Archive for March, 2010

Sugar Rush – Elaine Overton

March 31, 2010 at 10:56 am · Filed under Uncategorized ·Tagged

Synopsis: 

For bakery owner Sophie Mayfield life is getting sweeter by the minute. She’s managed to keep her family’s cherished business from being acquired by mega-grocery-chain Fulton Foods. And her new employee Eliot Wright is as appealing—and oh-so-chocolate-fine—as he is hardworking and talented.

But then Sophie discovers that Eliot isn’t exactly who he says he is. And she’s sure he’s hungry for only one thing: her boutique bakery’s bottom line. Now a love-stuck Eliot will have to do whatever it takes to win back Sophie’s trust—and prove that he truly is her Mr. Right . . .

The Review:

So this is another book by Elaine Overton. I must say that I was really impressed with this book as well. The theme of this story seemed to be that you can easily fall in love with your enemies. Reading that theme makes the book sound bland and cliché but Elaine Overton definitely showed this theme through a unique story. Eliot walks into a store that’s in a small town, or no man’s land as I’d like to call it with the intention of breaking down her business for good. No such luck for Eliot because he ends up walking in and becomes nostalgic of his parents old bakery. Couple that with the chemistry he had with Sophie and that man was a goner. In terms of love scenes, they were romantic and hot. So the book definitely delivered with that as well. I’d give this book a 5 out of 5 rating. It was a good read.

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Only You – Francis Ray

March 30, 2010 at 11:27 pm · Filed under Francis Ray ·Tagged ,

Synopsis:

UNIMAGINABLE...

Sierra Grayson is next in line for love. If her four older brothers managed to get married off, surely Sierra can’t be far behind. At least that’s the outcome her matchmaking mother, Ruth, is hoping for…whether Sierra—smart, too sexy for her own good, and stubborn to a fault—wants it or not. But little does Ruth know what else fate has in store.

UNFORGETTABLE…

After a chance meeting billionaire real estate mogul Blade Navarone ‘wins’ Sierra at an auction. Both are stunned by the intense sexual attraction and fight it for different reasons. A legend in the industry, Blade is known to be ruthless and relentless—a cruel twist of fate taught him to be no other way. But can Sierra trust him to treat her as more than just another acquisition? And if Blade does allow himself to care for her, will Sierra herself be willing to give up her hard-won independence and make a lifelong investment? Or has a mother’s luck run its course? 

The Review:

So this book is another hit by Francis Ray.This book is part of her Grayson Family series. I like the Grayson family and how they’re very protective of each other. So Sierra is dead set on not falling for any man that her mother keeps trying to set her with. She does however has falls for Blade Naverone. This story is sort of a classic case of opposites attracting. Blade is a cutthroat, introverted and serious guy, while Sierra is a gregarious, sweet woman who doesn’t take her self too seriously.

Blade of course fights the attraction because of his own regrets in his past. The chemistry between Sierra and Blade are really hot and fiery in this book. Francis has a knack for her romantic and steamy love scenes as well. This book delivers and is a great read that I’d recommend. It gets a 5 out of 5 rating from me.

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Between Lovers – Eric Jerome Dickey

March 30, 2010 at 9:26 pm · Filed under Uncategorized

 

Synopsis:

With each new novel, Eric Jerome Dickey has established himself as one of the freshest and most exciting writers on America’s contemporary fiction scene. His latest book is no exception. Set in the San Francisco Bay area, Between Lovers brings together three irresistible characters. The novel’s narrator-a Los Angeles-based writer-is still reeling from being dumped by Nicole after seven good years followed by an aborted trip to the altar. Nicole grew up during their time together, and changed-she became a successful career woman, moved north to Oakland, and fell in love with another woman. But she’s still not satisfied. She likes what she has, but misses what she had, and wants to find out if she can have it all. She’s playing with fire, not to mention the feelings of the two people who love her most in the world, but Nicole lures her former fiancé back into her new life, opening the floodgates of anger, passion, pain…and refreshing honesty. How these three fascinating people handle this unusual and complex love triangle makes for one of Dickey’s most provocative and unforgettable novels.

 The Review:

This was a GREAT book. Eric Jerome Dickey is an amazing author. This is one of my favorites from him. This book book is not for those who are uncomfortable with homosexuality. So if that’s you, skip it all together. The character Nicole was truly one of my least favorite characters in all of the books that I’ve read. The girl seemed extremely selfish. She definitely wanted to have her cake and eat it too as they say. I was amazed at how far the narrator (main character) went to keep this girl who clearly was very self-absorbed. The character was so enamored with this woman and I failed to see why. There was even a point where Nicole actually got jealous of a woman flirting with him. I was so outraged by this. How could this woman feel that she’s allowed to have two partners and yet actually get jealous when she sees another woman flirting! I almost felt sorry for the narrator as well but he was not doing himself any favors either by actually sticking by such a woman.

So as you can see here this book had an interesting plot that I had me deeply engrossed. Despite my disdain for the Nicole and her selfish ways, I loved the book. It was crazy that after I finised reading the book I realized that the main character never had a name. It would’ve nice if he did though but that’s no biggie. So overall I’d give this book a 4 out of 5.

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Up to No Good – Carl Weber

March 30, 2010 at 7:25 pm · Filed under Uncategorized ·Tagged , ,

Synopsis:

There is always a man around the corner. Church trustee James Black should know–he’s usually that man, carrying on affairs with married women and sleeping with one conquest after another. But when he suddenly finds himself truly in love, his relationship quickly generates a ripple effect of shocking proportions….

The other women in James’s church have a thing or two to say about his newfound love–including his daughter, Jamie. Only six months younger and a former friend of his new flame, Jamie has every intention of dismantling the relationship. But her plate becomes full when she discovers a mystery woman has been secretly calling her lover, Louis.

James’s son, Darnel, always swore he wouldn’t be a player like his father. His life is the picture of monogamy–until he catches his fianc�e cheating with his best friend. From that point on he spirals out of control.

James knows he’s largely to blame for the turmoil that surrounds him and his loved ones. Now he’ll have to find a way to bring peace to their lives. But he can only do it by facing some hard truths about himself and changing his scandalous ways.

The Review:

Carl Weber has to be the KING of having juicy drama in his books. There are always twists and turns in the plots and I can honestly say I never know how the book is going to quite end. For those of you that have a desire for a good book with unpredictable endings than Carl Weber’s books are for you.

So Up to No Good is just one of the many great books that I’ve read from Carl Weber. So in this book we meet James who is a shameless womanizer. I’m talking a man who claims to NEVER want to fall in love. He actually then falls in love but it’s with someone who’s definitely bound to cause a riff between him and his family. His daughter especially. In this book his daughter Jamie is depicted as a busybody who is overprotective of her family members. But of course true to Carl Weber form, Jamie finds herself in a VERY interesting situation with her significant other Louis. Jamie’s personality was truly annoying at some point. Her constant nagging at her family members to do things her way was crazy.

Anyway, Jamie also has a brother Darnell whom of course has drama of his own. Unfortunately, Darnel did NOT take the news of his fiance cheating on him well. Yes, I know what you’re asking? Who would right? Well the lengths that Darnell goes in this book to seek revenge is damned crazy! I could not believe what I was reading but it was juicy and interesting so I loved it!

So overall I’d give this book a 5 out of 5 because of this amazing plot. I’d definitely recommend it.

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Seducing the Matchmaker – Elaine Overton

March 30, 2010 at 5:06 pm · Filed under Uncategorized ·Tagged , ,

Synopsis:

SHE FACED THE CHALLENGE OF HER CAREER

As the owner of Love Unlimited, a matchmaking service, Noelle Brown’s firm has an enviable track record.  When world-renowned and drop-dead gorgeous architect Derrick Brandt graces her doorway, she’s incredibly pleased. Hooking him up will raise her agency’s profile, and give it an incredible public relations boost.  But after a few moments of conversation with the arrogant Derrick, Noelle understands why the tabloids have labeled him the most in-eligible bachelor in the city.

Derrick needs to find himself a wife – a woman who understands his demanding career.  He’s stunned to find himself captivated by the sexy siren Noelle.  As the sparks of passion heats up between them, they both wonder if their relationship is indeed the perfect match.

