New Review : Cutthroat : Octavia Grant

5 out of 5 books

Eden Shelton married her college sweetheart and she couldn’t be happier. She was proud that she was able to juggle her very demanding career and be an attentive wife to her husband Jermaine. But when Eden discovers that Jermaine has a devastating secret, this will change her life forever.

This book is nuts in a good way! Cutthroat starts off with the craziness from the first page. Octavia Grant takes the phrase hell hath no fury like a woman scorned to the extreme. There are so many situations in this book where the reader will not believe what they are reading. Readers will be torn because you sympathize with Eden but the things that she does will have you possibly questioning her tactics. This is the first book that this reviewer has read by Octavia Grant and it will not be the last.

Reviewed by Radiah Hubbert 

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Sponsorship Opportunities : 17th Annual Great Midwest Book Fest

New Review : The Hunt : Anna J

5 out of 5 books

Dylan Hunt is living his best life right now. He is smart, sexy, and owns the hottest restaurant in Philly. But Dylan is trying to escape his dark past. He seems to be on the right path but how long will that last? Detective Heather Butler and her crew of female special victims unit detectives are trying to solve a series of horrific crimes. There is a man that is snatching women off of the street and they need to catch him fast. But how far will Heather and her crew go to catch this killer?

Anna J gives us the eroticism that she’s known for but with a psychological thriller twist with The Hunt. She does a good job of presenting the reader with an age old dilemma of which path do you choose? Do you do things the normal right way or do you choose a darker path that will still give you satisfying results? This book does features some very dark themes so readers beware and get ready for a wild story. Erotica, murder, and mayhem is what you’ll find in The Hunt. Readers will be eagerly looking forward to the next installment.

Reviewed by Radiah Hubbert

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New Review : Chloe : Connie Briscoe

 

4 out of 5 books

Angel is a private chef for the Harrisons, one of the most powerful Black families on Martha’s Vineyard. Every August, Angel is in charge of the huge garden party that Jillian Harrison throws at their estate. But this party is different because Everette Bruce, an influential Black billionaire who is still mourning his first wife Chloe is invited. Soon, Angel and Everette begin a romance that leads to marriage. But Angel is not sure if her new life is as good as it seems. She moves into Everette’s estate called Riverwild. But Angel feels as if there are some secrets surrounding Chloe’s death.

Secrets and lies are the name of the game in Chloe by Connie Briscoe. Briscoe provides us with a good mix of romance & suspense with this story. Just when you think that you have this book figured out, Briscoe throws in a few curveballs that keeps the story moving. Chloe is a fast-paced novel for readers that love a book full of suspense and unexpected twists.

Reviewed by Radiah Hubbert

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New Review : Firstborn Girls: A Memoir : Bernice L. McFadden

 

5 out of 5 books

Penning a memoir is no easy task. You are giving everyone an insider’s peek into your world. This is exactly what Bernice L. McFadden did with Firstborn Girls. McFadden starts her story with the horrifying car accident that she survived at just two years old. She takes us from that moment all the way up to the publication of her first novel, Sugar. 

What made this book so moving is how you’re traveling with McFadden through the different decades. She includes significant historical moments that were happening during that particular time period. McFadden does an excellent job of telling us about her family’s history and how they survived slavery, joined the Great Migration, and lived through many other moments in history. 

Readers will find it refreshing to see who McFadden’s literary influences are and how she was a voracious reader from a very young age. When reading this book, readers will see that McFadden went through the same struggles that many African American women go through as far as trying to establish their own place in the world. Firstborn Girls is a heart-wrenching memoir that is also full of hope and redemption.

Reviewed by Radiah Hubbert

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New Review : Somebody's Husband : Robbi Renee

 

5 out of 5 books

SOMEBODY'S HUSBAND is the third book centered on the characters at Monroe University, an HBCU in Monroe City, Missouri.  Here we meet Dr. Dresden Xavier as he and his daughters move back to his hometown after the loss of his wife. He is eager to start is new position heading up a medical research project at Monroe University. Harper Kingsley is a professor at the university who is trying to move on from her failed marriage, yet she is very much an integral part of her ex-husband's life. Both Dresden and Harper are grieving in different ways.

When Harper is selected to work with Dresden and his team, she is elated about a new focus to capture her attention. She never expected the very attractive Dresden would capture her attention as well. Theirs was a mutual attraction but Harper's time is devoted to taking care of her ailing ex-husband Terrance and Dresden is finding it hard to let go of his deceased wife, Nina.

This is a story of love, lost, grief, healing, and second chances. The emotions I felt while reading this! This one was a tearjerker. The writing and plot were very well-written. This was my favorite of Robbi Renee's Monroe University novels. I highly recommend it.

Reviewed by Paula Allen 

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New Review : Untethered : Angela Jackson-Brown

4.5 out of 5 books

I am a fan of Angela Jackson-Brown, and her latest release UNTETHERED did not disappoint. The story is around the director of an at-risk home for black boys. Katia Daniels loved her "boys" and her job. She took pride in knowing that she is doing everything within her power for each boy to succeed in life. She gives each boy special attention to foster their growth and has a wall of former residents who have gone on to do amazing things despite the odds. Her personal life is somewhat mundane yet stressful. Her mother is encouraging a relationship that she knows will go nowhere. She and her mother has also received word that one of her twin brothers who are both off fighting the war in Vietnam is missing.

When Katia connects with a former schoolmate, Seth Tolbert, she is able to develop a sense of calm in her chaos. Seth is very supportive of her work and encourages her to make bold decisions about what she wants in life. When tragedy strikes, Katia's role as protector of all is challenged.

I really enjoyed this book. I cried for several days after reading it which speaks to the emotions in Brown's writing. This is a tale of hope, liberation and new beginnings. 

Reviewed by Paula Allen

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New Review : This Could Be Us : Kennedy Ryan

4 out of 5 books

THIS COULD BE US is the second book in her Skyland series by Kennedy Ryan. Soledad Barnes suspects her husband Edward Barnes may be seeing another woman. This is a great concern for her as she is a housewife and mother of three teen daughters.  Judah Cross is the forensic accountant who is hired to audit the finances at the company where Edward is employed. Edward has an instant dislike for Judah and often complains to the family about the added stress brought on by Judah’s “meddling” in the company’s business.

When Edward is arrested for embezzlement, Soledad is blind sighted and her foundation crumbles. She does not know how she will maintain the household bills and her daughter’s tuition as the family’s assets are frozen. She must find a way to dig herself from the hole that Edward has unknowingly dug for her. Judah feels obligated to help Soledad. He was instantly attracted to her since he first laid eyes on her and felt a strong desire to protect her. They develop a strong friendship which grows into something more.

Soledad’s journey of self-love leads her to realize she also needs romantic love to feel complete. Despite the betrayal and challenges, she picks herself up and shows her daughters that she can take care of them without relying on their father. Her relationship with Judah, who is dedicated to his autistic twin sons, adds depth to the story. Their love story is a beautiful picture of patience, persistence, and individual growth.

Reviewed by Paula Allen 

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New Review : Grace Welcomes the Lady Next Door : Vivian L. King

5 out of 5 books

Grace Polite is missing her home state of Georgia after her and her family moved to Michigan. She also misses her mother after she died of breast cancer. Grace, her father, and her siblings are trying to adjust to their new life and surroundings. When a new neighbor moves in next door, Grace has an idea to use the manners that her mother taught her in order to make life a little brighter.

Grace Welcomes the Lady Next Door is a cute book that teaches kids the importance of having good manners and being polite. Vivian L. King does a good job of telling a good wholesome story that every child and even adults can relate to. This book is filled with beautiful illustrations that ties in perfectly with the story. Grace Welcomes the Lady Next Door is a breath of fresh air and an excellent start to this series.

Reviewed by Radiah Hubbert

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New Review : Exodus From Treachery (The Genesis Series Book 2) : Gwen Richardson

4 out of 5 books

This novel is the second I’ve read from Gwen. This read was well written and the storyline well thought out. Lloyd Palmer, a reporter for the Houston Ledger was now lead editor of the Ledger and was now in charge of what would be found in between the pages. His new position came with headaches he hadn’t had while being a reporter, yet he stayed true to himself. In efforts to keep community support, Lloyd approved articles that were factual and didn’t go with the first report of scandal. There was big news brewing within the political arena and Charles, Lloyd’s right hand man was at the helm of the discovery. He trusted his friend’s judgment but would bide his time until there was enough definitive information to share with the public.

Michael the high roller of the organization that included money laundering and puppeteering political candidates like chess pieces. He employed people with backgrounds in criminology to ensure that his vision was accomplished. His front runner Joel was to be Ron, Lloyd’s best friends campaign manager according to what Michael promised him, however neither of them were prepared for Ron to independently take matters into his own hands and he hired, Stephanie, Lloyd’s wife to run his campaign although she was a novice to politics. She proved to be competent in getting the job done to Michael and Joel’s dismay.

There were other players in the game of chess and not checkers who would work to orchestrate Michaell’s demands which would cause others to be exposed and lose credibility of the Senate chair. One by one due to unfortunate circumstances, they all withdrew their bid from the race. This was done to ensure that Ron would win the race without any components he was sure to get the victory. Michael needed to keep his word to Joel, and they hoped that Stephanie would fold, however she exceeded their expectations to run the campaign. Michael needed to remain in control of being behind the scenes and when Joel missed an opportunity to keep their plans secret, a plan was drawn up to get rid of Stephanie. However, when there is purpose for your life, God will send an angel to protect you and there’s an old saying that when you are digging a hole for someone else, dig two for yourself.

If you like mystery stories, then this book is for you.

Reviewed by Lacha’ J

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New Review : Harlem Rhapsody : Victoria Christopher Murray

 

4 out of 5 books

The year is 1919 and Jessie Redmon Fauset arrives in Harlem to live her dream. Jessie is a high school teacher from Washington DC. She has just been named the literary editor of The Crisis. Jessie is the first Black woman to hold this position at such an influential magazine. Jessie makes such an impact at the magazine that most Black writers want their work featured in it. But a secret affair could jeopardize it all. W.E.B. Du Bois is the founder of The Crisis and is Jessie’s boss. He is also her lover. There is nothing that can keep them away from each other. But at what cost?

Harlem Rhapsody gives us an introduction into not only to the Harlem Renaissance but to Jessie Redmon Fauset. Victoria Christopher Murray does an excellent job of bringing Jessie’s story to life. Christopher Murray also handled Jessie and W.E.B. Du Bois shocking affair very delicately. The most interesting part of this story is how Jessie discovered so many authors of the Harlem Renaissance like Langston Hughes, Countee Cullen, and Nella Larsen. You can picture the sights, sounds, and fashion of Harlem during that time in history. Harlem Rhapsody is a wonderful ode to the Harlem Renaissance and to the writers who shaped it.  

Reviewed by Radiah Hubbert

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