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shanaetheflyest's reviews
791 reviews
When a Gangsta Wants You by Jade Jones
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
When A Gangsta Wants You by Jade Jones was mostly OK.
Pros: The story is engaging and easy to follow. In the world of urban fiction, you can never downplay how significant that is.
Cons: There were too many twists and turns in the story that were largely unexplained.Did Nova's parents really try to sell her to Master? Why did Master try to kill her parents when he was obviously cutthroat enough to have taken her? Why would Maloni want Master dead when all she had to do was cheat?? How did Master make things right with Sensation? Who was Sensation's mother? Why doesn't Nova get along with her sister?
This will be my last read from Jade Jones, her books have wayyyy too much drama for me - there were fight scenes and everything! That's too much for my romance-loving heart. I do recommend When A Gangsta Wants You for any diehard urban lit readers.
Pros: The story is engaging and easy to follow. In the world of urban fiction, you can never downplay how significant that is.
Cons: There were too many twists and turns in the story that were largely unexplained.
This will be my last read from Jade Jones, her books have wayyyy too much drama for me - there were fight scenes and everything! That's too much for my romance-loving heart. I do recommend When A Gangsta Wants You for any diehard urban lit readers.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Sexism, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, and Violence
Moderate: Medical content, Physical abuse, Death, Gun violence, Pregnancy, Abandonment, Infidelity, and Misogyny
Minor: Stalking, Fire/Fire injury, Homophobia, Infertility, Alcohol, Kidnapping, Addiction, Sexual assault, and Murder
Love, From Scratch by Nina High
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
In Love, From Scratch, readers learn more about Draymond, who's mentioned only a few times in Love, Under Contract (book 1 of the Martin Brothers Series), and his love interest, Amaya. The characters are fully developed in this dual POV romance story about work-life balance; having the strength and wisdom to pivot; and learning to accept love. Draymond is caring, communicative, creative, and rich af -- everything you want in a man. Amaya is smart and unrelenting, a very relatable FMC for me...probably the first FMC I could really relate to. I felt so full at the end of Love, From Scratch because the ending was perfect. I am so excited for book 3 in the series.
I really enjoyed Nina High's book Love, Under Contract. The book wasn't perfect but the story was engaging enough that I was eager to read book 2, Love, From Scratch. Nina High did even better with Book 2 of the Martin Brothers Series. If you're looking for a feel good romance story with the perfect MMC and an engaging storyline, I highly recommend Love, From Scratch - it is the perfect summer read.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️ 🌶️
I really enjoyed Nina High's book Love, Under Contract. The book wasn't perfect but the story was engaging enough that I was eager to read book 2, Love, From Scratch. Nina High did even better with Book 2 of the Martin Brothers Series. If you're looking for a feel good romance story with the perfect MMC and an engaging storyline, I highly recommend Love, From Scratch - it is the perfect summer read.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️ 🌶️
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Cursing
Love, Under Contract by Nina High
I want to hear a man say that to me right now.
Though the pacing and storytelling felt a bit off at times for me, the book grabbed my attention right from the first page and it's pretty fast paced. I couldn't put it down, so I finished in about 2 days. 🤭
With Love, Under Contract we get a dual POV book about mother-daughter relationships; finding balance in life and relationships; and found family.
The characters are lovable and the story is very engaging for the most part. And I am really excited to read the other 2 books in the series. If you're looking for a lighthearted marriage of convenience romance and you enjoy the found family trope, you'll really enjoy Love, Under Contract.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
There is an additional chapter available exclusively for those who subscribe to the author's email list. I don't feel that the final chapter adds much to the story, but it does show the FMC, Charisse, confronting her mother and sister (Yanique), explaining more about Yanique's relationship with Byron. I think this chapter could've been added to Love Under, Contract and the author could've given readers a bonus chapter about Charisse and Dru's honeymoon instead.
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Love, Under Contract is my first book from the author Nina High and I really really enjoyed the story and the characters! Charisse and Dru are atypical Black characters and they're the perfect pair in Love, Under Contract.
In Love, Under Contract, we meet Charisse a struggling school teacher Charisse and Dru, a workaholic whose mother has promised him the family business if he settles down. A mutual attraction and shared needs, leads Dru to propose a marriage of convenience to Charisse - she'll no longer struggle because he'll pay her to be his wife - and he'll get the family business because he'll get the wife he needs.
The FMC, Charisse, is relatable and down-to-earth...just what you want in a female lead in a marriage of convenience romance. While the MMC, Dru, is sexy, smart, rich, and generous...everyone's dream. My favorite interaction between Charisse and Dru happens when flies Charisse to her dream vacation in Puerto Rico, then surprises her by flying out her two best friends Porsche and Lily:
In Love, Under Contract, we meet Charisse a struggling school teacher Charisse and Dru, a workaholic whose mother has promised him the family business if he settles down. A mutual attraction and shared needs, leads Dru to propose a marriage of convenience to Charisse - she'll no longer struggle because he'll pay her to be his wife - and he'll get the family business because he'll get the wife he needs.
The FMC, Charisse, is relatable and down-to-earth...just what you want in a female lead in a marriage of convenience romance. While the MMC, Dru, is sexy, smart, rich, and generous...everyone's dream. My favorite interaction between Charisse and Dru happens when flies Charisse to her dream vacation in Puerto Rico, then surprises her by flying out her two best friends Porsche and Lily:
"You didn't have to do this." I tell Dru when we're alone.
"I know," he tells me. "But I wanted to. And I can. So I did."
I want to hear a man say that to me right now.
Though the pacing and storytelling felt a bit off at times for me, the book grabbed my attention right from the first page and it's pretty fast paced. I couldn't put it down, so I finished in about 2 days. 🤭
With Love, Under Contract we get a dual POV book about mother-daughter relationships; finding balance in life and relationships; and found family.
The characters are lovable and the story is very engaging for the most part. And I am really excited to read the other 2 books in the series. If you're looking for a lighthearted marriage of convenience romance and you enjoy the found family trope, you'll really enjoy Love, Under Contract.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Content Warnings
Moderate: Toxic relationship, Sexual content, Abandonment, and Cursing
Minor: Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Bullying, and Alcohol
Rhythm's Blues by Kimberly Brown
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Kimberly Brown always writes really dynamic characters and engaging stories. She's a truly gifted romance writer and her books always leave me searching for her next read. Rhythm's Blues is no different. The story features a strong, smart FMC who is easy relatable. You want the absolute best for her. Brown's MMCs are always top-tier, loving, attentive, and PAID...Channing fits the bill entirely. The secondary characters are even fun, too, like Rhythm's mom and dad. Plus Kimberly Brown does a great job at taking on serious issues, like dementia as seen in Channing's grandmother, Grams, and Grams' relationship with her daughter/Channing's mother, Ms. Watson. If you're looking for a captivating romance novel with a little drama and a few emotional moments, I highly recommend Rhythm's Blues. I was hooked from the very first page and finished the book in less than 2 days.
Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Content Warnings
Graphic: Dementia, Sexual content, Alcohol, and Cursing
Moderate: Infidelity and Emotional abuse
Minor: Miscarriage, Toxic relationship, Pregnancy, Injury/Injury detail, and Stalking
She a Baddie by Monique Fisher
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
In She a Baddie, we meet Chris Rossmore and Isobel Taylor, Black excellence on full display. Chris and Isobel have been friends ever since popular Isobel saved geeky Chris from being teased mercilessly in high school. Chris and Isobel have always loved one another, but neither acts on the brewing attraction because they value their friendship too much. When Chris has to fight for the role of CEO at his family's company, Rossmore Wineries, and Isobel finds herself facing the same career-related challenges at her family business, Taylor Made Hair, the two work together to achieve their goals. Along the way, the two realize that they want a relationship and do the work to actualize it - finding true happiness in this happy for now-style friends-to-lovers fake-dating romance.
The story is entertaining for a quick read. Author Monique Fisher kept me engaged from the very first page. And even got some chuckles out of me...some parts of She a Baddie were really funny. Chris is the perfect MMC, smart, rich, and supportive - I'm looking for my Chris Rossmore right now! Isobel is a great FMC, too, she's smart, quick witted, self-confident, and fashionable, just an all around great female character.
