NEW REVIEW: James Causey - Twisted

James Causey - 
Twisted - 
Available Now! - 
4 out of 5 books - 

Travon Brown is back with more problems than ever before. After the death of his surrogate father Willie, Travon is out for revenge against the person that’s responsible. But will he be able to rely on his street skills in order to settle the score?  He has even bigger issues when he finds out that he’s the father of Angel’s baby.  Now he needs to decide if he can continue with his relationship with Faith or try to explore things with Angel.  Will Travon be able to do what he needs to do in order to go on with his life?

Twisted is a good sequel to the Twist by James E. Causey.  Causey did a good job with the development of Travon as a character. Travon is essentially a good man, but he has some things that he needs to work out.  You see how Travon struggles between doing what’s right and what he feels is the code of the street. Readers will actually feel the strong desire that he has to be a father to his daughter. This story shows how a regular man with a professional career can make questionable decisions that lead him down the wrong path.  It was also interesting to see the dynamics of Faith and Angel’s relationship change throughout the book.  Twisted is another winner for James E. Causey.

Reviewed by Radiah Hubbert of Urban Reviews

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NEW REVIEW: Saundra - Her Sweetest Revenge

Saundra -  
Her Sweetest Revenge - 
Available Now! - 
3 out of 5 books - 

Mya’s world turned upside down when her father was sent to prison for drug charges. To make matters worse, Mya’s mother turned to crack to deal with the pain. At just seventeen years old, Mya has to play the adult role in order to take care of her younger brother and sister. She also catches the eye of a local hustler name Hood. But things spiral out of control when the violence of the streets hits way too close to home. As a result, Mya makes some decisions that could have deadly consequences for all involved.

Her Sweetest Revenge was a decent but average hood story. This book had the potential to be something different but there were a lot of things in this story that readers of this genre have read before. The physical attributes of Mya and the plight of her family are examples of a formula that’s been used so much in other books that it’s time to break this cycle. There were different situations in the book that were told to the reader instead of creating a scene to show us what happened. Several scenarios in this story were so far-fetched that it came off as very unrealistic. Also, there were a number of grammatical and word usage errors that could not be ignored. Saundra does leave room for a sequel at the end of the book. But there’s not enough of a connection between the characters and the reader to warrant or carry a sequel. Her Sweetest Revenge wasn’t a bad story. With so many options in today’s African American fiction market, Saundra needs to come better than this if she wants to really make a mark in this industry.

Reviewed by Radiah Hubbert of Urban Reviews

Order your copy of Her Sweetest Revenge today

NEW REVIEW: Michael Beckford - Dying To Be Straight

Michael  Beckford - 
Dying To Be Straight - 
Available Now! - 
1 out of 5 books - 

Dying to be Straight by Michael D. Beckford is the memoir of sorts of Paul Stringer. The story is a detailed account of his life from the time he was brought into the world. At around the age of five-years old while his mother (the lawyer) and his father (a chemist) worked on their careers, they had family members watch a young Paul. In the care of his father's brother and wife. Paul's uncle touched him in an inappropriate place and had Paul do the same to him. As Paul became older, he became confused about his feelings for the opposite sex. He knew he liked females, but he was more attracted to guys.

More than anything Paul struggled with what he believed God felt about homosexuality and his feelings and attraction to the same sex. Paul battles within himself, wanting to be "normal" and live a heterosexual life, but the pull of his old life soon becomes something he will need to deal with head on. After losing a good friend, he tries to put things into perspective and evaluate his life and some of the decisions he has made. The question is will he be able to make amends with his family and friends before its too late?

Dying to be Straight by Michael D. Beckford has to be one of the worst books I have read thus far. First, I am a bit confused on if this is supposed to be a fictional account or an actual memoir of someone's actual life. The story takes place from the time the character Paul Stringer is born, from his mother and father describing the hospital room that he was born in 1984. Describing how his mother lit a candle and sat it beside her bedside and when he was born they blew it out. (When did the hospital allow patients to light candles in the birthing room?) Second, the story is way too detailed. From a young Paul and his elementary years to his junior high and high school years and beyond. The problem with this is that it is unnecessary to the story, and with the book being only 204 pages, Dying to be Straight lacks depth and emotion. The story is told in first person, at times it is repetitive, and everything is simply stated instead of being descriptive, making the story too cut and dry. Aside from the lack of editing, the wording of some things are enough to make you shake your head. For example: when the author describes one of the characters being pregnant he words it as "...was scheduled to be deployed from his mother's womb." and "...he was expected to officially arrive on earth in August." EARTH? Seriously, is this an alien baby? The author also seems to make up his own words, such as the character Paul practiced "bisexualism." At one point I had to shake my head when the author described the 5th grade Prom where he was fitted for a tuxedo and how everyone was trying to make plans to hook up afterward. Keep in mind we are talking about 5th graders who are 10-11 years old. Seriously? In reading this story, there was entirely too much going on and situations that were totally unbelievable, especially near the end. It's like the author threw things into the mix because he thought he needed to add more, but it was totally unnecessary.

