NEW REVIEW: S. J. Foster - Champagne & Butterflies

S. J. Foster -
Champagen & Butterflies -
Available Now! -
3 out of 5 books -


When I think of Champagne & Butterflies, I think of lace, softness and elegance. Champagne makes an entrance once you open the bottle, and it’s a must have at any upscale party. Butterflies are beautiful free spirits, but most importantly,  they are day fliers. Meet Kimari Fontaine. She’s champagne, she loves to party and her bubbly quick wit is often a turn on for men. However, Kimari wants to be a star and, quite honestly, she is not looking for a relationship. Her focus at 21 years of age is to finish school so that she can get busy being a star.

Her older sister Kyla on the other hand is the resident butterfly. She’s beautiful and very serious about her studies at Penn State. Not quite the night owl as her sister Kimari, Kyla makes sure her studies come first. But a part of Kyla is on hold. After one night of passion and a promise, Kyla is holding out for the person she believes is the man of her dreams.

Both sisters find that life at college is nothing what either of them thought it would be. Kimari’s dreams of stardom are challenged when she meets football draftee Sean Korrell. Is it true that Kimari is giving up her dream of being famous to settle down with Sean, or will she find a way to have her cake and eat it too?

Wondering what becomes of a broken heart; Kyla licks her wounds inflicted by Troy and begins to physically move forward. She finds solace in a classmate name Vince. He’s respectful, gentle and kind. All of that is well and good, but Vince isn’t the one who makes her heart dance. That one night of passion plays over and over in Kyla’s minds. Can Vince fix her broken heart, or will he be just a strip of masking tape?

Champagne & Butterflies has several grammatical, wrong tense and punctuation errors. It’s unfortunate because this book could’ve received a higher rating than what I’m giving it. I have reviewed several books in 2010 and the editing leaves much to be desired. I enjoyed reading about the Fontaine sisters and all that their money afforded them. Champagne & Butterflies is a great book for teens or anyone interested in a humorous and lighthearted read.

Reviewed by Missy for Urban Reviews

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NEW REVIEW: Vogue - Diamonds In The Rough

Vogue -
Diamonds In The Rough -
Available Now! -
3 out of 5 books -


Carmen Davenport is living in a glass house with pristine walls and marble floors. Life is good in her world. She’s attending college, runs the streets with her lifelong best friend, Tiara, and works in her mother’s store for spending money. One night of hanging out at a club changes her whole life, her attitude and all of her circumstances. Jay Santiago is a Puerto Rican drug lord, but he can’t deny his fascination with the lovely Carmen. Their relationship is lethal as well as forbidden and seemingly destined for failure from the onset. Carmen is adamant about avoiding bad boys, and Jay is too far into the game to relinquish his position as the head of a multi-million dollar drug cartel.

Diamonds In The Rough entails the ups and downs of a sheltered young lady losing her innocence due to her attraction to a bad boy. Murder, drug trafficking, drug abuse, secrets, promiscuity, treachery, disobedience, physical abuse, and love wreak havoc in this read. The plot didn’t prove too challenging, but the main distraction and downfall of this read was that it is too repetitive. The structure of the story needs work, a lot of contradictory scenes, and no definitive destination. At least 100 pages could have been eliminated from this novel. The ending added just a bit more spice to try and wrap it up and leave you wanting more. But if Diamonds In The Rough is part of a 10 book series, I’d like to see if this author’s style and skills will improve with the future endeavors.

Reviewed by Tazzyt2bossye for Urban Reviews

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NEW REVIEW: Michelle Stimpson - Last Temptation

Michelle Stimpson -
Last Temptation -
Available Now! -
5 out of 5 books -


Patricia “Peaches” Miller is a single mother trying to live her life according to God’s word. Peaches is dating Quinn, whom is handsome, charismatic and has a great job. Quinn is not only in love with her, but he also absolutely adores her son as well. Peaches could not have asked God for a better male role model in her son’s life. When Quinn proposes to Peaches, she is ecstatic, along with her mom and her best friends. Soon after the proposal, Quinn is offered a better paying position within his company, but the problem is that he will have to relocate. Will Peaches be willing to follow Quinn? 

Raphael is the one and only man that Peaches has ever been intimate with, and he is the father of her only child. He's the same man that ripped her heart out and stomped all over it when he found out that she was carrying his child. Raphael is the type of daddy who gets his child whenever it suits him, who's always late on child support payments, and who makes promises he does not keep. With a new woman in his life, Raphael seems to have a new attitude. He begins to step up to the plate more, making Peaches leary of his sudden change...especially when Raphael takes a sudden interest in her upcoming nuptials.

Last Temptation by Michelle Stimpson was an excellent read. It is a story of temptation, love, lust, anger, and betrayal. A lesson to be learned from reading this is that Jesus will fight harder for you, even when you are not in fight mode for yourself. It also shows how Jesus is the definition of love. “Patient, kind…keeps no records of wrongs…always trusts, always hopes.” Ms. Stimpson writes a fictional novel that is inspirational and full of hope. I highly recommend Last Temptation!

Reviewed by Leona of Urban Reviews

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NEW REVIEW: Angela Henry - Schooled In Lies

Angela Henry - 
Schooled In Lies - 
Available Now! - 
4 out of 5 books - 


GED teacher Kendra Clayton would rather leave her high school years behind. When she's coaxed into being on her high school reunion committee, the problems are just beginning. One of Kendra's classmates dies in a freak accident and another classmate is murdered. The police don't believe that the two incidents are related, but Kendra feels different. But when secrets and strange alliances are uncovered, Kendra may be in over her head. 

Schooled In Lies is a great mystery by Angela Henry. Henry brings back Kendra Clayton with more drama than ever. What makes this novel stand out is that the main character is just a regular person that stumbles upon these mysterious events. Almost everyone is a suspect in this story, and readers will be shocked when it's revealed who the murderer is. Schooled in Lies is a good mix of drama and intrigue that will make you want to read the previous and future Kendra Clayton mysteries. 

Reviewed by Radiah Hubbert of Urban Reviews

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NEW REVIEW: Denise Coleman - Drama With A Capital D

Denise Coleman -
Drama With A Capitol D -
Available Now! -
5 out of 5 books -


What do you do when drama keeps staring you in the face? No matter how you try to avoid, diffuse, or separate yourself from the situation, you find yourself always in the middle of some type of confusion and chaos.

Meet Lonnie, a headstrong, independent woman who has herself together...or so it appears. Lonnie has been involved in a serious but tumultuous relationship with John. She's grown tired of the games and the foolishness, and this last stunt that John has seemed to get himself involved in results in life-altering changes to both of their lives. Lonnie must make a change for the better and put the negativity in the past, but no one said that change is easy, especially with her job and life in jeopardy. But will change come too late? Will Lonnie be able to look within herself and realize she is the only one that can control her own destiny and no anyone else?

John's life was in shambles. He had a wonderful woman to call his own, but temptation and lust got the best of him and now his sidepiece is pregnant. John knows he has a good woman with Lonnie, but things become difficult when his baby mama Cherie is always behind some sort of drama. Trying to do right becomes more difficult, and a crazy baby mama makes life a living hell. Cherie is determined to cause problems, and when Cherie ends up working with Lonnie, things go from bad to worse. Will John be able to salvage his relationship with Lonnie and still be able to be there for his son without difficulty from Cherie?

Drama with A Capital D by Denise Coleman is a must read. Ms. Coleman's book is very realistic, and I believe that many people can relate to this storyline. This is a book about making changes, even when it is difficult and may cause hurt and pain. Ms.Coleman touched on a lot of relevant subjects. But most importantly, she showed there is light at the end of the tunnel. I highly recommend Drama with A Capital D.

Reviewed by Kristin for Urban Reviews

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NEW REVIEW: Marc L. Abbott - A Gamble of Faith

Marc L. Abbott -
A Gamble of Faith -
Available Now! -
3 out of 5 books -


The first rule in gambling is to remember, "Never gamble with anything you’re not prepared to part with." Terrence, Alyssa and Marquis are childhood friends who are about to be tested by this saying. Every Friday, these friends would meet up at Marquis’ house and play poker. They used to be a foursome, but when cancer took away their friend Eddie, the card games stopped and everyone seemed to drift their own separate ways. Everyone took the death of Eddie very hard.

After the death of Eddie, things begin to spiral out of control in Terrence’s life. He loses his apartment and then his job. If it were not for Lucy, the beautiful woman he soon hooks up with, he would be homeless. With Lucy’s financial guidance and help, he slowly begins to get his confidence and hope back. Are things just a little too good to be true?

The traditional Friday night poker game is about to be started back up. It is time for the three of them to get together and enjoy each other’s company and kick back, laugh and relax. Things don’t go as planned though. Terrence invites Lucy along, and two unexpected guests show up to get in on the game. The stakes will be higher than anyone could ever imagine. Who are the men that show up unexpectedly? What is Lucy hiding?

