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Counterfeit Dreams
Reagan Taylor’s life as a basketball wife isn’t as perfect as she expected. After enduring an abusive relationship for over seven years, she meets the man of her dreams. Her eyes are finally opened to true love for the first time, but will it last? Jewel Sanchez, a self-made d-boy, hustles every day to provide himself with the life he has been accustomed to since birth. As lieutenant of the M.A.C. Boys, Jewel makes sure he keeps his money close and soon his enemies closer. Robyn Johnson, a rich, party girl, is known all over Sacramento, but maybe for the wrong reasons. She often attempts to medicate herself with material objects and different men, but the pain never goes away. She was always proud of her strength, but will that be enough for her to survive? Brandon Edwards’ short-fuse proves to be dangerous for everyone around him. Always use to getting what he wants, Brandon does whatever it takes to hold onto his power and respect even if that means losing a few people along the way.
- GenresAfrican American
256 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 26, 2012
160 people are currently reading
331 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
August 26, 2012
Everybody’s Looking for Something
Reagan Taylor is living a lot of women’s dream. She is the longtime girlfriend of NBA star Cameron ‘Styles’ Johnson. Other women’s dream, however, is Reagan’s nightmare as cheating and abuse have become the norm. On a night out, Reagan meets Jewel Sanchez, a young hustler that has decided Reagan is the one for him. Has Reagan jumped from the frying pan to the fire?
What started out with the potential to be a strong story quickly morphed into a typical story, sacrificing plot and character development. Designer clothes, drugs, more money than most people will see in their lifetime, sex and stereotypically handsome/beautiful characters unfortunately filled the pages of Sasha Ravae’s “Counterfeit Dreams.” By no means a bad story, it simply relied too heavily on the same stereotypes and clichés plaguing many books today. (Handsome, light-skinned, green-eyed, curly-haired, millionaire drug dealer with a big thingamajiggy meets cutie with a booty and long hair that has a degree in shopping and not much else going for herself.) With more focus on the meat of the story, this could have very easily been a better read.
The author has potential, but I would strongly suggest the author utilize professionals – editor and graphic designer - for her future releases.
Reviewed by: Toni
2.5 stars
Reagan Taylor is living a lot of women’s dream. She is the longtime girlfriend of NBA star Cameron ‘Styles’ Johnson. Other women’s dream, however, is Reagan’s nightmare as cheating and abuse have become the norm. On a night out, Reagan meets Jewel Sanchez, a young hustler that has decided Reagan is the one for him. Has Reagan jumped from the frying pan to the fire?
What started out with the potential to be a strong story quickly morphed into a typical story, sacrificing plot and character development. Designer clothes, drugs, more money than most people will see in their lifetime, sex and stereotypically handsome/beautiful characters unfortunately filled the pages of Sasha Ravae’s “Counterfeit Dreams.” By no means a bad story, it simply relied too heavily on the same stereotypes and clichés plaguing many books today. (Handsome, light-skinned, green-eyed, curly-haired, millionaire drug dealer with a big thingamajiggy meets cutie with a booty and long hair that has a degree in shopping and not much else going for herself.) With more focus on the meat of the story, this could have very easily been a better read.
The author has potential, but I would strongly suggest the author utilize professionals – editor and graphic designer - for her future releases.
Reviewed by: Toni
2.5 stars
September 13, 2014
WTH!!!
No this book didn't end like that! Jewel and Golden is true and loyal it's hard to find that...so on the note moving on to pt2....OMG
No this book didn't end like that! Jewel and Golden is true and loyal it's hard to find that...so on the note moving on to pt2....OMG
May 29, 2018
Very nice book. At times the story lines were blurred.
I would like to see more substance to each of the chapters. Perhaps add another 50-75 pages to the book.
I would like to see more substance to each of the chapters. Perhaps add another 50-75 pages to the book.
September 29, 2018
A good read.
I enjoyed it enough to want to read # 2. The writing was a lil all over the place, then paned out. Had me smh, angry, cussing and some more shit at times
I enjoyed it enough to want to read # 2. The writing was a lil all over the place, then paned out. Had me smh, angry, cussing and some more shit at times
November 15, 2018
I enjoyed this book. The plot was very good I can’t lie at times I became confused because of all of the suspense but indeed I was kept entertained. I love how it felt like I was in the book myself
October 25, 2022
Counterfeit Dreams
This was something else. A lot of unnecessary blood shed but to be expected if you lead that kind of life. What a shocking lead into the next book.
This was something else. A lot of unnecessary blood shed but to be expected if you lead that kind of life. What a shocking lead into the next book.
June 2, 2024
loved it!!!!
I loved the book entirely but I don’t know what’s coming in the next one and I can’t wait to find out.
I loved the book entirely but I don’t know what’s coming in the next one and I can’t wait to find out.
June 21, 2015
This was my first time reading Author Sasha Ravae’s work; however, it will not be the last! I was into this from the beginning to end, and I would consider myself picky when it comes to books and if they keep my attention. Besides a book holding my attention, I look at the editing style, word choice, etc. within a book to determine the quality. I think that the author took time and effort in writing this which I wish more authors did. I can appreciate a book when I feel the author focused on the presentation of the work and not just about getting it published.
Robyn… I didn’t like how that ended for her… I wanted to hit her for her actions. I think if that were me, we'd probably still be fighting. How you just turn on your “friend” knowing what would happen to her… A key reason you don’t deal with your friend’s family members let alone siblings on a personal level, in my opinion.
Styles…. After what he did, I am surprised it took that long for someone to come for him. His actions were unrepairable, and I couldn’t stand him any longer after that point. I was happy in a way he got what he deserved, but I wish it would have suffered more, since he didn’t have to face the consequences for his actions as much as I would have liked.
Reagan… “Naïve Queen”… I flip-flopped on liking her. In the beginning, she was cool but then I wanted to scream that she was acting this dumb. One thing for sure despite what she did you could tell she wanted her heart to be loyal to one person. Almost everyone has had that one person that made you do some stupid/ dumb as hell things so I couldn’t stay too mad. The way things ended left me feeling that she protected the one true thing she loved…
Brandon…”Mr. Psycho/Jealous”…... I will not say much about him other than jealousy can consume you if you let it… you will have to just read about his foolishness and shenanigans…
Jewel…”The Protector yet Insecure” I liked Jewel from the beginning. He had a great heart and personality, but he had insecure tendencies. His insecurity in ways changed relationships, which may lead to his downfall or success in the end. He showed that just because people cause you hurt and pain you ever stop loving them. I wonder how this all would have turned out if he didn’t have those insecure moments…
I am so ready to read part two… to see how this journey in the series continues. I have a feeling this is only the beginning…. I’m getting ready!
Robyn… I didn’t like how that ended for her… I wanted to hit her for her actions. I think if that were me, we'd probably still be fighting. How you just turn on your “friend” knowing what would happen to her… A key reason you don’t deal with your friend’s family members let alone siblings on a personal level, in my opinion.
Styles…. After what he did, I am surprised it took that long for someone to come for him. His actions were unrepairable, and I couldn’t stand him any longer after that point. I was happy in a way he got what he deserved, but I wish it would have suffered more, since he didn’t have to face the consequences for his actions as much as I would have liked.
Reagan… “Naïve Queen”… I flip-flopped on liking her. In the beginning, she was cool but then I wanted to scream that she was acting this dumb. One thing for sure despite what she did you could tell she wanted her heart to be loyal to one person. Almost everyone has had that one person that made you do some stupid/ dumb as hell things so I couldn’t stay too mad. The way things ended left me feeling that she protected the one true thing she loved…
Brandon…”Mr. Psycho/Jealous”…... I will not say much about him other than jealousy can consume you if you let it… you will have to just read about his foolishness and shenanigans…
Jewel…”The Protector yet Insecure” I liked Jewel from the beginning. He had a great heart and personality, but he had insecure tendencies. His insecurity in ways changed relationships, which may lead to his downfall or success in the end. He showed that just because people cause you hurt and pain you ever stop loving them. I wonder how this all would have turned out if he didn’t have those insecure moments…
I am so ready to read part two… to see how this journey in the series continues. I have a feeling this is only the beginning…. I’m getting ready!
February 28, 2017
Nice Read!
I couldn't put this book down... looking forward to the rest of the series! Great job on keeping the readers attention.
I couldn't put this book down... looking forward to the rest of the series! Great job on keeping the readers attention.
July 6, 2012
Wow! This was my first time reading from Sasha Ravae and the book was very well written.
I liked Reagan though she was a little naive, I think it was bought on because she really didnt have anyone to depend on. She was in a relationship with Styles for 7 years that took her on such an emotional journey, that he made her feel that no matter what he did she had no choice but to stay. Does Reagan Stay or does something finally make her leave?
Styles is a typical guy turn NBA pro who is just out there and not spending enough time with Reagan and it doesnt matter what she tried to do to get him to stay he always finds an out. As you read deeper into the story and get to know Styles you just cant stand him, the things he did to Reagan was terrible. Will he wake up and realize shes the one or will it be too late?
Robyn is Styles sister is she is a snitch when it comes to Reagan and her brother! Robyn does get Reagan to go out for a night of fun where they both met these two guys. Will it be love at first site or a life changing event?
Sasha Ravae did a good job writing this book you get to connect with the characters because you get to see what each one is feeling and how they feel about certain things going on in their lives. This book reminds you that everyone who says that have your back doesnt. This book is filled with friendship, love, betrayal, and of course drama. There are twist and turns in this book some you may see coming and some you dont. I cant wait for part 2!! I need to know what is going to happen next!!
I liked Reagan though she was a little naive, I think it was bought on because she really didnt have anyone to depend on. She was in a relationship with Styles for 7 years that took her on such an emotional journey, that he made her feel that no matter what he did she had no choice but to stay. Does Reagan Stay or does something finally make her leave?
Styles is a typical guy turn NBA pro who is just out there and not spending enough time with Reagan and it doesnt matter what she tried to do to get him to stay he always finds an out. As you read deeper into the story and get to know Styles you just cant stand him, the things he did to Reagan was terrible. Will he wake up and realize shes the one or will it be too late?
Robyn is Styles sister is she is a snitch when it comes to Reagan and her brother! Robyn does get Reagan to go out for a night of fun where they both met these two guys. Will it be love at first site or a life changing event?
Sasha Ravae did a good job writing this book you get to connect with the characters because you get to see what each one is feeling and how they feel about certain things going on in their lives. This book reminds you that everyone who says that have your back doesnt. This book is filled with friendship, love, betrayal, and of course drama. There are twist and turns in this book some you may see coming and some you dont. I cant wait for part 2!! I need to know what is going to happen next!!
September 13, 2012
Love is one of those emotions that should much easier than it is but as the old saying goes, you can’t help who you love. But the question is: Is love supposed to hurt?
Reagan Taylor is a beautiful woman who turns heads wherever she goes without even trying to. She has a natural beauty and a genuine kindness about her that makes men want to cater to her and love her no matter who they are with or who she is with for that matter. Cameron “Styles” Johnson is an NBA star and Reagan’s boyfriend of seven years and loves her but he has a lot of love to spread around and doesn’t mind doing just that. Robyn Johnson is Cameron’s sister and Reagan’s best friend. When Reagan and Styles start having problems, Reagan and Robyn go out and have a night on the town to get Reagan mind off of her problems at home. Robyn meets her newest conquest Brandon and his friend Jewel who appear to be cool people but there is something about these men that change these women lives forever. Robyn and Reagan are thicker than thieves but through various situations Reagan will be shown that blood is thicker than water.
Counterfeit Dreams is the first book by Sasha Ravae but I do not see it as her last. She is on point with her freshman novel, her storyline is very strong, her characters are well-defined and the flow of the book is great. I look forward to seeing more work from Ravae in the future. Great start to a very promising future.
Reagan Taylor is a beautiful woman who turns heads wherever she goes without even trying to. She has a natural beauty and a genuine kindness about her that makes men want to cater to her and love her no matter who they are with or who she is with for that matter. Cameron “Styles” Johnson is an NBA star and Reagan’s boyfriend of seven years and loves her but he has a lot of love to spread around and doesn’t mind doing just that. Robyn Johnson is Cameron’s sister and Reagan’s best friend. When Reagan and Styles start having problems, Reagan and Robyn go out and have a night on the town to get Reagan mind off of her problems at home. Robyn meets her newest conquest Brandon and his friend Jewel who appear to be cool people but there is something about these men that change these women lives forever. Robyn and Reagan are thicker than thieves but through various situations Reagan will be shown that blood is thicker than water.
Counterfeit Dreams is the first book by Sasha Ravae but I do not see it as her last. She is on point with her freshman novel, her storyline is very strong, her characters are well-defined and the flow of the book is great. I look forward to seeing more work from Ravae in the future. Great start to a very promising future.
July 7, 2012
This was a book that took me a while to pick up, but I surely was not disappointed. This was an extremely well written story, that truly explains the meaning of, "Keep your enemies close, but your friends even closer!" The book was pure drama, and some of these characters have you wondering what the hell is wrong with them! This story will definitely not disappoint you, but will leave you with some unanswered questions. I CANNOT wait for part 2!
September 1, 2014
Great storyline that will keep your attention! In Counterfeit Dreams, Reagan gives her all in relationships but bad choices cause her to reap grief & pain. Throughout the story the relationships start off promising but end up disasters. Robyn, Reagan's friend & sister of her boyfriend looks for guys that accommodate her lavish lifestyle. They eventually both end up losing themselves trying to please others. Looking forward to reading part 2
September 6, 2014
This is most definitely A Must Read Book
Everyone was talking about Girl you have got to read Counterfeit Dreams the book is off the Chain. So I Started reading it and Omg This book is Lmaooooo darn good. Brandon is just a straight up dog to do his best friend like that. Reagan is A slur talking about she love one man but plucking another. Too find out more just download the book
Everyone was talking about Girl you have got to read Counterfeit Dreams the book is off the Chain. So I Started reading it and Omg This book is Lmaooooo darn good. Brandon is just a straight up dog to do his best friend like that. Reagan is A slur talking about she love one man but plucking another. Too find out more just download the book
September 10, 2014
I really only started this book because my book club was discussing it but I'm glad I did! It was so good! I felt really bad for Reagan and actually Robyn as well. I didn't like that move she pulled but family is thicker. It's just messed up how Brandon manipulated everyone and ruined lives. Jewel was harsh to Reagan at times and I don't think she deserved that. The ending was like wow!!! I'm on to part 2.
December 13, 2015
A Dream Worth Having
I was asked to read this by Sasha Ravae. I have to say I was very pleased with the book. I couldn't put it down and finished it in one day. There were a lot of twist and turns that kept me wanting more. This book is filled with drama, love triangles, jealousy, broken friendships and relationships, characters who want more out of life and it left me wanting more. If you're looking for a good read I recommend this. I'll definitely be reading part two.
I was asked to read this by Sasha Ravae. I have to say I was very pleased with the book. I couldn't put it down and finished it in one day. There were a lot of twist and turns that kept me wanting more. This book is filled with drama, love triangles, jealousy, broken friendships and relationships, characters who want more out of life and it left me wanting more. If you're looking for a good read I recommend this. I'll definitely be reading part two.
June 4, 2014
This book was definitely a page turner, so many twists to this book that I'm still stunned. No where near predictable, it kept me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end. I really like Jewel's character and can't wait to see what awaits him in the next book. I would recommend and also read again. Onto book 2..
August 24, 2014
A+
glad I can download the sequel cause I definitely was gonna ask where is part two I just wish Reagan and Jewel could've worked out I really like them two together but the mystery now is who just hit up diamond people house I gotta read it so later Sasha gotta read part two ps great book
glad I can download the sequel cause I definitely was gonna ask where is part two I just wish Reagan and Jewel could've worked out I really like them two together but the mystery now is who just hit up diamond people house I gotta read it so later Sasha gotta read part two ps great book
June 22, 2012
This is one of the best reads I've read all year. Once I started I didn't want to stopped. This book had my full attention from the beginning to the end. Drama, Drama and more Drama. I loved every second of it. You have to copped this one. Seriously, this is indeed a 5* read. ”
October 22, 2014
Really
stupid ending get so tired of reading dragged on stories how many more times can you tell one story so over it won't be buying or reading anymore from this author lost my interest.
stupid ending get so tired of reading dragged on stories how many more times can you tell one story so over it won't be buying or reading anymore from this author lost my interest.
January 24, 2016
Honestly...
I knew for it to be 3 books so far, Jewel wasn't in the clear to just live happily....but I'm so not feeling Reagan. I don't know if she's really dead or not....it just seems weird if she is. I figured she would be one of the ones to stay around for a while....
I knew for it to be 3 books so far, Jewel wasn't in the clear to just live happily....but I'm so not feeling Reagan. I don't know if she's really dead or not....it just seems weird if she is. I figured she would be one of the ones to stay around for a while....
November 28, 2015
Wow
Some people have it all and some want it all even if it belongs to someone else,how far would you go to get what you want or who you want from one of your own ,have to read part 2
Some people have it all and some want it all even if it belongs to someone else,how far would you go to get what you want or who you want from one of your own ,have to read part 2
September 20, 2018
I fell in love!
I definitely like the plot twist and the different point of views in this story I would recommend this book to just about anyone one of those things were anyone could enjoy
I definitely like the plot twist and the different point of views in this story I would recommend this book to just about anyone one of those things were anyone could enjoy
June 28, 2012
loved it!
July 19, 2012
Nice read..so deceiful
May 16, 2014
This was a good read. Even tho some plots were predictable, Sasha Rave told a very intriguing story
July 6, 2014
Frienemies
This was a very good read. I enjoyed it from beginning to end. Lots of action and excitement that will leave you hooked. I'm ready for part 2.
This was a very good read. I enjoyed it from beginning to end. Lots of action and excitement that will leave you hooked. I'm ready for part 2.
August 25, 2014
Great book. I'm ready for part 2.
September 2, 2014
Very good..
September 1, 2014
Excellent
this was a good book. I don't think Reagan dies. I would recommend this book to everyone to read. I think she was wrong for sleeping with Brandon.
this was a good book. I don't think Reagan dies. I would recommend this book to everyone to read. I think she was wrong for sleeping with Brandon.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews