Michaella Lockhart

3.5

Talia does it again!!!
The writing was witty, funny and sharp (just how I like it), and I like the development between Celine and Brad's relationship. Definitely a great read for getting started with Talia's books

Overall, this was a fine romance. The writing and plot were okay and there was nothing really good or bad about it. However, I felt that Maleek gave Tasha too many chances and should've given her a restraining order a long time ago.

3.5 (rounded down)
This was really cute and I loved the vivid descriptions on how Cam and Kenya designed their projects. However, the romance aspect was not as strong as it should be and the sex scene was written poorly in my opinion. Despite this, the story was overall really heartwarming and a great example of a Black woman navigating and prevailing many different struggles in a predominantly white space, all with a great friend and lover by her side.

I honestly don't know how to feel about this book. In theory, this book is five stars: beautiful and engaging writing, a nicely paced plot, intriguing characters and nuanced themes. However, the atrocities that have been committed in this book are a direct cause of black trauma. Madison's constant bullying was at times really hard to listen to and it has made me really conflicted on whether I liked the book or not.

While the themes in this book were relevant and complex, the overarching black trauma was too dominant...and this goes to show how many Black authors like Jackson fill their books with trauma and shock value to bring about their point so their books can sell.

So while I didn't like the execution of the themes, I can still appreciate that this story was an excellent one, and truly stands out from the inspired material. However, due to this book causing emotional distress, I might have to take a break from Jackson's books for my mental health.

I really enjoyed this romance! Aisha is smart and confident and knows what she wants and Kwame is caring, considerate and down bad for her!! This definitely is making want to pick up more of Allen's works.

While this book is beautifully written, there was no clear sense of direction. The author kept switching focuses to frequently for me and that's why I did not enjoy it as much. However, it's still a solid read.

Beautiful prose and a deep story that involves grief, trauma, being Black in a predominantly white country, intimacy and love in its deepest state. What a beautiful start to 2023!

3.5

3.5

3.5

4.5

4.5

3.5
It really isn't that bad y'all...
I thought it was cute despite the spicy scenes and it was also emotional in some aspects, but it is your regular-degular steamy Christmas romance.

Vonvalt and his crew needs therapy after all this tbh....
This book was really weird in an enjoyable way and the action scenes were well written, and the final battle floored me tho because there was so much going on.

I need to read the next book immediately.....

Did she learn anything or progress in any way?!!!
This book was a personal attack. I wasn't taking half of the things that was said and done to the main character...

3.5 (rounded down)

This book actually made me cry....
Damn...

4.5

4.5

3.5

4.5
I loved it! The banter was top-tier, the characters were excellently written and well fleshed out. The steam was absolutely steaming and I loved the ending!!! This book is slept on but it was beautiful. I 100% recommend.

The only crime this book committed was being too short.
Despite this, everything was paced well and I loved Amina and Jax's story!

3.5
This was cute!!

??????

This was insanely cute and lighthearted and just an overall fun read!