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The Disgruntled Wives Club
“I agreed to ‘for better or for worse,’ but I need more “better” and some of that cherishing we spoke of. Can I review my contract, please?”
Dana Hall has been more than patient with Ric and his never-ending issues. She has supported his pipe dreams and bitten her tongue when he’s lost his jobs, but infidelity is inexcusable. When Ric adds the P.Y.T. from work, numerous text messages, and risqué emails to the stewing pot, he finds he has created a recipe for disaster. It’s his secret ingredient, though, that sends Dana over the edge.
“If love doesn’t hurt, why am I holding this ice on my jaw again? Did ‘until death do us part’ mean he’s going to kill me?”
Willow Townsend is torn. On most days, Vaughn could tutor Prince Charming in the art of being a good man. Then, there are the other days…She understands that a woman should be submissive to her husband, but is pretty sure the Bible didn’t mean for it to be achieved through violence. After Vaughn throws his worst temper tantrum ever, will she leave her convoluted fairytale or wait around for the happy ending?
“We said, ‘in sickness and in health,’ but… herpes? I was thinking cancer or kidney failure.”
Crystal Moss is married to R&B superstar, Dante. Due to the nature of his profession, she has adopted the “If I don’t see it, it isn’t happening” rule when it comes to groupies and cheating and found a way to cope with her lonely nights. When Dante gets sloppy and breaks one of their rules, the tabloids have a field day and Crystal is faced with a tough decision: kill him in his sleep or while he’s awake?
Dana Hall has been more than patient with Ric and his never-ending issues. She has supported his pipe dreams and bitten her tongue when he’s lost his jobs, but infidelity is inexcusable. When Ric adds the P.Y.T. from work, numerous text messages, and risqué emails to the stewing pot, he finds he has created a recipe for disaster. It’s his secret ingredient, though, that sends Dana over the edge.
“If love doesn’t hurt, why am I holding this ice on my jaw again? Did ‘until death do us part’ mean he’s going to kill me?”
Willow Townsend is torn. On most days, Vaughn could tutor Prince Charming in the art of being a good man. Then, there are the other days…She understands that a woman should be submissive to her husband, but is pretty sure the Bible didn’t mean for it to be achieved through violence. After Vaughn throws his worst temper tantrum ever, will she leave her convoluted fairytale or wait around for the happy ending?
“We said, ‘in sickness and in health,’ but… herpes? I was thinking cancer or kidney failure.”
Crystal Moss is married to R&B superstar, Dante. Due to the nature of his profession, she has adopted the “If I don’t see it, it isn’t happening” rule when it comes to groupies and cheating and found a way to cope with her lonely nights. When Dante gets sloppy and breaks one of their rules, the tabloids have a field day and Crystal is faced with a tough decision: kill him in his sleep or while he’s awake?
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2010
6 people are currently reading
252 people want to read
About the author
Portia A. Cosby
6 books25 followersPortia A. Cosby is a novelist,
poet, and screenwriter whose writing has left an impact on everyone who has come across it. Her distinct style separates her from most as she addresses controversial issues and relates them to the African-American community.
"My messages are universal. I don't write to exclude any age group or race. I just write from the heart and expose topics that (African-Americans) normally don't associate with ourselves."
With familiar characters and drama packed storylines, her down-to-earth approach has proved to be reader-friendly and well received. She first obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology/Athletic Training from Indiana University. After revisiting an old screenplay that she wrote in the ninth grade, she decided to fully embrace her passion for writing and turned Too Little, Too Late into a novel. Not abandoning the movie idea, she attended Full Sail Real World Education in Winter Park, Florida to learn the ins and outs of the film industry so that she can one day make her vision come to life. She earned an Associate of Science degree in Film and Video Production. "Ideally and eventually, I would like to leave the sports medicine world and write full-time. I have so many stories to share and can't wait to devote all of my time to writing novels and screenplays."
