Urban Reviews - Your Source for the Best in AA Fiction!

"The love of money is the root to all evil, but poverty and lack are its greatest companions..." A.L. Smith Human trafficking is often considered an international phenomenon and women from third world countries are the first images that come to mind. However, “familial human trafficking” is a more intimate crime due to the dynamics of the underlying relationships. Behind Closed Doors 2 the riveting tale of one little girl’s struggle to overcome circumstances beyond her control. Born and raised on the ruthless streets of East St Louis, Dana Toussaint was accustomed to a life of privilege; thanks to her father, a Haitian-born immigrant and notorious drug lord. Dana’s mother; a materialistic southern belle from South Louisiana, is consumed by the good life, as memories of her upbringing in an East New Orleans housing project become a distant memory. In spite of the similarities between the Haitian and Louisiana Creole cultures, the marriage unravels and the un...

HIS ALL NIGHT by Elle Wright (November 24, 2015; Forever Mass Market; Edge of Scandal #2) THE PRICE OF PLEASURE In relationships, Calisa Harper has clear rules: no expectations, no commitments, no one gets hurt. She doesn't need a diamond ring to bring her happiness. She just needs Jared. Fine, fit, and ferocious in bed, Jared is Calisa's ideal combination of friend and lover. But the no-strings status they've shared for years is about to get very tangled. Jared Williams is the kind of man most women long for: sexy, successful, and ready to settle down. He knows convincing the commitment-phobic Calisa that forever is nothing to fear won't be easy-especially when his ex turns up with a daughter she never told him about. In a heartbeat, Jared and Calisa's passion goes from fiery to fragile. He wants to hold on to the love they share but is terrified that their next night together could be their last . . . CLICK HERE TO WIN A COPY! Buy the ...

UR : Tell us about A Wife's Betrayal. MKP: A Wife's Betrayal is a novel about two wives Kennedi and Charlotte, from my novel Paparazzi, that are living a lie that's filled with ultimate betrayal. Kennedi's husband suffers from amnesia as she hides from him, her dark past and his true identity. Charlotte, newly widowed, is sleeping with the enemy and marries the man that she thinks murdered her husband. She seeps deep into the Mafia world and realizes, there's no getting out. As both of the wives lives collide, lives are lost, secrets are revealed, and their worlds are turned upside down, as the drama unfolds. Definitely another page turner! UR: What inspired you to write this novel? MKP: It’s actually a spinoff from Paparazzi. People wanted to know what happened to those characters. Well I thought that it would be great to have a new novel, that developed those characters even further. Charlotte shows growth and Kennedi is still cra...

Best Selling Author Miss KP is at it again, as she brings you another novel filled with deadly sins, lust, and heart-wrenching betrayal of two wives who are determined to dodge their pasts. As secrets unfold, they fight to survive one day at a time. Newly widowed Charlotte Fitzgerald never thought that her life could get more complicated. Sleeping with her husband's nemesis was never a part of the plan, but the further she seeps into the Mafia World, she soon realizes there's no getting out. Right across the pond, newlywed Kennedi a sassy socialite, tries to keep secrets buried from her new husband who suffers from amnesia. Her dark past if revealed, could cost her to lose it all from the only man she's ever loved. As the two wives' worlds collide, lives are lost, loyalties are tested, and lessons are learned as Miss KP takes you on another ride filled with twists and turns. Hold on to your seats for another shocker of a husband's worst nightmare of ultimate b...

THE FORBIDDEN MAN by Elle Wright (July 28, 2015; Forever Mass Market; The Edge of Scandal #1) In Love With the Wrong Man Sydney Williams has forgiven her fiancé, Den, more times than she can count. But his latest betrayal just days before their wedding is too big to ignore. Shocking her friends and family, she calls off the engagement. She walks out on Den . . . and into the arms of his brother, Morgan. Known as a player, Morgan Smith has secretly spent years fighting his feelings for Sydney. When Den's latest dirty deed leaves Sydney devastated, Morgan can't stop himself from coming to her rescue. What begins as friendship quickly escalates into all-consuming passion. Despite their intense connection, Sydney would rather deny her desire than come between brothers. But as Morgan is determined to make Sydney his, Den won't give her up without a fight . . . About the author: Born and raised in Southeast Michigan near Ann Arbor, Elle learned the i...

