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.

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.

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.