lit_vibrations's reviews
326 reviews

Special thanks to the author & @flatiron_books for my gifted copy, and @macmillaudio for my gifted ALC‼️

“Everyone close to you suffers at one time or another.”

Mina Fears debut novel was quite interesting to read. A little slow in some parts which is expected with fantasy but the audio took me through it. There was no real excitement in the narrators voice so it took a minute for me to be pulled into the story. I honestly think it would be more enjoyable without it. 

Deep within the imperial palace at Timbuktu, the book follows Amie recently betrayed by her sister, disinherited by her family then sent away to be a servant maid to Princess Mariama. During her stay at the palace Amie conjures a plan with her potential suitor Kader the traitor to save money and run away together. But when she discovers a magical map sending her and a few others on a death mission Amie soon realizes she’s been tricked and could lose everything including her life. 

I thought the book had great world-building and the concept of the battle trails was very intriguing. Some of the characters were meh but Amie and Mariama well-developed. There were a few instances where the author could’ve went in depth with certain plot lines. For the most part there was an even mix of fantasy and suspense. I didn’t really see the romance aspects come off the page but there were themes of power, control, friendship, and how we define our destiny. 

Overall, the book wasn’t really for me but doesn’t mean it’s not for you. “Readers can expect a classic fairy tale complete with fallen princesses, palace intrigue, doomed suitors, enchanted maps, and vengeful gods.”

Special thanks to the author, @berkleypub & @hearourvoicestours for my gifted copy‼️

Yet again this was historical 👏🏽 fiction 👏🏽 at its finest‼️ Victoria Christopher Murray is a phenomenal writer and Harlem Rhapsody outlines just how amazing her writing is because this was absolute perfection. She wrote this story so well that if I didn’t know it was part fiction dabbled with true historical events I would’ve believed EVERY single word. Because some of the encounters . . . if only I could’ve been there lol. 

Harlem Rhapsody introduces readers to Jessie Redmon Fauset literary editor, writer, and poet at the epicenter of the Harlem Renaissance who is often referred to as the midwife of the literary movement. I felt the entire book was evenly balanced with Jessie’s achievements, her relationship with W.E.B., all of the things she accomplished with The Crisis, the Brownie’s book, and her ability to discover, uplift, and inspire some of the best literary writers known to date.

Now I know you guys have probably heard the book is tea and let me just say it is‼️ However, in my opinion the affair doesn’t overshadow Jessie’s legacy nor the great work she was able to accomplish alongside W.E.B. Du Bois. It really added a little depth and edge to the story allowing Murray to highlight some important historical figures while also filling in the what-ifs. That’s really what made it more entertaining for me because what if all of this did happen.

Overall, the book is amazing and yes you should read it. Aside from the drama and tension there is so much to learn. The characters were so well-developed and memorable maman, Mrs.Ovington . . . and Georgia oh Miss Georgia IYKYK. Now, if you can’t see past the affair and enjoy the book for what it is then it may not be for you. Otherwise you’re in for a treat.

Special thanks to the author, @bookmarked for my gifted copy, & @recordedbooks for my ALC‼️

I have to give it to Ms.Carr she is without a doubt an amazing writer. If you’ve read Hold My Girl then you’ll understand why I say that after reading this book. She knows how to craft a story that will pull you in and fiddle with your emotions and make you think. Her stories and characters are always so complex to the point you don’t know if you should be angry with them for their choices or sympathize with them because certain things are out of their control. 

The novel follows Kareela as she struggles to find her place in the world. Born half-Black and half-white she doesn’t feel she belongs or fits into either ethnic group. Then coming from a family who raised her to conform to society in order to make others comfortable. Kareela has lost her sense of identity and now being pregnant with a child she doesn’t know if she wants this kind of life for her baby.

When I first started reading this I literally had to restart the book out of confusion not realizing that all of the characters were connected. I did not agree with many of Evelyn’s choices for most of the book but in the end I found myself sympathizing with her a little. Don’t want to spoil it but you’ll see why she deserved a little sympathy which resulted in some of her actions. I felt she turned a blind eye to the experiences lived by her son Antony and daughter Kareela way too much. 

It’s like she wanted to make the racism and discrimination they encountered less than what it was. Always making an excuse or having a reason for why someone may have stereotyped them. She couldn’t teach them what it meant to be Black (Jamaican) or how to carry themselves only how to blend in and not draw unwanted attention. Then their father Kingsley was a different story smh!!!

Overall, I did enjoy this book just not as much as Hold My Girl but it’s still a very thought-provoking read. The author delved deep into themes  of motherhood, race, police brutality, self-identity, and generational trauma. If you’re looking for a good multigenerational story add this to your TBR. 

Rating: 4.5/5⭐️

This book took me through a rollercoaster of emotions I mean literally left my mouth wide open like WTF‼️ So, many heartbreaking moments that made me want to put the book down yet it was so good that I couldn’t. The complex situations experienced by the characters feel true to the time period they’re in.

Rozelle👏🏽Mthafkin👏🏽Quinn . . . Hands she could’ve caught them cause the lowdown things she did to her kids was trifling, wrong, and hateful. The constant verbal and physical abuse not to mention the things she made her daughters do. That woman didn’t have one loving motherly bone in her body. The only thing she cared about was money anything to make a quick dollar she’d force her kids to do it. She deserved an Oscar award cause that woman could put on a show and lie straight through her teeth. 

The book was beautifully written, very detailed, vivid and the character development was immaculate. Reading this was like watching a movie. It had me on edge waiting to see what would happen next. My favorite characters were Tangy Mae, Tarabelle, and Mushy if you’ve read this then you know why I say that. All I kept thinking while reading this was that part from Color Purple where Sophia said “I know what it like to wanna go somewhere and cain't.” Rozelle’s kids wanted to leave and never look back yet she had a hold on them that even if they left a few would still return for one reason or another mainly for each other. But living with her was like being in prison every day for the rest of your life.

Overall, this book was amazing. Not gonna sugarcoat anything it was very sad might even be a little traumatic for some but it was raw, uncut, and a depiction of somebody’s reality whether you want to believe it or not. I can go on and on about this book but why spoil it I recommend you give it a read. But proceed with caution it gets very TRIGGERING‼️ If you’ve ever read Push by Sapphire or Perish by Latoya Watkins this book gives that type of vibe. 

Special thanks to the author, @librofm for my ALC & @readforverpub for my gifted e-ARC‼️

Finally a rom-com that made me laugh which was partially due to my girl Wesleigh Siobhan narrating the audio. Her delivery and energy is always on point so just know anything she narrates will be worth listening to. 

Now this book had a slow start for me and I didn’t think I’d enjoy it but I’m happy I pushed through. Emma thought she had the perfect life with her successful career and loving boyfriend Teddy. But in a matter of minutes her entire world is turned upside down leaving her jobless, boyfriend-less, and the new owner of a family farm. With nothing else to lose Emma packs her bags and heads to Green Acres, Georgia. Upon arrival she’ll discover that Old McDonald left her more than just a farm it came with a little medical marijuana and a sexy farm manager who will swoon her right out of her knickers 😂. 

Ya’ll this book was heartwarming, funny, a little spicy and filled with loveable characters. I literally could see Lynn Whitfield playing Emma’s mother. But the fact Emma and Dan were from two different cultural backgrounds I always felt their encounters were authentic and funny. Their first time having sex was so hilarious to me. The only character you’ll dislike is Teddy the narcissistic f*ckboy from hell. He was such a loser for what he tried to do.

Overall, I enjoyed the book and if you like small-town romances with Hallmark vibes you’ll enjoy this one too. Lucy was in her Tyler Perry bag when she wrote this book lol. Perfectly capturing the small- town charm and what it means to completely start over. The dialogue was on point , the humor was lighthearted, and the romance was passionate and nurturing for both MC’s. Need I say more?

A self-help memoir is what I would call this because Oyeneyin gave a little bit of both with this book. She delivered a motivational masterpiece that will not only leave you feeling inspired but will also make you feel seen. 

Broken down into the SPEAK acronym—Surrender, Power, Empathy, Authenticity, and Knowledge Oyeneyin provides us with her personal experiences, life lessons, struggles with body image, relationship challenges, how she built self-confidence, and her desire to feel seen and heard. Throughout the book we witness her powerful journey and the stumbling blocks she encountered along the way. But what I loved most about Speak and the message Tunde was delivering is that you should never give up on you. 

No matter what life throws your way never let anything limit you or your success. I commend how strong she was to have experienced so much loss and not allowed any of it to break her. Even when self-doubt and her insecurities began to show she found a way to turn it into something positive or she was surrounded by a positive community that spoke life back into her. She proved that it’s never too late to start over whether it be a relationship, goal, or career. If you’re not satisfied with your current situation then you should look within and figure out how to change it. Speak up for what you want otherwise you’ll never receive what you deserve. 

Overall, I highly recommend this to anyone looking to make a positive change in their lives no matter how big or small. Tunde’s book can be used as a blueprint to help you redefine your own path, empower you to embrace your voice, and trust that you’ll accomplish whatever you set your mind to. 

Special thanks to author & @sagapressbooks #SagaSaysCrew for my gifted copy‼️

I wanted to like this one but it didn’t hit like I wanted. It had a dark gothic atmosphere with an authentic storyline but the delivery was mid. I also think part of my dislike began when I started listening to the audio. 

The novel mainly follows Talitha Velkwood one of three survivors of the mysterious incident that caused an entire suburban block to disappear behind a near-impenetrable veil. The Velkwood Vicinity is what they call it and scientists can’t explain the strange phenomenon or why nobody can enter the area but the three survivors. On the night it occurred Talitha and her two bestfriends Brett and Grace escaped traumatized but unharmed. Now twenty years later Talitha is being paid to return and relive the memories and tragedy that stole the lives of her mother and sister. 

Midway through the book the intensity declines and everything becomes a little predictable. I still don’t get why the area was named after Talitha’s family when there were two more survivors. Also reading this reminded me of the movie I Still See You where a disaster happens killing half of the city leaving behind remnants of their souls stuck in a time loop. I liked that the author provided backstory on a lot yet in the end I’m still lost on why the anomaly occurred. Another thing the author did well was seamlessly intertwining the past and present so readers have to decipher the dead from the living.

Overall, the book was okay but the characters in general were underdeveloped. The pacing was rather slow and I kind of wish they left the romance elements out because this is supposed to be horror right? Or maybe I missed something but if you enjoy ghost stories, psychological horror, or gothic fiction you might enjoy this book. 

Special thanks to the author & @dellromance for my gifted copy‼️

This was really mid in my opinion and the title should’ve been called Best Sex Ever because every other chapter they were hunching. Which nothing is wrong with that but damn where is the real plot where is the MAGIC!!! I feel like when authors choose magical themes etc they need to do a little research first or go watch a couple movies for inspiration. This didn’t give magic like I wanted the romance and cozy feels were there but it lacked a lot on the magical elements. Which is what I was looking for.

It kinda gave a practical magic vibe with the whole curse Dina was under and bad things happening to the people she fell in love with. But I guess because she’s a kitchen witch I shouldn’t have expected more than what the author gave. There was an instant connection between Dina and Scott after their first encounter and multiple instances of them running into each other. But I didn’t feel any real chemistry between them it was more of a sexual attraction that turned into feelings. Overall this was okay if you enjoy witchy themed books or the forced proximity trope you’ll enjoy reading this one. 

Special thanks to @gcpbalance for my gifted copy‼️

You never know what you need until you need it . . . I feel like this book will be that for many who decide to pick it up. It’s a guide to help you understand and uncover hidden traumas, suppressed feelings you’ve kept bottled up for years, the stress these situations have caused and how they not only impact your life but your mind, body, and health. 

Throughout the book the author touched on so many topics and themes. A few being how Black women carry so much of the burden of those around us because we have to be everything to and for everyone. We have to be the caretakers, mediators, Mrs. Fix It, the do it all’s in our careers, the strong Black woman, the dependable friend/family member and so on. 

As Black women we have to wear a million and one hats and do it all with grace and a smile on our face otherwise we’re deemed as the angry Black woman. In doing so we forget to make time for ourselves and lose sight of who we are and what we want to be because we’re too busy being everything to other people. Or we overwhelm ourselves trying to be there for everyone and never stop to rest or reset. 

Stress is a tough thing to deal with because half the time you don’t even realize how stressed you are until it begins to affect you physically. While this book alone may not help you combat stress it’s definitely a great starting point on your healing journey. It’s also not something that can be breezed through as there are prompts, exercises, and different techniques mentioned that will require some thought. 

Overall, I enjoyed reading this. The authors goal with the book is to help you connect more fully to your body, give yourself permission to rest, heal the chronic stress you carry in your body and nervous system, address emotional pain and rebuild your sense of self and your community.