Teens Read Too gives The Ultimate Test and Splitsville both 4 Stars. Below is a copy of the Splitsville Review.

Check it out:

SPLITSVILLE is Volume 2 in THE LIP GLOSS CHRONICLES. In the first book, the reader gets a glimpse
inside the life of Britney. For SPLITSVILLE, the reader now gets to know more about Jasmine, Britney’s friend
from THE ULTIMATE TEST, and the girl who DJ Johnson was bothering.

Jasmine’s life is out of control these days. She’s practically failing geometry, so she engages Cecil as her tutor. DJ
is still on her case at school. She interacted with TallandFly on the Internet and now he won’t stop texting and
calling her. And last, but certainly not least, her parents are constantly fighting and it looks like they’re headed for
divorce.

Thankfully, Jasmine has her friends. They insist on accompanying her to the mall to meet the boy from the Internet.
They stand by her side when DJ gets in her face again. They tell her she’s being too tough on Cecil, her tutor, who
obviously has a crush on her. And they help her out when she gets her parents to agree to go on a new reality show
that offers marriage counseling, Situation Number Nine.

As the reader can imagine, with all of these things going on, something is bound to happen. But I’m not one to give
away such exciting plot twists. You’ll just have to pick up SPLITSVILLE for yourself and find out what happens to
Jasmine!

This second installment of the series continues the story of Jasmine, Britney, and Sierra nicely. It’s easy to pick up
from where the first novel left off. And if you’re discovering THE LIP GLOSS CHRONICLES for the first time,
you’ll easily figure out all of the characters. It was also nice to see a different point of view in this novel as
compared to THE ULTIMATE TEST.

To read the review for The Ultimate Test, go to: http://www.teensreadtoo.com/UltimateTestLGC.html

Here’s what’s on my shelf:

Be Careful What You Ask For by Kimberla Lawson Roby

3 Word Review: revenge, oh-no-he-didn’t, lessons

About Be Careful What You Ask For:

New York Times bestselling author Kimberla Lawson Roby returns with this delightful sequel to The Best of Everything, in which the infamous Reverend Curtis Black’s beautiful daughter, Alicia, is all grown up—and headed for trouble of her own

Her first marriage didn’t work out, but that isn’t going to stop Alicia Black, the privileged daughter of the charismatic Reverend Curtis Black, from getting what she wants. One month after her wedding to her second husband, she can’t believe her good fortune. God has heeded her prayers, blessing her with Pastor JT Valentine, a handsome, dynamic man of the cloth with his own large congregation, just like her father.

Unfortunately, Alicia doesn’t understand just how much like Curtis her new husband truly is. She doesn’t know that JT has been sneaking around town with other women—or that he only married her to get close to her father’s money and fame. But while Alicia is blinded by love, her dad certainly isn’t. He warned his little girl that JT simply can’t be trusted. After all, it takes one to know one, and who better to see into the darkness of a sinner’s heart than Curtis?

It will take a miracle to save the day. But God acts in mysterious ways, and soon a host of lies, longtime secrets, and acts of betrayal comes to light, and Alicia must face some very crucial and life-changing decisions. This time, she’s got to be careful what she prays for. . . .

Tender to His Touch by Adrianne Byrd

3 Word Review: chemistry, reunion, series

Tender to His Touch:

Hollington Homecoming Queen Beverly Turner is pulling out all the stops for her ten-year reunion. The trendy designer’s first order of business is to let loose and have some fun. And her wish just might come true when she meets Lucius Gray. The hunky, high-powered Atlanta attorney is looking for the same thing she is: a sexy fling with no strings.

Lucius needs a time-out from his workaholic life, and the chic, sensual designer more than fits the bill. Like Beverly, the single father has been burned by love. But Beverly is arousing feelings that are making him long to turn their sizzling affair into a lifetime of passion. If she’ll let him, he’ll give her the happy ending she deserves and prove to this unforgettable woman that there is life—and love—after college….

Sleep No More by Susan Crandall

3 Word Review: intense, thriller, nice

Sleep No More:

The night was always Abby Whitman’s enemy. As a young girl she walked in her sleep, and one night, she started a fire that scarred her sister for life and left Abby with unbearable guilt . . . and a loneliness that echoes within her. Now Abby has begun blacking out again–with apparently fatal results. A car accident has killed the son of a prominent family. Even though the evidence seems to exonerate her, Abby is plagued by doubts–and soon by mysterious threats. Psychiatrist Dr. Jason Coble is intrigued by Abby and offers to help her explore the dark recesses of her mind. Through this terrifying journey, Jason’s interest turns to passion, and he yearns to give her the love she craves. But first, Abby must trust him–and shed light on secrets that will rock this Southern town and reveal a danger that threatens them both.

Whitney Houston – The Deluxe Anniversary Edition is now available.

3 Word Review: Classic, Love, Flowing

What’s on your shelf?

Here’s what’s on my shelf:

Diary of a Stalker by Electa Rome Parks

3 Word Review: rapid, psycho, captivating

About Diary of a Stalker:

Never judge a book by its cover. . .

Xavier Preston is tall, dark, and handsome, and the problem is that he knows it. He’s a bestselling author who is accustomed to adoring female fans, both young and old, flirting with him, throwing themselves shamelessly at him, and trying to get between more than the covers of his novels. He has always been more than willing to accommodate their needs and desires; however, his womanizing days have finally ended. He’s engaged to a beautiful woman, Kendall, and he’s decided to walk the straight and narrow. Or has he?

From outside appearances, the very stunning Pilar has it all: a great career, a beautiful home, and a trust fund that keeps her financially secure; however, looks can be deceiving. All that glitters isn’t necessarily gold. Pilar is searching for her perfect soulmate, and she thinks she has found him in Xavier. She believes in going after what she wants with a vengeance . . . and she wants Xavier. That is not negotiable. She will have him, even if it kills him.

When Xavier meets his fanatical fan, Pilar, he gets much more than he bargained for. What starts out as an erotic one-night stand quickly spirals out of control into a dangerous game of obsession and pain with both parties playing to win.

Think you know what goes on behind the literary scene? Think again.

The Perfect Seduction by Carmen Green

3 Word Review: timid, guardian, passionate

About The Perfect Seduction:

Loren Smith’s new career as a pastry chef is finally bringing the former model out of her shell. But when a fire forces her to move in with her best friend, she doesn’t expect to be living under the same roof as sinfully seductive Robinson Hood! And soon the sexy undercover investigator makes her his personal mission.

Rob finds Loren as fragile and irresistible as the airy confections she whips up–and he isn’t about to let her go back into retreat mode. The widowed P.I. wants her to know only his sensual touch. But first Rob has to earn her trust. Which means taking it slow and hot until he has the wary beauty right where he wants her–in his arms, in his bed… and in his heart.

Mary J Blige – Stronger with Each Tear available now.

3 Word Review: Empowering, Real, Soulful

To order your copy, CLICK HERE.

Here’s what’s on my shelf:

Hostage of Lies by Maxine Thompson

3 Word Review: refreshing, redemption, historical

About Hostage of Lies:

Nefertiti “Titi” Godbolt’s been a captive of her family’s secrets her whole life. Now, as she returns home after fifteen years, she’s ready to confront her family and finally get some answers. It’s her father’s seventy-fifth birthday celebration, but she’s not there to celebrate a man who always seemed to favor her siblings Josh and Cleo, while he, along with Titi’s mother, treated Titi as the black sheep in the family—even before she got pregnant and they forced her to give up her daughter. But when Titi’s father and his brother have it out during the party, some long-buried family secrets pop to the surface, and Titi realizes there may be some truth to the stories her great-grandmother told her when she was a child after all.

Goodness and Mercy by Vanessa Davis Griggs

3 Word Review: moving, forgiveness, modest

About Goodness and Mercy:
Sin has a way of catching up with you…

Gabrielle Mercedes has dreamed of being a dancer since she was a little girl. But when her life takes a very different turn, it’s not the future she’d envisioned for herself. Feeling a void she can’t fill, she finds the salvation she’s been seeking in church and decides to start anew. Learning that her church has a dance ministry, she’s thrilled to have her first love back in her life. Then she meets the handsome and professionally accomplished Zachary Wayne Morgan, and finally everything seems to be falling into place—until a past secret threatens to tear it all apart, and her newfound faith is put to the ultimate test…

Deep Deception by Tina Brooks McKinney

3 Word Review: thriller, intriguing, sequel

About Deep Deception:
Death has a way of exposing secrets better left untold, and no one knows this better than sisters Verónica and Victória Mendoza . They’re about to find out that things aren’t always as they seem. Verónica takes a bite of forbidden fruit when she becomes romantically involved with her boss. The one night fling leaves her pregnant with another man’s child and headed straight to divorce court. Victória can identify with her sister as she, too, harbors a secret love that goes against their strict upbringing. After the sudden death of their mother, Victória enlists the help of her lover to unravel a decade’s worth of deceit. Armed with letters written by their father, the sisters soon find out that deception runs deep, and their time here in America has been based on a lie. The man they once respected has become a symbol of fear with a hidden agenda, and he has no intentions of releasing them from a contract they didn’t sign. Deep Deception demonstrates how greed and the love of money can twist perception. As the mystery unfolds, readers will be shocked by the consequences of these vices.

HIS INVISIBLE WIFE by Shelia Goss is an entertaining and touching read about love, lies, revenge and family. I consumed this book in one sitting and did not want to let go of the warm and fuzzy feeling I got after I finished.  By the book’s end I was reminded of a scripture that says “…because love covers over a multitude of sins.”   Goss demonstrated the power of love over all the bad things we can do.  Her writing was succinct and very uplifting.  I enjoyed meeting all the characters, for many of them seemed to have a story lurking nearby.  This is a good one to add to your collection.

To read the entire review, go to: http://www.therawreviewers.com/artman/publish/HisInvisibleWife.shtml

Paper Thin - The Lip Gloss Chronicles Vol. 3

Coming January 26, 2010

APOOO Rating: 5 stars
Amazon Rating: 5 stars

In Paper Thin by Shelia M. Goss, Sierra, Britney and Jasmine are back. They are now sophomores and ready for new experiences. Especially Sierra, the narrator, as she has lost 25 pounds and is convinced that her new size will change things. Of course, she is right but not in the way she thinks. These 15-year olds are going to grow up in ways they never thought.

Ms. Goss does a wonderful job with this book of showing young women as they really are. She allows them to be selfish and loving, impatient and supportive and mostly, realistic. The reader is allowed to see how young people act when their lives change and how they deal with the economic struggles that hit their families. One of the more poignant messages deals with weight and self-esteem issues. We also get to see the young ladies deal with the timely and disturbing problem of violence among girlfriends and boyfriends. Paper Thin is an entertaining and enlightening book geared towards young people, but I recommend it to all readers. It made this reader, who has lived a long time, think, feel and relate.

Angelia Vernon Menchan
APOOO BookClub

Theuniquereviewer is the winner of the Simply Said Reading Accessories Book Lovers Package from Debra Owsley.

Be sure to check your email to see if you’re the winner of one of the following books:

Damaged by Kia DuPree

Searching for Tina Turner by Jacqueline E. Luckett

Thought Provoking, Intriguing, Captivating,

Shelia Goss is at it again a man and a woman coming together under not so normal rules.

Jacob Banks was about to lose it all until his uncle leaves him with the opportunity to save his business. However, there are stipulations that he has to make happen before he’s allowed the cash he needs to save his business. This stipulation is named Brianna “Bri” Mayfield, a woman with her eyes set on revenge. Jake has to marry Bri to cash in on the inheritance. Brianna is determined to destroy Jake and his company. Jake’s proposal will provide her with a large sum of money and the perfect opportunity to accomplish her goal. What neither Jake nor Brianna count on is their attraction to each other.

His Invisible Wife was a fun and quick read with one major downfall. I could not find a clear description of Brianna anywhere in the book. I could give you a description of Jake from head to toe but we never get a description other than Jake stating she was a little healthier than most women he dated.

Shelia has produced another thought provoking intriguing book that left me captivated.

Reviewed by Missy
For Sexy Ebony Book Club Reviews

Here’s what’s “In My Mailbox.”  I got this meme idea from The Story Siren’s blog.

FORSAKEN by Vanessa Miller

3 Word Review: page-turner, drama-packed, redemption

About Forsaken:

Pastor Jerome Tyler “JT” Thomas is charismatic behind the pulpit, charming to all he comes in contact with, and lethal to those who linger too long. Since the age of twenty-two, when he prayed for God to keep him out of prison, JT knew he would preach the gospel. Bishop Turner makes it possible; but there are strings attached, and now JT isn’t sure he can stay tied down.

Cutting loose causes more problems than JT anticipated. When an old friend from his days on the streets resurfaces and his “extracurricular activity” comes knocking on his front door, JT’s life and the lives of those close to him spiral out of control. Now he will need divine intervention to make things right. But how much help can a man hope to receive when he feels he’s been forsaken by God?

SOMEBODY ELSE’S MAN by Daaimah S. Poole

3 Word Review: scandalous, friendship, fair

About Somebody Else’s Man:

Essence® bestselling author Daaimah S. Poole brings you the sizzling tale of two ex-best friends who can’t forgive, won’t forget…and will find out what matters most…

Nicole Edwards has a married man habit that she just can’t kick.

However, nothing can break up her longtime friendship with her best friend Tia. But when a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity comes along, Tia takes her new boyfriend’s advice to sue Nicole’s mother after a car accident.

Now Tia has a new home in South Carolina… and one furious ex-friend out to grab some of the good life for herself. And when wealthy businessman Dre starts burning up her sheets, Nicole sees a future as sparkling as the engagement ring she’s expecting… …until Tia turns up broke, with a new baby in tow…and news that Dre isn’t the man he seems.

And between lies, lust, and betrayal, Nicole must gamble on whom to believe, what she really wants—and a choice that may cost her everything…

THE IDEAL WIFE by Jacquelin Thomas

3 Word Review: captivating, surprising, gratifying

About The Ideal Wife:

Marrying a handsome, wealthy lawyer and living in a Hollywood Hills mansion…it’s a dream come true for twenty-four-year-old Jana, from the moment Lawrence Collins swept her off her feet and into his luxurious world. True, she put her studies at a local Bible college on hold in order to wed after a six-month whirlwind romance. Beautiful and vivacious, with a stunning body, Jana knows men like Lawrence don’t come along every day, and she vows to be a perfect companion — the ideal wife — to this sexy, powerful man. But at what price?

From her wardrobe and hairstyle to her friends and her choice of church, Lawrence seems to want to change Jana into someone she’s not…and soon, the man Jana thought she knew will test her values and her faith with a shocking revelation that goes against everything she believes. How far will Jana be willing to go to keep the man she loves? With her “ideal” marriage falling apart, Jana — the real, modest, smart, and strong girl who knows what she stands for — must put her trust in God, and follow His guiding light out of the darkness of a broken relationship.

MUSIC - RIHANNA’S RATED R

3 Word Review: Repetitive, okay, rushed
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

MUSIC - LEONA LEWIS - ECHO

3 Word Review: Songbird, powerful, nice
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

   Goss’ story is a mixture of deceit, betrayal, revenge, greed and romance.

To read the entire review of His Invisible Wife, go to: http://www.apooobooks.com/invisible-sheila-goss/

Readers With Attitude Book Club recently chose My Invisible Husband as their book of the month. Below is the 4 star review of the book:

Nikki has everything a young professional could want. She is on her A game in all aspects. Everyone else is concerned with why she isn’t married or doesn’t have any children at the age of 34. She is a very private person to keep the wagging tongues at bay. She fakes her own whirlwind Las Vegas wedding which turns to be more of headache than the truth.

Upon the return from her “wedding” she bumps into the man of her dreams Byron. Byron wants to be the knight in shining armor and protect her from every harm including herself. Their secrets threaten to destroy everything they both hold dear. Now when Ms. Tara steps on the scene everything gets even crazier!

I enjoyed the book being a romance, but not erotica. It is a suitable read for many different age groups. I also enjoyed there were consequences for immoral acts, however it wasn’t preachy. It was a quick read and nice break to read a love story that deals with real life issues tactfully.

The author takes a risk by stepping out to what some would suggest to be an unrealistic position however after our discussion with the author it is evident that some people really do go through this. One of our members stated sometimes one must step outside of themselves and read a book for the entertainment purpose that a book is meant to be and not necessarily what they would do in that situation. There was a lot of debate on this book at our meeting but we all agreed we had to step out and read the book with a fresh mind. The book was very well written and interesting enough to hold the readers attention to find out what the…is going on with this lying main character.

Reviewed by: Courtney - www.rwabookclub.com

Don’t forget the teens in your life. Give the gift of books. Get the latest book in the Lip Gloss Chronicles series.