SEXY EBONY BOOK CLUB REVIEWS

Prize Of A Lifetime by Donna Hill

2010-06-20T18:16:00.000-07:00

Kimani Press - October 2009
978-0373831685
Reviewer: Missy
Rating: 5

How Far Will U Go

Donna Hill writes a fun seductive novel about love, prizes, and competition. Hill has created two characters that have you cheering for both sides of the competition. Can this couple win the prize and the love?

When Mitch Davenport life took a turn for the worst he watched both his business and the woman he thought would be there forever fall apart. But in the midst of tragedy Mitch has been offered the opportunity of a lifetime, giving him a chance to rebuild his life and regain all that he lost plus more. But before this can happen, Mitch has to learn how to accept life and all its surprise.

Sasha Carrington has always dream of having her own and making her mark on the world. When Sasha is offered the opportunity of a lifetime, she never expected to find a man who not only sparks her interest but also wins her heart. The question still remains will her need for independence overrule her heart or will she choose and allow them to have it all.

In Prize of a Lifetime, Donna Hill turns up the heat with this amazing couple. She gives us a couple with real strengths and weaknesses, making them own up to their downfalls before their true density can take shape. Definitely, another Donna Hill hit.

It Had To Be You by Francis Ray

2010-05-30T19:11:00.000-07:00

St. Martin's Paperbacks, April 2010
9780312365073
Reviewer: Missy
Rating: 5

Identity Crisis

Francis Ray returns with the family and close net friends that everyone has come to love and adore.

Laurel Raineau is a world renowned violinist struggling with her career after the lost of her father. Zachary "Rolling Deep" Wilder is a well known producer, working with some of the best artist in the business. Zachery is interested in working with Laurel but wants nothing to do with Zach and the reputation that follows him. Determined to find his goal Zachery works his way into Laurel's life keeping his identity a secret.

Laurel and Zach are not looking for love but love is determined to find a way. Will Laurel and Zach find their way to love when Zach true identity is revealed. Will Laurel be able to separate the man from the rumor. Will Zach win the woman despite his reputation.

Francis Ray writes an exciting story about two passionate artists, in love with their music yet too blind to see their love for each other. Will their love for music lead to the love of a lifetime.

Every Woman Needs A Wife by Naleighna Kai

2010-05-16T18:34:00.000-07:00

Strebor Books, June 2006
9781593090609
Reviewer: Missy
Rating: 4.5

Can I Have A Wife…?

Brandi Spencer has been faithful to her husband for over thirteen years. But when she gets wind of him and his mistress Brandi decides to rock both of their worlds with an unheard of proposition. In pure diva style, Brandi takes the concept of common property to a whole new level. Brandi is making Vernon pay for and maintain his mistress who will in essence become Brandi’s wife, helping Brandi maintain the family home in payment for the time she took Vernon away from his family.

Tonya Kauffman, the mistress, came from a hard life and Vernon was her road to a life she has always wanted. After years of running, Tonya is finally ready to settle down with her vision of the perfect man, a widower with two children. Her perfect world disappears with the appearance of Mrs. Vernon Spencer. When Brandi makes her unorthodox proposal Tonya takes it unaware of how much the new situation would change her life.

Vernon Spencer was truly a daddy’s boy. When William Spencer introduces Vernon to the big boys club Vernon feels a need to man up at least in the eyes of his father. His solution is to set up and maintain a mistress. His mistake was to use company funds to maintain his mistress opening the door to Michael Cobb, an old time rival for his wife and the man who keeps the company accounts.

Every Woman Needs a Wife was a thought provoking read that made you laugh, cry, and say YOU GO GIRL at the same time. Naleighna Kai takes a situation that would rock the world of most married women and turns it into literary gold. The two heroine’s of this story learn what it really means to be a strong woman and form a bond one would never expect between the wife and the mistress. Every Woman Needs a Wife is an excellent read filled with enough drama, social commentary, and witty dialog to keep the pages turning. It is a fun, eye opening read that most women can relate to on some level.

Miami Attraction by Elaine Overton

2010-05-16T07:15:00.000-07:00

Kimani Press, May 2010
97800373861583
Reviewer: Missy
Rating: 4

Elaine Overton writes a fun loving piece about two individuals with a lot in common including a love for furry K9 friends and a truck load of personal demons. Will their keep them from finding happiness together?

Mikayla Shroebr has a two hundered pound playful, lovable and destructive mutt named Angel, that is always leaving her in a bind. Mikayla knows that something must be done Angel and his lack of doggie manners ASAP. Dr. Dusty Warren is a man with a heart for animals and a reputation for being able to tame the wildest of them all. Dusty Warren is Mikayla's last hope while Angel and Mikayla are Dusty Warren's biggest challenge. Will dusty and Mikayla be able the battle their personal demons and find the love and passion they both desire?

Elaine has written an fun story filled with moments of intensity and excitement. The story was a pleasant and enjoyable read for any fan of romance.

Swept Away by Gwynne Forster

2010-05-05T20:00:00.000-07:00

Kimani Press, May 2009 (Reprint)
9780373831593
Reviewer: Missy
Rating: 3.5

When Schyuler Henderson, a children's advocate and engineer, learns about the injury of a young girl in foster care, he takes the agency in charge of this girl to task critically injuring the career of Veronica Overton, the head of this child welfare agency. When Veronica learns of the chargers and find herself on the bad end of a major child welfare controversy, she is determine to both clear her name and that of the reputation of the agency. He search for the truth leads her to family secrets and growing attraction for Schyuler Henderson, the man responsible for damaging her career. Schyuler's traumatic past lead him to be a champion for for children. When he learns that Veronica is not the woman he though he was he is determine to help her resolve her past the rebuild her reputation. Will these two find love despite the controversy.

Swept Away starts out slow, but picks up as the book progresses taking readers on an interesting walk through a relationship with large hurtles to overcome. The large array of secondary characters give this story an amazing amount of depth, making the story true to life and enhancing the growing relationship between our hero and heroine. In true Gwynne Foster style all the characters and their stories touch your heart, providing readers with a three dimensional story that will draw you in as your turn the pages.

Life Knows No Bounds: 1 Who Luvs U More

2010-04-30T10:39:00.000-07:00

Around-The-Way Publishing, October 2009
9780981837635
Reviewer: LaShonda
Rating: 3.5

Alisa has lived her life as a gold digger. She sets out to use men, determined to live life by the words her great grandmother spoke to her on her death bed, "Always get a man who loves you more than you love him." When Alisa sees that dirty Omar has grown up and come into his own, she sets her sights on making him her latest benefactor.

Omar grew up in the traditional Muslim family, that is until his mother turns to drugs and his father lands in prison. Having risen from the shame of homelessness as a result of his mothers drug use, Omar has his sights set on winning notorious gold digger, Alisa's, heart.

Set in New Jersey during the '80's, 1 Who Luvs U More takes the reader into the world wind life of Omar and Alisa and their struggle to overcome the ghosts of their past. Peppered with moments of pain and personal growth, the presence of the supporting characters adds to the emotion of the story.

While I enjoyed the story I was mildly distracted by the authors style of writing. There were points where the creative use of different font types and the use of certain terms, was not easily understood essentially slowing down my reading pace and distracting me from the story. The issues addressed and the context in which they were handled made this story worth a second glance. I recommend this story to readers looking for something outside the traditional format of urban lit. This story focused more on the people as opposed to the "game". There are enough twist and secrets to hold your interest until the last page.

Basketball Jones by E. Lynn Harris

2010-04-10T14:27:00.000-07:00

Doubleday, January 2009
9780767926270
Reviewer: ChiTown Haitienne
Rating: 4

Have you ever wondered about 'the other man' in the relationship with a married man who's afraid to come out of the closet? E. Lynn takes you on a journey inside his world. True to his style, E Lynn gives you an outrageous Queen diva, a confident gay man who let's love take him to a place he thought he'd never venture, and drama with a capital 'D'.

Basketball Jones reminded me of why I love E. Lynn's writing. He does a perfect job of getting the reader to understand the plight of the gay man, whether he's confused or sure in the lifestyle he's chosen, and the characters he creates will have you talking out loud to the book. Despite this not being one of E. Lynn's strongest works, Basketball Jones was an entertaining read in true E. Lynn Harris style.

Permission Slips by Sherri Sherpard

2010-02-14T14:41:00.000-08:00

Grand Central Publishing, October 2009
9780446547420
Reviewer: LaShonda
Rating: 3.5

Sherri Shepherd does not claim to have lived a perfect life, nor does she set out to prove that she now has all the answers. Permission slips is a collection of stories, each with their own life lesson thrown in for good measure. From her struggle with growing up Jehovah Witness to her rise to Hollywood fame, Sherri gives us a glimpse inside her growing pains. Her openness and candidness is refreshing and helps to better understand the woman we see five days a week on The View.

If you are thinking this is yet another self help book or a celebrity’s watered down version of their climb to fame, think again. Reading Permissions Slips is like having a conversation with one of your best friends. Broken down into her life’s milestones, this book shows us how Sherri learned to give herself a permission slip to not be perfect.

You will laugh, cry and get mad at Sherri as she sometimes makes the same mistake twice. In all, this is a good read and a great example of why there is really no need to beat yourself up about the mishaps of life. I not only learned a little more about Ms Shephard, but I saw that sometimes I just need to write my own permission slips in life. I recommend this to readers of all genres who may be tired of the cookie cutter celebrity books.

Silken Betrayal by Francis Ray

2010-02-14T14:25:00.000-08:00

Kimani Press, Feb 1999
9781583140949
Reviewer: LaShonda
Rating: 4

Lauren Bennett lived a life that consisted of her job as an executive secretary and being a single mother to 5 year old Joshua. Since the accident that claimed the lives of her husband and her mother, Lauren’s main concern has been to keep her son happy and safely away from his father’s influential parents.
Jordan Hamilton was a successful business man with a grudge against Lauren’s father-in-law. Jordan is determined to make him pay for the undo pain and humiliation his greed and lies caused to his family.

Lauren’s plus sized friend Sonja is trying to show her friend that it is ok for her to be a mom and love again. The blossoming love between Lauren and Jordan is mixed with mystery and intrigue as we learn just what harm Lauren’s father-in-law caused and tries to continue to cause in the lives of Jordan and Lauren. The mystery of Jordan’s grudge and how it will affect Lauren keeps you on edge throughout and has you routing for Lauren, Jordan and Joshua.

The relationship that Joshua begins to form with Jordan will pull at your heart strings as Joshua begins to experience things he was missing as a young boy growing up without a dad. Romance lovers will surely enjoy this love story told as only Mrs. Ray can. I recommend this book to readers of romance and Francis Ray. If you are looking to read an erotic work place drama this is the story for you.

Table For Three by Recha G. Peay

2010-02-10T09:29:00.000-08:00

Urban Soul: October 2009
978-1599830711
Reviewer: LaShonda
Rating: 4

Shiquanna is an alcoholic exotic dancer with a few high paying dates on the side. She has life demons that she is fighting as she drowns her soul in alcohol. Yvonne is an unemployed CPA whose current stint of charity work at the church is about more than a pure heart. Toting her bible and holy water she is ready to cast out the demons of her friends, but needs to take a closer look at her own demons. India is a professional college student struggling with her identity. She has changed major more often than people change their underwear,

These three women could not be any more different, but life brought them together and love for each other keeps them grounded. Each week they meet to provide whatever intervention they feel must be performed in each others lives. As the story unfolds we find that they all have issues of their own that need to be worked out.

Table for Three is a re-coming of age story about three women approaching milestones in their lives. Shiquanna, India and Yvonne are likable and believable characters. You will find yourself ready to throw the book across the room in frustration as these three women become a part of your own sister-girl fold.

If you enjoy contemporary women’s lit, you will enjoy this tale of growing pains. I recommend this to any one looking to read chick lit without the cookie cutter lifestyles. These women are real and will have you frustrated, laughing and eventually cheering for their Table for Three.

Madam Eve by Eddrick Dejuan

2010-02-01T20:03:00.000-08:00

Atonement Publishing, LLC: March 2008
978-0980223842
Reviewer: Tiffany
Rating: 3

Evelyn divorced her retired pro-football player husband when she could no longer deal with his lying and cheating ways. As for their pre-nuptial agreement, the judge ruled in Evelyn's favor due to his treatment of her during their marriage. As a way to “help” other women get back at their cheating husbands, Evelyn decides to open an escort business. But, while she is plotting revenge somehow love happens.

This book rated a 3 for a number of reasons. First, the author could have developed the storyline more. I should have been more of a back story on the relationship between Andrew and his father. Next there were a quiet a few typographical errors. This book was in need of some major editing. And, the last but not least the cover art was just lacking. It looked very basic, dull and did not convey what the story was about. Overall, this was a quick read with a plot that will keep the reader interested.

Every Woman's Got A Secret by Brenda L Thomas

2010-02-01T19:55:00.000-08:00

Pocket: January, 2007
978-0743497060
Reviewer: Tiffany
Rating: 2

Every Woman's Got A Secret follows Caroline, a very popular and successful vee-jay. Her employer decides to take her show on the road and hires an intern, Mari, to help make this happen. Mari seems to be the perfect intern, coming up with great and exciting show ideas and just falling into place with the show. But she is a very private about her personal life as if she has something to hide. Over time, Caroline and Mari develop a close friendship and then all of the deception, intrigue, romance and murder begin.

This book did not live up to the billing. I was quite intrigued by the opening of the book but it did not live up to the hype. The storyline became quite predictable and did not have me wondering what would happen next. I continued to read the book to the end as I have enjoyed some of the author’s other work. But, this book did not entertain me as other books written by Brenda L. Thomas.

Forever My Lady by Jeff Rivera

2010-02-01T12:30:00.000-08:00

Grand Central Publishing: July 2007
978-0446698818
Reviewer: Tiffany
Rating: 4

There is nothing quite like young love, and this book is an engaging story about two young people named Dio and Jennifer. Dio is a gang member who ends up in boot camp and Jennifer is a victim of a gun shooting. Forever My Lady is the story of their relationship and tells in vivid detail of its survival under extreme circumstances.

Forever My Lady is a realistic portrayal of a teenage love that keeps the reader engrossed for the outcome. Jeff Rivera does an excellent job of describing the emotions and the struggles that the two main characters encounter. This book kept me interested until the very last page and left me wanting for more. I would recommend this book to others.

His Invisible Wife by Shelia Goss

2009-12-20T11:49:00.000-08:00

Urban Soul: July 2009
978-1599830858
Reviewer: Missy
Rating: 3.5

Shelia Goss is at it again a man and a woman coming together under not so normal rules.

Jacob Banks was about to lose it all until his uncle leaves him with the opportunity to save his business. However, there are stipulations that he has to make happen before he’s allowed the cash he needs to save his business. This stipulation is named Brianna "Bri" Mayfield, a woman with her eyes set on revenge. Jake has to marry Bri to cash in on the inheritance. Brianna is determined to destroy Jake and his company. Jake's proposal will provide her with a large sum of money and the perfect opportunity to accomplish her goal. What neither Jake nor Brianna count on is their attraction to each other.

His Invisible Wife was a fun and quick read with one major downfall. I could not find a clear description of Brianna anywhere in the book. I could give you a description of Jake from head to toe but we never get a description other than Jake stating she was a little healthier than most women he dated.

Shelia has produced another thought provoking intriguing book that left me captivated.

And Mistress Makes Three By Francis Ray

2009-12-19T22:45:00.000-08:00

St. Martin's Griffin, Jun 2009
978-00312573683
Reviewer: Missy
Rating: 4

Francis Ray has created a loving yet touching story about how far love will go to make people realize their needs for one another.

Gina Rawlings is the wife that most men would die for she never questions her husband about his coming or goings and always believes in him when he does not give reasons for things he does. She takes care of her home and put everyone before herself. When he walks away to go on to share his life with a better woman as he comes to bring to her attention she is left to pick up the pieces. With two children, no support from her husband and a business that has seen better days Gina finds
herself trying to hold on to her mental state.

With the opening of Journey's End, the bed & breakfast that his wife wanted, Max Broussard is taking his deceased wife's dream and making it a reality while still dealing with the fact that she is gone. When Gina goes to visit the B&B for her business, she finds a lovely location with lots of potential, in need of some touches to make it a step above the other B&Bs in the area. On the other end, Gina's travel agency needs help. If it were not for her family and friends, it would be making little to no income at all. Max knowing an expert eye when he sees one makes an agreement with Gina to help her with the technical side of her business if she would help him make the B&B the place he wanted to create for his wife. Max is very gentle to the eye and an instant spark flies between the Gina and Max but Gina and Max are both at war with these feelings. Max is not sure about her relationship with her ex-husband and Gina is at odds with her body due to the weight she has gained over the years.

Gina's best friend, Celeste de le Vega is an interior designer that many would call a heart breaker. She has been engaged three times but none of these men has made her heart stop and start again leading her down the aisle to forever. When Celeste meets Alec Dunlap, she realizes he may just be the one. However, Alec would not be easy. Alec, a dedicated police officer, is unable to perform his duties due to his guilt over the shooting of a man in the line of duty. Alec is at his brother's house building him and his new wife a gazebo while they are on their honeymoon. Celeste is at his brother's house redecorating the couple's bedroom. This causes Alec and Celeste to cross paths constantly. Alec is trying to fight the attraction between them but Celeste is trying everything in her power to ignite the fire. When Celeste is taken hostage, Alec has to deal with his feelings and bring them to the table with Celeste.

And A Mistress Makes Three was not what I expected I totally love how Francis took each of her characters and made them stand out as individuals before bringing them into their unique places within the book. This book is great as a standalone but I get the feeling I am going back to look at the Invincible Women of Charleston, SC. As a Charleston native, I would say that Francis hit this on the dime and made everything visually stimulating. KUDOS to Ray for doing it again.

Not Even If You Begged by Francis Ray

2009-12-18T20:05:00.000-08:00

St. Martin's Griffin, Jan 2008
978-0312948177
Reviewer: DD
Rating: 4

The voluptuous Traci Evans has an iron gate around her heart. Multiple wounds inflicted by her cheating deceased husband and her nasty mother have almost destroyed Traci’s faith in love, her trust in people in general. Despite all this, her attraction to the sexy Ryan Gilmore, her best friend and neighbor’s son, will not be denied. Traci is not Ryan’s type or at least he did not think so until he met her. Still Traci’s lush curves, generous breast, childbearing hips combined with a heart of gold makes Ryan want to know Traci inside and out.

The slim and trim, 59 years old, Maureen Gilmore loved her husband dearly. Now 4 years a widow she is missing the intimacy and the bond she had with her husband. Can the sexy police office, Simon Dunlap, fill the growing void in her heart despite the fact that he is almost 10 years her junior. Will Maureen let her feelings for Simon overcome doubts and fears due to the age difference?

