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lit_vibrations's reviews
331 reviews
White Lines by Tracy Brown
dark
reflective
tense
medium-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? Yes
4.0
I can’t say this enough I have yet to read a book by Tracy that I didn’t love‼️ I thought Brooklyn was a nerve racking character but Jada officially got her beat. Her drug addiction was so bad and she was so young she had me stressed. Then Mr.Charlie I HATED him. Idk who was worse him or her babydaddy.
Her mama wasn’t a real mother to her or her sister Ava. She was a major part of why Jada turned out the way she did and Ava ended up in a group home. Then just when I thought Jada got her life together after meeting Born everything was up in shambles again. Having access to the finer things in life and a man that would give her the world wasn’t enough to keep her from relapsing. Jada really had to lose everything and hit rock bottom before she finally got her life back on track.
Overall, I enjoyed the book Tracy always delivers with the complex characters, authenticity, and street ish. She’s one of the few authors that can make me love, hate, and sympathize with a character all at the same time. My only downside with this one was I felt it dragged a bit. Definitely could’ve been 100 pages shorter but the drama kept me invested so I still recommend. Can’t wait to see what more this series has in store for Jada.
One of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.75
This was a pretty decent fast-paced whodunnit mystery thriller. There were so many juicy secrets and unnecessary lies to cover them up. Cooper’s secret blew me away lol but the biggest secret was who killed Simon and if someone in the detention room was involved. Many of the characters had a motive to harm/kill Simon for their reputations sake. I think the author did well framing them all as potential suspects. But what got me was actually finding out who was behind everything because I didn’t see it coming kinda left me like WTF lol.
Overall, this was a solid YA thriller/mystery I’d recommend. It had an even flow and the character development was great. I really enjoyed the multiple POVs and how you literally had to pay attention to the way things unfolded to figure out the killer. It wasn’t predictable and had a lot of juicy twists and turns that kept me engaged. Idk if I’ll read the other books in the series but definitely plan to watch the tv show.
Rating: 3.75/5⭐️
Overall, this was a solid YA thriller/mystery I’d recommend. It had an even flow and the character development was great. I really enjoyed the multiple POVs and how you literally had to pay attention to the way things unfolded to figure out the killer. It wasn’t predictable and had a lot of juicy twists and turns that kept me engaged. Idk if I’ll read the other books in the series but definitely plan to watch the tv show.
Rating: 3.75/5⭐️
The Next Best Fling by Gabriella Gamez
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Special thanks to the author & @readforeverpub for my gifted copy‼️
What’s a romance without a little fake dating, friends-with-benefits, and no strings attached? Let’s take it a step further what’s a good romance without a ruined engagement, a lot of drama and some miscommunication?
Gamez took fake dating to the next level because not only was our MC fake dating an ex-football player she was secretly in love with his brother Ben who just so happened to be her best-friend. Here’s where it gets good the brothers were in love with the same woman but it wasn’t Marcela. I wanna say this had a little love triangle going on but the fact four parties were involved this was a messy ass love square.
Marcela prevented Theo from ruining his brother’s engagement party when she should’ve just let him do it. When the two are seen leaving the engagement party together it sparked rumors that they might be involved. Instead of clearing the air they run with it. Now I’m all for going after who or what you want. Buuuuuuut Marcela two brothers boo and she was kinda a rebound for both of them. This whole situation was a recipe for disaster.
Overall, this was a decent book I live for the drama so you know I was engaged. The pacing was up and down but it was so well-written and detailed I didn’t care. Not to mention all the secrets and constant conflict between the characters made it worth reading. If you’re looking for a messy romance or like the fake dating/ friends-to-lovers trope you’ll enjoy this book.
The Rich People Have Gone Away by Regina Porter
challenging
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.0
Special thanks to the author & @hogarthbooks for my gifted copy‼️
You know how you read something and aren’t sure what you’re reading yet you finish it anyway. That was this book for me cause idk why I finished it. It wasn’t a bad book but it wasn’t a good one either and it lacked structure and direction.
The entire narrative is stemmed around the Covid-19 pandemic, an argument about ancestral background, and a missing woman. My biggest issue with this was can we really say Darla was missing though? Her presence yes but in reality was she really missing and that annoyed me so bad. Darla and her husband Theo were complete airheads to me. His course of action to find her was giving guilty. All of the side characters and their backstories made me want to throw the book because why is this here? What does this have to do with anything Regina?
Then Theo and Darla with the open marriage made me spit out my drink. I was not expecting that from Theo IYKYK‼️Overall, the book was meh idk why I gave it a 3 maybe I’m crazy and lost a little common sense after reading this. But I was engaged enough to finish, it just left me more confused than anything afterwards.
Sky Full of Elephants by Cebo Campbell
adventurous
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-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? N/A
5.0
I finished this book almost 2wks ago in less than two days and I’m still at a loss for words. Ya’ll this book was beyond amazing to me it’s the way I felt after reading it. If anybody read this and didn’t connect with it or felt uncomfortable I get it. Everything isn’t meant to be for everyone. But the way those words jumped off the page and spoke to me made it hit a little different.
