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Put a Ring on It
From the bestselling author of Double Dippin’ and Big Juicy Lips —a story about three friends with three different paths to the same a husband, despite the dismal odds.
Desperate to be married, Vangie, Nivea, and Harlow are all on a quest to get to the altar. And they’ll do anything to fight the obstacles on their way to walk down the aisle.
Nivea was ready to settle for less to get married, but when she finds out her fiancé has been keeping secrets, she begins a destructive course of action, as she begins to self-medicate with excessive amounts of liquor.
Struggling to keep her household from sinking, Vangie is tired of raising her son alone. So when Vangie’s deadbeat baby daddy resurfaces, begins courting her with unrestrained zeal, and spends quality time with their young son, she thinks that they have finally healed their troubled relationship.
After a horrifying childhood, Harlow believes she has finally found true love when she becomes engaged to savvy businessman, Drake Morgan. But she’s kept her past a secret, convinced that he would recoil if he knew the truth. Little does she know, Drake may also have a secret that could destroy Harlow’s only chance at happiness.
Though holding distinct views and relying on diverse strategies, will any of these women find love, happiness, and commitment, or will they discover that happily ever after is an unattainable dream?
Desperate to be married, Vangie, Nivea, and Harlow are all on a quest to get to the altar. And they’ll do anything to fight the obstacles on their way to walk down the aisle.
Nivea was ready to settle for less to get married, but when she finds out her fiancé has been keeping secrets, she begins a destructive course of action, as she begins to self-medicate with excessive amounts of liquor.
Struggling to keep her household from sinking, Vangie is tired of raising her son alone. So when Vangie’s deadbeat baby daddy resurfaces, begins courting her with unrestrained zeal, and spends quality time with their young son, she thinks that they have finally healed their troubled relationship.
After a horrifying childhood, Harlow believes she has finally found true love when she becomes engaged to savvy businessman, Drake Morgan. But she’s kept her past a secret, convinced that he would recoil if he knew the truth. Little does she know, Drake may also have a secret that could destroy Harlow’s only chance at happiness.
Though holding distinct views and relying on diverse strategies, will any of these women find love, happiness, and commitment, or will they discover that happily ever after is an unattainable dream?
- GenresAfrican AmericanDrama
368 pages, Paperback
First published July 12, 2011
14 people are currently reading
486 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
December 25, 2011
Going to Chapel
Harlow, Nivea and Vangie are friends with the same goal - to walk down the aisle; by any means necessary. Harlow, a beautiful woman, is engaged to her dream guy. Her only concern is if he will still want to make the trip to the altar if he finds out about her sordid past. When she gets a glimpse into some of his business dealings, she has to ask herself if he really is a dream.
Nivea, a successful businesswoman, is planning an extravagant wedding to her blue-collar fiancé, Eric. She has paid for everything, including her ring, when she discovers he has a secret life. She has to decide to accept this revelation or be upstaged by her younger sister.
Vangie, a single mother, is lonely and slightly jealous of her friends’ pending nuptials. She wishes Shawn, her son’s father, would get his act together and help her raise their son. It seems Vangie’s wish comes true when Shawn starts contributing more and rekindles their relationship. The only problem is he doesn’t believe in marriage. Vangie has to decide if playing house is enough.
“Put a Ring On It” is well-written and flows nicely. However, it is another story about desperate, middle aged, funny named black woman who seem to think they will be made whole if they have a man. I was not impressed. I enjoyed Harlow’s side story better than the woes of the woman trying to get down the aisle. I give it a three.
Reviewed by: Alicia
Harlow, Nivea and Vangie are friends with the same goal - to walk down the aisle; by any means necessary. Harlow, a beautiful woman, is engaged to her dream guy. Her only concern is if he will still want to make the trip to the altar if he finds out about her sordid past. When she gets a glimpse into some of his business dealings, she has to ask herself if he really is a dream.
Nivea, a successful businesswoman, is planning an extravagant wedding to her blue-collar fiancé, Eric. She has paid for everything, including her ring, when she discovers he has a secret life. She has to decide to accept this revelation or be upstaged by her younger sister.
Vangie, a single mother, is lonely and slightly jealous of her friends’ pending nuptials. She wishes Shawn, her son’s father, would get his act together and help her raise their son. It seems Vangie’s wish comes true when Shawn starts contributing more and rekindles their relationship. The only problem is he doesn’t believe in marriage. Vangie has to decide if playing house is enough.
“Put a Ring On It” is well-written and flows nicely. However, it is another story about desperate, middle aged, funny named black woman who seem to think they will be made whole if they have a man. I was not impressed. I enjoyed Harlow’s side story better than the woes of the woman trying to get down the aisle. I give it a three.
Reviewed by: Alicia
August 7, 2011
Put a ring on it was a good read. However, I feel that the story didn't live up to it's title. There was a lot of drama going on that made the book a page turner, but nothing was really resolved with Nivea and it seemed rushed in the ending especially with Vangie. I would've liked to have found out exactly what Drake's deal was with the blood diamonds, otherwise, that portion of the book seemed out of place. Nivea's character really turned my stomach besides being cheated on and dumped what was her reason for being so vile with everyone else? Nonetheless, her character was exciting. Nivea and Vangie did have more to do with the title than Harlow. Why did Nivea's mom treat her like a leper and the father allowed it? What happened with Knox and Courtney? Ronica coming back into the story was for what? What's the back story on Vangie and Nivea, we got a rather lengthy one on Harlow which to me could've been summed up in one chapter or less or her story could've been another book on it's own. What did Jody do to cause the fire? Better yet, what really happened with all of the character's in this book?
This is why I am on the fence. If there is a sequel in the works, then OMG, it's going to be explosive because everything will be revealed. I love Allison Hobbs' style of writing, steamy scenes and over the top dramatic plots. I can't wait for the next novel to drop!
This is why I am on the fence. If there is a sequel in the works, then OMG, it's going to be explosive because everything will be revealed. I love Allison Hobbs' style of writing, steamy scenes and over the top dramatic plots. I can't wait for the next novel to drop!
August 21, 2017
Excellent book. This book stuck out to me from the moment I picked it up because it explores a taboo topic. The topic of women pressuring men to "put a ring on it" (marry them) and women who want a relationship and want to be happy but the horrid experiences that are embedded in their subconscious due to their conscious experiences don't allow them to be happy.
I enjoyed this book. I like the fact that this was not the average sex, drugs, money and junk book. I like the actual stories and concepts in the book. I really enjoyed it. I hope Allison Hobbs keeps up this type of literature. Love it.
I enjoyed this book. I like the fact that this was not the average sex, drugs, money and junk book. I like the actual stories and concepts in the book. I really enjoyed it. I hope Allison Hobbs keeps up this type of literature. Love it.
April 24, 2015
Harlow, Vangie, and Nivea all had some type of issue. With Nivea I was hoping there was more to why she was so bitter. I understood Courtney was a brat but I'm sure there was more to why she felt how she did. Eric pulled a fast one on Nivea and he should've just kept it real with her. Dyeesha was doing entirely too much! I couldn't even take her serious at all. Nivea took things to another level. I couldn't believe she would intentionally hurt those that did nothing to her. Vangie and Harlow both should've beat Nivea's ass at lunch because she was taking her issues out on everybody else. Knox and his last role play had me dying laughing because I thought for sure everything he was saying was true. I didn't even feel bad for Nivea because she became reckless and that's why she caught herself in a messed up situation. Vangie wanted Shawn to step up and once he did, it seemed as if it wasn't enough. The only one she should've blamed was herself. She expected too much and became vindictive after things didn't go as she wanted it to. She was being selfish and really didn't take into consideration how her wanting more would complicate things for Yuri. Learning of Harlow's past was crazy because she had to endure so much. I liked Drake and I understood Harlow wanted to know some things dealing with his business but she needed to learn when to leave well enough alone. I applauded Drake for changing the ring once Harlow expressed how she felt about what she found. Now Ronica was overdoing things! I wish Harlow had the opportunity to find out more from Ronica in regards to what her mom told her happened. Now it's time to crack open the next one to see what more the girls are up to and if Nivea and Vangie find someone to put a ring on it.
