Books in video
Romance
All books have 3 star or more rating by me.
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I have been asked for book recommendations for Black History Month. These books are books that were either written by a black author or features a main character who is black. I hope you enjoy this it. Let me know if you have any recommendations as well.
Books in video
These aren't all of them but just a few of them.
Romance
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All books have 3 star or more rating by me. Science FictionYoung Adult - Coming of AgeNon-Fiction
Comments
Review of NIKO ------> here
Books in Series
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Synopsis
After a harrowing escape from Amaryllis City, Niko is forced to lay low. The people who want to use her unique genetics for their own ends are still out there and their reach is long.
After an emotional split with Ben and hiding deep in the slums she soon meets Songhay, a charismatic thief and his younger sister, Roosevelt. Together, they dodge violent gangs, roaming Slithers and the ever present threat of acid rain. Growing closer, Niko, along with Songhay soon form a rag-tag band of Slither hunters to keep the slums safe and the monsters at bay. But then she discovers shocking information about her past that challenges everything she thought to be true about herself and those she loves. Now she has to decide if she's going to stay safe in hiding or stand up to the lies and injustice swarming around her. She was never one to lie low for long. Lies and truth collide in the second book of the Outsider Chronicles. My Review
Harm by Kayti Nika Raet
My rating: 4 of 5 stars 4 Platypires for Harm by Kayti Nika Raet OH NIKO! What's going on?!?!?!?!? You got me all twisted and nervous. LOL. Kayti Nika Raet does it again and wrote another action packed intense book. The world building in this series is pretty unique which I truly enjoyed. Niko is just a great character that I think most people will like. I just think she is pretty bad a$$. I love that she kicks butt and is her own person. She does love and still has her humanity even after going through some $hit. Honestly, she's one of my favorite heroines in literary fiction. Harm is a really good follow up to book one and doesn't suffer from the sophomore slump at all. I would recommend this series for those looking for a good dystopian read and want to read something different. I received a copy of this book for an honest review. View all my reviews
This is the first book I read from author Christina C. Jones and it wont be my last.
Synopsis
When 26 year old Reese accepts a position as a grad assistant, she has no idea an unpleasant encounter with a student will lead to the discovery of what she calls “the trifecta”: fine, intellectual, and a little bit rude – three qualities she finds irresistible in a man. She has no intention of doing anything with that discovery – nothing long term, at least. But everybody knows what happens to best laid plans.
Jason is a grown man. 28 years old, seasoned and scarred by his real-life experience in the world, he’s at Blakewood State University to finish his degree and move on. The last thing he’s interested in is the female population on campus… but sexy, infuriating Reese might be a notable exception. This isn’t a story of opposites attract. More like counterparts clash. Neither of them is afraid to do battle, and neither is willing to back down. Love and war, win or lose… somebody’s gonna end up getting schooled. My Review
Getting Schooled by Christina C. Jones
My rating: 4 of 5 stars 3 1/2 Platypires Getting Schooled by Christina C. Jones This was truly a fun read that I really enjoyed. Certain parts had me cracking up. I felt I was reading a story about my friends. I felt a connection with the dialogue between the characters which btw is a tad more slang based but not overt. I felt it made the characters more real. I liked the dynamic between Reece and Jason. They were just a great couple. The way they pushed each others buttons was just delightful and fun to read. I only had a few issues with the story. A few scenes were predictable and I did find the ending to be lackluster. While not a bad ending it just didn't end with a bang. Now all that being said, I can't wait to read more from Christina C. Jones and especially the next book in this series. (This book can be read as a standalone. ) I would recommend this novel for those looking for a quick romance with a few hot sex scenes. View all my reviews More Info
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Synopsis
Sofia comes from a family of storytellers. Here are her tales of growing up in the barrio in McAllen, Texas, full of the magic and mystery of family traditions: making Easter cascarones, celebrating el Dia de los Muertos, preparing for quinceañera, rejoicing in the Christmas nacimiento, and curing homesickness by eating the tequila worm. When Sofia is singled out to receive a scholarship to boarding school, she longs to explore life beyond the barrio, even though it means leaving her family to navigate a strange world of rich, privileged kids. It’s a different mundo, but one where Sofia’s traditions take on new meaning and illuminate her path.
My Review
The Tequila Worm by Viola Canales
My rating: 4 of 5 stars 4 Platypires for The Tequila Worm by Viola Canales The title and the cover is what initially hooked me. I had it on my TBR shelf for a while and finally picked it up from a local book store. I'm so glad I did. The Tequila Worm is a culturally filled book that is filled with humor and a lot of love. I truly enjoyed the family dynamic. I thought it captured what it means to be apart of a Hispanic family. I also learned a lot about Mexican traditions that were really new to me even after growing up in Texas. Overall this was a nice read and would recommend it to those looking to read about other cultures. View all my reviews
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Synopsis
Author Cassandra Fallows has achieved remarkable success by baring her life on the page. Her two widely popular memoirs continue to sell briskly, acclaimed for their brutal, unexpurgated candor about friends, family, lovers—and herself. But now, after a singularly unsuccessful stab at fiction, Cassandra believes she may have found the story that will enable her triumphant return to nonfiction.
When Cassandra was a girl, growing up in a racially diverse middle-class neighborhood in Baltimore, her best friends were all black: elegant, privileged Donna; sharp, shrewd Tisha; wild and worldly Fatima. A fifth girl orbited their world—a shy, quiet, unobtrusive child named Calliope Jenkins—who, years later, would be accused of killing her infant son. Yet the boy's body was never found and Calliope's unrelenting silence on the subject forced a judge to jail her for contempt. For seven years, Calliope refused to speak and the court was finally forced to let her go. Cassandra believes this still unsolved real-life mystery, largely unknown outside Baltimore, could be her next bestseller. But her homecoming and latest journey into the past will not be welcomed by everyone, especially by her former friends, who are unimpressed with Cassandra's success—and are insistent on their own version of their shared history. And by delving too deeply into Calliope's dark secrets, Cassandra may inadvertently unearth a few of her own—forcing her to reexamine the memories she holds most precious, as the stark light of truth illuminates a mother's pain, a father's betrayal . . . and whatreally transpired on a terrible day that changed not only a family but an entire country. Review
Life Sentences CD by Laura Lippman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars 3 Platypires for Life Sentences by Laura Lippman This is the forth book I've read from Laura Lippman and I believe its safe to say its either hit or miss with her. This time around I found the story to very lack-luster and was missing the big pay off to the mystery of the novel. I also felt the characters weren't that likable nor relatable. The reason for a 3 star instead of a 2 was that I was still was interested in certain issues with the characters. Lippmann kept her characters secrets interesting and it did move the story forward. I also thought the way she wrote about race was really well done and in now way did I feel it was stereotypical. Overall this was just an okay book. I would recommend Lippman's other works before suggesting this novel. View all my reviews
This is book 2 in the Perfect Chemistry series. You can read book's one review here.
Books in Series
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Synopsis
Carlos Fuentes doesn't want any part of the life his older brother, Alex, has laid out for him in Boulder, Colorado. He wants to keep living on the edge, and carve his own path-just like Alex did. Unfortunately, his ties to a Mexican gang aren't easy to break, and he soon finds himself being set up by a drug lord.
When Alex arranges for Carlos to live with his former professor and his family to keep him from being sent to jail, Carlos feels completely out of place. He's even more thrown by his strong feelings for the professor's daughter, Kiara, who is nothing like the girls he's usually drawn to. But Carlos and Kiara soon discover that in matters of the heart, the rules of attraction overpower the social differences that conspire to keep them apart. As the danger grows for Carlos, he's shocked to discover that it's this seemingly All-American family who can save him. But is he willing to endanger their safety for a chance at the kind of life he's never even dreamed possible? My Review
Rules of Attraction by Simone Elkeles
My rating: 4 of 5 stars 4 Platypires for Rules of Attraction by Simone Elkeles I freaking adored Perfect Chemistry book one in Perfect Chemistry series and couldn't wait to read the next book. No big surprise that I really enjoyed it. While it did not inspire the same feeling as book one, it was still quite an entertaining read. I love the opposite attracts story-line between Carlos and Kiara. They were perfect teens but they were perfect for each other. I just liked their back & forth between them. In true Simone Elekles fashion there was a lot of drama while some of which was over the top it was still really engaging. I just couldn't get enough. Overall this was a really good read and would recommend it to others. View all my reviews
This is one of those books that I think everybody should read. It literally moved me and I learned a lot. I never thought much about hair braiding but I now have a whole new respect.
