itsawrapxx's reviews
191 reviews

A Love Bred From The Block: A Standalone Novel by Antoinette Sherell
Did not finish book. Stopped at 32%.

I might return to this, because I did not make it to the point when Zodiac and Reason are adults. I just wasn't feeling back and forth of "I lov you, but we're just friends"

Only Big Bumbum Matters Tomorrow by Damilare Kuku

reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

I really had to sit with this after I finished it. I wasn't sure the direction this story was going to take in the beginning, but I love the way it tied together by the end. The story of  this family of woman, and there own individual trials, tribulations, and disappointment really highlight on the secrets and hurts we carry. Also how that is carried through generations. Temi beginning the youngest I liked how ultimately the story was centered on her but what she confronts with the other woman in her life. 

Loving Donovan by Bernice L. McFadden

4.5

That ending 😫! While I appreciated following the journey of Campbell and Donovan from childhood until they meet, It still didn't excuse Donovan's behavior. 

The Perfect Sister by Desirée

adventurous dark tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Out of Body by Nia Davenport

adventurous emotional mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This was a engaging and speedy read. The story took twist and turns that I was not anticipating, and I overall had a good time with this story. 

Dear Haiti, Love Alaine by Maritza Moulite, Maika Moulite
Did not finish book. Stopped at 25%.

I think I'm not gelling with the format the story is being told in. I'm just not intrigued by where this story is going. 

The Secret Lives of Church Ladies by Deesha Philyaw

4.0

This was a quick read and each story left an impression on me. Preach cobbler, however, might be my favorite among the bunch. Normally, I do not enjoy short stories, but each story stood on it's own. 

Devout by Takerra Allen

dark tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

I've quickly become a fan of Takerra Allen. This series has to be my least favorite of her work so far. I did not like Denny, and while the ending gave more context to his behavior, I still did not see it for him. Age gaps, and instalove are two tropes that I also tend to dislike. Denny and Neeki heavy pretty fast, and the age difference made it even more alarming. Regardless Takerra Allen knows how to tell a story, I just did not like Denny and Neeki's relationship at all. 

Family Meal by Bryan Washington

emotional 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? Yes

3.5

I appreciated the journey of friendship between Cam and JT as they navigated their separate trials and tribulations. The story started off promising but lost its pacing by the end. 

Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi

emotional reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

This story had me in a chokehold from beginning to end. The way Gyasi can tell a story that spans time, space, culture, and generations is captivating. I'm upset with myself for waiting so long to read Homegoing, but I'm so glad I did.