lit_vibrations's Reviews (365)

This debut novel was so intriguing and uniquely layered with a magical realism twist. It takes you on a journey through sisterhood, family drama, culture, storytelling, and the complexities of discovering yourself. This is probably the third novel I’ve read that involved magical realism and was the only one that surpassed my expectations.

It’s something about a book that can immerse you into the plot and make it easy to connect with the characters. While this may not be an easy read for some due to the timeline jumps and magical elements the novel was so vivid, well-developed, fast-paced, and detailed.

It follows two sisters Zora and Sasha Porter as they begin to drift apart in the midst of dealing with their father’s mistreatment & infidelity, along with their mother becoming ill, and uncovering hidden truths about their families past. Zora is on the road to self-discovery and dreams of becoming a writer. While her sister Sasha struggles with sexuality, gender identity, and finding herself. The novel also highlights the power of mythical storytelling featuring the Rolling Calf who haunts butchers, Mama Dglo who lives in the ocean, a vain tiger, and an outsmarted snake.

Overall this book was nothing short of amazing. I highly recommend if you’re into magical realism or just want to give it a try this book is a must read. It’s a perfectly woven novel with a solid premise. I enjoyed the audiobook so much I ordered a physical copy. Special thanks to the author, Catapult, & netgalley for my advanced audio copy!!!

This was a decent read never been a fan of Fat Joe he has a few songs I like but again not a big fan. I wanted to read his memoir since I love rap and it’s always a great experience learning about how other rappers came up in the game. Some parts of his book were more interesting than others. I really enjoyed hearing how he got the name Joey Crack and learning things about him that I hadn’t already heard in one of his interviews.

But his book definitely takes you on a ride from his early childhood having to deal with trauma and being bullied, growing up in the Bronx, to the days where he sold drugs and continuously got into trouble before his career took off. I guess you can say he showed some vulnerability with his memoir and really let us in on who Fat Joe really is and why he’s become the man he is today. My only downside is a lot of what he mentioned I felt was a little fabricated; honest but it’s like he added a little extra to make it sound good just my opinion. Overall, it wasn’t a bad book but not a fav. Special thanks to the author, random house publishing, and Netgalley for my advanced copy.

Rating: 3.5

Can dating multiple guys at once be the solution to finding happiness? What if two of your love interests were best friends?

Meet Zora proud owner of a DC bookstore that has her so tied up these days she just hasn’t had any time for romance. That soon changes after she’s asked on a date by the author she’s been crushing on for years Lawrence Michaels. In Zora’s mind he seems perfect but there’s something about him she can’t put her finger on. Once she’s asked on a date by Lawrence’s bestfriend Reid who initially made a bad first impression things become a little more clear. Could dating two bestfriends actually work in Zora’s favor until she decides what or who she really wants?

The dialogue and humor throughout the book was fantastic. Zora was a really strong character but her Zor-locking was getting a little annoying. The situation that transpired between Lawrence and Reid could’ve been avoided had she stayed in her lane.

I didn’t like Lawrence from the beginning there was something sketchy and pushy about him. In the end my assumptions were accurate. Plus I never felt any chemistry between the two especially with his no PDA in public. Now the natural affection and chemistry between Reid and Zora was so alluring and magnetic. He was more attentive to Zora’s needs and what she wanted unlike Lawrence. I loved seeing their love triangle unfold through the eyes of someone on both receiving ends. I knew who the better suitor would be for Zora before she even made a decision.

Overall, the book was great the pacing started a bit slow but once things pick up you’re hooked. I also enjoyed the plot, the spicy scenes, and the supporting characters they were very relatable. Emma and her Grandma will definitely keep you entertained. The author tied everything together so well leaving us with the perfect ending. Special thanks to the author, hearourvoicestours, & HTPbooks for my advanced copy!!!

This was an okay mystery/thriller novel. The premise is what got my attention initially but the book didn’t really draw me in like I thought it would. It was very action-packed so it gave the thrill but it missed the mark everywhere else. The first 30% of the book dragged a bit for me. There were a consistent flow of events with lots of twist but I wasn’t really invested.

The novel is mainly told from the perspective of three MC’s Jenna, Donnie, and Nico. In their early childhood days while living in a group home a crime was committed and they swore never to speak of it again. Now that they’re adults and have gone their separate ways the past has comeback to haunt them all.

