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ebonyessencebookshelf's reviews
337 reviews
Allure by Iesha Bree
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.5
“As much as my wife wanted to be fucked in the kitchen, I’d rather make love to her soul and body in the comforts of our bed.”
This was a good read just like the others I’ve read so far in the series. Their connection was okay. Wish there were more sparks or something. Yes you can still feel some love, them liking each other still from a pass run in and their willingness to give this a shot. Something about it gave slightly boring. There were other things more interesting to me in the book.
Now what i did love is Lore’s career and her artist name. As well as her support system even from Niko. I enjoyed the fact Niko was standing ten toes down about his own decisions. Making his father realize Niko’s life is not his to control. Overall a solid read.
Moments:
-Wheel Niko got on his brother inappropriate behavior.
-The convo Niko had with him mom.
-Lore’s kisses and prayers over Niko.
-Dancing to “can we talk”
This was a good read just like the others I’ve read so far in the series. Their connection was okay. Wish there were more sparks or something. Yes you can still feel some love, them liking each other still from a pass run in and their willingness to give this a shot. Something about it gave slightly boring. There were other things more interesting to me in the book.
Now what i did love is Lore’s career and her artist name. As well as her support system even from Niko. I enjoyed the fact Niko was standing ten toes down about his own decisions. Making his father realize Niko’s life is not his to control. Overall a solid read.
Moments:
-Wheel Niko got on his brother inappropriate behavior.
-The convo Niko had with him mom.
-Lore’s kisses and prayers over Niko.
-Dancing to “can we talk”
The Night Before by Jacinta Howard
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
“You call, I’ll come.” This quote is so simple but is understood.
“People are going to judge no matter what you have going on. It’s how too many people build themselves up.”
First read from this author. Audiobook via hoopla.
What a really cute read with spice, banter, great conversation and just overall good chemistry between them. I enjoyed both characters but Elias took it for me. Having a crush on Ava since high school and now that he’s grown there’s no letting up. He really was on her in the most respectful and loving way. Definitely the type of man that can lead in a relationship while giving his partner all the love, support and respect they deserve. Can’t wait to check out more of this authors work.
Togetha by Keith F. Miller Jr.
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
“False hope is more dangerous than any type of violence because where violence can injure the body, false hope injures the soul.”
Thank you Harper Collins and Hear Our Voices for this Book Tour opportunity
Keith, you’re absolutely amazing at what you do. Your writing is so beautiful. The way you write the simplest of words and put them together with so much emotion and depth is out of this world. Sometimes i caught myself about to cry saying “damn” after reading a moment in the book. Then i had to take a moment. Just know this author knows how to move a story.
I love all the MCs and the side characters. It was great getting Will’s pov. He had a lot going on in his mind and that hurt he was holding had me breaking. Leroy is my heart though. He had me so proud of him. Smiling from ear to ear. The love story between him and Jay is still growing in this book; i so love them togetha. Perfect. There’s so much in this story: hurt, community, love, feeling alone, family, self love and discovery, but most of all HEALING took place. With everything going on these characters still find time to save and bring their community together. Saving families. Highly recommend you to adding to your tbr.
Quotes:
“Our sobs seesaw us back and forth, pissed off that we just hurt boys, tryin our best not to grow up into hurt men who only know how to hurt each otha to win.”
“We know every bruise isn’t from a hand or a fist; some are so deep, they’re invisible.”
“When it hurts too much to smile, dance harder.”
“I want someone to look at me, to love me so much they risk losing me.”
Thank you Harper Collins and Hear Our Voices for this Book Tour opportunity
Keith, you’re absolutely amazing at what you do. Your writing is so beautiful. The way you write the simplest of words and put them together with so much emotion and depth is out of this world. Sometimes i caught myself about to cry saying “damn” after reading a moment in the book. Then i had to take a moment. Just know this author knows how to move a story.
I love all the MCs and the side characters. It was great getting Will’s pov. He had a lot going on in his mind and that hurt he was holding had me breaking. Leroy is my heart though. He had me so proud of him. Smiling from ear to ear. The love story between him and Jay is still growing in this book; i so love them togetha. Perfect. There’s so much in this story: hurt, community, love, feeling alone, family, self love and discovery, but most of all HEALING took place. With everything going on these characters still find time to save and bring their community together. Saving families. Highly recommend you to adding to your tbr.
Quotes:
“Our sobs seesaw us back and forth, pissed off that we just hurt boys, tryin our best not to grow up into hurt men who only know how to hurt each otha to win.”
“We know every bruise isn’t from a hand or a fist; some are so deep, they’re invisible.”
“When it hurts too much to smile, dance harder.”
“I want someone to look at me, to love me so much they risk losing me.”
Surrender by Kimberly Brown
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
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? N/A
5.0
“Sometimes you have to put faith and trust in the unknown to receive your blessing.”
Kimberly Brown, ma’am what an amazing book. I loved everything about Jacob and Kachelle’s love story. At this point sign me up for Arranged Hearts. I love how they each prayed for their partner to be one day with so much intention, power and belief behind their words. Not only that but also their actions leading up to the moment Arranged Hearts found them their person. From the moment they met it was magical. They were determined to make this work and shut out that outside noise. Ain’t nothing like a praying person and y’all being able to pray together.
Absolutely adored their professions as well. You know we love black top tier professionals here. It was really cute how both of their professions linked them with one thing in common (you’ll see when you read the book. Got to give a shoutout to Kachelle’s best friend and Jacob’s sister. They are some true riders and funny as hell. Let’s not forget the spice 🥵. Honey they were giving it to each other ♥️. I love me some black love.
Quotes/moments:
-“I don’t need help finding a woman. I need help finding a wife.”
-Jacob’s speech at the wedding to the families.
-Best friend went to Ebony’s job.
-Him helping with her hair.
-Kachelle letting Jacob’s dad know how she’s coming.
Desire by Kay Shanee
emotional
funny
hopeful
tense
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? N/A
4.0
“No babygirl. You’re daddy’s princess. Ms. Chambries is daddy’s queen.”
Well baby if getting married at first sight is going to land me a husband or wife like this, then sign me up. I love Black Love.
They are perfect for each other. With already having the chemistry there it took no time getting things popping. Baby they were taking each other DOOOOWWWWNNNNNN 🥵🤤🥰. He played no games about his wife and him falling first ♥️ but my girl was not too far behind him. Desire was putting anyone in their place. She didn’t play when it came to family. The bond baby girl and Desire had was everything. She trusted and loved Desiree. It was also great to seeing the characters actually open up to one another. Know more about some touch and hard moments in their life.
Now Tammy on the other hand was a hot a$$ mess. Like girl you’re so dumb. That man would’ve let you know what’s up if he wanted to. I’m glad Kay brought to light parents like baby girl’s mother. That was a whole lot. Thankfully we get a hea with a beautiful surprise.
Personal by Alexandria House
“You owned me from the first moment you touched me.”
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
tense
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? No
4.0
“Yea i was a McClain but i was also a Reese. I could be a bitch when i needed to. Armand was mine and no one was taking him from me.”
“You owned me from the first moment you touched me.”
I don’t even remember if i read the synopsis but with Alexandria House i mean there’s really no point too. Her pen is just that crazy because the story is going to be fire anyway. We have two characters dealing with family, public perception, mental health, healthy therapy and BDSM. The audiobook throughout this series really brings everything to life.
These characters were written so well that they were both the answers to each other’s process of healing. In the midst of that: love, respect and trust was formed. Ella needs that feeling of being in control of her life completely. Especially after dealing with someone who mistreated her but everyone else loved. Armand being a hot head and on go at any moment was hurting his career. We learn his past wasn’t so pretty and that contributes to the him now. Actually getting answers for what he feels starts to help him get on the right path.
The spice and bdsm part had me like 👀😏🤤. I mean I’m definitely intrigued by the lifestyle. Now there was something at first i was like “i don’t know about that”. However, at the time of writing this review I’m like “shit, i can see myself getting with that.” This book was good. I read out of order. So yeah i need to read the McClain series.
Pritty by Keith F. Miller Jr.
emotional
funny
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
“If telling the truth doesn’t set us free, and the only thing it does is turn up the heat, then let it at least be worth the burn.”
Listened via Libby along with the paperback.
Keith, your writing was something beautiful and pure in these pages. I tabbed and highlighted this story up. And the audio was just as good. Everything about this story, these characters and words are indeed ‘Pritty’. I love when you can feel the raw emotions just coming off the pages.
I truly love Jay and Leroy. Like i could see my younger self being friends with them. Their journey together and alone had me smiling. Yes, this is a love story and an outstanding one at that. Also love is represented here in different ways like for yourself, family, community, and friendship. Protecting each other is what they do in this story. It’s in their blood because here there’s pain, hurt, gangs, violence, not feeling seen, and brokenness as well. Even with all of that you can’t do it without love and laughter to soothe the soul. From aunt Rissa, who i adore, Princeton, Taj, Will and Jacob they all did their part to never let the other fall.
If you haven’t please give this a read or listen. Starting book two soon.
Quotes:
“They don’t care what happens to me, as long as it doesn’t happen to them first.”
“But whatcha supposed to do when someone you known most of yo life tryna be someone who hurts othas for no reason?”
“Any name other than the one you choose is a poison others try to use to kill the best parts of you from the inside out.”
“I just want to feel, fly with someone without being afraid to fall.”
“Rissa always says real homes smell like tough love: hugs and ass-whoopins melted in sugar age vanilla.”
“The color of their skin is always held against them because the standard is one shade, not the beauty and strength of many.”
Listened via Libby along with the paperback.
Keith, your writing was something beautiful and pure in these pages. I tabbed and highlighted this story up. And the audio was just as good. Everything about this story, these characters and words are indeed ‘Pritty’. I love when you can feel the raw emotions just coming off the pages.
I truly love Jay and Leroy. Like i could see my younger self being friends with them. Their journey together and alone had me smiling. Yes, this is a love story and an outstanding one at that. Also love is represented here in different ways like for yourself, family, community, and friendship. Protecting each other is what they do in this story. It’s in their blood because here there’s pain, hurt, gangs, violence, not feeling seen, and brokenness as well. Even with all of that you can’t do it without love and laughter to soothe the soul. From aunt Rissa, who i adore, Princeton, Taj, Will and Jacob they all did their part to never let the other fall.
If you haven’t please give this a read or listen. Starting book two soon.
Quotes:
“They don’t care what happens to me, as long as it doesn’t happen to them first.”
“But whatcha supposed to do when someone you known most of yo life tryna be someone who hurts othas for no reason?”
“Any name other than the one you choose is a poison others try to use to kill the best parts of you from the inside out.”
“I just want to feel, fly with someone without being afraid to fall.”
“Rissa always says real homes smell like tough love: hugs and ass-whoopins melted in sugar age vanilla.”
“The color of their skin is always held against them because the standard is one shade, not the beauty and strength of many.”
Something About Kera: The Dating App Horrors Series - Book II by Octavia Grant
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Octavia here we are again 😂. Ma’am I’m so happy i never know what to expect.
That dang on Jamison was a fool through and through. Very sick. His character was definitely built up to be the unhinged out of this world crazy man. And that Dr was no better. Knew exactly what he was doing. Playing a dangerous game.
Kera, bless her heart, had to learn the hard way. It’s sucks what she went through. However, what I’m about to say goes for everyone, “go park that behind down somewhere and breath first.” Acting off emotions doesn’t always end well. These dating apps are like piranha infested waters. Got to be more careful.
That dang on Jamison was a fool through and through. Very sick. His character was definitely built up to be the unhinged out of this world crazy man. And that Dr was no better. Knew exactly what he was doing. Playing a dangerous game.
Kera, bless her heart, had to learn the hard way. It’s sucks what she went through. However, what I’m about to say goes for everyone, “go park that behind down somewhere and breath first.” Acting off emotions doesn’t always end well. These dating apps are like piranha infested waters. Got to be more careful.
When a Wolf Loves the Moon by Granger
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
“We are the true power that the council is afraid of! We are the original kings and queens! The original black people! We are the original earth, moon, sun and skies!”
4.5 - Thank you Granger for this opportunity to receive an ARC.
Wow! I know there’s more to come. The stuff that happens in this book had my jaw dropped, smiling, laughing, and talking ish. This group of friends are really the best and they’ve created their own family. Even when they have to get on each other from time to time you know it’s with love.
For me this book Maggie really gets to shine. Her relationship with her soulmate becomes stronger and they’re so adorable. Bellamy and Maggie’s relationship is growing as well. Bellamy doesn’t play with his big brother duties. Watching her confidence grow throughout the book and her becoming more comfortable with her power is amazing. I hope we get to see the other characters in the misfits crew fully developed even more for whatever happens next. Of course my boy Quan is always a standout star. I really enjoy his character and how he comes about his girls.
Mindful: trauma, missing people, drugged, sa, and secrets. This is a fantasy book with vampires, sirens, werewolves and everything magical in between.
Highlights:
-Love the club name.
-Their channel is so cute.
-“Just because they’re blood doesn’t make them family.”
-“When they smell you they will smell me… My scent…If another man comes up behind you, they will know you are spoken for, like your teacher. When I’m done with you, he shouldn’t even be comfortable looking you in the eyes without seeing me.”
The First Family by Granger
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This book was all over the place but in the best way. The stuff that came out in this book had me with the shocked face 😲. Family, secrets, love, abuse and more. Bellamy is someone i like. His presence is crazy and i wouldn’t mind getting to know him in real life. Quan’s true existence had me like “well got damn!” I really liked this book and the friend group just gets better. Them coming into themselves and making their own mark on the school. Lastly, that damn Jean is a plum fool. I like him and the way he be talking to them girls have me cracking up.