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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars
The strong Farah became a wimp half way thru., October 21, 2004
The author first introduced the character, Farah Washington, in a previous novel. Farah had attitude and back bone. She went all out to achieve what she wanted. She worked hard! I admired her for her style, strength of determination, and independence. At the beginning of this novel, Farah was still the classy act I remembered with fondness. However, by the half way point of the novel Farah had morphed into one of my pet peeves, a wimpy heroine. Farah suddenly does not believe in her self worth, feels as though she could not hold a decent job without Lenox, and even whimpers like a beaten dog when Lenox hit her (cutting her cheek open). Hello? If a man OR woman hits the other even once, it is a red flag! I lost all admiration for my heroine. I read on hoping it would get better. As for Lenox, he came across as little better than a pimp. He treated all his women like dirt. He claimed to love Farah, yet treated her even worse. He never beat the others. Farah came across as much classier than the others. Yet a woman such as she would not take all the verbal, mental, and physical abuse. Nor would she have used [the tape in such] petty vengeance. As I finished reading the last page and closed the book, I had no feeling of happiness or satisfaction. I felt let down. Perhaps I am simply used to "happily ever afters" when I escape into a good book. This ending left me cold, with no real closure. I adored Maryann Reid's previous novel, but I cannot enjoy or recommend this one. I am still a fan of the author's, do not get me wrong. However, I can still be a fan and not enjoy every book she writes. I am hoping the next novel has more closure. Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.
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4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Almost famous, July 26, 2003
This review is from: Use Me or Lose Me: A Novel of Love, Sex, and Drama (Hardcover)
One of Maryann Reid's characters from Sex and the Single Sister is making a repeat performance in her latest novel, USE ME OR LOSE ME. New York news anchor Farah Washington wants to move up in the world in terms of her career. Although she's a popular network personality, she's still not where she wants to be: at the helm of the nationwide morning talk show Rise and Shine. But the new sistah in charge at the station, Ms. Joyce Meyers, has no such plans for the young broadcaster. This perplexes Farah because she expects for the only other African American female at the station to have her back. Like her career, Farah's love life has come to crossroads. She is envious of the life her best girlfriend Lola leads with her baby girl and husband Chris. During the bustle at her job, Farah remains focused on the latest stories and the industry buzz, but at her apartment the silence is deafening, the bed is cold, and her biological clock ticking away. Farah meets debonair attorney Lenox Whitworth during her contract negotiations with the network. He's a high class, well-bred brother who makes his own way and gives back to the community. They begin to form a relationship filled with high society shindigs, lavish trips, and wining and dining. Both Lenox and Farah are after something, whether it is arm candy or career advancement. As Lenox says, "If you can't be used, you're useless." Their tumultuous existence together is the driving force behind USE ME OR LOSE ME. Reid tells Farah and Lenox's story in a way that keeps you interested and intrigued. I was incessantly trying to envision the next road she was going to take me down. The plot is not anything groundbreaking, nor are the characters eccentric or raw; but it works. A tale of romance, seduction, and life lessons USE ME OR LOSE ME is just an entertaining story. Reviewed by CandaceK
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
A Total Letdown!, October 4, 2010
This was the first book I have read by Maryann Reid. I enjoyed reading it but the ending was awful. Since many reviewers have given great synopsis of the book, I will spare you the details. I just want to add that the transformation of the main character, Farah, was totally disheartening. She goes from an independent, career-minded woman to accepting being 2nd or 3rd fiddle to her boyfriend, Lenox. He is very manipulative and is willing to shower gifts as long as Farah stays in her place. As soon as it seems Farah has had enough and seems to find her inner strength again, Lenox shows up with a ring. The author never states whether or not Farah accepts the ring but it would been great to see Farah kick Lenox to the curb. I cannot recommend this book and I am not sure if I will try any other books by Reid.
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