Tuesday, July 26, 2022

Good Morning, Love A Novel by Ashley M. Coleman



Carlisa “Carli” Henton is a musician and songwriter hoping to follow in her father’s musical footsteps. But, biding her time until she makes it big in the music industry, she works as a junior account manager at a big-name media company to cover her New York City rent. Carli meticulously balances her work with her musical endeavors as a songwriter—until a chance meeting with rising star Tau Anderson sends her calculated world into a frenzy. Their worlds collide and quickly blur the strict lines Carli has drawn between her business and her personal life, throwing Carli’s reputation—and her burgeoning songwriting career—into question.
 


This book was a miss for me. Some parts I enjoyed and some parts were kind of boring and slow. It took me while to get into the story. Carli felt like she was all over the place, but everyone felt like that at times. Tau is that guy who won’t take no for an answer. Which is not a good character trait in someone. It shows that he doesn’t understand boundaries. After reading this, I struggle to consider this book a romance. It lacked that defining moment for me. 

Well, I hope you enjoy it.

And as always Happy reading!!

Can't Hide Love by Cheris Hodges

 


She's the responsible sister, making sacrifices to run the family’s treasured B&B. But for once, Alexandria Richardson decides to take a vacation—a singles’ cruise, where she throws caution to the wind. And the handsome stranger she meets is just what she needs to make every moment sizzle—for all fourteen wildly sexy days. Energized and refreshed, Alex returns home—only to discover her holiday hottie is also the renowned architect tapped for the B&B’s major renovation project. How is she supposed to manage a business—and an all-consuming desire?
 
Wesley Prescott knows how easy it is to put success above everything else. And he has a lot riding on the prestigious Richardson deal—and on working smoothly with the suddenly serious, buttoned-down Alex. But he can’t resist teasing out the daring, adventurous—and lovable—woman he knows she truly is. Will mixing business with way more than pleasure convince them both that this is one fling that won’t be so easily flung?




 Alexandria and Wes story is charming, filled with a little drama, and lots of fun. I enjoyed the characters and storyline. Wes was what Alexandria needed to loosen her up. Their chemistry was undeniable.  A sweet romance that was beautifully written and I enjoyed reading.

And as always Happy Reading!!!


Tuesday, July 5, 2022

Wash Day Diaries by Jamila Rowser & Robyn Smith


From writer Jamila Rowser and artist Robyn Smith comes a captivating graphic novel love letter to the beauty and endurance of Black women, their friendships, and their hair.

Wash Day Diaries tells the story of four best friends—Kim, Tanisha, Davene, and Cookie—through five connected short story comics that follow these young women through the ups and downs of their daily lives in the Bronx.

The book takes its title from the wash day experience shared by Black women everywhere of setting aside all plans and responsibilities for a full day of washing, conditioning, and nourishing their hair. Each short story uses hair routines as a window into these four characters' everyday lives and how they care for each other.

Jamila Rowser and Robyn Smith originally kickstarted their critically acclaimed, award-winning slice of life mini comic, Wash Day, inspired by Rowser's own wash day ritual and their shared desire to see more comics featuring the daily lived experiences of young Black women. Wash Day Diaries includes an updated, full color version of this original comic—which follows Kim, a 26-year-old woman living in the Bronx—as the book's first chapter and expands into a graphic novel with short stories about these vibrant and relatable new characters.

In expanding the story of Kim and her friends, the authors pay tribute to Black sisterhood through portraits of shared, yet deeply personal experiences of Black hair care. From self-care to spilling the tea at an hours-long salon appointment to healing family rifts, the stories are brought to life through beautifully drawn characters and different color palettes reflecting the mood in each story.

At times touching, quiet, triumphant, and laugh out loud funny, the stories of Wash Day Diaries pay a loving tribute to Black joy and the resilience of Black women.


 

        As a black reader and blogger, its not often you read something that resonates with who are. I saw myself  and my amazing friends in everyone of these characters. This graphic novel just hits on so many levels, from funny to touching to sad to happy. It gives a short glimpse into a black girl's life and friendship. Showing you our magic without violating the magician's code. I'm honestly excited to see where the author's does with this, will we get a more indepth view into the lives of each character or another book with a filled with more glimpses? Let s not forget the amazing artistry of each frame. So beautiful drawn and painted. I love it!

I hope you do too!

Thank you to the publisher/author and netgalley for the early read

And as always Happy Reading!!