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Commitment #1
Commitment
It was obvious to everyone but them they were all wrong for each other. Riley is a free-spirited boho writer and Shawn is a magnetic and charismatic rapper, riding the highest crest of his career. She doesn't understand his world and he sure as hell doesn't understand hers. And what's worse, while he's never committed to any woman before, she's committed to someone else. Still, they can't stay away from each other. Along with frequent clashes of their equally strong wills, Shawn and Riley will have to face down opposition from friends, family and one extremely motivated groupie, if they want to forge a commitment that will last the test of time.
508 pages, Paperback
First published June 27, 2012
About the author
Nia Forrester
55 books1,047 followersI live in Philadelphia, PA where by day I work on public policy reform, and by night I read authors who move me, and write woman-centered fiction.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 161 reviews
January 24, 2013
SPOILER FREE REVIEW -mature content reader discretion is advised.
4 STARS out of 5
Genre: Urban Romance
FULL REVIEW POSTED 4/6/13
"When I’m with you, I’m with you. And what happens when I’m not with you doesn’t matter." That was their deal. And it worked. At first.
“But you’re right; a lot of rap isn’t poetic, but it isn’t supposed to be. Some of us aren’t poets; we’re the town criers, putting out the word on what’s going on in the streets.” He emptied his glass of the last of his beer.
“Don’t be so skeptical, Riley. You might be surprised.”
“Which are you?” she asked.
“Which . . ?”
“Are you a poet or a town crier?”
“You’ll just have to listen to my music and find out.”
“I have listened to your music.”
“No,” he corrected her. “You said you’d heard it. That’s not the same as listening.”
Twenty five year old independent Riley Terry is a writer for “Power To The People” a paper that prides itself on being the voice for African American community. After seeing a Newsweek article written about a prominent well know rapper/hip- hop star her editor and chief, Greg, assigns her a new assignment. He is aware that rapper K-Smooth aka Shawn will be making an appearance at a club tonight and he has chosen Riley to interview him. Of course she does not want the job. This would be taking her out of her writing comfort zone and practically in to unknown territory. Riley mainly wrote on Political topics so this was waaay off the beaten path. For one, she is not a fan of rap and for two, she is not a fan of rap. *Grins* Of course she has no clue that she is about to meet her future husband.
‘The scene at the nightclub made it clear that the fundamentals were the same. Parties, women. The usual crap.’
Riley not only scores her interview with Shawn as he prefers her to call him; she also scores a HOT and SWEATY one nightstand. But when Riley walks away easily and leaves Shawn wanting more he finally gets to see what its like when the tables are turned. He usually has to kick the groupies out after sex but not Riley. This chick left on her own. And without even looking back…
Weeks go by before Shawn makes the first move, he calls Riley wanting to see her. This becomes the routine even though he knows Riley has a man Shawn can’t help himself. He has to have her any way he could get her. He knew she was out of his league.
‘She was from the other Black America; the one he had glimpsed when he was growing up in DC but had never been a part of. The one that was populated by what seemed like mythical creatures straight out of the Cosby Show.’
Shawn can’t wrap his mind around Riley nor her motivation for continuing to see him. She has a very care free I can take you or leave you type attitude. Yet he himself can’t seem to get enough of her. Her being in a relationship starts to eat away at him.
“I might as well be some guy climbing out of your window late at night. What we do is no different from that.”
“And that bothers you all of a sudden?” she demanded.
“What bothers me is that every dude in here has as much right to step to you as I do. No matter how many times we’ve been together, that never changes. You’re with somebody else.”
After months of seeing one another he decides to put it all on the line. He buys a ring and asks her to marry him. She accepts. But these two soon learn that nothing is easy about married life.
“In both instances, it requires trust. I have to trust that those ‘random chicks’ don’t interest you, and you have to trust that . . .” she looked him directly at him, “I do not, could not, want anyone but you, Shawn Gardner.” Their eyes locked and Shawn’s irritation turned to mist. Damn. When she said shit like that, looking at him the way she was, it was game-fucking-over.
This relationship did not exactly start in honesty. Nothing is honest about seeing another man’s woman; or a woman sneaking around on her man.
Shawn chose marriage because he loved Riley and wanted her to be his and his alone.
Riley loves Shawn and is willing to do whatever it takes to make him happy as long as she does not loose herself in the process.
One mistake can cost Shawn everything. EVERYTHING…
Thoughts
I loved it!!!! I love these characters! I think it’s crazy how Shawn never thought through being married. Yes, Riley would be his and off limits. But he never considered his self off limits. Um, come again? Who does that?.. Typical male and their damn egos. Overall I loved Shawn, he loved Riley FIERCELY. He was a total alpha male and would whoop dat ass if you so much as looked like you wanted his wife. Riley was passionate I love how she carried her sexiness yet knew not of it’s effect on men. THAT WAS H O T!!!! I also loved her mother, Lorna. Funny how her mother was a feminist well not just a feminist an extreme feminist. Lorna was feisty he gave great advice. I loved her honesty and eventual acceptance of Shawn she became a protective mother bear to him just like she is with Riley. That’s LOVE.
I definitely will be reading book two in the series. I am very curious about Tracy and Brendan’s relationship and I can’t wait to see what goes down between them. Tracy gave it to Riley straight so I’m interested to see if she can take just as much as she gave. AWESOME book Nia Forrester! You have a new fan!!!!
My Ratings
Characters- Lovable and Cocky
Writing Style- Strong
Plot/Storyline- Slowly pulls you in, will have emotionally tangled
Steam Factor- Medium/Moderately Steamy
Overall- I loved it!!!!
Now go forth and read. Then come tell us about it on Goodreads!
For more reviews got to http://realitybites-letsgetlost.blogs...
4 STARS out of 5
Genre: Urban Romance
FULL REVIEW POSTED 4/6/13
"When I’m with you, I’m with you. And what happens when I’m not with you doesn’t matter." That was their deal. And it worked. At first.
“But you’re right; a lot of rap isn’t poetic, but it isn’t supposed to be. Some of us aren’t poets; we’re the town criers, putting out the word on what’s going on in the streets.” He emptied his glass of the last of his beer.
“Don’t be so skeptical, Riley. You might be surprised.”
“Which are you?” she asked.
“Which . . ?”
“Are you a poet or a town crier?”
“You’ll just have to listen to my music and find out.”
“I have listened to your music.”
“No,” he corrected her. “You said you’d heard it. That’s not the same as listening.”
Twenty five year old independent Riley Terry is a writer for “Power To The People” a paper that prides itself on being the voice for African American community. After seeing a Newsweek article written about a prominent well know rapper/hip- hop star her editor and chief, Greg, assigns her a new assignment. He is aware that rapper K-Smooth aka Shawn will be making an appearance at a club tonight and he has chosen Riley to interview him. Of course she does not want the job. This would be taking her out of her writing comfort zone and practically in to unknown territory. Riley mainly wrote on Political topics so this was waaay off the beaten path. For one, she is not a fan of rap and for two, she is not a fan of rap. *Grins* Of course she has no clue that she is about to meet her future husband.
‘The scene at the nightclub made it clear that the fundamentals were the same. Parties, women. The usual crap.’
