a good time, especially with women. He gets a little more than he bargains for when he meets a businesswoman named Faith while on vacation. Divine is just interested in a one night stand, but Faith wants more. Unbeknownst to Divine, Faith has her own psychotic issues that need to be addressed. Meanwhile, Divine meets another woman named Destiny. Destiny is everything that Divine wants in a wife, but her questionable behavior is making him have second thoughts. To further confuse things, Divine's old high school sweetheart Hope comes back into the picture with some relationship problems of her own. Hope and Divine begin to offer emotional support to each other, but will it turn into something more?

Destiny, Hope, Faith, Divine is a thought-provoking novel by Deaubrey Devine. Devine brought us an interesting look into the life of a single black man. You will see that there are two sides to Devine. He wants to someday find his soul mate; but on the other hand, he wants to keep his options open. You will see the growth in Devine as he gets closer to finding the woman of his dreams. Readers will also be shocked at some of the actions of Faith. Destiny, Hope, Faith, Divine is a fast-paced novel that is full of humor.

Reviewed by Radiah Hubbert for Urban-Reviews.com

Read our exclusive interview with Deaubrey Devine
in the Inside Out section.

3 out of 5 books

Nicole, Kendra, Carmell, and Natina all work together at Synergy Wireless. They all experience the regular highs and lows with an office job, but it’s the after work activities that causes them the most drama. Nicole and Kendra are best friends, but their friendship is put to the test when Nicole reveals a secret that may ruin Kendra’s marriage. Carmell and Natina were hired at the same time and soon become good friends. Things take a turn for the worst when Natina crosses the line of their friendship, turning Carmell into her bitter enemy. Will these women be able to recover from all of this drama or will they succumb to it?

Love, Lust, & a Whole Lotta Distrust is a novel filled with drama by DeiIra Smith-Collard. Smith-Collard shows what happens when the professional and personal lives of co-workers collide. Readers will see how each of these women deal with complex issues in their own way. This story was an entertaining read, but the character development could have been a lot stronger. There wasn’t enough background information about some of the main characters to justify their outrageous behavior. Some of the events in the story were so unbelievable that you question why certain things were happening. Love, Lust, & a Whole Lotta Distrust is a decent novel for those who like a lot of non-stop drama.

Reviewed by Radiah Hubbert for Urban-Reviews.com

Read our exclusive interview with DeiIra Smith-Collard
in the Inside Out section.

DeiIra Smith-Collard
Love, Lies & A Whole
Lotta Distrust

4.5 out of 5 books

Erica Hilton
Dirty Little Angel

Danielle "Chaos" Mitchell was a young, nineteen year-old girl who worked for a ruthless pimp named Crown. Tired of running from foster home to foster home, and the death of her best friend causes Chaos to move from South Bronx to Philly to stay with her cousin Bubbles. Growing up feeling worthless, unwanted, and unloved, Chaos was put in a foster home at the tender age of five. She was given away by her mother who had issues of her own to deal with. Sexually, physically and mentally abused, Chaos wanted a new life for herself, but then she meets Crown. He knows the right thing to say and offers her a better life...but at what price? Chaos comes up with a scheme to get out of this life and free herself from the reigns of Crown. But will she be successful with her plan, or will it backfire and cost Chaos her life?

Crown had that swagger that a pimp needed to have but also had a vicious temper. Crown was known for being manipulative and turning young girls out to make money for him. Crown stayed fly from his gear, hair, shoes, his whole persona. He had this whole pimping down to a science. From recruiting to controlling his four woman, he needed his women to be obedient. Crown was the daddy and wasn't afraid to use violence to keep his women in order. He thought his women were like a piece of meat: you feed them, clothe them, and take care of them and they will never leave. But when one of his women dishonors him and leaves him for dead, he cannot let that slide and defiantly has some tricks up his sleeve.

YB was a thug who only knew streets, violence, and drugs. YB's cousin Rufus was his right hand man. They each had each other's back despite the fact that YB and Rufus were complete opposites and didn't have the same principals or live by the same rules of life. Rufus saw no problem taking whatever he wanted from a woman, even if she didn't give him permission. YB on the other hand knew that you cannot be a thug 24/7. YB comes across Chaos, and there is an instant secret connection between them. YB also knows that Chaos belongs to his rival enemy Crown. YB comes up with mastermind plan to teach Crown a lesson for life. But this drastic lesson will uproot YB from Philly. Can he start over and will Chaos have his back through it all?

Sweet was one of Crown's girls. She was insecure, naive, and felt unloved and unwanted when Crown met her on the bus stop. He had been scooping her out for over a month and knew that she would be a hot commodity to his business. Sweet was reeled in right away by Crown's charm. But when she becomes pregnant, she feels compelled to get out of this way of life. But when circumstances change, Sweet could enter down a deadly path with no way to return.

Dirty Little Angel was a very good read. It dived deep into the world of pimps and prostitution. It showed how manipulation, no self-worth, and low self-esteem can make a person do things that they would not normally do. I believe the author Erica Hilton really held nothing back and didn't sugar-coat a thing. I enjoyed the book from beginning to end. I believe Dirty Little Angel shows how a bad situation can change in a blink of an eye. There is definitely light at the end of the tunnel.

Reviewed by Kristin for Urban-Reviews.com

4 out of 5 books

After seventeen years, Renee Richards gets a call from the last person she thought she would ever hear from with the strangest request she has ever heard. Craig Thompson is the best friend of Renee's brother who died seventeen years ago. She always had a crush on Craig, and on the day her brother died, a 16-year-old Craig asked a 12-year-old Renee to marry him...when he was ready. Well Craig is ready now. He is to inherit $3 million from his grandfather, but there is one stipulation: Craig has to be married in order to get his money, and he really needs that money. Renee is running from an ex who stole money from her and is now threatening her life. So when Craig calls with the outrageous proposition, she agrees for her own safety. Will this marriage of convenience turn out to be true love?

For the most part, the story in Promises Made flows really well. There are a few instances where the story seems somewhat disconnected, but overall it has a nice flow. The characters are very likeable and with them Layton brings in a hint of everyday, real life humor. There are several secondary characters that help make the story. There is also an element of suspense that keeps the pages turning. Promises Made is a really good book.

Reviewed by Tenecia for Urban-Reviews.com

Read our exclusive interview with Bernice Layton
in the Inside Out section.

Bernice Layton
Promises Made

3.5 out of 5 books

lmblakely
Wikked

Niqui Brown has a thriving career and a wealthy fiancé that hasn't been giving her the attention she needs. Chancellor Barnes IV is so consumed with his billionaire status, his quest for more money, as well as the approval of his father that he takes Niqui and her desires and requests for granted. After a spontaneous night of partying with baby sis Shayla, Niqui meets this lusciously divine creation named Denim who proves to be more than a mild distraction.

Niqui and Chance have been a couple since college, and in their past is an ex-best friend named Tiffany that has conveniently appeared back on the scene. With twinkling eyes and scheming theatrics, Tiffany has more than business on her mind. Her ideal merger would be her ability to steal Chance's heart from Tiffany. Naïve and unknowing, Chance and Niqui are both pawns in Tiffany's game of treachery. Danger nips at Niqui's heels, yet her scandalous trysts with Denim has her too enraptured to notice this factor or the enemy that is in her camp.

lmblakely has penned a credible debut novel that is to be commended. Upon reading the first chapters, I found myself struggling with this read, but after delving further into the novel, the pace picked up and the ending was memorable. Wikked is indeed a worthy read, but the author needs better formation, because the rambling dialogue proved to be distracting. lmblakely's creative skills are invigorating. Despite the editing and disorganization, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. lmblakely enchants you with tales of love, complacency, misguided allegiances, a touch of mystery, scandal, and even danger.

Reviewed by Tazzyt2bossye for Urban-Reviews.com

Read our exclusive interview with lmblakely
in the Inside Out section.

4 out of 5 books

Courtney and Malcolm have been together since childhood. Unbeknownst to Courtney, Malcolm has had an affair with one of her co-workers. Manless, jobless, homeless and penniless, Courtney takes a ride one day and tries to make sense of her life. Her car cuts off at the perfect spot and she is rescued by a man named Adam, her knight in shining armor. Once Courtney finally meets Adam and gives him a chance to help her, she realizes Malcolm really wasn't the man for her. Meeting Adam has been the best thing that has happened to her, and she actually knows now what it means to have a soul mate.

Carmen, Karen, Jeremy and Brandon have no idea how their lives will intertwine when all hell breaks lose. Karen and Carmen have been best friends since childhood. Karen was always the wild, loud one that would hook Carmen up on dates. When Karen gets married to Carmen's soul mate, their relationship ends. Carmen moves 45 minutes away so that Karen and Jeremy can have a chance at happiness. But Carmen doesn't know that Jeremy cannot get her off his mind. Since Jeremy is a lawyer, he sends a new client name Brandon to use Carmen's real estate company for his own selfish reasons to see her again. But Jeremy doesn't realize that by sending Brandon to Carmen, it causes her to find her true soul mate and Jeremy is not the one.

I was surprised when I got to the end of the first part of One's Heartache Another's Soulmate that this was a two story book and one part had nothing to do with the other. I was a little disappointed that Janet Tabera left the first story kind of hanging. However, I guess it wasn't much more that needed to be said about it. These two stories were both okay. I understood the concept of how sometimes in relationships, we think that this person is "the one." But it's not until we go through some type of heartache do we realize that they really weren't the one for you.

Reviewed by Angie for Urban-Reviews.com

Janet Tabera
One's Heartache Another's Soulmate