lit_vibrations's reviews
239 reviews

Attached At The Hip by Christine Riccio

adventurous funny 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? No

5.0

Survivor meets The Bachelor in Attached at the Hip, an irresistible romantic adventure. The novel follows Orie Lennox having spent most of her life prepping for her happily ever after. Now that she’s graduated, she’s low-key wondering, when the heck is it gonna hit. Her life is not quite what she envisioned it to be. So, on a whim she applies for a reality show to play a game of human chess for a shot at a million dollars. After being casted for the show Orie discovers it’s an experimental romantic edition of the show: and even more surprised to find that her old high school crush, Remy, has been cast as well.

I really enjoyed reading this book it was fun, adventurous, and filled with humor. Building on a unique premise Riccio crafted the perfect rom-com I could barely put it down. Making the book reflect a reality tv show was also perfectly executed. Everything had an even flow from Orie’s personal life to the way the author wove the game show and the scripting into the story. You really feel like you’re watching everything take place right in front of you. The dialogue was witty, the pacing is steady, the characters are all well-developed, and the writing was so descriptive.

Orie was a lovable character just a little annoying at times especially when she called Remy by his WHOLE NAME Remy Orlando Lasorsa!!! But I love that the author gave Orie this co-dependent personality and we actually see growth in her character by the end of the book. Now when it came to the romance I liked the way the author changed up the dynamics with Orie having two potential love interests  which allowed things to fall in the hands of fate. Remy seemed like Orie’s perfect match because their chemistry was palpable from the beginning. But when she’s partnered with Osprey we get a more authentic connection between the two.  

Overall, loved the book highly recommend you guys read it especially if you’re a fan of reality tv. The way each chapter builds and compliments the next I swear you’re in for a fun reading experience . Special thanks to the author, @macmillan.audio for my gifted listening copy, & @Wednesdaybooks for my e-ARC‼️

Daughter of the Merciful Deep by Leslye Penelope

adventurous hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted relaxing 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

4.0

She’s done it again‼️ Shining light on the drowned Black towns of the American South Penelope creates a powerful MC  who journeys into a submerged world of gods and myth to save her home. 

Daughter of the Merciful Deep was nothing short of amazing for me. I can’t say it topped The Monsters We Defy but it came really close. The way she twisted spirituality, religion, folklore, Black history, diasporic traditions , and myths in this historical fantasy was pure genius. I was probably around Ch. 17 or so when I realized what she was doing and honestly it was quite clever. It was also the character names and the way she put certain things into context that really made it click for me. 

Another thing Penelope is really good at is world building. It was so easy to envision everything and what was happening around the town of Awenasa and New Ile. The character development itself was chef’s kiss 🤌🏽 so many memorable characters and their personalities gave so much life to book. 

Watching Jane finally come to terms with her past trauma, having faith in herself, and finding her voice again was everything. The suspense surrounding the town’s mystery man Moses was also well done. 

My only cons with this one:

• The middle of the book drags a bit 
• Wish it didn’t take so long for something to spark between Jane and Daniel 
• I couldn’t understand why others were able to use the nakara besides Jane. I felt like if it was gifted to her it should’ve remained sacred. 
• Why wasn’t Daniel punished for the wish he made . . . I needed him to disappear or something. As many wishes as he did grant for the people around town he should’ve had amnesia 😂

Overall, I enjoyed this one and highly recommend especially if you’re a fan of her work sis didn’t miss‼️ Special thanks to the author & @redhookbooks for my advanced copy.

The Ballad of Black Tom by Victor LaValle

adventurous dark mysterious fast-paced

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

4.0

Redwood Court by DéLana R.A. Dameron

emotional hopeful informative lighthearted reflective medium-paced

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

4.0

The novel follows Mika Tabor the baby in the family as she spends time with her loved ones listening to their stories and witnessing their struggles. Throughout the book Mika will learn some important lessons from her family. Like her parents who often work long hours and multiple jobs to ensure their kids get to experience all that life has to offer. Or her amazing grandparents who were born during the Jim Crow era and envisioned early on the success they wanted for their family and generations to come. Together they help Mika understand her family history, the meaning of community, and how ordinary people strive to achieve their own American dream. 

Whew this book and the full cast of characters were a lot to take in. I love a good multigenerational family story but when to many characters are involved it leaves room for confusion. I had to reference back to the beginning a few times to remember who is who. But after a while most of the book is told from Mika’s POV which helps keep things in perspective. 

