NEW REVIEW: Marlene P. Jones - Silent Rain

Marlene P. Jones - 
Silent Rain - 
Available Now! - 
3 out of 5 books - 


Nyah Parson is sexy, confident, smart and an outspoken woman. After her best friend backs out on a cruise at the last minute, Nyah goes on the cruise by herself. She meets a handsome man whom she spends one glorious night with. Never bothering to get his name, she leaves the cruise the next day satisfied.

Nyah recently moves to a new town as an escape from her past. Nyah wants nothing more than a fresh start, burying within her subconscious a tramatic event that happened years ago. On the outside looking in, she seems to have it together. And with the little pill she is taking, it makes the facade that much stronger. But Nyah has a new set of problems. She's seeing someone who she thinks looks at her as his "good time girl." Folks that she thinks are friends are really foes in sheep's clothing.

Silent Rain by Marlene P. Jones is a story of love, friendships, secrets and distrust. Although Silent Rain is a fast-paced read, the story falls short with some unbelievable scenes (such as the car.) Aside from some editing issues, the story was a bit far-fetched in some areas. The fact that the boyfriend always seems to just show up wherever Nyah was had me wondering, how it was he knew where she was going to be. All-in-all, Silent Rain was just an okay read.

Reviewed by Leona for Urban Reviews

Order your copy of Silent Rain today!
 
 

NEW REVIEW: Aaron Philip Clark - The Science of Paul

Aaron Philip Clark - 
The Science of Paul - 
Available Now - 
4 out of 5 books - 


Paul Little is an ex-convict that is just about to get off of probation. Paul does very well while being on probation, never once getting into any trouble. Yet and still, there is a part of Paul that feels lost and angry. Paul decides to walk away from the one woman who has loved him through his ups and downs. The night that he walks out the door, he is met with a string of bad luck. Could it just be a case of being at the wrong place and the wrong time?

Paul has very little money when he walks out, but his plan is to head to his grandfather's land in North Carolina for a fresh start. As he navigates throughout the streets of Philadelphia, a woman accuses him of rape, he is met with a shiesty business deal, his money is stolen, and a murder is committed. Only one of two things are the most likely outcome: prison or death. Paul is determined to make it out of Philadelphia before either happens.

The Science of Paul by Aaron Philip Clark is a story of one man trying to live his life on the straight and narrow but is pulled into the life of crime. Trouble seems to lurk at every corner. The people he thinks that he can trust are the ones he needs to be wary of. Author Aaron Philip Clark has his own unique writing style that will keep you guessing to the very end.

Reviewed by Leona of Urban Reviews

Order your copy of The Science of Paul: A Novel of Crime today!
 
 

NEW REVIEW: Kai - The Loudest Silence

Kai - 
The Loudest Silence - 
Available Now! - 
4 out of 5 books - 


At some point, everyone has been or is in a relationship where one or both people play the blame game. This would be the game where they place the blame on hurtful situations. Things are said or done on the current state of their relationship. This is usually the reason why there is hate or animosity built up, and either anger is on the horizon or silence is the norm. Someone is usually walking around on eggshells not wanting to set the other off. Neither person knows how to work through the issues of the past nor being able to talk about it without yelling and screaming.

Such is the case with married couples Terrance & Lani and Christopher & Kenya. Terrance and Kenya have been friends since childhood. They view each other as brother and sister...well, at least one of them thinks so. Little does the other know that one has always been in love with the other and decides to cross that line of friendship one evening, never once thinking of the consequences of what that act may ensue. This one night is the night that will forever change the course of both of their marriages. Neither of them could have ever imagined the reaction they would receive from their actions.

The Loudest Silence by Kai is a novel that anyone can relate to, mainly because of the emotions that evoke from the pages. Author Kai does a fantastic job in portraying the feelings of the characters, and displaying the hurt and pain in a realistic story. Author Kai is a talented writer, and even though this story is different from her first novel, Daughter Of the Game, The Loudest Silence is definitely one I would also recommend reading.

Reviewed by Leona for Urban Reviews

Order your copy of 5 Star Publications Presents: The Loudest Silence today!
 
 

NEW REVIEW: Jonathan Anthony Burkett - Friends 2 Lovers

Jonathan Anthony Burkett - 
Friends 2 Lovers - 
Available Now! - 
2 out of 5 books - 


Claude Daniels is a high school senior that is dealt a tragic hand at the beginning of his senior year. However, he has his best friend and love of his life, Kelly Brown, to love him through the pain. Even though they both are very much in love with each other, they refuse to take their relationship from friend to lover because they are afraid that if anything went wrong, they would no longer have that close friend relationship that they both so heavily depend on. Once Claude and Kelly start dating other people, they realize (along with their significant others) that they belong together. The question is, can their relationship withstand the test of time much like their friendship?

Friends 2 Lovers by Jonathan Anthony Burkett was not an easy read. It read like a play or conversation where the scene was periodically set. I also found the story to be somewhat random and juvenile. Being a teacher, the conversations reminded me of those I hear my students having with one another. Also, the characters were not very well developed. There were a lot of unanswered questions that could have been answered if the characters and settings were more developed to give a better understanding of where the author was trying to go with the story. However, the poetry throughout the book was very nicely written. I could feel the passion coming through each poem. Unfortunately, the poems were the highlight of the book.

Reviewed by Tenecia for Urban Reviews

Order your copy of Friends 2 Lovers today!
 
 

NEW REVIEW: Christopher Grant - Teenie

Christopher Grant - 
Teenie - 
Available Now! - 
4 out of 5 books - 


This is the third book I have read in the last few month which is categorized for young adults, and I found myself, a 40-something-year-old, engrossed in the story. I reminisced on my high school days and my best friend Noreen. As soon as we got home from school and did our homework, Noreen and I were on the phone.

Meet Martine (Teenie for short) and Cherise, who have been BFF's (best friends forever) since the third grade and their mode of conversation once they get home from school is instant message. They are as different as oil and water. Teenie excels at academics, while Cherise has no interest in it whatsoever. Cherise is more interested in fun, boys and cheerleading. The story opens with Teenie working hard to get accepted into a study program abroad, which would allow her to visit Spain for free. The “Young Scholars Study Abroad Program” will not only add some culture to her young life, but also afford her the opportunity to get out of her own backyard of Brooklyn.

As fate would have it, life is real and it rears its ugly head. Teenie and Cherise go through a period where they are not speaking, and without the street smarts of her friend Cherise, could the dangers of high school blanket and smother this freshman?

Teenie is a remarkable read, which journeys straight for the readers’ heart. It’s a story of the trials and the pains of growing up. I absolutely enjoyed how Grant delivered Teenie’s story and her dilemmas dealing with school, family, friends and a secret crush. I’m also amazed at how well he wrote from the female perspective. Good job!!

Reviewed by Missy for Urban Reviews

Order your copy of Teenie today!

NEW REVIEW: Ebonee Monique - Walk A Mile

Ebonee Monique - 
Walk A Mile - 
Available Now! - 
4 out of 5 books - 


Syndee Allen seems to have it all. She is confident, beautiful, has a fantastic career as an ad executive, has money in the bank and doesn't want for much. As we all know, what looks good on the outside is not always the case on the inside.

Isn't it funny how some folks are quick to judge someone by their outward appearance? For instance, if a woman wears something a little short or a blouse too revealing, she is automatically labeled a slut. If a man isn't dressed to the nines or is driving a beat up vehicle, he is assumed to be a bum? How ironic that those same people who make assumptions of others are so quick to throw stones, not realizing that they are throwing them at glass houses. My point is to not make assumptions by someone's outward appearances because you have no idea what that person may be going through. They may be going through their own personal hell.

Such is the case with Syndee. Syndee has her own demons and personal hell that she has tried hard to block from dealing with. When the women at her new job meet her, they instantly dislike her. Her only true friend is her cousin. Syndee has one man that is clamoring for her affections, another she is in total lust over, another that admires her from afar, and an ex that is angry at how she ended things. Syndee is in search of happiness, but with all the drama surrounding her life, she will be blindsided by deception.

Walk A Mile by Ebonee Monique was a very good read. Ms. Monique pens a novel of betrayal, sex, lies and alibis. The author does a fantastic job of showing emotion through her characters. There are many underlying messages within the story. Aside from the editing issues, I would definitely recommend this novel.

Reviewed by Leona by Urban Reviews

Order your copy of Walk a Mile (Peace In The Storm Publishing Presents) today!
 
 

NEW REVIEW: Pat Simmons - Crowning Glory

Pat Simmons - 
Crowning Glory - 
Available Now! - 
5 out of 5 books - 


Karyn Wallace, a true woman of God, has had her share of ups and downs. While spending time in prison, Karyn got to know God and was a walking testimony. When Karyn gets released from prison, she is determined not to stray from her walk with the Lord. While working in the mall, she meets Levi Tolliver, a successful businessman. Unbeknownst to Karyn, Levi is actually trying to get his walk right with God. A couple of years ago, he lost his wife, who was killed in a convenience store robbery. Ever since that night, Levi has questioned God about why he had to take his wife away. The one person that was helping Levi want to live again was his little girl, Dori. During one of their shopping trips in the mall, Dori and Levi meet Karyn. Levi thinks that meeting Karyn is God's way of saying that it's time to move on. But Levi finds it hard to give anyone a second chance, especially if they're a convicted felon. How will Karyn be able to tell Levi about her past? And will he forgive her?

In Crowning Glory, the author Pat Simmons brings about a novel that shows that without forgiveness, there's no redemption. I enjoyed the story of Karyn and Levi. Both had a past that they needed to move on from, but there was something always holding them back. What I liked about this book is the fact that Ms. Simmons intertwined God's Word throughout the entire story. The best part about Crowning Glory is that it was never too preachy or over the top. Each chapter had a steady flow and would prepare you for the next. Each of the main and supporting characters had a compelling story to tell. Without them, the novel would have not been as good because each supporting character brought a little umph to the story. I enjoyed reading Crowning Glory and cannot wait for more from Pat Simmons.

Reviewed by Jackie for Urban Reviews

Order your copy of Crowning Glory today!
 
 

NEW REVIEW: Amore - The Temptation of Love

Amore - 

The Temptation of Love - 

Available Now! - 

4.5 out of 5 books - 

Alexander Love has just landed a partnership at his law firm. All the focus he has placed on building his career has paid off. When his mother plans a family BBQ to celebrate his promotion, he does not expect to meet his soulmate. Jada Whitman is a film producer and good friend of Alex's cousin, Ami. When Jada lays her eyes on Alex, she knows she is in big trouble. After spending time together, Alex is convinced that he wants Jada in his life; he just doesn't realize how much. Jada is far more reluctant. She is fighting her feelings for Alex because she knows he is the kind of man that you can't walk away from if you get in too deep. Jada has had a lot of hardship in her life, which has caused her to shy away from serious relationships. However, Alex is making it very hard for her to keep her "no falling in love rule" in tact. Once Alex and Jada's relationship starts to blossom, in walks a blast from Alex's past. Will Alex's love and Jada's growing ability to trust be enough to keep these two together?

The Temptation of Love was a very good book. Amore does a wonderful job of developing the primary and secondary characters. There were a lot of characters that were introduced, and she did an excellent job of describing how they all fit together. She also does a fantastic job with imagery. She paints a beautiful picture of how close knit the Love family is. There was one scene in the book that I had a hard time buying into. This scene was the only reason that I didn't give the book a 5 star rating. Other than that, The Temptation of Love is one to add to your must read list.

Reviewed by Tenecia for Urban Reviews

Order your copy of The Temptation Of Love today!
 
  

NEW REVIEW: Devon Vaughn Archer - Her Teen Dream (E-book)

Devon Vaugh Archer - 

Her Teen Dream (E-book) - 

Available Now! - 

3.5 out of 5 books - 

Karin Blanch is a sophomore at Elmwood High in California. Although she is the daughter of a well-known lawyer, she seems to play the shadows at school. The only person she is close to is her best friend, Lesley, who lives next door. They both have dreams of being popular in school, and both have crushes on basketball players.

Star basketball player Reese McKenzie, a senior, asks for Karin's help after Marcus Payne, a fellow basketball player, is in trouble. Without the help of some legal counsel, Marcus just may wind up behind bars and lose all that he has worked so hard for. Could this be the "in" the girls hoped for?

Her Teen Dream by Devon Vaughn Archer is a young adult novel that any teenage girl can relate to. A story that has real problems of today's youth. Mr. Archer is to be commended on touching upon such issues that include an underlying message. Although parts of the story were a little slow, Her Teen Dream was a good read. 

Reviewed by Leona for Urban Reviews

Order your copy of Her Teen Dream today!