NEW REVIEW: Monica Mathis-Stowe - Where Did We Go Wrong

Monica Mathis-Stowe - 
Where Did We Go Wrong? - 
Available Now! - 
4.5 out of 5 books - 

Three best friends have been holding down each other since college. But are there some secrets that are too much for anyone to hold? Enter the world of Gabby, Maxine and Joy, who find themselves entwined in secrets, lies, and betrayal. Will their friendship last?

Gabby has always been known to get what she wants. When her plan comes to life, she traps a NFL baller, gets pregnant and makes him pay child support for the next 18 years. But things go from great to bad when Gabby pins her newborn on someone else, and marries another man who suffers from mental illness. Gabby can’t hold her lies together when confronted with the truth. A DNA test brings all of Gabby’s lies to light and what follows next is deadly consequences. Will Gabby be able to live with what her lies created?

Maxine has the perfect life. A husband who is on his way to making partner, two handsome sons and the house of her dreams. But Maxine is living in hell. Her husband refuses to let her return to her job as a teacher, they are over their head in debt, and her husband uses her as his own punching bag. When an altercation lands Maxine in the hospital, the perfect life as Maxine has come to know is no longer. With her husband in prison, Maxine is finally taking control of her life. She begins teaching again and runs into a new co-worker named Kevin. Things seem to be moving in the right direction, but is everything what it seems? Is Maxine moving too fast that'll end up in another disaster?

Where Did We Go Wrong was a great read. Monica Mathis-Stowe tackled so many issues but kept the story line intact. The friendship of these three women remained strong through every obstacle. I can’t wait to read Where Did We Go Wrong Again to see where the characters' paths take them in the next book. You will not be disappointed at all with Where Did We Go Wrong.

Reviewed by Kristin for Urban Reviews

Order your copy of Where Did We Go Wrong today!

  

   

NEW REVIEW: Jackie Chanel - A Hustler's Promise

Jackie Chanel - 
A Hustler's Promise - 
Available Now! - 
4.5 out of 5 books - 

Beginning this book, I didn't know what to expect, but I found out I was in for a long ride.

Jaicyn had a lot on her plate for a high-schooler. With a mother strung out on drugs, she had to play the mother role for her two younger sisters. Not knowing where her next meal was coming from, and needing clothes and basic necessities to survive, she has to do what she has to do to take care of her younger siblings, even if that includes dropping out of school. With CPS at her front door, Jaicyn will do anything to protect her sister, but with the roll of the dice against her, she ends up taking a charge that isn't hers. Will Jaicyn be able to gain custody of her sisters, or will they be forever lost?

Rayshawn was an upcoming hustler from around the way. Rayshawn had a leadership quality about him, and he was being groomed by one of the biggest dealers in the city named King. Rayshawn and his twin brother Dayshawn were totally different, but they had one thing in common: they hated the situation they were in. Their mother was tragically killed by their father and their whole life was uprooted when they had to move in with their grandparents. Rayshawn meets Jaicyn and they begin a whirlwind romance, but things take a change for the worse when Jaicyn takes a charge for Rayshawn and is sent away. Upon Jaicyn's return, Rayshawn is on a whole new level and things are not the same. Will Rayshawn and Jaicyn be able to weather the storm, or will their relationship just be a thing of the past?

The author Jackie Chanel presented a great storyline that was highly entertaining and a quick read. It flowed very well and kept my attention. I can’t wait to read Hustler’s Promise 2 to find out where all the characters end up.

Reviewed by Kristin for Urban Reviews 

Order your copy of A Hustler's Promise today!

NEW REVIEW: Naomi Chase - Deception

Naomi Chase - 
Deception - 
Available Now! - 
4.5 out of 5 books - 


Tamia Luke has been saved by her prince in shining armor, the renowned Brandon Chambers, son of the prominent Lieutenant Governor Bernard Chambers, and the man she loves but betrayed in the worst way. Tasting freedom is bittersweet, especially when she has to watch her nemesis claim the victory with her lover, her best friend, and her very own soul mate. Brandon plans a future with Cynthia, one befitting his family’s social status and expectations, but his heart palpitates to a different beat for Tamia. Fiona Powell is Tamia’s sister, and she’s guilty of envying her sister, riding her sister’s coattails, and sacrificing her sister at the ultimate expense…guilty on all accounts and some unnamed. Sisters by blood, sisters by deception, and sisters in every sense of the word but disconnected by secrets that these two sisters bear the burden for the sake of being sisters.