Riley not only scores her interview with Shawn as he prefers her to call him; she also scores a HOT and SWEATY one nightstand. But when Riley walks away easily and leaves Shawn wanting more he finally gets to see what its like when the tables are turned. He usually has to kick the groupies out after sex but not Riley. This chick left on her own. And without even looking back…
Weeks go by before Shawn makes the first move, he calls Riley wanting to see her. This becomes the routine even though he knows Riley has a man Shawn can’t help himself. He has to have her any way he could get her. He knew she was out of his league.
‘She was from the other Black America; the one he had glimpsed when he was growing up in DC but had never been a part of. The one that was populated by what seemed like mythical creatures straight out of the Cosby Show.’
Shawn can’t wrap his mind around Riley nor her motivation for continuing to see him. She has a very care free I can take you or leave you type attitude. Yet he himself can’t seem to get enough of her. Her being in a relationship starts to eat away at him.
“I might as well be some guy climbing out of your window late at night. What we do is no different from that.”
“And that bothers you all of a sudden?” she demanded.
“What bothers me is that every dude in here has as much right to step to you as I do. No matter how many times we’ve been together, that never changes. You’re with somebody else.”
After months of seeing one another he decides to put it all on the line. He buys a ring and asks her to marry him. She accepts. But these two soon learn that nothing is easy about married life.
“In both instances, it requires trust. I have to trust that those ‘random chicks’ don’t interest you, and you have to trust that . . .” she looked him directly at him, “I do not, could not, want anyone but you, Shawn Gardner.” Their eyes locked and Shawn’s irritation turned to mist. Damn. When she said shit like that, looking at him the way she was, it was game-fucking-over.
This relationship did not exactly start in honesty. Nothing is honest about seeing another man’s woman; or a woman sneaking around on her man.
Shawn chose marriage because he loved Riley and wanted her to be his and his alone.
Riley loves Shawn and is willing to do whatever it takes to make him happy as long as she does not loose herself in the process.
One mistake can cost Shawn everything. EVERYTHING…
Thoughts
I loved it!!!! I love these characters! I think it’s crazy how Shawn never thought through being married. Yes, Riley would be his and off limits. But he never considered his self off limits. Um, come again? Who does that?.. Typical male and their damn egos. Overall I loved Shawn, he loved Riley FIERCELY. He was a total alpha male and would whoop dat ass if you so much as looked like you wanted his wife. Riley was passionate I love how she carried her sexiness yet knew not of it’s effect on men. THAT WAS H O T!!!! I also loved her mother, Lorna. Funny how her mother was a feminist well not just a feminist an extreme feminist. Lorna was feisty he gave great advice. I loved her honesty and eventual acceptance of Shawn she became a protective mother bear to him just like she is with Riley. That’s LOVE.
I definitely will be reading book two in the series. I am very curious about Tracy and Brendan’s relationship and I can’t wait to see what goes down between them. Tracy gave it to Riley straight so I’m interested to see if she can take just as much as she gave. AWESOME book Nia Forrester! You have a new fan!!!!
My Ratings
Characters- Lovable and Cocky
Writing Style- Strong
Plot/Storyline- Slowly pulls you in, will have emotionally tangled
Steam Factor- Medium/Moderately Steamy
Overall- I loved it!!!!
Now go forth and read. Then come tell us about it on Goodreads!
For more reviews got to http://realitybites-letsgetlost.blogs...
![Profile Image for Michelle [Helen Geek].](https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/users/1448463806i/5557851._CR0,13,200,200_.jpg)
March 2, 2013
06/07/2015 -- Re-read
I think this is the third time I'm reading this book. Why? It's just that good. It does something for me. I knew I had this business trip coming up and wanted to read the newest book in this series so I planned to start from the beginning.
Shawn and Riley are interesting to me. They are extraordinarily talented people who struggle with the normal relationship stuff we all struggle with. The background may be a bit different, but on the inside, they have the same insecurities as the rest of us. In each other, they've found their peace and their challenge.
I happened on this author in 2013. I picked this book up as a Freebie on Amazon. It really appealed to me because I know nothing about Hip Hop and thought it'd be a nice change of pace.
What strikes you immediately is the talent this author has. She develops a story with detail, nuance and rich characterization. Read her bio and you'll be intrigued like I was.
I liked this story more this third time than I have the first two times I've read it. Some books you read and enjoy but know you won't read again. Others, they have a yearly place [or so] on your reading list. These books are truly special for the reader. This is book, this series, it like that for me.
Happy Reading!!
======================================
03/04/2013 –
Overall Rating = 5 Stars
Book Cover / Book Blurb = 3 / 4 = 3.5 Stars
Writer’s Voice = 5 Stars
Character Development = 5 Stars
Story Appreciation = 5 Stars
Worth the Chili = 5 Stars [$4.99 Amazon [Prime too] & B&N]
Have you ever read a book that was so good you want to be able to express your thoughts so well that anyone reading the review will immediately NEED to read the book? This is that book. I actually read this series totally out of order. Not a big issue, but I’m pretty anal and it bothered me a bit at first. No worries. I don’t think I could have enjoyed a book more than I did this one. I remember having this same feeling when I found Kristen Ashley. These two writer’s couldn’t be more different, and by now you know KA has, to me, lost some of her luster. Nia Forrester, THIS author … I can't imagine this happening. I’m now reading my fourth book by her and she really is that good. Seriously good.
A few things I liked about this story:
1 – The whole rapper scene was interesting. How hard these guys work. How temptation is thrown in their path almost constantly. How far they’ve come from their previous experiences. How poetry lives in their soul. All these things I experienced as I read this story. Shawn was magnificent. He definitely isn’t perfect, but you understood the guy. He is so jaded that, when he finally has a chance meeting with a bit of perfect sunlight, he grabs with both hands. He understand how fleeting opportunities are and he knows you either grab or not. Ready or not. He has made his mark being just that person. Ready or not, here I come.
2 – Riley. When you first meet her you aren’t sure you’re really going to warm up to her. But you do. You are firmly in her camp through the whole book. She definitely goes through some travail’s with Shawn, but at the heart of it, she knows he is her soul. She puts pride and pressure of friends and family aside to learn to trust him again. She has courage that we don’t see often; courage of the heart.
3 – The length of this story. It was long and I just didn’t want to see it end. I loved the immersion into the lives of these two people, their family and friends. This author pulls us in with deep and meaningful dialogue. She paints people we would love to meet and know better. She makes us laugh to ourselves, shake our heads at some of the situations, and read on even while tears flow down our cheeks, as these two find each again. When the book was over, I wanted to immediately read it again. I know I’ll read it again before the year is out. I’ll recommend it until people get tired of me. It will be a book I turn to time and again. It makes me feel good. It makes me remember the love of my life. The looks. The touches. It makes us realize how precious it all is and if we throw it away…? It just may never come back.
4 – This book is an Amazon Prime book. I was able to borrow it, but plan to buy it immediately and keep it in my library. Why am I mentioning this? I really like authors who offer us this opportunity. Rather like the library. If you are questioning a purchase, this is a great opportunity, if you are a Prime member – and I am!
