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Too Hot for TV
Her Fantasy And His Reality. . .Classically trained actress Imani Gilliam is gifted, beautiful—and broke. Facing eviction, her only hope of staying afloat is to do the reality TV show, "Let's Get Married." The show pairs up single strangers, and viewers vote for who should be united in wedded bliss. Imani is only looking to be united with a paycheck—until she locks eyes with a fellow contestant. . .Are About To Create A Buzz. . .Dr. Raymond Thomas is determined to keep his struggling free clinic running—even if it means appearing on "Let's Get Married." He can't imagine finding love on TV—but when he spots Imani, he definitely finds lust. And their attraction isn't lost on the producers. But as the cameras start focusing on them, Raymond wonders if he's just a tool in Imani's career. Only time—and a life-changing choice—will tell. . .Praise for More Than He Can Handle"Hodges delivers a sizzling romance. . ." —Publishers Weekly "A wonderful read." —UrbanReviews.com
353 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2011
18 people are currently reading
142 people want to read
About the author
Cheris Hodges
59 books302 followersCheris Hodges was bitten by the writing bug at an early age and always knew she wanted to be a writer. She is a 1999 graduate of Johnson C. Smith University and a freelance writer in Charlotte, North Carolina. A native of Bennettsville, South Carolina, Cheris loves hearing from her readers.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
September 10, 2011
This was a realy well written romance. Imani was a trip from the very beginning with her no nonsense attitude. She had some mouth on her, but was so beautiful that men literally fell at her feet, and Raymond was her polar opposite. A do good doctor who cares more about helping others at his clinic rather than being a wealthy doctor. Even they were total opposites they meshed well together because they had similar values. The chemistry between Imani and Raymond was sizzling hot from their very first meeting. When they finally got down to the love scenes they were tastefully written, but extremely steamy also....and there were many love scenes in this book. One thing I really liked was each love scene was different so it kept the book really spicy. I really wouldn't mind reading a sequel with these two. I could see Imani becoming a big time actress moving to LA, and Raymond coming with her and opening a 2nd clinic....It feels like the story isn't over with these two. Overall a good read.
January 18, 2013
As usual I love Cheris's books. This was the story of Imani (actress) and Ramond (dr.) who had been accepted on a reality tv show in hopes of winning the $1 million prize. Imani wanted to get air time and Raymond wanted the money for his neighborhood clinic in Harlem. Little did the know that they would actual end of falling in Love. Nice little story. Then again everything that I have read by Cheris I have enjoyed immensely.
August 10, 2015
Great book
My first time reading Cheris Hodges and this was a great pick. Loved Imani and Raymond. They were such a cute couple that I was happy had found each other. I would highly recommend this book if you love a good romance.
My first time reading Cheris Hodges and this was a great pick. Loved Imani and Raymond. They were such a cute couple that I was happy had found each other. I would highly recommend this book if you love a good romance.
June 13, 2021
Career or love or both
Imani was persistent in fulfilling of her dream of becoming an award winning actress. She wasn't letting anything stand in her way until she met Raymond. He was everything she needed but didn't know it.
Imani was persistent in fulfilling of her dream of becoming an award winning actress. She wasn't letting anything stand in her way until she met Raymond. He was everything she needed but didn't know it.
June 10, 2024
if you want an unserious romance that requires no thought i recommend!! the sex scenes do get repetitive but they’re decently written. the plot was surprisingly interesting and made me want to finish the book.
November 25, 2020
Good story
September 20, 2017
Sigh. This book's premise was fun to me. But the relationship between these two characters was really disappointing.
They barely developed as people and couldn't exchange enough sentences at one time to have a mature adult conversation, let alone a fair fight.
Also, I wasn't really sold on the whole "I'm too busy with my starlet career to give in to my overwhelming desire for this man." Nor was I buying this whole innocence thing on her end. Maybe I was just confused at how she'd had boyfriends before and never had desire for them. I can believe someone held out for marriage or the right relationship before sex. That's not my issue. What is tough for me to believe is that a grown woman with this much sexual energy in her had never WANTED someone (not giving in to wants is a legit thing to do).
Anyway, the sex was hot. That's not easy to write so serious points for that. Unfortunately, for me that was all this book had. I know erotic literature authors can do better.
They barely developed as people and couldn't exchange enough sentences at one time to have a mature adult conversation, let alone a fair fight.