The timeline jumped around quite a bit which I didn’t like because I felt the author could’ve gone in more depth on certain things before changing the topic. I did love the characters and getting to know their backstories especially the grandparents. Grandma was the glue that held the family and community together which many people can relate to. 

The pacing was rather up and down for me and I felt the last quarter of the book didn’t hold up like the rest. I think what may throw many off is how the book is written.  Rather than it solely focusing on a single topic we get a lot of stories told about or from specific family members that make up their family history. Which was probably done purposely since many Black families can’t trace far back in their lineage. 

Overall, I enjoyed the book I increased my rating from a 3.5 to a 4 by the end of it. If you’re a fan of family sagas or books about multigenerational families you’ll enjoy this one. Special thanks to the author & @thedialpress for my gifted copy‼️

Weird Black Girls: Stories by Elwin Cotman

challenging dark mysterious tense slow-paced

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

2.5

Rating: 2.5/5 ⭐️

“Let the dreamer dream.”

Idk why I didn’t DNF this book lol it was the weirdest collection of short stories that were way longer than they should’ve been. Of them all I really only liked 2 “The Switchin’ Tree” and “Triggered.” Also felt the title was a bit misleading considering some of the stories included in the book. I had the e-ARC but ended up finding the audio on something else and that didn’t help my rating at all. This one wasn’t really for me but may be for you. Special thanks to the author & Scribner for my advanced copy!!!

Only for the Week by Natasha Bishop

adventurous funny lighthearted fast-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

5.0

Talk about a must read OMG I loved this book‼️ Everything was on point for me the drama, the romance, the characters, the spice was Louisiana Hot lol, even the pacing was perfect. Honestly, I was sold off the first page of the book. “The reason why I can’t wait for this wedding to be over is not the fact that the bride is my sister, and the groom is my ex-boyfriend.” Come again? Mic drop, jaw dropped, I was sucked in immediately cause WTF. . . 

First let me say Amerie would’ve had me messed up on SOOOOOO many levels. Sis broke the girl code, the sister code, and any of code that involves not dating let alone marrying your sister’s ex. Can’t be the only one who thought that was strange like Janelle’s sloppy seconds though. A million fish in the sea and you just so happen to catch the one I threw back in. Their mother . . . I just really needed her to mind her business.

Rome oh my dear Rome I love him‼️ His desire to please, woo, and protect Janelle was everything. I mean I was here for all the vibes between them. Natasha did not hold anything back in the spicy scenes. I truly felt she wove the narrative in such a realistic way making  you feel so connected to all of the characters. 

Overall, I highly recommend you read the book or listen to the audio you won’t be disappointed. Special thanks to the author @tantoraudio & @librofm for my ALC‼️

The One That Got Away with Murder by Trish Lundy

adventurous mysterious tense fast-paced

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

4.0

Be careful who you fall for...Running away from her own past Lauren just moved to Happy Valley and is already in the center of a murder mystery. Hoping to start fresh in a new place with her mom and her mom’s new boyfriend she can’t seem to shake the bad memories and trauma she so wished to leave behind. Making matters worse she starts hooking up with Robbie Cresmont who was recently accused of murder. A few girls on the soccer team try warning her about the Cresmont’s. Struggling to accept the truth of who Robbie might be Lauren begins doing some digging of her own. 

This was such a fun, fast-paced, will have you on the edge of your seat page-turner. So many twists and turns you don’t know who to believe. The thrill of finding out who was behind the murders was such a wild ride until it was revealed. The author played the characters against each other so well I was for sure we had at least 4 potential suspects. But just when you think you know you’re so wrong. 

I thought the twist with who the killer actually was made no sense. Clever maybe even a little jaw dropping cause it wasn’t expected. But the killer’s overall purpose for doing it didn’t fit the narrative. It felt unrealistic and made me feel like they did entirely too much just to kill someone. 

Overall, I enjoyed it for the most part. The characters are complex each with secrets of their own making them all seem a little suspicious. The author successfully creates a perfect web of drama, mystery, and suspense that spiraled out of control by the end. If you’re looking for a YA high school murder mystery this is it. Special thanks to the author & @henryholtbooks for my gifted copy‼️

The Ballad of Jacquotte Delahaye by Briony Cameron

adventurous lighthearted mysterious tense 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

5.0

Pirates of the Caribbean ain’t got nothing on Jacquotte Delahaye. With the strength of a man, brilliance of a woman, and the heart of a lion Jacquotte was absolutely unstoppable. Going toe to toe with male merchants, soldiers, pirates, and the Governor she proved time and time again why they should put some respect on her name‼️Battered, bruised, and beaten but never defeated. 

Based on true events the novel follows Jacquotte Delahaye an upcoming shipwright forced to flee her home because of a conniving acquaintances act of rebellion and betrayal against the Governor. Once Florian takes the Governor’s spot he will stop at nothing to have Jacquotte at his side dead or alive. Now on the run with a crew of refugees and a mysterious woman aka her new found lover they band together and become servants to a ruthless pirate captain Blackhand. When things go haywire under his command Jacquotte must decide what price she is willing to pay to secure a better future for them all.

This was a great read I was a little skeptical going into this one because it involved pirates. But I’m so happy I read this book it was such a thrilling experience. Not gone lie Jacquotte stood on business. Her character really grew on me and by the end of the book she was a fav. The character development was chef’s kiss PERIODT I mean all of them‼️ The premise, vivid details, and dialogue left no questions unanswered for me. I honestly feel this book was perfectly crafted like can we get a movie adaptation? 

Overall, y’all know I loved this I mean a female pirate need I say more? Tackling so many themes from oppression, racial/gender inequality, the struggle for power and dominance, male ego, self-discovery, and finding home. The author took the facts and twisted them into her own narrative. If none of this really happened she definitely made me a believer. Looking for a medium-paced, action packed, adventurous read you found it. Special thanks to the author & @atriabooks for my advanced copy‼️

Troubled Waters by Mary Annaïse Heglar

emotional hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted reflective 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? It's complicated

3.0

When you’re involved in something that’s bigger than yourself it can be hard to get others to see the bigger picture or for them to understand why you’re going so hard for what you believe in. 

After the loss of her brother aboard an oil boat on the Mississippi River, Corrine awakened to the realities of climate change and its perpetrators. A year of grief and depression leaves Corrine trapped in a lonely cycle of mourning her brother and the progression of global warming. She convinces herself in order to save her future she has to ensure her brother’s life meant something. Even if that means jeopardizing her safety to do the impossible. In a brave attempt to honor her brother Corrine peels back the scabs of her family wounds that rattle Grandma Cora to the core. 

This was a rather interesting read the author provided a mix of everything in this one. We’re given some historical context and generational trauma with Cora’s backstory of school desegregation during her childhood. Corrine gives a bit of magical realism with her premonitions of catastrophic events or seeing the ghosts of those affected during those events. The author also made relevant references to past events like the oil spill, Hurricane Katrina, the Great Flood of 1927, Eric Garner, and Trayvon Martin. 

Throughout the book I could tell Corrine was passionate about making everyone aware of global warming. But she failed to make the impact she intended because she acted out of emotion and didn’t think her actions through. But I loved the support she received from her family and those around her. Although they didn’t agree with the stance she wanted to make everyone still backed her decision. 

Overall, I thought the book was okay as it tackled many themes throughout and loved that it was based on the authors family history. My only downside is the loss in focus when one theme is presented to the next. But the book is very well-written and something many will enjoy. Special thanks to the author, @hearourvoicestours , & @harpermuse for my gifted copy‼️

Undiplomatic: How My Attitude Created the Best Kind of Trouble by Deesha Dyer

funny hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted reflective fast-paced

5.0

This book is a MUST READ‼️ Without credentials or connections, community college student and advocate Deesha Dyer navigated her imposter syndrome, landing one of the most exclusive positions in the White House.

Loved reading about Deesha’s experience and journey to the White House. How often is a regular day person without a political background given the opportunity to intern at the White House? Not many but sus applied, got the role, turned it into a permanent position, and showed everyone why she deserved to be the Social secretary‼️

She spoke on so many themes throughout the book from chronic imposter syndrome, finding her place in the world, overcoming doubt, her educational/ career background, abortion, relationships, the effects music has on our culture, and of course what lead up to her applying for the internship and working at the White House. This book and her personal story proves nothing is out of reach for a dreamer. Had she allowed doubt and the assumptions of others to get in the way of her potential she wouldn’t be where she is today. 

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this. Not only was her story inspiring but it was such a joy hearing from someone that I could relate to. There were even a few moments I laughed out loud. Imagine meeting Barack Obama for the first time and you blow it. Her attempt to make a good impression resulted in her suggesting she could jump off the plane in midair like girl what lmao. If you’re looking for another great memoir you found it and check out the custom playlist curated by the author on Spotify. Special thanks to the author & @legacylitbooks for my gifted copy‼️