Tag: 4-star review

When Love Aint Enough by Vivian M. Kelly (May 2008 Pick of the Month)

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Publisher/Date:  Gritz N Eggs Production, Apr. 2006
Genre:  Romance
Pages: 488
Website:  http://www.vivianmkelly.com

Rating: ★★★★☆ 

We’ve all suffered through the media’s obsession with black men on the DL, but what about sistahs on the down low, keeping their lesbian affairs hush-hush while using their heterosexual relationships as a cover?

That’s what Casey Banks contends with as you read WHEN LOVE AINT ENOUGH, the debut novel from writer Vivian M. Kelly. When we first meet Casey, she’s strung out over her longtime-lover Jade, who left to her marry a NBA superstar. Devastation overtakes her heart – along with glasses of Cognac and the sounds of Luther Vandross – and drowns her in despair. In her heartbroken haze, Casey recalls the road that led her to this low in her life.

A childhood filled with hidden desires, Casey always felt she could never act on her feelings for women. She carried her longing in a secret place, until she fell in love with her college sweetheart Nahdia, and knew she had to be herself. Yet, as quickly as love came, it faded as tragedy struck the happy couple.

Afterward Casey became emotionally numb, and time passes before she can open herself up again. She believes she could never find the connection she had with Nahdia, and it’s proven when she puts herself in trifling situations to have someone in her life. No one values her sensitive side, the one that will do anything for the right woman.

Now a promising new attorney at prestigious Norfolk law firm, Casey believes she’s found the perfect partner in Jade. A TV executive, Jade is everything Casey’s been looking for: beautiful, smart, and seemingly together. They truly enjoy each other’s company, whenever Jade can spare it. Jade doesn’t acknowledge their relationship publicly, and won’t admit that she’s gay – except when Casey’s between her legs.

To make matters worse, Jade doesn’t bother to let go her ex-boyfriend b-ball player, and doesn’t make any apologies for it to Casey. For Jade to treat their relationship like a dirty little secret leads to Casey’s depression and loss of self-esteem. She can’t handle it seeing the woman she loves in the arms of someone else. Can she pull herself together to see the writing on the wall?

Kelly’s novel proves love is definitely not enough to keep someone who doesn’t want to be kept. Jade strung Casey to the point that I was sick of her. Grammatical errors aside, you’ll get more involved with every page, and there are almost 500 pages to get through. When Love Aint Enough effectively demonstrates the expression love is blind, but anyone who’s been in Casey’s shoes will realize that your own sanity is more important than believing in empty promises.

Reviewed May 2008

Grace After Midnight by Felicia “Snoop” Pearson

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Publisher/Date:  Grand Central Publishing, Nov. 2007
Genre(s): Lesbian Real Life, Street Life
Pages:  240
Website:  http://www.myspace.com/bmoresnoop

Rating: ★★★★☆ 

“I’m not making excuses and I’m not feeling sorry for myself. Don’t expect you to feel sorry for me either. Just want to tell my story while it’s fresh.”

And so begins GRACE AFTER MIDNIGHT, the striking autobiography of Felicia “Snoop” Pearson, star of the critically acclaimed HBO series, The Wire. In the short but poignant memoir written with David Ritz, Snoop recants her upbringing in the tough streets of Baltimore, the place that both raised and almost killed her.

Born with cross-eyes and crack in her system thanks to a drug-addicted mother, Snoop had much to overcome in the first moments of her life. She was no more than three pounds at birth, but surpassed the grim expectations placed on her. After years in foster care, she was taken in by a loving older couple, Cora and Levi Pearson. They offered her a good home with Christian values and worked to make sure Snoop had a better life.

Yet it didn’t stop her from taking on the streets. By her pre-teens, Snoop had her first taste as runner whose quiet strength took her far in the game. At 12 years old, she was witnessing murders, drug deals, shakedowns, and way too much for a girl her age. One of her mentors, a man known as “Uncle,” took Snoop under his wing and tried to get her abandon her dangerous behavior, but it was too little too late when Snoop ended in the Jessup State Penitentiary at 14 for murder.

Snoop recalls this night in third person and tells the story of how she ended up killing a girl in self-defense. It landed her a six-year sentence for second-degree murder, but ultimately saved her. While there she turned her life around, gaining a new appreciation for doing the right thing. With Uncle’s help, she left there feeling like she could do anything – and quickly found her good intentions weren’t worth much. That is, until she met Michael K. Williams from The Wire, landing the role of a lifetime with no acting experience.

The rest is history.

Snoop’s story is compelling and heart wrenching. You see the innocence of a child wanting her mother and a heart growing cold from rejection. You also glimpse a woman truly turning her life around, trying to obtain the grace after midnight she found in prison. And you also witness a woman true to her sexuality, being openly gay all her life.

For that, she should be applauded. Bravo, Snoop, bravo.

Reviewed May 2008

My Secrets Your Lies by N’Tyse (Mar. 2008 Pick of the Month)

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Publisher/Date:  A Million Thoughts Publishing, Mar. 2007
Genre(s):  Romance, Street Life
Pages:  229
Website:  http://www.ntyse.com

Rating: ★★★★☆ 

If you’re looking for a dramatic tale about two scandalous females, then MY SECRETS YOUR LIES will definitely fit the bill.

This delicious novel, written by author N’Tyse, is off the chain. It begins with Sand, a hustla willing to do anything to keep her lady Rene satisfied. Both hitting the streets as teens, out in the cruel world, the two became inseparable. Sand was attracted to Rene’s natural good looks and banging body, while Rene was drawn into the security her stud offered. With a little ingenuity, they manage to hold each other down for the long haul.

Everything changes one day for Rene, though. She feels stifled in her relationship and is tired of being treated differently for being gay. She begins seeing someone new (gasp, a man) behind Sand’s back, spitting more lies than President Bush at a FEMA press conference. Yet, Rene is sure her life would be better with a man as her partner than a woman.

Predictably, Rene soon learns that the grass isn’t greener on the other side. Despite her issues with being gay, she realizes where her heart truly is – with Sand – although it might be too little, too late. Too much has happened between them to go back: infidelity, kidnapping, a baby. Will there be enough love to bring them together?

N’Tyse kept me mesmerized with the love affair between Sand and Rene. My Secrets, while it has some exaggerated drama, is true to the life of some black lesbians. Urban lesbian novels are on the rise in the literary world, and N’Tyse has created one of the better ones. It’s a story I would recommend to both women in the life and straight folks who want to understand what the lifestyle is all about.

You will undoubtedly be schooled.

Reviewed March 2008

Orchids II Reality or Fantasy by The Lesbian Goddess

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Publisher/Date:  Women of Choice LLC, May 2007
Genre:  Erotica
Pages:  56
Website:  http://www.womenofchoice.com

Rating: ★★★★☆ 

Can you tell the difference between fantasy and reality?

The Lesbian Goddess straddles the distinction between these realms in ORCHIDS II REALITY OR FANTASY, a short but sweet collection of bonafide bedroom bliss. This second in a series is the sequel to Orchids: African American Lesbian Erotica One Night Stands, and this time it’s every woman’s desires on display.  Ranging from poetic lovemaking to kinky sex shop romps, seven unique stories make up this compilation and every one is well worth the read.

It begins with “Sensual Exploration,” a picturesque, sensory escapade between two very sensual women. Their lovemaking is described in such graphic language that one can visualize the romantic rendezvous with the unnamed women. Then in “Making My Rounds,” a nighttime security guard finds her job to be much more stimulating when she sees a sexy co-worker in a compromising position — with herself. While her job requires her to take action, the voyeur in her can’t resist wanting to join in the festivities.

Everyone has got a certain “Weakness,” and a sexually uninhibited woman Mil meets at a party is hers. The two hit it off, but Weakness wants the sex with no strings attached; the issue is can Mil handle that. And there’s always that special someone you can’t seem to shake, even when it’s over. That’s what an anonymous woman faces when she begins feenin’ for her former lover in “My Ex.” Can she break the hold her ex has over her?

Naughty walks this way in “Get Yo Freak On,” as a stud tries to find just the right sexual items to turn her girl on and gets a very hands-on lesson from the adult store worker. Trust, she leaves there with more than just a bag of goodies. Then a femme turns the tables in “Shangri-La,” taming three seemingly aggressive women with her feminine wiles. It’s all a part of her game and she loves the thrill it gives her to doiminate a stud.

Finally, Natalie takes a first-class plane ride and falls for Vanessa, her flight attendant. Lucky for her, the stewardess pays extra special attention to the stud passenger, and they finally hookup when the other customers have been taken care of. Then Natalie gets more service than she ever expected.

The Lesbian Goddess creates this world of sensual adventures that gets you every time. This was a more enjoyable outing than the previous one, as it seemed the author turned up the heat on this second pleasure trip. Even with only a few pages per story, I was very aroused — and relished it. The tawdry tales are hot and you will enjoy every one of them.

I know my girlfriend did.

Reviewed March 2008

In the Company of My Sistahs by Angie Daniels

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Publisher/Date:  Dafina, Jan. 2007
Genre(s):  Contemporary Fiction, Straight Books with Lesbian Characters
Pages:  448
Website:  http://www.angiedaniels.com

Rating: ★★★★☆ 

The tomfoolery of four females in Jamaica is at the center of IN THE COMPANY OF MY SISTAHS, written in fun and all seriousness by romance author Angie Daniels.

Sistahs reads like a black soap opera with all the drama consumed in its 488 pages. The book is mostly narrated by Renee Moore, the wild child of the women, who has been through two failed marriages. It will soon be three if Renee can help it. And what her current husband doesn’t give her, she finds in frivolous flings. Going on this trip with her sister and two friends was just what she needs to make a decision about her marriage – if she can manage the time between her many suitors on the island.

Her big sister, Lisa, is using this trip to break some heart-wrenching news to her younger sibling. Figuring the sun and surf of Jamaica would provide a relaxing backdrop to reveal her devastating confession, she only hopes that the secret will help Renee realize that life is too short to take granted.

If anyone needs that lesson it’s their friend Kayla, who has resorted to being the mistress of a married man. She spends most of her time catering to the illicit ills of a Baptist preacher whom she’s sure will leave his wife and soon make her a minister’s wife. Kayla can’t see beyond her weight that she is a woman worthy to be loved. A man she meets on the island hopes to change her mind.

Last, but certainly not least, is Nadine, a closeted lesbian who has a great relationship with her lover, Jordan. She knows Jordan is exactly what she needs in her life, but familial obligations won’t allow her to reveal the woman she’s in love with – even to her closest friends.

I could turn the pages fast enough with Sistahs, and I didn’t want to because I was afraid I would miss something. The plot is so detailed and the characters’ flaws were so undisguised. Daniels wrote the novel in a candid and honest fashion, almost the point you wanted to knock some sense into the ladies. She also provided enough background of the characters that you could understand why they do what they do. And by the book’s end, you realize that they are far from perfect.

I would definitely recommend Sistahs for anyone who wants a quick and entertaining story with heart.

Reviewed February 2008

Longing Lust and Love: Black Lesbian Stories edited by Shonia L. Brown (Dec. 2007 Pick of the Month)

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Publisher/Date:  Nghosi Books, Jan. 2007
Genre(s):  Short Story, Romance, Erotica
Pages:  300
Website:  http://www.nghosibooks.com

Rating: ★★★★☆ 

First comes longing, the wishing for that special woman to come into your life.

When she arrives, then comes lust, that craving to express your feelings to her with more than words.

Finally, love takes hold, deepening with every passing moment in her presence.

Ladies and Studs seeking pleasures between the covers can look no further than LONGING, LUST AND LOVE: BLACK LESBIAN STORIES.

Written by 25 new and established writers, this collection of 28 sultry tales, edited by Nghosi Books founder Shonia L. Brown, traces the varying stages of black lesbian relationships – from the art of tease to tying the knot. Every story finds women in various forms of infatuation, pursuit and devotion.

Take for instance, in “Heartfelt” by Nikki Rose, longing is shown through the eyes of Taris, who immediately becomes attracted to a co-worker’s sister, Kai, who doesn’t give her the time of day. Taris, an aggressive businesswoman, isn’t used to getting the cold shoulder and determines to break down Kai’s icy demeanor – and manages to do it one rainy night.

Lust becomes desperate in “Look at Me When You Come” by Tasha C. Miller, as Alexis falls for an extremely sexy stud who grants her every bedroom desire. Married and miserable, Alexis abandons her unsatisfying relationship for a few gratifying hours with Taylor – but eventually Alexis wants something more than just passionate exchanges. Is her stud charming willing to give her what she wants?

Finding and sustaining love are two different things, but Brown’s own tale, “From Friends to Lovers” makes it look effortless between acquaintances Erin and Serita. Meeting at a party two years prior, the pair never quite found their way to one another. A brazen phone call one night unlocks the mystery of where their attraction could lead – from being distant to being together – without any distractions.

Longing, Lust, and Love takes women there and still keeps a realistic tone with every word. Brown has chosen a well-rounded concoction sure to have you melting, laughing and yearning for love, lust and longing – everything a woman wants.

Reviewed December 2007

At Midnight by Terry B.

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Publisher/Date:  nHouse Publishing, L.L.C., Aug. 2007
Genre:  Romance
Pages:  272
Website:  http://www.nhousepublishing.com

Rating: ★★★★☆ 

No one could convince me that men could write a lesbian novel with depth, but author Terry B. made me a believer with Dancer’s Paradise. That book told the story of dancer Debrena Allen as she came to terms with her sexuality.

AT MIDNIGHT picks up where Paradise left off, only this time the narration is through the eyes of Choice Fowler, the man Debrena abandoned to follow her heart. While she finally gives way to falling in love with best friend Lorrie Cunningham, Choice is still enamored of Debrena, seemingly unable to shake the hold she has over his soul. He knows if he sees her again, he’ll lose it.

In the meantime, Choice needs a makeup artist for a big assignment, and Lorries is the best in the business. While it doesn’t sit well with him to face the woman who stole his dream girl, it does grant Choice the chance to have some connection to Debrena. When the former flames finally do come face to face, Debrena designs a way to get him more involved in her life than he bargained for.

Debrena and Lorrie have what seems like a solid relationship. But as happy as she seems with Lorrie, Debrena wants more. When she runs into Choice, she sees him as an opportunity to test Lorrie’s love for her — a move that involves all three of them. The question is now, who will Debrena give her heart to?

Terry B. has a page-turning story, one that you can breeze through easily. At Midnight makes a great transition from Paradise, and provides a thorough background of Choice Fowler and the heartaches he’s suffered. The characters were real and engaging; they make you realize how selfish and insecure some people can be when it comes to love.

Reviewed December 2007

Tainted Destiny by Cheril N. Clarke (Aug. 2007 Pick of the Month)

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Publisher/Date:  Dodi Press, Oct. 2006
Genre:  Romance
Pages:  254
Website:  http://www.cherilnclarke.com

Rating: ★★★★☆ 

Face it—you’ve been Sadira before: a woman with a deep obsession for someone else. You’ve experienced it at least once, maybe twice in your lifetime.

That’s what makes TAINTED DESTINY, Cheril N. Clarke’s sequel to Intimate Chaos, so compelling. It’s the fact that as women we can relate so well to having that one person in our lives we can’t shake.

For Sadira, that person is her former lover, Jessie. Where things ended horribly between them in Chaos—complete with heartbreak and scandal—Destiny picks up with Sadira still nursing her wounds, but realizing that she has to get over the woman who could never completely offer her heart even after their many years together. Leaving their home in Miami to move back to New York, Sadira plans to rid herself of the pain, and finds she has many distractions to do so.

One is Brianna, a college student who offers Sadira a new outlook on life. Another is Olivia, a strong-willed chick who won’t take no for an answer. And another is Tricia, an old flame that becomes rekindled over time. It’s Tricia whom Sadira falls for, but memories of Jessie still plague her.