Reviewed by Leona of Urban Reviews

Order your copy of Dying To Be Straight today!

  

  

NEW REVIEW: K'wan - Animal

K'wan - 
Animal - 
Available Now! - 
4 out of 5 books - 

For those of you following the "Hood Rat" series, Eviction Notice leaves off with Gucci being shot in the club. Animal is kidnapped on the way to a maximum security prison and taken out of the country on a secret mission.

Fast forward...

Animal is still out of the country and everyone thinks he is dead. When he finds out that the love of his life has been shot, Animal is hellbent on revenge. He vows to go back to the states and make sure everyone involved will be murdered. With everyone thinking Animal is dead and gone, it gives him a huge advantage to sneak up on his prey. Unfortunately, it also opens him up to be caught by the Feds and locked up for good if he is captured.

Shai Clark is not only being hunted by Animal, but there is someone that is determined to move in on his territory and take over the streets that Shai's crew has ruled for so long. Big Dawg is still as shiesty as ever but after crossing the line too many times with folks, someone is bound to try to knock him off his square.

Animal by K'wan is the sixth book in the "Hood Rat" series. For those of you that have yet to read this series, make sure you read the books in order: Hood Rat, Still Hood, Section 8, Welfare Wifeys and Eviction Notice before reading this one. K'wan never disappoints his readers; there is always plenty of action, murder and mayhem throughout his novels. A part of me kind of wants the series to end but each book has me wanting to find out what is going to happen next. A good writer knows how to keep his/her readers engrossed and wanting more. Kwan does a great job in doing this.

Reviewed by Leona of Urban Reviews

Order your copy of Animal today!

  

NEW REVIEW: Kelli London - Cali Boys

Kelli London - 
Cali Boys (Boyfriend Season) - 
Available Now! - 
4 out of 5 books - 


Jacobi and Kassidy are two different girls from different backgrounds, but they have one thing in common...they're wanted by the boys.

After moving not too far from her hood, Jacobi finds herself in a neighborhood where she feels completely different. With her lop-sided breast, being barely developed, and her cheetah print face, Jacobi's insecurities get in the way. That is, until she meets her neighbors.

Moving to Cali from NYC was the worst thing that ever happened to Kassidy. Rather than looking at the move as new modeling opportunities, all Kassidy wanted to do was return to New York to be with her first real boyfriend, Brent. First things first, Kassidy has to get her mind off Brent and scope out the city...mostly for boys. Being a player had to have some type of advantage for her...right?

I really liked Cali Boys by Kelli London. The story had so much going on, including thrilling moments. The author did a great job of pulling both girls lives into one another. The only thing I disliked about the story is the fact that one of the characters seems to have been just pulled out of the story without a reason. Other than that, I really enjoyed Cali Boys.

Reviewed by Tabitha Graves for Urban Reviews

Order your copy of Cali Boys today!

NEW REVIEW: L.J. Wilson - Snitch

L. J. Wilson -
Snitch -
Available Now! -
4 out of 5 books - 

Seneca Allen is a typical sixteen-year-old girl. She likes to hang out with her friends, enjoys going to parties, and of course she loves to shop. She is known to rock all the latest and flyest sneakers.

Her two best friends, Valencia and Darren, are dating each other. Seneca tries to stay out of the middle of their relationship, but she always seems to get caught up in it one way or another. Both want her to choose sides on who is right and who is wrong. Valencia thinks Darren might be cheating on her. Darren is having problems at home and feels pressured academically from his father. When Darren begins to act out, Seneca begins to get worried and wonder exactly what Darren is doing. When she tags along with him to a party, she is in for the shock of her life.

Seneca is soon at a dilemma. She knows something about her best friend Darren that can get him into trouble, yet she is caught in the crossfire of his actions with her parents. She's unsure of what to tell or not tell Valencia because she does not want to get her upset or compromise her friendship between either one of her friends. What is a girl to do?

Snitch by L.J. Wilson is a young adult novel that I think all teens can relate to and learn a lesson from. A quick read that will have you questioning who is right or who is wrong and when is it okay to snitch or is it ever a right time to snitch? What is your definition of snitching? I would definitely recommend this novel, especially to young adults. It addresses a lot of problems in today's society that teens have to deal with. Unfortunately, I was unclear on the ages of the characters in the novel. I did not read the synopsis before reading the book so I had no idea that the main character Seneca was sixteen-years-old. Also, the story kind of ended abruptly, making me want to know what would happen next. The story kind of ended where another story could start off. Ms. Wilson did a great job with Snitch, and I look forward to reading more by her.