Francis Ray has done it again. Not Even If You Begged is a page-turner from beginning to end. The characters in this book come to life so naturally you almost forget your reading fiction. I felt Traci and Maureen’s pain as they dealt with their personal struggles. I wanted them to find the love they both deserved with the hot men Francis Ray created to take my breath away. I fell just a little bit in love with both Simon and Ryan for they had qualities most single women look for when they imagine their life mate. The story itself flowed effortlessly. Francis Ray combined the budding romances with sub-plots that gave this story an essence of realness and gave you insight into the characters you can only see when they interact with people outside of their budding relationships. I closed the book wanting to read more but still satisfied with what I was given

(Book Originally Reviewed For BBW Reviews)

Gunmetal Black by Daniel Serrano

2009-12-12T10:18:00.000-08:00

Grand Central Publishing: September, 2008
9780446194136
Reviewer: LaShonda S
Rating: 4

Fresh out of jail, the last thing Eddie Santiago needed was to become entangled into the illegal dealings of his childhood best friend Little Tony. Eddie had plans to leave behind the streets of Chicago and the memories they held and move to Miami. His love for Latin music and the congas had Eddie ready to take his money and become legit by becoming a partner in the Salsa record label his prison cell mate wanted to start. But Eddie has to fight to wash the grit of Chicago off his hands and take back what is his for he is haunted by the ghost of a favor owed to Tony, memories of his father's murder and being set up by his old boss Pelon.

From the opening flashback Gunmetal Black gives you a peek into the troubled life of Eddie Santiago. Living a life plagued with violence and crime it is no wonder that the first part of this story centers on Eddies time in jail. It is during this time that we witness the growth of Eddie beyond his criminal past. Filled with intricate criminal plans and deception with every turn, Gunmetal Black is a gritty street novel with just enough drama to hold your interest from beginning to end.

I recommend this book to urban lit fans that enjoy a good plot and mystery with their story. The use of flashbacks to fill in the blanks along with the real life situations the characters are placed in makes this an interesting read. There are no over the top antics and unrealistic finales to disappoint the reader.

Bare Necessities: Sensuous Tales of Passion by Hazel Mills

2009-12-12T10:02:00.000-08:00

Xpress Yourself Publishing, LLC: February, 2008
9780979975790
Reviewer: Lashonda S
Rating: 3

Bare Necessities is a collection of erotic short stories featuring combination of lesbian and heterosexual encounters. It is the perfect quick read to spice up your night. The stories are short enough to be read to your mate as bedtime stories. I recommend this quick read to erotic readers who enjoy diverse story lines.

Excess Baggage by Sean Gardner

2009-10-10T13:35:00.000-07:00

Everlast Publishing: August, 2009
978-0982158098
Reviewer: TS
Rating 3.5

Excess baggage is right! These poor characters have tons of it.

All of these characters are messed up…they all have excessive excess baggage (hence the title of the book) that really keeps them from attaining the relationships they all want. All of the men and women are successful, intelligent and their physical attributes mostly fall in the “pretty people” category. One would never know what’s going on under their seemingly near perfect lives.

The Mr. Gardner does a good job of staying in the present yet adding just enough back story for us to understand why the main characters are so dysfunctional. Without giving to many spoilers to this book, Christopher has been scarred since child hood when he witness a horrific act. The memory of this act has skewed his view of women and what is important in life. Nona has issues of her own. She has a problem letting go of a past relationship, earning her more trouble that it’s worth.

Even though the main story focuses on Chris and Nona, we also get to learn enough about the supporting cast. Dorian has daddy issues, more like lack of a father issues, combined with vague childhood memories, which in turn grew into warped views on relationships. Tara, Dorian's high school sweetheart, has a secret that has weighed on her heart for years. Her need to bury that secret deep in her soul leads her to relationship that help her cover what she does not want to feel.

This book was pretty interesting. The pace was fast and consistent once I got past the first 50 pages. The author switches points of view throughout the story so it took some time to get used to the author's rhythm and writing style. It was a lot at first, but once picked up the rhythm of the story, it was fine. I especially enjoyed the common sense and kindness of Nana, Dorian’s grandmother. She provided sound antidotes and reasoning that helped both Dorian and Tara get through some of their past burdens. She seemed kind and knowledgeable and presented balance to all the craziness going on with the characters.

I would recommend this book, it’ entertaining and it’s a pretty fast read. It also has tons of content that would be great for book club discussions. Remember, EVERYONE has a story and some type of emotional baggage! Enjoy!

(Review book received from author.)

Chaser by Miasha

2009-10-10T12:56:00.000-07:00

Touchstone; First Paperback Edition edition: July 2009

978-1416589860
Reviewer: LaShonda
Rating: 3

Leah knows she is in love with the wrong man. When Kenny swept her off her feet and moved her out of the projects, she felt like a princess. Leah's princess dreams began crumble when Kenny’s latest get rich scheme has her facing prison time. The only way to avoid prison time is to become an informant against the man she though would make her dreams come true. Does she have what it takes to go against Kenny and save herself. Hard working Nasir is doing his best to distance himself from Kenny but Kenny has information that keeps Nasir from completing breaking all ties. Breaking free of Kenny’s guilt trips may prove to be more than what Nasir bargained for.

Told from the point of view of Leah and Nasir, Chaser by Miasha tells the story of two people trying to escape the grasp of Kenny and his schemes. Leah and Nasir's first person point of view shows the levels of emotions tied to the tug of war between right and loyalty that is shaping their life. Abuse, cheating, killing and snitching are all secondary characters in this urban tale. Leah and Nasir learn that fast money is not always a good thing. The turmoil each character faces in their quest to rid their lives of Kenny keeps you guessing until the final chapter.

Set in Philadelphia, each scene is descriptive and well written. The underlying story of Chaser (accident chasers) offers a look at the cycle of auto body shop, doctors and lawyers in everyday traffic accidents. Urban Lit readers will enjoy this tale of cat and mouse.

(Review Book Received From Publisher)

Murder On The Down Low by Pamela Samuels Young

2009-09-06T09:59:00.000-07:00

Goldman House Publishing September 2008
9780981562704
Reviewer: Toni Mac
Rating: 5

Los Angeles attorney Pamela Samuels Young has given the staring role in her legal thrillers to attorney Vernetta Henderson. Vernetta returns in “Murder on the Down Low.” It opens with the murder of Quentin Banks, a prominent African American doctor. His shooting death was not the first and it certainly won’t be the last as there appears to be a serial killer on the loose.

Vernetta’s best friend Special is up to her usual antics. But this time her attention is focused on Eugene Nelson, fiance to her late cousin. Her cousin, Maya, died from AIDS, given to her by Eugene as a result of his being on the down low. However, this time, Special may be in over her head.

In “Murder on the Down Low,” Pamela Samuels Young shines a spotlight on the epidemic of HIV/AIDS in the African American community. Samuels Young adds suspense, drama and deceit as her tale takes readers from one surprise to the next. It’s not a book to be read lightly, as it has some powerful messages. For example, African American and Latina women in the U.S. account for more than 80% of the total AIDS diagnoses for women, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. That’s alarming and part of the reason why “Murder on the Down Low” is worth reading. The other reason is because Samuels Young knows how to deliver.

