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Juicy
Juicy Robinson was the color of sweet black licorice, of a charcoal briquette soaked in lighter fluid and no one was going to make her feel like she wasn't the sexiest thing around-not the white people that her mother had taught her to distrust and certainly not the homeless white man that has been watching her from the alley. This interracial love journey is the tale of Juicy who has spent much of her adolescence being bullied because of her dark skin and her weight, until circumstances forced her to stand up for herself. And Troy, whose mental illness forced him into the streets. Now, as an adult, Juicy has grown into a woman that is filled with anger and a distrust of whites instilled in her by her mother. After an altercation, Juicy finds herself rescued by an unlikely individual; a white, homeless man that she has thoughtlessly nick-named; 'Mr. Cracker.' After exploring mutual stereotypes and attempting to understand their differences, Juicy and Troy find themselves drawn to each other. Out of a sense of loneliness and true friendship the two outcasts finally find something deeper than friendship and their journey to self discovery begins.
392 pages, Paperback
First published November 23, 2011
63 people are currently reading
955 people want to read
About the author
Pepper Pace
66 books843 followersWho is Pepper Pace?
Pepper Pace is the pen name used by the author. Born and raised in Cincinnati, she has always enjoyed creativity. At a very young age, Pepper had a gift for art and would spend most of her spare time drawing images that she later began adding stories behind. Soon writing became more important than the illustrations and though she still loved art, it took a back seat to her real love.
Pepper wrote her first novel when she was 12 years old and had written 2 more by the age of 18. Too shy to share her work with anyone, Pepper stock piled her many stories into notebooks until she came upon Literotica.com and was compelled to share her craft.
Pepper became instantly popular and won several awards each year in which she submitted a story to the site. After receiving popular feedback, she grew in confidence and created a popular blog entitled Writing Feedback where she encourages her readers to interact with her on topics concerning, music, writing, art and pop culture, and can be contacted at her blog:
pepperpacefeedback.blogspot.com/
Pepper lives in Cincinnati where many of her characters also reside.
Other Websites:
http://pepperpacefeedback.blogspot.com/
http://pepperpace.tumblr.com/
Pepper Pace is the pen name used by the author. Born and raised in Cincinnati, she has always enjoyed creativity. At a very young age, Pepper had a gift for art and would spend most of her spare time drawing images that she later began adding stories behind. Soon writing became more important than the illustrations and though she still loved art, it took a back seat to her real love.
Pepper wrote her first novel when she was 12 years old and had written 2 more by the age of 18. Too shy to share her work with anyone, Pepper stock piled her many stories into notebooks until she came upon Literotica.com and was compelled to share her craft.
Pepper became instantly popular and won several awards each year in which she submitted a story to the site. After receiving popular feedback, she grew in confidence and created a popular blog entitled Writing Feedback where she encourages her readers to interact with her on topics concerning, music, writing, art and pop culture, and can be contacted at her blog:
pepperpacefeedback.blogspot.com/
Pepper lives in Cincinnati where many of her characters also reside.
Other Websites:
http://pepperpacefeedback.blogspot.com/
http://pepperpace.tumblr.com/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 165 reviews
May 24, 2012
Description: When, Juicy, a “dark as licorice” hairdresser with anger management issues is unexpectedly saved by Troy, a homeless white man with mental issues, really unexpected sparks fly.
The Good: Let’s start with the fact that Ms. Pace managed to make a homeless white hero with mental issues not only sexy, but appealing. That alone would have blown my mind, but she also manages to successfully throw many of the romance formula rules out the window — which only makes the novel even more romantic in my opinion. Ms. Pace has a strange sense of humor, and this makes for a very fresh novel. In many ways, JUICY is a page turner fueled by its own oddness.
The Bad: This is difficult, because I want to give this odd gem of a novel an A+, but it has quite a few issues that can’t be overlooked, mostly surrounding craft. Ms. Pace has tremendous talent, which is held back by often clunky execution. Her loose narrative walks a very thin line, only narrowly missing a full-on ramble at times. She writes poetically at times, but tends to follow every train of thought, which makes for a bloated story. Also, there are so many typos, I had to detract a full star.
The Naughty: Sensual. Rape (not depicted). Sex in barber chair.
Editing issues: Several typos.
Publisher: Indie Writer
Length: Novel-length
Final Grade: B-
Happy Reading,
Theodora from irbookreviews.com
The Good: Let’s start with the fact that Ms. Pace managed to make a homeless white hero with mental issues not only sexy, but appealing. That alone would have blown my mind, but she also manages to successfully throw many of the romance formula rules out the window — which only makes the novel even more romantic in my opinion. Ms. Pace has a strange sense of humor, and this makes for a very fresh novel. In many ways, JUICY is a page turner fueled by its own oddness.
The Bad: This is difficult, because I want to give this odd gem of a novel an A+, but it has quite a few issues that can’t be overlooked, mostly surrounding craft. Ms. Pace has tremendous talent, which is held back by often clunky execution. Her loose narrative walks a very thin line, only narrowly missing a full-on ramble at times. She writes poetically at times, but tends to follow every train of thought, which makes for a bloated story. Also, there are so many typos, I had to detract a full star.
The Naughty: Sensual. Rape (not depicted). Sex in barber chair.
Editing issues: Several typos.
Publisher: Indie Writer
Length: Novel-length
Final Grade: B-
Happy Reading,
Theodora from irbookreviews.com
January 31, 2014
Ok Ms. Pace has done it again. I came away with much love for this story.
Aside from the lead heroine's name, Juicy (sorry but I just could not reconcile being comfortable with this name for many reasons. And besides, I didn't feel that it fit the character) I love how the many layers & issues with Juicy & Troy were presented here though.
There were times in the beginning where I was wondering "Where the heck was this story taking me? How is this gonna work?" but immediately after that, I was sucked in and I could not stop reading. I was pleasantly surprised with this one.
They came with some shock factors, especially in the beginning. But when it came to pulling these layers back, showing the reader what is underneath, I felt it was done quite well. You get the depth here, and the confusion surrounding them. But you get the practical as well. Especially concerning Troy and what he needed to do. The steps he needed to take in order to finally be able to function in a healthy way, in being an active member of society. For himself & his family. His story and the things he'd gone through will break your heart. I cried. I was afraid. I was angry at what he endured. But it made me all the more proud of him.
What he and Juicy had to face together was beyond touching for me as well.
This story will make you laugh, cry, grieve, blush, but ultimately walk away with a re-defined sense of beauty, peace, & completeness.
I would definitely recommend this read.
Aside from the lead heroine's name, Juicy (sorry but I just could not reconcile being comfortable with this name for many reasons. And besides, I didn't feel that it fit the character) I love how the many layers & issues with Juicy & Troy were presented here though.
There were times in the beginning where I was wondering "Where the heck was this story taking me? How is this gonna work?" but immediately after that, I was sucked in and I could not stop reading. I was pleasantly surprised with this one.
They came with some shock factors, especially in the beginning. But when it came to pulling these layers back, showing the reader what is underneath, I felt it was done quite well. You get the depth here, and the confusion surrounding them. But you get the practical as well. Especially concerning Troy and what he needed to do. The steps he needed to take in order to finally be able to function in a healthy way, in being an active member of society. For himself & his family. His story and the things he'd gone through will break your heart. I cried. I was afraid. I was angry at what he endured. But it made me all the more proud of him.
What he and Juicy had to face together was beyond touching for me as well.
This story will make you laugh, cry, grieve, blush, but ultimately walk away with a re-defined sense of beauty, peace, & completeness.
I would definitely recommend this read.
April 1, 2016
I loved this book. I'm completely biased. I am the biggest Pepper Pace fan. I am going to go against the grain and say that the name Juicy could be worse. I was a Social Worker. The worst name I heard was Abcde (pronounced Ab-suh-dee). Juicy is mild by comparison. I loved her. I loved Troy. I'm glad they were both strong and determined enough to get the help they needed to grow as people and resolve their issues. There were a few editing issues, but not enough to disengage me from the story (a quotation mark, or wrong word here and there). Great characters. Great Book. I was smiling from ear to ear by the ending.
December 31, 2015
I really debated writing any sort of review on this book. I saw the rave reviews other readers have submitted and I was excited to sit down and read an inter-racial romance with such a unique and interesting premise. Hopefully, I can save someone time and their dime on this one.
I was severely disappointed by this book. In fact, I'm surprised I finished reading it. I don't know if I was hoping that at some point, miraculously the writing would get better. If I was, I was fooling myself. Anyone who reads this book should know that it is not your typical romance. The story line alone, a woman with aspirations of opening her own business starting a relationship with a homeless man, is unique. There is is a lot of angst in this book. Not only does the setting and the dialogue have an urban feel, the narrative does as well. I personally did not appreciate the urban feel to the narrative. Dialogue is one thing, but with there being so many thousands of beautiful descriptive words in the English language that could be used to describe scenes and feelings, I feel the narrative was very limited.
Beyond that the characters made very little sense. Pages and pages are spent (unnecessarily in my opinion) giving the the back story of the characters. While very little explanation is given about how the characters end up where they do after a pretty big misunderstanding. It was more like "I blew of some steam and now everything is ok" when clearly they both felt that trust had been broken. At the end I was left confused by characters that seemed to only make sense to each other. When I read a story I want the characters to make sense to ME, regardless of if I disagree with their choices, even if I would have made a different choice.
As a black woman I really want to find black and inter-racial romances that I can fall in love with. Unfortunately, I did not find it with this book.
I'm sure many will disagree with my perception and feeling on the book, and that's ok. There many different types of readers out there and there are authors out there for all of us. Unfortunately, Ms. Pace is not the author for me.
Bottom line, this is probably the worst book I have read so far this year. However, it's only April and the year is young. Maybe I'll read something worse before the New Year. Perhaps I'll come back at the end of the year and update this review.
I was severely disappointed by this book. In fact, I'm surprised I finished reading it. I don't know if I was hoping that at some point, miraculously the writing would get better. If I was, I was fooling myself. Anyone who reads this book should know that it is not your typical romance. The story line alone, a woman with aspirations of opening her own business starting a relationship with a homeless man, is unique. There is is a lot of angst in this book. Not only does the setting and the dialogue have an urban feel, the narrative does as well. I personally did not appreciate the urban feel to the narrative. Dialogue is one thing, but with there being so many thousands of beautiful descriptive words in the English language that could be used to describe scenes and feelings, I feel the narrative was very limited.
Beyond that the characters made very little sense. Pages and pages are spent (unnecessarily in my opinion) giving the the back story of the characters. While very little explanation is given about how the characters end up where they do after a pretty big misunderstanding. It was more like "I blew of some steam and now everything is ok" when clearly they both felt that trust had been broken. At the end I was left confused by characters that seemed to only make sense to each other. When I read a story I want the characters to make sense to ME, regardless of if I disagree with their choices, even if I would have made a different choice.
As a black woman I really want to find black and inter-racial romances that I can fall in love with. Unfortunately, I did not find it with this book.
I'm sure many will disagree with my perception and feeling on the book, and that's ok. There many different types of readers out there and there are authors out there for all of us. Unfortunately, Ms. Pace is not the author for me.
Bottom line, this is probably the worst book I have read so far this year. However, it's only April and the year is young. Maybe I'll read something worse before the New Year. Perhaps I'll come back at the end of the year and update this review.
December 8, 2013
I'm not really sure what to say. I enjoyed Juicy and Troy's separate back stories, but I didn't like the way they came to be couple, and just didn't feel the chemistry between them. I liked the way Pace went into Troy's mental illness, and life as a homeless person- that had me rooting for Troy to get a happy ending. I liked the way Pace went into Juicy's relationship with her mother and her mothers racism, and how it led to Juicy disliking a race of people for no reason other than her being raised that way- isn't that true for a lot of people? There were a few major issues that I had with this novel overall- one being Juicy's medical treatment at the county hospital. As a nurse, I don't doubt that persons presumed to be without resources to pay for hospital care can be treated poorly, or receive the bare minimum treatment, but c'mon! She was discharged not even a full 24 hours after waking up from a 3 day coma, and having a hole drilled into her skull to relieve the pressure on her brain following a head injury- whatever! Another issue I had with Troy's character was that although he was homeless, he had a large amount of money in a trust, was getting a social security check- but instead chose to live on the street. I know that his character is mentally ill, and makes decisions from a different perspective than most, but it was just too convenient that he had the money, and Juicy needed the money to open her own hair salon. I like things to work out, but the convenience was a bit much for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 2, 2013
I took a star off because I couldn’t get past the name. I’ve heard some silly names before, but who in their right mind would name their child Juicy? I would understand if it was a nickname. A stripper name? Fine, whatever. A clothing line? Sure, why not? But a legit birth name that would be printed on all your important documents? Nope, sorry, I can’t take you seriously. I also found the repeated use of “Mr. Cracker” annoying and a bit offensive and I’m not even white. As for the story, I liked the complex characters. You get to watch these two strangers learn to trust and help each other and I found myself rooting for their success as well as their romance. It’s also IR so it’s definitely a keeper.
March 4, 2015
This is the very unique story of juicy and Troy. Juicy is the Is the very definition of a of the angry black woman Troy is the typical homeless person that no one sees. One fateful day they meet in an alley of all places. They both have misconceptions of each other. This is a story about how they've overcome their misconceptions about themselves and mental health and how and how they overcome these challenges. I give this book a definite five stars! I recommend this book highly.
July 23, 2014
I honestly wish I could give this book a .1 rating but alas... the lowest you can go is one star so there it is. Honestly... I couldnt finish this book. I made it MAYBE 100 pages before I threw my kindle on my bed and just walked away.
I COULD NOT get with her name first and foremost. Its Juicy, you know like how you would describe a piece of fruit, not a person. It makes no sense whatsoever why her ignorant, bitter, racist mother named her that but whatevs. What ALSO doesnt make sense is why Pepper Pace would write a character that perpetuates the stereotype of the "Angry Ghetto Black Woman". I as a black woman was really dissapointed in this as there is ENOUGH of that in the media already. I can understand writing a character who was strong and independant and direct... but no... Juicy, with her stupid name and downright "BITCHY for no reason" attitude is the quintessential "Angry Black Woman". Even the very RANDOMLY placed desription of how she was raised to distrust and outright hate white people didnt evoke ANY sympathy from me nor did it excuse her misplaced aggression at literally EVERYTHING and EVERYONE (Really? Nicknaming a bum who you dont know from a can of paint "Mr. Cracker" while YOU invade HIS space? Really?).
With the myriads of words a person can employ to describe an articulate their characters and scenes, Pepper Pace chooses the weakest and most direct (even by "urban lit" standards) making it hard to get into the story much less tolerate it. I saw nothing but 4 and 5 star reviews on this book and im starting to think that those people just dont know what good literature is because THIS im telling you IS NOT IT. If a book cant grab you in the first 100 pages, it ISNT a good book. When a book manages to OFFEND you in the first 100 pages, that makes it a terrible one. I wish I could label it "Regret read".
This was my FIRST read of Pepper Pace and I do beleive it will be my last one.
I COULD NOT get with her name first and foremost. Its Juicy, you know like how you would describe a piece of fruit, not a person. It makes no sense whatsoever why her ignorant, bitter, racist mother named her that but whatevs. What ALSO doesnt make sense is why Pepper Pace would write a character that perpetuates the stereotype of the "Angry Ghetto Black Woman". I as a black woman was really dissapointed in this as there is ENOUGH of that in the media already. I can understand writing a character who was strong and independant and direct... but no... Juicy, with her stupid name and downright "BITCHY for no reason" attitude is the quintessential "Angry Black Woman". Even the very RANDOMLY placed desription of how she was raised to distrust and outright hate white people didnt evoke ANY sympathy from me nor did it excuse her misplaced aggression at literally EVERYTHING and EVERYONE (Really? Nicknaming a bum who you dont know from a can of paint "Mr. Cracker" while YOU invade HIS space? Really?).
With the myriads of words a person can employ to describe an articulate their characters and scenes, Pepper Pace chooses the weakest and most direct (even by "urban lit" standards) making it hard to get into the story much less tolerate it. I saw nothing but 4 and 5 star reviews on this book and im starting to think that those people just dont know what good literature is because THIS im telling you IS NOT IT. If a book cant grab you in the first 100 pages, it ISNT a good book. When a book manages to OFFEND you in the first 100 pages, that makes it a terrible one. I wish I could label it "Regret read".
This was my FIRST read of Pepper Pace and I do beleive it will be my last one.
April 11, 2012
Juicy [I know terrible name right? Wait till you see what Troy tells his family about her name], hair stylist extraordinaire, entrepreneur-in-waiting, tall, dark & beautiful. Troy, radical thinker, outdoor lover, and appreciater of tall, dark, beautiful women.
Returning home from a disappointing attempt to get a small business loan to open her own hair salon, Juicy is attacked & badly beaten. Troy comes to her rescue, gets her to a hospital & stays with her when she's in a coma. Friendship, mutual protection & love ensues.
Juicy has anger & abandonment issues. Troy has much more obvious physical & emotional handicaps.
This is. . .the best romance/love story that I think I've ever had the pleasure of reading. It is so real, the characters are so flawed & amazingly normal.
Returning home from a disappointing attempt to get a small business loan to open her own hair salon, Juicy is attacked & badly beaten. Troy comes to her rescue, gets her to a hospital & stays with her when she's in a coma. Friendship, mutual protection & love ensues.
Juicy has anger & abandonment issues. Troy has much more obvious physical & emotional handicaps.
This is. . .the best romance/love story that I think I've ever had the pleasure of reading. It is so real, the characters are so flawed & amazingly normal.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 5, 2014
This was another pretty good read by Pepper Pace. I was worried that I wouldn't dig a storyline centered on a character named "Juicy" (real name!), but she overall proved to be a decent character. This story deals with Juicy and Troy. She was a hairstylist who dreamed of having her own shop, and he was a man who'd decided years ago that he'd rather be homeless than stay with his parents who were determined to keep him drugged up for his alleged mental illnesses. Talk about two totally different characters who had nothing in common, shoot who even had a slight confrontation before everything between them changed. This was actually a nice journey reading how these two opposites fell together and were able to depend on one another, something they hadn't been able to do with anyone else before. It was actually a pretty good love story with all the appropriate bumps in the road that pertained to mental illness and bad tempers, along with interesting sex scenes. There were some parts of this book that had me rolling laughing, some of the off the wall stuff that was said that seemed to come from no where, and there were parts that made me kind of sad, and some that made me mad. This was a good read and I suggest it to anyone despite some of the more difficult issues tackled in the book.
February 27, 2013
This is q 4.5 stars. This book was so unique, Rage, Racial, Mental Issues all wrapped up to one into one. Juicy and Troy story was a combination of true story and the love that they shared together. I totally cried when their son died oh it was so hard. I was so glad that Juicy finally got she her anger management managed, even though it took so much of her. Troy how he survived all of the tragic young life, since he left his parents house at the age of 18. Wow, how can a misdiagnosed can traumatize someones life to the extinct of continue on living. Ms. Pace, this book was more realistic on how people can cope with Mental Illness surrounded by family that what the best for them but do not know how to help. Troy loved loved Juicy from the moment he laid his eyes on her. He didn't see her by race he saw her on how beautiful she was, with all her curves, and no flaws in his eyes. Troy had a brilliant brain in business. Even though Juicy was alone in her world, she finally have what she always wanted a Big family. Loved the part when Troy carried Juicy to the hospital and there were Mr. and Mrs. Cracker, that was so cute.
August 20, 2016
Phenominal story telling! This story was not edited at tightly as another story of hers I read and that was a little distracting. Now that that is out of the way, I must admit that I loved this story and its characters Juicy and Troy. By the end of the book I felt like I knew these people personally, I'd laughed with them, worried over them like close friends and family, and I even wept with them. These characters and their families were so well developed that in parts I forgot I reading fiction.
March 6, 2016
I HATE the female lead's name! (It should have been a nickname - not her actual name - UGH)!
Even though the writing was choppy, with editing issues galore, I actually loved this! The gritty element of the streets was brought to life with the author's writing. I love how the H/h overcame their respective issues to achieve their HEA. Troy - the male protagonist of the story - was an inspirational gem. It was amazing to see how he retained his humanity throughout the story.
One never knows what's beneath a homeless person's façade...or in most cases - his/her invisibility.
3.5 stars.
Even though the writing was choppy, with editing issues galore, I actually loved this! The gritty element of the streets was brought to life with the author's writing. I love how the H/h overcame their respective issues to achieve their HEA. Troy - the male protagonist of the story - was an inspirational gem. It was amazing to see how he retained his humanity throughout the story.
One never knows what's beneath a homeless person's façade...or in most cases - his/her invisibility.
3.5 stars.
July 16, 2012
I've heard nothing but great remarks about this author, so I'm looking 4ward 2 reading this story and others.
March 17, 2019
Re-read... I forgot how much of a rollercoaster Juicy is. 😓 But I still very much enjoyed it 6 years later. The first 25% is a rough stretch of road (bigotry, racial epithets, attempted rape, suicide, physical assault, medical negligence) but this is such an interesting love story. I loved that even with all of the heavy moments, there was a good amount of humor.
Original Review #####
I don't even know... this book! Where to start? Juicy and Troy are three dimensional. They are so authentic, so completely real in their emotions, reactions and circumstances that it made me uncomfortable. I mean that in the best possible way. I'd say that is due mostly to Ms. Pace' s writing talent, but I hope she has gotten some praise for her attention to detail. This book, these people are so well thought out that she had to have done a great deal of research. As I stated earlier, at times I wished it were a movie so that I could look away, but I am glad I couldn't. It was eye opening and really emotional. And that's not to say that all of the book is heavy. There are some laugh out loud moments (Ebonique and the fre-ersia) and some really hot ones as well. Really glad I read this.
Original Review #####
I don't even know... this book! Where to start? Juicy and Troy are three dimensional. They are so authentic, so completely real in their emotions, reactions and circumstances that it made me uncomfortable. I mean that in the best possible way. I'd say that is due mostly to Ms. Pace' s writing talent, but I hope she has gotten some praise for her attention to detail. This book, these people are so well thought out that she had to have done a great deal of research. As I stated earlier, at times I wished it were a movie so that I could look away, but I am glad I couldn't. It was eye opening and really emotional. And that's not to say that all of the book is heavy. There are some laugh out loud moments (Ebonique and the fre-ersia) and some really hot ones as well. Really glad I read this.
July 3, 2017
Juicy, Juicy, Juicy - the epitome of the angry black woman. She was a spit fire, but like everyone who walks around balled up with anger, there was an underlying hurt.
Troy was a miracle! The man not only saved her life by stopping an attack, he lifted her robust body and literally carried her to the hospital. I was a goner as soon as I read that scene. No matter what he did in the rest of the story, he was alright with me.
This story was heart wrenching at times and deliciously happy other times. The writer took us on a journey of highs and lows right along with the couple. They were so perfect for each other, each accepting the other's flaws without judgement.
My emotions were all over the place going from bouts of anger to sexy time, then crying from both grief and happiness. It felt like I needed to be in 72 hour with Troy. Lol
I truly enjoyed this story and will be picking up more books from this author.
Troy was a miracle! The man not only saved her life by stopping an attack, he lifted her robust body and literally carried her to the hospital. I was a goner as soon as I read that scene. No matter what he did in the rest of the story, he was alright with me.
This story was heart wrenching at times and deliciously happy other times. The writer took us on a journey of highs and lows right along with the couple. They were so perfect for each other, each accepting the other's flaws without judgement.
My emotions were all over the place going from bouts of anger to sexy time, then crying from both grief and happiness. It felt like I needed to be in 72 hour with Troy. Lol
I truly enjoyed this story and will be picking up more books from this author.
September 29, 2015
Reading this book about two imperfect characters was like watching a really good movie in 3-D. What an awesome read. Juicy and Troy are not so perfect and neither is their romance. Their struggle to overcome their own personal demons in order to make their romance work made me cry, laugh and cheer for a happily-ever after. This is the first book I have read by this author, but it certainly will not be my last. I would rate this book above 5, if I could.
December 9, 2019
This story was very fast paced. Didn't give the reader a moment to digest. I usually like when the protagonists get to know each other before jumping the sack but this story made it work. I enjoyed it.
November 10, 2012
Read in one night loved this book! review coming later
March 20, 2016
Nice one. Interesting look at the intersectionality of class, mental illness, self-care, race and gender.
Pepper Pace has redeemed herself in my books.
Pepper Pace has redeemed herself in my books.
March 2, 2013
This is definitely not your run of the mill love story but I do love me a good Pepper Pace story. I'm not sure what it is about her writing style because it's subtle but still something a little different and I love it so much. I don't think this woman can do any wrong. This story, although unconventional and farfetched as far as the couple matching, was absolutely wonderful. I just about every second of it, truly! I ate up every word that revolved around Troy and his plight, it instantly drew me in and I quite enjoyed having some solid storyline that didn't revolve solely around the relationship. But, the relationship too kept me front & centre, does Miss Pace ever know how to write a portrait of a good man. Having read more than a few of her books, I think she has a special talent for writing from a male perspective - she shows their vulnerability and strength in a way that at any time is real, vulnerable or strong, generous, loyal and wholly masculine. I don't feel that it's a female writing a male, but still get that male perspective I always crave. She makes me want to know what they're thinking and I'm always rewarded by getting to read a rich character portrait on both sides.
Yes, I'm havin' a love-in with Pepper and I'll never tire of her fiction! Oh, and one my fave things was how Troy called her Juice, lol.
Yes, I'm havin' a love-in with Pepper and I'll never tire of her fiction! Oh, and one my fave things was how Troy called her Juice, lol.
October 25, 2014
Homeless guy saves angry woman and starts a romance
I finished re-reading this. I laughed out loud, sighed, cringed, and rooted for Troy and Juicy all over again.
The homeless, 'mentally ill" white guy trades insults with angry, African American woman in an alley shortcut. When she is attacked and almost raped by three men, he is the one who rescues her. HeOs been living on the streets to escape the mind-numbing medication for a mis-diagnosis. She is angry and her Momma, full of hate and anger, died.
It's like taking two lost souls and then finding out that together they are found. I enjoyed this unlikely pairing. They went through a journey of healing together and separately. When an unexpected event happens and Troy takes off, I could feel Juicy's pain. I am glad that Pepper Pace chose to include Troy's POV. It added depth and an understanding of how someone might choose the streets and homelessness that I have not experienced before.
I would read this again. From where they started to where it ended, I was glad to be part of it. This is one of my favorites by this author and in general. How love can transform your life, if you will allow it in and fight your fears for it.
I finished re-reading this. I laughed out loud, sighed, cringed, and rooted for Troy and Juicy all over again.
The homeless, 'mentally ill" white guy trades insults with angry, African American woman in an alley shortcut. When she is attacked and almost raped by three men, he is the one who rescues her. HeOs been living on the streets to escape the mind-numbing medication for a mis-diagnosis. She is angry and her Momma, full of hate and anger, died.
It's like taking two lost souls and then finding out that together they are found. I enjoyed this unlikely pairing. They went through a journey of healing together and separately. When an unexpected event happens and Troy takes off, I could feel Juicy's pain. I am glad that Pepper Pace chose to include Troy's POV. It added depth and an understanding of how someone might choose the streets and homelessness that I have not experienced before.
I would read this again. From where they started to where it ended, I was glad to be part of it. This is one of my favorites by this author and in general. How love can transform your life, if you will allow it in and fight your fears for it.
October 18, 2012
I Loved this book this author has magic a homeless man? I thought how can she make a homeless man sexy. This author made a homeless man sexy ,Troy ended up taking care of Juicy very well too in every way .This book is emotional and funny and sweet. One think I am learning from reading Pepper Pace books about its characters don't judge a book by its cover. Read the the book you will get a wonderful story.
March 1, 2012
Exceptional story telling! I loved this story and its leads Juicy and Troy. By the end of the book, I had laughed out loud and I cried sloppy tears; I felt like I knew them personally. Well developed characters with a unique premise are like ambrosia to me. I hope the author gives us a peek into their future down the line. This one’s a keeper! Highly Recommended!
July 9, 2012
Just finished reading this for the second time. It is sooooo awesome!!!
August 3, 2013
Beautiful story. I love the way Pepper Pace tells her love stories, they never fail to get me to see love with new eyes. Definitely worth reading.
January 30, 2022
At this point, we can all agree that Pepper Pace's art is notable for bringing out the sexiness in those who have long been rejected by society and labelled as undesirable, unsexy, and to a certain level "unwanted" and "abominations."
A plus-size, angry black woman with pre-eclampsia and a homeless white man with neurotic disorders like tics and seizures star in this book. Both of them are considered conventionally unattractive, but one can't help but fall in love with them and, to be honest, also be turned on by both of them while reading the story. They are both extremely kind people who have a meet-ugly dynamic. You might not notice any chemistry at first, but then the journey begins, and it's absolutely irresistible! Trevor's family dynamic is extremely touching, and Juicy's path is remarkable.
This novel has numerous trigger warnings and is not for the faint-hearted. An attempted violent rape scene, a coma, medical treatments, homelessness, graphic descriptions of blood, injuries, and violence, transphobia, misgendering, and racism are all depicted.
But for me, the book was worth it all!
I particularly admire Pepper Pace's refusal to celebrate the trope of miscommunication as a means of provoking conflict, instead, she chooses to implement it for the purpose of criticism and call out upon its toxicity and self-deprecating tendencies. Throughout the novel, the two protagonists overcome their inner demons together as well as independently and emerge as their ideal selves. I really enjoyed the story and if those trigger warnings aren't off-putting for you then you should definitely try reading this book!
A plus-size, angry black woman with pre-eclampsia and a homeless white man with neurotic disorders like tics and seizures star in this book. Both of them are considered conventionally unattractive, but one can't help but fall in love with them and, to be honest, also be turned on by both of them while reading the story. They are both extremely kind people who have a meet-ugly dynamic. You might not notice any chemistry at first, but then the journey begins, and it's absolutely irresistible! Trevor's family dynamic is extremely touching, and Juicy's path is remarkable.
This novel has numerous trigger warnings and is not for the faint-hearted. An attempted violent rape scene, a coma, medical treatments, homelessness, graphic descriptions of blood, injuries, and violence, transphobia, misgendering, and racism are all depicted.
But for me, the book was worth it all!
I particularly admire Pepper Pace's refusal to celebrate the trope of miscommunication as a means of provoking conflict, instead, she chooses to implement it for the purpose of criticism and call out upon its toxicity and self-deprecating tendencies. Throughout the novel, the two protagonists overcome their inner demons together as well as independently and emerge as their ideal selves. I really enjoyed the story and if those trigger warnings aren't off-putting for you then you should definitely try reading this book!
February 2, 2020
Amazing story
Juicy and Troy were an unlikely pair. Their differences somehow made them perfect together. Me Pace developed flawed characters that anyone could love. The whole storyline could be anyone and that's what makes this couple so lovable. Well-written dialogue.
Juicy and Troy were an unlikely pair. Their differences somehow made them perfect together. Me Pace developed flawed characters that anyone could love. The whole storyline could be anyone and that's what makes this couple so lovable. Well-written dialogue.
March 8, 2023
At this point, we can all agree that Pepper Pace's art is notable for bringing out the sexiness in those who have long been rejected by society and labelled as undesirable, unsexy, and to a certain level "unwanted" and "abominations."
A plus-size, angry black woman with pre-eclampsia and a homeless white man with neurotic disorders like tics and seizures star in this book. Both of them are considered conventionally unattractive, but one can't help but fall in love with them and, to be honest, also be turned on by both of them while reading the story. They are both extremely kind people who have a meet-ugly dynamic. You might not notice any chemistry at first, but then the journey begins, and it's absolutely irresistible! Trevor's family dynamic is extremely touching, and Juicy's path is remarkable.
This novel has numerous trigger warnings and is not for the faint-hearted. An attempted violent rape scene, a coma, medical treatments, homelessness, graphic descriptions of blood, injuries, and violence, transphobia, misgendering, and racism are all depicted.
But for me, the book was worth it all!
I particularly admire Pepper Pace's refusal to celebrate the trope of miscommunication as a means of provoking conflict, instead, she chooses to implement it for the purpose of criticism and call out upon its toxicity and self-deprecating tendencies. Throughout the novel, the two protagonists overcome their inner demons together as well as independently and emerge as their ideal selves. I really enjoyed the story and if those trigger warnings aren't off-putting for you then you should definitely try reading this book!
A plus-size, angry black woman with pre-eclampsia and a homeless white man with neurotic disorders like tics and seizures star in this book. Both of them are considered conventionally unattractive, but one can't help but fall in love with them and, to be honest, also be turned on by both of them while reading the story. They are both extremely kind people who have a meet-ugly dynamic. You might not notice any chemistry at first, but then the journey begins, and it's absolutely irresistible! Trevor's family dynamic is extremely touching, and Juicy's path is remarkable.
This novel has numerous trigger warnings and is not for the faint-hearted. An attempted violent rape scene, a coma, medical treatments, homelessness, graphic descriptions of blood, injuries, and violence, transphobia, misgendering, and racism are all depicted.
But for me, the book was worth it all!
I particularly admire Pepper Pace's refusal to celebrate the trope of miscommunication as a means of provoking conflict, instead, she chooses to implement it for the purpose of criticism and call out upon its toxicity and self-deprecating tendencies. Throughout the novel, the two protagonists overcome their inner demons together as well as independently and emerge as their ideal selves. I really enjoyed the story and if those trigger warnings aren't off-putting for you then you should definitely try reading this book!
August 3, 2016
At first I was a little nervous about reading this book...the concept of it being a homeless guy with mental illness was a cause for slight concern. However I am a pretty big fan of Pepper Pace's ability to take characters you would never expect and make the story totally work. So I gave it a shot. In general I enjoyed the book. I wasn't crazy about some of the dialogue; however, I liked how they were both regular people...who each had their own issues things to work through. That gave me a lot respect for both characters. I'd recommend this book if you're looking something outside of the normal "billionaire or rippling alpha male" aesthetic and you want a really unique story.
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