Nappily Married

Nappily #3

by Trisha R. Thomas

Venus Johnston debuted with brazen personality and spirited humor in Nappily Ever After as she searched for the holy grail of marriage. Blessed with a beautiful baby daughter and a husband who is a former rap star with his own multi-million-dollar clothing company, her long journey to find love has finally come to fruition. But life as a stay-at-home wife and mother is hardly the end of the rainbow. In fact she's ready to do anything to jump start the career she's put on the back burner for the last two years.

 

Against her good sense and her husband's wishes, she applies for a high profile PR job to help save a struggling city hospital manned by none other than her former boyfriend,  Dr. Clint Fairchild, the very one and same who dumped her and married long-silky haired bombshell, Kandi Treboe. Venus soon finds out the two women are vying for the same job. This time competition between she and her old nemesis turns into a battle Venus is determined to win by any means necessary.

 

With an unhappy hubby at home, a nanny who's becoming mommy in her child's eyes, while forming an uncomfortably close relationship with her husband, and a deviant at work sabotaging the hospital, Venus may have taken on much more than she can handle.

Genres: Romance, Fiction, African American, Chick Lit, Drama

304 pages, Paperback

First published September 5, 2000

About the author

Trisha R. Thomas is the author of the highly acclaimed Nappily Series, best known for her debut novel Nappily Ever After (Random House).

Reviews

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think I get it now. Venus (the protagonist in the series) is supposed to be a mess. She's happily married. If that's not entirely true, she loves Jake (her rapper turned business man husband). She is not unhappy in her relationship. Just unfulfilled. She gave up her career to raise her daughter and stay home. So, she takes a job at the hospital where her ex Clint works? The ex that she supported through med school... Only to have him marry someone else after she offered an ultimatum. It's also the same hospital where his wife (who hates Venus) volunteers and then vies for the same job. There were too many scenarios that were implausible for me. OK. Let's say all this happens. Why would you risk your marriage and fly to a different city with the ex that your husband is already uncomfortable about? And not tell him? I get it. You want to help the hospital, keep your job. But when do you prioritize what's more important? Venus's character is very messy. I mentioned before in one of my prior reviews of this series that's it's a little tough to like the character. But, I keep wanting her to grow, or evolve. The series is good. There a lot of situations that are realistic. I also know that if everything were perfect, it would probably be a boring read. But I don't think it's too much to ask to tone down some of the never ending drama.

[Read In Colour · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fans of the Nappily Ever After series are already familiar with Venus Johnston. For those that aren't, let's catch you up. In the first book of the series, Venus is shacking up with her doctor boyfriend, Clint, while holding down a decent job and biding time until he proposes. Committed to Clint and keeping her hair "did", Venus chucks it all to the wind when Clint gives her a dog for her birthday, instead of the ring she expected. Cutting all of her "long, luxurious mane" off gives Venus the independence she's been searching for, but when Clint dumps her and starts dating a long-maned beauty, Venus begins to wonder if she made a mistake.

Book two of the series, Would I Lie to You?, finds Venus in the arms of a new man, the aloof Airic. After dating him for two years and realizing there's still no ring in sight, Venus relocates to the west coast where she meets former rapper, Jake Parsons, working on the marketing campaign for his new clothing line. Jake is only meant to be a distraction from her problems with Airic and her mother, who is battling breast cancer. To Venus' surprise she finds herself in love with Jake while carrying Airic's baby.

Ok, so now that we're all caught up, let's get to Nappily Married. Venus is happily married to Jake and together they're raising Mya, the daughter Airic refused to help Venus raise. While Jake is happy running his clothing empire, Venus finds herself looking for something she can call her own.

When an opportunity to work at a local hospital opens, Venus jumps on it. Imagine her surprise at finding that former boyfriend, Dr. Clint Fairchild, has relocated to the west coast as well and brought along the woman he left Venus for. Her new employer decides to have Venus compete for her job with Clint's wife, Kandi, who's determined to make Venus' life a living hell. Jake is not happy at all about Venus being in such close proximity to her ex-boyfriend and when she fails to tell him that she's traveling to DC with him for a conference, all hell breaks loose.

[Lmackey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book so much. I lived part one, skipped part two and read part three wich is this book. I am going back to read part two so I can get part four. I learned to be honest and forward about your feelings and never accuse anyone of doing something if you do not have prrof. Trust your spouse until they give you something to not trust them for. This is a great love story and is filled w/ crazy drama. I could not put it down. Please read and love it when you read it.

[Courtney Wilkerson · Rating 3 out of 5]

The beginning kind of threw me for a loop because there was such a different tone between the characters this time than in the ending of the first book Nappily Ever After. As I read on though I found myself trying to guess and predict what was about to happened and who did what, but every time I thought I had it figured out she would throw a curve ball! Once I got to the end I just couldn't get myself to put it down because I was so anxious to see what would happen next!

[DeLisa Lovett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nappily Married was a good read with enjoyable characters and plot twists. This tale about Venus' married life really does get to the heart of a woman's needs and desires. The unexpected downfall in JP Wear and the demise of a business associate keeps this story line interesting. There are a few more unexpected surprises within this read that I’ll leave as a surprise, but Trisha Thomas did a great job in bringing real life issues to the written page.

[Stephany · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved Nappily Ever After so much that I couldn't resist reading this book, second book in the "Nappily" series. This sequel moves even faster than the first and introduces new characters that add a lot of spice to the original story.

[Yvette · Rating 3 out of 5]

Didn't realize that this was a series so I did not read the titles in order..I'm just making sense of the series...her books are just ok. Easy reads

[Che · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ding, dong that book is finished. I've never been happier.

[Cheryce · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was SO good! So far, each book gets better as the series goes on. I ordered the next 3 books in the series earlier this week. I hope they come today! I’m eager to start the next one.

[Esther · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm currently reading the last installment to this series, so far so good. This book was ok.

[Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

delightedly funny and witty and everything black girls are known for, this book is such a reminder and hopeful of things to come and goals set by black women. Filled with bravery and ambition, this book is the sequel to Nappily Ever After... Venus Johnston is such a character. Against her good sense and her husband's wishes, she applies for a high profile PR job to help save a struggling city hospital manned by none other than her former boyfriend, Dr. Clint Fairchild, the very one and same who dumped her and married long-silky haired bombshell, Kandi Treboe. Venus soon finds out the two women are vying for the same job. This time competition between she and her old nemesis turns into a battle Venus is determined to win by any means necessary. Read it- you will not be able to put it down!!

[Nickita Council · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this episode...Venus is struggling between her relationship with Jake and trying to keep things friendly with Clint, who just keeps popping up. In the meantime, Trina is playing mommy to Mya and wifey to Jake. All this while, some deviant is sabotaging the hospital. I enjoyed this book and couldn't wait to find out what happened. Needless to say, I was disappointed that I still don't know who was causing havoc in the hospital. Although Jasper seemed the obvious choice, I started to lean toward Kandi as the culprit. Could they have been working together in some way? Jasper because of his bitterness over being stuck there or Kandi in her efforts to get Clint to leave? Will we ever know? I hope so.

[Lakecia Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great chapters of the Nappily series! Venus was determined to help Jackson Memorial BUT...initially, her curiosity for true closure pushed her in that direction. It was almost a terrible idea because of the insecurities Jake had! I am so glad all worked out in the end. And I hope Jake can now see he has a true love to trust in because he almost lost her doing the ultimate no-no....NEVER DISCUSS YOUR MARITAL PROBLEMS WITH OLD FEMALE PALS! He redeemed himself though. He sold his shares to get away from Shaun and her back stabbing, childish games. Lessons to be learned: Communication is very important. Never keep secrets. Do not divulge your unhappiness to the opposite sex. Compromise is needed in any relationship. AND don't run at the first sign of trouble.

[Shaunda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Man, I ❤ black romance. Nappily Married was a good read.

It's so refreshing to read about Black Love. It makes my heart proud.

Venus knows she has a good thing. A husband who loves her, and want to provide for her every need.

He accepts Mya, as his own flesh & blood.

Then why does Venus feel so lost. Like she's missing something in life.

As fate would have it, Venus & Mya are in a car 🚗 accident & both are transported to Jackson Memorial, where she see ex boyfriend Clint.

Who is now a pediatric dr @ Jackson Memorial. Small world 🌎, right???

Well the roller coaster 🎢 ride soon begins.

All I can say is, All is fair in love & war.

I thoroughly enjoyed Nappily Married, & I can't wait for the next one.

Nappily Faithful....

Until..... Happy Reading 📚!!!!

Ciao💋

[D Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The best part of this book was Shane. He is that person in the salon that gives the best advice and makes sense where there wasn’t any. I felt the realness of the salon scenes. With that being said, Venus continues to work my nerves. She, supposedly, has everything she’s ever wanted, but continues to remain unfulfilled. How many times are we going to have to relive the Clint relationship/wedding saga? Her problems are caused by the decisions she makes but she continues to blame other people. I believe she’s a perpetual victim but she can’t see it. The supporting characters are great. They are well crafted and actually bring more to the story than Venus. I would recommend this book because this is a good series overall.

[Kishma · Rating 3 out of 5]

Actual rating: 3.5
I enjoyed the drama in this book, though much of it was unnecessary. Lol! Sometimes I just like to read predictable, stereotypical novels. Either way, I wish the author/editor would learn to use an ellipses. Events simply run together; there were a few times when I did not realize there was a lapse in time.

[Darlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

More Venus drama...

Venus is now married and a stay at home Mom missing her independence. Her need to find a purpose (and a car accident) brings her "Ex" back into her life and more drama causing friction that could end her marriage. Definitely a great continuation of the story. The end of each chapter makes you want to continue to the nexr!

[Stephanie R Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

The narrator made this one a bit slow 

to get into, unlike the narrator of book #1. I almost stopped listening but I'm glad I keep going. I love the messiness of Venus Johnston. Just when she think she has it all, real life sets in. And Jake Parsons, he's a perfect mess as well. I'm looking forward to reading book #4.

[Rachel Leber · Rating 3 out of 5]

this book keeps you reading but it was trite in so many ways and I didn't always resonate with the main character which is a challenge for me... wasn't always sure what it was all about...but it was nice light reading while studying for chemistry finals!

[Tynece · Rating 3 out of 5]

Venus is annoying... that is it... that is all

[Shalanda Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg

Great book. Loved everything about, I knew it was that heifer after her man. Love the twists and turns too real for me!

[Ms. Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

[Dedra D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved It!!!

[Julia Hunter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another quick and enjoyable read. I felt like the characters were flushed out more and enjoyed the ending more than I normally do!

[Travel Treasures · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable series

This is my third in the Nappily series. Draws you in and keeps a good flow. Positive relationship vibes without being unrealistic.

[Crystal Dickerson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read

Again I'm hooked on the series. Hopefully, I'll be done with the series so I can read other books that I had before I started this series. Lol

[Dee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't love it.

I came to reading this book after seeing it on the shelf at my local library. I couldn't pick out why but the name seemed familiar. A quick perusal through the pages and a short study of the back cover caught my attention since the book was about a married SAHM. It wasn't until I got home with it that I realized it was written by the author of the book which inspired Netflix's Nappily Ever After. My review reflects my point of view in relation to that revelation.

To begin, I didn't love the Netflix film. I took the current book as a standalone and tried to separate my reading from that knowledge. I didn't find the movie characters were memorable so I didn't feel attached to or invested in any of the characters from the book. I preferred the ending to the beginning of the tale and was so in a hurry to get to the point after the midpoint that I rushed the final few chapters. It felt like there was too much said but not said at the same time.

I felt like some of the plot points were too neatly explained away or were brushed aside without resolution. I wanted to root for Venus but she seemed to not have good sense. And her dynamic with her husband made me uncomfortable. I don't know if emotionally abusive is the term I'm grasping for. Jake seemed like a snake. Kandi and Clint felt two-dimensional and the story involving them was a huge stretch of imagination. I kept wondering, in what world is this reality?

I have to share that I don't read a lot of fiction these days. I'm not sure if that affects my ability to give this book a quality review. I read the first half one day and the second half the next. I accomplished my goal of distracting myself with a light and easy read. It wasn't a waste in that sense, but I'm not any richer for having read the book. It's forgettable.

[Karen Rowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Communication

This is my second time reading this book.

Venus is as head-strong as ever. Instead of taking to Jake and explaining to him how bored she was, she finds a job at the same hospital as Dr. Ex-Lova.

Jake has his own set of problems. He tries to solve his business problems but really ends to talk it overcome with Venus.

If the two of them had just shared their feelings, they could have avoided a lot of the pain that they suffered.

I love this series. It is one of the reasons I am natural today.

[Alisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is part of the Nappily series. It's the third book in the series (I did not read Would I Lie to You which is the sequel to Nappily Ever After). This was a page turner! It follows the heroine (Venus)who is married and has a child. Characters from Nappily Ever After return in this novel.

[Debra Odom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trisha Thomas' books keep getting better and better. This is the third one that I have read and the plot thickens. I could just "kick" Venus! Have you ever met someone who drama follows him/her around all day. Well that is Venus Johnson. She keeps you guessing! I can't wait to read the next book. These books are like (better than) watching a soap opera!