Reviewed by Leona for Urban Reviews

Order your copy of Snitch today! 

NEW REVIEW: Dream Jordan - Bad Boy

Dream Jordan - 

Bad Boy - 

Available Now! - 

5 out of 5 books - 

All Kate ever wanted was to be loved & to love. Growing up in a group home for girls, all that Kate ever had to do was fight for her light. She had to tell these girls who was boss somehow. That was until Kate was brought in by The Johnsons. The Johnsons loved Kate and Kate loved them back. While living with them, Kate left her old habits behind with the help of The Johnsons and her social worker, Tisha. Tisha helped Kate realize that she was going to survive any hardship no matter what because she is a survivor.

After a year of living with The Johnsons, Kate found herself back at a group home. She found herself putting up with crap from her roommates because she was the new girl. As much as Kate wanted to, she wasn't going to let these girls break her or make her . Kate's peace of mind came back to her after she met Percy, or at least she thought. Percy put Kate through misery, and all Kate wanted was to please him. Soon she realized it was her time to leave him, but leaving would not be easy.

I liked Bad Boy by Dream Jordan because it told a story that not every girl could relate to but could learn from.  Bad Boy was a very good book; There were no spelling mistakes & you could understand what was happening clearly.  I give "Bad Boy" a 5 star rating. :)

Reviewed by Tabitha Graves for Urban Reviews

Order your copy of Bad Boy today!
  
  

NEW REVIEW: Adrian L. Mallory - Corrupt Injustice: Art of Deception

Adrian L. Mallory - 
Corrupt Injustice: Art of Deception - 
Available Now! - 
3 out of 5 books - 

Corrupt Injustice: Art of Deception by Adrian L. Mallory is an urban tale about two best friends: Sean Williams a.k.a. S-Dot and Hector Rodriguez a.k.a. Loco. Sean is the most ambitious of the two. Even though he came into a nice lump sum of money, Sean is not deterred from wanting more. Sean convinces Hector to attend a local college and study criminal justice, mainly so they could get a feel of what the police are looking for during a crime scene. The professor, who is also the Lieutenant of the homicide division at the Rochester police department, talks both Sean and Hector into joining the police department. Since both of them are minorities and excel in the classroom and during training, the Lieutenant feels that they will make a great asset to the police department.

What nobody knows is that Sean/S-Dot and Hector/Loco are known on the streets as some of the most stand up dudes. Little does anyone know that they are robbing local drug dealers for their drugs and money. When the two become police officers, they decide to take it one step further and set up these same folks they are cool with to take a major fall.  The two of them do this so that these folks cannot only step up the ladder of success, but the duo also can take whatever money they can seize during the raids. Unfortunately, not everyone in the police department thinks that Sean and Hector are on the up and up and this person is determined to prove it. Not only that but Sean and Hector need to be careful out on the streets because if their cover is blown, they may not make it out alive.

Corrupt Injustice: Art of Deception by Adrian L. Mallory is the first book in the series of an urban tale of money, power and greed. I had a hard time with the fact that one of the characters came from the streets and now lived lavishly (not from drug money) yet and still robbed and killed to get more money. There were gaps of time throughout the novel, and it was never made clear exactly why the characters Vinci and Head were sworn enemies. The story was a bit slow at parts, mainly because the book was too detailed and some of the sex scenes could have been cut out since they were not relevant to the story. Aside from some editing issues, all-in-all Corrupt Injustice: Art of Deception was an okay read.

Reviewed by Leona for Urban Reviews

Order your copy of Corrupt Injustice: Art of Deception today!

  

NEW REVIEW: Takerra Allen - There's Power in the V

Takerra Allen - 
There's Power In The V - 
Available Now! - 
5 out of 5 books - 

There's Power in the V by Takerra Allen is the story of three stisters: Valerie, Vickie and Veronica. Valerie is the oldest of the three and even from an early age, she had her life mapped out. She was determined to get an education and make something of herself. Although Valerie had a crush on one of the dope boys from around the way, she was not about to go down that road with someone that in her mind had no future besides the streets. Valerie makes a good life for herself and marries well to a big time lawyer, but the thing that Valerie is missing most from her marriage is the love and intimacy that she longs for. She soon realizes that having money and stability is nothing without love and happiness.

Vickie is the middle of the Bell sisters and from an early age, she staked claims on an older dope boy who all the girls seemed to want. Vickie eventually tamed him down and the two got married and had three beautiful little girls. Vickie loves her family more than anything and it breaks her heart knowing that she cannot seem to figure out what is the cause of her youngest not talking. She wondered if it was something she did while she was pregnant or what. Vickie would do anything for her children and not being able to do anything to help her daughter is something that hurts her. When a secret that her husband has been keeping from her is revealed, a spiral of events occur and quickly begins to shatter their marriage.

