The Modern Black Housewife Project: A Domestic Suspense with a Sci-Fi Twist

by Joonie P., Theresa Dorsey (Editor)

A domestic suspense, with a sci-fi twist

"This is what happens when Black Mirror meets Stepford Wives"

A thin line between a dream and a nightmare...LaToya Brown thought she was giving her kids a fresh start through a government-adjacent program offering reparations for Black mothers with incarcerated partners.

A dream home in a smart city.

A new job.

An electric car.

And a dangerously seductive AI assistant to manage it all.

But when her perfect life begins to fracture before her eyes, LaToya must make a decision: will she surrender to the illusion of freedom or risk it all to face the truth?

Genres: Suspense

182 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 9, 2025

Reviews

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one deserves a 5 ⭐️ for the originality alone! When your mind screams “this is too good to be true” LISTEN!! Single mom, Latoyta is accepted into Onyx Grove! A new advanced AI community, that pretty much separates you from the rest of the world. Your own schools, places to shop, grocery stores and pretty much everything else you can think of. Cars that drive for you, AI home systems that cook, clean, make coffee! You name it.. Alpha or Atom does it!

This family had many secrets and layers to unfold! Several that left my mouth dropped. I felt bad for Toya yet yelled at her at the same time. Because how do you make a life-changing decision this grand and not fully research it? But ultimately, she truly showed what a mother’s sacrifice means. I just knowwwwww We are getting a part two lol. We are fully invested in these characters and I need to know where everyone ended up. I am especially invested in Tahj! Stories like this is what will make Joonie P. stand out. This suspenseful story was definitely a page turner.

Publication 🗓️ : 12.9.25

[Renada Boddie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the perfect reminder that everything that glitters ain’t gold. Toya a wife, mother of two, and dedicated teacher finds herself backed into a corner when her husband lands in jail. Wanting to finally make a choice that benefits her family, she accepts an opportunity that seems like a blessing. That decision quickly proves to be nothing like what she imagined.

From the very first chapters Onyx Grove was giving luxury smart home version of Get Out! Toya’s convinced that her move to this exclusive community will help her family and even support her husband’s release for a crime he didn’t commit. The longer she’s there the more she begins to notice that things aren’t quite adding up.

Meanwhile the kids fall in love instantly. The new house, new car, clothes, friends and school all appears perfect. The perfection starts to feel like a trap and Toya’s intuition starts screaming before she even realizes why.

This book is suspenseful, eerie, and a page turning thriller you won’t be able to put down. A dream can quickly twist into a nightmare and have you questioning everyone.

[Lexx · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listennnnn, ya grandmama’s sayings “be careful what you wish for” and “everything that glitters ain’t gold” were SO MF TRUE for Onyx City!!! A completely free society, for mainly single BLACK moms? Girl yea okay 🤣

Toya had her reasons for signing up, some of which i think she quickly regretted! And then throw in your own personal AI robot who looks a little *too* manly and what’s a girl to do?

I finished 75% in one sitting then woke up early to finish the rest 🤩 this was a page turner, mind blower. If you’re a fan of domestic thrillers or you love a read that you can’t put down, this is it!!!

Thank you sm to Joonie P for the advanced copy! 🫶🏾

[Tara S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW 📖
Wineandspinesgirl -IG
wine_spines - Tiktok

After reading Possessed I tried to prepare myself for just how unhinged Joonie P could be, but nothing prepared me for what transpired in MBHP. 😅

So we’re introduced to a normal family or “so they seem”; mom, dad, and their three children. Tragedy happened and the dad does some time while the mom Toya makes a decision to better her family. Now, if not paying attention to red flags was a person, it was definitely the FMC Toya. Her character definitely threw me because all she had to do was read that damn manual. And let’s not forget the saying if it sounds too good to be true - more than likely it is because that’s definitely what this storyline gave.

I’m still not sure what category to process the MMC Atom in. I do think if he would’ve catered to all my needs and had BDE like in the book I would’ve FOLDED faster than Kehlani singing her song lol.

I was thoroughly intrigued with Joonie P’s use of symbolism in the book: Atom=Adam, the way “Atom” tempted Toya with the “Apple”, and the song choices for each mood or act that was playing out within the book(I thought I was watching a movie with a bomb ass soundtrack).

There’s suspense-mystery, there’s romance, definitely plot twists, and sprinkle some unhingedness and you got MBHP.

The story is fast-paced, grabs your attention, and you will not want to put it down.

4.5⭐️

[readandtellwithshantel · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Modern Black Housewife Project
Joonie P

Joonie, Joonie, Joonie I love the way your mind works!

I knew from page one that LaToya’s judgment could not be trusted. What do you mean you skimmed the housing booklet 😬🥴?

Her intentions are clear, but her judgement is in the trash. It’s a frightening reality to even imagine, but the possibility of this becoming true, in real life doesn’t seem far-fetched.

Getting into the thick of it all, Sylvia’s behavior surprised me the most. I would’ve never seen that coming. I mean she is definitely willing to do whatever it takes to help her family.

LaToya really did play herself when it comes to the way she handled Montrell’s situation. Living amongst the Alphas really had her brainwashed. Montrell wasn’t perfect in any regard prior to his incarceration, but the way things transpired was very dysfunctional. I’m do not want to say that’s what Latoya gets, but that’s what Latoya gets. Let’s get real did she think 🤔 he would be normal after what he was put through? Toya was definitely looking through rose colored frames.

Her focus was beyond what she initially made it appear to be. It wasn’t just about providing security for her children. It was far more than that. In the delusion she sold herself, she sold her family’s future.

This book is very thought-provoking and without any dull moments.

#readandtellwithshantel #ARC #jooniep #TheMBHP

[Bookedupwithsayde · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whew, Lawd… Toya worked every last one of my nerves.
Ain’t no way she just said fuck reading the guidelines, because the warnings were right there. I can’t even blame the people most of that mess was clearly stated. And honestly? The stuff about the Men should’ve been a huge red flag straight out the gate. Mama Brown was standing on all ten toes; she wasn’t anybody’s fool.

And let me say this… I also feel like Gabby knew more than she let on. She was not giving Rachel energy at all. The way she reacted pulling up to Toya’s house? Yeah, sis was aware of something.

Now these AI human robots? Oh absolutely not. The way Jonnie wrote that part had me side-eyeing real life like she knows something! 👀 JK… kinda. I’ve seen too many movies about them things count me out. But low-key? ATOM might’ve had me folding for some act right. 😂

But learning what kind of man Atom was before he became a robot? Yeah… that made me cringe.

Sly – baby girl might need a lil help, bless her heart.
Tahji – poor baby. Instead of turning to the bottle, Toya should’ve gotten him the help he needed.
Trell – I genuinely feel bad for him because what Toya did was straight-up bogus.

At its core, this story is about a single mother trying to better her kids’ lives while also running from the consequences she created. And in the end? She truly has no one to blame but herself.

I’m praying for a part 2 because I need to see Tahji in action.

[dee-ah-nuh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’d like to thank the author for the opportunity to be an ARC member! I definitely will be tuning into any and all other works by her!!

this book… whew!!!! everything about this book had me hooked. Toya gotta be one of my favorite fmcs i’ve come across so far! she just wanted the best for her family and like many mothers, was willing to do absolutely anything to ensure the best life. unfortunately, even with good intentions, things can go wrong and despite things going wrong in the craziest ways, i’m glad Toya was able to realize her mistakes and try to fix them before it was too late! The epilogue made me a lil emotional because Tahj has that same desire to make things right for his family that his mother possessed.

This was a good short read and I enjoyed every twist, turn, loose end, tight end, everything!! i was laughing, i was shook, i was all over the place and I love a book that can have me all over the place!

I’m not ashamed to say I was kinda rooting for Atom at certain points but especially after Trell came home because why bro tryna mess around while he dutty?! the audacity!!!

Reading this book didn’t disappoint at all and i’m so thankful for my IG ads and my mutual book friends on there too!!

[Stacy L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC review
Format: e-book

This was such an unexpected mashup — part domestic thriller, part tech-horror, part social commentary — and somehow it all worked. The concept alone grabbed me, but the execution kept me turning pages. The smart-city setting, the promise of a “better life,” and that too-good-to-be-true program created an atmosphere that was both unsettling and thought-provoking from the start.

