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


The Taming Of Jessi Rose by Beverly Jenkins

The Taming of Jessi Rose (Avon Romance)The Taming of Jessi Rose by Beverly Jenkins

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


The Taming of Jessi Rose - Griffin Blake is the hero or antihero. He is a train robber and the brother of a lawman and he has been freed by Hanging Judge Parker and made a deputy in order to help a town being taken over by a thief. So the judge sends a thief to catch a thief. The Twins show up here, as well as The Preacher, and Dixon Wildhorse. Jessi Rose is the most hated woman in town and the most beautiful, she is hated because she is the last homeowner left who has not sold out to the railroad so she is being harassed and threatened.



There is a sexiness to the heroes in her stories and whenever I need a pick me up, I pick up a book by Beverly Jenkins. There is always a footnote to her books where she tells you of the real historical facts that she uses to write her books.

Always And Forever by Beverly Jenkins

Always and ForeverAlways and Forever by Beverly Jenkins

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Always and Forever - meet Grace Atwood a banker of all things, in a time when women were supposed to just be pretty little air heads. Her fiance leaves her for a woman with more money and she decides to get away from the gossip by leading a bunch of mail order brides across the county to Kansas for her cousin. The town is being started by men and they need wives. The thing is that Grace knows nothing about wagons trains and needs a wagonmaster, enter tall, luscious Jackson Blake former Texas Lawman and brother to Griffin Blake. He agrees to lead her train because he wants to make his way back to Texas to clear his name. He was run out by a murderous son who killed his own father and blamed Blake. This book is so good and showcases the power of a man's pride and how strong a woman's love for her husband should be.






Lessons Of A Lowcountry Summer by Rochelle Alers

Lessons of a Lowcountry SummerLessons of a Lowcountry Summer by Rochelle Alers

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I have a few favorite authors of contemporary fiction and romance and Rochelle Alers is definitely high on the list. I know that when I pick up a book written by her I will not be disappointed and I have never been.



I read Lessons Of A Lowcountry Summer when it was first released a few years ago. I came across the book today while searching for another book and decided to re-read it and write the review.



This book has three main characters Dr. Hope Sutton, Theo Howell and Rebecca, all of whom lead lives of some priviledge and sucess. Hope is a columnist who helps everyone with their relationship problems only to be faced with her own. She catches her "perfect" man with another man and then finds she has a medical condition that will require surgery. Hope packs up and heads to the Gullah islands to relax and heal her spirit and prepare for her surgery.



Rebecca is a trophy wife is tired of the family drama and being unappreciated. She leaves her family for a vacation to find herself and almost finds herself having an affair with a older man. Rebecca's husband is a typical workaholic who had an affair with another woman and thinks he's losing Rebecca because she no longer falling in line with what he wants her to do.



Theo Howell is a screenwriter who gained custody of his two half-brothers and sisters whom he barely knows. Theo is not only struggling with learning how to care for three teenagers he is learning how to love them despite his spite for the way their mother abandoned him. Theo has help with the kids from Helen his live-in housekeeper. Brandon, Christian and Noelle are a handful and they decide that their brother needs a woman and they are gonna help him get one.



I love this book and I had forgotten that some parts of the book are really sad but there is enough drama in parts that it makes up for the sadness. I recommend this book and give it five out of five smiley's.






Topaz by Beverly Jenkins

Topaz (Avon Historical Romance)Topaz by Beverly Jenkins

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Readers Lend Me Your Ear and Eyes!!!!





I want to introduce you to one of my favorite authors on earth!



Mrs. Beverly Jenkins



She is an African American author who writes historical and contemporary romance novels, filled with love, lust, mystery, intrigue and for the historical romances some of the most unknown historical facts that you never learned in school.



Ever so often I find myself re-reading her books because they are that good. I just finished Indigo a few days ago and let me tell you I love that book. Indigo is the name given to Hester Wyatt a former slave now a stop on the underground railroad of sorts. She is a rest stop in Michigan for the weary before they head on to Canada. One night she is brought a man that is known only as the Black Daniel (a slave thief) he steals slaves and brings them north to freedom but there is more to the Black Daniel than meets the eye.



Right now I am reading Night Song and it is the story of a Buffalo Soldier and a school teacher. There is alot more to it than that trust me. There is some arson, a few murders and a kidnapping or two.



The books in order of release date per her website are:



Night Song



Vivid - This one is about a black female doctor, unheard of in that day and a time in a all black town in Kansas.



Indigo



Topaz - is my all time favorite because of Dixon Wildhorse, god knows a man like this can only be created in a book because I don't if God made a man this beautiful or skilled at lovemaking in real life. He is part black and part Seminole Indian and to settle a debt owed to him he accepts the hand of a thief's daughter and believe me there is a little Katherine Wildhorse inside of me. She is a virgin and pretty naive when it comes to dealing with men but she is also a journalist who poses as a man so that she can be published. When he takes her back to his town where he is the Sheriff she joins up with the Dewies (a group of women) and all hell breaks loose. How embarrassing is it to be the sheriff and have to bond your own wife out of jail. Jackson Blake and the Terrible Twins and Griffin Blake are introduced in this book.There is so much more to this story.






Through the Storm by Beverly Jenkins

Through the Storm (Avon Historical Romance)Through the Storm by Beverly Jenkins

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Through the Storm - is next and Raimond LeVeq is the hero and if you read Indigo that is where he is first introduced along with the Black Daniel Galen Vachon who also makes an appearance in this book. The heroine in this book is Sable Fontaine which if you know me personally then you know that I use that name as my email address so that should tell you how much I loved this book. Also it is set in New Orleans and everyone knows that I love my city.



