Hello Again by Doris Johnson

Hello Again by DORIS JOHNSON


On the immaculately designed cover of Hello Again by Doris Johnson there are seven words that stand out boldly and assured that catch the readers attention immediately: “Sometimes a second look leads to love…” With that in mind, we know that we’re not about to witness the tired boy-meets-girl, girl-goes-gaga-over-the-guy scenario, but rather a more subtle approach to the contemporary romance novel.

Hello Again begins rather slowly, with gradual crescendos leading to poignant climaxes throughout. In fact I thought - after having read the first chapter - that I would put the book down and let it gather dust on my literary armoire. Johnson starts her novel with an ample amount of back-story which often leaves the reader unamused and wondering whether the $6.99 ($9.99 for Canadians) plus sales tax was actually worth the expenditure. A lot of back-story which, frankly, I could have done without. Perhaps the author thought it best to slowly reel in the reader for the ensuing drama to come. I did not.

But indeed the following chapter makes my hypothesis correct. After having witnessed chapter one’s tedious lull, chapter two shines like the sun bouncing off the water. Here Johnson lets her skill whet the readers’ appetites, letting it splash just a bit, though thoroughly towel worthy. Here is where I realized that this is a novel that is surely worth the read!

[pg. 22]
“Come, live in the world you deserve.”
The sultry voice of the female commentator faded as did the commercial, with the beautiful model gazing up at the man of her dreams basking in his appreciation of the scent of her, as if her skin was the elixir personified.
---

At this point we are introduced to the star of the novel, Margo Sterling. Johnson swiftly and very adeptly takes us on the adventure of high-price living and first-rate romance co-starring David Blackshear who had previously become an instant multimillionaire. After winning the New York State Lottery Mr. Blackshear has become a well-known target in his various business dealings and his philanthropy endeavors. So much so in fact that he becomes jaded - suspicious even - of women whom may or may not be attracted to his dollars, rather than the man beyond the money.

Enter Margo Sterling: who incidentally is not unused to being successful in her own right. She blows David off, taking her career frustrations out on the man who is to become her partner. To say that this meeting was love at first slight (pun intended) for David would be an understatement. And this is where Johnson shows us just how bright her authoring ability shines with this story of love lost, meticulous dedication & love found anew.


[pg. 125]
Driving on the Belt toward Queens, David was somber…
Man you’re messing up as bad as Mrs. O’leary’s cow. The great fire of Chicago started by that bovine was nothing compared to the fire in his belly when it came to Margo Sterling…
“Employer, employee, be damned,” he muttered.
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While there are certain adages that briefly come to mind when describing this novel – money talks & bullsh*t walks among others – don’t judge a book by its cover is clearly not one of these. And like the cover of Hello Again – this novel is not lacking in the beauty department. Whether it be the language or the saucy-descriptive love scenes or the shop-talk about cycling and advertising, one can be assured that Hello Again is one classy novel with the sophisticated cover to match.

4 out of 5 Stars - Seductive & Intense!
Reviewed for Mahogany Media of Hudson & Albany NY


Mahogany Media Review

Girlz Night Out by Lucio Dutch

Girlz Night Out by LUCIO DUTCH

This cleverly masked novel, marketed with the tagline “five women plus a temporary fix equals murder” is anything but your average contemporary murder-mystery. Girlz Night Out by Lucio Dutch is rather a study on the theme friendship and trust. This adeptly written novel follows the story of five female friends Tabitha, Ingrid, Deanya, Debbie & Jessica who help each other cope with the ups-and-downs of their respective personal relationships. To say that these relationships are turmoils waiting to earn the moniker status of full-fledged hurricane may just perhaps serve as the understatement of the year. And having witnessed the very calm-before-the-storm unfold as brilliant story line with expertly crafted dialogue, I can truly say that I’ve enjoyed seeing this natural Mother Earth inspired vision come to fruition. From the very first pages of Girlz Night Out the obvious turbulence of the story line is intense and intimate; 207 pages of well-written fiction that mimic's the rockiness that is want to develop in any relationship.

Dutch has indeed introduced to the reader a very special read! The individual introduction of the main characters makes for a warm surrounding that continues to build on the common theme of what each lady has to bring to the table of friendship. A love for independence, the respect of freedom & true loyalty for the bond of sisterhood. And with each intro you see that the moral fabric of each lady (though often clashing) is sensual, yet sturdy and resilient, unbreakable. It’s as if you identify with their individual strengths and know of their unique colors… You relate.

The dialogue rings of truth and humor, and though at times “ghettoish” is continually provocative without being overly cliché. It has been said “men are from Mars & women… Well – are from somewhere else entirely…” And Dutch states this theme very creatively throughout Girlz Night Out. One of my favorite passages illustrates this fresh approach with the subtle and laughably obvious humor that is seen to the very last page:

[pg. 96]
No matter how strong a man acts, the thought of another male enjoying his lady cuts a deep gash in the armor that surrounds his heart, and when it came to making incisions, Ingrid was a professional.
“Relax, damn.”
“Relax? – yeah whatever, I don’t believe you. I just didn’t want to treat my girl like I’d treat a bitch off the street. I thought that you would respect that, but I see that you don’t.”
“So what are you going to do?” Ingrid spoke the way she did because she was confident in the fact that her man wasn’t going anywhere. She knew that she was the best thing to ever happen to Chris, she also knew that he knew it too.

Several troubles (other than the obvious “boy” problem) seem to plague the five ladies of Dutch’s novel. They take the form of questions: Is your loyalty in the right place? Can you be trusted to be my girl for life? Are you down with me through thick-and-thin?

I have come to the conclusion that one thing will always remain certain; It’s good to have friends even in low places. If only Tabitha, Ingrid, Deanya, Debbie & Jessica could have realized this, perhaps we could each learn from their mistakes and have our own happy ending…

4 out of 5 Stars - provocative, funny & a pleasurable read!
Reviewed for Mahogany Media of Hudson & Albany NY


Mahogany Media Review