I had mixed feelings about LaToya. As a mother, her desire to give her children a fresh start made total sense. But she also made some frustrating decisions along the way, the kind that made me want to reach into the book and shake her a bit. Still, her final choice was powerful — the kind of moment that shows real growth and strength.

The sci-fi elements were especially fun: Atom’s glitches had a legitimately creepy vibe, and the tension steadily built in a way that never felt rushed. The emotional beats landed too, especially the intense scene with Sylvia and Trell.

Overall, this story kept me thinking long after I finished. It’s unsettling in the best way, and perfect for readers who enjoy domestic thrillers, futuristic twists, or anything that feels like Black Mirror dipped in real-world stakes.

Solid 4 stars.

[NeasNovelNest · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW:

Joonie can do absolutely no wrong in my eyes. The way this book has me wanting to reread Possessed because of all the breadcrumbs left within TMBH is insane. The goal was to channel the inner super sleuth and I’d say goal achieved. I love anything that can make me sit on it analyzing every detail and statement made wondering if it’s bigger than what I first imagined. This story had so much to it, the humbling reality of how prisons fail those come are released into society, the idea of how we as women seek perfection but fail to realize that perfection isn’t always what it’s cracked up to be and that it’s okay to embrace flaws bc perfection can be terrifying. Realizing that there are people in the world who literally feel like POC don’t deserve real reparations and that if it sounds too good to be true…it probably is.

So many hidden messages I could go on and on.

The spice was just right
Easily in my top 5 books of 2025 that left me in a state of “wtf” and wall staring. Possessed of course still holds strong as my number 1 but this is my number 3 for sure on the top 5.

I implore you to experience this universe bc you will not be disappointed.

[Dy_onasis · Rating 5 out of 5]

MBHP gave me smart house/black mirror/Area 51 vibes. I absolutely loved the little Easter eggs that crossed over from her debut book. (It’s not necessary to read one before the other though) but there were elements that were familiar. I’m also beginning to see a pattern here with the fmcs of Joonie P.’s books giving me high blood pressure. So thanks for that. I did enjoy the world building of this artificial environment that seems perfect from the outside but at its heart is very sinister. The Book also highlights single motherhood and the struggle to make the right decisions for your children’s future even when it’s hard while simultaneously building a suspenseful black dystopian world that kept me hooked every step of the way. And reading about Toya navigate this new life with a tempting AI assistant at her beck and call just stressed me all the way out. Like girl get it together. Stand up something! If theres anything I’d say to take away from this book it would be to please read the damn documents before you sign anything. Crossing my fingers that there will be a sequel 🤞🏾

[Taahesi Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listen….

This book reminded me why I love reading.
The way I eyeballed this book for months?
Definitely worth the wait.

Lemme just say this. This author has a way with a damn pen! The plot was so refreshingly unique, the world building was extraordinary and I can honestly say I never read anything like this all year. Or maybe ever.

The world she created had me yearning for more Black people in dystopian fiction! I can definitely see this as a short series on streaming. 😭😭😭

The story had me side eyeing my Alexa every two seconds.

And miss Toya come to the front! You need your lashing for making me feel bad for a man! And you definitely had your rose colored glasses on cause baby them red flags was everywhere!!!!

But I love the messy, real and raw side of Toya.
And them kids…
Tahj baby…
Yeah. I need more.

All and all an amazing introduction to this authors work and I can’t wait to see more!

10/10
And also ladies, ALWAYS READ THE DAMN MANUAL!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[AMINAH · Rating 4 out of 5]

MBHP was a fun, thought-provoking read that explored the lengths single mothers must go to to provide for their often-flawed families. LOVED thinking about the possible/probable futures for all of us through the lens of the, let's be honest, dystopian Onyx!

It's definitely one that will stick with you! Cause, how can you not be seduced at least a little bit by what Onyx claimed to offer! And that's the biggest gift of sci-fi content for me-give me something I haven't thought of or seen before and let me slap that over the filter of my own life!

I'm hopeful Joonie P. continues to explore Onyx! There are characters in MBHP that I'd love for her to follow for us in upcoming books...even though they may not be the most likeable...I still wanna know what's up!? And a book filled with likeable characters wouldn't be as much fun as this one was!

Thank you, Joonie P. for including me in your ARC family! I had a blast!

[Ronnie Crenshaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

MAAAANNNNNNNN I NEED A SEQUEL to this BOOK !!!!!

ARC REVIEW: For readers who enjoy their sci-fi lightly spiced, this tale set in the Possessed universe by Joonie P. is sure to captivate. I love that Joonie P. takes a fresh approach in crafting this story—she doesn’t rely on steamy scenes, instead using intimacy purposefully to deepen the plot.

The story follows LaToya and her children as they relocate to Onyx City in hopes of leaving her troubled past behind. At first, the city seems to offer everything she’s been searching for, but life there is far from simple.

I love how Joonie P. makes the dynamic between LaToya and her AI robot, ALPHA, the heart of the story, reflecting how we navigate trust, control, and companionship with technology.

With Jordan Peele’s tension and the emotional depth of Her (2013), Joonie P. delivers a story that leaves you craving a sequel. 5/5 — a must-read for fans of Possessed and newcomers to this visionary universe.

[CT · Rating 5 out of 5]

📚✨ ARC Review: The Modern Black Housewife Project ✨📚

Okay y’all… this book grabbed me by the edges and did not let go. Joonie P. delivers a domestic thriller that feels razor-sharp, intimate, and stressful in the best possible way. I was hooked from page one — the motherhood stress, the secrets, the tension simmering under every “normal” moment… whew.

Our main character is messy, real, exhausted, and fighting battles most people never see. I found myself whispering “girl, no…” and then immediately rooting for her anyway. The unraveling? Delicious. The stakes? High. The vibes? Black, brilliant, and boldly emotional.

If you’re into thrillers where the danger feels like it’s creeping through the walls of everyday life, this one deserves a spot on your nightstand.

Huge thank you to Joonie P. for trusting me with an ARC — truly honored to read it early. 💛

[Nina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joonie P will have you on the ropes with this read, and I promise you won’t regret it!

The Modern Black Housewife Project is a sci-fi thriller that was packed with twists, revelations, and surprises I never could have imagined.

Toya is a mother of three children with a husband incarcerated for a gruesome case. When the chance to give her kids a better chance in an advanced society, she takes it with both hands running. However, things begin to go awry.

When I tell you this book was JUICY!

Each character also fed beautifully into deeper messages of the struggles of modern society and Black familial relationships. On top of that, we see very interesting plot points that explore the role of tech and patriarchy.

Overall, this was a good ass book, and I heavily recommend this read!

[tofu · Rating 5 out of 5]

tropes: single mother, AI assistant mmc, sci-fi thriller, futuristic AI community

rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

spice: 🌶️🌶️

this was if black mirror, the matrix & smart house had a baby. it made me feel uncomfy in the best ways bc i could easily see society shifting to this way of living. the concept of this was very unique & i would love for her to make this a series. LaToya being Gen Z born in 2000 tripped me out bc this sh!t too close to now. 😅 the ending brought tears to my eyes bc i don’t even wanna imagine what i would do in a situation like this. i just want to know what happened to Toya & her little serial 🔪 after she did what she had to do. how did Atom react? did he snitch? i need them answers Joonie! 🤣

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book early as an ARC Reader.

ALWAYS read documents before you sign them!!! I understand the desperate situation Toya was in but a lot of this could have been avoided if she had just read the fine print lol. In theory Onyx sounds lovely but you literally are signing your life over to them. I was annoyed with Toya for most of the book. On top of not doing thorough research into what she was signing up for she consistently ignored her gut. The best thing she did was give her kids up at the end. I’m still unsure what to think about that homicidal maniac of a daughter. Overall the book drew me in & kept me intrigued. The ending pissed me off lol. I needed MORE Joonie! Lol

[nessabe.reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review:
You see that LaToya?! She stressed me out bad, but honestly I couldn’t even blame her. We have all ignored warning labels or signed something without fully reading it, so I understood how she ended up in that mess. And if Onyx was a real place, I would have ran my tail over there too and found me an Atom.🤭

The story moves fast and things spiral quickly. I really felt for Trell. HE IS THE VICTIM!!! He did not deserve any of what happened, and I wish his storyline played out differently.

With the way things ended, I hope that means there is room for a series because I need more.