I’m trying to think of something that makes people just so happy they want to laugh and dance and hug and yell loudly. For me, thinking of a sweet baby’s cheeks as they sit and chew their fingers. You want to just hug and kiss and nibble on those cheeks and tell this baby how you love them. Whisper sweet nothings and hum softly. This is the way this book made me feel. It was that warm, happy, loud inside, place. This author has a treasured place on my FAVORITE author list. This book, a favorite book. I’ll buy immediately anything she writes. She has proven to me, she has skill and is not a fluke of a book or two. The way she puts words together isn’t kitschy or unique, but rather -- just well written and intelligent. Something you don’t find too often anymore; words that paint a picture, completely. Words that pull feelings out of you and onto the next sentence, onto the next paragraph like you are that pacman creature gobbling and gobbling. You just can’t get enough.
I highly recommend this book. I highly recommend anything this author writes. I seriously hope you give her an opportunity to entertain you. You will not be sorry.
Happy Reading!
I think this is the third time I'm reading this book. Why? It's just that good. It does something for me. I knew I had this business trip coming up and wanted to read the newest book in this series so I planned to start from the beginning.
Shawn and Riley are interesting to me. They are extraordinarily talented people who struggle with the normal relationship stuff we all struggle with. The background may be a bit different, but on the inside, they have the same insecurities as the rest of us. In each other, they've found their peace and their challenge.
I happened on this author in 2013. I picked this book up as a Freebie on Amazon. It really appealed to me because I know nothing about Hip Hop and thought it'd be a nice change of pace.
What strikes you immediately is the talent this author has. She develops a story with detail, nuance and rich characterization. Read her bio and you'll be intrigued like I was.
I liked this story more this third time than I have the first two times I've read it. Some books you read and enjoy but know you won't read again. Others, they have a yearly place [or so] on your reading list. These books are truly special for the reader. This is book, this series, it like that for me.
Happy Reading!!
======================================
03/04/2013 –
Overall Rating = 5 Stars
Book Cover / Book Blurb = 3 / 4 = 3.5 Stars
Writer’s Voice = 5 Stars
Character Development = 5 Stars
Story Appreciation = 5 Stars
Worth the Chili = 5 Stars [$4.99 Amazon [Prime too] & B&N]
Have you ever read a book that was so good you want to be able to express your thoughts so well that anyone reading the review will immediately NEED to read the book? This is that book. I actually read this series totally out of order. Not a big issue, but I’m pretty anal and it bothered me a bit at first. No worries. I don’t think I could have enjoyed a book more than I did this one. I remember having this same feeling when I found Kristen Ashley. These two writer’s couldn’t be more different, and by now you know KA has, to me, lost some of her luster. Nia Forrester, THIS author … I can't imagine this happening. I’m now reading my fourth book by her and she really is that good. Seriously good.
A few things I liked about this story:
1 – The whole rapper scene was interesting. How hard these guys work. How temptation is thrown in their path almost constantly. How far they’ve come from their previous experiences. How poetry lives in their soul. All these things I experienced as I read this story. Shawn was magnificent. He definitely isn’t perfect, but you understood the guy. He is so jaded that, when he finally has a chance meeting with a bit of perfect sunlight, he grabs with both hands. He understand how fleeting opportunities are and he knows you either grab or not. Ready or not. He has made his mark being just that person. Ready or not, here I come.
2 – Riley. When you first meet her you aren’t sure you’re really going to warm up to her. But you do. You are firmly in her camp through the whole book. She definitely goes through some travail’s with Shawn, but at the heart of it, she knows he is her soul. She puts pride and pressure of friends and family aside to learn to trust him again. She has courage that we don’t see often; courage of the heart.
3 – The length of this story. It was long and I just didn’t want to see it end. I loved the immersion into the lives of these two people, their family and friends. This author pulls us in with deep and meaningful dialogue. She paints people we would love to meet and know better. She makes us laugh to ourselves, shake our heads at some of the situations, and read on even while tears flow down our cheeks, as these two find each again. When the book was over, I wanted to immediately read it again. I know I’ll read it again before the year is out. I’ll recommend it until people get tired of me. It will be a book I turn to time and again. It makes me feel good. It makes me remember the love of my life. The looks. The touches. It makes us realize how precious it all is and if we throw it away…? It just may never come back.
4 – This book is an Amazon Prime book. I was able to borrow it, but plan to buy it immediately and keep it in my library. Why am I mentioning this? I really like authors who offer us this opportunity. Rather like the library. If you are questioning a purchase, this is a great opportunity, if you are a Prime member – and I am!
I’m trying to think of something that makes people just so happy they want to laugh and dance and hug and yell loudly. For me, thinking of a sweet baby’s cheeks as they sit and chew their fingers. You want to just hug and kiss and nibble on those cheeks and tell this baby how you love them. Whisper sweet nothings and hum softly. This is the way this book made me feel. It was that warm, happy, loud inside, place. This author has a treasured place on my FAVORITE author list. This book, a favorite book. I’ll buy immediately anything she writes. She has proven to me, she has skill and is not a fluke of a book or two. The way she puts words together isn’t kitschy or unique, but rather -- just well written and intelligent. Something you don’t find too often anymore; words that paint a picture, completely. Words that pull feelings out of you and onto the next sentence, onto the next paragraph like you are that pacman creature gobbling and gobbling. You just can’t get enough.
I highly recommend this book. I highly recommend anything this author writes. I seriously hope you give her an opportunity to entertain you. You will not be sorry.
Happy Reading!
January 19, 2018
DNF @ 66%
I admit, it's my fault for not reading other reviews first but
I can't believe I almost wasted my whole day on this. I'm going to apologise first if this whole review/rant is not coherent because I'm just so angry.
For the safety gang, let's just say this book is not up your alley.
The underlying premise involves cheating (I'm not going to label it as a spoiler because it's already stated in the synopsis) because the H and h's relationship started out as an affair. Riley already had a boyfriend, Brian, but still sees Shawn. I'm not saying what Riley did was right,
.
It was at this moment I knew that I couldn't read any longer.
I admit, it's my fault for not reading other reviews first but
I can't believe I almost wasted my whole day on this. I'm going to apologise first if this whole review/rant is not coherent because I'm just so angry.
For the safety gang, let's just say this book is not up your alley.
The underlying premise involves cheating (I'm not going to label it as a spoiler because it's already stated in the synopsis) because the H and h's relationship started out as an affair. Riley already had a boyfriend, Brian, but still sees Shawn. I'm not saying what Riley did was right,
.
It was at this moment I knew that I couldn't read any longer.
May 8, 2024
Nia is a NTMA but I can see why she’s a fav. The depth of the characters, the details, the lessons learned 🤌🏾
Within these 616 pages, we have two people from completely different worlds who dive head first into marriage and honey - they stressed me! I spent a lot of the first half of the book feeling bad for Shawn because he fell head over heels for Riley and she was EXASPERATING. I don’t think I’ve ever rolled my eyes at a fmc so much but once you meet Riley’s mom, Lorna, her ways make sense.
The real work came after these two were married. There was no fairy tale love after the wedding - life came at these two FAST. In the last half of this book we got to see these two really do the work to stay committed to one another. There was lots of miscommunication and a huge mistake that could have cost Shawn everything but in the end, I think these two had a better understanding of each other and what it takes to stay married.
Note: if infidelity in books isn’t your thing, this won’t be your jam.