A native of Indianapolis, Indiana, Portia divides her time between the metro areas of Pittsburgh and Atlanta. She is a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. and enjoys playing with her daughter, watching movies, and listening to music in her spare time. She proudly holds a spot on Terry McMillan's list of Writers Worth Reading, and is currently working on her fifth novel.
poet, and screenwriter whose writing has left an impact on everyone who has come across it. Her distinct style separates her from most as she addresses controversial issues and relates them to the African-American community.
"My messages are universal. I don't write to exclude any age group or race. I just write from the heart and expose topics that (African-Americans) normally don't associate with ourselves."
With familiar characters and drama packed storylines, her down-to-earth approach has proved to be reader-friendly and well received. She first obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology/Athletic Training from Indiana University. After revisiting an old screenplay that she wrote in the ninth grade, she decided to fully embrace her passion for writing and turned Too Little, Too Late into a novel. Not abandoning the movie idea, she attended Full Sail Real World Education in Winter Park, Florida to learn the ins and outs of the film industry so that she can one day make her vision come to life. She earned an Associate of Science degree in Film and Video Production. "Ideally and eventually, I would like to leave the sports medicine world and write full-time. I have so many stories to share and can't wait to devote all of my time to writing novels and screenplays."
A native of Indianapolis, Indiana, Portia divides her time between the metro areas of Pittsburgh and Atlanta. She is a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. and enjoys playing with her daughter, watching movies, and listening to music in her spare time. She proudly holds a spot on Terry McMillan's list of Writers Worth Reading, and is currently working on her fifth novel.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
February 27, 2011
Towanda!,
Dana, Willow and Crystal are all unwittingly part of a club no woman wants membership to – The Disgruntled Wives Club. Each married with her share of marital woes, these ladies are frustrated and discouraged and ready for change.
“The Disgruntled Wives Club” is amusing to say the least. I like Portia Cosby’s style. I like her voice. A couple of times I felt as if she had eavesdropped on some of my conversations with my friends. Imbued with emotion, reality and drama, this book has it all. It was both a pleasure and pain to read, as the high highs and the low lows of these women’s lives unfold. Portia Cosby skillfully handles some serious social issues while informing as well as entertaining readers.
If I had any complaint about this book, it would be the quirks in editing. There were several occurrences of punctuation after a closing quotation mark. I’d suggest using an editor with a better understanding of punctuation in connection with quotation marks for future releases.
Readers may question what they’d do if they were in the ladies’ shoes. But there is no question as to whether you should read this book – the answer is yes! Easily recommendable. This was my first read by Portia Cosby, but certainly not my last.
Reviewed by: Toni
4.5 stars
Dana, Willow and Crystal are all unwittingly part of a club no woman wants membership to – The Disgruntled Wives Club. Each married with her share of marital woes, these ladies are frustrated and discouraged and ready for change.
“The Disgruntled Wives Club” is amusing to say the least. I like Portia Cosby’s style. I like her voice. A couple of times I felt as if she had eavesdropped on some of my conversations with my friends. Imbued with emotion, reality and drama, this book has it all. It was both a pleasure and pain to read, as the high highs and the low lows of these women’s lives unfold. Portia Cosby skillfully handles some serious social issues while informing as well as entertaining readers.
If I had any complaint about this book, it would be the quirks in editing. There were several occurrences of punctuation after a closing quotation mark. I’d suggest using an editor with a better understanding of punctuation in connection with quotation marks for future releases.
Readers may question what they’d do if they were in the ladies’ shoes. But there is no question as to whether you should read this book – the answer is yes! Easily recommendable. This was my first read by Portia Cosby, but certainly not my last.
Reviewed by: Toni
4.5 stars
September 2, 2012
An amazing read. Entertaining and engaging. I appreciated Ms. Cosby's ability to create three-dimensional characters as well as a strong story line for each of the protagonists. I love books that make me laugh out loud, cry and get angry. Ms. Cosby tapped into everything I dealt with as a former member of the Disgruntled Wives Club and gave me some interesting insights into the minds of celebrity wives. I appreciate her research and tenderness in dealing with difficult subject matter. I look forward to reading more from Ms. Cosby!
August 11, 2014
I was pleasantly surprised that this book was actually good. 1st thing I thought before reading another relationship book. but during reading it kind of teaches yOu so things. yes you do get in touch with these woman whom experienced some things that you gone though. the words really express what you or I tried to convey many times when I couldn't put it into words. kudos. touche' great read. If I could take away one thing I think it would be the dialogue at times lost me n made me want to skip some pages. dialogue before or after action is not needed because we understand y who n how.
March 4, 2015
This was my first read by this author. I was very very impressed. The dialogue between the women was too funny for words. I actually highlighted parts of the book to refer back to later.
Excellent read for the for those of us who enjoy "keepin it real" humor within a book.
Excellent read for the for those of us who enjoy "keepin it real" humor within a book.
August 14, 2014
This author definitely has a flare with words. There were so many one liners in the book that were witty, cute and real. I enjoyed the story and her writing style. The story itself was real, no sugar coating and made you think. This was my first read by this author, but it won't be my last.
December 9, 2012
I dont' think there is a woman out there that won't relate to at least one, but more than likely all of the characters in this book. I flew threw it and am so hoping for a sequel !
July 21, 2014
Great book. Great read.
The situations are real.
The author did a great job with the story line.
look forward to reading more from Author Portia Cosby
The situations are real.
The author did a great job with the story line.
look forward to reading more from Author Portia Cosby
August 9, 2020
Good, not great
This book was good towards the end. The beginning and middle was slow and wordy and boring at parks. The ending picked up and was good. I would check this out at a library, but it was not worth buying. The author clearly has roots in Atlanta, but didn't capture the essence of the city like author Pearl Cleage can, but it was an okay read. I don't have time to read and when I do read I need great books, not good ones.
This book was good towards the end. The beginning and middle was slow and wordy and boring at parks. The ending picked up and was good. I would check this out at a library, but it was not worth buying. The author clearly has roots in Atlanta, but didn't capture the essence of the city like author Pearl Cleage can, but it was an okay read. I don't have time to read and when I do read I need great books, not good ones.
February 15, 2011
For Better or For Worse,
Best friends Dana Hall and Crystal Moss along with Crystal 's sister Willow Townsend seem to share more than friendship. Married women, each appears to be dealing with the good, bad and the ugly in their marriages.
Unlike the sisters, Dana's husband, Ric, is not successful, rich, or famous. He's content with his current life - invalid driver's license, pocket full of half truths and million dollar dreams, he has no way of cashing in on. As he becomes more intrigued with his co-worker, Dana finds herself checking out of her marriage as well. Is there any way to salvage her marriage, once she realizes he's taken his dreams to the next level?
Willow has been blessed in many ways. Married to Prince Charming incarnate, Vaughn is a doting father and husband. Unfortunately, his actions sometimes leave tale tell signs that MAC is not so good at concealing. Fully committed to her marriage, Willow tries to remain in his good graces, vowing to do what is necessary to keep her home life happy. Lately, the prince is no longer assuming the charming role and her beauty is fading to more of the beast side. Will Willow be able to allow the alternate ending?
Crystal has never been a fool. With Dante, her husband, being a famous R&B sensation, she knew that the only way to love him and have peace was to allow their marriage certain amenities. In doing so, she figured she had less of a chance of ever truly being hurt. Literally caught in the act, Dante and Crystal marriage is the highlight of the tabloids. Despite her hardcore exterior, Crystal cracks as she realizes that the love they shared has been breached. Is there a next duet in their future?
THE DISGRUNTLED WIVES CLUB by Portia A. Cosby is a book of massive proportions. Infidelity, domestic violence, jealousy, secrets, friendship, love, foolishness, sex, STDs, adultery, adoption and vengeance grace the 336 pages. Despite the readers' marital status, the characters are easy to relate to. I also loved the way in which they deal with one another as they each know that their marriages are in need of assistance, yet the unknown keeps them from being able to take the next steps.
Portia A. Cosby has truly grown on this reader. She's an author who knows how to build characters that you love and hate. I love that she's also committed to bringing awareness of safe sex. While I am NOT a card carrying member of the Disgruntled Wives Club, I pray that this book will help women who are. Though I laughed at some of their antics, I couldn't help but cry for those who are truly afflicted. Love is not meant to be painful!
4.5
OOSA Online Book Club BOTM
Best friends Dana Hall and Crystal Moss along with Crystal 's sister Willow Townsend seem to share more than friendship. Married women, each appears to be dealing with the good, bad and the ugly in their marriages.
Unlike the sisters, Dana's husband, Ric, is not successful, rich, or famous. He's content with his current life - invalid driver's license, pocket full of half truths and million dollar dreams, he has no way of cashing in on. As he becomes more intrigued with his co-worker, Dana finds herself checking out of her marriage as well. Is there any way to salvage her marriage, once she realizes he's taken his dreams to the next level?
Willow has been blessed in many ways. Married to Prince Charming incarnate, Vaughn is a doting father and husband. Unfortunately, his actions sometimes leave tale tell signs that MAC is not so good at concealing. Fully committed to her marriage, Willow tries to remain in his good graces, vowing to do what is necessary to keep her home life happy. Lately, the prince is no longer assuming the charming role and her beauty is fading to more of the beast side. Will Willow be able to allow the alternate ending?
Crystal has never been a fool. With Dante, her husband, being a famous R&B sensation, she knew that the only way to love him and have peace was to allow their marriage certain amenities. In doing so, she figured she had less of a chance of ever truly being hurt. Literally caught in the act, Dante and Crystal marriage is the highlight of the tabloids. Despite her hardcore exterior, Crystal cracks as she realizes that the love they shared has been breached. Is there a next duet in their future?
THE DISGRUNTLED WIVES CLUB by Portia A. Cosby is a book of massive proportions. Infidelity, domestic violence, jealousy, secrets, friendship, love, foolishness, sex, STDs, adultery, adoption and vengeance grace the 336 pages. Despite the readers' marital status, the characters are easy to relate to. I also loved the way in which they deal with one another as they each know that their marriages are in need of assistance, yet the unknown keeps them from being able to take the next steps.
Portia A. Cosby has truly grown on this reader. She's an author who knows how to build characters that you love and hate. I love that she's also committed to bringing awareness of safe sex. While I am NOT a card carrying member of the Disgruntled Wives Club, I pray that this book will help women who are. Though I laughed at some of their antics, I couldn't help but cry for those who are truly afflicted. Love is not meant to be painful!
4.5
OOSA Online Book Club BOTM
February 19, 2012
Title: The Disgruntled Wives Club
Author: Portia A. Cosby
Rating: 5
Headline: Excellent, Excellent Read!
The Disgruntled Wives Club by Portia A. Cosby is the story of three girlfriends: Crystal, Willow, and Dana (Crystal and Willow are sisters) and the trials and tribulations that marriage brings each of them. Cosby not only writes about the downfalls that marriage can bring, but also about the strength of friendships and how they can help a person survive anything.
Crystal seems to be living the glamorous life as her husband is a singing superstar. Her and Dante seem to have a marriage agreement, but what will happen when one of them violates it? Willow is married to Vaughn who seems to be the perfect husband and father from the outside but there’s only so much that MAC can cover up. And, there is Dana who is married to Ric, a man that has no drive, no ambition, and no future.
The Disgruntled Wives Club has it all: drama, heartbreak, revenge, forgiveness, domestic violence, and a huge dose of reality. Crystal, Willow, and Dana’s marriages are a sad reality for some women and Portia Cosby does an excellent job telling their stories. Portia Cosby writes a very well developed story and I look forward to reading more by her in the future.
Author: Portia A. Cosby
Rating: 5
Headline: Excellent, Excellent Read!
The Disgruntled Wives Club by Portia A. Cosby is the story of three girlfriends: Crystal, Willow, and Dana (Crystal and Willow are sisters) and the trials and tribulations that marriage brings each of them. Cosby not only writes about the downfalls that marriage can bring, but also about the strength of friendships and how they can help a person survive anything.
Crystal seems to be living the glamorous life as her husband is a singing superstar. Her and Dante seem to have a marriage agreement, but what will happen when one of them violates it? Willow is married to Vaughn who seems to be the perfect husband and father from the outside but there’s only so much that MAC can cover up. And, there is Dana who is married to Ric, a man that has no drive, no ambition, and no future.
The Disgruntled Wives Club has it all: drama, heartbreak, revenge, forgiveness, domestic violence, and a huge dose of reality. Crystal, Willow, and Dana’s marriages are a sad reality for some women and Portia Cosby does an excellent job telling their stories. Portia Cosby writes a very well developed story and I look forward to reading more by her in the future.
December 3, 2014
I absolutely loved this book. It was like sitting down talking to friends. I could definitely relate to the characters, especially Dana. There was something about each character that drew you to her and made you wanna know the story she wasn't telling.
Dana and Willow's stories were real and relatable. Even Crystal who had a different kind of lifestyle than most "regular" people had a storyline that I could relate to. I liked her smart mouth when it came to her giving her take on things. Also think this is a timely book in regards to the subject of domestic violence and the nature of trying to keep things quiet. And I liked that it touched although briefly on the subject of domestic violence and how women get it confused when it comes to religion and the church. I think this would make a great book club selection because it touches on so many sunjects, marriage, infidelity, trust, family, and domestic violence. I will definitely be reading more from Portia A. Cosby.
Dana and Willow's stories were real and relatable. Even Crystal who had a different kind of lifestyle than most "regular" people had a storyline that I could relate to. I liked her smart mouth when it came to her giving her take on things. Also think this is a timely book in regards to the subject of domestic violence and the nature of trying to keep things quiet. And I liked that it touched although briefly on the subject of domestic violence and how women get it confused when it comes to religion and the church. I think this would make a great book club selection because it touches on so many sunjects, marriage, infidelity, trust, family, and domestic violence. I will definitely be reading more from Portia A. Cosby.
September 9, 2011
I wasn't sure if I would like this book when I read the description but I LOVED it. Here is why: Though this book is a work of fiction, it features 3 kind of women that most women can relate to in some kind of way and 3 kind of men that most women have dealt with in some kind of way. If you have ever been in a bad relationship, if you are currently in a bad relationship, if you are in a violent relationship, or if you are dating/married to a no good ass man, read this book. It will make you laugh, but dig deeper. Under all the jokes and extreme situations lies some solid advice. Women need to learn when to hold 'em and when to fold 'em. You can't fix or save every man and you can't fix or save every relationship/marriage. I'll stop preaching but I'm just saying, this book is good and I couldn't put it down!
May 10, 2012
I gave this book 4 stars (actually 3.75 stars) because not only was it well written it also resonated with me. The ladies of the DWC had so many similarities to my failed marriage it was funny and not sometimes!! There parts of the book where I actually had to stop myself from talking to the characters, lol. Although Willow's story was the most different, it was still interesting to see how she handled her issues. On another note Vaughn was very disturbed.
This was my first book from Ms. Portia Cosby, but it most definitely not be my last!
This was my first book from Ms. Portia Cosby, but it most definitely not be my last!
February 22, 2011
The BEST book of 2011...thus far!!!!
February 22, 2011
The Best Book of 2011...thus far!!!!!
June 23, 2014
Final Rating 4.5 Stars
October 8, 2015
This was quite entertaining to say the least. I really enjoyed it. Dana and Ric's storyline was the most hilarious out of them all to me, but overall, it's a good read.
Read
May 25, 2016Loved it!
June 11, 2016
This book was good!!! KNOW YOUR WORTH!.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews