January’s Book of the Month
He Who Is A Friend by Love Belvin
Spoilers all up and through this podcast. So, if you haven’t read the book, don’t listen lol. Tech issues caused some glitching as well. It shouldn’t be too bad. Enjoy! For review discussion excerpts, click here.
Sadik Ellis blew into my rather insipid world at breakneck speed and with gripping force. He held all the features: striking feline eyes, golden russet skin, incredible sex appeal, wealth exuding like the enticing scent of cologne, and mind-blowing determination.
He was also trouble from the other side of the tracks, something I’d sensed. Sadik was an Ellis man with a solid education, his own thriving businesses, and self-obtained wealth. However, the Ellis family was known for their long underbelly ruling of the state of New Jersey. When Sadik assured his life was separate of his father’s, I believed him each time.
I fell completely and dangerously head over heels for him. And, my God, all the red flags were there. Yet I ignored them all, throwing caution to the winds of naivety just to add a little spice to my mundane world.
A world that will never be the same because I allowed it to be infiltrated by an Ellis.
Available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2YsKgZK
Renee’s Review
In the beginning, I honestly got lost with all the different people and many names. And, I may be late but this was the first time I read anything with more than one POV in one chapter. Of course, it made sense and now I love that idea, but it was new to me. This is actually my time reading Love Belvin because I have been too distracted to read in over eight years 🙁 However, this right here was the perfect way to get back into the habit.
Without giving too much away, I loved this story. It pulled me in different directions because of this Alpha Male character. Sadik was intriguing and scary at the same time. He had to be in control and didn’t know what to do with himself if he wasn’t. It made him interesting. He was a businessman and did it well. He was also a family man who loved them unconditionally because that was the only way anyone could deal with his family lol. Sadik had an air about him and power that would probably draw women to him, but he had the last say in who he’d be with. Even if no one agreed and I loved that about this character.
Bilan, oh, Bilan. She was definitely a naive young lady who probably didn’t know how truly naive she was. There were times where she understood her inexperience and was even embarrassed by it. Then other times her blindness to reality made her real. She was focused and everything else just was. I did enjoy seeing her come out of her shell slowly, but also her struggle with that growth.
The story had so many details and subplots that it was hard to keep up unless you were really paying attention. Once you caught on, your mouth would be on the floor. It was sexy, challenging (some of the character’s behavior — when you want to curse them out lol), intense, jaw-dropping, and real. Even if not in our circles, these people exist somewhere.
When I’d rather lose sleep than to put the book down, I’m all in. This book did not disappoint. I will definitely read more of Love Belvin’s work.
Telicia’s Review
The book is a must-read. I loved how when I initially did not like a particular character based on the things I thought I knew. Then getting to know the character, I started to love them.
Bridgette’s Review
I loved this book. I have never seen or read about a family like this. They were really unique and Cray Cray in their own way…smh. Thanks for the inside view of a gangsta. If I could choose my favorite character, it would have to be Sadik. Even though he was hardcore, he still showed his sensitive side with Bilan. Waiting for book 2!