Within these 616 pages, we have two people from completely different worlds who dive head first into marriage and honey - they stressed me! I spent a lot of the first half of the book feeling bad for Shawn because he fell head over heels for Riley and she was EXASPERATING. I don’t think I’ve ever rolled my eyes at a fmc so much but once you meet Riley’s mom, Lorna, her ways make sense.
The real work came after these two were married. There was no fairy tale love after the wedding - life came at these two FAST. In the last half of this book we got to see these two really do the work to stay committed to one another. There was lots of miscommunication and a huge mistake that could have cost Shawn everything but in the end, I think these two had a better understanding of each other and what it takes to stay married.
Note: if infidelity in books isn’t your thing, this won’t be your jam.
March 9, 2017
First book in a very strong set of books, with realistic, believable and appealing characters.
Riley has been raised to be a strong, independent young woman who questions the world and is beginning to make her mark as a writer and social commentator. When she is assigned the (to her) 'dud' assignment of interviewing a famous rap star, she is prepared to meet a misogynistic and OTT man who regards women as objects etc etc. But when she actually meets Shawn, all of her preconceptions are turned on their head by this charismatic and thoughtful young man.
The budding relationship between Shawn and Riley is written beautifully. Both characters have some insecurities and some growing to do. And this is where things get angsty. There is a HEA, but the trip to get there is quite rocky. Some readers will stop reading when the OW business happens, but I was invested in these characters and kept on going. The circumstances were believable, and the characters' reactions realistic.
I have little knowledge of the world of rap and its superstars, but Forrester is a quality writer who makes you care about her characters. I found myself fascinated by this glimpse into the hyped-up world of the music industry, and I have enjoyed the whole series of these books. This one isn't my fav as it's quite angsty at times, but it's still a really good read, and a solid introduction to the series. My favs are still Afterwards and Afterburn (Chris Scaife and Robyn Crandall's story), and The Fall (Riley's mother's story). The Come Up is pretty good too. A great series for those who enjoy character-driven contemporaries with involving storylines and very realistic characters.
Riley has been raised to be a strong, independent young woman who questions the world and is beginning to make her mark as a writer and social commentator. When she is assigned the (to her) 'dud' assignment of interviewing a famous rap star, she is prepared to meet a misogynistic and OTT man who regards women as objects etc etc. But when she actually meets Shawn, all of her preconceptions are turned on their head by this charismatic and thoughtful young man.
The budding relationship between Shawn and Riley is written beautifully. Both characters have some insecurities and some growing to do. And this is where things get angsty. There is a HEA, but the trip to get there is quite rocky. Some readers will stop reading when the OW business happens, but I was invested in these characters and kept on going. The circumstances were believable, and the characters' reactions realistic.
I have little knowledge of the world of rap and its superstars, but Forrester is a quality writer who makes you care about her characters. I found myself fascinated by this glimpse into the hyped-up world of the music industry, and I have enjoyed the whole series of these books. This one isn't my fav as it's quite angsty at times, but it's still a really good read, and a solid introduction to the series. My favs are still Afterwards and Afterburn (Chris Scaife and Robyn Crandall's story), and The Fall (Riley's mother's story). The Come Up is pretty good too. A great series for those who enjoy character-driven contemporaries with involving storylines and very realistic characters.
October 22, 2012
When I opened this book I hoped it would be good I got just what I wanted because it really a good book . This book is about what it takes to make a relationship work. In this book Shawn and Riley meet fall in love and get married most books end at that point but this Book is about the commitment of being in a marriage that is the hard part. The commitment part of the relationship is what makes this book good. This is not a fairytale this is a real love story with real problems.Riley and Shawn faced with problems that will make you or break you real love and commitment is what gets them through their problem.
October 12, 2012
This story was unbelievable amazing from the first page to the last. While I was reading it about 4% of the way through I thought wow, is this story really this good. The answer to that was 100% yes, even at the very beginning Riley and Shawn just drew me in. We get to read about the development of this relationship from the very first meeting, through their tumultuous courtship, through the good, and the very bad times. If you like a long, thoroughly satisfying book this is for you. Yes it is super long, but there is not a dull moment. So if you are not a fan of longer stories, this one will not feel like it to. The supporting characters were something else, especially Lorna, Riley's mom. She really bought something amazing to the story. The relationship between Lorna and Shawn later on in the story was just something that always put a smile on my face. It'll also be interesting to see how Brendan and Tracy fare. I would say this book is in my top 5 read this year, and I'm looking forward to reading more from this author.
March 6, 2013
DNF. Wasn't feeling it. Lacked sass. And I loath infidelity - Riley could be forgiven for forgetting Brian the first time, but after nine months? No. Just no.
January 22, 2024
The hero is a rapper and the heroine a journalist. She cheats on her bf with the hero for months before dumping him. The hero cheats on her after they’ve been married only a few months. I understand that he’s a rapper and living in the fast lane you know, it’s some kind of party, concert, booze, groupies , rinse repeat. But it’s just not my thang.
He was bound to cheat. And he’s bound to cheat again. There’s no real feeling between him and the heroine. The dialogues are long but inconclusive, they are both going nowhere.
She’s kind of smart and intellectual and they really do the kind of smart talking that is not what you expect from a rapper. I mean, hubby and I are two psychologists and we don’t talk like that except for job related matters. 😂
The hero is actually an immature guy, he’s attracted by every woman he meets, but he feels insecure because the heroine cheated on her bf so he’s afraid she will cheat on him too. But he’s the one who cheats and no matter if he was drunk, of course he was, a rapper after a concert is either drunk or also high too …
Then the groupie he rejected after that one time decides to make him pay and accuses him of rape. I didn’t like this part and I was angrier with the heroine who stayed with him and had to suffer this further humiliation than for him.
Of course it’s wrong and it is sexist, because the woman can always cry rape and the man has to go through humiliation and trial even when he’s innocent. The heroine was meh. I didn’t feel that she loved him so much. I think she stayed because of what we call reducing cognitive dissonance. She made the wrong choice with her ex bf, a man who loved her and was faithful to her just for the thrill of being with the famous rapper, then when she realized he was not that much, she stayed with him to have self confirmation that she had done the right thing leaving her bf for him.
I don’t see a future for them. The writing is good, and I must admit that it took me half the book to understand that the characters were Afro Americans, thinking they’re were very racist white people since they used to refer to each other in terms of nigga and negro! I was appalled before understanding that they are actually Afro Americans and this is how they use to talk. lol!
He was bound to cheat. And he’s bound to cheat again. There’s no real feeling between him and the heroine. The dialogues are long but inconclusive, they are both going nowhere.
She’s kind of smart and intellectual and they really do the kind of smart talking that is not what you expect from a rapper. I mean, hubby and I are two psychologists and we don’t talk like that except for job related matters. 😂
The hero is actually an immature guy, he’s attracted by every woman he meets, but he feels insecure because the heroine cheated on her bf so he’s afraid she will cheat on him too. But he’s the one who cheats and no matter if he was drunk, of course he was, a rapper after a concert is either drunk or also high too …
Then the groupie he rejected after that one time decides to make him pay and accuses him of rape. I didn’t like this part and I was angrier with the heroine who stayed with him and had to suffer this further humiliation than for him.
Of course it’s wrong and it is sexist, because the woman can always cry rape and the man has to go through humiliation and trial even when he’s innocent. The heroine was meh. I didn’t feel that she loved him so much. I think she stayed because of what we call reducing cognitive dissonance. She made the wrong choice with her ex bf, a man who loved her and was faithful to her just for the thrill of being with the famous rapper, then when she realized he was not that much, she stayed with him to have self confirmation that she had done the right thing leaving her bf for him.
I don’t see a future for them. The writing is good, and I must admit that it took me half the book to understand that the characters were Afro Americans, thinking they’re were very racist white people since they used to refer to each other in terms of nigga and negro! I was appalled before understanding that they are actually Afro Americans and this is how they use to talk. lol!
January 24, 2013
I had to give this book five stars just for the surprise factor! Nia Forrester was a new name to me, and I read this book on a whim. I am so glad I did I cannot even explain. The description of the story left a lot to question. I was, and still am, so surprised by the depth of this story. I fell in love with all of the characters, now matter how much I didn't want to. I was worried that the entirety of the story would be based around a love triangle, but it was at about 10% that the love triangle was over. Each of the characters were so multi-layered I cannot begin to explain their depth. The book is a great length and allows the reader to build an emotional connection with the characters. I am especially excited because there is a follow-up book using some of the supporting characters. I was skeptical about reading this book, but I am so very happy I did. I very highly recommend this.
March 2, 2020
I’m rereading this series and I am astounded by how much I missed the first time. It is very strange reading a book again and realizing just how much information you glossed over just because you liked the story. For instance,
Riley and her mom are elitist and classed feminists who actually believe that they are better and smarter than everyone around them. Shawn also can finally get women who would have overlooked him if they had met him earlier in his life because he was beneath them. It turns out he was slumming it with ‘hood rats’ until he could get his money up; as if poor women from “the hood” do not deserve love or respect.
The funny thing about this is that he ends up cheating on Riley with a couple of these women but Riley stays. Which is very much on par with classed and privileged women. They stay and convince themselves that these men will not cheat on them again because they can’t afford to lose them. They rationalize to themselves that they are nothing like these other women and staying and keeping the man on track speaks more to their power. Riley is the reward Shawn thinks he deserves after working so hard to get out of the hood and Shawn is Riley’s way of rebelling.
Refusing to accept money from your rich husband because you want to prove that you aren’t like the gold diggers and not with him for his money is the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard. So you’re going to go halves with him throughout however long the marriages lasts because you are in competition with other women who don’t even know you to be the best woman ever?
Okay then.
Riley and her mom are elitist and classed feminists who actually believe that they are better and smarter than everyone around them. Shawn also can finally get women who would have overlooked him if they had met him earlier in his life because he was beneath them. It turns out he was slumming it with ‘hood rats’ until he could get his money up; as if poor women from “the hood” do not deserve love or respect.
The funny thing about this is that he ends up cheating on Riley with a couple of these women but Riley stays. Which is very much on par with classed and privileged women. They stay and convince themselves that these men will not cheat on them again because they can’t afford to lose them. They rationalize to themselves that they are nothing like these other women and staying and keeping the man on track speaks more to their power. Riley is the reward Shawn thinks he deserves after working so hard to get out of the hood and Shawn is Riley’s way of rebelling.
Refusing to accept money from your rich husband because you want to prove that you aren’t like the gold diggers and not with him for his money is the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard. So you’re going to go halves with him throughout however long the marriages lasts because you are in competition with other women who don’t even know you to be the best woman ever?
Okay then.
November 1, 2013
It’s taken a while for me to write a review because I don’t have many ways to articulate just how crafty a writer Nia Forrester is. As a reader, I want to escape into the world of contemporary romance. Sometimes I like lofty plots and exaggerated storylines. And there are times I want everyday people and normal circumstances. Nia gives both, somehow having the ability to make fiction so real.
I won’t get into the plot of “Commitment” or how original and/or unique it was; I will simply say she did a great job at drawing me into the lives of not so perfect people with relatable circumstances. Once again, I applaud Nia on weaving a fascinating tale that had me forgetting to tend to my household from the time I started the book, until I finished.
#Salute
~LB
I won’t get into the plot of “Commitment” or how original and/or unique it was; I will simply say she did a great job at drawing me into the lives of not so perfect people with relatable circumstances. Once again, I applaud Nia on weaving a fascinating tale that had me forgetting to tend to my household from the time I started the book, until I finished.
#Salute
~LB
October 17, 2012
This was a freebie and also the first novel that I have read by Ms. Forrester, and all I can say is WOW!!!! The chemistry between Riley and Shawn was so powerful from the very beginning, they came from totally different worlds and had so many different views or at least that’s what they thought…..What was supposed to be a interview with a “Rapper” turned into one of the best nights of Riley’s life……LOVE AND HIP HOP IN IT’S FINEST………This is a must read so if you are looking for a new author PLEASE give Ms. Forrester a try….. I can honestly say I was NOT disappointed!!!
August 11, 2012
There are very few new authors that can weave a story that examines the complexities of black love and stereotypes, with such candor and depth as Ms. Forrester. Her versatility and emotional range appear limitless as she illustrates many aspects of black devotion, while illuminating the madness of K-Smooth's chaotic media frenzied world.
The love story of Hip Hop rap star Kendall Shawn (K Smooth) Gardner and writer Riley Terry gives readers a deep look into the budding love of an A-List media personality. They are complete opposites but each time they connect their bond is strengthen and the decision to make a lasting commitment or go their separate ways becomes paramount.
I enjoyed how 'Commitment' reminds readers how many Hip Hop artists have forgotten that authentic Hip Hop music originally provided an awareness of cultural and societal issues through meaningful messages of inclusion, equity, justice, and political consciousness. The commercialization of the music genre today is being deluded by images of violence, wealth, and sex to entertain instead of educate. It's a wonderful story thread demonstrated in the views of Lorna Terry (Riley's mother) and the newest Hip Hop group 'Glock'.
Most romance stories end at the 'happily ever after' but 'Commitment' proves the real love story is shown in the trials and uncertainties the couple endures together. If you want a novel that takes you deep into the psyche of a man trying to become the man his woman deserves and a woman learning to navigate love with her own inner compass, then you MUST read 'Commitment'.
Overall theme of love, forgiveness and dedication might seem simple but the ramifications of betrayal under media scrutiny are not. Raw emotions run deep and sometimes acrimonious in Ms. Forrester's fiction but readers will be captivated by a powerful, flawed, and genuinely creative couple trying to stay anchored to each other. When you read the last words of this novel, you'll know it's an interpretation of black love at its best.
Angeline M. Bishop
Author of North Star
The love story of Hip Hop rap star Kendall Shawn (K Smooth) Gardner and writer Riley Terry gives readers a deep look into the budding love of an A-List media personality. They are complete opposites but each time they connect their bond is strengthen and the decision to make a lasting commitment or go their separate ways becomes paramount.
I enjoyed how 'Commitment' reminds readers how many Hip Hop artists have forgotten that authentic Hip Hop music originally provided an awareness of cultural and societal issues through meaningful messages of inclusion, equity, justice, and political consciousness. The commercialization of the music genre today is being deluded by images of violence, wealth, and sex to entertain instead of educate. It's a wonderful story thread demonstrated in the views of Lorna Terry (Riley's mother) and the newest Hip Hop group 'Glock'.
Most romance stories end at the 'happily ever after' but 'Commitment' proves the real love story is shown in the trials and uncertainties the couple endures together. If you want a novel that takes you deep into the psyche of a man trying to become the man his woman deserves and a woman learning to navigate love with her own inner compass, then you MUST read 'Commitment'.
Overall theme of love, forgiveness and dedication might seem simple but the ramifications of betrayal under media scrutiny are not. Raw emotions run deep and sometimes acrimonious in Ms. Forrester's fiction but readers will be captivated by a powerful, flawed, and genuinely creative couple trying to stay anchored to each other. When you read the last words of this novel, you'll know it's an interpretation of black love at its best.
Angeline M. Bishop
Author of North Star
September 15, 2019
Nothing wrong with the writing . This was such a complex heart breaking read and it is excellent. I just found it made me sad and for that I didn't score it higher. I loved it once the infidelity had happened and we saw how they dealt with it but ...My heart hurt for his wife. the hardest thing was through the last 20% how she had to hear about what Shawn did, I never fully understood why and I found the premeditated element where he has bought Keisha a plane ticket etc was never discussed enough.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 22, 2017
I struggled to finish this book and I actually couldn't finish it. This is very unusual for me. I found that this book is extremely pointless, with childish behaviour that a mature woman or man wouldn't tolerate. It has absolutely no heart. It has no emotion. It is dry. Boring. It is a struggle to read. Sorry. Not for me.
November 2, 2012
This story renewed my desire to explore new books. I had been searching and taking suggestions on what to read. Nothing could hold my attention. Then out of the blue when I wasn't really looking I found this wonderful story. Finally, good writing. I loved the story. An examination of relationships indeed. Ideas of what a relationship should be, when it should be, how your ideals and ideas about relationships are challenged when they do not fit into another persons idea or ideals about relationships. This story is both entertaining and thought provoking. A great balance. Before the whole ebook revolution you could tell if I liked a book by the markings i made. well thank goodness for geek geniuses who created the kindle app for iPad, else i would have had to run to the dollar store and get a new notebook just for my comments. I really enjoyed it. Especially the social commentary when it comes to the hip hop game. which brings me to the characters, I loved them. they were not flat at all. I especially liked Shawn, he was a man, he was flawed, he tried, he loved, he put that little white girl in her place at dinner at Lorna's house. Then my reaction to that "thang" Keisha, the fact that I wanted her thirsty behind to get lost says a lot. Well written. Brava, Nia! This is a refreshing read that took me out of my surrounding and placed me right in New York. Thats a good book if I do say so myself. Riley reminded me of me. but then she got on my nerves, its like just go with it girl. But thats real. the fact that she was just a bit unsure and scared sometimes was so relatable. Its like ok, well maybe we all aren't as put together as we would like others to think. I loved the book. Im glad I was introduced to Nia's writing. refreshing…...
March 26, 2013
Solid 3.75 Stars
If you love a good "Rock Romance" (like me) all you have to do is replace the rock with some R&B/Rap, switch the dynamics a bit with the main characters and supporting cast, and that's what you'll have with "Commitment" But dare I say it? This one takes you a bit deeper as well. With the social/political stigmas that come attached with this profession from both sides, black & white. There are no pointing fingers here. No blame game going on. It is what it is. And that's exactly what you get.
This story is definitely another great "Onion" of the fiction world. You get a lot of layers peeled back that is the make-up of Shawn & Riley, but their friends as well.
I will admit, while reading this one I had some conflicting emotions. Stemming from the characters, certain situations that were completely contrived, to the great emotional depth that just grabs you from the page & the reveals that follow. Needless to say I could not put this book down. So at the end of the day I guess Ms. Forrester did her job.
While I do love in most instances, how this story unfolds and allows you to become completely invested, in not just the characters but the story as a whole, I do wish the physical encounters with the MC's were just a bit more raw, more intense matching with their emotional chemistry. There were also a few instances where this one dragged a bit for me. So some of this story could have been trimmed down a bit.
I think that this was a very good read. I was really surprised. Ms. Forrester touched on things that a lot of people don't want to touch and I love that. I loved & hated the truths that you see here. It was bold but it was real.
I would definitely recommend this read.
If you love a good "Rock Romance" (like me) all you have to do is replace the rock with some R&B/Rap, switch the dynamics a bit with the main characters and supporting cast, and that's what you'll have with "Commitment" But dare I say it? This one takes you a bit deeper as well. With the social/political stigmas that come attached with this profession from both sides, black & white. There are no pointing fingers here. No blame game going on. It is what it is. And that's exactly what you get.
This story is definitely another great "Onion" of the fiction world. You get a lot of layers peeled back that is the make-up of Shawn & Riley, but their friends as well.
I will admit, while reading this one I had some conflicting emotions. Stemming from the characters, certain situations that were completely contrived, to the great emotional depth that just grabs you from the page & the reveals that follow. Needless to say I could not put this book down. So at the end of the day I guess Ms. Forrester did her job.
While I do love in most instances, how this story unfolds and allows you to become completely invested, in not just the characters but the story as a whole, I do wish the physical encounters with the MC's were just a bit more raw, more intense matching with their emotional chemistry. There were also a few instances where this one dragged a bit for me. So some of this story could have been trimmed down a bit.
I think that this was a very good read. I was really surprised. Ms. Forrester touched on things that a lot of people don't want to touch and I love that. I loved & hated the truths that you see here. It was bold but it was real.
I would definitely recommend this read.
December 1, 2014
Considering I read this book a couple of years ago, this review is long overdue. I’m not even sure how I overlooked writing it. I was an emotional wreck after reading Commitment, but what can I say? That’s one of the reasons why I love this author’s work, and novels like this are the reason I love romance. No matter what bad things happen during the course of the story or in the characters’ lives, it’s nice to get to the end and realize that they can face the future together, leaning on one another. And their world will be better because of it.
The story of Riley and Shawn was the novel that confirmed my faith in Nia Forrester as a writer and placed her firmly on my list of favorites. But it took me a while to pick up Commitment and give it a chance because it’s over 500 pages. Trust me, though, you’d never know it. When I was finished, it felt as if I had only been reading for a couple of hours. I was so engrossed in the story and so vested in the lives of Riley, Shawn, and their friends, that even afterward I was thinking about the main couple and their life together – as if they’re real people!
I’m not going to give a summary of the story because there are plenty of other reviews that provide more detail. I just wanted to add my compliments and say while it’s hard to explain how Nia’s work can capture your interest and move you, I can say with all honesty that no one else writes like her. She’s in a class by herself.
The story of Riley and Shawn was the novel that confirmed my faith in Nia Forrester as a writer and placed her firmly on my list of favorites. But it took me a while to pick up Commitment and give it a chance because it’s over 500 pages. Trust me, though, you’d never know it. When I was finished, it felt as if I had only been reading for a couple of hours. I was so engrossed in the story and so vested in the lives of Riley, Shawn, and their friends, that even afterward I was thinking about the main couple and their life together – as if they’re real people!
I’m not going to give a summary of the story because there are plenty of other reviews that provide more detail. I just wanted to add my compliments and say while it’s hard to explain how Nia’s work can capture your interest and move you, I can say with all honesty that no one else writes like her. She’s in a class by herself.
June 5, 2021
2 1/2 Stars - I have really mixed feelings about this book. Nia Forrester is a really good writer. She builds the worlds of both Shawn as a rapper and Riley, the daughter of a feminist professor to feel realistic. It's totally believable that they would both be attracted to each other, while having a difficult time communicating since they come from different worlds.
I started reading this book around the same time as I started reading a non fiction book called Attached, which is about romantic relationship styles. I couldn't help but analyze Riley and Shawn's relationship based on that book, and with that framing, they just both seemed really immature in the relationship, which made me really frustrated with both of them and not really rooting for them. I appreciate that the situations felt realistic, but I think the particular mistakes they both made caused me to not like them as characters and I just couldn't get over that and enjoy the book.
I stopped reading this book for several months before I finally went back and finished it, and I don't think I can read more in this series. Maybe I should give the other books a try, but I just don't think I can right now.
I started reading this book around the same time as I started reading a non fiction book called Attached, which is about romantic relationship styles. I couldn't help but analyze Riley and Shawn's relationship based on that book, and with that framing, they just both seemed really immature in the relationship, which made me really frustrated with both of them and not really rooting for them. I appreciate that the situations felt realistic, but I think the particular mistakes they both made caused me to not like them as characters and I just couldn't get over that and enjoy the book.
I stopped reading this book for several months before I finally went back and finished it, and I don't think I can read more in this series. Maybe I should give the other books a try, but I just don't think I can right now.
February 27, 2019
Uuugh Shawn!?
I can't be the only one that hated Shawn for most of this book lol. He was so irritating. How do you literally BEG someone to marry you with that weak a$s proposal I might add then go about your way trying to ruin your marriage. I wanted to like him...ended up just accepting that he was like any other man, flawed. Riley irritated me too. The lack of communication was exasperating. Watching them choose to pacify their problems with other people felt like it was going to be their downfall. Although the book was beautifully written and had me extremely invested the thing that kept me from 5 stars was that Riley and Shawn never really touched on WHY he felt the need to cheat and entertain these women. They never addressed that he felt Riley was too good for him and that was a missing piece to me. Overall though you SHOULD read this book. I love a book that gives me the feels and this one does not disappoint.
I can't be the only one that hated Shawn for most of this book lol. He was so irritating. How do you literally BEG someone to marry you with that weak a$s proposal I might add then go about your way trying to ruin your marriage. I wanted to like him...ended up just accepting that he was like any other man, flawed. Riley irritated me too. The lack of communication was exasperating. Watching them choose to pacify their problems with other people felt like it was going to be their downfall. Although the book was beautifully written and had me extremely invested the thing that kept me from 5 stars was that Riley and Shawn never really touched on WHY he felt the need to cheat and entertain these women. They never addressed that he felt Riley was too good for him and that was a missing piece to me. Overall though you SHOULD read this book. I love a book that gives me the feels and this one does not disappoint.
October 16, 2012
I was excited to read this book, partially because I had heard how good it was. It was definitely a page turner in the beginning and I enjoyed the relationship between Riley and Shawn. The supporting character were also interesting, however I felt the Keshia situation drug out longer than necessary and after the dust settled it kind of fell flat. I think it could have been wrapped up at least two chapters sooner. It took me a lot longer to finish it, because I felt there was really nothing left to tell, but the story kept going and going. It was good, however it only held my attention for half of the book and the other half I spent wishing it would end. It was good but drug on too long, then when it finally ended, I was like where is the ending. I don't consider a book complete, just because it has a lot of pages. It was just okay to me.
November 12, 2013
Aye!!! I read Ms. Nia Forrester's series out of sequence! Did it matter? Nope!!! 'Commitment' by Ms. Nia Forrester is where it ALL begins :)
We have polar opposite lovers trying to make sense of their polar opposite worlds. Riley - the conscious poli-sci, all natural around-the-way chic chick girl falls for hip-hop king, the uber handsome, the uber sought-after K-Smooth. Happily ever after? Something like that. But all of the in between stuff will literally blow. your. mind. Download your copy and recommend 'Commitment' to a friend. There will be much to discuss while reading one :)
We have polar opposite lovers trying to make sense of their polar opposite worlds. Riley - the conscious poli-sci, all natural around-the-way chic chick girl falls for hip-hop king, the uber handsome, the uber sought-after K-Smooth. Happily ever after? Something like that. But all of the in between stuff will literally blow. your. mind. Download your copy and recommend 'Commitment' to a friend. There will be much to discuss while reading one :)
November 12, 2017
Committed
I️ am not sure why I️ am just now diving into this series. This book was everything! I️ enjoyed it and was reading at every available moment I️ had.
I️ am not sure why I️ am just now diving into this series. This book was everything! I️ enjoyed it and was reading at every available moment I️ had.
January 23, 2013
Riley and Shawn aka “K Smooth” Gardner had me from their first encounter, when their easy, erudite banter leapt off the page at me. Wait, Nia Forrester’s writing style had me from the first sentence. Yeah, that’s a more appropriate beginning for this review. It’s not often that you read a story about the black romantic experience that is this intelligent and well-informed. When you are an African American young woman who has lived a life comparable to the Huxtables (which oddly I allude to in my current offering I’m in the process of writing), and you’re well-educated and a writer for a political magazine, it is safe to say you really don’t have a whole heck of a lot in common with a rapper. And more often than not, we believe our own stereotypes.
Riley Terry has every reason to believe the hype about Shawn that is ingrained in all of our psyches courtesy of the images we see portrayed in music videos of the young men who populate the hip-hop music genre. Most are products of the inner city, or they perpetrate being so, simply because you’re not credible if you haven’t done your due diligence in the trenches of the hood. It is probably very unfair to lump them all into a category, but this is what we do when we hear their rhymes, which extol their drug use, drug dealing, womanizing, and thuggish ways. Or they may be the other types who talk more about club life, the balling, and big-pimping lifestyle they’ve come into since making it big in the rap game. Unless they happen to be Talib Kweli or someone of his ilk.
These stereotypes almost make Riley eschew the interview of K-Smooth, whom Newsweek has extolled as “hip-hop’s prophet or pariah?” But once Riley meets him, she is surprised to find he isn’t a walking cliché. Their chemistry is instantaneous and after they have engaged in the best verbal foreplay since, well, ever she makes a spontaneous decision that sounds the death-knell for some of her closest interpersonal relationships. And in order not to spoil what I’m sure will be a wonderful adventure for you as a reader to take with Riley into figuring out how to navigate her own life as she falls in love with a man who is everything she isn’t. His resume certainly doesn’t impress her radical feminist mother, her beautiful, out-spoken best friend, or another important person in her life that she forgets until she realizes just how invested she’s become in Shawn. Then of course, she has all the other friends in her life who are more impressed by his bank account and celebrity than what he has come to mean to Riley.
Commitment is a huge tome at five hundred plus pages, but I found it a very easy read because I “got” the characters. I was willing to be immersed in their world for the time that I was because they resonated with me. Now with the next reader, maybe not so much. Writing craft decries that we should cut anything that is too wordy and doesn’t advance the plot. There were probably such places in Commitment, but I wasn’t at all upset that the author left them in, because it gave me such a complete picture of these characters that had me captivated at “hello.” Even the stereotypical hip-hop groupies were so well-drawn I could see and hear them in my imagination so well, it was like I was watching, “Commitment” the movie.
