Message From A Mistress by: Niobia Bryant

Message from a Mistress

I believe this novel by Author Niobia Bryant, was her debut novel, and she knocked it out the ball park with this work, which was cleverly written.

My version of this novel was an audiobook purchased from Audible.com. It was narrated by (the seductive voice of), Scoozi Cheyenne. It plays 8 hours and 44 minutes, which is about the average time 8 to 10 hours, and it's Publisher: Recorded Books.

I loved the way Author Niobia weaved this tale because the mistress within this story took a back seat to her three friends Jaime, Renee and Aria who all had some deep dark secrets which was unknown to each other but the mistress who had highjacked one of their husband's. 

The character development was excellent. The plot was driven by curiosity because you wanna know who's husband wasn't coming home, while the subplots revealed the reasons of how a backstabbing bitch was afforded the opportunity to place them in their situation. 

What situation, you asked? Well, these three women, Jaime, Renee and Aria all received a text message from their friend, Jessa while having a spa day. The message told them that she had been sleeping with one of their husbands, and that they were in love, they brought a house together, and that him and her was running off to live happily ever after. That's the situation I'm talking about.

These women sum up their lives in the few agonizing hours afforded to them before they learn which of their husband's will not be returning from their fishing trip. -And you know what the mind can do to you when haven't been living right. You know what I'm talking about. That little affair you had, that walk on the wild side, lying on your ovaries, and little stuff like that can really weight on ones emotions, and it does.

The writing is clever, the characters are real, the situation happens more often than not. I gave this novel 4 stars out of 5. It will surly entertain you, and make you wonder about how you living.


~LW~

Secret Society (Secret Society1) by: Miasha

Secret Society (Secret Society 1)

First off, I have to pat myself on the back for lisening and completing this book, I see I have matured some.  Secret Society by, Miasha is a book I would not read, nor listen to for that part,not because there was anything wrong other then the subject matter, which involved the two central characters, Celess and Tiny.

First I listen to the Audible.com version, which was narrated by, Claudia Aleck who by in turn did a wonderful job and it felt good to hear her voice once again after becoming acostomed to her picturent power of verbal illusions. The audiobook was published by Blackstone Audio Inc., it plays for 4 hours and 16 minutes long, which is not bad at all for such a well rounded, fast pace story.

The author Miasha calls herself a writer and she is mistaken, she is much more than a writer, she's a Storyteller. When you can enchaned and captured the being of your readers and transpored them to another demension, which voids them the knowledge of themselves, transforming them into that "fly on the wall," you have gone beyond the scope of writing, but you have created a solid foundation within the space of a persons mind from an illusion makes you that of a Storyteller.

The story is about two young peoples working hard to obtain something quickly, which can only be obtain with vested time and oneself. Now you know I never say about a story because if I tell it to you, then why read it. -But as I said had I known firsthand about the main characters lifestyle, I would not picked this novel to listen to, or to read and the reason for that is because I'm a man, and at my age I know that to be a fact, so their lifestyle challenged me and I was not bothered by Celess and Tiny being who they were, and who they are, and what they do turns this into a must read or must listen to novel. These two ladies give gold diggers a run for their money, and as life would have it when live in the fast lane, you are bound to crash and that does come to past. 

I gave Secret Society an 4.5 out of 5 stars. The book is a fast read, with a fast pace storyline. I do believe you would enjoy it even if it's not your normal cup of tea. You might even learn a few things.

~LW~

Diary of a Mistress by: Miasha

Diary of a Mistress

My wife always says, "A man just don't stand a chance."

When she first said this, I was slow to speak and gave great thought to the statement she made, because I was ready to debate her claim. I was about to pick up the flag and march into battle with her over such a claim. --I pondered, and  pondered some more, then came to the conclusion, she was right, a  man just don't stand a chance, and this short novel shows just one aspect on how men don't stand a chance against the games a woman plays.

Women know other women, but she doesn't always sure of her man. This tiny bit of doubt is all the other woman needs to spin her web, and with that in mind, Diary of a Mistress will take you on a journey no one should ever have to travel.

