The Playa's Handbook

Rating:
Summary: A good read
Review: Brenda Jackson writes good stories - just right for curling up and getting away. I was left unsatisfied because I wanted to know what happened with Lance and Asia. Hope it's coming soon.

Rating:
Summary: Rather weak...
Review: I bought this book based on Brenda Jackson's previous works (which I enjoyed) - and the description on the back cover. Although it seemed a marked departure from her usual, I thought the storyline had the potential to be interesting... and it DID, although that potential was certainly unfulfilled. Like another reviewer, my main issue is that there was just TOO MUCH GOING ON. The characters were ill-developed, and I found myself having to keep flipping back to remind myself of who was who, who they were dating, why their past relationship had gone sour, etc. I finished the book still feeling like I didn't KNOW any of the characters, with the exception of Lance and Asia. I agree with the many who said Lance and Asia's story could have been a novel in itself. Ironically, their storyline was the only one worth following - and the only one that was ultimately unresolved.

I'd recommend one of Ms. Jackson's prior works instead.

Rating:
Summary: SHE'S DONE IT AGAIN
Review: I have read all of Ms Jackson's books From the first to the last. She keeps writing and I keep reading them. I have never been disappointed in her writing. Loved this book. Hope theirs a sequel to unite Lance and Asia.

Rating:
Summary: disappointing
Review: I thought the book tried to deal with too much, especially too many characters. It was all over the place. Not enough content. Just when you thought you were going to get insight into a character, you were switched to another character. The idea would have been great for maybe a series of books. But, it did not work for one book.

Rating:
Summary: Playa, playa, playa...
Review: Marriage. Commitment. What is it about these two little words that strike fear in the hearts of some men and usually prompts them to turn tail and run the minute their significant other (or flavor of the month) brings one of these words into a conversation? In her latest release, THE PLAYA'S HANDBOOK, Brenda Jackson introduces us to Lance Montgomery, Sam Gunn, Phillip McKenna and Marcus Lowery.

Sam, Phillip and Marcus have either loved and lost, or haven't loved at all, so instead of risking getting their hearts trampled on by ruthless women, they decide to see if there is any truth to the hype of being a playa. Since none of them have any experience, they pick up The Playa's Handbook by Lance Montgomery who absolutely refuses to settle down. Through his book, he encourages men everywhere to be playas, and to always follow the top ten rules of being a playa. How will the guys fare in their experiment?

Being a huge fan of Mrs. Jackson, I'm always eager to read her works because I know I'll enjoy them immensely, and will quite often pull a late night reading marathon because it's often hard to find a good stopping point. THE PLAYA'S HANDBOOK was one that I hated to put down when work, sleep or other duties called. Although it ends quite abruptly, readers will not be disappointed. Instead, you will be left anxiously awaiting the sequel to find out what happens. November 2005 can't get here fast enough.

Reviewed by Renee Williams
of The RAWSISTAZ™ Reviewers


Rating:
Summary: Jackson Magic Still Rein Supreme
Review: Take another bow Mrs. Jackson, you continue to renew yourself. This is a different type of book however, the same magic is poured into every page as all your other works. It is my opinion, Lance and Asia will have to really settle matters between them in their own book. After them I'm sure others will follow. Wonderful stories so buy the book you won't be disappointed.

Rating:
Summary: Easy and Sweet
Review: The Playa's Handbook tells the story of long-time friends, Sam, Phillip and
Marcus who are ready to start dating again following the end of their
marriages. The trio is helped back out into the dating scene by Sam's
friend, best selling author, Lance Montgomery, a self avowed player of the
highest order. Sam, Phillip and Marcus use Lance's book The Playa's
Handbook as a guide, and make a promise that they are going to follow the
rules of the book and become true playas.

The Playa's Handbook starts out slow but builds to an interesting story of
how these three men fare back out in the world as single men looking for
fun and more importantly, no commitment. Lance's infatuation with fellow
relationship expert, Asia Fowler, is strong side story that I could not get
enough of, although I did not like how that story ended. There are
unresolved issues there. I wonder if there will be a sequel.

This book is not too heavy and is a lot of fun. It won't disappoint true
romantics. If you are looking for something easy and sweet, this book will
fit the bill nicely.

reviewed by:
misrich



Rating:
Summary: Playa' Playa'
Review: This is a slightly different Brenda Jackson book but still has her signature. The story focuses on four very fine and successful brotha's who have experienced heartache for various reasons.

Lance Montgomery,Phd author and renound relationship expert. Twice divorced and product of a broken home is a skeptic of love and romance. His latest book the infamous "The Playa's Handbook" emphasizes his playa views. His lifelong friend Samuel Gunn is bitter after a divorce from his wife of two years who after having an affair with a co-worker remarries less than two months after their divorce.

Sam's friends Phillip McKenna, divorced for two years after his ex chose career over being a wife and mother. Comfortable with their weekly ex-sex liason, her sudden decision to end things has again changed his life. Marcus Lowery has been a widower for over a year, he and his beloved Dottie shared something special. Trying to move on after her tragic death, he's not ready for love, but sex is another issue.

I thought Sam, Phillip and Marcus were "wanna-be-playa's" from the start, a sentiment they echo when they finally realize playa's eventually play out but real men know how to keep things going. Phillip is a committed father left to handle an out of control situation with his daughter neglected by his ex. He meets Atty. Terri Davenport a widow and her daughter and has to evaluate the rules of a real playa' and those of a real man.

Meeting new neighbor Falon Taylor a master chief challenges Sam's decision to follow the playa's 10 golden rules. While a visit from the grave and postal supervisor Naomi Monroe teach Marcus that true forgiveness doesn't have rules.

Lance is a review all alone, his treatment of Dr Asia Fowler is a definite cause of regret for him as well as a need to review his own rules. I have no doubt the sequel to TPH will have him doing just that. I can't wait to find out what love has in store for Lyle, Logan and sister Carrie. I enjoyed this book. Mrs. Jackson keeps getting better without a doubt. It's not a wonder she is a best selling author. Thanks Brenda, you've done it again.

Rating:
Summary: When Playa's Play
Review: Twice divorced and commitment phobic, Dr. Lance Montgomery, has written a best seller entitled the Playa's Handbook, a book that is supposed to perfect the brother's art of being single. Sam, Marcus and Phillip are best friends and among Indiana's most eligible bachelors. They have read the Playa's Handbook and are now ready to embark on a commitment-free sexual brouhaha.

Sam, newly divorced is having a hard time getting over the deception of his ex-wife. After receiving the news that she has remarried, Sam decides it is time for him to return to the dating scene. He wants plenty of sex, but with no emotional ties. He meets Tina, a woman who is willing to fulfill his sexual needs, but it is Falon, his neighbor who is constantly on his mind.

Phillip has been divorced for several years but maintains a very friendly relationship with his ex-wife for their child`s sake. When the ex decides to go on with her life without him, Phillip swears he is going to go crazy. When he meets attorney Terri Davenport, Phillip is smitten. A chance encounter and a fulfilled fantasy could bring the two of them together.

Marcus has not forgiven God for the death of his beloved wife, Dottie, who died in a tragedic railroad accident. After two years of grieving and some counseling, Marcus is ready to let go and let loose. He wants sex and plenty of it; after all, its been two years. Two women have their sights set on Marcus, Breathless, a fantasy nightmare and Naomi, the God-fearing, church-going, choice of Marcus's mother. But, has he really released the past in order to move on?

Dr. Lance Montgomery, the author of the Playa's Handbook has his own challenges with Dr. Asia Fowler. He knows the rules of being a playa; after all he developed them. But strictly following the rules can make a mess of his life.

In true Brenda Jackson form, this book provides the reader a story with strong friendship and family ties with vivid sex scenes. Even amongst the pages of sex and humor, there is a lesson for the playas. This was a fun read, watching the men in the story find their niche in the dating game. I am sure, there is a sequel to this novel in development. I am anticipating stories on Lyle, Logan and Connor, plus a resolution to the cliffhanger involving Dr. Montgomery. This book is one for the sistah's library.

Jeanette
APOOO BookClub