Heavenly Match (Arabesque)

Rating:
Summary: A date with destiny...
Review: Deshawn Jamison is just as fine as he wants to be, and he knows it too. He knows that with just a look or a smooth pick-up line, he can have any woman he wants to. That is until he meets Anika Foxx, the best friend of his twin brother's wife Chloe.

Anika is not impressed with Deshawn and shoots him down the first time he comes on to her. This is a major blow to Deshawn's ego, but he doesn't let that deter him. He is bound and determined to win her over if it's the last thing he does. Against her better judgment, Anika finally breaks down and agrees to spend time with Deshawn. Deshawn's plan backfires when he realizes that the time he spent with Anika was real, causing him to finally feel some real emotions. Unfortunately for Deshawn, Anika overhears part of a conversation between he and his brother that confirms her belief that he was out for one thing, and one thing only. Will this revelation destroy any hope of there ever being something serious between the two?

Niobia Bryant is an up and coming author who has quickly become someone whose works I make it a point to look out for. HEAVENLY MATCH is a wonderfully romantic story with an air of mystery and suspense that draws the reader in, encouraging them to put aside everything and everyone until they have read the book in its entirety. Kudos to the author for penning a novel that I'm sure romance readers everywhere will enjoy, and may even find themselves reading over and over again.

Reviewed by Renee Williams
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers


Rating:
Summary: Highly Recommended
Review: I decided to submit a review for this book because the other reviews were absolutely glowing, and I did love this book, but there were problems. Okay, I loved this book because of the chemistry between Anika and DeShawn and the wonderful things he does and feels for her. Unlike the other reviews I have seen, I did not think this book was flawless but I still recommend it. Anika got on my nerves at times, but she was realisticly portrayed in her overreacting and in her assumptions, she was just so insecure in so many ways. I could surely do without the "Lawd quit!" from Anika, especially when it lost its meaning given the various different times she said it, including after sex. This saying made me put the book down, but if you just continue reading, you really will be pleased with the read. The last thing is that while I did think the Mary J. Blige songs as titles was clever, I wished she had listened to other things, because it was just too much in some ways. Another reviewer said that this was great because it was finally recognizing the "Hip Hop Generation", well I never call myself that but I am part of Gen. X, and while I like the references I was more familiar with, I was also put off because there was a level of materialism that was not attractive in, for example, the endless use of the designer names when describing Anika's clothes. These were my problems with the book, but I have to say, I did love this book despite these problems. Niobia Bryant is very talented and I look forward to reading her books in the future and I will search for ones that I have missed.

Rating:
Summary: New Jack Swing/ Hip-Hop Soul of Romance
Review: I liked this book a lot. I particularly appreciated the way the author weaved in the genre of music by giving each chapter the title of a Mary J. Blige song. This aspect of the book made the novel appeal to a generation of romance readers that is not always represented and has made me dub it the "New Jack Swing/ Hip-Hop Soul of romance." Since Ms. Blige has helped a whole generation deal with their issues of love, heartbreak and romance, I found Bryant's move refreshing. The fact that the main character Anika has not traveled an easy road to love, but arrived nonetheless aware of self and full of determination makes her a leading lady, that like Blige, embodies the endurance and strength of Black womanhood. The romance between Deshawn and Anika is full of twists and turns but the connection is undeniable.

Rating:
Summary: One of the Best of 2004
Review: I read all the reviews and heard all the buzz about this book, so I just had to buy it and see if it lived up to all the hoopla.

Well, everyone shouting to the rooftops about this book ...was right.

This really is a good read. The storyline is excellent. I thought it was a good twist to the see man pulling all the tricks to win the woman. And Deshawn, the charming twin, definitely pulled out all the stops - even placing an ad proclaiming his love in the local paper. You go, boy!

The book was funny, "need a cold shower after reading the love scenes" sexy, and very romantic. There was just enough drama to keep it interesting, just enough suspense to keep you wondering, and just a bit of the paranormal to keep it refreshing.

I agree with the other reviewer that the addition of Mary J. Blige's song titles was the right touch.

This was my first read of Mrs. Bryan't work, but I am definitely going to purchase "Three Times a Lady", hunt down the out of stock "Admission of Love", and impatiently wait for "Can't Get Next to You" in March.

Good job, Mrs. Bryant, may I suggest you give Anika's four handsome brothers their own memorable romance as well.

Rating:
Summary: Life's drama
Review: I think Ms.Bryant put together a well written book. I thoroughly enjoyed the fact that she show Anika Foxx as being a strong women with hidden secret. I beleive most women have had "trails and tribulation" in their lives. I like that she brought attention to the fact that abusive relationship exist on all levels. I also think the use of Mary J song in this book are rightin line with Anika character. If you believe in faith and destiny then you might want to pick up a copy of Ms. Bryant book. I intend to purchase. Chloe and Devon's story next.



Rating:
Summary: Love playing hard to get!
Review: Playing hard to get.......... a wonderfully written and well crafted love story of 2 who go out on a limb to find love despite the trials and tribulations of everyday living. A perfect example of never giving up on the one you truly love. I would love a movie just to see who would play Deshawn!

Rating:
Summary: What's the 411?
Review: The 411 is definitely that Niobia Bryant is a 5 star writer. I consider her right up there with Rochelle Alers and Brenda Jackson with her steamy love scenes and great story telling abilities. The characters are very real, and the cat and mouse chase between Anika and Deshawn holds you until you MUST finish the book in one night. The heat between them is fiery as all get out. The love scene at the carnival alone is worth the cost of the book. I needed a fan and a cold shower afterwards-LOL.

Loved the way she headed each chapter with a Mary J. Blige song title. Each title fit the mood of the chapter perfectly and it was a added touch that only made the book better.

I recently joined her online yahoo group, Niobia_Bryant_News, and she is also a very sweet and open person. The online chat with her was off the hook.

Good job again, Niobia. You have yet another fan for life. I can not wait to get my hands on Can't Get Next to You in March.



Rating:
Summary: What a Read
Review: This has instantly become one of the best books I have read so far this year. It had a combination of everything a good book and sequel needs. It had suspense, steamy love scene, and it was believable. I love how Chloe and Devon were intertwined in the book. It was a great and easy read. Can't wait for the next release in 2005.

LaShonda
Indianapolis


Rating:
Summary: Okay
Review: This was an okay read. Personally I thought the book was too long and if I had to hear "Lawd quit" one more time I thought I would scream. I also hate it when authors stress designer names for EVERYTHING down to the makeup. I thought the story started off good but buy the middle of the book it became tiring. Why in all of these books do the heroine always run out before getting the entire story. When I started reading this book I wanted to get Chloe and Devon's book but I don't think so.

Rating:
Summary: Two Sides to A Coin
Review: Trinity's review was so negative that I'm doing something I normally don't do ... post a review.

Heavenly Match is a great read for those who are avid readers of romance books with substance. I love a book that follows the development of the characters and romance at a realistic pace. In the "real world" a love of importance is never speedy.

For those looking for a short, unrealistic read, or those who feel challenged by books with more pages that a comic book, I do not suggest HEAVENLY MATCH. But ... for those who spend their hard earned money and want to feel as if they are getting their money's worth, grab HEAVENLY MATCH.