Author Miasha was born a Storyteller, and man can she tell a story. Diary of a Mistress was a damn good read, although most the words was delivered to me from my Audible app, which was narrated  for 4 hours and 54 minutes long by, Claudia Alick, who done a wonderful job.

There wasn't many characters and the few the author used, she used quite effectively. Character development was excellent. Subplots was and tension points was perfectly set in their proper places. The hardcover book was well crafted, with a clean font and solid pages.


The story is told from the mistress, Angela's p.o.v., which glues you to your seat and set the wheels into motion of making this novel a page turner. Angela is charmed by her instructor, Carlos. She befriends him and as time advances, so does their relationship. Angela wants to take their relationship to the next level, which puts Carlos and his wife Monica marriage on a road confusion and distrust, and see why a man just don't stand a chance.

This novel is a damn good read and do not think you would be disappointed with spending your money or your time. I give this one 5 stars.

Where Did We go Wrong 1 & 2, by Monica Mathis Stowe

Where Did We Go Wrong

and

Where Did We Go Wrong Again

I first read the Kindle eBook version, and listen to the Audible.com, audio version, narrated by Hillary Hawkins. I kinda liked these two novels. I will admit it took me a minute to get into the story. I will not blame the author, Monica for the slow start, I blame the story itself. The three main characters in, "Where Did I Go Wrong," were... simple said, was young. Their issues were, juvenile, but don't undermine the story and here's why. I'm in my mid/late 50's, with over 36 years of marriage, and I lived these issues when I was the of these three young ladies, but I stuck with the novel because the writing was good enough to get me involved emotionally and mentally.

The Kindle edition was nice and clean, no funny coding or weird stuff. The Audible.com edition was 8 hours, and 51 minutes long, published by, The Literary Publishing Group, and again the narrator was Hillary Hawkins.

The novel has a lot of characters, the author Monica, does a good job in the character development. The subplot and plot points were set good, the story did move well, although the ending was abrupt. The error the author made here is one of the same I committed as well. I learned ending the story at a critical climax doesn't make the reader anything other than PISSED OFF. I learned the hard way I was sculled, received threats, and was punched at two separated readers. So hopefully she received some advise on closing and opening sequels

Narrator Hillary Hawkins she did a good job with separating the many characters employed within the pages of this story, but I don't think she was suited for all the characters, I think a male narrator could have been used, and for this reason Narration received a 3. 

The story is full of drama, and as I always say, I love drama, and if you love drama you will not be disappointed. These three young ladies will take you through a range of emotions as they cause and work out their particular problems, and boy do they have some issues. Most of the storyline is believable. There were some flags, but the author ironed them out and them seem plausible, so overall the read, or listening is good.

What did I find out of place, annoying, or totally unbelievable? -The two central characters Joy and Allen. Now this is where I see the book was written by a woman for women. Joy should have been Allenless, because her constant whining and distrust with Allen just pissed me off. The man done took a bullet, and nearly died for you, so who cares if he didn't tell you about everyone he sexed while he was living his life without you in it!  --Is what I wanted to say.  (Okay granted the crazy chick tried to kill her, but that's different).  --And was just too good to be true. He did most things what a would do for his woman, but he was too concerning, too protective, just plain old overbearing. Baby this, and baby that, baby, baby, baby. If she farted he wanted to know if it hurt her, and then he would analyzed it to see if the gas mixture is okay. A man like that has issues, they're over possessive. But other than those two wacky relationship, the two novels are a good read. My overall rating for both novels is 3 stars.


~LW~

My First My Last by: Lacey Silks

 

  My First My Last  

I read story on my Kindle App. The formatting, typesetting, and overall composition was excellent. The author Lacey Silks does a wonderful job in this short story with just two characters. The plot was simple, the plot points was set properly. This short story was written with all the elements necessary to be called a romance story.

