Scan barcode
lit_vibrations's reviews
319 reviews
Wander in the Dark by Jumata Emill
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
When I say this book was A-W-E-S-O-M-E I mean it‼️ Jumata did such an amazing job and left no crumbs cause I could NOT put this book down literally finished it within a day. If you’ve read his previous work then you understand where I’m coming from with this. The first chapter really set the tone of the book and already had me on edge.
It follows two brothers Amir and Marcel as they come together to solve the murder of a popular girl in school Chloe. What makes matters worse Amir was last seen fleeing the scene of her death and Chloe just so happened to be Marcel’s best friend.
What kept me engaged:
* Two brothers with the same father and different mothers never really got along but this situation forces them to work together and eventually reconcile their differences.
* Marcel’s mother angered me so bad with how she treated Amir and spoke down on him. His father sat back in silence when she did 😒 but this murder changed all of their relationships with each other.
* Amir’s mom and her animosity towards his dad is what really ruin their father- son relationship.
* Knowing Amir didn’t kill Chloe but getting to the bottom of who did was such a wild ride.
* The shocking secrets that were uncovered especially the game‼️
Overall, y’all know I recommend this book right? The author truly delivered the perfect YA whodunnit murder mystery/thriller combined with a little family drama. If you have the book read it if you don’t buy it. Special thanks to the author & @delacortepress for my gifted copy‼️
It follows two brothers Amir and Marcel as they come together to solve the murder of a popular girl in school Chloe. What makes matters worse Amir was last seen fleeing the scene of her death and Chloe just so happened to be Marcel’s best friend.
What kept me engaged:
* Two brothers with the same father and different mothers never really got along but this situation forces them to work together and eventually reconcile their differences.
* Marcel’s mother angered me so bad with how she treated Amir and spoke down on him. His father sat back in silence when she did 😒 but this murder changed all of their relationships with each other.
* Amir’s mom and her animosity towards his dad is what really ruin their father- son relationship.
* Knowing Amir didn’t kill Chloe but getting to the bottom of who did was such a wild ride.
* The shocking secrets that were uncovered especially the game‼️
Overall, y’all know I recommend this book right? The author truly delivered the perfect YA whodunnit murder mystery/thriller combined with a little family drama. If you have the book read it if you don’t buy it. Special thanks to the author & @delacortepress for my gifted copy‼️
Fallen Grace by Sadeqa Johnson
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
This short story was a easy 5 ⭐️ read Sadeqa took it from 0 to 100 real quick‼️At this point if she’s writing it I’m buying and reading it.
When Bubbles escaped with her baby she had one goal in mind reuniting with the father of her child. Little did Bubbles know he harbored a secret and was living a double life. Offered shelter by a friend or so she thought and a dream of making it big.
Bubbles and her new friend would be well on their way to California if things work out . . . but they didn’t. Bubbles soon learns her friend was a FOE and her father is a hypocrite. The night she saw her father at that club my mouth dropped but when Bubbles showed up at that church MIC DROP‼️ I wish we could’ve gotten more to this cause this tidbit was amazing. If you haven’t read Fallen Grace what are you waiting for?
This Spells Love by Kate Robb
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
OMG this book was absolutely the cutest‼️ I love a good friends to lovers trope and the author had me sold from the first chapter. It kind of reminds me of a movie I’ve seen before. Woman makes a wish/casts a spell that goes wrong and wakes up in an alternate reality but remembers nothing from that time period. I really loved the direction the author went with it.
Gemma and Dax were perfect together even as friends. But you could always tell there could’ve been something more between them especially with how Dax was about her. Before Gemma casted the spell on her ex, Dax had been in love with her from afar just playing his role as the guy bestfriend. Anytime Gemma went through a heartbreak with another guy he was there to listen and pick up the pieces.
It took Gemma being transported through time and losing everything she had been accustomed to in her “world.” To truly see the beauty and opportunities she already had right in front of her, Dax. In the alternate timeline I loved that Gemma basically had to win Dax’s heart and a true kiss to seal the deal and get back to the correct timeline. All the things she never saw in him became the things she loved most and swooned over.
The character development was so so. Gemma was a likeable yet unlikeable character with an apparent drinking problem that got her into trouble on occasion. Waking up in a strangers bed after a night out drinking was so reckless but a norm for Gemma. I loved Dax’s character a lot he was perfect and definitely a charmer‼️
Overall, the book was great with a unique premise that was perfectly executed. If you love the friends-to-lovers trope or books with a hint of magic you’ll definitely enjoy reading this. Special thanks to the author & @thedialpress for my gifted copy‼️
Only If You're Lucky by Stacy Willingham
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
First time reading anything by this author and I was not disappointed. Can’t wait to check out more of her work cause this book did it for me. It was a gripping, twisted, whodunnit tale with so many twists and turns you won’t see coming. I love how the book begins with us being placed right in the center of what’s already happened allowing the author to take us back through what lead up to everything.
While reading this I kept thinking of the movie The Craft because Margot and Lucy gave me vibes of Nancy and Sarah minus the witchcraft. Lucy was giving weird ass vibes the entire time like she always had something up her sleeve and it wasn’t good. Margot came off like this innocent gullible character but please don’t be fooled.
The way the author played the characters against each other was golden. The deeper you get into the novel the more twisted things become. You might think you know who’s behind what but trust when I say you’re wrong. When the truth gets exposed I was left in awe because you wouldn’t have seen that coming. My only downside was the reasoning behind most of the madness I won’t spoil it but definitely was expecting something a little more dramatic.
Overall, loved the book it was definitely my kind of thriller‼️ If you like movies like The Craft or The Roommate then you’ll vibe with this book. The character development was excellent, the writing was vivid and descriptive, and of course the premise was well executed not to mention the fast pacing. I finished reading this book within a day or so that’s how good it was to me. Special thanks to the author & @minotaur_books for my gifted copy‼️
The Gardins of Edin by Rosey Lee
challenging
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
A novel that explores the complexities of family, love, and friendship it follows four women of the Gardin family as they struggle to hold things afloat after the loss of their family member Beau. “We can’t let this family fall apart because the person who held it together passed away.”
While things may appear picture-perfect, life for these ladies is far from it. Ruth runs the family business and tension has intensified around her ownership since Beau passed. Mary and Martha add fuel to the family tension when they begin to undermine the decisions Ruth makes for the business.
I really wanted to like this book but it was real meh the entire time. The pacing was too slow for my liking and I just wasn’t vibing with the characters. Naomi was the eldest of the group yet I felt Ruth, Martha, and Mary were right up there in age with her. I wasn’t looking for any messy drama which there was some here and there. I just wanted more from the story in general. It lacked a lot of depth and had no clear direction in my opinion.
Martha and Mary were too old to be acting the way they were toward Ruth. Just complete brats . . . I get they felt some type of way about her since she married into their family TWICE‼️ But it’s not like she came in trying to run and control everything after marrying Marlon or Beau. Things just happen, they passed away and left their money to their WIFE which just so happened to be Ruth. Their actions displayed pure jealousy. Then Ruth’s mother was madness that woman was deceitful and money hungry. Her presence was the juiciest part of the book. Mary and Tynan’s situation what was the relevancy?
Overall, the book was okay some might find it enjoyable and entertaining. I just think this one wasn’t for me. Special thanks to the author & @waterbrookmultnomah for my advanced copy‼️
While things may appear picture-perfect, life for these ladies is far from it. Ruth runs the family business and tension has intensified around her ownership since Beau passed. Mary and Martha add fuel to the family tension when they begin to undermine the decisions Ruth makes for the business.
I really wanted to like this book but it was real meh the entire time. The pacing was too slow for my liking and I just wasn’t vibing with the characters. Naomi was the eldest of the group yet I felt Ruth, Martha, and Mary were right up there in age with her. I wasn’t looking for any messy drama which there was some here and there. I just wanted more from the story in general. It lacked a lot of depth and had no clear direction in my opinion.
Martha and Mary were too old to be acting the way they were toward Ruth. Just complete brats . . . I get they felt some type of way about her since she married into their family TWICE‼️ But it’s not like she came in trying to run and control everything after marrying Marlon or Beau. Things just happen, they passed away and left their money to their WIFE which just so happened to be Ruth. Their actions displayed pure jealousy. Then Ruth’s mother was madness that woman was deceitful and money hungry. Her presence was the juiciest part of the book. Mary and Tynan’s situation what was the relevancy?
Overall, the book was okay some might find it enjoyable and entertaining. I just think this one wasn’t for me. Special thanks to the author & @waterbrookmultnomah for my advanced copy‼️
No Reservations by Sheryl Lister
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
This book was pretty decent for the most part. The pacing was rather up and down for me but Lister is definitely an excellent writer without a doubt. It was a lighthearted read mainly surrounding three women Joy, Diane, and Rochelle and the power of their friendship as they cope with the loss of their lifelong friend Yvette. Each character takes the reader on a different journey as they navigate through the struggles of daily life, relationships, marriages, and their careers.
The tension between Joy and her husband Robert really carried the book in my opinion. Robert was really nonchalant and gave off a idgaf attitude from the beginning. I thought it was hilarious when Joy hit him with those divorce papers. He wanted to talk and work things out then. 😂
Diane and her husband Jeffrey were also giving off a bit of drama in the beginning. Diane was going through pre-mature menopause at 38, unable to get pregnant, and was considering adoption. Jeffrey was being inconsiderate asf about everything but later in the book we see why.
Rochelle was presented as the insecure overweight friend with low self-esteem who was navigating motherhood and life after leaving an abusive marriage. There was a budding romance between her and Warren. Which I thought Warren was a charmer just a little corny but perfect for her.
Overall, I think the book is worth reading. I loved the fact the characters were older in age and the author explored different aspects of each woman’s life. Nothing drastic really happens but it was enjoyable getting to know these characters and exploring the depths of their friendship. Yvette was mentioned a few times throughout just wish we could’ve gotten more backstory on her character. Special thanks to the author & @harpermusebooks for my gifted copy‼️
Rating: 3.75/5⭐️
The tension between Joy and her husband Robert really carried the book in my opinion. Robert was really nonchalant and gave off a idgaf attitude from the beginning. I thought it was hilarious when Joy hit him with those divorce papers. He wanted to talk and work things out then. 😂
Diane and her husband Jeffrey were also giving off a bit of drama in the beginning. Diane was going through pre-mature menopause at 38, unable to get pregnant, and was considering adoption. Jeffrey was being inconsiderate asf about everything but later in the book we see why.
Rochelle was presented as the insecure overweight friend with low self-esteem who was navigating motherhood and life after leaving an abusive marriage. There was a budding romance between her and Warren. Which I thought Warren was a charmer just a little corny but perfect for her.
Overall, I think the book is worth reading. I loved the fact the characters were older in age and the author explored different aspects of each woman’s life. Nothing drastic really happens but it was enjoyable getting to know these characters and exploring the depths of their friendship. Yvette was mentioned a few times throughout just wish we could’ve gotten more backstory on her character. Special thanks to the author & @harpermusebooks for my gifted copy‼️
Rating: 3.75/5⭐️
A Love Song for Ricki Wilde by Tia Williams
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I absolutely loved this book it was so poetic and enchanting I read it in two days‼️ I loved the direction the author took it made the book hit a little different but in a good way. Weaving through decades the dual timelines worked well especially once I realized the similarities between certain characters. It kind of made me think of the movie Seventeen Again with a 1920s spin.
The novel follows Ricki Wilde, the artistic daughter of a powerful Atlanta dynasty who decides to head to Harlem in search of a fresh start. Then we have Ezra Walker a lost musician drawn to Harlem every leap year in February to find his soulmate and end their epic love story before it begins. “I’m not scared of you he said. I’m scared of us.”
The past timeline being set during the Harlem Renaissance era gave it such a pleasant historical feel and enhanced the tone of the book. The current focused more on the character building and tying the timelines together. With the connection between Ezra and Ricki being so instant. Their coincidental run-ins proved you can’t fight fate when it’s meant to be.
Overall, I highly recommend A Love Song for Ricki Wilde to anyone who loves romance, magical elements, or historical fiction. All of the characters were well-drawn and relatable loved Mrs.Della she made the ending worthwhile. Ezra was so chivalrous his character was literally everything too. Special thanks to the author & @grandcentralpub for my advanced copy‼️
The novel follows Ricki Wilde, the artistic daughter of a powerful Atlanta dynasty who decides to head to Harlem in search of a fresh start. Then we have Ezra Walker a lost musician drawn to Harlem every leap year in February to find his soulmate and end their epic love story before it begins. “I’m not scared of you he said. I’m scared of us.”
The past timeline being set during the Harlem Renaissance era gave it such a pleasant historical feel and enhanced the tone of the book. The current focused more on the character building and tying the timelines together. With the connection between Ezra and Ricki being so instant. Their coincidental run-ins proved you can’t fight fate when it’s meant to be.
Overall, I highly recommend A Love Song for Ricki Wilde to anyone who loves romance, magical elements, or historical fiction. All of the characters were well-drawn and relatable loved Mrs.Della she made the ending worthwhile. Ezra was so chivalrous his character was literally everything too. Special thanks to the author & @grandcentralpub for my advanced copy‼️
Lore of the Wilds by Analeigh Sbrana
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
The novel follows Lore Alemeyu a young girl whose village is trapped in a forested prison. Escaping is out of the question as it could result in death. But when the village is nearly destroyed in a earthshake Lore agrees to a deal with a Fae lord to restore things. Organizing an enchanted library the Fae cannot enter in exchange for her village being rebuilt seems like a fair deal. Everything comes with a price and if it sounds too good to be true most likely it is. But Lore is brave and convinces them she’s willing to risk her life for wealth but in reality she’s seeking magic of her own.
Reading this was such a different experience for me since I’m not big on fantasy yet. But I loved the premise and I’ll go for anything that involves black characters and magic so it was a win for the most part. The beginning was very fast-paced and pulls you into the novel immediately but the further things progress the pacing wanes a bit.
I did want a bit more from some of the characters and felt the character development wasn’t a strong point. The world building was lit and the authors writing was massively descriptive so it was easy to envision everything. The love triangle . . . . didn’t really catch that vibe. There were instances of attraction but no real chemistry for anything to blossom. But I liked Asher and Finn’s character.
Overall, this was okay if you’re into fantasy, coming-of-age, or books filled with magic then you might enjoy this one. The plot twist ending was golden cause I didn’t expect it but kind of figured something was off in the beginning. We are also left with a cliffhanger so I’m curious to see how book 2 will kick things off. I can honestly say the beginning and ending of the book is what held things together. Special thanks to the author, @harpervoyager & @hearourvoicestours for my gifted copy‼️
Rating: 3.5/5⭐️
Reading this was such a different experience for me since I’m not big on fantasy yet. But I loved the premise and I’ll go for anything that involves black characters and magic so it was a win for the most part. The beginning was very fast-paced and pulls you into the novel immediately but the further things progress the pacing wanes a bit.
I did want a bit more from some of the characters and felt the character development wasn’t a strong point. The world building was lit and the authors writing was massively descriptive so it was easy to envision everything. The love triangle . . . . didn’t really catch that vibe. There were instances of attraction but no real chemistry for anything to blossom. But I liked Asher and Finn’s character.
Overall, this was okay if you’re into fantasy, coming-of-age, or books filled with magic then you might enjoy this one. The plot twist ending was golden cause I didn’t expect it but kind of figured something was off in the beginning. We are also left with a cliffhanger so I’m curious to see how book 2 will kick things off. I can honestly say the beginning and ending of the book is what held things together. Special thanks to the author, @harpervoyager & @hearourvoicestours for my gifted copy‼️
Rating: 3.5/5⭐️
The American Queen by Vanessa Miller
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
WHO LOVED IT? I LOVED IT‼️
This was such an extraordinary book that’ll transport you through the unsung history of a Black woman who built a kingdom as a refuge for the courageous people who dared to dream of a different way of life.
When Louella and William decide to leave the Montgomery Plantation for good they take with them a group of freed slaves and William’s brother Robert in hopes of finding a better life. Later down the line they build the Kingdom of the Happy Land grounded on the philosophy of “one for all, and all for one.” After William and Louella were crowned King and Queen things were going well for the Happy Landers but nothing good last forever. Unless you’re willing to fight for what’s yours. That’s why I loved Louella’s character she did not let up when it came to what she wanted. She definitely didn’t hesitate to check Robert and put him in his place when necessary.
William was a good man and a lovable character but his attachment to Robert and the Montgomery name irked me so bad. I had ill feelings about Robert 70% of the book but towards the end my thoughts changed a little. Mama Sue was one of my favorite characters in the book.
Overall, the book was amazing highly recommend especially if you’re just getting into historical fiction. It being based on true events got me hooked. I also loved the premise, the strong character development, and the language used by some of the characters. Imagine The Yellow Wife and the movie Django Unchained meshed together in a book. It’s gonna hit a bit different than the average historical fiction books you’ve probably read. But trust when I say this is so worth the read. Special thanks to the author, @tnzfiction, and @hearourvoicestours for my gifted copy‼️
Black Chameleon: Memory, Womanhood, and Myth by Deborah D.E.E.P. Mouton
adventurous
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
5.0
Another great memoir has been added to my list of favs‼️ I won this gem in a giveaway last year and wish I read it sooner. Morton’s memoir was so engrossing, well-written, and like nothing I’ve ever read before. She used a magic/mythological approach that I loved so much.
“Mythmaking isn’t a lie. It is our moment to take the privilege of our own creativity in Black Mythology and use it to fill in the gaps in literature that colonization has tried to steal from us. It is us choosing to write the tales that our children pull strength from. It is hijacking history for the ignorance in its closets. This, a truth that must start with the women.”
Throughout the book Mouton explores themes surrounding womanhood, family, growing up black in America, her childhood, motherhood, sexual harassment, and so many other things. She tells her own story while remixing myths and drawing on traditions from all over the world.
Like one myth we’ve all heard before mothers having eyes in the backs of their heads. I remember rolling my eyes once behind my mothers back and her immediately saying do it again and see what happens all while never turning around to acknowledge me. Couldn’t tell me she didn’t have eyes in the back of her head lol.
Overall, this was an amazing memoir definitely recommend y’all give this one a read. There were a lot of personal stories presented that many readers can relate to in one way or another.