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African-American Fiction -
New Reviews
5.0 Books = Classic | 4.0 - 4.5 Books =
Impressive | 3.0 - 3.5 Books = Noteworthy
Don't Forget To
CLICK HERE To Check Out The
19 Book Reviews For DECEMBER 2008!
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5 out of 5 books |
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Bite the Bullet is the second book in the Crimson Moon
Series and the sequel to Bad Blood by L.A. Banks, author of
The Vampire Huntress Legend Series. This book picks up where Bad
Blood left off, with Sasha trying to rendezvous with the
surviving members of her Special Ops Unit, Fisher and Woods. On the
way to rendezvous with them, something strange starts to happen to
Hunter as well as herself. Now, she not only has to deal with what's
happening to Hunter, but her moon driven desires as well. Also, the
demon-infected Shadow Wolves are still on the loose and it seems as
if they are destroying everything in their path. They must be
stopped before they spread the virus to other Shadow Wolves and
humans. Can Sasha overcome her pull to the moon and Hunter long
enough to complete her mission?
Again, L.A. Banks weaves a tale that holds your attention hostage
and doesn't release it until the end. The shadow dance between
Hunter and Sasha is frustrating, but keeps you hungering for more.
Ms. Banks cleverly weaves a story of mystery, suspense, action,
supernatural politics and sprinkles it with a dash of drama. If you
haven't read the first book, Bad Blood, then you need to read
it to learn the history behind the contagion and Sasha and Hunter's
relationship. To those of you who read the first book, you MUST read
this one. I promise you that you will not be disappointed because
Ms. Banks brings back old characters and introduces a few new
ones. At the end of this book, you will be dying to read the next
installment, Undead on Arrival.
Reviewed by LaShonda Bates
for Urban-Reviews.com
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L.A. Banks
Bite The Bullet: A Crimson Moon Novel
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4 out of 5 books |
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RM Johnson
Million Dollar Deception
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It’s four years later and Monica, Nate, and Lewis are all back with
even more drama than before. Monica is now in a relationship with
Lewis, but things aren’t going as smoothly as she would have hoped.
She now has to decide if she should stay with Lewis or if she should
find someone who is more on her socio-economic level. Lewis is in a
much better position now that he’s with Monica. But he fears that
their differences may cause her to leave him. Lewis makes a promise
to Monica to go back to school and to start his own real estate
business. But will this be enough to satisfy Monica? Nate is still
reeling from the fact that Monica got a sizable settlement in their
messy divorce. Nate comes up with a devious plan for revenge that
may lead to more than he bargained for.
The Million Dollar Deception is an exciting sequel to The
Million Dollar Divorce by RM Johnson. Johnson once again pulls
readers into the twisted lives of Nate, Lewis, and Monica.
Readers will find that Nate is just as vindictive and bitter as ever,
trying his best to get back at Monica. You will also see the frustration
of Monica as she wonders if she will have a real future with Lewis.
This novel wouldn’t be complete without a jaw-dropping turn of
events that will leave readers begging for a third installment.
The Million Dollar Deception is a true page-turner that doesn’t
disappoint.
Reviewed by Radiah Hubbert for
Urban-Reviews.com
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4 out of 5 books |
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All Grace Okoye ever wanted to do was dance. Grace’s dancing career
was off to a great start until a brutal assault left her scarred for
life. Fast forward twenty years later and Grace returns to her hometown to help children in need. But when an unexpected man from her
past comes back into the picture, will Grace be willing to open her
heart to him? Grace’s best friend Zeely has her own set of issues.
She is trying to figure out if she should take a chance at a love
that she once thought was forbidden. Zeely’s biological clock is
also loudly ticking as she looks into other options in order to have
a baby.
Rhythms of Grace is a riveting novel by Marilynn Griffith.
Griffith
once again brought a thought-provoking story with strong, rich
characters. You will feel every emotion that these characters go
through. Readers will see how Grace has to fight with her inner
childhood demons in order to move forward in her life. There are
also some shocking twists and turns to this novel that will
definitely keep you on your toes. This story would not be complete
without Griffith’s signature wit and humor. Rhythms of Grace
is emotionally-charged and insightful, making this novel yet another winner
for Marilynn Griffith.
Reviewed by
Radiah Hubbert for Urban-Reviews.com
Listen to our exclusive interview with
Marilynn Griffith
in the On The Line
section.
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Marilynn Griffith
Rhythms of Grace
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3 out of 5 books |
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Franklin White
Joy And Pain
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Lala is so happy with life, but she has no idea that her sunny days are about
to be cloudy with plenty of rain in the forecast. Lala must be
walking around with a dark cloud over her head because her once
perfect world gets turned upside down by the two people closest
to her. Her girlfriend Adria and her man for the last six years
Kevin decide that they are going to go half on a baby and leave Lala out
the equation.
I usually love Mr. White’s work, so I will just say that I didn’t
love this one. I was disappointed that the main character was
just plain simple. After reading so many stories, I'm not
looking to read about a woman who has a degree and who is supposedly so
smart and then end up being so stupid. That is such a turn off. I'm not
even sure if Lala’s character was supposed to come across as stupid,
but she clearly did. She went from one thing to the next with no
kind of common sense coming into play at all. Then there were
chapters that I guess were supposed to shock you, but ultimately just turned me off even
more. All of this is simply my opinion. Another reader may find
Joy And Pain to be entertaining and well worth the read.
Reviewed by Angie for
Urban-Reviews.com
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5 out of 5 books |
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Petra Fields was feeling blessed. She just received a huge job
promotion and she was on top of the world. That was until she
received some tragic news that could change her life forever. Her
doctor informed her that it was time for her to get her affairs in
order because her time was very short. With all this information,
her head was spinning out of control. She didn't know how she was
going to tell her mother and her daughter that she was dying. She
knew she didn't have much time, but there was something she wanted to
do.
Petra knew she had to face all of the people she had done wrong. She
had to tell her teenage daughter Krista that the man she knew as
her father was not dead. She also had some
wrongs that she had to make right. Far from being set free from
all of her turmoil, Petra finds love. She still has a few hurdles
she has to overcome, but she has to seize the moment and move on with the
rest of her life.
Gwynne Forster has done it again. A Different Kind of Blues
is a book that lets you know you can defeat any obstacle in your
way. I thoroughly enjoyed how Ms. Forster brought you into the book.
You felt bad for Petra when she was told about her illness. You also
felt angry with her when her teenage daughter was told the truth
about her dad. Ms. Forster does an excellent job with bringing the
characters together instead of overpowering one another. At some
point in the book, you can understand what each character is going
through. If even if that isn't the case, you at least know someone similar to the characters
in the book. A Different Kind of Blues
is definitely a solid read.
Reviewed by
Jackie for Urban-Reviews.com
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Gwynne Forster
A Different Kind of Blues
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3.5 out of 5 books |
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Gwynne Forster
What Matters Most
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Melanie Sparks has always wanted to be a nurse. She was not going
to let anyone or anything stand in her way. Her less than favorable
upbringing caused her not to expect anything from anyone either. So
when s Melanie answered an ad for a nursing job in a South Baltimore
clinic, she did not expect the doctor to be so breath-taking. Dr.
Jack Ferguson is a renown cardiologist who started a clinic
in one of the poorest neighborhoods in Baltimore. His father is also
a prominent doctor in Baltimore who wants his son to marry well.
After Jack meets Melanie, he only has eyes for her. Jack and Melanie
have several odds against them: both of their fathers, their different
backgrounds, and Melanie not thinking that Jack could possibly want
her. Jack has got to convince everyone, including Melanie, that she
is the one for him.
What Matters Most is like a version of the movie Pretty
Woman. Rich doctor meets poor nurse, introduces her to the finer
things in life, and regardless of what others think, he is going to
be with her. It has that very classic romantic element about it. The
story also flows well, and Forster does a good job with the feel good
element that has you rooting for the hero and heroine to win.
Reviewed by Tenecia
for Urban-Reviews.com
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3 out of 5 books |
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Michaela Landry came to Memphis for a little R&R for the summer
before she had to be back at Howard to teach for the fall semester.
She was not looking for a relationship, but she found two. There was
ET, the sickly teenage boy she found living under her godparent's
house. This then led her to Cooper Smith Townsend, an
amazing man that was too good be true. He mentors, he coaches, and
he helps
people in need. He does everything right, except opening himself up
to others. Will Michaela be the one to get in?
For All We Know is a true love story. Sandra Kitt does a
great job with writing about a pure romance. The story was very
realistic. The characters had to come to self-realizations before
they were ready for any type of relationship. The story contained
very believable relationships that went through the realities of an
everyday romance. The secondary characters also added depth and
believability to the story. There were a few places in the story
that could have been developed more. This would have certainly given
more background information about the characters, but
For All We Know was a
sweet story overall!
Reviewed by
Tenecia for Urban-Reviews.com
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Sandra Kitt
For All We Know
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5 out of 5 books |
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Dywane
D. Birch
Beneath The Bruises
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All her life, Syreeta Colette Lynch lived behind everyone she
knew and loved. First it was her beautiful, talented and smart older
sister Janie. Then it was her handsome, intelligent and rich husband
Randall Michael Taylor III. Will she ever get from behind these two
and really become the woman God intended her to be?
Syreeta is not sure if she is coming or going with everything around
her being about everyone else. Her five boys require so much of her
time, and Randy wants everything perfect and expects nothing less. Syreeta
is left not being able to remember the last time she
did anything for herself. Finally going to see a therapist regarding
her feelings, Syreeta asks herself over and over...who is Syreeta
Taylor? The realization of what her life has become and admitting
the terrible truth that her picture perfect world is really filled
with loneliness, physical and mental abuse leaves Syreeta questioning
her sanity. Once the truth is entirely out, she has to
face it and make the toughest decision of her life. Would she like
for Randy to kill her and leave her boys without either parent, or
would she rather have Randy continue to abuse her, allowing
the boys to pick
that up and grow up to have their own unhealthy relationships? What is a woman
to do? With so many things going on in her head, she is sure she is
headed to a mental health clinic. With the help of her counselor, she
is able to start seeing things clearly. She doesn’t want to give up
on her marriage. After all, Randy is the only man she has ever loved
or been with, and he's provided her and the boys with a life every
woman would dream of. However, she knows the abuse has got to stop.
What will Syreeta do?
All I can say is I don’t know any women who has been in abusive
relationships, so I can't say that I fully understand. However, Mr. Birch
told this story for every one to relate to. Be it mental or physical
or just the relationship you don't deserve, Beneath the Bruises
takes you to places that we as women may not want to admit is going
on. I must say I loved this book. Aside from the fact that he is one of my
top three favorite authors, Dywane D. Birch has really delivered a great story
about abuse, love, family and honoring yourself as a women and not
becoming lost in the people around you. This is the perfect
book to give to someone who really needs it. Mr. Birch has even
provided statistics and real facts in the story. Beneath the Bruises
really is a must
read.
Reviewed by Angie for Urban-Reviews.com
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3 out of 5 books |
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Peach Harrison is a successful newscaster loved by the public.
She has a master plan that she’s putting the finishing touches on.
Born Claudia Fryar to a mother that was the maid to the elite
Harrison family in Philadelphia, Claudia was always made aware of
their lowly status. Claudia has always pined for her proper place in
society and to be recognized as Louis Harrison’s daughter.
Her desire to be accepted and to show ‘the infamous Harrison women’
her rise in status has fueled all of her efforts, schemes, and plans
to get to the one place where she can repay them with the
humiliation that they vindictively bestowed on her family.
My initial reaction to the introduction of this storyline was that
it felt like I was reading a school assignment. A bit tedious with no
real excitement, Beneath the Bruises is just a well thought out storyline. But I found
myself become a bit more involved as I delved into this
read even further. The Love Child’s Revenge is a slow read that does not
entail a lot of dramatic scenes. It just inadvertently catches the
reader’s attention as you try and anticipate the central characters
next move, the reaction that will follow her actions, and (last but
not least) the revelation of it if she finally feels avenged.
Reviewed by
Tazzyt2bossye
for Urban-Reviews.com
Read
our exclusive interview with Nicole Bailey-Williams
in the Inside Out section.
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Nicole Bailey-Williams
The Love Child's Revenge
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4.5 out of 5 books |
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Cassandra Carter
16 Isn't Always Sweet
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Jordan Wright is finally sixteen and she’s not only ready for
some freedom from her parents’ rules, but she’s also made a gradual
transformation by shedding her glasses, having her braces removed, cutting her hair and
adapting a newer sense of fashion. When a golden opportunity
presents itself, Jordan’s parents quickly shut it down. But where
there’s a will, there’s a way. Is Jordan prepared to risk it all for
the chance to fulfill a fantasy?
Careful what you wish for because you just may get it. As we’ve all
learned in history, ships sink. Jordan’s status has tremendously
risen. Yet jealousy, envy and rumors threaten to ruin Jordan ’s
junior year. When Jordan learns that the mutiny is coming from none
other than her best friend Adrienne, she is so devastated that
she’s unable to sleep or cope with the pain. Jordan suffers in
silence with the loss of her sinking friendship. However, Warren ,
Adrienne’s semi ex, offers her a life jacket. Will Jordan learn to
find the strength within or will she continue to sink?
I’d be lying if I said that I didn’t think I would enjoy 16 Isn’t
Always Sweet. I read the first story written by Cassandra Carter
titled Fast Life, and while I know that the author’s pen game
is fierce, I worried that her subjects weren’t really teen friendly.
I am pleased to announce that 16 Isn’t Always Sweet was a
solid read packed with real characters, innocence, love,
consequences and a positive message. I especially enjoyed the
parents’ role in the book and could easily see myself recommending
16 Isn’t Always Sweet to the teens around me.
Reviewed by Nardsbaby for Urban-Reviews.com
Read our exclusive interview with Cassandra Carter
in the Inside Out section.
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3.5 out of 5 books |
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Lovett Anderson (a.k.a. Love) thought she was finally going to have
the life she always dreamed of with her fiancé Chase. All of those
dreams come crashing down around her when she finds out Chase is
cheating on her. Dazed and confused, Love finds herself hurt and
alone until she meets Tyson. Tyson is the man that Love has been
looking for. But things go down a dangerous road as Love and Tyson
hatch a plan for revenge that may cost them in the end. Love also
has to deal the sins from her past coming back to haunt her.
Friction is an entertaining novel by Nicolette. Nicolette
takes readers on a journey into the tumultuous life of Love. You
will see how Love’s life goes from normal to chaotic as she blindly
makes one bad decision after another. On one hand, you’ll feel sorry
for Love and her life situation. On the other hand, you hate Love
for the numerous stupid decisions that she makes. This story shows
that revenge isn’t always sweet. Friction is a bold and sassy
novel that will keep you glued to the pages.
Reviewed by Radiah Hubbert for Urban-Reviews.com
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Nicolette
Friction
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Don't Forget To CLICK HERE To Check Out The
19 Book Reviews For DECEMBER 2008!
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3 out of 5 books |
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Kimberly White
All The Way
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Reporter Adriano Norwood was sitting in his news van minding his
own business when in jumps Payton Vaughn demanding that he drive.
Adriano is a gorgeous reporter playboy in Charlotte on assignment.
Never in a million years did he think he would end up in the mist of
mess involving the most notorious family in Charlotte. Payton was
the only witness to her employer ordering a hit on someone. While in
protective custody, she flees because her employer's people are
coming for her. Payton and Adriano end up on an outrageous
adventure. Somewhere between dodging bullets and high speed chases,
they fell in love.
Kimberly White does a good job of mixing the romance and action
adventure elements together. All the Way is packed with
thrills and suspense, but White managed to keep the romance element
believable. The characters in this story are great. You find
yourself in the story with them trying to figure out what would
happen next, and always routing for them to work it out in the love
department.
Reviewed by Tenecia for
Urban-Reviews.com
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5 out of 5 books |
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Milan Kennedy is the owner of a successful swingers club in
Atlanta called Erotic City. After much hard work, Erotic City
has finally become a sought after secret destination for people
to live out their forbidden fantasies. But Milan may have more
than she bargained for as her personal life gets out of control.
Milan’s boyfriend DeMarcus has an ex-girlfriend name Ramada Hart
that is bringing nothing but drama and trouble to their
relationship. Ramada can’t accept the fact that DeMarcus has
moved on with Milan. But when Ramada’s jealously becomes
dangerous, DeMarcus may have a problem reigning her in.
Meanwhile, Milan’s sister Tamiko is dealing her relationship
with her boyfriend Jarod that has become stagnant. As the lives
of these cast of characters become more complicated , Milan may
have to make personal sacrifices in order to keep everything
that she’s worked for intact.
Erotic City is a salacious novel by Pynk. Pynk leads
readers into the secret and seductive lives of swingers. This
story hooks you from the very first page and holds your
attention to the very end. The scenes are so vivid and realistic
that you can literally picture everything that is taking place.
You will see how Milan tries to juggle her career and maintain
her sanity while dealing with Ramada’s antics. There are plenty of
tantalizing sex scenes in this novel but that's just one part of
it. This story also has wonderful character and story
development that makes this a well-crafted read. Erotic City
is a steamy page-turner that is an explosive start to Pynk’s
erotica career.
Reviewed by Radiah Hubbert for Urban-Reviews.com
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Pynk
Erotic City
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5 out of 5 books |
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Faith Evans with Aliya S. King
Keep The Faith: A Memoir
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Keep The Faith is an emotionally-charged memoir by
Faith Evans. If you ever wanted to get to know the real
Faith Evans, then this book is for you. This is not your
typical trashy celebrity tell-all. This book is about Faith
telling her story as honestly as possible. You will learn
how she got into the business with not just her vocal talent
but with her writing talent as well. She delves into her
family life and how she went from being born in Florida to moving to Newark,
New Jersey. Evans pulls no punches about the mistakes she’s
made in her life, and she makes no excuses for it. She talks
about being in a physically abusive relationship in her
early teens, her drug use, and even her abortions. Of course she does
give readers the whole history about her relationship with
Biggie and his affairs with Lil’ Kim and Charli Baltimore.
Evans also sheds some light about the rift between her, Mary
J. Blige, and Missy. Readers will also be interested to read
about what really happened when she met Tupac.
In reading this memoir, you will see that Faith’s life did
not start and end with Biggie. You see the growth in her
maturity level as you get further into the book. At the end
of the book, you will truly feel the peace that she now has
in her life and how she let go of the drama that she had in
the past with some of the aforementioned celebrities.
Keep The Faith is a well written memoir that shows how
Faith Evans remained successful and true to herself in the
cutthroat music business.
Reviewed by Radiah Hubbert for Urban-Reviews.com
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5 out of 5 books |
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Two friends who have known each other since childhood go into
business and start Indigo Records. Brandon is an Armani suit
wearing, college educated brother who beat the odds. Graduated
from college and co-owner of a highly successful record label, he has it all.
Money and women at his disposable until he meets
Mia. Mia is a top notch model with expensive taste, but can
Brandon maintain his lifestyle without losing his home and the
clothes off his back trying to impress Mia? Christopher
(a.k.a. “Chief”) is the other co-owner of Indigo Records. Chris
still has that “street” mentality. The streets know that Chris
is about Respect and Loyalty, and they also know not to play with his money.
What’s done in the dark must come to the light. But Chris is not
the “Thug” he appears to be and has a deep, dark secret that
could be revealed..
Corporate Corner Boyz by Anya Nicole is a novel that
is all about choices. Honesty, Friendship, Rape, and Down Low
are the major issues the book covers with success. It is
realistic with a great storyline. The book shows how a
friendship can evolve into so much more, and if and how it can
survive through many obstacles.
Corporate Corner Boyz was an excellent read, with all the
twists and surprises that will keep your attention from
beginning to the end.
Reviewed by Kristin
for Urban-Reviews.com
Read our exclusive interview
with Anya Nicole
in the Inside Out section.
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Anya Nicole
Corporate Corner Boyz
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4 out of 5 books |
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Rosaine Thomas
The Pastor's Baby Mama
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Everyone has this misconception about pastors. They are perfect,
without sin, and some even think they are saints. But a pastor is still a human, and Pastor Bromwell had
his share of drama and has to uphold his reputation despite
being the head of his mega church.
Pastor Alrick Bromwell, who is recently separated, runs into
Sapphire, a feisty young woman who is very in tune with her
sexual side. They begin a long affair together, but Sapphire has been
through a lot and has a few skeletons in her closet regarding
her past. When Sapphire becomes pregnant, it must be kept a
secret. Tired of being in a dead end relationship, she wants to
settle down and be a family, but Pastor Bromwell can’t have his
congregation find out that he is a fornicator.
Sapphire goes on a long journey to find herself. Will she
continue with lies, deceit and cheating?
When she finds herself pregnant again, will she learn to live for
herself? Or keep chasing a pipe dream? Sometimes what you are
looking for in life is right there in your face the whole time.
The Pastor's Baby Mama by Rosaine Thomas touched on some controversial topics.
It showed how the
wrong choices and lies can jeopardize your career, family and
values. I think the author really painted a realistic picture
and presented a good
storyline. The Pastor's Baby Mama is a solid
read.
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4 out of 5 books |
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Maya Jamison is an up-and-coming executive assistant in the real
estate game, or is she Martha the lowly maid? Or maybe she's Macy,
the red hot vixen. To make things more confusing, there's Sean Wynn,
the private investigator from London that knocked Maya off her feet.
Or maybe he's Sam Walters, the overweight and not so attractive
millionaire that came on the real estate scene from nowhere. Lies Lovers Tell is a web of lies and deceit. But in the mist of it
all, a love story is untangled.
Zuri Day does an excellent job weaving the two main characters into
three secondary characters. Even though these five characters are
all only two characters, the story flows and is an easy, exciting
read. Zuri Day does a fantastic job with knowing how long to carry
out a certain event before revealing an unknown and going on to the
next event. Lies Lovers Tell is a well written story.
Reviewed by Tenecia for Urban-Reviews.com
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Zuri Day
Lies Lovers Tell
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3.5 out of 5 books |
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Terrence T. Ellery
P. K.'s Betrayal
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Terrance T. Ellery presents readers with P.K., your
average joe with a live-in girlfriend named Tina that he
loves. It all begins with P.K. breaking his usual routine by
staying at home with his lady love this Friday instead of
frequenting his the bars after work. Thrown out of sorts,
Tina desperately makes a quick getaway to cancel her Friday
night tryst with her lover. With just one change of venue,
the dominoes begin to tumble, the cards all fall down, and
mayhem begins anew within this drama filled read.
P.K’s Betrayal is a fast paced read that reels the reader in
as the author reveals each intriguing chapter. The finale is
fantastic, and truthfully, this was a much better read than I
ever imagined it could be. The flow was effective, the
characters were likeable, and the suspense was interesting.
I suggest that Mr. Ellery take a bit more time in having his work
edited, and he will most definitely be a force to be reckoned with in
the literary world! God job Mr. Ellery.
Reviewed by Tazzyt2bossye for Urban-Reviews.com
Read our exclusive
interview with Terrence T. Ellery
in the Inside Out section.
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3 out of 5 books |
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Eddie Santiago has just hit freedom and
hasn’t even enjoyed his first refreshing breath
before childhood buddy Little Tony has plans for
him. After serving ten long years behind bars,
Eddie’s searching for a better way, but gets
sidetracked when he becomes entangled with
Little Tony. As a child, Eddie witnessed his
father’s murder and from that day forth, he’s
been in a struggle between right and wrong.
Willfully fighting the lure of one last heist
with past acquaintances, Eddie feels cornered
into this scheme when he loses the 40 grand that he earned as a drug hustler
while incarcerated.
Gunmetal Black is a respectable debut from
Daniel Serrano. Serrano paints a picture
of a young man’s struggle with society and the
conniving men that he’s associating with. In
reading this novel, I could see a lot of hard
work was put forth, and it was definitely
commendable. The editing was really good, the
characters were consistent, but the storyline
was not one that I found interesting enough to
keep my attention for very long. Even though it
not a very
memorable book, I do give the author kudos
for its completion and his unmistakable pride
that shines throughout the pages of
Gunmetal Black!
Reviewed by Tazzyt2bossye for Urban-Reviews.com
Read our exclusive
interview with Daniel Serrano
in the Inside Out section.
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Daniel Serrano
Gunmetal Black
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