5 out of 5 books Janice Johnson is living her worst nightmare. Her young black son has been murdered and no arrest has been made. Janice wants to trust the justice system to do the right thing but that’s easier said than done. To further complicate matters, Janice’s brother-in-law wants to get his militant style group involved which she doesn’t approve of. Meredith Spencer’s husband is the person accused of the murder. She knows what really happened that night and feels conflicted. Does she do the right thing and tell the truth or does she stand by her man? Stand Your Ground is the most prolific novel by Victoria Christopher Murray to date. Murray does an excellent job of bringing this controversial law to the forefront. The interesting part of this story is that you see all sides of this. You see not only Janice’s side of dealing with the murder of her son but you also see Meredith struggling with doing the right thing. Murray gives readers a front row seat to the di...

5 out 5 books One tragic incident can change a life forever. This is what happened to Jamal Jones. Jamal records a scuffle with a white police officer on his cellphone that leads to the officer’s death. Facing murder charges, Jamal is now on the run. Jamal’s mother Gloria will do anything to protect her son. She knows that her son couldn't possibly be the cold blooded murderer that everyone is saying he is. When she finds her son, Gloria has to decide if she should turn him in or help him run. Kay Christiansen is a prosecutor and Houston mayoral candidate that can’t wait to put Jamal behind bars. But when her past comes back to haunt her, Kay has to worry about more than her case. Mama’s Boy is a stunning novel by ReShonda Tate Billingsley. This emotionally charged story shows how strong a mother’s love is and decisions that she has to make in order to protect her child. Billingsley’s signature character development and shocking plot twists makes this a joy ...

5 out of 5 books Alicia is  the oldest daughter of Reverend Curtis Black. In the past ,Alicia had some issues with deception, lying, and cheating on her husband Philip. After some time apart, Alicia gets a second chance with Philip and she is getting her " happily ever after”. That's until Levi pops back into the picture. As much as Alicia tries to deny it, she and Levi had a connection that is undeniable. Will Levi throw a monkey wrench in Alicia's chance at happiness with Philip or will she be able to resist him? The Ultimate Betrayal is one of the best books I've read so far. I have read every single book in the Reverend Curtis Black series and this is a great one. I loved how no matter how much drama, lying, and cheating there is, Kimberla Lawson Roby always ties in God. There is a lot of detail included for each character in this story, but it's not overdone. It's a book that'll be hard to put down. It's one of those books t...

5 out of 5 books Who killed Jessie Belle? Natalia always wanted revenge on Jessie Belle due to the death of her father. Reina can never forget the pain Jessie Belle caused her. Chrissy vowed revenge on Jessie Belle for the beating that she suffered by unknown assailants. Jessie Belle’s family will not stop until they find out who pushed her over that balcony. I have been waiting for this book. Jezebel’s Daughter will have you on the edge of your seat from the first page. The story gave enough details to keep you wanting more. What made me enjoy this book so much was the fact it was not predictable. You really don't find out who actually pushed Jezebel until…you have to read it! And trust me you will have your mouth open when you find out. Jacquelin Thomas did not disappoint with Jezebel’s Daughter. Jackie Urban Reviews Order your copy of Jezebel's Daughter today!

