lit_vibrations's Reviews (365)


Special thanks to the author, putnambooks, & netgalley for my advanced readers copy!!!

This was a very quick and interesting read. There’s no major build up to anything because as soon as the book begins you’re basically in the middle of what’s already occurring. The author never mentions the names of the husband and wife only the name of the third MC Temi. Which I guess since everything is centered around her involvement in their lives it makes sense that we only know who she is.

It’s broken down into 3 sections and is told from each characters POV. Nothing major happens until the end which the book revolves around this one day in particular. That was fine aside from the repetitiveness surrounding it. The wife’s friendship with Temi was completely unhealthy. 3 was definitely a crowd when it came to these characters.

There was constant bickering between the husband and Temi. In simplest terms they hated each other which was probably the most entertaining part of the book. Because it definitely lacked character development and depth. But I kept going because I was entertained and the premise is what got me initially.

I couldn’t believe the things the friend allowed to go on between her husband and Temi. Once she got married and Temi’s little tantrums began she should’ve nipped all that in the bud. Temi had no respect or boundaries when it came to the things she said or did.

I was in total agreement with the husband not liking Temi by the end of the book I kind of hated her too. I wish I could go into more detail about it because it’s not a 5 star read but worth reading because the premise and everything that happened in this book was wild.

The wife and husband didn’t even matter because Temi was always the main focus. I think Temi acted out the way she did because she was never given the proper attention by her parents. Having the wife as her friend was used as a crutch giving her hope that she finally had someone she could connect with. Then boom her best friend gets married and it’s no longer about her but him instead.

The ending upset me because I needed to know what happened next. I hate endings like this with a passion but if she follows up with another book I might just read it. Overall the book was fine it had potential to be great. Very entertaining but not 100% recommendable so read at your own will!!!

Special thanks to hearourvoicestours for my advanced readers copy and to be apart of this tour.

The poem and illustrations within this book were a tribute and dedication to what it means to be black. Created to amplify the good and beauty that comes with being black. My daughter loved this book so much and so did I. I literally went and listened to the original spoken word version of this.

The representation throughout every sentence and phrase spoke volumes. Taking something seen and viewed as negative “You so Black” which is usually followed by an insult. Then turning it into positive affirmations was magical.

Every page filled with beautiful imagery showing children to be black is to be whomever and whatever you choose to be. It shows them that the world is nothing without us. We’re one of a kind and blackness makes up everything because it is EVERYTHING.

My favorite quote was “You so Black, when you’re born, the God comes out.” It really stuck with me because we’re so much more than what they’ve labeled us to be. History teaches children nothing about who we were before slavery. As if we weren’t kings and queens before everything was stolen from us. Black is magic. Black is immaculate. Black is superior.

Growing up black is so complex and as mentioned by the poet it’s something we get to wear with HONOR. Although black is tough and sometimes hard to do. There’s nothing better than being BLACK.

I so recommend you guys get this book for your children or even for yourself!!!! It’s not only the message it’s sending but the black excellence depicted across every page that makes it worth having.

Special thanks to the author, Ecco books, & netgalley for my advanced readers copy!!!!

This memoir was such a thought-provoking experience. The author covered a multitude of situations and topics that overweight individuals including herself have faced. If you’ve ever struggled with your weight or felt insecure about it this book has an optimistic view on fat phobia and the culture surrounding it.

The author gives us her own personal experiences intertwined with statistical research making the book both relatable and informative. Her journey like many others was rough from dealing with chronic illness, depression, humiliation, sexual encounters, even childhood bullying.

The emotional vulnerability shown while letting us in on her personal life was so compelling. I know it probably took a lot for her to discuss her childhood and her dating experiences. We don’t realize the degree of pain fat shaming can cause a person.

Her touching on childhood obesity and the way medical professionals treat individuals who are overweight was an eye opener. I agree with her and think it’s sad that health professionals equate the cause of a person’s illness to their weight rather than focusing on the symptoms they’re experiencing. So, many obese individuals have been misdiagnosed simply because the physician failed to listen.

Overall I really enjoyed this book. I just wish the author had explored certain topics more in depth. I commend her for bringing more awareness to such a touchy subject. But I would’ve loved this book even more had she given us the steps that could be taken now to create a change.

Special thanks to the author, publisher, & netgalley for my advanced readers copy!!!

This book was so compelling and thought-provoking it literally had me on EDGE with emotions. Not gone lie it had me a little angry and my heart racing for a minute. But I loved how the author tried delivering his message and let it be known he doesn’t have the right answers but can give us the knowledge he’s learned. Kudos to Brian for this.

The book follows two siblings 12 year old Olive and her 14 year old brother Reed and their encounters with police, false accusations, unlawful interrogations, and discrimination. We’re taught that the police are here to protect and serve yet not much protecting was done in either situation.

The book is broken down into two parts. We see firsthand what Reed experienced when dealing with the police and the whole ordeal left him traumatized. Imagine being on the way home from school with your younger sibling only to be stopped by police then accused of something you didn’t do. I felt so bad for Reed because not only was he afraid but he was a child and they treated him as if they were dealing with an adult.

The 2nd part shows Olive in a similar situation yet she is falsely accused by a frantic woman. Rather than the police hearing both sides they took what the woman said and ran with it. In this particular instance they only saw color. Once it was revealed the woman was wrong the police chalked it up to being a misunderstanding. Little did they know Olive and Reed’s mother was present. They were biracial and there mother just so happened to be a white woman. Once she was present that changed the trajectory of the entire situation. Crazy right? Not really.

I can’t say a lot without basically giving the whole book away. But you guys it’s a MUST-READ if not for you definitely for your children or teens. The author did an amazing job with giving us two different scenarios involving the law and what could be done in either situation. His law expertise was immaculate and I think something we should take into account when dealing with police.

Once I finished the book I understood the reasoning behind the title “Come Home Safe”. Nobody should have to say those words to their children everyday. But when we live in a world that has grown even more dangerous by the day it’s necessary.

There was something Olive mentioned in the story that really stuck with me. “I walk differently to be safe, I dress differently to be safe. How much of myself do I have to give up to be safe?” I felt that on so many levels. How much do we have to give before we can feel safe in this world. What more can we do not to be deemed as a threat that results in police brutality?

I loved how each chapter’s header was a famous quote. I loved both of the MC’s especially Olive she was very smart and wise for her age. Overall this was a quick and easy read that definitely packed a powerful punch. I recommend this book 100%!!!!!

Special thanks to the author, smpromance, & netgalley for my advanced readers copy!!!

It took me awhile to find the words to say on this review because this book really didn’t do it for me. Slow-burn doesn’t even begin to describe this book. It definitely had potential but fell slightly short for me and I couldn’t stand Eli and honestly Leah was right behind him.

The premise was cute and witty and was the reason I wanted to read the book. But it took sooooooo long to get anywhere and I was so annoyed with Eli’s obsession with getting back with his ex. She literally broke up with him and he couldn’t accept it so much that his friends & family helped conjure a plan so he could WIN her back.

Leah was pulled into the super makeover which is how her and Eli met. After months of being around each other working to help Eli become the perfect guy the feelings began to grow between the two yet neither of them made a move. It annoyed me because they both knew the feelings were there but it’s not until nearly the end that Eli decides to act on it.

Overall, the book was simply okay I just really wasn’t a fan of it. I recommend if you’re into cliche love stories but it definitely wasn’t for me!!!!

Special thanks to the author, @joyrevbooks, & @netgalley for my advanced readers copy!!!

I kinda have a love-hate relationship with this book right now. The pacing started off to slow for my liking. It dragged all through the middle then finally picked up toward the end. In all honesty I wanted to DNF this book but I didn’t LOL my own fault.

We have a dual POV from two MC’s Celine and Bradley. They were once friends then had a major fallout over a minor misunderstanding that resulted in them becoming enemies. When they both signed up for an outdoor survival competition to win a scholarship. They’re paired together in a group forcing them to rekindle and set aside their differences.

The relationship between Celine and Brad really seemed forced. I didn’t see a true connection or chemistry between the two. Kind of think they were better off as just being friends. The secret romantic moments they shared were awkward. Just a lot of we shouldn’t be doing this, we can’t let anyone find out, I want you so bad moments.

My main dislike was there wasn’t much detail into why Celine and Brad became enemies. I get that she felt left out when Brad started hanging with the popular kids in school. But we all know peer pressure can be a tough thing to deal with. Brad conformed and she didn’t which made her feel betrayed. I slick feel like she made herself the outsider stepping away from their friendship and blaming it all on him. Their whole falling out and becoming enemies really wasn’t worth it in my opinion.

The character development was okay but Celine got a little annoying after awhile. Brad was very likable. But I just expected a little more out of the book. This was my first read by Talia and I’ve heard her other books are great but this wasn’t as exciting as I thought it would be.

The premise was cute and I loved the cover which is why I wanted to read it. But I wouldn’t say this book was 100% for me definitely recommend for a younger audience. I’m a fan of YA but feel this one fell a bit flat. It had potential but the delivery made it boring.

Special thanks to the author, publisher, & @hearourvoicestours for my advanced readers copy!!!!

This book was nothing short of amazing from start to finish. A suspense-filled, supernatural, mystery, fantasy, thriller all wrapped into one. The first few chapters take a few to build up the intensity. But once a chain of events occur the secrets start to unfold and you’re hooked.

We’re given a dual POV from two teens Daisy and Brittney across a 10 year timeline revolving around dark family secrets and a haunted mansion. The majority of the novel is told from Daisy’s POV which I think helped unravel the gist of the story. Brittney just helped bring out the truth. Her role wasn’t 100% needed but it fit well into the storyline.

Of course I loved the topic the author addressed about forgotten black girls. As mentioned in the book, “It’s subconscious. It’s natural for people to forget or ignore black girls. Effortless.” We still live in a society that doesn’t care about black women or girls. When we’re murdered or go missing the lack of care or thorough police investigations prove time and time again we only matter to our loved ones.

But in this story there’s a twist into who’s really forgotten and the real reason why. Peter wasn’t the only monster in this book they all were. Everybody that knew about her (don’t want to spoil it) and what really happened in that house. I get that everyone experienced some sort of trauma and had there reasons for not speaking up. But it was selfish of them all.

The house itself was never really the monster but the people, secrets, and memories held within it. The whole time I was reading the book I kept thinking, “If these walls could talk the secrets they’d tell.” The author brought that quote to life VIVIDLY. If it weren’t for Brittney’s determination to get justice and bring attention to the mansion her mother glorified so much. The truth would’ve still been a mystery.

I loved the message it’s sending that monsters are real and they look just like you and me. Sometimes the monster is a family member, friend, acquaintance, or a person without a conscience like Peter. I only said they were all monsters because of who they allowed themselves to become by withholding the truth. Was Daisy really any better than the rest? 10 years was a long time to keep a secret but it’s better late than never I guess.

Overall the book was AWESOME and I definitely recommend. The character development was superb. The supernatural paranormal vibes really brought the book to life.

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

This book was kind of meh to me nothing to exciting. It’s a political romance which wasn’t the issue but more so the characters and the lingo used throughout that annoyed me.

It follows two protagonists Isadora Maris and Karim Sarda both working in politics but on different sides of the political party. When the two randomly meet on a flight they both seem to catch a vibe. Probably thinking they’ll never cross paths again.

They happen to run into each other again but this time it’s at work. Isadora instantly questions whether it’s a good idea to shoot her shot considering their bosses are political rivals both fighting for control of the California senate. But that doesn’t stop Karim from deciding to make a move.


Special thanks to the author, stmartinspress, & netgalley for my advanced readers copy!!!

Trying to get more into memoirs and thought this one would be interesting. I have a close family member that battles with alcoholism so I enjoyed reading about Sarah’s personal experience and journey to recovery.

The author was very honest and showed vulnerability with being open about her addiction and how it almost ruined her life. I loved the insight she provided with what it was like for her. It takes courage to not only admit you have a problem but to actually do something about it.

It seemed as though she used alcohol as a coping mechanism for her insecurities. In her mind drinking made her feel more self-assured around others and like the girl all guys wanted. But the drinking became so excessive she’d experience blackouts and have no recollection of what occurred prior.

She loss her job, friendships, even a little self-respect for her actions. The lying also got out of hand with multiple attempts to cover up the addiction like saying she was hit by a car. When in actuality she had a blackout and was unsure of how she ended up in the hospital. But it was easier to lie than face the truth or judgement from loved ones.

The author covers a lot of other topics: Addiction, Trauma Bonded Friendships, Depression, Recovery, Self-Doubt, Limiting Beliefs, Acceptance, Suicide, Imposter Syndrome, Manifestation, and Mental Health

Overall, her memoir was cool didn’t really read like your typical memoir. That actually helped me get through it rather quickly. It’s great she chose sobriety before it really destroyed her life because the situations she ended up in were wild. My only downside was the repetitiveness and her timelines were a bit scattered.

This book was sooooooo cute and adorable. It follows two teens Delilah a punk rock lead singer and Reggie a D&D master. Both teens struggle to find a safe space where their form of blackness fits and they’re allowed to be their true self.

They met on New Year’s Eve after Delilah’s first performance at The Mode. Reggie found out that night the true meaning of love at first sight. Introducing Delilah to the new Reggie before she had the chance to know the real him. That innocent conversation was the spark of something neither of them could predict.

The next time the two cross paths on Valentines Day and every holiday that followed their connection and bond grew stronger. Was it fate that kept bringing them together or pure coincidence?

Either way all those small encounters turn into a year of magical bliss for the teens. Reggie’s act of self-confidence and impersonating the cool, nonchalant nerd that doesn’t care what anyone thinks is what swooned her. Making the time they spent together feel almost to good to be true.

Reggie and Delilah found love, hope, and reassurance in each other. I enjoyed this book so much and it was so well-written. The author did an amazing job bringing all of the characters to life individually. I was smiling so hard at all of their cute lovey dovey moments.

Special thanks to the author & @hearourvoicestours for my advanced readers copy!!!!

This is a Harper Collins title and I’m a 100% in support of the @hcpunion strike for fair wages. Head over to their page now for more information on how you can show support!!!!