NEW REVIEW: Chilufiya Safaa - Stay The Night

Chilufiya Safaa -
Stay The Night -
Available Now! -
5 out of 5 books -


Adana Terrell is the last unmarried Terrell sister. She doesn't believe that she is destined to meet that someone who was made just for her. Outwardly, she is a beautiful, successful attorney who has it going on. Inwardly, she is fine with that...or so she thinks. Kamau Mazrui is part of the prestigious Mazrui family, one of the wealthiest, most well-known families in Kenya. Kamau is still mourning the death of his wife and is at a lost as to how to get his life back on track other than work, but even that is not as fulfilling as it has been in the past.

On a sisters get together weekend in Kenya, Adana enlists the help of Kamau Mazrui on a case she is working on. When a storm hits Kenya, Adana and Kamau must spend the night under the same roof where they ultimately succumb to their passion. The experience changes both of them, but will secrecy and misunderstandings cause the couple to miss out on the love that they both deserve?

Stay The Night is a wonderfully written book by Chilufiya Safaa. The vivid description that the author uses paints a glorious picture of the settings where the story takes place. Safaa does a fantastic job with character development, and she also does a wonderful job of keeping the storyline flowing. Stay The Night is an awesome coming together of two different worlds in the name of love.

Reviewed by Tenecia for Urban Reviews

Order your copy of Stay The Night (Dafina Contemporary Romance) today!
 
 

NEW REVIEW: Dutch - Dynasty II

Dutch -
Dynasty II -
Available Now! -
3 out of 5 books -


Dynasty II by Dutch picks up right where the last book left off, with Vee shot and left for dead. Will Guy find out that someone close to him is the snake in the grass that attempted to take his life?

Ty is angry at Guy for not retaliating on the person responsible for killing his brother. To let that person just walk away is unfathomable to him. Ty is determined to take action against the culprit responsible, whether Guy likes it or not. Ty's mother Debra has been keeping a huge secret. When Ty finds out what that secret is, he is going to have to make a huge decision: To kill or not to kill the one he loves.

Dynasty II by Dutch is full of drama, sex and murder. It was a bit confusing at times when the author would go from past to present. There were also too many characters that had me pausing to remember who was who and what was what. Along with some minor editing issues, Dynasty II was just an okay read.

Reviewed by Leona for Urban Reviews

Order your copy of Dynasty 2 (DC Bookdiva Presents) today! 
 
 

NEW REVIEW: Theo Semper - Church Affairs

Theo Semper -
Church Affairs -
Available Now! -
5 out of 5 books -


God puts people in your life for certain reasons. Shivon, Stephanie, and Jynene were all struggling with their own issues and tried to find a way to deal with it on their own. But that was not in God's plan for them. Not sure if it was by faith or pure dumb luck that these three women became the best of friends. They would help each other get through their past. For Pastor Robert Grant, his past was too hard to overcome. Because of this, it was not even certain if he would continue to help lead the flock at St. Luke's. When Robert meets Jynene, sparks fly instantly and neither one of them is looking for love right now...but that soon changes. When Jynene falls in love with Robert, she knows that she has finally found her "knight in shining armor" and nothing will stop her from being happy... except the fact that her ex-boyfriend and baby daddy Darryl is released from prison. She will have to decide to either keep her past in the past or face it head on and secure her future.

For a first novel, Theo Semper did a nice job with Church Affairs. I really enjoyed the complexity of each character and how he told their stories. Each character had their own uniqueness. Jynene was a grad student that had a son, and was not too pleased with her past. She was trying to make up for it and achieve the life she had always wanted. It does not surprise me how Stephanie and Shivon became such good friends. I also liked how the author displayed the dilemma with Robert and how he was coping with the death of his best friend and older brother. Mr. Semper will keep you on the edge of your seats with this one. Church Affairs is not your typical Christian fiction novel. Enjoy!
 
Reviewed by Jackie for Urban Reviews
 
Order your copy of Church Affairs today!

NEW REVIEW: Raymond Francis - Ripped Dollars

Raymond Francis - 
Ripped Dollars - 
Available Now! - 
4 out of 5 books - 


Imagine two uneducated, unemployed teenagers living alone with no adult supervision. There is no one to make them go to school nor get a job. Their main focus is getting money to pay the rent, buy some food and of course cop some weed (marijuana). Meet Tone and Amir, best friends who share an apartment together in West Philadelphia (Philly).

What makes this duo dangerous is that they are as bold as they are reckless. Tone’s mother was addicted to drugs, so he was raised by his grandmother who seems to have passed away before giving him the fruits of life. At age seventeen, he’s cocky and looking for his next come up. Amir had a choice: leave Philly and move to Atlanta with his mother for a better life or stay. But Amir had no idea what opportunities availed him outside his own backyard. His mother continued to lease the apartment in Philly that Tone and Amir now live in.

As you can imagine, two seventeen-year-olds living together with no adult supervision is tricky, but more so, it’s as dangerous as a grenade with a broken pin. Their lack of money, food and artificial stimulants lead to reckless thoughts and Tone‘s new sting...a sting which could be the beginning of their end, or the one that could set them up for life if all goes well. But in the hood, the street never forgets and the cement holds onto karma, just waiting for its next victim.

I enjoyed the analogy of the title and the romance attached to it. Initially when I got Ripped Dollars to review, I thought about the title and its meaning. The allure of the streets is mesmerizing no matter the age. Francis does a good job of giving the reader pictures of Philly, so he/she can sit comfortable in the story. However, throughout the story. the terminology which seems indicative to the residents of Philadelphia was lost on this reader, such as jawns and Dutchess. But from the position of the word(s) in a sentence, one might be able to guess its meaning. Ripped Dollars was a very interesting read.

Reviewed by Missy for Urban Reviews

Order your copy of Ripped Dollars today!
 
 

INSIDE OUT with Meesha Mink - Author of Real Wifeys: On The Grind

INSIDE OUT 

With Meesha Mink (Niobia Bryant)

Author of 'Real Wifeys: On The Grind'

Meesha Mink is the national bestselling and award-winning author of 20 previous novels. She lives in New Jersey and South Carolina. 

Urban Reviews: Tell our readers about Real Wifeys: On The Grind.
Meesha Mink:  Real Wifeys: On The Grind is the first book in a short series centered three different wifeys from three different "hoods" who each struggle with a major issue or conflict in their life.  In this one, the lead character Goldie's struggle is with her love of money, her desire for power and her need for respect (more importantly self-respect).  The book is divided into those three sections as Goldie comes of age and faces first love, heartbreak, tragedy, loss and danger.

Urban Reviews:  How did the concept for this book come about?

Meesha Mink:  It’s very, VERY, loosely based on the Real Housewives franchise. I wanted to do a interconnected series about three wifeys who each have their own major issue to tackle.  The story of one wifey will connect or overlap with another wifey and so on.

Urban Reviews:  What was it that pushed you to want to become a writer in the first place?

Meesha Mink:  I became a writer simply because of a love for books and reading and wanting to create the kind of stories that will leave an impressions like some of my favorite books did for me. 

Urban Reviews:  Have you had any challenges with using a pseudonym?

Meesha Mink:  No, I Haven’t really had any challenges with it because I’m very open with the pseudonyms and promote them all together.  Like I’ll always say 4 Genres…3 Publishers…1 Writer. I’m not bragging or boasting, I’m cross branding. It seems to be working.

Urban Reviews:  What are your ultimate goals as far as the book industry?

Meesha Mink:  Longevity. Period. Point blank. My first book was published over ten years ago and ten years from now I still want to be going strong and hopefully with an even bigger following.

Urban Reviews:  How do you make time to write all of the different books that you release in the romance, urban, and teen genres?

Meesha Mink:  I am constantly writing. Almost every day of the year I am writing and creating--and thankfully--still enjoying myself. I don’t have a lot of holidays or weekends off. Every minute of every day is an opportunity for me to get lost in a story that I’m writing and I make use of every available moment. 

Urban Reviews:  What projects do you have coming up in the future?

Meesha Mink:  In 2011 I have four other releases besides Real Wifeys: On The Grind. There’s a new teen fiction, a new Strong Family romance, the follow-up to my very controversial book Message from a Mistress, and an romance anthology with to other authors. Also book two of the Real Wifeys mini-series will be dropping. What’s interesting about the book is that a  part of it will run concurrent with Real Wifeys: On the Grind but just from the viewpoint of the next wifey who is out to make Goldie pay. Book two will give one of the ladies from Real Wifeys: On The Grind her own book. I am really excited about the series but it will not go beyond three books--that I promise.

Urban Reviews:  Do you have any favorite authors or books?

Meesha Mink:  Definitely I do but it’s so hard to narrow it down because I read all genres from non-fiction to speculative fiction and I don’t limit my choice to only African-American authors. I can say that a new book by Gloria Naylor or Tina McElroy Ansa would give me palpitations! Love them both.

Urban Reviews:  What things do you like to do outside of writing?

Meesha Mink:  Anything that doesn’t involve the computer--especially sleeping and just lounging on the couch watching reality TV!

Urban Reviews:  What things in the book industry would you change if you had the power to change them?

Meesha Mink:  Honestly, there are some things that I have opinions on but opinions are like behinds and we all have one and so I don’t know if I would push my beliefs on others.  This industry is huge and has a vast history. I chose to step into it. I choose to remain a part of it and so I accept it as is--flaws and all.

Urban Reviews:  How has the explosion in the e-book business impacted you as an author?

Meesha Mink:  Predominantly my sales are via the paperback although I have seen an increases in e-book sales but I’m moving the majority of my units through the traditional method still.

Urban Reviews:  Is there anything else you would like to share about yourself or your novels?

Meesha Mink:  Just that I hope the readers enjoy the books as much I enjoy writing them and that I love to chat and interact with the readers via Facebook or Twitter, so definitely hit me up!

Website:  http://www.MeeshaMink.com 

Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/InfiniteInk

Twitter:  http://www.twitter.com/infiniteink
Myspace:  http://www.myspace.com/meeshamink   

Excerpt:  http://meeshamink.wordpress.com/real-wifeys/excerpt/

Order your copy of Real Wifeys: On the Grind today!  

  

  

NEW REVIEW: Anna J, Anya Nicole, Angel Mechelle - Divas, Diamonds & Dollars

Anna J, Anya Nicole, and Angel Mechelle - 
Divas, Diamonds & Dollars - 
Available Now! - 
4 out of 5 books - 



Divas, Diamonds & Dollars are comprised of three short stories that take you on a journey of quick schemes, drugs, money, lust, and greed. These three authors offer up a big bite in these short stories, and leave you wanting more. Here are the two stories that stuck out the most.

In "Me and My Girlfriend," Kima and T-Bone are like a modern day Bonnie and Clyde...scheming, plotting and conquering their next victims together. Kima and T-Bone are two femmes who are involved in what amounts to a tumultuous relationship of distrust. Things turn ugly when T-Bone realizes that Kima still has a craving for men, and it begins to go down from there. With there backs against the walls, Kima and T-Bone are placed in a compromised situation that could send their world crashing down. Will they be able to do this last heist, or will their time be cut short?

In "Poppin E," India Jones had a lot to be grateful for. Growing up with a mother addicted to drugs and no father around, India’s uncle stepped in where her parents didn't.  He guided her on the ins and outs of the game of life. India worked the bartending scene and had been involved in relationship with a man who just wasn’t doing it for her. When India Jones meets Eijay in the club, her life is never same. India begins a rags-to-riches fairytale when she starts selling Ecstasy pills for him. Eijay is everything she wants in a man, but things get ugly when India starts dipping into his stash for her own personal use and gets into debt to Eijay. With time ticking, India must come up with a plan to save her life. Will she be able to depend on the one who she did wrong, or did India burn her bridges beyond repair?


Divas, Diamonds & Dollars by Anna J, Anya Nicole, and Angel Mechelle is a definite read. These short stories pack a punch, and all three authors did an excellent job at holding your interest and providing great storylines. Keep them coming, ladies.


Reviewed by Kristin for Urban Reviews 


Order your copy of Divas Diamonds & Dollars today! 
  
  

NEW REVIEW: Pat Tucker - Daddy By Default

Pat Tucker -
Daddy By Default -
Available Now! -
5 out of 5 books -


While getting some upsetting news after suffering another miscarriage, Parker and Roxanne are on their way home when they get pulled over and Parker is arrested! During this ordeal, they find out that he's getting arrested for being delinquent on child support payments. Parker is 100% certain that he has not fathered a child and wonders who could do something like this to him. While all of this is happening to Parker and Roxanne, their friends Serena and James are going through a nasty divorce. During this time, James gets some heartbreaking news. Will they be able to clear up all of the drama, or will it get worse?

LaChez Baker is a single mother of three boys. She wants to live like she's a baller, but on someone else's dime. While getting her hustle on, she finds out that getting too greedy will get you caught up, and she meets her match. She finds out the hard way that her schemes will catch up with her a lot sooner than she thought.

Daddy by Default was an excellent title for this book. Author Pat Tucker has hit this one out of the park. This book has suspense and excitement, and will have you screaming at the characters. The one thing I want to know is. Is there going to be a sequel? There's way too many unanswered questions about all of the characters in the book (you'll find out once you read it). Daddy by Default was a great read, and it did not have an ending that you would have figured out.

Reviewed by Jackie for Urban Reviews

Order your copy of Daddy by Default (Zane Presents) today!
 
 

NEW REVIEW: Shana Burton - Flaws And All

Shana Burton -
Flaws and All -
Available Now! -
5 out of 5 books -


Lawson, Kina, Sullivan, Reginell, and Angel are friends that have been through their shares of ups and downs. They don't mind giving their opinions in one another's business. Each of them have their own way of showing their faith in God and how God has brought them through some storms. Will they be able to depend on God with their current situations, or will they step out on faith?

Lawson knows that she has everything under control. She has the best son and a man that adores her. When her son's dad pops back up on the scene, he kind of throws a monkey wrench in her life, and things are getting a little out of control. While all this is going on, she finds out what Reginell has been up to. Even through all of that, Lawson feels like she is back in control...but is she really?

Sullivan is a preacher's wife who feels like her life is less than exciting. But when she finds something that puts a little fire in her life, is it the wisest thing and will it affect her duties as first lady of her husband's church?

Kina has been through a lot, and it has taken a toll on her self-esteem. Kina, who's married to E'Bell, has taken a sense of pride in her marriage. Since E'Bell has given up his dream on become a NFL player, she tries to please him in whatever way she can. When Kina wants better things for them and her son, E'Bell is completely against it and wants things to stay just the way they are, but Kina has no idea why. She will soon find out why her husband does not want them to move forward.

A while ago, Angel's husband cheated on her and left her for another woman. After this heartbreak, Angel decides to push aside her private life and just focus on her career and family. But when she runs into the woman that took her husband, will she be able to let the past be the past, or will she finally be able to work out her anger?

Flaws and All was a good book by Shana Burton. In the beginning, I kind of had a little doubt because of the many different storylines, but everything flowed well. Each character in the book has an interesting story, and I enjoyed the way Ms. Burton would put their faith up for the test. Each character and their issues were so real. While reading this book, you will think of someone or of a situation that was similar in some way to the characters in the book. Flaws and All was a good read from beginning to end.

Reviewed by Jackie for Urban Reviews

Order your copy of Flaws and All (Urban Christian) today!

NEW REVIEW: Deondriea Cantrice - When Emotions Lie

Deondriea Cantrice -
When Emotions Lie -
Available Now! -
4 out of 5 books -


While hanging out with her children and husband, Alicia is confronted by her husband's mistress, Piper. Of course, he denies it, but what makes matters worse is that one of her children knows Piper! Completely blindsided by this, Alicia is wondering how could this have ever happened. She knew that she and Arlington were happy. After all, according to Alicia, Arlington would be nothing without her. Confused and not sure of what way to go, Alicia turns to her friends Cassie and Myra for some guidance. Both Alicia and Myra are going through their own issues at home. Soon, one them will have a tragic ending in their lives. Will Alicia be able to lean on her friends for support and advice? Or, will they need her more than she needs them?

I actually enjoyed reading author Deondriea Cantrice's book When Emotions Lie. It did start off a little slow, but once you really get into the book, it really does have a good plot, and the ending was not one you will be able to predict. Ms. Cantrice will get you completely wrapped up in the story and you'll soon see that each person in the book has strong characteristics and you'll want to know more about them. I do look forward to reading more of Ms. Cantrice's books.

Reviewed by Jackie for Urban Reviews

Order your copy of When Emotions Lie today!

NEW REVIEW: Judge Glenda Hatchett - Dare To Take Charge: How To Live Your Life On Purpose

Judge Glenda Hatchett -
Dare To Take Charge: How To Live Your Life On Purpose -
Available Now! -
5 out of 5 books -


Dare To Take Charge is organized by life lessons that Judge Hatchett has experienced. Each lesson shares an anecdote related to the lesson and an action plan you can begin today.

What I loved most was when she shared an incredible story by former Atlanta Falcons now part Falcons franchise owner Warrick Dunn. I live in Atlanta and have watched his career soar, but became a huge fan of his philanthropic efforts for single moms. Hatchett uses his story to personify her lesson, "Do the best with what you've got."

She also encourages everyone to start a Joy Journal for twenty-one days. I think this is a great way to start The New Year.

Reviewed by Dee Stewart for Urban Reviews

Order your copy of Dare to Take Charge: How to Live Your Life on Purpose today!
 
 

NEW REVIEW: Sheila Peele-Miller - Prey For The Wicked

Sheila Peele-Miller -
Prey For The Wicked -
Available Now! -
3.5 out of 5 books -


Is it human nature to take advantage of people just because they let you? I have heard people say, “If she let it happen, then she deserves it.” Does a naïve 20-year-old who has lost her mother at an early age and has very little experience regarding life deserve it? Someone in Williamston, North Carolina believes she does.

Janeen’s mom passed away suddenly, and her life becomes a tornado of ups and downs. Accustomed to her mother taking care of everything for her, Janeen is left with her rent in arrears, utilities being turned off, and an eviction notice on her apartment in Greenville, NC. With nowhere else to go, she relocates to the place she was told not to return...Williamston, NC.

She calls her mother’s sister, Aunt May, only to find a bitter, greedy old bitty who at every turn puts Janeen down but never forgets to collect the $300 rent she is charging her to stay in one of her rooms. Knowing in her heart that this is just a temporary fix, Janeen deals with the lip service from Aunt May by staying in her room and out of her way. But unfortunately, it doesn’t matter what Janeen does because family history is playing against her and her relationship with Aunt May...a family history she has no control over nor can she change.

On the day Janeen moved in, she received a little bit of sunshine by ways of the handsome Sheriff Adam Sinclair. Her inner voice warns her in the words of her mother; “Stay away from high yellow men.” But her mother never explained the statement, and when she needed it, she couldn’t take heed to it. In Janeen’s mind, skin has nothing to do with how cute a man was.

Settling in at Aunt May’s, Janeen finds that all is not what it seems. Family secrets are used to hurt her and empower another. Her naïve ways are used against her by those who claim to love her. When she is pushed too far, the wicked find that sometimes love is the very thing that you draw strength from and the naïve will no longer be prey.

Sheila Peele-Miller has done a good job with the characterization in Prey For The Wicked. The situations assigned to each character were well thought out and complemented one another. Delivery of the plot was well served, but I had a small problem with the time it took to bring the situations to closure. But all in all. Prey For The Wicked was a good story and absolutely worth the read.

Reviewed by Missy for Urban Reviews

Order your copy of Prey for the Wicked today!