
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
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Welcome to the captivating world of African American literature, where stories resonate with authenticity, depth, and cultural richness. As the official review team of Aspiring Authors Magazine LLC, we embark on an enthralling journey through a spectrum of novels, ranging from poignant memoirs to gripping fiction, aimed at readers of all ages.
Drama, Drama, Drama! From takeoff 🚀 on page one all the way to the finale, this book refuses to give you a single dull moment. The twists, betrayals, and family drama come at you so fast and heavy, I honestly wonder if Ms. Monique’s brain was sizzling after pouring all of this onto the page.
The cover of Heiress: Chivalry Is Dead is nothing short of striking—powerful, seductive, and chilling all at once. At first glance, your attention locks onto the silky pink dress draped over a chair. It feels like it was tossed aside after a glamorous night out… or maybe ripped away in the middle of chaos. Paired with the soft innocence of the fabric are crimson rose petals, scattered like blood on the floor. Roses typically symbolize love, beauty, or the sweetness of a milestone like a sweet sixteen—but here, the way they fall whispers betrayal, loss, and death. It’s hauntingly beautiful and the perfect prelude to the story inside.
One of Ms. Monique’s greatest strengths is her storytelling foundation. She doesn’t just throw you into chaos—she builds the tension layer by layer. She takes you back to where the Syndicate and the Pratts’ rivalry first began, weaving in past betrayals that echo into present-day destruction. That balance between history and the now keeps the stakes sky-high.
The pacing? Impeccable. Moments of joy instantly flip to grief, whispered conversations erupt into war, and every chapter leaves you needing more. Just when you think you can breathe, another curveball snatches your air away.
By the time Ryanna and McKenzie step up to claim their place in the battle, you feel the weight of every loss, every betrayal, and exactly why they can’t afford to sit back anymore. This isn’t just action for shock value—it’s action with history, meaning, and consequences.
These characters don’t just live in the story—you live with them. Ms. Monique makes sure every motive, every choice, and every heartbreak is tied back to something deeper. The past flows seamlessly into the present, shaping why each character is who they are. Even the villains—the ones you want to shake or strangle—feel fully fleshed out and human.
💥 Explosive Action
💔 Heartbreak
🔥 Romance
🤯 Jaw-dropping Twists
😱 Cold Betrayals
👑 Legacy & Loyalty
If you’re a fan of urban fiction with grit, depth, and unforgettable characters, this book is a must-read. From its haunting cover art to the layered storytelling, Heiress: Chivalry Is Dead drags you into a world where family is everything—yet love, betrayal, and vengeance constantly test those bonds.
Ms. Monique gave us blood, loyalty, legacy, and love all in one unforgettable saga. And it leaves you asking: Does love come before family? Can love survive betrayal? Or are some sins too heavy to ever forgive?
Let me just say this: if you haven’t read this book yet, you’re missing out on one of the hottest, most captivating street sagas out right now.
And Ms. Monique… I need to know… where is Book 2?! 👀📚
Reviewed by Patrice "SCBookGal" Grimball for MUBC Reviews
To purchase your copy of Heiress: Chivalry is Dead by Monique Chanae, head over to Amazon or click here.
Puppy love. First kisses. That magical feeling of realizing you’ve fallen for your best friend 💕. This is exactly the journey Reverse takes you on. Reading this book instantly brought me back to my very first crush—the way I’d talk about him with friends between classes, sit with him at lunch, and secretly carry feelings stronger than anything I’d ever felt before. That’s the same kind of innocent, powerful love Rian N. Jenkins captures with her main characters, Monica James (MJ) and Donovan Brown (D).
Set in the early ’90s, this middle school story perfectly shows how different teen life was back then compared to today 📼✨. MJ and D have known each other since childhood—their families are close (MJ’s dad is even D’s godfather). But when tween feelings start to shift into something more, things get complicated. D has a crush on MJ, but taking that risk could change everything. Who’s going to step up? Who’s going to hold back? And most importantly, will they risk their friendship for love? (👀 Nope, I’m not spoiling it—you’ll have to READ the book to find out!)
While reading, I couldn’t stop hearing Mario’s “Just a Friend” playing in my head 🎶. I was torn—part of me wanted MJ and D to give love a try, but another part wanted them to hold on to the innocence of their friendship. That’s the beauty of this story: it reflects the real tug-of-war so many teens feel when friendship and love collide.
What makes Reverse so special is that it’s not just a romance—it’s also a blueprint for middle schoolers who may be facing these same feelings today. It shows that they’re not alone, that parents may overreact sometimes but usually mean well, and that those confusing emotions are part of growing up 🌱.
I would recommend this novel for ages 10–14, and honestly, it deserves a place in every middle school library 📚. In a time when so many books are being banned, Reverse feels like a safe, heartfelt choice that still speaks to the real experiences of young readers.
Reviewed by Patrice "SCBookGal" Grimball
To purchase your own copu of Reverse, head over to Amazon or https://riannjenkins.com/.
🔥 Meet the author behind the pages! Click below to watch Rian Jenkins’ interview with SCBookGal & Friends and hear her story firsthand.
SCBooKGal & Friends Chats with Rian Jenkins
Holy Heat: A Pastor Scandal Short Story Erotica by SYLKE My rating: 5 of 5 stars View all ...