KayBee's Blog

Timur's Escape by Tabi Slick My rating: 4 of 5 stars I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review. Now that the business out of the way. Wow! I loved this story. It had political intrigue, betrayal, murder and I love that couldn't be denied. The author painted such a vivid picture of the Ottoman Empire that you could see the rich tapestry, the architecture (the mosque Timur used as a quiet place). The characters truly came to life. Timur's self-loathing. Emel's hurt at a sister's betrayal. I love the electricity between the two when they shared their first encounter and then their first kiss. The discovery that Emel knew of Timur's true nature was handled so matter of factly that he didn't know what to expect. This was a well-organized story with developed characters and a plot twist at the end that threw me for a loop. I appreciated the historical note provided by the author. It helped put into context why this era as chosen fo

The McClain Brothers by Alexandria House My rating: 5 of 5 stars This review relates to all 4 books in the series thus far. The couples Book 1 - Let Me Love You Big South & Jo Book 2-Let Me Hold You Leland & Kim Book 3 Let Me Show You Nolan & Bridgette Book 4-Let Me Free You Neil & Sage This review relates to all 4 books in the series thus far. This series introduces us to the McClain Brothers- Big South, Leland & twins Nolan & Neil, and the cast of hilarious supporting characters.  The author delivers a diverse and developed cast of characters. The author executed the story so well that you felt the love and passion jump off the page. You were literally giving your own man or potential man the side-eye. You wanted the McClain treatment lol. The story was told in a way that you felt a part of them. With an expert pen, the author displays, not just informs, the reader of who these men and women were in each story. You knew them intimately

Obsessive Intoxication: A Twisted Tale of Impulsive Desire and Love's Dark Side by Stevie Kinchen My rating: 2 of 5 stars The story opens with our primary character 20-year-old college student Diana in pain over losing the love of her life. She's cutting herself and she's screaming out loud (literally) in pain. No one hears her in the home. She's loved this person since she was 15 and he was a 34-year-old instructor at her school. While her mother treats Diana as if she's a pre-teen, her father and older sister treat her harshly and with little regard to how their words will impact her. I won't reveal the connection the "love of her life" has to the family. But needless to say, he is an intricate member of the family. As the story builds and you are anticipating a major reveal and showdown, it drops you. The ending /showdown is wrapped up in 3 very short sentences as if the author ran out of steam. Unfortunately, this story was a very difficu

You’re Apart Of Me by Shameek Speight My rating: 3 of 5 stars I knew in choosing this book, I was in for a few things horror, grotesque killing scenes and that rare form of crazy that this writer brings. I wanted something different and wild and that's exactly what I got. Melody's story did not disappoint. She came from a tight-knit loving family of ...well I don't want to give that away that tidbit. Although, you can figure it out pretty early on in the story. Melody wanted to love & be loved. She wanted happiness with her soul mate but was unlucky in love. She "hunted" for love and whenever she thought she had it, the many men failed to live up to their promises. When that didn't work, she sought out one night stands to fulfill her carnal needs. This was a quick, entertaining read with a few grammatical errors. From the graphic opening scene to its ending, in the same manner, I couldn't stop reading or chuckling. I wonder if

I Know He’s Evil by Shameek Speight My rating: 3 of 5 stars There is a single mother killer on the loose and all is not what it seems. This book touched on and then drove home a fear that MANY single mothers fear. And that is bringing someone into your life and your child or children's lives that will bring harm to you. From the plot setup to character development and story execution, the author completed all with a very vivid pen. The scenes were quite vivid and if you know this Author, you know it can be graphic. Even though you knew who the "killer" was early on, the author still did a great job of taking us on the ride to the final reveal and twist. The killer never left any clues and always seemed one step ahead of the police. The story moved along at a moderate pace and kept you engaged enough so as not to lose your interest at any point. I really enjoyed this book. (What does that say about me right? lol ) Single mothers beware. Now let's get

The Maiden’s Song  by  Douglas S. Pierce My rating:  3 of 5 stars First, It took me a minute to start the book. It has a whopping 769 pages. I don't think I had read a book that long since A Song of Ice & Fire, especially a fantasy book. The story of Mouse and Seldy's journey and how they are entangled was very well written and properly executed in format and structure. The author weaves with intricate detail the journey to come. I can't say much without giving it away. The Author did an amazing job of developing the characters and allowing their story to unfold organically. He mixed that with a host of interesting and vital supporting characters. Through his words, I could almost feel each scene and the emotions, especially the pain, that was endured. I liked the fact that the Author didn't just tell us of the personal growth, but it was demonstrated through action and the reactions of our primary character. While lengthy, the story did manage to k

A Love That Inspires  by Frank Chatmon gives voice to God’s love for his people along with poetic tributes of a God-fearing man’s love for a woman.  The poetry collection moves easily in out and out of the heart of a man that has given, received, and lost love in his life.  The poems show that the poet never gives up hope in Christ and for the perfect true love that God has created for him. This book flows fluidly to demonstrate that loving God yields the heart to love oneself and others. Excerpt: A Love That Inspires gives voice to God’s love for his people along with poetic tributes of a God-fearing man’s love for a woman.  The poetry collection moves easily in out and out of the heart of a man that has given, received, and lost love in his life.  The poems show that the poet never gives up hope in Christ and for the perfect true love that God has created for him. This book flows fluidly to demonstrate that loving God yields the heart to love oneself and others.  Author

BECKY UNCHAINED by KING MILLI My rating: 3 of 5 stars First things first- I loved the cover and wow that opening was an attention grabber. I felt every bit of Pamela's emotion. This story dealt with a problem as old as time in the black community "colorism". Pamela a strong, educated black woman married Darius. Pamela was made to feel that her dark skin was inferior to those with lighter or white skin. The author does a great job with the young Pamela and the school psychologist. While she went on to educate herself and become a top performer in her field, she, unfortunately, attracted and married someone who hated himself and his blackness. Self-hatred was something that was ingrained in him as a child by his father's words and actions. After having "arrived", Darius cheats with Becky. Becky, who thinks that her success resides solely in the pockets of a rich man. So she sets her sights on Darius who is all too willing to oblige. Becky'

Taste: An Erotic Novella  by  Fatima Munroe My rating:  3 of 5 stars You never know where love and PASSION will find you. Well, apparently it's in an Uber and I need one. Lyric is married to Nolan, who has become complacent and selfish in their marriage. You'll have to read to see what I mean. Yes. This story is billed as erotica and it is don't go get me wrong. However, the author does a great job of having the story of Lilly and Thad not rely on the hot sex scenes, you got an actual story as well. And just when you've found your footing, the Author throws a twist into the mix that you were not expecting (cough Nolan). You are given lust, love, and witty banter. But, I have to go now my Uber is waiting ;) Reviewed by KayBee #justmytwocents View all my reviews

Underneath Earl's Bed by Cy Hartshorne My rating: 3 of 5 stars I was a little hesitant going into this story. A dust Bunny, Dustyn, longs to explore. He hails from a community of dust bunnies that lived in the attic of the Earl's home where a black widow reigned with terror. The story takes us through the perils of growing up in the dust bunny community and dealing with the Black Widow to his teenagers years and having more trials to face into adulthood and why he needs to leave his home under Earl's bed or did he. The revelation of Harold's outcome and how it related to Earl's toy from his grandfather was an interesting twist. The Black Widow's "evil" gift and what it was prompting young earl to do gave the story a terrifying aspect. Dustyn with his friends X and Colate work to defeat a common enemy in a show of love, friendship, and unity. This story was a cross between Toy Story and Nightmare on Elm Street. The author touches on a few

This was my first read by this author. So I am unfamiliar with his writing style or creative process. This story was about Bianca a married woman who enjoyed the danger and "freakiness" of 18yr olds. While her conquests are legal, the relationship is inappropriate because she is their teacher. The primary focus is on Bianca, Jason and Michael, 18yr old best friends.  Bianca's lackluster sexual relationship with her husband, a Jerry Springer moment & leaked video leads to her sexual exploits being divulged and she becomes the "hot topic" on social media and the news. Michael, the reckless one, is forced to mature in a way that he did not readily accept.  Jason, the respectful one, faces a harsh truth about life and love as does Bianca. As far as structure & content, the story presented as more of an outline that was not fleshed out. Don't get me wrong this story was chocked full of potential to make the characters, as well as their individ