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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
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4 out of 5 books |
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Lori Bryant
Woolridge
Weapons of Mass Seduction
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Pia Jamison is a
music video executive who is in her 40s and is still single.
Pia has given up on the idea of marriage but her biological
clock is loudly ticking. Since her self-imposed celibacy,
Pia is out of practice when trying to attract a man so her
assistant tricks her into attending a flirting workshop
called Weapons of Mass Seduction. At the workshop, Pia meets
two other women named Florence and Rebecca. Florence is a
Texas southern belle that is desperately trying to save her
marriage. Rebecca is a small town girl who is trying to
become the seductive diva that she always wanted to be. The
three women go back home to practice what they’ve learned.
Flo reunites with her husband but she’s now uncertain if she
wants to stay in her stagnant marriage. Rebecca now has
become confident and sexy “Becca” but is she going too far?
Pia gets pregnant and falls in love but it’s not with her
baby’s father. What will become of these three women?
Weapons of
Mass Seduction is an informative, delightful novel by
Lori Bryant-Woolridge. Woolridge expertly created a perfect
mix of an engaging storyline and a sensuality manual rolled
into one. Pia, Flo, and Becca all come from different
backgrounds but all of them are longing to become enticing,
sensual women. These characters represent what a lot of
women are going through on a daily basis. Readers will find
that the tips that these women learn through the workshop
can be applied to their own lives. Woolridge even includes
Weapons of Mass Seduction self tests in the back of the book
to see how seductive you are. This story has a healthy dose
of humor and emotionally intense scenes that will stick with
you long after you finished the last page. Weapons
of Mass Seduction is a fun read that should be enjoyed
by all women.
Reviewed by Radiah Hubbert
for Urban-Reviews.com
Check out our
exclusive audio interview with Lori Bryant Woolridge
in the On The Line section.
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5 out of 5 books |
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Karim Spencer
is a successful financial advisor with a live-in
girlfriend and young son. He is living the life that he
always wanted until the demons of his past start to get
the best of him. Karim’s brother Omar took the fall for
a murder that he committed. Karim has tried
everything in his power to try to get his brother out of
prison but the countless appeals haven’t worked. Karim
comes up with plan to finally free Omar but this
decision may cost him his life. Karim’s sister Nadiah
has made a lot of bad decisions as a single mother. She
can’t control her wayward teen son and wants Karim to
step in to help her save him from the streets. Nadiah is
also trying to finally get a decent job and be the
mother that she should have been years ago. But is it
too late?
A Family
Sin is a powerful novel by Travis Hunter. Hunter
brought a timely and engaging storyline with strong
characters. You will feel all of the emotions of every
person in this story. Hunter’s outstanding character
development is what really makes this novel stand out.
You feel Karim’s inner conflict about his brother Omar’s
situation. You also feel the uncertainty of Nadiah as
she tries to overcome her past mistakes to be a better
mother to her son. The scenes are so descriptive in this
novel that readers will feel like they are actually in
Atlanta. The overall theme of this story is about trying
to beat the odds and to choose the correct path for your
life. A Family Sin is touching and awe-inspiring.
Travis Hunter proves that he is one of today’s master
storytellers.
Reviewed by Radiah Hubbert for
Urban-Reviews.com
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Travis Hunter
A Family Sin
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4 out of 5 books |
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Desiree Day
One G-String Short
of Crazy
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Felicia and
Aisha aren't just twin sisters, they're close friends and
have never been separated. After living with each other
all of their lives and running a small business for the
past few years, Felicia started to have the feeling it was
time for her and her sister to live separate lives.
Felicia was getting tired of Aisha's pornographic
lifestyle, and it didn't help that her escapades were
keeping her up at night. The bad part of their situation
was that neither could imagine their life without the
other.
