Urban Reviews is the premier destination for all things relating to African-American Fiction. The primary focus is on the promotion of new and upcoming books by Black authors, but Urban Reviews will also include exclusive interviews, online Q&As, tour info, press release info, and industry news as well.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Friday, February 05, 2010
NEW REVIEW: Christopher Herz - The Last Block in Harlem
The Last Block in Harlem -
Available Now! -
4 out of 5 books -
A new unemployed advertising executive attempts to change his Harlem neighborhood by first cleaning up the trash on the streets. Because of his efforts, the neighborhood is thrown into the spotlight of the local media. All of his efforts may be in vain when it leads to the gentrification of his neighborhood. Now this brave man must try to save his neighbors from losing their homes and to restore the identity of his Harlem neighborhood.
The Last Block in Harlem is an interesting take on the gentrification that's taking place in so many neighborhoods across the country. Christopher Herz does a good job of telling this story through the eyes of an unnamed narrator. Herz gives you a bird's-eye view of the sights and sounds of the Harlem neighborhood. You feel the struggle of the main character as he tries to do what he feels he needs to do for Harlem while trying not to abandon his wife. This story does have an extremely perplexing psychological twist that you will need to pay close attention to. The Last Block in Harlem is a thought-provoking debut novel by Christopher Herz.
Reviewed by Radiah Hubbert for Urban Reviews
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Thursday, February 04, 2010
NEW REVIEW: Joe Lee - Scarred From My Past
Scarred From My Past -
Available Now! -
4 out of 5 books -
Natalia De Jong is a woman from Belize that is trying to find her life's purpose. After being a victim of rape and childhood molestation, Natalia is still carrying all of this baggage into adulthood. She continues her risky sexual behavior while trying to run away from her childhood demons. Through this tumultuous journey, Natalia finds solace in the birth of her daughter. She still wants a man that truly loves her unconditionally, but the man that she really wants is totally out of her reach.
Scarred From My Past is an impressive debut novel by Joe Lee. Lee did a wonderful job of telling this coming of age story from a woman’s perspective. The inclusion of Belize and the Belizean culture gives the reader a whole different perspective into Natalia’s story. This novel shows of the repercussions sexual abuse and how not having a strong family upbringing can have on one’s life. Even as an adult, Natalia was still having issues with valuing herself as a person. Scarred From My Past is an insightful novel about self-love and self-preservation.
Reviewed by Radiah Hubbert for Urban Reviews
Order your copy of Scarred From My Past
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Wednesday, February 03, 2010
NEW REVIEW: Tracy Brown - Snapped: A Novel
Snapped - 
Available Now! -
4.5 out of 5 Books -
Camille, Misa, Dominique, and Latoya are four friends with plenty of problems. Camille is married to Frankie Bingham, who is a part of the Noble crime syndicate. Camille has all of the material things she could want and doesn’t have to lift a finger. But she may be in danger of losing her husband Frankie to his co-worker and friend Gillian. Camille’s sister Misa is looking for a man to give her the same wealth that her sister has. Misa thinks she’s found all that she’s looking for in Baron, but what does she really know about him? Dominique has a wonderful career and a loving daughter. But Dominique is so caught up in running back and forth to see her incarcerated boyfriend that she’s neglecting her home. Latoya is the most outspoken of the four friends. She seems to have it all together until life throws her an unexpected curveball.
Tracy Brown delivers once again with Snapped. This novel is full of non-stop drama and unusual circumstances. Brown does a good job of setting the tone of this story by providing readers with a sneak peak at the conclusion in the beginning of the book. While reading this story, you’ll wonder which character will be the one that “snaps.” Although these women had different lifestyles, they each had the same issue in terms of not paying attention to the important elements of their lives. This story had a host of good characters. But the cluelessness of Camille about her situation with her husband was downright infuriating. It will make you wish that she would just wake up. Brown did provide an excellent cliffhanger ending that will definitely lead to a hopefully satisfying sequel. Snapped is definitely a vivid page-turner by Tracy Brown.
Reviewed by Radiah Hubbert for Urban Reviews
Order your copy of Snapped: A Novel
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NEW REVIEW: Zane - Total Eclipse of the Heart
Zane -
Available Now! -
4.5 out of 5 books -
Brooke Alexander is a waitress that is plagued by some personal issues in regards to her weight and her overall outlook on life. Brooke is madly in love with a successful attorney named Patrick Sterling. From the outside looking in, Patrick is every woman’s dream. But Patrick can’t help his erratic and mean behavior towards Brooke. Will Brooke continue to put up with Patrick or will she finally throw in the towel?
Damon Johnson has a six-figure corporate job and had been married to Carleigh for four years. But not all of those years have been happy, especially since Carleigh treats Damon like a trophy husband. Damon is trying to get his internet business off the ground, and his wife is anything but supportive. But when Damon and Brooke find themselves linked by a horrible tragedy, they will both have to do some self-evaluation of their own lives.
Total Eclipse of the Heart is not your typical erotica novel by Zane. This book is truly unlike anything that Zane has ever written. The storyline was more of an emotional love story with just a little spice thrown in. What was interesting about this book was the overall message of how people should not take their significant others for granted in relationships. The characters were well-developed and relatable. Readers may find themselves wondering what they would do in the situations that these characters find themselves in. The only thing that would have put this story over the edge would have been the inclusion of more of Zane’s signature eroticism. Towards the end of the book, there is a shocking twist that will make you question what you read in the entire novel. Total Eclipse of the Heart was a thought-provoking yet entertaining read.
Reviewed by Radiah Hubbert for Urban Reviews
Order your copy of Total Eclipse of the Heart
Sunday, January 31, 2010
NEW REVIEW: Gail McFarland - Dream Keeper
Gail McFarland -
Available Now! -
4.5 out of 5 books -
Dream Keeper is a well written story by Gail McFarland. The characters, both primary and secondary, are very well developed and the story also flows very well. Dream Keeper deals with the issue of infertility. This brings a realness to the characters in the book because most women have dealt with infertility, directly or indirectly, at some point in their life. Dream Keeper is a very good read!
Reviewed By Tenecia for Urban Reviews
Order your copy of Dream Keeper
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