Now You Wanna Come Back

Now You Wanna Come Back #1

by Anna Black

Letting go is not always easy and in some cases it can be close to impossible, like it was for Leila. She was stuck on her husband Devon and never thought she would ever stop loving him; even through the constant pain and suffering, she still had hopes that he’d come back to her. Cold and unwilling to do right, Devon did what was best for him and that was treat Leila horribly and lie to her time after time, leaving her no choice but to be rescued by another man. Rayshon Johnson, not the perfect man - but a good man - came along and rolled the storm away and gave Leila back all the things that Devon took away. He kissed her where it hurt and helped her to get over her insecurities about herself. By giving her back that confidence, she let go and letting go was the wrong answer for Devon and he refused to let her move on without him. He was determined to get his good thing back - no matter what the cost, he was determined to come back.

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Drama, African American Romance

308 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2008

About the author

Anna Black is a native of Chicago and the bestselling author of the I'm Doin' Me series. Her desire to become a published author didn't develop until her late twenties, and she didn't take her writing seriously until several close friends and family members encouraged her to go for it. In November 2009, Anna became a bestselling author for her debut release, Now You Wanna Come Back, within a matter of weeks.
She has since released over two dozen novels, short stories, and collaborations. The Perfect Love Storm is her new and most current release under, Urban Renaissance. As she forges her path to success, her goal is to offer page-turning tales to her many followers and fans.This award-winning author currently lives in Texas with her daughter Tyra, fiance Gregory and her adorable dogs Jaxson and Jasmine.
Please contact me at www.annablackbooks.com, info@annablackbooks.com or on all social media sites.

Reviews

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought it was just an ok read. I just wish Leila was written as a stronger character. She was just so pathetic through 1/3 of the book when it came to Devon. Although pathetic, she was smart enough to recognize that he was cheating on her so that is commendable. Her self esteem was just so low. I was rooting for her the entire book to just stand up and say I am a big girl and proud of it. Thank goodness for Ray and his positive outlook. The only thing I didn't like about him was that he felt the need to be with an average looking woman, because a really beautiful one drawed too much attention. That seemed a bit insulting to me. Overall I liked the book, hated the cover, but I would like to read more from this author.

[African Americans on the Move Book Club · Rating 5 out of 5]

Opening up Now you wanna come back instantly started off a s a great read. The title alone was what pulled me in and allowed em to believe that this was going to be a awesome book. Well, I got more then what I thought I did. The book did not have a dull moment. It flowed and was written so well, and I absolutely loved the fact that the main character Lelia was a full figured sista. Imagine being in love with a husband who left you but kept coming back for some booty calls. Then imagine finding Mr. Right who looks like God designed him perfectly. That is what happened with Leila and the love spirals from there. But Leila's husband now wants to come back. You want believe who she chooses and how this book ends./ Anna Black is absolutely one of the authors to watch her books are different and not only that she caters to the most common woman around, a sista with some curves.

Tamika newhouse
AAMBC Book Reviewer

[Lady Raven RAVE! · Rating 4 out of 5]

Regardless of the reviews I didn't know what to expect. I started reading and felt it took a while to start because of the way Devon was treating her, but the minute Leila got involved with Ray it took off. I really don't have much to say about Devon because he is irrelevant to me and it got annoying with his constant begging when he wanted Leila back.This should have been call Karma is a &@$)£.

As for Leila I could understand her at first wanting to make it work with Devon but he treated her like crap it reminds me of (Why did I get married 1 & 2) how Jill Scott character got treated, it's all about the 80 20 rule, you have the 80% at home but want to leave for the 20% makes no sense. But the minute Leila met Ray it took off for me he treated her right and the sex got a little better through out the book and I'm glad how everything turned out for them in the end, the book had a few funny moments and it entertain me, I think this could be a made for tv movie.


