Too Much of a Good Thing Ain't Bad [Paperback]

Clarence Nero (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 23, 2009

In this sequel to THREE SIDES TO EVERY STORY, daring and acclaimed writer Clarence Nero takes us back into the lives of Johnny and James in a powerful novel about fraternities, family, and college drama.

Johnny and James survived the tough streets of New Orleans, but when Hurricane Katrina lays waste to their beloved Ninth Ward, they are forced to begin a new chapter in Washington DC. For Johnny, this means finally pursuing his dream of a becoming a student at the historic Wheatley College. James soon joins Johnny in the Nation’s Capitol but the strong connection that brought them together in prison is strained by the pressures of their new lives. Then Johnny’s brother Carl and his wife, Tiffany, introduce Johnny to the beautiful, sexy, and smart, Sheila Doggett with the intent of steering Johnny in a different direction. The entire family rallies around Johnny and Shelia’s budding friendship and Johnny prepares to join the frat that is a legacy in his family.

But once James gets wind of what Johnny’s family is up to, he decides that he’ll stop at nothing to save his relationship. Meanwhile, Johnny is struggling to keep the peace with everyone and keeping a potentially deadly secret that could stand in the way of his dreams. Everyone is soon confronted with the truth that the havoc in their lives has only just begun…

How far will you go for love?

Our heroes and sheroes wrestle with this question as they struggle to do right by themselves and those they love and the result is a fast-paced, thought-provoking roller coaster of a read.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“One of our most promising writers.” —Maya Angelou

About the Author

CLARENCE NERO is the author of Three Sides to Every Story and the critically acclaimed novel Cheekie: A Child Out of the Desire. He lives in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Broadway; Original edition (June 23, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0767929721
• ISBN-13: 978-0767929721
• Product Dimensions: 5.2 x 0.7 x 8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #942,698 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Reconciling family, future and love ... finally., July 4, 2009

By 

Bob Lind "camelwest" (Phoenix, AZ United States) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Too Much of a Good Thing Ain't Bad (Paperback)

Johnny and James are a gay couple whose relationship has survived a lot: a stint in prison, an emergency evacuation from their Katrina-torn home town of New Orleans (and subsequent relocation to DC), as well as continuing pressure from Johnny's traditional and religious African-American family, who believes Johnny would repent his "sinful ways" (i.e., being gay) if away from James influence. While Johnny prefers to be discrete and keep things "on the downlow," James is proudly flamboyant, which leads to significant friction between the couple, to the point where James moves out of their apartment. When James learns that Johnny has started to date Sheila Doggertt, introduced to him by a family member and - coincidentally - his boss at the school where James is a teacher's aide, he confronts Sheila about their relationship. Meanwhile, Johnny is attending college for pre-law, trying to remain friends with James, keep peace with his family, keep Sheila from getting too serious about him, and using her contacts to pledge a prestigious African-American fraternity, which happens to be hostile to gays.

Nero's sequel to "Three Sides to Every Story" is a captivating and entertaining read, although some readers may have some problems with the "ghetto slang" phrases used regularly by most characters. Ultimately, it is a story about a 31 year old man having a delayed coming-of-age, finding the courage to pursue his dreams - and his love - despite significant obstacles along the way, and that's something with which any reader can identify. It's an interesting bowl of gumbo, which I give four out of five stars.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars GREAT READ, May 14, 2010

By 

FANCY (New Orleans, LA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Too Much of a Good Thing Ain't Bad (Paperback)

I met the author Clarence Nero at our book club meeting here in New Orleans after reading Three Sides to Every Story which is a must read if you plan on reading Too Much of a Good Thing Ain't Bad.... I couldn't see myself reading them out of order. Anyways this book for me was even better than the first.... I finished it in a day because with this one you can't put it down.... I loved everything about the book, but the ending was not at all what I was expecting..... It was great but it definitely let's you know Mr.Nero has to be coming out with a part three cus he can't just leave us not knowing what was said at the door... lol... But definitely a great read and definitely a great author luv him.... You will not be disappointed in this story....

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sexy, Sinful & Sizzling Read, July 30, 2009

By 

M. Bruner ""Deltareviewer" Real Page ... (Oklahoma!) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Too Much of a Good Thing Ain't Bad (Paperback)

Johnny and James are back in this sequel to THREE SIDES TO EVERY STORY. Johnny still hasn't come to full disclosure about his sexuality. James is still the same - flaming and sure of his sexual identity. Enter Sheila successful school administrator looking to heal her heart and find the man of her dreams. Her family thought that man was Johnny and that's where things start to get tangled up. Their relationship was taking off and Sheila found out about Johnny's little secret. The drama that follows will keep your eyes riveted to every word and have you guessing about what the next move will be. Kevin is a supporting character that brings everything together and saves the day. The characters that add comic relief and the ultimate in melodrama are Flo, Mookie and Tiffany.

Nero doesn't disappoint with this sequel. The drama, the relationships and the sexual tension is some of the best written since E. Lynn Harris. Nero is a leader in character development, scene description and suspense. An avid reader could finish this novel in a matter of a few hours as the story will draw you in and won't let you go until the very end. If you aren't open to a variety of relationships, then this isn't the book for you. However, if you love a great story then get in your comfy chair, grab a cool drink and enjoy!

Deltareviewer
Reviewing for Real Page Turners