Also, I wasn't really sold on the whole "I'm too busy with my starlet career to give in to my overwhelming desire for this man." Nor was I buying this whole innocence thing on her end. Maybe I was just confused at how she'd had boyfriends before and never had desire for them. I can believe someone held out for marriage or the right relationship before sex. That's not my issue. What is tough for me to believe is that a grown woman with this much sexual energy in her had never WANTED someone (not giving in to wants is a legit thing to do).
Anyway, the sex was hot. That's not easy to write so serious points for that. Unfortunately, for me that was all this book had. I know erotic literature authors can do better.
September 26, 2011
Raymond Thomas is a doctor of a free clinic in Harlem and Imani Gilliam is an aspiring actress looking for her big break. Both are talked into doing a reality TV show (Ray to raise money for his clinic, which is struggling and Imani for exposure she’s hoping will lead to acting offers). Neither is looking for nor do they expect to find romance or love while shooting the “Let’s Get Married” show in Hawaii—but, of course, that’s what they both find! As a result of the show, both get what they want—Ray’s clinic is saved and Imani’s career is taking off, but what does this mean for their developing relationship? You’ll have to read the book to find out!
This was a good book. It’s really well written and the characters are fully developed. I wanted things to progress a little quicker than they did, but the foundation was being laid for Raymond and Imani’s story. I liked all of the characters (secondary included). Keith (Ray’s best friend) was a trip and Celeste (his girlfriend) made me laugh. Dana (Imani’s best friend) was loyal and supportive and Ed (Imani’s agent) was a nice guy looking out for her and her career.
Imani and Raymond shared very similar values and wound up being a very good match. Imani did irritate me sometimes with her insecurity issues, but she reminded me of a good friend who gets on your nerves, but whom you still love and want the best for. She was written very “real” and that’s a testament to Cheris’ great writing. I really liked Raymond; he made me wonder if there are any like him out here in the real world! He was such an understanding good guy with a heart of gold—you couldn’t help but root for him.
If you want a read that takes the time to lay down a firm foundation and really build believable characters with sizzling romance thrown in, this is the book for you. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed, I know I wasn’t.
This was a good book. It’s really well written and the characters are fully developed. I wanted things to progress a little quicker than they did, but the foundation was being laid for Raymond and Imani’s story. I liked all of the characters (secondary included). Keith (Ray’s best friend) was a trip and Celeste (his girlfriend) made me laugh. Dana (Imani’s best friend) was loyal and supportive and Ed (Imani’s agent) was a nice guy looking out for her and her career.
Imani and Raymond shared very similar values and wound up being a very good match. Imani did irritate me sometimes with her insecurity issues, but she reminded me of a good friend who gets on your nerves, but whom you still love and want the best for. She was written very “real” and that’s a testament to Cheris’ great writing. I really liked Raymond; he made me wonder if there are any like him out here in the real world! He was such an understanding good guy with a heart of gold—you couldn’t help but root for him.
If you want a read that takes the time to lay down a firm foundation and really build believable characters with sizzling romance thrown in, this is the book for you. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed, I know I wasn’t.
January 17, 2013
Everyday we dream of what our lives would be like if we could have the job of jobs - financial stability, worry-free life, prestige and notability. How would you handle life if you got the dream job AND the man of your dreams, is that too good to be true?
Imani Gilliam is a beautiful woman and an actress who can't seem to find the right role to fit her style, whatever that is. Imani has starred in one movie that was a horrible blemish on her already non-existent resume of acting credits and if she could get that one big break she just knows that she can show the world that she has talent and is more than just a pretty face. Imani moral standards are admirable but her diva like qualities might just keep her from reaching that dream that she is trying to obtain.
Dr. Raymond Thomas has a struggling clinic in Harlem that he and his partner are keeping open so that the less fortunate seniors who can not afford to travel uptown can have quality health care. Dr. Thomas is looking for something that can help him and his patients keep the doors open beyond the next couple of days, it looks the donations and funding is running out and he doesn't know what they are going to do. There has to be a silver lining somewhere and soon!
Cheris Hodges writes this novel with a very smooth flow. The characters work well together like you can actually see it happening in real life, Imani could actually be your best friend because we all have dealt with HER before. It is something that we want to see and believe can happen and therefore we reach for in our personal lives and that makes for a great read. This is my first read by Hodges but definitely not my last. Great job, keep up the good work!
Imani Gilliam is a beautiful woman and an actress who can't seem to find the right role to fit her style, whatever that is. Imani has starred in one movie that was a horrible blemish on her already non-existent resume of acting credits and if she could get that one big break she just knows that she can show the world that she has talent and is more than just a pretty face. Imani moral standards are admirable but her diva like qualities might just keep her from reaching that dream that she is trying to obtain.
Dr. Raymond Thomas has a struggling clinic in Harlem that he and his partner are keeping open so that the less fortunate seniors who can not afford to travel uptown can have quality health care. Dr. Thomas is looking for something that can help him and his patients keep the doors open beyond the next couple of days, it looks the donations and funding is running out and he doesn't know what they are going to do. There has to be a silver lining somewhere and soon!
Cheris Hodges writes this novel with a very smooth flow. The characters work well together like you can actually see it happening in real life, Imani could actually be your best friend because we all have dealt with HER before. It is something that we want to see and believe can happen and therefore we reach for in our personal lives and that makes for a great read. This is my first read by Hodges but definitely not my last. Great job, keep up the good work!
September 8, 2019
DNF @ 36%
This started out so promising. From the first scene, Imani is written as a “serious actress” who turns up her nose at reality TV even though she’s completely broke and is getting no roles. I figured the book would explore this and challenge her. I was also interested in how it would explore roles she is passed over for and Imani feels very strongly that she doesn’t want to get typecast. So suffice to say the early pages kept me alternately entertained and laughing.
She and Raymond have a snippy first encounter and I thought this was going to be a yummy enemies-to-lovers setup with a reality TV twist. Instead, I get Raymond, who seems to think all women are gold diggers who aren’t interested in him because he works at a clinic. And Imani is full of judgmental comments about other women as well. There is a secondary female character introduced as soon as they get to the set in Hawaii and there were lots of throwaway comments about her silicone implants, how she dressed, etc. I’m just so tired of this. I can’t get into books that throw other women under the bus. Plus I didn’t understand how the relationship between Imani and Raymond was developing. It was all very back and forth, which I get is a way to develop conflict, but I was already so annoyed by the slut-shaming comments that I lost patience.
I could’ve ultimately liked this... but I don’t feel like sticking around to find out :/
This started out so promising. From the first scene, Imani is written as a “serious actress” who turns up her nose at reality TV even though she’s completely broke and is getting no roles. I figured the book would explore this and challenge her. I was also interested in how it would explore roles she is passed over for and Imani feels very strongly that she doesn’t want to get typecast. So suffice to say the early pages kept me alternately entertained and laughing.
She and Raymond have a snippy first encounter and I thought this was going to be a yummy enemies-to-lovers setup with a reality TV twist. Instead, I get Raymond, who seems to think all women are gold diggers who aren’t interested in him because he works at a clinic. And Imani is full of judgmental comments about other women as well. There is a secondary female character introduced as soon as they get to the set in Hawaii and there were lots of throwaway comments about her silicone implants, how she dressed, etc. I’m just so tired of this. I can’t get into books that throw other women under the bus. Plus I didn’t understand how the relationship between Imani and Raymond was developing. It was all very back and forth, which I get is a way to develop conflict, but I was already so annoyed by the slut-shaming comments that I lost patience.
I could’ve ultimately liked this... but I don’t feel like sticking around to find out :/
May 5, 2013
Imani Gilliam struggled in New York to become an actress. With one mediocre film under her belt, things weren't coming together as planned. Stardom was only one role away, but with an eviction notice surfacing, could she find that lucky break?
Dr. Raymond Thomas: Handsome, eligible and hard-working wanted love but in the right way. He had the credentials in front of his name, but when it came to running a clinic, ladies seemed to avoid his vision of success.
It's not until a reality television show offers the opportunity of a lifetime for the acting diva and the dashing doctor to accomplish their goals...or would they?
Too Hot For TV ushers the reader inside the reality television world and all the trappings one could imagine. From greedy producers on the rise, to cameras watching your every move and jealous contestants wanting to shine, it's no wonder that Imani fit right in. As for Raymond, his mission changed, once he found the woman of his dreams.
Cheris Hodges did a fine job blossoming the plot of this story with characters one could embrace. From the performances Imani portrayed to her real feelings, Hodges showed the reader that one could separate real from fake. Secondary characters like Keith (Raymond's best friend) and Dana (Imani's best friend) were a delight to encounter as well.
An enjoyable contemporary romance read!
Dr. Raymond Thomas: Handsome, eligible and hard-working wanted love but in the right way. He had the credentials in front of his name, but when it came to running a clinic, ladies seemed to avoid his vision of success.
It's not until a reality television show offers the opportunity of a lifetime for the acting diva and the dashing doctor to accomplish their goals...or would they?
Too Hot For TV ushers the reader inside the reality television world and all the trappings one could imagine. From greedy producers on the rise, to cameras watching your every move and jealous contestants wanting to shine, it's no wonder that Imani fit right in. As for Raymond, his mission changed, once he found the woman of his dreams.
Cheris Hodges did a fine job blossoming the plot of this story with characters one could embrace. From the performances Imani portrayed to her real feelings, Hodges showed the reader that one could separate real from fake. Secondary characters like Keith (Raymond's best friend) and Dana (Imani's best friend) were a delight to encounter as well.
An enjoyable contemporary romance read!
August 27, 2012
Let me preface by admitting that Cheris is one of my favorite romance writers so I may be slightly biased. Too Hot for TV is a really good story that utilizes current references to people, places, & things in pop culture. Our main characters are Imani the actress & Raymond the doctor. They meet in their hometown of NY but end up getting acquainted in Hawaii where they are taping a reality show. Each has their own reason for doing the show and both are there because someone else pushed them into doing it. Neither is prepared for love. When their mutual attraction becomes apparent to them as well as producers of the show, Imani flakes out & continuously flees leaving a bewildered Raymond to keep pursuing her...but for how long? What does she have to hide? She's keeping a secret she isn't sure won't be a deal breaker. Take the journey back to NY with them to see if the chemistry continues to sizzle off camera
October 31, 2012
This was a very easy read and I finished it in one evening. Very interesting premise…reminded me a lot of that old show Temptation Island with a little Survivor rolled in. At first I didn’t really care for Imani at all until she finally just broke down the wall and admitted to herself that she was head over heels in love with Raymond. Then I started to be a fan…more concerned for him and others than her career. And him…I halfway expected him to throw a fit when she was going to be gone filming but he was totally supportive which was cool. And he wouldn’t let her lose her virginity on national television. What a man. LOL Nice, pleasant and easy to read.
September 17, 2011
I actually have almost all of Cheris's books but I have not read any of them so to say that is the first book I have read by her.....It was a GREAT read....Loved the chemistry between Imani and Raymond...Didn't care for the ending cause you just turn the page and that was the end....hopefully the story will be continued.....
November 4, 2011
I think this might be my FAVORITE by this author so far...and I've read at least 4 of her books...I LOVE the way Raymond and Imani take care of each other...and the chemistry between them is SIZZLING.
March 12, 2012
Well written story, with well written character's, interesting plot. Raymond and Imani were attracted to one another from first glance, then Ray saves her life from a runaway car, later that same day.
Great Read,
Great Read,
did-not-finish
August 19, 2012Oh yeah, contemporary romance is hard. :( Picked the book up because I loved the premise, but giving up on it before 50 pages. I can't with both of the main characters sooooo hot and rather arrogant.
Part of me wants to keep pushing through because, yeah, super-into the premise, but . . . I can't.
Part of me wants to keep pushing through because, yeah, super-into the premise, but . . . I can't.
September 14, 2011
That was a fun read. Really enjoyable. Like truffles and red wine.
October 25, 2011
Review coming soon to www.nocturnereads.com
Free book in my bundle last month...so far quite good...
Free book in my bundle last month...so far quite good...
July 15, 2013
I really enjoyed this story. Imani and Raymond made you feel like you were apart of their lives. I can see this book having a sequel or even a spinoff with Raymond's brother.
March 22, 2014
What fun to read. Not really a fan of romance, but this was OK!
July 2, 2015
Pretty good
Started off kind of slow, but picked up rather nicely. This was my first read by Ms Hodges. I look forward to reading more by this author.
Started off kind of slow, but picked up rather nicely. This was my first read by Ms Hodges. I look forward to reading more by this author.
September 3, 2016
The wait for them to get together is what kept your attention. After they get together, it's hot but kind of falls off.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews