This Can't be Life

by Shakara Cannon

Simone, Stacey, and Talise are your typical best friends navigating life. They brush shoulders with entertainment s elite and experience great successes.

Simone is living an extravagant lifestyle, which some may say has come to her easily. She doesn't trust men and is willing to remain guarded to protect herself. Even though star NBA player, Deon Bradford
a good guy, looking for a woman to love him for him
has her in his sights, and is making every effort to bring down her guard, Simone remains distrustful. She feels that she can do without a man's love, until an unsuspecting man comes into her life and shows her what true love is really like, but is he who he portrays himself to be or will Deon win her heart?

Talise is the romantic, who dreams of a marriage just like her parents. When she meets a man that she knows is her soul-mate, but later finds out that they stand on opposite sides of religion, will this be a deal breaker?

Stacey is the brother, the shoulder, and the comic relief, but when Stacey falls in love, he falls hard. Will his need to give into his heart cost him the ultimate price?

Once the secrets start tumbling out of the closets and no door is able to contain them, who do you turn to when your reality feels like a dream and you are sure that this can t be life?

Genres: Fiction, African American, Romance

273 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 30, 2011

Reviews

[Natasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. It was not short on drama at all. When a major secret was found out, I just wanted to reach in these pages and spill the beans to who needed to know! But as luck would have it, it was revealed at the end of the book. So I'm definitely going to read book two real soon to see how the responsible parties get dealt with, cause I know they have to have something coming to them. This book had a mix of relationship drama, scandal, sex, and family issues. I love a good mix. I would have given it 5 stars but I didn't like that it lacked time transitions or segways and just went right into being the next day or whatever in the next paragraph. It didn't quite flow right, but other than those instances I thoroughly enjoyed her writing and the storyline.

[Locksie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Closed heart.

I was very much involved in this story starring three best friends Simone, Talise, and Stacy. All three are devoted to each other but none can seem to find a healthy loving relationship in which they can open their hearts to.

Enter secondary characters Deon, Tyron, Malachi, and C. Banks who play significant roles in Simone, Talise, and Stacy’s lives bringing drama, love, sex, pain, and heartbreak.

The term, “If it looks too good to be true…it is” comes to mind here as each friend is put through the emotional wringer while trying to get to that place of forgiveness, leave the past behind, and move forward into a bright loving future. But for a number of reasons that you’ll see as you read this story, leaving emotional baggage behind and starting a fresh is not easy accomplish when you find out your whole life has been based on lies, and your future seems to be running along the same lines!

So let me discuss the character Deon. At first I liked him but he listened to Byron’s foolishness without hearing the other side of the story! Then the tragedy dealt him a serious blow! BUT the reader wasn’t given the scene at the Playstation party where Simone says she told him off!! I felt that scene was relevant to the story and should have been developed.

“This Can’t Be Life” is an excellent read! Full of twist, turns and emotional shocks!!!
If author Shakara Cannon continues to develop interesting characters and choose very carefully which scenes to fully develop and which to play down, the follow up will be a blockbuster!

A highly recommended read.

My review is based on a pre-published galley provided by the author.

Locksie August 11, 2011
ARC Book Club Inc.
Star Rating 4.0****

[African Americans on the Move Book Club · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Can't BE Life...Three friends Simone Talise & Stacey all living lucrative lifestyle. Simone had a troublesome life, seems to turn things around living a luxurious life. From a dysfunctional background and her dating scene a blur. Finally things are looking up for Simone & she has a new man. She's able to put the drama behind her. Or so she thought. Talise the best friend of Simone and Stacey finally finds love she is happy and will go lengths to keep it. She is startled when she finds out her man doesn't share the same goals as her but when a tragedy occurs they seem to be on one accord. Stacey the flamboyant one out the bunch is head over heels on love with a secret he's holding and a stalker behind his life came crashing down.
This book was captivating it wasn't slow but a steady pace I did find myself shedding a tear or two, even had me cursing out no one in particular. I can say I love the story it's not your average.
What I will say this book could have been told from one character point of view all in all great book 4 stars certified in my library.

Cha’Bella Don
AAMBC Reviewer

[So Fyh Magazine Online · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story of 3 dear friends that loved and cared for each other no matter what. Each of them Stacey, Simone and Talise where from different walks of life, but they had a bond like no other. When one was in need or in trouble they all came running to see about that person never leaving their side. These friends were indeed living the lifestyle of the of elite, fancy cars, late night clubbing, eating at the finest places in town,of course now that had to go shopping too, nothing like a new pair of shoes, for a hard day on the job.

For reason or another plagued by the events that was unfolding in their lives, no one could be prepared to what was coming in an out of their world. Just when you think you have life all figured out or under control or even when you think you really know a person, just then it happens, everyones' life is going in many different directions. Each one having to face their on dilemmas, demons, guilt, nightmares that tormented them, from not knowing their very reason they had the life that had.

Simone was really at the top of her game taking care of herself not needing a man to do that for her, but had a great deal of skepticism toward any man always with her guards always up fearing of always getting hurt, until she crosses paths with the NBA super star athlete Deon Bradford not baffled by his status she could careless. Just when she begins to feel something for him, somethings from her past will not allow her heart feel love, but then come along the mystery man comes in a breaks the chains from heart, but little does she know could he be real or is he a wolf in sheep clothing. Or will Deon be the prince to break the dark magic off her heart.

Now Stacey is a riot and straight nut to his heart, but he's a dear friend with his big heart, he is on a quest to fall in love, but did he bite off more than he could swallow or did he just meet his match in all is fair love and war. Know Stacey his is just a man on mission to not hide his feeling praying that the one he loves feels the same too.

Then you have Talise the one that just believe that love is going conquer all even if it means if she would just have to accept thing as they are in order to be happy. Or will she comprise what she knows is right maybe even question what she knows is real as to the one she knows was heaven sent or is he? One can never really tell when you're dealing the heart.

5 Stars!!!!

This is a must read from start to finish.

[Latisha Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can barely describe in words how good this book is. Reading the book took me through so many emotions. I instantly fell in love with all of the main characters. It was like Simone, Stacey, and Talise were my best friends. The situations and characters were so real it caused me to cry. I felt like I was watching a movie.

Simone had such a traumatic childhood she blocked it out until her adult years. It seemed one thing after another happened to Simone until she finally hit her breaking point. She did however have some good times and I’m on the edge of my seat waiting for part two to see what happens.

Talise didn’t have as much drama in her life as Simone and Stacey and I was glad her life seemed to end on a happy note. She was an awesome best friend/sister to Simone; she is the type of person you want to have your back. I love the foundation for love her parents gave her and how they took Simone in as a child.

Stacey was a trip and seems to be more of a comic relief when he was not being a drama queen. He really cared about his two friends but in the end I think he cared more about his relationship with a man than his friendship with Simone. I hated what happened to Stacey and I’m glad it finally started to come out at the end of the book.

I hope in the sequel Simone life gets better. I feel so sorry for her and Deon who lost one of his closest friends. I think that they will somehow find their way back to each other. At least I hope so. This book was amazing from start to finish and I recommend it to anyone. It had so many plot twist ant turns it kept me wondering what would happen next. Very entertaining to say the least.

[Shonell Bacon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Strong Debut Effort
4.5 out of 5 stars rating

4.5 out of 5 star rating

I love a story that can grip me on page one and lead me through a tale full of strong characters, well-paced tension, and an ending that leaves me satisfied; THIS CAN'T BE LIFE did that for me...and more. Debut novelist Shakara Cannon is definitely an author to keep an eye on. She knows how to pen a story of friendship, of love, of distrust and pain, and to keep you racing to the end. If you are one of those people who like to try to figure out the story just off the first couple of pages, forget it. Don't try at the halfway mark either. Better yet, just don't try. Cannon is very good at strategically placing twists and turns to the plot so that you get a great ride to the last period. I won't even bother you with a synopsis of the story--the product description does a great job of giving you a taste of what you'll be in for with this story. All I have to say is if you love angst and drama...pick this one up. I'm definitely looking forward to Cannon's sophomoric effort--not sure which reason is more paramount though: because Cannon is a good writer or because I want to see what happens next.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally a book I could related to! It took me forever to finish this book, not because it wasn't awesome, but because sometimes I myself think "this can't be life". The story was great from start to finish. The main characters Simone, Talise, and Stacey held my attention from day one. Not because they were flashy or ghetto but because they were real! The storyline was easy to follow and the writer was never grasping at straws trying to hold my attention. It was a simple story about the relationship between three friends with just enough twists and turns to make you say "Damn, this can't be life!" There were several times in the book were I was reacting out loud. This one is definitely worthy of a reread and I can't for the sequel! Kudos to you, Skakara Cannon. This is an excellent debut novel.

[Alexia Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was absolutely amazing. This book was so refreshing it just flowed like liquid and I was instantly drawn deep into the book with its characters and storyline. I think the book was beautifully written in a sense that I genuinely believed the characters, I felt their emotions and was taken on a ride. One moment I was laughing the next moment I felt anxious for them the next I felt their pain, joys all of it. It was amazing, I wasn't just reading a story but actually watching the drama unfold before my eyes. I did not want the book to end!! Shakara is an amazing writer and I look forward to more of her work.

[Teaguem2005 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Woooooow, this story is so incredibly good! Stacey, Simone & Talise made some questionable decisions but their bond was unbreakable. Simone finding out about her true past was told quite well. No character felt like filler; each served a purpose. I am truly loking forward to the sequel "This Is Life" so we can get back to multiple loose ends

[June · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good read!!! Definitely looking forward to the sequel...

[Chelsea · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a great page turner. I could not put it down until I was finished. Please, Please, Please give us the sequel because I can't wait! Excellent Job Ms. Cannon!!!!

[Hannah Spivey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hey, folks!


I hope all you had a groovy-tastic weekend, because I did. :-). Anywho...I just concluded Shakara Cannon's Novel "This Can't Be Life" and let me tell you, I couldn't put it down. Yas, it was that groovy-tastic. Ya see, it's about three friends name, Stacey (Who's a gay male), Talise, and Simone. These three friends experience every emotional roller coaster in the world. Stacey is a hair stylist who's had his heart trampled on too many times, until he meets power house, Tyron Marks, who's the owner of a fortune 500 company. Stacey is reluctant to give his heart to Tyron, but once Tyron showers Stacey with lavish gifts, money, and his "undivided attention", Stacey gets hooked and he falls hard for Tyron. Let's just say, Stacey's vulnerability, discovery, and, emotions lead to harrowing devastation. And as for Talise, she's an enterprising woman who meets a strapping doctor during one of the most saddest times of her life. Who said you can't find love during the most awkward times of your life. Now, Simone..whew! Home girl has gone through more storms than you can stake a stick at. Her volatile relationship with her previous boyfriend has changed her perspective about relationships in general. That is until she meets a notable foot ball player name, Deon, who also has his own doses of heartaches and heart breaks. Well, Simone thinks her problems are over until she meets Platinum rapper, Carlton Banks. Carlton may scrumptious on the eyes and a connoisseur between the sheets, but his skeletons are eager to bolt through the closet. And not only that, Simone endures a child hood nightmare that haunts her. Talise, Simone, and Stacey have their ups and downs, but their bond is tighter than Nicki Minaj's leggings. But on a serious note, they're inseparable and when one of them is hurting, all of them are hurting. Now, that's what I call..family. Shakara's descriptive writing style, illustrates a vivid picture of the personalities, sexualities, notoriety, and relationships of all the characters in this riveting tale. I'm speaking about sadness, happiness, madness, and humor galore. There wasn't an emotion that was untapped inside of me while reading this book. It's like you're actually inside of the book with the characters or you're watching moving pictures (in black in white). I'd like to thank Author, Shakara Cannon for sharing her book and her gift with me. I cajole all of you to show her your support. Her book is available on Amazon in paperback and kindle.

You can also find her website: http://www.shakaracannon.com/and Facebook. Thanks a bunch! :-)

[Rhea Alexis M Banks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very intriguing and engaging novel, great tale of friendship!

I really enjoyed This Can't Be Life by Shakara Cannon. Ms. Cannon took us on a ride with three friends that detailed the roads and journeys that they traveled. This timely and engaging tale held me captive to the point where I was thinking of the characters even when I wasn't engrossed in the book, this speaks volumes. As the stories unfolded, I found myself wanting to get the next part, which is why I stated, it held you captive. :)

This Can't Be Life is a novel based around three best friends that is told from the point of view of the characters, which I enjoy tremendously, as you are drawn more into the story. I adore the relationship of these best friends, Simone, Stacey and Talise. We get to visit their lives, their journeys, the roads they traveled to get to their lives of today and a tiny glimpse of the future. Being the successful, affluent individuals that they are, the paths they travel takes them into the world of many other successful, affluent people.... this world usually breeds those that get whatever they want due to their status and money and this time was no different.

I commend Shakara for writing a novel full of drama, suspense, thrill and love. I sincerely hope that there will be a part two as I am fully titillated with curiosity as to how things will turn out and this is doing a number on me. I finished the book two days ago and the stories are still running full speed through my mind. This is/was a very good book and I give it 4.5 stars!!

[OOSA · Rating 4 out of 5]

Never Ending Drama

Simone Johnson hasn't had the easiest life. She grew up with a cold mother, her father was murdered, and her first love ruined her for others. While her best friends, Talise and Stacey, keep trying to convince her not to give up on love and all of its wonders, she can't help but to feel as if all men are exactly the same. Will Simone ever be able to get past her experiences?

Deon Bradford of the L.A. Lakers has made his interest in Simone known. When he finds out that she has a connection to his former friend, he can't help but ask for all the details. After blowing her off, Deon realizes that he may have made a fatal mistake. Is it too late to correct things?

"This Can't Be Life" by newcomer Shakara Cannon is more drama, draped in more drama, topped with more drama. I love that the story begins at the end and slowly builds up, but I was thoroughly disappointed that parts of the plot readers are introduced to just fizzle out. Even more disappointing is that readers have to wait for part two to see how things will end.

Overall, I think "This Can't Be Life" is a good first step with memorable characters. There are some glitches in editing; my page 88 is completely missing.

Reviewed by: Crystal

[WriteVibeMagazine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Can’t Be Life by Shakara Cannon
Reviewed by: Kisha Green
4 Stars

THIS CANT BE LIFE is the debut novel from Shakara Cannon and tells the tale of three good friends Talise, Stacie and Simone and the very good character development by the author leaves you feeling like you are watching a soap opera or better yet reminding you of some people that you know in your own personal life because the characters are very true to life.

The trio is indeed the best of friends and as you read you see they are all striving for the better things in life but more so self-discovery and unconditional love of their own. There are other secondary characters that also keep you entertained and engrossed.

THIS CANT BE LIFE was a good read because of the storyline. There were times I laughed so hard then in other instances I felt teary eyed and other times when I was looking at my Kindle giving it the side eye but nonetheless it kept me wanting to see what was going to happen next in the tale.

For a debut I have to say I was thoroughly impressed with the author’s writing skills and careful plot execution that definitely has me wanting to read more from her. I could easily see this story being a movie or play because it was just riddled with drama throughout the pages.

[Darryl Mims · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is very rare that I give a book a 5-star rating...it has to be riveting, intriguing, and totally mind-grabbing for me to give it that kind of rating. And that's just what I got from reading "This Can't Be Life" by Shakara Cannon. Believe me, when I'm amped up way after a great read, it is well worth it!
I haven't read a book with such well-developed characters in such a long time. I was so feeling each one's joy and pain...I was right there with them every step of the way in their lives.
The storylines created a great visual of all that was transforming. The flow was consistent and accurate, every detail explained on point from start to finish.
My emotions were all over the place! It's not often that I express them outwardly as I'm reading along, but there I was gasping, laughing, and cursing out loud in the process!
When a book leaves me musing about it for hours after conclusion, I'm hooked! Shakara Cannon killed it! Only question I have is...how in the world can she top this?

Darryl Mims

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

so this book was more a 3.5 for me. I liked the characters but found the "accents" distracting at times. Especially Stacey's I understood the why they were there, but since each chapter told you who's voice it was in I found a bit overkill. I also was really getting into the story with Deon, and simone and it was done, no resolution just ta da we're over. Now if you follow the title of This Can't Be Life I could understand why the end was so abrupt, but it left me wanting more, some resolution. It didn't have to be a happy ending, but something to tie to the prolouge. Finally in the beginning all flashbacks were told in italics, towards the middle that stopped I found that distracting as well.

Re reading this you would think I didn't like it, but in reality I did enjoy it. I felt a real connection to each character, and enjoyed the "realness" of each persons story.

[April Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I laughed, cried and celebrated with Simone, Talise and Stacey. I really enjoyed these characters.
The book was an easy read. The more I read, the more I wanted.
As the skeletons began to fall from the closet, I awaited each new twist and turn.
The thing I liked most about the author's writing was her attention to detail. For places that I've personally visited in the book, I found her descriptions to be accurate. For other places, I could easily picture them in my head. I'd really love to visit a place that resembles her description of Deon's place.
The one problem I had was a reference made about a transition of the character Byron to an HBCU.

I have already suggested this book to friends and look forward to the next book. I'm anxious to know what's next!!!!

[Damali · Rating 5 out of 5]

I downloaded a sample of this, and was immediately intrigued. This story starts with a tragic event, then it goes back several weeks to tell what was happening leading up to the tragedy through multiple POVs. The POVs are a group of professionals living in California, working, dating, and dealing with family issues. The characters are all well-developed, great dialogue, and I enjoyed being involved in their lives. At the back of my mind, I kept wondering about the tragedy and how it was going to unfold. There’s the suspense of what happened, when did it happen, why did it happen, and who did it happen to? Very good first novel! There were so many twists and turns that kept me entertained. I hope there's a sequel! Only $3 to download!

[Te'Amo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think Shakara put her all into this book. I loved the 3 way friendship and how it went into all 3 views. This story definitely took you through some emotions but it keeps you the entire way through the story. I would make predictions and continue to see if my predictions were on point or not. I would definitely recommend this to my book club members and anyone else. I LOVED it 100 times over and am ecstatic to have an autographed copy. Shakara, please continue perfecting your craft as I am now a loyal reader!

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book showed what true friendship is all about. Simone, Stacey and Talise had a bond that was unbreakable. Whenever, one cried the other two where there to cry right along with them. I felt like I wanted to jump into the book and join their circle. At times I found myself crying right along with them. I highly recommend this book.

[Pearl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an exciting read full of drama and lots of twist and turns. Life for 3 good friends Stacey, Simone and Talise. All from different backgrounds but all on the same roller caster ride from one bad experience to the next. I like how the characters were introduced very descriptive. A page turner to the end.

[Anastasia Perry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very good read. The author took me on a journey. I was totally wrapped up in the storyline. The characters were believable, and so entertaining. I can not wait for book two and I can't wait to read anything else from this author. Great job and please keep them coming.

[Huls · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written. I just could not put it down. Luv the twist and turns. Looking forward to the sequel

[Dawne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazingly great read!!! I was held captive by each character's storyline and loved how they all tied together! This book was excellent portrayal of love, loss, friendship and betrayal!

[Delonya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Final Rating 4.5 Stars ~ Great Story!

[R.Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good read for a first time author. Loved the story line... Great read to get away from street fiction... Can't wait for the sequel! I fell in-love with Tyson!

[Nichelle Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read. Page turner. Can't wait for the next book because I need closure.

[MekaHun · Rating 5 out of 5]

This books was magnificent, it has got to be one of the best books I've ever read, can't wait for part 2. Good job Shakara, please hurry up with the sequel.

[Tracy Simmons · Rating 4 out of 5]

Drama! Some shocking turns and she totally leaves you hanging.