Book Review: Pretty Shattered Soul by Robbi Renee

Date Read: February 23, 2021
Published: February 5, 2021
Pages: 181

Book Synopsis:

Trauma left her captivating, sweet soul flawed, distressed, disconnected, and shattered. Savvy and effortlessly beautiful, Syncere James concealed her heartache, finding security and refuge in her career as a successful real estate agent. Refusing to lose control, Syncere dictates and schedules every aspect of her life, including her relationships with men. The pretty princess never desired the love of a prince, then she met a King.Wealthy construction company owner, King Cartwright, could have the heart of any woman in Haven Point, but he only has eyes for the gorgeous and complicated Syncere James. Navigating her complex layers, will his persistence and protection win her love? Or are Syncere’s unreasonable barriers and immeasurable pain too much for King to make her his queen?**Sensitive Material

My Review:

I cried, laughed, felt joy and celebrated with these characters throughout the entire story. Syncere and King were two beautiful souls independently, but together, they were love personified. They, more so Sincere, took me on quite the emotional roller coaster. However, given what she worked through, it was to be expected. I love the way King loved her, unconditionally, at their own pace. Even more so, I absolutely loved the relationship Syncere had with her family. The Prima’s gave me so much life. As a person who didn’t grow up with siblings, but instead grew up surrounded by cousins, I appreciated their relationship. I enjoyed this read from the first page to the last and I would absolutely read anything this author puts in front of me. Looking forward to reading more of her work.

Book Review: Maybe Next Time by Christina C Jones

Date Read: February 18, 2021
Published: January 28, 2021
Pages: 94

Book Synopsis:

For better or worse…That was the promise Denver and Kensa made, but it’s a sentiment they’ve somehow lost along the way. What started as a passionate wildfire has diminished to a flicker, all but snuffed out by unspoken fears, perceived betrayal, and a complete breakdown in communication.Can either of them tuck their ego away long enough to rekindle their flame?

My Review:

I never read the synopsis on a CCJ book, because she’s definitely an author that I know will deliver quality work no matter how short or long the story may be. This time was no different. This story rang true on so many levels why a relationship is NOTHING WITHOUT COMMUNICATION. I loved every page of this book. And once I realized what was going down, I was elated to root for this couple. The lack of length in the story had no negative effects on how damn hot it was. Denver could get it and Kensa knew she was that chick. Couldn’t let the review go by without throwing out that tidbit. 😂

10 Black Romance Books That’ll Have You In Your Feelings

Am I the only one that has those moments when all I want to do is read a book that I know will take me on an emotional rollercoaster? But the thing is, reading the synopsis you’ll never guess how much of a toll the story will have on you. But once you finish it, you know it’s a story you’ll never forget. And when you’re having those days when you want to feel all the feels, you go back to that book. 

We’re captivated by these stories because we easily connect with the characters and their lives make such a deep impact.

Check out 10 books guaranteed to make you feel. Really feel.

Book Review: Scar On My Heart by SL Jenkins

Date Read: February 15, 2021
Published: December 2, 2020
Pages: 302

Book Synopsis:

Their bond was authentic. Their souls were inseparable. They clung to each other like cursive writing. He was her strength when she was weak, and she was his sunshine in the rain. He introduced her to a world of submission, a world that was decorated with whips, chains, blindfolds, and handcuffs. And she introduced him to a world of security. A world that isn’t dictated by murder, money, and mayhem but a world based on nothing but love. But what happens when secrets are revealed, proving that the men they thought they loved are nothing more than devils in disguises. Meet Mona and Malina, two friends that fell in love with two bosses. Four different hearts, four different journeys, two different love stories, one heartbreak. Take this journey with them as they learn how to balance love, life, and betrayal. SL Jenkins presents to you, Scar on My Heart.

My Review:

It took me a while to get into this read. It was a lot for me to keep up with the different perspectives constantly changing throughout the story. However, reading the four separate storylines and how they wove together created an interesting story altogether. We were given just enough background on each character and the development of each couple. But man were they MESSY and that ending. The author didn’t have to do us like that. If you like drama and messiness, check this out.

(ARC) Book Review: Dream. Wake. Love. Repeat. by Vonna Joseph

Date Read: February 7, 2021
Published: February 9, 2021
Pages: 214

Book Synopsis:

Her feet are firmly rooted. His head’s in the clouds. But, that’s all about to change.When faced with spending another holiday season alone at the children’s table, Danna Menard jumps at the opportunity to travel for work over the Christmas holiday. Despite the objections of her loving, but meddling family she heads to Las Vegas for a Christmas that will change her life.A chance meeting with the man of her dreams not only sets Danna on a sexy adventure; it reshapes her and leaves the pragmatic planner questioning whether she can trust her own mind.Cayman Drew is “America’s gentlemen” and no stranger to love. He embodies the sentiment and is not afraid to dive in. His fearless approach and string of past lovers make him not only a household name, but a cautionary tale. In a world where everyone wants a piece of him, how does he know who to trust or when it’s the real deal?When the high strung interior designer meets the enigmatic R&B superstar sparks fly, leaving them both grasping for the brakes. But the undeniable pull between them will not be denied, no matter how many external (and internal) forces try.

My Review:

I will admit, it took a while for me to fall for this book. Not because the writing was bad, it wasn’t that at all. And not because I wasn’t enjoying the storyline, I wouldn’t have kept reading otherwise. But I didn’t have that warm fuzzy feeling I usually get when I’m introduced to the concept of the main characters being a thing. That part when we’re supposed to root for them from the jump. I guess the chemistry just wasn’t there for me. But then it was, and I was happy to finally feel the warm fuzzies I’m used to. I was elated to root for the couple. Both Danna and Cay had their moments that brought out different emotions in me, both good and bad. But I’ll let y’all read about it yourselves. I don’t do spoilers. I both loved and side eyed Danna’s family throughout this book. They were great supporting characters to the couple throughout the story. But overall, I enjoyed this. I’d definitely read more from this author.

9 Black Romances To Curl Up With For Valentine’s Weekend

Who needs a real bae when you can spend Valentine’s weekend with multiple book baes? I mean or you could do both I guess 😂 Checkout my list of reads for this valentines weekend. Some stories are longer than others but each one gives you just enough feels.

Author Highlight: Meet Ashley Nicole

Name: Ashley Nicole

Favorite Book by Author: Play For Your Love

Author Biography: I’m a lover of black love. On the screen. In your face. And especially, on these pages… Black love isn’t always framed in the best light, and I’m doing my part to put it dead center of the spotlight.

Website: https://linktr.ee/alwaysimpatient

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Have you checked out Ashley’s work? What’s your favorite thing she’s written?

Book Review: Oops! by Alexandra Warren

Date Read: May 3, 2020
Published: April 19, 2020
Pages: 250

Book Synopsis:

“As if sleeping with the enemy wasn’t disastrous enough…” For Camryn Cox, living a private, purpose-driven, drama-free life is a top priority. And in her opinion, Maverick Woods represents everything opposite of that.He’s social media-famous, ultra fine, and completely irresponsible, making him something like the enemy as far as Camryn is concerned. But everything changes when a surprise moment of passion between the two of them results in a positive pregnancy test.

Oops!

My Review:

This easily made its way into one of my favorite pieces of work by Alexandra. I loved the relationship between Cammie Cam and Mav. I also loved that they had their issues, but they didn’t break up, they pushed through. Their story felt real and genuine. The character development was amazing. This is a book I can read multiple times, and it’ll never get old.

Book Review: Hart Signed, Sealed, Delivered by K.O. McGee

Date Read: February 5, 2021
Published: September 3, 2020
Pages: 142

Book Synopsis:

Sienna Knox has been forced to come to terms with a failed relationship. However, she refuses to crumble, opting to remain focused on her career. Flying solo, she experiences elevation. However, when a longtime friend puts his bid in for lover, her heart takes center stage once again.Josh Hart has partnered with his brother to take their family-owned business to the next level. Although his efforts have been rewarded with progress, it’s not the same for his love life. Getting his childhood friend to see him as more, has its challenges. Once he finally makes some headway, tragedy strikes, leaving their friendship blurrier than before. Will love be enough to seal their bond? Or will the sound of heavy hearts drown out what could’ve been?

My Review:

Friends to lovers is my favorite trope to read. I loved the longevity of the main characters friendship and I like how their transition from friends to lovers took place. It didn’t feel rushed. I did feel like we got a little more of why Josh fell for Sienna than we did vice versa. The biggest struggle for me while reading this book were the scene transitions. The transitions at time made it hard for me to follow what was happening. However, for the authors first project the, overall storyline and delivery were well put together. Her work is definitely promising and I’d read more to see how she progresses.