National bestselling authors Kiki Swinson and Nikki Turner turn up the heat with two twisty tales of women on the run and under the gun...THE MOST WANTED DIAMONDS Kiki SwinsonGigi Costner needs four million dollars she doesn’t have and time she hasn’t got. Her ex-con ex-lover vows to make her pay for the multimillion-dollar stash of diamonds she stole as she ditched him for a new life as a suburban wife. With time running out, will Gigi’s new plan get her in front of the drama or drag her back into hood madness...ON DA RUN Nikki TurnerPeaches Brown never had to hustle to beat the streets, thanks to her protective father. Now, to escape an unjust murder charge she has to hide—and survive—in plain sight. And part of her disguise has her beating Miami’s most ruthless high-end thieves at their own game. But can her new identity hold up when staying alive means playing the top dealer for all he’s got...“Both novellas move fast, are tension-packed, and will thrill street-lit readers. Don’t hesitate. Buy it.” —Library Journal“Swinson and Turner join forces to create riveting, action-packed novellas about two women whose notoriety forces them to become fugitives. You’ll be glued to the pages until the very last bombshell.” —RT Book Reviews, 4 Stars
After Nikki Turner read The Coldest Winter Ever by Sistah Souljah she was dismayed that there weren't other books like it. "I wanted to write the kinds of books I wanted to read," said the bestselling author, whose 2002 debut novel, A Hustler's Wife, would go on to sell more than a few 100,000 copies. While Nikki Turner's first two novels were published by a small publishing house in the Midwest, in 2004 she signed a 2-book deal with One World, an imprint of Ballantine Books, which is part of The Random House Publishing Group. After publishing the first book under that deal, The Glamorous Life in 2005 as well as a short story collection edited by Nikki, Street Chronicles: Tales from da Hood, One World quickly signed Nikki up for three more Nikki Turner Original novels and negotiated a deal with her for her own book line, Nikki Turner Presents. "I want to give new authors the same kind of opportunity I was given," said Nikki. "I want to produce authors who will be household names."
On two consecutive evenings I read this until my eyes were grainy.. yet I couldn't stop until I finished first the first story then the second. Both are really good stories. They both have really great twists that I didn't expect.
The first story is about a woman who tries to fix a past that has come back to haunt her... I will say no more, but it is fast paced and a really good read... I was sorry to see her story end.. although it was wrapped up neatly in a nice twist I totally didn't expect.
The second story is about a woman who decides "God helps those that helps themselves" and she takes matters into her own hands. She is smart and a really awesome character. I would have to say though that it felt like the ending was left open for a part two.. or perhaps a full length novel about her next adventure?
All in all this was a total five star book, and a really fun read! I am so lucky to have won it in a Goodreads giveaway!
This was actually two stories in one book, both of which I enjoyed. I am familiar with the works of both authors and was not disappointed with these stories. The Most Wanted Diamonds by Kiki Swinson was about a young woman who ran away from her former life to start anew. What Gigi doesn't realize that most things, especially karma, will always come full circle. There's an old saying that what goes around, comes around. The reader will be intrigued with her story. I just thought the ending left the reader kind of hanging and wanting more. Zandra Barnes AAMBC Reviewer
In the first novella, Most Wanted Diamonds; KiKi Swinson crafts a tale of the backfire of betrayal. The story centers around Gianna or GiGi as she has come to be known. She is ghetto fabulous. She manages to find men who keep her laced and she enjoys being their trophy. Warren, a notorious street thug makes her his thug mistress. He moves her out of the hood and provides for her in the most ghetto fabulous manner. All of the hood chicks envy her designer digs. Until GiGi gets caught up with Warren on a deal gone bad. He goes to prison after GiGi sings like a bird. However, old love never dies as proven when Warren reappears after GiGi thought she had gotten out of dodge. Warren has some unfinished business and it isn't professing his dying love for GiGi. Although, the ending was predictable; the author succeeded in giving me a roller coaster feel. She kept me on the edge of my seat throughout the entire story. I wanted to like GiGi but she was an opportunist and not very smart. I wanted to like the older man that she married, Sidney after moving to Virginia, but I feel that he used Gigi as much as she used him. He used her to maintain an image to go along with his lifestyle. They had nothing in common, not even sex. The author sent the message in this short story, that you can't throw someone under the bus to save yourself and continue to get away with it. I felt that the story was well written. I would have liked a more exciting, more creative ending to this action packed story. I rated this action packed Novella at 3 stars. The Second Novella, was On Da Run, by Nikki Turner. The story is of Peaches, a hairstylist/card playing extraordinaire, turned fugitive of the law; who with the assistance of her street wise father Mickey, escapes to Miami. She changes her identity, literally and gets involved with the underworld of selling stolen luxury cars. She was only supposed to stay long enough for her father to find a way to prove that the crime was a result of self defense. He sends her to stay with his friend Matteo and his son Sticks with whom she develops a strong attraction to. The attraction may lead to her letting down her guard,which may or may not lead to danger. The main character changed her name from Peaches to Lolah when she escaped to Miami. However, she was often referred to as Peaches on one page and then Lolah on the next. I don't know if that was intended, but it distracted me. The ending was a huge let down, because it left me hanging. The author did accomplish relaying the message that once you start running, you never stop. You are always looking over your shoulder. I believe the author had an excellent storyline but for some reason did not bring it to a close. The story was action packed, which is why expected more of a dramatic ending. I need closure. I would rate this novel a 3 and am anticipating a sequel to this story. Bringing both novellas together for a final rating of the book, I will average the two ratings giving it 3 stars. With more editing of both editing and content, this book would be worth a read.
Yolanda Maria "Reviewed for the Sankofa Literary Society. Book provided by author or publisher for review purposes."
The Most Wanted Diamonds-Kiki Swinson 1 star I had a hard time relating to the book. It was about African American in the gangs. The Main character was materialistic, heartless plus stupid. <3 the ending she deserves.
On Da Run 3 Stars Poor Peaches. It shows powers and titles are everything in this world. Don't like the numbers of time the mention of God, Adam or Eve. And if she was on the run, why not keep her profile low instead of brand name that brand name this and involves in these unnecessarily fights.
Received the book free through Goodreads First Reads. Won 9/20, received on 10/7
Two stories. I liked the first one better than the second. Although, the first one was probably more predictable. It was also more suspenseful. Gigi is the main character in the first story. After being arrested with her boyfriend (who she snitches on), she goes on the run with his diamonds. Now she is married in another state. But, he catches up with her. The second story is about Peaches. She shoots four men when they threaten to rape her. Two die. She goes on the run. She changes her appearance and stays with an old friend of her fathers. This second story seemed to have unnecessary drama. But, was an OK read.
Something about these 2 books in 1 are not vibing with me. I tend to like one story and not the other so it makes it difficult to give a review on the whole. I liked the first story, but the ending had me a little put off. The second story just seemed a little scattered to me and it didn't hold my attention very well. It was like there was too much trying to be crammed into a novella. It was an okay listen overall, not my favorite from either author.
Most Wanted Gigi never cared about anything but herself. Karma came back and bit her and Warren played a major part she got what was coming to her. On The Run Peaches learned to leave the past in the past. Being on the run she started a new life found love but you know good things have to come to an end she have to stay a step ahead of the feds. I give it a 4 because it seems like both stories weren't finish need a part 2
This was just a typical read. Not exactly what I was expecting from two of my favorite authors. The first story was okay, but very predictable. The second story ended way too abruptly. Just when things were starting to take off, it was over. I guess I am just acustom to reading work action-based drama from these aurhors. These stories should have been on fire.
this was a waste of my time. thus book wasn't horrible but it was definitely not good. the second storyline left me feeling cheated because it just ended with no resolution to any of the conflicts. I really should have given it 1 star
Most Wanted is actually 2 independent stories, both of which are very well written, fast paced, easy to read, and the endings will definitely leave you with heart palpitations. I read this book in 2 days, (1 story a day). I would definitely recommend this book.
These two authors together was a great idea. This was a page turner but I well say I'm wanting more. Both the characters went through some stuff to be wanted but I enjoyed every page.
Kiki never disappoints, but this wasn't her best. Although I loved how she made me feel guilty for the sympathy that I had for Gigi. What a twist!
I've tried Nikki, and I just am not feeling her. Her vocabulary is top notch though. Her imagery is not the best. Maybe because her characters are so unrealistic. I'm not sure.
But I read the first story in a day, and it took me weeks to finish the second one.
This was decent. This was two stories in one and I liked the first book with Gigi better than the second one. Gigi was a hot mess and she was ready to do anything to get dude off her back. The second story left the window open for there to be a sequel. I found myself losing interest in the second story and when it started getting good it was over lol.
This is the book I had been waiting on. Two of my favorite authors did a book together, and I had suggested too, Ms. Turner. maybe a year later, this book came out. I was like, what???? I couldn't buy it quick enough, I describe these two authors to the Ladies version of The Author Donald Goins. I used to read him back in the day.
This was an interesting book. It was a "First Read" book sent by the authors before the general public can purchase it. Two authors, two stories, both set in the older districts of large cities. Good stories both.
Two short stories, by two great queens in the lit game prove that they know how to tell a story that keeps you intrigued. If you haven't read any of their other work, these appetizers will make you google them.
It was ok. Can't remember the 1st story too much....barely remember the 2nd but I listed via audio book in my car. I remember being satisfied about the ending of both stories.