December 21, 2012
This book was...cliche. Few spelling errors kind of pissed me off and the ending was horrid. However, I give it three stars for the simple fact that it was very realistic, the sex was vivid and the storyline had some kind of flow to it. Until the very end of course.
February 25, 2012
Couldn't get into it.
March 24, 2014
I liked the book it was a fast read, but Nivea was doing to many silly things, just to get married -- Nivea and Vangie should have been okay with being single
November 19, 2011
Even though this is a Zane Presents publication, Allison Hobbs is her own woman with a style of her own and she is absolutely FIERCE!!!!!!! Put A Ring On It is 1000% pure unadulterated drama and you will throw your book across the room a couple of times but you will ALWAYS race over to pick it back up to finish!!!!!
You have 3 women who are friends and are having marriage issues like no other! First you have Nivea and Eric who are the ultimate opposites attracts couple. Nivea is college educated, making 6 figures, has a very nice house, beautiful company car and comes from an upstanding family where as Eric is an common blue-collar factory worker with nothing more than his Highlander and his apartment that is a dump (according to Nivea). When Nivea discovers that Eric has been living a secret life, how will she deal with it and will they still be married?
Next you have Harlow and Drake who are the perfect cute couple. Harlow worked for the luxury car dealership that Drake owns and when they hit it off she became basically a kept woman and LOVES it!!!!! When memories from Harlow's past start to haunt her, how will it effect your current life with Drake and will she ever be able to share her past to work towards her future?
Then there is Vangie, a single mother with her 5-year old son Yuri. Vangie has to rob Peter to pay Paul but in the end she makes it all work out. Shawn, Yuri's sperm-donor wants to visit to talk to Vangie but she is still so hurt by him not being in Yuri's life that she almost missed out on a chance of a lifetime - to bring stability to her and Yuri's life! When the wedding bug is flying around and biting everyone, Vangie gets bit and starts to make plans for her and Shawn but will her fairytale come true?
Put A Ring On It is a keep-you-glued-to-your-seat, high-energy book that will have you screaming at the characters and their antics but in the end, you will be pleased with the final outcome. Allison Hobbs has brought you into a world of 3 women who on any day could be any of us! Great Job and keep up the great work!!!!!
You have 3 women who are friends and are having marriage issues like no other! First you have Nivea and Eric who are the ultimate opposites attracts couple. Nivea is college educated, making 6 figures, has a very nice house, beautiful company car and comes from an upstanding family where as Eric is an common blue-collar factory worker with nothing more than his Highlander and his apartment that is a dump (according to Nivea). When Nivea discovers that Eric has been living a secret life, how will she deal with it and will they still be married?
Next you have Harlow and Drake who are the perfect cute couple. Harlow worked for the luxury car dealership that Drake owns and when they hit it off she became basically a kept woman and LOVES it!!!!! When memories from Harlow's past start to haunt her, how will it effect your current life with Drake and will she ever be able to share her past to work towards her future?
Then there is Vangie, a single mother with her 5-year old son Yuri. Vangie has to rob Peter to pay Paul but in the end she makes it all work out. Shawn, Yuri's sperm-donor wants to visit to talk to Vangie but she is still so hurt by him not being in Yuri's life that she almost missed out on a chance of a lifetime - to bring stability to her and Yuri's life! When the wedding bug is flying around and biting everyone, Vangie gets bit and starts to make plans for her and Shawn but will her fairytale come true?
Put A Ring On It is a keep-you-glued-to-your-seat, high-energy book that will have you screaming at the characters and their antics but in the end, you will be pleased with the final outcome. Allison Hobbs has brought you into a world of 3 women who on any day could be any of us! Great Job and keep up the great work!!!!!
December 24, 2011
I don't understand how this book has all these good reviews. There is nothing good about this book, storyline wise or writing wise. All the dialogue in this book is ghetto and annoying. I only read through the whole thing to see if it got any better and it didn't.
September 6, 2014
This book just could not catch my attention. The beginning was good, I don't know where it lost me at. There were parts in the middle that were great but not one of my favorites from Ms. Hobbs.
November 24, 2015
I think this is my second time reading this book, but the story lines are good, fast paced, and so titillating. It's an urban page turner.
March 13, 2018
What a journey
The book was a little all over the place, but in the end it made sense. I look forward to reading the sequel.
The book was a little all over the place, but in the end it made sense. I look forward to reading the sequel.
August 30, 2018
not a bad read about 3 women who happen to be friends and how they individually manage their love lives
August 6, 2025
Definitely met my expectations of another great read by one of my favorite authors. Can’t wait to read the sequel.
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July 30, 2011Put a Ring on It is about three friends desperate to walk down the aisle. This novel showcases clearly how distressed they are to have a husband, even if that means their marriage will be miserable. Each of these women has issues, each worse than the others. We observe these want-to-be brides go after what they want, and the obstacles in their way.
Harlow is certainly the most likable of the three as she had a hard life, and does not do anything highly disagreeable. Harlow was raised in the foster care system after her drug addicted mother, Jody, died before her eyes. The things Jody subjected Harlow to as a young child, were heinous and incomprehensible. Harlow is tortured inside by keeping her sordid past to herself, but she is terrified that telling her wealthy boyfriend Drake will have him recoiling in disgust, and running for the hills. She is extremely hopeful that a proposal is on the horizon, but wonders if he will actually still love her and go through with a wedding after she reveals her true self.
Single mom Vangie is struggling to keep her household afloat and is increasingly growing frustrated with the struggles of raising her son alone. His father, Shawn, left her for another woman soon after their son Yuri was born, and Vangie has grown used to him not paying child support, and infrequently dropping by unannounced to visit. Suddenly and completely unexpectedly, Shawn does a one eighty and becomes a responsible father as well as a loving boyfriend. Vangie does not waste any time falling back in love with him, and the second they start functioning like a family again she demands they marry. They seem to finally have a good thing going, but will she ruin it with her incessant obsession to have a ring?
Nivea Nivea Nivea, the most troubled soul of them all. She seems to have a psychotic break after finding out her fiancé has a secret baby on the side. To begin with, she was settling for less just to finally be married, but it is still a huge shock when initially she is willing to forgive him for the sake of not canceling their wedding plans. After being devastated by this news, Nivea starts down a path of drunken demolition that gains momentum as engagements and happy news is announced by friends and family. Rebelling promiscuously, no man is off limits, not even her little sister's man. Intelligent, successful, and poised, Nivea becomes unrecognizable as life as she knows slowly spirals out of control.
There is more than meets the eye with these enthrallingly crafted characters. Unimaginable drama, and twist and turns wait between the pages of this read. This novel is not solely about three women's campaign of marriage, as one might think. The story lines flow in several directions as we are introduced to innumerable characters, all the while engrossing and, as cliché as it might sound, page turning. The author did a great job, and without a doubt there will be a part two.
Harlow is certainly the most likable of the three as she had a hard life, and does not do anything highly disagreeable. Harlow was raised in the foster care system after her drug addicted mother, Jody, died before her eyes. The things Jody subjected Harlow to as a young child, were heinous and incomprehensible. Harlow is tortured inside by keeping her sordid past to herself, but she is terrified that telling her wealthy boyfriend Drake will have him recoiling in disgust, and running for the hills. She is extremely hopeful that a proposal is on the horizon, but wonders if he will actually still love her and go through with a wedding after she reveals her true self.
Single mom Vangie is struggling to keep her household afloat and is increasingly growing frustrated with the struggles of raising her son alone. His father, Shawn, left her for another woman soon after their son Yuri was born, and Vangie has grown used to him not paying child support, and infrequently dropping by unannounced to visit. Suddenly and completely unexpectedly, Shawn does a one eighty and becomes a responsible father as well as a loving boyfriend. Vangie does not waste any time falling back in love with him, and the second they start functioning like a family again she demands they marry. They seem to finally have a good thing going, but will she ruin it with her incessant obsession to have a ring?
Nivea Nivea Nivea, the most troubled soul of them all. She seems to have a psychotic break after finding out her fiancé has a secret baby on the side. To begin with, she was settling for less just to finally be married, but it is still a huge shock when initially she is willing to forgive him for the sake of not canceling their wedding plans. After being devastated by this news, Nivea starts down a path of drunken demolition that gains momentum as engagements and happy news is announced by friends and family. Rebelling promiscuously, no man is off limits, not even her little sister's man. Intelligent, successful, and poised, Nivea becomes unrecognizable as life as she knows slowly spirals out of control.
There is more than meets the eye with these enthrallingly crafted characters. Unimaginable drama, and twist and turns wait between the pages of this read. This novel is not solely about three women's campaign of marriage, as one might think. The story lines flow in several directions as we are introduced to innumerable characters, all the while engrossing and, as cliché as it might sound, page turning. The author did a great job, and without a doubt there will be a part two.
January 31, 2018
This book was a fast and interesting read. I liked it.
October 8, 2013
These three women give a whole new meaning to put a ring on it.
Vangie Nivea and Harlow are all at this point in there life where they feel nothing will complete them unless they walk down the aisle.
Vangie is a single parent wants nothing more but a little financial support for her son Yurgi. For five years she has been holding it down without help of Shawn. When he resurfaced and steps up to the plate for her son she feels her heart opening up for him once again. Will she finally get her family back together and a ring to match?
Nivea has it all the wealth, the job her, own everything but she always finds herself incomplete.Willing to lower her standards to walk to alter she takes Eric in. In the eyes of most he is the perfect gentleman but broke and harboring secrets. When this secret reveal its self. Will she have on the dress she always dreamed?
After suffering A tragic life Harlow just wants happiness. After finding her prince charming in Drake she can see a bright future ahead. But they both are hiding secrets that can kill their happy ever after.
I really enjoyed this book just the type of read I needed. I loved the characters and their stories. The drama was on point and I couldn't stop reading until I finished the last page. I cant wait to read part two.
Vangie Nivea and Harlow are all at this point in there life where they feel nothing will complete them unless they walk down the aisle.
Vangie is a single parent wants nothing more but a little financial support for her son Yurgi. For five years she has been holding it down without help of Shawn. When he resurfaced and steps up to the plate for her son she feels her heart opening up for him once again. Will she finally get her family back together and a ring to match?
Nivea has it all the wealth, the job her, own everything but she always finds herself incomplete.Willing to lower her standards to walk to alter she takes Eric in. In the eyes of most he is the perfect gentleman but broke and harboring secrets. When this secret reveal its self. Will she have on the dress she always dreamed?
After suffering A tragic life Harlow just wants happiness. After finding her prince charming in Drake she can see a bright future ahead. But they both are hiding secrets that can kill their happy ever after.
I really enjoyed this book just the type of read I needed. I loved the characters and their stories. The drama was on point and I couldn't stop reading until I finished the last page. I cant wait to read part two.
November 7, 2013
Excellent novel! I really enjoyed this novel! There was some wild stuff going on in each and every one of the ladies lives. Vangie,Harlow & Nivea each had their own set of troubles and the things that they went through searching for love was something else. I think my heart goes out to Harlow the most. She endured such a scandalous childhood at the hands of her mother Joy and when she finally decided to let Drake in I was so happy for her. Drake has his own set of secrets that I'm sure will be revealed in the sequel. Nivea is just a trip! Looking for love in all the wrong places, trying to live her life to please others is never a good idea and dealing with Eric just set off a change of bad events! Vangie is still trying to find herself and going back to what you thought was for you is usually never a good idea what didn't work with Shawn the first time surely wasn't about to change now as she found out. This novel will take you there for real. My only complaint is the amount of grammatical errors! Authors must have good editing and this one needed a lot! I am now off to read the sequel "With This Ring", hopefully the editing will be better!
July 20, 2014
I've finally finished this book this morning and in all honesty, it was kind of boring. I expected way more from Ms. Hobbs, and felt a little disappointed. It was long, drawn out and was totally talking about absolutely nothing. 2 of the 3 main characters were dull, with the exception of Nivea. Her storyline was the most entertaining, and I could definitely see an entire book being written based on her antics and shenanigans. Other than that, it was over 400 pages of pure boredom. At this point, I'm contemplating on whether or not I should bother with the sequel With This Ring. But I may just have to indulge myself and read it only because I wanna see what happens to Nivea. Other than that, I could careless. So if you're an Allison Hobbs fan, by all means check it out. If you're not, read at your own risk!
July 21, 2011
This story is about 3 women looking to marry mr. Right or mr. Right now.
This book will suck you in from the beginning. You get to meet harlow, a woman who is unsure of the relationship she is in because of suspicious behavior from her man. she also dealing with her troublesome past and the demons that has been haunting her.
Then you meet nivea, a woman who will go to any length to make a man marry her, even if she has to be deceitful and malicious.
Last but surely not least you get to enjoy the exciting baby mama/daddy drama that we all know too well.
Allison hobbs you never disappoint, keep em coming.
This book will suck you in from the beginning. You get to meet harlow, a woman who is unsure of the relationship she is in because of suspicious behavior from her man. she also dealing with her troublesome past and the demons that has been haunting her.
Then you meet nivea, a woman who will go to any length to make a man marry her, even if she has to be deceitful and malicious.
Last but surely not least you get to enjoy the exciting baby mama/daddy drama that we all know too well.
Allison hobbs you never disappoint, keep em coming.
August 5, 2012
Three different women, three different stories,all with one main objective to get the brass in the end. "Put a ring on it" is a definite must read, Allison does not and will not disappoint you. It's the on the edge of your seat drama that she does so well. She pulls you in right from the start and will not let you go until you read the last word. I can personally relate to Nivea, Harlow, and Vangie. First lesson I gleaned from these women, is this, you can't make a man love you or do right by you; secondly, you can't run from your past it always catches up to you; and thirdly, if you're patient and wait, he just may love you enough to PUT A RING ON IT!!!!
August 19, 2011
I think Allison done an amazing job telling the story of Nivea, Vangie and Harlow. As these three are trying to find their ways to the alter, the endure a lot of drama and in some cases, heartache. Though I enjoyed this story very much, I do feel as though the end was rather rushed. Perhaps Ms. Hobbs has a sequel in mind? I'd like to know what became of Nivea and her sister (situation). For as much drama as they endured, it just ended....
August 6, 2014
Once again, Allison Hobbs has written a superb story! I felt so sorry for Vangie but you can't force anyone to do something they aren't ready for or don't want to do. Nivea was just scandalous. She needs to deal with her issues for real. I felt sorry for Harlow too. She has had a hard life, but has found happiness. I love her and Drake's relationship, however there is more going on with her husband than Harlow realizes. I'm ready to get With This Ring to see what happens next!
May 27, 2015
Great read! Vangie and Nivea were just plain dumb! I couldn't believe their shenanigans! Harlow was the most troubled but had the most sense. It seemed like of the 3, she had it the worst but she had the most understanding of life. Vangie and Nivea were just desperate to have a man and it backfired on both of them. That is what happens when you don't take the time to love yourself first. The book was funny but also had some heartbreaking moments. I definitely recommend!
March 19, 2012
Excellent read. Allison always produces quality reading material. As usual, it was disappointing to get to the last page.......so many what happened next questions unanswered. I think Harlow was my fav character. She seemed to be so together until her story started to unravel. Vangie was a mess - but kinda predictable with a twist. Nivea was a hot damn mess all the way around.
August 5, 2011
From beginning to end, this one is a jawdropper. Allison Hobbs drops you into the lives of three women that are desperately trying to marry. Each has their or problems and their own secrets and you'll be turning pages to see what unfolds as these three chase their men down the aisle. This one is Mrs. Hobbs at her best!
August 1, 2012
This book was good. I predicted correct that Nivea would go crazy. I was glad that Harlow was able to face her past by telling Drake everything and going to therapy. I wish that Vangie and Shawn would have stayed together. But I loved it anyways. :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 25, 2013
This book was WONDERFUL! I loved all of the strong and sexy women characters, the surprising plots and the great ending! Read anything you can get your hands on by Allison Hobbs! If Zane is the Queen of Erotica Allison is the Princess!
June 22, 2015
This book was great, really opened my mind more to how relationships work.... Each one of the three characters had a different life but still joined in similarities in some way.... Definitely a Must-Read :-)
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