The Review:

Noelle and Derrick’s story in this novel is great. Elaine Overton is truly a great writer. This is one of two books that I have  read of hers and I’m pretty impressed. This plot was pretty interesting. While Noelle was trying to set up Derrick with women who could be a potential wife he’s falling deep in love and lust with Noelle. Noelle is also falling head over heels but she’s fighting the attraction in order to remain professional. So what I usually look for in a good romance novel is how I connect with the characters and how I much I feel the sensuality/chemistry between them. Elaine definitely did a great job with both. Noelle and Derrick personalities really complemented each other and I loved that too. So I’d give this book a 5 out of 5. It’s a great read that I’d recommend.

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No More Playas – Brenda Jackson

March 30, 2010 at 2:56 pm · Filed under Brenda Jackson ·Tagged ,

Synopsis:

Lance Montgomery, renowned relationship expert, has perfected the art of being a playa. His acclaimed workshops and bestselling books prove it. His most popular title, The Playa’s Handbook, caused a major uproar among black women and men, and shot to the top of the bestseller list.
Then he met Dr. Asia Fowler, a colleague whose views on love are vastly different from his own. Intrigued and unable to forget her, Lance wanted her in his bed. Instead, she found her way into his heart. Fighting his feelings for her, Lance drives her into the arms of another man. Soon after, he realizes Dr. Asia Fowler is the first woman he has ever loved. Now he’s determined to get her back. No matter what.
 
The Review:
 
 So this is another one of Brenda’s books that I read and LOVED. This book is a sequel to her book The Playas Handbook which unfortunately I have not read because I haven’t been able to get my hands on it yet. If you are like I am and haven’t read the first book don’t worry, this book was written well enough so that you definitely know what’s going on despite not having read the prequel. So let’s move on shall we? In this book Brenda painted Lance and Asia’s fiery chemistry with each other amazingly well. Asia fights this attraction because of her distrust of him, yet he persists on breaking down her defenses. So Brenda is great with steamy scenes of passion and this book definitely delivers that in this book. She even does that when she’s describing the characters kissing. It’s amazing.So of course Brenda Jackson always has other sub-plots in the book and this time was no different. So in this book we meet one of Lance’s sisters. She begins to be involved with a lawyer defending her in a particular case. I loved their story. It was just as great as Lance and Asia’s plot. In fact, this part could have very well been it’s own book.So overall this book is a great read, and I’d definitely recommend it. I’d give it a 5 out of 5.

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Addicted by Zane

March 30, 2010 at 1:18 am · Filed under Uncategorized ·Tagged

 

Synopsis:

For successful African-American businesswoman Zoe Reynard, finding the pleasure she wants, the way she wants it, is not worth the risk of losing everything she has: marriage to the man she has loved since childhood, a thriving company, three wonderful children. But Zoe feels helpless in the grip of an overpowering addiction…to sex.

Finding a compassionate woman therapist to help her, Zoe finally summons the courage to tell her torrid story, a tale of guilt and desire as shocking as it is compelling. From the sensitive artist with whom she spends stolen hours on rumpled sheets to the rough and violent man who draws her toward destruction,Zoe is a woman desperately searching for fulfillment — and something darker, deeper, and perhaps deadly. As her life spins out of control and her sexual escapades carry her toward a dangerous choice, Zoe is racing against time to uncover the source of her “fatal attraction” — as chilling secrets tumble forth from the recesses of a woman’s mind, and perilous temptations lead toward a climax that can threaten her sanity, her marriage…and her life.

The Review:

Alright. So I got mixed up. This plot that I reviewed was Zane’s novel Nervous not Addicted. Sorry it’s been a while since I’ve read them. So here is the real review of Addicted. I’ll be honest and say that I’m not a huge fan of Zane’s writing. This book is one of the two books that I like from Zane. Her sex scenes always seem to be the focal point of the story and they aren’t hot and romantic but raunchy and it usually takes away from the book for me. In this book Zane still has erotic sex scenes however this book definitely had an interesting and unique plot. Zoe Raynard finds that her husband is a stiff in bed. Due to her unhappiness with his sexual performance she ends up being with different men in order to satisfy her sexual desires. I thought that this was very selfish of the woman. But then again her husband held back due to his own insecurities and history. There was just a loss of communication in this relationship.

This book was a very interesting read for me. Usually a book is a means of escapism for me but in this book I was extremely entertained and Zane definitely knows how to write an erotic scene which fits perfectly with this plot. I literallly just couldn’t put the book down! I wish Zane would continue with these types of stories instead of plain erotica that seem to have no plot. I’d give this book a 4 out of 5.