All Of Me by Venice Berry

2009-08-22T10:45:00.000-07:00

New American Library: April 2001
9780451202628
Reviewer: Dee-Dee
Rating: 5

TV news reporter Serpentine Williamson has a great life. Surrounded by family, friends and God, she lives the life many people only dream of. But Serpentine is not happy. Serpentine's plus size frame has been her nemesis her entire life, shaping both her view of the world as well as her view of self. She has spent her entire life on an emotional roller coaster, trying one diet after another to become the thin woman society seems to prefer. When the struggle to be thin takes Serpentine to the lowest point in her life she is forced to face her nemesis and learn to love herself hips and all.

“All Of Me” by Venise Berry is a touching story that will appeal to anyone that has struggled with the images of beauty placed upon us by society. Through Serpentine, Venice Berry shows us how society has warped the image of beauty and made many of us believe that beauty only comes in one shape and size. Serpentine seems to have everything but her low self-esteem negated all of her accomplishments making her feel like a failure because she could not seem to transform herself into the thin woman.

I absolutely loved this book. As a plus size woman dealing with my own image struggles, I could relate to Serpentine and her struggle. I could see bits of me and my personal battles in Serpentine's story. I so completely understood the place she was in when she decided to do the unthinkable. Venice Berry penned a book that will strike a cord for anyone who has ever picked up a fashion magazine or watched a music video and wondered why they never saw a woman that looked like them.

Thug Lovin by Wahida Clark

2009-07-17T16:46:00.000-07:00

Grand Central Publishing: August, 2009
9780446178099
Reviewer: Toni Mac
Rating: 4.5

Readers have been through a lot over the years with Tasha and Trae, Kyra and Marvin, Angel and Kaylin, and Jaz and Faheem. Author Wahida Clark does not disappoint with book four of her Thug series. “Thug Lovin’” finds married couple Tasha and Trae now living in California . Out of the game for good, Trae is looking forward to this new phase in life with Tasha and their three sons. They may have left their lifestyle behind, but drama has followed them clear across the county. Naïve mistakes create major problems. Tasha and Trae dared to dream big, but are they equipped to handle the consequences?

Clark writes well, has an ear for dialogue and has concocted yet another lively tale for her rich, memorable characters. And let’s not forget plenty of Clark ’s signature thug lovin’. Initially I wasn’t sure where I was at as I began the novel because of the lapse in time since the release of “Thug Matrimony.” And with little to no reference to how that novel ended, I fumbled through the beginning but quickly caught on. Even so, “Thug Lovin’ is an enjoyable page-turner. There were a few questions left unanswered but I’m sure we’ll get those answers in another installment.

Let’s hope Clark has more novels in her. Any author who can make readers love thugs has talent to spare!

Darkness In The Mirror by Erica Lewis

2009-07-17T16:14:00.000-07:00

Urban Soul: February, 2009
9781599830780
Reviewer: Toni Mac
Rating: 4

What you don’t know won’t hurt you. But what happens when you find out? Ondie Reid’s life hasn't been typical. Having developed schizophrenia courtesy of genetics, Ondie has managed to have a somewhat normal life with the aid of medication and therapy. She even had a meaningful relationship that resulted in a daughter, Maya, and a marriage proposal until…her mother told her fiancee of her disease. Ondie and her former fiancee, Dexter, have maintained a friendly relationship. In fact, Ondie thinks now is the time for them to reignite what they once had. But what Ondie doesn't know is that Dexter has been secretly seeing her sister. Will the discovery of their relationship send Ondie over the edge?

“Darkness in the Mirror” is an emotionally stirring look at the human side of mental health, focusing on the struggles and hopes of one family affected by schizophrenia. It was a pleasure to read. I’m happy to see an author tackle a subject not often addressed.

Loving Dasia by Ana Gia Wright

2009-05-23T14:44:00.000-07:00

Urban Books: March, 2009
9781601621405
Reviewer: Toni Mac
Rating: 3

Every girl dreams of her wedding day. A church filled to capacity. A beautiful wedding gown. Mr. Right, with his handsome self, waiting at the altar. Dasia Warrington’s dream quickly turns into a nightmare when her husband to be professes to her before God and all their family and friends that he doesn’t love her.

Crushed and devastated, Dasia locks herself in the hotel room that should have been her honeymoon suite to cry and drink away her sorrows.

Grimarious Guatreaux can’t ignore the sobs and sounds of pain coming from the room next door. Hating to see a woman cry, he lends an ear and supporting shoulder. Before long, the two find themselves attracted to the other.

Is it true that what you don’t know won’t hurt you? That may not be the case for Dasia. There’s more to Grimarious than she knows. And what she doesn’t know may very well mean her life.

“Loving Dasia” was an okay read. It was a surprisingly different read for me. It was like Bourne Identity falls in love. The elements were there for a good story; however, the execution fell short. At times the story was confusing and not consistent. Grimarious was involved with The Agency, a covert like type organization. At times I wondered if it was so covert that the author didn’t know exactly what he did! I couldn’t get a firm grasp of either character. More background on both characters would have helped for a smoother flow as well as detailed insight on exactly what it was that Grimarious did. “Loving Dasia” is not a bad read, but a read in need of better focus. I think the author has potential and the assistance of a good developmental editor would display that talent better.

Them by Nathan McCall

2009-05-02T07:48:00.000-07:00

Washington Square Press: ; August 2008 (Reprint Edition)
9781416549161
Reviewer: TS
Rating: 3.5

A good read for book clubs. Good discussion starter…

Nathan McCall's novel, Them, depicts the gentrification of Atlanta 's Old Fourth Ward neighborhood, where Martin Luther King Jr's home is located. The story gives some history the Old Fourth Ward to help you get a better idea of how things were before the changes.

The story focuses on a middle aged man who is suspicious of all forms of government, which he refers to as "Caesar". He starts to feel that it's time to get some roots, so he decides to purchase the home he and his young nephew Tyrone are renting and this is where the story takes off.

As white couples begin to move into the neighborhood, one couple purchase the home next door to Barlowe and Tyrone, and the racial tensions begin to show though out the neighborhood. The couple, Sean and Sandy attempt to fit in and meet neighbors, but they come up against nothing but resistance and cutting eyes from their neighbors. Then you see that their own fears and assumptions begin to take hold the longer they live in a neighborhood that is clearly not welcoming.

