Unveiled: Unveiling the Truth to the Façade

by Celsi Leigh

“That B****, Who Has it All!” The fans have spoken and Malika Samuels has been crowned the “IT” girl. To the world, she is fabulous, a well-known social media influencer and the wife of a five-time championship winning professional basketball player. To the streets, she is a crafty chick from the Bronx that made it out of the hood and to the top. Malika’s life is elite, filled with luxury, fame, success, fashion, popularity, and riches. She has everything a woman could ever dream of…. Or is it all a facade? Under the veil, Malika Samuels is a confused woman living through her trauma. It appears that Malika is living a dream life, but in reality what appears to be a dream is Malika’s nightmare. Her life is a facade, pretending for the sake of keeping up appearances. Fed-up with the illusion of her life, Malika is now ready to live in her truth, the good, the bad, and the ugly. Unveiled takes readers on a journey of love, passion, drama, abuse, crime, and power. Malika uncovers the veil of the facade; underneath the wealth, fame, and glamour lies the ugly truth that the perfect life is not so perfect after all. There is a high price to pay to be “That B****, Who Has it All”...

Genres: Romance

324 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 28, 2021

About the author

Debut Author Celsi-Leigh (Kelsi - Lee), is stepping into the literary world with the groundbreaking novel Unveiled. Born in Kingston, Jamaica, raised in Philadelphia, Celsi-Leigh’s life experiences have culminated into a unique writing style that is raw and uncut. Through her literary work, she aims to deliver an honest point of view about the current climate of society, connecting with fans through her urban edge. Familiarize yourself with the work of Celsi-Leigh because she is just getting started, there is much more greatness to come.

Reviews

[Cierra Dumas · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was...interesting I guess. While I do love me a good urban fiction, this was rough for me in a lot of spots. Number one, the constant naming of the clothing brands was throwing me off, like ok I get it. And I also think I am confused, because I thought the start of the book was like an interview, but they never return to that. There was one major inconsistency that stood out to me, somewhere around maybe 1/3 of the book the mc mentions having several "missed carriages" (Books wording not mine) and then multiple times later in the book she mentions only having one. This threw me off. I also was not prepared for the book to end on a cliffhanger.
Oh and another thing, the mc's dad shows back up at some point after I felt like the reader was led to believe that he was dead...and then he disappears again, what was up with that? I guess I thought there would be some big blow up from this.
Overall while the book had me side eyeing at quite a few points it definitely gave me the serious urge to finish.
What led me to read this book was a tikok where the creator said "don't let your bf keep you from your husband" so I went through this waiting for a wedding...and while there was a wedding it wasn't the one I was looking for. This alone pissed me off, but this is not the author's fault.
I also had a few issues with the mc, for her to have gone through all the things she went through, she moved very recklessly. Like really the whole end of this book had me yelling "girl you cannot be serious!?" Also, I don't think the Walter situation was fair (being purposefully vague to prevent spoilers). If anything, go find the maid.

If you read this far, I am so sorry this is all over the place lol. I just had a lot of thoughts.

All of this to say though, I'm going to need the follow up ASAP LOL

[Kierra Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first urban fiction and when I tell you Celsi Leigh did not disappoint!! I can’t believe this is her first book. This book had me on the edge of my seat. So many amazing plot twist!! An easy 5/5

[Nora · Rating 4 out of 5]

When is the release date for the sequel because….. whew chiiilllle! This book took me on a ride. I would rate it a 5 star read but this book doesn’t have a plot at all HOWEVER it’s all vibes! The vibes definitely kept me wanting to know more. I found myself thinking about the book throughout my day and there were moments I had to put the book down because I was afraid to read what was coming next. Can’t wait to read the next book!

[M Mami G · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a WOW! In many ways I saw through a mirror! Sheesh this book touched very living emotion I have in me! Can’t wait for the sequel STANDING OVATION!!!! What an ending!

[Annalise · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF. I wanted to like this book but there were a lot of grammatical and literary errors and it just seemed to drag on in certain areas that I found hard to continue to read (ie describing everyone’s clothing for paragraphs on end). I also felt like some things went into too much detail and others had no detail. While I know this is an urban book, I found the language too much for my liking.

[Cindy Alexander · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 Stars

I wanted to like this book I really did. The time jumps felt forced. The slang was not right for the time. I hate how Ethan went from Billionaire to drug king pen . I won’t be reading part 2

[Emillie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book…
3.5 ⭐️

Never in my time reading has a book made me mad but this book was definitely the first.

In the beginning I was crying profusely. The things that Malika went through was so heartbreaking for her age. I also cried again towards the end of the first part. I’m thinking okay part 2 she turns her life around. WRONG!!

Malika is my least favorite MC in all the books I’ve read like she’s on the bottom of the list and will remain there because I don’t think nobody can be a stupid as her. Yk I get it, it’s fiction but come on. Don’t get me wrong the drama was everything and I read this in basically one sitting kinda and it was there. I started it at 1am and I went to sleep and finished it in Class around 9am I have an exam to cram for but yet I still took the time to read this book and to be left on a cliffhanger!!! The book came out in 2021 where’s the next book?

Don’t get me started on how even after Malika found out christan gave her Hpv, chlamydia, and trichomoniasis she stay with him. But that’s not all! She stayed after he killed there baby by abusing her. She stayed after she found out he’s been cheating on her for 2 years with her college best friend, she stay after she fell in love with another man that would treat her right and she left him to go back to Christian dog ass. Then when Ethan moved on from Malika she had the absolute AUDACITY to get mad at him for moving on I can’t believe this bitch.

I get it, it’s fiction but the way the author made Malika out to be can be improved in so many ways.

OVERALL, very good book and if the next one comes out I will definitely read.

[Maisie · Rating 4 out of 5]

SOOOO GOOD!! I LIVE FOR THE DRAMA AND ABSOLUTE CHAOS THAT IS THIS BOOK!

There wasn't really a plot it was more like reading someones diary or reading this book felt like you were on FaceTime.

there were so many times that I just had to put the book down cause I was nervous for what was too come next but THE FACT IT ENDS ON SUCH A HUGE CLIFFHANGER 😱😱😱😱

I CANT WAIT TO READ THE NEXT ONE!

[Jessica Parson · Rating 3 out of 5]

There were great parts of this book but other parts that seemed to drag and tell the same story multiple times. The ending was AMAZING! I do love this authors writing style.

[Kayla Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am SICK!! This one was a wild ride. It’s gave trauma, love story, more trauma, another love story, turned mafia story towards the end! Not to mention it ends with a cliff hanger…wild. This book is like a black telenovela. I’m telling you. The story line that developed took you on a complicated journey. The ending got me!! As soon as you think everything will be ok…bam! More drama. I gotta catch my breath, but whew. I’ll be ready for book two when it releases!

[Ariel · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received a copy of Unveiled: Unveiling the Truth of the Façade by Celsi Leigh from the author in exchange for an honest review.

I want to start this review by mentioning on Pg. 64, Leigh uses a derogatory word to describe a character that is offensive towards people of Asian descent, and this was very jarring to read. I did reach out to the author to discuss this word choice and encourage her to remove it from future copies of the book; however, I did not receive a response. I wanted to include this in the review to allow people to make their own decision about whether to read the book, and if the author does choose to respond, I will update this review, but at this point, they have not.

This book has a unique premise that was not well executed. The plot begins in the present day, where Malika Samuels, a socialite influencer/sports manager/agent, is being interviewed on how she became the latest It Girl. While the premise is compelling, the author never returns to the interview introduced at the beginning of the plot. There were ample opportunities to have the interview woven in, particularly; when the author included large jumps in time. I think it is a missed opportunity to create a more fluid storyline.

For the overall plot, I did like it, but I did not like a single character in this book. I personally want to like characters, and I know that there are times when authors purposely make characters dislikable, but that is not my preference. Leigh did create a complex cast of characters, but they were also generally annoying. Once Malika Samuels becomes an adult, her success is given to her. Leigh describes Malika's association with other famous/successful individuals leading to her success. If Malika had manipulated her association with her friends to her own benefit, this would have been a good plotline; however, Leigh hands Malika‘s success to her without any work. She becomes a manager/agent/socialite overnight, and the reader never knows if Malika is successful at any of this. This is a continuous theme throughout the book, but this is very different from Malika's childhood, where we see her constantly working and hustling.

This book does cover a broad range of topics, including domestic violence, child abuse, grooming, pedophilia, assault and battery, and rape. Overall, I would rate this book 3 stars/ 2 stars. I found the premise compelling, but the book could have been more fluid and had a better flow.

[Max Fictional · Rating 3 out of 5]

First of all, there are so many trigger warnings for this book so if you’re thinking about reading this, please know that there are warnings for: rape, explicit murder, abuse, drugs, miscarriage, pregnancy complications, and probably more than I can think of!

Something about this book was just tedious, and I genuinely wish that I was able to get into it more, but I just couldn’t. It was alright, and definitely had a lot of drama and a little dash of spice, but meh.

It had nothing I really cared about. And the grammar kept taking me out of the story. I wish I liked it more. I won’t be picking up the next one, unfortunately.

If you’re looking for a book with abuse, rape, drug rings, violent men, murder, miscarriage, pregnancy complications, and a (kind of) happy ending for Lika, then I guess this one’s for you.

Guide to my ratings:
5 stars: flawless, hard to put down
4 stars: it was really good and memorable
3 stars: it was good/okay
2 stars: no redeeming qualities and forgettable
1 star: horrible, had no idea what was going on, boring!!!

[Msspecialt3 · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story is full of action and I like the interview aspect but the interview never pick back up. Great backstory for Malika my heart went out for her up bringing but I thought it was setting the stage for her to become a stronger person, but no. She continues to go through shit and she accepts it until it publicly embraces her. When she met Ethan I thought it was going to be good but she just gets him caught up in her mess. This book ends on a good cliff hanger but when will it be finished? It has been over a year.

[Tameria · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book screams TRAUMA. I’m talking about nothing but triggers for majority of the first half of the book so brace yourself. The entire book I was pissed, it was just one thing after a-fucking-nother. It got really repetitive and unrealistic at the end. But the storyline did have me intrigued to keep turning the pages. But all in all, it was ghetto for sure.

[Destinee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found a post on tiktok about the book and immediately downloaded it . this book kept me straight on my toes . the plot was good . the smut was good . overall this is the best urban fiction book i’ve read 😭.

[Bryana Reneè · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read for black history month

This book was full of so much trauma but the perseverance of Malika just showed how black people especially women overcome a lot. She kept going through ordeals and obstacles but she got back up every-time. And once again Men ain’t shit

[TheBookJunkie · Rating 4 out of 5]

First off I’m mad this shit is a freaking cliffhanger!!!!
I loved everything about the book. I appreciate the author giving some childhood and adolescent background, without making it too long. I def can’t wait for the sequel.

[Lena · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the definition of if a man show you his true color the first time believe him for who he is. Don’t let your boyfriend stop you from finding your husband!!! Can’t wait for book 2 to come out

[YuannaReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was definitely one to read! It’s spicy but also has a really good plot! The beginning is slow but once it starts it really starts up. You also need to pay close attention to characters because there are quite a few of them but they all play a part in the story!

[Briana · Rating 5 out of 5]

the twist and turns

It is crazy how things started out shaky but then life gets better. Then when you life gets better things isn't as good as it seems to be. The twists and turns. The ending was crazy!! Can't wait to know what happens next!

[April Snowden · Rating 4 out of 5]

amazing book, read in 24 hours because i could not put this one down. i can’t wait for part 2.

[cammyoungblood · Rating 5 out of 5]

I saw a TikTok about this book and decided to give it a chance. This was such an interesting read! It had me hollering. I'm excited for whenever you release the sequel.

[Nissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

yess read it

Very good loved ittt thank you. I can’t wait till I meet my Ethan. Ready to read part two. Very exited

[Khadija ♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

had me in the first half but quickly turned wattpad/starz- y and the story began getting a bit too hard to follow along with.

[Talya Collazo · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 / 5 ⭐️

This book has potential. I enjoyed reading it but I found myself lost and confused in some chapters.

There were several inconsistencies in the book and not the actual plot to the book.

The book did end on a cliffhanger which was surprising.

Although it was lacking it still was an interesting read and I saw myself wanting to finish it.

⚠️Please make sure to check the trigger warnings: ⚠️
- domestic violence
- Child abuse
- Grooming
- Assault
- Rape
- Miscarriages
and more.

[Summer · Rating 2 out of 5]

I went into this book being really excited for it, I had heard so many good things about it. But it honestly really let me down. I was bored during most of the book and there were so many things that just threw me off the book. I really wanted to like this book but I just didn’t.

[Kobi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was DRAMA and I was there for every second of it (and I wish I had a few more hours of it). I couldn’t stop reading this novel and I need the sequel ASAP. Celsa-Leigh wrote this novel masterfully -and as a debut! I definitely would read more from this author and genre in the future!

[Danita E · Rating 5 out of 5]

Impatiently, waiting for book 2!!! This book right is something else!!! So good!

[Myahxdoll · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is a 5/5 for me. I loved the story and the plot twist. Very sad about the cliff hanger tho 🙄