Perfect Circle

by Alvin L.A. Horn

Stalking, violence, and philandering threaten the well-being of the professional and private lives of four characters in the Emerald City of Seattle.Ayman Sparks is the head coach of the East Seattle City University basketball team. He tries to control everything in life just like the tight swish of a basketball. But he can’t control his life when his wife leaves him. When he meets a woman, he initially simply considers her a substitute for his ex-wife, but she pushes boundaries with her deep emotional issues and doesn’t go away without taking a pound of flesh. Sterlin Baylor, the assistant coach, is pure playboy, and he bounces women in and out of his bed—and sometimes two at a time. This changes when a woman does something foul to him that becomes a life-or-death situation for Sterlin and everyone involved. Lois Mae has turned to Internet dating. He finds a stylish, full-figured woman who teaches literature at the university. But their dates sometimes turn dangerous as she has a hard time keeping her compulsive sexual appetite under control. Her past follows her from the abuse she received her ex-husband and her second husband’s murder. Will her history keep her love dying or will she learn to live for love? Vanita Irving is a churchgoing single mother. She is a model of beauty who appears confident and efficient, but she can’t control her life-long struggles with depression. Will she take the right steps to change her life or will she keep repeating her past? The beauty of Seattle and the four protagonists will keep you under an umbrella of drama to the very end.

464 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 16, 2012

About the author

Alvin Lloyd Alexander Horn has lived and breathed the Northwest air and floated in all the nearby rivers streams leading the Pacific Ocean. As in the writings of Hemmingway and poetry of Langton Hughes and novels of Walter Mosley, their books are all the byproduct of their youthful environments and travels. Alvin's African American experiences in his Emerald City background shines through in his poetry, short stories, and novels.

Growing up in the "liberal on the surface" Seattle lifestyle, Alvin experienced seeing Black people with jobs, who could go most places and had no stereotypical ghettos. Inspired by many summer days spent in his local library when his mother placed Alvin "on restriction, often for daydreaming in school." He also credits the "little gray-haired white lady, the librarian," for introducing him to the likes of Richard Wright and Zora Neale Hurston. Upon reading the work of Nikki Giovanni, Alvin knew he wanted to be a writer of love stories and poetry.

"Some of my erotic writing imagination came from my dad leaving Playboy magazines in a not so secret place. My friends fixated the pictures, but I just read the stories, most of the time." With a storied background,Alvin excelled in an athletic career and as coach. Alvin played sports at the University of New Mexico in the mid70's and had short pro sports career after college. Along with being a musician, actor, and spoken word artist, the knowledge and talent from several experiences show in his writings.

Alvin launched his writing career as he worked in the field of education, teaching life-skills, poetry, and creative writing while working with at-risk kids. Alvin is a highly acclaimed spoken word artist which has allowed him to travel and promote his art of words. Alvin is the 2012 Billboard Awards Winner of Best Male Expressionist of the year of Erotic spoken word. He has balanced his writing career alongside doing voice-overs for radio and TV, music, video, and movie productions, and acting. His writings have appeared in anthologies and many periodicals, ranging from fiction to erotica to social commentary.

Alvin is all over Northwest reciting poetry and playing stand-up bass at different venues. However, he does love Houston, Atlanta, Vegas, Vancouver B.C., and most parts of California and New York. Most of all, he loves being on the back deck of his houseboat, writing love poetry and stories.

Alvin has self-published and published by Simon and Schuster and other publishers.

Works by Alvin L.A. Horn

The World That Fell Into My Dresser Drawer; a book of poetry, 2001

BRUSH STROKES; a novel, 2005

PERFECT CIRCLE; a novel published by Zane and Simon and Schuster, 2012

ONE SAFE PLACE; a novel published by Zane and Simon and Schuster, 2014

BRUSH STROKES; the re-release, with an added short story, 2016

BAD BEFORE GOOD& THOSE IN BETWEEN; a novel 2017

HEART & HOME, a novel 2019

All are available in paperback and E-book

Contributing author in the anthologies: Pillow Talk in The Heat of the Night, and The Soul of a Man 2, a writer for the Inner City News, and Real Life Real Faith Magazine, and national newspapers and magazines. Awarded by Flava News, the Unsung Peoples Poet Laureate

(http://alvinhorn.com)
Social networking sites:
www.facebook.com/alvinhorn
https://twitter.com/alvinlahorn
https://www.instagram.com/alah57
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
and to hear Alvin L.A. Horn's spoken word
https://soundcloud.com/alvinhorn

Reviews

[Dorothy Haywood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect Circle has the "Oh Wow Factor" it is a sexy great-read of real life mature adult situations. This book went way beyond the surface of drama’s that so many book deliver with all too simplistic ways. Perfect Circle gets to the root and cause within a love story of the four main characters. This is well-written book, with realistic engaging conversations and inner thoughts. No predictable average book here. Perfect Circle as a matter of fact actually teases you and fools you everytime. The men are sexy, and act like men, but with emotions and faults. The women, are women we all know with pains and scars, but not helpless. I love reading in this book that the women don’t over use the “diva-tude” to get or to fail, as I’ve been reading all too much in books I’ve read as of late. The social issues are so real. I really have to give the author big-ups in how he brought them to our attention in the story without preaching. I loved the sub- characters, one of them Suzie Q, I could read a book about her. Now the sex scenes, they make me want to curse with a big smile on my face, because they are so hot, and tastefully done. Constant foreplay throughout the book had me breathing hard even before each sex scene. I want to visit Seattle; it’s now on my “bucket-list.” For those who like Eric J. Dickey, Mary B. Morrison, Zane and the seriousness of a Walter Mosley, as I do, well I’m now a big fan of this author Alvin L A Horn.

[Tamie White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alvin proves to be in the class of the Terri McMillans, Eric Jerome Dickeys, etc..he brings the characters to life right before your eyes! Full of passion and mystery, Hard to put down!! loved it!!

[William F. Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a writer, you want to read other writers, just to know what's en vogue in the ever changing AA literary community. While doing this, every now and then you stumble across a though-provoking book crafted in brilliance and originality. PERFECT CIRCLE is one of those creations. Tackling social issues with unique flair, author ALVIN L.A. HORN mixes mystery, Steamy Eros and poetry in a pot and pours a delicious gumbo into a literary bowl starving for classic reads. Simply put, this is the best book I've read by a brother since Colin Channer's Waiting In Vain. The sex scenes are well developed, mature, yet tasteful. The poetic mastery akin to Charlie Parker on his best day... Better yet, as smooth as Brother Miles. With his talent, readers and peers like myself want more from Alvin. A truly great effort.


- WILLIAM FREDRICK COOPER (National Bestselling Author of THERE'S ALWAYS A REASON)

[Vandolin · Rating 5 out of 5]

What A Masterpiece! This work of art is a 'must read'! The characters are amazing! I honestly felt familiar with every female character in the book! The highs and the lows, the ups and the downs, the love and the lost poured out on these pages had me remembering past loves and hurts in my life or the lives of people I have known over the years. This read is full of life and completely entertaining from my point of view. It is a body of work that is bursting with so much word, music, art...a complete work! I have learned a lot! Thanking God for your talent Al!!~v~

[Leona Lola · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect Circle, is a book that is so realistic. The characters are like everyday people. There seems to be life-like quality in them. This is well-written book, with realistic engaging conversations and inner thoughts. No predictable average book here. I really have to give the author "two thumbs up" for this one.
Because of this I must purchase "Brush Strokes". This book will be the perfect stocking stuffer. Congratulations Mr. Horn.

[Angela Buchanan-sparks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Angela Buchanan-Sparks






One of the best books I have read in years.
One that you felt compelled to finish once you began reading it.
Two thumbs up to Mr. Horn.

[T.A. Beasley · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Perfect Circle by Alvin Horn readers are introduced to two friends Ayman and Sterlin both trying to find women who complete them. Ayman Sparks tries to get over the end of his marriage to wife, Vanessa. Ayman’s therapy is coaching his basketball team at East Seattle City University. Ayman is out at the movies with friends when he meets Vanita. After meeting Vanita, Ayman decides that he may need to give love another try.

Vanita is a single mother trying to live her life through Christ. Vanita has baggage in her life that has caused her to not be able to find love. When Vanita meets Ayman she feels God has given her another chance. However, when things do not go Vanita’s way the real Vanita surfaces.

Sterlin Baylor, assistant coach and best friend to Ayman has been known to be a ladies’ man. Sterlin is dealing with some past issues and cannot seem to fully commit to one woman. He feels women don’t understand him until he meets Lois Mae. Lois Mae helps Sterlin when he is sick and a friendship between the two starts, which leads to them being attracted to one another. Will Sterlin give into his desires and give this relationship a try? Or will he run?

Lois Mae has all but given up on dating because she always picks the wrong men. When she meets Sterlin Baylor and helps him in his time of need, Lois Mae feels that her time for love is now. Lois Mae’s crush is coming true and she does not want to let anything interfere with the bond they have established with each other.

Perfect Circle is about four friends trying to find consistency in their lives that fit what they are about. Love is hard and finding true love seems to be impossible. Ayman truly wants to find a woman who completes him whereas; Sterlin wants to find a woman he can trust completely without getting hurt. Vanita wants to be understood and loved whereas, Lois Mae wants to find the man who wants to be partners in the love that they share. These four friends go through some changes in their lives that will have them making hard decisions while trying to stay out of danger and not ruin their reputation.

This was an entertaining book that had well-developed characters that readers will relate to. This book had a strong storyline that had me anticipating what would happen next. Perfect Circle touches on a little of drama, suspense and romance that will keep readers attention until the end. I recommend Perfect Circle to others.

This book was provided by the author for review purposes.

Teresa Beasley
A&RBC Reviews

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

WOW!! This novel is penned in vivid color with its own musical hue.


Perfect Circle by Alvin L.A. Horn is a very engagingly intriguing read that is penned in vivid color with its own musical hue. One is captured by the diverse lives of the characters as curiosity is assuaged by explaining the eclectic mixtures of whys. As one is taken on the journeys of these characters we become so immersed that we are right there, front and center watching things unfold.

The primary male characters are basketball coaches at East Seattle City University and best friends. As we experience life through their eyes, thoughts, acts and deeds, we experience a range of emotions that are constantly up and down. You see, feel and are submerged in Ayman Sparks’, Head Coach and Sterlin Baylor’s, Assistant Coach love for each other....what an absolutely wonderful experience. Ayman lives his life paying close attention to how things will entwine and is accountable for such. Sterlin lives the playboy life style until it starts unraveling at the hands of others. These two are so different that it adds additional layering throughout their stories and depicts acceptance and caring while staying steadfast in one’s beliefs.

Then there's the primary female characters, Lois Mae who is a College Professor and Vanita Irving, a Court Reporter. Lois has a very tumultuous history with men; current prospectives are non-existent, so she starts meeting men to date through dating websites. Vanita fledges constantly due to bouts of depression and we witness how this make major impacts on her existence. I experienced a cornucopia of emotions/feelings as these two are encapsulated in the results of changes/beliefs of today surrounding dating and “looks” while the forever existing problems prevail. How they handle and dwell with them are vastly different and gives us views that are very intriguing and draw you further into their stories.

There's an eclectic mixture of secondary characters that are seasoned throughout and fit perfectly, without distracting from the main characters or impeding on remembering who’s who. I compliment Mr. Horn for doing this exceptional well. This is one of few novels that I have read and was not left wanting at the end. This was simply a wonderful experience.

[OOSA · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Things We Do…

Ayman Sparks and his best friend, Sterlin Baylor, both coach college basketball and have totally different personalities adding to their close friendship. Ayman is honest and hardworking. He allows the basketball to control his life. That is until all things seem to crumble at once. Sterlin is a sexy, vigorous, ladies’ man that lives his life to the fullest without any boundaries. That is until his past comes back to haunt him. Together, Ayman and Sterlin reevaluate their lives. Will they realize the errors in their ways before their game is over?

Alvin L.A. Horn’s “Perfect Circle” is a suspenseful and fascinating novel. It keeps readers attentive no sooner than the first page. I love the way the author gives explicit details throughout the story to avoid confusion. All characters are acknowledged near the end of the story to give readers closure. Finally, the way each chapter ends encourages the anxious reader to read the next chapter. Excellent job!

Reviewed by: Tekisha

[Cindy Henkel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alvin L.A. Horn's new novel, Perfect Circle, is an excellent book. It is an easy read that will have you sitting for hours, not wanting to put it down. The characters are well developed, and you will feel like you know them before you are too far into the book. The book is sensual, suspenseful, and thrilling. There are characters that have returned from Mr. Horn's first novel, Brush Strokes. It isn't necessary to read Brush Strokes before reading Perfect Circle, but I would recommend reading it at some point, just because it is also a throughly enjoyable book.

[Almari Jonson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfect Circle dealt with the myriad that is love - sacrifice, concern, freedom, trust, and honesty, as well as the truth that love never dies it only slumbers. Mr. Horn delved into the male perspective of the makings of lasting relationships. The empathy provoked in each character's life was palpable, and the story ending given to each was fitting if not rewarding. Perfect Circle is an enjoyable read and an excellent debut.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book started off a little slow for my taste because the author did a lot of back story telling but after awhile the story got really interesting and I really enjoyed it. I like the poems included and the live stories that came a bout for Lois Mae & Sterlin as well as the rekindled love affair between Ayman & Vanessa. I was happy Vanita found someone to love. Overall a good read!

[Adrianne Sims · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's no surprise that Zane chose to publish this book. With his mastery of words, Mr. Horn paints pictures on every page. The depth of his character development goes above and beyond, and the story is worth telling. I am looking forward to reading his future endeavors.

[Peggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great read, it's what one can expect from Mr. Alvin Horn. This book is HOT! A well written and developed story, sensual spoken word. Simply amazing.

[Mica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it! Bought book in Walmart... Great price! I enjoyed it & have recommended it to my Bookclub!

[Pamela Rice · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an awesome book! The characters leap off the page and come to life. Don't miss this great read!

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed

[Barbara Mcpherson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Horn's novel is a story with a lot of good twists, but it is also a story filled with much-needed commentary on social injustices.

[Ashley S. · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was very slow in the beginning but it did get interesting.