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ebonyessencebookshelf's reviews
337 reviews
Unconditional by Shon
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
“Focus on the people that want to be in your life.” - Charlie’s grandma
Listened via hoopla.
The story and characters were cute in this. Found myself smiling from time to time. Took them quite a while to get together but when they did i blushed for them. Even their spice was cute.
Now what i really enjoyed was the culture. Food, family, dancing and ways to make the community better. Also that each character actually worked on themselves to become better individuals. So when it was their time there wasn’t any holding back. Damian adoring Charlie was so beautiful. You just know he’s going to do right by her. Charlie deserves it especially with her up bringing. Some people just don’t deserve you and/or to be parents.
If you like black love, culture, second chance and a little of a slow burn then check this out.
Listened via hoopla.
The story and characters were cute in this. Found myself smiling from time to time. Took them quite a while to get together but when they did i blushed for them. Even their spice was cute.
Now what i really enjoyed was the culture. Food, family, dancing and ways to make the community better. Also that each character actually worked on themselves to become better individuals. So when it was their time there wasn’t any holding back. Damian adoring Charlie was so beautiful. You just know he’s going to do right by her. Charlie deserves it especially with her up bringing. Some people just don’t deserve you and/or to be parents.
If you like black love, culture, second chance and a little of a slow burn then check this out.
The Secret World of Maggie Grey by Granger
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
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? It's complicated
5.0
Mannnnnn Granger what a hell of a book. Even with the cliff hanger, that had my mouth on the floor, this was amazing and the audio made it even better. Granger/Desiree’s mind is creatively powerful and this is only my second read from her.
A magical HBCU you say! Well sign me up. Vampires, sirens, wolves, witches and more and they’re all BLACK! Yes immediately. Every single character in here did their thang. Adding so much energy and fun to this book. Maggie was just spitting game about a civil rights movement in her class and then boom next thing you know baby girl is a part of history. She is history. I know some stuff has to happen in book two.
I loved all the characters but the group of misfits was the best. Making their own rules and becoming real friends. HOWEVER, Asha is my number one favorite with Quan the cat coming in easily at two. Asha is that girl!!! I love her down. The way she read these people multiple times for filth was amazing. I know we got wolves in here but Asha is Big Dawg. Yes she has a past that’s not pretty and In the same breath this makes her the confident no bs Boss Bitch siren. Can’t wait to see her growth. Quan was too funny but he was also spitting facts.
I can’t wait to reread this book.
A magical HBCU you say! Well sign me up. Vampires, sirens, wolves, witches and more and they’re all BLACK! Yes immediately. Every single character in here did their thang. Adding so much energy and fun to this book. Maggie was just spitting game about a civil rights movement in her class and then boom next thing you know baby girl is a part of history. She is history. I know some stuff has to happen in book two.
I loved all the characters but the group of misfits was the best. Making their own rules and becoming real friends. HOWEVER, Asha is my number one favorite with Quan the cat coming in easily at two. Asha is that girl!!! I love her down. The way she read these people multiple times for filth was amazing. I know we got wolves in here but Asha is Big Dawg. Yes she has a past that’s not pretty and In the same breath this makes her the confident no bs Boss Bitch siren. Can’t wait to see her growth. Quan was too funny but he was also spitting facts.
I can’t wait to reread this book.
Sweet Honesty by Joan Vassar
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
““I know the way i live ain’t normal.” “I ain’t got but one child—how would i know this ain’t normal?” And that ladies and gentlemen is what you call a MOTHER.
This book was perfect. Talk about the way i was trying to stretch the ending because i didn’t want the book to end. Two people in complete total love. And not just them but even the way their families loved and protected them. Joan you wrote one hell of a story.
I loved reading how they had to navigate not just being black during Jim Crow in 1950 but also being a Friend of Dorothy. Not being able to love freely at a time like that because jail or worst would be your outcome is hard. However, they made sure their love was known and definitely in places that were safe. Mikey and Alex fit like two missing puzzle pieces finally finding their home to be complete. Now Alex had them men weak 😂 but when it came to Mikey he felt things he never did before, knowing this was his one. Their sex scenes were so spicy. How they gave their selves to each other was deeper than love and that was felt beyond the pages.
Let me just say Alex is a MAN. He was standing by, supporting and willing to go the distance for Mikey. Lamont could never compete nor compare. Alex handled the ending very mature like because baby not me. Definitely a reread for me in the future.
Paper back with the audio on audible. The audio was so damn fire.
Other quotes:
-“Give me yo’ tongue—let me taste you.”
-“You’re gorgeous Michael, and yo’ bat is bigger than mine. I like that shit.”
-“Don’t let my preferences food you into think you can win.”
-“A man can’t do for you what he can’t do for himself.”
-“Ain’t nothing to think about—we gon shower together. We are husbands.”
This book was perfect. Talk about the way i was trying to stretch the ending because i didn’t want the book to end. Two people in complete total love. And not just them but even the way their families loved and protected them. Joan you wrote one hell of a story.
