NEW REVIEW : Crimson Footprints II by Shewanda Pugh

4.5 out of 5 books

It has been roughly five years and Deena and Tak Tanaka were happily married. When a young boy shows up on their doorstep, never could they have imagined that this person would play such a major part in their lives. Taking in someone they know absolutely nothing about, they go through the ups and downs of trying to show this person what a loving family is really about. Not only that, but Deena has a new project she is working on that she has a very personal interest in. Knowing what she is trying to do, her father-in-law, Daichi Tanaka, tries to sway her in a different direction. In doing so, Deena decides to face the demons of her past. Will she be able to forgive and move on?

Kenji Tanaka is now working at the architecture firm of his father's. The only thing is, he really doesn't want to. Baseball really is what calls him. In the meantime, Lizzie (Deena's sister) pops up at the firm looking for Deena, but instead runs into Kenji. Kenji and Lizzie begin to form a friendship that neither could have expected. Kenji is torn by being attracted to her but repulsed by her profession as a prostitute and drug user. He tries to show Lizzie that there is so much more out there in life than what she is living. Soon Lizzie finally asks for the help that she really needs. Is she serious this time? Does she really want to change? And will she change for the better?

Crimson Footprints II: New Beginnings by Shewanda Pugh was an excellent novel. If anything the sequel was much better than the first. It is a story of family, love, self-destruction and of course new beginnings. Ms. Pugh does a great job in her character development, the characters are easy to relate to. Emotions run deep throughout the novel. This was a page-turner and beautifully written. Just when you think you may know how this story is going to end...you may just get a helluva shock. I took off .5 stars due to minor editing, other than that I would definitely recommend book 1 & 2!

Now on another note: Although I personally do not feel like it is necessary for a 3rd book in the series, there will be. The good thing about how Ms. Pugh ends a novel, she does not leave the reader in suspense on waiting for the next book. I love how she ends her books like it could just be the end, but she comes back with the story picking up a few years later letting the reader know what has become of these loveable characters. Ms. Pugh is a talented writer that hones her skills with each novel. Compared to her last novel, the reader will see a tremendous growth, and I'm sure will continue with her future novels.

Reviewed by Leona
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NEW REVIEW : 12 Years a Slave by Solomon Northup

3.5 out of 5 books


Although this book 12 Years a Slave by Solomon Northup was originally published in 1853, the book was left forgotten about and rediscovered in the early 1960's and now adapted into a film. The story is a narrative told by Solomon Northup and how he was born free, in a free state for nearly thirty years. Solomon had owned his own land, had a wife and three children. When Solomon is introduced to two white men and is offered a job that pays well he is quick to accept the job. The men seem friendly, looked to be about business and it was an opportunity that would make him a decent amount of money for him and his family. Unaware that that would be the last time he would lay his eyes on his family for 12 long years.

Going with those two white men, turned out to be the worst mistake Solomon ever made. He was imprisoned and sold into slavery and was beat mercilessly until he was forced to repeat that he was not a free man. Solomon was tricked and sold into a slave market, where the white man would sell a free man into slavery. Solomon was told if he ever mentioned he was a free man again, he would be killed. So keeping his mouth shut he endured years of being beaten, berated and living in a cabin with just a blanket or a board if he was lucky, as a bed.

As a slave Solomon was only known as Platt, well known around the surrounding plantations for his musical skill and also the way that he was good at fixing and making pretty much anything. He was hired out to different plantations to help build or entertain the other whites. Never losing hope Solomon one day hoped to see his family again, plotting and planning but the problem was who could he really trust with the knowledge of the truth of his captivity.

12 Years a Slave by Solomon Northup is a narrative of a free man sold into slavery that was written and published the year after he was freed. The story is heart wrenching and one that will have you literally cringing. One that will make you thank God for the little things you have in life that you do not think much about and the fact that we are free and not enslaved like those of our past. The horrible way slaves were treated and whipped/beaten for the smallest of things is astounding. 12 Years a Slave is one of those books that give an in depth account of what it was like to be a slave during the 1800's. The only real issue I have with this book is the fact that it has been revised more than once. There were some things I would have really liked to know more about, there were too many people mentioned in this story that really have no relevance but at the end of the story you see that justice was at least served for this one black man.

Reviewed by Leona
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NEW REVIEW : Fly Betty by Treasure E. Blue

2 out of 5 books




Betty Blaise 'aka' Fly Betty is the type of woman who gets what she wants. She is beautiful, dressed in nothing but designer gear and lives lavishly. The question is how can a college student, a senior majoring in psychology able to afford these finer things in life? Well like Betty (named after her mother) told her before use what you have. So Betty uses her body to attract men that have status and money. The best part is Betty does not even sleep with these men. They just do for her and keep doing for her until her alloted maxium time with them is up. She then dumps them and then and moves on to the next man.

That is until she meets "the one." When Betty is rescued by this guy that is not the most handsome man, but definitely has his own swag and respect in the streets, it intriques Betty to find out more about this guy. Come to find out he is an up-and-coming star in the music business. Betty pretends she knows nothing of his status but after awhile Betty begins to do the one thing her mother warned her never to do, she falls in love. Things are going so well between the two that just when she thinks she has the world at her fingertips, everything falls apart. The question is will Betty be the one left standing? Or will all her dirty deeds come back to smack her in the face?

Fly Betty by Treasure Blue was disappointing to say the least. I have personally read all of Mr. Blue's novels to date and loved the Harlem Girl Lost series but this one fell short of his previous novels. Fly Betty was hyped up on facebook and twitter before it was released. Mr. Blue kept asking on these social networks "are you a fly betty?" What is a Fly Betty? That question was not answered clearly for me. In reading so many street-lit books, Betty was your average girl trying to come up off of another mans money. Mr. Blue contradicts himself in the beginning of the story when he mentions that Betty took care of herself and did not need a man to take care of her. Then later explains that she gets the things she has because of other men. The thing that really threw me for a loop was the ending...I could have thrown Fly Betty across the room. I do not give spoilers in my reviews but honestly if Betty was so intelligent and was one of the top students in her class...well lets just say the ending was too simple.

Reviewed by Leona
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NEW REVIEW : Pleasure On Call by Mz. Robinson

4 out of 5 books



Kharem Reyonds is the man that all women should be wary of. Do not trust his good looks and smile because once you get caught up, you are going to be a sucker once he gets you in bed. Talk about women being sprung. Kharem does not care in the least who he hurts by his cheating and lying ways. That is until he finds out that he is a father. Once he lays eyes on the little girl that he fathered he vows to be a better man. No way would he ever want his daughter to ever be a victim to a man like he used to be.

When Kharem gets a job as an on call cable man at the local cable company, he is making ends meet the best he can. But the money he is making is no where near what he made before at his last job. So to make ends meet, a woman he goes to service offers him a job servicing more than just cable boxes or outages. The best part he makes money for doing what he loves to do and does best. Unfortunately, what seems too good to be true usually is. Things start to get out of hand. Kharem's "client" list is steadily growing and one situation was too much for him to handle. This is when he decides to quit his side hustle. Unfortunately, someone is out to hurt him and will stop at nothing until he is dead.

Pleasure On Call by Mz. Robinson was a very good short read. I have to say I am not a fan of short stories, but this kept my attention from beginning to end. It is a story with a little erotica and the storyline itself is what makes this such an interesting read. Follow carefully because the one you most suspect, will not be the one, as Kharem soon finds out. Mz. Robinson throws a hell of a twist at the end of the story and your mouth will literally drop open. If you are looking for a short story filled with drama...this is your read.

Reviewed by Leona
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NEW REVIEW : With This Ring by Allison Hobbs

3 out of 5 books

With This Ring by Allison Hobbs is the anticipated follow-up to Put a Ring on It. Last we saw Nivea she was having an affair with her sister's husband, and thought the baby she was carrying was his. When Nivea receives the paternity test results back she is stunned. Will the results sever her family? Nivea has always been selfish but when she decides that she wants the best for her baby, she will not stop until she gets what she feels like she and her baby are entitled to, no matter who she hurts in the process. In the end, will Nivea get what she has wanted for the longest? A man to Put a Ring on It?

Harlow is still recovering from her wedding fiasco, where it landed one person dead. Now Harlow is beginning to wonder if she knows the man she married. Is her husband Drake Morgan involved in something illegal? Anytime Harlow tries to bring up the subject Drake shuts her down. So when Drake starts traveling more often than he use to and not taking her along like he did in the past, Harlow begins to question if the marriage can stand the secrets that Drake is keeping from her.

Vangie is desperate for the man she is seeing to put a ring on her hand, but he makes it clear that he is a proclaimed bachelor and is not looking to be married ever. She lets this man use her as his personal sex toy and the unfortunate thing is Vangie hates the sex between them. The only thing she receives out of it is just a few shopping sprees but what Vangie really needs is money. So she compromises her morals and turns the tables. She brings her alter ego the next time she sees him, and she demands what she needs. After awhile though, she begins to see how sick he really is. She starts feeling disgusted with the whole thing leaves her alter ego at the door. In the midst of her problems she finds an unexpected love. The question is will she give in to it or will she walk away?

With This Ring by Allison Hobbs was a good read but I felt it lacked the substance behind the Harlow and Drake senerio. It was hard to wrap my mind around a wife not demanding answers or trying to find out what it was exactly her husband was into. I just can't see a woman going through what Harlow went through and shaking it off right away without being scarred in some way or scared for her life The Drake part of the story is what brought my rating down. The rest of the story was very good. I have read almost all of Ms. Hobbs novels and I just felt that one part of the novel fell short of her previous novels.

Reviewed by Leona

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NEW REVIEW: Never Say Never by Victoria Christopher Murray

5 out of 5 books

Ok this review is going to be a tad different than normal. First let me tell you that Never Say Never by Victoria Christopher Murray was the first book I have ever read by her. To be honest I probably skipped over this author because she writes Christian Fiction, which I tend to stay away from. But…maybe it is because I am getting older and thus my tastes in reading are beginning to change that I am finding that Christian Fiction isn’t so bad.  

Now I originally picked this book up because I saw a 5-star rating for this book by a reviewer that does not give a 5-star review very often unless a book really impresses her. Also, another friend of mine told me that she read up to chapter 12 and had to put the book down because she found she was crying throughout the book. So I HAD to read this book. When I started the first chapter I was sucked into the story right away.

The character Miriam finds out that her husband Chauncey, a fireman, died while trying to rescue students from a burning school.  Miriam is now a widow of three boys and the love of her life has left her to raise these young men on her own. Although Miriam is surrounded by friends and family that are willing to try to do anything that they can to see her through her days but the nights are always hardest. No one but Chauncey’s childhood best friend and fellow fireman, Jamal, really knows the depth of her pain. Since Jamal loved Chauncey as a brother,  it just seemed natural that the person who Miriam gravitates to is Jamal. Just talking with him and vice versa seems to help the two. But what happens when it turns into something more?

Emily, Jamal’s wife and one of Miriam’s best friends’ is a child psychologist and with so many lives lost that day when the school burned, Emily is torn between wanting to be there for her husband and her best friend. When Emily meets one special little girl and sees the pain and heartache on such a young soul Emily is determined to save this child from herself.  Emily knows that her husband is a godsend because he is so understanding and loving. Never would she have imagined that he would do what he did. Never!

Never Say Never by Victoria Christopher Murray was an excellent novel. It was such an emotional read from the very first page all the way to the end. I literally could not put this book down. Ms. Murray did a wonderful job in making the reader really think if they found themselves in a situation what would you do? Because in all reality we can say what we would not do, but honestly never say never because you really do not know what you would do if you were in that particular situation until you are faced with it. The characters are easy to connect with and the pain of what the feelings of each one is sure to affect the reader. I highly recommend this novel to anyone looking for a good read, but I would suggest that if you recently suffered a loss I would suggest on waiting for a while before reading this because I am sure it will trigger sadness within.

Victoria Christopher Murray is a talented writer and really knows how to tell a story. I look forward to reading her previous novels soon.

Reviewed by Leona

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NEW REVIEW: The Face Within by SJ Blenman

3.5 out of 5 books

After clocking out for the day as a police officer, Copper as they refer to them, where the story sets place in England, Dean Richards comes across a couple arguing and quickly steps in before it can escalate further. He follows the woman, Clarissa Morgan home to make sure she makes it home safely. What happens though after is something totally out of the ordinary for either one. They soon find themselves in the heated throws of passion and what was to be a one night stand turns into Clarissa having to make a decision on which man she wants. Clarissa does not see a future with her ex-boyfriend Lewis because he got caught cheating. Clarissa is not one to forgive as easily as her sister is trying to get her to do. On the other hand she is not sure what the future holds for Dean and her since they both come from totally different backgrounds.

On the surface Clarissa’s sister Adele’s marriage seems like a happy one, with a handsome husband, beautiful children and a huge house to boot, with no need to worry about money. So why is it that she chooses to make the decision to ultimately betray those closest people to her? Adele is selfish, rude and a b!tch to most and does not think of her consequences until it is too late. Will she wind up losing it all?

When Dean discovers what Clarissa does for a living it makes not only for an awkward moment but it takes Dean a moment to sort out his feelings. When a beautiful young woman is found murdered, their lives will intertwine in a way that they least expect. Both of them are left doubting, if the other can be trusted. The depth of this crime in linked and magnified to something unimaginable. Friendships and loyalties will be tested. The question is when this mystery unfolds what will Clarissa and Dean do? When it is all said and done they are going to have to do some things they never thought they would ever have to do. Will their blossoming relationship be able to withstand this test?

The Face Within by SJ Blenman is a story of love, relationships, criminal activities and murder. Although the story starts off with a slow start and it begins mainly with a relationship aspect to the storyline,  it slowly moves into the mystery/crime and the puzzle of the crimes slowly unravel. With a good developmental editor the story could have begun sooner with the mystery and crimes to keep the reader engaged from the very beginning. Aside from the fact that there were editing and grammatical issues within the story, the book in itself was a pretty good read.

Reviewed by Leona

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NEW REVIEW: White Heat by Oasis & Mrs. Oasis

3.5 out of 5 books

Limbo was a major player in the drug game  and had to uproot his family to move away because of some problems he ran into. His wife told him that he needed to be there for the kids and her and if he uprooted them again or got arrested again, she was not going to do another bid with him…no matter what or how long the time. She was tired and she wanted Limbo out of the game.  Apparently Limbo did not take to heart the words his wife told him because after he gets locked up shortly thereafter, he receives divorce papers while in prison.

While in prison another inmate hooks him up with one of his girls’ friends to come visit Limbo, to keep his spirits up. When the white bombshell Rhapsody walks in, she reminds Limbo that they have met once before. They just never got the chance to get to know one another. While Limbo is locked up, Rhapsody is holding it down for him. She constantly writes him letters, puts a little money on his books and accepts collect calls from him. By the time Limbo is released from prison they both have caught feelings for one another. The two begin a relationship and Limbo quickly jumps back into the game. Rhapsody could care less because Limbo is everything she has ever wanted in a man. The only problem seems to be with everyone that surrounds Limbo, warning him that they have a bad vibe from Rhapsody. Which may very well lead to his downfall. Will he listen before it is too late?