The story was told by the main character, Rose, who became widowed two years earlier, and at this point in time she was confronted by the man she gave her virginity to as a teenager.

Rose tells the story from the present, to the past, back to the present. Both character's true feelings are revealed, and the author throw in an erotic moment shared by the couple.

I seen that other reviews on this short story are mixed. Many readers found it to be too short. Granted it has the potential to be a full length novel, but it's a short story and the author did a great job in bringing all the necessary elements together to produce a complete thought.

I gave this S.S. 4 stars. If you like erotic-romance stories, this is a nice one. It reads fast, smooth, and a little tingly.


~LW~

Big Girls Do Cry by: Carl Weber

Big Girls Do Cry (Big Girls Series - Bk 2)

It taken me a good minute to write this review because my, was spinning over the details and situations within this novel. It turned out I read this series out of order, I somehow read "Torn Between two Lovers," before I read this one, which left me rereading and buying the audio versions of both novels so could put the contents of the two novels and two audio books into a perspective view.


Big Girls Do Cry was an interesting read since I had already read it's sequel before hand. I first read the hardcover version, which as I mention, left me somewhat confused because I just knew, "Torn Between two Lovers," were was the first installment. Notice I said first... Yeah, yeah, I was all messed up on this series. That's what happens when you fall behind in your reading, and there was no indication within it's subtitle as to the volume it was, so I flipped-flopped the series.

Carl Weber is an excellent story teller. The Storyline was well developed, as with all the subplots, and their plot points. For new and young writers a novel is created by the mechanical skills the author processes and is used to craft their vision, Carl Weber has those skills. --Character development was excellent, no one was out of place, missed used, or under-developed.

The audio version was narrated by Teresa Floyd. She does a very good job driving you through all the twist and turns of these crazy ass characters for 11 hours and 22 minutes, or 352 pages of nothing but deceit and betrayal to feed upon.

The novel is primarily centered around Isis psychotic butt, and her psychosis will have you spinning with mixed emotions from the things she does to her sister Egypt, who in my moral consciousness was wrong for getting married, and that's an underline issue for the mess they're twined within. -But you judge it for yourself. The next problem comes between Loraine, Leon, and Jerome, Loraine's close gay friend and former lover. Yes I said former lover that's now gay. Loraine has no trust for her husband, minuteman Leon, and believes he's cheating on her, this woman turns her unstable, sexually deprived world upside down when she's reacquainted with a gentleman from her past.

Now last but not least is the proud and gay, Jerome. He loves turning straight guys out, which is like any man, always looking for a virgin, and for the life of me don't understand why. The whole desire and concept of fooling around with virgins is just asinine, but maybe that's just me. Getting back, this thing with turning straight guys out leads him to find The One, and learns you should never dip and flip The One.

Big Girls do Cry - 5 stars out of 5. It's full of drama, and I like drama. I liked it because it had a lot going on, and the author did a wonderful job keeping it under-control. Book 2 of the series is a must read.


~LW~

Sin No More by: Kimberla Lawson Roby

Sin No More (Reverend Curtis Black #5) 

In a series, I love when the books flow into each other. For me, this creates a seamless saga, and as this series continued, Sin No More begins less than a year from Love & Lies.

Author Kimberla gave Reverend Curtis Black a make over in this novel, but other than Rev. Black, everyone else remained in character.

Mystery and drama starts from the very beginning. The subplots gave the author a lot of latitude to craft this tale. Chapter development was excellent, and I say excellent because there wasn't that much of OVER THE TOP DRAMA, this seasoned writer kept me driving towards the finish line for the How! Mystery is a mighty force, which is hard to wheel, and the author displayed she has the ability to use this force as a tool to pin this novel. 

From the very beginning we know the WHO, and we know most of the WHY to the subplots, and the author uses the element of HOW as the beacon. --That element of How, kept me in wonderment of the other missing elements, What and When.

I read the hard cover edition, and listen to listen to the audio version which was narrated by Tracey Leigh. Tracey Leigh does a wonderful job vocalizing each character, except Rev. Black. Tracey doesn't do a bad job at bringing him to life, it's not that at all. I just don't see him in that tone of voice.

