This was such a captivating coming-of-age YA novel that really took me by surprise!!! It was beautifully written and so engrossing it had me hooked from the beginning. I will say it starts out as a slow burn but it was worth every minute. The plot provides a fascinating exploration of family dynamics, self-discovery, freedom, and alternatives for following your own path regardless of your upbringing.

It follows Nigeria Jones raised as part of the Movement, a Black separatist group based in Philadelphia. She was homeschooled, vegan, and participated in traditional rituals to connect her and other kids from the group to their ancestors. But when her mother disappears, Nigeria’s world is upended and she begins to question everything.

The character development was great and very diverse. I loved how all of the characters aided in Nigeria’s life and came to her rescue whether the situation was good or bad. At the end of the day everyone wanted what was best for her. The relationship she had with her father became very dysfunctional after her mother’s disappearance and I found myself siding with Nigeria during their disputes. I felt her dad was overly controlling and to stuck in his ways to really want more for her.

The best part of this story was the mystery that surrounded her mother and actually learning what occurred. I had my assumptions but I was totally wrong so that was a great twist in the novel. I also enjoyed that there were realistic developments throughout that helped Nigeria shape her own path and really come to terms with everything that was happening around her. The last few chapters definitely explain why she behaved a certain way and was suddenly second guessing her father’s way of life.

Overall, the book was amazing and so worth the read. I definitely recommend!!! Special thanks to the author & @balzerandbray for my gifted copy.

This was such a short, sexy, and adventurous novelette filled with spice. I loved Noah & Reese together the chemistry was all there. From the moment they met in the bar I could tell it was going to be more between the two. I loved their banter and Reese’s snarky remarks. It’s almost like they immediately clicked and were so comfortable around each other. Considering the circumstances that brought them together it had to be fate.

Noah came off a bit nerdy-like in the beginning but Reese judged a book by its cover too soon. Their interactions throughout were definitely a vibe‼️ Two complete strangers have a night out on the town and it turned out to be one of the best experiences they’ve ever had. Now when the spiciness pops off you will NOT be disappointed Mr. Dj turned her every which way but loose. The ending was cute and perfect definitely makes you wonder what’s next for them.

Overall, I loved this so if you’re looking for a quick swoony read with some spice then look no further. I definitely recommend‼️

We get this complex family saga that pulls you and it’s filled with so much drama and so many secrets. It’s told alternately between the past and present with 3 different POVs from Oz, Deborah, and Trinity. As the novel progresses we see how the characters lives were before and after Oz disappeared.

I really couldn’t get into Trinity’s chapters and didn’t care much for her character. I honestly felt the story would’ve been just as great without her input. Now between Oz and Deborah we get a lot of crazy truths, some background history, a lot of untold secrets, a series of betrayal and a vivid setting that adds to the atmosphere of the story.

It’s very layered and as you read, you’ll notice the book primarily stems around Oz. His presence and disappearance caused a major disruption in the life of all the characters. It was his selfish actions that nearly ruined Deborah and I blame him for her drinking problem. Instead of owning up to everything he’s done he abandons his family out of guilt. The author did a great job keeping what happened to Oz a mystery until nearly the end which really helped advance the plot. It was really interesting to see the internal and external struggles Oz had to deal with.

Overall, I loved the book it’s filled with so many memorable characters definitely sympathized with Oz’s brother Tommy. It flowed perfectly, was well-developed, and beautifully written. So much happened in this novel it’s a must you give it a read!!!

Such a great collection of short stories about the consequences of gentrification and the power and precarity of home. It was so easy to connect with all of the characters and their stories. I also like how the authors writing style changed up with each character. Definitely a collection worth reading!!!

An interesting book with a clever title. I loved the premise but I felt the book had a lot going on taking the plot in to many directions. I was pulled in from the first chapter but as more developments occur we’re presented with so many twists and turns. It almost seemed as though the author didn’t know where she wanted to take the story.

Most of the book was told from the FMC Jane Morgan’s point of view but there were a lot of side characters. Most of the twists and turns we get involve the side characters which did help the book move along. But it makes you question what some of the situations had to do with anything. I say that because so much happens with Jane from being on house arrest, to a murder occurring and now she’s a suspect, then a fake marriage, some sibling and family drama, and the list goes on.

I kind of wish it stayed on course with Jane being on house arrest then the spark happens between her and Perry keeping it a simple romance. Because we don’t really get the romance subplot between Jane and Perry until the last part of the book. Which I did love Jane and Perry together but we don’t see any real chemistry because of all the other chaos.

Overall, the book was okay I just felt the author tried to do too much. But the pacing was steady and flowed easily. Some parts were a little predictable but overall it wasn’t a bad read. Special thanks to the author and harperperennial for my gifted copy!!!

This book was okay the beginning had me iffy but the drama and mess throughout was so entertaining and kept me going. I was gonna DNF after like 35% the pacing was killing me. But I’m glad I pushed through because I enjoyed the second half the most and the twist involving Ciara’s death was really good.

It didn’t come off like a thriller and wasn’t really suspenseful either. But the way the book starts off it gives a little mystery because you’re left wondering the entire time who murdered Ciara. Outside of that it was like Desperate Housewives mixed with Mean Girls but with a small town setting.

I disliked mostly all the characters for various reasons especially Ciara and Sean. I felt bad for Mishti at first then after awhile I was like girl if you don’t stand up for yourself tf. Parth would’ve had me so messed up especially the night Mishti made his favorite meal and he wanna get an attitude and argue like she doing it to persuade him to move them back home to India.

Like sir just eat the damn food

How far are you willing to go if the price of fame could cost you everything!!!

The book follows Laure Mesny a perfectionist who’s constantly overlooked in the elite world of the Parisian ballet. At this point Laure will do anything to prove that a Black girl can take center stage. To gain the validation and attention she deserves Laure ventures deep into the depths of the Catacombs and strikes a deal with a pulsating river of blood.

When I came across this book the first thing that grabbed my attention was the cover then I found myself intrigued with the synopsis. I wish I had requested a physical copy of this but I opted for the audio which the narrator was amazing. Aside from her possessed “monster” voice she delivered flawlessly. Her voice conveyed different emotions whenever the characters changed.

The novel itself was iffy because it was such a slow-burn and the beginning wasn’t all that exciting it kind of starts off light. The author did enough to keep you reading so once we’re a little over 40% the tension rises, things get a little darker, and we get a little more action and conflict with the characters.

At certain points the story did seem a bit confusing because initially it wasn’t clear to me if Laure was the one killing people or something else. I also found the side characters to be rather bland. Character development wasn’t a major strong point here but everything else was executed well.

Overall, I liked the book I can’t really say a lot without giving the good parts away. But for it to be labeled as a horror novel nothing about it was scary. We get some blood, gore, and a little creepiness but nothing major. Jamison’s writing style is very creative, engaging and descriptive. The plot was skillfully constructed but a little too drawn out. Special thanks to the author, @henryholt, @macmillanaudio, & @netgalley for my advanced copy!!!

Rating: 3.75⭐️

It was a must I read this before the next book in the series “Kiss and Spell” releases next month and I’m so glad I did. I really enjoyed the book it was a cute and cozy read filled with magical spells, witches, mermen, family bonds, and a second chance at love.

The book follows two MC’s Lucinda Caraway who currently lives on the mystic seaside of Freya Grove where charms, hexes, and magical beings of all kinds are the norm. Then we have Alexander Dwyer her merman high school crush who’s spent the last ten years traveling the world on adventures Lucy has only ever dreamed of. For awhile Lucy had been wishing for more in her life more excitement, more adventure, and more romance. One night after a wish turned into a spell Lucy finds herself being unable to say no to everything including Alex.

I loved the dual POVs it gave us a clear backstory on what happened between Lucy and Alex back in high school. There was major chemistry whenever the two interacted. We get some mid spice here and there but nothing too explicit the author left a little for the imagination. Lucy knew Alex was her soulmate and so did everyone else. With the help of the spell and a little action on her part Lucy made him realize she was his true love that got away.

Most of the side characters were likable Ursula was iffy. But her character did add to the atmosphere of the book. Initially it seemed as though all of the women had a semi-strong family bond until a little conflict arose. The setting was great but I wish the author would’ve went more in depth with the world building and magical aspects. The pacing was fair, in some parts the slow burn was real. But I still enjoyed watching the romance unfold between Alex and Lucy.

Overall, it was a fun read, very clean and well-written. The ending does wrap up rather quickly so I’m looking forward to the next book. It’s the perfect read for the Fall especially around Halloween because it gave off that seasonal vibe. If you’re looking for a quick read I definitely recommend this book‼️

A MUST READ MEMOIR!!! I’m not a major fan of them but I’m looking to change that. I’ve only read a couple within the past year and this is now one of my top favs. D.Watkins story was soooo powerful, captivating, and filled with emotion and vulnerability. His story can be seen as relatable and inspiring because there are other black men and boys that have experienced these same things.

Watkins writing is amazing, descriptive, and precise it didn’t really read like a memoir. It was almost like having a normal conversation with him about his life experiences. I was drawn in by his honesty and how down to earth he was when expressing the things he’s been through and how it all affected him.

I was actually brought to tears after reading his camp story. As a parent we send our kids places thinking they’ll be safe only for unimaginable things to happen while they’re away and they never tell you. My heart really broke for him after that because what he experienced at camp was not only traumatic but unfair.

I love how he was able to take all of these difficult moments and use them as life lessons for survival throughout his journey. No matter what life threw his way he didn’t allow it to break him. As he stated in the book, “The people I respected taught me that fear was the worst thing a man could feel.” I hate men have been conditioned to believe they can’t show emotions or express how they feel. It was definitely a wild ride seeing the things he went through from a young child that later helped shape him into the man he is today. The story involving his wife Caron was so heartwarming too.

Overall, this was a page-turner had I not been reading other books in between I could’ve ate this up in one sitting. Special thanks to the author & @legacylitbooks for my gifted copy!!!!

Rating: 5/5⭐️

What a captivating collection of short stories I mean out of 11 she for sure snapped with 8 of them. Somebody tell LaToya we need more EXPEDITIOUSLY!!! I’ve really grown to love short stories especially when they’re structured right and I’m not left with to many unanswered questions. Cutting Horse, Moving the Animal, and Time After were my least favorite but still thoroughly engaging as the others.

Her character development was incredible and achieved within only a few pages. We have characters that are layered and seem so realistic that she easily pulls you into their situations. There was a lot trauma, emotion, grief, and depth flowing through each story. The way some of them end I found myself wanting more. But the authors storytelling skills are immaculate you’re literally placed in the center of events that are already happening and you question nothing.

We have a mother being harassed by a journalists regarding her recently deceased adult son, Joshua, who claimed to be the Messiah. Then we have another that follows a woman dealing with past sexual trauma after her teenage son is accused of rape and she turns a blind eye to it. I mean there’s something in every story that stands out and makes you remember the characters. I could really go on and on about this.

Overall, the collection was great lots of trigger warnings and different themes involving sexual assault, loss of a child, marriage, abuse, betrayal, teen pregnancy, and the list goes on. If this isn’t on your TBR I highly recommend you add it. Special thanks to the author, @tinyrepbooks, & @netgalley for my advanced copy!!!