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

4 out of 5 books

Connie Briscoe
Sisters And Husbands

It is now ten years later and Beverly is thirty-nine years-old and engaged to Julian. Julian is everything that Beverly has always looked for in a man and her family agrees. But Beverly�s family remains cautious because this is her third engagement in the past five years. She is happy about her upcoming nuptials until Beverly learns that her older sister Evelyn�s marriage is falling a part. Beverly has always treated Evelyn�s marriage as the blueprint for what a marriage is supposed to be. Beverly is now having second thoughts about her own upcoming wedding. Will she stick it out this time?

Sisters & Husbands is a delightful novel by Connie Briscoe. Briscoe brought back the fabulous sisters from Sisters & Lovers. Although this is a sequel, this is a stand alone novel so you do not need to read Sisters & Lovers before reading this one. The character development in this story is what really makes this book stand out. You see how Beverly�s past relationships and her sister�s marriage woes enters a lot of doubt into her own pending marriage. This novel dealt with a lot of timeless issues such as blended families and mid-life crisis. There is also a good dose of surprising drama that will keep readers on their toes. With Sisters & Husbands, Connie Briscoe once again brought good storytelling back to the forefront.

Reviewed by Radiah Hubbert for Urban-Reviews.com

Check out our exclusive audio interview with Connie Briscoe
in the On The Line section.

5 out of 5 books

Jasmine's back, and this time she's not the one causing havoc in people's lives. This time someone is blackmailing her. In Too Little, Too Late, Jasmine promised her husband Hosea that she had told him all of her secrets, including her real age, weight, and even her real shoe size. But there was something that completely slipped her mind that happened in 1983. Jasmine is on pins and needles trying to figure who could've dug something like this up. It couldn't have come at a worse time because Hosea's father Reverend Bush was shot in the parking lot of his church. With trying to figure out who's trying to blackmail her and Rev. Bush on life support, Jasmine's life begins to spin out of control. She will stop at nothing to make sure this secret stays in the past and doesn't disrupt her present and future. Will Jasmine figure out who's trying to destroy her life, or will she have to leave the family she has come to love?

Victoria Christopher Murray has done it again. Murray has done an outstanding job with Lady Jasmine. She never ceases to amaze me with the new angles that she takes Jasmine's character. Murray has developed Jasmine from a conniving, manipulative woman into a saved Christian that will stand by her family no matter what. Even though she admits she has changed, Jasmine still will take matters into her own hands to make sure she gets the outcome that she wants. Lady Jasmine is a fast-paced read, and if you're not paying attention to something, you'll definitely miss it.

Reviewed by Jackie for Urban-Reviews.com

Victoria Christopher Murray
Lady Jasmine

5 out of 5 books

Brenda Jackson
Some Like It Hot

Some Like It Hot is an anthology of five steamy romance stories by Brenda Jackson. In "Main Agenda," Linc Corbain runs into Raven Anderson after spending a mind-blowing week with her over four years ago. Linc wants to rekindle that, but Raven has another agenda.

Regina Grant is "Strictly Business" when her ex-husband Mitch Grant hires her to write a story about him. Mitch has other plans that include getting back the best thing that ever happen to him.

Sydney Corbain and Tyrone Hardcastle share an "Irresistible Attraction" which they're both willing to let go undiscovered. A chance meeting in New York causes them to explore those feelings and discover what true love is.

In "The Hunter," Hunter Sloan is not the commitment type of guy. That's why he had to break things off with Mallory Standish. When she hires him to watch her brother-in-law, Hunter knows he is in trouble.

In "Extreme Satisfaction," Cathleen McAlister is a workaholic who will allow nothing to stand in her way. When she starts to see Rory Dawkins as a threat to her accomplishing her goals, she breaks things off. When she finally realizes he is the most important accomplishment in her life, it may be too late.

Brenda Jackson is a dynamic writer with the ability to keep you captivated by a story from beginning to end. Some Like It Hot is no different.

Reviewed by Tenecia for Urban-Reviews.com

5 out of 5 books

Donovan Steele is the ultimate playboy. He has no intention of ever marrying because he is having too much fun with the ladies. It's not like he doesn't have great role models. His parents have been happily married for forty years, his three older brothers have each found the love of their lives, and his female cousins have also joined the life of "happily ever after." It isn't that he never wants to get married, just not anytime in the near future. Dr. Natalie Ford is not interested in a relationship because every man that she has dated has been intimidated by her intelligence. So when she comes to help her aunt with her house cleaning business, she finds herself in Donovan Steele's bed...the last place she wanted to be. From first glance, Donovan knows he has to have Natalie in his bed again. Natalie feels just the opposite. Eventually chemistry takes over and the two realize how much in love they are, but a misunderstanding can change all of that.

Intimate Seduction is a well written book. The storyline flows without any lagging moments. Brenda Jackson is an awesome writer that knows how to draw readers into the story and keep them engaged throughout the story. Intimate Seduction is a culmination of the North Carolina Steele's series, and Donovan's story was one that was anticipated. Jackson did a great job with the build up and delivery.

Reviewed by Tenecia for Urban-Reviews.com

Brenda Jackson
Intimate Seduction

4.5 out of 5 books

Event Planner Melissa Anderson has been working tirelessly to plan the wedding of Angela Gabriel and Brent Underwood. It's supposed to be the social event of the year in Birmingham. During this frantic time, she decides to unwind and go out on a date. She accepts a date from Marcus Peeples, a very gifted minister at Followers of Jesus Faith Worship Center. Even though it was not love at first sight, she did respect him and did have an attraction for him. That is, until she finds out that he is divorced. Being the spiritual woman that she is, she could not date Marcus because of his marital status, even though he was a good man and a great father. Marcus decides that it is time to clear up some confusion about divorce and give Melissa a clearer picture. Just when things start to turn around, Marcus's ex-wife appears back in the picture and wants to claim her ex-husband. Melissa soon figures out that love can sometimes come with a price.

In Practicing What You Preach, Vanessa Davis Griggs does a good job of clearing up the misunderstanding that Christians have about divorce. I thoroughly enjoyed how the author blended in the way people in the church deal with baby mama drama. This book was so thought-provoking that once you start to read it, you will not put it down until the very last page. The author gives you the realization of her characters and how they fought with the temptations of the world while trying to stay faithful to God. Practicing What You Preach is a must read.

Reviewed by Jackie for Urban-Reviews.com

Read our exclusive interview with Vanessa Davis Griggs
in the Inside Out section.

Vanessa Davis Griggs
Practicing What You Preach

4.5 out of 5 books

Karen Williams
The People Vs. Cashmere

If you can�t trust your family, then who can you trust? How can things go wrong in a blink of an eye?

Desmond Pierce was a hard working man and devoted husband. As the breadwinner of the home, he did whatever was needed to make sure his family was well taken care of. Working overtime and spoiling his two daughters were nothing out of the ordinary. When Desmond receives a promotion on the job, things could be no better. But when a horrible accident leaves the pillar of the Pierce family in a vegetable-like state, will his family be able to maintain the rock solid foundation, or will it all crumble?

Pearla Pierce was nothing to mess with. This mother was beautiful, seductive and sexy all wrapped in one. Pearla loved her husband, but she had a fire inside of her that she needed to put out. She frequented the nightclubs and bars, but when she returned home she played the perfect wifey. When the breadwinner of the home is in a terrible accident, Pearla finds it hard to cope and loses all ambition to fulfill her duties as a mother and wife. Will Pearla find the strength to help her family through this hard time, or will the pain be too much to bear...causing some horrible choices to be made?

