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A Good Man Is Hard to Find
Now in mass market from #1 national bestselling author ReShonda Tate Billingsley—an adventure of romance, passion, and suspense set in one of the world's most exotic locales that will “keep readers turning the pages and savoring each scandalous relevation” ( Publishers Weekly , starred review).
#1 national bestselling author ReShonda Tate Billingsley takes off on an adventure of romance, passion, and just a touch of suspense . . . set in one of the world’s most exotic locales.
After her company is bought out by a tabloid magazine, career-driven journalist Ava Cole is less than thrilled to be covering celebrity fluff stories—even if her first assignment sends her to Aruba for the high-profile wedding of pop star India Wright. Maybe a solo excursion far from home will help her forget about her crazy family and her suddenly ex-boyfriend, who seems to have trouble with two simple “I do.”
It doesn’t take long for the steamy island atmosphere to work its magic, and Ava finds herself enjoying a sexy flirtation with Cliff, the photographer shooting the singer’s nuptials. Just as their attraction heats up, Ava uncovers a bombshell of blackmail, deadly deceptions, and international intrigue that will all but destroy India Wright. With ominous threats closing in after the story leaks, whom can Ava trust with her explosive information, her heart—and her life?
#1 national bestselling author ReShonda Tate Billingsley takes off on an adventure of romance, passion, and just a touch of suspense . . . set in one of the world’s most exotic locales.
After her company is bought out by a tabloid magazine, career-driven journalist Ava Cole is less than thrilled to be covering celebrity fluff stories—even if her first assignment sends her to Aruba for the high-profile wedding of pop star India Wright. Maybe a solo excursion far from home will help her forget about her crazy family and her suddenly ex-boyfriend, who seems to have trouble with two simple “I do.”
It doesn’t take long for the steamy island atmosphere to work its magic, and Ava finds herself enjoying a sexy flirtation with Cliff, the photographer shooting the singer’s nuptials. Just as their attraction heats up, Ava uncovers a bombshell of blackmail, deadly deceptions, and international intrigue that will all but destroy India Wright. With ominous threats closing in after the story leaks, whom can Ava trust with her explosive information, her heart—and her life?
352 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published December 7, 2010
14 people are currently reading
494 people want to read
About the author
ReShonda Tate Billingsley
63 books1,481 followersReShonda Tate Billingsley is a general assignment reporter for KRIV-TV, the Fox affiliate in Houston, Texas. She is the author of the nonfiction book Help! I've Turned Into My Mother! and three previous adult novels: My Brother's Keeper, for which she received the prestigious Gold Pen Award for Best New Author from the Black Writer's Alliance and the Nova Lee Nation Award from the Greater Dallas Writing Association; the national bestseller Let the Church Say Amen, chosen for Library Journal's Best of 2004 list for Christian fiction; and I Know I've Been Changed, a Main Selection of the Black Expressions Book Club.
Her previous Christian teen novels are Nothing But Drama and Blessings in Disguise, both available from Pocket Books.
She is also a contributor to the story anthology Have a Little Faith.
Her previous Christian teen novels are Nothing But Drama and Blessings in Disguise, both available from Pocket Books.
She is also a contributor to the story anthology Have a Little Faith.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
November 3, 2020
This story kept me on the edge of my seat!
March 7, 2011
Inspirational (Christian) fiction author, Billingsley, is now trying her hand at mainstream mystery-filled romance.
Upon arriving at work as an investigative reporter for a well-respected magazine, Ava Cole finds out that her division is closing down and she is being offered a job at a sister publication. Unfortunately, that publication specializes in tabloid gossip. Ava takes the job (a woman's gotta eat and pay the bills right?) and takes off to Aruba on her first assignment: find out the real deal behind the upcoming wedding of pop-diva India Wright. Being the savvy reporter that she is, she quickly finds out the dirt on the singer's fiancé that opens up another can of worms that, while it will make her popular with her new bosses, makes her feel terrible and possibly puts her life in danger.
I've never read any of Billingsley's inspirational fiction, so I can't compare this to her earlier writings, but I enjoyed this book. It was not as steamy as some of the romances that I'm used to reading, but the main plot surrounding Ava's attempt to get a story despite her obvious distaste with the paparazzi style reporting that she had to do was pretty interesting. Overall the character of Ava Cole was well developed and I wouldn't mind seeing an ongoing series featuring her.
Upon arriving at work as an investigative reporter for a well-respected magazine, Ava Cole finds out that her division is closing down and she is being offered a job at a sister publication. Unfortunately, that publication specializes in tabloid gossip. Ava takes the job (a woman's gotta eat and pay the bills right?) and takes off to Aruba on her first assignment: find out the real deal behind the upcoming wedding of pop-diva India Wright. Being the savvy reporter that she is, she quickly finds out the dirt on the singer's fiancé that opens up another can of worms that, while it will make her popular with her new bosses, makes her feel terrible and possibly puts her life in danger.
I've never read any of Billingsley's inspirational fiction, so I can't compare this to her earlier writings, but I enjoyed this book. It was not as steamy as some of the romances that I'm used to reading, but the main plot surrounding Ava's attempt to get a story despite her obvious distaste with the paparazzi style reporting that she had to do was pretty interesting. Overall the character of Ava Cole was well developed and I wouldn't mind seeing an ongoing series featuring her.
September 25, 2011
Ava Cole is an award-winning journalist and can take on any injustice with no problem to right a wrong that is happening, but when the injustice is in her own personal life does she have that same fight in her? Clifton Edwards is a man that has a big heart but no one to share it with. When he meets Ava Cole she makes his heart skip a beat until she opens her mouth and gives him a piece of her mind!
When Ava and Cliff end up working for the same tabloid magazine it is difficult and at first very risky but once they see what the other has to offer they pull it together to write a fantastic piece on a celebrity wedding. In doing her research on the couple, being the fantastic investigative reporter that she is, Ava comes up with some things about the couple that are questionable and she will soon find out very dangerous too!
ReShonda Tate Billingsley has written this story so clearly that you feel like you are in the story with them and willing to help out any chance that you can get! I love the writing, the storyline commands your attention and the characters compliment each other, just an EXCELLENT book all around! Great Job, keep up the exciting work!!!!!
When Ava and Cliff end up working for the same tabloid magazine it is difficult and at first very risky but once they see what the other has to offer they pull it together to write a fantastic piece on a celebrity wedding. In doing her research on the couple, being the fantastic investigative reporter that she is, Ava comes up with some things about the couple that are questionable and she will soon find out very dangerous too!
ReShonda Tate Billingsley has written this story so clearly that you feel like you are in the story with them and willing to help out any chance that you can get! I love the writing, the storyline commands your attention and the characters compliment each other, just an EXCELLENT book all around! Great Job, keep up the exciting work!!!!!
February 13, 2012
A Good Man is Hard to Find follows journalist Ava Cole as she covers a story for the National Star on music diva, India Wright's wedding in Aruba. In her coverage of the wedding, Ava finds out that there is something that India and her groom, Fredericko, are hiding. Ava will risk her life, literally, to find out what that is.
In the Author's Note at the beginning of the book, Billingsley states that she wants her regular readers to give this book a chance. When I read that, I started to get worried about where this book was going. It was an enjoyable read - perfect for a lazy snow day or vacation read. It was a page-turner and it didn't fall into the boring mystery trap for me. I recommend it.
In the Author's Note at the beginning of the book, Billingsley states that she wants her regular readers to give this book a chance. When I read that, I started to get worried about where this book was going. It was an enjoyable read - perfect for a lazy snow day or vacation read. It was a page-turner and it didn't fall into the boring mystery trap for me. I recommend it.
October 8, 2016
Enjoyable read! This book was different than your normal ReShonda Tate Billingsley books. This was more of a mystery/ who done it type of book. The title does fit the book once you read it. I must say it started out a little too slow for me. Think I'll pull a Victoria Christopher Murray book off the shelf.
May 8, 2011
I really enjoyed the storyline. The secrets and the attractions between the characters kept the story flowing.
September 3, 2011
Drama, suspense, sexy men, romance ...Did I say DRAMA?! I can't not wait for the next installment. Wonderful. I recommend this to anyone who loves Mystery.
March 5, 2013
This book was awesome from start to finish. The ending was great! :)
April 14, 2018
So I entered “Aruba” into the library catalogue’s search and this is one of the few things that popped up. Romantic mysteries aren’t my usual reading choice but I thought maybe I’d get some information about the island in advance of a trip this summer. Nope. I knew I was in trouble when she said Papiamento is “a form of Spanish.” It’s not. It’s a creole language which includes Spanish influences, but also Portuguese, Dutch, African and Arawak Indian. I think we can all agree, for instance, that the Papiamento word “ròkòtòkò” isn’t remotely Spanish. Anyway, aside from a few generic references to white sandy beaches and clear turquoise water, there was virtually nothing about Aruba itself.
But that isn’t the author’s fault, she didn’t promise to be an expert on the island or even say she’d actually been there. So the book itself: It was okay. On the plus side, it’s nice to have African-Americans as the main characters. And Ava’s love interest was very appealing. Additionally, I liked that it was focused on romance rather than sex. On the down side, I found the frequent references to how much things cost ($700/month for her Lexus, $2900/month mortgage, $240 hairstyle, six figure salary) off-putting. I get it, Money is important to her. But I kept thinking maybe she’d be happier if she lead a simpler life.
All in all, a bit of wholesome, entertaining fluff.
But that isn’t the author’s fault, she didn’t promise to be an expert on the island or even say she’d actually been there. So the book itself: It was okay. On the plus side, it’s nice to have African-Americans as the main characters. And Ava’s love interest was very appealing. Additionally, I liked that it was focused on romance rather than sex. On the down side, I found the frequent references to how much things cost ($700/month for her Lexus, $2900/month mortgage, $240 hairstyle, six figure salary) off-putting. I get it, Money is important to her. But I kept thinking maybe she’d be happier if she lead a simpler life.
All in all, a bit of wholesome, entertaining fluff.
July 12, 2023
This is a bit of departure for this author who usually writes from a religious prespective. In this case, she goes for a mystery and romance with the main character Ava Cole, suddenly finding her magazine is letting her go, but redirecting her to the tabloid branch of the enterprise. Her first job is to investigate and hopefully find a scandal between the announced wedding of a very famous singer. She goes to Aruba and is giving an almost blank check to find a story, whatever it takes.
Her moral values are shaken, she is not really emotionally really to accept that sort of assignment with ease. However as things go forward she finds herself running across a mystery. It is quickly obvious that the singers finance is up to no good, and then she finds that other people involved with the singers career are also not to be trusted.
There are deaths and kidnappings that take place and Ava finds her own life at risk before the story is over.
It was a quick moving story, a good first try at a different brand. I wouldn't necessarily say that it is great literature, but the story was interesting and a quick read....once I started I didn't stop till the story was told.
Her moral values are shaken, she is not really emotionally really to accept that sort of assignment with ease. However as things go forward she finds herself running across a mystery. It is quickly obvious that the singers finance is up to no good, and then she finds that other people involved with the singers career are also not to be trusted.
There are deaths and kidnappings that take place and Ava finds her own life at risk before the story is over.
It was a quick moving story, a good first try at a different brand. I wouldn't necessarily say that it is great literature, but the story was interesting and a quick read....once I started I didn't stop till the story was told.
December 13, 2019
When her company is bought out by a tabloid magazine, career-driven journalist Ava Cole is not thrilled to be covering celebrity fluff stories. Her first assignment sends her to Aruba for the high-profile wedding of pop star India Wright.
Ava is enjoying a sexy flirtation with Cliff, the photographer shooting the singer’s nuptials. Just when their attraction heats up, Ava uncovers a bombshell of blackmail, deadly deceptions, and international intrigue that will all but destroy India Wright. With ominous threats closing in after the story leaks Ava has to decide on who she can trust with her explosive information, as well as her heart and her life.
Ava is enjoying a sexy flirtation with Cliff, the photographer shooting the singer’s nuptials. Just when their attraction heats up, Ava uncovers a bombshell of blackmail, deadly deceptions, and international intrigue that will all but destroy India Wright. With ominous threats closing in after the story leaks Ava has to decide on who she can trust with her explosive information, as well as her heart and her life.
February 7, 2021
A Good Man is Hard to Find was completely predictable and totally enjoyable. It was a great way to pass to the time. The writing is easy to read and the reading is easy to imagine. The main character and her supporting cast are all very likeable even though I yelled at them through half the book about who the bad guy was. Definitely a beach read.
October 15, 2017
I loved it. I would definitely read it again. I loved the plot and I finished the book in one sitting. So I read it in about 3 hours :)
July 19, 2019
Good read.
February 8, 2023
wow
great read wasn't what I expected but..... I would recommend this book to anyone that is looking for something that's quick and a good read
great read wasn't what I expected but..... I would recommend this book to anyone that is looking for something that's quick and a good read
February 11, 2023
Better than I expected
June 23, 2023
This was my second book by this author and it was really good. The only things I didn’t like were the lies and the stealing.
April 8, 2011
Ava Cole is an award-winning journalist for an esteemed magazine. After five years on the job she is being downsized because Newswire is shutting down the investigative division. The only choice she has is to work for The National star, a tabloid magazine. Chasing after celebrities is beneath her abilities but jobs are scarce. Ava has bills that need to be paid and a sister (Mia) she takes care of, so she, as her grandmother would say, sells her soul to the devil.
Ava doesn’t have it in her heart to write a story that could ruin lives; she’s against tearing people down. But still, she gives the position at The National Star her all because she’s dreamed of being a journalist all of her life and it is in her to do the best job possible. At first the job isn’t as bad as she thought it would be because of the perks, but then it turns out to be one that requires Ava to shed her journalistic standards. And not only that, it brings way more drama to her life than she ever expected. And it doesn’t help that Mia put her flirty, bubbly self right in the middle of it all.
Julian: Looks certainly do not make the man. I was shocked at what he did in Chapter 25. It was shameful, but it was also kind of funny. I say ‘kind of funny’ because, even though I did laugh a bit, in real life it wouldn’t have been anything to laugh at.
Although Ava was an intelligent woman she seemed naïve at times when it came to Julian. And Mia? I don’t know why she dealt with Julian again after everything that happened. There’s nothing wrong with being ambitious, but she let her ambition cloud her judgment.
Cliff was an admirable man and I liked that he had a goal to start his own photography studio. And Fredericko de la Cruz was something else.
I always expect a good laugh when I read one of ReShonda Tate Billingsley’s books. There wasn’t as much humor in this one as some of her other works, but it did not disappoint. What made this story so entertaining was that there was one surprising moment after another. I predicted a couple of things, but for the most part I never knew what to expect. I think the best novels are the ones that make me feel like I’m watching a good movie or television show and A Good Man Is Hard to Find did just that. I had no problem visualizing everything that was going on. I didn’t care a whole lot about the romantic part of the story, because a good man was right under Ava’s nose and it was like she didn’t get it. Well, it took a while for her to get it. It was all of the action and suspense and twists and turns that made this book a real page-turner.
Ava doesn’t have it in her heart to write a story that could ruin lives; she’s against tearing people down. But still, she gives the position at The National Star her all because she’s dreamed of being a journalist all of her life and it is in her to do the best job possible. At first the job isn’t as bad as she thought it would be because of the perks, but then it turns out to be one that requires Ava to shed her journalistic standards. And not only that, it brings way more drama to her life than she ever expected. And it doesn’t help that Mia put her flirty, bubbly self right in the middle of it all.
Julian: Looks certainly do not make the man. I was shocked at what he did in Chapter 25. It was shameful, but it was also kind of funny. I say ‘kind of funny’ because, even though I did laugh a bit, in real life it wouldn’t have been anything to laugh at.
Although Ava was an intelligent woman she seemed naïve at times when it came to Julian. And Mia? I don’t know why she dealt with Julian again after everything that happened. There’s nothing wrong with being ambitious, but she let her ambition cloud her judgment.
Cliff was an admirable man and I liked that he had a goal to start his own photography studio. And Fredericko de la Cruz was something else.
I always expect a good laugh when I read one of ReShonda Tate Billingsley’s books. There wasn’t as much humor in this one as some of her other works, but it did not disappoint. What made this story so entertaining was that there was one surprising moment after another. I predicted a couple of things, but for the most part I never knew what to expect. I think the best novels are the ones that make me feel like I’m watching a good movie or television show and A Good Man Is Hard to Find did just that. I had no problem visualizing everything that was going on. I didn’t care a whole lot about the romantic part of the story, because a good man was right under Ava’s nose and it was like she didn’t get it. Well, it took a while for her to get it. It was all of the action and suspense and twists and turns that made this book a real page-turner.
August 25, 2019
Updated review! I’m leaving my initial review below but I re-read this book this weekend. Let’s say it hit me another way. While I still believe it starts rather slow, the 2nd half of the book picks up and the suspense was crazy. It’s hard to find a good man but true ride or die friends are even harder to locate. MMB August 25, 2019
Ava is an award winning investigative reporter ready to move on to the next big story. That is until she discovers she is getting transferred to a gossip paper. Knowing she has bills to pay she takes the job and her life starts spiraling out of control.
But wait there is more...men - Phillip, the ex-fiancé; Julian - the fine as may wine superstar manager; and Cliff, the photographer co-worker. Who will she fall in love with and who has her on the hit list?
ReShonda steps out of her comfort zone to write this romantic suspense novel. I believe too much time was spent on the beginning and not enough suspense. There were several parts that were predictable but the ending wrapped up most of the story lines. I wanted more of the comedy that ReShonda is famous for but it is nice to know that one of my favorite authors has a range. Strong romance but light suspense however it made for a quick read.
Ava is an award winning investigative reporter ready to move on to the next big story. That is until she discovers she is getting transferred to a gossip paper. Knowing she has bills to pay she takes the job and her life starts spiraling out of control.
But wait there is more...men - Phillip, the ex-fiancé; Julian - the fine as may wine superstar manager; and Cliff, the photographer co-worker. Who will she fall in love with and who has her on the hit list?
ReShonda steps out of her comfort zone to write this romantic suspense novel. I believe too much time was spent on the beginning and not enough suspense. There were several parts that were predictable but the ending wrapped up most of the story lines. I wanted more of the comedy that ReShonda is famous for but it is nice to know that one of my favorite authors has a range. Strong romance but light suspense however it made for a quick read.
May 27, 2011
The Nit and the Grit
Ava Cole is a career-driven investigative journalist who has apparently stepped on some big toes as she's now receiving death threats. If that weren't bad enough, she loses her esteemed job and her fiancé in the same day. With less than a minute to grieve, she's already on a new assignment in Aruba. While she'd never dreamed of working for a tabloid, it does have its benefits. The fluff piece of covering a mega superstar's wedding turns out to be a steamy mystery bursting at the seams to be discovered. Is Ava the right person to get the scoop?
"A Good Man Is Hard to Find" by ReShonda Tate Billingsley is a good read loaded with mystique. Unfortunately, Billingsley hits the predictable path with a happily ever after ending.
3.5
Ava Cole is a career-driven investigative journalist who has apparently stepped on some big toes as she's now receiving death threats. If that weren't bad enough, she loses her esteemed job and her fiancé in the same day. With less than a minute to grieve, she's already on a new assignment in Aruba. While she'd never dreamed of working for a tabloid, it does have its benefits. The fluff piece of covering a mega superstar's wedding turns out to be a steamy mystery bursting at the seams to be discovered. Is Ava the right person to get the scoop?
"A Good Man Is Hard to Find" by ReShonda Tate Billingsley is a good read loaded with mystique. Unfortunately, Billingsley hits the predictable path with a happily ever after ending.
3.5
May 19, 2016
Ava Cole is a very good investigative journalist, but that doesn't save her when her company decides to downsize. She goes home to tell her commit shy boyfriend, and he promptly kicks her to the curb . Since she is so good at her jobs, her company sends her to its tabloid division. Her first celebrity fluff story is in Aruba to cover pop star India Wright's wedding.
No sooner than she lands in Aruba Ava determines something is off with India. Ava will pull out all stops to get the story, but it may cost her life.Great book.
No sooner than she lands in Aruba Ava determines something is off with India. Ava will pull out all stops to get the story, but it may cost her life.Great book.
May 26, 2011
This book is more potboiler than high literature, but it was relaxing and fun light reading. No need to use your brain at any point while reading this book (which was what I was looking for) but the prose was a little...juvenile? Considering how many books this author has written, I guess I would have expected it to be a bit more refined.
February 25, 2012
I loved this book, it was a romance, but the romance was in the background and the mystery/thriller was in the foreground. It was exciting, it was different, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Good book, I would recommend it to anyone who wants to read a good, clean, wholesome book with lots of excitment with a feel good ending.
January 8, 2015
Such a satisfying read. I really enjoyed the journalism aspect of this cute little novel. I definitely recommend this book if you looking for something fast and light hearted, yet suspenseful and dramatic. This was the first book I read from ReShonda, and it's not going to be the last. Good writing!
August 30, 2015
I loved this book! I love all of Reshonda Tate Billingsleys works! Sister can write! And, she writes a full satisfying novel without having to resort to the "hustle" tactics of volumes 2,3,4,5,6,7 and 8! Getting ready to find everything by her that I have yet to read! GO SISTER! BLESSU And your wonderful works!
January 6, 2012
This book was gooood! From the first page to the last, Billingsley had you hooked and wouldn't let you go. Characters and plot were very believable and well-developed. There aren't enough great things to say!
March 2, 2012
Loved this book, had a hard time putting it down to get other things done! Finished it in 2 days. Enjoyed the mystery aspects of the book, and it wasn't as predictable as some of my other recent reads. Great book!
February 9, 2013
I don't believe I ever posted a review on this book. ReShonda is one of my favorite authors, however, this book didn't strike me as one of her best works. I remember it took me a long time to read which is rare when it comes to her.
March 2, 2016
I recently became a ReShonda Tate Billingsley fan, having read 11 of her books within the past 4 months. Out of them all, this was my least favorite. While the story kept me interested, I kept waiting for a twist, something out of the ordinary, a SHOCKER, and that just never happened.
February 10, 2016
Quick, easy read that kept me entertained, with interesting, likeable, but slightly-too-formulaic characters and plot; in the author's defense, romantic suspense often leaves me feeling this way. The ending was predictable even though the path that got us there was a little convoluted.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews