If you find yourself yearning for the 90s, particularly the explosive era of hip hop that defined the late 90s (think Tupac vs. Biggie and more), and you have a soft spot for steamy romance novels, then Blaque Pearle is a book you may want to consider reading. This novel weaves together the larger-than-life 90s hip-hop culture with an instant-love romance and big- and small-scale crime exploits.

With chapters named after iconic hip hop singles like California Love by Tupac and Anytime, Anyplace by Janet Jackson, Blaque Pearle author Tarris Marie doesn't just tell a story; she immerses you in the vibrant 90s media. While you don't need to have lived through the 90s or downloaded 90s hip-hop tracks, you'll find yourself chuckling at the clever references and feeling more connected to the story if you do have some experience with 90s culture.

Blaque Pearle follows the stories of a drug lord and art collector named Blaque and a con artist and salon owner named Pearle. While Blaque and Pearle work toward ruining each other (and earning millions+ if they succeed), they end up falling in love—and instantly. Many groups are involved in the plot, from the FBI to a Mexican cartel. Also, the story primarily occurs in LA (Compton/South Central) and Kingston, Jamaica.

The book summary on Goodreads nicely wraps up the central plot line: "As Blaque and Pearle become passionately entangled, Pearle falls prey to a darker underworld. Time is ticking. Lives are at stake. Will these love outlaws be able to outsmart their enemies, or will they wage an all-out war, leaving the bodies to fall wherever they may?"

What I liked:

*Fast-paced and easy to read
*90s references
*Action and adventure galore

What may present hurdles for readers:
*Writing leans on telling and not showing.
*Mentions of human trafficking, SA, drugs, sex, violence

I ventured out of my ordinary thriller and mystery book genres when reading Blaque Pearle, and the read was entertaining. However, the author could have developed the story more in some places (I think this speaks to the telling and not showing aspect), and I'm not a huge instant-love fan, so that part wasn't especially thrilling. Romance readers, especially ones who love 90s culture, may find this novel entertaining and action-packed.

Thank you to Black Odyssey Media, Tarris Marie, and NetGalley for the ARC.

𝐞𝐀𝐫𝐜 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
3.5 🌟
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The cover art and the premise of the storyline is what caught my attention. Pearle Monalise Brown was the tenacious aspiring actress from Compton's unforgiving, scarred streets. Never broken, Pearle switches gears to a fallback plan—resorting to her beauty and acting skills to swindle money and expensive jewels. When she's hired by the Colombian cartel to steal a priceless Basquiat from the debonair kingpin and art collector, Blaque.
This is an insta-love romance which isn't my favorite trope, so I kinda struggled a little with this story.
𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬:
•Black Love
•Insta-Love
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Thank you, Netgalley, and Black Odyssey Media for the eBook in exchange for my honest review.