Customer Reviews

Almost Doesn't Count

5 star:		(22)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Electa Rome Parks introduces readers to the dysfunctional life of Mercedes in her third literary offering, Almost Doesn't Count. Mercedes is independent and happily living the single life. After growing up with her promiscuous mother, she decided that she was not going to allow any man to get close to her heart so she developed a sex `em and leave `em mentality toward relationships. Childhood memories and secrets that come to light when she is forced to return home to care for her ailing mother, Miss Betty, also haunt Mercedes. Miss Betty was not an ideal mother figure and paraded her lovers both men and women around Mercedes. It is because of this Mercedes has a twisted view of relationships and the male species...until she meets Darius. Darius is everything that Mercedes has shied away from in the past. He is a good church going man that is genuinely interested in all that she has to offer, but he too has secrets that if exposed threaten to ruin any possibilities of a relationship.

Almost Doesn't Count is an excellent novel that shows how deep the wounds of a dysfunctional family can cut. The author's vivid character descriptions had me feeling as if they were personal friends and on more than one occasion, I found myself scolding or laughing at their actions. The book was definitely a page-turner and had a unique twist. This book is a must read for anyone looking for an intriguing story that has elements of love, sex, familial relationships and lots of drama.

Reviewed by Latoya Carter-Qawiyy

APOOO BookClub

This is a much read! Electa has woven a story like only she can. She touched on some real issues, that some are truly afraid to venture to. Every character and their situation were so very real to me.

Mercedes (the main character, who had issues to work through), Miss Betty (the mother that we can all relate to), Redman (the maintenance man in your life) and of course Mr. Darius (Mr. Right if you'll allow him to be).

Electa pulls you in from page one, and the two explosive scenes with the women (Mercedes & her best friend) fighting back were hilarious!!

Always remember that holding on to past hurt will only hinder who you are as a person. What's done in the dark will come to light! Always tell your children what they mean to you and show it before its too late!! And finally, Almost Doesn't Count!!

Keep up the good work Electa!! - Your #1 fan forever!!

I read Almost Doesn't Count and was very pleased with the storyline. The characters were well developed and Mercedes was off da chain!! This book is a page turner!!!

hello electa,

once again girl you did a great job with your 3rd book. i enjoyed the characters alot, there were a couple of times i was in tears (my husband called me silly). well the pressure is on again; i need another book to read so get them gears moving. i love your style of writing. after i finish your books i share them with my clients (im a hairstylist), they are falling in love with electa rome parks!!!

congratulations ,

love from one of many of your fans

tracy debarros , massachusetts

Very good book, you will not be soory if you buy it.

Electa Rome Parks has been a favorite of mine since reading "The Ties that Bind and Loose Ends". Her latest release "Almost Doesn't Count" does not disappoint. It grabs your attention from the first page, what I love about Ms. Parks's books is the way that she addresses issues that affect "real" people. Issues that people otherwise don't like to talk about.

Mercedes is a woman who knows what she wants and who she is. But under that tough exterior is a woman with a painful secret. After her mother has surgery, she returns home to take care of her......the mother with whom, she has a strained relationship and who she calls "Miss Betty", not Mama. Back home to the place that she couldn't wait to get away from, the place that is full of bad and painful memories. While at the store one day, she meets "Darius", the man who makes her break all rules, let down her defense, and and think about taking a chance on love until the day all of his secrets come falling out of the closet. However, Mercedes learns that in order to prepare for the future, you must confront and let go of the past.

Almost Doesn't Count is a riveting look at one woman's journey to escape her past and embrace the future and the love of a good man. It will make you laugh, cry, and you find yourself rooting for Mercedes as she begins to find her way. Ms. Parks has done it again! As this book will have you thinking LONG after you put it down. I give it 5 stars! Reviewed by Shay C of PeoplewholoveGoodBooks

Mercedes is my girl! This is definitely a book you will be discussing with your sistas and mamas! You'll pick it up and have a hard time putting it down! You're left riveted at Chapter One! Enjoy as much as I did!

Electa Rome Parks delightfully and gracefully enters the realm of "third repeat offenders" ready to take over the summer wave of fresh new literature with a stellar third novel release. Her crime, writing chart- topping best sellers one after the other. Electa's latest, Almost Doesn't Count," with an easily eye- catching and memorable title reminiscent of song sensation, Brandy's top similar entitled hit single on her prior album, provides a refreshing twist to chic-lit, blinged out, ghetto and urban gangster books on the market that readers love too, but there is just something about ELECTA! The author of books like hit selling titles, "The Ties That Bind" and "Loose Ends," returns with another one.

"Almost Doesn't Count" by Electa Parks takes place in the heart of Georgia and focuses on a young lady named Mercedes whose come to visit her mama, Miss. Betty, post surgery, and decides to restore nuances with past fling, Redman, who is rather brash and insensitive, but makes Mercedes feel comfortable around her just like a good old piece of furniture. I was reminded of the embracing moments of the Inkwell featuring Jada Pinkett. "Almost Doesn't Count" is on from page one.

Along comes Darius who is ready to sweep her feet off the ground and cross boundaries Mercedes has never experienced. She's reluctant when it comes to experiencing new love. Underlying memories of a painful childhood come back to haunt Mercedes, plus heavily heated tension with Miss. Betty who is always putting her down. She copes by conversing with her closest friends on occasion who is experiencing some high-rolling drama in her own relationship. The story moves like a delicious drink of peach wine seasoned with a delicate story plot that will have Georgians reminiscing over time spent there and those who happen to visit the town saying, " Electa has captured a vivid depiction of life in Georgia." Piggly Wiggly's supermarket is definitely getting props as the place for drama sparks in Atlanta.

Overall, Electa's writing style is second to none, unique and fresh. I can see the makings of a sitcom right in the heart of the south. Already, Electa Rome Parks has been featured in Upscale Magazine. Her latest book is such a juicy and delectable read, best selling peer, Zane, issued an advance review.

I have read all 3 of this author's books. I think this one was the best of all! This book makes clear that traumatic childhood experiences is the canvas for all of your adult experiences. I was happy that the main character Mercedes finally got all of her resentful feelings toward her mother out in the open...it precipitated healing in their relationship.

This is another winner from Electa Rome Parks. This novel introduces us to Mercedes, a young woman born and raised in the projects who made it out and went on to finish college and land a job at the bank with a prestigious title. She was beautiful, sexy, and seemed to have everything together.....but the one thing that people couldn't see was the dirty secret from her past. This dirty secret made her not value herself and she vowed never to let a man make a fool of her. The way she distanced herself from love was by using the men before they used her. She sexed them and left them and her life was perfect until she met Darius. Darius was handsome and showed Mercedes what love was....she thought she had found the one until she found out a secret from his past. Will Mercedes be able to move forward from the past and give love a chance??? Will she ever truly know what her worth is?? Will Darius be able move forward from his secret and make it work with Mercedes?? You have to cop this book to find out!!! If you are looking for a upbeat romance with some HOT AND STEAMY sex that will knock your sock off, look no further than this book!!!