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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars
Maybe I was reading another story than everyone else..., March 4, 2010
This review is from: More Than He Can Handle (Dafina Contemporary Romance) (Paperback)
I was really excited to read this book because of the reviews on this site, and have to admit to being confused about the positive responses. Surprisingly, my feelings had less to do with the relationship between Cleveland (who I found forgettable) and Freddie. I HATED THE HEROINE and was so distracted by the inconsistencies that I could not get involved in the story. I was very irritated by the relationship dynamics between Freddie and Lillian (her best friend). I could not for the life of me figure out why these 2 people spent so much time bickering and belittling each other. Furthermore, Freddie's turmoil surrounding her father was unrealistic. (Spoiler alert)
The conflicts in this story revolve around Freddie's upbringing. When she was a child, her father was arrested for murder and her mother raised her to be mistrustful of men. However, although Freddie is 27, she doesn't quite know the story behind her father's disappearance. In fact, the story starts with Freddy upset that her father left her family in a time of need and Freddie trying to find out more. She's asked her mother for information, but never gets any details from her. Couple of issues here. First, this is the era of technology. Are you telling me that a 27 year old owner/manager of a hotel and college graduate doesn't know enough about computers to Google her father? She wouldn't be able to discover that the man was arrested for murder? Second, her father supposedly murdered a man of God and was vehemently hated by the city. This hate was transferred to his wife and child (so much so they change their name), and again you're saying that NO ONE ever said anything to her about her father murdering a pastor? That's just one of the many things that bothered me about this book.
The timeline was jumpy in some points (when Cleveland first goes to Vegas), details were inconsistent, and in my personal opinion Freddie lacked character growth. Yea, she realized she loved Cleveland in the end, but she didn't change. She was judgmental, unforgiving, and witchy with a capital B. I have to care about the characters and was so disturbed by Freddie that it highlighted the lack of believable conflict and consistent attention to detail that should have been present. Do I believe in strong heroines? Absolutely! But Freddie is not one of them. I give this book 2 stars, because I do appreciate the author using New Orleans as one of the settings and recognizing that there is still work to do after Hurricane Katrina. Otherwise, I don't recommend this book and it is not one that I will be keeping.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
(4.5 Stars) Playa, Playa!, February 27, 2009
This review is from: More Than He Can Handle (Dafina Contemporary Romance) (Paperback)
Winfred "Freddie" Barker has enough on her plate without adding the stress of her best friends soon- to -be husband's best man. Freddie is trying to be civil with this man but he is the most arrogant man she has ever meet, but he is fine. Cleveland doesn't even want to be in the wedding. He would rather be at an Atlanta Falcons football game and he makes sure everyone there knows it. However, when he spots Freddie he thinks maybe it may have been worth missing the game if he can get her in his bed. When Cleveland and Freddie do end up in bed together after the wedding , things really get interesting. Freddie has a lot of baggage that she is dealing with and does not have time for playa playa Cleveland. At a chance meeting in her hometown of New Orleans, Cleveland is determined to change Freddie's image of him.
More Than He Can Handle is a very appropriately titled book. The two main characters go at it from the beginning to the end. Whether is was verbal sparring or intense sexual chemistry that was causing them to banter. There was also several subplots that made this book interesting. Hodges did a great job intertwining them all which made for a wonderful read.
Reviewed by Tenecia
for Urban Reviews
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
More than He Can Handle is a Winner, February 14, 2009
This review is from: More Than He Can Handle (Dafina Contemporary Romance) (Paperback)
This book is worth more than 5 stars. The character development and the storyline had me hooked from the first chapter. The main backdrop of the story takes place between New Orleans and Atlanta. The book was relevant and up to date with current events so I felt like I was in the middle of the story. The main characters Cleveland and Freddie (a woman) were so right for each other. They meet at Freddie's best friends wedding and the sparks fly.
The story is about firefighter Cleveland falling in love with a very stubborn and strong willed Freddie. Freddie is trying to sort out her past relationship with her parents and is hesitant to allow Cleveland into her life. Cleveland does not give up. He puts his love and pride on the line by letting Freddie know that he is not going to give her up without a fight and trust me a fight is just what Freddie gives him. I respected his tenacity and fire for the one woman he knew he would always love. He held it down! The sex scenes were so hot, I needed to stop and get a cold glass of water. Kudos to the author for showing the vulnerability of the men and for showing men being willing to grieve and ask for help when needed. It endeared me to the story so much more.
The rest of the secondary characters were great and made the storyline that much better. Her best friend Lillian worked my last nerve. She was far too opinionated. You will love Cleveland's mother.
Buy this book you will not be disappointed.
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