Urban-Reviews.com - AA Fiction Reviews

African-American Fiction - New Reviews
5.0 Books = Classic | 4.0 - 4.5 Books = Impressive | 3.0 - 3.5 Books = Noteworthy

5 out of 5 books

Brady Bledsoe and his mother Carmyn have the perfect mother and son relationship. Carmyn is a single mother who owns several beauty salons and is a faithful church member. She is devoted to her son and shares his dream to become a professional football player. Brady has shared the same values as his mother, including joining a celibacy circle at church. Because of his hard work and dedication, Brady is now in his senior year in college and is a lead contender for the Heisman Trophy and a spot in the NFL. Things soon get complicated for Brady when a beautiful cheerleader named Barrett has her eyes on him and his potential multi-million dollar future. Will Brady be able to stay out of Barrett's clutches? Meanwhile, Carmyn is trying to keep Brady's eyes on the prize. Carmyn is also trying to desperately protect a secret that she has kept from Brady his whole life.

Just Too Good To Be True is an electrifying novel by E. Lynn Harris. Harris once again gives readers what they want by delivering a story that's full of drama and emotion. You get a bird's eye view of the wild and exciting world of a college football athlete. Brady is a complex character that you will root for. Although he does make a few mistakes along the way, you will see how Brady is still trying to stay on task for his future football career. You'll also feel for Carmyn as she tries to make amends for her past mistakes. Harris perfectly illustrated the strong mother and son relationship between Brady and Carmyn, which was refreshing. This author's novel wouldn't be complete without his signature plot twists that will have you flipping the pages. Just Too Good To Be True is widely entertaining and heartwarming. E. Lynn Harris has brought a novel that doesn't disappoint and will satisfy his legion of fans and will possibly gain a whole new fan base.

Reviewed by Radiah Hubbert for Urban-Reviews.com

Check out our Exclusive Audio Interview with E. Lynn Harris
in the On The Line section.

E. Lynn Harris
Just Too Good To Be True

4.5 out of 5 books

Diane McKinney-Whetsone
Trading Dreams At Midnight

Neena is a 36-year-old woman who has been searching for her mother that abandoned her and her sister Tish twenty years ago. Neena leaves her childhood Philadelphia home and makes a living by blackmailing wealthy, married men. But when this last job goes bad, Neena is forced to come back to Philly to face her family and the demons of her past. Neena and Tish's grandmother Nan is a stable church lady and seamstress. She is loyal to her granddaughter Tish who is about to be a mother herself. During this time, Nan starts to question her own past decisions. Nan is also struggling with the way she dealt with her daughter Freeda's mental illness and her disappearance.

Trading Dreams At Midnight is a riveting novel by Diane McKinney-Whetstone. The author expertly weaves a tale of three women who must resolve some issues in their past in order to move to the future. You feel the emotional pain of all of these characters. You sympathize with Neena as she searches for her mom to fill the void in her life. You also feel for Tish as she goes through a difficult pregnancy and will understand the guilt and inner turmoil of Nan. This author paints such a vivid picture of this story that the reader will feel as if they can see everything that is taking place. Trading Dreams At Midnight is awe-inspiring and insightful. Diane McKinney-Whetstone once again displayed her superior storytelling skills that make Trading Dreams At Midnight definitely worth the wait.

Reviewed by Radiah Hubbert for Urban-Reviews.com

Check out our Exclusive Audio Interview with Diane McKinney-Whetstone
in the On The Line section.

5 out of 5 books

This book was so good that I just don't know where to begin. *sigh* So, I guess I'll start at the beginning and try not to give away any spoilers. The Shadows is the 11th book in the 12-book Vampire Huntress Legend (VHL) Series written by L.A. Banks. The Dark Realms are hiding out after the angels from On High put them in their place; however, don't count them out yet! The fourth Biblical seal has been broken and the team doesn't know it, but the Anti-Christ isn't dead. He's recovering under the watchful eye of Lilith and the one who shall remain nameless. The Darkness leaders are still recovering from their wounds, but in due time they will heal and one will seek revenge. Their deceit and treachery will lead to the resurrection of one of the most infamous vampires of all time.

Yonnie and Val are now a part of the Neteru team. With their special powers, it is hard to keep anything from these two...which is why they will soon discover a hidden secret that the Neteru's are keeping from the Guardian Team. However, their powers will come in handy in the next battle. Yes, the one who shall remain nameless is still fuming over his latest defeat and is out for revenge. He's planning to bring the battle topside, unleashing a full-frontal assault on mankind for the offenses committed by the Vampire Huntress team. This time, Damali and Carlos must address serious human casualties and collateral damage...all while Nuit rebuilds Blood Music to become a record label that will unleash media brainwashing on everyone that hears or watches anything by them. Will the Guardian Team be victorious in the end?

The Shadows is a must read for all VHL Fans. This book is good from the beginning to the end! I'm already crying because this is book 11 in a 12-book series. The Shadows was a real rollercoaster ride! It had me high and giddy at times, only to bring me down and then take me up again. This book had me going so bad that I was talking to the characters in this book as if they were real people. Also, Carlos really impressed me when he went into battle to protect his own. I got an adrenaline rush just reading about the battle. The battle scene was described so vividly that I honestly thought that I was there viewing it! The only thing that I didn't like about the book was that it ended. Believe me when I say that T he Shadows truly deserves 5 stars and is a must read!

Reviewed by LaShonda Bates for Urban-Reviews.com

L. A. Banks
The Shadows: A Vampire Huntress Legend

3.5 out of 5 books

Teri Woods
True To The Game III

Three times the charm is what has been told and seemingly what Terri Woods is hoping for with the final installation of this saga. Gena awakes in a strange room in someone's house of whom she hasn't a clue. Battling a temporary bout of amnesia, Gena is trying to connect the dots that will put the pieces of the puzzle together to the numerous questions that are running rampant in her head. Gena is further stunned upon the presentation of her knight in shining armor...her deceased forever love is NOT dead!!! Then he describes all the events that bring them face to face in light of the events that have transpired.

A hurt, disillusioned, and confused Gena flees the safe haven with no real sense of direction. While Gena is dealing with the latest events, she has no idea that her life is in danger. A vengeful Terrell, Jerrell's evil twin, is scanning every crack and crevice in search of her to even the score. Gena's association with her family is further endangering their lives ,and in her quest of dealing with the resurrection of Quadir and his love for Dr. Amelia, Gena is finding a trail of terror that is hot on her tail.

True To The Game III further evolves with a mind-boggling scene of reuniting closed doors to be re-opened, love versus obligation, true familial bonds, revenge, murder, dirty cops, and finally the revelation of what so many have waited for such a long time to find out. What happened that Quadir was able to escape death's fateful grasp? Will he and Gena finally live happily ever after, or has life thrown a curve ball in the middle of this parallelogram and formed a lover's triangle? Who will be cut off? How many innocent people will lose their lives during Terrell's reign of destructive vengeance? I think True To The Game III is wonderful as far as providing long-awaited answers for the readers as well as very expressive explanations of all the concerns that should arise in this conclusive ending. It is most definitely what it is!

Reviewed by Tazzyt2bossye for Urban-Reviews.com

4 out of 5 books

Tonya Morris, a.k.a. Tender, used to be a stripper but chose to leave that degrading lifestyle in her past. Struggling daily to make ends meet, she unsuccessfully tries to elude her landlord and ignore the snide remarks of her co-workers at the beauty shop where she works. Present day finds Tonya fired from her stylist job, utilities being disconnected one by one, and eventually homeless. Turning to her best friend Naeema, Tonya goes back to the booty shaking gig until she and Naeema come up with a business promoting sexual parties with past associates.

Quinton "Q" Phelps has found success in the music industry and is grinding daily to continue to rise in this field. While seeking major success, Q is raising his son while the mother is incarcerated, taking care of his family, and evading the hip hop cops who are relentless in their pursuit of him. Q walked away from the drug game with millions of dollars that he used to fund his legitimate entrance into the music industry. A chance meeting brings Tonya face to face with Q, a man of her past that callously took her heart and left it broken in his destructive wake. Impressed with their promotional skills, Q offers Tonya and Naeema a win-win situation that helps to end their financial woes and gives them free reign to evolve their natural talent.. Of course, Tonya knows from past experience that with the sunshine, she has to be prepared for stormy day. Karen, Q's jealous baby sister, thrives on raining on the duo's parade and is one that they have to constantly watch.

