Yellow Jessamine was an interesting story, but can't say I completely got the ending.  I do like how strong Evelyn is, but I definitely didn't like some of her actions.  But a lady's gotta live in a patriarchal world.  

Shadow Lands Omega was a good followup, but I found it lacking at about 32%.  The momentum/energy exerted by that SCENE (if you know, you know), set the tone of the book for me, at least for the relationship between Kiandah and Yaron. It just fell off after that. I love a powerful man that wants to be dominated by a woman.  I wish that scene would have been later because it was so pivotal in my view of the book.  I wanted to like Yaron, but he sounds like he thirsty as hell, and is a big sap. I was annoyed by him, but I love he fights with an axe and loves violence.  Nothing like your man tearing someone apart to get your blood pumping.  I do like the characters are more mature (34 and 42) compared to many fantasy characters.  The plot continues to thicken regarding the undead and Omegas and I'm happy to hear it. Overall this book was too long winded, with stupid misunderstandings about feelings that are on display the whole time.  It is not a deterrent from continuing the series; however, the other 3 books are not released yet. Poo.  I definitely liked the first book better, but I do think this book has lots of potential that was unrealized.

Dark City Omega was so good. I love a strong female character that also has vulnerability and heart.  Echo did not disappoint.  While I did think Adam was a bit insecure, he was hot and listened to his woman.  I would have preferred if they were both black, but...anyway.  The world building is easy to understand, the characters are so widely varied, and the plot angle is a good time. Unique for a fantasy and I'm here for it.  The sex scenes were hot and you didn't have to wait forever for them.  The pacing describing emotions was drawn out quite a bit and redundant, but other than that all good.  And while I loved the rough talk, and the insults, I do think there was so much excessive use of the eff word.  Overall, I enjoyed this book and am happy to continue on in the series.

Keke "in her bags" Palmer's Master of Me is an intellectual foray into a talented actress that has been giving for a long time.  I didn't realize how young she is (31 yo).  I''m happy she knows her truth, doesn't feed into the Hollywood colorism BS, creates her own opportunities, sets boundaries and passes the blessings forward.  Now she didn't give all the tea about that video (you know what I'm talking about), but she addressed it as only a theatrical actress can.  Kudos to much more success in the future.  BTW One of them Days was awesome. 

I loved this diverse world and can see it as a full length novel.  Action, sexual tension, drama, and real world issues regarding abuse of power.  Some things were not fleshed out enough for me but I enjoyed the plot, the magic, and the characters.  The reference to the relationship between the sisters didn't sit right with me.  Irksome.  I wanted to punch someone in the throat with the quote: "Some have to suffer so that others can be well. We can't all be equal."WTF

James drops some hard truths about the institution of slavery, the religious and intellectual justifications for it, the violence and sexual depravity of it, and even anti slavers lack of empathy.  It gives Jim humanity, intelligence, a voice, drive, heart, and vengeance.  I loved how he code switched his language around white people and also is atuned to their way of thinking to adjust his behavior.  The fact is that still has relevance today to assimilate into many circles for success.  I call it playing the game. Many statements stood out in the books for me including "what does a slave do with anger. The real target of that anger goes unaddressed".  I will say, the frequent use of the N word irked me when the kids used it.  For some reason, from the adults I just expected it.  People suck.  Good book, if not too idealic for the time period. 

The Eyes Are the Best Part is a slow burn horror thriller with some really gross parts and some very true statements about racism.  I def feel there are some rooms for improvements that would have made this story more enjoyable to me.  The synopsis thrilled me more than the story itself.  But I did enjoy the story.   

Yinka Where is your Huzband touches on so many relevant subjects about family dynamics, friendships, mental health, counseling, dating, relationships, racism, and black fetishism. It also speaks to the culture of insecurities stemming from colorism and not feeling good enough being darker skinned.  I love Yinka's dad statement on colorism:  "the midnight sky is just as beautiful as the sunrise".  Book was a good, if not a bit predictable.

The Coldest Winter Ever is about a spoiled self absorbed hood brat that I was rooting for something bad to happen to halfway through.  To say I dislike the little girl is an understatement.  But she is a product of her upbringing so I understand her misguided motivations.  However, I wanted some growth from her so so bad.  I never knew there were women like this until I spoke to a friend who also comes from Brooklyn that confirmed it.  In the end, it is what it is.  The book did seem careful to me to show hood life but not too much.  I loved SIster Souljah's comments on life throughout the book and the character studies in the back (I had the 25th anniversary addition).  And while the book was slow, it wasn't a snail's pace.  Overall a good read, like juvenile urban fiction, but I'm not vested enough to continue reading the sequels.

I enjoyed this story a lot. The culture, the acknowledgement of anticquainted traditions, the comedy, insults, unique quirky characters and fun plot. Behind every great man is a great woman that orchestrated the show. I loved how loyal Somlata was to her husband.  I was worried for her.  Overall a great story.  I wanted more pages when the book ended.