Sable is a slave or has to make two great escapes to save her own life. She is the daughter of a african queen and the master who owned them. There is a beautiful story here as well as the history.


Nobody But You by Francis Ray

Nobody But You: A Grayson Friends Novel (Grayson Friends)Nobody But You: A Grayson Friends Novel by Francis Ray

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I finished this book and I loved it...It is hard to review this book without giving away some of the story so just trust me and read it. Thanks Francis you never disappoint me.

The Way You Love Me by Francis Ray

The Way You Love Me: A Grayson Friends Novel (Grayson Novels)The Way You Love Me: A Grayson Friends Novel by Francis Ray

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This is the story about Shane who was first introduced in Dreaming of You and whom we got to know a little bit better in Only You. The female in this book worked my nerves she was naive and kind of childish. She had these silly expectations of her mother and was pretty sheltered.



The books is quite good as always Mrs. Ray does not disappoint.

At First Touch by Tamara Sneed

At First Touch (Kimani Romance)At First Touch by Tamara Sneed

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I actually really liked this book although Quinn is silly an quite childish in her thinking, the book is quite good..

Dead Above Ground

Dead Above GroundDead Above Ground by Jervey Tervalon

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I read this book back in 2003 and it has sparked many discussions. This book was well written and very dramatic. I do not want to know what goes on in the mind of this author because I tell you it has to be something.



I recommend this book to anyone who will listen.

Circles of Love by Karen White - Owens

Circles of Love (Arabesque)Circles of Love by Karen White-Owens

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


I hated and loved this book at the same time. I did not like the fiance in the book but he did really love her. But when she found her parents and their reaction to her made me so angry that I think I threw this book away when I finished it.

A Love To Remember by Angela Weaver

A Love To Remember (Kimani Romance)A Love To Remember by Angela Weaver

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


not as good as the first one about the sister

The Business of Love by Angela Winters

The Business Of Love (Arabesque)The Business Of Love by Angela Winters

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I forgot how good a writer Angela Winters is until I found this book at the Half-priced book store. This book has murders and mystery and a man's journey to remember where he came from.



I can not tell you much about the book without giving it away. Maya is working for and is part owner of a hotel chain started by her father and his best-friend. Maya's father was killed in a automobile accident and her memories of him are tainted as she chooses to remember only the good parts of him. Everything Maya and her business partner do is to make her father proud. On the eve of the day the hotel chain is to go public a resident who actually lives in the hotel is murdered and Maya finds her body.



Trajan is the public relations person hired to help them advertise regarding the business ventures. However he and Maya do not get along at all, he treats her like a child and she does not like it. After awhile things change but he keeps messing up because he puts business before everything else. Trajan believes that money is more important than anything else. This is a definite good read. The story evolves into much more from here.

Aloha Love by Alice Wootson

Aloha Love (Arabesque)Aloha Love by Alice G. Wootson

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


too slow, since I see that it has ranked higher with others I will try to re-read it.

Purple Panties by Zane

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The Bluest Eyes

The Bluest EyeThe Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This is probably my favorite book in the entire world. I have read it numerous times always clearing my mind so it will be just like the first time. Just imagine living with so much pain that all you really want is to have blue eyes like a baby doll because you think that is the only way that someone else will love you. In the end retreating into a world all your own because there was no one there to protect a little girl who just wanted to be a little girl.



I know Toni Morrison has a style that is not always appreciated but if you can let go of what your expectations of what you want this to be and just let it be the masterpiece that it is; I think you will appreciate it as much as I do.



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Monday, August 30, 2010

God Don't Like Ugly

God Don't Like Ugly (God Don't Like Ugly, #1)God Don't Like Ugly by Mary Monroe

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I love this book and the author. There is alot going on and it definitely held my attention. There is a sequel to it as well.



Rhoda and Annette go through a lot together and one of these girls is a murderer and if you have not read it you will have to do so to figure out which.



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Dying on the Edge

Dying on the EdgeDying on the Edge by Francine Craft

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


When I first started the book I was kind of leery being a New Orleans native I have heard my share of voodoo stories but this was not the entire foundation of the story and I am glad. As much as I want to tell you about this story I don't want to spoil it for you. I will tell you that the person you think is the killer just may not be. I had about five suspects and they were all wrong.





I am a fan of Ms. Craft and I must say that she did not disappoint me with this one even if I thought she did when I first started reading it. Trust me when you get about 50 pages in you are gonna be like what the heck! but keep going. There is a lot going on in this story so fight the urge to skip ahead because if you do you will be confused and will have to go back anyway.



I gave the book 5 stars because it did not treat the voodoo aspect in the typical way, also because she kept me guessing. I wish it would have gone a little deeper into some of the characters but in the end i loved it.



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Dreaming of You

Dreaming of You (A Grayson Novel)Dreaming of You by Francis Ray

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This is book three in the series and I have to admit that I love Brandon and Faith's story. She is a unlikely heroine in that she is kind of inexperienced and insecure. Brandon on the other hand is a great chef, a good son and brother but has no clue when it comes to Faith,



He does not see her as a woman but yet thinks she is dumb enough not to know how to handle other men so when she asks for his advice on how to get a man he doesn't want to help. But he will ask her to do other things for him like help redecorate his home.



The story is a good one and not very predictable except you knew she was gonna get her man even if she had to use every trick she could think of.



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