Twelve Days of Christmas With My Ex by Shaquova Johnson Book Review

REVIEWED BY MUBC BOOK REVIEWER.

RATING:

This wasn’t your typical Christmas love story and that’s exactly what made it so good. I went through all the feelings reading this. The main character, Patience, comes from a close-knit family with parents who have such a beautiful spirit of discernment and love. After a breakup and chasing her career in a big city hospital, she decides to go back home for Christmas.

What happens over those twelve days? Whew. Patience ends up caught between family, old connections, and tough decisions that pull at her heart. There’s just the right amount of spice (which I love), and the plot has a twist that caught me off guard in a good way. It was refreshing, emotional, and definitely not your cookie-cutter holiday romance.

PURCHASE BOOK HERE: https://a.co/d/d0Fkw3M

 

Heart of a Thug by Keely Book Review

 Book Review Alert: Heart of a Thug: Omar and Keisha’s Tale

Author: Keely

Kindle Edition

Published: October 29, 2024

Publisher:Wahida Clark Presents Publishing, LLC

ISBN-13: 978-1957954639

ASIN ‏ : B0DP3CDFJH

Overall Rating:

          

 (4 out of 5)

 Heart of a Thug: Omar and Keisha’s Tale by Keely is a raw and emotionally charged urban romance that dives deep into the complexities of love, loyalty, and survival. Keely takes readers straight into the heart of the streets, where Omar—a man hardened by life’s harsh realities—and Keisha—a woman caught between passion and the pursuit of something greater—fight to define their connection.

From the first page, the chemistry between Omar and Keisha sizzles. Their bond is powerful yet fraught with complications—past trauma, buried secrets, and constant threats of betrayal. Keely handles their relationship with gritty honesty, crafting a love story that is passionate, messy, and deeply human.

What sets this story apart is its perfect blend of toughness and tenderness. Omar isn’t just a “street dude”—he’s layered, emotionally vulnerable, and surprisingly introspective. Keisha, too, is more than just a love interest. She’s sharp, resilient, and determined not to lose herself to a toxic cycle. Together, their journey is full of struggle and growth, a testament to the possibility of love in even the most unforgiving environments.

Keely’s writing shines with authenticity. The dialogue is real and unfiltered, and the emotions are vivid. While a few plot points could be tightened, the strength of the characters and the emotional depth carry the story beautifully. Themes of redemption, trust, and resilience elevate this book beyond your typical urban romance.

 For readers who crave urban fiction with heart, grit, and unforgettable characters, Heart of a Thug is a standout. Keely delivers a compelling reminder that love can survive—and even thrive—when tested by fire.

 Book Cover Art:

The cover design leans into the familiar street-lit aesthetic. While it fits the genre, I believe the cover could have done more to reflect the emotional depth and character development found inside. A visual focus on Omar and Keisha or a powerful scene from the story might’ve better captured the book’s essence. Cover Art Rating: 3 out of 5.

 Editing & Professionalism:

This area was well executed. The book reads smoothly with only a couple of minor typos that didn’t distract from the flow. It felt like watching a movie unfold on the page. Great pacing and readability.

 Character Development:

Keely, you nailed it here. The characters are beautifully developed—real, flawed, and emotionally layered. Watching them navigate their struggles felt honest and relatable. It’s clear you poured your heart into these characters and their journey.

PURCHASE BOOK HERE: https://a.co/d/2Frpdha

Should Have Worn a Curtain by Samyra Alexander Book Review

 

 Book Review: I Should Have Worn a Curtain by Samyra Alexander
Rating:  out of 5 pens
Reviewed by Patrice “SCBookGal843” for MUBC Reviews
Samyra Alexander’s I Should Have Worn a Curtain is a raw and courageous memoir that chronicles her deeply personal journey from pain to purpose.  With striking honesty and poetic reflection, Alexander uses her voice to illuminate a struggle many silently endure—battles with body image and self-worth.

 Title & Themes
The title alone—I Should Have Worn a Curtain—is enough to stop you in your tracks. It’s intriguing, thought-provoking, and sets the stage for the emotional ride ahead. Once you dive in (or, like me, listen to it), the significance of the title becomes heartbreakingly clear. Alexander opens up about her experience with obesity in a way that’s intimate, unapologetic, and refreshingly rare, especially coming from an African American perspective. 

 Cover Art
The cover is a powerful visual metaphor for the story. As I listened to the first chapter, I glanced at the design and immediately felt the connection. It's minimalist yet moving—striking the perfect balance of subtlety and strength. 

 Audiobook Experience
I had the privilege of experiencing this book through its audiobook version—and it did not disappoint. The production stands out, especially the thoughtful use of sound effects that breathe life into the narrative. One moment that stuck with me was during Shaena’s inner dialogue; her tone shift was so vivid, I felt like I was right there with her. The sound design adds an immersive layer, making this a standout choice for audiobook lovers, especially those with visual impairments. 

 Character Development

Shaena's journey is one of transformation. At a pivotal crossroads, she confronts not only her addiction but the roots of her pain. Her vulnerability, growth, and healing are both relatable and inspiring. We see firsthand how change doesn’t come from outside validation—it begins within. 

 I Should Have Worn a Curtain is more than a memoir—it’s a mirror, reflecting the internal battles many carry in silence. Samyra Alexander has penned a powerful, necessary story that speaks truth to pain and offers hope to anyone learning to love themselves again. 

PURCHASE BOOK HERE: https://a.co/d/i2RgTPE

Bleeding Words by Tami Cleckley Book Review

 Bleeding words. I enjoyed this book. It tells the story of the choices people make that has a profound effect on their lives. Romana and her daughter choses different obsessions but they both learn life is about balance. That you can have everything you dreamed of but you can’t have a one-track mind or have an all or nothing mentality.

I admired the ambition of Jazz but was worried about the choices she was making to make her dreams come true. She becomes obsessed with her writing to the exclusion of everything else, and had to learn some hard lessons and the meaning of compromise. 

It was heartwarming to see the dedication of two fathers in their children’s 

lives.

I liked the writing style

I would have liked to have seen a better link or flow between transition of chapters. 

The poetry was a bit distracting and at times I could not tell if it was part of the story line.

I felt there were too much character description.

At times it dragged without much action.

The epilog was too long, especially after such a long read.

All in all I did enjoy the book and give it 4 pens.

Reviewed by MUBC Book Reviewer.

PURCHASE BOOK HERE: https://a.co/d/f1SVAsP