Cashmere was a thirteen-year-old who was the apple of her daddy�s eye. Cashmere was like every other teenager with big dreams and aspirations. Everything is put on hold when her father is in a terrible accident. Cashmere steps in and becomes her father�s caretaker when her mother can no longer cope. Cooking, cleaning, and trying to help her father is lot for a teenager. When things go from bad to worse, Cashmere is put in a situation that involves stripping, rape, drugs and ultimately murder. Cashmere must cope with all these things at a young age. A terrible accident causes Cashmere to see her sister in a new light, and she must learn that some hard choices could ultimately cause her life to end up behind bars. Will Cashmere be able to start over, or will the past be her destiny? Will she be married to the game for life?

Carmen was an out of control teen who didn�t care what and who she did. Seventeen year old Carmen, was promiscuous and dropped out of school. Carmen begins a life of self-destruction with hatred and jealousy for her baby sister Cashmere. Carmen concocts a plot to destroy her na�ve baby sister�s life as well as her own when she introduces her to the pimping game. Black is a ruthless pimp who rules with an iron fist. Black falls in love with Cashmere, and Carmen can no longer contain her despise for her sister. No one will come in the way of Carmen�s wrath to destroy her sister, including her own father, aunt and her sister�s first love. Carmen's life is an downward spiral that goes against everything she was taught. Will Carmen realize her mistakes before it�s too late?

The People vs. Cashmere was a gritty, uncut story of how the lives of many people are affected when something goes terribly wrong. Survival of the fittest is the game to be played. Cashmere was a definitely a survivor after all that she endured and when it seemed like no one had her back including her own family. The People vs. Cashmere was definitely an excellent read, and I enjoyed the book from beginning to end.

Reviewed by Kristin for Urban-Reviews.com

5 out of 5 books

Alethea & Myles Ramzee
Flippin' The Game

No one in the family can believe the oldest son Jerry (a.k.a. Class) would flip on his whole crew, especially his brother Cory. Turning Cory over to the Feds and tell their life story to a jury is so unbelievable to everyone involved, especially their mother. Her motto has always been, "Take care of your own...We are Classon�s. We have each other�s back and loyalty means everything." Jerry missed the point where you commit the crime you do the time...you don�t drag anyone with you. Class told because he thinks his girlfriend Trish really wants him, but she actually wants his money. Sitting up on the stand, day after day, giving testimony to all the crimes he, his brother Corey and a supposedly close friend Nafiys have committed is the hardest thing he has ever done in his life. But the faces on Trish and their daughter Coco are all he sees as he tells his side of events.

What I like the most about Flippin' The Game was that all the characters got to tell their side of the story and express how they all felt. It did jump all over for a minute there, but as long as you stayed with it, reading the story had your mouth hanging open. You can't believe that Class would really tell all the things he did with no regard for anyone. There were quite a few editing errors that made you re-read the line because that just wasn�t the word that belonged; however, the story was told well and actually had a very interesting concept. I would recommend Flippin' The Game to anyone. It�s actually nice to read a different kind of street story that definitely had a twist to it.

Reviewed by Angie for Urban-Reviews.com

4 out of 5 books

Mercedes, Kenyetta, Yvette, and Carissa are back rocking their designer gear, stiletto�s, and their heavy artillery. Their love and allegiance to each other remains strong, but their desire to be loved may be a bit stronger as they struggle with so many choices. Mercedes found love with the one she�s fought so hard to ignore, while Yvette�s love leans toward being taboo, and she�s reluctant to bare her true feelings for fear of being rejected by her sisters of Emerald City. Kenyetta wavers between following her head or her heart, and Carissa can�t seem to let the past go because the love is still real. While these four ladies tussle with their emotions, their ex's are laying in the cut devising a way to infiltrate Emerald City and take back their domain. Children have entered the equation and things are about to get tricky, sticky, and wet!

Pitbulls In A Skirt 2 plunges the reader further into the complicated lives of those who rule the drug infested Emerald City with an iron thumb. The storyline has an interesting flow, although the tone of the read seems to deviate, causing the reader to wonder if more than one person authored this read. The characters were NOT as interesting or as strong as they were in the original Pitbulls. Grammatical errors were many and proved to further distract as well as disappoint. The need for yet another sequel evolving around the children appears to be substandard as I question when a lesson will really be learned.

Reviewed by Tazzyt2bossye for Urban-Reviews.com

Mikal Malone
Pitbulls In A Skirt 2

4 out of 5 books

toniwo
Discordia: Caught in Rapture

Rapture Comeaux is a woman scorned. She has put her heart and soul into every relationship only to get nothing in return. But when Rapture gets burned by her last boyfriend, she takes matters into her own hands. Rapture soon goes on a murderous crime spree against all of her past boyfriends. As the bodies start piling up, Rapture is secretly proud of her dirty work.. Rapture�s cousin Thad is becoming increasingly suspicious of these murders and how they lead back to her. Rapture is running out of time as Thad gets closer to the truth. Will she be able to get away with her crimes?

Discordia Caught in Rapture is a refreshingly innovative book by Toniwo. Toniwo brought a unique story about revenge. This book shows what can happen when a woman gets pushed too far by the men that have wronged her. You feel the frustration of Rapture as she keeps getting wronged by the men in her life. Toniwo did a good job of showing Rapture�s rapidly declining mental state as she commits these heinous crimes. Discordia Caught in Rapture is an entertaining novel that really steps outside of the box.

Reviewed by Radiah Hubbert for Urban-Reviews.com

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

3.5 out of 5 books

The Councilman is a young Philadelphia politician who is trying to figure out his true purpose. His life changes when an assassin�s bullet misses him. The police assume that it�s a mob hit, but the Councilman figures out that this is not the case. The Councilman has something that his unknown enemies want, and they will kill him to get it. Meanwhile, a missing woman suddenly shows up in order to run from her past.

Tantrum is an interesting political thriller by Charles D. Ellison. You get an insider's view into how shady politics can be. There is a unique twist to this plot that you won't see coming. Although Tantrum featured an unusual storyline, there were a lot of dry and unessential parts in this book. There are so many characters and situations that are featured in the story that you don�t know how they connect to the main plot. The assassination attempt gets lost because there are too many side characters and stories that may confuse the reader. The ending of the book felt like a forced attempt to lead into a sequel with many questions unanswered that could have been cleared up to make a more complete story. Tantrum is still a good read for those who are looking for something different.

Reviewed by Radiah Hubbert for Urban-Reviews.com

Read our exclusive interview with Charles D. Ellison
in the Inside Out section.

Charles D. Ellison
Tantrum

3.5 out of 5 books

Skye Warner & Elisa Brandon
Truth Be Told

They say that money is the root to evilness. Well for Soria Livingston, that just may be true. Once a stripper, Soria befriends a wealthy benefactor named Lawrence that alters her life. Soria has grown to crave the difference Lawrence has made in her life, but it quickly vanishes and she later learns that she�s with child. Not one to have ever wanted children, Soria doesn�t want to continue the pregnancy. However, her mother convinces her to keep the baby and she does. But after the birth, her connection to the child ends. Depressed and unable to accept that Lawrence is willing to provide for the child but doesn�t want her, Soria keeps a safe distance from her daughter Remmi. Years later, Soria learns that Lawrence has died and left his total net worth to his daughter. Always dreaming of being successful, Soria can do everything she's always wanted to do. Selfishness takes over and instead of Soria being able to see that things could be better for all of them, she quickly becomes all about herself.

Remmi Livingston has a wonderful grandmother named Millie who has been both mother and father to her. While she�s often wondered about her parents, she�d never want to hurt her grandmother by asking. Thankfully, Remmi has lived an enriching life. After passing the bar exam, Remmi decides that it�s time to flee the nest and relocate from Florida to Georgia. A natural, she quickly navigates the ladder of success and is making a name for herself. There was an instant connection between her and her boss Joshua Braune. But Remmi knows that pleasure in the workplace wouldn�t be a wise thing. Unfortunately, her heart wants what the heart wants and Joshua is also feeling the vibes.

Truth Be Told tells the story of a mother and daughter who are worlds apart. Initially the story was off to a very slow start; however, it did pick up. And while I like the concept behind Truth Be Told, it easily becomes repetitive. At 228 pages, I was able to finish the book in one sitting. I wish the authors would�ve concluded the story versus throwing this into the sequel category, especially since the story ends right as the plot thickens. Sometimes it�s best to finish the story and then, if warranted, revisit the characters. Also, Truth Be Told does have editing issues as the authors commonly use the wrong words (trimester in reference to semester, mourne instead of moan, and bear instead of bare). I hope that this doesn�t become a waiting game and that the book is properly edited for the next episode.

Reviewed by Nardsbaby for Urban-Reviews.com

Read our exclusive interview with Skye Warner
in the Inside Out section.

4.5 out of 5 books

Shaun L. Green
What's Done In Darkness

Jay Moore is finally feeling as though her life is starting to match perfection. Not only is she the owner of her own boutique, Indigo Blues, but she�s opening a second boutique, Indigo Blues II. With Jay being married for the second time to her soul mate Terrance and her teenage daughter Siva soon be graduating high school and going off to college, things couldn�t be any better.

Unfortunately, Jay's stomach is filled with butterflies, which is usually a sign that something is amiss. When her ex-husband Marcus calls to alert her that Siva�s school has been calling to inform him that she�s been missing school, Jay is certain that�s the reason for the butterflies. Too bad the flutters keep coming at an alarming rate. Determined to know the truth, Jay stumbles on a ticking time bomb that will destroy her entire world and those that she loves. Once the dust clears, can Jay, Marcus, Siva and Terrance�s lives rebound after this?

What's Done In Darkness by Shaun L. Green is a great read! I have to admit, I was a little skeptical being that this is a first time author. However, Shaun does an excellent job on delivering drama, excitement and reality. Despite the editing errors, I believe that Shaun L. Green is definitely one of those authors who not only knows how to write a good story, but reaches different demographics. I will definitely be checking out more from this author, and hopefully soon.

Reviewed by Nardsbaby for Urban-Reviews.com

Read our exclusive interview with Shaun L. Green
in the Inside Out section.

3.5 out of 5 books

Sean Jiles was a very popular person at his high school back in Chicago. After graduation, he moved to Dallas to go to college and to pursue a writing career. Sean always wanted to produce his own stage plays. He gets closer to this dream by winning a grant to help him write his own play. But Sean�s current girlfriend Eva doesn�t support his playwright dreams. As tensions mount in their relationship, Sean gets an invitation to attend his ten year high school class reunion. This trip is just the break he needs to get away from Eva. But will Sean be able to deal with some old feelings that he has for his high school sweetheart Jade?

The Reunion is an entertaining novel by John R. Williams. This is an interesting tale of how a man deals with an unsatisfying relationship while still trying to pursue his dreams. Sean is a very likeable character that readers will definitely root for, while Eva is a character that you will love to hate. Williams did a good job with the overall storyline of this novel, but some parts of this book could have been a little more developed. You don�t really see how Sean became this writer that everyone in his hometown knows. It also would have been better to see more of Jade�s side of the story leading up to and during the class reunion. You really don�t know that Sean has been carrying a torch for Jade all of these years until he gets back to Chicago. There is a twist towards the end of this novel, but it�s so outlandish that it comes off as too unbelievable. The cliffhanger at the end of the book leaves room for a sequel, but it was unnecessary and could have been omitted. The Reunion is still an enjoyable debut novel by John R Williams.

Reviewed by Radiah Hubbert for Urban-Reviews.com

John R. Williams
The Reunion

5 out of 5 books

Cash
Trust No Man

Sometimes the dirt you do in the streets comes back to haunt you in the worse way. The streets can welcome you and desert you in the same breath. Terrance (a.k.a. Youngblood) knew only one thing...the streets. Youngblood was a stick-up kid who lived by the code of the streets: Loyalty and Respect. But circumstances change Youngblood's mindset when he's put in situations involving matters of the heart. Baby mama drama is no stranger to Youngblood, and the women he chooses to deal with could cost him his chances of stacking his paper. After a stint in prison, Youngblood needs to rebuild his empire, but will the choices he makes cost him his chance of being on top?

