If Only You Knew

Rating:
Summary: Matters of the Flesh
Review: IF ONLY YOU KNEW by Marian E., details the history of two characters that is sinful and despicable at best. A chance encounter between the two at their place of employment has dire consequences some years later for all involved. Tyson Taylor, a man whom you would assume has everything going for him, falls in lust with the beautiful Zyelle Brooks. Tyson does what is so unlike him, he falls for a stranger when he has a dependable and steady girl at home. Zyelle does what she does best and that is bedding unknown men.

The beginning of this story gives the impression that it is another tale about adults unable to control their raging hormones. The mannerisms and vocabulary of Zyelle is street and makes you wonder where the story is going. Halfway through, substance comes into play, the writing is improved and the story becomes stronger, begging you to read on. Additionally, the second half showcases the author's lyrical writing style that is not apparent in the first half. The author adds secondary characters that are strong in personality and in deed. They play a vital role in the overall story and assist in the readers' understanding of the main characters' irresponsible behaviors at the expense of themselves and others. In the end, what unfolds is a sad story of the choices we make and the retribution. The emotions displayed are realistic and the characters' actions wreak havoc like none we have seen before.

My disappointment with this book is that it is a labored read, caused by the lack of transitioning between the past and the present. However, Marian E., has penned a story laced with information that is necessary for our survival.

Reviewed by Dawn R. Reeves
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

Rating:
Summary: Matters of the Flesh
Review: IF ONLY YOU KNEW by Marian E., details the history of two characters that is sinful and despicable at best. A chance encounter between the two at their place of employment has dire consequences some years later for all involved. Tyson Taylor, a man whom you would assume has everything going for him, falls in lust with the beautiful Zyelle Brooks. Tyson does what is so unlike him, he falls for a stranger when he has a dependable and steady girl at home. Zyelle does what she does best and that is bedding unknown men.

The beginning of this story gives the impression that it is another tale about adults unable to control their raging hormones. The mannerisms and vocabulary of Zyelle is street and makes you wonder where the story is going. Halfway through, substance comes into play, the writing is improved and the story becomes stronger, begging you to read on. Additionally, the second half showcases the author's lyrical writing style that is not apparent in the first half. The author adds secondary characters that are strong in personality and in deed. They play a vital role in the overall story and assist in the readers' understanding of the main characters' irresponsible behaviors at the expense of themselves and others. In the end, what unfolds is a sad story of the choices we make and the retribution. The emotions displayed are realistic and the characters' actions wreak havoc like none we have seen before.

My disappointment with this book is that it is a labored read, caused by the lack of transitioning between the past and the present. However, Marian E., has penned a story laced with information that is necessary for our survival.

Reviewed by Dawn R. Reeves
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

Rating:
Summary: It's about choices.
Review: Marian E. brings us the the anti-heroine Zyelle, a deeply wounded character who acts out her pain and insecurities with complete disregard for the damage she leaves in her path. Her need for control blinds her to the consequences suffered by those she uses for her sexual or monetary perverse pleasures.
Tyson, a middle class professional on his way up the corporate ladder is no mathch for the beautiful, amoral Zyelle when she decides to make him her sex toy. In several hot steamy scenes Tyson cheats on his live-in girlfriend with the married Zy. These scenes provocative and titlating at first, begin to feel repetitive just before the author moves the plot forward.
The second half of the book reveals a deeper plot. The writing becomes more powerful and the characters more real and compelling. In the end this is an inspirational and powerful story with a significant message.

Rating:
Summary: In Sickness and In Health
Review: Novelist and founder of BettMarr Literary Foundation, Marian E. has penned a powerfully poignant story of lust and its ramifications in, IF ONLY YOU KNEW. Tyson Taylor always played it safe until one woman altered his life in ways he never dreamed possible.

Tyson Taylor is in the prime of his life. With a six-figure income and successful career as a human resources professional, one would surmise Tyson is on the fast track. Longtime girlfriend Marie is supportive, intelligent and most of all wholesome. It seems marriage and 2.5 five kids is imminent until co-worker, Zyelle, allures Tyson, with a little "afternoon delight." A solitary rendezvous with the mysterious uninhibited Zyelle, sends Tyson on a pursuit that rapidly becomes a jones Marie no longer can scratch. Unbeknownst to Tyson, Zyelle is harboring secrets that will skyrocket Tyson's world into disarray and causes her to vanish as quickly as she appeared. Years later as Tyson reassembles the remnants of his life, he seeks out Zyelle in hopes of closure. But, what is revealed may be the beginning of the end and cause Tyson to confront sins of the past.

IF ONLY YOU KNEW is a heartrending story told in first person by Tyson Taylor. In the beginning, readers may feel the pacing slow and story contrived; however, the method Marian E. utilizes to convey her message of one person's action and how it affects the innocent bystander is moving and foremost. Marian E.'s writing is rich in lyricism and enraptures the reader during the turning points in the characters lives. Marian E. has taken a socially conscious subject of HIV/AIDS, evoking emotions so explicit, they will tarry with the reader for days to come! IF ONLY YOU KNEW, is a testament that unconditional love will stand the test of time, in sickness and in health, til' death do you part.

Reviewed by Nicki Lancaster
APOOO BookClub

Rating:
Summary: In Sickness and In Health
Review: Novelist and founder of BettMarr Literary Foundation, Marian E. has penned a powerfully poignant story of lust and its ramifications in, IF ONLY YOU KNEW. Tyson Taylor always played it safe until one woman altered his life in ways he never dreamed possible.

Tyson Taylor is in the prime of his life. With a six-figure income and successful career as a human resources professional, one would surmise Tyson is on the fast track. Longtime girlfriend Marie is supportive, intelligent and most of all wholesome. It seems marriage and 2.5 five kids is imminent until co-worker, Zyelle, allures Tyson, with a little "afternoon delight." A solitary rendezvous with the mysterious uninhibited Zyelle, sends Tyson on a pursuit that rapidly becomes a jones Marie no longer can scratch. Unbeknownst to Tyson, Zyelle is harboring secrets that will skyrocket Tyson's world into disarray and causes her to vanish as quickly as she appeared. Years later as Tyson reassembles the remnants of his life, he seeks out Zyelle in hopes of closure. But, what is revealed may be the beginning of the end and cause Tyson to confront sins of the past.

IF ONLY YOU KNEW is a heartrending story told in first person by Tyson Taylor. In the beginning, readers may feel the pacing slow and story contrived; however, the method Marian E. utilizes to convey her message of one person's action and how it affects the innocent bystander is moving and foremost. Marian E.'s writing is rich in lyricism and enraptures the reader during the turning points in the characters lives. Marian E. has taken a socially conscious subject of HIV/AIDS, evoking emotions so explicit, they will tarry with the reader for days to come! IF ONLY YOU KNEW, is a testament that unconditional love will stand the test of time, in sickness and in health, til' death do you part.

Reviewed by Nicki Lancaster
APOOO BookClub