[JOCELYN Stokes · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first thought is WOW! The Modern Black Housewife Project’s descriptions of what’s happening are so vivid. They put you in the room from describing the places and people to describing things. Hold on to your hat because you are in for a wild ride. This AI stuff is getting real. You know how you want to take all the good parts from those boyfriends and make one good man, you might find him here. LOL. Yes, this book is for grown-ups. Get ready for the things he does. #TheMBHP
@official_jooniep

[Stinaaaa · Rating 5 out of 5]

🚨ARC REVIEW🚨

Another 5 star read ! First page had me hooked. Joonie !! How you wrote this book “chefs kiss”. I need to know what was going through your mind writing this.


We all know how advanced AI can be and how we should limit use as much as possible. Now toya being a school teacher she should have been more careful reading the manual they gave her, however i can understand why she skimmed through it due to the circumstances. Reading about tahj broke my heart, and the way syl had his back, loved it! I need more please lol.

[Sabrina Morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Think sci-fi, fantasy, futuristic but IRL! I actually related in a way I didnt expect… imagine having a split second to do the only thing there is to save your family… trying to maintain your own Alpha while side eyeing the same greener grass on the other side that you’re loving every bit of… just to lose everything safe that is known to you and question was it really the right move in the first place ?! oh food for thought, considering the holiday spirit, you’re supposed to play with new toys, right 😉 I’m definitely hoping for more of this story to unfold in a part 2… 👀 because Toya my girl , we gotta get you on the right side of life ……

[Angelbelle Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

What in the sci-fi AI helly 😳

Speechless… 😶 like I have absolutely no words lol. But the way I was all up in Joonie’s DMs like uhhh what is going on 😂 so freaking good! All the stars ⭐️

The blurb alone “This is what happens when Black Mirror meets Stepford Wives” like hello lol sold

Listen the way I would have folded for Atom maybe not day 1 cause you know decorum but day 2 🤷🏾‍♀️😜

And Latoya… 🫩🫤

Besties go on and add this one to your tbr fr. It’s quick, it’s shocking, and it’s a real good time

[Shena · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the idea of urban fiction mixed with AI. We really get a book where we talk about computers and science mixed with our normal urban fiction. I enjoyed this read honestly it’s a new genre for me! Ms. Joonie you might be a lil sick in the head for that bathtub scene! New to me author now I have to read POSSESSED cause now I feel like I’m missing out. Only wish we had more in house drama but it was still good. Lord that child that child

[Jasmiel Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so happy to be gifted a ARC copy and let me tell you Joonie never disappoints! This book definitely left me with my mouth open and my mind wondering. This book touched on motherhood and lengths that a mother will go to in order to protect her children! There is no such thing as a perfect man and I love how Joonie touched on that! I will most definitely be reading this again and will always be excited to see what her mind comes up with!

[Niecy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The way Toya pulled me in from page one? Whew. I did not want this book to end. The whole “grass is greener” theme was so real, and my heart honestly went out to Toya—she was just trying to save her family. And that Maw Maw storyline? 😢 It hit even harder given the climate we’re in right now.
And honestly… Onyx didn’t even seem that bad.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A chilling, smart, and utterly addictive domestic suspense with a razor-sharp sci-fi edge. The Black Mirror meets Stepford Wives comparison is spot on, delivering a story that’s as thought-provoking as it is unsettling. LaToya’s journey from hope to creeping dread is gripping, timely, and impossible to put down. A tense, unforgettable five-star read.

[Reese Reese · Rating 5 out of 5]

Get ready for the mind fxck of your life! A reparations project set in the distant future with some wild bonus features that will have you gasping and gagging with every page. Woo chile! Joonie P took me on a ride with this one. Grab your copy today!

[Rae Quigley · Rating 5 out of 5]

PHEW this had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. This was just a great story. Like Black Mirror meets that Disney movie Smart House.

There’s gonna be a sequel… right? RIGHT?!?! And like can I have it now?????? Because holy fuck that ending!

[Alicia J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was HARD to put down ! Imagine a world of human AI … this had me at the edge of my seat with each page turn! I thoroughly enjoyed this!!! First time reading from this author but I’m excited to read more.

[Alysha Thornton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unhinged in the best way possible. Joonie never disappoints. AI comes to life in the most chilling way, equal parts entertaining and unsettling.