I believe in soul mates. You know. That ONE person who I was created for and who was created for specifically for me. From birth, God breathed life into that one being who may not be perfect, but is perfect for me. I'm his rib. He's my covering.
But where he at tho?
In my mind, he's about 6'3". Dark-skin. British accent. Can act. And DJ at the hottest parties.... Yasss Lawd!
Ok.
Ok.
Ok!
So I just described Idris Elba. Pray for me.
I know one thing... when I meet him, I will not be lost for words. But in reality, we often miss the mark when "the ONE" comes into our lives. Such is life for Janet and Denim, the two love-stricken, heart-broken, game-playing, deeply in love main characters in Tamika Newhouse's The Words I Didn't Say. Newhouse has written a modern day romance: love lost, love at first sight, but a vow to never love again.
Janet, the no strings attached professional and Denim, the playboy music mogul met on a whim but they knew instantly it was meant to be. Like some of us, Janet and Denim let the past get in the way of something that could be sooo beautiful. One is guilty of the unthinkable. The other is the victim of the unimaginable. One is the typical heart-breaker, now afraid to mess up a good thing. The other has developed a closed heart and a string one-night stands on reserve; one after another, after another. Two people love sick and trying to self-medicate. Because that is what we do, right? Hurt people, hurt people. We get under someone to get over someone else, leaving a trail of broken hearts along the way. The hurt doesn't really go away - it leaves us speechless when the right one comes along.
Janet and Denim make a lot of mistakes trying get right with one another. A couple where both people have one foot in and one foot out of a situationship. But who is going to step (up) in the name of love?
This book is filled with drama on top of drama, dripped in drama, smothered in drama, laced in drama and served on a hot plate of drama! Baby, when I tell you I couldn't put it down. I could not. Put. It. Down. I had to find out what was going to happen next. And trust, I'm not going to tell you either. I'm keeping that close to the vest like the Draw 4 in a game of UNO. Against a 7 year old. #TeamPetty
Tamika is the definition of Urban Fiction success. She can build a story that holds your attention, deliver a climax reminiscent of your favorite Prince song, with characters so developed you have to double check to make sure you didn't give her the rights to your life story.
The Words I Didn't Say has a supporting cast of co-workers, sisters, wing men, and ex-lovers. They are all entertaining with drama of their own against a Hot'lanta backdrop. They are certainly reminiscent of people you know personally. You find yourself recognizing the protagonists, guardians, comedians, heroes and villains from the story, then comparing them to your immediate circle of friends, acquaintances and loved ones.
It's a relatable read. Why? Because honestly, who wants to risk it all in the name of love?? Put your pride to the side? Let your ego go? Lose to win? Cut the side pieces off? Give up convince for commitment? Janet and Denim are forced to make these decisions and more before it is all too late. Sounds like you? It has sho'nuff been me.
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The Author
Tamika Newhouse or @bossladytamika as she is referred to on Instagram, is the self-published bestselling author and founder of the boutique publishing company, Delphine Publications. She has won various awards for her self-published written works of art as well as her entrepreneurial spirit. She acts as the momma bear over countless other creative writers who want to get their books into your hands. Did I mention she's SELF PUBLISHED?
In 2009, one year after she started the African Americans on the Move Book Club (AAMBC), an online book club and radio show, Tamika hosted the very first AAMBC Literary Awards. Smaller AAAMBC recognition events have taken in place in previous years, leading up to the 2015 red-carpet, weekend-long special occasion in support of Black writers. This year is believed to be even bigger and better! Attendees can expect book signings, author presentations, and more with The Real Housewives of Atlanta's Cynthia Bailey as the official host.
Tamika Newhouse is a single mother, public speaker coach and an inspiration. Tamika is on a literal literary mission having been featured in publications such as Uptown Magazine, Essence, Hello Beautiful, Juicy Magazine, and in Vibe Vixen Magazine. Head over to Amazon now and get a copy of The Words I Didn't Say or any one of her other urban fiction novels. Multiple options are available: paperback, Nook, Kindle - EVEN SIGNED COPIES!!
Add a Tamika Newhouse book to your summer reading list. I promise, you will not be disappointed. She will have you begging for more. More. More.
Have you read a Tamika Newhouse novel? Which one is your favorite? I need a recommendation! Let me know in the comments below!