Blog Tour: Rent A Bae by Unoma Nwankwor

 

Title:  Rent A Bae

Author:  Unoma Nwkanwor 

Genre:  Closed Door Christian Romance

Publication date:  June 17, 2022

Publisher:  KevStel Publications

Rating:  💥💥💥💥💥

About the Book

He's an award-winning actor so pulling off this charade should be easy, right? Except he didn't count on his pretend "girl" being... her.

Arinze Kalu
The continuation of the Kalu name lay on my shoulders.
At least that's what my grandmother claims. And she's on a mission to ensure it won't die there.
I wasn't planning on visiting Nigeria anytime soon, so I'd been doing a pretty good job of tap dancing around her threats to find me a wife.
After a scandal that almost engulfed me at the beginning of my career, I'm determined to take my time choosing a partner.
Between establishing my company, filming, press, and traveling for my new movie, I simply don't have that time.
Now, my sister is getting married, and I'll be face to face with my grandmother. If things had worked out with the caramel goddess I met on New Year's Eve, I probably would've been good. Since it didn’t, my cousins suggest I rent a bae.

Jasmine Bowman
My life is a bad horror film and I'm ready to change the channel.
Between my job where I'm overworked, underpaid, and skipped over for promotion and my tired, played-out situation with my boyfriend, something had to give.
Let's not forget Mr. Butterscotch who I met on New Year's Eve. I could've bet money there was a vibe, but I guess not. I tell myself, I don't need him anyway. I need my mind to get the memo because my more immediate priority is to stop being a disappointment to the Bowman name. I'm getting back into the director's seat of my life. The cost, however, isn't cheap. I need money and my best friend has the craziest idea

My thoughts

This was such a beautifully written book.  There were two things that stood out to me that I absolutely loved.  First,  how they were able to go for their dreams, no matter how scary it would be to make that type of change.  And second, there were a lot of diaspora war issues that were dispelled throughout the book.  It makes me really want to travel to the mother land, and I hope I'm able to some day, and reading this makes me want to even that much more.  I definitely am working on getting to the next book in the series.   

About the Author 

Unoma Nwankwor writes Inspirational Contemporary romances that span Africa and its Diaspora. She weaves romantic tales for readers who enjoy stories centered around faith, family, and the rich culture of Africa. Through the pages, she promises you humor, tight hugs, forehead kisses, and above all else, redemptive, sacrificial love.

Her readers are in love with her unique way of telling stories that capture the essence of her present home base in the USA and her Nigerian culture. Unoma wears many hats, but the one she's most proud of is, mother of two kids and wife to her film director husband.

You can catch her writing from the comfort of her bedroom nook with a pack of pepperoni slices and a cup of java.

Keep up with Unoma by joining her newsletter on her website:www.UnomaNwankwor.com

Blog tour and review: Truth be td by Patricia Rayborn

 Title:  Truth be Told

Author:  Patricia Rayborn

Genre:  Historical Mystery

Publication Date:  June 11, 2024

Publisher:  Tyndale House

Rating:  💥💥💥💥

About the Book

Denver's newest detective. A garden's deadly secrets.

On a lovely June night in 1924, amateur detective Annalee Spain is mingling bravely at a high-class political fundraiser in the lush backyard garden of famed political fixer Cooper Coates, one of the wealthiest men in Denver's Black neighborhood of Five Points. When Coates’s young daughter discovers a pretty stranger dead in her father’s garden shed, Annalee is thrust onto the baffling new case just as she’s reeling from another recent discovery―a handwritten letter, found buried in her own garden, that reveals the identity of her mother.

Not ready to face the truth about her hidden past, Annalee throws herself into solving the mystery of the young woman’s demise. With the help of her pastor boyfriend Jack Blake, her orphaned buddy Eddie, and her trustworthy church friends, Annalee follows the clues to three seemingly disconnected settings―a traveling carnival set up downtown, a Black civic club, and a prestigious white seminary on the outskirts of Denver. Intriguing advice also comes from a famous, real-life Denver visitor. But is Annalee on the right track or just running in circles, fleeing from conflicts racing in her heart?

In a taut, heart-gripping narrative driven by secrets, romance, and lies, Annalee must unravel a case with higher stakes than she imagined―one where answers about a lovely woman's death point to truths and tensions still throbbing today.

• A clean historical mystery featuring an amateur female detective, from the Christy Award–winning author of All That Is Secret
• Third installment in the Annalee Spain series
• Includes discussion questions for book groups

My thoughts 

This was such an enjoyable read.  Annalee was determined, and I loved that about her.  I also enjoyed that it contained a small romance arc for us romance stans. There were a lot of twists and turns, and I was not able to guess who did it until the end.  I read the first book in the series, and havent had the chamce to read book 2 in the series, but was able to follow this story with no issues, so it read as a stand alone.  I do plan to go back and read the second book in the series.   

About the Author:  

Patricia Raybon is a Christy Award-winning Colorado author, essayist, and novelist who writes daring and exciting novels and books at the intersection of faith and race. Her devotional writing appears in Our Daily Bread where she's a regular contributor. She also authors the Annalee Spain Mysteries, an exciting "history mystery" featuring a young Black theologian—a fan of Sherlock Holmes—who solves crime and consequence during Colorado's dangerous 1920s Klan years.

- "Readers will be hooked from the first line." Julie Cantrell, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of "Perennials" on "All That Is Secret: An Annalee Spain Mystery."

- "Brava, Patricia...It is captivating." Jerry B. Jenkins, New York Times Bestselling Author

- "Not only a good mystery, but a realistic insight into the African American experience in the 1920s in the West." Rhys Bowen, New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling Author

Patricia's personal essays on faith, family and race have been published in The New York Times Magazine, Newsweek, USA Today, USA Weekend, Chicago Tribune, The Denver Post, Rocky Mountain News, the Charles Stanley Ministries In Touch Magazine and featured on National Public Radio's Weekend Edition.

For a deep dive into Patricia's compelling world of faith and fiction, connect with her daring and insightful books—and receive a free download of her "Busy Person's Guide to Hearing God"—at patriciaraybon.com

Blog Tour and Review: The Color of a Lie by Kim Johnson

 Title:  The Color Of A Lie

Author:  Kim Johnson

Genre:  Historical 

Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers 

Publication Date:  June 11, 2024

Rating:  💥💥💥💥💥

About the Book

In 1955, a Black family passes for white and moves to a “Whites Only” town in the suburbs. Caught between two worlds, a teen boy puts his family at risk as he uncovers racist secrets about his suburb. A new social justice thriller from the acclaimed author of This Is My America!

Calvin knows how to pass for white. He's done it plenty of times before. For his friends in Chicago, when they wanted food but weren't allowed in a restaurant. For work, when he and his dad would travel for the Green Book.

This is different.

After a tragedy in Chicago forces the family to flee, they resettle in an idyllic all-white suburban town in search of a better life. Calvin's father wants everyone to embrace their new white lifestyles, but it's easier said than done. Hiding your true self is exhausting—which leads Calvin across town where he can make friends who know all of him...and spend more time with his new crush, Lily. But when Calvin starts unraveling dark secrets about the white town and its inhabitants, passing starts to feel even more suffocating—and dangerous—than he could have imagined.

Expertly weaving together real historical events with important reflections on being Black in America, acclaimed author Kim Johnson powerfully connects listeners to the experience of being forced to live a life-threatening lie or embrace an equally deadly truth.

My Thoughts

Wow.  This was such an emotionally charged and powerful book.  It was emotional and many times heart shattering.  This is the type of stories, our history that a certain colonizer demographic is trying to keep from being told.  I have the author's first book, and after this, i really need to get that one read sooner rather than later (hopefully).  It was the right mix of a fictional story with many facts woven in.  Although I was sent a digital copy, I ended up purchasing the audiobook, and I'm so glad I did.  It's geared towards youth, but every adult interested in social justice needs to purchase and read this book.  There are so many lessons that are in this story as well.  This book has earned it's spot in one of my top reads for the year.  It also deserves to be on every best seller's list.  

About the Author:

KIM JOHNSON held leadership positions in social justice organizations as a teen and in college. She’s now a college administrator who maintains civic engagement throughout the community. This Is My America was her debut novel and explores racial injustice against innocent black men who are criminally sentenced and the families left behind to pick up the pieces. She holds degrees from the University of Oregon and the University of Maryland, College Park.

You can find her @kcjohnsonwrites on Twitter,TikTok, and Instagram and her website www.kcjohnsonwrites.com

Blog Tour and Review: Jade Hidden Scars by A. Akinosho

 Title:  Jade Hidden Scars

Author:  A. Akinosho

Genre:  Interracial Romance 

Publisher:  A. Akinosho 

Publication Date:  October 27,  2023

Rating:  💥💥💥💥

About the Book

He’s a beast to all …. but for her, he cages his beast.

Naseer
My days of being an alpha are long gone. I’d resigned myself to staying hidden forever.
Out of nowhere, she walks in. Surprising us both, I asked her to “Sit with Me.” Three words that would change everything.
I would later realize that the universe had slowed me down, then gave me a second chance and that second chance came with Jade by my side. Like I told my dad, “I would destroy a thousand men for Jade.”
No one gets it. Jade is a need that I cannot do without.

Jade

“Sit with Me,” he said. Little did I know those three words would be the beginning of us.
Subconsciously, I knew the word “US” would only be temporary because I’m the girl from the other side, and they all consider me unworthy of him.
The beast is the one that makes my heart thump.
Unfortunately, the beast is forbidden.

My thoughts:

This was a first time author for me, and I have to say I really enjoyed the story.   When the pair first met, it gave off Beauty and the Beast vibes, which happens to be my second favorite princess movie.   Overall, I enjoyed the story, as well as the character growth.  I at some point will have to check out other books from this author.    

About the Author

A. Akinosho lives in her own little nest in Illinois. An avid reader and enjoy reading thrillers, suspense and romance novels (partial to romance genre). When, She's not reading or keeping up with life. She enjoys writing and creating twist to stories. She loves writing about diverse characters, friendship and overcoming challenges through, what is perceived as a weakness.

Blog tour: Bitter and Sweet by Rhonda McKnight

 Title:  Bitter and Sweet

Author:  Rhonda McKnight

Genre:  Dual Timeline 

Publication Date:  June 11, 2024

Publisher:  Thomas Nelson

Rating:  💥💥💥💥💥

About the book 

From the beloved author of The Thing About Home comes a dual timeline tale of family, grief, secrets, and the sweet redemption that lies within the bonds of sisterhood.

-The Present-

When summoned to Georgetown, South Carolina, sisters Mariah Clark and Sabrina Holland both assume their ailing grandfather's health has gotten worse. Neither expects their grandmother's undeniable request--save the family restaurant.

Mariah is at a crossroad in her life. After being dumped by her husband and forced to walk away from their diner that she helped rescue from bankruptcy, bitter feelings consume her. Even though the restaurant has been in the family for eighty-six years, giving her all to another struggling business isn't something she wants to do.

Living out of her van and striving for a fresh start, Sabrina yearns for stability for herself and her daughter and a chance to turn her baking hustle into a bona-fide business. The family restaurant may be just the blessing she needs--but as old tensions and angry disagreements resurface, Sabrina wonders if her sister will let her have a say.

-The Past-

After falling victim to a love she thought would last a lifetime, Tabitha Cooper finds herself away from home and struggling to survive in Charleston in the early twentieth century. She is determined to turn corn into cornbread and to take care of her children the best way she knows how--by serving food that's good for the soul--and along the way forges a path that leaves a legacy of success for generations to come.

Through letters that reveal Tabitha's complicated past, the sisters discover truths that just might be the right recipe to mend their hearts--if they can find a way to savor the blessing of today and leave the bitter aftertaste of old memories behind them.

My Thoughts

It has been about 24 hours since I finished the book, and I'm still having a hard time putting into words how much I devoured this book. I could not put it down.   This author is truly one of the GOATS when it comes to emotionally charged, heartwrenchong stories that will keep you captivated from beginning to end.  I wish I could read it again for the first time.  This is how you craft a story.  And these characters will live in my mind for a while.  I hope to see this as a movie one day.  

About the Author 

Rhonda McKnight is the author of twenty-five traditional and indie-published award-winning bestsellers, including An Inconvenient Friend, What Kind of Fool, and Unbreak My Heart. She is a two-time winner of the Emma award in the categories of Inspirational Romance of the Year (2015) and Debut Author (2010). She has been nominated thrice for the African American Literary Award. She writes inspirational book club fiction and Christian romance about complex characters in crisis. Her goal is to touch the heart of women through her stories using the themes of faith, forgiveness, and hope. Originally from a small coastal town in New Jersey, she writes from the comfort of her South Carolina home.

She can be reached at her website at www.RhondaMcKnight.com and on social media at www.facebook.com/booksbyrhonda, www.instagram.com/AuthorRhondaMcKnight, www.twitter.com/rhondamcknight and www.SistersofFaithBooks.com where she has joined with sixteen other authors to introduce her stories to the world.

Blog tour and Review: A Run At Love by Toni Shiloh

 Title:. A Run At Love

Author:  Toni Shiloh

Genre:  Romance

Publisher: Bethany House Fiction

Publication Date:  May 7, 2024

Rating:  💥💥💥💥💥

About the book:

A CONTENDER RUNNING FOR THE ROSES

As a Black woman in a field with little diversity, Piper McKinney is determined to make her mark on the horse-racing world. Raised on a Thoroughbred farm in Kentucky, Piper's dream is for her horse to win the prestigious Kentucky Derby. With the help of her best friend and trainer, Tucker Hale, she gains national attention but must grapple with the complications that arise when a journalist delves into her past as a transracial adoptee.

A BEST FRIEND RACING FOR LOVE

In an effort to win Piper's heart, Tucker formulates a plan to train Piper's horse to victory, hoping to prove himself to her, her parents, and his own self-doubts. Then a shocking scandal hits the media, implicating both Piper and her parents, and she and Tucker will have to survive the onslaught to find their way to the winner's circle--and each other.

A ROMANCE WORTH THE CHALLENGE

My thoughts

This was such an adorable Romance with plenty of swoonworthy moments.  This story made me love Romance even more.  A great, well written example of friends to lovers, with plenty of shocking moments.  These two were the perfect match for each other.  I especially enjoyed how the author had thr FMC as a Black woman that races horses professionally, which is not something often seen in books.  I am really enjoying this author and this series, and can't wait for the authors next book.  

About the author: 

Toni Shiloh is a wife, mom, and an award-winning Christian contemporary romance author. She writes to bring God glory and to learn more about His goodness. Her novel, In Search of a Prince, won the first ever, Christy Amplify award. Her novels, Grace Restored, was a 2019 Holt Medallion finalist, Risking Love a 2020 Selah Award finalist, The Truth About Fame a 2021 Holt Medallion finalist, and The Price of Dreams a 2021 Maggie Award finalist.

A member of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and of the Virginia Chapter, Toni seeks to help readers find authors. She loves connecting with readers and authors alike via social media. You can learn more about her writing at http://tonishiloh.com.

Blog tour and Review: The Stolen Daughter by Florence Olajide

Title:  The Stolen Daughter

Author:  Florence Olajide

Genre:  Historical Fiction

Publisher:  Bookouture

Publication Date:  May 31, 2024

Rating:  💥💥💥💥💥

About the Book

My heart races as gunfire startles me from my sleep, and my lungs fill with smoke as I realise my village is being burned to the ground. I tremble as I discover my family is missing, but before I can find them, I am taken. With tears streaming down my face, I wonder if I’ll ever see my parents and little brother again…

Western Africa, 1848. In a small Yorùbá village, fourteen-year-old Ṣìkẹ́mi refuses to live by the elders’ rules. All she wants is to learn how to hunt and defend herself, like the boys. But her father is quick to remind her that soon she’ll be expected to grow up and marry.

But Ṣìkẹ́mi’s world shatters when her village is ambushed by slave raiders. She watches in horror as she’s separated from her family before she is sold to Madam Tinúbú, a rich and powerful slave trader. With her heart in pieces, Ṣìkẹ́mi’s days are filled with back-breaking labour and constant fear of brutal punishment.

Desperate, Ṣìkẹ́mi looks for a way to escape her nightmare and find her family. When someone tries to poison Madam, she sees a chance to save her mistress’s life. As a reward, Madam grants Ṣìkẹ́mi’s request to train as a warrior and join her guard. Madam sees something in Ṣìkẹ́mi that she could use, and something she desperately needs to keep her power…

But Ṣìkẹ́mi has a plan of her own. Even if everything is taken away from her, her spirit will never be broken. And nothing will stop her from being reunited with her family. Not even Madam.

Inspired by true events, The Stolen Daughter is a gripping and unputdownable story about facing your fears, overcoming unimaginable hardship, and the courage and strength of women in a world ruled by men. Fans of Marie Benedict, Sadeqa Johnson and Suzette D. Harrison will be swept away.

My Thoughts

Wow.  This was such a powerful and emotional read.  It read like a movie.  I admired and appreciated Sikemi's strength and determination.  The story was told in such a way I had a hard time putting it down.  It was a phenomenal page turner and the characters were some of the best I've read in a minute.  At some point, I would like to do some research on the person this book was loosley based on.  My heart was broken, but it eventually was put back together again.  This is the part of history some people in this country don't want us to know about, the strength and power we come from. This was such a well written story and If you enjoy historicals, this is one that you need to put on your list.  

About the Author

Born in London, Florence spent her early childhood in a white foster family. At the age of six, she moved with her birth family to Lagos, Nigeria where she grew up. Florence holds a BA (Hons) and MA degree in Education. She returned to the UK where she worked as a teacher, headteacher and later as one of Her Majesty’s Inspector of Schools in England.

Florence now runs her own consultancy providing school improvement guidance and support to a range of educational establishments. When she isn’t working, she enjoys writing songs, reading romance novels and sewing.

She lives in Kent and is married with three adult children and two grandchildren.

Twitter: @florenceolajide

Website: www.florenceolajide.com