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The Way you Love Me – Francis Ray

March 29, 2010 at 11:25 pm · Filed under Francis Ray ·Tagged , ,

Synopsis:

HE NEVER LETS HIS GUARD DOWN

Nothing gets to Shane Elliott. A former Army Ranger, now head of security for a wealthy real estate tycoon, Shane can handle whatever life throws at him—until he meets the beautiful, kindhearted Paige Albright. She’s about to inherit a fortune, and Paige’s mother has asked Shane to investigate her boyfriend. It should have been a simple, standard assignment for Shane…if only Paige’s seductive mix of strength and vulnerability didn’t leave him wanting her for himself.

SHE WANTS TO LEARN TO LET GO…

All her life, Paige has put others’ needs before her own, even going so far as choosing a man to please her father. Now her mother’s mysterious houseguest is tempting her to go after what she truly wants…even if it’s the cool, assertive, irresistible Shane himself. But is he who he appears to be? And how can Paige know whether to trust her own judgment—and their red-hot attraction?

The Review:

 Francis Ray did a great job with this book. This book is an extension of her Grayson series, it’s the friends series. I love it, I haven’t read every book in it but I love what I’ve read thus far. Anyway, Francis Ray is an amazing writer and she is excellent at depicting the chemistry and sensuality between the characters. Paige and Shane had different temperaments and personalities. Shane was very much a reserved, critical and distant guy. While Paige was definitely gregarious and a little bit naive. It was still great because they complemented each other. I vehemently disliked Paige’s boyfriend but I disliked her naivety about him even more.

I enjoyed seeing Shane shed off his tough exterior to actually fall in love. The love scenes were amazing as well. Overall I’d give this book a 5 out of 5.

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Introduction

March 27, 2010 at 10:20 pm · Filed under Uncategorized ·Tagged ,

Hello all, I started this blog because of my immense passion for reading. I particularly favor books by urban authors (black or african american) because they’re easy to relate to for me because I am as well. I’m a hopeless romantic so I mainly read romance novels so that’s what you’ll mainly see here. I know there is sort of a stigma of reading romance novels and the perception of those who read them but shamelessly these are just the books I prefer to read and I don’t believe that it means anything about ones intellect. So anyone seeking a so called “real” work of literature probably won’t like this blog. Call me a sap but I just love me a good love story. Outside of that I’ll definitely be doing other non-romance fiction by black authors too. I notice that reviews for these books however, are found in few blogs. So I’ll be doing reviews of them here.

Synopsis: 

It’s less than a week before Sonya Morrison’s wedding when she decides to pass her legendary little black book on to her cousin Courtney Andrews along with all of her best wishes. Courtney, who’s fast approaching thirty, thinks every woman she knows has somehow met a man who is husband material except for her. So Sonya’s little black book seems to be just what she needs. That’s until Courtney discovers she and her cousin have completely different tastes when it comes to men. 

 But just when she is about to give up and toss the infamous little black book into the garbage, she meets Lake Masters. Nearly ten years her senior, he’s a lot older than the men she’s normally attracted to, but he’s handsome, intelligent, wealthy, and a man who is determined to sweep her off her feet. But the road to love is never easy and Courtney may find that her little black book is more a curse than a blessing.

The Review:

Brenda Jackson does not disappoint with this novel. She has a knack for writing hot, steamy love scenes and and with this book she delivers the same. Aside from that I believe that the character development in this book was great. It was very easy to see why Courtney was reluctant to fall in love. Better yet, it was easy to see why it was hard for her to find any man to even date. She acquires a little black book from her newlywed bestfriend and goes on some very interesting dates. As fate would have it though she found out she didn’t find Lance through her black book. It was lovely to see her relationship with Lake blossom.

Brenda usally adds secondary characters that have their own mini-plot, in this book it happened to be Courtney’s parents. Courtney’s reluctance to be in love stemmed from her parents relationship.  Her parents relationship was a hot mess to say the least, but it sure was a page turner! It kept me wondering when and how her parents will finally let such a pathetic relationship go. I felt that this part of the novel did not take away from Lance or Courtney’s story at all. It was expertisely woven into the book.

Overall I’d give this book a 5 out of  5. As previously mentioned, the love scenes are hot and romantic but not raunchy. The characters were all definitely likeable and were relevant to the story and the length of this book was pretty decent as well. This is a definite must read.

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