Lil Empress is a young child growing up in Chicago around nothing but gangsters & hustlers, who has dreams of moving to Paris to be a fashion designer. As she gets older in the 1930s her paths crosses with a Queen Pin that has an entire empire & it’s not that long that Empress follows in her lead running numbers & more. All is going well or so she thinks until she runs into a one of a kind man & a beautiful love story comes knocking on her door & changes everything. I really love period pieces & this author has such a beautiful way of telling a story. Traveling to Chicago, a small town in Louisiana, Harlem & then Paris had me feeling like I was right there with how she wrote. I haven’t enjoyed a historical fiction book like this in awhile & had too much fun reading this. Truly grateful for this complimentary copy for a honest exchange for my review.

Thank you to NetGalley and Black Odyssey for this ARC!

This was a NTM author but I will definitely be reading from them again. This captivating novel is set in the 1930s, follows the unexpected love story of two gangsters navigating a world of danger, loyalty, and betrayal. The author masterfully captures the tension of the era, blending crime and romance in a way that feels both raw and heartfelt. The chemistry between the characters is undeniable, and their journey from hardened criminals to vulnerable lovers is as gripping as it is surprising. While the pacing slows at times, the vivid storytelling and emotional depth make it a compelling read. I loved everything about Creed and Empress!

When two outlaw lovers from opposite sides of the war face off, their second chance at happily ever after will come at a cost only one crime king and queen pin are willing to pay.

Chicago in the 1930s was one of the major centres of activity in the United States. 1930s Chicago is strongly associated with gangsters and the mafia and speakeasies to provide alcohol following Prohibition. In a dark and gloomy time during the Great Depression, many people in the city were unemployed and became dependent on food hand-outs in order to get by; many turned to crime as a way to deal with poverty. Many struggling musicians came to the city and found solace in the blues and jazz in the clubs of the city as a way to cope with their grievances. Numerous southern blues and jazz musicians made a name for themselves in the city.

African Americans migrated to the city from the south during the Great Migration of the first half of the 20th century. Many arrived in the city looking for work and settled in what became known as the "Black Belt", the chain of neighborhoods on the South Side of Chicago where 3/4 of the city's African American population lived by the mid-20th century. Discrimination played a big role in the lives of African Americans.They often struggled to find decent housing. Immigration to Chicago resulted in overcrowding, and the core of the Black Belt was a slum.Crime in African-American neighbourhoods was a low priority to the police. Associated with problems of poverty and southern culture, rates of violence and homicide were high. Some women resorted to prostitution to survive.

A queenpin is a female leader, often in the realm of organized crime, who holds a high rank and exercises significant control and influence over criminal activities. She is typically powerful,strategic,and respected within the crime world.

During the Bronzeville Renaissance period, Chicago hosted many of the nation's leading Black artists, writers, and performers.

Ida B. Wells, a journalist and civil rights activist, spearheaded a national anti-lynching movement, co-founded the National Association of Colored Women(1896), and the NAACP (1909) etc.

This is NTM author and I haven’t been disappointed yet. While not my typical time period type of read the author still captivated my attention and my heart. The way she told this gritty story of unrequited love had me in a chokehold. Yes for Empress and Snipes!!!

This was a NTMA author and I thoroughly enjoyed the storytelling of how one Dulce Ella Monroe went on to become the infamous Empress Creed!

A period piece which showcased Chicago in the 1930's, provided the backdrop to a tale of secrets, hustling, war and last but certainly not least...second chance love! You'll also get a history lesson to go along with your foray into the seedy Chicago underworld. And if you're looking for a change of pace from a modern, contemporary love story,...this is the one right here!

Thank you NetGalley, publisher Black Odyssey Media and author Tarris Marie for an advance reader’s copy in exchange for a honest review. All opinions are my own.

Thank you Tarris Marie, Black Odyssey Media, and Netgalley for this wonderful ARC copy.
I immediately fell in love with Empress as she grew up with her dysfunctional " mother" Meek Meek; whom later found solace and protection in the arms and home of .Momma Lee.
Countess raised Empress up in the numbers games until she was her right hand and confidant; she became a true Queen Pin. Both women were strong pistol totting women you didn't want to mess with; they would go to war behind the ones they love.
Empress' aka Dulce, chance meeting with Soldier Perry Savage who was reintroduced into her life as Snipes Creed outlaw and
sharpshooter. Snipes Creed taught Dulce how to allow herself to be loved, and love others-- most notably him.
When this group loved, they loved hard. There was nothing they wouldn't do in their power to support one another. The ending brought a smile to my face and tears to my eyes.

Crime doesn't pay is what we always hear but when it comes to love and matters of the heart, is that really still the case? The Queen and King Pin of the Streets of Chicago in the 1930s makes some of us just want to risk it all for love, but at what cost? Read to find out.

This is my first time reading this author. I enjoyed this novel. The pacing was perfect and dialogue was witty and engaging.

This uses the 1930s element in Chicago perfectly to tell the story that it needed to. I was invested in what was going on and thought the characters had that feel that I was looking for. Tarris Marie has a strong writing style and the characters felt like they belonged in this story. It had that time-period perfectly and glad I was able to read this.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher Black Odyssey Media, and the author Tarris Marie for an advance reader’s copy in exchange for a honest review. All opinions are my own.

Tarris Marie is a phenomenal writer. In her latest literary offering, Marie has a well paced novel that gives wisdom and knowledge about life while you read and enjoy Empress’s journey. In all honesty, this is the first book that I have read by the author and I am glad this book found me. Set in Chicago, in the 1930s, we meet Empress and follow her journey as she makes a name for herself as a queen pin and possibly finds love. With vivid details and sharp dialogue, Marie has a great period era novel that reads like a crime drama. You will root for the protagonist while being reminded that you can make your own luck, no matter where you start in life. I sincerely hope that Tarris Marie has a long career as a writer and continues to pen more stories as such. Kudos on a fantastic novel.