Customer Reviews

Mass Deception

5 star:		(41)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Wow, a bombshell on the first page! So, make sure no one tells you too much about our protagonist Toni "Teaser" Goodwin before you get a chance to read Mass Deception for yourself. This shocker on page one hooked me in immediately. I found Mass Deception to be one heck of a trip! The treacherous premise of this novel has all to do with secrets. And as the title implies, Toni is not alone.

Life for Toni couldn't be any better than it is now. She is a beautiful, young career woman who has proven to be a strong contender in the advertising industry. Originally from Tallahassee, Toni and her very supportive mother have moved to Atlanta. She has accepted a Vice President's position at Carlton International, a black owned advertising firm. Toni is so cool and easygoing that she instantly made friends in her new city. She met Cynthia, Michelle and Ebony at the local beauty parlor one day and they all have been hanging tough ever since. But, her oldest and dearest friend is "fabulous" Devon who still resides in Tallahassee, and living in grandeur I must add.

One weekend Toni goes back to Tallahassee to attend her high school reunion with Devon. And what an amazing weekend it was. In just a couple of days she met two wonderful gentlemen, Tommy and John. John is a good friend of Roger's, Devon's lover. Eventually John becomes the lucky suitor to win over Toni's heart. But how far can their relationship develop before she has to reveal her closely guarded secret?

Hallema also gives us a story within a story that I found to be very exciting. Although somewhat over the top, it was the prelude of Toni's furtive ways. Basically it gave us insight into what happened in the past when Toni did reveal her secret to her then romantic interest Robert. (Get this, her mother used to work for the FBI and shows just how support she can be) Unfortunately though, this story was told so fast that you almost wonder why it was included it at all.

There are some other characters that are also living a clandestine life. Unbeknown to Toni is that her executive assistant Sean is also the boss's son. But that's not all she doesn't know about Sean. Also there's Roger who, while in pursuit of political office, has a big decision to make after a terrible accident occurs. The longer these concealments continue the more detrimental they become...for all parties involved. How long will it take for Toni, Sean and Roger to reveal their secrets, if at all? Hallema's Mass Deception is a true cliffhanger. We just might have to wait and see.

Mass Deception was basically a fun read...cool enough for a quite Sunday afternoon (with popcorn)! However, I can not say that it stood out enough from other novels with strong African American female characters dealing with scandals, career and romance issues. Maybe several years ago I would have enjoyed it better. But after reading so many, I'm looking for more substance when I read my favorite genre of books. I think sometimes it had too many references to fashion designers and such where a more original approach of description would have been better appreciated. In addition, I think the dialogue was somewhat elementary at times. In spite of this, I always enjoy reading about smart career women. I must also add that I learned a thing or two about how I would handle certain work-related situations. I did find this book entertaining and I do look forward to the sequel.

This book is a trip. It is audacious. If you think you can't be fooled by a beautiful gender-bending woman (man?), then read Mass Deception. Like me, you will be waiting for the sequel!!

I have found myself hiding in the bathroom from my husband and son just so I could continue reading this awesome book. The characters are so real and imaginable and they seem like people we all know. I have a hard time putting the book down. The author did a great job with the plot lines and setting the scenes. Keep up the great work Hallema and I look forward to your next writing!!!!!!

Yes, the cover of debut author Hallema's novel "Mass Deception" enticed me to get closer. The matador waves red and the bull charges head-on. The lovers on the front cover sizzled, draped in read, so I charged head-on into this book to join them. Hallema's ingenuity, wit and bodaciousness stared back at me from the very beginning. There was no deception in how adeptly the author delivered the storyline.

So there would be no spoiler, the author told readers on page one that her protagonist had been surgicallly transformed from Tony to Toni. Immediately, she engaged us in contemplating wht manner of "mass deception" would be amiss with Toni T. Goodwin. Medical science may have carved and molded a new beginning, yet time could not be carved away, nor molded into non-existence.
Toni moved from Tallahassee to Atlanta and subsequently started her new job as vice president of advertising for Carlton International. Her mother Linda Goodwin moved with her. They left behind more than Toni's secrets in Tallahassee. Linda was somewhat of a chameleon herself.

The multiple first person viewpoints bode well to move the story along. The main characters were each so interesting, the level of suspense was maintained. giving voice to Toni's best friend since high school, Ms. Divine AKA Devon, provided credibility, riveting dialogue and drama. Ms. D was Toni's flamboyant confidante, coach and conscience. Toni's executive assistant Sean had his own secrets. She knew he was attractive, attentive and available. What Toni didn't know, the readers were told by Sean who shared that which he prayed his boss would not discover.

While the downlow craze has some women pondering if a Ms. Divine is cavorting with their man, Hallema candidly and skillfully changed direction. Men, what would yu doi if you learned that the woman you coveted, caressed, seduced and possibly6 loved was once a "Tony"? Toni's best friend reminded her "how painful this lifestyle can be." yet, instead of poking fun at life's complexities and complications, Hallema hilariously and prayerfully let us have fun in the midst of them all. Perhaps upon fine-tuning the editing, "Mass Deception" will surface on screen. Certainly, her upcoming sequel, "True Intentions" will solidify and enlarge Hallema's medley of fans.

This book was such a great read! I shocker from Page One!! This story about Toni T. was so unique and entertaining. I can't wait for the sequel!!!!!!!

This book is no less than INCREDIBLE!..... I recently met the author while she was passing through the airport in Killeen, Texas!...She is a wonderful person.....Very down to earth.....and has a wonderful way of making you smile!....her personal traits are reflected in the way she took her time to develop the characters and bring to life a very different slant on issues of today. I thoroughly enjoyed reading each and every page! I must state that I am not an avid reader of novels.....and I became "hooked on phonics" as soon as I read this novel. I have since read about four other novels while patiently awaiting the sequel!.....Thanks for helping me to set a good example for my son....to READ....READ....READ!...
Once I began reading...I didn't want to put it down....I read while on break at work......before going to sleep at night....and as soon as I awakened until I finished it!.....True to life....Funny.....and insightful into a world that is often thought of as taboo...... I can see the movie right now....with Chris Tucker from "Rush Hour" playing Toni's best friend Devon........LOL!.....once again May God continue to Bless and keep you!.....

Your Number ONE fan in Killeen, Texas!.... Chris!

Toni T. Goodwin, advertising executive extraordinaire, would like nothing more than to live a happy life. She also yearns to find the man of her dreams. Toni's prayers have been answered in the form of the illustrious John Collins. The only flaw in Toni's delicate existence is that she harbors a deep dark secret that if revealed will ruin her life forever.

John, an investment banker, has fallen madly in love with Toni. Will their fairy-tale romance stand the test of time? You will have to read True Intentions the sequel to MASS DECEPTION to find out.

MASS DECEPTION focuses on the forbidden subject of one's sexuality. Through the pages of this novel, Hallema introduces us to Toni's best friend Devon and a host of other characters that will keep you laughing until the last page is turned. I am eagerly awaiting the conclusion of this wonderful voyage into the lives of Toni and John.

Reviewed by Pamela Bolden
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

A co-worker referred this book to me and I loved it. I am referring this book to everyone I know and I am waiting to find out what happens in the next book. Congrats Hallema!!!

Hallema's Mass Deception is a well written book that was hard to put down once you began reading. The characters in the book were so very vivid it was as if you knew them. The detail to each personality was written that there wasn't any question that were unanswered. I had the opportunity to meet Hallema at a function in Florida and she is a very pleasant person that has much to offer in her many books to come. I recommend Mass Deception to all readers and many don't read because the book is really intriguing and I can't wait for the sequel.

By all means this book was great! I wish there were more stars to give this book. I really enjoyed this book so much. The author really outdid herself!! I enjoyed every page in this book, I will not summarize this book for anyone the only thing I have to say is GET IT!