Men, Money, & Gold Diggers [Paperback]

Je'Caryous Johnson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 10, 2009

Caleb Peterson has it all-a great job, plenty of money, and a fine fiancée in former model Paisley Terrell. They're all set to get married just as soon as she signs a prenuptial agreement, but there's just one problem..."Paisley don't do pre-nups!" As war wages and trusts start to crumble, it turns into an all-out battle of the sexes. Paisley's best friend, Trina, tries to convince her to "get paid," while Caleb's friends try to prevent him from "getting played." With her relationship in jeopardy, Paisley turns to ex-boyfriend Bobby Trumane, who promises to give her everything her heart desires. Paisley soon realizes that what one man won't do, another man will...but is that what she wants?

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

A wealthy investment banker with a swagger like Denzel Washington learns that money can't buy love in a muted novelization of Johnson's stage play of the same name. Caleb Peterson has no trouble getting fly-ass ladies, but things never seem to work out: Kendra's after his wallet, Asia's just too sweet, and as for Miss Bud Light—well, Caleb doesn't even know her name until after they're in the buff (though he learns her 42 double-Ds are named Water and Melon). When beautiful former model Paisley Terrell enters the picture, things start to look up for Caleb, and soon enough he's giving his heart away yet again. His friends warn him not to give his cash away as well, so when Caleb makes an impromptu marriage proposal, talk of a prenup soon follows. Paisley protests, and complications, both romantic and economic, ensue. Johnson is a force in contemporary African-American theater, but without actors adding life to his words, the dialogue is stiff and the characters two-dimensional. (Apr.)
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From Booklist

Johnson tries to present both sides of the story by having the lead characters, the romantic couple of Caleb and Paisley, both speak in first person in alternating chapters, which proves awkward at first. However, it does allow us to get into the heads of the characters and better know their background and motivations, an advantage over those who’ve experienced only the original stage production of this story (which is credited to Johnson and Gary Guidry). A busy plot fills the scene with people and moves them along various twists and turns, in ways entertaining if not always completely plausible. Ultimately, there is exploration of the basic question—if you’re a wealthy single man, are women approaching you coming to love you or just your money? But further, are you a man whom a woman can love or is it only your money that you can offer? --Valerie Hawkins

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 226 pages
• Publisher: Grand Central Publishing (February 10, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0446541087
• ISBN-13: 978-0446541084
• Product Dimensions: 5.2 x 0.6 x 8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,811,044 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3.0 out of 5 stars `If you think you're lonely now...wait until tonight girl...', January 15, 2011

By 

Tazzyt2bossye "A Book Junkie fiending for a g... (QUEEN CITY, USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Men, Money, & Gold Diggers (Paperback)

Caleb Peterson is the ultimate bachelor...super sexy, lucrative career, money in the bank, and has no problems showering a woman with all that her heart can desire...physically, mentally, and more importantly, FINANCIALLY! Caleb yearns for a `good woman' that can look beyond the obvious, one that looks into his eyes, his heart, and his soul and blesses him with unconditional love due to a good man. Paisley Terrell was duped while she supported a low down cheating man that was exposed on national television to her embarrassment. Caleb and Paisley begin their relationship, despite the baggage they both carry from past hurts derived from past relationships.

Can two scarred lovers allow their quest for love heal their broken-ness? Caleb's been used, Paisley's been used, can their common denominator equal trust, honor, and love? Will the walls come tumbling down and they be able to give their all to each other? Is love real, is love someone other than they think, mistakes on both parts can make or break their relationship, which will it be? To find out these answers, you will need to hop on this merry go round with Mr. Johnson. JeCaryous Johnson's Men, Money, and Gold Diggers is a pleasantly lightweight yet entertaining read. Characters were well developed, storyline flowed gracefully and consistently, yet there was a lack of true substance. This read contained predictable scenarios and reactions. An enjoyable read without a lot of challenge or change. 3.50***

5.0 out of 5 stars Love Right In His Face, October 18, 2009

By 

Lesa Jones E.J "~~Lesa!~~" (Milwaukee, WI) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Men, Money, & Gold Diggers (Paperback)

I finished this book quick. I started this book and just couldn't put it down. I was hooked on the first page and wanted to see what else happens.

Caleb is a investmen broker that just keep coming across all this gold-digger women that he always think is the one.

Paisley is a model that was messing with this guy name Bobby that she was always taking care of but, find out that he was cheating on her all along.

Paisley said, that she wasn't going to be messing with no more broke men.

Caleb said, he wont be messing with anymore gold diggers.

So Caleb and Paisley ends up talking to each other at a club. After a great conversation Paisley didn't want anything to do with Caleb but, after her friend and her seen his picture in a magazine showing he was going to make partner at his job Trina her friend talked her into calling Caleb.

They get involved and moves it way to fast. They get engaged but, he wants her to sign a prenup and she don't want to.

Bobby shows up in the picture showing off his new money and giving Paisley gifts and taking her out on a weekend. Caleb don't like that and put Paisley out but, then after awhile they work it back out. Then they back braking up. Whiel Paisley runs to Bobby to try to work things out with him she find out more about Bobby then she expected. Caleb trying to find love in all the wrong places but, all along it was right in his face and he didn't even know it.

Great book over all. I never heard of this author but, now I want to read more of his books I see he has another book called Whatever She Wants and I want to read that for sure. Overall I got into this book and it kept me wanting more. I like.

4.0 out of 5 stars Money Will Change You, July 20, 2009

By 

The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers (RAWSISTAZ.com and BlackBookReviews.net) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Men, Money, & Gold Diggers (Paperback)

Caleb Peterson is attractive, successful, and financially stable; a few attributes a woman looks for in a man. However, he's not successful in love. Caleb is tired of falling in love with gold diggers, but he has his own issues dating back to his childhood, which could very well be the reason his heart gets broken. Will he ever find true love; someone to love him for who he is and not his money?

Paisley Terrell, a Gabrielle Union look-a-like, but better (she proclaims), is a struggling model. She has been in a long relationship with Bobby Trumane, financially and mentally supporting him as he aspires to become a sports agent. Their relationship ends when she catches Bobby cheating on her and she vows never to get involved with a poor man again.

While out with friends, Caleb and Paisley met at a bar, and from first glance, Caleb knew he found the woman of his dreams. Soon they are engaged, but Caleb's friends are concerned their relationship is moving too fast and suggest a prenuptial agreement. Bobby returns back to Paisley's life, and she must decide who she wants to be with.

MEN, MONEY AND GOLD DIGGERS by Je'Caryous Johnson is a well-written novel. It's a quick read because the twists and turns in the story push you to get to the end. The characters and the storyline are plausible, and the message I received while reading is, no matter how much money you have, it doesn't mean anything if you have someone who isn't true. I recommend MEN, MONEY AND GOLD DIGGERS to readers who are looking for a quick read of drama, a little humor, and a happy ending.

Reviewed by Sharon Lewis

of The RAWSISTAZ(tm) Reviewers