Thanks to their childhood friend Tarik, he had an answer
to their problem. He owned an apartment building where
each sister could have their own apartment across from
each other and still work together. The apartment building
gets even more interesting when Derrick moves in. He's a
friend of Tarik from college, moving from Chicago to
Atlanta to work for a big law firm. Unlike the craziness
in Felicia and Aisha's lives, Derrick's life was not all
peaches and cream either. Before leaving Chicago and
heading to ATL, Derrick wanted to leave the windy city and
all of its drama, including Darla. If Derrick could
predict the future, Darla would not be in it. Too bad he's
not psychic because Darla showed up on his doorstep in
Atlanta...pregnant! It's a crazy ride, but will Felicia,
Alisha, Tarik, and Derrick be able to make it?
In One G-String Short of Crazy, Desiree Day proves
that she can handle urban erotica. I like the way she tied
each character in with the others. There was never a part
of this book that threw you off track. Some parts of the
book were just a little too graphic. But if you continue
to read, everything flows like it's supposed too. I think
One G-String Short of Crazy was well written, and
it gives you a chance to let your imagination run wild.
Reviewed by Jackie for
Urban-Reviews.com
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5 out of 5 books |
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It’s 1947 and
Ms. Etta’s Fast House is the hottest nightclub in “The
Ville”, a famous black neighborhood in St. Louis. People
from all walks of life come to Ms. Etta’s to drink,
dance, and to have a good time. Life is smooth in The
Ville until Baltimore Floyd strolls into town. Baltimore
is a sexy, mysterious hustler who brings nothing but
trouble with him. The women are falling for him fast,
but Baltimore isn’t interested in settling down just
yet. His good times may soon come to an end when he
finds himself on trial for a crime that he didn’t
commit. Baltimore’s problems don’t end there when he
finds out that his best friend and ex-partner-in-crime
Henry is considering going on the other side of the law
to become one of the first black policemen in St. Louis.
What will happen to Baltimore and Henry’s friendship?
Ms. Etta’s
Fast House is an intriguing and entertaining novel
by Victor McGlothin. McGlothin showed great creativity
by exposing the reader to black St. Louis in the 1940s.
From Ms. Etta’s House to the black-owned Watkins dry
goods store, you could literally picture everything that
was taking place in this novel. Although Baltimore Floyd
is one of the main characters, there are some other
important supporting characters that make this story a
true gem. You’ll meet Baltimore’s best friend Henry who
struggles between doing what’s right for his family and
his friendship with Baltimore. Other characters include
a young woman named Penny who Ms. Etta takes under her
wing to show her how to become a classy woman as well as
a group of young doctors who are being trained at the
famous Homer G. Phillips Hospital. McGlothin did a
wonderful job of connecting all of these characters
without confusing the reader. Ms. Etta’s Fast House
is a captivating and enjoyable read that takes you on a
unique journey into the past.
Reviewed by Radiah Hubbert for Urban-Reviews.com
Read our exclusive interview with
Victor McGlothin
in the Inside Out section.
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Victor McGlothin
Ms. Etta's Fast House
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4.5 out of 5 books |
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Sherrance Henderson
The Ten Year Date
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Channa Jones
has been through hell and back in her personal life. She
has a loving boyfriend named Carl who would do anything to
make her happy. But Channa is not in love with
Carl...she's in love with her ten-year booty call on the
side Kevin Dean Walker. Kevin is successful, rich, sexy,
and can throw down in the bedroom. All of these attributes
keep her coming back for more, but Channa just doesn’t
understand why Kevin won’t commit to her. There have
always been other women in Kevin’s life but Channa is
going to fight for the man she feels she deserves. After a
chance meeting with a Voodoo woman in New Orleans, Channa
gets the tools she needs in order to make Kevin commit to
her without his permission. But when Channa discovers a
life-threatening secret about Kevin, she has to decide if
this man is truly worth fighting for.
The Ten Year
Date is a riveting novel by Sherrance Henderson.
Henderson created a fast-paced storyline with a lot of
drama. Channa is a character that you will have a
love/hate relationship with. There are times in this story
that you will sympathize with her and then there are times
when you will just want to slap some sense into her.
There’s enough drama and tantalizing sex scenes in this
story that will keep you flipping the pages.