5 out of 5 books You can live an entire lifetime in the span of twelve hours. That’s what happened to this unlikely couple after a strange meeting in the rain at a gas station. He was having the worst day of his life. She was trying to make her day better by trying to con him. The mysterious rich man from Orange County became Jackie’s target. All she was looking for was a quick pay off but she ended up with something way more than she bargained for. Soon, she finds herself in an intense one night tryst with this stranger. Things become tense when it becomes more than just about sex. When raw emotions come to the surface, will they be able to survive the aftermath or are they headed for self-destruction? Deception, sex, and murder is what you'll find in Eric Jerome Dickey’s latest novel One Night . This book snatches you up from the very first page. You’ll be become so engrossed in it that you literally won’t be able to put it down. Dickey does an excellent job ...

4 out of 5 books Sasha “Pink” Jansen had heard the voice of God at the age of sixteen. During her purity ceremony at church, Pastor Malik Stroman placed the purity ring on her and God told her that he will be her husband one day. The only thing Pink had to do is to save herself for him. But the problem is that Pastor Stroman is already married. This doesn’t matter to Pink because she feels that God told her that this was going to be her husband. Meanwhile, Xavier is willing and able to be Pink’s man but she won’t let him into her heart. Pink is on this path to becoming Pastor Stroman’s First Lady but is it the right one? Pink & Patent Leather is a good debut novel by Candy Jackson. There has never been a character that’s more irritating and clueless than Pink in recent memory. Jackson makes you want to continue to read this book because you need to know what’s going to happen next. Pink’s whole blind mission to become the next First Lady is so outlandish that...

Washington, DC author, Candy Jackson is a cosmetology teacher who loves to create poetry and short stories. Her reading rose to a brand new height with the discovery of many black writers whose work exploded in the ‘80’s. An avid reader, she began to tap into her own creative side and decided to write stories of her own. Candy is the mother of three young adult children and one grandson. Urban Reviews: Start by telling us about Pink & Patent Leather.  Candy Jackson: Pink and Patent Leather is a book I started on years ago but never finished. My mentor says that I have a fear of success thus, I have several stories I have written but never finished. But, thank God I finished this one and was able to publish it. Urban Reviews: What was your inspiration to pen this story? Candy Jackson: I happen to be a church one Sunday and when my Pastor was closing out he said that women come up to him all the time and say, “God said you’re suppose to be my p...

3 out of 5 books I cannot write a typical review for this book. First, this particular book would actually spark a great bookclub discussion. The first question would have to be "What would you do?" As much as it would be hard to even imagine, walking in on your boyfriend having sex with someone other than you in your bed, is bad enough. But what if that person that he was having sex with was a member of your family? That is exactly what happened when Gia walked in her home after hours of being on her feet at work, and seeing the man she loved having sex with her niece, Anita. Now fast forward years later... Gia marries this same man and has a baby with him. If you think thats where this story ends, you’re in for a rude awakening, because as you can see this is just the beginning of this story. Before you think I gave too much information on the story, read the synopsis and you will see the same thing there. Sorrows Mate by ...

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Yasmin Shiraz is a best selling and award winning author of several books, including Exclusive: An Amazon #1 Best Seller and Retaliation: A Novel which was named a Top Ten Quick Pick for Reluctant Readers by the American Library Association. She is the award winning Writer/Director of Can She Be Saved? which won Best Documentary at the NC Black Film Festival and the Best First Film at the Youth International Film Festival. She also wrote and produced the award winning suicide prevention web series, SOURCES. As an empowerment speaker and youth activist, she has spoken at over 100 colleges and universities as well as organizations such as Planned Parenthood, The Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Girls Inc and the YMCA to name a few. She is a trained sociologist having received her Bachelors of Arts in Sociology from Hampton University and her Masters of Arts in Sociology from Morehead State University. Urban Reviews: Tell us about Devious . Yasmin Shiraz: Devious is th...

Tisha has left the world of entertainment and hip hop culture behind, to find herself embroiled in a sex trafficking ring that involves her former fiance. Has Shout become that guy? Can she save the girls who she's pledged to protect? From Washington, DC, to Miami to the Dominican Republic, Tisha vows to give her life meaning, even if it kills her. Congratulations to Sophia Garrison! She won a copy of Devious.

4 out of 5 books Draya works very hard every day to make sure her little brother June stays off the streets. June has dreams of college and his sister will try to make that come true for him. Draya is a maid at this luxurious white house. She’s not sure of the exact profession of her employers. But Draya sees that there’s plenty of cash that they won’t miss laying around. Soon she devises a plan that will result in a big pay off. But Draya soon finds out that for every action there is a reaction.  Nothing is what it seems in The White House by JaQuavis Coleman. Coleman tells a story that is a prime example of what goes around comes around. Just when you think everything in this story is going smoothly, there is an unexpected twist that will make your jaw drop. Readers will also find that the ending will be something you will not be prepared for. The White House is a fast-paced thriller that doesn’t disappoint. Reviewed by Radiah Hubbert Click here to or...

4 out of 5 books Puss and Boots is an exclusive swingers’ club owned by Lyssa and Jacob. Since their two children are now out of the house, they have been actively living this lifestyle. Every few months they hire a “live-in” girl who they provide room, board, and a paycheck. In exchange for this, the hired girl gives them sex on demand. But when Jacob decides to go out and find the next “live-in” on his own, things don’t go as planned. Danielle and Stewart have been regulars at the club for the past eight years. They have their own private room and there’s something far more sinister than sex that’s going on. Juju is a fifty year old millionaire and former model. Ferrari is a 30 year old college dropout . Juju and Ferrari love the club but Ferrari may have his sights on someone else. Tori and Kevin always wanted to experiment and Puss and Boots is the perfect place to do it. After their encounter with another couple at the club, Tori can’t seem to get that experience o...

4 out of 5 books James Wolf aka Lone Wolf is a narcotics detective that does not play well with others. With Internal Affairs watching his every move, Wolf needs a good case to get back on track. When he is called to assist in a homicide investigation, Wolf knows that this is no ordinary case. A gruesome murder of a priest inside of his own church leaves more questions than answers. The killer’s calling card is a single black lotus flower that’s left at the crime scene. Will Wolf find out who the killer is before the body count goes up? As soon as you start reading Black Lotus , you know that there is more than meets the eye as far the black lotus murders are concerned. When reading this story, it feels like you are at the actual scene of the crime. As you get further into this story, you keep wondering who the killer is and what is their motive.This book features the sublime story and character development that K’wan is known for. Readers will need to pay close att...

2.5 out of 5 books Animal is back, and the promise he made Gucci about staying out of the streets is one that he has to renege on. When Red Sonja comes knocking on their door with a little girl in tow, that she claims is Animal’s, Gucci can tell that Sonja is telling the truth when she takes one look at the little girl. Red Sonja has come for help and the only one she can trust is Animal. For the love and safety of his daughter Animal will once again pick up his guns. Animal 3: Revelations by K’wan was a huge disappointment. I have read most of K’wan’s novels and have been following the Animal character from the very beginning. There was just so much going on within this novel that it is at the point that this reader is wondering if Animal has more than nine lives like they say cats have. He has been put in practically every conceivable situation that would and should result in death, numerous times, but Animal keeps on. When I say this (without revealing any spoile...

5 out of 5 books Bad boy Dillon Montgomery has done well for himself. He is a self-made millionaire and wants no part of the town that wrote him off. The only reason he returns is because his mother is his everything. So when he and his mother are asked to come to the reading of the will for Abe Collins, he has no plans of attending. However his mother was Abe’s secretary for years and respected him for giving a single mother a job and expected him to be there. What was not expected however, was Abe leaving half of his company to Dillon and his granddaughter Samantha. On the night of her parent’s death, Samantha had come on to Dillon. Even though he was attracted to her, he knew his mother would kill him and he would never take advantage of a woman like that. That had been 12 years ago. So Dillon had no intentions of staying and helping Samantha run this company. But with the coaxing of his mother and his utter dislike of her uncle, he decides to help. The attr...