Thursday, December 23, 2010

It Had to Be You by Francis Ray

It Had to Be You (Grayson Friends)It Had to Be You by Francis Ray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

As always Mrs. Ray does not disappoint.. So far Laurel is working my nerves because she is passing judgement on someone she does not even know...
Good story.. But Laurel really was way too stuck up for my taste. Love Trent in the story..
I have a thing for books that are connected and the Grayson Friends and Family is a definite good series.


Review: His Voice, His Command by Vonna Harper

I was not sure what type of book this was until I read it. It was  a short story about a female executive who goes to a guy to be dominated. However it is not until the end of the story that you know this.
If you are shy and do not like erotic stories then this is not for you.  This story should have been much longer because I would love to know what happens after the first meeting.
This was a E-Book Reader

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Updates...

I will be getting a kindle for Christmas so look forward to more updates.. There will be alot of reviews coming up!!!!!!!!!!

Monday, December 6, 2010

New Releases December 2010

Celeste usually delivers
released 12/01/10
Brenda Jackson















she is a great writer




we have great fb conversations so I know this is hot

*I am only listing the books of authors whose work I am '
familiar with.


























this is a reprint but my favorite of her series
















All of these are new releases except for The Heart of The Falcon which is a reprint and I have read a thousand times. As I read these I will post my reviews of them.

Monday, November 15, 2010

Once Upon A Holiday Anthology

Once Upon a Holiday: Holiday Heat\Candy Christmas\Chocolate TrufflesOnce Upon a Holiday: Holiday Heat\Candy Christmas\Chocolate Truffles by Beverly Jenkins

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I bought this thinking I was gonna get some cute but romantic Holiday stories what I got instead was something far hotter.
First up, Beverly Jenkins appropriately titled Holiday Heat. Although her story actually centers around a Halloween masquerade ball the story was a great one. And since I detest spoilers I only gonna say I am glad to have my own centurion. Lol


Candy Christmas by Adrianne Byrd

HOTTTTTTTTTTTT!!!!! so hot indeed I had to put it down for a minute to gather myself. I will only say that the scene in Candy's office between her and Monty is gonna require a cool drink, a fan and a man to get past it.


Chocolate Truffles by Kimberly Kaye Terry
I believe that this is my first story by Ms. Terry but oh boy she has talent let me tell. A sweet but not sappy story. The only thing is I am left wondering the origins of Mr.Taber. I know his religion but I recall no description of him at all. Ah well, I will be tasked with rereading the story to make sure I did not miss it.. Such a dirty job that I am oh so glad to do.



View all my reviews

Sunday, October 31, 2010

Currently Reading

Petchy Maligula by Stan Carter...
It is a sci - fi type story.. so far so good....
It is in e-reader form and as a good blogger I must add that he sent the ebook to me to read and review..

more later when I finish it

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Book Meme


Question it.

1. Favourite childhood book: I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings 
2. What are you reading right now? nothing
3. What books do you have on request at the library? none
4. Bad book habit: buying but not reading right away
5. What do you currently have checked out at the library? nothing
6. Do you have an e-reader? none
7. Do you prefer to read one book at a time, or several at once? One at a time, books are like movies to me
8. Have your reading habits changed since starting a blogs? no not at all 
9.Least favourite book you read this year: Can't remember
10. Favourite book I’ve read this year: NO CLUE
11. How often do you read out of your comfort zone? rarely but I am attmepting to change that
12. What is your reading comfort zone? African American Romance
13. Can you read on the bus? don't take the bus at the moment
14. Favourite place to read: in bed
15. What’s your policy on book lending? don't do it
16. Do you dogear your books? yes
17. Do you write notes in the margins of your books? no
18. Do you break/crack the spine of your books? nope 
19. What is your favourite language to read? english
20. What makes you love a book? The characters being believable
21. What will inspire you to recommend a book? that is what a great read 
22. Favourite genre: Romance
23. Genre you rarely read (but wish you did)" Thrillers
24. Favourite Biography: I, Tina by Tina Turner
25. Have you ever read a self-help book? (And, was it actually helpful?) yes and yes.. One Day MY Soul Just opened up by Iyanla Vanzant
26. Favourite Cookbook: Sylvia'
27. Most inspirational book you’ve read this year (fiction or non-fiction): fiction
28. Favourite reading snack: popcorn or peanut m&ms
29. Name a case in which hype ruined your reading experience:  It happens all the time when people who rarely read tell me about a book I will not read it.
30. How often do you agree with the critics about about a book? almost never..we are not looking for the same things
31. How do you feel about giving bad/negative reviews? I don't like to but I have to be honest. I just hope that the author does not get upset.
32. If you could read in a foreign language, which language would you choose? Italian
33. Most intimidating book I’ve read: Beloved by Toni Morrison
34. Most intimidating book I’m too nervous to begin: none
35. Favourite Poet: Nikki Giovanni
36. How many books do you usually have checked out from the library at any given time? none
37. How often do you return books to the library unread?
38. Favourite fictional character: Daniel Falcon
39. Favourite fictional villain: none
40. Books I’m most likely to bring on vacation: Romance
41. The longest I’ve gone without reading:
42. Name a book you could/would not finish: Quade's Babies by Brenda Jackson
43. What distracts you easily when you’re reading? slow movement in the story
44. Favourite film adaptation of a novel: The Color Purple
45. Most disappointing film adaptation: not sure
46. Most money I’ve ever spent in a bookstore at one time:40
47. How often do you skim a book before reading it? always
48. What would cause you to stop reading a book halfway  through? it sucks
49. Do you like to keep your books organized? yes I arrange them by author
50. Do you prefer to keep books or give them away once they’ve been read? I keep them
51. Are there any books that you’ve been avoiding? no
52. Name a book that made you angry: Can't remember the name but it was by Jill Nelson the book was horrible and I mean I passed it on to no less than six people.
53. A book I didn’t expect to like but did: nothing because I don't buy it if I don't think I will like it
54. A book I expected to like but didn’t: Can't recall one
55. Favourite guilt-free guilty pleasure reading: Zane, she writes the naughtiest books I have ever read. 
-- 

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

New Releases

Gwyneth Bolton - Make it last Forever and
Gwyneth Bolton-Rivals in Paradise

Anna J - Hell's Diva

Electa Rome Parks True Confessions
Adrianne Byrd - Lover's Premiere (11-1-2010)
Beverly Jenkins - Midnight (10-26-10)
Alice Wootson - Dream Wedding (10-12-10) no cover found

Daimaah Poole - What's His is Mine (10-1-2010)

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Update

I am in the middle of packing to move from Texas to NJ so please bare with me while i do so. I have a few books to read on the road there and I will post them soon. I am making my wedding dress as well that is why there are no updates.. I have four weeks to the wedding.
See you soon.
Please send me book suggestions if you have any

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

What Tastes Like Love by Zuri Day

What Love Tastes LikeWhat Love Tastes Like by Zuri Day

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


First off I have to say that I received this book directly from the author for my review.

I liked the book a lot. I had a slight problem with the references to the female genital area. In other words the terms used were dated and just a little un refined. I would have preferred she just use the vulgar term as apposed to what was used.

Now on to the story it was quite a good story. Dominique is the male character, he is rich, sexy and aggressive. You will know right away that he always goes after what he wants and usually wins. He has a conscience a keen sense of who is and a good amount of sexiness.

Tiffany is the female lead character with a host of issues. She is a sous chief with dreams of opening her own spot. She does not have the support of her parents but her grandmother and best friend are more than enough support.

I enjoyed the book and my copy is not the final edit so the language may have changed in the final edited version.


Sunday, September 12, 2010

currently reading

What Tastes Like Love by Zuri Day

I thought that I would be done with it by today but no such luck. But I promise to get it finished and the review posted.

Saturday, September 4, 2010

info

most of the posts had to be copied from my other blogs and are not in order so that is why you will see older books up front and some of the newer ones closer to the bottom of the blog..
As I moved forward this will not be the issue

Friday, September 3, 2010

Dying in the Dark by Valerie Wilson Wesley

Dying in the Dark: A Tamara Hayle MysteryDying in the Dark: A Tamara Hayle Mystery by Valerie Wilson Wesley

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I really enjoy Valerie's novels and this one was no exception. It is frustrating the position that Tamara puts herself into. Especially since she does not seem to get paid for her services on the more dangerous cases.


Stephanie Morris

Current Book Releases - Stephanie Morris Bestselling Author of African American, Interracial and Multicultural Romance

honestly had never heard of this author until I met her on Facebook. She has a wicked sense of humor and some very steamy love scenes in her novels. Please check out her new release called Hard To Resist. Go Stephanie! You can also check out her website for previous releases

Thursday, September 2, 2010

To Love A Stranger by Adrianne Byrd

To Love A Stranger (Kimani Romance)To Love A Stranger by Adrianne Byrd

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


To Love A Stranger was a good read (not great), but good. I have to admit that part of the storyline was pretty original and it proved that love is the most powerful emotion known to man.