If you are a fan of the Reverend Curtis Black series, and you're behind in your reading of the series as I am, you will enjoy this fifth installment of the series. I only hope you will enjoy it as much as I have, this way you will see why I gave it 5 Stars.

 

 

~LW~

 

 

Nookie by: Anieshea Dansby

 The theme of this novel is for 'young adults,' which made it somewhat difficult for me to get into, and the fact that the novel contain a lot of errors. A full review will be posted on my blog and Goodreads.

~LW~

Update, Oct.4,2013:

As I promised to follow through with a complete overall review of "Nookie"

I really don't like giving low ratings on books I read, or critiquing other authors work, but just because I don't like doesn't mean I won't. --And yes I used the word 'won't.' 

I think this book has the potential to be greater than what it is, and what it is is underdeveloped! I found that the characters was underdeveloped, chapter development underdeveloped, sub-plots okay, tension predicable, lack editing, and sentence structure.

I'm not trying to be curl, and I hope the author doesn't take offense in this review. I received reviews such as this and sort to improve my craft, and my work. Again I think the book has potential and needs some polishing. I would love to see the author update this work, and give it a positive ending because it can help young teens in making better decisions. My rating: 1 Star.


~LW~

Jack & Jill by: James Patterson

Jack & Jill (Alex Cross #3)

There isn't much I can say about the book or the author. I love the Alex Cross series. I was hooked with "A Long Came a Spider," and "Kiss the Girls."

Jack and Jill is a fast pace, riveting, suspense/thriller. This is a novel I would love to watch on the big screen!

James Patterson is an Master at character development, which is such an essential element in the craft of writing. Plot development received excellent support from its chapter development and suspenseful sub-plotting. 

Jack and Jill is an assassination team that terrorize the DC area, and puts Capital Hill on high alert. they are highly skilled, highly effective, and Alex is placed right in the middle of their carnage and rampage to execute the President of the United States.

So go find your favorite chair, a pot of coffee, or coco, and whatever else you need to be comfortable, while James takes you on this emotional roller-coaster with Alex Cross to uncover the reason why these ghost has come out to kill in this 5 star read.


~LW~

Love & Lies By: Kimerla Lawson Roby

 

Love & Lies (Rev. Curtis Black Series #4)

I like this read. It had been many years since I last read a Reverend Curtis Black novel and it felt good to reacquaint myself with the characters and their history. The history of the characters came back slowly and I was surprise I had retained as much knowledge of them, which I did. I can only give credit to Mrs. Roby for being a master in  "Character Development." -This is an area of writing new writers should study and practice. Now on to the book.

I have read Love & Lies hard cover, and I listened to the novel in audio formats, narrated by Tracey Leigh. Kimberla Lawson Ruby did a wonderful job with Love & Lies, which is book number four of the Rev. Curtis Black series. The mechanics: Character development was excellent (Kimberla is an masterful author at this). There was no stalling, or dry spots, the story moved very well. Plot points were set and well developed. Sub-plots moved the story. Chapter development was well organized. I did not find any editing, or manufacturers errors. Nice thick cream-colored paper, the font style and size was excellent. Adult Theme, but suited for the matured +17 year old.

The characters Rev. Black, Charlotte Black, Melissa, and Janine drives this storyline with lies, infidelity, betrayal, domestic violence, and mental illness. Kimberla combat these issues with honesty, trust, love, and bravery. After reading this novel, I can say all the events and solutions are plausible, and real life, which left me to wonder if any of the characters innocent of their circumstances?

Love & Lies was an emotional read, as you will pick your characters to cheer on, and those you will want to just meet in an ally and beat their ass, and that ass whopping includes Rev. Black for his dumbness, and weakness. --This is a well crafted novel, and well deserved of 5 Stars. The only reason why I would not give it 5 Stars is for its predictability, other than that, it rates 4.50 Stars, excellent!


~LW~