whatebonyreads's reviews
195 reviews

Ruined by Rosè Dior

emotional funny inspiring lighthearted reflective sad fast-paced

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

4.0

IKYFL

I knew when I looked at the percentage on my Kindle that Rosé was setting us up LOL! Now I gotta wait until the next book but one thing is for sure and two for certain, when people show you who they are believe them. Kera better than me because after that embarrassing moment I was knocking heads off!

The Partner Plot by Kristina Forest

emotional inspiring lighthearted reflective tense medium-paced

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

4.0

I tried to read 'The Neighbor Favor' but couldn't get into it, so I was skeptical about reading this book. But I'm glad I gave it a chance because I really enjoyed it! Who doesn't love a good break-up-to-make-up story? This book has a great one, because the characters were young and clueless about life. I'm all for Violet and Xavier, and I think everyone will love this light-hearted contemporary romance.

Call Out My Name: A Dark Bodyguard Romance by Wynta Tyme

dark emotional inspiring reflective sad tense fast-paced

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

4.0

"Have you ever heard the saying that when a man wants something or someone, nothing can stop him from getting it? Well, that was definitely the case for Prime when he met Rouge. As her bodyguard, he fell head over heels for her and was determined to help her break out of her shell. He succeeded, and they both lived happily ever after.

The author, Wynta, wastes no time in getting into the drama and action in this book. From start to finish, we are immersed in Prime and Rouge's world, and trust me, it's one heck of a ride. It's the perfect book to read over the weekend - I highly recommend it!"

Out of Office by A.H. Cunningham

emotional hopeful inspiring medium-paced

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

4.0

There are so many ways I could start this review. Let me start by saying I have been reading Harlequin since the days of Kimani Romance. I am happy that since the Kimani imprint has been discontinued, Black authors still have a place in their publishing house.

With that said, I enjoyed this book. The idea of two people (Genevieve and Adrían) just living life and love comes out of nowhere, leaving both shell-shocked, is a story I will always go for. 

I am looking forward to reading more from this author.

What You Leave Behind by Wanda M. Morris

dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-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? N/A

5.0

“Gullah-Geechee. We were strong and resilient. Still are.” 

As soon as I saw Geechee, I knew I had to read it. Growing up in the South Carolina Low Country, Gullah-Geechee is in my blood. It’s who I am. It’s in my DNA. 

This book was messier than a hog pen after a hard rain and a king tide. And I loved every minute of it. There’s nothing like a little family drama mixed with mystery. This was my first book by Wanda Morris and I ate it up. I am adding more of her books to my reading list and letting everyone know that they need to read this book. 

Loyal by Default: Legacy of Carter Reed by Kc Mills

dark emotional hopeful reflective sad tense medium-paced

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

5.0

I would like more of McKenna and Carter, please and thank you. If you enjoyed reading the novella 24 Three, you will definitely enjoy this companion novel as well. It was wonderful to see K.C. embrace the romantic thriller genre. The story had a beautiful ending and it reinforces my unwavering support for Black authors and Black love.

Wreckless Love by Nina.

dark emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad tense medium-paced

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

5.0

The sign of a good writer is when they make you love their characters as if they are live human beings and Nina has done that perfectly. 

When I saw this book drop I knew I had to drop everything for the Porters. I wasn’t disappointed with the other books and this was just as good. When it comes to them Porter boys Imma eat it up every single time. 

This is definitely a series I have to add to my physical collection. Nina has cemented herself as an auto-buy author for me. 

Someone Is Always Watching by Kelley Armstrong

dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced

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

3.5

Back to Us (Phillips Family Book 1) by Honesty Price

emotional funny hopeful inspiring tense medium-paced

5.0

Back To Us…Back To Love

“We got lost

Lines got crossed

And the light turned to static babe

And then I jumped ship

Got caught up in the current and it carried both of us away

We were so much better

When we were together baby

And I just can’t let you slip away”

          - Finding My Way Back - Jaheim 

There's nothing more exhausting than arguing with a person who wants to prove they are right. For Malcolm and Whitney could the right to be right destroy all they’ve built or will they be able to solve their issues and find their way back to each other and the love they share? 

This was my first Honesty Price book and I am now invested in her catalog. I have been where Malcolm and Whitney were. When I’m right and he’s right but we’re too stubborn to call it a draw and move on. This was a great introduction to the Phillips family. This is a great cozy weekend read.  can’t wait to read the entire series.

A Gamble at Sunset by Vanessa Riley
Did not finish book. Stopped at 71%.

I love a Regency novel, but the book felt like the author was trying to rush the characters' stories. We are introduced to many characters, and it feels like too much is happening. When the story begins, we learn that Lady Hampton and the Duke knew each other when they were younger. It would have been nice to see how their past and how their lives and those decisions brought us to current events. The way the book started, it felt like I didn’t have a piece of a puzzle, and that piece was part of the middle of the picture. I am unsure if I would be willing to continue the series. Unfortunately, I ended up DNFing this book.