NEW REVIEW: Ericka K. F. Simpson - Reality Check

Ericka K. F. Simpson - 
Reality Check: Sometimes One Dose of Reality Isn't Enough - 
Available Now! - 
4 out of 5 books - 


Suzanne Tucker knew deep down in her heart that her husband Ellis was cheating, and it was confirmed when Ellis confessed in a drunken daze. Soon, Ellis moves out and ultimately moves in with his mistress. Suzanne wants her husband back and is determined to win him back at any cost.

Quinton, a co-worker has been eyeing Suzanne for the longest, but due to the fact that rumors had it that Quinton was sleeping with the boss, Suzanne never gave him the time of day; that is, until a night out with the girls. Quinton claims he is a man of God, but his one downfall is women. Abstaining from sex is the one thing he fails short of. Suzanne thinks that Quinton is just like the rest of the men out there: a liar and a cheat. So she decides to use Quinton as a pawn to make Ellis jealous. She eventually gives Ellis an proposition that he would be a fool to refuse.

As far as Suzanne's career as a journalist, she decides to take a step in a different direction. She begins to report some "real" news on what is really going on around town. She starts up an anonymous blog and with the topics she is discussing, it becomes a quick success. Then Suzanne takes the blogging a little too far and in doing so, incriminates herself in something that turns into something bigger than she could have ever imagined. It's so big that it may have her lose even more than she bargained for.

Reality Check: Sometimes One Dose of Reality Isn't Enough by Ericka K.F. Simpson was a very good debut novel. Reality Check is a story of love, hurt, betrayal, friendship and murder. It also has a little bit of Christian Fiction thrown into the mix. There are lot of great quotes and underlying messages within the pages of this novel. It grabs you from the very first page and keeps you gripped until the very last. It will have you shaking your head at times and thinking, "Is she really this stupid or just plain crazy?" Aside from some minor editing issues, I had a hard time believing that everyone in her hometown would be reading this particular blog, especially with so many blogs on the internet that everyone just happened to be reading hers. I normally do not like sequels, but considering that Ms. Simpson came with a nice thick novel, I would like to see a sequel so I can find out how these characters are doing or what is going to happen with them next. Looking forward to your next novel, Ms. Simpson.

Reviewed by Leona for Urban Reviews

Order your copy of Reality Check today!
 

NEW REVIEW: Ashley & JaQuavis - Murderville

Ashley & JaQuavis - 

Murderville - 

Available Now! - 

5 out of 5 books - 

Liberty and A’shai have a love that can stand the test of time. But time is not on their side as Liberty is dying of a fatal heart condition. Her dying wish is to have A’shai tell her the story of how they met and how their journey leads to their current love affair. A’shai is hesitant to do this and wants to just spend these final moments enjoying the love of his life. But A’shai tells Liberty the story that started long ago in Sierra Leone and ends in the land of opportunity – America.

Ashley & JaQuavis brought a fresh twist to the street literature genre with Murderville. These authors gives readers an up close and personal view of the horrors of Sierra Leone, blood diamonds, child sex trafficking, and drug trafficking. Ashley & JaQuavis were able to incorporate these harsh and difficult realities into this story and made it relatable to the reader, which is the mark of a good writer. Ashley & JaQuavis did an excellent job of painting such vivid scenes that readers can actually visualize everything that is happening. You can tell that these authors really did their homework in regards to the research for this story. Liberty and A’shai are characters that you’ll be rooting for until the very end. Murderville is definitely thought-provoking and entertaining. It will be interesting to see how the next two installments will unfold.

Reviewed by Radiah Hubbert of Urban Reviews

Order your copy of Murderville today!
  
  

  

  

NEW REVIEW: Tina Brooks McKinney - Snapped

Tina Brooks McKinney - 
Snapped - 
Available Now! - 
4 out of 5 books - 



Merlin and Gavin Mills are twin brothers who had a very dysfunctional upbringing. Merlin decided to just leave his horrible family behind when he became an adult. With a wonderful wife name Cojo, Merlin’s life seems to be going great. His evil twin Gavin steps back into the picture, and nothing but chaos and disorder comes with him. Gavin has never liked his brother Merlin and sets out to do anything he can to destroy him. But Gavin also has his sights on Cojo and will stop at nothing to steal her away from Merlin.

Tina Brooks McKinney brought us another crazy and entertaining story with Snapped. This story is filled with non-stop drama that continues throughout the book. You see how twin brothers who are supposed to be close are actually worlds apart in terms of their relationship. You’ll also see how Merlin & Gavin’s mother’s own questionable behavior shaped their lives well into adulthood. As you get to the end of this story, you’ll wonder if a sequel is in the works. Snapped is yet another page-turner by Tina Brooks McKinney.

Reviewed by Radiah Hubbert of Urban Reviews

Order your copy of Snapped today!

