Book Spotlight: Ties that Tether

When a Nigerian woman falls for a man she knows will break her mother’s heart, she must choose between love and her family.

At twelve years old, Azere promised her dying father she would marry a Nigerian man and preserve her culture, even after immigrating to Canada. Her mother has been vigilant about helping—well forcing—her to stay within the Nigerian dating pool ever since. But when another match-made-by-mom goes wrong, Azere ends up at a bar, enjoying the company and later sharing the bed of Rafael Castellano, a man who is tall, handsome, and…white.

When their one-night stand unexpectedly evolves into something serious, Azere is caught between her feelings for Rafael and the compulsive need to please her mother. Soon, Azere can't help wondering if loving Rafael makes her any less of a Nigerian. Can she be with him without compromising her identity? The answer will either cause Azere to be audacious and fight for her happiness or continue as the compliant daughter.

One of Betches' 7 Books by Black Authors You Need to Read This Summer

One of Elite Daily’s Books Featuring Interracial Relationships You Should Read In 2020

One of Marie Claire’s 2020 Books You Should Add to Your Reading List

Borada Photography.

Jane Abieyuwa Igharo was born in Nigeria and immigrated to Canada at the age of twelve. She has a journalism degree from the University of Toronto and works as a communications specialist in Ontario, Canada. When she isn't writing, she's watching "Homecoming" for the hundredth time and trying to match Beyoncé's vocals to no avail.

Review: Library of Lost Things

Darcy Wells has a book shaped heart because she spends her life reading and escaping the real world. She's desperately trying to escape the embarrassment of her home life and her biggest secret.

Her mother is a hoarder.

Darcy's been really great at keeping the secret, but the outside world is pushing back. The secret is crushing Darcy. After spending her life pushing most people away, Darcy meets a boy that she wants to open up to. But giving away her secret is scary.

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book. Although I confess the hoarding parts were hard to read a bit.  I loved Darcy's bookishness and the book references. I loved her friendship with Marisol - and how she challenged Darcy. I enjoyed Darcy's chats with Asher. I really liked her like in the bookstore and her moments with the building's owners. I loved Marisol's big family and how they embraced Darcy too. The secrets and family drama hit me in the heart. A great debut novel and an author to watch.

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: BEA arc
Library Recommendation: A great book for school and public libraries

On Your Radar (19)

Title: Just for Clicks

Author:  Kara McDowell

Publisher:  Amberjack

Publication Date: February 19, 2019

Why it Should be on Your Radar:

* Influencers

* Sisters

* Secrets

* Romance

* Mommy Blogger

* Fashion

* Reluctant Social Media Star

* Trust

* Debut Novel

* I reviewed this book for VOYA

Picture Book Review: Princess Hair

All Princesses wear crowns - but their hair isn't the same underneath.

A really cute story about the differences and diversity of black hair - and their proud of their differences and proud of their hair. The illustrations are adorable.

A must have book for both school and public libraries.

Review: Something Real

Chloe (Bonnie™) Baker used to be part of the TV hit series Baker's Dozen. Since the cancellation, she's been trying to lead a normal life. She has friends - and maybe even an potential boyfriend.

Then, she comes home from school one day to see a TV crew. Immediately, she realizes that something big is about to happen - but she never imagines that the show is coming back.

Her mother and step-father signed a contract - there's nothing that Chloe can do. As much as she hates it, she can't win. Everything she loves is about to become fodder for their reality show. Is it possible to keep anything from the cameras or will they ruin her life - again?

My Thoughts: I confess I'm not a reality TV watcher, but I LOVED this book. I couldn't put it down. I loved watching Chloe struggle with the show coming back on the air. I felt horrible for her - for having to give up a normal life, for the manipulation of the TV show, and for all the family drama. I wasn't a huge fan of her mom or her step father. I loved Benny and their sibling relationship. I can't imagine having 12 brothers and sisters nor could I imagine having my life plastered all over the TV in "entertainment." I love how Chloe tried to maintain her own life outside the cameras and how she fought to keep her relationships. A brilliant debut novel and I'm so looking forward to reading the author's next work. 

Cover Thoughts: I kinda like the cover on the ARC better - more simplistic.
Source: ARC sent for Review
Similar Read: Reality Check

Review: Dualed

West lives in a society that only wants the best and brightest to survive. So when couples want children, they're forced to pair up with two other parents. Two children are created with DNA from all four parents. Each parent takes home a child to raise.  Somewhere between the 10th and 20th birthday, the pair becomes activated. They then have one month to locate and kill their Alternate. If they both fail, they are simultaneously destroyed.

West's world goes into a downward spiral when she accidentally gets her brother killed. Now she's the last one left of her family. Her brother's best friend has promised to protect her, but since his Alt killer her brother, she can't look at him without feeling guilt and pain.

West does something crazy in order to survive - in order to feel something. She thinks that it will help with her training, for when she becomes activated. When the time comes, she wrestles with that question. Is she the best version?

My Thoughts: I love the concept of this book - it's definitely dark. West was strong, insecure, and sometimes made the wrong choices. In a way, she reminded me of Katniss. There were times when I wanted to ask what was going through her head - except that I knew and while I understood her thought process, I didn't agree with all her decisions. The opening sequence broke my heart, but it sets the tone for the book. I really liked Chord and how he tries to pull West our of her grief. I loved the moments between West and Dess. A great character driven novel with action, death, and a terrifying ending. Dualed is an engrossing debut novel that makes me want the sequel Divided! 

