October 17, 2005
If there was ever any doubt that pulp was alive and thriving, Noire's highly sexy, highly vivid G-Spot
dispelled it. This follow-up delivers everything that lovers of this emerging micro genre—black urban erotic chick lit—are coming to expect: cribs full of music, sex, drugs and criminality; many dollars flying by; and an honest, often abused girl just trying to make it through. When Candy Raye Montana hooks up with Harlem rap don Junius "Hurricane" Jackson, she's expecting little more than a respite from serving as bait for stickups for her well-meaning but desperate mother and her mother's junkie boyfriend—and maybe a little luxury. But 'Cane turns out to be a major sociopath (with violent perversions that may be compensations for a small dick). Candy, unhappy and horny, turns to Internet cam mutual masturbation, but when Percy "Knowledge" Graham, Cane's lawyer, comes into her life, the love is real—and deeply satisfying. But Cane knows something's up, and Candy's life is more and more in the balance as Knowledge schemes to find a way for them to make a life together. Candy's first person and Knowledge's third begin to alternate chapters: both are completely absorbing and rarely miss. The cast of bling and trash extras are well-done and well-named. The most direct means to Candy's heart provides the novel's title.
December 15, 2005
Noire writes another sexy, gritty tale about the music industry. Junius "Hurricane" Jackson has a reputation for his genius at recognizing raw street talent. He is CEO of the number-one urban record label, House of Homicide, in Harlem. From coast to coast, Hurricane is as cruel as he is revered. Candy Raye Montana, a redhead with blue eyes, has lived a rough life. To escape the cruelty of serving as lure for her mother's stickups, she sings to keep living. At 17, Candy leaves Brooklyn to follow Nicky Gabriano to Los Angeles for a new start. When Hurricane offers her an audition, she becomes starstruck and shirks her obligations for a chance at fame and fortune. Hurricane claims Candy for himself and puts a lot of money and energy into her career. As her music climbs the charts, Hurricane becomes increasingly abusive and violent. When Percy "Knowledge" Graham, Hurricane's lawyer, comes into her life--their love only complicates Candy's situation. Knowledge schemes to find a way to save their lives and make a new life together. (Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2005, American Library Association.)