Henderson does a wonderful job of carefully including the
real dangers of HIV/AIDS into this novel. The moral of
this story is that women need to value themselves more and
to not accept this kind of foolishness. The Ten Year
Date is emotionally-charged and intriguing. With
The Ten Year Date, Sherrance Henderson proves that she
has the ability to entertain as well as educate.
Reviewed by Radiah Hubbert
for Urban-Reviews.com
Read our exclusive interview with
Sherrance Henderson
in the Inside Out section.
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3 out of 5 books |
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Cicero Day is
smart and athletic. His mom's refrigerator is overflowing
with all kinds of accolades displaying his name. While his
mom Ruth is a God-fearing woman, his father is an Italian
mobster. After the murder of his father Antonio, Cicero
transforms into a callous gangster himself with absolutely
no fear...even from that of God.
Cicero is treated to disturbing nightmares. It appears that
when he wreaks havoc in the streets of Kansas City, he's
visited by one of his ghastly dreams. His mom is insistent
that he needs to humble himself. Unrelenting in his
lifestyle, Cicero continues to unleash hell on people who've
crossed him. Is there redemption in Cicero's future?
Che Parker has written a flamboyant tale packed with
torture, violence and very bizarre characters. While I was
instantly put off by the overture of details, when the
criminal element finally makes an appearance, it is
definitely wild and worth the wait. Yet, vile creatures from
hell make the story a little too warped for my own fondness.
However, the message comes across clearly about the costly
life of the ambitious. Remember, you will have to account
for all the wrongs that you've done.
Reviewed by Nardsbaby for
Urban-Reviews.com
Read our exclusive interview with Che Parker
in the Inside Out section.
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Che Parker
The Tragic Flaw
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5 out of 5 books |
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Stacey L. Ford
Selling The Fantasy
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Lisa Johnson is a
successful marketing director for the largest radio station
in the San Francisco Bay area. She’s sexy,
confident and single with a beautiful daughter but seems to
always attract the wrong men. Lisa has been through a
divorce already so she’s not interested in marriage but she
does want some sexy, fun male companionship. All of her
prayers may be answered when she meets Kenneth Maxwell.
Kenneth is a sexy comedian who is on the verge of
superstardom. He is successful in obtaining his
professional career goals but now he’s attempting to get his
personal life in order. Kenneth is trying to get two women
to enter into a polyamory (multiple partners) relationship.
He’s already convinced a beautiful executive chef name
Cassandra Russell to commit to this “poly” relationship but
Kenneth is looking for another woman to complete this union.
Kenneth soon convinces Lisa to enter this relationship but
is she willing to sacrifice her friends, family and even her
daughter for this unconventional life? Is Kenneth
really as sincere as he appears to be or is he just a master
manipulator?
Selling The
Fantasy is a sexy, thought-provoking debut by
Stacey L. Ford. Ford eloquently introduces readers into the
unique and interesting world of polyamory relationships. The
character development in this story was excellent. You feel
the emotional turmoil that both Lisa and Cassandra go
through in order to make this “poly” relationship work for
all of them. You also will see the uncertainty in Kenneth as
he enters this situation. There are just enough erotic
elements incorporated into this story to satisfy the reader
without it being over-the-top. Ford also incorporates
an interesting twist that will catch the readers by
surprise. Selling The Fantasy is insightful, steamy,
and full of drama. Stacey L. Ford has a definite winner on
her hands.
Reviewed by Radiah Hubbert
for Urban-Reviews.com
Read our exclusive interview with Stacey L. Ford
in the Inside Out section. |
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5 out of 5 books |
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Cheney Reynolds
had fallen in love with Larry Thimes and thought they were a
match made in heaven. Her feelings soon changed when she
told Larry she was pregnant. Larry became distant and cold
towards her, causing her to make a life-altering decision.
During this time of despair, Cheney cut all ties with her
family when the only thing they were trying to do was help.