This isn’t just about a world without white people that’s surface level compared to how deep the author intended to go with this. “In a world without white people, what does it mean to be Black?” Like that really makes you think doesn’t it? What does that mean? What would it mean? The authors focus on themes surrounding identity posed two questions for me. Who are we as a people when we’ve lived in a society that conditioned us to believe we are what they say we are? How can you make someone accept their true identity when they feel they’re entitled to fit in a space they never actually belonged in?
Campbell also touched on the power we possess both physically and mentally, the importance of healing in order to forgive, and tapping into Black consciousness. I can’t deny that he snapped with this book. The Black consciousness got me but the message he was sending is what had me sold.
The character development was incredible Charlie and his daughter Sidney were like day and night. Once I knew Charlie’s backstory I sympathized with him a lot and wanted so bad for him to tell his daughter the truth behind his absence. Sidney is one of those characters that will work your nerves. She was lost, having an identity crisis, and was chasing a sense of normality when nothing about her upbringing was ever normal.
Overall, I loved the book read the book‼️ I mean really read the book not to just enjoy but to understand the Kingdom of Alabama, the walkers, the false teachings and self-sacrificing. Knowing what caused the cataclysmic event in the first place just imagine the Black collective unifying on the same frequency . . . Think I might read this again.
Homemade Love by J. California Cooper
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
Special thanks to @stmartinspress & @netgalley for my gifted copy‼️
This was a great collection a bit different from her previous short story collection because I found this one to be a little humorous. In many of the stories characters were in search of something they already had right in front of them. In the others characters were in search for more than what their current situations had to offer only to find things out the hard way.
My favorite stories were the few that had me laughing:
Living- This story was hilarious. Seymour left his wife for the city life. He was only gone a few days before he was running back home.
Down That Lonesome Road - This was a funny story as well all I can say is it involved a sex toy and she got way more than she bargained for.
Spooks- This was by far the craziest story of them all cause I just know that woman wasn’t that naive. She was basically tricked out her panties lmao
Overall, I enjoyed this collection and would recommend‼️ Each story presented a different theme surrounding love, marriage, forgiveness, motherhood, sex, wealth, friendship, or life. I did enjoy how the author shifted perspectives throughout. One minute you’re sympathizing with a character then the next you’re laughing. I also loved how quickly each story pulled you into its drama.
This was a great collection a bit different from her previous short story collection because I found this one to be a little humorous. In many of the stories characters were in search of something they already had right in front of them. In the others characters were in search for more than what their current situations had to offer only to find things out the hard way.
My favorite stories were the few that had me laughing:
Living- This story was hilarious. Seymour left his wife for the city life. He was only gone a few days before he was running back home.
Down That Lonesome Road - This was a funny story as well all I can say is it involved a sex toy and she got way more than she bargained for.
Spooks- This was by far the craziest story of them all cause I just know that woman wasn’t that naive. She was basically tricked out her panties lmao
Overall, I enjoyed this collection and would recommend‼️ Each story presented a different theme surrounding love, marriage, forgiveness, motherhood, sex, wealth, friendship, or life. I did enjoy how the author shifted perspectives throughout. One minute you’re sympathizing with a character then the next you’re laughing. I also loved how quickly each story pulled you into its drama.
A Flicker in the Dark by Stacy Willingham
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
This is my second book by the author and while I wasn’t completely blown away the build up was great. Chloe was a special kind of person naive, gullible, a psychologist who obviously couldn’t read people, and ignores red flags. She’s getting married soon to a man she basically met yesterday. When things from her past start happening again she can’t help but think someone’s out to get her and that someone just might be her husband.
The author twisted the plot so well that when we find out who’s behind everything you’re literally like WTF. It’s always the person you least expect that does the craziest things. I could not give this 5 stars because of the ending. But if you enjoyed Where The Bodies Are by Jeneva Rose you’ll like this book.
Rating: 4/5⭐️
I'll Be Waiting by Kelley Armstrong
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
Special thanks to @stmartinpress & @macmillian.audio #MacAudio2024 for my advanced listening copy‼️
This book started off so perfect it was creepy and gave all the right vibes for a ghost story. However, the last 20-30% of it fell flat and changed my rating. Nicola spent the past year or two visiting different spiritualist and mediums trying to connect with her deceased husband. His last words before dying were “I’ll be waiting for you.”
When she’s connected with a parapsychologist it doesn’t take long for Nicola to get more than what she asked for. The whole time I just knew her husband’s spirit had become something demonic or she connected with someone evil that wasn’t him. Probably would’ve made the book better had she stuck with the husband narrative. I felt the plot twist was meh it was unexpected but not surprising. If you looking for a book with a haunted-house, seances, lost loved ones, and a sinister spirit out for blood you found it.
Rating: 4/5⭐️
Camp Lanier by Sylvester Barzey
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.0
Special thanks to the author, @netgalley #SterlingAndStonePublishing for my gifted e-ARC‼️
A book that said so much yet nothing at all. We’ve all heard the creepy and eerie stories about Lake Lanier and the horrific events that lead to the lake’s creation. So, I kinda expected the author to overly deliver in every aspect. Buuuuuut that wasn’t quite the case with this. It was entertaining nonetheless but horror wise I wanted more . . . . SCARE ME lol make me feel something . . . anything‼️
The girls Taylor was hanging with . . .didn’t like them. I knew from the beginning they’d be the cause of her downfall somehow.
When Taylor started hearing and seeing things at camp that would’ve been my queue to leave. Like sir can you call my parents and see how long the judge said I’d be in jail 😂 ghosts and a possible serial killer on the loose I’ll take my chances in the big house‼️
Campers disappearing but nobody seems worried because they left a note 😐 A NOTE?
The basketball game SCRATCH IT OUT.
Taylor having flashbacks of the past was the most interesting part to me it helped us understand why she kept seeing the little girl and what was here before the lake.
The plot twist was not what I was expecting although I had assumptions. Things would’ve flowed better if we stuck to the plot and focused more on the lake because I could’ve done without the serial killer.
Overall, the book was meh it had potential but fell short for me. There’s a lot of horror, trauma, and pain surrounding this lake and the drowned town beneath it. So, there are so many ways the author could’ve developed this story. The pacing was really quick though and again I was entertained so I think it’s still a decent read and some may enjoy it more than I did.
Tangleroot by Kalela Williams
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-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? N/A
4.0
Special thanks to @coloredpagesbt
@fiercereads @blackhistorymaven for my #gifted copy and @macmillian.audio for my gifted ALC #MacAudio2024‼️
I went into this one completely blind I picked the book because I loved the cover. I’m actually not disappointed that I read this since it turned out to be a great book. Exploring heavy themes surrounding ancestry, enslavement, racial tensions, and haunting family secrets.
The novel follows Noni Reid an ambitious young girl with a bright future in costume designing whose life is turned upside down when she’s forced to move to Magnolia, Virginia because her mother got a new job. Moving wasn’t the issue giving up her internship and living in a house built on Tangleroot plantation by one of her ancestors was apart of the problem.
Throughout the book we follow Noni as she journeys to uncover her family history, the house she lives in, and insights into the life of the late Sophronia Dearborn. Capturing the pure innocence and curiosity of a young woman the author provides intricate details about the harsh realities Noni will soon discover.
The book has a slow build but as the story develops it gets juicier. Those buried secrets do 👏🏽 it 👏🏽 every time cause them family roots were definitely tangled‼️ All I’m going to say is I don’t care how long it’s been it would’ve took God himself to get me off Lana Jean cause I would’ve turned her every way but loose for what she did. I mean THE DISRESPECT whew my blood pressure 😂. Also Noni’s mother had a whole lot of audacity knowing the secret she was keeping and her father that’s another story . . .
Overall, this was a decent coming-of-age YA novel. The authors intense research conjured such a powerfully authentic story. Her writing was straightforward, engaging, and the message she was trying to convey was made clear. It’s important to know your family history‼️How can you know where you’re going if you don’t know where you’ve been.
@fiercereads @blackhistorymaven for my #gifted copy and @macmillian.audio for my gifted ALC #MacAudio2024‼️
I went into this one completely blind I picked the book because I loved the cover. I’m actually not disappointed that I read this since it turned out to be a great book. Exploring heavy themes surrounding ancestry, enslavement, racial tensions, and haunting family secrets.
The novel follows Noni Reid an ambitious young girl with a bright future in costume designing whose life is turned upside down when she’s forced to move to Magnolia, Virginia because her mother got a new job. Moving wasn’t the issue giving up her internship and living in a house built on Tangleroot plantation by one of her ancestors was apart of the problem.
Throughout the book we follow Noni as she journeys to uncover her family history, the house she lives in, and insights into the life of the late Sophronia Dearborn. Capturing the pure innocence and curiosity of a young woman the author provides intricate details about the harsh realities Noni will soon discover.
The book has a slow build but as the story develops it gets juicier. Those buried secrets do 👏🏽 it 👏🏽 every time cause them family roots were definitely tangled‼️ All I’m going to say is I don’t care how long it’s been it would’ve took God himself to get me off Lana Jean cause I would’ve turned her every way but loose for what she did. I mean THE DISRESPECT whew my blood pressure 😂. Also Noni’s mother had a whole lot of audacity knowing the secret she was keeping and her father that’s another story . . .
Overall, this was a decent coming-of-age YA novel. The authors intense research conjured such a powerfully authentic story. Her writing was straightforward, engaging, and the message she was trying to convey was made clear. It’s important to know your family history‼️How can you know where you’re going if you don’t know where you’ve been.