Tuesday, May 20, 2025

📚 Book Review: I Should Have Worn a Curtain by Samyra Alexander

 


Book Review Alert: I Should Have Worn a Curtain

Author: Samyra Alexander

Audiobook Edition

Published: January 24, 2023

Narrator: Nikki Barnes

ASIN ‏ : B0BSZY2PGG

Overall Rating: 🖊️🖊️🖊️🖊️ (4 out of 5)


Samyra Alexander’s I Should Have Worn a Curtain is a raw and courageous memoir that chronicles her deeply personal journey from pain to purpose. 💔➡️🌟 With striking honesty and poetic reflection, Alexander uses her voice to illuminate a struggle many silently endure—battles with body image and self-worth.

🎭 Title & Themes
The title alone—I Should Have Worn a Curtain—is enough to stop you in your tracks. It’s intriguing, thought-provoking, and sets the stage for the emotional ride ahead. Once you dive in (or, like me, listen to it), the significance of the title becomes heartbreakingly clear. Alexander opens up about her experience with obesity in a way that’s intimate, unapologetic, and refreshingly rare, especially coming from an African American perspective. 🌺

🎨 Cover Art
The cover is a powerful visual metaphor for the story. As I listened to the first chapter, I glanced at the design and immediately felt the connection. It's minimalist yet moving—striking the perfect balance of subtlety and strength. 💡🖼️

🎧 Audiobook Experience
I had the privilege of experiencing this book through its audiobook version—and it did not disappoint. The production stands out, especially the thoughtful use of sound effects that breathe life into the narrative. One moment that stuck with me was during Shaena’s inner dialogue; her tone shift was so vivid, I felt like I was right there with her. The sound design adds an immersive layer, making this a standout choice for audiobook lovers, especially those with visual impairments. ✅🎧

👩🏾‍🦱 Character Development
Shaena's journey is one of transformation. At a pivotal crossroads, she confronts not only her addiction but the roots of her pain. Her vulnerability, growth, and healing are both relatable and inspiring. We see firsthand how change doesn’t come from outside validation—it begins within. 🌱➡️🌻

I Should Have Worn a Curtain is more than a memoir—it’s a mirror, reflecting the internal battles many carry in silence. Samyra Alexander has penned a powerful, necessary story that speaks truth to pain and offers hope to anyone learning to love themselves again.


Reviewed by Patrice “SCBookGal843” for MUBC Reviews


Thursday, May 15, 2025

Book Review Alert: Heart of a Thug: Omar and Keisha’s Tale by Keely

Book Review Alert: Heart of a Thug:
Omar and Keisha’s Tale



Author: Keely

Kindle Edition

Published: October 29, 2024

Publisher: Wahida Clark Presents Publishing, LLC

ISBN-13: 978-1957954639

ASIN ‏ : B0DP3CDFJH

Overall Rating: 🖊️🖊️🖊️🖊️ (4 out of 5)



📚 Heart of a Thug: Omar and Keisha’s Tale by Keely is a raw and emotionally charged urban romance that dives deep into the complexities of love, loyalty, and survival. Keely takes readers straight into the heart of the streets, where Omar—a man hardened by life’s harsh realities—and Keisha—a woman caught between passion and the pursuit of something greater—fight to define their connection.

From the first page, the chemistry between Omar and Keisha sizzles. Their bond is powerful yet fraught with complications—past trauma, buried secrets, and constant threats of betrayal. Keely handles their relationship with gritty honesty, crafting a love story that is passionate, messy, and deeply human.

What sets this story apart is its perfect blend of toughness and tenderness. Omar isn’t just a “street dude”—he’s layered, emotionally vulnerable, and surprisingly introspective. Keisha, too, is more than just a love interest. She’s sharp, resilient, and determined not to lose herself to a toxic cycle. Together, their journey is full of struggle and growth, a testament to the possibility of love in even the most unforgiving environments.

Keely’s writing shines with authenticity. The dialogue is real and unfiltered, and the emotions are vivid. While a few plot points could be tightened, the strength of the characters and the emotional depth carry the story beautifully. Themes of redemption, trust, and resilience elevate this book beyond your typical urban romance.

🖤 For readers who crave urban fiction with heart, grit, and unforgettable characters, Heart of a Thug is a standout. Keely delivers a compelling reminder that love can survive—and even thrive—when tested by fire.

🔍 Book Cover Art:
The cover design leans into the familiar street-lit aesthetic. While it fits the genre, I believe the cover could have done more to reflect the emotional depth and character development found inside. A visual focus on Omar and Keisha or a powerful scene from the story might’ve better captured the book’s essence. Cover Art Rating: 3 out of 5.

🛠️ Editing & Professionalism:
This area was well executed. The book reads smoothly with only a couple of minor typos that didn’t distract from the flow. It felt like watching a movie unfold on the page. Great pacing and readability.

👥 Character Development:
Keely, you nailed it here. The characters are beautifully developed—real, flawed, and emotionally layered. Watching them navigate their struggles felt honest and relatable. It’s clear you poured your heart into these characters and their journey.

Reviewed by Patrice "SCBookGal843" for MUBC Reviews.


Wednesday, May 7, 2025

Book Review Alert: Dent In My Halo


Book Review Alert: Dent In My Halo

Author: Obsession

Kindle Edition

Published: September 7, 2028

Publisher: N/A

ASIN ‏ : B07H6MRT6Y

Rating: 5 stars


Andrea is not your typical preacher’s wife — not by a long shot. She made a promise to God to become a better woman... but she had no idea what she was stepping into when she married Pastor Denny. 👀 Let’s just say, when the mouse is away, the cat will definitely play. But here’s the real question: Who will the her cat end up playing with? And will Andrea finally get the satisfaction she craves — and deserves? 🔥💋

This book right here? Whew! It’s a full-course meal. 🍽️ For a novella, it gave me everything I needed in a juicy, spicy, drama-filled read. 💅🏾

Obsession — baby, you need to be first in line at the altar ⛪ because the things you did in this story? Straight-up sinful. 😈📖


Saturday, May 3, 2025

Book Review Alert: “Nights of Infinite Desire” (An Erotic Poetry Series): Soaked in Midnight: Dripping with Want

 

Book Review Alert: “Nights of Infinite Desire” (An Erotic Poetry Series): Soaked in Midnight: Dripping with Want 

Author: Peach Envy

Kindle Edition

Published: April 17, 2025

Publisher: AAALAC & ASPIRING AUTHORS MAGAZINE

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0F5JZ534K

Rating: 5 stars


What do you do when you have a desire so strong for someone that it burns from the inside out? Like they say—put it on paper.
Peach Envy... that's exactly what you did. 💋🍑

This book is for those who are in H-E-A-T 🔥—and when I say heat, I mean sizzling, can't-sit-still, fan-yourself heat.

When I do book reviews for poetry collections, I usually choose two poems that leave the biggest impact. But with Peach Envy... that was impossible. So I broke my own rule and chose three. 📖

"Park Queen" 🌿👑
Yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like. The thought of making love to my mate under the open sky… the grass beneath me while he’s within me 🌾🔥—this poem had my imagination running wild.

"Record Me" 🎥💃🏽
Whew! What the devil 😈! Don’t act like y’all ain’t never done it before. But turning it into a game between lovers and sending it to him? YES! That’s how you keep him thinking about you all day, every day. 💌🎧

"Against the Glass" 🥶🫦
This one? Lord have mercy. The way she describes her body pressed against the cold glass, with him behind her… the mist from her breath fogging the window…
Oh. My. God. 😮‍💨💦 I had to pause and collect myself after reading that.

One of the most unique features of this book is the space the author gives readers to reflect on the poems—or even write their own. 📝💭 That personal touch? Genius. It makes you feel seen, heard, and part of the experience.

Peach Envy, you a BAD one 😏🍑🔥
All I can say is... when that person finally gets a hold of you—or you get a hold of him
IT’S ON AND POPPIN’!!! 💥💞

Author Profile: Author Patricia J. Williams/ Book Giveaway

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