A few of the cons: 1) Unfortunately, for me, some of the dialogue between the characters is a bit immature, but the characters are young. 2) Some of the sex scenes and the confrontational scenes near the end of the book felt rushed. 3) I think Monique Fisher might've tried to do too many things with this really short story - friends to lovers, fake dating, estranged father-son relationship, and BDSM...that's a lot in 129 pages.
I've only read one other book by Monique Fisher, Hot for Teacher, and it was so good that I decided to read her other books whenever I could: enter She a Baddie. I was expecting a full length novel, but I think this is more of a novelette at just 129 pages. It was an enjoyable quick read and I will read more of Monique Fisher's books for sure!
The story is entertaining for a quick read. Author Monique Fisher kept me engaged from the very first page. And even got some chuckles out of me...some parts of She a Baddie were really funny. Chris is the perfect MMC, smart, rich, and supportive - I'm looking for my Chris Rossmore right now! Isobel is a great FMC, too, she's smart, quick witted, self-confident, and fashionable, just an all around great female character.
I've only read one other book by Monique Fisher, Hot for Teacher, and it was so good that I decided to read her other books whenever I could: enter She a Baddie. I was expecting a full length novel, but I think this is more of a novelette at just 129 pages. It was an enjoyable quick read and I will read more of Monique Fisher's books for sure!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Minor: Toxic relationship, Death of parent, Abandonment, and Infidelity
Courtesy Of Duval County by Tacarra
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This is my second read from Tacarra and, while I really liked the first book I read from her titled Khan's Choice, this short story, Courtesy of Duval County just didn't cut it for me. The characters were pretty stereotypical and the story was just really unlikely. I really enjoyed the synopsis and thought the premise was cool, but reading this love story just felt really rushed and I think more could've been done to establish the relationship between the FMC, Janelle/Nellie, and the MMC, Shariq/Frost.
Courtesy of Duval County is mostly engaging with likable characters. The book is relaxing, occasionally funny, and it offers an escape. I recommend this short story to established fans of Tacarra.
Courtesy of Duval County is mostly engaging with likable characters. The book is relaxing, occasionally funny, and it offers an escape. I recommend this short story to established fans of Tacarra.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cursing, Sexual content, and Pregnancy
Minor: Infidelity, Injury/Injury detail, and Death of parent
Jamaal The IT Guy by Kasha Thompson
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
With Jamaal The IT Guy, I have officially read all of Kasha Thompson's published work and what can I say besides...I'm a huge fan! Thompson writes these really good stories featuring Black men and women in such a unique way. Her characters are lovable, the stories are engaging and hard to put down. That's why I finished Jamaal The IT Guy in less than 2 days.
In Jamaal The IT Guy, we meet Winnie and Jamaal. Winnie is a creative extrovert who comes from a family of tumblers and contortionists. Winnie is in California, looking to establish roots for herself after separating from her family's way of life - looking for something more stable, something that doesn't require travel, living out of an RV, and performing. She's climbing her way to the top at Codeability, the startup everyone's talking about, looking to pursue her passions in communications and marketing, but until then she spends her days as a gofer/assistant to the assistant of the guy who runs the Codeability and pining after Jamaal - the IT guy. Jamaal is smart, funny, and fine as hell! He's grappling with confidence issues, he's risk adverse, and he wants Winnie just as bad as she wants him.
When the two finally get on the same page, the sparks fly and readers get to experience a beautiful, relaxing love story about two diverse characters navigating love of self and setting boundaries; intimacy and vulnerability in relationships; family issues; and achieving goals.
One of my favorite romantic quotes comes from Jamaal The IT Guy, below where Jamaal expounds upon his love for Winnie:
In Jamaal The IT Guy, we meet Winnie and Jamaal. Winnie is a creative extrovert who comes from a family of tumblers and contortionists. Winnie is in California, looking to establish roots for herself after separating from her family's way of life - looking for something more stable, something that doesn't require travel, living out of an RV, and performing. She's climbing her way to the top at Codeability, the startup everyone's talking about, looking to pursue her passions in communications and marketing, but until then she spends her days as a gofer/assistant to the assistant of the guy who runs the Codeability and pining after Jamaal - the IT guy. Jamaal is smart, funny, and fine as hell! He's grappling with confidence issues, he's risk adverse, and he wants Winnie just as bad as she wants him.
