Mailbox Monday and It's Monday What Are You Reading - August 8, 2011

~Mailbox Monday~

Hosted this month by

my good friend Staci of:

Life In the Thumb

We share what books that we found in our mailboxes last week.

Here is what I got:

For Review

from the Pump Up Your Book Tour:

For Review from the Author:

********************************************************

Hosted by Sheila @ One Person's Journey Through a World of Books

We discuss the books that we've read and what we're planning to read for the week.

Book Reviews/Posts Last Week:

1             Money Can't Buy Love by Connie Briscoe (TLC Book Tour) (Challenge book 5 of 13)

2            Mailbox Monday and It’s Monday, What Are You Reading – August 2, 2011

2            7th Annual African American Literary Awards Show Nominees – August 2, 2011

3            Book Review – Sensuous Dragon by Deep Rivers – August 3, 2011

3            Interview With Scott Nicholson – August 3, 2011

4            Book Review – Misconceptions by C. Hayes – August 4, 2011

5            Book Review – Bound By Lies by Allison “Essence M” Edwards – August 5, 2011

Currently Reading:

Up Next to Read:

© 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

Book Review - Bound By Lies by Allison "Essence M" Edwards - August 5, 2011

 

Title: Bound by Lies

Author: Allison "Essence M" Edwards

Publisher: Illuminnessence Publishing

Publish Date: February 2, 2011

Kindle Edition

Source: Purchased from Amazon

Buy the Book:  Amazon ,  Barnes & Noble, or wix.com (author's website)

About the Book (from Amazon)

 The Sizzling Sequel to "Broken Promises Never Mend" continues with the journey of Love, Lies and Betrayal when one family is torn apart by a catalyst of events that will leave no one knowing who the other really is. Do we ever really know the one we love? Tamika and Quincy are thrown into the land of uncertainty when the past catches up to them and leaves them trying to figure out how to either cover it up or admit to secrets that just may tear them apart forever!!!

My Review

WOW!  Bound By Lies started out with a bang and ended the same way!   This is a continuation of the first book "Broken Promises Never Mend".   If you haven't read that book, you need to!!!

I was hooked from the very first page!  The event that took place right at the beginning changed Tamika's life forever.  I couldn't believe what she had to go through!  On top of that, she gets those mystery flowers.  All of the whispers on the phone,  lies, and secrets that Quincy is keeping from her still is enough to just drive her over the edge.   The sex scenes in this book are scorching hot!!   I didn't know what to expect when Tamika had rose pedals leading up to the person in her bed.  I sure didn't expect  what happened!     The way Quincy's friend Malik talked to Tamika after this incident made me wonder how he is going to be in the next book.  He acted totally different from the rest of the book.  I'm looking forward to finding out what happens next!

I would highly recommend this book!  It was a page turner from beginning to end! Allison "Essence M" Edwards wrote an excellent story and did an amazing job in continuing from the first book.  It was perfectly written.  She held my interest and kept me wanting more at the end!   The very last word in this book made my JAW DROP!  I am waiting in anticipation for the next book!

Quote from the book:

"It's amazing how we can love someone for so long and still not know them."  (Kindle loc. 1536-37)

My Rating

5/5 Diamonds - Loved It and Highly Recommend!

About The Author

 Meet Allison Edwards aka “Essence M”. The beautiful brain behind Illuminnessence Publishing, founded in 2007 by this avid writer who began her love affair with words at a tender age.Allison’s passion for words began in early childhood, she had always been fond of reading about life, love, poetry and short stories. Throughout her teen & young adult years she decided to put pen to paper and indulge one of her fantasies, to become a writer.Allison went on to create an extensive catalog of unpublished works including poetry & short stories.

As she matured, she challenged herself to hone her craft, exploring various story lines and navigating into the tumultuous world of adult relationships. It is with that unwavering tenacity that we’ve arrived at this point.Skillful at networking and using every opportunity to inspire others and be inspired, Allison/Essence joined forces in 2008 with the elite group The Cartel Publications Street Team/Pep Squad. This group of individuals was spearheaded by Essence Bestselling Author of A Hustler's Son and CEO/Founder of The Cartel Publications, T. Styles. "Working with Ms. Styles has taught me how to manage time and how to work hard to attain success" she says. Its an attitude like that, that causes Allison/Essence to press forward regardless of the obstacles that present themselves. Allison’s first venture into self publication “Broken Promises Never Mend",  became available on Illuminnessence Publishing in early 2010. It was released as an amersion version with  a new cover became available on www.amazon.com for Kindle, as of June 2010. The sizzling sequel “Bound By Lies” is available on www.amazon.comfor Kindle & in paperback, as of February 2011Allison is currently focused on a collection of other works slated for release in 2011, under her imprint “Illuminnessence Publishing.”

Her Essence Will Shine Through

 Her Website: http://www.wix.com/illuminnessence/illuminnessence#!





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 reading this on a site other than blackdiamondsbookrev.fatcow.com, Urban Image Magazine, or Cheryl’s feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

First Lines Friday - From The House on Blackstone Moor by Carole Gill - July 4, 2011

First Lines Friday

First Lines Friday is a new bookish meme hosted by Literary Marie of Precision Reviews. Here is what you do:

• Grab your current read(s).
• Share the first line(s).
• Include the title and author so that other FLF participants can add the book to their TBR Lists.

"They said my father was mad, corrupted by evil and tainted with sin, which is why he did what he did."

~The House on Blackstone Moor by Carole Gill

© 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.

Third Sentence Thursday - August 4, 2011

Third Sentence Thursday is a weekly meme hosted by Sniffly Kitty's Mostly Books  which is fed by third sentence contraptions!

1) Take the book you are reading now and post the third sentence
2) Review this sentence anyway you want (funny and silly reviews encouraged)
3) Post a link to your sentence here (in the comments) or if you don't have a blog, just post it in the comments!

"My sisters only five and eight were gone as well as my brother who was twelve."

Review of Sentence:  No, they are not gone on vacation.  They are gone, gone--forever.  If you would have read up to this sentence you would know that they all got their throats slashed by their dad.  All that in the first three sentences!

I first saw this meme at sidnebkclubreviewz.blogspot.com.  Go and check out my friend Sidne's blog!



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

Book Review - Misconceptions by C. Hayes - August 4, 2011

Title:  Misconceptions

Author:  C. Hayes

Publisher:  Bran Nue Productions, LLC

Publish Date:  Published May 13th 2011 (first published April 1st 2011)

Kindle Edition

Source:  Review copy provided to me by the author

Buy the Book:  Amazon

About the Book (from Amazon)

A shocking story of how a simple misconception of one can change a person's life forever. A young lady who thought the world of her husband only to find out he had another side to him that was never revealed.  Gabrielle Johnson had the life she always wanted, a husband, son, friends and family.  The man she loved could do no wrong but she was soon to find out differently.After discovering whom he truly was and set back after set back, she broke free.

Will her experience with that Misconception ruin her future new relationship?

You Tube Video Trailer:

My Review

Gabrielle got into her share of trouble when she was younger.  She ended up moving into an apartment with her dad.  Her sister Dee moved into their grandma's house along with their mom.  Gabrielle became involved with a boy named Tre' .  He seemed like such a nice guy and she couldn't wait to have a future with him.    Boy was she in for a surprise.

Gabrielle turned out to be such a nice young woman, but she just didn't seem to have the self-confidence that she needed.  She just let herself stay in situations that she should not have been in.  She was way too nice to Tre'.    The words that Tre' used to describe Gabrielle--COME ON!  He should have looked in the mirror first because he had no place to talk!  She really should have went with her instincts, but she learned the hard way.

I really enjoyed reading Misconceptions!  It was a page turner and was a quick read. C. Hayes came up with characters that were believable and a scenerio that is all too real.    There were a few typographical errors and spelling errors, but nothing that made the book difficult to read.  I would recommend this book!

My Rating

4/5 Diamonds -  Liked & Recommed!

Buy the Book here: Amazon

About The Author

A resident of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, C. Hayes received Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice and is currently Pursing a Masters Degree in Counseling. C. Hayes has always had a passion for helping others and being a part of her community. She also has a non-profit organization that provides mentoring services for young teen girls named after her late grandmother Barbara Johnson (Barbara's House, Inc. C. Hayes always wanted to write but fear kept her passion buried.  A simple Mother's Day gift in 2010 gave that fear the boot.  C. Hayes just published her first book titled "Misconceptions" under her company Bran Nue Productions. Misconceptions was released April 1, 2011. Bran Nue Productions is also the mother company of Skayte By: Kyler D. Skayte By: Kyler D is a T-Shirt line that was created by her oldest son Kyler Doutrive.  Her plans are to continue to write novels with great messages in which at least one person can relate and learn from it.  C. Hayes is a woman you definitely want to watch.  Her willingness to help others and reach her goals is extreme "My focus now are my children, building something for them and with them is the best feeling in the world".

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 reading this on a site other than blackdiamondsbookrev.fatcow.com, Urban Image Magazine, or Cheryl’s feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

Book Review - Sensuous Dragon by Deep Rivers - August 3, 2011

Sensuous Dragon

by Deep Rivers

Erotic Poetry to stimulate the mind, body and soul.

Paperback, 210 pages

Published October 13th 2010 by Lulu.com

 (book 6 of 13 - 3rd Quarter 2K11 Reading/Reviewing Challenge)

My Review:

Sensuous Dragon was written by my Facebook friend Deep Rivers!  I don't normally read a lot of poetry.  Since this is erotic poetry, I decided to give it a try!

Deep Rivers really did an  excellent job with the rhyme of her poems.  It must have taken her a while to write this and think of all those rhyming words!  Not only did she write poems in this book, but there are some short erotic stories as well.  My favorite of all the poems was Treasure.   I can see that she just lets her imagination go and writes from her heart.

This book could be improved with a little editing.  There were some words that have two spellings that were spelled wrong and some punctuation errors that took away from the flow of the book.

I read this book within a pretty short period of time, but it would also be a good one to read a poem here or there as you have time also.

 My Rating:

 3/5 diamonds

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 reading this on a site other than blackdiamondsbookrev.fatcow.com, Urban Image Magazine, or Cheryl’s feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

7th Annual African American Literary Awards Show Nominees - August 2, 2011

Voting for the 2011 African American Literary Awards Show is now open!

Voting started Friday, July 29, 2011 and ends on Friday, September 2, 2011
Winners will be announced at the live show on September, 22, 2011

Make sure you go to http://www.literaryawardshow.com/voting.html and cast your vote!

Here are the nominees:

Fiction

Dorothy by LaToya S. Watkins

He Was My Man First – Courtney Parker & Nancey Flowers

No One in the World: A Novel – E. Lynn Harris & RM Johnson

Mama Ruby – Mary Monroe

Money Can’t Buy Love – Connie Briscoe  :-)   Click on title to see my review (and giveaway!)



Self help

How To Get Out Of Your Own Way – Tyrese Gibson

The Strawberry Letter: Real Talk, Real Advice, Because Bitterness Isn’t Sexy – Shirley Strawberry

Why Do I Have To Think Like A Man?: How To Think Like A Lady And Still Get The Man – Shanae Hall & Rhonda Frost  Priceless Inspirations – Antonia Carter

A Belle in Brooklyn: The Go-to Girl for Advice on Living Your Best Single Life – Demetria Lucas



Biography/Memoir

Ice: A Memoir of Gangster Life and Redemption-from South Central to Hollywood – Ice T

The Big Fight: My Life In and Out of the Ring – Sugar Ray Leonard

Flavor Flav: The Icon The Memoir – Flavor Flav

Love Brought Me Back: A Journey of Loss and Gain – Natalie Cole

Transparent – Don Lemon



Christian Fiction

An Inconvenient Friend by Rhonda McKnight  :-) (click on the title to see my review)

Right Package, Wrong Baggage by Wanda B. Campbell

The Deal, The Dance & The Devil  by Victoria Christopher Murray  :-)  (click on the title to see my review)

Crowning Glory – Pat Simmons

Who Said It Would Be Easy?: A Story of Faith (Zane Presents) – Cheryl Faye



Erotica

Strawberries, Stilettos, and Steam – Imani True & Dreama Skye

Southern Comfort by Cynnamon Foster and Nina Foxx  :-)  (click on the title to see my review)

Sixty-Nine – Pynk

Smooth Operator – Risque

Nasty – Dr. XYZ



Street Fiction

Justify My Thug – Wahida Clark

My Kinda Girl - by Michael McGrew

The Prada Plan 2 – Ashley Antoinette

Welfare Wifeys: A Hood Rat Novel – K’wan

Memoirs Of An Accidental Hustler – JM Benjamin



Non Fiction

I Shall Not Die: Living A Psalm 118:17 Existence – Kendra Norman Bellamy

Fail Up: 20 Lessons on Building Success from Failure – Tavis Smiley

Black Woman Redefined: Dispelling Myths and Discovering Fulfillment in the Age of Michelle Obama – Sophia Nelson

Peace from Broken Pieces – Iyanla Vanzant

Becoming a Woman of Destiny: Turning Life’s Trials into Triumphs! – Dr. Suzan Johnson Cook



Mystery

Giving Up The Ghost by Stacy-Deanne

Ask Nicely and I Might by Lorraine Elzia

The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey – Walter Mosley

Price Of Fame – Amaleka McCall

Surrender the Dark – L.A. Banks



Children/Young Adult

Getting Played by Celeste O. Norfleet

Drama Queens –ReShonda Tate Billingsley

Giant Steps To Change The World – Spike Lee & Tonya Lewis Lee

Sugar Plum Ballerinas: Terrible Terrel – Whoopi Goldberg

Teen Girls Need L.O.V.E. by S.Dodson



Romance

Inseparable – Brenda Jackson

Sweet Persuasions– Rochelle Alers

Unexpected Interruptions – Trice Hickman  :-)  (click on the title to see my review)

Twice The Temptation – Francis Ray

The Proposal – Brenda Jackson



Short stories/Anthologies

A Woman’s Revenge by Tiffany L. Warren, Sherri Lewis and Rhonda McKnight –

Home Again: Stories of Restored Relationships by Wanda B. Campbell, Dijorn Moss, Tyora Moody and Trinea Moss

Between the Sheets – Tamika Newhouse, NiCola Mitchell and Anna Black



Magazines (Non -Literary)

Black Enterprise

Ebony

Uptown

JET

Upscale





Magazines (Literary)

Mosaic Books

Booking Matters

Written

African Voices

Black Literature Magazine



Humorist Award of the Year (Stand-up Comics)

Kevin Hart

Sherri Shepherd

Chris Spencer

Tony Rock

Rickey Smiley



Self Published Author of The Year

The Ultimate Question: Will Love Ever Know Me – Tamika Newhouse

Con Test: Double Life – Rahiem Brooks

Twisted – Ni’cola

Devour, One Man’s Tale of Love, Intimacy, and Ecstasy – D.A. Williams



Breakout Author of the Year

Tour Secrets – Winkk

The Putting Away – Sharel E. Gordon-Love

Open Your Eyes – Schelle Halloway

Shady – Dell Banks :-)  (click on the title to see my review)

Girl, Get Your Mind Right – Tionna Smalls



Publishing House Of The Year

St. Martin’s Press

Kensington

Kimani Press

Grand Central Publishing

Simon & Schuster



Independent Publisher Of The Year

Peace In The Storm

A New Quality Publishing

Delphine Publications

NCM Publishing

Black Dawn Books



Author Of The Year – Male

J.M. Benjamin – Memoirs Of An Accidental Hustler

Walter Mosley – The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey

E. Lynn Harris & RM Johnson – No One In The World

Carl Weber – Choir Director

K’wan – Welfare Wifeys



Author Of The Year – Female

Victoria Christopher Murray (The Deal, The Dance & The Devil )

Kimberla Lawson Roby – Love, Honor and Betray

Pat G’Orge Walker – Don’t Blame The Devil

Nancey Flowers & Courtney Parker – He Was My Man First

Sophia Nelson – Redefining The Black Woman



Bookclub of the Year

Black Expressions

AAMBC

The D-Cup Divas

African American Literary Book Club (AALBC)

Go On Girl Bookclub



Television Writer Of The Year

Tyler Perry – House Of Payne

Ali LeRoi – Are We There Yet

Mara Brock Akil – The Game

Stacy A. Littlejohn- Single Ladies

Shonda Rhimes – The Practice



Screenwriter Of The Year

Tracey E. Edmonds – Jumping The Broom

Salim Akil – Jumping The Broom

Tyler Perry – For Colored Girls

Tyler Perry – Madea’s Big Happy Family



Comic Strip

Aarron McGruder – Boondocks

Jerry Craft – Mama’s Boyz

Ray Billingsley – Curtis

Keith Knight – The K Chronicles

Robb Armstrong –Jumpstart



Comedy Author

Girl, Get Your Mind Right – Tionna Smalls

Is It Just Me?: Or is it nuts out there? – Whoopi Goldberg

Don’t Blame The Devil – Pat G’orge Walker

More info at www.literaryawardshow.com

Mailbox Monday and It's Monday, What Are You Reading - August 1, 2011

~Mailbox Monday~

Hosted this month by
my good friend Staci of:

Life In the Thumb

I am so happy that she is hosting this month!  Make sure you check out her blog!  She is the person who got me into blogging in the first place!


We share what books that we found in our mailboxes last week.

Here is what I got:

Bought:

Pandora's Box

by Allison Hobbs

Ambition, desperation, and redemption abound in nationally bestselling author Allison Hobbs’s unforgettable novel about a woman forced to sink to the darkest depths of morality . . . and her quest to fight her way back.Victoria Carlton invested everything into her dream of becoming a singer—her hopes, her time, her life savings—only to fall victim to the harsh realities of the recording industry. Devastated, broke, and faced with the choice between committing herself and her young son to a world of homeless shelters or entering the seedy world of prostitution, she applies for a job at Pandora’s Box, a downtown Philadelphia brothel that bills itself as a “massage salon.” Her lifestyle quickly improves, and the gratification of instant cash replaces her willingness to find a low-paying, legitimate occupation.One day, an unlikely customer appears at Pandora’s Box. Young, handsome, and well dressed, he is immediately drawn to Victoria. The two begin a love affair fraught with complications, leaving Victoria plagued by guilt and insecurities until a botched robbery and the murder of a coworker compel her to look beyond the fast money and reclaim her morals—and her life.

Mass Market Paperback, 400 pages

Published April 26th 2011 by Strebor Books(first published August 2002

(from Goodreads)

Bought:

Put a Ring on It: A Novel (Zane Presents) [Paperback]

Allison Hobbs

From the bestselling author of Double Dippin’ and Big Juicy Lips—a story about three friends with three different paths to the same goal: a husband, despite the dismal odds.Desperate to be married, Vangie, Nivea, and Harlow are all on a quest to get to the altar. Dumped by her economically challenged fiancé, Nivea begins a destructive course of action, as she begins to self medicate with excessive amounts of liquor.When Vangie’s deadbeat baby daddy resurfaces and begins courting her with unrestrained zeal and spending quality time with their young son, she thinks that they have finally healed their troubled relationship.

After a horrifying childhood, Harlow believes she has finally found true love when she becomes engaged to savvy businessman, Drake Morgan. But Drake may have a secret that will destroy Harlow’s only chance at happiness.

Though holding distinct views and relying on diverse strategies, will any of these women find love, happiness, and commitment or will they discover that happily ever after is an unattainable dream?

Paperback:368 pages
Publisher: Strebor Books; Original edition (July 12, 2011)
(from Amazon)


Bought:

All Up In My Business

by Lutishia Lovely

Lutishia Lovely serves up a sizzling behind-the-scenes tale of rivalry and scandal in a family's booming soul food dynasty. . .

With brothers Malcolm and Toussaint Livingston at the helm, business at Taste of Soul is thriving and the family seems to have it all. But jealousy and competition threaten to tarnish their picture-perfect image.

Toussaint is a risk-taker, determined to expand the restaurant chain at a record pace, but levelheaded Malcolm insists on challenging Toussaint's goals. And at home, there's more heating up than grits and collard greens. Malcolm is growing weary of his marriage and his ever-expanding brood of children. His brother's Casanova lifestyle looks more and more appealing. But Toussaint's playboy days aren't as carefree as Malcolm thinks. Toussaint's met his match in interior designer Alexis St. Clair, a woman who refuses to become just another dish on this player's mating menu. But if Toussaint has his way, the happenings in both the boardroom and the bedroom are all about to change. . .

"Lovely once again expertly illuminates the wacky world of the devout and devoutly devilish." --Publishers Weekly on Reverend Feelgood

"Vibrant characters, artful storytelling, and an original voice make Lutishia Lovely worth every moment." --Donna Hill

"A great new taste in the literary world." --Carl Weber

Paperback, 336 pages

Published March 1st 2011 by Dafina(first published February 8th 2011)

Won from:    loveahappyending.com Launch competition:

Open House on Love

by Lavada Dee

After nineteen years, Aimee is back in town. The morning started like any other, but after walking into her real estate agency with long time friend, Sharon Phillips, she finds her office in turmoil. After a frantic search for one of their agents, they find her... dead. Detective Quin Martina has always been a take charge kind of guy, so why can't he get his life under con...moreAfter nineteen years, Aimee is back in town. The morning started like any other, but after walking into her real estate agency with long time friend, Sharon Phillips, she finds her office in turmoil. After a frantic search for one of their agents, they find her... dead. Detective Quin Martina has always been a take charge kind of guy, so why can't he get his life under control? He longed for Aimee every morning and night for the last nineteen years but still tried to avoid Aimee at all costs. It worked until he was called in to a murder scene and walked straight into Aimee.(less)

Paperback, 184 pages

Published May 6th 2010 by Siren Publishing(first published January 5th 2010)

 Won from:    loveahappyending.com Launch competition:

Dear Dee

by Sue Uden

John wants retribution for his daughter s broken life. And he wants to fix it. Nickii, his wife, wants for the pain of this quest to stop threatening his health. All Jackie wants is for a miracle rewind to take her back to being a young mother living with her husband and children. Well observed, intelligently expressed and a cracking good read are just a few of the comments which have been made about Dear Dee. Here the devastating impact of mental illness on family life is sensitively described. The reader will be left in no doubt as to the ongoing corrosive impact on the family and individual sufferer. The range of emotions, including guilt as well as a sense of helplessness felt by the family, vividly described in Dear Dee will strike a chord with readers with similar experience. An extremely well-rounded story of people struggling against life s vicissitudes, as well as a celebration of the good times and a family eventually finding a sense of peace after tragedy; the final, poignant, closing lines are at once sad but immensely inspiring and uplifting.

Paperback, 195 pages

Published March 31st 2011 by Olympia Publishers

Won from:    loveahappyending.com Launch competition:

Knowing Me Knowing You

by Mandy Baggot (Goodreads Author)

KNOWING ME KNOWING YOU - BRING ON THE LOVE!

Recently single mother Kate is struggling. Clinging on to a career and bringing up her 2 year old daughter leads to nights alone drowning her sorrows in the cheapest white wine she can find.

Forced to employ Joel, a male escort, to accompany her to a professionals' dinner, Kate somehow ends up in the middle of a relationship contest, competing for a £100,000 prize alongside someone she barely knows.

With her boss, the Lady Dragon Miranda, desperate for Kate to flounder, her tarot card reading child-minder trying to match-make and her ex-husband making her life a misery, can Kate keep her life on an even keel? And more importantly can she put her trust in a serial dater who used to be an underwear model?

Paperback, 394 pages

Published February 11th 2011 by YouWriteOn.com

 Won from:    loveahappyending.com Launch competition:

Touched by the Light

by Linn B. Halton

This is a 'feel-good' story about psychic connections between people on different levels of existence and how the two worlds can become curiously entwined.  Mya tries desperately to keep Laurel and Dan together, although she has no idea who they are or why she finds herself involved in their lives from 'other side'.  Her efforts are often hilarious and misguided.  It's all about life and love, the things that hold us back; the mistakes we make and the things we don't say but should.  But when fate is involved anything can happen, although there are no guarantees that even soul mates can find their way through.  The journey they take is filled with all of the emotions life has to offer and an insight into Mya's new reality beyond the 'light'.

Hardcover, 248 pages

Published February 24th 2011 by Book Guild Publishing

Won from the author:

Sellout

by James W. Lewis

People who date interracially are often called traitors to their own kind. Self-haters. Sellouts.Loan Officer Tammy McDonald has just come out of another failed relationship with a wannabe thug. To break this destructive pattern, she leaves her home city of Dallas for San Diego. As she settles in rainbow California, fantasies of meeting an ebony prince fade, so she eyes Dale Bristol as a potential ivory replacement.Terrell Jackson is San Diego's only black optometrist. Women regularly drop in for more than just eye exams, but he stays true to his girl Tasha until a wet dream unleashes a ridiculous outburst. Fed up with her jealous fits, he denounces the common "dedramanators" in his life-black women.

Even though Penelope Miller was raised in the South by a racist father once affiliated with the KKK, she can't ignore her attraction to black men. But she never expected to fall in love with one...nor did she expect her "interracial felony" to threaten their lives.

SELLOUT follows these three individuals and the consequences of dating outside their race. In the quest to find what they think is missing in their lives, they encounter guilt, fear and mess they never anticipated...including murder.

Paperback, 290 pages

Published June 7th 2010 by The Pantheon Collective (TPC)

Sent to me by the author for review:

Train Your Brain, Transform Your Life: Conquer Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder In 60 Days, Without Ritalin

by Nicky Vanvalkenburgh, Dave Siever

This book reveals five brain boosters that enable you to conquer Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in 60 days, without Ritalin. It's a revolutionary brain training method that is safe, reliable, easy and effective. It's so easy, that you can do it while lying flat on your back, with your eyes closed. It's been described as the "lazy way to get rid of ADHD." However, it's also a brain training method that's based in neurotherapy, and is supported by an impressive review of literature.

In this book, you'll discover:

* Three ways that Ritalin stimulates and arouses the brain, and how you can get the same results without swallowing pills.

* How to train your brain to restore its electro-chemical balance and produce a stable supply of neurotransmitters (such as dopamine and serotonin.)

* An audio-visual rhythm that has been clinically proven to reduce ADHD. It's used in brain training clinics through out the country, and may be the biggest breakthrough in noninvasive medicine in the last 50 years. Now you can practice and master this rhythm in the comfort of your own home, without ever stepping foot inside a clinic.

* Why your brain interprets ADHD as normal, and works to maintain bad habits like impulsivity, distraction and restless energy. Discover how you can interrupt your ADHD patterns, and create new neural pathways for peak performance.

As you read this book, you'll realize that you have every reason to be upbeat and optimistic about overcoming ADHD. It's time to train your brain and transform your life!

Paperback, 252 pages

Published March 1st 2011 by 20 Minutes to Less Stress, LLC

 ********************************************************

Hosted by Sheila @ One Person's Journey Through a World of Books

We discuss the books that we've read and what we're planning to read for the week.

Book Reviews/Posts Last Week:

21    Author Spotlight - Shaka

25    Book Review - Regression by Rickey Teems II

27   Erotic Snapshots Volume 2 by Anna J, Dwayne S. Joseph, T. Real,Treasure E. Blue

29    First Lines Friday

28     Book Review - The Skull Ring by Scott Nicholson-July-30-2011

This Week:

1   -  Book Review of Money Can't Buy Love by Connie Briscoe and Giveaway

Currently Reading:

Up Next to Read:

© 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

Book Review - Money Can't Buy Love by Connie Briscoe & Giveaway (Autographed Book!)- TLC Tour - August 1, 2011

Title:  Money Can't Buy Love

Author:  Connie Briscoe

Publisher:  Grand Central Publishing

Publish Date:  June 27, 2011

Hardcover, 304 pages

Source:  Review copy provided to me TLC Book Tours

Buy the Book:  Amazon

 (book 5 of 13 - 3rd Quarter 2K11 Reading/Reviewing Challenge)

About the Book:

Lenora Stone used to say if she didn't have bad luck, she wouldn't have any luck at all. At age thirty-eight, instead of socializing with Baltimore's A-list, she photographs them for Baltimore Scene, a glossy magazine filled with beautiful people who, unlike Lenora, never have to worry about car trouble and overdue bills. As much as she'd love to slam the door on her overbearing boss, quitting isn't an option. She's barely making her mortgage payments and, though her condo might not be a palace, it's hers. Lately even things with her boyfriend Gerald haven't been right. They've been together for three years but he can't seem to ask the one question she's been waiting for. But what Lenora doesn't know is that her luck is about to change...

Just when she thinks things can't get worse, Lenora wins the jackpot in the Maryland lottery. In a heartbeat, all her dreams become possible. She quits her job and indulges her every desire-starting with a shiny, silver BMW and a million-dollar mansion. Gerald is finally ready to put a ring on her finger and the city's most exclusive women's group is dying for her to join, officially moving Lenora from behind the lens, into the limelight. But in Lenora's lavish new world, all that glitters definitely isn't gold. Her old friend's are concerned about her sudden changes, and Ray, a sexy, young landscaper Lenora covered for the magazine is looking for more than a purely professional relationship.

As her life starts to come together, the things Lenora holds dear begin to fall apart. Has her world really changed for the better, or does fortune come with a heavy price?

My Review:

Lenora is a 37 year old who has a boyfriend named Gerald.  She really wants to get married, but he keeps putting the subject off. They have been together for 3 years, and she wonders if he will ever be ready.    He is trying to get his business off the ground and wants to get their finances in order before getting married.  I didn't like Gerald at all.  He made comments about Lenora's weight (I have had to deal with this problem myself, and it doesn't help matters at all...just makes me feel worse), and he was always so busy.  He seemed like he never had time for her.  On top of all that, she doesn't like her boss and is having trouble paying her bills.

She buys a lottery ticket and kind of forgets about it.  She ends up finally finding it a few days later and has the surprise of her life! She wins the lottery.  All her problems are solved right?  Well, her life will never be the same, that's for sure.

I really enjoyed reading this book.  It was really easy to follow, and the characters sound like real people.    I got a little annoyed with Lenora when she waits so long to bring her ticket in and with some of the other things she does.  I kind of had an idea of what was going to happen, but I didn't know exactly how things would turn out in the end.  I was surprised at her conversation with Ray at the end.   I'm glad she said what she did.  It would have been nice to know what happened next for her though!  Will there be another book to follow up?  Also, I still wonder about Gerald.  Was he really that busy with work?   Even though Lenora made some dumb decisions and she was annoying at times, I wouldn't have changed anything about this story.  I highly recommend it!

    My Rating

 

 5/5 diamonds - Loved It and Highly Recommend!

About the Author:

Connie Briscoe is the author of seven novels, one novella, and one nonfiction book.  Her third novel, A Long Way From Home, the story of her ancestors, was nominated for an NAACP Image Award. Her work has appeared on the bestseller lists of the New York Times, Chicago Tribune, Washington Post, Boston Globe, Boston Herald, USA Today,and Publishers Weekly.

Her nonfiction title, a photo-essay book featuring luminaries such as actress Ruby Dee and Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, was coauthored with celebrated photographer Michael Cunningham. The collection of novellas was coauthored with Lolita Files and Anita Bunkley.

She currently lives in Maryland with her family.

You can find Connie on her blog:  Writer Revealed, Facebook, and Twitter

Giveaway:

I will give away one autographed book courtesy of TLC Book Tours.

If you would like to be entered to win, please leave a comment with your e-mail address.   Also, answer this question:  What would you do with the money if you won a million dollars or more?

Giveaway ends on August 8, 2011 at 7:00 a.m.

Connie Briscoe’s TLC Book Tours TOUR STOPS:

Monday, July 18th:  Life in Review

Wednesday, July 20th:  Buckeye Girl Reads

Thursday, July 21st:  Colloquium

Monday, July 25th:  Arms of a Sister

Wednesday, July 27th:  A Chick Who Reads

Thursday, July 28th:  Mocha Momma

Friday, July 29th:  Fiction State of Mind

Monday, August 1st:  Black Diamond Book Reviews

Wednesday, August 3rd:  Reflections of a Bookaholic

Thursday, August 4th:  Living Outside the Stacks

Tuesday, August 9th:  I’m Booking It

Thursday, August 11th:  Drey’s Library

Tuesday, August 16th:  Joyfully Retired

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 reading this on a site other than blackdiamondsbookrev.fatcow.com, Urban Image Magazine, or Cheryl’s feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.