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[Brittney G · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was an amazing story of finding yourself and finding love again! Leila is married to Devon, a man that doesn't want her anymore because she gained weight. Devon lost interest in his wife because she is no longer the size 10 that she once was. Although, she just had a baby, his baby! He left her high and dry through the whole pregnancy and only came around at his convenience. Devon even went so far to move out of their home and live like a bachelor.

Leila was sick and saddening by this whole event. Her self-esteem was at an all time low and she didn't know how to build herself back up. One day she met Ray, who started to become a frequent visitor of the bookstore she owned and worked at. Ray instantly was smitten by Leila and couldn't imagine being with anyone else. He didn't care if she was a size 18, even though he was the definition of fitness.

Ray began to build Leila back up, and guess who wanted to come back then? So, now Lei has some decisions to make and they aren't easy...does love conquer all?

This story touched me! The characters are life like, and it seems like I could have easily been in Leila's shoes...I definitely want a man like Ray though lol!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Stop Playin"

Here we have Leila a somewhat overweight insecure woman with a 3 month old baby and a husband Devon who does not know what he wants, in walks Rayshon Johnson a personal trainer, fine as wine and the sparks fly. What do you do when for years all you've been told you are fat, you are ashamed to be seen with me in public, and on top of that you cheat with that girl, you move on! This was my attitude from the beginning of the book. I really took this from the book, if someone does not want you, keep it moving, let them do them and be happy with who you are. I felt like Leila had a lot of self esteem issues that she really needed to work on, one being trust and faith in others but in the end right will always win out over wrong, in other words the good guys may be last but they win! I really enjoyed this novel and have purchased the 2nd and 3rd installment and will be reading them soon. Good job Anna Black I will purchase and read other novels by this author and highly recommend this 3 part series.

[Gwen Cannon-Jenkins · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was okay. Leila was married to Devon and he treated her like crap. He left when she was pregnant and then wanted to come back once she started losing weight. By this time Leila had moved on with Ray. It was slow in the beginning and the author kept repeating the same lines over and over again.

[Sada · Rating 5 out of 5]

"You don't miss your water until your well runs dry"

Second time reading and it's still a great read. Loved Rayshon. Devon realized to late what he had. Katrina was a hot mess. Everyone got what they deserved whether good or bad.

[Arlena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: Now You Wanna Com Back
Author: Anna Black
Publisher: Delphine Publications
Series: Now You Wanna Come Back #1
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: 4
Review:

"Now You Wanna Come Back" by Anna Black

What was this novel about?

"Letting go is not always easy and in some cases it can be close to impossible, like it was for Leila. She was stuck on her husband Devon and never thought she would ever stop loving him; even through the constant pain and suffering, she still had hopes that he’d come back to her. Cold and unwilling to do right, Devon did what was best for him and that was treat Leila horribly and lie to her time after time, leaving her no choice but to be rescued by another man. Rayshon Johnson, not the perfect man - but a good man - came along and rolled the storm away and gave Leila back all the things that Devon took away. He kissed her where it hurt and helped her to get over her insecurities about herself. By giving her back that confidence, she let go and letting go was the wrong answer for Devon and he refused to let her move on without him. He was determined to get his good thing back - no matter what the cost, he was determined to come back."

What I really liked about this read.....

The novel was a good that really had the drama all over the placed. It was a attention grabber because once you start reading you will not want to stop until the end. This author did a wonderful job about letting one see that you may not be a prize for one but their is someone else there to pick you up. Yes, I did find it somewhat predicable however I felt the story line was well written. The characters were all so well developed, well portrayed and believable only to give the reader a interesting read. In the end I found "Now You Wanna Come Back" was a very realistic read that many will be able to relate to with the main female character having self esteem issues and the two men in her life ...one somewhat weak and the other at times was a idiot. Now, I will stop here and say you must pick up this read to see for yourself who is who and what is what. Would I recommend this read? Yes

[MekaHun · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anna is one of my new favorite authors, This book was really good, Anna has a way of really drawing you in to the characters, I really liked Leila and was rooting for her every step of the way. I didn't like Devon at first but felt a "little" sorry for him later on.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was a pretty good read. Some of the events hit home but it didn't stop me from reading this book. This will not be the last book I read by this author. This book was put together well and I do recommend!

[Ranie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This waa such an emotional turbulence journey for Lelia. Great, compassionate book with very well developed characters. This is my 1st book by Ms. Black and I found myself so attached to all of characters in this story through their pain, anxiety and triumph... Highly recommended

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book!!

[Chrissy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Purchased this book today and all ready finished it was well worth it.

[Michelle Burns · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. I'm looking forward to part 3. Anna Black is an excellent writer.

[Charnel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really liked the story. There were some ups and downs for all the characters but in the end Leila got the family she deserved.

[Carmen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anna Black never disappoints. The book was well written and the storyline believable. I cannot wait to read part 2.

[Catrena Elliott · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book and story line. Many ladies can relate to some part of it. Katrina got what she deserved.lol

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book I could not put it down

[Tia · Rating 5 out of 5]

So glad Leila finally let go of that dead weight and moved on starting part 2 now

[Lord' Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

I believe this is my first time reading this author, and a good job done. This novel is a romance classic, boy meet girl, boy lose girl, girl gives him another chance to screw it up again. -I see the title as word play because everyone in this box (not triangle, because its she, he, she, he all becoming X's) wants to come back. This novel is a nice read, kind of predicable but written well enough to keep you encaged. I listen to the audio version, which is 7 hours/36 minutes long and narrated by Patricia Floyd, who almost sounds like Soozi Cheyenne, almost, just a little, and I love Soozi Cheyenne voice. That woman captures my attention.... Getting back. I also appreciated this novel not being a super drama..... (shot 19 times, lost their child, and unborn child along with their twin and still behind in their mortgage for the house they lost while in the hospital, because their momma was robbed in an home invasion while being raped by the neighbor! --super drama) This was simple drama that could and does happen to normal peoples where husbands, x-girlfriends, lovers all behave badly. The novel deals with a woman with insecurities about her body and the nasty peoples who made her feel that way. -A nice simple and fast read. I'll start book 2 next week, I'm wondering who screwed up.

~LW

[Kameel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good story of life, love, loyalty, insecurities, commitment & forgiveness....The author took us through a world wind of emotions....between Leila, Rayshon, Devon, Katrina & Karen.....We were even able to witness through this story what crazy looks like....Through it all there was one person throughout this story that remained consistent....Rayshon...he was truly a good guy and through the twist and turns in this story, he was actually able to prove his love, commitment & loyalty for Leila.

[The Book Chick · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have read Anna Black before and liked what I read on most occasions. This one was new so I thought why not.

I’m over half finished and I am bored. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve rolled my eyes. Leila isn’t a strong female lead at all. Ray Shawn is pathetic too. Like was he seriously crying about his ex? Devon crying too. Is everybody crying and soft in this book??

Generally you cheer for your main characters. You want them to succeed and overcome, but I don’t know if I even like Rayshawn or whatever his name is.

If this girl doesn’t stop second guessing her attractiveness. This is such a turn off. I know that initially you have those insecurities, but to keep questioning it and verbalizing that you’re fat is so aggravating to read. Anna Black is known for this type of dialogue because I assume she writes this fat girl fiction that’s so popular now. Listen, I am no skinny minnie myself , but this kind of fat fiction is a reach. I’m almost embarrassed for women who actually keep asking their partners if they really like them... who does that ?? If I have to keep asking that question I need to be somewhere else. Use your women’s intuition sis. You know if you’re being played. Ugh! I’m sorry I need to see some confident female leads. Yes they may start out insecure, but they develop into someone else and they are never this soft. Maybe Leila will, but the constant ragging on her being fat and a size 12 no doubt! Which is not fat is too much for me. Give me substance please and thank you.

The sex scenes are yuck. Like corny. There is no passion at all. I don’t think I can finish this. I’m low key irritated.

***update. I’m on chapter 19- when Rayshawn is offered a robe I said nope! Can’t do it. Exactly what planet are these people from?

[OOSA · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Grass Is Not Always Greener On The Other Side

What would you do if your husband criticized you about your weight and treated you like garbage? That's how Devon's been treating his wife, Leila. It all started when she got pregnant and her weight started to fluctuate, which is normal during pregnancy. Now that their baby girl Deja has made her entrance into the world his ugly ways still haven't changed. Devon still complains about her weight gain, he stays out all times of the night or sometimes doesn't come home at all. Leila is sick and tired of the madness, she is ready to take control and move on with her life.

Leila meets Rayshon, a drop dead gorgeous personal trainer. He has a weakness for voluptuous women. Rayshon wants to wine and dine Leila and make all her troubles go away. But there is only one thing that is standing in their way, her baby daddy.

"Now You Wanna Come Back" was wonderful. This book reminded me of the 80/20 rule that was portrayed in Tyler Perry's "Why Did I Get Married." Anna Black did a great job on her first novel. The characters were excellent and the story itself was exceptionally good. I am looking forward to reading her next book.

Reviewed by: Tange

[Demetra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this from page 1....mainly I guess because it is so relatable. Story mainly tells how a married woman, loses herself to her marriage and trying to make an unsalvageable situation better, but then finds real love. The husband, or soon to be ex-husband leaves her while pregnant, and then he "wants to come back" after she gets her life on track and finds real love with a real black man. I'm not a bitter woman, nor have I been married, but I'm sure a lot of women/men can relate because we pour ourselves into relationships that aren't worth saving and then when we finally realize that the relationship isn't worth a dime, that person wants to "act" right and get back together. I know I've been there a time or two, and I guess that's why this story really hit home.

[Carolyn Moncel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. I was looking for a nice summer read and I found it with Anna Black's Now You Wanna Come Back. Leila is like a lot if women: after having a child she becomes self conscious about the way she looks. Having a husband who tears her down instead of lifting her up, of course, doesn't help. Her self esteem is so tattered that she cannot believe that an attractive new man would ever be interested in her. This book takes the main character on a journey of self discovery; the biggest lesson being that she has to find a way to love herself first before anyone else can love her fully and completely. Again, a nice read and I look forward to reading more from Ms. Black.

[Tia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed "Now You Wanna Come Back". It was a page turner and kept me on the edge of my seat throughout. The book is about a husband who is verbally abusive to his wife about her weight even when she is pregnant carrying their first child. He's unwilling to take her anywhere because he's disgusted by her weight gain. It is a great story. It has many twist and turns and you will root for the wife all the way up to the last page. The self-esteem is easy to damage but twice as hard to heal.....

[Kavita Francis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved everything about this book...some people might not be able to fully understand Leila's strong sense of insecurity. I totally get it, not only was she a plus size she also had her husband bad mouthing her every chance he got and treating her like dirt. I like how her relationship with Ray evolved and appreciated the extremity that drove them back together. Great job Anna Black! I've also read other books by her and totally enjoyed them. Anna Black has woven her way as one of my favorite authors.

[Stush · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book. Leila was torn between the husband who walked out, on her and moving with someone else. Yes, she has low self-esteem and was really torn about giving up the fantasy of taking her husband back and having their family. Or giving the relationship with Ray a chance. I love the dynamics of the relationship between Leila and Ray. Devon really did a number on Leila. However, it is good that was able to make the right decisions after all the drama ..........

[Stacie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was a good book. Realistic. So many of us women fall in stupid. Yeah I said it! lolol Leila was no different. Beautiful, with child and married to Devon, a L-O-S-E-R!!! He finally does her a favor by leaving. Ray, a fitness trainer, notices Leila and slowly makes his move. Devon realizes that the grass is not greener on the other side.

I would read more from this author. No spelling errors that I could find. Easy to read and easy to follow story.

[Dominique · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book. Could not put it down. I will recommend this read over and over again. I fell in love with Leila and Rayshon and wanted to kick Devon's butt for real. This was an awesome read!