Nan: The Trifling Times of Nathan Jones (The Trifling Times of Nathan Jones #1) by Moses Miller

Nan: The Trifling Times of Nathan Jones by Moses Miller

Paperback, 342 pages

Published September 12th 2006 by Mind Candy, LLC.

Source:  Purchased (autographed copy from author)
Book 13 of 13 for the Oosa 2K11 13 week challenge for the 2nd quarter

About the Book

Book Trailer:

Some may think that it all began when a rogue group of corrupt NYPD pigs kicked in my door. Their minds were racing with murderous thoughts, and their guns blazing with evil intentions. They attempted to take everything away from me even killed the one I loved. 

But, I trace everything back to the day that I lost my parents at the tender age of thirteen, to a crazed drug addict on a PCP fueled rush. That day, my innocence was lost. That day, I met the man that would forever change my life. 

I will forever be defined by the choices I have made from that point in my life forward. Murder, Mayhem, Revenge and Redemption .Before you judge me for what I became, I only ask that you take the time to fully understand what I was forced to become. I didn't ask for this. It came looking for me. This is the story that Five-0 didn't want you to know. The untold truth that forever corrupted my innocence. This is my story 

-Nathan Jones

About the Author

I am an award winning author, journalist and co-founder of Mind Candy, LLC, which is a company focused on book publishing and the development of creative and thought provoking screenplays. I write stories that capture the pulse of the streets with intelligence, strong character development and well thought out storylines.I have written for various websites and publications including The Voice, Newsday and 88HIPHOP.COM. I hold a Bachelors degree in Business Management and a Masters of Science degree in Technology Management obtained from Polytechnic University. My first novel, Nan: The Trifling Times of Nathan Jones has received awards and critical acclaim from critics, readers and book clubs around the world.I'm a socially conscious individual that strives to play a key role in helping to improve the literacy rates amongst African American and Hispanic teens.

Moses Miller Interview Part 1



Moses Miller Interview Part 2

Visit his website:

http://mindcandymedia.com/

My Review

I really wanted to read one of Moses Miller's books.  He is part of the Love Literature Tour (which I haven't been to, but I've read a lot of the authors), so I thought what better to do than start with the first book in the NAN series!    It is also my book 13 out of 13 for the Oosa 2K11 13 week challenge for the 2nd quarter which ends today.  I got done just in time.   I just started this book the day before yesterday and had it 80% done as of last night!  That's how quick this book went!

The story is about the lives of two boys, Nathan Jones (NAN) and Joseph Hayes (Joe).  Both boys had tragedies strike when they were young--they both lost their parents.   Officer Carson tries to help the boys, but the boys have no idea what they are getting themselves into.  The story involves drugs, murder, corruption and so much more.  There is not a slow spot in this story AT ALL!

Moses Miller has a unique style of writing.  The story does not just drone on scene by scene.  You go from present day back to the past and back to the present.  I was really on the edge of my seat and could not believe how fast I flew through this book!   There was a lot of action!  I had no idea what to expect before I read this, but it included everything that I like about reading: action, sex, drama, oh yeah, and did I mention sex? LOL!  Go out and read this one...no....go out and BUY this one and then read it!  You won't be disappointed at all!  The only thing I didn't like was the end.  What happens next?  I can't wait to read the next book to see!  

My Rating


5/5 Diamonds - Highly Recommend!

Where can you buy it?

http://mindcandymedia.com/store.html

Disclaimer:  My thoughts on this book were in no way influenced by the author or publicist. They are my personal reflections based solely on MY experience while reading this novel.

© 2011, Cheryl of Black Diamond's Book Reviews. All Rights Reserved. If you are reading this on a site other than, Black Diamond's Book Reviews, Urban Image Magazine, or Cheryl's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

Book Review - Homefires by Emily Sue Harvey

Homefires by Emily Sue Harvey

Paperback, 450 pages

Published June 7th 2011 by Story Plant, The (first published April 7th 2011)

Source: Tracee of Pump Up Your Book


Oosa Book Club 2nd Quarter Challenge book 12 of 13

About Emily Sue Harvey

Emily Sue Harvey, author and speaker, writes to make a difference. Dozens of her upbeat stories and articles appear in Chocolate for Women, Chicken Soup for the Soul, women’s magazines, websites, and other anthologies.

She is the author of the novel Song of Renewal and the novella FlavorsH. Her new novel, Homefires, will be followed by two more novellas and another novel (Unto these Hills) later in 2011.

To find out more about Emily visitwww.renewalstories.com orwww.emilysueharvey.com

About Homefires

Homefires is set in the Deep South’s Bible Belt on the eve of unprecedented moral changes. It is the story of Janeece and Kirk Crenshaw, a couple married just after their high school graduation who set out to make a life for themselves. It is a life marked by surprises, none more dramatic than when Kirk receives his “high-calling” and becomes a pastor. It is a life marked by tragedy, the most heart-rending of which is a devastating event very close to home. And it is a life marked by challenges: to their church, to their community, and most decidedly to their marriage. And as the fullness of time makes its impact on their union, Kirk and Janeece must face the question of whether they have gone as far as they can together.

Filled with the rich emotions and evocative characters that fans have come to expect from Emily Sue Harvey, and reminiscent of the work of Jan Karon and Anne Rivers Siddons, Homefires is a poignant and compelling novel that will steal readers’ hearts.

My Review:

I loved Flavors by Emily Sue Harvey, so when I saw this book up for review, I jumped at the chance to be on the tour.  I was a little disappointed in this book.  

Janeece and Kirk were young and innocent kids that were in love. They decided to "save themselves" for marriage and eventually they got married.   Some of the parts of the book I could relate to, like when they were going on a trip and one kid had to sit on "the hump" in the middle of the back seat.  I remember clearly going to Texas when I was little and we had to take turns riding on "the hump".  So,  I did feel kind of a connection with the characters, but not as much of a connection that I would have liked.  

I do like reading a variety of books, but this one just didn't hold my interest as much as I had hoped.  I have friends that I would recommend this book to (Staci).  It all depends on your taste in books I guess as to whether or not you would like this one.  The only way you will know is to just read it yourself!  I do recommend that you read Flavors by Emily Sue Harvey though!

My Rating:

2/5 Diamonds

It was just okay.

View the tour information here:

Pump Up Your Book

Disclaimer:  My thoughts on this book were in no way influenced by the author or publicist. They are my personal reflections based solely on MY experience while reading this novel.

© 2011, Cheryl of Black Diamond's Book Reviews. All Rights Reserved. If you are reading this on a site other than, Black Diamond's Book Reviews, Urban Image Magazine, or Cheryl's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

Book Review - Scarred for Life by Fredric A. Almond, Sr.

Scarred for Life by Fredric A. Almond, Sr.

Paperback, 120 pages

Published February 17th 2009 by Tate Publishing

Source: Received from RWA Book Club for their Season's Readings.  They had a promotion where if you buy a book from their suggested list, they will send you a free book!

2nd Quarter Book Club Challenge Book 11 of 13

About the Book

With a will to live, he refused to die. He was stabbed thirty-nine times, and he forgave. The scars that were developed due to a burglary were meant to kill his very existence of living life. Unite with new author Fredric A. Almond in reading this inspirational book of overcoming the depth of trials by being physically and mentally challenged in fighting for hope and fulfillment for life. God is waiting on us to speak out in action in what our scars really are; scars are blessings in disguise that gives us the aspiration to live life. Through Gods workmanship in us, we have been Scarred for Life!

 

About the Author

I was born in Dayton, Ohio and raised in Los Angeles, California. I only lived in Dayton for the first five years of my life. My mother, older brother and I moved to Los Angeles, California. I spent my early years growing up in various apartments that were in tough neighborhoods of South Central. At a young age I had to learn how to survive the streets.  I remember the hard times we had to face. However, through all of the difficulties, the love expressed in action is what I remember the most that kept the family together.

When I was eleven, my mother was able to afford her first house. My brother had joined the US Army and was in boot camp. Things were looking up. A couple months passed and then my life was turned upside down. A burglar broke in our house, stabbed and killed my mother, and stabbed me approximately thirty-nine times leaving me for dead. Needless to say, I am still alive!

The older I got, I began to realize that my life was worth something. To be so close to death and not die was a miracle. I began to understand that God had a plan for my life. I understood that I had a reason to live and my mother's death was not going to end as a tragedy through my life but be a success story. 

The desire to inspire others about my testimony grew. In 2000, I received the burden to write a book to document my life as a motivation and strength to let others know that they too can overcome traumatic situations. As I began to write, it seemed as if it were something that had always been apart of my life. I wrote and wrote for days. The product seemed to be pretty good and nothing was going to stop me, so I thought. 

One day, I went back to the computer to start back writing and my computer froze. Immediately, I began to press buttons over and over again. I didn’t know what to do but look in shock at this computer do its own thing. And it happened, the blue screen came up, my computer crashed and I lost all the material of my first book.  I gave up for a while but the conviction to write a book remained. It took me a couple of years to start writing again. I would try to write here and there but it wasn't the same. But in 2007, the conviction came like never before to complete what I had started. So I wrote and wrote and wrote into completion. Praise God, my first book is now a reality! Moreover, the second book is on its way... 
I currently work within the community and local churches, encouraging young, middle aged and older people about not giving up hope and explaining to them that their scar is the reason why they are still alive; reminding them that they are alive to fulfill their God given purpose. I try to use my life to be an example of an over comer.
Some Accomplishments:Happily married and a proud Father
Associates Degree
Bachelors Degree
Various awards and declarations from the US Army
Ordained Elder
Coach Football & Special Olympics
Mentor teenagers at the detention center
Motivational / Inspirational Speaker

My Review

When you see that this book is a true story about Fredric A. Almond Sr. and read that he was stabbed 39 times you might think that this will be a book about what happened and how he tried to seek revenge.  This  is not the case AT ALL.

This book was short but very powerful.  Not only was Fredrick stabbed at the young age of 11, but his 33 year old mother was also stabbed 50 times and killed by a  burglar.  He was very lucky to have lived to tell this story.  I felt sorry for him when I read about how he looked at himself after being stabbed and felt ugly.  Yes, he was feeling bad about himself, but he moved on and got on with his life.

Fredric put his faith in God, and God healed him.  He really felt like giving up sometimes, but he knew God had a plan for him.  His work on the earth was not done.  He believes that everyone has a purpose on this earth, and God will not take you until you make the difference in the world that you were brought here to make.

I really enjoyed and recommend this book!  It was very inspirational.  Fredrick could have gone on about how hard his life is and been mad at the world for what happened to  him and his mom, but he decided to turn things around and be an inspiration to others.  Scarred for Life will be a book you won't soon forget.  There were times I felt like crying, but Fredric A. Almond, Sr. has a way of lifting you up and making you feel like you can overcome anything.

My Rating

5/5 Diamonds - Very Moving!  Highly Recommend!

Where can you buy it?

Visit his website at:

http://www.scarred2live.com/Home_Page.php 

Disclaimer:  My thoughts on this book were in no way influenced by the author or publicist. They are my personal reflections based solely on MY experience while reading this novel.

© 2011, Cheryl of Black Diamond's Book Reviews. All Rights Reserved. If you are reading this on a site other than, Black Diamond's Book Reviews, Urban Image Magazine, or Cheryl's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

Book Review - Wikked by L.M. Blakely

Wikked by L.M. Blakely

Paperback, 2nd Edition , 360 pages

Published November 30th 2010 by PHE Ink - Writing Solutions Firm (first published March 26th 2008)

Source: Purchased from PHE Ink.

2K11 Reading/Reviewing Challenge - 2nd Quarter - My Challenge book 9 of 13

About the Author:

LMBlakely is a native of Albany, Georgia – a “military brat” who has traveled and resided in the Philippines, Okinawa, Japan, New Mexico and Florida. She currently lives in Atlanta, GA and is studying for her Bachelors in Network Management.

She found inspiration in writing by journaling and playing different instruments, composite ballads and had aspirations of being a songwriter blossomed until her passion changed which resulted in her earning the title of “Author.”

Ms. Blakely is a thirty-something writer, on a writing marathon.

About the Book:

Niqi Brown seems to have it all - she's the Executive Director at a lucrative manufacturing firm and engaged to one of the wealthiest and most handsome brothas around, Chancelor Barnes IV. Truth be told, even paradise has its trouble spots. 

As it turns out, Niqi and Chance's relationship has been steadily eroding over the years, devolving to the point where they can barely see eye-to-eye on any issue. They spend less time together, they argue more frequently, and, quite frankly, they make each other miserable. So, it comes as no surprise that Niqi's suspicions are confirmed when she confronts Chance about his secret dealings with none other than Tiffany Jones, a bitter rival from her past who has re-emerged on the scene with Niqi square in her sights.  Amid the drama and chaos that ensue, Niqi eventually finds comfort in the arms of the smooth and sexy Denim Alexander, who just so happens to be the best lover she's ever had. 

However, all that glitters is not gold, and Niqi soon finds herself caught up in the middle of a sinister plot involving various levels of treachery, deceit, and backstabbing, thrusting her into survival mode with none other than her very own life at stake.

My Review:

Niqi wants to be able to talk to her fiancee Chance, but he never seems to want to talk to her unless he starts the conversation.  Their life in the bedroom is stale and he always seems to be working or on business trips.  She sees this guy named Denim who is so HOT, but she is engaged and doesn't want to complicate her life.

Then Tiffany comes along.  She seems to be trying to meddle in their lives.  Whenever she brings Tiffany's name up in coversation with Chance, he doesn't want to talk about it.  She just thinks something is fishy about it.

This would have almost been a perfect book if it weren't for a few things.  First of all, the book is written in first person with Niqi telling the story.  Sometimes though it switches to third person even in the same sentence.  I've never written a book, so I know it has to be hard to keep everything straight sometimes.  Also, when characters are talking, it was hard sometimes to differentiate who was talking when there were two quotes within a sentence.  Other than that, it was perfect! 

I loved this book, and L.M. Blakely did an awesome job with it.  The characters came to life for me.  I didn't have any trouble remembering who was who.  Sometimes authors can overload you and introduce so many people that you can't keep them straight, but that was not the case here at all!  There was always some kind of drama going on, and I never knew what to expect next!  I love a book like this that you can't predict what is going to happen or how it's going to end!  I highly recommend this one!

My Rating:
4/5 Diamonds - Loved It!

Contact L.M. Blakely:

http://www.pheinkpub.com/lm-blakely.html

Website
GoodReads
FaceBook
LinkedIn
MySpace
Email

Buy the Book Here:

http://www.pheinkpub.com/store.html
(you can get it in paperback or Kindle format)

Disclaimer:  My thoughts on this book were in no way influenced by the author or publicist. They are my personal reflections based solely on MY experience while reading this novel.

© 2011, Cheryl of Black Diamond's Book Reviews. All Rights Reserved. If you are reading this on a site other than, Black Diamond's Book Reviews, Urban Image Magazine, or Cheryl's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.



Book Review - The Pussy Whispers by Dean Jean-Pierre

The Pussy Whispers by Dean Jean-Pierre

Paperback, 347 pages

Published May 20th 2010 by CalmWaters Entertainment Group

Source: Purchased Signed Copy from the Author!

OOSA 2K11 Book Club 13 week 2nd Quarter Challenge, book 10 of 13

About the Book

The Pussy Whispers is a delicious collection of sensually erotic short stories and poetry which will stimulate all of your senses as you indulge in this writer's brand of erotica. The lyrical passion will caress your mind and feed your body from the first mental stroke of The Pussy Whispers verbal penetration. It will leave you craving and thirsting for more...

About the Author

Born in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, to Marcel and Martha Jéan-Pierre and his "second mother" Ann-Marie Jéan-Pierre, Dean Jéan-Pierre is the eldest of two children. He has a younger brother named Denny.

At age nine, the death of Mr. Jéan-Pierre's father made him look for a place of sanctuary. That place was found in his imagination, the world of books and the Frederiksted (V.I.)Public Library, where he was usually the first reader of the new Beverly Clearly, Hardy Boys or Encyclopedia Brown books.

When your passion speaks to your heart, resisting is not an option...

A gifted writer and storyteller, Mr. Jéan-Pierre stimulates the inner passions of his readers with a mixture of sensually erotic short stories and prose which is skillfully written to feed not only the body but also the mind. He believes that the mind is an underused sexual organ that, once stimulated, can be just as potent as the body. There is an intimate tenderness that he brings in his character portrayals not often expressed by men. Mr. Jéan-Pierre is able to express the vulnerabilities of the human physique when love and passion meet in the place of the heart. He brings a fresh new outlook and perspective on relationships from all gender perspectives in several urban markets.

Mr. Jéan-Pierre's first collection, "The Pussy Whispers," is a sensual erotic compilation of short stories written by a master to seduce his readers into his world with deep verbal penetrations. It will leave them craving for more of his cerebral erotica. Scheduled to be released in the winter of 2009, "The Pussy Whispers" will be the first of many full-length works of Mr. Jéan-Pierre''s fiction and poetry. His first novel is scheduled for release in 2010. Independently well-versed and traveled, Mr. Jéan-Pierre currently resides in Maryland.

My Review

Okay, I will admit right now that it took a while to read this book.  It was not at all because I didn't like it or that it was hard to read.    When you read it you will find out why.  This book is so erotic that it will make all of your other fantasies seem like nothing.  After all, have you ever heard of a tonguegasm?  I haven't until I read page 8!

Fruit isn't just for salad.  What else can you do with it mango, tangerines, strawberries and bananas?  Read this book and see.  I think you will look at fruit in a whole new light!

All I could handle is about a chapter a night.  Yes, this is a book you don't want your children to see.  Make sure you hide it between your mattresses or in your toy/lube drawer. (You have one right?  If not you might want to--no you need to!  Your spouse/lover/whatever just may not be able to keep up!)  I will tell you what though, they won't be complaining about you reading this one!  Some people may be put off by the title, but I really don't know what else it could have been called.  I had a picture of this book on Facebook and was accused of reading books "on the edge of porn".  This is not on the edge baby, this is off the cliff!  I don't know how Dean comes up with his stories, but I hope he doesn't stop! 

This is definitely a book to buy.  First of all, I am not sure if a library would even carry this book.  If they did, I don't think it would ever make it back!

My Rating

5/5 Diamonds - Highly Recommend (In Small Doses)!

Where can you buy it?

I would recommend:

http://www.deanjeanpierre.com/bookstore.cfm

You can also go there to read excerpts and find out more about Dean Jean-Pierre and his books!

Disclaimer:  My thoughts on this book were in no way influenced by the author or publicist. They are my personal reflections based solely on MY experience while reading this novel.

© 2011, Cheryl of Black Diamond's Book Reviews. All Rights Reserved. If you are reading this on a site other than, Black Diamond's Book Reviews, Urban Image Magazine, or Cheryl's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

Book Review - The Lies That Bind by D.L. Sparks

Book Details
Title: The Lies That Bind

Author: D. L. Sparks
Publisher: Urban Books

Pages: 288 (paperback)
Release Date: January 1, 2010
Source: Purchased this signed copy from the author

My 1st book of 13 in the 
Oosa Book Club  2K11 Reading/Reviewing Challenge - 2nd Quarter!

From Goodreads:

When the man that Dr. Teresa McCall promised to forsake all others for cheats on her, she is devastated. The crippling blow starts Teresa on a downward spiral that threatens not only her marriage, but also the career she has worked so hard for. Cloaked in a haze of frustration, Teri falls under the spell of fellow doctor Sean Morris, a cardiologist with one of Atlanta's top hospitals. However, Dr. Morris is harboring a dark secret that not even the seasoned psychiatrist can sniff out. 

It doesn't take long before the heat from their explosive affair sets off a chain of events revealing a world where nothing is what it seems. Driven by emotion, Teri finds herself entangled in her own web of lies, distracted by her failing marriage, and unaware that a danger is circling and ready to destroy life as she knows it. When Teri is faced with a harsh reality, she decides it's time to right her wrongs and see if she still has a marriage to fight for. Unfortunately, Sean has other plans. Teri soon finds herself standing between her husband and her lover, letting her heart choose for her; but a stray bullet threatens to take away her right to choose.

My Review:

This book had me hooked from the start!  I really thought Donovan was a jerk.  Yes, Teri was really focused on her career and didn't pay enough attention to Donovan,  but it sure was no excuse for Donovan to go off and have an affair in the first place.   Neither one of them is perfect though.  Teri really should have cut down on her hours and tried to get her marriage working better instead of trying to find  a friend in Sean.  Donovan wanted her to quit her job.  I think she was afraid she would do that and he would just keep cheating on her and she would have no job and no husband.  

The Lies That Bind was a page turner that was just full of surprises!  I enjoyed every bit of this book, even though I got mad at the characters sometimes.  The sex scenes were HOT!  Nothing like a book with sex and suspense all wrapped up in one!  D. L. Sparks did an excellent job bringing the characters to life for me, and I look forward to reading more from her!

I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK 

5/5 diamonds!

Buy the book here:

Visit the author's website here: dlsparks.com

Disclaimer: I was not compensated for my review. My thoughts on this book were in no way influenced by the author or publicist. They are my personal reflections based solely on MY experience while reading this novel.

 © 2011, Cheryl of Black Diamond's Book Reviews. All Rights Reserved. If you reading this on a site other than, Black Diamond's Book Reviews, Urban Image Magazine, or Cheryl's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.