QuotesSynopsis
In spare free verse laced with unforgettable images, Viola’s strikingly original voice sings out the story of her family s journey from war-torn Sudan, to Cairo, and finally to Portland, Maine. Here, in the sometimes too close embrace of the local Southern Sudanese Community, she dreams of South Sudan while she tries to navigate the strange world of America a world where a girl can wear a short skirt, get a tattoo or even date a boy; a world that puts her into sharp conflict with her traditional mother who, like Viola, is struggling to braid together the strands of a displaced life.
Terry Farish s haunting novel is not only a riveting story of escape and survival, but the universal tale of a young immigrant s struggle to build a life on the cusp of two cultures. Review
The Good Braider by Terry Farish
My rating: 5 of 5 stars 5 Platypires for The Good Braider by Terry Farish I need to start off by saying that at first I was completely put off by the free verse written style of the novel. I even put the book down because I never read a book written that way and assumed it must have been a mistake. The only mistake was my way of thinking after realizing it was done on purpose. I decided to give it a second chance and quickly immersed myself in Viola story. I truly couldn't put this book down. I just found this story to be so engrossing and enlightening. I actually feel that this is a story I will not forget. Kudos to the author for shining a light on the plight of a Sudanese refugee. The story truly came alive in my mind and I felt everything Viola felt. The research was really well done. Even though the author isn't from the Sudan , I felt she captured the true essence of that region. Overall, this is a great novel that I would highly recommend. View all my reviews Links
WINTER IS HERE. OMG! The wait was so difficult but I am so glad it finally came out. I just didn't want it to end. Good news The Stars Above comes out in February.
*All Lunar Chronicle images came from the official fanart page. I do not own the copyright.
Synopsis: Princess Winter is admired by the Lunar people for her grace and kindness, and despite the scars that mar her face, her beauty is said to be even more breathtaking than that of her stepmother, Queen Levana.
Winter despises her stepmother, and knows Levana won’t approve of her feelings for her childhood friend—the handsome palace guard, Jacin. But Winter isn’t as weak as Levana believes her to be and she’s been undermining her stepmother’s wishes for years. Together with the cyborg mechanic, Cinder, and her allies, Winter might even have the power to launch a revolution and win a war that’s been raging for far too long. Can Cinder, Scarlet, Cress, and Winter defeat Levana and find their happily ever afters? Books In The Series
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My Review
Winter by Marissa Meyer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars 5 Platypires for Winter by Marissa Meyer Damn it. I wasn't ready. I need more. I can't even... Hands Downs this is the best book in the series and Marrissa Meyers is a genius. The way she can mix science fiction and fairly tales is truly a gift. I really hope they make this series into a movie or tv show because that would be great. Honestly, not sure what I can add to this review but to say that if you haven't read Cinder, please start on that ASAP. The series just keeps getting better. Obviously if you already read the 3 previous books and liked them then you have to read Winter. That just makes sense. Just a warning Winter is a really long book but its so freaking action pack with so much going on. Truly there wasn't a dull moment. It was just a fun book. I need to add the romance in the book just pulled on those heart strings. I am sucker for those mushy moments and Winter has it in abundance. Winter gets 5 Platypires Lunar Chronicles Series gets 4.25 Platypires. View all my reviews
Synopsis: Lydia McIntosh left her old life behind when she said goodbye to Prairie Town, North Carolina and started over halfway across the country with her beloved Gran; away from her family, away from everyone who knew the person she once was, and from the identity she never quite wanted in the first place. When her grandmother passes away, she returns home and while she only intends to stay for the funeral, her grandmother has other plans, from the grave. Her will states that Lydia must remain in Prairie Town for six months in order to give her family and her old town a chance to get to know the new her, the real her. Lydia has had years to adjust to long hair, summer dresses, and nail polish, but she understands her family will need time to get reacquainted with a daughter they've never known and a sister they've missed terribly. Anticipating the worst, as she always has, Lydia's feelings about her old town begin to change when she meets her brother's best friend, Callum. Callum is kind and more accepting than she could have ever imagined and she's falling for him. When her 180 days are over, will she be able to say goodbye to the family she's missed so much? Will she survive her mother's endless intolerance? Can she really leave the man who acknowledges her past and still wants her? A NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR: This is a story about a transgender girl and her journey to acceptance and love when she returns to her hometown. Within the pages of this book you will be introduced to characters who color outside the lines and that's just how they like it. I implore you to give them a chance because we are all beautiful and unique in our own ways, and we all deserve love and happiness.
My Review:
180 Days by T.E. Ridener
My rating: 3 of 5 stars 3 1/2 Platypires for 180 Days by T.E. Ridener I won a free copy from a giveaway hosted by the blog Celebrity Readers. “Love doesn’t know gender. Love doesn’t understand what used to be or what is; it only understands what could be and what should be.” This is my first full length trans-romance novel but not my first read with a transgender person. I heard good things about 180 days from friends of mine and was pretty excited that I won a copy. I thought the story was really nice and well written. I liked how informative it was in explaining trans issues and procedures. I did learn a few things but I did feel it was a tad to preachy. Not sure how many people who are anti-trans would actually read this book but who knows. Everything is possible. Now that being , I did like Lydia and Callum and thought they were really good, nice people. Actually, everybody was really accepting except for Lydia's mom and the town bully. Callum was just like prince charming and came off as the perfect man. Too perfect for me because I tend to prefer characters with a few flaws. In all honesty, I thought 180 days read like a Hallmark movie. Its was a feel good love story with mushy, romantic goodness. I think those looking for a nice romance will like this book. View all my reviews
Earlier, this year I read The Book of Broken Hearts by Sarah Ockler earlier this year and which the review can be read here.
Synopsis: The youngest of six talented sisters, Elyse d’Abreau was destined for stardom—until a boating accident took everything from her. Now, the most beautiful singer in Tobago can’t sing. She can’t even speak. Seeking quiet solitude, Elyse accepts a friend’s invitation to Atargatis Cove. Named for the mythical first mermaid, the Oregon seaside town is everything Elyse’s home in the Caribbean isn’t: An ocean too cold for swimming, parties too tame for singing, and people too polite to pry—except for one. Christian Kane is a notorious playboy—insolent, arrogant, and completely charming. He’s also the only person in Atargatis Cove who doesn’t treat Elyse like a glass statue. He challenges her to express herself, and he admires the way she treats his younger brother Sebastian, who believes Elyse is the legendary mermaid come to life. When Christian needs a first mate for the Cove’s high-stakes Pirate Regatta, Elyse reluctantly stows her fear of the sea and climbs aboard. The ocean isn’t the only thing making waves, though—swept up in Christian’s seductive tide and entranced by the Cove’s charms, Elyse begins to wonder if a life of solitude isn’t what she needs. But changing course again means facing her past. It means finding her inner voice. And scariest of all, it means opening her heart to a boy who’s best known for breaking them . . . My Review:
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Sofia's bookshelf: read
This was a very cute adorable read. We've all seen those movies where the romantic leads pretending to be dating but are in fact falling for each other. Well as a chick-flick fan this book hit the right spot. Yeah the story-line was a t...
tagged:
2015
by Andy Weir
I don't know whether to give this book 4 or 5 stars. It was pretty damn good. My only complaint is that I got kinda lost in all of the space jargon. Seriously, I felt kinda dumb because everything sounded so smart that I'm just gonna as...
tagged:
2015 and nwh-bookclub
This year I'm planning on rereading some of my favorite books. I'm glad I started with one of my favorite authors. This book is still really good. This time I listen to the audio book instead of actually reading the book. My only complai...
tagged:
fave and 2015
by R.K. Ryals
“Love isn’t roses. It’s those little square caramels and a root beer from the gas station because he knows that’s your favorite snack. It’s watching a musical with you without groaning. It’s handing you your glasses at night because he k...
tagged:
2015, fantasy, nerdy, and 2015-reading-challenge
by Kay Kendall
I want to first start off that I got to meet the author at Houston author bash earlier this year. I was immediately drawn to the cover of this book. I just think it's a beautiful cover. This was the only physical book that I bought at t...
tagged:
houston-author-bash and 2014
About ME!I was born a long time ago in a hospital in Houston At least that's the story that was told to me. I can't recall these details so I can't say with 100% accuracy that its true. Archives
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