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Ebony’s Playlist: What’s on Repeat? – Sexy Saturday Pt. 2

Though I have been overindulging on audiobooks, music is still life over here. Lately, I have been revisiting older songs and sprinkling in some new music as well. It is so much music out there and I want to continue to find songs that will be classics. And songs to add to my sex playlist 😂. Just kidding, 😉. Here are some songs to add to your list, sex or otherwise.

Climb On by Hojean

 

I love when people say what they mean, no sugarcoating. Hojean leaves no room for misunderstanding in his newest song. These little nerdy dudes be freaky 😆. I love everything about this song, his voice, the music, and the words.

Moment by Victoria Monét

 

This song has been my jam for awhile. I just brought it out of retirement and added it back to my playlist. My favorite line of this song is, “Life is but a dream. Here we are inside of it and you inside of me.” Victoria 🤭!!! I feel like women are told to play the background and be coy about what we want. She said what the fuck she meant and I love it!

More of the Same by Eric Benét featuring Goapele

This song is on Eric Benét’s album, The Co-star, featuring duets with well-known female singers, such as Chante Moore and India.Arie. This particular song features Goapele, who I love. Her voice is angelic and smooth. She is the perfect choice for this song. This is a sexy song, but it is also a love song. Being happy with a person after many years together. Being sexually satisfied, and nothing needs to change.

Sunday by Kwaku Asante

 

Introducting me to this artist is one of the best things Spotify has ever done. I am 100% sure this song is going to be in my top 5 when I receive my Spotify Wrapped. Kwaku is a British-Ghanaian and like the British-Nigerians, he has a way with words. He described a perfect Sunday and you can picture it in your mind. A lazy, intimate day for lovers.

Obey by Dwele

 

I don’t know how old this song is, but when I thought about a Sexy Saturday playlist, this song immediately popped in my head. Once again, a freaky, nerdy dude. Dwele says, “My hand, your neck, no screams.” Uhhh…I think I am too young for this song 😂.

Don’t Wanna Say by Lauren Jauregui

 

Lauren was a member in Fifth Harmony before they broke up. Honestly, I can’t tell you a single song they sang. As separate artist, they have made more of an impression on me. Which makes sense because one would be able to stand out when not force to blend in. Even though Lauren is trying to be coy in this song, she is not pulling it off 😆. She doesn’t want to say it, but she is saying it, in English and Spanish.

What is really interesting to me is how the majority of the books I listen to mention artists and songs all throughout the books. I love it when the authors mention artists that are not as well-known, like Lucky Daye and Teddy Swims. It makes me so happy. As I said earlier, it is so much music out there besides the mainstream artists. I hope you find a song on this playlist that you like. As always, if you have a new song or artist you are listening to, please share. Be well and whole. Much Love 🧡 💚

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My 2026 Top Ten Books, Pt. 2

Along with the now 184 books I have completed, there is a great many I did not complete. Some books were a little too far out for me. Some just didn’t pull me in and I found myself not caring how it would end. Other books, I did not like the main characters. Recently, I started Plus Size Player by Danielle Allen and I stopped at 83% completed. I found myself judging the character for how she was going about things. So reckless. OMG, I am turning into one of those old church ladies who have lived their lives and now judge people for shit they used to do. I promise I’m not like that 😆. I just think that she was playing with fire and I didn’t want to see her burn. I don’t think I will ever finish the book. I went to read the reviews and there was others who agreed with me.

I am not knocking the author at all. I really enjoyed the first book in the series, Curvy Girl Summer. It had great banter between the characters and I liked that. The second book just wasn’t for me. It is rare for me to shit on a writer. Who am I to critique anyone when I haven’t written more than an article or blog post? These people are pushing out 300+ page books and creating whole worlds from their imagination. Yeah, I’m going to sit down and shut up.

Here is the next 5 books that made an impression on me and I would like to share with you.

Love Radio by Ebony LaDelle


This book is a young adult (YA) romance which I know many may not be interested in. Love Radio is set in Detroit, MI and the author even mentioned a doughnut shop I have to make a trip to try out. The young man, Prince, is a radio DJ whose mom happens to be diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS). Mind you, I did not know it going in and I did not pick the book for this reason. This isn’t the first book I read where a character had MS, but it is definitely not a common occurrence. I believe the author did a great job of portraying the struggles of MS and the impact that MS can have on a family. Prince is a young dude trying to live his life and make Dani fall in love with him. Even though it is a YA book, it is a great story. There are some triggers. You have been warned. Lol

Sight Unseen by Kasha Thompson

With my Spotify subscription, I receive 15 audiobook listening hours. I don’t think I have always taken advantage of this perk, but this year I am maxing those hours out to the second 😆. This was one of the books I found on Spotify. The premise is along the lines of the TV show Married at First Sight. I can’t say it is exactly like the show because I have never seen the show. Evelyn and Quincy are matched and married, and the camera follows them around capturing way too much. I can’t imagine this really working out well in real life, but this turned out to be a sweet romance.

The Hookup Plan by Farrah Rochon

I am so crazy about this book. I actually listened to it and read it, at different times this year. I found it staying on my mind and I just wanted to live through the sweet moments again. The Hookup Plan is the last book in a series and it was the best book. The main female character, London, was such a jerk and I loved her! The main male character, Drew, was so patient, nerdy-sexy, and cool. How could you not like him!?!? It is supposed to be an enemies to lovers type book, but only one person felt the other was an enemy and the other person was walking around with the biggest crush. The banter was top notch. Honestly, I would buy this book. I would have no problem with listening to it or reading it again.

Shield of Sparrows by Devney Perry

Sometimes, I have books saved or dowloaded waiting on me before I finish the current book. Other times, I am looking for books because I don’t have one waiting in the wings or I just want to read something different. I came across Shield of Sparrows when I was looking for something different and I was scrolling through the library’s recommended offerings. It sounded interesting, and it was! This book has princesses, monsters, fights, and kings. I figured out one of the mysteries in the book, but then it kept throwing me off. I was right all along though. Lol. Shield of Sparrows is part of a series and the second book, Rites of the Starling, is out now. We are waiting on book three. I see they are saying this book will be turned into a movie. I can’t imagine it will go well. It rarely does. I highly recommend just reading the book(s).

Twice by Mitch Albom

This is my first book by Mitch Albom. I know he is a famous NYT bestselling author, but so are a bunch of other people and I don’t like their books. However, I did like this book. Twice would be a great book club read. Many ideas to ponder on and discussion. I found myself stopping and reflecting on particular chapters while I was listening.  I could really write a whole blog post about this book, but I don’t to risk sharing any spoilers. Twice is a book about a man who can live parts of his life twice. I know that most of us would be just like Alfie, the main male character. Spinning the block twice on a bunch of different events in life. As with most things, there will be consequences. Check out Twice and find out what Alfie did and how he succeeded or failed.

I want to have another set of 10 by the end of this year. I also want to be more intentional about the books I read. I want to be captivated and inspired. I want the story to live with me after I read it. I want to add it to my list and then share it with you all. I hope you find at least one book from this post that interest you. If you do decide to read one, let me know what you think. I would love to hear from you. Be well and whole. Much Love 🧡 💚

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The Lover

The Lover by Nia Forrester, what can I say? I hate this book! Yet, I have to give it all the props because it was so well written. This book is definitely in my top 10, but I could not include it in my list. This book required its on post. I had no idea what I was getting myself into when I started this book. Yes, I did read the blurb. However, it did not describe the book accurately. There should have been all types of trigger warnings. Now, I am going to be just as shady as the book description and not tell you either 🙂. I feel like if I give you a heads up, it will either give too much away or it will have you on pins and needles waiting on that part to come.

So, what is my issue with The Lover? I started my Friday morning very early getting ready to drive to Alabama for the B-Ham Mayhem slingshot competition. I was listening to The Lover as I got ready and it transitioned to the car as I got on the road. Somewhere in Ohio, at about 55% – 60% of the book, something happened. Totally unexpected and it punched me in the nose, and I started crying. I mean I couldn’t get it together. I wasn’t boo-hooing or anything. Just, you know, tears filling the eyes, running down the cheeks. And at that point, I just knew the book was ruined. I was done. I didn’t want to listen to it anymore. I was pissed at Nia because WTF!?!? I felt like she ruined a perfectly good book. I was in the car alternating between crying and cussing. Lol. My issue with this book is tears and emotions.

I don’t think I have read a book this captivating since When Forty Blooms by Jacinta Howard last year. The main female character, Ryann, was all messed up and I related to her a little too much. I feel like when my husband comes along I am probably going to act just like her goofy ass. All wishy washy and shit. Then of course, my husband is going to have to be like Spencer, the main male character, patient, persistent, and understanding. The way Nia Forrester portrayed the realness of their relationship it was like watching a movie. The part where Ryann started her cycle at the restaurant, every woman can relate to that (sorry guys). The familial relationships, the friendships. I mean, just a great fucking book. Except, I did not like the narrator’s voice for Ivy. Had her sounding like a ditz. Ivy is a great supporting character and calls Ryann out on her shit. The best type of friend to have.

I didn’t listening to the book anymore on my drive to Alabama. I wanted to have a great weekend and I wasn’t going to let The Lover ruin it. I did have a great weekend. I saw some tricked out slingshots and rode around Birmingham and enjoy the sights. Tried Jack in the Box for the first time, it was average. The chocolate chip cookie, above average. Used my ScootnGo Scooter and didn’t run over anyone’s toes. Just lived. I did pick the book back up on the drive home. I finished it. The thing that set me off, turned out to be a misunderstanding. It didn’t change my mind, I still hate the book! 😆

Seriously though, I truly did not expect to go on an emotional rollercoaster when I decided to listen to The Lover. I don’t really like that in my books. I am not sure if I would listen to another one of Nia Forrester’s books. Judging from this book alone, she is a damn good author. The purpose of books for me is to live in another space for a few hours. Be entertained, laugh, and roll my eyes at the cheesiness. I don’t like my books close to real life. Judge me if you want, I don’t care. Lol. Maybe I just need to get over myself. Based on Dish Towel Saturday, I obviously need to feel emotions more. I just want to pick and chose when and where. Yes, I know it doesn’t work that way.

I haven’t forgotten about the other 5 of my top 10 books. That blog post will be out on Thursday. I do enjoy sharing these books with you all and I love when someone tells me that they listened to or read the book. Even if you don’t agree with me on how you feel about the book. I am also open to your book suggestions. Please do share them with me. Happy reading! Stay well and whole. Much Love 🧡 💚

P.S. B-Ham Mayhem, Birmingham, AL.