Tour Blitz: Black Love Matters by Jessica P. Pryde

 Black Love Matters: Real Talk on Romance, Being Seen, and Happily Ever Afters

by Jessica P. Pryde
Publication date: Feburary 1st 2022
Genres: Literary Fiction, Romance

Synopsis:

An incisive, intersectional essay anthology that celebrates and examines romance and romantic media through the lens of Black readers, writers, and cultural commentators, edited by Book Riot columnist and librarian Jessica Pryde.

Romantic love has been one of the most essential elements of storytelling for centuries. But for Black people in the United States and across the diaspora, it hasn’t often been easy to find Black romance joyfully showcased in entertainment media. In this collection, revered authors and sparkling newcomers, librarians and academicians, and avid readers and reviewers consider the mirrors and windows into Black love as it is depicted in the novels, television shows, and films that have shaped their own stories. Whether personal reflection or cultural commentary, these essays delve into Black love now and in the past, including topics from the history of Black romance to social justice and the Black community to the meaning of desire and desirability.

Exploring the multifaceted ways love is seen—and the ways it isn’t—this diverse array of Black voices collectively shines a light on the power of crafting happy endings for Black lovers.

Jessica Pryde is joined by Carole V. Bell, Sarah Hannah Gomez, Jasmine Guillory, Da’Shaun Harrison, Margo Hendricks, Adriana Herrera, Piper Huguley, Kosoko Jackson, Nicole M. Jackson, Beverly Jenkins, Christina C. Jones, Julie Moody-Freeman, and Allie Parker in this collection.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57926133-black-love-matters

Purchase:

Amazon: https://amzn.to/4dztRc2

AUTHOR BIO:

Jessica Pryde is a contributing editor for Book Riot, where she is the co-host of the When In Romance podcast and writes about bookish things of all kinds. Having earned a Bachelor of art in the interdisciplinary project in humanities at Washington University in St. Louis and her Master of library science at San Jose State University. She is now a librarian in Tucson, where she lives with her husband and an ever-growing collection of Funko Pops. "Black Love Matters" is her first book.

Author links:

https://jessicapryde.com/

https://x.com/jessisreading

GIVEAWAY

• $25 Amazon gift card + a paperback copy of Black Love Matters

 http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/d04251235789/

Book Tour and Review: Black Crosswords by Juliana Pache

 Title:  Black Crosswords:  100 Mini Puzzles Celebratong the African Diaspora

Author:  Juliana Pache

Genre:  Puzzles

Publisher:  Amistad

Publication Date:  August 20, 2024

About the Book

Groundbreaking new book based on the popular site blackcrossword.com featuring over 100 original puzzles inspired by the Diaspora and covering history, popular culture, trailblazers, literature, and politics.  

“Crosswords, and puzzles in general, are good in times of stress,” Will Shortz, the puzzle editor of The New York Times, has said, and during the pandemic sales of crossword puzzles and participants in online games such as Wordle, skyrocketed. Frustrated by the dearth of Black people creating puzzles or appearing as clues, entrepreneur Juliana Pache created blackcrossword.com in early 2023. The site at once took off counting such regular players and fans as Academy Award winner Questlove, popular social activist Brittany Packnett Cunningham, and author and cultural critic Hanif Abdurraqib.

Now, to expand her platform, Pache is looking to bring her cultural crossword puzzles to book publishing. Like her site, the concept for the first BLACK CROSSWORD is a game that places emphasis on terms and clues from across the diaspora. By highlighting prominent cultural figures, movements, artistic achievements, and Black vernacular from across the globe, BLACK CROSSWORD on the page will serve as a simple yet impactful way for solvers to engage in the diaspora and celebrate Black culture.

In a crossword landscape that is predominantly white, BLACK CROSSWORD will provide puzzles to an underserved and passionate market. While the puzzles are meant to increase Black representation in crosswords, they also underscore the fact that this historically underserved market — Black solvers who would like puzzles that are culturally relevant to them—has the potential to become both a commercial hit and resonate with multiple generations of readers. BLACK CROSSWORD has the potential to become a series of books, including a general edition, a calendar edition, a pop culture edition across the diaspora, a Black History edition, and a trailblazer edition. While in a trade paperback format, BLACK CROSSWORD could have an elevated look/tone that would be a perfect gift or keepsake – the possibilities are endless.

My thoughts

Many know that I've been a reader most of my life.  What many of you may not know is that as a teen not only was I an avid reader, but I used to love puzzle books.  Now if you were a teen in the 90's, ypu may know what I'm referring to.  Not sure if they still sell them, but at that time, they used to sell books with a variety of puzzles, from cross words, to word searches and many more.  Whenever I got some money, I would buy as many of those as I could.  I always enjoyedthem, and this book took me back to a simpler time.  I actually enjoyed it so much more, because it's strictly about black people.  I enjoy learning,  and by doing these, im able to gain a little more knowledge about things i was not aware of.  I plan to also check out the website, and I hope the author does more of these.  

About the Author

Juliana Pache is the creator of Black Crossword, a daily mini puzzle that places emphasis on Black culture from across the diaspora. Before launching Black Crossword in January 2023, she worked as a media professional leading social strategy at brands such as The FADER and Rolling Stone. She lives in Brooklyn, New York

www.blackcrossword.com
https://www.instagram.com/blackcrossword
www.julianapache.com/
https://x.com/thecityofjules
https://www.instagram.com/thecityofjules/

Blog tour and review: One and Done by Frederick Smith

 Title:  One and Done

Author:  Frederick Smith

Genre:  LGBTQIA+ Romance

• Publisher:  Bold Strokes Books
• 
  
• Publication date: June 11, 2024

Rating:💥💥💥💥

About the Book

One night of passion and possibly one more chance at love…

Determined, motivated, goal-driven, and eternally single, Dr. Taylor James is an accomplished university administrator in San Francisco determined to get his campus successfully through an upcoming accreditation process. The process could set him up for his ultimate career goal–to be one of the only Black and openly queer university presidents in the US. Taylor gives himself just one day a week to have fun and let loose with friends–a one and done Sunday Funday brunch in the Castro District.

Dustin McMillan is a consultant and project manager who reluctantly returns to the Bay Area, his hometown, for an assignment. The first in his family to finish college, earn a healthy six-figure income, and have choice and agency in his life’s direction, Dustin is fearful that returning home could mean falling back into roles that he’d thought he’d resolved by moving miles away…and equally fearful of falling back into bed with one sexy and toxic ex-boyfriend who still lingers in his memories.

One chance encounter. One night of passion. Will Taylor and Dustin leave it at one and done?

My thoughts

This was such a good and enjoyable story. First it's black romance with people in positions not normally held by black people. My favorite parts were the interaction between them when they first met, and then when they discovered that they would be working together.   I also enjoyed the banter between them.   This was a first read for me from this author and it truly won't be my last.  

About the Author

Originally from Detroit, Michigan, Frederick Smith is a graduate of the University of Missouri School of Journalism and Loyola University Chicago. A finalist for the PEN Center Emerging Voices Fellowship, and an alum of the VONA (Voices of Our Nations Arts Foundation) Writers Workshop, Fred is a social justice advocate. He lives in Los Angeles and works with college students to help them find their voices and develop pride in their cultural and gender identities. He is the author of Down for Whatever and Right Side of the Wrong Bed, a Lambda Literary Award finalist.

Blog tour and review: Batch of Love By Natasha D. Frazier

 

Title:  Batch of Love 

Author:  Natasha D. Frazier

Genre:  Contemporary romance 

Publication Date:  August 6, 2024

Rating:  💥💥💥💥💥

About the Book

Nailed It meets You’ve Got Mail in Batch of Love

A small-town baker with dreams of moving out of the mall’s food court and opening her own brick-and-mortar bakery enters a baking competition for a chance to win $25,000. But instead of winning the grand prize, she finds herself in the middle of her ex’s plan to acquire her business for a big box retailer.

Two years ago, Ginger opened a bakery, Ginger’s Goodies, to honor a promise she made to her late mother. Ready to take her business to the next level, Ginger enters a baking competition hosted by big box retailer, Decadent Dough. What she doesn't count on is running into her high school ex, Brock Pearson, who works for the company.

Instead of joining his father’s firm, The Pearson Group, Brock Pearson was eager to prove he could be successful outside of his father’s shadow and joined the legal team at Decadent Dough thirteen years ago. When his mentor retires, he throws his hat in the ring to become his successor. The job is his if he can find potential acquisitions, one of which is Ginger's Goodies.

For Ginger, joining Decadent Dough is a hard NO.
However, Brock will not back down easily because now he wants to win her heart again.

And just when Brock and Ginger were at the precipice of sealing the deal of love....

Brock's boss learns Ginger is the daughter of his college rival. Now, he will stop at nothing to destroy her business. To make matters worse, he convinced Ginger that Brock is part of his scheme. To prove his innocence, Brock may lose his shot at the promotion he's coveted and the career he's worked so hard for.

Ginger and Brock's careers and hearts hang in the balance. Which is more important than the other?

My thoughts

Natasha Frazier Takes the cake in her latest second chance romance. I loved how the flow of the story put a smile on my face several times.  I especially loved how Ginger stood strong, and wouldn't let anyone, not even Brock change her mind. There were many memorable secondary characters as well that were endering. This story was the perfect mix of romance and comedy, and all thr talk of food made me a bit hungry. Now we just need a continuation of this series with Jaden and Lisa

About The Author

Natasha fell in love with love around the age of twelve because of artists like Babyface, Boys II Men, Whitney Houston, and New Edition. Around sixteen when her mother purchased a romance novel and left it lying around the house untouched, Natasha read it and a spark for the written word had been ignited.

Natasha believes that writing is one of her purposes and contributions to the world. She feels accomplished when she can get a few words written and like blah when life gets in the way. Her hope is that at the end of every novel, readers will feel like they’ve been wrapped in a cozy blanket with a mug of their favorite coffee/tea/warm drink.

When she isn't reading or writing, she is likely watching movies with her family. Natasha resides in Richmond, TX with her husband, Eddie Frazier, Jr. and their three children, Eden, Ethan, and Emilyn. Her greatest joy and commitment is to her family who she hopes to inspire above all else. One of her many mottos in life is: Faith removes limitations. Natasha and her family attend Parkway Fellowship in Richmond, TX, where she volunteers as a small group leader for elementary students. Natasha is also a member of the Houston Area Alumni Chapter of Jackson State University and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Book tour and Review: Do What Godmother Says by L. S. Stratton

 Title:. Do What Godmother Says

Author: L. S. Stratton

Genre:  Thriller

Publisher:

Publication Date:  June 11, 2024

Rating:  💥💥💥💥💥

About the Book

A modern-day writer and a Harlem Renaissance artist are connected by a painting with a deadly secret in this gripping dual-timeline gothic thriller. 
 
Shanice Pierce knows better than to heed bad omens. But she has a hard time ignoring the signs when she finds herself newly single and out of a job on the same seemingly cursed day.

Then, while cleaning out her grandmother’s house, Shanice comes across a painting she hasn’t seen in years. Drawn to the haunting portrait in a way she can't explain, Shanice accepts her grandmother’s offer to keep the family heirloom.

She soon uncovers the story of the artist, a Harlem Renaissance painter named Estelle Johnson. The young woman was taken under wing by the wealthy art patron Maude Bachmann—or “Godmother” as she insisted her artists call her—and vanished shortly after Bachmann’s brutal murder a century ago.

My Thoughts 

I have been into thrillers in the past several years, especially those by Black and other margalanized authors,  and I have been enjoying them so much.  Those book joins that rank.  I completely devoured this story and enjoyed every minute of it.  It was such an exciting and mesmerizing ride and the chokehold it had on me.  And add to it that it's a dual timeline adds to the excitement of the story.   What a ride and I can't wait for the author's next book.

About the Author 

L. S. Stratton is an NAACP Image Award–nominated author and former crime newspaper reporter who has written more than a dozen books under different pen names in just about every genre, from thrillers to romance to historical fiction. She currently lives in Maryland with her husband, their daughter, and their tuxedo cat.

Blog tour and review: Eagle Rock by Dr. Ian K. Smith

 

Title:  Eagle Rock

Author:  Dr. Ian K. Smith

Genre:  Mystery

Publication Date:  August 6, 2024

Publisher:  Amistad/Harper Collins

Rating:  💥💥💥💥

About the book:

Billionaire Elliott Kantor, who ruled over a mammoth real estate portfolio in Chicago, was a creature of habit. His trainer came to his house three mornings every week for a five-thirty workout. By six-thirty he was in the car and his driver drove him down into the city where he’d get a shave and trim from his barber every morning, then head over to his offices on Wacker. He always ate breakfast at his desk, had two young assistants who tended to his every whim and demand, then spent all day in and out of meetings growing a business that had already made him one of the wealthiest men in the country. 

There were few surprises in his world. Or so everyone thought, until Kantor died in his sleep at age 77, leaving behind a vast fortune and grieving wife, son, and five grandchildren.

When Simon Kantor enlists Ashe Cayne to explore his father's death, the probing private investigator learns there was plenty of "activities" Elliott participated in after hours, including a sex traffic ring. And as Ashe and readers will discover this is only the beginning, and as our hero dives deeper and deeper into Elliott's hidden world, this may be the end for the intrepid Mr. Cayne.

My thoughts:

This was the first book of this series that I've read and I can't wait to get caught up on my current tbr list so I can get to the others.  This was such an eye opening and exciting read that kept me engaged from start to finish.  And to be honest, I learned a lot from this book.  The characters were exciting, and the flow of the story just felt right.  and engaging.  And that it was set in one of my favorite cities, Chicago, made it that much more captivating.  I will definitely be on the lookout for future works from this author.  

About the Author

Dr. Ian Smith is the author of the #1 New York Times bestselling books, SHRED: THE REVOLUTIONARY DIET, SUPER SHRED: The Big Results Diet, BLAST THE SUGAR OUT, The Clean 20, THE ANCIENT NINE, CLEAN & LEAN and eleven other books with millions of copies in print. His newest novel--THE UNSPOKEN, the first installment of his Ashe Cayne mystery series, is now available. Look for his next revolutionary diet plan FAST BURN!, on sale April 13, 2021.

He is currently the solo host of the nationally syndicated, Emmy award-winning television show

THE DOCTORS, and a longtime medical contributor to Emmy award-winning The Rachael Ray Show.

He also served as the medical/diet expert for six seasons on VH1’s highly-rated Celebrity Fit Club. He is the creator and founder of the national health initiatives The 50 Million Pound Challenge and The Makeover Mile. Dr. Smith is the former medical correspondent for NBC News Network and NewsChannel 4 in New York, where he filed reports for NBC Nightly News and The Today Show as well as WNBC's various news broadcasts. He has appeared extensively on numerous broadcasts, including The Oprah Winfrey Show, The View, Dr. Oz, Steve Harvey Show, The Talk, Larry King Live, Anderson Cooper 360, CNN, MSNBC, and many more. He has written for various publications including Time, Newsweek, Men’s Fitness, and the New York Daily News. He has been featured in several other publications including, People, Redbook, Details Magazine, Essence, Ebony, Cosmopolitan, and Black Enterprise.

A highly sought-after speaker, Dr. Smith's work has been honored by several organizations, including the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences for his coverage on the momentous events of September 11th, 2001. He is also very active in charitable causes. Dr. Smith has also served on the boards of the American Council on Exercise, the New York Mission Society, the Prevent Cancer Foundation, The New York Council for the Humanities, and The Maya Angelou Center for Health Equity.

Dr. Smith graduated from Harvard College with an AB and received a master’s in science education from Teachers College of Columbia University. He attended Dartmouth Medical School and completed the last two years of his medical education and graduated from the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine.

Twitter: @DrIanSmith 

Instagram: @DoctorIanSmith 

Websites: www.shredlife.com and www.doctoriansmith.com 

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