White Heat by Oasis & Mrs. Oasis was a story of love and deception.  A quick read that will have the reader quickly turning the pages to see what happens next. The main complaint I had about this story is how it ended.  It just abruptly ends with a shock at the end.  With the way the story played out I am not sure if a sequel would be necessary for the authors to write, but I kind of feel cheated, like maybe an Epilogue could have been used at the end to show the repercussions of some of the characters decisions and how they played out in the end. All-in-all this was a good story.

Reviewed by Leona

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NEW REVIEW : Miss Nobody by Nicole Dunlap

4.5 out of 5 books

Miss Nobody is the first book in the Shaw Family Saga. At 15-years old, Charlene Shaw runs away from home in search of the bright lights of Hollywood. On the way to reaching her dream, she faces many obstacles that try to block her path. One of these obstacles is her infant daughter Raven. She decides to leave her daughter behind while she continues on to Hollywood. Raven is raised by her grandparents in her mother’s hometown of Bellwood, North Carolina. As Raven gets older and is determined to move on with her life, she is determined to find out more about her mother and why she abandoned her. When mother and daughter finally meet, Raven requests two major things of her mother. Are these requests worth the destruction they will cause?

Nicole Dunlap did an excellent job with this book. She didn't just tell a story, but she painted a picture. We learned about each of the characters in great detail. I also enjoyed how she allowed the characters environment to play a part in the story. By learning about character’s backgrounds, it allowed the reader to have a greater understanding of the actions that were made by each person. I am hoping that in the upcoming books the author will reveal more about the secrets that were briefly touched on in this book. I will be continuing with his saga to learn more about the Shaws and to see where it goes next with them. Kudos to you Nicole Dunlap!

Mary Green

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NEW REVIEWS: Dream Girl Awakened by Stacy Campbell

4 out of 5 books

Why is it that some folks think the grass is greener on the other side?  Think about it…we have all at some point, even if it was a fleeting thought, thought that your friend, neighbor, family member etc. (from the outside looking in) that they had the “perfect” life. They had something that you desired. Well, in the story of Dream Girl Awakened, Aruba Dixon is a beautiful woman that is married to James, a sexy man and a good father to their son. But the thing that is tearing their marriage apart is the fact that James cannot keep a job. When James quits his fifth job in seven months, Aruba is fed up. This is where she begins to make plans to exit her marriage.

Victoria Faulk is a beautiful woman, conceited and is a woman that knows her husband is proud to show her off on his arm. Victoria is caught up in her status as being the wife of a prominent doctor. She knows that they can afford anything her heart desires, and if he doesn’t give in right away to her high-priced demands, she withholds sex from him, until he gives in. Not to mention that they have a beautiful mansion with the décor of a magazine and a nanny to help her care for her daughter and clean house. What more could a wife want?  Victoria is so self-centered she complains to Aruba of all the late nights because her husband is always working and other little things. Victoria does not see (at the time) the sacrifices that her husband makes for her and their family. So she does not take time to appreciate him or the things he is able to provide. Aruba beings to devise a plan to capture the heart of Victoria’s husband because she knows more than anything she would appreciate him the way he deserves to be treated.

Now on the flip side of things, James loves his wife and although he cannot hold a job worth anything, he makes the mistake of stepping out on his wife. He knows that Aruba is the best thing to ever happen to him but he just keeps messing up. Will he be able to straighten up before he loses the best thing in his life? Will he eventually get the motivation he needs to hold down a job and quit his philandering ways?

Two couples lives will collide and after it is all said and done will they be able to move past the hurts and betrayals of each other? What will become of them? Because we all know what looks good on the outside, is not always great on the inside.

Dream Girl Awakened by Stacy Campbell was a very good debut novel. It is a story about love, betrayal, honoring one’s vows and friendships. Ms. Campbell wrote the perfect tale on how the grass is not always greener on the other side. So before you look at someone else’s life and think they may have it all, trust and believe you are only seeing the outside of what that person wants you to see. No one but that individual knows what is really going on behind closed doors. I definitely recommend this novel and look forward to reading more by Ms. Campbell.

Reviewed by Leona

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NEW REVIEW : Havoc of a Homewrecker by Mz. Robinson

4 out of 5 books

Toi Underwood has recently been scorned by the man she thought she was going to marry. Unbeknownst to her he was planning to get married…just not to her. After a nearly fatal decision, Toi decides it was time to step back and reevaluate things in her life and takes a break for a while from dealing with any man. That is until the night she goes out with her girls and it is the first time in a long time that someone catches her attention to the point she is ready to let her guard down. But she is soon about to find out she is about to play the “other woman” in this scenario. Will it all be worth it in the end?

Carlton Thomas is a sexy, career driven man that is more than willing to provide for his family. The only thing is his wife Lisa is always complaining about something or another. One day after an altercation between the two, Lisa does the unexpected and Carlton decides to leave to stay with his cousin. Lisa was just so angry she reacted out of spite but she wants her husband to come home. Little does she know Carlton has met someone else, Toi. Although Carlton is honest with Toi about his marital status, Toi makes the decision to continue to see him. When Lisa gets wind of the affair she is determined to get her husband back. Toi begins to wonder if being with Carlton is worth the drama. Will Lisa get her husband back or will she eventually let him go? Will Toi continue the affair after all the drama and lies?

Havoc of a Homewrecker by Mz. Robinson was a fast, drama filled novel that will have you guessing until the end. Just when you think you know how the story is going to end….well read the story and you will understand what I mean. Mz. Robinson definitely knows how to tell a story to keep her readers engaged in the story and the characters. One minute you are rooting for one character the next you find yourself siding with another.  I really enjoyed this novel and I look forward to reading more by her.

Reviewed by Leona

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NEW REVIEW: I'll Stand By You by Wayne Jordan

4.5 out of 5 books

Eboni Harrison is one if the lucky ones. After her parents were killed by a drunk driver, she was adopted by a wonderful family. Eboni got way more than she bargained for, with three very overprotective brothers. Now that she is all grown up, she has gotten a place of her own to assert her independence. When she meets her new neighbor, she wants to assert more than just her independence.

Darren Grayson has had the hots for his new neighbor from the first time he laid eyes on her. Once he meets her, he realizes that Eboni is different from any other woman he has dated since his divorce (including his ex-wife). However they have both got to learn to trust and get over their past. 

Wayne Jordan is a phenomenal writer that gives a much needed male perspective on romance. He gives insight on what males feel, their insecurities, and how they think when in a relationship. I'll Stand By You is no exception. It is a page turner from beginning to end. It is the first book in a new series by Jordan. So he does a excellent job with character introductions and development. He also leaves you wondering and speculating. I'll Stand By You is a must read!

Reviewed by Tenecia
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NEW REVIEW : Dapper Carter's 8 Rules of Dating by Alan Mitchell

3 out of 5 books



Dapper Carter is the type of man who is married but lives the single life. Hanging out, partying with the guys, going to strip clubs and having sex with other women. His wife of six years, Kennedy, finally gets fed up with his bullsh!t and the way that he spends her money so she files for divorce. Something that Dapper never thought his wife would ever do. Never thinking of the consequences of his actions. When he talks to his boys, they are blunt, reminding him of all the stupid things he did to mess things up with a good woman like Kennedy. Although still hurt by the fact that Kennedy left him he decides to move from New Jersey to Brooklyn, New York for a fresh start.

Here is where he begins to look at himself and decides to make a few changes within himself. But are those changes really any better from before? Dapper decides after a brief time of wallowing in his self-pity that it is time to get back into the dating scene. In doing so he comes up with his own 8 rules of dating that he decides to follow. With these rules will he be able to find another good woman or will he just learn to appreciate dating and do a little better with the types of women he deals with?

Dapper Carter's 8 Rules of Dating by Alan Mitchell was a quick read. The story is told in first-person. At times it was unclear in the very beginning of the story what the first few rules were, but still these particular rules of dating are not your average type rules that most men would follow in trying to date. Basically this is not a self-help novel for men that are looking to for dating advice. This is just fiction! The story lacked substance, and it could have easily been avoided had the author just wrote one novel instead of having a sequel in the works.

Side Note: Although this does not affect my rating on the novel, I would like to point out to Mr. Mitchell to remember the first thing that catches a readers eye is the cover. Honestly, if I had not received this book for review I would have passed on it by the cover alone. With a woman who is nearly naked on the cover it is a turn off to female readers. The cover was not relevant to the actual story. Too many authors are putting half dressed/naked women on these covers, thinking sex sells, so it will sell my book. I am just suggesting that you take this into consideration and for your next cover have the cover pertain more  to the actual story or be more creative with the cover.

Reviewed by Leona
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NEW REVIEW : No Turning Back by Brenda Hampton & Oasis

4 out of 5 books

Lola Jones is a beautiful thirty-seven year old woman of three children. Three years prior, Lola and her husband divorced, so the income that the household had was immediately cut in half. Lola was not worried though because she was a successful independent, high producing health/life insurance broker and felt confident that she was set to maintain the lifestyle her and her children lived. They have a beautiful five-bedroom house on 2.5 acres of land, and wanted for nothing. About a year after her divorce the economy took a turn for the worst and it began to affect her income. The money she had saved was totally dwindling away and she was so far behind on her bills and house payments that she was in danger of losing their home.

After talking to a close friend and co-worker about some of her struggles and the guilt she felt that she no longer could afford to do for her children the way she once was and that they were close to losing the only home they knew, she casually mentions that she was willing to do ANYTHING to get the money to take care of her family. With the kind of money Lola needed, her friend gave her two options, to either work as an escort since that was a sure fire way to make good money or to meet up with a man by the name of Blasé that could be of help in another way. The second option she had to think over carefully. The reason being is that once she agreed to Blasé terms, there will be ‘No Turning Back’ after she has made her decision. Ultimately this will wipe out her debt but the ramifications of this decision will affect her family in more ways than she could have imagined. The question is does Lola have the heart to do either one of these things?

I am going to be honest, I purchased this book knowing that Brenda Hampton is a great writer and I am especially a fan of her Naughty series. Not to mention the fact that she teamed up with Oasis who is another talented writer. I had no idea what the book was about because there was no synopsis on amazon. When I got the book I just cracked it open and started reading it. I never bothered to look at the synopsis on the back. Which I am going to say was to my benefit because once I glanced at the synopsis on the back cover prior to writing this review I felt the synopsis gave a part of the plot of the story away. But I digress, I would like you (the reader) to really think about this question while you are reading this book, if you were a single mother and had no help would you even entertain either one of the options that Lola felt she had in order to keep up the lifestyle you and your children were used to? This novel would make for an interesting book club conversation.  The story is drama filled and has quite a few twists that the reader does not see coming. Author Oasis really brought out a different side to the Brenda Hampton we are used to seeing. Which is a good thing, because she teamed up with someone else and they both brought out the best in each other. This is definitely a book I would recommend.

Reviewed by Leona

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NEW REVIEW: The Dark Hunger by Joelle Sterling

4 out of 5 books

The Dark Hunger by Joelle Sterling is the second installment to the Eternal Dead Series. The first book left off with Jonas returning back to Haiti in search of Mamba Mathilde to see if the curse that was put upon him could be removed. Holland is sent away to Stoneham Academy, a school that she will be able to learn more about the witchcraft she possesses and how to use it.

In the meantime the city of Frombleton seems to have gone crazy. The once peaceful town is now under a shroud of terror. A foreman of one of the onion fields that the immigration workers tend suddenly turns on one of the field hands named Pedro, and bites his flesh all the way down to the bone. Pedro is sent to the hospital. His wounds are so bad that it is a wonder he has survived. Or, has he? When Pedro awakens in the hospital madness ensues and no one, not even the hospital employees are safe and no one on the streets of Frombleton or the surrounding area is either, with these Zombies/flesh eaters on the prowl for fresh meat.

Not only are there zombies roaming the area but there is a new Vampire that has come to town since the demise of the leader, and his purpose is to become not only the leader but to rule the town of Frombleton.  His idea: that humans are to be at the vampires beck and call when their hunger arises. If not, then they will be punished severly.

Although, before leaving, Jonas promised to stay in touch with Holland he feels as if Holland would be better off without him. He refuses to reach out to her, with the hopes that Holland would just forget about him. The love he has for her causes him to ache to kiss and touch her but he knows deep down that she is better off without him. Unfortunately, he is unable to rest with the image embedded in his mind that Holland may be in danger. Not only that but his mind will not let him rest with the cries and screams from those he has spawned. Now it is up to Jonas to go back to lead those of his pack and hopefully get Holland out of harm’s way before it is too late.

The Dark Hunger by Joelle Sterling was a very good read. It has more action than the previous book, Midnight Cravings, and it has the reader on the edge of their seat wondering how this story is going to play itself out. Who will survive the zombies or the vampires? The story is very graphic when it comes to the flesh eaters but Ms. Sterling does a great job in being as descriptive as she can, the story will play out like a well scripted movie in the readers head.

Reviewed by Leona

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NEW REVIEW: Keeping Score by Regina Hart

5 out of 5 books

Keeping Score by Regina Hart is the 3^rd book in the Monarch Basketball series. The Brooklyn Monarchs are in the spotlight again. This time it is veteran guard, Warrick Evans. However, Warrick is not sharing the spotlight alone. His wife, Dr. Marilyn Devry-Evans, is also feeling the effects of her husband’s new found stardom. Marilyn liked it so much better when it was just her and Warrick. Now she has to share him with all of New York. All Warrick wants is his wife home and a championship, but the media is putting both in jeopardy, along with an outrageous allegation. Will love be enough to give Warrick everything he wants?

Keeping Score is an awesome read. Ms. Hart is an excellent writer. She does a fantastic job with character development. She has a knack for taking the primary and secondary characters and meshing them together, so that the story flows nicely. This was a great addition to the series!

Reviewed by Tenecia

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NEW REVIEW : Believe In Me by Regena Bryant

3.5 out of 5 books

Catherine "Kitty" Franklin has been cleaning up her father's indiscretions for so long she no longer knows the difference between right and wrong. Kitty Franklin is an attorney to her father, Congressman, Roosevelt Franklin. He views Kitty as the son he never had since he winded up having three daughters. Kitty will do anything to keep her father's name clear, but lately she is starting to wonder if she wants to continue living this way. It is putting major stress and a strain on her relationships with her sisters and mother. When she by chance meets the new executive director of the Franklin Family Life Center, she cannot believe that someone this good has been placed into her life.

Davis Thornton has come to Washington to meet with Congressman Franklin after accepting his dream job. Coincidently, he meets Kitty under very unusual circumstances. The two fall for each other hard, heavy, and quick. However, there are so many obstacles in their way trying to keep them apart, the biggest being her father. But after the Congressman’s latest indiscretion, Kitty now has to choose between her father and the man she has fallen in love with, all while keeping her family intact.

Believe In Me is a pretty good read. There are moments throughout the story where it does not flow well and the writing is a little choppy. Other than that, Ms. Bryant, does an excellent job with the character development. There are also several storylines happening simultaneously, which the author does a terrific job of giving in-depth descriptions of. For this being a debut novel,  Believe In Me was a well written novel.

Reviewed by Tenecia

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