Veronica a.k.a. Roni is the youngest of the Bell sisters, and although her family loves and accepts her as she is, they do not like the person that she is in love with. Not because it is another woman but because they all feel that Roni is being used. They know that Roni is the type of person who loves hard and will do anything for the one she loves. It bothers Roni's family so much because the woman she is involved with only seems to want to be bothered with Roni when she needs something and they can see the hurt that Roni goes through. All they want is for Roni to be happy.

There's Power in the V by Takerra Allen is by far THE BEST book that Ms. Allen has written to date. The story is chock full of so many different emotions to shock, anger, and even sadden you at times. When a book can make you feel so many emotions in reading it, you know the author has written on hell of a story. Each sister deals with true-to-life situations, and it shows the power within the family. In reading Ms. Allen's previous books, I can see a tremendous growth in her writing style. There's Power in the V is definitely one of the best books I have read this year! I highly recommend this novel!

Reviewed by Leona by Urban Reviews

Order your copy of There's Power in the V today!

NEW REVIEW: Monica Mathis-Stowe - Where Did We Go Wrong

Monica Mathis-Stowe - 
Where Did We Go Wrong? - 
Available Now! - 
4.5 out of 5 books - 

Three best friends have been holding down each other since college. But are there some secrets that are too much for anyone to hold? Enter the world of Gabby, Maxine and Joy, who find themselves entwined in secrets, lies, and betrayal. Will their friendship last?

Gabby has always been known to get what she wants. When her plan comes to life, she traps a NFL baller, gets pregnant and makes him pay child support for the next 18 years. But things go from great to bad when Gabby pins her newborn on someone else, and marries another man who suffers from mental illness. Gabby can’t hold her lies together when confronted with the truth. A DNA test brings all of Gabby’s lies to light and what follows next is deadly consequences. Will Gabby be able to live with what her lies created?

Maxine has the perfect life. A husband who is on his way to making partner, two handsome sons and the house of her dreams. But Maxine is living in hell. Her husband refuses to let her return to her job as a teacher, they are over their head in debt, and her husband uses her as his own punching bag. When an altercation lands Maxine in the hospital, the perfect life as Maxine has come to know is no longer. With her husband in prison, Maxine is finally taking control of her life. She begins teaching again and runs into a new co-worker named Kevin. Things seem to be moving in the right direction, but is everything what it seems? Is Maxine moving too fast that'll end up in another disaster?

Where Did We Go Wrong was a great read. Monica Mathis-Stowe tackled so many issues but kept the story line intact. The friendship of these three women remained strong through every obstacle. I can’t wait to read Where Did We Go Wrong Again to see where the characters' paths take them in the next book. You will not be disappointed at all with Where Did We Go Wrong.

Reviewed by Kristin for Urban Reviews

Order your copy of Where Did We Go Wrong today!

  

   

NEW REVIEW: Karen Williams - Sweet Gisele

Karen Williams - 
Sweet Giselle - 
Available Now! - 
3 out of 5 books - 


Giselle had a bright future ahead of her. She had just graduated high school and was about to enjoy her summer off before heading to college. She unexpectedly experiences a loss that leaves her family in dire straights for money. Working overtime at the local restaurant is not bringing in enough money, so Giselle begins to ponder the thought of an ad that is placed on Craigslist to make a lot of money within one day. Never could she have dreamed that her life would change so drastically from that one day.

Meeting Giovanni, Giselle is shown a whole new world filled with all the lavishness that money can buy. Giovanni showers Giselle with so much love and attention. They have the perfect marriage, or so she thinks and Giovanni leads her to believe. When Giselle is kidnapped from a man that is hell bent on revenge, Giselle knows deep in her heart that the things this man is telling her about her husband cannot be true. But Giselle is soon about to find out that she never really knew the man that she married. If Giselle is to survive this kidnapping, she knows without a shadow of a doubt that things will never be the same.

Sweet Giselle by Karen Williams was a fast paced read but okay at best. There were quite a few scenes within the book that were unbelievable and had me shaking my head at times. Occasionally, the storyline moved a too fast, skipping over crucial pieces of the puzzle. Timelines were skipped and although Ms.Williams tries to close the story in a nice ending, she forgets about another character and that character's part within the story. Not to mention I was somewhat disappointed by the ending because everything just ended too tidy for a realistic ending. As an afterthought, I just want to mention the use of the word "super" was used too many times throughout the book and was a bit annoying,

Reviewed by Leona for Urban Reviews

Order your copy of Sweet Gisele today!

NEW REVIEW: Briana Scott and Carl H. Thompson - Jasmine Absolute

Briana Scott and Carl H. Thompson - 
Jasmine Absolute - 
Available Now - 
4 out of 5 books - 


Briana Scott and Carl H. Thompson write a story of what happens when one person’s lie turns another person’s life upside down. Jasmine Absolute follows the story of Jasmine Griffin who works at an Atlanta ad agency and is beginning to make a name for herself. But when one of her co-workers decides to embellish the truth to try to advance her own career, no one would have predicted that it would lead Jasmine into a complete downward spiral.

Not only does Jasmine lose her job, her relationship ends, and her ailing uncle must now come and live with her. With no job and now an extra person to take care of, Jasmine stoops to desperate measures not only to survive but also to deal with the pain.

Briana Scott and Carl H. Thompson have written a work of fiction that takes the reader on an insider’s view of what a person might do when they feel as if they have no other options. The style that Briana and Carl used was very descriptive and seemed to have a sense of reality to it. Jasmine Absolute is a story worth reading as it is fast-paced, and it tells the type of human interest story that we all want to root for when a person is down and out but finds a way to pick themselves up and land back on top!

Reviewed by Tiffany for Urban Reviews

Order your copy of Jasmine Absolute today!

NEW REVIEW: Keith Thomas Walker - Jewell and the Dapper Dan

Keith Thomas Walker - 
Jewell and the Daper Dan - 
Available Now! - 
4 out of 5 books - 



Jewell, her boyfriend Daniel, and their syndicate are at it again. The story opens with Jewell and Daniel at the club waiting for their next mark. For the past few years, this is how Jewell has lived...hustling. Lately, she has been thinking that maybe she doesn't want to do this anymore, But each time they score, she remembers why she does it. Daniel wants to do one more job, and it's a big one. They will be set for life, never having to hustle again. The only problem is not everyone in the syndicate believes the job can be done. Daniel and Jewell now have to convince the other members that this job can be done and that it is worth the risk. Along the way there are lots of variables that change the plan, but Daniel is determine to complete this last job. As the time gets closer to the heist, Jewell is not even sure anymore that she is convinced it can be done or that she wants to be a part of it. Will this be it for the syndicate, or will everything they worked for go up in smoke?

Jewell and the Dapper Dan is a good read by Keith Thomas Walker. It starts off fast paced and exciting. Towards the middle, the story drops off some, but the ending is worth the lagging moments. Walker is a really good writer and I have read several of his other books. I have thoroughly enjoyed everything I read of his and Jewell and the Dapper Dan is no exception. He does an excellent job with character development and imagery. Whenever you read one of his book, you will feel as if you are in Overbrook Meadows, TX living every moment with each character. Walker has produced yet another urban page turner!

Reviewed by Tenecia for Urban Reviews

Order your copy of Jewell and the Dapper Dan today!

NEW REVIEW: V. Brown - Broken Promise

V. Brown - 
Broken Promise - 
Available Now! - 
2.5 out of 5 Stars - 


At an early age, Promise Brown witnessed her father get murdered by the police, while her mom was hauled off to jail. She is shuffled from one foster home to another during her childhood. Determined to make it on her own, Precious runs away and begins to make a name for herself in the streets. While on the streets, she uncovers some secrets from her family’s past. Promise sets out on a mission of revenge.

I found Broken Promise by V. Brown to be one-dimensional. The book lacked the substance and originality needed to make it an unforgettable read. There were times in the book I felt that the author was throwing in scenarios to make the book edgy, but Broken Promise ended up being dry and stagnant.

Reviewed from Orsayor for Urban Reviews

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NEW REVIEW: Michelle Stimpson - Falling Into Grace

Michelle Stimpson - 
Falling Into Grace - 
Available Now! - 
5 out of 5 books - 

The Sweet Treats was a sweet hit in the late 90’s, and consisted of Camille, Alexis, Tonya and Kyra. They were managed by Camille’s business-minded brother, Courtney. Greed smothered Camille, which ended the group and severed her relationship with Courtney. Broke and desperate for a comeback into the industry, Camille lies and makes enemy number one while trying to secure a contract with agent John David. The first lie is the beginning of many to almost everyone in her life.

John David agrees to see her only after hearing her demo. He agrees to sign her to a contract but with stipulations. First he tells her she can sing but he agrees only to her coming back not as a Rhythm and Blues singer but as a gospel voice. And he will not promote her until she joins a mega church to become that gospel singer. Camille joins Grace Chapel and she has her eyes on the praise team. They consist of seven members with strong vocals and a fine minister of music. Desperation can bring out desperate planning, but I’ve been told that “people plan and God laughs.”

It was interesting reading Camille’s story.  She is not so unlike me or even you, watching her move closer and closer to her red sea until she is at the edge, stripped and emptied out. She finally has no choice but to kneel and call His name to part the sea. The theme is one we can all benefit from in our walk. Talent and gifts come from God, and we should use them to glorify Him. Every lie you tell will need five more to cover up the first one.

It wasn't until Camille touched spiritual reality that she finally GOT it. She had an outward experience with the Holy Spirit, but eventually she turned it around and had an inward relationship and was able to touch spiritual reality in her everyday activities. Be like Camille and have a passion for your gift in the way God ordained you to walk in it.

Falling from Grace was a fantastic spiritual journey exploding with characters in and out of church. Adults and young adults would enjoy this read and find themselves gleaning quite a bit from the characters situations.  Falling from Grace was absolutely a HIGH 5 in my opinion. Ms. Stimpson has won her very own spot on my shelf.

Reviewed by Missy for Urban Reviews

Order your copy of Falling From Grace today!

NEW REVIEW: Mylow Young - Against The Gates of Hell

Mylow Young - 
Against The Gates of Hell - 
Available Now! - 
3 out of 5 books - 

Two brothers, Kerby and Herby (Junior) Wilson, are twins of same parents raised in the same household with the same morals.  Both travel the same path, seek careers as police officers, marry GOD-fearing women, witness gruesome scenes on the job, and take life-altering losses.  When these brothers come to the fork in the road and a decision must be made, Herby continues on the right path, while Kerby takes a deathly, risky left.  Kerby finds himself selling everything chasing that high, that demon who's voice is taking over his entire being.  He’s lost so much and every time he thinks he’s the author of his destiny, that voice whispers something in his ear and the craving that dominates all of his senses and demands to be fed is back.  Meanwhile, his brother counts his blessings as he continues on with life while looking condescendingly at his brother and the bad choices that he continues to make. 

Against the Gates of Hell proved to be a tedious read aligned with realistic actions, reactions, consequences and results.  The depiction of the struggle between the addict and the addiction was very well portrayed.  After reading for a while, the journey proved to repetitive as well as the thought. It’s the same song and dance, just a different day.  The author orchestrated good versus evil, God versus Satan, yes versus no, and love versus self-destruction.  They are all too real, with too many living this life in the pits of hell by choice.  If Kerby wasn’t tired of his lifestyle, I sure as heck was.  Against The Gates of hell was too long and drawn out. 

Reviewed by Tazzyt2bossye for Urban Reviews

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NEW REVIEW: Keith Thomas Walker - Blow by Blow

Keith Thomas Walker - 
Blow by Blow - 
Available Now! - 
4 out of 5 books - 

We're back in Overbrook Meadows, Texas. On this trip, we meet Nisha Elder and her up-and-coming boxer boyfriend Lonzo, also known as The Champ. Nisha and Lonzo have been together for five years and have a son together. They both work modest jobs while they wait on Lonzo's big fight, which will put them on "easy street." But after Lonzo loses his first fight, he goes back to work for Mr. Brown in his illegal dealings. Nisha already has a problem with Lonzo working for Mr. Brown, but when her and her child's lives are threatened, she knows she has had enough. While she is taking time away from Lonzo to figure out what she wants, another opportunity reenters her life. Jimmy Ellis, her high school boyfriend, comes back from the military and is ready to reclaim Nisha as his. Who will she choose? Will it be the hot head who has been there for her but doesn't make the greatest decisions? Or will it be her first love who is stable and makes her feel things she hasn't felt in years but is also the one who left her to persue his career? 

Blow by Blow is a good read by Keith Thomas Walker. It has a different twist with the boxing storyline. I really enjoy reading books by Walker because he writes about real love, not that fairy tale, fantasy love. He writes about everyday, ordinary people love. He also does a wonderful job with character development of both primary and secondary characters. Blow by Blow started off a little slow, but it quickly turned into the urban romance page turner that I have come to expect and love from Walker.

Reviewed by Tenecia for Urban Reviews

Order your copy of Blow by Blow today! 

NEW REVIEW: Jackie Chanel - A Hustler's Promise

Jackie Chanel - 
A Hustler's Promise - 
Available Now! - 
4.5 out of 5 books - 

Beginning this book, I didn't know what to expect, but I found out I was in for a long ride.

Jaicyn had a lot on her plate for a high-schooler. With a mother strung out on drugs, she had to play the mother role for her two younger sisters. Not knowing where her next meal was coming from, and needing clothes and basic necessities to survive, she has to do what she has to do to take care of her younger siblings, even if that includes dropping out of school. With CPS at her front door, Jaicyn will do anything to protect her sister, but with the roll of the dice against her, she ends up taking a charge that isn't hers. Will Jaicyn be able to gain custody of her sisters, or will they be forever lost?

Rayshawn was an upcoming hustler from around the way. Rayshawn had a leadership quality about him, and he was being groomed by one of the biggest dealers in the city named King. Rayshawn and his twin brother Dayshawn were totally different, but they had one thing in common: they hated the situation they were in. Their mother was tragically killed by their father and their whole life was uprooted when they had to move in with their grandparents. Rayshawn meets Jaicyn and they begin a whirlwind romance, but things take a change for the worse when Jaicyn takes a charge for Rayshawn and is sent away. Upon Jaicyn's return, Rayshawn is on a whole new level and things are not the same. Will Rayshawn and Jaicyn be able to weather the storm, or will their relationship just be a thing of the past?

The author Jackie Chanel presented a great storyline that was highly entertaining and a quick read. It flowed very well and kept my attention. I can’t wait to read Hustler’s Promise 2 to find out where all the characters end up.

Reviewed by Kristin for Urban Reviews 

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NEW REVIEW: Kimberla Lawson Roby - The Reverend's Wife

Kimberla Lawson Roby - 
The Reverend's Wife - 
Available Now! - 
5 out of 5 books - 


After dealing with Charlotte's multiple affairs, Reverend Curtis Black is fed up and thinks it's time to divorce his wife. Even though he has had his share of dirt that the family and his congregation has had to deal with, he finds it hard to forgive his wife for her transgressions. But Charlotte has other plans. She knows that begging and pleading with Curtis not to give up on their marriage is not working. She will try anything necessary to make Curtis give up the decision to divorce her, even using his little girl and her stepdaughter, Curtina. To make things worse, Curtis has been talking about his marital troubles to another female by the name of Sharon Green. Will Curtis fall back into old temptation, or will he give his marriage another try?
 
     Author Kimberla Lawson Roby has written another fabulous installment of the Curtis Black series. This book has drama, laughter, surprises, and forgiveness. This is definitely a page turner and when you pick up the book, you will not want to put it down until you have completely finished it. The one thing I love about this book is that you can pick up this book and read and understand the storyline. Ms. Roby does give a brief description of what happened with Rev. Curtis Black and his family. I have enjoyed each and every book in the Curtis Black series. I can only hope there are more to come. 

Reviewed by Jackie for Urban Reviews

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NEW REVIEW: Kiki Swinson and Noire - Lifestyles of the Rich and Shameless

Kiki Swinson and Noire - 
Lifestyles of the Rich and Shameless - 
Available Now! - 
5 out of 5 books - 

I didn't know what to expect when I started to read this novel.  I knew with both of my favorite authors featured, this book wouldn't disappoint. This novel is two short stories written by each author. From the start to the end, you will see that money doesn't always bring you happiness and love, and at times, it can cause more problems.

Shamelessly Rich

Megan Rich was daddy's little girl. She had everything at her disposal....cars, designer clothes, and money you can burn.  Once Megan looks at her father and talked in her baby voice, her dad could never say no to his baby girl. But Megan loved to live on the bad side. She liked bad boys, dabbling in drugs, and defying all of her parents' rules. Things take a drastic turn when Megan’s parents give her an ultimatum of either going to rehab or moving out.  What decision will Megan make? Will she get the help she needs, or will she make the streets her new family, ending in deadly consequences?

Puttin' Shame in the Game

Noble was an eligible bachelor in search of a wife. With three eligible women, Noble's time is winding down when a choice must be made. Slowly but surely, Noble learns that everything that glitters is not gold, and he finds out who has his back and who doesn't. Will Noble make the right choice, or will the woman he chooses for his wife reveal herself in the worst way?

Both stories were written very well and showed the many facets of how money can changed a person for the worst. Both short stories exposed drugs, sex, greed, compassion, as well as manipulation. Lifestyles of the Rich and Shameless is not one to disappoint, and both authors’ stories will keep you wanting more.

Reviewed by Kristin for Urban Reviews

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NEW REVIEW: Alretha Thomas - Married In The Nick of Nine

Alretha Thomas - 
Married In The Nick of Nine - 
Available Now! - 
3 out of 5 books - 


Twenty-nine-year-old Cassandra Whitmore is determined to get married and soon. The only problem is that she has no gentlemen prospects in mind. Even with being a client at "The One" dating center, all the men she dated have had serious issues that Cassandra just is not willing to overlook. Frustration kicks in as the days and months continue to go by. When her cousin insists on her going out with her to the Speakeasy, this is where she meets Nick. Could Nick be the "one?"