When the two finally get on the same page, the sparks fly and readers get to experience a beautiful, relaxing love story about two diverse characters navigating love of self and setting boundaries; intimacy and vulnerability in relationships; family issues; and achieving goals.
One of my favorite romantic quotes comes from Jamaal The IT Guy, below where Jamaal expounds upon his love for Winnie:
Happiness hides in your smile. In the way you look at me. In our heated debates...in the freckles that dot your nose. In the feel ofyour hand in mine...Happiness is the text messages laced with emojis and GIFs that perfectly encapsulate our conversations. It's the way you say my name after we kiss...it's softer, richer, and filled with so much meaning. You are happiness. Being with you and the life we're creating is my happiness.
I felt so satisfied after reading Jamaal The IT Guy, but I'd be lying if I said that I didn't want more. There is so much more that I want to know about Winnie and Jamaal's story, for now I will accept the "happy for now" ending. Thank you to Kasha Thompson for the Advanced Reader Copy (ARC).
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Toxic friendship, Classism, and Cursing
Minor: Violence, Bullying, Gaslighting, and Injury/Injury detail
Courage to Love Again by Kimberly Brown
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Wow wow wow!! Kimberly Brown did it again with Courage to Love Again. She's written a beautiful love story about overcoming loss, grief, divorce, depression, and generational curses.
We meet Pasha, an unhappily married stay-at-home-wife struggling to overcome mental health trials after experiencing multiple losses, on the same day that her husband, Raymond, decides to request a divorce, put her out of their home, and move on with his new pregnant mistress. Brown pulls you in right away with the drama and gives you all the feels. Forced out of her home, Pasha uses a ride-sharing app to call for a car. The driver, who just so happens to be the wealthy owner Callum, becomes her 'Knight In Shining Armor,' saving her from the mean words of her husband and further embarrassment.
While Pasha works on rebuilding her life and finding herself, her situation takes ahold of Callum and he just can't stop thinking about her. After a few chance encounters, the two agree to be friends and grow in love together.
With this very passionate and thoughtful love story, Kimberly Brown weaves a tale of strength and perseverance that is empowering and inspiring for romance readers.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Note: There is not exactly an adult/minor relationship in Courage to Love Again, but there is a serious age gap with a male character who uses that age gap to take advantage of the FMC.
We meet Pasha, an unhappily married stay-at-home-wife struggling to overcome mental health trials after experiencing multiple losses, on the same day that her husband, Raymond, decides to request a divorce, put her out of their home, and move on with his new pregnant mistress. Brown pulls you in right away with the drama and gives you all the feels. Forced out of her home, Pasha uses a ride-sharing app to call for a car. The driver, who just so happens to be the wealthy owner Callum, becomes her 'Knight In Shining Armor,' saving her from the mean words of her husband and further embarrassment.
While Pasha works on rebuilding her life and finding herself, her situation takes ahold of Callum and he just can't stop thinking about her. After a few chance encounters, the two agree to be friends and grow in love together.
With this very passionate and thoughtful love story, Kimberly Brown weaves a tale of strength and perseverance that is empowering and inspiring for romance readers.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Note: There is not exactly an adult/minor relationship in Courage to Love Again, but there is a serious age gap with a male character who uses that age gap to take advantage of the FMC.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Cursing, Toxic relationship, Gaslighting, Grief, Misogyny, Sexual content, and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Death of parent, Panic attacks/disorders, Bullying, Pregnancy, Suicidal thoughts, Body shaming, Infertility, Fatphobia, Abandonment, Violence, Child death, and Miscarriage
Minor: Medical content, Rape, Death, Infidelity, Car accident, Misogyny, and Self harm
Out of Office by A.H. Cunningham
*sigh* Just beautiful.
Add Out of Office to your TBR -- it's a must-read for the summer. Though I enjoyed it on my balcony every evening after work for about a week, I think it's best read on the beach.
Note: There is some mention of homophobia and biphobia in the book, however, the characters do not directly experience it in Out of Office.
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
A. H. Cunningham has quickly become one of my favorite writers and with Out of Office she reminds me why. Cunningham has the ability to write them most diverse and eclectic characters with tremendous care and Out of Office features characters that fit the bill.
In Out of Office we meet overworked but determined Genevieve who's climbing the corporate ladder to realize her dreams...or her mother's dreams. In this quest for "success," Genevieve meets Adrian, a reformed workaholic, who manages to capture her heart and challenge her relationship with her career, her mother, and herself.
Cunningham writes the most tender and beautiful love story between Genevieve and Adrian that defies time, distance, and logic.
I found myself immediately falling in love with Adrian and his family. But more than that, I love the way he helped Genevieve identify her true desires from her whole life...isn't that what a relationship is supposed to be about? Thank you to A. H. Cunningham for always revealing to readers what they should aspire to have in every interpersonal journey with her writing.
I annotated quite a bit in Out of Office, but one of my favorite quotes, I have to share below:
In Out of Office we meet overworked but determined Genevieve who's climbing the corporate ladder to realize her dreams...or her mother's dreams. In this quest for "success," Genevieve meets Adrian, a reformed workaholic, who manages to capture her heart and challenge her relationship with her career, her mother, and herself.
Cunningham writes the most tender and beautiful love story between Genevieve and Adrian that defies time, distance, and logic.
I found myself immediately falling in love with Adrian and his family. But more than that, I love the way he helped Genevieve identify her true desires from her whole life...isn't that what a relationship is supposed to be about? Thank you to A. H. Cunningham for always revealing to readers what they should aspire to have in every interpersonal journey with her writing.
I annotated quite a bit in Out of Office, but one of my favorite quotes, I have to share below:
Whatever lay between us, we navigated it better when our skins touched, and we chatted about any topic.
*sigh* Just beautiful.
Add Out of Office to your TBR -- it's a must-read for the summer. Though I enjoyed it on my balcony every evening after work for about a week, I think it's best read on the beach.
Note: There is some mention of homophobia and biphobia in the book, however, the characters do not directly experience it in Out of Office.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Cursing and Abandonment
Minor: Alcohol, Death of parent, Emotional abuse, Grief, Cultural appropriation, and Classism
Jump Ball by Kasha Thompson
Though this is the advice that Sariah reflects on her first day at the Las Vegas Ramblers executive offices, it sets the tone for the entire story. We find two people trying their hardest leaning on one another and working together to create a happy life on their own terms. Along the way, we get an attempted corporate takeover, a sibling reconciliation, and a spicy HFN.
This is my fifth 5 star review for Kasha Thompson's books. I cannot say enough about how good her writing and storytelling is. You're in for an entertaining story with lovable characters every single time.
Spice: 🥵🥵🥵🥵
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Out of nowhere Kasha Thompson has become one of my favorite authors. Her Las Vegas Rambler series started off strong with the complicated characters Sloan and Deck in Defensive Stance, which I thoroughly enjoyed. But there's something about Justus and Sariah that makes them even better!
In Jump Ball we meet troubled boss babe Sariah Thornton working through familial drama after her estranged father dies and leaves her a substantial part of his wealth and Justus Chappel, basketball player turned NBA coach eager focused on two things: a championship and his twin daughters.
In Jump Ball we meet troubled boss babe Sariah Thornton working through familial drama after her estranged father dies and leaves her a substantial part of his wealth and Justus Chappel, basketball player turned NBA coach eager focused on two things: a championship and his twin daughters.
Jelly Bean, create the life you want and you'll never be unhappy a day in your life.
Though this is the advice that Sariah reflects on her first day at the Las Vegas Ramblers executive offices, it sets the tone for the entire story. We find two people trying their hardest leaning on one another and working together to create a happy life on their own terms. Along the way, we get an attempted corporate takeover, a sibling reconciliation, and a spicy HFN.
This is my fifth 5 star review for Kasha Thompson's books. I cannot say enough about how good her writing and storytelling is. You're in for an entertaining story with lovable characters every single time.
Spice: 🥵🥵🥵🥵
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Grief and Abandonment
Minor: Death of parent and Child death