Madeline Stone was a good character, she had enough sass and spunk to laugh when her husband’s plane crashed. (I applauded at that). She had no love for the man who was supposed to be her husband risen from the dead. Her only concern was losing the business she had built after his demise. But again it is funny how love and the right touch can change things.



Christopher Stone, was what I would call a shell of a man. He seemed to have lost a huge part of himself when his brother’s plane went down. He wanted nothing more than to have his brother back with him, even if it was a lie.










Designed for Passion by Francine Craft

Designed For Passion (Kimani Romance)Designed For Passion by Francine Craft

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I just finished this book last night and for the first time I was not really happy with a book by Francine Craft. Don't get me wrong this is not going in my give away box (which is reserved for books that I absolutely hated). As with most books I read this book in about four hours (last night) the first thing that ticked me off was that Meloyde was self conscious which was so sterotypical, (please note some of us love being thick and fabulous) there was no real description of her other than the comments that Jim kept making about her. The lame excuse her mother gave for treating her so badly and then to only slap her again with an off handed remark about Lucia wanting Jim sucked. I wanted her to go off on her mother and her sister. She stood up to Jim when he was just trying to love her but not to the two heifers who caused her pain. She said nothing even when Lucia told her that she was sleeping with Rafael and that the money was intended for her. Next time I hope that Ms. Craft makes her plus sized character a little more fierce. I will rate this book 3 out of 5 stars mostly because of the character Jim and the way he was protrayed. I could close my eyes and see his reactions to certain things. Ms. Craft made him real as could be, and because Papa France and Miss Belle.

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Suddenly Single by Carmen Green

Suddenly SingleSuddenly Single by Carmen Green

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I just finished reading Suddenly Single and I loved it, Ms. Green did not disappointment with this one. Although I did not realize that this was apart of the Crawford series until Shayla appeared in the story, I love stories that are apart of a series.



At times I could have strangled Trina for being so selfish it was a good read and Reno of course was my favorite character because he loved his little girl so much and would have done anything for her to speak to him.



I loved the closeness of the family and the way Trina handled the ex-fiance.

A Risky Affair by Maureen Smith

A Risky Affair (Kimani Romance)A Risky Affair by Maureen Smith

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I was impressed by the depth of the characters Solange Washington and Dane Roarke. It was a great story, and I don’t want to give too much of the story away. But I was very surprised by the way Crandall Thorne handled his issues and his past with Tessa.



My favorite character is Daniela because she reminds me of two women I consider my best friends. I would have to say you should pick up this book as soon as possible.



Okay Maureen I believe I have read all of your books so you have a reputation to maintain with me. Please keep them coming

Power Play by Dara Girard

Power Play (Kimani Romance)Power Play by Dara Girard

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I believe that this is the first book in the black stocking society.



the book was good but at some points i wanted to put it down. the best part of the book were the parts that actually referred to the secret society.



i also enjoyed the way mary changed her attitude from victim to victor. all in all i would recommend this as a good read. this is my first read from this author but i will be reading the remaining books in this series and possibly some of her others to get a feel for this particular author.







Sweetest Temptation by Rochelle Alers

The Sweetest Temptation (Arabesque)The Sweetest Temptation by Rochelle Alers

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


The Sweetest Temptation is the second in a trio of novels by Rochelle Alers, this one is about Faith Whitfield who is the owner of the a wedding cake shop. I liked the story but feel that she could have developed the story a little more. The substory never developed at all. Why was someone threatening Ethan's cousin?



I am big fan of Ms.Alers but this is not her best (Please read Stranger in My Arms, No Compromise, All My Tomorrows, Renegade, Careless Whispers, just to name a few).



You should read the book but read a Long Time Coming first or you will be missing a big part of the story. If this book is your introduction to this author I beg you to pick up another book by her. Try Secrets Never Told or any book in the Cole/Kirkland family and friends series.





Whisper My Name by Maureen Smith

Whisper My NameWhisper My Name by Maureen Smith

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This was an amazing story one that kept me on my toes because the action just kept coming. Not gonna give away the story but this was excellent.

Only Hers by Francis Ray

Only Hers (Arabesque)Only Hers by Francis Ray

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This book is about Matt Taggert and Shannon.. Shannon is a nurse who takes care of Matt's uncle and co-owner of the ranch. Before he dies he leaves Shannon a piece of the property without telling Matt... See the sparks and clashes when you read the book.. It was recently re-released

Man of Fate by Rochelle Alers

Man of Fate (Arabesque)Man of Fate by Rochelle Alers

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I enjoyed this book, the entire series was very romantic. This is the first book in the three part series, Kyle, Duncan and Ivan have been best friends since they were kids. They are all grown up now with successful businesses that they operate out of a jointly owned renovated Brownstone in Harlem. This story focuses on Kyle and the very unlikely woman who meets him see the world differently.

Tumbling by Diane McKinney-Whetstone

TumblingTumbling by Diane McKinney-Whetstone

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I love this book it was a really good read. I actually dreamed about this book the other night. I believe it was rereleased with a different title but this was a great read.


What A Girl Wants by Reon Laudat

What A Girl WantsWhat A Girl Wants by Reon Laudat

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I read this book some time ago and I have read it several times. Although not well known Reon Laudat is on my list of authors that I trust will not waste my money when I pick up something written by her.

Body Chemistry by Dara Girard

Body Chemistry (Harlequin Kimani Romance, #124)Body Chemistry by Dara Girard

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


The book was a decent read, I think I liked the other two a lot better than this one. I have read worse books and I finished it which means a lot coming from me. It was a quick read of about two hours for me

Child Of God by Lolita Files

Child of GodChild of God by Lolita Files

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This book has to be one of the most amazing and disturbing books I have ever read. I promise you that you do not know the meaning of dysfunctional family until you have read this book.





You do not have to take my word for it. Just read it and see,.

Reckless by Selena Montgomery

RecklessReckless by Selena Montgomery

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I was so pissed when I finished this book because it ended so abruptly and then I found out there was a another book coming. which is Deceptions and I am preparing myself for that one to end abruptly as well because there is one more book left in the trilogy.


Delaney's Desert Sheikh by Brenda Jackson

Delaney's Desert SheikhDelaney's Desert Sheikh by Brenda Jackson

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Not sure what I was expecting from this book but it was the only one in the Westmoreland series that I had not read. It was pretty good especially the love scenes. It was a quick three hour read for me but that's just how fast I read. I really did enjoy the book

Body By Night by Zuri Day

Body By NightBody By Night by Zuri Day

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This book was really good, it held my attention. I could feel for the main character's drama. I did not like how silly she was when it came to her mom and sisters and how she could not get her mind right about that man. SHe seemed to just jump to conclusions alot.



I loved the story and I would recommend it.

Something Naughty by Delilah Dawson

Something NaughtySomething Naughty by Delilah Dawson

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


HOT

Secret Agenda by Rochelle Alers

Secret Agenda (Arabesque)Secret Agenda by Rochelle Alers

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I was finally able to finish this book, the delay was not the quality but the fact that I had lost the book in this wasteland I call a bedroom.

Diego was just as I imagined him to be intense and driven. There was not as much action in this book as I would have suspected. But it was a good read and I have never been disappointed by Ms. Alers. I hope that she brings back the action in her stories though.. Think Stranger in My Arms or Renegade both have a lot of action in it.



All in all this is a 4 out 5 stars.

Hand I Fan With by Tina McElroy Ansa

Hand I Fan WithHand I Fan With by Tina McElroy Ansa

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


A great read, I love how she brings her characters to life. It is hard to talk about this book without giving it away.

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

The Great GatsbyThe Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I really did love this book. I read this book in honors English class in high School and I swear I just knew I would hate but I didn't.

Straight To The Heart by Michelle Monkou

Straight to the Heart (Kimani Romance)Straight to the Heart by Michelle Monkou

My rating: 1 of 5 stars


I never completed this book it was too slow. I may try to complete the book and if and when that happens I will update the review.

Emeril's Delmonico

Emeril's Delmonico: A Restaurant with a PastEmeril's Delmonico: A Restaurant with a Past by Emeril Lagasse

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I love this cookbook my copy is autographed. I have not made one item from this book but I still love it.

Wedding Bell Blues by Robyn Amos

Wedding Bell BluesWedding Bell Blues by Robyn Amos

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I really did love this book. It was funny in some parts and exasperating in others.

I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou

I Know Why the Caged Bird SingsI Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou




this is one of my favorite books I read it when I was about twelve and several times since then

Redemption Song by Bertice Berry

Redemption Song: A NovelRedemption Song: A Novel by Bertice Berry

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This was an amazing read for me, the history and the detail was so good. You have to read this book.

Sexual Healing by Jill Nelson

Sexual HealingSexual Healing by Jill Nelson

My rating: 1 of 5 stars


I did not like this book at all. I passed it to five other people none of whom could stomach the book at all. I would not recommend it.


Father Found by RM Johnson

Father FoundFather Found by R.M. Johnson

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I liked this book, it is written from the point of view of a man that grew up in the foster care system. I won't spoil it but it is a definite read.

Coq Au Vin by Charlotte Carter

Coq Au Vin (Nanette Hayes Mysteries)Coq Au Vin by Charlotte Carter

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I loved this book and for the life of me I could never remember who had written it until I stumbled across her name and decided to google it. I definitely think this is a must read

Sweet Dreams by Rochelle Alers

Sweet Dreams (Kimani Romance, #177)Sweet Dreams by Rochelle Alers

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


This book was too short and not as detailed as her others. I wish there was more to it than this. It was not a bad read and does not alter my view of the author whom I consider very talented and I am a big fan

Before The Dawn by Beverly Jenkins

Before the DawnBefore the Dawn by Beverly Jenkins

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Before The Dawn - if I have to say that I have a least favorite book by Ms. Jenkins this one is it. Not that it is a bad book but it gives me the creeps. This is the only book that I own by her that I have only read once but I remember everything about the story to this day and it came out 7 years ago. It is a good read but maybe too vivid for me.



Like all of her books I love them but as I stated above there is all kinds of craziness in this book that will keep your interest.

Defenseless by Adrianne Byrd

Defenseless Defenseless by Adrianne Byrd

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I LOVED THIS BOOK, IT WAS FULL OF ACTION, INTRIGUE, MURDER AND A LOVE STORY WAS THROWN IN AS A BONUS. I DON'T THINK THAT I HAVE GIVEN ADRIANNE THE CREDIT SHE DESERVES BECAUSE AS I WENT THROUGH ONE OF MY MANY BOXES OF BOOKS TODAY I REALIZE THAT I HAVE READ QUITE A FEW BOOKS BY HER.



YOU KNOW THAT I DON'T LIKE GIVING AWAY TOO MUCH OF THE STORY LINE BUT AS YOU READ THIS BOOK BE PREPARED BECAUSE ONLY A FEW OF THE CHARACTERS ARE WHO OR WHAT THEY SEEM TO BE. SO I SUGGEST GRABBING THIS BOOK WHEN YOU HAVE ENOUGH TIME TO DEDICATE TO READING IT.



Taste Of Passion by Brenda Jackson

Taste of Passion (Madaris Family Novels)Taste of Passion by Brenda Jackson

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I have said many times that when Brenda Jackson writes a book for the Madaris series she puts in her best work. I thought this book would be predictable but it wasn't predictable at all. What I thought would be the ending was far from it.
Of all of her many different series this one is my favorite. I can not wait for the next book in the series and if she stays true to the hints in the book it will be Sheik Rashaad and then Blade Madaris.


A Chance At Love by Beverly Jenkins

A Chance at Love (Avon Romance)A Chance at Love by Beverly Jenkins

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


A Chance at Love - Loreli Winters is the heroine of this book and of all things she was a female gambler in the 1800's. She was introduced in Always and Forever. She took the trip to Kansas with the other women for adventure because she knew her occupation did not make her a good choice for a wife. You have to read this one.



This books proves that no matter your past love can heal any of us. Loreli loved the twins from the moment she met them and although she swore that she did not want to be a mother she became one from the moment she met them under that tree.


Breakaway by Rochelle Alers

Breakaway (Arabesque)Breakaway by Rochelle Alers

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Dear Rochelle Alers,



For the first time ever, I can not give one of your books 5 out of 5 stars. Why? because you took away the action that I have always gotten in your story.. Where were was the suspense? No one tried to kill Celia once she was in North Carolina. And how about just a little more about Raymond (Orlando) so he just calls and that's it.. No confrontation between the brothers.

Because you have never disappointed me before I will forgive you this one time. Please remember that you are the best at suspense and romance (see Stranger in my Arms) please don't forget the action scenes in your next story.

Still a fan

Carla