Of the three I found Jenna’s character to be the most intriguing. You can tell the author put more thought into Jenna and most of her chapters involved the action. Her past was a little exaggerated gotta read the book to see what I mean. In reality the entire storyline would’ve probably been better had it focused on one single character. I didn’t really care for Donnie or Nico much.

There were also a lot of chapters but they’re very short so the pacing was fairly decent. Not gonna lie I had a feeling the ending would disappoint me a bit. I knew the reasoning behind everything would be something simple. The book just had too much going on. It was entertaining trying to uncover the truth until I actually found out the truth.

Overall, the book was decent nothing I would gush over. I wish the author had given more detail on the character’s backstory then maybe I would’ve enjoyed it more. But if you’re into action-packed thrillers then it may be for you. Special thanks to the author, @minotaurbooks, & @netgalley for my advanced copy!!!

This was such a fun read I laughed out loud so many times. I highly advise you to read Mrs.Wiggins before jumping into Empty Vows. But yet again Mary Monroe did not disappoint me. The pacing at the beginning does start a bit slow but I still enjoyed it just as much as the first book.

It starts back in Lexington, Alabama picking up with Hubert Wiggins experiencing the loss of his wife Maggie and son Claude. Now that Hubert is back single all the women in Lexington were ready to snatch him up including his deceased wife’s best friend Jessie Tucker. Jessie created a plan of her own to win Hubert over and convince him to marry her and it worked……Little did Jessie know Hubert had secrets of his own and marrying her would only help keep the truth hidden.

I love how authentic and real the author made each of the characters. All dealing with real life situations and showing what a person would do when put into a crazy predicament. It gave so much life to the story then making them all religious took me out. Every time something crazy happened with Hubert and Jessie it was always “Let us pray.” We just killed somebody “Let us pray.” LOL

The authors writing will literally pull you in and have you on the edge of your seat. I LIVE FOR THE DRAMMMA!!! I enjoyed the banter whenever Jessie and Hubert had encounters with Blondeen. She was one of my favorite side characters just petty for no reason.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. Just like the first installment of the series Empty Vows was top tier. I highly recommend if you guys are looking for a good laugh and enjoy historical fiction to check out this series you will not be disappointed.

Rating: 4.5/5

This book is on my list of favs for 2023. I really loved everything about it and Eric is officially my book bae cause YAAAAAAS I loved his energy!!!

Tia Williams is definitely an amazing writer I cannot wait to see the adaptation to this book. Knowing who would play each of the characters actually made my reading experience more enjoyable. I’ve seen so many great reviews and can say it did live up to the hype. I loved the dialogue and humor used throughout. All of the characters including the ones I couldn’t stand made the story jump off the page.

Jenna and Eric were imperfectly perfect characters. I was rooting for them from beginning to end and all for their relationship prospering regardless of their age difference. Jenna had to find herself again and in the process along came Eric and he made her whole. The way they treated each other was so enchanting and just a vibe.

There were so many situations that had me on the edge of my seat because I just knew it was only a matter of time before their secret romance was revealed. The ending was EVERYTHING. . . . I could really go on and on about how much I love this book. But at this point all I can say is if you haven’t read The Perfect Find what are you waiting for? It’s a MUST-READ!!!

Was I the only one drawn to this cover? Initially when I came across the book and read the synopsis it was a must I read it. I’ve seen a movie based off La Llorona so I figured the book would give the same scary vibes.

This was also my first book by the author and I wasn’t completely dissatisfied. I actually enjoyed how the author metaphorically incorporated the tale of La Llorona alongside everything Alejandra had been dealing with.

The story follows FMC Alejandra a young woman suffering from unhappiness, depression, loneliness, loss of self-identity, and the struggles of being a mother and wife. The more she dealt with these things in silence the harder and darker her life had become. After awhile thoughts of suicide, nightmares, demonic encounters, and harmful acts plagued Alejandra’s mind.

With no knowledge of her family’s background because she was adopted what she assumed to be a mental illness was actually a generational curse. When Alejandra began therapy and rekindled with her biological mother she got a sense of who she was and what she was really dealing with.

The novel itself wasn’t bad but I felt the book had a lot going on with the timeline jumps. I had moments of confusion with them until I realized the flashbacks were Alejandra’s ancestors and their encounters with La Llorona. I think Alejandra’s character could be very relatable for some. Her husband Matthew was horrible and unsupportive. It took for Alejandra to nearly commit suicide before he noticed how bad things had gotten for her.

