RIM's Reviews Dangerous Pleasures by Fiona Zedde

Dangerous Pleasures by Fiona Zedde

  

Two friends who are brought together by schoolyard drama are forever inseparable. Mayson met Renee when her family moved from Jamaica to Dana Point, when the other kids picked on her for her accent Renee defended her; and for the rest of their lives they would defend each other. Renee would need defending for her choice to end her marriage of too many changes. Her ex-husband Linc always trying to change her to what he wants versus who she really is and with Mayson being a lesbian she needs to be defended from her ex flings that sometimes want more than a fling.

Renee is tired of being sweet, innocent, a damsel in distress Renee. After the divorce, she no longer sees the benefits of a traditional relationship other than the sex. Since there is nothing else she feels like she can control other than her sex partner she decides to do something for herself. So after much deliberation and some ill advice from Mayson, Renee signs up for an online dating site and finds someone to her liking and begins to get her groove back.

Mayson is never in a rut as far as sex goes; anytime she needs a fix she thumbs through her black book and finds someone to scratch the itch. However she has one rule; she does not have any desire to be a straight woman’s experiment into the art of lesbian sex.  As Mayson avoids relationships for booty calls, she finds herself in a ticklish position; she is now the center of a straight woman’s fantasies, which of course goes against her rule. Mayson soon realizes that fantasies can turn deadly.

Here we see love has no gender, has no hurt and sometimes has no sense of time. As each woman is forced to take off the blindfold, no matter the material it is made of, and see each other and herself for what they are. Decisions that can not be made by society’s standards or even the ones that can be dictated by corporate America, but from a loving heart. The heart wants what the heart wants and sometimes the easiest decision is the one that’s right in front of you.

My Rating 5*****

Review by Karen Reynolds

Review for Readers In Motion Bookclub

RIM's Reviews Raising Kane By Darrien Lee

RIM's Reviews

Raising Kane

By Darrien Lee

 

Raising Kane By Darrien Lee  

Everyone deserves a second chance.

Denim is back and she has crossed the path of someone else that needs her help. Denim meets her new neighbor in the weirdest way. Kane is a sixteen year old student at a private school. She has a father cares who for her deeply and a mother that is addicted to drugs. The paths of Denim and Kane cross as Kane decides that she is going to run away from home. Drama at McDonald’s between Kane’s mother (Yolanda) and her gets so out of hand that the police are called and her father has to place a restraining order to protect his family. Kane is frustrated with having to be a second mother to her two younger brothers. She tells her father that she wants a normal teenage life but that is impossible with all the responsibilities that she has. This is where Denim comes in. Denim starts to spend time with Kane and her brothers. At this time Kane’s father notices that she is growing up and that she needs to be around others her own age. Yolanda sees the damage that she has caused her family and really wants to overcome her addiction. Devin sees all the pain and beatings that Yolanda is taking from the hands of Leon and decides it is time to help her overcome her demon. With the help of Devin, Yolanda overcome the drugs but also falls in love with him.

Will the relationship between Kane and her mother be mended? Does overcoming an addiction means a happy family? Will Kane be able to have a teenage social life or will she always be a second mother? 

With this novel Darrien Lee deals with the subject of addiction and the dynamics of the family. She nailed it on the head with making sure she includes the feelings of the whole family. The handling of the subject matter was very much at a level that many teens can understand. Lee places words in a way that the teenage reader is not feeling like a young child but as an adult that they are growing into.

Raising Kane by Darrien Lee receives 5 stars.

Reviewed by Patrice Smith

Readers in Motion Book

RIM's Reviews Blood of My Brother by Zoe and Yusuf Woods

RIM's Reviews

Blood of My Brother

by Zoe and Yusuf Woods

Blood of My Brother by Zoe and Yusuf Woods

Am I my brother’s keeper?

Roc knows all about game because that is his life. Roc wants better for his little brother, Lil Mac, and has made it a life goal to keep him away from the streets. That was his goal but his brother  has other ideas. Unknown  to Roc, Lil Mac is the creator of the Get Money Click. You can say that the motto of this group is by any means necessary. Roc and his crew prepare for battle with the Get Money Click. Roc wants to get out the game but how can he leave knowing that this new Get Money Click is taking over and he crew is not getting money anymore. How can he leave the people that help him create his empire? So Roc goes to battle one more time still not knowing that the person he is battling is his little brother. Who will spill blood first? Will Roc find out that the person that he is fighting is his flesh and blood before it is too late?

I have to give these book 3 stars. Blood of my Brothers started off very slow. Not being able to grab the attention of the reader until the middle of the book is not a good thing. Zoe and Yusuf Woods have a great storyline but it is lost in the first half of the book. If these authors spent a little more time with the beginning of the book the rating would have been more that three stars. Once in the middle of the book the flow goes very quickly to the end. The ending of the book leads greatly into the next novel.

Rating: 3 Stars

Reviewed by Patrice Smith

For Readers In Motion Book Club

RIM's Reviews Hot Fun In The Summertime by Chicki Brown

RIM's Reviews

Hot Fun In The Summertime

 by Chicki Brown

Every summer six friends rent a home on the Jersey shore for rest and relaxation but yet still manage to work. Linda is an accountant and real estate broker, Shontae is a fiction author, Doc and Kip are professors, Kinnick a model, and Jo a hair stylist to the stars. However this year Kip brings a friend, Devon, with him. He too is a model, heating up with the women in the house. On the first day they pay rent, divvy up chores, set down the ground rules and pick out rooms.  As everyone finds their own corner of paradise and set out to venture the beach, some old memories transform into new ones.     

 Kinnick, working as a video model, is constantly looking for the next come-up which is normally in a baller’s pocket. She plays a deadly game of being a rappers lady yet flirty with a mogul expecting neither to find out about the other. However when the lies catch up to her will she learn that a woman can have it all and not need to sell her body in the process?

Linda is coming out of an ugly divorce and is not looking for new seat filler just yet. However Doc has his sights set on her again this summer and is not letting her use her year old divorce as a crutch. As hard as Linda tries to control the situations surrounding her, she might have to let go of her preconceived notions of Doc and blast through her post divorce thoughts of men.

Kip, the forever player, is scoping the beaches for young women to fill his summer calendar and bed; however he needs to keep an eye out for the cops because an older black man dating young white females still causes some upset to the community. Seems archaic, but racism is still evident.  Kip seems quite smitten however by this summer’s catch no matter the consequences.

Shontae was hesitant to come this summer due to last summer’s debacle with Kinnick. However she has two things to accomplish this summer, getting her new novel done and the purchase of a home, and no one is coming between those goals, or so she thought. Devon seems bound and determined to get her attention and to get her to give love another chance.

 Jo and Walter have been together for five years and he is ready to take it to the next step, a business partnership. Slightly disappointed Jo takes him up on his offer but not prepared for all the conditions that come with the hefty price tag. Will her dreams of being the best in the business leave her before they start?

Interesting how in three short months the issues that all the characters faced were things they had been using as crutches all their lives and as with any injury eventually the crutch is no longer useful.

My Rating: 3 ½ stars

Review for Readers in Motion Bookclub

Review by Karen Reynolds

RIM's Reviews Poetically Speaking By Targie Taylor

RIM's Reviews

Poetically Speaking By Targie Taylor

Poetically Speaking By Targie Taylor

Poetically Speaking is a poetic journey of life based on the struggles of the author.

I was extremely excited about the idea of readings someone’s life through poems, it was something interesting and new to me. After the first few pages it became a struggle for many reasons.   The poems were supposed to tell a story, which they did but at the same time they didn’t. The poems were in no particular order and oddly thrown together by years but not chronological, so I found myself looking back to try and figure out what stage in the author's life these particular poems were coming from. Secondly the poems ranged from elementary, one sentence poems that left you with a feeling of that’s it? To very detailed ones that left you wanting more. Adding to the confusion there were poems written by other people, inserted for no discernible reason, such as the one or two her ex boyfriend wrote.

There were some that I did like; but for the most part found myself completely confused about who authored what, and at what stage of life they were supposed to encompass. The reviewer gives this 2.5/3 stars.

Reviewed by Kecia

For: Readers in Motion Book Club

www.readersinmotionbookclub.ning.com

RIM's August Author of the Month- Author Boo Jackson

RIM's August Author of the Month- Author Boo Jackson

1. Tell us about you.

I'm 28, reside in Liberty, Missouri...not married, no kids. Very family oriented and I would lay down my life for my mom and my sister. I graduated high school in 2002 and went on to pursue a degree in psychology...still haven't gotten that degree yet.

2. When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I've always enjoyed writing. From poems, to short stories, to essays, to plays. My grandma was an English teacher so I've always been drawn to writing.

3. What inspired you to write your first book?  

My inspiration to write my first book came from my sister. She actually bet me that I couldn't write a novel and I was hell bent on proving her wrong, so I knocked Khamani's Angel out in 2 weeks.

4. What book are you reading now?

I am currently reading Cameron by Jade Jones.

5. Can you share a little of your current work with us?

"Guilty Pleasures" will take you into the life of Janet Clark. She's beautiful, she's successful, she's been married for over 20 years, but she's bored. Thoughts of her husband having an affair drives Janet to join the local gym and that's where she meets Lucky. Lucky works Janet's body out in more ways than one and has her feeling like she's on cloud nine; until she finds out the truth about her husband's affair.

6. Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?

My favorite author is K'wan. The thing that made me fall in love with his work is the fact that it's so unpredictable. He doesn't have "cookie cutter" books. You never know what to expect from him.

7. How do books get published? Why did you choose the method?

My first book was published under a publishing company, but I've since decided to do everything independently. I chose that because in a sense I'm controlling my own destiny. I know what's going to come out, I decide when it drops, what the cover looks like, I do the editing, etc.

8. What do you like to do when you're not writing?

When I'm not writing, I enjoy reading. I tell people that I'm a reader first, then an author. I also like playing basketball with my brothers and going out with my sister.

9. What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

The most surprising thing that I learned was that people actually want to read what I write. When I first started doing this, I had no intentions on being published or anything. I was just writing because I loved to write. Now I'm actually learning that I'm a pretty good writer and people enjoy my stories.

10. Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

To the readers I want to say THANK YOU for supporting me and I hope to have your continued support in the future. As long as you keep reading, I'll keep writing...well I'll keep writing regardless but I do hope you keep reading my work.

 

Author Boo Jackson has several books that are on the Amazon website that is ready for you kindle to download....

Check out Khamani's Angel by Author Boo Jackson.....

Khamani's Angel follows the lives of Khamani Johnson, and his sexy incomparable girlfriend, Angel Mendoza. Dealing with a rough and unstable childhood, Khamani turned to the streets and went from being a street corner look out to a drug kingpin. Angel on the other hand, never had to want for anything. Both of her parents are successful doctors that made sure Angel lived a comfortable and stable lifestyle. But as the saying goes “opposites attract” and Angel's once picture perfect life is filled with love, lust, betrayal, and deceit. Is Khamani's love strong enough to withstand Angel's addiction or will he turn his back on his precious........ Angel

RIM's July Author of the Month- Dama Cargle

RIM's July Author of the Month

Dama Cargle

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

First and foremost I’m a mother to my Proud, Determination, Joy, and Inspiration my son Marcus. I reside in Tallahassee Florida; I’m the youngest of three children. As a new Author I’m striving to make my mark on the literary world.

What do you do when you are not writing?

I love to shop and I mean shop, shoes are like a drug for me. I know I shouldn’t buy anymore but, it’s like Pooky from New Jack City says ‘I tried to kick it but that shit just be callin' me man, it be callin' me, man... I just got to go to it!” LOL, Clothes are like my chocolate, if I buy another item it want be able to fit in closet’ssss, everything else are souvenirs. J

When did you first start writing and when did you finish your first book?
The first time I started writing was 7 months prior. And to date I have completed my first novel ‘Serenity: The Takeover’ which is the first of a trilogy, along with a Prequel to the trilogy entitled ‘Before: The Takeover’. I’m in process of doing my final read and off to the editor hoping for a release date of August 20th. In the meantime I’m honored to be a part of an analogy called when ‘When It Rains It Pours’. I’m super excited because it’s an introduction to the literary world and will give readers a small taste of what’s to come from me. My story is called ‘Presidential Dymes’ which is about Christian, Chantel, Gabby, and Pandora all were inseparable since the age of 5. Highly Intelligent, Beautiful, and Independent with a bond that was unbreakable, until tragedy strikes from the carelessness of the men they all love. With Propositions on the table, backs against the wall they decide to become Bosses starting their own Escort service only dealing with the Elite, their distinguished style became personal persona while the money became never ending over night they were Millionaire, but as the saying goes more money more problems. Bonds will be broken, Lives will be lost and Secrets will be reveled the joined at the hip best friends finds out all they thought they knew was nothing at all about each other. The question is?? Who will still share the Inseparable, Unbreakable Sisterly bond they all once shared when the smoke clears and the truth is told, Due out July 15th.


How did you choose the genre you write in?

I think I chose Urban/ Street Literature because it’s what I can identify with the most. It’s what I see every day it how I was raised and I hope one day to be a voice for the urban community. And it doesn’t hurt that’s the genre I started out reading and still my reads the most.

Do you ever experience writer’s block? If yes, how do you get over it?

Oh God yes! I think every writer whether they care to admit to it or not experience writer’s block for time to time. As for me I will gladly admit I’m guilty of suffering from writer’s block on occasions. There are numerous things I like to do, one may be surround myself with quietness pulling out my notes and piecing the story together from the start. Another way is through music, I LOVE music which readers won’t find it hard to tell in my novels. All my novels will reflect music in some way, but however I just press play and let the music influence/motivate me. Another alternative is SIMPLE take a complete break from the book and do you, trust me when you get ready to write again so many other things would have came to mind you’ll make up for the short time away.

Is there any particular author or book that influenced you in any way either growing up or as an adult?

Like many ‘The Coldest Winter Ever’ by Sister Souljah and Teri Woods ‘True To The Game’ series would be the books that made me fall in love with Urban Literature also another book may not be known to many by Author Leo Sullivan called ‘LIFE’ that book had such a strong impact on me as well. I loved how he painted such a vivid, clean picture for readers he and I live in the very same city so his accuracy was to the tee. I seen a interview with Déjà King and she said when you writing a book your book should be timeless and in my opinion those book are timelessly classics 10 years from now readers can pick up those books that have been on shelves for years now and still hold the same impact as the very day the hit the shelves.

As for Authors my dear friend and Author Mr. Rasheed Carter who I love to pieces would be the reason I started to write. One day we were discussing books and different avenues a story could and should go; out of the blue he proposed that he and I should write a book together. As soon as the idea came the idea went (LOL) long story short he didn’t like my idea of a gangsta in love. He claimed he couldn’t identify with the story I described, so he dared me to write my own book and me being the daredevil I am would never be dared and not come though. So I thought about what I wanted to write about and initially my Prequel started out being Serenity: The Takeover but low and behold that all changed. (True story)….I went to sleep one night and dreamt the plot behind my Novel Serenity: The Takeover for a week straight I dreamed of different scenes that will take place in the book. This book played like a movie in my mind and I hope I execute that on paper, one thing I will say this book has so many twist and turns, so much deceit and secrets it’s definitely a chess game on paper. I want to shock readers when they feel they have it all figured out the reveal will leave them speechless.

If you had to go back and do it all over, is there any aspect of your novel or getting it published that you would change?

Well as far as my novel the jury hasn’t spoken yet, but I have put so much research and thought along with the saying ‘blood, sweat, and tears’ have been placed into this novel. I pray I’m able to concur what I set out too. I plan on self publishing through my own publishing called none other than Takeover Publications.

How do you market your work? What avenues have you found to work best for your genre?

Well I think any up and comer in whatever it is your trying to achieve Social Media has made the impossible very much possible. I live and stand by that, I also believe the pot will get sweeter. Also word of mouth is everything. Some books I have never heard of before but learned through someone else talking about how much they enjoyed it. And me being the compulsive one-clicker I am I have to go and find out what’s all the hype about.

Do you have any advice to give to aspiring writers?

I still consider myself to be an aspiring writer, but every day I make it a point to learn something I didn’t know the previous day. When I first decided to make writing a career I was consistently told to do research, research, and more research. I was so frustrated with that answer every time I reached to someone. In my mind I was thinking ‘how hard could it be to put a book out’ and when I tell you research have been proven true to be my friend. As your parents would tell you growing up nothing in life will come easy and if it does than you may want to rethink if it’s worth it. I’m not going to paint a pretty picture and say this was easy for me if I did I would be being untrue. If you’re planning on self publishing do your own research you can’t be a CEO trusting somebody else to run and know your company better than you. Taking your time is the most important advice I can give and use everything and everybody around you as inspiration the good and the bad in the end you’ll a bomb ass story. If this is something you truly want to do let nothing and no one defer you from it (as they/things will)and last but not lease let the passion in your story/words drive you not the material benefits let that help provide a peaceful sleep when you do go. (LOL)

Is there anything that you would like to say to your readers and fans?
I have no earthly clue who you are just yet, but my faith and sprit tells me you guys are waiting for me. I hope to make your all-time favorite Authors list one day amongst so many greats who has also inspired me. I welcome our life long bond and your advice in helping me become greater at this path I have chosen to walk. I will forever and a day be indebted to you, rock with me and let’s TAKEOVER the world one book, at a time. Your future all-time favorite Author and friend Dama C. Cargle……..MUAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!