Trapline Reads Book Reviews

Keisha J. delivers another raw, emotionally gripping installment in Surrogate To a Corporate Savage . This sequel takes the tension, heartbreak, and passion of book one and turns it up a notch, forcing Kyomi and Yasiah into battles that test not only their relationship but their very sense of self. Kyomi’s journey is devastating yet powerful—her struggles with old wounds and fresh grief are written with such realism that you can feel her unraveling in real time. It’s the kind of emotional honesty that makes her easy to root for, even when the world around her is relentless. Yasiah, on the other hand, is the perfect counterweight: strong, calculating, used to control. Watching him wrestle between his empire and his heart adds depth to his character and makes his softer moments with Kyomi land even harder. What stands out most is Keisha J.’s ability to balance high-stakes drama with authentic love. The novel never loses its corporate-savage edge—deals, power moves, and dominance—but it a...

David Moore ’s The Players Ball is a high-octane ride through Statesboro ’s wildest weekend, capturing the grit, glamour, and chaos of a Southern spring break blowout where the stakes are as high as the hemlines. Set against the backdrop of Georgia Southern University ’s most notorious annual party, this urban fiction drama blends fast cars, dangerous men, and bad decisions into an addictive cocktail of lust, betrayal, and ambition. What I especially liked: The pacing is relentless in the best way—there’s barely a moment to breathe between yacht parties, strip club fights, and tense street corner standoffs. Moore’s dialogue pops with authenticity, from the sweet talk of hustlers to the cutting shade between rivals. Brielle and Naima stand out as layered female leads—one chasing clout, the other clawing her way to freedom—both with stakes that feel personal and urgent. The Statesboro setting is a character in itself: humid, pulsing, and alive with the sound of bass, engines, and whisp...

Del Sandeen’s This Cursed House is a lush, unsettling Southern gothic debut that masterfully blends supernatural horror with razor-sharp social commentary. Set in 1962 New Orleans , the novel follows Jemma Barker , a young Black woman seeking escape from her haunted life in Chicago , only to find herself entangled in the strange and cursed Duchon family . What I especially liked: Sandeen’s prose is rich and immersive, steeped in the sensory weight of the Louisiana setting—the oppressive heat, the scent of magnolia, the claustrophobic creak of an old house steeped in secrets. The portrayal of colorism within the Duchon family adds layers of tension beyond the supernatural, making the human conflicts just as chilling as the curse itself. Jemma is a compelling protagonist—flawed, intuitive, and deeply human—and the way she slowly unravels the family’s history feels both authentic and haunting. The pacing mirrors the genre’s best traditions, starting slow but steadily tightening the no...

A. Roy Milligan ’s Women Lie Men Lie is a bold, high-octane entry into the urban fiction scene, blending street grit, steamy romance, and a razor-edged crime plot that pulls no punches. Set in Pontiac and Detroit , this debut takes readers deep into the hustle of JC —a freshly released ex-con determined never to go back inside. But instead of corner hustles and dope runs, JC finds a new game: seducing lonely, wealthy women on Facebook and turning charm into cold cash, cars, and luxury living. Milligan doesn’t waste time dressing up JC as a hero—he’s a deeply flawed protagonist whose charisma, six-pack swagger, and ruthless streak make him equal parts magnetic and dangerous. The book balances the thrill of JC’s scams with the tension of his entanglement with Kelly , the one woman who just might have his heart. Kelly’s suspicion about JC’s past, combined with the looming threat of drug cartel enemies, cranks the suspense higher with each chapter. The pacing is fast and addictive, with...

Tiece’s I Need Love is a raw and emotional hood romance that doesn’t shy away from the darker corners of life, while still delivering the hope and passion that fans of the genre crave. Scarlett Harper is a character you can’t help but root for—a small-town country girl with beauty, humility, and a quiet strength buried under layers of insecurity. Tiece crafts her backstory with heartbreaking realism, from the emotional and physical abuse of her unfit mother to the ultimate betrayal of a so-called best friend. The novel’s pacing is tight, and the stakes rise quickly. Just when Scarlett begins to taste the sweetness of love and stability, thanks to the kindness of an older woman who sees her worth, her past comes crashing back with a vengeance. The tension between her desire to move forward and the ghosts determined to pull her back is gripping. Tiece’s strength lies in writing flawed, authentic characters and weaving in the messy realities of love, trust, and redemption. The romance ...

Tiece’s The First Wife delivers a heartfelt and emotionally charged blend of urban fiction and romance that grips you from the very first chapter. What begins as the innocent world of four-year-old Myanna Capone —showered with love and security—quickly shatters when tragedy strikes close to home. That pivotal moment sets the tone for a story that is as much about loss and survival as it is about love and second chances. The novel’s emotional depth comes not only from Myanna’s journey but also from Dr. Elise Harris , a woman who knows heartbreak intimately and has built walls around her heart because of it. Fate intertwines their paths, and the way Tiece navigates their shared pain—while also exploring themes of resilience, healing , and the redefining of love—is both touching and authentic. What makes The First Wife stand out is Tiece’s ability to balance raw, real-life struggles with moments of warmth and hope. The supporting cast of family and friends adds layers to the narrative...