As soon as Nick sets his eyes on Cassandra, he knows he is in love. Only in Los Angeles for a potential job position, Cassandra and Nick's time is cut short. Nick heads back home to New York where the two begin a long distance love affair. Cassandra wants this to work so bad, she decides against everyone's wishes to pack up and move to New York to be with Nick with the intention of getting married soon. When Cassandra moves to the Big Apple she is about to find out that Nick has been hiding a deep secret that will have Cassandra thinking that their relationship was built on a lie. The question is will Cassandra be willing to forgive, or will she walk away and go back to the life she gave up?

In the Nick of Nine by Alretha Thomas was an okay read. The relationship aspect of the story line moved entirely too fast. Within two days of knowing each other, the characters were already in love. There were huge gaps within the story, especially with the timeline. Inquiring minds would like to know what happened in between. I had to wonder...if the main character's father is a retired police officer, why didn't he take it upon himself to do a background check on his daughter's boyfriend? But then turns around and uses the father's police connections later on within the story. The underlying message to the story is if you want to get married, don't try to rush it. Make sure you know the person and if it's meant to be, it will only be on God's timing if we expect the union to be blessed.

Reviewed by Leona by Urban Reviews

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NEW REVIEW: Gaiven Clairmont - Reality, Dreams, and Nightmares

Gaiven Clairmont - 
Reality, Dreams, and Nightmares - 
Available Now! - 
1 out of 5 books - 


Kimberly is a devoted housewife to her husband Ricardo. She becomes lonely when her husband’s business trips keep him away from home more often. Kimberly becomes confused when she has a very sexual dream starring Ricardo’s best friend, Chris. The dream seems so real that it totally shakes Kimberly to her core. She needs to find out from Chris if it was indeed a dream. But the truth may turn into a total nightmare for all involved.

Reality, Dreams, and Nightmares by Gaiven Clairmont could have been an intriguing erotic thriller, but it fell severely short. There were pages and pages of meaningless rambling dialogue and situations that added nothing to the story at all. This book reads like Clairmont couldn't decide on what this story was supposed to be. You have the fractured marriage of Ricardo and Kimberly, but then later on in the book, there’s a strange murder mystery thrown in that is not properly explained. Clairmont makes an attempt to make this book have an erotic element, but it just came off as being pointless sex that lacked any imagination, passion, or creativity. The use of an editor would have helped this book tremendously as there were problems with story development and overall content. Reality, Dreams, and Nightmares was a nightmare to read. Hopefully Gaiven Clairmont will produce better novels in the future.

Reviewed by Radiah Hubbert of Urban Reviews

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NEW REVIEW: Delaney Diamond - A Hard Man To Love

Delaney Diamond - 
A Hard Man To Love - 
Available Now! - 
5 out of 5 books - 

Eva Jacob wants nothing to to with Derrick Hoffman, even though she is having his baby. Four months ago, Eva ended things with Derrick because she had done the one thing that was not part of their agreement: she fell in love! Derrick Hoffman grew up privileged and is used to having what he wants...when he wants it. So after the death of his stepfather, he decides he wants the baby that Eva is carrying. Eva has no plans of giving up her child, which leaves her only one choice, and that is to go along with Derrick's plan of marriage. Derrick had it all planned. He would give Eva a comfortable life while getting to see his daughter everyday. He didn't plan on falling in love with Eva. He has never uttered those words to anyone, not even his mother. But when an unexpected event takes place, Derrick realizes what's most important in life.

A Hard Man to Love is an excellent read by Delaney Diamond. The character development is outstanding. Diamond brings the characters to life and has you feeling different emotions toward them as you're reading. One minute you will find yourself just as mad at Derrick as Eva is, and the next minute you will find yourself feeling sorry for him because you can feel the pain that he is in. She also does a fantastic job with plot development. The way she weaves the primary plot and several secondary plots seamlessly makes for a terrific story line. This is the 2nd book in her Hawthorne Family series. I have not read the first book, but A Hard Man to Love makes me want to go seek it out!

Reviewed by Tenecia for Urban Reviews

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NEW REVIEW: Stacy-Deanne - The Season of Sin

Stacy-Deanne - 
The Season of Sin - 
Available Now! - 
5 out of 5 books - 


Detective Brianna Morris wakes up after being knocked unconscious to find out her friend, Nadia, has been murdered. She teams up with her partner Steven Kemp to try to solve this murder case.  Why would anyone want to kill Nadia? Brianna soon discovers everything isn't what it seems when she discovers things about Nadia that she never knew.  

As an avid reader, the most important thing an author can do is to draw you into the story with the first few lines. Author Stacy Deanne accomplished this and so much more with her title, The Season of Sin. This book will definitely keep you turning pages and have you eager to read more.

This story was very well developed. The chemistry between Brianna & Stephen scorched the pages of this book.  I love reading a book that keeps me guessing.  I highly recommend The Season of Sin.

Reviewed by Orsayor for Urban Reviews

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