Catt and Jamal are paired to take a three week business trip together to promote their new product and things seem to take a turn at this point. Catt and Jamal develop a friendship that provides occasion to talk and share on many levels which opens the eyes of the characters. Throughout the story God’s presence is a pillar of strength and hope and with his help Catt is able to lead Jamal to accepting Christ as his personal savior; however I noticed that as Catt and Jamal’s relationship strengthened the “presence” of God was less visible. The plot was predictable as well as the ending. It took me a little longer to read this book than usual reads. I would recommend Catt Chasin to readers who enjoy Christian Fiction or someone seeking a general inspirational story.

Kharizmah
Reviewer I Pen Designs

The author sent a review copy of this novel

Kharizmah
Reviewer I Pen Designs

It’s not often that a book causes me to look at myself in a different light. You know, get into the characters, make their issues your own…….and put your twist and turns in before turning the page. Unexpected Interruptions touches the topic of interracial relationships; with the tag line be careful what you ask for…You just might get it. At the end of this 279 page ride, the relationship between Victoria Small, Ted Thornton and Parker Brightwood I found myself questioning could I? Could I date, fall in love and find myself in an emotional turmoil between a successful black male and a successful white male?

Victoria found herself torn, making excuses, denying reality and simply fighting the truth. This struggle as shown in this sophisticated writing demonstrates when emotions run wild…..there is no color barrier. As she puts up barriers, her see through reasons not to love Ted Thornton she finds her walls of support were weak while dating Parker Brightwood. I loved the author’s humor, honesty and thought provoking conversations posed between the main characters. Victoria’s teetering between two men, the views from her family and friends, and the jealousy of others gives the book life. Any woman who has dated outside of their race has been Victoria. Any woman who has fallen in love and carried pain is Victoria. Any woman who has been swept off her feet is Victoria…….and if love is often confusion between your libido, emotions, and common sense for any woman…..they can be Victoria. I was pleased to find that Trice painted love without a color line. Ted Thornton and Parker Brightwood were men, educated, employed and totally in love with Victoria Small. Love has no limits, no barriers, no color………but in this novel love comes with Unexpected Interruptions.

Nanette M. Buchanan
Author

Bridget Midway, Seressia Glass, Lena Matthews, Raquel Taylor and Simone Harlow crafted this anthology,five short stories highlighting the quest for love. “Bitter Ball, Sex on South Beach, Heart Wrangler, Bayou Temptress and Cowboy Cool”, all have a different reason that puts friends and strangers on a one way street to happily ever after. The stories, I found were similar, sometime too similar just in a different setting, but believable for today’s lovers. One night stands, childhood dreams come true, loneliness fulfilled, and yes even persuasion plays a role when two unknowing hearts realize there is undeniable satisfaction for both parties in the bedroom.

The characters, the female being black and the male being white, in each story left me wondering where was the rest of the world and why would these women choose these men over their black counterparts. It was clearing understood that there was an attraction, however, the passion was beyond my belief. The stories reminded me of good fairy tales and I waited for the “Happily Ever After” writing at the end.

The reading would be for a young adult as the experience of the couples set the tone for those who had not had much experience in love. I enjoyed the read and yes, despite my desire for more substance and more pages, I would recommend the book to those looking for a different type of reading. Great work ladies……wish you the best.

Nanette M. Buchanan
Author

Unprotected Love by John F. Rooney
3.5 Stars

A serial killer is killing young male hustlers and disposing their bodies in New York City, riverside locations.  Lieutenant Denny Delaney, finds himself spinning his wheels in an area he has no real desire to uncover, gay men.  However, the Lieutenant is the celebrated detective who brought down a dreaded terrorist, Felix the Cat.  This leads him to believe and others to resent that he has another opportunity to show his skills as the head of the NYPD Special Ops Squad.  He begins his investigation only to find he knows little about the world of johns and hustlers and even with the help of experts, friends and other officers……he is led on what seems to be an endless chase.

Delaney has more to contend with after finding that the police department, the FBI , and others are entangled in this web.  He is caught in the cat and mouse game only to find that there may be more than one killer, one who has invaded his home with e-mails to his wife.  His “snitch”, a young man who finds himself running from the killer attaches himself to the Lt. and once again the highly honored officer finds himself in too deep.

The story is a roller coaster ride of ups and downs, however, I found the downs were where I debated about hanging on to the end.  I’m glad I did.  As the pace picked up and the lose ends tied the story to an exciting climax and finish. I gave a nod to the conclusion of this third book by John F. Rooney.  I am an avid fan of mystery, suspense and drama, but I dread the slow beginnings, the never ending descriptions and the side bar stories that don’t relate to the theme.  Mr. Rooney’s novel picked up and the thrill is more than a drop on the ride at the amusement park.  I loved the concept of the story and wished the first half of the book would have moved as fluid as the end.  Again, as a reader of mystery there are many who have this style of writing leading the reader on and on, longing for the plot to thicken giving them a reason to complete the book.  I found that reason and was satisfied.  Lt. Delaney has some unfinished issues after this novel.  Issues I am sure will resurface; another reason for another novel with Lt. Delaney and his team.

Author
Nanette M. Buchanan

Carpious Mightson is single, has been married, has no children, and is living what appears to be a simple, unblemished life. He is a Godly man with values, morals and respect for himself, his neighbors and others. This page turning novel by Kenn Bivins takes the reader through the days that lead Carpious, the main character back to his past. When confronted by what he has forgotten, yet not forgiven he finds himself questioning who he is versus who he portrays himself to be. Carpious seems to have it all together, he’s a model neighbor, a deacon in the church, and on the verge of starting a relationship after the turmoils of his divorce seemed to have been resolved. His life changes when Sydney Durden let’s him know she is just as interested in him as he is in her, Ian Kaplan moves into the neighborhood, and his ex-wife Alethea returns. It is then that the reader finds, Carpious is living a lie.

Pious is a story about forgiving and moving on. It is easy to say forgive and forget, but realistically we don’t often forget what tears us to the core. Carpious built his new life from a torn core. He attached himself to a new neighborhood, new surroundings, a church family and a new life. Forgetting where he came from, what the life he led had been like would have been easier if he just forgave himself and others before he moved on. Karma often brings things of the past back to light. In an effort to keep his past in the past, he takes matters in his hands as the man he was not the man he became. This novel of twists and turns is a page turner, a quick and intriguing reading. I had trouble with the authors narration. At times I thought it was disconnected as though it was not a novel but a play, or movie being directed. This in no way took from the storyline. I would definitely read another novel by Kenn Bivins.

Nanette M. Buchanan
Author

As Both Sides of the Fence 2 opens 10 years has elapsed. Shawn and Mona are attempting to address the hurt and pain from the secrets learned in Part 1, while being the best parents they know to be to their 3 innocent children and protecting them from the pain of their infidelities and secrets too….this is all until James Parks is released from jail and returns to execute his revenge on those that did him wrong. However one thing changes for him….he finds love. There is non-stop action from beginning to the end. (with some added surprises) There was not one boring scene in this book and the imagery was off the charts….Just like with Part 1 I laughed, I cried, and I was angry but I never stopped reading. I read this book in 1 ½ days. I suggest for everyone to get a copy of this book to learn how James carries out his revenge and manages his love life.

M.T. Pope keep up the good work! I cannot wait for Part 3

Kharizmah
I Pen Designs/I Pen Books Book Reviewer

11/10