Overall, the book was okay I enjoyed the authors retelling of La Llorona. I didn’t find it as scary or creepy like the movie I’ve seen but it was still interesting. So if you’re into folklore retellings or paranormal type novels you might enjoy this book. Special thanks to author, @delreybooks, & @netgalley for my advanced copy!!!

Rating: 3.5/5

This was a really cute and warm-hearted YA novel. It was well-paced and I loved the representation and the authors approach with the book.

It follows 17 year old Andrea Williams after spending last summer recovering from surgery due to cerebral palsy she’s determined to make this summer the best one ever. With the help of her friends and the support of her parents Andrea plans to live it up. The only thing that could get in the way is her best friend Hailee finding out she’s in love with her. But in an attempt to push those feelings behind her Andrea figured dating the popular cute guy in school George would do the trick.

The author created such a well-rounded character with Andrea from her confidence, vibrant personality, and how outspoken she was. She didn’t let her disability own her and I think she could be very relatable to a lot of younger readers.

All of the characters were lovable and supportive when it came to Andrea. We even see growth within her friendships. Although there was quite a bit of miscommunication between the characters forgiveness was an important aspect in the novel. It took a lot for Andrea to mend her broken friendship with both Hailee and Olivia. But I loved the dynamic between them all and how quickly they made up. George wasn’t right for Andrea I knew he’d be a problem as soon as he popped in the picture.

Overall I enjoyed the complexity of the novel, the diverse characters, and again I applaud the representation. It was fun, sweet, and well-developed I definitely recommend for a younger audience. Special thanks to the author, @hearourvoicestours, & @levinequerido for my advanced copy!!!!

Second book in the series to follow-up Madam, May I. The author delivers a scandalously spicy novel about a woman who discovers her past is back with a vengeance.

The novel follows Desdemona Dean once an exclusive madam in the high-end prostitution game who planned to turn her life around by leaving the game for good. We all believe in second chances right? So, did Desdemona until her hidden past came back to haunt her. A celebrity client releases a book filled with dirt, an anonymous tip to the police, and a major price to pay are only a few obstacles Desi will have to face. Settled into her new life with the love of her life Loren the last thing Desdemona needs is to be the center of a social and tabloid media firestorm . . .

This was a pretty quick read and had some interesting highlighted moments. Her father’s ex-wife was trash and part of the reason Desdemona’s life turned out the way it did. Her relationship also started to crumble due to the lies and secrets she kept. Wish I had read the first book so I’d have a better understanding of the character. But nonetheless I was entertained by the twists and turns.

Overall, the book was cool I think reading the first book in the series would be best. But you can never really go wrong with any urban fiction. It gives all the vibes with the drama, violence, betrayal, money, and sex. Most of the characters have no depth and are a little one-dimensional but the premise will keep you engaged. Special thanks to the author, @kensingtonbooks, & @netgalley for my advanced copy!!!

Rating: 3.75/5

I really enjoyed reading this book it was the perfect example of, “Everything that glitters ain’t gold.” Being book 5 in the 7 Deadly Sins series I can honestly say the author did not disappoint.

Over the course of the novel, we watch as mortgage broker Journee Alexander tries to escape the secrets of her past without losing all she has worked to build in the present. Abandoned by her mother as a child she grew up believing the only person she could depend on was herself. Then after burning bridges with old friends and walking away from a bad business deal with her mentor Journee’s trust was now hard to earn. But while basking in the glory of all her accomplishments Journee begins receiving threatening text messages from an unknown number attempting to ruin her reputation. Although she seeks advice from a former lover/attorney Journee’s pride will be the cause of her downfall.

I love how character-driven the novel is we see Journee undergo a transformation from the beginning to the end. One minute she has it all the next she has nothing. Her pride and being so naive was the reason she ended up in that predicament. But her ex Ethan tried helping but she just wouldn’t listen because she thought she knew what was best. Then the fact she let Quincy in so easily just grinded my gears. I knew from the moment he showed up something was off so you can only imagine he was my least favorite character by the end.

But the pacing was great and well plotted. The emotions from all of the characters and the dialogue was so authentic. The ending wrapped up rather quickly but I loved knowing Journee finally learned her lesson. She was one of those characters that will have you stressed out. When everything finally caught up with her I was like now you see what happens when you don’t listen.

Overall, the book was magnificent it will literally make you forget you’re reading a book. So, if you haven’t picked up this book I definitely recommend you give it a read. Special thanks to the author, @gallerybooks , & @netgalley for my advanced copy!!!!