Deception is the sequel to Exposed, a book that I haven’t read but don’t really feel slighted. Ms. Chase did a great job of penning this book as a stand alone with its captivating characters, dynamic dialogue, electric scenarios, and tempestuous cliffhanging ending. Murder, suspense, lies, raw sexuality, judgmental behavior, cunning manipulation, unchained desire, hurt, and life changing choices all season this thrilling novel, ensuring a tasty and addictive memorable read! I’m really anticipating book #3 to see how Ms. Chase masterminds this journey.

Reviewed by Tazzyt2bossye for Urban Reviews

Order your copy of Deception today!
 
 

NEW REVIEW: Erica Hilton - From Mistress To Wifey

Erica Hilton - 
From Mistress To Wifey - 
Available Now! - 
4.5 out of 5 books - 

Jasmine was a smart pretty girl who liked the bad boy type. Having had a series of dead-end relationships with broke drug dealers, Jasmine is determined to place a claim on the winning prize. That prize is Nico, who was the interim head of the “Ghetto Mafia.” A chance encounter leads to to the title of mistress, accomplice, murderer, and ride or die chick.Will Jasmine get her prize and be able to take her position, or will she lose her freedom to keep Nico in her life?

Mia has been loyal and down for Nico for many years.  Mia knows her role as a wifey and also understands that Nico has his flock of other women. There are two rules that Nico must follow: don’t bring anything home and no form of blatant disrespect. Exotic trips, money at her disposal, and luxury cars are nothing new to Mia. But things can’t replace companionship. When Mia finds out who Nico’s latest conquest is, she will do anything in her power to keep her man, including revealing life-changing secrets. Will it be too late, or will the title of wifey be crowned to her arch rival?

From Mistress to Wifey was a solid novel. Erica Hilton did an excellent job of showing how two women from two different worlds will stop at nothing to get and keep the man in their life. Nico’s character was a well-calculated and manipulative at the same time. His every move was a strategy to get control of the “Ghetto Mafia.” Both ladies were in Nico’s plan from the very beginning, and the novel showed how poor decisions and secrets can lead to deadly consequences.

Reviewed by Kristin for Urban Reviews

Order your copy of From Mistress To Wifey today! 

  

  

NEW REVIEW: Ann Christopher - Deadly Desires

Ann Christopher - 
Deadly Desires - 
Available Now! - 
4.5 out of 5 books - 

Kira Gregory is on the run for her life! The wife of a drug kingpin, she has known the good, the bad, and the ugly sides of life. Kira married Kareem Gregory to get out of her father's house. When she married Kareem, she had no idea that she was going from bad to worse. After 4 years of marriage and all the physical and emotional abuse she could take, Kira left Kareem the same night he was indicted on federal charges. Kira knew this was a death sentence, and she would live in fear as long as Kareem was alive. So when his mansion mysteriously exploded while he was home on house arrest, Kira could not believe her luck. However, she refused to believe that he was dead. She knew it couldn't be that easy. With the help of DEA Agent Dexter Brady, who had been working with Kira and other informants to get Kareem off the streets, she came to terms with Kareem's death.

Dexter has loved Kira from the first time she came to him for help. He didn't want to love her or understand how he could love a woman that was married to a monster like Kareem. It was just something that he felt in his gut. After several months of getting herself together, Kira was starting her new life and wanted Dexter a part of that life. The question is, can Dexter love her past all the hurt and fears while showing her how strong she really is?

Deadly Desires is a great read by Ann Christopher. This novel was a page turner from beginning to end. Ann Christopher did a wonderful job with transitions from chapter to chapter. She gave you just enough so that you had to read the next chapter to find out what happened. The primary and secondary characters were also very well developed. With the exception of a minor discrepancy, this was a very well thought out and organized story.

Reviewed by Tenecia for Urban Reviews 

Order your copy of Deadly Desires today!
 
  

NEW REVIEW: Tracy L. Darity - The Red Bear Society

Tracy L. Darity -
The Red Bear Society -
Available Now! -
4.5 out of 5 books -

You may be wondering by the cover of this novel and the title of this book, what exactly is The Red Bear Society? The cover alone may not appeal to you but in reading the novel, the cover will soon become very clear. Johnson White High School has a new principal and her name is Sharon Grayson. The day of orientation does not go quite as planned. If anything, it upsets a lot of the parents and students and the media begins to start questioning what makes her qualified to be principal.

The school district's superintendent has hired her for his own personal reasons. He gives her free reign to be creative and do her own thing as she see's fit. Sharon is set on trying to educate her students and parents on what is really going on with teens today. She shows how things are not how they used to be, and how teens deal with so much more than just the worry of teenage pregnancy. When an accident involving one of the students of Johnson White occurs, the students put together a blood drive and here is where a chain of events will happen that will leave everyone in Johnson White affected in some way.

The Red Bear Society by Tracy L. Darity was an EXCELLENT novel. It is a novel that parents and teens all need to read. The Red Bear Society is a novel that will open your eyes to some of the things that teens of today are going through. Startling statistics are written throughout the novel that will have you stunned. Homework that the parents of the novel were to do will surely have you doing the same. Aside from some minor editing issues, this is a novel I would highly recommend. Although, it seems that too many characters were affected, there is a message that all readers are surely able to get from reading this powerful novel.

Reviewed by Leona for Urban Reviews


Order your copy of The Red Bear Society today!

NEW REVIEW: Arielle Crowell - Mr. Undesirable

Arielle Crowell - 
Mr. Undesirable - 
Available Now! - 
4.5 out of 5 books - 


Longtime friends Freddie, Corie, and Damon were three of the most self-centered and egocentric men that lived in the D.C. area. Freddie was the ladies' man because could charm a woman out of her money, car, and panties with just one glance. He was very good at his craft because he couldn't hold down a job to save his life, and the fact that he lived with his momma didn't make it any better. Corie was a married psychologist who didn't know the true meaning of faithfulness. While his wife was taking care of their daughter, he was taking care of his patients in more ways than just helping them with their problems. And then there was the NFL player, Damon. Damon thinks that all eyes should be on him. His ego was bigger than the football field he played on. These three friends will encounter drama, tragedy, and death. Will they prevail and still walk among Washington D.C. as the undesirable men that they are? Or will the new events that happen to them change them for the better?

Mr. Undesirable by Arielle Crowell is filled with so much drama that I don't know where to begin. All I can say is that this book will keep you engrossed until the last page. There are some twists that you would not expect. The author does a great job of keeping the attention of her readers because each chapter gives you enough detail to understand each character and the issues they are going through. While reading, you don't know if you should hate them, laugh at their foolishness, or feel bad for them for what they're going through. The only small issue I had with the story is that there was a lot of grammatical errors. But other than that, Mr. Undesirable is a great read.

Reviewed by Jackie for Urban Reviews

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NEW REVIEW: Patricia Haley - Broken

Patricia Haley - 
Broken - 
Available Now! - 
4.5 out of 5 books - 


Broken is the third book of a series created by author Patricia Haley about a family's corporation. After getting enough votes and stock to oust Joel as CEO, Don Mitchell is left to put the company back together. While trying to put the business back in tact, he also has the task of trying to put the family back together as well. His sister, Tamara, had her own demons within the family to face. She was adamant that she was not going to step back into the home where all of her bad memories were. She ran to Europe and kept running until danger strikes her there. Zarah, Joel's wife, is in a foreign land with no family except for a husband that wants nothing to do with her. She is battling with her loneliness, depression, and suicidal thoughts. Even though Zarah feels like a noose around Joel's neck, he does feel guilty about not having the same feelings for his wife as she has for him.

Thoughts like forgiveness, temptation, and redemption may come to mind while reading Broken since all of them are encountered. I enjoyed this book just as I did the prior two. Broken is definitely a page turner, and you will want to know what happens to each and every character. Once you read this book, you won't want to put it down until the end. I was not too happy with the ending, but from what I read, there may be a fourth book. Broken is a good read, and I recommend this book if you want to read a good christian fiction novel.

Reviewed by Jackie for Urban Reviews

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NEW REVIEW: Noire - G-Spot 2 Pride: The First Deadly Sin

Noire - 
G-Spot 2 Pride: The First Deadly Sin - 
Available Now! - 
4.5 out of 5 books - 


Being an avid fan of Noire, I was excited to read G-Spot 2 Pride: The 1st Deadly Sin. The new installment actually picks up right where G-Spot ended. Juicy Stanfield, who was uprooted out of her life as she knew it, begins working at the G-Spot Social Club. Being that Juicy is the top lady of G, owner of the Social Club, and she is exposed to a lot. But there are rules that are in place and Juicy seems to not be able to follow them. Things change when Juicy betrays G. Juicy has to endure the consequences and repercussions of her mistakes with all her family dead and murdered at her hands. With G being dead, Juicy is on the run with the love of her life, Gino (G’s son). But as they embark on their new life together, is the coast really clear, or does Juicy have enemies still lurking around the corner?

Even though G-Spot 2 Pride: The First Deadly Sin was short, it packs a big punch. This story will have you on the edge of your seat to the very end. This story showed that no matter where you go and try to hide, if you have unfinished business...you can be found. Juicy has done a lot of wrong in her past, and trying to make a new life with Gino seems just within their reach, but all it takes is one mistake and that happiness can be gone in a blink of an eye. G-Spot 2 Pride: The 1st Deadly Sin is definitely a must read!

Reviewed by Kristin for Urban Reviews

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NEW REVIEW: Tu-Shonda Whitaker - Money Never Sleeps

Tu-Shonda Whitaker - 
Money Never Sleeps - 
Available Now! - 
4.5 out of 5 books - 


The divas of the show The Millionaire Wives Club are back with even more drama than the last show! The night of Kendu’s retirement party and the announcement of his new career seems to be the turning point in Kendu and Milan’s relationship. Milan begins to wonder if Kendu really wants to marry her.

Jaise is happily married to Bilal, a man that treats her good, loves her and shows it in all that he does. But there is an issue that is causing problems between the two. The problem lies in the raising of her 19-year-old son, Jabril. Jabril and his issues are tearing the couple apart. Bilal is trying his best to be understanding, but his patience is wearing thin. Chaunci decides to lay it all on the line with the man she has always had feelings for, but when it backfires, Chaunci is determined to protect her heart. So when a chance encounter with a sexy man could possibly lead to a romance, Chaunci is quick to shut it down, and in essence, sabatoging her own happiness. Will Chaunci be able to let the demons of her past go so she can let love in?

Vera is the new diva on the show, but don’t let the glitz and glam fool you. She does not take crap from anyone and is quick to put you in your place if you come at her the wrong way. Vera is married to a man that absolutely adores her and although Vera loves her husband and their daughter, she wants more than anything to have a successful career. That is the one thing that her and her husband cannot seem to agree upon.

Money Never Sleeps by Tu-Shonda Whitaker is the highly anticipated sequel to The Millionaire Wives Club. A page-turner from the very beginning, it had me flipping the pages wanting to find out what drama was about to unfold next. The ladies from the reality television show The Real Housewives of Atlanta don’t have anything on the ladies of The Millionaire Wives Club. The story is full of drama, drama and more drama, and I absolutely loved it! I did take off half a point only because there was a scene within the novel where the timeline did not coincide, but other than that, Money Never Sleeps was an excellent novel.

Reviewed by Leona for Urban Reviews

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NEW REVIEW: Electa Rome Parks - True Confessions

Electa Rome Parks - 
True Confessions - 
Available Now! - 
4.5 out of 5 books - 

Kennedy Logan has her good days and her bad days while trying to find her birth mother and dealing with her over-controlling mother and her abusive ex-boyfriend. She's even tried to commit suicide, but her attempt failed. At the request of her therapist, Kennedy starts to keep a journal. She writes down everything that is going on in her life. She tries to find out what happened, and what events made her think of taking her own life. Well, that was easier said then done. Between her mother, Dorothy Logan, who was just always in her ear about everything, and her ex-boyfriend Drake, it was hard for Kennedy to find out how to just live for herself and no one else.

Kennedy's mother, Dorothy, moves in with her daughter and she's determined to get her child's life back on track. And the first order of business is to get rid of her boyfriend, Drake Collins. Drake has it all: looks, wealth, and he can charm the clothes off anyone. At least. that's what he thinks. Drake is determined not to lose Kennedy, and he'll do anything to make sure that does not happen. Will Kennedy finally see Drake for the man he really is? Or will she keep on the blinders and go on like nothing ever happened?

I have read several of Electa's books, and I can say that True Confessions is one of the best. This book sparks your attention at page one. I loved how Kennedy's character can relate to so many people out here that do not love and respect themselves first. She gives details about Kennedy's struggle with Drake, and how he had a lot of control over her. Also, there is her mother, who could be just as controlling as Drake. Eventually you see Kennedy breaking out of that shell and becoming her own person. True Confessions is truly a great read from beginning to end.

Reviewed by Jackie for Urban Reviews

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NEW REVIEW: Tiphanie Thomas - Heart Stealer

Tiphanie Thomas - 
Heart Stealer - 
Available Now! - 
4.5 out of 5 books - 


Randall Rowe was a local small town boy turned Hollywood star. On a rare visit to his small hometown, Randall literally runs into Kayla Denton. Kayla was a sixteen-year-old girl who life had dealt a bad hand to, and she was trying to get away from it. Eight years later, Kayla has become a member of the Rowe family, and Randall is returning home for the first time in a while. The question on everyone's mind, especially Kayla's, is why is he here? Randall has returned home to make amends, but things are not as easy as Randall had anticipated. Kayla has been in love with Randall from the first time she meet him, but his reckless, carefree behavior in the past has caused Kayla to guard her heart. Randall will have to give the most memorable performance of his life if he wants a chance to steal Kayla's heart.

Heart Stealer by Tiphanie Thomas is a wonderful read. Thomas is an excellent writer. She does a wonderful job of keeping the storyline flowing without having any lagging moments. She also has very good character development. Their are several secondary characters throughout the story which Thomas integrates into the story seamlessly. Heart Stealer is a feel good love story that should be added to any "to be read" pile.

Reviewed by Tenecia for Urban Reviews

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NEW REVIEW: K.L. Brady - The Bum Magnet

K.L. Brady - 
The Bum Magnet - 
Available Now! - 
4.5 out of 5 books - 


Real estate agent Charisse Tyson has had 40 years of dealing with sorry men. She has deemed herself the bum magnet. After reading an article in a magazine, she decides to clean out her emotional baggage and work on herself. In the process of "cleaning house," she meets two new men and encounters two men from her past. It seems as if she is destine to continue this cycle of attracting lying, cheating, no good men. However, one man from her past may be able to break that cycle without Charisse even realizing it.

The Bum Magnet by K.L. Brady is an excellent read. Brady does a wonderful job of capturing the struggle that a lot of women go through in trying to find themselves and/or the "right" man. She also did a wonderful job with the character and plot development. The storyline flowed without any lagging moments. Overall, The Bum Magnet is a very enjoyable story!

Reviewed by Tenecia for Urban Reviews

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NEW REVIEW: Donna Hill, Niobia Bryant, Zuri Day - Heat Wave (anthology)

Donna Hill, Niobia Bryant, Zuri Day - 
Heat Wave (anthology) - 
Available Now! - 
4.5 out of 5 books - 


Heat Wave is a romance anthology featuring three stories about summer flings.

Summer Fever by Donna Hill was a fun summer romance. Nina Forbes is house sitting in the Hampton's for one of her best friend's clients. Nina has planned to get a little R & R and sightseeing in while there. The last thing she expected to do was to have a summer rendezvous. But once she meets her summer neighbor, Ian Harrison, she may have to rethink her plans. Ian is in the Hampton's to oversee the summer season opening of his lounge and plans to return to Barbados once his business there is complete. However, love has a way of changing all plans. Can what started out as fling, become the real thing?

One Hot Summer by Niobia Bryant was an excellent read. Nylah "Love" Lovely is a very sought after event planner that was once married to a superstar R& B artist. She has no desire to ever have her private life placed on display again after everything she went through during her divorce. So when NBA superstar Maleek Trenton wants her to plan his end-of-summer party, she wants no part of it or him. Maleek is use to getting everything he wants, and he doesn't plan on letting Love get away. The question is, can there new found romance withstand the public scrutiny and allegations that comes with dating a high profile person and the mistrust that they have due to past relationships?

Too Hot to Handle by Zuri Day was a hot and steamy read. Choice McKinley and Trey Scott become trapped in an elevator on the hottest July that New York has ever seen. While trapped, Trey and Choice turn up the heat even more. Choice decides that since she will probably never see Trey again, she can engage in a little elevator foreplay. Once the elevators door are open, they go their separate ways, never to see each other again...so they think. Once Choice and Trey discover that she is his boss's daughter, they end up at a crossroads. Trey wants to see where the relationship can go, and Choice doesn't think the relationship will work out. Who will get what they want? Or do they really want the same thing?

Heat Wave is a collection of three stories by three exceptional writers.  Overall, these were three very well written stories by Hill, Bryant, and Day!  I highly recommend this to all the romance readers out there.  You will not be disappointed.

Reviewed by Tenecia for Urban Reviews

Order your copy of Heat Wave today!
 
 

NEW REVIEW: Amore - The Temptation of Love

Amore - 

The Temptation of Love - 

Available Now! - 

4.5 out of 5 books - 

Alexander Love has just landed a partnership at his law firm. All the focus he has placed on building his career has paid off. When his mother plans a family BBQ to celebrate his promotion, he does not expect to meet his soulmate. Jada Whitman is a film producer and good friend of Alex's cousin, Ami. When Jada lays her eyes on Alex, she knows she is in big trouble. After spending time together, Alex is convinced that he wants Jada in his life; he just doesn't realize how much. Jada is far more reluctant. She is fighting her feelings for Alex because she knows he is the kind of man that you can't walk away from if you get in too deep. Jada has had a lot of hardship in her life, which has caused her to shy away from serious relationships. However, Alex is making it very hard for her to keep her "no falling in love rule" in tact. Once Alex and Jada's relationship starts to blossom, in walks a blast from Alex's past. Will Alex's love and Jada's growing ability to trust be enough to keep these two together?

The Temptation of Love was a very good book. Amore does a wonderful job of developing the primary and secondary characters. There were a lot of characters that were introduced, and she did an excellent job of describing how they all fit together. She also does a fantastic job with imagery. She paints a beautiful picture of how close knit the Love family is. There was one scene in the book that I had a hard time buying into. This scene was the only reason that I didn't give the book a 5 star rating. Other than that, The Temptation of Love is one to add to your must read list.

Reviewed by Tenecia for Urban Reviews

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NEW REVIEW: T.N. Williams - Peace of Me

T.N. Williams - 
Peace of Me - 
Available Now! - 
4.5 out of 5 books - 


Celia Alexander believes that God is trying to test her faith. When her husband Khalil is sent to prison, she is having a hard time trying to get her life back on track and forgiving him at the same time. Celia stumbles across a young girl in Detroit that may be linked to her husband in some way. During her investigation, will Celia find more than she bargained for, or will she believe that the Lord has her best interest at heart?

Khalil has been sent to prison, but he is far more than a prisoner. Still, with connections to the outsid, Khalil's strange business will either add more time to his sentence or secure him a get out of jail free card. While all of this family drama is going on, Celia and Khalil's daughter, Kaleia, is suffering. In order to mask the pain, she decides to take a unhealthy route to get her through her pain. When she lands in a hospital bed, Kaleia realizes that life is too precious to just throw it away. Will Celia, Kaleia, and Khalil find the peace they need to move on?

Peace of Me by T.N. Williams is a novel about redemption and forgiveness. The book just flowed from page to page. Each time a new chapter started, you knew exactly how the author was going to present the character in that chapter. There was a very strong spiritual presents in this book. It never became too preachy, and it gave you a sense of how the Lord worked throughout each character lives. The book had a good pace, never got dull, and just was a good Christian fiction novel that kept your interest. Peace of Me by T.N. Williams is a very good read.

Reviewed by Jackie for Urban Reviews

Order your copy of Peace of Me (Urban Christian) today!

Best Reviewed Books of 2010

Best Reviewed Books of 2010



Below is a listing of books reviewed on the UrbanReviewsOnline.com website that we noted as being the best of the best!

*Search our site using the Search Field on the right side to find the corresponding review on our site.


5 out of 5 'Top Shelf Rating' = 'Classic'

(This is a comprehensive list of those titles...in no particular order.)
 

Risque - Smooth Operator

Wanda Campbell - Right Package, Wrong Baggage 
 
Amaleka McCall - Price of Fame

Monique D. Mensah - Inside Rain

Shelley Halima - Blinding Mirror

Chilufiya Safaa - Stay The Night

Theo Semper - Church Affairs

Pat Tucker - Daddy By Default

Shana Burton - Flaws And All

Judge Glenda Hatchett - Dare To Take Charge

Suzan Johnson-Cook - Becoming a Woman of Destiny

Venesha - Mirror, Mirror

K'wan - Welfare Wifeys

Michelle Stimpson - Last Temptation

Denise Coleman - Drama With A Capital D

Various Authors - Can't Help the Way That I Feel (anthology)

Aliya S. King - Platinum

Victor McGlothin - The Secrets of Newberry

Michelle Janine Robinson - Color Me Grey

James W. Lewis - Sellout

Pat G'Orge-Walker - Don't Blame The Devil

Pamela & Joel Tuck - Color Struck

Patricia Haley - Destined

Lutishia Lovely - Heaven Forbid

Tiffany L. Warren, Sherri L. Lewis, Rhonda McKnight - A Woman's Revenge (anthology)

Victoria Christopher Murray - Sins of the Mother

Elissa Gabrielle - A Whisper to a Scream

Anthony Fields - The Ultimate Sacrifice

Delilah Dawson - Wanting It

Nana Ekua Brew-Hammond - Powder Necklace

R. L. Byrd - Looking For Sweet Love

Carol M. Mackey - Sistergirl Devotions

Maureen Smith - Recipe for Temptation

Beverly Taylor - Desires of the Heart

Pat Simmons - Still Guilty

Earl Sewell - Cougars

Allison Hobbs - Stealing Candy

Bernice L. McFadden - Glorious

Various Authors - The Shattered Glass Effect (anthology)

Jacquelin Thomas - Samson

Bettye Griffin - Trouble Down The Road

Caleb Alexander - Belly of the Beast

Shakeera Frazer - Fast Lane

J. D. Mason - Take Your Pleasure Where You Find It

Korika L. Johnson - Joy Comes In The Mourning

Sherri Lewis - Selling My Soul

Nikki Turner - Relapse

Paula T. Renfroe - The Cheating Curve

Desiree Day - Spiritual Seduction

Lisa Y. Watson - Watch Your Back

Francis Ray - If You Were My Man

Kimberla Lawson Roby - Be Careful What You Pray For

Lutishia Lovely - Reverend Feelgood

Keleigh Crigler Hadley - Preacher's Kids: Secrets And Salvation

Tiffany L. Warren - In the Midst of it All

Erick S. Gray, De'nesha Diamond, Nichelle Walker - Heartbreaker (anthology)

Vanessa Davis Griggs - Goodness And Mercy

 
4.5 OUT OF 5 HONORABLE MENTION = 'NEAR CLASSIC'

(There are our honorable mentions since they are very close to a top shelf rating!)


Allison Hobbs - Lipstick Hustla
 
Dijorn Moss - The Retreat 
 
Farrah Rochon - Huddle With Me Tonight

Nisa Santiago - Return of the Cartier Cartel

Winkk - Tour Secrets 2

Zane - The Hot Box

Ni'cola - The Appetizer

Rhonda McKnight - An Inconvenient Friend

Nicolette - The Paper Chase

Queenetta Ross-Davis - The Illusion of Everything Sacred

Kendra Dunn - The Preacher's Daughter

Jennifer Coissiere - Crossing Over

Michele Cameron - Unclear and Present Danger

La Jill Hunt - Say It Ain't So

 

Leave your thoughts on your favorite reads from 2010!!
 

Congrats to all the phenomenal authors that excelled to the highest level this year!
 
 

NEW REVIEW: Allison Hobbs - Lipstick Hustla

Allison Hobbs -
Lipstick Hustla -
Available Now! -
4.5 out of 5 books -


Misty is back with more drama and issues than ever before. Misty is in the process of rebuilding the business that she lost. She now has a stable of young, sexy men who have no problem with satisfying her clients. Misty’s men are bringing in more cash than she could ever imagine. But she still wants the one thing that she can no longer have…Brick. Brick has left Misty behind to marry her mother Thomasina. Brick (a.k.a. Baron) is now enjoying the married life and is excited about the pending birth of his child. But Misty is still holding out hope that Baron wants to come back to her. But Misty’s scandalous ways may be her ultimate undoing when she crosses the wrong person.

Allison Hobbs brought us some more of her signature drama and spice with Lipstick Hustla. If that’s even possible to imagine, Misty is even more scandalous in this book than in the previous ones. Readers will find that Misty is still all about Misty and that her actions definitely demonstrate this. Misty can’t stop her horrible behavior and crushes everybody that gets in her way. It’s refreshing to see Baron get on with his life and become a good, loving husband and father. Hobbs also did an excellent job with giving us an ending to this novel that will leave you speechless. Lipstick Hustla is another exciting page-turner by Allison Hobbs.
 
Reviewed by Radiah Hubbert of Urban Reviews
 
Order your copy of Lipstick Hustla today!
 
 

NEW REVIEW: Dijorn Moss - The Retreat

Dijorn Moss -
The Retreat -
Available Now! -
4.5 out of 5 books -


Chauncey, Will, Quincy, and Jamal attend Greater Anointing Christian Center (GACC). GACC has a congregation of 2,000 plus, and the majority are women. Pastor Dawkins leads this flock and wants to make sure that all members of GACC are involved with the church in one way or the other. So he creates a retreat for just the men in the church. While at the "Retreat," each man is dealing with their own personal dramas. Each of them are also wondering if they have bitten off more then they could chew. Will they be able to finish the retreat and find the answers they have been searching for, or will they leave and never return to the church?

Will, who is a thief, has come to the retreat searching for answers about God and what he should do about his future. Will he return to the streets and possibly get caught and go to jail, or find redemption and become a true child of God? Chauncey believes that he is a God-fearing man. He can quote the bible backwards and forward and tries his hardest to impress Pastor Dawkins. He is willing to help anyone because that's "the Christian yhing" to do. He's willing to help anyone, except the one person that needs him the most...his brother.

Quincy is a successful businessman who has been married for years. He comes to church, but not too often. Quincy decides to go to the retreat not to find answers from God, but to find the man who he believes is having an affair with his wife. Will he be able to accept the truth, or will he just divorce his wife and move on? Jamal is a family man, goes to work and takes care of his family. His problem is that he's having an extremely difficult time coming to terms with the death of a close friend. Will Jamal find the answers he seeks, or will he keep everything bottled up and never find solace in moving forward?

When starting to read The Retreat, I was actually surprised it was a good read. I would have never thought a book about a men's retreat would have me intrigued. I enjoyed this book for different reasons. One was the way each of these men have their own unique relationship with God and how they dealt with their different problems. Another reason is, the fact that the author, Dijorn Moss, didn't let this book drag on, and each character was interesting in their own way. Some of them you liked more than you liked others, but each character had a relatable situation. There was nothing over the top or too far fetched that you could not believe. The Retreat is very inspiring, and will have you questioning your own relationship with God.
 
Reviewed by Jackie for Urban Reviews
 
Order your copy of The Retreat today!
 
 

NEW REVIEW: Kenn Bivins - Pious

Kenn Bivins -
Pious -
Available Now! -
4.5 out of 5 books -


Carpious Mightson a.k.a. Pious is known as a hard-working, friendly and churchgoing man. His girlfriend, Sydney, feels like she is the luckiest woman in the world to have a man that is so honest and caring as Pious. Her son looks up to him and absolutely adores Pious and vice versa. Little does anyone know that in his past, Pious served a twenty-year sentence in prison for murder.

When Ian Kaplan moves to the quiet neighborhood on Mechi Lane, it makes some of the neighbors very uncomfortable. Why? Ian Kaplan is a registered sex offender. Ian also knows who Pious is from prison. Not only does he have to worry about his new neighbor letting his secret out, but he also has to worry about his ex-wife that shows up out of the clear blue trying to extort money from him.

Pious was an excellent novel by Kenn Bivens. It is a novel that will have you looking at your neighbors sideways, silently wondering what secrets they could be hiding and what they are truly capable of. Pious by Kenn Bivens would make for a great bookclub discussion. I highly recommend this book!

Reviewed by Leona for Urban Reviews
 
Order your copy of PIOUS today!