A Gamble of Faith by Marc L. Abbott was an interesting story to say the least. The story centers around this card game. After about 200 pages, it then takes a twist with a Touched by an Angel edge. Aside from some editing issues, the constant whispering that the characters did among each other (never saying exactly what was said) was slightly annoying. Much of the story was a bit repetitive. Although, I must say that Mr. Abbott does a good job in making his point on faith. I just kind of feel like he could of executed it in a less obvious way or another way entirely. All-in all, A Gamble of Faith was a decent read.

Reviewed by Leona for Urban Reviews

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NEW REVIEW: Steven Morgan - Discombobulated

Steven Morgan -
Discombobulated -
Available Now! -
3 out of 5 books -


Ciara Blackwell knows that her husband has been cheating on her for quite some time. Things come to a head when her husband decides that the grass is greener on the other side. Devastated and confused, Ciara begins a cycle of self-destruction. Ciara also meets a new friend named Tasha. Soon Ciara and Tasha run different schemes for money and revenge. But their high risk lifestyle could have deadly consequences when they cross the wrong people.

Discombobulated is an interesting tale by Steven Morgan. Morgan introduces us to the fractured marriage that Ciara is in. This book is chock full of drama and craziness that will keep you glued to the pages. This was a good story but it seemed like something was missing. Different situations were happening without a proper background as to why certain things were done. The characters weren't developed enough to connect you to the story, and at times, it felt completely rushed. Discombobulated is still a decent debut novel by Steven Morgan.

Reviewed by Radiah Hubbert of Urban Reviews

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NEW REVIEW: N'Tyse - Stud Princess, Notorious Vendettas

N'Tyse -
Stud Princess, Notorious Vendettas -
Available Now! -
3 out of 5 books -


Chyna is back with revenge on her mind. She's still looking for the lawyer that double-crossed her uncle. Chyna has also blackmailed Sand and Rene into working for her, and she'll stop at nothing to get what she wants. Meanwhile, Rene is feeling extremely gulit about how things ended with her and Sand. She just wants a chance to apologize to Sand, but will she be forgiven? Sand finally has her club Sandrene's open. But she's been nowhere near her own business due to a mess that she might not get out of.

Stud Princess, Notorious Vendettas is the sequel to My Secrets Your Lies. N'Tyse brings back some characters from the first book with a little more drama than ever before. You get to see what the future holds for Sand and Rene.Chyna also proves to be even more ruthless in this book. Although this is a sequel, this book doesn't seem to start right where the first book left off. N'Tyse does give the reader a few glimpses in regards to what happened in the first book. But if you read My Secrets Your Lies, this current book doesn't seem like a sequel but a whole different story which makes this a little confusing. Stud Princess, Notorious Vendettas is still a decent book by N'Tyse.

Reviewed by Radiah Hubbert of Urban Reviews

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NEW REVIEW: Various Authors - Can't Help the Way That I Feel (Anthology)

Various Authors -

Can't Help the Way That I Feel (Anthology) -

Available Now! -

5 out of 5 books -

Can't Help the Way That I Feel is a steamy collection of erotic stories by some known and unknown African American authors. All of the stories in this book are tantalizing, but there are a few that stand out. In Tandem by The Big Bamboo, a woman gets the birthday massage of her life by two sexy masseuses. Bubble Music shows us what happens when a woman creates her own masterpiece at an erotic art party. What Would Quincy Do by Elle features a woman who is urged by her girlfriends to explore her sensual side. The Shadow of the Midnight Train by Cynnamon Foster features a college teacher who wants to share more than poetry with a visiting poet. Party of Four by Black introduces us to two couples who have an explosive reunion. Velvet takes us on a day long rendezvous with A One-Day Lust Affair.

Can't Help the Way That I Feel is an excellent array of erotic stories. Each story is unique and makes you wonder when will these authors come out with a full length novel of their own. From mild to the extremely hot, there is something for everyone in this book. Lori Bryant Woolridge even included some story starters so the readers can use their own imagination to create their own stories. Can't Help the Way That I Feel is the best erotica collection since Erotique Noire: Black Erotica.

Reviewed by Radiah Hubbert of Urban Reviews

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NEW REVIEW: Elliot T. Graves - Jasmine's Tears

Elliot T. Graves -

Jasmine's Tears -

Available Now! -

2.5 out of 5 books -

Jasmine's Tears is an urban tale that will make you wanna throw your hands up and cry. As the story opens, we meet Jasmine Fisher who lives in the Crestwood Heights apartments with her mom and younger sister Monica. Curtis also lives in the same complex as Jasmine and her family. One day Curtis overhears a violent argument coming from a few doors down. As the door swings open, he realizes that it’s coming from a girl and her mother. Once he makes the connection, Jasmine can feel him looking at her and she shouts vile remarks at him. This encounter is the beginning to a dysfunctional relationship; a poor young thing and a small time hustler.Curtis and his friend James are forever looking for the next hustle, and this time Curtis' scheme includes his sexy long-legged neighbor, Jasmine. But can this hustle get Jasmine out of Crestwood apartments and living the life she dreams of?

Mr. Graves did a good job introducing the characters and giving us just enough history so that we could determine who to root for and who to cry for. If the readers weren’t given a glimpse of Jasmine’s life, we would assume her character was not true. However, we know she was poor and her mother could do no better. No matter what your age, if you are not taught better, sometimes you don’t know better. Jasmine's Tears by Elliot T. Graves was a good voice of urban style and what takes place behind doors not carved with silver and gold.

Reviewed by Missy for Urban Reviews

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NEW REVIEW: Aliya S. King - Platinum

Aliya S. King -
Platinum -
Available Now! -
5 out of 5 books -


Alex Maxwelll is a freelance writer for a music magazine who is also engaged to a hip hop artist. Alex has just been assigned to do an article about the lives of the women married to hip-hop artists. She's also ghostwriting a memoir for video vixen Cleo Wright. As Alex gets deeper into both of these projects, she uncovers some major drama that she may not be prepared for. Beth is the wife of a rapper named Z. Beth's stress level is high as she tries to keep tabs on Z's drug habits and philandering. Josephine is married to singer/producer Ras Bennett, but she wants more than that. Just when her own business gets off the ground, her husband reveals a shocking secret. Kipenzi is a multi-platinum artist that is ready to retire and marry her record label boyfriend Jake. But is he ready to walk down the aisle with her? Cleo Wright is a video vixen with an axe to grind and is every rich wife's nightmare. She seeks fame and fortune for her sleazy memoir, but at what cost?

With Platinum, Aliya S. King brought us a novel that is full of the glitz, scandal, and drama. King gives readers an insider's look into what it means to be in the music industry. The non-stop drama starts from the first page, and it continues like a runaway train until the end. Each of these characters have their own set of issues that makes them flawed and human. Although this story is about characters that live a very rich lifestyle, there was no endless talk about their possessions or any designer name dropping. King focused on the actual story, which is a breath of fresh air. Platinum is a delicious guilty pleasure that will have readers asking one question: Where is the sequel?

Reviewed by Radiah Hubbert of Urban Reviews

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NEW REVIEW: Takerra Allen - Heaven's Hell

Takerra Allen -
Heaven's Hell -
Available Now! -
4 out of 5 books -


Heaven Jacy has had a rough life. Not only did she have to deal with abuse from her father but also from her much older controlling boyfriend named Khalil. She longs for escape from her dismal circumstances. Heaven thinks she's found her savior in a man name Gavin "G" Lucas. G notices Heaven right away and wants her for himself. G soon introduces Heaven to a fast paced, affluent lifestyle that she'd always dreamed of. Heaven encounters new problems in terms of who she can trust and who she can't. Will Heaven be able to keep up with her new life, or will it ultimately lead to her undoing?

Takerra Allen brought us a wonderful coming-of-age tale with Heaven's Hell. The best part of this book is that you get to see the realistic personal growth of Heaven. Heaven goes from a scared, broken young girl to a confident young woman that knows her worth. This story shows that what you think you want may not be the best thing for you. Allen also did a good job of showing how abuse can have an impact on one's inability to receive and accept the love that they deserve. There is also a realistic and sound conclusion that readers will appreciate. Heaven's Hell is a cautionary tale that's full of life lessons.

Reviewed by Radiah Hubbert of Urban Reviews

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NEW REVIEW: Victor McGlothin - The Secrets of Newberry

Victor McGlothin -
The Secrets of Newberry -
Available Now! -
5 out of 5 books -



Hampton Bynote and Bones Arcineaux form a strange partnership after meeting outside an illegal New Orleans gambling spot in 1955. The two men commit a string of robberies in the French Quarter. The scheme seems lucrative for Bones and Hampton until one of the robberies goes very wrong. Bones has some ulterior motives for committing these crimes. But will Hampton find out before it's too late? Hampton also has other family issues waiting for him back in his hometown of Newberry that are about to reach a boiling point.

The Secrets of Newberry is an excellent novel by Victor McGlothin. McGlothin did a wonderful job with painting a picture of how New Orleans was in the 1950s. There are a bevy of interesting characters in this book besides Bones and Hampton that really keeps the story moving. McGlothin even throws in a few deep dark secrets and even murder that will delight readers. The combination of good storytelling and the inclusion of an intriguing historical backdrop make The Secrets of Newberry a unique and entertaining novel.

Reviewed by Radiah Hubbert of Urban Reviews

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NEW REVIEW: Michelle Janine Robinson - Color Me Grey

Michelle Janine Robinson -
Color Me Grey -
Available Now! -
5 out of 5 books -


Bridget Grey has had a terrible childhood being in the foster care system with her best friend Jade at her side. Bridget marries the man of her dreams, and she’s pregnant with twins. Everything seems fine until one of the babies is born black and the other one is born white. What makes it worse is that Bridget’s husband is black. How can this be? Bridget’s life is spinning out of control and she confides in Jade. But can Jade be trusted?

Color Me Grey is a riveting debut novel by Michelle Janine Robinson. Robinson expertly tackled a rare but true medical occurrence of fraternal twins being born to two different fathers. But there is a lot more than meets the eye with this book. Readers will find that Bridget’s twins aren’t the main plot of this book and that there are some shocking revelations that will make your jaw drop. There are also some intriguing secondary characters that play a role in Bridget’s life that are an integral part of the story. Color Me Grey is full of non-stop drama and devastating secrets that will make you want to read future novels by Michelle Janine Robinson.
 
Reviewed by Radiah Hubbert for Urban Reviews
 
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NEW REVIEW: Danita Carter - Murder in the Hamptons

Danita Carter -
Murder in The Hamptons -
Available Now! -
4 out of 5 books -


Donovan Smart (aka TuSmArt) is a rapper that just purchased a mansion in a section of the Hamptons called Coca Beach. Donavan soon finds out that money and pedigree don't always go hand in hand when some of the old money black elite residents look down on him. To ease tensions, Donovan decides to have a yacht party to introduce himself and mingle with the other residents. The party is going off without a hitch until a dead body is discovered floating in the water. Dectective Theo Pratt intends to solve this murder as quick as possible. But when her prime suspect turns out to be one of the residents of Coca Beach, this case turns to be more complicated than she imagined.

Danita Carter flexed her creative muscle by bringing us a good suspense novel with Murder in the Hamptons. This story gives you a glimpse into how the other half lives. From the very beginning, you’ll wonder who the victim was and who the murderer was. Carter did an excellent job with pacing the story and providing the reader with enough background on each of the characters. There are portions of this book that are done in flashbacks, but it doesn’t interrupt the flow of the story. Readers will be shocked when the reason for the murder is revealed and who the victim was. Murder in the Hamptons is a satisfying page turner by Danita Carter.

Reviewed by Radiah Hubbert of Urban Reviews

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NEW REVIEW: Zane - The Hot Box

Zane -
The Hot Box -
Available Now! -
4.5 out of 5 books -


Milena and Lydia are best friends who have very different philosophies in regards to men and relationships. Milena hasn't been with a man in eight years due to her ex-fiance Jacour breaking her heart. A chance meeting with a man named Yosef may help Milena mend her broken heart. But when Jacour comes back in town for good, will she be able to forgive and forget? Lydia has a seemingly good relationship with her live-in boyfriend Glenn. But Lydia can't seem to stop sleeping with Phil, Glenn's best friend. Trying to juggle both men is like a full time job to Lydia, and she's up for the challenge. Can Lydia continue this game, or will she eventually strike out?

Zane takes you on an erotic thrill ride with The Hot Box. This story has all of the classic Zane sexcapdes, but there is also a real storyline that readers will enjoy. There are plenty of life lessons in this book such as knowing your own self-worth and the consequences of playing with the feelings of others. All of the characters in this story are dealing with more internal problems then what you see on the surface. This book would not be complete without a twist that's so disturbing that you won't believe what you're reading. The Hot Box has drama, a little bit of humor, and the sexiness that Zane is known for.

Reviewed by Radiah Hubbert of Urban Reviews

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