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Wikked - LaWanda Blakely
Wikked
lmblakely
ISBN: 9780615204543
LadyElle Publishing
Reviewed By Josee Morgan
Official Apex Reviews Rating:
Niqi Brown seems to have it all – she’s the Executive Director at a lucrative manufacturing firm, she’s surrounded by a great support system of close family and friends, and, last but not least, she’s engaged to one of the wealthiest and most handsome brothas around: Mr. Chancelor Barnes IV. Veritably on top of the world, few would imagine that someone in her privileged position would ever have anything to worry about…truth be told, though, even paradise has its trouble spots…
As it turns out, Niqi and Chance’s relationship has been steadily eroding over the years, devolving to the point where they can barely see eye-to-eye on any issue. They spend less time together, they argue more frequently, and, quite frankly, they make each other miserable. So, it comes as no surprise that Niqi’s suspicions are confirmed when she confronts Chance about his secret dealings with none other than Tiffany Jones, a bitter rival from her past who has re-emerged on the scene with Niqi square in her sights. Amid the drama and chaos that ensue, Niqi eventually finds comfort in the arms of the smooth and sexy Denim Alexander, an intriguing character who just so happens to be the best lover and partner she’s ever had.
However, all that glitters is not gold, and Niqi soon finds herself caught up in the middle of a sinister plot involving various levels of treachery, deceit, and backstabbing, thrusting her into survival mode with none other than her very own life at stake.
A clever and compelling tale, Wikked is sure to entertain. In her standout debut effort, lmblakely has compiled an intriguing cast of characters, each of which has his/her own unique backstory, which adds considerable flavor to the well-seasoned overall storyline. Furthermore, rather than in linear, predictable fashion, Wikked slickly wends its way from each new plot twist to the next, keeping the reader on his/her toes as the convoluted plotline unfolds.
A suspenseful account of the dark side – and ultimate redemption of – our common human nature, Wikked is a literary treat that shouldn’t be missed.
Official Apex Reviews Interview: LaWanda Blakely (Wikked)
Apex Reviews: Thanks for joining us for this interview, LaWanda. We’re looking forward to learning more about your book.
What inspired you to craft this quite compelling, entertaining story?
LaWanda Blakely: It started out as journal writing, but my imagination took me into another direction, and it grew to much more than I anticipated.
AR: There’s quite a bit of treachery and backstabbing peppered throughout the pages of the tale. In this day and age, do you think that no one - whether friend or family member - can truly be trusted?
LB: LOL!! I think that you should be aware that friends or family members do have the ability to be treacherous - be it for the love of money, acceptance, or just plain vindictiveness.
AR: The bond that Niqi and Denim share is deep and strong, almost spiritual in nature. Do you personally believe in love at first sight? Also, do you think that there's one special person meant for each of us, who complements us like no one else can?
LB: I don't believe in love at first sight; however, I wanted to create a story so maybe those who don’t believe could. I do believe there is that one special person that complements us like no other.
AR: Our reviewer mentioned that each of your characters brings his/her own genuine, unique energy to the tale, which helps to enhance the overall story. Are any of them based on people that you actually know, or are they primarily products of your imagination?
LB: It’s a little bit of both.
AR: Our reviewer also cited the unique nature of your writing style. Who have been some of your chief writing influences thus far?
LB: To be honest, I have a passion for writing, so I don’t have any chief writing influences; however, I do admire E. Lynn Harris because of his ability to produce series work stemming from Invisible Life, Mary Monroe because of her message in God Don't Like Ugly, Sister Souljah because The Coldest Winter Ever was the very first book I've read and enjoyed, and Zane's hustle for releasing books like every three months (LOL).
AR: As a self-published author, what have been some of the greatest challenges for you regarding the publication and promotion of your book?
LB: I am actually with LadyElle Publishing and have found the publication and promotion of Wikked to be challenging, yet fulfilling.
AR: On the flip side, what have been some of the greatest rewards?
LB: To hear all of the positive feedback being a first time author has so far been my greatest reward.
AR: What's next for you?
LB: Currently, I have several projects in the works. I have a couple short stories due for release coming soon, and be on the lookout for more from Niqi, Denim, Chance, and Tiffany.
AR: Do you have a website address where our readers can learn more about you?
LB: I do have several sites where my readers can learn more about me. They can check me out at www.myspace.com/lmblakely, www.shelfari.com/lmblakely, www.goodreads.com/lmblakely, and www.ladyellepublishing.com.
AR: Also, how can people contact you directly?
LB: Readers can contact me through my MySpace page.
AR: Any final thoughts you'd like to share with our readers?
LB: I just want to humbly thank them for their kind words and support on this project. I also want them to be on the lookout for future lmblakely projects.
AR: Thanks again, LaWanda, and best of continued success to you in all your endeavors!
lmblakely
ISBN: 9780615204543
LadyElle Publishing
Reviewed By Josee Morgan
Official Apex Reviews Rating:
Niqi Brown seems to have it all – she’s the Executive Director at a lucrative manufacturing firm, she’s surrounded by a great support system of close family and friends, and, last but not least, she’s engaged to one of the wealthiest and most handsome brothas around: Mr. Chancelor Barnes IV. Veritably on top of the world, few would imagine that someone in her privileged position would ever have anything to worry about…truth be told, though, even paradise has its trouble spots…
As it turns out, Niqi and Chance’s relationship has been steadily eroding over the years, devolving to the point where they can barely see eye-to-eye on any issue. They spend less time together, they argue more frequently, and, quite frankly, they make each other miserable. So, it comes as no surprise that Niqi’s suspicions are confirmed when she confronts Chance about his secret dealings with none other than Tiffany Jones, a bitter rival from her past who has re-emerged on the scene with Niqi square in her sights. Amid the drama and chaos that ensue, Niqi eventually finds comfort in the arms of the smooth and sexy Denim Alexander, an intriguing character who just so happens to be the best lover and partner she’s ever had.
However, all that glitters is not gold, and Niqi soon finds herself caught up in the middle of a sinister plot involving various levels of treachery, deceit, and backstabbing, thrusting her into survival mode with none other than her very own life at stake.
A clever and compelling tale, Wikked is sure to entertain. In her standout debut effort, lmblakely has compiled an intriguing cast of characters, each of which has his/her own unique backstory, which adds considerable flavor to the well-seasoned overall storyline. Furthermore, rather than in linear, predictable fashion, Wikked slickly wends its way from each new plot twist to the next, keeping the reader on his/her toes as the convoluted plotline unfolds.
A suspenseful account of the dark side – and ultimate redemption of – our common human nature, Wikked is a literary treat that shouldn’t be missed.
Official Apex Reviews Interview: LaWanda Blakely (Wikked)
Apex Reviews: Thanks for joining us for this interview, LaWanda. We’re looking forward to learning more about your book.
What inspired you to craft this quite compelling, entertaining story?
LaWanda Blakely: It started out as journal writing, but my imagination took me into another direction, and it grew to much more than I anticipated.
AR: There’s quite a bit of treachery and backstabbing peppered throughout the pages of the tale. In this day and age, do you think that no one - whether friend or family member - can truly be trusted?
LB: LOL!! I think that you should be aware that friends or family members do have the ability to be treacherous - be it for the love of money, acceptance, or just plain vindictiveness.
AR: The bond that Niqi and Denim share is deep and strong, almost spiritual in nature. Do you personally believe in love at first sight? Also, do you think that there's one special person meant for each of us, who complements us like no one else can?
LB: I don't believe in love at first sight; however, I wanted to create a story so maybe those who don’t believe could. I do believe there is that one special person that complements us like no other.
AR: Our reviewer mentioned that each of your characters brings his/her own genuine, unique energy to the tale, which helps to enhance the overall story. Are any of them based on people that you actually know, or are they primarily products of your imagination?
LB: It’s a little bit of both.
AR: Our reviewer also cited the unique nature of your writing style. Who have been some of your chief writing influences thus far?
LB: To be honest, I have a passion for writing, so I don’t have any chief writing influences; however, I do admire E. Lynn Harris because of his ability to produce series work stemming from Invisible Life, Mary Monroe because of her message in God Don't Like Ugly, Sister Souljah because The Coldest Winter Ever was the very first book I've read and enjoyed, and Zane's hustle for releasing books like every three months (LOL).
AR: As a self-published author, what have been some of the greatest challenges for you regarding the publication and promotion of your book?
LB: I am actually with LadyElle Publishing and have found the publication and promotion of Wikked to be challenging, yet fulfilling.
AR: On the flip side, what have been some of the greatest rewards?
LB: To hear all of the positive feedback being a first time author has so far been my greatest reward.
AR: What's next for you?
LB: Currently, I have several projects in the works. I have a couple short stories due for release coming soon, and be on the lookout for more from Niqi, Denim, Chance, and Tiffany.
AR: Do you have a website address where our readers can learn more about you?
LB: I do have several sites where my readers can learn more about me. They can check me out at www.myspace.com/lmblakely, www.shelfari.com/lmblakely, www.goodreads.com/lmblakely, and www.ladyellepublishing.com.
AR: Also, how can people contact you directly?
LB: Readers can contact me through my MySpace page.
AR: Any final thoughts you'd like to share with our readers?
LB: I just want to humbly thank them for their kind words and support on this project. I also want them to be on the lookout for future lmblakely projects.
AR: Thanks again, LaWanda, and best of continued success to you in all your endeavors!