lit_vibrations's Reviews (365)

I didn’t intend on finishing this book. I started listening to the audiobook awhile back and basically DNF’d but picked it back up yesterday. Probably could’ve left this on my DNF list but I was bored at work.

Now it wasn’t that bad its your typical urban fiction. But a lot of it was so unrealistic although still entertaining definitely wouldn’t read part 2. The character development wasn’t all that great which I’m sure she’s a much better writer now. So, I won’t allow this to stop me from reading her later novels just not this series lol.

I think I was most annoyed by the whole molestation scenario and her being beat up while pregnant. Then the ending was just like wtf!!!! I can’t really give a serious review because this was really all over the place.

I’ve seen this recommended more than once which is why I went back to finish it. But can’t say I’d recommend this or the series. I gave it a 3.5 because I was entertained by all of the far-fetchedness lol

I really enjoyed reading this although it was a bit slow paced at times. It was beautifully written and inspired by true events. The author gave us a dual novel based during both the past and present.

Told from the perspective of two characters. Ona Judge an escaped slave who lived in the household of former president George Washington. Modern day told by Tessa a friend of Ona’s family who stumbled upon an old diary filled with events and things that occurred throughout Ona’s life while living on Mt.Vernon and after her escape.

Tessa’s perspective kind of aided in bringing everything together. The novel could’ve been just as great if it were only about Ona too. Tessa’s boyfriend Dominic was giving Charles from a “Diary of a Mad Black Woman” vibes. So, it was great to see her finally gain the courage to leave him.

I enjoyed reading and learning about Ona the most. I guess I was more drawn to her experience considering the situations were more informative and based on real events. Her story also gave a firsthand look into how the Washington’s lived and the way other slaves treated each other based on their skin color. Assuming those with lighter skin were somehow treated better than the rest. Not even realizing at the end of the day they were all still in bondage.

Just like Dominic, Simmie was another character that became unlikeable. Her behavior toward Ona who was a child at the time was uncalled for and harsh. Ona was dealing with a lot being torn away from her family. Forced to be the playmate of the Washington’s granddaughter then later being pulled to be the maid of Martha Washington. While I’m sure she didn’t actually want either position being the maid of the mistress pushed Simmie out of the way. Which was the cause of her hateful behavior toward Ona.

Overall this was a great read the author did an amazing job blending the timelines and she addressed so much. Learning of Ona Judge was something new for me. If you’re into historical fiction I definitely recommend!!!!

Finished the audiobook for this yesterday. While it wasn’t really filled with a lot of excitement a bit boring at some points I still enjoyed it. What I think I loved most was that although based during a time were slavery was still prevalent. The novel wasn’t centered around black trauma or racism. Both topics were presented throughout but the author never really dwelled on the hardship any of them experienced before receiving their freedom.

It was quite satisfying to see Josephine succeed as easily as she did. Most times in historical fictions involving slavery we always see the trials and tribulations many of them face especially as black women. So, this was refreshing in my opinion.

I also loved Josephine’s character she was independent, strong-willed, and driven. Unlike many women during that era she wasn’t afraid to go after what she wanted. She was very ambitious about creating a legacy for her family so they’d have the opportunity to truly enjoy their freedom.

The only thing I didn’t like was her husband’s unsupportive behavior or the fact it nearly resulted in physical abuse because his manhood felt threatened. He really seemed insecure and intimidated by Josephine. According to her mother, “Men are fragile they need to feel useful.” He should’ve been happy considering most of what they obtained was because of her.

Overall, this was a decent read a bit slow-paced but still worth reading‼️‼️

Special thanks to the author & netgalley for providing me with an advanced copy.

This was such an amazing read I don’t think I’ve read anything so far that brought me to tears!!!!! KUDOS to the author because I truly loved this. I was so wrapped up in this story ya’ll ommmmg this is a must read.

From the time Avery and her parents arrived in Bardell it was so much tension between them and Mama Letty. Sad it took for Mama Letty to become ill before they decided to visit her again. The last visit to Bardell ended in a disaster and nobody seemed to want to discuss it. Everything was such a secret with this family.

But Avery’s persistent attitude and wanting to know about her grandmother was what their family needed to resolve years worth of pain and hurt they all held onto. But this was not an easy task for Avery because Mama Letty was a piece of work. She came off as mean and stubborn initially but to see her relationship with Avery blossom was beautiful.

I think of all the characters Mama Letty and Simone were my favorite. Simone so free-spirited and positive even with dealing with secrets of her own. Mama Letty was a tough cookie and she definitely had her reasons. I loved how she didn’t back down and took ownership of the broken relationship she had with her daughter Zora. By chapter 25 I was in TEARS which wasn’t expected.

Overall this book was remarkable and I most definitely recommend!!!!!

Special thanks to the author, @algonquinyr & @netgalley for my advanced copy.

First just let me say WOOOOW!!!!! It was tough writing a review because this was such an amazing YA novel. Like almost to good not to be adult fiction. I loved the writing style and the many topic discussed throughout. Every character involved added depth to the story. I loved seeing things unfold from the perspective of both sisters.

I sympathized with all of the young women especially Zam and Cheta. The physical and verbal abuse Cheta endured from her mother was terrible. The mental abuse Zam endured trying to steer clear of both her mother and sister wasn’t any better. The environment they grew up in was so toxic and the favoritism shown to Zam over her sister by their mother caused tension between the two of them.

It was disheartening to see every female character have a bad relationship with their mother and weren’t treated any better by their fathers.

Although this was a bit of an emotional read the last 2-3 chapters was why I gave it a solid 5 stars. I won’t spoil it by saying to much but talk about a major twist I didn’t see coming. Everything flowed so perfectly I don’t think the author could’ve ended the novel any better.

So, I definitely recommend because I was left wanting more!!!!

Special thanks to the author, bookouture & netgalley for my advanced copy.

This was an okay read pretty much gives the same vibe you’d get from a fake dating trope it’s just a marriage. I think that’s apart of why I wanted to read it. What are the odds of you winning your dream wedding right after being cheated on and dumped ? I was curious to know how things would end figured it might be something predictable. In some ways it kind of was but that didn’t take away from anything.

Beatrice did annoy me a bit because she was an over-thinker and it caused her to become overwhelmed by everything and I found her a little selfish at times. Now choosing to go through with having a wedding without having a husband wasn’t the insane part. It was her reaching back out to the cheating ex basically asking if he’d consider marrying her. She was beyoooond desperate for that like come on.

Of course he declined but that didn’t stop Bea from seeking out other options. Next in line was work bae Andrew. Going from someone she couldn’t stand or at least pretending she couldn’t to being her new love interest was a disaster within itself. I knew that situationship wasn’t going to work. Can’t really say who I hated more her ex Ray or work bae Andrew by the end.

All of her relationships lacked passion and chemistry just a lot of forced situations. I did like that it didn’t end with her actually getting married that would‘be been to predictable but she still got a happily ever after.

I feel this could have been a great story but it may have fell a little flat because the author wasn’t descriptive enough when it was needed. I couldn’t really paint a vivid picture of the scenes or envision her characters because it was all so vague.

Overall, it was a decent read so I’d recommend if you’re into the rom-com faking date trope.

This was such an amazing read!!!!! I literally enjoyed this book from start to finish. This is something I’d love to see on tv or in theaters it gives Halloween type vibes. What I loved most was finding out the story had been inspired by true events that occurred in history.

Based during the 1920’s Clara Johnson was our gifted heroine who set out to save her city from destruction. Many of their local citizens had become “Afflicted” which was them being placed under a spell that took their souls and left them mindless like zombies in a sense. Clara took notice to what was occurring when one of her co-workers had come up missing. Word got around town of many others going missing or not acting like their usual selves.

Once Clara gets to the bottom of what’s happened in their city. She must band together a team that can assist her with setting those that have been “Afflicted” free and keeping those that have not safe before it’s too late. Her team consisted of different individuals that each had their own Charm given to them by an Enigma. Their Charms would be used to assist them in the biggest heist none of them were truly prepared for. Yet the mission was accomplished.

I loved all of the characters but Zelda had to be my fav. She was the true definition of a ride or die friend that’s down for whatever. She could hold her own and wasn’t afraid of nothing. Whatever Clara was about to do Zelda was right there like I got you let’s do this even when the help was unwanted.

I honestly didn’t know what to expect when I began reading this. I can barely put into words how awesome this was. The backstories were everything it gave so much insight into each characters life and how their charm/trick was obtained. In most cases going back in time to explain how a character fits into the story can take away from it or can be overly informative. But the way Leslye put this novel together was PERFECT.

Favorite Quote: “Already got the milk, what he need the cow for?” -Mama Octavia

If you haven’t read this yet I definitely RECOMMEND you do and if you’ve already read the novel it won’t hurt to read it again. I definitely plan to for Halloween!!!!!!!!

Special thanks to the author, randomhouse, & netgalley for my advanced copy.

This was a decent read definitely not your typical mystery/thriller. I wouldn’t say it’s a horror because it didn’t scare me much. But the gruesome scenes gave horror vibes.

The beginning definitely pulls you in but toward the second half of the novel it started to lose me. The original assumption I had of what was going to occur immediately changed the deeper I got into the story. I wasn’t really surprised once everything was revealed.

The writing was great though I just thought it was going in another direction. It started so well building up the suspense with the eerie scenes, the character development, and detailed scenarios. The vivid descriptions made it easy for me to really envision what the characters were dealing with. Almost like watching a movie. But once I was about 60-70% in things got iffy. You’ll have to read it to understand what I mean.

I loved there were so many twists because not only did this add depth to the story. But it keeps you guessing and unsure of who to trust. One minute you think this person’s the killer and the next it’s someone or something else. At one point I was sure Liz was the killer and was just having blackouts.

Overall, I enjoyed this because it takes you on a journey. You won’t be able to guess who’s behind the whole thing!!!! I recommend this for spooky season for sure.

This novel revolves around the main character August who reminisces throughout about old childhood memories, friendships, and how her life in Brooklyn basically defined who she had become as an adult.

After nearly twenty years she returns home to Brooklyn to bury her father. During this tragic visit she runs into an old friend where she is reminded of all these different memories and experiences she went through while living there. Some good and some bad obviously ‼️

The story can seem all over the place at times with the many different characters and timeline jumps. But by the end of the novel it all makes sense kind of.

Pretty decent book if you’re into the whole enemies to lovers trope. Was honored to get an advanced copy before its release date. Out of all the characters I liked Travis the most. I couldn’t stand MaKayla through half of it because she acted so bitter. She had me screaming “Let that hurt go sis” until I found out what Travis really did. I could understand why she was hurt and pissed but after 5 years girl get tf over it.

They both annoyed me with this whole I want you so badly but I’m afraid to say anything vibe. True he was engaged but I felt like MaKayla should have told him what was up from the jump. She didn’t owe any loyalty to Regina so girl go get yo man.