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If I Ruled the World
A fast-paced, juicy debut novel that peeks behind the curtain at the cutthroat world of hip-hop music and the glamorous magazine scene in the late 1990s, written by the ultimate insider
It's 1999, and Nikki Rose is the only Black editor on the staff of a prestigious fashion magazine she once thought would be her ticket to becoming a respected editor in chief. But after being told one too many times by her boss that “Black girls don’t sell magazines,” she quits to take over Sugar, a struggling hip hop music and lifestyle magazine with untapped potential.
Thrown into an entirely new world of wealth, decadence, and debauchery, Nikki has just six months to save Sugar—and her own dreams. As she pulls all-nighters at the office and parties with New York City’s most influential bad boys, Nikki must prove she has what it takes to lead. But her most dangerous challenge is evading Alonzo Griffin, her very married, very powerful ex-lover and former boss, who is determined to destroy both her and Sugar. Along the way, Nikki leans on a circle of loyal friends and navigates unexpected romances that force her to reckon with what—and who—she truly wants.
If I Ruled the World is a smart, utterly immersive journey through one of the most dynamic eras in pop culture history—a story of ambition, friendship, love, and finding your own voice.
It's 1999, and Nikki Rose is the only Black editor on the staff of a prestigious fashion magazine she once thought would be her ticket to becoming a respected editor in chief. But after being told one too many times by her boss that “Black girls don’t sell magazines,” she quits to take over Sugar, a struggling hip hop music and lifestyle magazine with untapped potential.
Thrown into an entirely new world of wealth, decadence, and debauchery, Nikki has just six months to save Sugar—and her own dreams. As she pulls all-nighters at the office and parties with New York City’s most influential bad boys, Nikki must prove she has what it takes to lead. But her most dangerous challenge is evading Alonzo Griffin, her very married, very powerful ex-lover and former boss, who is determined to destroy both her and Sugar. Along the way, Nikki leans on a circle of loyal friends and navigates unexpected romances that force her to reckon with what—and who—she truly wants.
If I Ruled the World is a smart, utterly immersive journey through one of the most dynamic eras in pop culture history—a story of ambition, friendship, love, and finding your own voice.
347 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 27, 2026
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October 26, 2025
Set in the vibrant, competitive world of late-1990s New York, If I Ruled the World pulls readers behind the scenes of the hip-hop magazine boom and the fashion industry’s glass ceilings. The story follows Nikki Rose, a talented (racially ambiguous) and ambitious editor who, after being told once too often that “Black girls don’t sell magazines,” leaves her prestigious job to take over Sugar, a struggling hip-hop publication on the brink of collapse.
Nikki makes plenty of mistakes along the way but I fell in love with her willingness to keep betting on herself despite setbacks, bad decisions, and the power dynamics working against her. Surrounded by loyal friends and supportive parents, she learns that chasing success doesn’t mean losing herself in the process.
Fast-paced, bold, and layered with heart, If I Ruled the World tells a story about ambition, identity, and the unshakable belief that Black women deserve the corner office without having to play politics to get there.
Nikki makes plenty of mistakes along the way but I fell in love with her willingness to keep betting on herself despite setbacks, bad decisions, and the power dynamics working against her. Surrounded by loyal friends and supportive parents, she learns that chasing success doesn’t mean losing herself in the process.
Fast-paced, bold, and layered with heart, If I Ruled the World tells a story about ambition, identity, and the unshakable belief that Black women deserve the corner office without having to play politics to get there.
January 29, 2026
3.75⭐️
Thank you @macmillan.audio + @flatiron_books for the galley and ALC ♡
my review on bookstagram
A love letter (but also some hate mail: some things are broken) to the media/entertainment/fashion industry.
🎉 Happy pub day to this debut title which brought me back to growing up in the 90s right before the birth of MTV and the internet era.
Women have always had to fight to have a seat at the corporate table and it was doubly difficult for Nikki Rose as a woman of color (Black biracial). Because “Black girls don’t sell magazines”.
💈Loved the use of hair as a metaphor throughout the book and Nikki’s resolve despite failures and setbacks (many of her own making). Look, it may have taken her a few screwups to learn, but her girl crew had her back and called her on her nonsense too.
The men in the book.. oof. “There is no cultural justification for rape [in the entertainment industry].”
Reminded me so much of a quote from Beartown by @backmansk “Religion doesn’t fight, guns don’t kill, and you need to be very fucking clear that hockey has never raped anyone! But do you know who do? Fight and kill and rape?…MEN!”
Mind the trigger warnings. Tackles topics including rape, consent, misogyny, sexism, racism.
👠 Give this one a read if you loved The Devil Wears Prada or similar stories of the cutthroat fashion industry. The audiobook is my recommended format, where Kristolyn Lloyd brought all the characters to life.
Thank you @macmillan.audio + @flatiron_books for the galley and ALC ♡
my review on bookstagram
A love letter (but also some hate mail: some things are broken) to the media/entertainment/fashion industry.
🎉 Happy pub day to this debut title which brought me back to growing up in the 90s right before the birth of MTV and the internet era.
Women have always had to fight to have a seat at the corporate table and it was doubly difficult for Nikki Rose as a woman of color (Black biracial). Because “Black girls don’t sell magazines”.
💈Loved the use of hair as a metaphor throughout the book and Nikki’s resolve despite failures and setbacks (many of her own making). Look, it may have taken her a few screwups to learn, but her girl crew had her back and called her on her nonsense too.
The men in the book.. oof. “There is no cultural justification for rape [in the entertainment industry].”
Reminded me so much of a quote from Beartown by @backmansk “Religion doesn’t fight, guns don’t kill, and you need to be very fucking clear that hockey has never raped anyone! But do you know who do? Fight and kill and rape?…MEN!”
Mind the trigger warnings. Tackles topics including rape, consent, misogyny, sexism, racism.
👠 Give this one a read if you loved The Devil Wears Prada or similar stories of the cutthroat fashion industry. The audiobook is my recommended format, where Kristolyn Lloyd brought all the characters to life.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is one of the best debut novels I've read in a while. It's obvious the author took her time writing this story. The plot development shows the depth of the author's research into sensitive issues women face in the entertainment industry, The characters were very well developed. One other thing that is obvious is the editing was on point. I can't wait to see what this author produces next. If the writing stays like this I will be a fan for life.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ALC. I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ALC. I am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 4, 2026
Quick Thoughts:
Just know that the main character, Nikki, is going to get on your nerves! She makes the same mistake over and over again, but by the end of the book, I believe her hardheadness was not a curse. It was actually a blessing!
Read If I Ruled the World if you like:
*Books with 90s pop culture/music references
*Stories that do not hesitate to get to the drama
*Coming of age stories/character growth
Just know that the main character, Nikki, is going to get on your nerves! She makes the same mistake over and over again, but by the end of the book, I believe her hardheadness was not a curse. It was actually a blessing!
Read If I Ruled the World if you like:
*Books with 90s pop culture/music references
*Stories that do not hesitate to get to the drama
*Coming of age stories/character growth
January 29, 2026
I LOVED EVERY SINGLE MINUTE OF THIS. This book will definitely live on my shelves because wow.
I really can not believe this is a debut. Miss Barnett, you did THAT and have instantly become an autobuy author.
BUT this story is a love letter to all Black women about the importance of fighting back and standing on business. Our main character, Nikki Rose, is living every Black woman's daily life, being the only Black woman in the room. After being told "Black girls don't sell magazine" she leaves this traumatic environment to take over a struggling hip-hop magazine, Sugar. However, once she gets there, she realizes that Sugar and the world that it's intertwined with is equally toxic. After constant missteps (and most of them are frustrating!) Nikki realizes the importance of her role in disrupting the toxic hip hop world.
Despite my frustrations, I saw much of myself in Nikki and found myself rooting for her success and growth with each lesson she learned. One quote that really summed up our journey with Nikki was this:
"I'm just sick of being a pawn. Honestly, I'm sick of how damn near every woman is a pawn in this world. We get judged and cornered and casually discussed." and "Now I want to resist. I am resisting."
This is a must-read for readers who enjoy stories about women taking their power back! Please check the trigger warnings for this one - there are mentions of r***.
Thank you to Netgalley and MacMillan Audio for the ALC in exchange for my honest opinion.
I really can not believe this is a debut. Miss Barnett, you did THAT and have instantly become an autobuy author.
BUT this story is a love letter to all Black women about the importance of fighting back and standing on business. Our main character, Nikki Rose, is living every Black woman's daily life, being the only Black woman in the room. After being told "Black girls don't sell magazine" she leaves this traumatic environment to take over a struggling hip-hop magazine, Sugar. However, once she gets there, she realizes that Sugar and the world that it's intertwined with is equally toxic. After constant missteps (and most of them are frustrating!) Nikki realizes the importance of her role in disrupting the toxic hip hop world.
Despite my frustrations, I saw much of myself in Nikki and found myself rooting for her success and growth with each lesson she learned. One quote that really summed up our journey with Nikki was this:
"I'm just sick of being a pawn. Honestly, I'm sick of how damn near every woman is a pawn in this world. We get judged and cornered and casually discussed." and "Now I want to resist. I am resisting."
This is a must-read for readers who enjoy stories about women taking their power back! Please check the trigger warnings for this one - there are mentions of r***.
Thank you to Netgalley and MacMillan Audio for the ALC in exchange for my honest opinion.
February 2, 2026
I read this book based on Oprah's IG recommendations. I really liked this book, and so happy to see that it is getting a TV adaptation and will be watching it when it comes out. I listened to this on audiobook and devoured it down. Looking forward to more work by Amy Dubois Barnett.
January 29, 2026
Fresh, energetic and FABULOUS! IIRTW takes us to the highly charged world of the 1990s NYC magazine and hip hop era.
I absolutely loved this story. Nikki was such a complex, melodramatic character with so many things popping off in her personal life and professional career that left me waiting for the next big jolt. She made poor choices, but who hasn't. I loved seeing her grow and evolve, taking charge, unraveling chains, and carving her own path.
When you see pictures from the 90s celeb you get a glimpse into the luxury party lifestyle that commanded the scene. You see the high powered players, the R&B stars, music moguls, slick models, bottles popping and 50 watt smiles. What you don't see are the rumors, blackmail, manipulation and scandals looming beneath the surface.
This books shows us all of that and more! It was such an exciting read that I got lost in, taking me back to the 90s when life was good and I was picking up Essence/Cosmopolitan magazines every month to see the latest celebrity news. I swear I felt like I was weaving through the crowded clubs with Nikki and her friends, sipping bubbly and turning up to the rump shaking beats.
This debut was bold, rich, fun and so real. IMO the author’s style struck me as my favorite author - Tia Williams (not the romance, but the core of the characters). She really spotlighted a lot of the messiness that happened and is now being brought to light!
The narration was magnificent! Kristolyn Lloyd epitomized each character 1000%. Highly skilled in her craft, perfect tones, pitches, “that girl” aura, and magnifying the essence of the character and every emotion felt. SHE was Nikki, you can't tell me otherwise!
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐝𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞/𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬 𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝟗𝟎𝐬? I miss being in school, playing outside with friends - not having any cares
I absolutely loved this story. Nikki was such a complex, melodramatic character with so many things popping off in her personal life and professional career that left me waiting for the next big jolt. She made poor choices, but who hasn't. I loved seeing her grow and evolve, taking charge, unraveling chains, and carving her own path.
When you see pictures from the 90s celeb you get a glimpse into the luxury party lifestyle that commanded the scene. You see the high powered players, the R&B stars, music moguls, slick models, bottles popping and 50 watt smiles. What you don't see are the rumors, blackmail, manipulation and scandals looming beneath the surface.
This books shows us all of that and more! It was such an exciting read that I got lost in, taking me back to the 90s when life was good and I was picking up Essence/Cosmopolitan magazines every month to see the latest celebrity news. I swear I felt like I was weaving through the crowded clubs with Nikki and her friends, sipping bubbly and turning up to the rump shaking beats.
This debut was bold, rich, fun and so real. IMO the author’s style struck me as my favorite author - Tia Williams (not the romance, but the core of the characters). She really spotlighted a lot of the messiness that happened and is now being brought to light!
The narration was magnificent! Kristolyn Lloyd epitomized each character 1000%. Highly skilled in her craft, perfect tones, pitches, “that girl” aura, and magnifying the essence of the character and every emotion felt. SHE was Nikki, you can't tell me otherwise!
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐝𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞/𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬 𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝟗𝟎𝐬? I miss being in school, playing outside with friends - not having any cares
February 3, 2026
“Am I a slut or a boss or a bookworm or somebody’s bitch? Honestly, I have no fucking idea. And I don’t know what you all want from me.”
This book was all at once funny, empowering, and deeply sobering. The Devil Wears Prada meets intersectional feminism. I loved it!
Amy Dubois Barnett writes about Black women’s experiences in the music and magazine industry from personal experience which made this authentic. The book addresses racism, sexual assault, proving “blackness,” body size, and misogyny without softening the truth or making it “comfortable” for outsiders.
The metaphor of Black women’s hair woven throughout the book is especially powerful, showing how identity, control, creativity, and resistance are constantly negotiated in public spaces and in positions of power. It’s smart, intentional, and unforgettable.
I also really enjoyed the narration by Kristolyn Lloyd-my favorite part being her Steve Urkel voice.
This isn’t so much a book about ruling the world but about who’s been holding it together while being shut out of power. I laughed, learned, and checked myself more than once.
This book was all at once funny, empowering, and deeply sobering. The Devil Wears Prada meets intersectional feminism. I loved it!
Amy Dubois Barnett writes about Black women’s experiences in the music and magazine industry from personal experience which made this authentic. The book addresses racism, sexual assault, proving “blackness,” body size, and misogyny without softening the truth or making it “comfortable” for outsiders.
The metaphor of Black women’s hair woven throughout the book is especially powerful, showing how identity, control, creativity, and resistance are constantly negotiated in public spaces and in positions of power. It’s smart, intentional, and unforgettable.
I also really enjoyed the narration by Kristolyn Lloyd-my favorite part being her Steve Urkel voice.
This isn’t so much a book about ruling the world but about who’s been holding it together while being shut out of power. I laughed, learned, and checked myself more than once.
January 27, 2026
3.5 ⭐️
I loved the narration; it fit the vibe of this book perfectly. This definitely reads like a coming-of-age story, with Nikki chasing her dream of becoming editor-in-chief while navigating racism, sexism, and corporate nonsense. She’s very naive but determined to climb the ladder and make a difference. The 1990s atmosphere was spot on, and as a Black woman in corporate America, parts of Nikki’s journey hit close to home. Overall, this was an interesting read, and I can see people enjoying it.
I loved the narration; it fit the vibe of this book perfectly. This definitely reads like a coming-of-age story, with Nikki chasing her dream of becoming editor-in-chief while navigating racism, sexism, and corporate nonsense. She’s very naive but determined to climb the ladder and make a difference. The 1990s atmosphere was spot on, and as a Black woman in corporate America, parts of Nikki’s journey hit close to home. Overall, this was an interesting read, and I can see people enjoying it.
January 23, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillian Audio for this advanced reader's copy!
This is such a fantastic story! The narrator is so great, giving all the best voices for the character and really acting out Nikki's moods from rage to sorrow to even panting when she's out of breath. Following Nikki's journey navigating her tumultuous relationship that leads her Stylist, where her voice is taken for granted and all the credit goes to her bosses; then seeing her take the leap to join Sugar, getting her new coworkers to trust and listen is so inspiring! Yet it's not just going up and up in the magazine world-it runs on the the rumor mill and after Nikki's affair partner spread all kinds of stories about her-so there's lots of folks expecting her to fail or just sleep her way to the top. Yet, as she fumbles and learns the new world of extravagant parties and editing a whole magazine, we see her slowly become more confident, more ready to take a stand for her values.
I really enjoyed all of the characters-you love them or love to hate them. Nikki does have a great support network-the best of friends who are always there for her, even if she fails them from time, parents who may not always understand her but still love her, and then she gets a great crew over at Sugar. Of course, I do feel like there's too many named characters-like Nikki talks about all these folks over at Stylist, but once she moves over to Sugar we hardly see or hear from any of them again. It feels like a bit of an information overload at times. Her navigating romance after the dumpster fire that is Alonzo, figuring what she really needs in a man was a great journey, though you can't but wish she'd stop thinking with her...well...and listen to her friends about the men in her life.
I only really had two problems with the story-the first is that despite how often Nikki talks about the magazine being for girls like her and her friends, we don't see people close to Nikki actually reading or talking about the magazine. Her first issue she gives to her boyfriend and he's just so meh about it! I was so looking forward to hearing her girls see Nikki's work and her parents too, but we never see it! Also there is a really serious thing that happens with an actual victim, yet we never really hear what happens to her story. It feels a bit harsh and short to bring in something like that and not get closer for them. Heck Nikki-and thus reader-never get this person who really helps Nikki make a breakthrough in her own story, so just not hearing what happens to her felt a bit hollow. Like I understand Nikki is the main and POV character so thus her story gets the spotlight. Yet I just felt so sorry for the victim, for what she went through, yet she gets no follow up. It felt a bit jarring, though I was happy how Nikki's story ended.
This feels like a really poignant story, to show that despite how far we've gotten in terms of progressiveness yet we still deal with many issues Nikki goes through in her story. I found myself listening to about the last four hours in one day, taking any moment I can could listen to hear how Nikki does everything she can to let the truth be heard. I hope others find the strength that Nikki does to keep going forward with their dreams and values. This one is for all the underappreciated overachievers out there!
This is such a fantastic story! The narrator is so great, giving all the best voices for the character and really acting out Nikki's moods from rage to sorrow to even panting when she's out of breath. Following Nikki's journey navigating her tumultuous relationship that leads her Stylist, where her voice is taken for granted and all the credit goes to her bosses; then seeing her take the leap to join Sugar, getting her new coworkers to trust and listen is so inspiring! Yet it's not just going up and up in the magazine world-it runs on the the rumor mill and after Nikki's affair partner spread all kinds of stories about her-so there's lots of folks expecting her to fail or just sleep her way to the top. Yet, as she fumbles and learns the new world of extravagant parties and editing a whole magazine, we see her slowly become more confident, more ready to take a stand for her values.
I really enjoyed all of the characters-you love them or love to hate them. Nikki does have a great support network-the best of friends who are always there for her, even if she fails them from time, parents who may not always understand her but still love her, and then she gets a great crew over at Sugar. Of course, I do feel like there's too many named characters-like Nikki talks about all these folks over at Stylist, but once she moves over to Sugar we hardly see or hear from any of them again. It feels like a bit of an information overload at times. Her navigating romance after the dumpster fire that is Alonzo, figuring what she really needs in a man was a great journey, though you can't but wish she'd stop thinking with her...well...and listen to her friends about the men in her life.
I only really had two problems with the story-the first is that despite how often Nikki talks about the magazine being for girls like her and her friends, we don't see people close to Nikki actually reading or talking about the magazine. Her first issue she gives to her boyfriend and he's just so meh about it! I was so looking forward to hearing her girls see Nikki's work and her parents too, but we never see it! Also there is a really serious thing that happens with an actual victim, yet we never really hear what happens to her story. It feels a bit harsh and short to bring in something like that and not get closer for them. Heck Nikki-and thus reader-never get this person who really helps Nikki make a breakthrough in her own story, so just not hearing what happens to her felt a bit hollow. Like I understand Nikki is the main and POV character so thus her story gets the spotlight. Yet I just felt so sorry for the victim, for what she went through, yet she gets no follow up. It felt a bit jarring, though I was happy how Nikki's story ended.
This feels like a really poignant story, to show that despite how far we've gotten in terms of progressiveness yet we still deal with many issues Nikki goes through in her story. I found myself listening to about the last four hours in one day, taking any moment I can could listen to hear how Nikki does everything she can to let the truth be heard. I hope others find the strength that Nikki does to keep going forward with their dreams and values. This one is for all the underappreciated overachievers out there!
February 3, 2026
I really enjoyed this read. The pacing was great and it was an easy read. The storyline hooked me throughout and it was messy and imperfect in a way that was relatable for a lot of people's lives in their twenties and early thirties. I liked that friendship was a major part of the book and her friends held her accountable and were also supportive in the way she needed.
The main character Nikki made some questionable choices (as we all do at times) but I really rooted for her throughout and loved how the book progressed and she came into her own. This book felt like it was in conversation with When Chickenheads Come Home To Roost and I loved that Joan Morgan got a shout-out in the book. It felt true to the feelings of the late 90s and early 2000s. Highly recommend and can't wait to see this book brought to screen.
The main character Nikki made some questionable choices (as we all do at times) but I really rooted for her throughout and loved how the book progressed and she came into her own. This book felt like it was in conversation with When Chickenheads Come Home To Roost and I loved that Joan Morgan got a shout-out in the book. It felt true to the feelings of the late 90s and early 2000s. Highly recommend and can't wait to see this book brought to screen.
January 31, 2026
This is probably one of my favorite debut novels in a while! Set in my favorite place in time, the late 90s New York hip hop and fashion scene. Nikki Rose, our FMC, is the new talented editor of a struggling hip hop magazine, Sugar.
I loved this story so much! It’s fast paced and gritty. Nikki makes plenty of mistakes but she’s sure of herself and continues to risk it all on herself. And kudos to the supporting characters around her. They all were so supportive and loyal to a fault. You couldn’t ask for better friends and family.
Thank you NetGalley, Flatiron Books and Amy for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I loved this story so much! It’s fast paced and gritty. Nikki makes plenty of mistakes but she’s sure of herself and continues to risk it all on herself. And kudos to the supporting characters around her. They all were so supportive and loyal to a fault. You couldn’t ask for better friends and family.
Thank you NetGalley, Flatiron Books and Amy for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 26, 2026
I can’t believe this is Amy Dubois Barrett’s debut novel. It was so poignant, so timely, and oh my, were there parts that pissed me off! I loved Nikki and watching her grow and change as her life seems to be spinning out of control shows just how resilient she was. The men in this book, though? A whole lot of throat-punching needed to take place. I loved this book and I cannot wait to read what the author puts out next!
January 30, 2026
This was such a great debut novel from the author! The narrator really brought this audiobook to life and I was transported to the 90s in New York. The music references and fashion were a great touch. Nikki faced a lot of battles and made some not so great decisions but that was all apart of her journey. Her character’s growth was admirable and I’m excited that things came together for her in the end. I cannot wait to see this story on our screens!
January 23, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for a review copy in exchange for an honest review.
If I ruled the world is a wonderful throwback to the 90s/early 2000s world of magazines. It starts off feeling very Devil Wears Prada however it is definitely its own unique story following a Black magazine editor in a very white world. The author is Black and does a wonderful job of portraying the challenges that the main character experiences.
This book focuses on some hard hitting topics and some moral dilemmas for the main character which I felt were dealt with in a realistic way especially for the time this book is set in.
There are themes of friendship, power dynamics and race. This book also looks at the relationship between a magazine and its readers as well as moving into the digital age.
Overall it was an enjoyable read that I would recommend to those who enjoy or would like to explore contemporary fiction.
Releasing 28 January, add this book to your TBR.
If I ruled the world is a wonderful throwback to the 90s/early 2000s world of magazines. It starts off feeling very Devil Wears Prada however it is definitely its own unique story following a Black magazine editor in a very white world. The author is Black and does a wonderful job of portraying the challenges that the main character experiences.
This book focuses on some hard hitting topics and some moral dilemmas for the main character which I felt were dealt with in a realistic way especially for the time this book is set in.
There are themes of friendship, power dynamics and race. This book also looks at the relationship between a magazine and its readers as well as moving into the digital age.
Overall it was an enjoyable read that I would recommend to those who enjoy or would like to explore contemporary fiction.
Releasing 28 January, add this book to your TBR.
January 28, 2026
Nikki just couldn't catch a break, huh? chaos and drama all over her love and professional life but one thing noone could take away from her was her knowledge and passion for the Black entertainment, fashion and culture scene and she used that to her advantage. she made very poor choices in men and earned a few mean side eyes but this story was a nostalgic, refreshing read!
January 29, 2026
Absolutely loved this book and just when I didn't know if I would or not! The MC will definitely get on your last nerve, but stick with the story. I loved the 90s NYC music & fashion scene vibes throughout, but also the drama that would've came with it. I hope anyone reading or listening to this book enjoys it and comes to love it, like I did! Audiobook was amazing!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC for exchange for my honest opinion.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC for exchange for my honest opinion.
December 23, 2025
If I Ruled the World by Amy Dubois Barnett was such a fun, emotional ride. Set in the late ’90s and early aughts, it perfectly captures that era’s vibes, ambition, and messiness in a way that felt both nostalgic and fresh. I absolutely loved the protagonist! She was flawed, complicated, and very real. Watching her stumble through growing pains and ultimately find her way was deeply satisfying.
I’m always a sucker for books that incorporate music, and this one had me building a playlist as I listened. The soundtrack added so much to the story and the mood. The audiobook narrator was fantastic. She nailed both the humor and the emotional moments. I found myself laughing out loud one minute and getting misty the next.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the ARC. This was an easy five stars for me.
I’m always a sucker for books that incorporate music, and this one had me building a playlist as I listened. The soundtrack added so much to the story and the mood. The audiobook narrator was fantastic. She nailed both the humor and the emotional moments. I found myself laughing out loud one minute and getting misty the next.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the ARC. This was an easy five stars for me.
November 4, 2025
Barnett creates an inclusive world in this debut novel. The music and magazine scenes are not my world, but I felt like a part of them when reading this book. Nikki, the heorine, grows during the span of this book. One also gets a bit nostalgic for the days of the glossy. Great read.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.75 stars
Nikki is a journalist on a journey. Like all of us at her age, she makes a lot of mistakes, trusts the wrong people, and accepts less than what she deserves. She also grows a lot. This is an intriguing look back into a wild time with some very serious themes and motifs included throughout.
When the novel opens, Nikki is in a situation that most readers will immediately clock as disturbing. She's in a physical relationship with a much older man - a childhood friend of her mom's - and there are power dynamics, misogyny, and majorly blurred lines involved. The way this man, a key figure throughout the novel for several reasons, talks to and assaults Nikki? Ick. It happens early, and it put me on edge immediately. Nikki isn't so sure this is all bad, though, and she accepts very poor treatment and total disrespect for reasons she explores as the novel proceeds.
While Nikki is capable of standing up for herself and is not afraid to try new things, when she gets out of one bad situation, she has a real knack for finding others. It's hard to watch, but the repeated behavior also feels authentic. Not all of us can stick our hand on the stove just once.
There are several elements of this novel that really worked for me. I enjoyed Nikki's professional growth. Despite the creepy folks around her, she really wants to find her way and demonstrates genuine passion for her work. Nikki's emerging understanding of her identity - as well as the unenlightened way some of her peers and colleagues discuss her - is a solid reminder of the times and that while there are some glaring exceptions to this, at least some of us have a much stronger understanding of how identity impacts experience now. I also like the way that Nikki's friendships are portrayed, though I'd have loved to spend more time with her friends.
It's important to know that sexual harrasment, sexual assault, and rape are all part of this novel. Because of the time in which this is supposed to take place, some readers will find that characters' understandings and treatments of events are very different than what they may expect if these things were to occur now. There are some tough scenes that include the incidents themselves, victim blaming, misogyny, and other related motifs. Along with that darkness comes hope, but I am not leaving this one unscathed.
This is my first encounter with this author, and I'll look forward to the next. I recommend the audiobook when and where accessible.
*Special thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for this alc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
Nikki is a journalist on a journey. Like all of us at her age, she makes a lot of mistakes, trusts the wrong people, and accepts less than what she deserves. She also grows a lot. This is an intriguing look back into a wild time with some very serious themes and motifs included throughout.
When the novel opens, Nikki is in a situation that most readers will immediately clock as disturbing. She's in a physical relationship with a much older man - a childhood friend of her mom's - and there are power dynamics, misogyny, and majorly blurred lines involved. The way this man, a key figure throughout the novel for several reasons, talks to and assaults Nikki? Ick. It happens early, and it put me on edge immediately. Nikki isn't so sure this is all bad, though, and she accepts very poor treatment and total disrespect for reasons she explores as the novel proceeds.
While Nikki is capable of standing up for herself and is not afraid to try new things, when she gets out of one bad situation, she has a real knack for finding others. It's hard to watch, but the repeated behavior also feels authentic. Not all of us can stick our hand on the stove just once.
There are several elements of this novel that really worked for me. I enjoyed Nikki's professional growth. Despite the creepy folks around her, she really wants to find her way and demonstrates genuine passion for her work. Nikki's emerging understanding of her identity - as well as the unenlightened way some of her peers and colleagues discuss her - is a solid reminder of the times and that while there are some glaring exceptions to this, at least some of us have a much stronger understanding of how identity impacts experience now. I also like the way that Nikki's friendships are portrayed, though I'd have loved to spend more time with her friends.
It's important to know that sexual harrasment, sexual assault, and rape are all part of this novel. Because of the time in which this is supposed to take place, some readers will find that characters' understandings and treatments of events are very different than what they may expect if these things were to occur now. There are some tough scenes that include the incidents themselves, victim blaming, misogyny, and other related motifs. Along with that darkness comes hope, but I am not leaving this one unscathed.
This is my first encounter with this author, and I'll look forward to the next. I recommend the audiobook when and where accessible.
*Special thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for this alc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
If I Ruled the World is an electrifying, deeply resonant novel that pulses with the heart of late-90s New York and the unyielding ambition of a Black woman determined to claim her place at the top. Nikki Rose, the only Black editor on staff at a revered fashion magazine, is a heroine whose struggles and triumphs feel both intensely personal and profoundly universal. Her decision to walk away from a toxic, exclusionary workplace is both courageous and heartbreaking, setting the stage for a journey that is as inspiring as it is real.
Taking the helm of the floundering Sugar magazine, Nikki steps into the vibrant, chaotic world of hip hop culture at the close of the millennium—a world teeming with glitz, temptation, and relentless pressure. The stakes are sky-high: six months to save a publication, reinvent herself, and finally prove her worth in an industry that has tried to silence her voice. The narrative deftly captures Nikki’s late nights, her brushes with power and danger, and the intoxicating glamour of New York’s music scene. Each page thrums with the anxiety and excitement of risk, and the hope that comes from finding kinship and support in unexpected places.
What makes this novel truly exceptional is its honesty. Nikki’s journey is fraught with hard choices and close calls, especially as she faces the manipulations of her powerful, married ex-lover, Alonzo Griffin. The tension between ambition and vulnerability, between the dream and the reality, is masterfully rendered. Through it all, Nikki is never alone: her circle of friends, her moments of romance and self-discovery, and her indomitable spirit make her story one of empowerment and hope.
If I Ruled the World is a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of finding and owning your voice. With sharp prose, unforgettable characters, and a setting that crackles with authenticity, this novel is as immersive as it is moving. It will linger in your mind long after the final page, a reminder that the pursuit of your dreams is always worth the fight. The narrator did a wonderful job drawing you into the era! A must listen!
Thank you, Amy Dubois Barnett, NetGalley, and Macmillan Audio, for the ARC. It did not disappoint.
Taking the helm of the floundering Sugar magazine, Nikki steps into the vibrant, chaotic world of hip hop culture at the close of the millennium—a world teeming with glitz, temptation, and relentless pressure. The stakes are sky-high: six months to save a publication, reinvent herself, and finally prove her worth in an industry that has tried to silence her voice. The narrative deftly captures Nikki’s late nights, her brushes with power and danger, and the intoxicating glamour of New York’s music scene. Each page thrums with the anxiety and excitement of risk, and the hope that comes from finding kinship and support in unexpected places.
What makes this novel truly exceptional is its honesty. Nikki’s journey is fraught with hard choices and close calls, especially as she faces the manipulations of her powerful, married ex-lover, Alonzo Griffin. The tension between ambition and vulnerability, between the dream and the reality, is masterfully rendered. Through it all, Nikki is never alone: her circle of friends, her moments of romance and self-discovery, and her indomitable spirit make her story one of empowerment and hope.
If I Ruled the World is a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of finding and owning your voice. With sharp prose, unforgettable characters, and a setting that crackles with authenticity, this novel is as immersive as it is moving. It will linger in your mind long after the final page, a reminder that the pursuit of your dreams is always worth the fight. The narrator did a wonderful job drawing you into the era! A must listen!
Thank you, Amy Dubois Barnett, NetGalley, and Macmillan Audio, for the ARC. It did not disappoint.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
First off, a huge thank you to Flatiron for this FREE ARC that was sent to me through the Flatiron First Look program! This is a completely honest review of "If I Ruled the World" by Amy Dubois Barnett.
Let me start this off with the fact that I was enthralled with this book. The cover art? Stunning. The writing? Impeccable. I cried, I screamed at this girl to break up with who she was with multiple times, my jaw was dropped more times that I can count, and I laughed out loud all while reading "If I Ruled the World" I don't read many contemporary novels, but Barnett has me craving more.
This book opened my eyes to so many things I didn't realize happened. I don't usually read many contemporary pieces, but Barnett made me crave so much more with this novel. It felt so real and like my friend was catching me up on the past few years of their life.
It was so refreshing to read a story where the protagonist is genuinely flawed. Everyone in this story has some sort of flaw, and they weren't polished. Every character felt like a well-rounded person that I wanted to know even more about.
The pacing of the novel felt rushed in spots, but I can understand with how much Nikki went through. There were a few moments where I couldn't figure out how much time had passed between scenes until it was stated in the next time jump.
"If I Ruled the World" gives a glimpse into some of the struggles that many women of color are presented with, not only on the streets and in their homes, but also at the workplace. These issues are still seen today, despite the book being based in 1999. It filled me with so much joy watching Nikki make decisions, mistakes, and resist. Her passion and determination are clearly conveyed, even showing how it affects other aspects of her life.
Overall, I loved this novel. Despite it being a faster paced novel, "If I Ruled the World" had me wrapped around its finger. I finished it in two sittings, only getting up until I was pried away from my couch to go to work or to sleep.
Thank you again to Flatiron and to Amy Dubois Barnett for my very first physical ARC!
Let me start this off with the fact that I was enthralled with this book. The cover art? Stunning. The writing? Impeccable. I cried, I screamed at this girl to break up with who she was with multiple times, my jaw was dropped more times that I can count, and I laughed out loud all while reading "If I Ruled the World" I don't read many contemporary novels, but Barnett has me craving more.
This book opened my eyes to so many things I didn't realize happened. I don't usually read many contemporary pieces, but Barnett made me crave so much more with this novel. It felt so real and like my friend was catching me up on the past few years of their life.
It was so refreshing to read a story where the protagonist is genuinely flawed. Everyone in this story has some sort of flaw, and they weren't polished. Every character felt like a well-rounded person that I wanted to know even more about.
The pacing of the novel felt rushed in spots, but I can understand with how much Nikki went through. There were a few moments where I couldn't figure out how much time had passed between scenes until it was stated in the next time jump.
"If I Ruled the World" gives a glimpse into some of the struggles that many women of color are presented with, not only on the streets and in their homes, but also at the workplace. These issues are still seen today, despite the book being based in 1999. It filled me with so much joy watching Nikki make decisions, mistakes, and resist. Her passion and determination are clearly conveyed, even showing how it affects other aspects of her life.
Overall, I loved this novel. Despite it being a faster paced novel, "If I Ruled the World" had me wrapped around its finger. I finished it in two sittings, only getting up until I was pried away from my couch to go to work or to sleep.
Thank you again to Flatiron and to Amy Dubois Barnett for my very first physical ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Nikki Rose’s story opens in the most uncomfortable way possible—caught between her parents and the married man she’s been seeing, a moment that shatters more than just her pride. When the dust settles, Nikki is left to pick up the pieces of her life and figure out how to stand on her own two feet. That determination leads her to a job at Stylist, a major magazine that pays the bills but doesn’t quite reflect the women Nikki knows—or the woman she is becoming.
What truly drives this story is Nikki’s hunger to see herself represented. She wants pages that speak to the urban woman, the stylish woman, the Black woman navigating ambition, culture, and identity. A chance encounter with Barbara, the powerhouse behind Sugar magazine, changes everything. Nikki is offered the coveted role of editor-in-chief—but with a brutal catch: she has six months to turn the magazine around, or she’s out.
From there, the novel dives into the exhilarating and exhausting highs and lows of leadership. Nikki’s rise comes with glamorous parties, status, and visibility, but it also exposes the cost of success. Her romantic relationship crumbles under the weight of her new life, and her friends begin to question whether fame and power are changing her in ways she doesn’t yet see herself. The story does a great job of showing how ambition can blur priorities and test the strength of personal connections.
Set against the vibrant backdrop of late ’90s and early 2000s New York City, the book captures a distinct era in media, fashion, and culture—one where magazines held real power and representation mattered deeply. Nikki’s journey feels both timely and timeless, especially in its exploration of what it means to claim space in an industry not built with you in mind.
I received an early copy of the audiobook, and the narrator did a fantastic job bringing Nikki to life. Her voice captured Nikki’s vulnerability, confidence, and inner conflict, making the emotional beats hit even harder. Overall, this was a compelling, nostalgic, and thoughtful listen about ambition, identity, and the price of chasing the life you’ve always wanted.
What truly drives this story is Nikki’s hunger to see herself represented. She wants pages that speak to the urban woman, the stylish woman, the Black woman navigating ambition, culture, and identity. A chance encounter with Barbara, the powerhouse behind Sugar magazine, changes everything. Nikki is offered the coveted role of editor-in-chief—but with a brutal catch: she has six months to turn the magazine around, or she’s out.
From there, the novel dives into the exhilarating and exhausting highs and lows of leadership. Nikki’s rise comes with glamorous parties, status, and visibility, but it also exposes the cost of success. Her romantic relationship crumbles under the weight of her new life, and her friends begin to question whether fame and power are changing her in ways she doesn’t yet see herself. The story does a great job of showing how ambition can blur priorities and test the strength of personal connections.
Set against the vibrant backdrop of late ’90s and early 2000s New York City, the book captures a distinct era in media, fashion, and culture—one where magazines held real power and representation mattered deeply. Nikki’s journey feels both timely and timeless, especially in its exploration of what it means to claim space in an industry not built with you in mind.
I received an early copy of the audiobook, and the narrator did a fantastic job bringing Nikki to life. Her voice captured Nikki’s vulnerability, confidence, and inner conflict, making the emotional beats hit even harder. Overall, this was a compelling, nostalgic, and thoughtful listen about ambition, identity, and the price of chasing the life you’ve always wanted.
January 27, 2026
ALC Review
📚 Book Title: If I Ruled the World
✍🏽Author: Amy DuBois Barnett
🎙️Narrator: Kristolyn Lloyd
📕 Format: 🎧
⭐️ Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🕑Quick Take:
If I Ruled the World takes us back to 1999, giving us a sneak peek behind the scenes of the not-so-glamorous crossovers of the magazine publishing world and hip hop! The words “Black girls don’t sell magazines” were the driving force for Nikki Rose’s motivation to rise to take on the role of Editor-in-Chief of Sugar, a struggling hip hop music and lifestyle magazine on the brink of failure. She’s given 6 months to revive this magazine. While pulling all-nighters, Nikki is also dealing with slander about her reputation from a former lover and her previous boss, Alonzo Griffin, as she balances a new relationship, friendship, and her own journey of self-discovery.
✨ Tropes:
- 90s Nostalgia
- Ambitious Career-Driven
- Women’s Empowerment
- Hip Hop Culture
🎭 Narration:
Kristolyn Lloyd delivered! Lloyd brought every character to life and made the story engaging. It was impressive how she consistently gave each character—Sophie, Lucinda, Barbara, and Slick Bishop, to name a few—a distinct voice. The narration was outstanding, keeping me engaged in the story!
⚠️ Heads Up (Trigger/Content Warnings)
- Sexual Assault/Harassment/Coercion
- Microaggression
- Misogyny
- Reverse Ageism
💭Final Thoughts:
There was so much I loved about ‘If I Ruled the World.’ It was a fun and engaging listen. The description of Sugar magazine reminded me of the publications I enjoyed growing up, like Right On and Fresh. It was like a mix of ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ with the lively energy of Living Single—imagining Khadijah James running Flavor Magazine.
I admired Nikki's drive, motivation, and willingness to bet on herself. I loved that the story was set against the backdrop of late 90s and early 2000s fashion and music. If you enjoyed novels similar to Jayne Allen’s Black Girl series or Tia Williams' The Perfect Find, you'll find this one to be a perfect read. Overall, it was so good—I couldn’t put it down.
Thank you so much, NetGalley and Macmillan Audio, for the advanced listener copy!
📚 Book Title: If I Ruled the World
✍🏽Author: Amy DuBois Barnett
🎙️Narrator: Kristolyn Lloyd
📕 Format: 🎧
⭐️ Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🕑Quick Take:
If I Ruled the World takes us back to 1999, giving us a sneak peek behind the scenes of the not-so-glamorous crossovers of the magazine publishing world and hip hop! The words “Black girls don’t sell magazines” were the driving force for Nikki Rose’s motivation to rise to take on the role of Editor-in-Chief of Sugar, a struggling hip hop music and lifestyle magazine on the brink of failure. She’s given 6 months to revive this magazine. While pulling all-nighters, Nikki is also dealing with slander about her reputation from a former lover and her previous boss, Alonzo Griffin, as she balances a new relationship, friendship, and her own journey of self-discovery.
✨ Tropes:
- 90s Nostalgia
- Ambitious Career-Driven
- Women’s Empowerment
- Hip Hop Culture
🎭 Narration:
Kristolyn Lloyd delivered! Lloyd brought every character to life and made the story engaging. It was impressive how she consistently gave each character—Sophie, Lucinda, Barbara, and Slick Bishop, to name a few—a distinct voice. The narration was outstanding, keeping me engaged in the story!
⚠️ Heads Up (Trigger/Content Warnings)
- Sexual Assault/Harassment/Coercion
- Microaggression
- Misogyny
- Reverse Ageism
💭Final Thoughts:
There was so much I loved about ‘If I Ruled the World.’ It was a fun and engaging listen. The description of Sugar magazine reminded me of the publications I enjoyed growing up, like Right On and Fresh. It was like a mix of ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ with the lively energy of Living Single—imagining Khadijah James running Flavor Magazine.
I admired Nikki's drive, motivation, and willingness to bet on herself. I loved that the story was set against the backdrop of late 90s and early 2000s fashion and music. If you enjoyed novels similar to Jayne Allen’s Black Girl series or Tia Williams' The Perfect Find, you'll find this one to be a perfect read. Overall, it was so good—I couldn’t put it down.
Thank you so much, NetGalley and Macmillan Audio, for the advanced listener copy!
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
📚 On Casey’s Bookshelf
Book: 1
Dates read: 01.01.2026 – 01.02.2026
Title: If I Ruled the World
Author: Amy DuBois Barnett
Format: digital ARC; audiobook ALC (2 chapters)
#caseysbookshelf
Baybeee this one took me straight back.
It’s 1999 and Nikki Rose is the only Black editor at a glossy fashion magazine that keeps reminding her she does not belong. After one too many “Black girls don’t sell” conversations, she quits and takes over a struggling hip hop magazine with only six months to save it and herself. Chile.
What follows is late 90s NYC media culture in all its glory and grime. Long nights. Big egos. Messy power dynamics. Industry politics. And the pressure of being young Black and brilliant in rooms full of men who do not want to see you win.
Nikki can come off as insufferable at times but that felt honest to me. She’s young. She’s ambitious. She’s naïve. She chooses the wrong men to love and trust. And she’s up against the big boys in a cutthroat industry with no real safety net. That friction made her feel real. We would lose the authenticity of her inexperience if she were too polished or put together.
I also appreciated how the author handled real figures from that era. Some names are unavoidable if you’re telling a story about hip hop truthfully. Their presence and influence are acknowledged without glorification which mattered to me given what we now know. And the Nelson George mention had me giddy. I was a fan. I had a subscription to Vibe (and Right On!) and I own both of his fiction books. It felt like a subtle nod to his work in hip hop journalism and I was absolutely here for it.
As a Gen Xer, this era was the soundtrack of my life. The music. The magazines. The culture. This book understood that moment without romanticizing the harm baked into it.
Smart. Nostalgic. Messy in the right ways.
Very much a Casey’s Bookshelf kind of read.
Thank you Flatiron Books for the ARC and ALC gifted copies from Edelweiss and Libro.fm respectively in exchange for an honest review.
Book: 1
Dates read: 01.01.2026 – 01.02.2026
Title: If I Ruled the World
Author: Amy DuBois Barnett
Format: digital ARC; audiobook ALC (2 chapters)
#caseysbookshelf
Baybeee this one took me straight back.
It’s 1999 and Nikki Rose is the only Black editor at a glossy fashion magazine that keeps reminding her she does not belong. After one too many “Black girls don’t sell” conversations, she quits and takes over a struggling hip hop magazine with only six months to save it and herself. Chile.
What follows is late 90s NYC media culture in all its glory and grime. Long nights. Big egos. Messy power dynamics. Industry politics. And the pressure of being young Black and brilliant in rooms full of men who do not want to see you win.
Nikki can come off as insufferable at times but that felt honest to me. She’s young. She’s ambitious. She’s naïve. She chooses the wrong men to love and trust. And she’s up against the big boys in a cutthroat industry with no real safety net. That friction made her feel real. We would lose the authenticity of her inexperience if she were too polished or put together.
I also appreciated how the author handled real figures from that era. Some names are unavoidable if you’re telling a story about hip hop truthfully. Their presence and influence are acknowledged without glorification which mattered to me given what we now know. And the Nelson George mention had me giddy. I was a fan. I had a subscription to Vibe (and Right On!) and I own both of his fiction books. It felt like a subtle nod to his work in hip hop journalism and I was absolutely here for it.
As a Gen Xer, this era was the soundtrack of my life. The music. The magazines. The culture. This book understood that moment without romanticizing the harm baked into it.
Smart. Nostalgic. Messy in the right ways.
Very much a Casey’s Bookshelf kind of read.
Thank you Flatiron Books for the ARC and ALC gifted copies from Edelweiss and Libro.fm respectively in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Think THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA, but Black and centered on the boys' club, glass ceiling aspects of the magazine world.
Premise - It's 1999 and Nikki Rose leaves a prestigious fashion magazine where she's been blocked from opportunity time after time for being Black, choosing to start over at Sugar, an up-and-coming hip hop lifestyle magazine... that's not all that up and needs help coming. Nikki has six months to save Sugar.
The blurb promises to sweep readers along on a glitzy, glamorous ride through a cutthroat NYC industry, with a vengeful former affair partner lurking in the periphery. What a ride! Written by industry insider Amy DuBois Barnett, I have to assume there's quite some authenticity in the way this world is painted (even when it seems too dramatic to be real).
That said, this is a #metoo story pre-#metoo and at times the way the protagonist thought about things and phrased things felt very, very post-#metoo. Maybe she really was that enlightened that early, but things like emphasizing the use of 'females' vs. 'women' by a rapper, how quickly she came to realize that the affair was coercive and that the power dynamics weren't okay, how quickly she acknowledged in-relationship rape, etc. felt a little more 2025 than 1999.
Still, it was a well-crafted, well-told story and I really liked how it managed to promote Black culture, while also holding the misogynistic aspects of the culture accountable and not protecting Black men at the expense of Black women.
I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Kristolyn Lloyd. Lloyd is a new-to-me narrator, but she did a really great job. The sleazy charmer voice she gave Alonzo (particularly in the beginning when he's still seeing Nikki, and consent isn't much more than seven letters) had me humming TLC 'No Scrubs.' Highly recommend!
Thanks, NetGalley and Macmillan Audio, for the audio ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Premise - It's 1999 and Nikki Rose leaves a prestigious fashion magazine where she's been blocked from opportunity time after time for being Black, choosing to start over at Sugar, an up-and-coming hip hop lifestyle magazine... that's not all that up and needs help coming. Nikki has six months to save Sugar.
The blurb promises to sweep readers along on a glitzy, glamorous ride through a cutthroat NYC industry, with a vengeful former affair partner lurking in the periphery. What a ride! Written by industry insider Amy DuBois Barnett, I have to assume there's quite some authenticity in the way this world is painted (even when it seems too dramatic to be real).
That said, this is a #metoo story pre-#metoo and at times the way the protagonist thought about things and phrased things felt very, very post-#metoo. Maybe she really was that enlightened that early, but things like emphasizing the use of 'females' vs. 'women' by a rapper, how quickly she came to realize that the affair was coercive and that the power dynamics weren't okay, how quickly she acknowledged in-relationship rape, etc. felt a little more 2025 than 1999.
Still, it was a well-crafted, well-told story and I really liked how it managed to promote Black culture, while also holding the misogynistic aspects of the culture accountable and not protecting Black men at the expense of Black women.
I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Kristolyn Lloyd. Lloyd is a new-to-me narrator, but she did a really great job. The sleazy charmer voice she gave Alonzo (particularly in the beginning when he's still seeing Nikki, and consent isn't much more than seven letters) had me humming TLC 'No Scrubs.' Highly recommend!
Thanks, NetGalley and Macmillan Audio, for the audio ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I have said many times that I would have loved to be an adult in the 90s, and this book took me straight there.
This story felt like black lip liner and clear lip gloss. Like the He Wasn't Man Enough for Me music video. Like Nia Long, Toni Braxton, and Halle Berry with that iconic haircut. This was pure 90s Black girl magic on the page.
Watching Nikki Rose step into her power and push back against the tired narrative that Black women do not sell magazines was everything. Amy DuBois Barnett captured the late nights, the silent tears, and the constant internal and external battles that come with being a disruptor while trying not to lose everything you have worked for. Nikki’s journey felt deeply real and incredibly relatable.
The character development was beautiful. From identity exploration to friendship highs and lows, complicated relationships, and serious moral dilemmas that collide head on with career ambition, Nikki’s story mirrors the experiences so many Black women are still navigating today. It felt honest, validating, and affirming in a way that stayed with me long after I finished reading.
The cast of characters was vibrant and layered, and even the villains were compelling in their own way. This book does not shy away from hard topics, so readers should be aware that there are trigger warnings for misogyny, sexual assault allegations, and verbal violence toward women.
This was a phenomenal debut novel that I would recommend without hesitation to my Bookies. Nikki Rose absolutely deserves a part two, and honestly, I would love to see some of her best friends get their own stories as well. Well done, Amy. I am very much looking forward to what you do next.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the advanced copy of If I Ruled the World.
This story felt like black lip liner and clear lip gloss. Like the He Wasn't Man Enough for Me music video. Like Nia Long, Toni Braxton, and Halle Berry with that iconic haircut. This was pure 90s Black girl magic on the page.
Watching Nikki Rose step into her power and push back against the tired narrative that Black women do not sell magazines was everything. Amy DuBois Barnett captured the late nights, the silent tears, and the constant internal and external battles that come with being a disruptor while trying not to lose everything you have worked for. Nikki’s journey felt deeply real and incredibly relatable.
The character development was beautiful. From identity exploration to friendship highs and lows, complicated relationships, and serious moral dilemmas that collide head on with career ambition, Nikki’s story mirrors the experiences so many Black women are still navigating today. It felt honest, validating, and affirming in a way that stayed with me long after I finished reading.
The cast of characters was vibrant and layered, and even the villains were compelling in their own way. This book does not shy away from hard topics, so readers should be aware that there are trigger warnings for misogyny, sexual assault allegations, and verbal violence toward women.
This was a phenomenal debut novel that I would recommend without hesitation to my Bookies. Nikki Rose absolutely deserves a part two, and honestly, I would love to see some of her best friends get their own stories as well. Well done, Amy. I am very much looking forward to what you do next.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the advanced copy of If I Ruled the World.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I really enjoyed this debut novel from trailblazing editor Amy Dubois Barnett.
This book focuses on a young woman named Nikki Rose who is navigating her dream of working as an editor in the magazine publishing business. Nikki learns a lot of lessons in relationships with men, her parents, friends while at the same time learning the cut throat world of magazine publishing and journalism. It is not always easy following your passion when people who you wish would support you are some of the people who are in the way of your progress.
I really enjoyed Nikki Rose’s story of learning lessons at one magazine and to risk it all becoming Editor in chief at Sugar magazine. The lessons Nikk learns from crazy mentors in the magazine publishing business and the cut throat world of trying to get the best cover story.
This was a great look into the 90’s hip hop culture and the infusing of headline stories and the journey to capturing stories and putting her creative stamp on it. I really enjoyed Nikki’s reflections and I loved her editorial notes. That was one of my favorite parts of this book and Nikki finding her footing as an editor in chief making a magazine for women. I also enjoyed Nikki learning to navigate love and finally finding true love.
I really felt a part of Nikki’s journey, and as I read this book I found myself cheering Nikki on. I absolutely loved the epilogue too.
I highly recommend this debut historical fiction novel from Amy DuBois Barnett. I truly enjoyed being immersed in the world of Nikki Rose a black woman editor in chief of Sugar magazine, and insight into the magazine publishing world. The good, the bad and the ugly!
I want to thank Netgalley and Macmillan audio for the opportunity to read this debut novel. I highly recommend. Great job Amy DuBois Barnett!
This book focuses on a young woman named Nikki Rose who is navigating her dream of working as an editor in the magazine publishing business. Nikki learns a lot of lessons in relationships with men, her parents, friends while at the same time learning the cut throat world of magazine publishing and journalism. It is not always easy following your passion when people who you wish would support you are some of the people who are in the way of your progress.
I really enjoyed Nikki Rose’s story of learning lessons at one magazine and to risk it all becoming Editor in chief at Sugar magazine. The lessons Nikk learns from crazy mentors in the magazine publishing business and the cut throat world of trying to get the best cover story.
This was a great look into the 90’s hip hop culture and the infusing of headline stories and the journey to capturing stories and putting her creative stamp on it. I really enjoyed Nikki’s reflections and I loved her editorial notes. That was one of my favorite parts of this book and Nikki finding her footing as an editor in chief making a magazine for women. I also enjoyed Nikki learning to navigate love and finally finding true love.
I really felt a part of Nikki’s journey, and as I read this book I found myself cheering Nikki on. I absolutely loved the epilogue too.
I highly recommend this debut historical fiction novel from Amy DuBois Barnett. I truly enjoyed being immersed in the world of Nikki Rose a black woman editor in chief of Sugar magazine, and insight into the magazine publishing world. The good, the bad and the ugly!
I want to thank Netgalley and Macmillan audio for the opportunity to read this debut novel. I highly recommend. Great job Amy DuBois Barnett!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
4.5 ⭐️ this book was such a fun, wild ride and I enjoyed it so much! In If I Ruled the World, our FMC Nikki Rose navigates the power imbalances of the media world, the aftermath of toxic relationships plus sexual harassment and assault, and the difficulty of being a biracial woman of color in the fashion magazine / hip hop world. Nikki is by no means a perfect character, and she in fact incredibly flawed at times with her choices and her human-ness, but she is such a relatable character with such voice that I just can’t help but root for her. I loved this book’s reckoning with the dark underbelly of the media world and how much courage it can take for someone to speak up about their own “me too” moment(s). Nikki was consistently underestimated, taken advantage of, and overlooked, so I loved her journey from working for a man who didn’t respect her to seeing her reclaim her power and be a voice for those who are often voiceless. While fictional, this book touched on so many important issues with the media/entertainment world and I will definitely be on the lookout for more from this author!
🎧 The narrator Kristolyn Lloyd brought this book to life beautifully and was so engaging that I listened to this whole thing in one day, as I just kept going back to it throughout the day. She conveyed Nikki’s fierce, strong, unapologetic energy so well, and I definitely recommend this one on audiobook!
TW: discussion of sexual assault, sexual harassment, exposition of statutory r@pe (non-graphic), misogyny, domestic abuse
Thank you to Macmillan Audio for the gifted ALC! All opinions are my own.
ETA: just realized the author is a major force in the magazine editor world and the first black woman to run a major mainstream magazine in the US. Totally makes even more sense now how the story is so vivid and thoughtfully written!
🎧 The narrator Kristolyn Lloyd brought this book to life beautifully and was so engaging that I listened to this whole thing in one day, as I just kept going back to it throughout the day. She conveyed Nikki’s fierce, strong, unapologetic energy so well, and I definitely recommend this one on audiobook!
TW: discussion of sexual assault, sexual harassment, exposition of statutory r@pe (non-graphic), misogyny, domestic abuse
Thank you to Macmillan Audio for the gifted ALC! All opinions are my own.
ETA: just realized the author is a major force in the magazine editor world and the first black woman to run a major mainstream magazine in the US. Totally makes even more sense now how the story is so vivid and thoughtfully written!
December 26, 2025
If I Ruled the World by Amy DuBois Barnett grabbed me immediately because I genuinely did not know what kind of story I was walking into. From the jump, Nikki’s journey pulled me all the way in as she tried to carve out space for herself in the editorial world while constantly being underestimated, dismissed, and flat out mistreated. This book does not romanticize the climb. It shows how brutal it can be when you are talented, ambitious, and surrounded by people who do not want you to win, whether that comes from men or other women.
The entire vibe gave me strong Brown Sugar energy mixed with Khadijah from Living Single running Flavor magazine. The hip hop references, the behind the scenes chaos, the egos, the power plays, and the constant need to prove yourself all felt so real. Nikki is messy, determined, exhausted, and brilliant, and watching her navigate an industry that kept trying to break her was both frustrating and empowering. The story does an excellent job showing how Black women were and still are forced to work twice as hard just to be seen as capable, while others are handed opportunities and benefit from mistakes that would have ended Nikki’s career.
What really stuck with me was how honestly this book tackles race, gender, and power. It does not shy away from how Black women are questioned, sabotaged, and exploited, especially when success threatens people who are used to holding control. Men abusing power, careers being toyed with, and the constant pressure to be perfect just to survive are all laid bare. I devoured this book and walked away feeling like I had been given a rare, unfiltered look into the 90s editorial world. If you love stories about ambition, resilience, and Black women refusing to be counted out, this one is a must read.
The entire vibe gave me strong Brown Sugar energy mixed with Khadijah from Living Single running Flavor magazine. The hip hop references, the behind the scenes chaos, the egos, the power plays, and the constant need to prove yourself all felt so real. Nikki is messy, determined, exhausted, and brilliant, and watching her navigate an industry that kept trying to break her was both frustrating and empowering. The story does an excellent job showing how Black women were and still are forced to work twice as hard just to be seen as capable, while others are handed opportunities and benefit from mistakes that would have ended Nikki’s career.
What really stuck with me was how honestly this book tackles race, gender, and power. It does not shy away from how Black women are questioned, sabotaged, and exploited, especially when success threatens people who are used to holding control. Men abusing power, careers being toyed with, and the constant pressure to be perfect just to survive are all laid bare. I devoured this book and walked away feeling like I had been given a rare, unfiltered look into the 90s editorial world. If you love stories about ambition, resilience, and Black women refusing to be counted out, this one is a must read.
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