I loved reading how they had to navigate not just being black during Jim Crow in 1950 but also being a Friend of Dorothy. Not being able to love freely at a time like that because jail or worst would be your outcome is hard. However, they made sure their love was known and definitely in places that were safe. Mikey and Alex fit like two missing puzzle pieces finally finding their home to be complete. Now Alex had them men weak 😂 but when it came to Mikey he felt things he never did before, knowing this was his one. Their sex scenes were so spicy. How they gave their selves to each other was deeper than love and that was felt beyond the pages.
Let me just say Alex is a MAN. He was standing by, supporting and willing to go the distance for Mikey. Lamont could never compete nor compare. Alex handled the ending very mature like because baby not me. Definitely a reread for me in the future.
Paper back with the audio on audible. The audio was so damn fire.
Other quotes:
-“Give me yo’ tongue—let me taste you.”
-“You’re gorgeous Michael, and yo’ bat is bigger than mine. I like that shit.”
-“Don’t let my preferences food you into think you can win.”
-“A man can’t do for you what he can’t do for himself.”
-“Ain’t nothing to think about—we gon shower together. We are husbands.”
Restore Me by J.L. Seegars
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
tense
slow-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
4.0
“The woman i pretended to hate in the light of day but made love to in the darkest parts of my mind every night.”
“Eric was my better half but Dom is the mirror image of my soul.”
This was one hell of a read. J. L. was storytelling through these pages. The development of the characters as the story moves will have your emotions right there on edge with them. Loved the writing style making it easy to follow between the past and present not missing a beat.
Dom was giving very much Big Dawg energy. If you’re not stepping for me like this then forget it baby. Like Jill Scott said “if you can tell me what to do then YOU CAN TELL ME WHAT TO DO.” Dom is very much that. Learning about his upbringing was heartbreaking and you can see how it helped and affect him as a man. Even going back to college and his first interaction with Sloane was very much gentleman like while he struggled with the dark side of him. The way he took his time to explore her bit by bit was so sensational. Now what he did at the end was too tough 😤🩶.
Sloane was such an enjoyable fmc. I love the boss woman in her but i loved her even more for the love she has for the ex husband. The way Dom understood that and helped her navigate that while moving on to a new is truly beautiful. Her mom was a piece of true nasty work. When the truth gets revealed all i could do was shake my head. What’s the point of having children to treat as if they’ll never be nothing. Just know it’s okay to leave your parents in the past if they’re not beneficial for your peace.
Glad there was a happy ever after. However, i do feel like the book was a little too long. Some things could have been taken away. Instead get more of them together in public and with family that actually loves them. Still a great read and would recommend along with the audiobook.
Other Quotes:
“I didn’t know then that she wasn’t mines to have. Just mine to want. To love. To wish for. To dream of while she belonged to my best friend.”
“I take care of the things that belong to me Sloane. And you are mine.”
“I couldn’t have been yours, if i wasn’t his first.”
“Eric was my better half but Dom is the mirror image of my soul.”
This was one hell of a read. J. L. was storytelling through these pages. The development of the characters as the story moves will have your emotions right there on edge with them. Loved the writing style making it easy to follow between the past and present not missing a beat.
Dom was giving very much Big Dawg energy. If you’re not stepping for me like this then forget it baby. Like Jill Scott said “if you can tell me what to do then YOU CAN TELL ME WHAT TO DO.” Dom is very much that. Learning about his upbringing was heartbreaking and you can see how it helped and affect him as a man. Even going back to college and his first interaction with Sloane was very much gentleman like while he struggled with the dark side of him. The way he took his time to explore her bit by bit was so sensational. Now what he did at the end was too tough 😤🩶.
Sloane was such an enjoyable fmc. I love the boss woman in her but i loved her even more for the love she has for the ex husband. The way Dom understood that and helped her navigate that while moving on to a new is truly beautiful. Her mom was a piece of true nasty work. When the truth gets revealed all i could do was shake my head. What’s the point of having children to treat as if they’ll never be nothing. Just know it’s okay to leave your parents in the past if they’re not beneficial for your peace.
Glad there was a happy ever after. However, i do feel like the book was a little too long. Some things could have been taken away. Instead get more of them together in public and with family that actually loves them. Still a great read and would recommend along with the audiobook.
Other Quotes:
“I didn’t know then that she wasn’t mines to have. Just mine to want. To love. To wish for. To dream of while she belonged to my best friend.”
“I take care of the things that belong to me Sloane. And you are mine.”
“I couldn’t have been yours, if i wasn’t his first.”
She's Got Soul by Aja
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.75
First read by this author. Listened via hoopla.
Zola and Khalil was a really cute quick read. I felt the author moved the story along well for a novella. Giving just enough to get the picture. Getting a glimpse into Zola’s family life i did enjoy. Also love me some black professional people living wealthy. Zola’s side job as a podcaster was dope and i would tune in. So them meeting this way was cute with the back and forth banter giving a nice touch. Now for me there was some miscommunication and that i don’t care for. Especially when the characters are older. Overall i would recommend.
Zola and Khalil was a really cute quick read. I felt the author moved the story along well for a novella. Giving just enough to get the picture. Getting a glimpse into Zola’s family life i did enjoy. Also love me some black professional people living wealthy. Zola’s side job as a podcaster was dope and i would tune in. So them meeting this way was cute with the back and forth banter giving a nice touch. Now for me there was some miscommunication and that i don’t care for. Especially when the characters are older. Overall i would recommend.
The Deadliest Match by Kiera N. James
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Keira, this book was amazing!! I decided to not read the synopsis and be surprised. That’s exactly what i got. The way Keira developed McKenzie to become this unhinged person was wow! After being done wrong and seeing there’s not much better out there, well who can blame her? To be honest i feel her. The overall plot was dope and yes Keira you got me with that twist. I literally put on my thinking cap like “what the hell now?” Didn’t see that coming. Lastly, that damn Co worker should’ve stayed in her lane.
Twenty-Four Hours : A Paranormal Romance Story (A Blackened Coven Mafia Book 1) by Briyanna Michelle
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
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
For this to Briyanna'S first paranormal this was a job well. Even though the book was short a story was given because people can fall in love fast when it’s the right person. We got to experience them getting to know each other, laugh, miss each other and some spice. Kassidy and Luciano were enjoyable characters. They gave a lot of personality and that plot twist was too funny. Can’t wait for the rest of the series.
Knight: Barron Family Saga by ML Bash
adventurous
emotional
tense
fast-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
Paper back and audio from Libby.
“You can leave on your feet or beneath a white sheet, but I’m not discussing or explaining shit.”
ML Bash knows how to write some strong bomb ass MCs. Knight and his entire family were very much energy that i like. However, Knight is really BDE. That whole family is trained to go and i can’t wait to read the rest of the brothers. Overall, with the family i love how supportive they are towards one another. Whether it’s handling business or how you choose to love.
With this being an FFM romance/arranged marriage Nova was truly the perfect woman for him. She was badass, strong, and has sex appeal. Love how we watched her become so comfortable and soft with knight. The right person will bring it out of you. When y’all get to that night club scene though 😉. As Casmi comes in the picture you get to really see the beauty of just how much a gentleman Knight is and how Nova is protective of her. He loves and respects women and takes no bs in harm being done to them. Especially within the rules of their society’s arrange marriage laws. Casmi really had some trauma to work through and the way knight was with her is quite loving. Now i do wish we got a little more of the romance once Casmi came into play. Nonetheless, it was nice seeing how they all were together and then with each other individually.
Other quotes:
“The devil I knew was better than the one i didn’t.”
“Keep your eyes on me or I’ll stop fucking you.”
“All I want is to make you feel safe, seen, and happy, baby. That’s everything to me.”
“We can’t go to war while our house is in shambles.”
“You belong on this dick just like Novalie belongs on this fucking dick.”
The Thing about Home by Rhonda McKnight
emotional
hopeful
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
“You, Casey Black, did not come from nothing and nobody.”
This book was absolutely wonderful. Being raised in SC I’ve got to experience some things but after this book i want to learn/experience more. From the very beginning the plot took off and now we follow Casey as she takes a break to discover the half of her that was always missing. Family.
Being a model, an influencer and wife is a lot to juggle. When things coming crashing down from her husband and a video of her crashing out takes wind in the media, her taking a break is a must. Love that she went on this journey of finding herself in this new phase of life. Meeting family that embraces her with so much love and care is beautiful. Her grandma aka Granna is the absolute sweetest and was giving Casey listens that will last a lifetime. While in SC she experiences culture, farming, family history, and possibly a new love that makes her old life not that bad to leave behind. It was such a breath of fresh air to watch her discover an old/new passion of hers and you can feel that love for all these new passions just come off the pages. Now that mother of hers was some real work. When a secret gets revealed, it will not only have Casey questioning things but the reader also. Lastly, i loved the back and forth between timelines. We get to learn with Casey how her family becomes who they are today because can’t you know where going, until you know where you came from.
Others quotes:
“I don’t believe in making love wait. Time don’t always belong to you.”
“Tomorrow is a hope. Not a promise.”
Wish I Never Met Her by Tanisha Stewart
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Thank you Tanisha Stewart and the ladies of BWW for this ARC.
This story was about a tale as old as time. Especially when it comes to people like Quincy. Karma always gets the last laugh because why wait until you’re down and out to see what was always in front of you. He had someone who had his back, could laugh with, loved all of him and could be himself with. A lot of people are not willing to wait forever while you play in their face. That’s all right though since karma made sure he met his perfect match on the app.
Now i did predict what happened with the young lady Quincy kept over looking. I loved that for her. However, i wanted more for the ending. I thought Quincy was going to put a bullet in someone due to the kind of book this is 😂. I’m not mad at it though. Still a good read.
This story was about a tale as old as time. Especially when it comes to people like Quincy. Karma always gets the last laugh because why wait until you’re down and out to see what was always in front of you. He had someone who had his back, could laugh with, loved all of him and could be himself with. A lot of people are not willing to wait forever while you play in their face. That’s all right though since karma made sure he met his perfect match on the app.
Now i did predict what happened with the young lady Quincy kept over looking. I loved that for her. However, i wanted more for the ending. I thought Quincy was going to put a bullet in someone due to the kind of book this is 😂. I’m not mad at it though. Still a good read.