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If I Ruled the World
Get ready for a utterly immersive journey through one of the most dynamic eras in pop culture history.
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 married, 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.
Written by the ultimate insider, this is a juicy 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 married, 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.
Written by the ultimate insider, this is a juicy story of ambition, friendship, love and finding your own voice.
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 27, 2026
373 people are currently reading
15673 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 537 reviews
February 5, 2026
I loved everything about this book. The NYC 90s setting, the relationships, the music, ugh. I can’t wait for the Hulu series. Perfect for lovers of The Devil Wears Prada and Brown Sugar.
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
February 6, 2026
This was ok but a little boring with the bad decisions.
I think I would have eaten this book up 20 years ago....
I think I would have eaten this book up 20 years ago....
February 6, 2026
In her acknowledgments, the author mentions she pictured this book on screen as she was writing it. I think this book will work much better on screen. There was so much endless telling the reader what every character was wearing, what they were listening to, etc in every single scene, and all of that could be cut for TV since you could just see or hear it! I am sure all of that description was done to remind us that the book is set in 1999-2001, but it was so excessive and really bogged down the story.
There were definitely some important issues tackled throughout, but the main character was way too dumbed down for me. I found it hard to believe that this supposedly brilliant, badass editor in chief would continue to make stupid decisions with terrible men who were carbon copies of each other. She got it together at the very end (like literally the last 2 or 3 chapters!), but it was a bit of a slog to get there.
There were definitely some important issues tackled throughout, but the main character was way too dumbed down for me. I found it hard to believe that this supposedly brilliant, badass editor in chief would continue to make stupid decisions with terrible men who were carbon copies of each other. She got it together at the very end (like literally the last 2 or 3 chapters!), but it was a bit of a slog to get there.
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.
Read
February 26, 2026Fun, propulsive look at 90s magazine culture in New York. Drops you right in alongside big names, big magazines, big spots, and served as a walk through memory lane for Black millennials or anyone interested in hip-hop and entertainment culture in NYC, and the ways misogyny bleeds into reactions, reputations, and colors livelihoods. Expansive on how the actions of men can affect women for decades, and how culture protects them from facing consequences if they make money for corporations.
Nikki Rose is a flawed, frustrating protagonist, but it added to the reading experience- she will always make the wrong choice, but you will always root for her. Really enjoyed the scenes of her with her friends as well.
Nikki Rose is a flawed, frustrating protagonist, but it added to the reading experience- she will always make the wrong choice, but you will always root for her. Really enjoyed the scenes of her with her friends as well.
March 21, 2026
A wild ride through the industry of Black media and entertainment that I appreciated in several ways.
This book has an insane start as we meet Nikki in a questionable, scandalous situation. But as the story continued, I found myself rooting for her and her growth.
I love how this story balances the value and impact of Black art, music, and fashion with the harmful nature of the hip-hop scene and overall entertainment industry.
Nikki’s love of Black women and her drive for bringing inclusive representation to the industry was meaningful. But her experiences also highlight how women within hip-hop and the entertainment industry as a whole are mistreated, objectified, and abused. It resonates strongly as it ties into issues we witness in real life.
I think Nikki was a complex and compelling character. While she makes bad decisions, the story does a good job of exploring the destructive influences around her. On a surface level, it also made for good drama. I felt her determination, frustrations, and fears, as she navigated the cutthroat business. She also had a level of self awareness and reflection that made me invested in her arc.
The writing was dynamic and immersive as it effectively put me in the middle of the fast paced city and celebrity culture. I appreciated the descriptive writing’s ability to place me in the mind of a magazine editor. But the constant pop culture, celebrity, and fashion references did feel like a bit much at times.
I enjoyed my time experiencing Nikki pave a way for herself and all of the valuable themes that accompanied her journey.
This book has an insane start as we meet Nikki in a questionable, scandalous situation. But as the story continued, I found myself rooting for her and her growth.
I love how this story balances the value and impact of Black art, music, and fashion with the harmful nature of the hip-hop scene and overall entertainment industry.
Nikki’s love of Black women and her drive for bringing inclusive representation to the industry was meaningful. But her experiences also highlight how women within hip-hop and the entertainment industry as a whole are mistreated, objectified, and abused. It resonates strongly as it ties into issues we witness in real life.
I think Nikki was a complex and compelling character. While she makes bad decisions, the story does a good job of exploring the destructive influences around her. On a surface level, it also made for good drama. I felt her determination, frustrations, and fears, as she navigated the cutthroat business. She also had a level of self awareness and reflection that made me invested in her arc.
The writing was dynamic and immersive as it effectively put me in the middle of the fast paced city and celebrity culture. I appreciated the descriptive writing’s ability to place me in the mind of a magazine editor. But the constant pop culture, celebrity, and fashion references did feel like a bit much at times.
I enjoyed my time experiencing Nikki pave a way for herself and all of the valuable themes that accompanied her journey.
April 13, 2026
This book opened with a huge bang. What a way to start a story! I do feel like the middle could’ve had a bit more going on, because it slowed down in a way that tested my patience at times. I also struggled to fully connect with Nicki, but I understood the type of Black woman she represented in that industry, and I appreciated that perspective. There were quite a few unlikable characters, but honestly, they added to the drama and kept things interesting for me.
I’m really glad I stuck with it, because that ending delivered. It gave me the payoff I was hoping for and left me feeling satisfied overall. This is definitely a book that pulls you in with a jaw-dropping start and then asks you to be patient to really appreciate the full story. I’d recommend it to readers who enjoy slower character development and layered character commentary. 3.75 stars ⭐️
I’m really glad I stuck with it, because that ending delivered. It gave me the payoff I was hoping for and left me feeling satisfied overall. This is definitely a book that pulls you in with a jaw-dropping start and then asks you to be patient to really appreciate the full story. I’d recommend it to readers who enjoy slower character development and layered character commentary. 3.75 stars ⭐️
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 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.
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.
February 4, 2026
SO good, I hope there’s a sequel!
Want to Read
February 13, 2026OH YES!!! Can’t wait to read this one 🥰😍🥰
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 19, 2026
A debut novel filled to the brim with entertainment industry content from the late 1990s and early 2000s. Juicy couture track suits, restrictive VIP sections at nightclubs, hip hop culture and music, fashion magazines, sexual abuse and rape, and copious amounts of Cristal. The main character, Nikki, seemed to make one terrible decision after another. Midway through the book I thought, thank goodness she doesn’t rule the world! The story had its share of spicy writing but often had a YA feel to it. There wasn’t anything too terrible about this novel…just wasn’t my cup of tea (or should I say Cristal!)
February 14, 2026
I wanted to like this book but it was boring and fell flat for me.
March 11, 2026
I loved reading this book as it reminded me of a time when my biggest dream was to be a music blogger. It hit especially hard for me reading Nikki’s journey and seeing her hit adversity, misogyny, and literal harm be done to her & understanding that is truly the harsh reality women in media face.
I really enjoyed Nikki’s journey of empowerment. She went from man to man, job to job and really learned herself in the process. It sucks it took so long to find her true voice and purpose but it be like that sometimes! She fully came into herself at the end and it was a beautiful moment. I loved that there was no redemption for the bad people in this book; some people are just rotten and that’s what it is.
This is a celebration of hip hop, of media, of the 90s, of trailblazing women and all the hard times we go through to finally make our way. This is for all the girls who grew up with copies of Vibe magazine, furry hooded baby phat jackets & watched the 106th & Park countdown everyday. This book spoke directly to me.
I really enjoyed Nikki’s journey of empowerment. She went from man to man, job to job and really learned herself in the process. It sucks it took so long to find her true voice and purpose but it be like that sometimes! She fully came into herself at the end and it was a beautiful moment. I loved that there was no redemption for the bad people in this book; some people are just rotten and that’s what it is.
This is a celebration of hip hop, of media, of the 90s, of trailblazing women and all the hard times we go through to finally make our way. This is for all the girls who grew up with copies of Vibe magazine, furry hooded baby phat jackets & watched the 106th & Park countdown everyday. This book spoke directly to me.
February 23, 2026
This book was AMAZING!!!
March 26, 2026
Nikki Rose is an editor at a prestigious fashion magazine. Being the only Black editor, Nikki gets overlooked for everything no matter how hard she works. When she gets a chance to showcase her skills, Nikki jumps at the chance and quickly makes a name for herself. But that success comes at a cost because her past in the name of Alonzo Griffin is ready to take her down. But Nikki won't go down without a fight.
I loved the blurb, especially the 90s Sex and the City-esque setting it promises. This started out really strong. A big scandal right on the first page and I was hooked but then it gets really slow.
I liked Nikki in the beginning and felt for her with all my heart but then she started getting on my nerves. She keeps making the same mistake over and over and over again and never learns the lesson, it felt like the Groundhog Day. Get a grip!
I did enjoy the 90s fashion and music setting. I liked that the author touched on the really toxic and dark side of it. I also enjoyed the talk about strong women and all the nostalgic references.
The writing was more telling and less showing. It actually read like a screenplay because a lot of attention was given to the specificities of what people were wearing, music, the decor and such. So, I was not surprised at all when I read the author's note where it is mentioned that she did indeed picture it on screen whilst writing it. And the story dragged for no reason or maybe I was bored of the same mistakes made by Nikki.
There are a lot of supporting characters and they are all okay. I didn't hate them but I also didn't like them much. They were just there. I wish I had enjoyed this as much as I expected to after that solid start. Overall, slightly above average.
3.3 stars
I loved the blurb, especially the 90s Sex and the City-esque setting it promises. This started out really strong. A big scandal right on the first page and I was hooked but then it gets really slow.
I liked Nikki in the beginning and felt for her with all my heart but then she started getting on my nerves. She keeps making the same mistake over and over and over again and never learns the lesson, it felt like the Groundhog Day. Get a grip!
I did enjoy the 90s fashion and music setting. I liked that the author touched on the really toxic and dark side of it. I also enjoyed the talk about strong women and all the nostalgic references.
The writing was more telling and less showing. It actually read like a screenplay because a lot of attention was given to the specificities of what people were wearing, music, the decor and such. So, I was not surprised at all when I read the author's note where it is mentioned that she did indeed picture it on screen whilst writing it. And the story dragged for no reason or maybe I was bored of the same mistakes made by Nikki.
There are a lot of supporting characters and they are all okay. I didn't hate them but I also didn't like them much. They were just there. I wish I had enjoyed this as much as I expected to after that solid start. Overall, slightly above average.
3.3 stars
February 23, 2026
This was a juicy book, definitely kept me engaged and entertained!
Alonzo got his!
Easy Read!
5 🌟
Alonzo got his!
Easy Read!
5 🌟
April 13, 2026
(2.5/5)
March 5, 2026
Alonzo....you can catch these hands!! This started off really good, juicy and a little messy but around 70% mark started to get boring. Overall it was a good listen and love the late 90s and 2000s references!
April 8, 2026
If I Ruled the World is a story about Nikki, who leaves her job at a prestigious fashion magazine to take on a new challenge at Sugar, an urban lifestyle magazine that is struggling.
There were parts of the story I enjoyed — The 90s, NYC vibes, and publishing industry. On the flip side, I grew frustrated with Nikki’s repetitive behavior and the Excessive (capital E brand references throughout the book — We get it, the characters have style and like nice things. While there were adult situations in If I Ruled the World, the dialogue felt juvenile at parts. I didn’t mind the predictability of this story, I just wish the journey was different.
There were parts of the story I enjoyed — The 90s, NYC vibes, and publishing industry. On the flip side, I grew frustrated with Nikki’s repetitive behavior and the Excessive (capital E brand references throughout the book — We get it, the characters have style and like nice things. While there were adult situations in If I Ruled the World, the dialogue felt juvenile at parts. I didn’t mind the predictability of this story, I just wish the journey was different.
April 29, 2026
It took me a while to finish but the ending was rewarding.
Read
February 28, 2026Oh the drama! I can’t wait for this tv show🙂↕️ LOVEEE
March 17, 2026
2.5 rounded up! the concept of this book is so cool - basically sex and the city with actual diversity! The setting and concept was so fun, and I love a good late 20s / early 30s woman trying to figure her life out story
this started out really strong for me, but it really became obvious to me this is the authors debut novel. There was so, so much telling rather than showing, and I got the feeling I usually get with debut novels that the author was trying her best to shove all the different things she wanted to talk about in one book, leaving it cluttered and repetitive.
I listened to this book, and I accidentally fell asleep for an hour and felt no need to rewind because the second half of the book was so repetitive.
overall, really good in concept, but the execution really hampered my enjoyment
this started out really strong for me, but it really became obvious to me this is the authors debut novel. There was so, so much telling rather than showing, and I got the feeling I usually get with debut novels that the author was trying her best to shove all the different things she wanted to talk about in one book, leaving it cluttered and repetitive.
I listened to this book, and I accidentally fell asleep for an hour and felt no need to rewind because the second half of the book was so repetitive.
overall, really good in concept, but the execution really hampered my enjoyment
April 11, 2026
I think people who have history or interest in the music/ fashion industry will enjoy this. A flashback to the 90s and the struggles being a black woman climbing to the top. The author has a lot of knowledge what goes on behind the scenes and the FMC thought process really showed that.
However, this didn't work for me. It became repetitive and dragged out. It felt more like a personal memoir that was denied by the publisher because it outed too many people in the industry so the author decided to change some details and slap a fiction sticker on it. I needed more Khadijah trying to run Flava but got a wannabe hood version of Andy from The Devil wears Prada.
However, this didn't work for me. It became repetitive and dragged out. It felt more like a personal memoir that was denied by the publisher because it outed too many people in the industry so the author decided to change some details and slap a fiction sticker on it. I needed more Khadijah trying to run Flava but got a wannabe hood version of Andy from The Devil wears Prada.
March 10, 2026
Title + Author: If I Ruled the World — Amy Dubois Barnett
Format: Audiobook
Why I picked this up:
I loved the cover, the title, and that this debut novel is set in the late 90s, early 2000s with a backdrop of hip hop, friendship, unmet expectations, and the culture.
What it’s really about:
The book reframes coming of age, finding oneself, and curating the life you want. It's also about the love of friendships, the love of family, and true romantic love when the time is right.
What stood out:
The narration, the unique relationship Nikki had with her girlfriends. The hip hop references also stood out and while this book was written recently, it pulled back the curtain of hip hop culture that has been more recently revealed for gen pop.
Who this is for / not for:
Great for anyone who is rooting for someone who has had to make some bad decisions to end up finding themselves.
Bottom line:
A fun, nostalgic listen that rewards patience without rushing to judgment.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillion Audio for this advanced reader/listener's copy (ARC).
Format: Audiobook
Why I picked this up:
I loved the cover, the title, and that this debut novel is set in the late 90s, early 2000s with a backdrop of hip hop, friendship, unmet expectations, and the culture.
What it’s really about:
The book reframes coming of age, finding oneself, and curating the life you want. It's also about the love of friendships, the love of family, and true romantic love when the time is right.
What stood out:
The narration, the unique relationship Nikki had with her girlfriends. The hip hop references also stood out and while this book was written recently, it pulled back the curtain of hip hop culture that has been more recently revealed for gen pop.
Who this is for / not for:
Great for anyone who is rooting for someone who has had to make some bad decisions to end up finding themselves.
Bottom line:
A fun, nostalgic listen that rewards patience without rushing to judgment.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillion Audio for this advanced reader/listener's copy (ARC).
May 3, 2026
The way this was pitched as The Devil Wears Prada with 90’s Hip Hop flair, I knew that I was in. It didn’t disappoint. I loved that we saw Nikki navigate the struggles of being young and ambitious in the magazine industry. We see her making mistakes, trying to fit in, and trying to balance it all for her career, romantic relationship, and her friendships. No matter what, I think we all can relate to Nikki in some aspect and it was fun to see her on her journey to finding her true, better self.
February 4, 2026
It would be better for the world if Nikki didn’t rule it.
Also, this book should have been a movie.
It definitely read like one. Which sometimes can be a good thing, but in this case it was just the main thing.
Overall, I got the vibe, but the vibe was not for me, and I can respect that and move on.
The main character made every single choice that I would never make, so it was a bit hard for me to relate to her. And her taste in men was abysmal. She was her worst enemy again and again. Her friends and family were her only redeeming qualities.
However, by the end I found her at least bearable, which was a huge step forward, since I’m a 35 year old woman that was reading about a 30 year old that acted like a teenager for 250 pages. By the 230 mark, I would have DNFed it out of rage. I couldn’t understand how someone’s judgment can be so impaired. The frustration was simmering right at the top.
Still, the ending kinda redeemed it for me.
On the other hand, the writing is solid. The theme of the book is great (who didn’t fantasize about working in publishing) and the references to the 90s are superb. I didn’t like some of the vulgar language, but it was brief and really not that big of a deal.
Also if this didn’t come with trigger warnings for SA, it should.
Also, this book should have been a movie.
It definitely read like one. Which sometimes can be a good thing, but in this case it was just the main thing.
Overall, I got the vibe, but the vibe was not for me, and I can respect that and move on.
The main character made every single choice that I would never make, so it was a bit hard for me to relate to her. And her taste in men was abysmal. She was her worst enemy again and again. Her friends and family were her only redeeming qualities.
However, by the end I found her at least bearable, which was a huge step forward, since I’m a 35 year old woman that was reading about a 30 year old that acted like a teenager for 250 pages. By the 230 mark, I would have DNFed it out of rage. I couldn’t understand how someone’s judgment can be so impaired. The frustration was simmering right at the top.
Still, the ending kinda redeemed it for me.
On the other hand, the writing is solid. The theme of the book is great (who didn’t fantasize about working in publishing) and the references to the 90s are superb. I didn’t like some of the vulgar language, but it was brief and really not that big of a deal.
Also if this didn’t come with trigger warnings for SA, it should.
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