If You Want Me [Mass Market Paperback]

Kayla Perrin (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 6, 2001

Alice Watson's no longer the shy, overweight girl everyone dissed back in high school -- everyone, that is, except Marcus Quinn, her one-time best friend who ended up trampling all over her heart. Now, thirteen years later, Alice is tall, stunning, sensational...and a genuine movie star who goes by the name of Desirée LaCroix. And passion's flame starts smoking again when she sees that handsome Marcus still has it going on. But is it Alice or her famous Hollywood persona who's got his beautiful brown eyes wide open?

Marcus's own heart has gone through major achin' since back in the day. And the reappearance of Alice/Desirée seems to spell bigtime trouble. Still, this proud, sexy sista could make Marcus forget the pain and his promise not to let a fine face and figure turn his head ever again. And even though the lady's got drama -- and there's serious danger doggin' her trail -- this could be the time for cautious Marcus to commit to a perfect love that he once let get too far away.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A fine story-telling talent." -- -- Toronto Star

"A. . .writer that everyone should read. She combines mystery and romance with ease." -- Eric Jerome Dickey, New York Times bestselling author of Liar's Game

About the Author

Kayla Perrin is originally from Toronto, Canada. She attended the University of Toronto where she obtained a B.A. in English and Sociology. Deciding that she wanted to be a teacher, she later attended York University and obtained a B.Ed.

Kayla fell in love with drama and performed in many stage plays as well as in television and film productions. She has also worked as an assistant film editor. But Kayla is most happy when writing. Since the publication of her first novel in 1998, she has sold thirteen more novels, including a children's novel, The Disappearance of Allison Jones. She recently received an award voted as one of the Top Ten Favorite Books of 1999 and is the first African-American romance to make this list. Likewise, Kayla's debut novel was the first African-American romance to make the Top Ten on Ingram's Most Requested Romances list.

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: HarperTorch (February 6, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0380813785
• ISBN-13: 978-0380813780
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 4.2 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.9 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (25 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,594,680 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An adult fairy tale romance that works, February 1, 2001

By 

Harriet Klausner - See all my reviews
(#1 Hall OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: If You Want Me (Mass Market Paperback)

Close to graduating high school, overweight and pickable Alice Watson wants two things in life: Marcus Quinn and a career as an actress. No one except her father and Marcus believes that Alice should go to Los Angeles. Even her mother disses Alice's dreams as a LaLaland fantasy because no one will hire an obese African-American in filmdom. When Marcus asks Alice for advice about another girl, she concludes that her best friend will never see her as his lover. That sends Alice to LA upon graduation.

Thirteen years later, Alice returns home to nurse her mother, recovering from a heart attack. However, the Alice who goes home is not the same person who left town, as she is beautiful, glamorous, and confident. She tries to mend the break with her mom and seeks out the now divorced Marcus, who she still loves. However, will he see her as his old bud, a quick bed, or finally, the loving other half that will make life complete for both of them?

This ethnic romantic remake of the "Ugly Duckling" theme will captivate the audience with its charming plot and delightful cast. The lead couple is a swan and a hunk whose relationship makes the novel a joy to read. However, the depth to the tale belongs to Alice's efforts to patch up her relationships especially with her mother and sister. Readers will want more novels like IF YOU WANT ME from Kayla Perrin, who eloquently states that a person can go home.

Harriet Klausner

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Way to go!, February 15, 2001

By 

thesavvybamalady "swblkdiamond" (Prichard, Alabama USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: If You Want Me (Mass Market Paperback)

I always like these types of books. Call me a romantic, call me a sap, I don't care. I read a review of this book, and had to get it for myself. I didn't regret getting it, and loved Alice. She was loving, kind and had a heart of gold. Even when her own family and friends were not as loving. Yet, despite it all, she gets the man who she truly loves. Though the way of getting it is no easy feat. In the midst of this, she deals with family issues, secrets, unrequited love, and some danger. Folks who love the ugly duckling turned swan themes will love it.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Love it!!!, November 22, 2004

By 

Nia Mia - See all my reviews

This review is from: If You Want Me (Mass Market Paperback)

Since I was 8, I was reading all kinds of books for kids my age. I continued to do that until I was 15. By that time I was getting sick of the teenage drama and...well the censors. I live in New York so I've experienced a lot more, you know. I asked my mom if it was okay if I could start reading the books she reads. She said it was fine. At that time in my life I was little overweight so I was attracted to this book right away. I loved it. The mystery of the threats given to Alice, the steamy attraction between Alice and Marcus, and the emotional drama with Alice's past in her family. It was great and I want to thank Kayla Perrin for her wonderful story. I am now 18 and I have probably read it like 20 times.