Freddie Lee Iii Johnson

Clifford sees his life as picture-perfect: two wonderful young sons, a fast-track career, and a solid marriage. But fresh back from a family vacation in Florida, Clifford is hit with a stunning blow when his wife Demetria declares that she is leaving him for “true love, excitement, and fun”–an announcement that throws him into an uncontrollable tailspin of denial.

With one failed marriage under his belt, and a precious daughter his ex-wife bars him from seeing, Victor is no expert in romantic love. His philosophy? The only way to keep a woman from squeezing every last drop from you is to get out before things get too deep. But lately Victor hasn’t been feeling quite like himself–especially since he’s been falling for Edie and her little girl. Seems like he spends more time looking out for her then he does staking out new booty calls.

Even in the face of tragedy and travail, Nathan, a minister, remains hopeful. His marriage is a paragon of Christian ideals, his loving wife Brenda is his soul mate and support. But it wasn’t always that way. Nathan has left some ugly wreckage in his wake before finding God. Now he and Brenda are truly blessed with a solid family and an adoring congregation. Then, a troubled divorcée tempts Nathan–and threatens the sacred vows he swore to uphold.

While Clifford, Victor, and Nathan struggle with the unexpected–faltering marriages, breaking hearts, and torn childhoods that threaten to repeat themselves in the lives of their children–each will discover the true redemptive power of a brother’s love.

By turns fierce and passionate, tender and humorous, this wise novel blasts the stereotype that black men’s ties to their families are tenuous at best. Freddie Lee Johnson III tells a refreshing story of three complex men who fight to do right by their families–both the ones they created, and the one they were born into. The result is Bittersweet.… (más)

Summer reading would not be complete without a light, suspenseful book to keep you entertained while relaxing by the pool. OTHER MEN’S WIVES by Freddie Lee Johnson is a fast-paced read that fits the bill.

After growing up in Cleveland’s dangerous Brownfield District, Denmark Wheeler, has made it out of the hood and is now a regional manager of an auto parts store and happily married to Sierra Montague Wheeler, his “beautiful uptown princess.” He adores his wife and is planning several extravagant surprises for her to celebrate their fifth wedding anniversary. But when he receives a DVD sent anonymously, it is he who is surprised, as the images on the disc show his beloved wife engaged in explicit sexual acts with a man whose face is blurred.

After the initial shock, Denmark is livid and hell-bent on finding out the identity of the man on the DVD who is doing uninhibited things with his wife that he himself had never done. Naturally, he confronts Sierra and files for divorce, but that’s not enough. Her moving out of their home is not enough. The man on the DVD must pay and feel the full wrath of his revenge. Upon re-reading the note that accompanied the disc, Denmark decides that the top two suspects are his best friends, Harry and Gordon. Harry is married to Inez, but their marriage is on the rocks because she wants kids and he doesn’t. Could Harry be the unidentified man in the video? Gordon is a popular television personality, who has been known to cheat on his wife, Alice. Is it possible that he added Denmark’s wife to his list of female conquests?

Although he has no concrete evidence, Denmark sets out to sleep with Inez and Alice because he’s convinced that one of his boys has crossed the line. Meanwhile, he enlists the help of a technology whiz, who will be able to modify the DVD and reveal the culprit. However it will take a few days. Denmark also calls on Mason, a private investigator, who will work the case for free.

While waiting for the proof, Denmark continues with his plan to slowly seduce both Inez and Alice and has a few encounters with other women along the way. By the end, Denmark is not the only one with a well-devised plan.

OTHER MEN’S WIVES is a riveting tale of suspense that will have you flipping pages at breakneck speed, trying to figure out the identity of Sierra’s lover. When you discover who it is, you’ll be shocked. It is this great “whodunit” factor that keeps you guessing and makes for an engaging read. However, the enormous cast of characters takes away from the book. Some characters were included merely for comic relief and others with similar sounding names just added confusion. Overall, the story is fun, but this reviewer could have done without the comedy efforts and underdeveloped sub plots. Nonetheless, if you like suspense, take this one with you to the pool or to the beach. It’s a great summer read.… (más)