Customer Reviews

From Dusk to Dawn

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
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"From Dusk To Dawn", is an ENGAGING debut novel by Niambi Brown Davis. With her first novel, she skillfully ENTERTAINS, educates and/or informs us with some "real-life" relationship issues; such as age difference, religious beliefs, feminine health, and family interference throughout. The cast of characters, main and secondary, are CAPTIVATING and memorable. When Ayodele Montgomery and Bilal Abdul-Salaam first meet the attraction is instant and VOLATILE. After their disastrous first encounter, fate intervenes; they meet AGAIN, and this time they HIT it off. Unfortunately their budding romance is filled with several conflicts, which they MUST attempt to work through in order to hopefully have a HAPPILY-EVER-AFTER. I was CAUGHT UP in this INTRIGUING and EMOTIONALLY charged journey with Ayo, Bilal, their family and their circle of friends. Ms. Davis provides very DETAILED and VIVIDLY descriptive passages of all the issues surrounding this couple. And she also throws in some SURPRISING twists and turns, that will definitely keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end. Although the romance and the intimate encounters are minimal, the few that exist are very sweet and PASSIONATE. I enjoyed this debut novel and consider it a worthwhile read. KUDOS, Ms. Davis!

Niambi Brown Davis has masterfully crafted her storylines and characters into an awesome debut novel that is a "must read". Ayo and Bilal get off to an antagonistic start, but neither is able to shake the other from their thoughts. Thanks to a chance encounter, they reconnect and sparks fly. Love blossoms, but just as seasons change and the petals fall from the blossoms, so does the course of love for Ayo and Bilal find that true love is not without fallout. The first time Ayo meets Bilal's family is reminiscent of Stella meeting Winston's family in "How Stella Got Her Groove Back", but it carries over much longer in From Dusk to Dawn", impacting Ayo and Bilal's relationship in a much more profound way. I loved the way Ms. Brown gave us all of the problems that would be encountered in a Muslim-Christian, older woman/younger man, never-married vs single parent type of relationship. She didn't circumvent any of those obstacles in addition to developing the normal problems in a relationship. The dialogue was entirely realistic and the climax and resolution (I'm talking plot everybody) was poignant. So, Ms. Davis, when is your next book?"

Niambi Brown Davis introduces readers to the life of Ayo Montgomery in From Dusk to Dawn. Ayo is mother of a college-aged son and she is a very successful entrepreneur of unique bath and body products. Having lost her husband twenty years earlier in an accident, she believes her life is complete and fulfilling.

On the recommendation of a friend, Ayo solicits the help of Bilal Abdul Salaam, an appraiser, to give her an estimate on her antique furniture. Bilal, with the complexion of dark maple syrup and the body of a gladiator, proved to be more than she was expecting. As sparks began to ignite between the two, they immediately took offense with each other. Days later, they realized they could not stop the attraction that had begun to pull them together.

Davis weaves a very interesting story of romance. As the characters become acquainted, they must face the stereotype of older woman/younger man syndrome and religious differences along with issues from family, friends and children. Davis does a wonderful job with her descriptive narrative, which puts the reader in the center of the story. She also gives wonderful explanation of the various religious practices of the Muslim faith that are unfamiliar to most people. I only wished she gave a little bit more romance between the characters. This book will definitely be recommended to everyone that enjoys a happy and loving ending.

Reviewed by: Priscilla C. Johnson
APOOO BookClub

Ayo Montgomery is a 42-year-old widow with a grown son and a thriving business. For 18 years, love has not been in her life. She thought that when she buried her husband she'd never find that kind of love again. When a friend recommends an appraiser, Ayo thinks that maybe there is love after death. Bilal Abdul-Salaam is a 32-year-old appraiser who also happens to be a Muslim. Bilal is ready to be a husband and a father. He just hasn't found the right woman, until he meets Ayo. Her son and his father are not happy about the union, but Bilal and Ayo are not about to let that come between them. Ayo suddenly breaks things off with Bilal, leaving him utterly confused. But by no means is Bilal going to allow Ayo to walk away that easily.

From Dust to Dawn is a good book. It has an enjoyable plot that is easy to follow. There were a few choppy parts in the flow of the story, but overall Niambi Brown Davis did a good job of connecting the story. The characters were also easy to identify with. By bringing in the Muslin family aspect, Niambi Brown Davis made the story very interesting and gives a number of interesting facts about the religion. If you enjoy learning about different religions/cultures, From Dust to Dawn gives you a nice opportunity to learn about some of them while enjoying a good romance.

Reviewed by Tenecia
for Urban Reviews

In From Dusk to Dawn, author, Niambi Davis, takes us on a tumultuous love journey between main characters, Ayo Montgomery and Bilal Abdul-Salaam. Ayo, budding entrepreneur and single mother to a college-age son, Kedar, believes she is too old and set in her ways to be in a relationship at this point in her life; therefore, she definitely is not looking for love. With her primary focus on her skincare product business and seeing to her son's needs, Ayo is all but blindsided when Bilal enters her world. Bilal, an eccentric gentleman, becomes smitten with Ayo the first day he walks into her home. From their initial encounter, Ayo and Bilal fight the feelings they have for each other. Later, they let their guards down and the two seemingly become one. Throughout their relationship, Ayo and Bilal face familial challenges and health complications that threaten their bond.

What I like about this atypical romance story is the fact that everything isn't peaches and cream between Ayo and Bilal. I particularly enjoyed Bilal's persistence and reliance on his faith in winning Ayo over, and although Ayo is strong-willed, her vulnerability made her character more true to life. Bilal was able to love Ayo the way she needed to be loved. What I most liked about From Dusk to Dawn, is the fact that the main characters did not succumb to societal views regarding the age difference in their relationship.

I would definitely read another book by Ms. Davis.

Reviewed by Tavares S. Carney
for The Culture Clique Book Club

Imagine thinking you have your life under control, and then as you prepare for an expected appointment, you open your door and standing in front of you is a fine specimen of a man. This is what happens to Ayo Montgomery, owner of her own body products company, upon responding to her door bell and finding appraiser, Bilal Abdul-Salaam standing there.

Despite a disastrous first meeting, Bilal realizes Ayo is the woman he has been looking for and across town Ayo does not want to recognize what she is feeling towards Bilal. While the sparks and feelings surface, there are doubts on how this relationship will work - Ayo is Christian and Bilal is Muslim. Ayo is a widow ten years older than Bilal and has a college age son while Bilal who loves children wants to settle down and have a family of his own.

This is a wonderful story that explores the development of Ayo and Bilal's relationship as they discover their love and passion for each other and work through the challenges that are thrown their way. Some challenges were expected but there are several unexpected challenges that will keep you reading until the last page. One of the strengths of this novel is how the challenges are introduced and handled giving the novel a realistic feel.

Along with a strong storyline, the writing is beautiful and the attention to detail, whether describing the exquisite furniture, the meals they are sharing, the music they are listening to, or just the settings within the story will keep you engrossed and turning the pages. In Ms. Davis' hands, the special lemonade Ayo prepares for Bilal becomes a sensual and private act between them and over the course of the story a symbol of their love and respect for each other.

Romance, a bit of unexpected suspense, African American and Caribbean history threaded throughout the story, family conflicts, and interesting secondary characters makes this a story that will appeal to a wide audience of readers.

I enjoyed this debut novel and look forward to future works by Ms. Davis.

Milk chocolate skin, athletic build, sexy dreads that dangled below his shoulders enhanced by compassion and sheer manness. . . Hmmmm, who wouldn't fall in love with a brother like this! Hey ladies, this is exactly what happens when reading From Dusk to Dawn. Niambi Davis has crafted a timeless romance riddled with cultural richness and characters that'll simply move you. Ayo Montgomery mirrors many woman today who have "it" together, but are too hurt by the past that it's difficult for a real man to penetrate her wall of protection. But as Ayo's friend suggested, "You can run but you can't hide!" Readers' hearts melt while witnessing Ayo and Bilal's healing in their newfound love. A beautiful getaway, family conflict, and international drama both enrich this smooth storyline that leaves you with a sense of completeness in the end.

5 Pink Diamonds
Sistah Tasha of the SistahFriend Book Club

The review on the cover reads "Cultures clash and sparks fly in this sizzling debut romance from Niambi Brown Davis. Don't miss it!" I have to agree that this is a novel that you do not want to miss, however I CANNOT believe that this is a debut novel! The story was fantastic, the characters vivid, the plot enthralling, the details extraordinary. Kudos to Ms. Brown Davis on a job well done. Ayo and Bilal are the main characters in a true LOVE story and romance. Through a series of misunderstandings, family interferences, assumptions, other love interests and stereotypes, Ayo and Bilal battle to try and weave together a relationship. Will they be successful? Enjoy the read as you discover the answer to the age old question of whether love conquers all.

On a steamy hot day, when Ayo Montgomery is suffering debilitating cramps, is in desperate need of air conditioner repair, and has little desire to look attractive or wear anything other than a loose flowing cotton house dress, an undeniably beautiful man shows up at her house. She had scheduled the appointment with him, relying on a friend's recommendation that Bilal Abdul Salaam was a reliable appraiser. But she hadn't been forewarned about his handsome exterior, nor was she prepared for the inexplicable pull that sparked her curiosity and infuriated her at the same time.

Thus begins a well-scripted and engaging romantic tale of love and dedication. The phrase "opposites attract" must be used to describe the relationship between the main characters. Ayo is Christian, Bilal is Muslim. She is older and accomplished, having established a cosmetics career and successfully raised her son. He dreams of her body as fertile ground for his future family, sees the possibility of beginning new things with her.

Niambi Brown Davis does a very good job here. The characters are well drawn, touching and sincere. The challenges presented are realistic and introspective, forcing the reader to examine their own preconceived notions and stereotypes in the face of love and companionship. I enjoyed Mrs. Davis decision to explore the families reaction to this budding love affair. She examined the mother-son relationship and the explosive response of Ayo's son. She also painted a lovely picture of Bilal's twin sister and her family, allowing us to watch Bilal carefully and lovingly indulge his neices.

I must admit that my patience ran low with the negative insults hurled at Bilal based on his religion. In a metropolitan area such as Washington D.C., interacting with a Black Muslim man shouldn't be as rare or as much of a culture shock as was portrayed here. Especially in light of how professionally astute and well-educated Ayo was. Additionally, while I was proud that Mrs. Davis represented an upright Muslim man in search of a clean and righteous path, sometimes Bilal's explanations felt stiff and awkward. On a couple of occasions I almost had the impression that Bilal was a foreigner explaining his country, rather than a second generation Black Muslim whose parents were initially Nation of Islam before becoming orthodox.

Nevertheless, Davis' debut novel is touching and charismatic. FROM DUSK TO DAWN is a true romantic journey, reminding us that real love withstands adversity and, ultimately, is a gift to be cherished.

Reviewed by a. Kai
for The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

Ayo Montgomery is thrown for a loop when handsome Bilal Adul-Salaam shows up on her doorstep to appraise her collection of pottery and glass. Not only does he shatter her pre-conceived notions of how a Muslim brother behaves, but her attraction to him is disturbing. And they're off! Bilal knows what Ayo seems unable to accept at first, that they are the right fit. Ms. Davis takes us along for the passionate journey of these two strong-willed people. Bilal shows great patience with Ayo, who frankly is prone to drama. There is a list of reasons why this match will be a no-go. Still Ms. Davis weaves a romantic tale with plenty of foundation to explain what motivates their actions, and reactions. The love scenes are as lush as the lyrical descriptions of Harbour Island and sunsets in Washington D.C. I especially enjoyed the cultural settings, by that I mean Ayo's roots in Trinidad and Bilal's Muslim faith. Then there is the romance. Ah the romance- it's as hot as the Caribbean sunshine. Pick up From Dusk To Dawn and enjoy a uniquely enjoyable reading experience. Love, good food, music, travel and drama, From Dusk To Dawn has it all going on!