Customer Reviews

Going Broke

5 star:		(55)
4 star:		(25)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Sarai has the blues. In the space of a few days, she catches her man cheating with her so-called friend, loses her job and faces possible eviction. What's a girl to do? In Trista Russell's debut, Going Broke, Sarai hops on a plane to the Bahamas, what else? The trip, already planned and prepaid is where she gets a solution to her problems. Enter cool, suave Conrad who hands her a proposition she cannot refuse; acting as an escort to wealthy black men. Sarai is at first insulted but as she contemplates her bank balance and realizes the payment for her Alzheimer's afflicted father's nursing home is due, she reconsiders.

Meanwhile the attractive guy she met at the masquerade party prior to her trip resurfaces when she visits her sister friend, Natalya at the school where she teaches. The fact that he is a janitor becomes less important after spending time with him. Tremel Colten is a spoken word artist and songwriter with ambitions of becoming a singer if he can only get that lucky break. Sarai is determined to help him but her greatest fear is that he will find out about her secret life. It is becoming harder to juggle her two worlds and she vows to get out but, alas there are too many skeletons rattling in her closet and people who are trying to trip her up at every turn. There is the record producer brother who holds the key to the big time for Tremel but what price would Sarai have to pay and with what? Then there is her ex, Damian, a stockbroker/drug dealer and the devastating news she receives from her twin brother, Savion. And not in the least is Sarai's indomitable need for both the mean greens and revenge. A visit to Ohio to finally meet Tremel's family brings a startling shock.

This book was an enjoyable, pleasant surprise; the story was well written and engaging. Though it is fiction, this reviewer has no doubt that the escort business is prevalent among the rich and famous. The ending is simply ingenious as Russell offers her readers three possible ending scenarios. I will definitely pick up her next book.

Dera Williams

APOOO BookClub

When GOIN' BROKE opens, Sarai is living the life. She has a plush apartment, is paying a costly nursing home bill for her father, and basically buys (or charges) whatever her heart desires. However, her financial freedom comes at a price. When she catches her boyfriend in their bed with one of her friends, she decides that infidelity is too high a price to pay for her current lifestyle and throws him out. After making that decision, she struggles to make ends meet and the pressure to pay the bills escalates even more once she loses her job. With very little cash and a lot of bills to pay, Sarai must make some difficult decisions about what she is willing to do for money. To complicate matters, she develops a new love interest and the secrets to her financial success may be enough to destroy their relationship.

Trista Russell is a talented new author. From the opening line of the book, it is evident that if nothing else, she knows how to capture the reader's attention. She uses interesting plot twists, graphic sex scenes, and diverse characters to transform a relatively predictable storyline into a surprisingly enjoyable read. The story reminds readers of just how quickly one bad decision can spiral into an unfortunate series of events. I especially enjoyed the way the author offered her own version of alternate endings for the book. Not being a huge fan of urban fiction, I was pleasantly surprised by just how much I enjoyed this book.

Reviewed by Stacey Seay

of The RAWSISTAZ™ Reviewers

The author of this book had me on her mailing list for quite sometimes, I think as long as three months prior to the books release. I knew I was going to purchase the book and support this sister, but this book sat on my book shelf for awhile because I felt that "Going Broke" was going to be predictable. I thought I had it all figured out, yeah girl that has it all, loses it all, turns to debauchery, but I was oh so wrong. This is such a well written book and in the scenes with Sarai and Damian, heck the whole book I felt like I was watching a movie. The character development is awesome, plot and storyline points are unique and this is quite an engaging story and you can related to the main character very well. From the difficulties Sarai and her brother face with her fathers debilitating condition, Sarai's challenges in her broadcasting career, and her girlfriend that was not quite right, Sarai goes through an awfully lot in this book. I know I will be reading more from this author in the future.

Trista Russell writes with a fresh new voice and style. She breaks all the rules. Trista simply tells the story from true instinct and wit to share Sarai's compelling story. More surprising twists and high drama than the average novel, I found myself not wanting to put this book down. I tried to drive my SUV and read the next few pages at the same time. It's just that good. If you sympathized with Zoe (Addicted) and wanted to beat Winter's a** (Coldest Winter Ever), then Sarai is the next best thing.

I can't wait to read Fly On the Wall, because Trista Russell is now one of my favorites.

I read the first chapter of Going Broke on Trista's website, www.TristaBooks.com, and became addicted. I had to buy the book. In chapter one the girls seem real, almost like when my friends and I get together, they discussed "dimensions" as most women do, but in a laugh until your side hurts manner.

The first sentence of this book will make women say "that's right," and have men silently wonder if Trista could be talking about his little itty-bitty "ditty." The first sentence is enough to keep you reading, reading, smiling, laughing, and reading. I've never heard of Trista Russell, but judging by the first chapter of Going Broke she is on her way to the top.

I just finished reading Going Broke and I loved the way Trista provided three different endings to the book. Very unique but the final ending had me like speechless. Trista did a great job telling the story and I can't wait to read more from the talented author. Well done boo! Tina Brooks McKinney, author All That Drama.

I read the book so fast. It quite interesting; kinda surreal. But hey who want a boring plot. I definetely recommend it.

I assumed "Fly On The Wall" was Ms. Russell's first book, I was surprised that it wasn't. I couldn't put this book down because the characters, and the storyline wouldn't let me. The different endings were simply unique and I'm hoping there's a sequel in the future.

Come and journey down the yellow brick road with Sarai. A diva that has it going on! Her testimony consists of doing that "damn thang" and just when she exhales, her world comes tumbling down. Destitute with not a glimmer of light, she continues to stroll in "the life" and is shattered with the revelation that you most definitely can't judge a book by the cover. She is on a downward spiral of money, love, treachery, lies, and revenge. This is an action packed, mind boggling, and intriguing novel.

Excellent book!! The title does not give the book justice. I was not expecting a page turner from the title. Wonderful story line...FULL OF DRAMA...from page one to the end! Had to read ahead...just so I could find out what was going to happen in advance. Can't wait until the next book!

UnTchablGAAL

G.A.A.L. Book Club