I really enjoyed this book even if it did frustrate me at times. Afi was better than me because I wouThank you to Algonquin Books for my review copy.
I really enjoyed this book even if it did frustrate me at times. Afi was better than me because I would have NEVER married Eli. Her Mom and Aunty put her in a terrible position and only cared about themselves in this story. Afi feelings were often dismissed and she was just supposed to go along with the flow while her husband gets to have two women and not a care in the world. I know in some countries men can have more than one wife, but that’s not going to work for me. I definitely agree with Afi in having to be the only wife.
Eli had no backbone and was too weak to stand up to his mother. His personality was lacking and he just irritated me the WHOLE book and I was just done with him.
I love that Afi found her strength and grew as the book progressed. Afi wasn’t the naive character from the beginning of the book. She had goals she wanted to accomplish and she made them happen and was able to stand on her own two feet. I was so happy for her when the book ended.
This was a solid debut by Peace Adzo Medie and I definitely recommend this story. It reads quick and will have your emotions all over the place. At one point I threw my book after dealing with Eli’s sorry ass. ...more
Chloe has a chronic illness which I enjoyed seeing since I suffer from a chronic illness as well. Just because I look okay on the outside doesn’t meanChloe has a chronic illness which I enjoyed seeing since I suffer from a chronic illness as well. Just because I look okay on the outside doesn’t mean I am.
“You think this is a big deal because, no offense, you’ve had a lot of people in your life who claimed to care about you but didn’t act like it. That’s not me. I can cook, and right now, you can’t. So I’m doing it for you because that’s how people should behave; they should fill in each other’s gaps. Don’t think about it too hard.”
*sighs* Red
I love the way he didn’t treat Chloe like she was going to break but was there when she needed the help. He wasn’t pushy or arrogant about it which was great.
Chloe and Red had awesome banter. I loved the tension they had in the beginning. Seeing them lower their guards down and fall for each other was everything.
I loved the family dynamic of the book and I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the books in this series. ...more
Thank you to William Morrow books for the advance review copy.
Let me start off by saying this book is no ordinary thriller. Why is that? 4 1/2 stars
Thank you to William Morrow books for the advance review copy.
Let me start off by saying this book is no ordinary thriller. Why is that? Because everything in this book has happened and continues to happen in the Black community and marginalized groups.
This book is a scary but realistic portrayal of gentrification that happens in the Black communities. I, myself have seen it happen and it's truly heartbreaking. Rents are raised, people are forced out of their homes. Then the neighborhood starts “changing for the better” and before you know it everything you know and love is gone. We do have a lot of micro aggressive characters in this book and it pissed me off to NO end.
Sydney was a very refreshing character, she pulled no punches and gave it to Theo straight with no chaser. At one point she almost had me feeling a tad bit sorry for him. ...more
All I can say is that this book needs to be required reading in all schools! As an adult I found this book to be very informative*Amazon Vine Review*
All I can say is that this book needs to be required reading in all schools! As an adult I found this book to be very informative. This book had me highlighting, tabbing pages and researching certain events/people on the internet as well. After reading this book I can’t wait for the original Stamped book to arrive in the mail.
Notable Quote:
Make yourself small, Make yourself unthreatening, Make yourself the same, Make yourself safe, Make yourself quiet, To make White people comfortable with your existence.
Whew. I had to put the book down after reading this part of the book. As a Black woman in America, I know this all too well. ...more
Thank you to NetGalley and Ace Publisher for my digital review copy.
“To be a woman is to be a sacrifice.”
Immanuelle has become one of my favorite femThank you to NetGalley and Ace Publisher for my digital review copy.
“To be a woman is to be a sacrifice.”
Immanuelle has become one of my favorite female leads after reading this book. I loved the fact that after EVERYTHING she went through she still did the right thing when it was all said and done. Immanuelle was considered an outcast because she was biracial and even though she lived with her White family members, she still had to keep her head down and her nose clean which was so frustrating at times. Then we have the Prophet who spews his venom and is the biggest sinner of them all but uses his holiness to justify his actions. Sounds about right.
This was a solid debut by Alexis Henderson. It covered certain topics without coming off like a public service announcement such as racism and sexism. It has a strong message about speaking up about what is right and not being complicit in certain situations. The story was fast paced and held my attention. Reading this book transported me to a different place and the whole time reading I felt like I was in the book watching the events unfold. I loved the way the book was wrapped up and there weren’t any loose ends. I do hope we get a sequel because I’m not ready to let these characters go. ...more
This book had a very strong start and I couldn't put the book down but it did stall in the middle. I'm *Thank you to Celadon Books for my review copy*
This book had a very strong start and I couldn't put the book down but it did stall in the middle. I'm happy I pushed through because the book got really good and the twist took me by surprise. The WHOLE book I was thinking one thing and then the author went and pulled the rug from under my feet!!!!! I still can't stop thinking about that twist. Well done. This was a well written story and for the most part the pacing was good. I enjoyed this book way better than The Whisper Man and highly recommend reading this story.
This was my first time reading anything by this author and it was really good. I devoured this book in one day. I can't*Amazon Vine Review*
4 1/2 stars
This was my first time reading anything by this author and it was really good. I devoured this book in one day. I can't tell you the last time that has happened. I thought I had the plot figured out but I was SO wrong. The twists in this story are something else. I had to reread the last few chapters and when it finally clicked I was stunned. This was a very unique plot and I highly recommend going into this story blind. Make sure to pay attention to the clues. After reading I remembered things that now make sense. I will also be checking out other books by this author as he has left me very impressed with his story telling. ...more
Caleb and Teagen had a rocky start but eventually they became friends and slowly lovers. I loved the sloThis book.
The feels.
The angst.
The tension.
Caleb and Teagen had a rocky start but eventually they became friends and slowly lovers. I loved the slow delicious burn of this story. I felt every single emotion between Caleb and Teagen. I laughed and ached right along with them both while reading. You could cut the tension between them with a knife and these are the books that I enjoy the most. Caleb and Teagen brought out the best in each other once they let their walls down and it was such a beautiful thing to see.
Ward writes about characters that are flawed but so relatable. Reading this story definitely hit close to home and I just wanted to wrap my arms around Caleb while reading. Ward has a special talent of writing unique and refreshing stories which is why she is one of my favorite authors. I have never been disappointed after reading her books.
If you are looking for a wonderfully written slow burn, emotional, romance novel that will leave you with a book hangover look no further. ...more
*Thank you to Minotaur Books for my free review copy.*
I read this book over the weekend and this is how you write a suspense/thriller book! It was fas*Thank you to Minotaur Books for my free review copy.*
I read this book over the weekend and this is how you write a suspense/thriller book! It was fast paced and kept me engaged from start to finish. The twists and reveals had my heart racing and my jaw dropping. I HIGHLY recommend picking up a copy of this book.
Triggers: Suicide and thoughts of self harm. ...more