Keepin' It Tight [Paperback]

Shani Greene-Dowdell (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 28, 2007

What happens when two women and one man suffer devastating pain in their love lives and are all looking for some one to mend their hearts? Do they go on to a love triangle... or pure unadulterated drama? With all of the heart knocks she has suffered, Lela James has all but given up on finding true love. That's until she meets Cornelius Johnston at the James Family Reunion. Neil is a hardworking, successful black man who is prepared to give her the world. And their world is indeed perfect except for one thing...his ever present, sexy blond protege, Amanda Broady, who is fighting for her own corner of Neil's heart. Spending long hours at work, Neil never suspects that one day Lela's loneliness may cause her to stray. Keepin' It Tight explores relationship drama like no other novel. When the insecurity and deception in Cornelius and Lela's marriage reaches a point of no return, it will take a miracle to pick up the pieces. Come take the journey of race, love, deception, and temptation in Keepin' It Tight.

Editorial Reviews

Review

It's not true! All the good men are not gay, married, or in prison! Hallelujah! Lela James discovers that true love is possible again, even after she's experienced being used, abused, and confused with prior relationships. Neil is the perfect salve for her wounded heart, offering unconditional affection and undeniable admiration. Amanda Broady is the woman waiting in the cut, casting jealous eyes at Neil and Lela and their happy union. After working with Neil for years and slowly finding herself infatuated with a successful, professional Black man for the first time in her life, this blond bombshell vows to get what she wants, and what she wants is Lela's man. I was happily surprised by the twist at the end of this book. Too often we read the same storyline, and our brothers tend to always fall short. I am proud to say that I loved Neil Johnston from page 1 all the way to page 180 of this book. Let's hear it for the good men of this world! Shani Greene-Dowdell does not disappoint in this highly anticipated debut novel. --Naiomi Pitre, author of Broken Vows and In the Panty Drawer, Journey Into the Mind of a Sexual Woman

Shani wrote such a great story. This novel showed you that true love can happen and that when you have a good man some woman always wants to take your place. This book had me so mad at some parts that I was yelling at the characters. Good job to the author! --Leila Jefferson, author of He's a Keeper; Sex, Lies, Men & Friends; Survivin' tha Game

About the Author

Shani Greene-Dowdell is the author of Keepin' It Tight, a wife and mother of three. Born and raised in Tuskegee, Alabama, Shani was fascinated by creative writing and writing plays as a child. She attended Troy State University at Montgomery and Southern Union Community College in Opelika, Alabama with the goal of becoming a nurse, but motherhood changed her career path to becoming a work-from-home medical transcriptionist. Shani's first love for literature is reading. She is a reviewer for Strive Magazine (online publication), Big Time Publishing Magazine (print publication), and writer for e-Spire Entertainment News (online publication). She is a contributing author in Jessica Tiles' spicy erotic anthology, Erogenous Zone: A Sexual Voyage, and has her very own erotic anthology Mocha Chocolate: Taste a Piece of Ecstasy coming in March 2008. Whether Shani is writing poetry, blogging, or working on one of her several writing projects, she is determined to follow her heart and become a best-selling author. "To be able to write full time one day," Shani says, "that is my dream!"

Product Details

• Paperback: 180 pages
• Publisher: Shanibooks; 1st edition (May 28, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0615150748
• ISBN-13: 978-0615150741
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,870,509 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Shani Greene-Dowdell currently resides in Opelika, Alabama. She is the mother of two bright daughters and one son who all share her love for literature. Shani is the author of Keepin' It Tight, editor and contributor of award-winning anthology Mocha Chocolate, and author of Secrets of a Kept Woman. In 2008, she was named Self Published Author of the Year in the African American Literary Award Show.

Just recently Shani set out with a vision to bring thousands of women together for inspiration and reading in the south - Sisters Reading In The South. Always on the move and respected for her work ethic, Shani Greene-Dowdell is quickly becoming a household name in her field.

To find out more about Shani and to keep up with her latest endeavors, visit her online at www.shanibooks.com and/or view her articles at http://www.associatedcontent.com/user/29726/shani_greenedowdell.html

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars It Takes Two, September 25, 2007

By 

D. Frazier (Cleveland, Ohio) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Keepin' It Tight (Paperback)

Lela James did not ask for much in Keepin' It Tight, by Shani Greene Dowdell. She wanted what most women dream about; a decent man, financial security and a house protected by the perfect, white picket fence. It did not seem like an impossible dream, even though she had a string of bad relationships.

Cornelius Johnston was making moves in the business world. He appeared to have the perfect life. He had just received a promotion at work and had a woman he felt he could eventually marry. What more could a man ask for? He rushed home to tell his girlfriend, Larna, about his new position when he found her in a compromising position of her own.

Lela and Cornelius found themselves instantly attracted to each other upon meeting. With wounded hearts, yet willing souls, they became enmeshed in a plethora of lust, deception, twisted tales and buckets of tears. Would their relationship survive the brutal blows that threatened to shatter their renewed dreams of lasting love? Or would they part ways leaving their predators victorious?

Keepin' It Tight was an intense read. The pacing of the story allowed me to become engrossed in the character's lives. The author did a great job of playing with my emotions. She developed characters that were realistic, provided great imagery and just enough suspense to keep me glued to the pages. Readers who love storylines that tug at heartstrings will love this novel. I also recommend Keepin' It Tight to those who enjoy chick lit.

Reviewed by Darnetta Frazier
APOOO BookClub

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Uncontrollable Love Triangle, September 28, 2008

By 

M. Bruner ""Deltareviewer" Real Page ... (Oklahoma!) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Keepin' It Tight (Paperback)

Remember the song...I found love is a two way street and lost it on a lonely highway? That is what happens to Lela James, Cornelius Johnston, and Amanda Broady. They were all looking for the same thing - love.

Lela James was searching for the trinity - straight Black man with financial security and Godly values. After recovering from a string of bad relationships, Lela steps out on faith again after meeting Neil at her family reunion. Neil seems almost too perfect and the loving was on point. Lela was moving fast and marriage was on top of the list.

Cornelius Johnston was on the fast track at Naytek Corporation, clocking more dollars than he ever imagined. Leaving work early to celebrate his latest promotion, he surprised his girlfriend only to find her sexing someone else down. Heartbroken and downtrodden, he agreed to attend a family reunion with his homeboy. That's when he saw her - Lela.

Enter Amanda, she has been working with Neil for years waiting for the right time to seize her man. She worked hard to lay the foundation - making sure that Neil had everything he needed on time. Then Lela interrupted the flow of things by making Neil fall in love. Amanda has to take matters into her own hands before it's too late.

Keepin' It Tight is a passionate read with several plots twists and turns. The characters evolve as the drama intensifies with each new page. If you love a good love story, this is the book for you.

Deltareviewer
Reviewing for Real Page Turners

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Kept tight until the very end!, October 4, 2007

By 

Linda R. Herman, Author of Consequences "Rea... (South Georgia) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Keepin' It Tight (Paperback)

Two thumbs up to author Shani Greene-Dowdell on her debut novel! Keepin' It Tight was kept tight until the last punctuation mark! I love the realness in this fictional story. Lela and Neil could very well be the people next door. And Amanda...let's hope she's the crazy woman who stays on her meds!

Great job, Shani!