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You Can Study the Outcome…But You Can’t Skip the Becoming

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I recently learned that someone is attempting to replicate my brand…not just the idea, but the positioning, language, and presence that took years to develop. Yes, there is room for everyone. That has always been true. But room does not eliminate responsibility…and integrity still matters. There is a clear difference between inspiration and imitation. Inspiration sparks creativity…it leads you inward. Imitation avoids that work and looks outward instead. One is rooted in self-trust. The other is rooted in convenience. What’s often ignored is the process behind a brand…the years of refining, the missteps, the quiet pivots, and the discipline to keep showing up long before visibility arrives. You can study the outcome. But you can’t skip the becoming. I don’t make a habit of addressing things like this. I stay focused. I build. I mind my business. But this isn’t about feeling threatened…it’s about being clear. Shortcut culture thrives when originality is treated as optional. So I’ll con...

Book Review-Stat: Love in Scrubs by Iesha Bree

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  Format: Audiobook (5h 18m listen time) Narrated by Deja Rion and D’Art Publisher: Recorded Books Content Advisory (No spoilers): This story includes themes of grief, loss of a parent, emotional trauma, and healing. While emotionally layered, it remains a romance at its core. Please take care while reading or listening if these themes are sensitive for you. About the book One night. No names. No expectations. Just two strangers trying to forget—until the moment refuses to be forgotten. Dr. Desmond Wilder has no time for chaos. As a single father and one of the most respected obstetricians at Saint Ambrose Memorial, every second of his life is calculated—especially now that he’s in line for Chief of Obstetrics. But everything shifts when he walks into his daughter’s summer program … and sees  her . Yara Sinclair never expected to see him again. Their one night together was supposed to mean nothing. He doesn’t even know her name. But now, he’s standing in the very school she bu...

Book Review: The Blizzard Pact by Coya Wilson

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  The Blizzard Pact by Coya Wilson Format: Kindle/Kindle Unlimited Holiday Romance Novella Book Review Coya Wilson understood the assignment—short, sweet, snowy, and satisfying. The Blizzard Pact is a cozy holiday romance that wraps you up like a warm blanket during a winter storm. I genuinely enjoyed the characters and found myself wanting more from them (always a good sign). This was my first time reading this author, but it definitely won’t be my last. What stood out most? Even in novella form, the story felt complete—I didn’t walk away craving closure or feeling like anything was missing. That’s intentional writing, clean pacing, and thoughtful character work. And you already know— The Blizzard Pact gets Yolanda’s Stamp of Approval . If you’re looking for a quick, feel-good holiday escape to melt your heart faster than hot cocoa cools, add this to your Kindle ASAP . Trust me, your TBR needs this blizzard.

Book Review: Where Secrets Find Solace by Kimberly Brown

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  Publisher: Recorded Books Publication: December 16, 2025 Listening Length: 9 hours 4 minutes Format: Audio Content Warning Also available in ebook and paperback Publisher: Black Odyssey Media This story explores some emotionally heavy themes, including past trauma and difficult family dynamics. While the book is ultimately about healing and reclaiming one’s voice, some moments may be tender or challenging for sensitive readers. Please take your time and care for yourself as you read. About the book After ten years behind bars, a woman walks free—but freedom comes with its own sentence in this bold and unsparing novel by national bestselling author Kimberly Brown. After serving a ten-year sentence for killing her mother’s boyfriend, Alayah Chambers is finally free—but freedom comes at a cost. Haunted by the abuse that landed her in prison and judged by a society that still sees her as a criminal, Alayah must piece together a new life in a world that isn’t quick to forgive. Determi...

Book Review: Memphis (The Three Kings Series, Book 2) by Alexandria House

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  Publisher: Tantor Media Publication: December 16, 2025 Listening Length: 5 hours 52 minutes Publisher: Tantor Media Format: Audio Content Warnings (no spoilers): ⚠️ Elements of dark romance ⚠️ Emotional intensity & suspense ⚠️ Mature themes 📌 Important: Read Book 1 first for full context. About the book MEMPHIS I've been a fighter all my life. I never back down. I don't fold. But him? One touch from him and my resolve instantly disintegrates. BO You might call me mean, evil, maybe even diabolical. I'll take all that because I only care about her. Nothing and no one else. She's all that matters, and I'll do anything to make her mine...again. Review That doggone Alexandria House! That freaking Alexandria House!  This book took me on a ride I was not prepared for—in the best way possible. What initially felt like a dark romance quickly evolved into a gripping romantic suspense, and honestly? I couldn’t have been happier about the shift. At first, Memphis and B...

Book Review-Love on Board by Aries Skye

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  Publication: January 27, 2026 Pages: 356 Publisher: Black Odyssey Media Formats: Kindle, Audio and Paperback ** This book thoughtfully explores themes of love, attraction, and self-discovery. Some elements may be unexpected for certain readers ** About the book When a guarded divorcée and a love-weary mogul cross paths on a singles cruise, a pact to keep things platonic sets sail toward a second chance neither of them is ready for. Aquila Richards-Oliver has the life many envy: a high-profile husband, two beautiful sons, and a seemingly perfect role as wife, mother, and big sister. But perfection comes at a steep price. When her marriage to a world-renowned chef unravels under the weight of betrayal and long-buried truths, Aquila chooses herself—for the first time in years—and begins the hard work of rebuilding her life on her own terms. Roman Patterson has built everything but a family. At thirty-five, the successful entrepreneur has more wealth than time and more regrets than r...

Deep in My Soul by Kimberly Brown — Review

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  A Jareau Family Novel Book 2 Publisher : ‎  B. Love Publications Kindle Price: $5.99 Genre: African American Romance This book was everything . A perfect blend of romance and suspense that kept me hooked from start to finish. I just knew Jameson and Liv were going to remain my favorite couple from Book 1… but oh no— Cartel and Adina have officially taken that spot. Their story was intense, captivating, and full of emotion. Please note that this book comes with trigger warnings , and Kimberly Brown handles those sensitive moments with care. Still, prepare yourself—this was definitely an emotional ride. This book gets my stamp of approval. On to Book 3 ! #BookReview #ReadersOfInstagram #BlackRomance #RomanticSuspense #KimberlyBrownBooks # YolandasLiteraryHaven