Coming Soon! The 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway!

 

Coming soon! UrbanReviewsOnline presents the 12 Days of Christmas giveaway. From December 13th-December 24th, there will be a book given away each day to a lucky winner that answers the trivia question that will be posted exclusively in the Urban Reviews Facebook Group. You must be a member to win. If you are an author that would like to give away either an e-book or a physical book for this giveaway, please email Radiah Hubbert at info@urban-reviews.com by December 1st. All authors are responsible for mailing or emailing their books to the winners.

New Contest : Street Banditz : C.J. Hudson : Winner!

Congratulations to Marie Manning! She won a physical copy of Street Banditz by C. J. Hudson!

Winner of The Violet Rose : Charmyra E. Fleming!

 

Congratulations to Olivia Shaw-Reel! She won a copy of The Violet Rose by Charmyra E. Fleming! 

New Contest: The Violet Rose : Charmyra E. Fleming

 

Win a physical copy of The Violet Rose by Charmyra E. Fleming. Email your name & address to: violet@urban-reviews.com by 8pm (cst) 9/28/21!!! (TONIGHT )  Good luck!

New Review : Door to Your Heart : Bianca L. Eugene

 

                                                                   4 out of 5 books

                                                            

Venice Valentine and Xavier Black are two different sides of a coin stuck on the West Side of Detroit, Michigan hustling to achieve their dreams of a better future for themselves. Venice struggles to keep open the neighborhood daycare her beloved grandmother who raised her ran for years. She's down to one adorable child whose attractive father makes his interest in Venice clear. Xavier is in the Game. He's a dangerous man who wants more stability and safety for his son than he had as a child. 

Nurse and entrepreneur Venice is a good woman with an edge who isn't intimidated by him, and he wants her—forever. Xavier’s witty dialogue charms as it rings with layered meanings and authenticity. 

Smoldering sexual chemistry, family drama, dynamic secondary characters, issues of social class plus cultural touch points regarding colorism, toxic masculinity, life's pursuits impacted by gender, ethnicity, and economics make Door to Your Heart a one-sitting read. It's also an homage to Detroit in general and the West Side in particular. From 8 Mile to the North and the Detroit River to the South, the music, food, energy, complexity, and stamina of its people receive acknowledgement and respect. It's ending suggests that Venice and Xavier’s story is just beginning. 

Reviewed by Cardyn Brooks

Order your copy of Door to Your Heart today!

New Review : The Violet Rose : Charmyra E. Fleming

 

                                                                        

                                                                     3 out of 5 books

                                                                   

As an avid reader, I have seen many examples of what works and what doesn’t in the world of fiction.  I also typically avoid romance stories as I find them formulaic, very “plug and play” with little to no originality or creativity.  Charmyra E. Fleming’s The Violet Rose not only avoids these trappings, it pulls together a story that works on multiple levels.

 

From the main character to those that surround her, this novella is full of rich, deep characters that are also relatable.  The plot goes everywhere except where you think it will so there is no predictability to suffer through.  You will root for your favorites and against their nemeses from the beginning to the end of the story.  Fleming has managed to wring fresh ideas and scenes out of a typically overwrought world, showcasing what an up-and-coming generation of authors have to bring to the genre.  And if you are a Prince fan as I am, you will enjoy the nods to His Royal Badness throughout the text and by the end, you’ll want to flip right back to the beginning to catch any clues and subtleties you might have missed.  I have never seen a romance tale described as a page-tuner, but that’s exactly what this one is.  And once you start turning these pages, you won’t ever want to stop!

Reviewed by Denise Ervin

Order Your Copy of The Violet Rose today!

New Review : Street Banditz : C.J. Hudson

 

                                                                    4 out of 5 books

First off, let me start by saying this isn't your typical "hood book". Yes, it takes place in the hood, but it has more than just guns & drugs, if you will. The characters have depth and are relatable. You either know someone like them, or you were (are) them. 

This book made me laugh so hard in places at some of the characters' antics, (I absolute love Ivory). Other places made me almost cry and want to cuss. (If I ever meet up with Janice, it's an immediate misunderstanding on sight!) The mother in me wanted to reach out into the book and hug Hakim and shake some sense into him. Tammy, she's my girl, I admire her spunk and determination. And watch out for Red, with his dirty *ss, he knows he was wrong for that!

All in all, I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a "hood" book with a fast pace, hard to put down, drama filled tale. Author CJ Hudson definitely did not come to play with Street Banditz. I can't wait to find out what happens in part 2.

Reviewed by Kiera J. Worthington

Order your copy of Street Banditz today!

New Review : Road Trip : Electa Rome Parks and Monica Garner

 

5 out of 5 books

Road Trip is about Arlington Harper and Delilah Jackson who are two good friends that are recently divorced. Both of them are trying their best to navigate through this new life. Arlington & Delilah decided to take a road trip to get away from it all. But will they survive the twists and turns of this journey?

In End of the Road, Arlington is a bestselling novelist who is trying to get over her divorce and writer’s block. She plans her getaway to a small town to relax and write. Arlington stumbles upon a salacious offer during her vacation. Is she willing to throw caution to the wind?

In Saint City, Delilah is an officer who is on her way to becoming a detective. Finding a man is the last thing on her mind. Delilah runs into a sexy stranger while on a road trip with her sister. She is intrigued by this man but will his complicated background send her packing?

Road Trip a sexy story by Electa Rome Parks & Monica Garner. Parks & Garner brings the tale of two friends that are separated into two short stories. Each story is deeply satisfying and very erotic. These authors did a good job of telling two complete stories with sound conclusions. However, readers will want to see these characters in another book in the future. Road Trip is the perfect book to steam up your nights. 

Reviewed by Radiah Hubbert

Order your copy of Road Trip today!

                                                                                                  

 

13th Annual Great Midwest Book Fest : June 12, 2021 (Virtual)

The 13th Annual Great Midwest Book Fest Appearance Schedule

1:00-1:05-Intro- Radiah Hubbert

1:05pm-1:15pm- La Jill Hunt

1:15pm-1:25pm- Jeffery Roshell

1:25pm-1:35pm- Pat Simmons

1:35pm-1:45-Break

1:45pm-1:55pm- Shakir Rashaan

2pm- 3pm- Games & Giveaways

Naleighna Kai

Pat G’Orge-Walker

J.L. Campbell

Stephanie M. Freeman

Karen D. Bradley

J.L. Woodson

Sierra Kay

Marie McKenzie

Solsiré E. Felida

Erica B. Davis

3pm-3:10pm-Break

3:10pm-3:20pm-Donna Hill

3:20pm-3:30pm- Rhonda McKnight

3:30pm-3:40pm- Kendy Ward

3:40pm-3:50pm-Break

3:50pm-4:00pm- Shawneda Crout

4:00pm-4:10pm-Shelia Bell

4:10pm-4:20pm-Untamed

4:20pm-4:30pm-Ebony Farashuu

4:30pm-4:40pm-Bonnie J. Edwards

4:40pm-4:50pm- Kimani Lauren

4:50pm-5pm- Vivian King

5pm-5:10pm-Eve Alexander

5:10-5:15pm-Wrap up

Cover Reveal: I Am Ayah by Donna Hill : Publication date: August 30th 2022

 

I Am Ayah
Donna Hill
Published by: Sideways Books
Publication date: August 30th 2022
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

History and the present collide in this fascinating and poignant new novel from Essence bestselling author Donna Hill.

Full description TBA

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Author Bio:

My official writing career began in 1987 when my first short story was published. My first novel, Rooms of the Heart was published in 1990. Since then there have been a slew of books and short stories that I've had published, from romance to women's fiction, chic-lit, erotica and mysteries. I enjoy them all. Three of my novels were adapted for television so that was exciting. I've had the honor of conceptualizing and editing several collections: After the Vows, Midnight Clear, Where There's a Will, Indecent Exposure, and The Hot Spot. I currently teach at Medgar Evers College and live in Brooklyn, NY with my family.

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New Review : Island Queen : Vanessa Riley

4 out of 5 books

Prior to reading Island Queen, I was already a Vanessa Riley fan. To say I love historical fiction would be an understatement. I have read other books by her, and think this is her best work yet! Not only was I riveted, (I’m talking stuck in the book and burn your dinner riveted), but I also learned about Dorothy  Kirwan Thomas, “Dolly or Doll” to those who knew her. 

This book is based on Ms. Thomas, a very courageous and strong black woman, who grew up in slavery. She not only bought her freedom, but her family’s as well. Then went on to not only build an empire, she provided a better life for her family.

Although I felt the book was a good read, I wish that Ms. Riley had given us a bit more focus on her familial and business relationships, rather than those of the failed love interests. However, I was still enthralled with the book, which takes place in the 18th century colonial Caribbean, and especially loved learning about Ms. Thomas, who was from the West Indies, as is my family. I’d never heard about her prior to reading this, so I’m glad that I learned something new. 

I would recommend this to anyone who loves historical fiction, loves to read, and loves to learn. I’d have to say, well done, Ms. Riley, well done.

Reviewed by Kiera J. Northington

Get your copy of Island Queen today!