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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 walks away 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 the era’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-boyfriend and former boss, who’s 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 romp through one of the most dynamic eras in pop culture history—a story of ambition, friendship, love, and the journey to 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 walks away 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 the era’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-boyfriend and former boss, who’s 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 romp through one of the most dynamic eras in pop culture history—a story of ambition, friendship, love, and the journey to finding your own voice.
13 pages, Audiobook
First published January 27, 2026
364 people are currently reading
14990 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 308 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
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.
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....
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.
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.
Want to read
February 13, 2026OH YES!!! Can’t wait to read this one 🥰😍🥰
February 4, 2026
SO good, I hope there’s a sequel!
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 23, 2026
This book was AMAZING!!!
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 🌟
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.
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.
Read
February 28, 2026Oh the drama! I can’t wait for this tv show🙂↕️ LOVEEE
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!)
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).
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
March 3, 2026
Nikki, Nikki, Nikki. So many bad decisions. So much chaos. But at least she was trying to be better. And the chaos made for a fun (most of the time) story, with a lot of quotes that I saved.
The interactions and conversations between Nikki and Alonzo were exhausting. I know this was not how Alonzo was described in the novel, but I could not help picturing him as a Gary Dourdan lookalike, which is actually fitting because they are both terrible people. Teresa, Kiara, and Derek were my favorite characters.
Four stars. Pretty enjoyable, with descriptive writing.
The interactions and conversations between Nikki and Alonzo were exhausting. I know this was not how Alonzo was described in the novel, but I could not help picturing him as a Gary Dourdan lookalike, which is actually fitting because they are both terrible people. Teresa, Kiara, and Derek were my favorite characters.
Four stars. Pretty enjoyable, with descriptive writing.
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.
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!
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.
February 7, 2026
I finished the audiobook a bit ago, as a matter of fact, well before the release date, but I'm just now able to put into words my feelings about this book. It was absolutely amazing and such a joy to read. It took me back to a time in my life where I didn't have adult responsibilities and had no worries. the 90's was such a vibe and it was nice to see it from another's city's point of view. It showcased what a lot of Black women had to do to achieve the dreams and desires they wanted during that era. If you're a fan of the 90's hip hop scene, Black Magazine culture , and stories that highlight misogyny and navigating adult friendships, then this is the read you need. The author wove together a captivating read that kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. And it's been said the book is in the works for a tv series, and i hope and pray it gets completed and shown. I will be waiting and watching front and center.
February 14, 2026
I wanted to like this book but it was boring and fell flat for me.
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.
March 2, 2026
Nikki is possibly one of the most relatable characters in contemporary fiction. I found Nikki's ambition, passion, and naivete authentic yet frustrating all at once. Reading If I Ruled the World felt as if I were reading my journal, hoping the pages of the cringe-worthy moments were somehow stuck together. I carried the book with me everywhere I went desperate for a moment to dive back into Nikki's life and the hard lessons that would refine her confidence even further.
Here's to Amy DuBois Barnett's debut novel!
Here's to Amy DuBois Barnett's debut novel!
March 6, 2026
this was like an ode to the 90s and hip hop. it was cute!
i also really loved the law and order reference to "fine ass ADA Paul Robinette" knowing that the author and the actor who played him have been together forever in real life. super cute.
i also really loved the law and order reference to "fine ass ADA Paul Robinette" knowing that the author and the actor who played him have been together forever in real life. super cute.
February 23, 2026
If I Ruled The World by Amy DuBois Barnett is a sharp, nostalgic coming-of-age story set against the glossy, complicated backdrop of late-90s media culture.
Set in 1999 and moving into the early 2000s, the novel follows a young Black woman navigating ambition, identity, love, and career in the fast-paced world of publishing. As she steps into spaces that weren’t always built with her in mind, she’s forced to reconcile who she is with who she’s becoming — professionally and personally.
What makes this story so compelling is how immersive it feels. From the fashion and music references to the social dynamics of the era, the book captures the cultural pulse of the time while exploring timeless themes: belonging, reinvention, vulnerability, and the cost of success.
Honest, intimate, and deeply reflective, this novel is both a nostalgic time capsule and a thoughtful exploration of what it means to claim your voice — and your space — in a world that doesn’t always expect you to.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½
Set in 1999 and moving into the early 2000s, the novel follows a young Black woman navigating ambition, identity, love, and career in the fast-paced world of publishing. As she steps into spaces that weren’t always built with her in mind, she’s forced to reconcile who she is with who she’s becoming — professionally and personally.
What makes this story so compelling is how immersive it feels. From the fashion and music references to the social dynamics of the era, the book captures the cultural pulse of the time while exploring timeless themes: belonging, reinvention, vulnerability, and the cost of success.
Honest, intimate, and deeply reflective, this novel is both a nostalgic time capsule and a thoughtful exploration of what it means to claim your voice — and your space — in a world that doesn’t always expect you to.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½
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 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!
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