Sadira can’t let go of the past she shared with Jessie, even with a good woman like Tricia by her side. When she discovers Jessie is back in New York, it’s only a matter of time before they reach out again. Soon Sadira is torn—between the reciprocated of Tricia and the unrequited love of Jessie—and it’s up to her to figure out which one is her true destiny.

Tainted Destiny, simply put, is gripping. Clarke manages to unearth emotions that ring true and paints a true picture of a woman in love turmoil. With every page, you sink deeper into her despair. Just like with Intimate Chaos, you want smack some sense into her, while at the same time hug her when her pain gets unbearable. Though sometimes a bit wordy, Clarke is a writer who pulls you in and takes you there.

Cause love is a truly a battlefield—with complete with wounds to show for it.

Reviewed August 2007

Breaking Jaie by S. Renee Bess

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Publisher/Date:  Regal Crest Enterprises, May 2007
Genre: College Life, Romance
Pages:  212
Website:  http://www.reneebess.com

Rating: ★★★★☆ 

S. Renee Bess mixes a fine weave of love, pain and higher education in BREAKING JAIE, the compelling novel that chronicles the romance of two very different graduate students.

Jaie Baxter is a Ph.D. candidate with an overly confident attitude and a harrowing past. After witnessing her brother’s murder and living with a dysfunctional mother, she won’t allow anyone to get too close. That anguish, coupled with the heartache from the only woman Jaie has ever loved, proved only to propel her success as she grew into an exceptional student and a great writer — and top-notch player.

Until she meets Terez Overton one day in the English department office. Terez didn’t grow up rough like Jaie, instead living in the suburbs and enjoying the comforts of middle-class life. She’s never met someone like Jaie; the thought of beginning a relationship with someone so unlike herself tells Terez to proceed with caution, especially once she gets wind of Jaie’s gigolo tendencies.

S. Renee Bess put her foot in Breaking Jaie, with its concoction of love and suspense. There are plot twists thrown in to keep you guessing. Bess, the author of Leave of Absence, pleasantly surprised me with the contemporary tone of the book; the maturity of the characters will please both young and older readers. Bess has managed to do it again with this one, and manages to keeps me patiently waiting for the next.

Reviewed August 2007

The Sista Hood: On the Mic by E-Fierce

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Publisher/Date:  Atria, July 2006
Genre:  Young Adult
Pages:  209
Website:  http://www.thesistahood.com

Rating: ★★★★☆ 

Move out the way, Jay-Z!

Girls can rhyme, too, and nothing proves this more than author E-Fierce’s THE SISTA HOOD: ON THE MIC, the first in a series about four young women united through hip-hop.

Fourteen-year-old Mariposa (or MC Patria) is the narrator of this tale, a Puerto Rican tomboy whose skills and lyrics are tight. The only issue she faces is to make her best friend and fellow rapper Ezekiel (aka MC EZ1) realize that and fall in love with her. The only thing that stands in her way is his white girlfriend, Jessica, another MC known more for her sex appeal than her rhymes.

Her plan to win his heart? Win her school’s talent show and win his heart, and she has three friends that will help her make it happen: Sadie (Soul Siren), Liza (Pinay-1) and Evita (DJ Esa). The girl become fast friends and help each other through rough times, such as abusive boyfriends, dysfunctional home issues, and discovering sexual preferences. Although Mariposa’s intention is to impress the boy she loves, she realizes that her deep friendships with her homegirls are what really counts.

Author E-Fierce (aka Elisha Miranda) is an excellent writer, and The Sista Hood: On the Mic is definitely hot stuff for the younger crowd. It’s real without being preachy, and true to the stuff young people face today. This is a book your daughter will be excited about, and you could read yourself. The Sista Hood does a terrific job of portraying girls of varying ethnicities working together despite their differences. It also has a great message for girls that they can be anything they want to be with a little hard work.

That’s a song worth listening to.

Reviewed Aug-Sept 2006