Synopsis... All bad bitches got a little good in them. Some diva's will only go so far to prove their love for a man. THEN.... There are those who we call the ride or die boo's. These are the dames that will go all out for their man to let him know that while Every Thug Needs A Lady, she can also flip the script and be that Down Ass Chick he needs her to be. Ride with Mercedes Cudjo as she takes you on a fantastic voyage from the heavenly hills of Dallas Texas, to the Nation's Capitol. As you flip through Bossy with vigor, you will see for yourself how Cudjo becomes that bitch many love hate, but as the mystery in this novel unfolds, you'll discover how Boss B's really do it and why when it's all said and done, they really don't give a damn.
Crystal Perkins-Stell is mother, an educator, and author. She was born April 5 in Newark, New Jersey and raised in Detroit, Michigan. She has always been a blissful dreamer who has never accepted defeat. As a child, she vowed to her mom that one day she would do big things in life. A few decades later, here she is making her dreams a reality.
Crystal is a five-time Who’s Who inductee. She completed her undergraduate degree at Langston University with scholastic honors. She obtained her Master’s degree from the University of Oklahoma, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude. She is a proud member of the Urban League, the Oklahoma City Urban League Young Professionals, SWASAP, TRiO, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., a 2004 honorary inductee of Tau Beta Sigma National Band Sorority, and an affiliate of several professional literary and educational organizations.
Crystal is a advocate for HIV and AIDS Awareness. In 2003, she was granted a citation by the Governor of Oklahoma for dedicated service. After losing a love one to the virus, she participated in a community project with former NFL Players Kenny Blair and Ron Fellows to educate college students. Crystal, along with two other local lyricists, wrote and performed a song entitled, “The Magic Touch,” which they dedicated to Magic Johnson. She also wrote a campaign jingle for the Oklahoma State Senate Election for the Honorable Vickie Miles-Lagrange who was appointed by President Bill Clinton as the first African American, female, federal judge to serve in the United States.
In 2001, Crystal was inspired to give back to individuals less fortunate. She started working on her novel entitled, “Soiled Pillowcases, A Married Woman’s Story.” In 2002, she organized, Crystell Publications, Marketing and Distributions, Inc., a sole proprietorship, and is now on a mission to touch lives by donating scholarships to first-generation and low-income college students.
Her second Hood Rich is a 2005 Essence Magazine Bestseller. The sequel Big Tymers and her daughter's novel Jazzy Little Five-Year-Old is due out in 2006. All of Crystal's novels are guaranteed to hit home for some and play on the emotions of others. Her third novel, "Never Knew A Father's Love" is christian fiction at it's best and is available today. This fine author currently resides in Edmond, Oklahoma and is on a 56 city tour promoting literacy in our communities.
Crystal's motto for all who read her reality based fiction is, "Read, Reflect, and Realize that life has Real Purpose."
Every girl desires some thug from time to time. Sometimes, if she's chosen, she has to be willing to wear that loyalty on her sleeve. Have you ever asked yourself, for that chief what lines are you willing to cross in the name of love?
In BOSSY I, That Chick Most Love To Hate written by Crystal Perkins-Stell we meet Mercedes Cudjo, an unlucky chick who finds herself in the wrong place at the wrong time. With little time to decide between right and wrong, Mercedes rides with her man. In the end, Mercedes is left holding the bag. Can Mercedes be that Boss B she proclaims to be?
In Bossy II, A Down Azz Chick written by Anthony Fields we re-encounter Diamond, who we briefly met in part I. Diamond is Mecca's main chick that willingly goes far and beyond for her man. When Mecca finds himself surrounded by enemies, he sets out to free himself. Will his down azz chick prove to be a Boss B?
I was able to read Bossy in the matter of a few hours. I loved that finally authors are highlighting the roles women are playing in the league, HOWEVER, I would've preferred to read a full in depth novel on both of these Boss B's characters.
Crystal (namesake), you know that you're major to me, and unfortunately, you've gotten me spoiled rotten. While Bossy is an all right read, I know that your pen game is extreme! I felt like you were holding back. I don't know if it was because it's an anthology or what, but I wanted so much more from Mercedes and I hope that we get to peek in on her again. Anthony, welcome to the wonderful world of writing. Lace them boots up and I'll be checking for you in Ghostface Killa.
“Bossy” is comprised of two short stories connected by a character. We’ll consider the stories separately.
Bossy I: That Chick Most Love 2 Hate by Crystal Perkins-Stell
Mercedes Cudjo is up sh*t creek without a paddle. Left holding the bag for a crime she didn’t commit, Mercedes must be the boss b*tch if she plans to survive.
Unlike the title, I didn’t hate her. I didn’t like her. I simply didn’t care. My emotional attachment to the character and story just wasn’t there. Mercedes’ personality isn’t fleshed out enough for readers to anchor their emotions, which keeps you at a distance not really caring what happens to her. In addition to the lead character being undeveloped, the story itself is not cohesive. Enough is enough, and at one point, it was too much. I was disappointed in story one and hesitant to start story two.
Bossy II: A Down Azz Chick by Anthony Fields
King Kong ain’t got nothing on Mecca Senegal. The local police want him. The Feds want him. But with his team, particularly his down azz woman, Diamond, Mecca is untouchable. The bigger they are, the harder they fall. Has Mecca’s time run out?
Things get moving right away with a murder and never dips off. Anthony Fields has a lot to be proud of. He shines in his debut salvaging this book. My only complaint with his story, and really the whole book, is the title and synopsis were misleading. A Down Azz Chick centers around Mecca. His woman played a supporting role as did all the other characters. True, she’s a ride or die chick, but the story wasn’t about her.
With the issues of the first story, a synopsis and title that does not fit, and the need of a good editor, “Bossy” weighs in as a three star read. All is not lost. Since the stories work off of each other, I’d love to see this book repackaged with an overhaul of the first story. Crystal and Anthony could be the Marvin Gaye/Tammy Terrell of the literary world. Crystal, I read “Hood Rich.” I know you can do it. Anthony, keep your head up. Looking forward to “Ghostface Killaz.”
Mercedes Cudjo is a devious, hard-knock life female that resides in the tough streets of Dallas, Texas with a lot of guts. She feels she can say, do, and get whatever she wants - when she wants it. Her life takes a fast twist within the matter of moments. She is placed in jail for a crime she did not commit. Mercedes then meets Bentley, another submissive female with a past history. In jail, the two begin to develop a bond that is mind-boggling. This is going to be a short ride through the streets of Dallas, Texas as “trouble meets trouble."
I rate “Bossy” as a 3. Part I of “Bossy” was a very appealing story. Part II of “Bossy” had too many twists – I got lost through the warp. I felt as though Part II could correlate more with Part I. I really enjoyed the first part by Crystal Perkins-Stell; however Part II by Anthony Fields changed my outlook on the story. It had too many twists and I had to reread to make sure I was following the same story. I would definitely read more books from Crystal Perkins-Stell; however I would second-guess Anthony Fields' books.
Crystal Perkins-Stell is at it again with Bossy, this was a very easy read with many twist and turns in the story. Is Mercedes Cudjo and ride or die chic or Federal? You will have to read the book to find out. How far will a woman go to prove herself to a man????? will it be worth it at the end.