Rating: 
Summary: Unbelieveable
Review: I never thought a woman could be so catch up on color. Samone was really something with her remarks. If I was Jon I would have told her where to go and when. But I know that is not the way the story was to be. Otherwise I enjoyed it.
Rating:
Summary: Promising start, but Samone's attitude ruined the rest
Review: I read "The Real Deal" sometime last year. Recently, I decided to give it another go--basically because I needed something to read to kill time at that particular moment. Well, sadly, the second time around only confirms my disappointment. I'd have enjoyed the book were it not for one thing, Samone--specifically, her attitude.I enjoyed all the other characters, from the lead male(s) Jonathan and Max, to the supporting character of Samone's married best girlfriend (who was a hoot a times). And there were genuine, heady, feel-it-down-to-my-toes moments I got a glimpse of during some of Samone and Jon's scenes together; most notably, Jon breaking out some old-school tunes as he prepares to make a move on Samone. (The author put me right there in the room with Samone and Jon, setting the mood perfectly--especially with her line about going back to the days when kissing "was all there was that mattered.") Alas, these highlights were few and far between, and their effects were almost always countered by Samone's attitude...and actions. Then again, maybe that was the author's intent all along. Perhaps on some level she wanted to reader to experience the sense of "confusion" which is so evident with regards to the thoughts and actions of Samone. That, I could get with were it not for one thing--the author's character development. As a character, the writing for Samone lacks conviction in such a manner that we readers are not compelled to CARE whether or not Samone will ever come to realize what she needs to cut loose (Max) versus the gem that she needs to keep (Jon). Since I'm on the subject of Samone's actions, let me say that I'm with the reviewer who said she was still scratching her head over Samone introducing Jon to an ex-boyfriend(?) as "my lover." I was beginning to think it was a "New York thing," something the ultra-cool and hip do. But upon my second reading, I realize it wasn't that; however, I still can't say exactly what it WAS supposed to be, either. The "my lover" scene is one of many examples of Margaret Hodge-Johnson's inability to maintain clarity regarding character development. One minute, the reader is led to believe Samone is slowly beginning to ease into some sort of level of comfort with regards to being in an interracial relationship, that she's FINALLY beginning to return to affections and (more importantly) RESPECT that Jon was giving her; the next minute, the author has Samone go act totally contrary to the moods and behaviors she was establishing, as in the case of the "my lover" scene, or even MORE confounding the (sub)plot re: the death of Samone's beloved Uncle Chicken: At this point, Samone's supposed to be feeling something beyond "like" for Jon, right? So what does she do when Uncle Chicken dies? She literally leaves Jon and goes to Max--the SAME Max she walked away from because he in no uncertain terms was telling her he wasn't ready to take their relationship to the final level of committment, marriage! If Jon was p/o'd regarding Samone's actions, the author never conveyed it; doesn't matter though, *I* was plenty ... for him! It was right about that point that any sympathy I had for the character of Samone vanished. In addition to my dislike of Samone, I was also put off by Hodge-Johnson's inability (or is it refusal) to give the reader some closure and/or answers to many of the situations and questions which were raised duirng the course of the story. The most obvious "loose end" which she never resolves is whether or not Samone actually LOVES Jon. We know Jon loves HER; but it's never fully (nor CONVINCINGLY) proven that she returns his feelings. In short, the ending (like much of the what Samone did in the book) left me confused.
Rating:
Summary: Promising start, but Samone's attitude ruined the rest
Review: I read "The Real Deal" sometime last year. Recently, I decided to give it another go--basically because I needed something to read to kill time at that particular moment. Well, sadly, the second time around only confirms my disappointment. I'd have enjoyed the book were it not for one thing, Samone--specifically, her attitude. I enjoyed all the other characters, from the lead male(s) Jonathan and Max, to the supporting character of Samone's married best girlfriend (who was a hoot a times). And there were genuine, heady, feel-it-down-to-my-toes moments I got a glimpse of during some of Samone and Jon's scenes together; most notably, Jon breaking out some old-school tunes as he prepares to make a move on Samone. (The author put me right there in the room with Samone and Jon, setting the mood perfectly--especially with her line about going back to the days when kissing "was all there was that mattered.") Alas, these highlights were few and far between, and their effects were almost always countered by Samone's attitude...and actions. Then again, maybe that was the author's intent all along. Perhaps on some level she wanted to reader to experience the sense of "confusion" which is so evident with regards to the thoughts and actions of Samone. That, I could get with were it not for one thing--the author's character development. As a character, the writing for Samone lacks conviction in such a manner that we readers are not compelled to CARE whether or not Samone will ever come to realize what she needs to cut loose (Max) versus the gem that she needs to keep (Jon). Since I'm on the subject of Samone's actions, let me say that I'm with the reviewer who said she was still scratching her head over Samone introducing Jon to an ex-boyfriend(?) as "my lover." I was beginning to think it was a "New York thing," something the ultra-cool and hip do. But upon my second reading, I realize it wasn't that; however, I still can't say exactly what it WAS supposed to be, either. The "my lover" scene is one of many examples of Margaret Hodge-Johnson's inability to maintain clarity regarding character development. One minute, the reader is led to believe Samone is slowly beginning to ease into some sort of level of comfort with regards to being in an interracial relationship, that she's FINALLY beginning to return to affections and (more importantly) RESPECT that Jon was giving her; the next minute, the author has Samone go act totally contrary to the moods and behaviors she was establishing, as in the case of the "my lover" scene, or even MORE confounding the (sub)plot re: the death of Samone's beloved Uncle Chicken: At this point, Samone's supposed to be feeling something beyond "like" for Jon, right? So what does she do when Uncle Chicken dies? She literally leaves Jon and goes to Max--the SAME Max she walked away from because he in no uncertain terms was telling her he wasn't ready to take their relationship to the final level of committment, marriage! If Jon was p/o'd regarding Samone's actions, the author never conveyed it; doesn't matter though, *I* was plenty ... for him! It was right about that point that any sympathy I had for the character of Samone vanished. In addition to my dislike of Samone, I was also put off by Hodge-Johnson's inability (or is it refusal) to give the reader some closure and/or answers to many of the situations and questions which were raised duirng the course of the story. The most obvious "loose end" which she never resolves is whether or not Samone actually LOVES Jon. We know Jon loves HER; but it's never fully (nor CONVINCINGLY) proven that she returns his feelings. In short, the ending (like much of the what Samone did in the book) left me confused.
Rating: 
Summary: Packs A Powerful Punch
Review: I read this book in one sitting and I absolutely loved it, so much so I bought copies and passed them on to my family and friends. For those who didn't 'get it', well you missed out on an excellent book.
Rating: 
Summary: GREAT STORY, FAST READING
Review: I really enjoyed the book. I couldn't put down, I just wanted to see how Samone was going to handle her problem. I'm really not a romance reader, but I must say I enjoyed the story line. I wished the male characters were developed a little more. I am going to suggest my book club to read it as an in between book from our regular selection. I passed the book on to my daughter who is a romance reader, she loved the book and read it in 2 days.I feel Margaret is a good writer, and looking forward to other works by her. (maybe a mystery)
Rating:
Summary: Brava....
Review: I started backwards. For all you avid readers out there every single one of MJH's book are sequel's. This (The Real Deal) being the first book. The sequel to this is 'A New Day'. 'Butterscotch Blues' is the prequel to 'Some Sunday' (for those of you who didn't know that are not true avid readers). I read 'Warm Hands' before reading this and absolutely loved it. The characters come together nicely but it is evident that this is her first book. Her works to follow definately blow this one out of the water. And when I realized that this was a prequel to 'A New Day' it made the novel more interesting; you get the feeling that another story is going on at the same time. Brava Ms/Mrs Hodge, I anxiously await your next work!
Rating:
Summary: Brava....
Review: I started backwards. For all you avid readers out there every single one of MJH's book are sequel's. This (The Real Deal) being the first book. The sequel to this is 'A New Day'. 'Butterscotch Blues' is the prequel to 'Some Sunday' (for those of you who didn't know that are not true avid readers). I read 'Warm Hands' before reading this and absolutely loved it. The characters come together nicely but it is evident that this is her first book. Her works to follow definately blow this one out of the water. And when I realized that this was a prequel to 'A New Day' it made the novel more interesting; you get the feeling that another story is going on at the same time. Brava Ms/Mrs Hodge, I anxiously await your next work!
Rating:
Summary: good book
Review: I thought MJH did a good job of exploring interracial relationships. I was interested from beginning to end.
Rating: 
Summary: Why I went for the different...
Review: I wrote this book with the hopes of portraying a realness thatreflects life as it often is -- unpredictable and without favor. Iwanted to explore the what if's of inter-racial relationships and how a heart can change when you least expect it. The world in which my characters dwell is neither pretty or perfect but it is very real. There are no knights in shining armor and everyone is flawed. But the heart is a powerful thing and what doesn't seem possible often becomes an absolute. This is the journey found within the pages of THE REAL DEAL --- picking up, moving on and the fevered hope that there will be a better day.
Rating: 
Summary: All Woman
Review: I'm a bit surprised at the previous reviews labeling Samone as selfish. Come on ladies, if you've been with a guy four years wouldn't you be seeking a ring any day? And as far as abortion goes then every woman who undergoes one should be considered selfish. I can't fault Samone for not wanting to have a baby with a man who didn't love her. If anything, Max was the selfish one. Samone just needed a self-esteem boost is all. And yes, she strung Jon along but I can understand with interracial dating being new to her. She wanted him but wanted to tread carefully. I'm a little bit disappointed all in all because I thought this book would give a more in-depth look at Max and Samone's relationship. (I read a New Day first). I personally think the sequel is much better.
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