Shan is Youngblood�s baby mother, and the rules of the street is that Shan is suppose to hold her man down no matter what the situation is and stay away from her man�s friends. When Youngblood is sentenced to a short stint in prison, Shan does the exact opposite. Her legs stay open like a 24 hour store, and the ultimate betrayal comes when she sleeps with her man�s partner and friend and is now carrying his child. A chain reaction causes Shan to reevaluate the choices she makes. Will Shan straighten up and be a mother to her child, or will she reap what she sows and suffer the consequences?

Lonnie was Youngblood�s partner and mentor. Lonnie bought Youngblood in the game and schooled him as a big brother. When Youngblood was sixteen years old, Lonnie put him on, and their bond was thicker than thieves. Loyalty was the code they lived by. Lonnie and Youngblood looked out for each other, did dirt together and through it all, their relationship remain true. When Youngblood is released from prison, Lonnie introduces him back into the only life he is accustomed to and what is guaranteed to bring in money fast. But when Youngblood accepts side deals from others outside of their circle, could those choices cause there relationship to be tested?

Trust No Man was a book I definitely couldn�t put down. The struggles this young man endured related to the many challenges we all face in life. Do you choose the straight and narrow life, or do you chose the life that can get you enemies, jail time, and or even killed? Youngblood was no nonsense, but through it all he wanted to be involved in his children�s life. I think that Cash is right on point with the portrayal of the struggles that a lot of young African-American women and men go through. The choices you make and the enemies you create by doing dirt can cause you a lot heartache and pain in your life. The characters were ones that everyone could relate to, either on a personal level or just from different situations and struggles we have all encountered one time or another. I cannot wait to read Trust No Man Part 2.

Reviewed by Kristin for Urban-Reviews.com

4 out of 5 books

Disaya �YaYa� Morgan was born to Dynasty, the HBIC of a pimp named Slim. Slim and Dynasty are rearing Disaya away from the madness that they profit from, teaching her to love the finer things in life. Tragic events leave Disaya in the hands of the state foster system. While there, she suffers abuse and finds lifelong friend Mona. A strong willed Disaya uses her misfortune as a means to gain fortune and sets off as a trailblazer with Mona along for the ride. Beautiful, sexy, and wise, Disaya and Mona enter the world of The Elite as high priced escorts. They meet Leah, a bi-sexual street smart girl that teams up with Disaya to seek fortune in their own rights. Indie is a kingpin that crosses paths with YaYa, and the magnetic attraction they share reels him in despite her ghetto, materialistic mentality.

YaYa reluctantly relents to perform one more mission with Leah due to her feelings for Indie. Leah�s destructive personality erupts, and YaYa finds herself in the middle of a scam that causes her to end their friendship. In the meantime, YaYa and Indie�s love grows while waiting the birth of their baby. Karma intervenes, and YaYa�s past drama resurfaces and causes her to lose the one thing she loves above all else.

Get your stunner glasses out and get ready for Ashley Antoinette�s fabulous debut novel! We all know what the 'Dynamic Duo' of Ashley and JaQuavis are capable of, but this introduction to Ashley�s independent endeavor is simply incredible! She gives us a taste of the ingredients that she brings to the table, and I can only say that you will most definitely be fiending for more after this dose! The Prada Plan entails a vision of YaYa�s evolution from prima donna little girl, to street savvy young woman, and finally to a golden gem complete with a brazen love of self and others. YaYa�s tale is a true testimony that when gold is put in the fire it comes out pure! Join Ashley in this astounding read as we witness love, loyalty, betrayal, murder, drugs, sexual abuse, insanity, growth, and lastly perseverance when all odds are against you! Ashley Antoinette�marvelous, simply amazing!! Continue to 'wow' us with the flair of your astonishing literary skills!

Reviewed by Tazzyt2bossye for Urban-Reviews.com

Ashley Antoinette
The Prada Plan