Cover Image: Confessions in B-Flat

Confessions in B-Flat

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Member Reviews

If taking a journey with romance development with a side quest of civil rights piques your fancy, this book is for you!

The book was a little slow. I don't know if it had to do with one of the audio narrators or just the topics at hand, but I was hoping for some action to help me get through the story. Honestly, I thought the book would deal with music or the love of music. But alas, it is about love versus civil rights perspectives. We follow Jason and Anita's story on what it is to fall in love with two very different personalities while trying to stay true to one's mission.

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I have to say that I'm a sucker for a historical romance and boy did this one deliver. A powerful love story taken place during the 1960's in the midst of the MLK and Malcom X movements, um yes please.

This story takes you on an emotional roller coaster ride, that leaves you hanging on the edge of your seat while you greedily flip pages to consume more. I'm more a fan of rereading books, but this one will hold a place within my heart and forever have a place on my shelves.

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I absolutely loved this book as it was rich in detail and helped me to see opposing views. I can’t wait to see it on screen.
Many thanks to Entangled Publishing and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

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⭐️⭐️⭐️


I normally don’t read historical fiction romance books but this was okay. I didn't necessarily feel connected to the characters but I do the appropriate history. I also realized that some of the timeframes were not correct.


Thank you NetGalley and Sideways Book for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

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Every book I read by this author leaves me spellbound and thinking she can’t top the last one. But once I swipe left I find yup she done did it. Teehee. Confessions in B Flat is a romance between activist. On a bus ride Jason Tanner meets Anita Hopkins, and neither Jason nor Anita can shake their connection. The personal connection and bond between Anita and Jason is what really carries this story.

But we cannot and must not forget how Hill weaves history into Jason and Anita's journey. As well as the incorporation of music, poetry, news articles, and photographs bringing this time period to life and setting the reader smack dead in the story emotionally.

Confessions in B-Flat is a love story that stretches multiple decades. It is beautiful and, heartbreaking. This engaging, emotional love story is a must-read.
In exchange for my honest and thoughtful review I received a galley copy from NetGalley.

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As someone who is grew up discussing the civil rights movement with her parents and grandparents, lover of historical fiction and recent convert to the romance genre, Confessions in B-Flat had everything I could want in a book set at the height of the Civil Rights Movement when Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X were at their zenith. While I was not alive in the 1960s, and therefore cannot say concretely which of the two prominent Civil Rights ideologies I would’ve come down on, whether that of Malcolm X and his teachings of “by any means necessary” or the nonviolent protest model of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, I believe that I would’ve found myself debating the side I held with the most with those who were for the other stance much like Jason and Anita.

I fell in love with Jason and Anita, not only because of how strongly they believed in the ways they had chosen to fight for the cause, but also because they reflected back to me just how much work relationships take. Upon initial meeting they couldn’t be more night and day with each other, but the more time they spent with one another and got to see the other in the places and with the people that helped to shape them and turn them into who they were, it became clear that despite their differences they had enough in common and had enough of a drive to fight for one another to make a real go at a lasting relationship.

As I made my way through the book and saw Jason and Anita work their way through different situations and the ups and downs of a relationship where they found themselves butting heads at times and questioning whether or not they had a future, I found I couldn’t help but relate to and recognize aspects of them in my own relationship. Jason and Anita’s relationship and the way they fight with and for one another help to remind the reader that if you truly love and believe you have found someone to spend the rest of your life with, that you shouldn’t allow your differences to keep you apart, but rather recognize your differences and love one another that much harder.

This was such a beautifully written book that I can understand why it has been optioned for film and you best believe that I will be seeing it the week it comes out.

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This was my first time reading this author. I thought this was well written. There were so many quotes and passages that I highlighted. I'm excited to see this on the big screen. Will recommend!

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Jason Tanner has come to Harlem in 1963. His mission is to spread the word of passive resistance of his mentor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Anita Hopkins is a poet that believes in the teachings of Malcolm X and freedom is “by any means necessary”. But when Jason sees Anita performing her poetry at the B-Flat lounge, he is instantly drawn to her. Can Jason and Anita make a connection?

Civil rights, different ideologies, and a love story is what Donna Hill brought us with Confessions in B-Flat. From the iconic restaurants, record stores, and other local black community landmarks, Hill transports you to 1963 Harlem. You can literally see everything that is taking place in this story. The development of Anita and Jason’s love story is a steady build that readers will appreciate. Donna Hill hit just the right note with Confessions in B-Flat.

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Confessions in B-Flat was an enjoyable read. I loved taking this journey through the sixties with Jason and Anita. It was entertaining and informative. The pictures included enhanced the experience of being immersed in not only in the story but in the time period as well. It was a solid read for me. I'm definitely looking forward to reading more by this new to me author.

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I read quite a bit of romance and it’s been a minute since a romance has moved me this novel has moved me. I get in my feelings a lot when I read, whether it’s love being expressed or a sympathy for a character BUT rarely do I get in my feelings to the point that I cry. And when I tell you that the last few chapters of the book had me bawling, like tears flowing and nose wiping type bawling, believe me.

Everything about this story was amazing.I thoroughly enjoyed the background aspect of things happening with the Civil Rights movement and hearing about the opposing methods of Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. While I’ve learned a lot about the movement for some reason I never really took a second to think about the reactions and emotions that my people felt when witnessing pivotal moments during this era in real time. Reading about events such as the bombing of the church that killed those four girls was just a reminder that we’re not that far removed from this fight. Of course there’s been progress, but the fight is still ongoing.

Now back to the main event! The love story of Jason and Anita was so beautifully written. A hapchance meeting on a bus of all places that transpired into the most beautiful love story every told. I loved the qualities of the main characters. There’s Anita who is strong headed and has a great sense of who she is as a woman. Then we have Jason who is an upstanding gentleman, a comfort as he’s soft yet a protector. Together these two balanced each other out nicely. Jason was definitely the calm to Anita’s storm and Anita was the cup of coffee Jason needed to get him going in the morning. I rooted for them the entire way even when things looked bleak.

If historical fiction is your jam, this one is for you!

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This was a beautiful love story set during the time period of civil rights movement. The protagonists Jason and Anita have entirely different political beliefs- one following Dr King and the other following Malcolm X. Both are passionate about the movement and their respective ideologies. It’s a love story between these two humans and whether they can get past their differences.
The writing was simple and beautiful. The characters were vibrant and lifelike and I couldn’t help but be invested in their lives. U can’t help falling in love with Jason and Anita. It was a warm beautiful cosy love story in the background of that tumultuous time.
Loved the book!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Definitely recommended!

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Wow.... I can't lie and say that when I first started reading this that I was going to be so into it but I am so happy that it exceeded my expectations. This is my first historical/romance fiction and I must say that it was pleasant. There was some places where Anita had me ready to cuss her out and then there were some when I couldn't help but smile or laugh... This was a read that I didn't know that I needed.

I loved the banter between the both of them and their motto about agreeing to disagree. I feel like there are a lot of couples that feel like they have to be perfect and we all know that there isn't a couple on this planet that's perfect. It made them realistic to me. Another thing that I liked was the pictures within the book as well as the YouTube links to the certain videos about Martin or Malcom X I loved loved loved that. First read by Donna but I can say that she left me so fulfilled with this story

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This novel was such a heartwarming masterpiece that captured an important time in history and remixed it with romance making it even more captivating.

Taken place in Harlem during the 1960’s the novel follows two courageous MC’s Jason Tanner a young activist seeking to spread the message of his mentor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and Anita Hopkins an aspiring beat poet who believes in the practices of Malcolm X. When the two meet on a New York bus ride Jason is intrigued by Anita and although there political differences nearly get in the way of their conversation Anita also felt something in that moment. Nearly three months pass before they cross paths again making this next encounter one to remember.

