Customer Reviews

The Playa's Handbook

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(13)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

The Playa's Handbook tells the story of long-time friends, Sam, Phillip and
Marcus who are ready to start dating again following the end of their
marriages. The trio is helped back out into the dating scene by Sam's
friend, best selling author, Lance Montgomery, a self avowed player of the
highest order. Sam, Phillip and Marcus use Lance's book The Playa's
Handbook as a guide, and make a promise that they are going to follow the
rules of the book and become true playas.

The Playa's Handbook starts out slow but builds to an interesting story of
how these three men fare back out in the world as single men looking for
fun and more importantly, no commitment. Lance's infatuation with fellow
relationship expert, Asia Fowler, is strong side story that I could not get
enough of, although I did not like how that story ended. There are
unresolved issues there. I wonder if there will be a sequel.

This book is not too heavy and is a lot of fun. It won't disappoint true
romantics. If you are looking for something easy and sweet, this book will
fit the bill nicely.

reviewed by:
misrich

I just finished this book last night and I'm still feeling the "huh" factor. I was actually ok with following Sam, Marcus, and Phillip, but Lance and Asia's story was not told as well as it could have been. The chemistry between those two characters was enough to hold its own in a novel by itself. Why did it feel like their story was told as an afterthought? Sam's storyline bored me to tears; Marcus was a little boring, but got interesting towards the end (left me "breathless"); I liked Phillip because he was such a caring father.

A part of me was glad that Lance and Asia didn't end with everything wrapped in a predictable neat tidy bow like the others, but it still could have been better. I really hope we see those two characters again. There's no way they can end like that.

All in all, this book was okay. Something to read when you have nothing else to do, but not a serious page turner like Ms. Jackson's other books.

This is a slightly different Brenda Jackson book but still has her signature. The story focuses on four very fine and successful brotha's who have experienced heartache for various reasons.

Lance Montgomery,Phd author and renound relationship expert. Twice divorced and product of a broken home is a skeptic of love and romance. His latest book the infamous "The Playa's Handbook" emphasizes his playa views. His lifelong friend Samuel Gunn is bitter after a divorce from his wife of two years who after having an affair with a co-worker remarries less than two months after their divorce.

Sam's friends Phillip McKenna, divorced for two years after his ex chose career over being a wife and mother. Comfortable with their weekly ex-sex liason, her sudden decision to end things has again changed his life. Marcus Lowery has been a widower for over a year, he and his beloved Dottie shared something special. Trying to move on after her tragic death, he's not ready for love, but sex is another issue.

I thought Sam, Phillip and Marcus were "wanna-be-playa's" from the start, a sentiment they echo when they finally realize playa's eventually play out but real men know how to keep things going. Phillip is a committed father left to handle an out of control situation with his daughter neglected by his ex. He meets Atty. Terri Davenport a widow and her daughter and has to evaluate the rules of a real playa' and those of a real man.

Meeting new neighbor Falon Taylor a master chief challenges Sam's decision to follow the playa's 10 golden rules. While a visit from the grave and postal supervisor Naomi Monroe teach Marcus that true forgiveness doesn't have rules.

Lance is a review all alone, his treatment of Dr Asia Fowler is a definite cause of regret for him as well as a need to review his own rules. I have no doubt the sequel to TPH will have him doing just that. I can't wait to find out what love has in store for Lyle, Logan and sister Carrie. I enjoyed this book. Mrs. Jackson keeps getting better without a doubt. It's not a wonder she is a best selling author. Thanks Brenda, you've done it again.

It has been awhile since I have read works of Mrs. Jackson,and I must admit that I had a hard time reading and deciphering the persona she reflects with the characters, after falling in love with her other more dreamy characters like the Madaris clan, but once again I said that It has been awhile since I have read any of her work. I decided to go back and get caught up on Brenda Jackson novels, so I started with this one. Lance Montgomery is a product of his own writings that is what has made him the millions that he now has (well after some well investments) but anyway he is the man that the women publicly love to hate, but he sure sets a fire in the females and in the males with his latest novel "The Playa's Handbook", now listen to this a list of warnings to brothers,
A woman can't use you if you use her first! Don't be afraid NOT to commit, no matter how hot the sex is! Before you get carried away with a woman, make sure everything she's packing is the real thing! Now these are just a few of the rules from the playas handbook, but Dr. Lance Montgomery needs to be hog tied and beat!!!! When this book gets out the men really start tripping and then you have men on the rebound trying to be playa's, yeah right that is until some very sensual and real women come into play, can these women get these men to turn in their playa's cards?? When Dr. Montgomery runs into the likes of Dr. Asia Fowler, she gives him a run for his money because she is a renowned author who writes the opposite of Dr. Montgomery,she believes in Love and has dealt with the playa's so she doesn't approve of the advice he is spreading, well now it all begins as Asia and Lance cross paths. This novel has a variety of situations and will keep you reading. I have to admit it is somewhat predictable, but I think Mrs. Jackson has done a good job with keeping it interesting.... once you finish this one, you will want to go straight to the sequel "No more playas." I will write another review on No more playas once I finsh it...... Good job Mrs. Jackson.

Gary, Indiana has come a long way from Ron Howard's lisped version of, Gary Indiana, Gary, Indiana, Gary Indiana! heard in the Musical, The Music Man.

In Brenda Hampton's Playa's Handbook Gary, Indiana is home to one Lance Montgomery who author's The Playa's Handbook. Read the top ten rules below:

Top Ten Rules [DS's comments in ()]

- Never give a woman the key to your apartment.
- Playas "have sex," they don't "make love."
- Avoid crotch-grabbers, unless you like feeling assaulted.
- Before you get carried away with a woman, make sure everything she's packing is the real thing (LOL, LOL, LOL!)
- Stay away from women who have reputations for "faking it."
- Beware of women who prefer the "on-top" position all the time. (eyebrows raised)
- Avoid the "First Come, Last Served Syndrome" by making sure she's willing to go down on you if you're willing to go down on her. (ROFLMBO)
- Don't be afraid "not" to commit, no matter how hot the sex is.
- Beware of women who ask what sort of work you do too soon in the conversation. Usually that's an indication they are trying to find out how much money you make. (Wrong! If you have a J O B and if it's legal... LOL)
- A woman can't use you if you use her first.

Reading the a book which includes the above rules and following an example of the author, Lance Montgomery, three male friends give into unspoken male peer pressure to unleash their inner playa.

This book was a good afternoon read. The characters are indentifiable as someone's brother, bonehead or significant other that we've all encountered at some time in our lives.

This is the first book I read by Ms Jackson. For the most part the endings to each character's story was predictable. I was surprised with the ending of the Lance/Asia storyline. Overall, it is a good, easy to read book. I would recommend this book for others to read, however there are other books with a similiar feel that I would recommend first. The writing has captured my interest to read some of Ms. Jackson's other works.

Brenda Jackson writes good stories - just right for curling up and getting away. I was left unsatisfied because I wanted to know what happened with Lance and Asia. Hope it's coming soon.

Take another bow Mrs. Jackson, you continue to renew yourself. This is a different type of book however, the same magic is poured into every page as all your other works. It is my opinion, Lance and Asia will have to really settle matters between them in their own book. After them I'm sure others will follow. Wonderful stories so buy the book you won't be disappointed.

I bought this book based on Brenda Jackson's previous works (which I enjoyed) - and the description on the back cover. Although it seemed a marked departure from her usual, I thought the storyline had the potential to be interesting... and it DID, although that potential was certainly unfulfilled. Like another reviewer, my main issue is that there was just TOO MUCH GOING ON. The characters were ill-developed, and I found myself having to keep flipping back to remind myself of who was who, who they were dating, why their past relationship had gone sour, etc. I finished the book still feeling like I didn't KNOW any of the characters, with the exception of Lance and Asia. I agree with the many who said Lance and Asia's story could have been a novel in itself. Ironically, their storyline was the only one worth following - and the only one that was ultimately unresolved.

I'd recommend one of Ms. Jackson's prior works instead.

no offense but everytime i read a book about a hero sleeping with someone else that isnt the heroinne and seeing him enjoy it really turns my stomach, besides if sam or whatever his name is didnt feel anything for tina why did he say her name every darn other page, he even thought she was the best person hes ever slept with, he should of just left the other girl he was interested in find a better man...