The only one that knew what was really going on was her best
friend Imani. After five years of loneliness, she decides to
move back home to St. Louis to reconnect with her family.
Cheney moves into a historical neighborhood enriched with
African American history. The house she bought was old, worn
down, and needed a lot of work. Cheney soon realized that it
was more of a challenge to rebuild her relationship with her
family than to restore her new home. With the help of her
nosy neighbor Mrs. Beatrice Tilley Beacon a.k.a. Grandma BB,
she realized there is someone on her side who truly cares
for her. Then she meets Parke Kokomuo Jamison, who is a
descendent of a royal African Tribe. Parke is handsome,
smart, and looking for his African Queen. The two bump heads
and realize that the qualities they were looking for in a
mate they found in each other. At times, Cheney would submit
to her own guilt and Parke would soon realize that he wasn't
as suave as he thought. With the love of Christ, they are
drawn to each other spiritually and are destined to be
together.
In the book Guilty of Love, I was intrigued as to how
Pat Simmons was able to intertwine African-American History
throughout the book. I really admired how she took each
character through their spiritual walk with God. The
scriptures she chose were perfect, and you can see the
religious transformation each person was going through.
Guilty of Love will have you questioning your own walk
with God and whether it's a good one or a bad one. I was
kind of upset with the way the story ended, but
overall, Guilty of Love is a very good read.
Reviewed by Jackie. for
Urban-Reviews.com
Read our exclusive interview with Pat Simmons
in the Inside Out section.
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Pat Simmons
Guilty of Love
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3 out of 5 books |
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Portia A. Cosby
Too Little, Too Late
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Originally from
Ohio, the James family relocates to Texas. While people in
the community believe that they have an ideal home life,
oldest child Tameka has the unfortunate privilege of knowing
that they are far from Cosby level. As soon as Tameka's
little sister Alexis becomes legal, her parents flee the
scene chasing the life that they always wanted. While Tameka
and Alexis aren't the closest siblings, Tameka has made it
her sole responsibility to look out for her sister.
Tameka finds she is lonely one night and calls her ex T.J.
to come over. T.J. is a thug who apparently is being sought
out by his enemies. While Tameka knows firsthand that his
life is too messy, she really hasn't had any other suitors;
plus, she really does love him. As the two reconnect one
night after an incident, T.J. and Tameka are accosted by
T.J's enemies. Tameka's already strenuous life undertakes
another painstaking ordeal. How much more can she handle?
Too Little, Too Late by first time author Portia A.
Cosby, is a decent read. However, the book alternates
between first and third person continuously. The editing is
poor and the time line is off considerably. And I have to
say that when I read a book that deals with HIV/AIDS, I'm
expecting the author to provide meticulous details. Why?
Because their book could possibly save someone's life.
Portia, sister, I applaud your powerful voice. I won't deny
that I treasured the confidence and in-your-face characters,
the uncertainty, the hell, and the theatrics. But unlike
most readers, I can't excuse it when the facts of the story
aren't the same cut and clarity. While I know that readers
would be pleased with the story, the negating details will
cause a reader to stumble. I would strongly suggest that the
author seek out an editor as well as proofreaders for
Supposed To Be, the second installment in the Situations
and Circumstances series. With that done, I guarantee that
Portia A. Cosby will become an author everyone will be
tracking!
Reviewed by Nardsbaby for Urban-Reviews.com
Read our exclusive interview with Portia A. Cosby
in the Inside Out section.
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5 out of 5 books |
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How would you
react if you caught your husband cheating on you... with
another man? The day Monica caught Kevin in bed with Trey,
she lost her faith in God. She had prayed for a God-fearing
man to come into her life and she thought that man was
Kevin. What she didn't know was that when Kevin was
10-years-old, he was molested by a deacon in his church and
never told anyone about it except his pastor, Bishop Walker.
After two years, Kevin begs Monica to give him another
chance. He told her that it was a one time mistake and would
never be repeated. After all of his begging and pleading,
Monica gives him another chance and they get counseling from
Bishop Walker. In no time, Monica realizes that Bishop
Walker knew about what happened to Kevin and never said a
word. Bishop Walker wanted Monica to keep their marriage
together because if the minister of music's secret got out,
it could destroy the mega church he created. Monica soon
finds out Bishop Walker was not trying to help them, but
wanted to make sure his ministry would not be affected by
this. Will Monica play the Bishop's game or will she face
reality that her marriage is in trouble?
My Soul Cries Out does not fall into the category of
the "usual" Christian fiction. This book deals with the
struggles that some Christians face and are too ashamed to
talk about. Sherri L. Lewis demonstrates how sometimes your
faith is tested, and you have to go to God and tell Him
about your problems no matter how big or small they are. The
way that the author strengthens the plot by bringing in the
Word of God was exceptional. Monica's story brings up the
subject of how some churches do not want to deal with
homosexuality, and would rather sweep the subject under the
rug. I congratulate Ms. Lewis on a job well done.
Reviewed by Jackie for
Urban-Reviews.com
Read our exclusive interview with Sherri L. Lewis
in the Inside Out section.
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Sherri L. Lewis
My Soul Cries Out
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3.5 out of 5 books |
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Rukyyah J. Karreem
Satisfied
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Newcomer Rukyyah
Karreem has introduced us to Ebony Thomas and her best
friend Alex. With both of them being 21-years-old and fresh
out of college, they land jobs as secretaries in a law firm.
With not much experience in the dating field, Ebony falls
for her much older handsome boss attorney Terrence Chaw.
Terrence is a 38-year-old married father of two girls who he
can’t see living without. He doesn’t see himself leaving his
wife and children for Ebony no matter how many times he
tells Ebony he will.
Alex happens to catch Ebony and Terrance in a
compromising position and reaps the benefits of a cheating
man along with Ebony. Feelings get involved, things happen,
and out of nowhere the whole story turns upside down.
Terrence won’t reveal the truth about his marriage, and he
just keeps trying to reassure Ebony it’s almost over...or is
it?
One of Alex’s benefits is a job at the law firm of
Terrance’s mentor. Alex meets the man of her dreams at work
and things fall apart between her and Ebony. Ebony is not
sure if Alex wanted a man just because she had one or if she
truly was lonely and in need of love herself.
Satisfied was an enjoyable read, I would have loved
to hear more of Alex’s story because Ebony’s was a bit
cliché. I thought the story was Erotica and some how that
part missed me; however it was a quick read. I look forward
to reading what Ms. Karreem has lined up next.
Reviewed by Angie for Urban-Reviews.com
Read our exclusive interview with
Rukyyah J. Karreem
in the Inside Out section.
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4.5 out of 5 books |
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Flexin &
Sexin is an entertaining collection of sexy urban
fiction by some of today’s hottest urban fiction
authors.
Hit Em Up!
by Erick S. Gray - Bay and Thomas scout Atlanta
nightclubs to bring back girls for their ruthless boss
Afrika who then forces them into the seedy life of
prostitution. But when Bay starts to have feelings for
his latest acquisition a stripper named Sweets, he may
be setting himself up for deadly consequences.
For The
Love of Money by Anna J - A young woman works at a
strip club to pay her way through school. Things get
serious when she decides to do some illegal favors for a
local drug dealer.
Little
Nikki Grind by K’wan - Felon is finally able to
leave the game to start his long awaited music career.
When out celebrating at a strip club, Felon becomes
intrigued by a mysterious woman named Nikki that will
change his life forever.
Right Hand
B!tch by Brittani Williams - Miani does nothing but
hook up with neighborhood hustlers to get as much
money and things as she can. No one in the hood wants
anything to do with her . But when Miani catches the eye
of a feared drug lord, she is swept into a world of
dangerous schemes that could leave her empty handed in
the end.
The
Cookout by Juicy Wright - Sunny is in the midst of
the hottest cookout of the year. Things get even hotter
when Sunny’s trip to the bathroom leads her to steamy
threesome with a woman and her admirer Terrance.
Honey Dip
by Aretha Temple - Money is busy hustling in the streets
and picking up sexy women. When he picks up Honey Dip,
he thinks he’s found his ride-or-die chick. But is Honey
Dip really the woman that Money thinks she is?
Flexin &
Sexin is a perfect collection of stories that have
the right mix of urban fiction and erotica. All of these
authors did a wonderful job with their stories but there
were a few stories that stood out. Erick S. Gray’s
cliffhanger ending will leave you begging for the rest
of his story. Brittani Williams delivered a twist that
was so shocking that it will leave you literally with
your mouth open. Newcomers Juicy Wright and Aretha
Temple both wrote stories that are so stellar that you
will be anxiously waiting for both of their full-length
debut novels. Hopefully, we will be treated to another
volume of these sexy street tales.
Reviewed by Radiah for Urban-Reviews.com
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Various Authors
Flexin & Sexin
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4 out of 5 books |
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Various Authors
Street Love
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Street Love
is an anthology of stories by five of Triple Crown
Publication’s hottest authors.
After The
Storm by Keisha Ervin - This is an excerpt of Keisha
Ervin’s novel Torn. We are introduced to Mo and Quan
who have been together for years. Mo knows about Quan’s
infidelities over the years but this latest bombshell may
end their relationship for good.
Allure of the
Game by Danielle Santiago - Arnessa has the game
on lock but she’s creating unwanted attention from a hustler
name Suef. Suef is getting hit hard because of Arnessa’s
success. Things get more serious when Arnessa’s little
sister Cenise is threatened. But will Cenise succumb to
the game before Arnessa can save her?
The Fink
by Quentin Carter - Phelix Mitchell is home from prison 25
years early after testifying against his best friend. But
Phelix soon finds out that there’s no love in the hood for a
snitch. No one will associate with him...not even his own
brother. But when Phelix decides to make things right, he
may sacrifice his life.
Cold as Ice
by T. Styles - Pepper Thomas is a straight “A” student that
can’t wait to move out of the hood. She’s managed to stay
away from the drugs and negativity until the house of her
drug dealing neighbor Ice is robbed. Pepper holds an
important piece of the puzzle that may put her life in
danger.
B-More Love
by Leo Sullivan - Ashley is a college bound high school
senior. Jamal is a young thug who spends he days robbing
people. Ashley can’t stand Jamal but a series of tragic
events forces them together. Will Ashley let Jamal get close
enough to her in order to get the love and support she
needs?
Street Love
is a wonderful showcase of Triple Crown’s hottest
authors. Each author brought their own unique twist on the
issues of love, loyalty, and heartache. All of these stories
were good but the standout stories were Danielle Santiago’s
Allure of the Game and T. Styles’ Cold as Ice.
Both stories had interesting twists that will shock you.
Hopefully there will be more Triple Crown anthologies
like this in the future.
Reviewed by Radiah Hubbert for Urban-Reviews.com
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5 out of 5 books |
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Before you
read any further, put any preconceived notions that you
have about Diddy’s former personal assistant Fonzworth
Bentley out of your mind. Fonzworth Bentley a.k.a. Derek
Watkins' new book Advance Your Swagger is a
modern etiquette book that everyone needs to have on
their bookshelf. Some of the things you will learn in
this book are simply priceless. Some things include: the
art of tipping appropriately, how to dine at a fine
restaurant, proper cell phone usage, email and text
messaging guidelines, and 15 things every man and women
should have in his or her closet. There are even
pictured examples to go along with some of the tips
(i.e. table settings) so that the reader can actually
see what he’s talking about. Bentley effortlessly
teaches you the power of good old-fashioned manners that
is often not taught in today’s society. This book
also includes “Bent Hints” to go along with some of the
topics in the book. Advance Your Swagger is an
etiquette book that everyone should own no matter how
large or small your bank account.
Reviewed by Radiah Hubbert for
Urban-Reviews.com
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Fonzworth Bentley
Advance Your Swagger
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