Cover Thoughts: LOVE
Source: My Library

Review: Brightley Woven

One moment Sydelle and her friend Henry are hanging out on the rocks and then next, it's raining. Their village hasn't seen rain in ten years. Shortly after, they spot a wizard. Together they all head into the village not knowing just how much their future is about to change. Wayland North, the wizard, takes the credit of bringing the rain. The chief, Sydelle's father offers him a reward. He's stunned when he finds out the wizard wants his daughter.

> Wayland believes he can stop the upcoming war with Sydelle's help. Together they set out cross the country to deliver their information. Sydelle can't help hating the wizard who took her away from her friends and family. In time, she grows to understand him more and appreciates him. They must overcome obstacles: rogue wizard attacks, a new queen trying to find her place, and two country leaders determined to go to war for all the wrong reasons. Sydelle wants to help stop the war so they can get on with their lives, but then she overhears Wayland talking about her and she can't believe her ears. Suddenly her world's turned upside down and she doesn't know who to trust or what to do next.

My Thoughts: An awesome debut - way to explode onto the scene. Love the fantasy/war story with a little bit of romance mixed in. I'm a sucker for wizard tales and I loved it. I do hope there's more coming.

The Cover: I have mixed feelings.

Source: My library.

Fun Fact: A debut novel written as a birthday present for a friend = awesome!

Fun Fact #2: There's a funny story when the author buys a copy of the book

Review: Princess for Hire

Desi hates her current job, especially when her ex-best friend stops by with the boy she's liked forever and humiliates her. She breaks down in the break room after the experience. Her boss invites her to make a wish with his lucky blue fish. Desi wishes to make a difference. She drags herself home that night and into a bubble bath where she reads the wanted ads looking for another job.

She spots a unique ad - that sparkles. As she's reading it, one bubble grows larger and larger until a woman steps out of it. Desi appears to have magical abilities and she might be of service to Princesses around the world.

With a touch of rouge (blush) she looks just like the princesses she's impersonating - princesses who need a little time off. No one knows Desi isn't the real deal. Her first assignment comes quickly to a mousy princess. Desi steps in and makes some decisions that could change both their lives. In making key choices does she over step her bounds? Will her unique way in helping her charges become the new thing or strikes against her?

My Thoughts: The first book in a new series - sweet, fun and entertaining. As a character - Desi grows with each new task set before her. I fully admit that I LOVE princess books - so I was super excited to read this one and I wasn't disappointed - Very much looking forward to the next books in the series.

The Cover: Reading the book makes me understand it better, but I have to admit I don't love it.

Source: My Library

Review: Match Made in High School

The principal rocks the senior class when she announces they must take part in a mandatory fake marriage class. Fiona must "marry" her arch nemesis boyfriend's Todd. During the marriage ceremony, Todd pranks Fiona humiliating her in front of her entire class. She's so furious that this means war. Luckily her best friend married a super nice guy and the three of them come up with the perfect prank to get him back at the dance.

Todd and Fiona trade pranks back and forth while attempting to participate in the course - which includes holding down a job together and finding a mutual activity. Fiona brings Todd with her to her babysitting gig and Todd makes Fiona join the cheerleading squad as the water girl. In between barbed comments and counseling sessions with the guidance counselor. Will they survive the course without killing each other?


My Thoughts: I've been waiting forever to read this, someone buzzed about it very early - which was great because it captured my attention, but bad because I didn't realize how long I'd have to wait to read it. Still, it was worth the wait. A funny refreshing read about two people coming to a mutual understanding among pranks, friendship drama, and maybe finding the boy of your dreams. Wildly fun fantastic debut!

Cover: fun, flirty, eye catching!

Source: My library

I used this book in one of my 10 in '10 Chick Lit Challenge

Review: Magic Under Glass

Ever since Nimira's mother died and her father gambled away their fortune, she's been singing and dancing for tiny wages. One night, her fortune changes when a gentleman watches her performance. While he offers her a job, she looks upon it as a chance for escape. Without hesitation, she takes him up on it. They travel to his estate where he informs her of his situation. He recently purchases an automaton and wishes her to sing with it. He briefly mentions that the automaton might be haunted as other girls have fled the house. Nimira's not sure what to think. The master of the house treats her as an almost equal. Nimira's not sure if he's flirting with her or not. When she hears rumors swirling about his wife, she's more confused than ever. While practice alone with the automaton, she discovers that the machine is holding a man trapped inside - thus creating the haunting effect. She quickly finds out a way to communicate with him. With each passing day, they grow closer, but danger sparks when some very powerful comes to visit and he also has a theory of about the automaton. Could Nimira lose everything she holds dear?

A wonderful debut novel that to me reads half regency (although it's not, but it does remind me of Jane Eyre) and half fantasy. Just a beautiful story, which continues in a sequel! There's been so much talk surrounding this cover, but I do want to say, however misguided, it's a beautifully eye-catching cover.


Read an interview with Jaclyn Dolamore

Copy *from Otis Library*

Read for 10 in '10 Teen Chick Lit Challenge: