Customer Reviews

Keepin' It Tight

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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

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

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!

Lela and Neil are in love and no one can stop the bond they have created...Someone wants to tho, and that someone would be Amanda, a woman on a mission to have a sucessful black man on her side..Will Neil stay true to his heart or give in to the temptation that he faces daily?

2 thumbs up to Shani for writing such a great story...this novel showed you that true love can happen, and when u have a good man, some woman always wants to take your place...I got so mad at some parts I was yelling at the characters...good job to the author! I'll always keep in mind how a sista need to keep it tight!!

This book was really good. It was engrossing from the first page, slow in the middle, and picked up with steam until the end. I liked the way the author folded in the characters layer by layer and not all at once. There were, by the end, more than 6, but Shani was able to clearly separate each one of them, "Keepin' it Tight". This story has many different twist and elements to it which kept it interesting. It was an awesome read. I must admit, Grandma Jana was my favorite. She's hilarious and her presence in every scene was memorable. I think she needs her own story.

Shani captures her characters and hands them over to you as the plot unfolds. These characters are very believable and come to life as the story progresses. This book was like a movie playiing out in my head and I was sorry when it was over! However there is a great deal of satisfaction to be gained by reading the way she chose to bring this story to a close!

Lela James was warned by her grandmother, Jenna, but like with everything many lessons are learnt firsthand. First the mechanics: the book is 180 page, perfect blind, the print font seems to be about an 11 pt., meaning very readable, bright white paper stock. Character development was perfect. Chapter progression was excellent. Plot-points and tension levels were all in the right spots and executed well. One or two missed prints. -All of this meaning this author can write.

This is an excellent book for beginning married couples because it will teach them all the pit falls and how to watch out for all those snakes out there. It point out issues which is at the heart of every relationship. Issues about feelings, neglect, and obsession, which has the power to divide and destroy any marriage if the couple fails to keep it tight. -Lela James finds a man who has everything, good looks, an educated mind, a good job, and actually likes working.....lol.

But having it all comes at a price. This young couple learns the hard way that "for every action, there is a reaction. And for non-action, there is a reaction." Shani Greene Dowdell, pinned a masterpiece for her duet novel. I'm hoping there is an sequel to follow.


Lord'Williams

That Amanda was a HOT mess. I enjoyed reading her crazeee thoughts. You know some diva out there is ready to snatch up any unavailable man by all and any means!!

The book is a great read and I have my whole family reading it!!

Thoroughly enjoyed by all my sister's and aunts.

Keepin' It Tight by Shani Greene-Dowdell is a drama filled book around what one might be seen as normal relationships concerns. Yes, you will experience the lack of trust from the woman's point of view and the man's. The interesting thing about this book, it has a different twist to it. Race concerns come into play, or do they really? You know they exist in real life, but you don't see it written about in books...white women interested in black men.

Lela James is a beautiful, smart...single mother. Desiring the same things as most women want...a loving, mature, one on one relationship with the "right man"...a good man. Lela experiences the ins and outs of bad relationships...when she meets a man that tweaks her interest. Will he turn out to be "that dream comes true?"

Cornelius Johnston, an up and coming executive working for Naytek Corporation, pours himself into his work, making his career his first love ...after he too, suffers the loss of what he thought to be The Only Relationship...he wanted and needed. Will Cornelius, Neil to his friends and family...ever step away from his career and take the risk of exploring love again?

Lela and Neil meet through Lela's cousin Trey. There is an instant attraction from both of them. Now, these two do connect, but will let go and allow themselves to trust and fall in love? Not if it was up to Amanda Broady, a white woman, who is also the niece of the Head of Naytek Corp. Amanda is a scorned woman, with a broken heart when Neil catches her attention. Are Amanda's interests in Neil strictly professional or does she have other motives?

Keepin' It Tight was a page turner. The book grabbed me from beginning to end. I was so interested in how this author would add the twist of possible race issues to this book. The subject was there, causing you to think but not focus too deeply on it. I commend the writing skills of Shani Greene-Dowdell in bringing this topic into her book. Shani stepped up the game in writing a book on relationship drama and falling in love. I loved this book!


S.E. Koshi aka Lady Flava
Flava Coffee House
Flava Book Reviews

Shani Greene-Dowdell has really created a gem with this one! "Keepin' It Tight" will having you eagerly waiting to turn the page to see what's going on with Lela, Neil and Miss Amanda, whose blond ambition is not to be underestimated.