I REALLY didn't like this book. I tried to keep an open mind. I really wanted to read a well developed love story. I'd hoped that the interracial dynamic would be thought provoking as well as enlightening. If you, as a reader, are anticipating the same, this is surely not the book for you. The characters were meagerly developed. They were often one dimensional only one minor character offered any semblance to likeability. Leah Downey is an attractive Graphic Designer who is plagued with thoughts of self loathing, lackluster relationships, and an overwhelming fear of black men. Early on in the novel readers learn that Leah was raped. This traumatizing experience she decides to keep to herself. Throughout the novel Leah is tormented with nightmares and continues to be vexed by every black man in her life and those passing by on the street. The scapegoating of black men is surprising for a black woman, who, in all honestly can't manage to paint but even one man in an even remotely positive light: Leah Downey's father. Even the white male love interest, Jason Horn is a despicable rogue who I found hard like, let alone love. First of all, I just couldn't understand that this attractive successful woman would meet this man for coffee even though she met him when he was pissy drunk on the street and she believed him to be homeless. He remained an alcoholic throughout the book, and about the only thing he could do well was have sex with her. Over and over again Leah's blackness and womanhood was assaulted by associates and friends of Jason's and not once did he stand up for her. Leah's preoccupation seemed to be, "I can't believe of all the beautiful blonde women in the world, he loves black me..." Needless to say, I was disgusted. I was hoping for a story...I don't know...about LOVE! That is what the title suggests. The abuse Leah had to endure at the hands of everyone around her just left me feeling angry and wishing that she was a stronger character. Leah was unapologetically weak. Her weakness wouldn't have been so bad had she some type of revelation or personal growth to quicken the pace of the novel. I wouldn't suggest this book to anyone.
At first I kept finding it hard to understand everyone's reactions. It all seemed a bit extreme to me. Leah is Black, Jason is White. And also...a NYC cop. Yes, I get the issues here, but I couldn't get why everyone around them was so against them. Then I looked at the copyright date and realized that this was taking place well before it was more of the norm to see an interracial couple. I should have picked up on the time period from people being able to smoke inside restaurants. I really enjoyed this book. I found the characters to be really well fleshed out, likable and realistic. The only issue I took with this book was Leah's reaction to something her sister, Gail did. I won't give it away but I felt like her anger towards her was just glossed over and the story kept going. Other than that...I recommend this one.
Do You like book The Color Of Love (1995)?
This book was a huge dissapointment.The storyline was very dramatic (as we like it),however the main character lacked vigor and strenth and realism and was such a cheap excuse of a human.If your sister was sleeping with your man behind your back and you caught them in the act, would you just go to bed? or if your sister says its your fault would you instantly become friends with her the next day? sorry to say it this book was just so unrealistic and neglected natural feelings sugar coating everything wich had me skipping pages i was seriously dissapointed and would not reccomend to anyone with any rading experience as it is a book for the gulible
—Michaella Palmer
This one was tough to read in spots. The author writes very densely and at times, the emotion was too much. The payoff is good, however, and I think she found some real truth in the reactions of the friends and co-workers to the central interracial romance. Note to prospective readers: This is not a contemporary story. It was originally copyrighted in 1995, so be aware that many things you might expect (cell phones, for example) essentially don't exist.
—Merle
I've read a lot of interracial romance books in my time. Normally, I really like them. This one, not so much. I just don't think you have to make the Black guy in the book a bad person. By having him be an arse to Jason, that's exactly what Ms. Kitt did...not to mention the affair with Leah's sister. Why is it that Leah wasn't angrier at her sister and the arse? I mean, yeah...blood is thicker than water, but Gail did everything in her power to steal Leah's man and then gets pissy for Leah dating a White guy who actually likes her for her? That's the other part of the book that bothered me. Her sister was completely antagonistic toward Jason, which can happen, but this took it to a level that was just unnecessary. I think Ms Kitt wanted to create conflict within the story and instead of getting creative, she decided to fall back on cliches. Before you get mad at me and the review, I have liked other books by this author. She and Marie Rochelle got me through some pretty boring evenings. This one just didn't do it for me, compared to her other books or on its own merits. Read a different book of hers and don't spend the money on this one. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
—Rosanita
