The Write Escape by Charish Reid ARC Review

The Write Escape Charish Reid
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Take one heartbroken Chicago girl

Literary editor Antonia Harper had it all—the career, the man, the future. That was then. Now Antonia is jobless, alone and at a crossroads. What better time to travel the world? A solo honeymoon on the Emerald Isle will be like hitting the reset button. No distractions, no drama.

Add some luck o’ the Irish

Aiden Byrnes may be a literature professor, but words fail him when he meets the woman staying in the cottage next door. Tully Cross is meant to be a sleepy little village, and he’s meant to be on a working holiday—not a vacation, and most definitely not with his beautiful neighbor.

And you get some mighty good craic

They say laughter is the best medicine—and as it turns out, superhot sex isn’t so bad either. Antonia and Aiden’s spark quickly grows into what could be something special, if they’re willing to take the leap. Ending up an ocean apart is unthinkable, and when real life comes calling, there’s no ignoring that leap anymore… 

I need to read more mature romances. I hate to classify it as such but the truth is the truth, let it settle where it may. 

Antonia and Aiden are the type of couple that I aspire to be with my loved one, one day—making mistakes, figuring things out messily, but coming together at the end. 

Antonia is engaged to be married, and she’s kind of unhappy; she just doesn’t know it. She works for a publisher while daydreaming of being a writer. A broken engagement, a broken heart, and a pre-planned honeymoon find her in Ireland. It’s there she meets Aiden; another wandering soul, trying to figure things out.

I really enjoyed the romance in this story. It was slow going, but not so slow that you’re ready to call it quits before it happens. It wasn’t slow burn either; it came on naturally. It was very; I like you, you like me, maybe? But, let’s not just jump in the bed so quickly, okay?

Reid took the time to build up the story, and most importantly, their back story. You can sometimes forget in the rush for the coming together part, how important it is to get to know the characters. Reid was very good at the developing part. So, by the time I got to the sexy parts, I was fully invested and thoroughly rooting for the couple, passionately. 

I loved the beginning to end of each character separately and together. It was all so mature. Even the big climactic scene didn’t dwell forever; drowning us in a sea of over-dramatics. 

And Aiden, Aiden is the perfect white hero. I know, it’s not always about race, but when we’re talking about an interracial couple; race is bound to come into play. Though the races of the characters differed; he was white, and she was black.

The author took care to allow them to explore their differences, without allowing it to overwhelm them; and without harping on it until her readers were drunk on their racial disparities. Thanks for that, Charish.

Aiden was attentive, compassionate and woke. He was white woke. His eyes and ears were open, and that’s more than anyone could ever ask for.

It’s a lovely love story; one I’d like to revisit when it tickles my fancy. It had heart, sass, passion, and it didn’t lack in sexy.

It’s definitely one of the better romances I’ve read. I would match it up with Therese Beharrie if I were looking to compare. A stunning debut, for me, and not the last time I’ll be reading her stuff.

I Think I Might Love You Christina C Jones: I Think I Might Love This Book "A Quickie- Review"

I Think I Might Love You Christina THEE C. Jones
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Jaclyn Love is a magnet for trouble - it seems to follow her wherever she goes. 

Unfortunately for Kadan Davenport, she also seems to be a magnet for him - even after a disastrous first impression that leaves him - literally - black and blue. 

Jaclyn is busy trying to find some sort of balance, and Kadan is just trying not to get swept up in the chaos. 

In a small city like Blakewood, it's hard to avoid each other... especially when each additional encounter makes them wonder if they really want to. 

"I Think I Might Love You" is a first-in-series novella.

Christina C. Jones never ceases to amaze me.  I Think I Might Love You had a lightness to it I’m unaccustomed to from Jones, but it was obviously a CCJ project. The engaging writing, the flow, it was all her—the gems that make these projects distinctly Christina C. Jones shone in this novel.

Jaclyn is a bad girl; in and out of trouble since she was a youth. She’s all bark, and she has a bite to match. Looking to rest her head at her sister’s place she encounters Kadan, butt naked and livid. What is she doing there? In his home? Jaclyn does the only respectable thing she can do at a time such as this, she hauls off and punches him. This laughable moment sets a precedent for Jaclyn’s personal life and the story itself.

CCJ’s books are not heavy angst projects, but this book is different: light, humorous and unassuming.

I laughed out loud a lot, and I can be a hard nut to crack. But this book was downright funny!

Not only is it funny, but it also has a solid easy to follow plot and a romance that flows fluidly with no unnecessary angst and drama. As an angst fiend, I did not miss it.

And Jaclyn’s family members, Chile, they are a mess! I can’t wait to get to know them—the parents included. This is a fun series, and it promises to be another great addition to Jones’ catalog.

Pass Interference (Connecticut Kings, Book #6) By Christina C. Jones

Pass Interference (Connecticut Kings, Book# 6) by Christina C. Jones
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Blurb:

My bio might speak for itself, but I still have everything to prove. 
Everything to gain. 
Everything to lose. 
On the field, and off. 

I’m here for a reason, and Nate Richardson isn’t one of them… except, he won’t let me relegate him to a non-factor. Even knowing what’s at stake, he won’t let me pass him off. 

So I’ll adapt. 
Open myself up. 
Dominate my position. 
Defend my right to be here. 

Who says a woman can’t have everything? 
Or, better yet… who says a woman can’t be a King?

Review 
4 out of 5 stars

I never go wrong reading a Christina C. Jones novel, and as a mood reader that says a lot. It doesn’t matter what mood I’m in, Christina always does me right with a cast of characters I hardly ever forget. 

Sloane and Nate are legit black love goals. A lot of people idolize the relationships out here in the real world, and their relationships are usually social media pretty—but that’s usually it—at least the ones trying so hard to convince us of otherwise. 

This fictional relationship is what these relationships out here aspire to be. Open, communicative, understanding of the other's shortcomings and just bomb, like give me more.

I loved me some Sloane. Strong, smart, business-oriented, knew football--knew her stuff, she was black girl magic personified--and these are the types of stories I love to see. I love seeing black greatness at the helm of businesses in fiction. We don't see it often enough. 

Nate was no slouch. He ran an important sector of his father's business--a liaison of sorts, ensuring the comfortability and respectability of the players. His role was as essential to the Kings' team as was Sloane's. 

I appreciated that the author didn't allow the story to be completely drowned in romance--and having the characters be solely caught up in the other. There was a nice distinction between their careers and their budding romance. This is one of this author's strong suits. It's not all lovey-dovey, it's real life. 

The supporting cast was a treat as always--giving the story that extra umph.

It was an all-around great read, with a solid easy-to-follow plot, engaging characters, subtle plot twists--and a nicely wrapped up HEA. I expected nothing different from this author. She never disappoints.

Get into this series and get into this book. 

Make sure to check out the other books in the series. This book can be read as a standalone--but make sure to read book two first--there will be spoilers for that book if you choose to read out of order.

Love Is All We Have: A Short Story Anthology From The Authors of B. Love Publications

Love is All We Have A Short Story Anthology: The Authors of B. Love Publications
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Blurb:

In "Love is All We Have" the Authors of B. Love Publications come together for five highly entertaining, emotional, and edifying love stories that are guaranteed to leave you wanting more! 

Authors included are: 

A. Marie Johnson 
ShanicexLola 
Chelsea Maria 
A. Jones 
Alexis Cñe 

Foreword by: B. Love

Review + Rating
Anthology rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Chasing Empty Hearts Chelsea Maria- 3 stars

I’m not sure if it was me, but this story damn near gave me whiplash things happened so fast. That is one of the downsides of short stories, particularly when they’re in an anthology. It’s purposely limited. It was good, but I couldn't keep up.

I really believe had this been fleshed out, it would have been really interesting. I’d like to see this author try out a full-length urban fiction novel.

 Love’s Imperfect Pitch A. Jones-2.5-3 stars

To be perfectly honest, this one was aiiight. For a short story with little time, it wasn’t bad. I loved the brother. He popped in and out but he was hilarious. Give me more of him.

Love Me When it Hurts ShanicexLola-3 stars

This was intriguing but read like a teaser for a novel. Adorable, however.

Meditate On My Heart Alexis Cne-3.5 stars

This was pretty intense with a spiritual pull that I felt in its short pages. A quick and shattering romance, I would love to see fully explored.

Love is All We Need A. Marie Johnson- 4 stars

I really liked this one. I think it was one of my favorites. Rough around the edges, and predatorial, Keanu is one of my favorite types of book boyfriends. The kind whose mere presence causes a shift in the atmosphere. A nice ending to the anthology. 

No Holds Barred (In the Heart of a Valentine, Book, #1) by Stephanie Nicole Norris

No Holds Barred Stephanie Nicole Norris

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Blurb:

Love was no longer on the menu for Camilla Augustina. After her fiancé calls off the wedding not once but twice, Camilla's had enough. In a brazen move, she takes a new position in the windy city of Chicago; leaving her parents, friends, and ex in a bittersweet goodbye. Adapting to her new surroundings isn't easy but as Camilla settles in a chance encounter with an infamous playboy throws her off balance and rattles her world. She hadn't expected to be drawn so meticulously to another but denying the magnetism that lures her is a futile fight. 

As President of VFC Energy, a fortune 500 company, Hunter Valentine is at the top of his game. The renowned bachelor holds no secrets about his risqué rendezvous, and his allegiance is saved for family only. However, when Hunter spots Camilla Augustina, dining alone at the breakfast hut in his building, he can't explain the adulation that runs through his core and shakes his entire world. Lust never weakened him like this, and the inclination of love at first site was silly. But when Hunter decides to prove the sudden rapture is unreal, he may find himself enamored by love. 

*Each book in this series can be read as a standalone*

Review + Rating
5 out of 5 stars 

Let me tell you something. I’ve been reading for a very long time, and I think I’m having more fun reading now, in my thirties than I have in a long time. 

No Holds Barred allowed me to enjoy the types of characters I never knew existed but so desperately wanted and needed. The importance of diversity is never lost upon me, every single time I pick up one of these books and whisper to myself, they get it. They got it and they’ve given it to me.

Hunter Valentine is what I would imagine I want my husband to be. Intelligent, business-oriented, successful, caring and fine as all get out.

Hunter strolled his tall sexy black behind onto the pages and I damn near fell out. He was intense and melinated and I rejoiced. I’m still rejoicing. 

What I enjoyed most about Hunter and about his character was the fact that he was the complete opposite of the portrait society wants to paint of the black man. 

He’s not in jail or selling narcotics. He has his ish together and he’s so well put together. We all want him. Hell, you’ll want him.

His character was strong and domineering. He was very assertive in a not so chauvinistic Christian Grey-esque way. 

He paid attention. He was attentive. He was sexual—Y'all was he sexual—and he was raised well.

When he and his brothers donned aprons to serve the women at the table, I became ooze and slithered out of my chair. I wish. I want. 

Camilla was a journalist with a bright smile and an open heart. She was a perfect fit for Hunter—and though she was pretty much the MC I can’t stop focusing on Hunter, and the black love story Stephanie created for her readers with him at the helm.

I really want to take a second to one thank Stephanie for giving me a story that made it hard to sit still and tired out my fanning hand—but also for creating a cast of characters that were black and not stereotyped.

It may not seem like a big deal, but it is when there is such a lack of such characters and I still have to hunt them down.

This story is well-written and downright steamy. I might have burned a finger or two under the scrutiny and heat of Hunter's eyes, and the chemistry between Hunter and Camilla.

The chemistry between Hunter and Camilla is this novel’s strongest suit. There isn’t a strong emotional feel to it, but between the chemistry, and Hunter’s character, I didn’t much miss it.

The author maintained my interest and gave me a romance to ship.

Well done, and I look forward to trying some of the other books in this series.

My favorite quotes:

“You smell good enough to eat,” she said.

 “Let me know if you want a taste, and I’ll be more than happy to oblige.”

“Believe it or not, Angel, it only takes being without you for a few minutes to want you there again.”

Oh, and did I mention he gives her one of those frequently used nicknames, and it did NOT get on my nerves. It flowed right into the story and fit the mood every time. That’s usually not the case. So, thanks, Stephanie for changing my mind about pet names from wealthy/well-to-do men in books.