Ms Toni

• Rated 4 stars

“Still in the Hood

IN MY HOOD 3 continues on with characters readers were introduced to in the previous two novels. Nyeem, Ishmael and Desiree’s son, is now fifteen years old. Raised by Nate, Ishmael’s best friend, and under the watchful eye of Big Roy, Nyeem is struggling with his place in life. He has NBA aspirations while others see him as the heir to his father’s street throne.

Elsewhere…time is of the essence for the Black Widow, a female assassin out to exact revenge for a family vendetta against Big Roy. When the bullets fly, who will be caught in the crossfire?

Many readers may still be familiar with the happenings of IN MY HOOD and IN MY HOOD 2 and find 3 easy to delve into. But for those of us avid readers who’ve read so many books since part two, it wasn’t as easy as 3 is very character driven and relies heavily on previous occurrences. I found myself lost at times not remembering who was who or their significance.

In addition, the content of this novel wasn’t as strong as the first two. The overwhelming question after completing this novel: why? What was the purpose? Was a part three necessary? For me the answer is no. It wasn’t a bad book by any means, but I don’t know why it was written in the first place. Endy is very talented and she definitely knows how to pen a tale. Her stories are unique and her perspective fresh. However, knowing what Endy is capable of, well enough should have been left alone.

@ The foreword – huh? What was that about?!?!

3.5

”

Ms Toni wrote this review 8 days ago. ( reply | permalink )

1 of 1 members found this review helpful.

• Rated 3 stars

“Big Brother is Watching

Evan, Milan, Jaise and Chaunci have invited the world into their lives through the newest reality show Millionaire Wives Club.

In one corner...
Evan is in a loveless marriage with an athlete in love with someone else. She's willing to do whatever to keep him and keep up the charade that she calls her life. Her good friend Jaise is a divorced, single mother living large via child support and alimony. Raising a wannabe thug and attracting all the wrong men, Jaise has her hands full.

In the other corner...
Milan is in a dysfunctional marriage with a washed up former athlete that is spending more money than is coming in. For Milan, the show is a last stitch effort to get out of debt, even if it means dealing with the wife of her one true love. Chaunci is a single mother and co-owner of a popular magazine. She is engaged to her silent partner and wealthy benefactor. Theirs is a relationship of finance and security for Chaunci, not love.

Okay, ladies, we want a match with plenty of drama, maybe even a little blood shed. Low blows, head-butts and kicks below the belt. DING! DING!

With the cameras rolling the women do little to put their differences aside, especially when off-camera drama spills on camera, secrets are exposed, money dries up and the past returns.

I'm on the fence with this one. On one hand, MILLIONAIRE WIVES CLUB was a page-turner and it definitely held my attention. On the other hand, at times, it was over the top, like the author was trying just a little too hard. In doing so, things that were supposed to be funny instead came off as outlandish and stereotypical. Some elements of the story were predictable. But even with that Tu-Shonda has the talent and skill to keep readers reading. While not wildly memorable, MILLIONAIRE WIVES CLUB is slick and engrossing in its own right.

Tu-Shonda, if you are reading this review...You've got skills. You've got talent. You have an imagination. And you have the power to deliver. You've got what it takes so you don't have to try so hard. Let your pen do what it does! However, I'd like to see you challenge yourself with your next project and think a little more outside the box and rely less on going for the obvious. The sky's the limit...

OOSA Selected Read (Nov) ”

Ms Toni wrote this review 8 days ago. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 4 stars

“Jesus, Take the Wheel!

Nine years have passed since Clark and Devin went their separate ways. They say you never forget your first love, and those words couldn't ring more true for this duo. Devin has married, had a child, divorced and remarried, yet a part of him still belongs to Clark. Clark has also married and is attempting to start a family, but Devin is never really far from her mind and heart.

Life sees fit to cross their paths again. Admittedly, on both parts, their feelings for each other are still very much alive. Will they risk it all - their mates, jobs, all that they've worked for and life as they know it - to be together?

With plenty of drama and raw emotions, Clark and Devin are back! This is a reunion/sequel that I have been waiting for. I was too excited when I found out about FEELIN' THE VIBE, having enjoyed both Caught In The Mix and Tappin' On Thirty.

FEELIN' THE VIBE is a captivating and enjoyable read. Candice Dow is an author I'd easily recommend to others.

OOSA BOTM (September)
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Ms Toni wrote this review Tuesday, September 15 2009. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 4 stars

“Lust Gone Wrong

Married couples Ryan and Carly and Miles and Olivia are all best friends. They share so much. In one night everything changes. Ryan finds himself feeling something more than friendship for Olivia and has reason to believe the feelings are mutual. Where does that leave Miles and Carly?

Devon Scott has penned a story of forbidden wants and desires. He captures the angst and emotions of his characters as well as the understanding that every act has a consequence. For me, the beginning was a little slow, but if readers can get past that, they'll be rewarded with a satisfying read. ”

Ms Toni wrote this review Thursday, August 13 2009. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 4 stars

“Duplicity

Author Victor L. Martin has written a powerfully descriptive novel about circumstances, coincidences and consequences. He involves readers in the lives of four individuals – Ghetti, a young hustler looking to retire; Mance, a business owner that knows the streets; Volanda, a homicide detective; and Amanda, a wife dealing with her insecurities. Each has a secret, an explosive secret. As their lives become intertwined, things get complicated and the deceptions grand.

Martin gives readers a well-paced tale laced in drama, suspense and sex. I couldn’t wait to continue reading because of wanting to see how each character’s story was going to unfold and how it would impact others. Martin did a great job of keeping readers’ attention to the very last page.

The only thing I didn’t care for was how many female characters were described by their body measurements (32C-27-40, 36C-25-35, and 34B-25-42). Unless she’s a model, the average woman doesn’t describe herself as such. And I’m scared of the man that does. Most don’t even know their measurements beyond their bra size. On the flipside, I liked that his characters, particularly Ghetti, were flawed and vulnerable yet likeable and not over the top. I also liked the incorporation of HIV/AIDS awareness and safe sex practices. It’s sorely lacking in much of street lit today.

This was my first read by Victor L. Martin. Heard his name before but he was with The Clown Posse and I don’t support foolishness. I am glad to see he’s moved on. I’m also glad that I gave him a shot and I look forward to reading more from him.

Victor, keep your eyes dry and your heart easy.
”

Ms Toni wrote this review Thursday, July 2 2009. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 5 stars

“Yes We Can!!!

Moses Miller has been quietly building a reputation as one of my favorite authors. Readers may recognize him as the author of novels featuring the strong, resilient and intriguing character Nathan Jones. His newest literary work, THE BARACK IN ME, strays in another direction. Miller displays his intelligence and kindness towards our youth as he lends a helping hand. He successfully demonstrates some of the insecurities and situations experienced by many of our young AA males. He doesn’t just address these issues, he offers support and guidance as he purposely covers a lot of ground.

Miller’s prose is masculine and genuine. This refreshing book is chocked full of positives. THE BARACK IN ME is, indeed, an excellent read. Moses Miller is not afraid to speak with passionate intensity of the things that matter to him most. Moses, I see Barack in YOU!
”

Ms Toni wrote this review Saturday, May 23 2009. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 5 stars

“Are you STRAPPED?!?!

Al-Saadiq Banks has crafted another classic! He knows how to deliver a fascinating, action-packed, gritty tale.

As the story begins, we meet Amber Jones, aka Lil’ Bit, a young girl struggling. Lil’ Bit is the epitome of a hard knock life. As she gets older, her luck changes for the better. Or does it?

Banks leaves most other authors of the genre looking shallow with his well thought out, layered plots, talent for dialogue and unforgettable, signature characters. It’s a constant in his work. No detail is too small. Everything is wonderfully plotted. The pace is well executed. Even a few familiar faces pop up.

STRAPPED, his seventh novel, easily fulfills the expectations created by his earlier work.

Somebody, please, give this man the literary equivalent to an Oscar!! I don’t like all the titles and whatnot. King of this, prince of that…but real talk, Al-Saadiq Banks is that dude!
”

Ms Toni wrote this review Monday, April 6 2009. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 5 stars

“Life is What You Make It

The streets mean money. Big money. Brothers Mann and Lando know this fact well. Mann, the older of the two, at the age of sixteen is a hard core, seasoned vet. Younger brother Lando is following closely in his footsteps. Living in the fast lane, leaving mayhem in their wake and with an uncompromising urge to survive, these brothers go hard.

Eyone Williams creates a panoramic portrait of the city. Readers find themselves transported to the streets of D.C. in this haunting, dramatic and gritty story. Initially FAST LANE was hard to get into as there were so many characters and so much going on. But as the story quickly progressed and I got familiar with each character, it was a wrap! From jump-outs to federal agents to stick up kids, it was non-stop action. FAST LANE is a wild ride. It's not easy reading, and the raw, detailed depictions of life in the fast lane are not easy or pleasant. However, FAST LANE is an important book by a very talented author.

4.5 stars

Also check out: Hell Razor Honeys”

Ms Toni wrote this review Saturday, March 28 2009. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 4 stars

“Chances

Darrin Bainbridge is fortunate; fortunate to have wealthy parents to finance his up-and-coming writing career and most recent "big expose." He believes he's found the story that will launch his career - exposing the secrets of mega-church pastor Bishop Kumal Prentiss. What Darrin didn't account for, however, is the pastor's daughter, Emoni Prentiss. Finding himself falling for Emoni, Darrin is torn between the story of his career or maybe the woman of his life. Decisions, decisions, decisions...

Love, sin, forgiveness and conflict show up in this tale. Warren's Darrin Bainbridge is opportunistic. But it's his underlying sense of morality that makes us care about him. "The Bishop's Daughter" flows smoothly. An appealing read.

OOSA BOTM (Feb)”

Ms Toni wrote this review Saturday, March 21 2009. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 5 stars

“Are You Thirsty?!?

The Game: Thirsty

The Players: Justice, Monk, Sapphire, and Carlos
Justice - an exotic beauty that uses her looks and charm to out-hustle the smartest hustlers. "A beautiful woman armed with a load of confidence is considered a dangerous woman!"
Monk - Justice's younger brother and notorious stick up kid. "Give it to Monk or give it to God!"
Sapphire - best friend to Justice and somewhat naive. "Sapphire was as square as a pool table and as green as the cloth on top of it."
Carlos - Justice's ex and Charlotte's dope boy with money to burn. However, he won't "hesitate to do whatever or whomever to keep it that way."

The Objective: Guap - a thirst that will never be quenched.

The Challenge - To make it out alive; to thirst another day.

The Twist - There are no rules.

The board is set. The players are in place. Let the games begin...

Mike Sanders has true creative talent. As the events of THIRSTY play out, it's apparent that these characters are doomed for some sort of collision, and it's this inevitability that gives the book its great forward momentum. With novel number three, author Mike Sanders doesn't abandon his talent, but takes it to new heights. Great character development, fast-paced action, and page-turning drama, THIRSTY is a worthy book touting the power and enjoyment of good writing. Sanders keeps us turning the pages, faster and faster, and by the time the story comes full circle, he will have plenty of new fans hoping he gets to work on his next book. I'm looking forward to T2.

**Kudos and finger snaps for the poetry. Let me find out you got skills!**

OOSA BOTM (Mar)

Also check out:
Hustlin' Backwards
Snitch ”

Ms Toni wrote this review Saturday, March 21 2009. ( reply | permalink )