Lawson by Diana Gardin

Lawson by Diana Gardin
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Blurb:

When a fake relationship turns real, this Navy SEAL learns that love can be deadly in this thrilling, fast-paced novel that proves "no one does romantic suspense like Diana Gardin" (Susan Stoker, New York Times bestselling author).

I'm a natural protector, whether I'm guarding political big shots or celebrity VIPs. It's true that I failed - once. When I was a SEAL, when it mattered most. But that's never going to happen again. Especially not during my first op with Night Eagle Security. So if there's one thing my new partner, Indigo Stone, should know, it's that she's safe in my hands....

Not that she wants my help. With amber eyes full of intelligence and a body covered in ink, Indigo is one of the toughest people I've ever met. But this job has us deep undercover, playing car thieves and lovers, and we'll have to become pros at faking it. But when feelings turn real, I'm reminded that emotions are dangerous... especially when one wrong move can be deadly.

Review 
4 out of 5 stars

Lawson and Indigo will be one of your favorite couples from this year. Lawson a trained, former-seal, turned FBI-esque level security does everything a certain way. He's calculated, and assessing--but nothing could have prepared him for Indigo.

Neither of them is looking to date--not looking to drag anyone into their troubled, complicated lives. But a mission helps them discover, they both want to be loved.

Lawson's character really appealed to my tastes. He was strong and hard-headed. He was aggressively passionate but tender-hearted. He was also fiercely protective--which I'm totally into!

I admired his ability to overcome his past. I appreciated that though he was closed off to relationships his heart wasn't. Indigo was pretty much the same.

She also was hardened by life but I liked the fact that she persevered. I admired that she allowed love and friendship to soften her heart. There was no unnecessary drama--and stupid arguments between the two.

I just loved these two and how quickly they came together without being insta-lovey.

A great solid read with sexy passionate moments. I mean the sex between these two--fan they self beforehand and after. Better yet grab a glass of water.

A nice addition to my slowly building repertoire of black romance. I might actually come back to this one when I'm in the mood.  

Road To Love Nicole Falls- Road Tripping to Family Drama and Black Love

Road To Love by Nicole Falls

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Blurb:

Emerson Parker is a walking ball of stress. Still reeling from the untimely demise of a relationship that she thought would last forever, work strain, & longstanding family drama, she is in dire need of respite. A freak occurrence coupled with a little bit of desperation to get away from it all leads her on an adventure—a cross-country road trip back to her hometown of Ragston, MI. At the end of the long road home, Emerson hopes to find peace in more ways than one.

Roosevelt Ashe is in desperate need of a new start. Still reeling from the loss of his grandmother, he heads back home to Chicago to settle her affairs and jumpstart his life. The only problem? Home is where the heart of his drama lies.

A chance meeting between these two strangers as they traverse the country with similar missions sparks an undeniable connection.


***AUTHOR'S NOTE*** Books Two and Three in this series are forthcoming, but not written by me. Book two will follow Roxanne and will be written by Te Russ. Book Three will follow Charlene and will be written by Bailey West. 

Review + Rating
4 out of 5 stars

As you may have already come to know, Nicole Falls is my girl. She's my sister-friend in my head.

She just gets what I'm looking for in a book, without even knowing it. Of course, she didn't write this book specifically for me--but it always seems like between her and Christina C. Jones--they know exactly what I'm looking for when I need it.

Road To Love was different for Ms. Falls--but it contained the typical humor, and swoon-worthy romance, I've grown to know her for.

Emerson's life is just stressful. Sis, is skressed. In an attempt to alleviate her stress--she takes a break from work, to visit her family. Her older sister although overbearing will be the reprieve she's seeking--along with her niece, whom she adores.

It's just the parental unit, that she could do without seeing.

Roosevelt aka Ro is on the precipice of his grief over the loss of his grandmother--and too, finds himself heading back home--and dealing with his family, even though he'd rather be doing anything but that.

Deciding to drive home, and Emerson forced to drive home--the two meet in a "chance," kind of way--and the two find something in the other, they weren't even looking for.

This book has the typical Nicole Falls style, but, it's heavier and meatier--than what I've grown used to from her.

This is not a complaint, but more of a notice. I see you, girl.

Emerson as well as other characters like her, give me life--because they get me, unintentionally. Who doesn't love a book that makes you feel seen?

Emerson's internal struggles and even familial struggles are familiar, and I enjoyed seeing how she dealt with it all.

While Roosevelt shared a similar experience-- his was a bit more painful with the loss of his grandmother.

But the two of them together--was so effortless and cute. It was typical Nicole Falls, cute throwback goodness.

I love all of those little moments where we music from my past is brought up in the form of reminiscent moments. It puts me in a happy black space. Thanks for that. I don't think I've said that before, but thanks for recognizing the real.

I don't want to give away too much of the book. I know I typically don't, but sometimes it's hard to restrain myself because I want to rant about it in full disclosure--but I want you all to enjoy the experience without all of the spoilers.

This is another amazing read from Nicole--I mean did you expect me to say anything different?

Humorous, while serious, emotional, and at times light--Road To Love is the perfect summer romance--and you deserve this book.

PSA: If you didn't bother to read the blurb in its entirety--there will be other books in this series. NOT WRITTEN by Nicole Falls. I won't lie and say I'm not disappointed because I am. But, I'll be checking them out of course.

OH, and Nicole if you're reading this, is we getting more of Emerson or nah? I feel like I'm owed a little more. Just sayin.'

Inevitable Conclusions (Inevitable, #1) by Christina C Jones

Inevitable Conclusions (Inevitable, #1)

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Blurb:

Friends?
Lovers?
Both?
For Kora and Tariq, those lines have been blurred for a long time. Every time clarity seems to be within reach, something shifts, and in a single moment, focus is lost. Once again, they’re in limbo.
Between them, there is only one secret, with the power to permanently alter their relationship. For good or bad, neither of them knows – nor are they willing to take that risk.
Through the pain of past tragedies and the pressure of current dramas, they always find solace in each other’s arms. Inescapably connected by the interminable bond of friendship, Tariq and Kora navigate family, life, and love, searching for separate answers to a problem that has only has one, unavoidable solution. 

Review + Rating
4 out of 5 stars

Christina C Jones never ever does me wrong. Reading her books is like getting in a car, not knowing where you’re going, but having the time of your life regardless.

I never know what I’m going to get but I am always happy by the end.

I am all for the “fight for this and against this, romances—and this book was exactly that.

Tariq and Kora have been best friends since forever *in my Cardi B voice* They’ve been through every up and down life has to offer, together. They’ve even tried their hands at dating—thought that didn’t go well. Too young, too naive, not ready.

Now we’re on the precipice of their mutual forties. They’re both in their late thirties dancing around semi-serious relationships—and sex that never contains the passion or fire they find in the arms and bodies of the other.

But, nope—they’re not going down that road again. They’re better as friends—even though they’re both in complete and utter denial—that no one else will ever be good enough.

But they put up the good fight and I was here for every faux punch—and passionless argument.

Besides the fact that the romance is poppin’ in this one—and it's poppin.’ The chemistry and their connection are things we can only hope for on this earthly playing field—because let me tell you this relationship, finding love thing can be a game of the worst kind—but I digress.

I loved Tariq’s and Korea’s careers. It’s always a reminder how much I love seeing black people doing things—when I pick up a Christina C Jones book. Kora is in the theatre which I secretly adore. I love a good show.

Tariq is in finance after obtaining an injury that ends his football career prematurely.

They’re black magic personified—out here doing things.

Also their characters. Kora was headstrong, intelligent, open-minded and pretty. Tariq was business-minded, smooth, caring and a multi-layered character with a handsome outward appearance like icing on an already delicious cake,

I enjoyed watching the characters grow in their own right. As always I appreciated that though the book was heavily romance based—the characters were not lacking in depth and were easily able to stand on their own.

Nothing like two solid characters standing apart and then coming together. It’s like magic.

The book is well written per her usual. The romance is swoon-worthy and real. You honestly can’t go wrong with a Jones book—like having a bad week?—pick up a Jones book. Summers approaching? Grab that beach hat—and lay on that beach towel with a Jones book. In the mood for something solid and romantic?—pick up a Jones book. It’s perfect for any occasion, any mood and any kind of reader.

I can’t wait to dig into another one because I know as usual it won’t disappoint!

Whirlwind Love by A' Sunnshine

Whirlwind Love by A' Sunnshine

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Blurb:

Twenty-seven-year-old, Pharaoh Sullivan is a jack of all trades in every way imaginable. Although, he’s a loving, caring husband that’s also a great provider, Mr. Sullivan just has one tiny flaw. 

Twenty-four-year-old Trinidad Sullivan is everything a wife should be, and some. Pharaoh is the only man she has ever loved, but what’s a girl to do when she’s fed up with her husband’s foolery. When enough is enough, Trini takes matters into her own hands and start to dish out the same thing that her sweet Pharaoh is doing to her. Being torn between wanting out of her marriage or sticking it out, Trini is lost on what to do. 

When the storm begins to brew a whirlwind of deceit, lies, and betrayal, will Trini and Pharaoh come out together or a part?

Review + Rating
2.5-3 out of 5 stars

I have to admit any expectations I may have had for any of the books I've picked up this last week, have dropped to nothing. 

My expectations for this latest read were none. I saw a cover I liked, and a blurb that I breezed over, that seemed decent enough.

While I wasn't completely blown away. I wasn't completely disappointed either.

My biggest gripe is the writing. It's not that great, considering the flow between the point of views were a little too sharp at times to be considered seamless. 

When books are split between points of view, it needs to flow seamlessly for easy reading. 

Additionally, the characters were kind of assholes. They start off fighting, and they end off fighting. It was like a bad episode of love and hip hop--the streets edition.

The saving grace is that despite the characters dispositions, they weren't that hard to like. I definitely feel like there's something to see here, the author just needs to dig a little deeper. Give the characters a little more depth, a little more substance. 

I don't have a lot of strong feelings towards this novel either way. BUT, boy did that cover get me? Lookin' like a cute contemporary, when it houses nothing but ratchet characters doing ratchet things. This is urban fiction, don't be fooled. 

Again, nothing to go crazy over--but a decent enough time filler.

The ending is a cliff-hanger, so expect more shenanigans at some point in the future.

Falling For A Black Billionaire by Bianca

Falling For a Black Billionaire by Bianca

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Blurb:

Kriss: 
I hated rich men. 
They are all arrogant and think you are supposed to bow down to them. 
Until I was accosted by Travis. 
Travis Spencer III: Handsome, extremely wealthy, and very smart. 
He dates women that are extremely beautiful and equally as rich, and I am way out of his league. 
Our one night together was a complete mistake. 
Travis: 
I promised my family that I would leave the younger ladies alone, but then I ran into Kriss. 
Kriss was everything I never knew I needed. 
How dare she thinks that we are non-compatible? 
After our one night together, I wanted more and I was going to get it... by any means necessary.

Review + Rating
3 out of 5 stars

There's a way to write insta-love to both pull the reader in and convince them--that despite the short length of the relationship, that the love is real. 

This is a hard task.

This novel is an insta-love story, no doubt about it, and while, it didn't lack speed, passion, and sex--it lacked depth.

There's a lot that happens in the beginning, the initial meeting, the sex, and the declarations of like, which quickly led to love.

I didn't have many gripes about the characters themselves, as I've read many novels with the same types.

Travis is a billionaire, who is used to having women flock to him in droves. His attitude is demanding and entitled--not unlike many billionaires in romance novels.

Kriss was smart-mouthed, outspoken, and had little to no filter, but was educated--and just looking for a job so she could leave her current job at a bar that caters to the rich.

This is where she meets Travis--well not before she walks over his car, on the way to visit her father.

Don't ask. 

Their first real encounter is like a head-on collision, dramatic and fast.

I didn't particularly like, Travis' initial reactions or articulated impressions of Kriss.

He refers to hear as a ghetto, loud, big-haired, and proceeds to want to tame her, "black ass." All of which rubbed me the wrong way.

Not to mention Kriss' description of her physical appearance, she goes on to describe her appearance in unnecessarily verbose detail. She explains the length of her hair as being attributed to not being "fully black," and I cannot tell you how much this grinds my gears. Especially coming from us.

Do better.

Aside from that my only other complaints were the lack of depth mentioned before, the novel could've benefited from being lengthier. AND the over-explaining. Show don't always tell.

It makes sections of the novel cumbersome.

The novel is pretty decent. It has characters that you can find yourself invested and interested in--despite the overall flaws.

While I would've liked more emotion, I was satisfied with the story in general.

I won't be climbing to the tops of any mountains to shout about it, but I would recommend it to readers who love romance, and the billionaire trope. 

Just don't expect too much emotion out of it.

When Worlds Collide (The Collide Series, Book One) By Millie Belizaire

When Worlds Collide (The Collide Series, Book One) by Millie Belizaire
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Blurb:

Sometimes love comes unexpectedly...

Lauren is a spoiled daddy's girl, brought up under the protection of Miami's elite black society. With a law professor for a mother, and a state attorney for a father, she has been raised to understand the law down to its most fundamental form. She's what they call, in every sense of the term, a Good Girl. As her father prepares to take on the biggest case of his career--going against Miami's most notorious kingpin, Silas Montgomery--tensions begin to rise, and our Good Girl becomes Silas Montgomery's newest target. Now on the radar of the most dangerous man in Miami, Lauren's perfect world goes up in flames. Everyday becomes a constant battle to stay alive.

Kain is about as close to Silas Montgomery as most people can get. Unlike Lauren's world of sheltered ease, his world is dark and dangerous. He's been raised by the code of the streets, hardened by life's harshest lessons. Not many people are out here doing Kain any favors. Especially not the kind of favor he extends to Lauren. Protection--that's what he offers her. Protection from the most dangerous man in Miami.

Lauren and Kain's story is tale of love crossing over to the different side of the tracks. Their's is a tale of what happens when worlds collide.

Review + Rating
4.5 out of 5 stars

This book, ya'll.

Okay, so when the author asked me to review this, I'm like okay cool. Sure.

Absent mindedly accepting--not making any judgements.

But y'all, this book was bomb.

Lauren is well off. Her father is the state's attorney general, and her Mama and twin sis are sadity hoity toity types.

Her father is working on his biggest case yet, a case against the infamous Silas Montgomery--when her twin drags her to a party.

At this party she not only comes face-to-face with a dire situation, but she meets Kain.

Meeting Kain and being face-to-face with a death threat--changes the course of Lauren's life. 

Lauren is an integral if not the focal point of this story, but I need to take a second to talk about my man, Kain.

Y'all. YA'LL.

Kain was everything. While I felt the book could have easily fallen into the upper YA genre, Kain was all man.

At only nineteen, his character was goals. He was the epitome of street and sweet.

His fierce and accessing eyes, strong but quiet personality were just what I needed, after not being too pleased with my latest reads.

I've had to DNF a few--but we won't dwell on that.

Kain would say things, and I would feel like I could just slide out my seat like putty.

"How the hell does he set fireworks off in my insides without so much as a change in his intonation? Does he even realize that he’s doing it?"

This quote about sums up my feelings towards Kain. 

I secretly whispered to Lauren, "Me too, Sis. Me too."

I don't want to give too much away, but you will love Kain for both the obvious things and his flaws.

Lauren was a spoiled princess--but she was neither as weak as she thought she was or as oblivious. 

I admired her strength and resolve. Her character was solid--as was all the characters in this novel--and I'm really intrigued to continue to watch her character grow.

Because obvs, after I finished this I immediately pre-ordered book two, outta' support, and sheer need.

This book was good!

It was well-written, really well written. There was obvious attention to detail, pacing, plot and background. Belizaire didn't just write this book, she WROTE it.

I was fully and wholly impressed with the pacing, writing quality, and plot progression. There was nary a flaw. 

I could go on and on with the why's and the how’s, but this is quality reading--with a clear talent at the helm. 

Just pick up the book, you will not be sorry.

If I had more books like these now, I would be a more avid Urban Fiction reader.

Be prepared for that ending though--cliffhangers ahead. And, I was not prepared. 

I was almost, ALMOST, tempted to beg for book two from the author--but I will suffer just a little longer--as the book will be out at the end of the month.

A Sin City Love Affair by Aliyah Murphy

 A Sin City Love Affair by Aliyah Murphy
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Blurb:
They say the truth will set you free, but the truth could cost her everything...

Cherry Turner had a plan—a blueprint, for how she wanted to build her life.
Cherry's plans included Lorenzo, the love of her life, but when he betrays her by marrying another woman, she turns to Quincy to help heal her broken heart.
Lorenzo Washington is a smooth-talking professional baller who can have any woman he wants. Now that his marriage is on the rocks after less than a year, Lorenzo realizes Cherry still holds the keys to his heart and sets out on a mission to win her back once and for all.
When Lorenzo re-enters the picture, Cherry finds herself torn between two men and weaves a tangled web of lies and deceit as she starts living a wildly addictive double-life—one that ends up creating a dangerous love triangle. As passions mount and emotions spin out of control, it becomes clear that one of the parties involved is playing a deadly high-stakes game of all or nothing; and Cherry is left wondering how she ever thought she could walk away from the mess she made unscathed. 

Review + Rating
2.5-3 out of 5 stars

Yeah, so, this book wasn't for me.

Let's just get right to it.

Cherry is with Quincy now. He cherishes her the way she needs to be. He does everything right--makes sure she's happy and taken care of. He's perfect, even if it's boring her to death.

Lorenzo--was once the love of her life--but with the passion came a lot of crazy and heartbreak. Now he's married to someone else, and he's singing a different tune. He wants her back--in the worse way, even though he's technically still married.

*Cheater trigger warning* I know some readers really hate cheating. BUT, there's only one real mutual episode of cheating, kind of. I don't know, you be the judge. Just be forewarned. 

What I liked: Reunited lovers. I always like the stories that allow for past lovers to reconcile and get back together.

Redemption: I like when past lovers who have done wrong, can redeem themselves.

I'm kind of reaching here...I really feel like I am.

What I didn't like: Lack of emotion: While the characters were madly in love with one another, you didn't feel it, as the reader. There was more telling than showing. Showing is key. A character can say whatever they want, but actions speak louder than words--especially in books.

Wording/Grammar: Some of the word choice, vaginas being compared to Krispy Kreme donuts--love being compared to gardeners tending roses, it didn't please my reader's ear--and in some cases both the wording and the grammar threw me off.

I tend to only be bothered by these types of things, when they happen consistently throughout the book. Just, FYI. Do not come for me. 

In my honest opinion, the book has its positives, but the negatives outweighed that for me. Too much time was spent trying to convince myself of the love I was being presented, and the other half of my time was spent trying to understand the author's direction.

The conflict towards the end of the book felt rushed and untimely--not believable.

Things kind of just popped off in an unbelievable way--and the ending felt inexplicable, and rushed--like wayment, how did we get here?

I think I understand what the author was trying to do but pacing and timeliness would have made for a more effective ending and climax.

I'm disappointed that I didn't love this one, but I can't love all the books. 

Worth trying if you're into second chance romances and have no issues with endings that will wrap up the story nicely--even if the pacing is off.

MVP Daddy by K. Sadee

MVP Daddy by K. Sadee
Published: November 7th, 2016
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Blurb:
After being abandoned by her rapper boyfriend, Pop Queen Autumn Robinson has no time for love. She's focused on her family and her money--in that order. She's not looking for a new daddy for her baby and doesn't think she needs any man. 

Too bad, MVP Baahir Jelani Lewis doesn't agree with her.

Review + Rating
4 out of 5 stars

What do a football player and a pregnant pop princess have in common?

Just enough to carry on one of the more romantic loves, I've read this year.

B.J. Falls for Autumn the minute he sees her perform up close and personal. From her chocolate skin to her full lips, he knows she's well out his league--but he can't stop thinking about her.

Autumn is not looking for love. Hell, she's not even looking for a friend. She's pregnant, with someone else's baby. But there's something about B.J., that she just can't resist.

Like I said this was one of the more romantic, romance reads I've read this year, so far.

It wasn't all about hooking up with Autumn for B.J., he was looking to form something solid, and meaningful--and every step he set out to prove to Autumn, he's nothing like her past loves.

I really liked B.J.'s character. As a football player, you imagine someone not only large in stature but also large in personality--and while he was no meek man he was far sweeter than I imagined he would be.

He was romantic, attentive, patient--and just an all-around good guy--and he accepted Autumn's pregnancy like a champ.

Autumn was just as good. Though she had to deal with the constant scrutiny of both the paparazzi and the public--she remained humble and kind.

I admired her character and her openness to accept love--after a devastating heartbreak.

Their love was slow, but just as meaningful. I must admit I was a little worried--that the slow pace of the novel would bother me, after a whole. BUT, once the book picked up, it was consistent--and romantic. 

I shipped, I rooted, and I swooned.

This was well-written, even with the slow pace, this was a outstanding romance--with just enough drama, and all the necessary love--to make the romantic in us happy. Okay, I'm probably talking more for myself. I mean, I love, love.

I'd highly recommend this one. I was thoroughly impressed with its quality, and depth.

Two thumbs up.