Customer Reviews

Too Much of a Good Thing Ain't Bad

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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....

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

I met the author in Dallas last year and decided to go out and purchase his book. I will say that I enjoyed the book and the drama that it consisted of. The author did a good job in writing three totally different characters. My favorite was Johnny, even though he went through a period of not knowing what he wanted I felt he was the most grounded of the three and seemed more appealing. Having lived in DC for over a decade, I could relate to a lot of the scenery and decriptions that the author provided in the book. I am the author of My Eyes Are Green and You Had Me at Hello and I would defeintely recomend this book to friends and family.

There was so much realness in the book that I couldn't stop from reading it I finished it in less than two days. Good Job, Mr. Nero...

I am sure there is a another book following this one because the ending sugested such! I hope she isn't pregnant, that would not be a good look :)

This book was really good. I laughed and cried. This is the second book that I've read of Clarence Nero and I enjoyed both books. I see James and Johnny has history together, so Im going out and buy Three sides to every story. James is a mess, but dont take any stuff off of anyone. Well maybe a little, but his moma got his back. Johnny dont know if he want to be with James or with Sheila. If I was Sheila I would be mad at Tiffany and Carl also, if they tried to hook me up with a gay guy. But the book was really good. I know Sheila is pregnant, so come on with the next book... Cause I know James is gonna cause some more serious drama... Loved it..

I try so hard not laugh but this book is not only engaging but funny and the xters are crazy man

In TOO MUCH OF A GOOD THING AIN'T BAD, Clarence Nero continues the story of Johnny and James, first introduced to readers in Three Sides to Every Story. Johnny, now a sophomore in college, desperately wishes to follow in his father, uncles and brothers' footsteps by joining their fraternity. After suffering a brief period of homelessness following Hurricane Katrina, James is now living with Johnny in Washington, DC and working as a teacher's assistant.

Just as in the previous story, Johnny and James continue to face their share of obstacles as they attempt to share their lives together. James' flamboyant and carefree lifestyle is now an issue as Johnny strives to limit those who know about his homosexual lifestyle, namely the brothers of Gamma Phi Gamma. Johnny's family continues to reject James and even goes so far as to set him up with Sheila, who just happens to be James' boss and, ultimately, nemesis. With the odds stacked against them, Johnny and James' relationship seems doomed to fail. Nevertheless, when Johnny and James find themselves in undesirable and life-altering situations, the love they share will ultimately give each man the strength to stand.

Clarence Nero has successfully spun yet another tale involving very likeable characters. Just as in his previous work, Mr. Nero artfully tells the story from the perspective of the three main characters. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more from Mr. Nero.

Reviewed by HD Murphy
for The RAWSISTAZ(tm) Reviewers

Ok, so I was able to read this in one day. I guess it means I liked it but the ending...Well, left me feeling like there is a third book coming. The author appears to be setting the stage for Johnny having to decide how to respond to potential consequences of his actions and James having to make some difficult decisions about what he can live with in his relationship with Johnny. (Don't want to spoil the ending of the book for others). In addition, it was difficult, at times, to read all the anger and homophobia that surrounding the main characters, but it is what it is. Overall, a good book. I think I liked the first book a little better, but what can I say, I'm a sucker for a romantic and simple ending. And, finally...Clarence Nero (just in case you have people who read these reviews, LOL), if you write a third book, you know I'll read it!

Johnny and James have a love that no one can shake. Not Johnny's family despite their blatant disapproval in the beginning to their union, or can they? When the weather takes a turn for the worse bringing in Hurricane Katrina to New Orleans their relationship is tested by an instigating family. Their relationship becomes even more strained when Johnny's family decides that his sexual preference is one that can be changed. Enters a very sexy Sheila...what will happen when the relationship is on the edge and temptation is a beast?

Can we say drama? I just loved how the author was able to paint a picture of a confidently flamboyant James yet show the vulnerability of this character at the same time. I found it intriguing to know that James was so infuriated with the mere thought of his man being with someone else, let alone another woman. There is no sharing in this camp! I was so wrapped up in this storyline that it consumed me.

It perturbed me to see just how adamant that Carl was about not accepting his brothers lifestyle. I was glad to see that the rest of Johnny's family finally came around but I could not believe how heavily against Johnny and James union Carl was. I continued to yearn for him to have an open heart and mind. The book ended with me being unable to determine Sheila's final motive when she came to his house. I'm hoping that this is addressed in the next book. Nonetheless this was well worth the read.

Reviewed by:
Terrie
[...]

I have to say I really got into this book, it reminded me of a world that most people (that are open or not but have found peace) try and forget, the inner workings of life as a gay or bi man. And how each one of us has a different view of the world we all live. I enjoy the clarity that is found in the Clarence Nero style of writing. He has the ability to tell multiple stories and not lose the reader and keep all the stories interesting. I can not say that this book gives you what Three Side to Every Story will but it will keep you reading just the same. In this book you get a deeper look into the character and start to see why they think and do the things they do. You'll fly throw this book and be ready for the next. It is not as long as the first but that's just me wanting more. I quit enjoyed the detailed storyline of Three Sides...but this book it seems to be coming from a different...space...mind set, from the character perspectives (you'll have to read both books to understand what I am trying to get at here)...and journey, this is a well played second book but I worry that we could fall off of the magic of the first book (your going to have to read and see if you feel the same)... I know the first book set a high bar with me but hay I know that Clarence is a great storyteller, who enjoys developing well thought out plots and unforeseen twists, and he delivers in this book as well just in a different way. All in all it's a good book, I have to say it did not take away all of my free time as the Three Sides did but I was invested.