NEW REVIEW: Imani True and Dreama Skye - Strawberries, Stilettos, and Steam

Imani True and Dreama Skye - 
Strawberries, Stilettos, and Steam - 
Available Now! - 
2 out of 5 books - 


Strawberries, Stilettos and Steam by Imani True and Dreama Skye is a collection of erotic shorts. The book starts off with a woman about to slip into a hot bubble bath with a glass of champagne and a bowl of strawberries beside the tub....all in front of a webcam. She opens a package that she received earlier in the day that included a book that just so happens to be Strawberries, Stilettos and Steam, and she proceeds to read. There's a story about a student that attends classes online and just so happens to to get it on while class is in session; A woman who is bi-curious and meets someone online to quench her fantasy; A young man in college notices his best-friend's mother who is bound and determined to show him he's not a little boy anymore; A masked man that is going around climbing in the window of the women in the courthouse and sexing them; a cop that fantasizes about her partner and many more.

Strawberries, Stilettos and Steam by Imani True  and Dreama Skye was just okay...nothing more, nothing less. The first story in the book called "Detour" had a lot of conflicting scenes, not to mention the story with the courthouse. If a good developmental editor would have read these stories, they would have surely caught what I am referring to. There are also some editing issues, and the sex scenes were not as descriptive as they could have been. Saying they had sex for hours is not telling me exactly what they did in that time frame. There also seemed to be more girl on girl sex than any other stories. I understand that erotic is supposed to be heavily laced with sex but with a story. Unfortunately, Strawberries, Stilettos and Steam lacked the story and went straight to soft core porn.

Reviewed by Leona for Urban Reviews

Order your copy of Strawberries, Stilettos, and Steam today!
 
 

NEW REVIEW: Various Authors - Nikki Turner Presents Street Chronicles: A Woman's Work

Various Authors - 
Nikki Turner Presents Street Chronicles: A Woman's Work - 
Available Now! - 
5 out of 5 books - 


I was very excited to be reading this collaboration of short stories. Nikki Turner Presents Street Chronicles: A Woman's Work is a comprised of four different authors with short stories that cover the topic of drugs, jail, escort service, and many others. I will pick two of my favorite short stories and give a review on them overall.

“Star”- Keisha Starr

Melissa was a PK (preacher’s kid) who grew up in a strict Christian household with rules she was required to follow. Melissa had a beautiful voice and dreamed of making it big by joining the up-and-coming R&B group, Pretty in Pink, but her parents would not allow her to give the church a bad look by participating in ungodly activities. Melissa continuously refused to follow rules in her parent’s house. When she is caught in a web of lies, she is given a choice to either abide by the rules or leave. Melissa chooses to leave and reality begins to set up. Melissa realizes that not everyone has her best interest at heart. Melissa is used, abused, and mistreated and soon becomes known in the industry as a washed up groupie. Melissa hits rock bottom and given a death sentence that will have lasting effects on her life forever. Will Melissa change her life and decide to make the right choices instead of the wrong ones, or is Melissa just a lost cause?

“Southern Girl Escort Service”- Lakesa Cox

Abie was one of the top escorts working at Southern Girl Escort Service; she was a beautiful, young lady who also serves as a recruiter to bring girls into the establishment. Abie had been around a long time and knew she was the cash cow at the Escort service. The mysterious madam only communicated with the girls via telephone. No one had ever seen the boss, and Abie devises a plan to get what she feels is entitled to her. With big plans, Abie and her boyfriend Scoot plan to extort money from the Madam. If she didn't comply with Abie’s demand, then her real identity would be revealed. Things don’t go as planned and ultimate consequences lie ahead for Abie and Scoot. When you break the rules, what consequence should you pay? Will Abie’s plan for extortion backfire and leave her regretting her choice?

All four of the short stories in Street Chronicles: A Woman's Work were great. I was very impressed at how even though the stories were short, they packed a punched. Street Chronicles: A Woman's Work is a must read novel, hands down. Each story takes you to a different place, and you will not be disappointed at all.

Reviewed by Kristin for Urban Reviews

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Contest For The Bad Seed by Lee Hayes (Winners Announced!)

Contest for The Bad Seed by Lee Hayes - Details Inside...

NEW REVIEW: Teri Woods - Dutch III: International Gangster

Teri Woods - 
Dutch III: International Gangster - 
Available Now! - 
4 out of 5 books - 


Chris ‘Craze’ Shaw and James ‘Dutch’ Bernard have been friends since childhood. Their loyalty and allegiance to each other are indestructible and dangerous to any that threaten this lethal bond. Dutch, Angel, and One Eyed Roc are all incarcerated with promises of life imprisonment. The eve of Dutch’s trial has everyone on pins and needles as an air of anticipation lurks in the shadows. Craze has been approached by a very powerful and wealthy African offering to ensure Dutch’s release from jail…by any means necessary. Upon Dutch’s deadly escape, he enters into a lucrative deal with Joseph Odouwo to utilize his murderous skills for hire.

Dutch III is an engaging read interspersed with loyalty, bravery, manipulation, murder, trickery and love. Dutch’s devotion to his crew has always been an attribute, but could it prove to be his downfall? Has bitterness been disguised in this crew as someone seeks to destroy their private kingdom? Dutch has conquered death many times before, but will this international gangster be able to outwit this demon one last time? When the smoke evaporates, will there be anyone left standing?

Reviewed by Tazzyt2bossye for Urban Reviews

Order your copy of Dutch III today!