Shannon Holmes paints a captivating story of one young lady's struggle to rise from the pits of degradation and low self-esteem. A very poignant view of life at its worst, Bad Girlz 4 Life offers a brief insight of the politics surrounding the music industry. In the midst of the chaos, Shannon Holmes entertains the readers with a love story! Pragmatic scenes with truthful reactions and thoughts make this a stimulating yet enlightening read! Bad Girlz 4 Life proves to be a very good follow up!

Reviewed by Tazzyt2bossye for Urban-Reviews.com

Shannon Holmes
Bad Girlz 4 Life

5 out of 5 books

Candice Poarch
Long, Hot Nights

Alyssa Claxton is a no nonsense woman who can take charge of any situation. She doesn't need a man because they only cause heartache. Or does she? Her family and friends think she feels as if she doesn't need a man, but that is not true. Alyssa is really a romantic but doesn't want to show that vulnerable side of herself because she has been hurt too many times, and with her job she can't show any weakness. She is the only detective on Paradise Island. When her cousin's husband is murdered and found in a compromising position, she goes into full detective mode.

Jordan Ellis is a wealthy businessman that has been after Alyssa for over 7 months. She does not have time for the "playboy" who just uses women for his benefit. But Jordan is determined to win Alyssa' s heart because she is different from any woman he has ever meet. As the case progresses, Jordan finds himself more involved with it and Alyssa. Can he help solve the case before the murderer strikes again as well as melt Alyssa's heart enough to let him in?

Candice Poarch did an exceptional job with the character development in Long, Hot Nights. There are several secondary characters in this story, and she developed each one without the story becoming to verbose. There are also a number of subplots in the story. She is able to weave them all together so that you're able to follow along without being confused about what the story is actually about. From beginning to end, the story keeps you on pins and needles. It was one of those books that you have to continue reading to find out what's going to happen next. Candice Poarch did an excellent job of mixing the mystery and romance elements. Long, Hot Nights is a must read!!

Reviewed by Tenecia for Urban-Reviews.com

Read our exclusive interview with Candice Poarch
in the Inside Out section.

5 out of 5 books

The only thing going on in the Del Rio Bay is the extreme. While the main focus is on the varsity cheer squad, some are anticipating the partying while others are seriously plotting. The only people in the DRB who aren't buzzing about the extreme are Kelly, Jacinta and Lizzie, who will be stuck in the cove over spring break.

Mina is fly! Not only is she officially apart of the uppers, Mouthy Mi is thrilled to be attending the extreme as a freshman. And not to mention, Mi snagged a true jedi-hottie named Brian who she can't wait to get some alone time with while chilling in OC. On top of all of this, Mina's worse enemy Jessica has called a truce. Although Mina doesn't completely trust Jessica, she can't help that she wants to be liked by everyone. Will her need to see the bright side of everything cause turbulence in her world?

As usual, Paula Chase has written a great book that embraces assortment. The Del Rio Bay Clique is made up of mix-matched friends who are able to relate to one another despite their differences. I truly love how Paula has meshed suburbia and the hood and came up with books that all teens can relate to. I love this teen series and look forward to finding out what happens next at DRB.

Reviewed by Nardsbaby for Urban-Reviews.com

Paula Chase
That's What's Up!: A Del Rio Bay Clique Novel

4.5 out of 5 books

Sophia Shaw
A Rare Groove

Simone St. Clair literally falls head-over-heels for Maxwell Harper.

Simone St. Clair is an on-air personality in Atlanta who is dating one of Atlanta's most eligible bachelors, ex-boxer Kevin Johnson. According to her friends, she should feel like the luckiest lady in Atlanta, but she doesn't. When she goes to Jamaica for a friend's wedding, her friend gets delayed. While alone on this beautiful tropical island, sparks do fly when she meets Maxwell Harper.

Maxwell is a native Jamaican but has not lived on the island since he was a child. He is now a very sexy engineer who resides in Canada. Even though he seems like the perfect man, Maxwell is dealing with nine year old family drama that Simone somehow finds herself caught in the middle of. She now has to decide if he is really what he seems or is all too good to be true.

A Rare Groove was the first book by Sophia Shaw that I have read, and I thought it was a very easy read. Her style of writing just flows, and the story holds your attention until the end. The only reason I did not give this book a 5 was because things start to happen really quickly towards the end of the story that I think are very vital to the plot, and they didn't get developed as much as I think they could have. But overall, I still think A Rare Groove was a very good read.

Reviewed by Tenecia for Urban-Reviews.com

Read our exclusive interview with Sophia Shaw
in the Inside Out section.

5 out of 5 books

Connie Jefferson is a reserved and shy woman who is the perfect good girl. She has a very romantic and seductive boyfriend named Victor who caters to her every need. But Connie finds herself in a difficult situation when Victor's wandering eyes become a problem and she longs for the ecstasy that she shared with another man years ago. Deandra Morgan has grown from a wild teen to a cold and calculating woman. She loves living in the lap of luxury and lots of mind-blowing sex. Deandra will stop at nothing to get what she wants, even if it's a wealthy real estate developer named Marshall James. Marshall is immediately smitten with Deandra until she starts exhibiting some unsavory behavior that makes him question if she's the right woman for him. Things get really interesting when Marshall reconnects with his old friend Connie. Marshall and Connie's feelings come back to life as they remember a steamy tryst from long ago. But Deandra will not let Connie stand in the way of her happiness with Marshall.

Promiscuous is a seductively steamy novel by R. Moreen Clarke. Clarke masterfully takes readers on an erotic journey with this story. One of the key elements that makes this story stand out is the rich character development. You will feel and understand the acts of all of the characters including Deandra. This novel is also full of drama and jaw-dropping twists that will have you glued to the pages. You will definitely need to pay close attention as the events of this story unfold. Promiscuous is a spicy page-turner that is a definite winner for anyone that loves a good erotic romance.

Reviewed by Radiah Hubbert for Urban-Reviews.com

Read our exclusive interview with R. Moreen Clarke
in the Inside Out section.

R. Moreen Clarke
Promiscuous

4 out of 5 books

Wahida Clark/Kiki Swinson
Sleeping With The Enemy

Kreesha is a savvy person when it comes to her business. But when it comes to Reign, she is completely blind. Reign is a married ex-con with one strike left. He's fresh out of the penitentiary and feels the need to be back in the position he started from...even if it all comes at a price. Kreesha's cousin Eboni is married, but that doesn't mean she can't have her cake and eat it too...but at what price?

"Enemy in my Bed" by Wahida Clark had my attention from the beginning. It combined action, drama, and heartache all in one. The storyline was good.. It was an easy read, and I did not want to put the book down. I could definitely relate to Kreesha with her being in a tug-of-war situation and having to make a life-altering choice.

Larissa Taylor is a fed up Black woman. She's tired of games, hurt, pain and lies. Tenisha, Larissa's best friend, doesn't seem to have a care in the world, but could it all just be a front? Supreme can't wait to be released from jail. But until then, he needs a woman who's going to hold him down until his release date. These three main characters make up "Keep My Enemies Close," a story that shows how love can be so blind that it can leave the door open for your freedom to be taken away.

"Keep My Enemies Close" by Kiki Swinson was the perfect example of a wolf in sheep's clothing. I enjoyed the story from beginning to end. It was both realistic and enjoyable, even when things were not always as they seemed. Betrayal is certainly the deadliest enemy, especially when it comes from the people you love and trust.

Reviewed by Kristin for Urban-Reviews.com

4 out of 5 books

Faith Walker, Chrissy Jackson, Gavin Roberts, and Remi Aguilar are friends who have known each other since freshmen year at Jackson State University. They are part of the famous marching band at the school and seem to be inseparable. That is until two of the friends made a horrible decision that could tear their friendship apart forever. During her college years, Faith recommitted herself to Christ and made a vow that she would stay celibate until she was married. Her boyfriend Gavin is not too happy with her decision, but he respects her wishes since he loves her that much. Faith's walk with God is tested, and she wonders if she's made the right decision. Will Faith compromise her walk with Christ to keep her man or will she stand firm and stop going back and forth?

Back and Forth is a nicely written Christian Fiction for young adults about how young Christians need to stay focused on their faith and not be consumed by worldly obstacles. There's a message for all people, young and old, about forgiveness. The only criticism that I have about this book is that it was extremely predictable. Once you start reading the book and really get into it, you can tell what's going to happen just by the way the book flows. I would recommend Back and Forth to any young person that is struggling with their walk with God as this would be a true inspiration for them.

Reviewed by Jackie for Urban-Reviews.com

Read our exclusive interview with Fon James
in the Inside Out section.

\Fon James
Back And Forth

3 out of 5 books

Devon Scott
Unfaithful

Ryan appears to have it all: a good job, wife and nice home. But sometimes that's not enough. Olivia is a co-worker and best friend to Ryan, but when secrets come to light, things are not always as they appear, especially when you don't want to know the truth. Sometimes lust comes at a price, leaving consequences you have to face for the rest of your life.

The opening storyline for Unfaithful dragged, and I found myself losing focus to continue the story. But as I continued the book, it did eventually pick up towards the middle. I enjoyed the realistic issues the book covered and dealt with. Overall, I think Unfaithful was a solid 3, due to the book not coming together until the end of the book.

Reviewed by Kristin for Urban-Reviews.com

Read our exclusive interview with Devon Scott
in the Inside Out section.

3.5 out of 5 books

Trell Hamilton is a sexy, rich, and successful businessman that seems to be on top of the world. Trell has lived a charmed life since high-school and has never let anything stand in the way of his happiness. But Trell gets a little more than he bargains for when he's faced with a devastating secret that he must reveal to his current love interest Monica. He keeps being haunted by his past through his dreams. But when Trell wakes up, he's still faced with owning up to his current mistakes and the possibility of destroying everything he has with Monica. What will Trell do?

Degrees of Deceit is a good debut novel by Dani B. The author draws you in from the very first page. You will immediately wonder what this huge secret that Trell is struggling with is. What made this story interesting was how it was told in a series of flashbacks. These flashbacks give readers a little bit of history about Trell and his family. However, the flashbacks prove to be a lot more interesting than when the story jumps back to the present. The flashbacks end abruptly, leaving you wanting more. By the end of the novel, the reader is left with a multitude of unanswered questions that will hopefully be answered in the second and third installments of this series. Degrees of Deceit is still a solid and entertaining novel by Dani B.

Reviewed by Radiah Hubbert for Urban-Reviews.com

Read our exclusive interview with Dani B
in the Inside Out section.

Dani B
Degrees of Deceit

4 out of 5 books

Marchel Alverson
Savor The Sweetness

Celeste Gray and Terri Hunter are best friends who have the best of everything. But even the lavish homes, beautiful children, and loving husbands cannot stop them from wanting more. Celeste is trying to escape her mundane life as a homemaker. Terri is seeking some much needed attention from an online romance. Celeste and Terri's world turns upside down when Celeste's husband Jayland is killed in a car accident. Jayland's death causes Terri and Celeste to go down a path to self-destruction. Terri tries to have a more serious connection with her online lover. Celeste's loneliness causes her to want sexual healing from Terri's barely legal son Rowan. Will their friendship last through these trying times?

Savor the Sweetness is an impressive novel by Marchel Alverson. Alverson pulls the reader into the complex lives of Celeste and Terri. You will truly feel the deep connection that makes up their friendship. This novel takes the reader through a rollercoaster of emotions as this story unfolds. You will feel the emptiness of Celeste as she tries to cope with her husband's death. You will also feel the uncertainty of Terri as she tries to seek comfort in the arms of another man. This story wouldn't be complete without some shocking twists and turns that will keep you on your toes. Alverson added a nice touch to this story by including the private orange grove where Celeste and Terri share their secrets. Savor the Sweetness is an emotionally-charged novel teemed with realistic characters and situations. Savor the Sweetness will have you looking forward to the next novel from Marchel Alverson.

Reviewed by Radiah Hubbert for Urban-Reviews.com

Read our exclusive interview with Marchel Alverson
in the Inside Out section.

5 out of 5 books

Daughter Denied starts out with 7-year-old Tina Ann Rivers telling her life story as she sees things. Tina's main concern is that she doesn't fit in with her family. She is the darkest out of everyone, she's the only one with short nappy hair, and she has ashy black skin. Not realizing how beautiful she really is, she tries to stay out of the way to keep from being treated horrible by her mother's husband Brother Floyd. Going through life not knowing her father is the biggest concern Tina has. All she wants to know is what he looks like, considering the fact that everyone else in the family is high yellow with long "good hair" and pretty eyes. She knows that her mother has been married to Brother Floyd for as long as she can remember. Tina knows that he's not her father, and longs to know if her real father loves her or even knows that she exists.

All throughout Tina's childhood, Brother Floyd has been in and out of jail. They are practicing Muslims when he's home; but they go to church when he's away, leaving Tina completely confused. She knows that staying in school and achieving as much as she can will be the only thing that will change her life. As a result, Tina becomes a much stronger person than her drug-abusing mother Earnestine. Earnestine is so caught up into both Brother Floyd and dope that she can't seem to see the way it is affecting her children, especially Tina. Taking on the role of big sister and mother to her younger siblings, Tina is responsible for everything that happens in the house when Earnestine is out getting high. On top of dealing with the mess that Earnestine continues to create, Tina still deals with her complexion and how to fit in.

I fully enjoyed Daughter Denied. Ms. Thomas brought everything to life. She had you routing for Tina. Throughout the entire story, you knew she was determined not to become a victim of her circumstance. However, with all the things her mother put her through, you weren't sure if she would make it or not. The phrase 'what don't kill you can only make you stronger' rings true in this story. Even though Daughter Denied was a work of fiction, I could just imagine this all really happening, and I'm sure there are plenty of Tina's out there.

Reviewed by Angie for Urban-Reviews.com

Read our exclusive interview with Alretha Thomas
in the Inside Out section.

Alretha Thomas
Daughter Denied

3 out of 5 books

Jeff Robertson
The Evil Side Of Money

Derrick Jones leads a hard knock life: his mother is a druggie and he's a misfit. A timid Derrick develops guts when he teams up with Nate, a familiar face that helps him fend off the neighborhood bully. A familial bond is formed, and Nate's mom welcomes Derrick into their fold without ever passing judgment on his circumstances. Derrick, who is deemed the name 'G' by Nate, tragically loses his mother on the day that Momma Williams throws him a birthday party.

The boys grow up as brothers and enter down a destructive path that proves profitable yet lonely. Nate leads a crew of youngsters as a stern commander-in-chief and becomes a cold, cruel, and callous killer. For the love of a brother, G remains loyal and dismally follows Nate's lead as it slowly tears his character down.

The Evil Side of Money has a few emotional parts that lightly touch you, but in all it proves to only be a decent read. It is a tale of loyalty, love, trust, and murder, all things that one might pay or endure for the sake of acceptance. There are true life lessons, including the heartbreak from familial bonds that are brought to the forefront. The Evil Side of Money has quite a few editing discrepancies, but it is basically boils down to the usual hood story.

Reviewed by Tazzyt2bossye for Urban-Reviews.com

3 out of 5 books

Jay Tyvon
What Is Luv?

Meet Mr. Justin Vaughn...a fly and flashy young man who's the hottest A&R rep since Diddy. He's a certifiable ladies man...well...a self-proclaimed bachelor should I say.

Justin's soul purpose is to see how many women he can bed and keep moving. No strings attached, right? Just give me the best sex you can and we are cool. In Justin's life are his son Justice, Justice's mother Theresha, and his brother and only living relative Jerome. Well, their father is actually still alive and fighting for his life. But all of the hurt that they were put through from their father during their childhood keeps Justin from reconciling with him. But it doesn't stop him from continuing his destructive behavioral all throughout the story.

After reading What Is Luv?, I'm not really sure what love is. The story went from one day of his life to the next, dragging on for 369 pages. I was completely lost and thought I was going to scream. Justin went from one bad relationship to the next. Once he finally found and understood the meaning of real love, it's taken away from him. It ultimately forces him to step up to the plate and be the man his mother raised him to be. Well, that would be easy had he actually did it. All throughout the story, Justin comes up with the same revelation over and over again in his head; however, I still didn't see him actually put those thoughts to use. I won't say it was a horrible story. What Is Luv? was well written, but the story itself just went on and on, and the pace never changed. Nothing was ever exciting, and I still missed what his definition of love turned out to be. I understood his anguish regarding the way his father treated them while they were growing up, but at what point in life do you move past your childhood and actually grow up?

Reviewed by Angie for Urban-Reviews.com

Read our exclusive interview with Jay Tyvon
in the Inside Out section.

3 out of 5 books

Cecilia Ann Richards (a.k.a. Sassy) has it all. A wonderful relationship with God, her dream job, two wonderful friends and the perfect man. The sad part is that she doesn't know what to do with any of it. She has so many of the right answers that she misses everything around her being that she is so self-righteous. Her best friend Amber is beautiful, well-rounded, and the life of any party. But with Amber's latest conquest clouding her judgment, Sassy feels that it's her Godly duty to tell Amber just how wrong she is. Her neighbor Jayna really just needs a friend and an ear and not a judge and jury. Revealing her deepest secret to Sassy does nothing for her either. Sassy is so busy giving everyone her Christian advise that she misses the whole picture. Sassy is in a new relationship with one of her oldest friends named Darnell. He's an up-and-coming R&B artist who wants nothing more than his singing career to take off and for Sassy to be by his side.

Sassy was just that: a sassy, self-righteous pain. She irked the life out of me; she has every answer for everyone in the story but continued to miss the potholes outside her own home. The story was just okay for me, it was kind of annoying. I won't take away from the authors' talent to write a story; however, the way it was told was a bit too unbelievable in my eyes.

Reviewed by Angie for Urban-Reviews.com

Read our exclusive interview with Valerie A. Howard
in the Inside Out section.

Valerie A. Howard
Sassy

5 out of 5 books

Sylvia Lett
Like Never Before

Danielle Roberts is a successful attorney who seems to have it all together...but looks can be deceiving. She has a secret that is affecting her love life. She thought she would be able to come to terms with it and put it all behind her...that is until her own on-again, off-again ex-fiancé moves back to town.

Greg Thomas is also a successful attorney who has moved back home to win back the only woman he has ever really loved besides his mama. When he left town two years ago to advance his career, he had no idea that his life would be so incomplete without Dani. Now that he has returned, he is determined to do whatever it takes to make her Mrs. Gregory Allen Thomas.

Sylvia Lett's style of writing just flows. There are never lagging moments in the storyline. This story also has lots of secondary characters, but she makes the characters so real that you are able to identify with almost all of them. The book is mainly about two families, and you can match each character with a member of your family, whether it's the obnoxious cousin that everyone hates to see coming or the parent who tries to control everything. Like Never Before was very easy to read with a great storyline. A must read!!!

Reviewed by Tenecia for Urban-Reviews.com

4 out of 5 books

The Mocha Manual to a Fabulous Pregnancy is a wonderful and complete pregnancy book for African-American women. This book covers everything from how to prepare you for the pregnancy journey to a nine month financial guide. What also makes this book so helpful is how it focuses on the specific potential health concerns African-American women may face during pregnancy such as diabetes and high blood pressure. There are also some humorous elements to this manual including pregnancy myths and various shared personal stories by everyday African-American women and celebrity moms. The Mocha Manual to a Fabulous Pregnancy is a wonderful book for any mother-to-be.

Reviewed by Radiah Hubbert for Urban-Reviews.com

Kimberly Seals Allers
The Mocha Manual To A Fabulous Pregnancy