Jason was passionate and eager to be a positive voice for the movement while Anita was fierce with her drive for justice by any means necessary. It was nearly impossible not to fall in love with these characters. The character development was excellent. Donna Hill put so much description into the story giving a realistic feel to the setting and characters.

I really enjoyed watching the love flourish and bloom between Jason and Anita. Her dealing with a past heartbreak almost made it impossible for Jason to show his real interest. But I loved how eventually Anita opened herself up to love again despite her past entanglement. Then just when you think things between them may not work something happens and gives their relationship hope.

The book not only feeds you in the romance sector but awakens the reader’s perspective on history and the difficulties African Americans face. The author’s inclusion of real photographs, news articles, and poetry was not only insightful but takes you on a journey through history.

I’m so excited this book is being adapted into a film. It’s definitely worth reading so I can only imagine how amazing the movie will be. Special thanks to the author and @hearourvoicestours for my gifted copy and to be apart of this amazing tour!!!!

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When I think of historical fiction, I think of the Victorian era in London. However, this time… it’s the 1960s in the US. This book was phenomenal.

Jason follows the teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., while Anita follows Malcolm X. Fighting for the same things but with different techniques. Jason meets Anita on the bus, and the rest is history. The chemistry was blazing, and I enjoyed it very much.

With an “opposites attract” trope, Jason and Anita work well together for me. They are passionate about their beliefs and their work, and I love that.

It was amazing to see appearances from historical figures. I can’t say that I’ve read many books taking place during this time period, but I loved it. This is the kind of book that will stick with you, and I think it should also be the kind of book you read every now and again to see how much you’ve grown with your perspectives and ideologies.

Originally, the cover and the synopsis drew me, but the writing was phenomenal. The story flowed well, and I was genuinely surprised that I enjoyed this, but I’m definitely adding this to my “Read Again” list.

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Thank you to Hear Our Voices Tours for providing me with this ebook!

5/5. I loved this book! It was a powerful story of love and activism in the civil rights era. We get to see the characters experience some of the tumultuous events during that time. The book has some historical inaccuracies, but that did not deter my enjoyment of the book. Anita and Jason were both likable MCs, and I found myself rooting for them throughout the book. The way they come together and realize that their difference in ideals is not a deterrent to their love is well written. I also enjoyed the inclusion of some historical images and links to historical speeches. It is a must-read!

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What an absolute pleasurable strangers to lovers historical romance! I'm here for all of it and the artifacts throughout the book immersed me even further into the love story. There was never a dull moment in this story. I really hope it continues and the sequel picks up with the young man who took over do gooder's job at the MLK store front. I am looking forward to reading more from this author.

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I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This story follows Anita Hopkins, an aspiring poet who believes in Malcolm X's violence if necessary ideals and Jason Tanner, a follower of Martin Luther Jr.'s nonviolence ideals. Anita and Jason meet on a bus ride to New York where Jason is moving to do work for Dr. King. While the two have different beliefs both are attracted to each other but don’t know why.
When the pair run into each other again they take a chance on bonding and develop a great relationship. The very things Jason and Anita thought would be a hinderance are the same things that they appreciate and love about each other. Set in the civil rights era the events of the timeframe arise and are handled well with the different feelings of its characters.

Thank you NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this book.

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This one gave me all the ohhhs and ahhhs. Is love enough for two people on different sides of the coin of political issues? For Jason and Anita, it seems love is enough. I read this one in one sitting and I'm still swooning over it. Well written and kept me wanting more.

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I picked this book up because the cover was beautiful and I wanted to know more. I was sucked in from the beginning. I had such a good time reading this and I loved the romance in this, but most importantly it was a perfect Black History Month read. I was so happy that I read it.


Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the free copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

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So refreshing to read non-regency historical romance. Timely, timeless, and well-told. What a stunning story with brilliant historical detail.

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