McCall does an excellent job of giving you an up-close look at racism and change (or lack there of). The story continued to develop which keeps the story from becoming too predictable. The character development was strong enough to keep you focused on what will happen with the residents of the Old Fourth Ward instead of focusing only on all the negativity occurring in the book.

This book is an eye opener and the story seems believable, although some of the situations that occur are very stereotypical.

Over all, it's entertaining and you will see how this book parallels to real life and will defiantly result in some good discussion.

Single Husbands by Honey B

2009-05-02T07:11:00.000-07:00

Grand Central Publishing: March 2009
978-0446582308
Reviewer: Toni Mac
Rating: 2.5 (Amazon 3)

Before I knew what the book was about, I planned to read it. Like many, I was caught with the title. Unfortunately, after reading “Single Husbands” I still don’t know what it’s about. It was a full helping of sex with a side of story – a very small side. Don’t get me wrong, I love me some erotica and I’ve enjoyed her previous novels, but this was just too much. Needless to say, I was disappointed. I feel that this premise, still overflowing with sex, could have worked with more of an actual story.

Not His Type by Chamein Canton

2009-04-26T02:29:00.000-07:00

Genesis Press: October, 2007
9781585712533

Reviewer: DD

Rating: 3.5 (Amazon 4)

Plus-Size (size 16), literary agent Cathy Chambers has a great life or so she would have everyone believe. The literary agency is doing great. Her twin sons are doing well at school and it is baseball season so she can watch her beloved Yankees just about every day. Love is not an issue. A past filled with disappointments in love, size and weight insecurities, and some emotional issues from her childhood have made it easy to retreat into a routine of work and Yankee games until she meets the Yankee's top player Marcus Fox. Will Cathy be able to deal with her weight issues as her relationship plays out in the media that surrounds Marcus' life

When I first picked up Not His Type I was not sure what to expect. Since I had previously listened to an interview with Chamein Canton, I hoped for a book that gave a well rounded story that showed the issues many plus size women have as they face the challenge of being plus size in a world that does not always see beyond your size. I was not disappointed. Chambers is able to covey the struggles of the plus size woman without making her plus size character the funny fat girl. She was a real woman ,with real concerns that were amplified by the public interest in her relationship.

The story is filled with an interesting mix of characters and personalities, that shape Cathy and Marcus' world and help them deal with the media blitz that surrounds their very public relationship. I enjoyed watching the romance between Cathy and Marcus develop. It was great to see these two fall in love despite the media hounding them and an ex-girlfriend with serious control issues. I was happy to see Cathy work through her personal issues to make things work with the type of man that comes only once in a life time, if ever.

My only complaint was that the book was a bit wordy. There were scenes that just seemed unnecessary. Canton paid great attention to detail in her novel. In most cases this would be a plus but for this book it was a bit overdone. Despite this I really enjoyed the story and would recommend it to both romance lovers and lovers of plus-size literature.

The Things We Do For Love by Xavier Knight

2009-04-21T01:26:00.001-07:00

Grand Central Publishing: March, 2008
978-0446582384
Reviewer: LaShonda
Rating: 4

In The Things We Do For Love, Xavier Knight takes us into the lives of two married couples, the husbands, both members of a gospel group.

Jesse and Dionne Law have endured a lot as a married couple. Jesse is trying to put his past life as a successful R&B singer behind him. As the lead singer of a hot gospel group, Jesse appears to have his life on track. Can he maintain the steady road while keeping secrets that could rock the success of his group and destroy the very core of his marriage to Dionne.

Dionne has landed a job in the ministry that she believes will allow her a platform to better spread the word. Will Dionne be able to maintain her new job while trying to save her best friend Suzette’s marriage, and dealing with the real story behind her adopted son.

Suzzette is married to Coleman, a member of Gospel sensation, Men with a Message, along with Jesse. Their perfect life is shattered by a secret that rocks the very core of what their marriage is based on. Coleman tries to come to grips with his exposed secret and the madness that begins to unfold as the layers of his secret are exposed. Suzette is busy questioning what she knows about herself and what the future holds for her marriage.

The Things We Do for Love is thought provoking novel , tackling issues of homosexuality, infidelity and the prejudice. Addressing the stances that the church, friends, family and the media may takes on during scandal, it is sure to have you wondering what you would do if faced with such situations. The story line is captivating. I recommend this book to Christian Fiction fans willing to think outside of the box on very controversial subject matters. This would also be a great book club read as the story and conclusion make for great debate.

Contemporary reader fans will enjoy this book. This page turner is a quick read. Looking for a little drama, this book fits the bill.

Men Money & Gold Diggers by Je'Caryous Johnson

2009-03-27T02:19:00.000-07:00

Grand Central Publishing: February, 2009
978-0446541084
Reviewer: LaShonda
Rating: 3

Get ready for a case of whiplash as you enter the whirlwind lives of Caleb and Paisley. Caleb is a handsome, successful investment banker who always seems to attract gold diggers. Paisley is a former model, in between jobs and fresh out of a relationship with a broke cheater. Will they be able to see past their past relationships flaws, and a prenup, to find true love?

Men, Money and Gold Diggers explores the lives of two people struggling to trust after being burned by love. Told from both Caleb and Paisleys point of view, the first chapter begins with a bang and continues to pull you deeper into their lives as the story unfolds. The main characters are well thought out and their friend and family help to add to the drama of the story.

This story was well written and covers the various pitfalls people face in the quest for true love. The characters are realistic and engaging. The twist and turns in the plot are well placed, keeping you interested from start to finish. Though it did not take away from the book as a whole, I did find the actions of some of the characters a little over the top. I also found myself questioning the direction the story was going a few times.

Readers of contemporary literature will enjoy this page turner. If your looking for a quick read with a little drama, this book fits the bill.

Laying Down My Burdens by Brenda Thomas

2009-03-27T01:50:00.000-07:00

Phillywriter.com; October 2, 2007
978-0979762208
Reviewer: Toni Mac
Rating: 4

Brenda Thomas’ memoir, “Laying Down My Burdens,” is like an intimate conversation with Brenda. She writes about family, drug abuse, domestic violence, and self discovery. With raw emotions, Thomas recounts all of her struggles in painful detail.

While not a thriller or an action-packed story, “Laying Down My Burdens” is instead an evocative book. With details of her life, Thomas has laid out a touching story that will hopefully educate readers and/or motivate those with similar circumstances.

The Cassandra Cookbook by Shawn James

2009-03-03T02:08:00.000-08:00

Virtualbookworm.com Publishing: August 2008
978-1602642294
Reviewer: Lashonda
Rating: 4

Cassandra Lee has the world at her doorstep, or so it seems. She has worked to make her parents' bakery a success, working along with her father and getting her culinary degree. Her fresh outlook and innovative ideas have helped the bakery achieve tremendous success in the midst of a failing economy. During a meeting with her parents, she learns that the bakery she has worked towards owning is in negotiation to be sold so her parents can retire.

To further complicate things, only days before her wedding she walks in on her fiancé cheating, with another man. Devastated by the curves her life has taken Cassandra works to get over her heartache and help her parents to close the deal that will allow them to retire.

Told in 1st person from several characters point of view, The Cassandra Cookbook, shares the joys and pains of love, family and professional success. The characters have depth and deal with the real life choices people make to get ahead and find success in life. The writing style grants readers a peek inside of the mind of each character adding to the emotional ties felt with each character.

Overall this was this was a good book with a well developed storyline. I did find the cover to be a bit of a turn off and there were a few editing errors that took away through off the general flow of the book.

Looking for a whole lot of drama with a little romance thrown in, The Cassandra Cookbook fits the bill. There are life lessons and food for thought sprinkled into the pages of this story.

Obessession by Gwynne Forster

2009-01-10T14:28:00.000-08:00

Kimani Press: June 2008 (re-released)
9780373831036
Reviewer: Dee-Dee
Rating: 4

After a successful yet unrewarding life as one of the best stoke brokers on Wall Street, Selena Sutton decides it is time for her to put her life in order. She put relationships and family on hold to achieve monetary success but her life felt empty. She craved love and a family of her own. Selena uproots her life moving to a small town in Texas in hopes of finding a quieter life and the love and family she so desires. But Selena gets more than she expected when the Cooper boys roll into her life.

Prince Cooper is pure trouble and Selena wants nothing to do with him. Prince's ego will not allow him to believe Selena does not want him, becoming obsessed with making her his despite her relationship with his brother. Magnus Cooper is handsome and successful, the type of man women dream of including Selena. Unknown to Selena Magnus has been in love with her since the day she rolled into Waverly, the quiet Texas town they call home. But Magnus has demons with roots in family dysfunction. Will Selena and Magnus be able to create a life together despite the challenges placed in front of them. The outside forces determined to keep them apart.

Fans of Gwynne Forster romance novels will not be disappointed with Obsession. It is quality writing filled with plot twist that will keep you guessing through out the book. Selena and Magus are a likeable and readers will want them to share the Happily ever after despite all odds. The challenges the couple face both individually and as a couple will at times seem more than they can handle. Readers will enjoy seeing how these two manage to face all challenges including the ones they have placed in their own paths. Though I found the beginning of the book to be a bit slow, but once the story began to roll I was completely sucked into the lives of Selena a Magnus wanting to know how they will manage to navigate everything that is thrown at them. I throughly enjoyed Obsession and would recommend this book to anyone seeking the classic romance.

The Hood Life: A Bentley Manor Tale By Meesha Mink and De'Nesha Diamond

2008-12-28T20:00:00.000-08:00

Touchstone: January 2009
978-1416577096
Reviewer: Lashonda
Rating: 4

Move over ladies of Bentley Manor, the men of Bentley Manor are out to tell their story and it is HOT! Spinning a tale of sex, drugs and drama, Meesha and De'Nesha skillfully lure you into the lives of four men with roots in Bentley Manor. Although this book follows behind the highly acclaimed Desperate Hoodwives and Shameless Hoodwives, The Hood Life as it does not read like a sequel.

Tavon, The Pimp, has made pimping a family business. Taking it to another level as his extravagant lifestyle remains a blend of his business and personal life. His balance is thrown for a tailspin with the unexpected arrival of a bundle of joy...a teen-aged bundle of joy. This leaves Tavon wondering, how does a pimp raise a teenage daughter?

Demarcus, The Killer, fresh from his stint in prison, is out to prove that he is a changed man. Determined to live right, Demarcus starts his day with prayer and hits the streets preaching to others from his Quran. Yet he still struggles to release the demons from his past life. Not able to find a job and tired of feeling like less than a man, the lure of fast, money is around every corner. Will a chance for one quick move to escape The Hood Life be stronger than the will to live a new life?

Kaseem, The Dealer, is fighting a battle of his own. Not your normal dealer, Kaseem finds himself challenged by those around him who want him to come hard. With the unexpected arrival of an infant son, and a baby momma strung out on crack, irony has come knocking on Kaseem's door. Will he leave the game before the game consumes him.

Rhakmon, The Playa, is a character in himself. Getting what he can from women is the name of his game. No woman is safe from his hustling, including his current girlfriend. Determined to use what he has to get what he wants, Rhakmon ask his girlfriend to make the ultimate sacrifice to save himself.You will not be disappointed with this book. It will have you gripping the pages as you watch the story unfold. Get ready to dive into the drama that is fitting of Bentley Manor.

You will be amazed at the lengths these men go through as they strive to live The Hood Life.

We Take This Man by Candice Dow and Daaimah S. Poole

2008-12-28T16:45:00.000-08:00

Grand Central Publishing - January 2009
978-0446501835

Reviewed by: TS

Rating: 3

This was one for the record books for sure…and not in a good way. I love these two authors but We Take This Man left a bad taste in my mouth. The writing is stellar as you would expect from Dow and Poole, but the subject matter . . . well let's just say I think it kind of knocks us women back a few decades. I don't want to get on my soap box, so I'll keep this review short and sweet.

Ms. Dow and Ms.Poole's collaboration was nicely written and a very cohesive story. This book takes the whole idea of "man-sharing" to the next level. The story is told from the point of view of the two women who want the same man. The story begins from Tracy's point of view, who is already married to Dwight. Next enters Alicia who falls in love with him and ends up wanting him to herself. From there things get crazy and never stop. We Take This Man is loaded with drama and will keep you reading just to see what happens. Unfortunately I was left unfulfilled at the end of the book.

Give this book a try if you're up for some controversial drama!

Can I Get a Witness? by ReShonda Tate Billingsley

2008-11-17T17:36:00.000-08:00

Pocket: July 2008
9781416521679
Reviewed By: TS
Rating: 4

Can I Get A Witness hits the floor running. Ms. Billingsley does a good job of throwing the reader into the story and you find yourself feeling for the characters and caring about what happens in their lives. The plot and character development are both thorough but it seems a bit too short and slightly rushed at times. When I finished the last page I found myself wishing certain points of the book were longer.

The story revolves around the lives of three sisters and the struggles they go through to cope with their relationships. The sisters are helped along by their Aunt Ida with her the well intended, sarcastic yet funny at times comments and advice. Aunt Ida raised them and encourages them to include God in their relationships.

Vanessa is a divorce-court judge whose marriage has been in trouble for a long time. Unfortunately, Vanessa was totally unaware of their marital problems, leaving her unprepared for the crazy ride she will have to take while dealing with her husband Thomas and his mistress.

Dionne, the youngest and brattiest of the sisters, whole life revolves around getting married before age 30. During her quest to find a husband, Dionne finds Roland; a not yet divorced man with doggish tendencies… which only the beginning of her troubles. Dionne has lots of growing up to do and doesn't seem to actually figure this out until it's almost too late.

Rosalyn, the eldest sisters, is the most level headed. With a happy marriage to a minister and a son - she comes off as the perfect sister with the perfect life. She is spiritually in tune with herself and seeks to help her sisters through their issues. But, she too has some drama of her own.

This book is a very fast read with strong characters. A story line that is crazy, funny, and serious. Ms. Billingsley delivers serious lessons with humor and care. I even found myself speaking out loud a few times at the audacity of some of the characters! A must read.

Dubious by Tina Brooks McKinney

2008-11-07T13:11:00.000-08:00

Taboo Publishing: September 2008
9780982108901
Reviewed by Dee-Dee

Rating: 5

Felicia Clark had it all or so she thought until her marriage of 13 years fell apart. She was everything a wife should be and yet her husband still walked away. As she struggles to get her life together and build a life with someone new, Felicia discovers secrets about her husband that shake her to her core and threatens to destroy everything she has worked to gain. Will Felicia find the happiness she deserves after dealing with her husbands secret fetish? Randy is confused. He has secret desires he cannot share with anyone and these desires are destroying everything he holds dear. They have already destroyed his marriage; will they destroy everything he has ever known?

Tina Brooks McKinney has done it again folks. If you read any of her other books you already knew McKinney could write. With Dubious McKinney lets readers know that her writing has no boundaries. This books discusses the feeling of sexual confusion that many people experience and shows how that confusion can affect everyone involved whether you want it to or not. Be warned you may find a scene or two that makes you stop and say hmmmmmmmmm. These scenes are done without being judgmental allowing readers to make their own decisions. McKinney is able to take a topic that would make many run for the hills and deal with it open and honestly. She neither sensationalizes nor underplays the sexual issues making you realize that this could be the lives of the people next door. You just never know. And don't worry, McKinney has not forgotten her fan base. She still brings the drama we have come to love from her previous novels.

Dubious is a page-turner. My only wish is to have Tina Brooks McKinney behind her keyboard right now writing a sequel because there is no way I cannot know what happens. She dropped a couple of bombs at the end of the book and I need to know about the aftermath.

Pleasure by Eric Jerome Dickey

2008-08-05T02:00:00.000-07:00

Dutton Adult: April 2008
978-0525950455
Reviewed by DD
Rating: 4.5

Nia Simone Bijou is a woman dealing with an internal dilemma. On the one hand she is a successful independent, well educated writer dealing with normal issues of life. On the other hand Nia is a sensual woman with a burning desire to fulfill her need for Pleasure. The need for Pleasure will take Nia down roads she never thought she would travel and teach her that pursuit of pleasure can have both great rewards and great consequences.

I enjoyed Nia's sexual exploration and admired the courage it took for her to step out of her comfort zone to fulfill her desires. Nia was willing to test her boundaries to achieve the ultimate goal of pleasure despite what society would think of her and her pursuit for sexual fulfillment. In Nia, Eric Jerome Dickey created a character that embodies the essence of the modern successful female. She lives her life on her own terms, based on a standard set by her belief system not society's rules. It is this attitude that opens her to her pursuit of pleasure and takes her and the reader on an unforgettable journey.

I truly enjoyed Pleasure. This will definitely be one of my favorite reads of the year. The Erotic scenes were hot without being raunchy and tasteless. All the characters in this story came alive. They were well rounded individuals living real lives filled with their own stories and following their own agendas. I wanted to know made these characters tick and what events put them in Nia's world as she struggled to deal with her own desires. The story itself had me thinking beyond the actual words and sex scenes to my own personal life journeys. Would I be willing to cross my own personal boundaries to achieve my own personal goals.

Gotta Keep on Tryin' by Virginia DeBerry, Donna Grant

2008-07-21T19:23:00.000-07:00

Publisher: Touchstone, January 2008
978-1416531678
Reviewed by Naleighna Kai, author of Every Woman Needs a Wife
Rating : 4

Patricia Reid and Gayle Saunders, who made their appearance on the literary stage in Tryin' to Sleep in the Bed You Made, return in a sequel that further tests the bonds of friendship, marriage and their careers. In Gotta Keep on Tryin’, Patricia and Gayle have launched a new business venture, and through much trial and terror, the women’s talents propel this seeming pipe dream into something that gains the attention of a major conglomerate. At a time when success is imminent, Vanessa, Gayle’s teenage daughter has become unmanageable, willful and is plagued by self-doubt and a condition that is affecting more teenagers today--bulimia.

Pat has her own troubles when Tiffani Alexander walks through their door claiming Pat’s husband as her father, and it sets the stage for Marcus to suddenly focus on the daughter he’s always wanted, but Pat, whose career has come first, was unwilling to give. Just when things couldn’t get any worse, Vanessa moves in with an abusive boyfriend and holds fast to the relationship rather than admitting defeat and returning to safety. All this is followed by a lucrative offer from a conglomerate that pits the women’s goals and dreams against each other.

Though the women’s friendship survived an overwhelming amount of obstacles in the first novel, the developments, and their unwillingness to confide in each other or ask for help, might be their undoing in Gotta Keep on Tryin’.

This novel, a realistic look at the challenges that Black women face to balance family, career and love, was well written, an enjoyable read and well worth the eleven year wait for the sequel.

Payback With Ya Life by Wahida Clark

2008-07-21T19:02:00.000-07:00

Grand Central Publishing: May 2008
978-0446178082
Reviewer: Toni Mac
Rating: 3

Reeling from the suicide of her best friend, Shan is at a crossroads. She wants to move clear across the country and start over while her brother, her only family left, doesn’t want her to leave. A blast from the past convinces her to stay, but with her decision comes consequences. Will she pay the ultimate price and payback with her life?

No doubt about it, Wahida Clark is wicked with her pen game. But I can’t help but be a little disappointed with this novel. A fan of Clark ’s customary style, something just seemed to be missing here – the power that vaulted her to the top. “Payback With Ya Life” has its moments but not enough. Despite not living up to my expectations, I look forward to her next release.