This is a book that has a lot to say to readers of all ethnicities and walks of life about loving someone who doesn’t fit the mold your loved ones have crafted for you–and loving despite how flawed we and the people we love are, through all the drama, and the mistakes we as human beings, ultimately make.
I happily give Commitment four out of five stars!
Riley Terry has every reason to believe the hype about Shawn that is ingrained in all of our psyches courtesy of the images we see portrayed in music videos of the young men who populate the hip-hop music genre. Most are products of the inner city, or they perpetrate being so, simply because you’re not credible if you haven’t done your due diligence in the trenches of the hood. It is probably very unfair to lump them all into a category, but this is what we do when we hear their rhymes, which extol their drug use, drug dealing, womanizing, and thuggish ways. Or they may be the other types who talk more about club life, the balling, and big-pimping lifestyle they’ve come into since making it big in the rap game. Unless they happen to be Talib Kweli or someone of his ilk.
These stereotypes almost make Riley eschew the interview of K-Smooth, whom Newsweek has extolled as “hip-hop’s prophet or pariah?” But once Riley meets him, she is surprised to find he isn’t a walking cliché. Their chemistry is instantaneous and after they have engaged in the best verbal foreplay since, well, ever she makes a spontaneous decision that sounds the death-knell for some of her closest interpersonal relationships. And in order not to spoil what I’m sure will be a wonderful adventure for you as a reader to take with Riley into figuring out how to navigate her own life as she falls in love with a man who is everything she isn’t. His resume certainly doesn’t impress her radical feminist mother, her beautiful, out-spoken best friend, or another important person in her life that she forgets until she realizes just how invested she’s become in Shawn. Then of course, she has all the other friends in her life who are more impressed by his bank account and celebrity than what he has come to mean to Riley.
Commitment is a huge tome at five hundred plus pages, but I found it a very easy read because I “got” the characters. I was willing to be immersed in their world for the time that I was because they resonated with me. Now with the next reader, maybe not so much. Writing craft decries that we should cut anything that is too wordy and doesn’t advance the plot. There were probably such places in Commitment, but I wasn’t at all upset that the author left them in, because it gave me such a complete picture of these characters that had me captivated at “hello.” Even the stereotypical hip-hop groupies were so well-drawn I could see and hear them in my imagination so well, it was like I was watching, “Commitment” the movie.
This is a book that has a lot to say to readers of all ethnicities and walks of life about loving someone who doesn’t fit the mold your loved ones have crafted for you–and loving despite how flawed we and the people we love are, through all the drama, and the mistakes we as human beings, ultimately make.
I happily give Commitment four out of five stars!
September 23, 2022
See this thing of reading books in odd order, gives a reader a funny view of everything. I absolutely adore Chris now getting to read about him from the "start" or rather from Shawn & Riley's love story makes me adore him even more, he just looks out for people. Who would've thought he and Riley had started off like that, Riley was not excited at all to even meet him lol this is so funny to me. I wasn't aware of how BIG, Chris Scaife was in the book about him and Robyn - this where not reading the books in order, comes into play but I have no regrets. I would've just wanted his story, Tracy & Brendan aren't my cup of tea , same goes for Shawn & Riley.
Why is Shawn angered so easy? Any fight he just blows a fuse which is slightly annoying because he clearly wants possession of Riley also she gives into him way more easily. He came at her for no reason actually no, for the dumbest things like it actually bothered him that Riley was the liberated woman, she was. I get mad thinking about him cheating after going on about how different Riley was and how he never craved for anyone else yet he still went an slept with another woman, who was mad thirsty on top of that also he made Riley feel like she did something, yes we know it's because he was waiting to be clear but man that was just cruel man.
Okay I'm calming down now so there is redemption, being able to move past things that have hurt us and obviously the justice system. Also it's how they find the stride in the end that gets me, I guess throwing yourself into the deep end isn't that bad sometimes.
This book evoked emotions in me, it had me typing up my thoughts before I even finished the book. I only committed to this story because I wanted to read Four Marriages and I cannot cheat the system, I had to know the story of Riley & Shawn, not through other character like Chris & Robyn. I am glad I got to do that, it had moments it was a bit slow but that's objective.
Additional edit: the year is 2025 and this is a series I don't think I'll ever get tired of reading and having new perspectives and opinions. I think I was hush on the previous couples because I started reading Afterburn first, yes Shawn annoyed me and still did, same goes for Riley, but I appreciate them now. I love what they bring and how different relationship and marriage looks for them.
Why is Shawn angered so easy? Any fight he just blows a fuse which is slightly annoying because he clearly wants possession of Riley also she gives into him way more easily. He came at her for no reason actually no, for the dumbest things like it actually bothered him that Riley was the liberated woman, she was. I get mad thinking about him cheating after going on about how different Riley was and how he never craved for anyone else yet he still went an slept with another woman, who was mad thirsty on top of that also he made Riley feel like she did something, yes we know it's because he was waiting to be clear but man that was just cruel man.
Okay I'm calming down now so there is redemption, being able to move past things that have hurt us and obviously the justice system. Also it's how they find the stride in the end that gets me, I guess throwing yourself into the deep end isn't that bad sometimes.
This book evoked emotions in me, it had me typing up my thoughts before I even finished the book. I only committed to this story because I wanted to read Four Marriages and I cannot cheat the system, I had to know the story of Riley & Shawn, not through other character like Chris & Robyn. I am glad I got to do that, it had moments it was a bit slow but that's objective.
Additional edit: the year is 2025 and this is a series I don't think I'll ever get tired of reading and having new perspectives and opinions. I think I was hush on the previous couples because I started reading Afterburn first, yes Shawn annoyed me and still did, same goes for Riley, but I appreciate them now. I love what they bring and how different relationship and marriage looks for them.
January 18, 2013
It's not often that I find an author who writes the way I do, Nia is one of them. Though we use different point of view voices for our characters, the message is the same: real life, real characters. Mistakes happen, yet it's okay. We (character's included) make mistakes (if they didn't what would we read about???) Mistakes help us to grow as people and in our relationships. It's real life at its best...and at times, worse.
A few months ago, I read Unsuitable Men and fell in love with the characters. Nia's shameless use of bad decisions, preconceived notions and the repercussions of it all are what drew me into the story. As I read, I learned there was a previous book; Commitment. Needless to say, I bought it and was not disappointed!
Reilly and Shawn....what can I say? Two people destined to be together, yet too foolish to accept it without kicking and screaming along the way. But isn't that love? Real life isn't all rainbows and sunshine. There are good days, bad days, and even worse days. True love sees us through the ups and downs, overlooks the foolish decisions we make, even the attempts to destroy what we have. And man, do Reilly and Shawn have their fill! What I liked most about this book is while we see the glitz and glitter of fame from Shawn (the rapper) it's not all about the good stuff that comes with that life style. The famous give up more than just a part of themselves to chase their dream and often times, there are consequences. Reilly, (the journalist) falls into his lifestyle, yet manages to not get sucked into the fame or desire to be a trophy wife (thank god!) There are times when I want to shake some since into Reilly and tell her to let go of some of her independence and accept the fact this man loves her. Other times I wanted to pimp slap Shawn for pushing the envelope and not fully trusting her. In the end, I was not disappointed.
If you are ready to ride an emotional roller coaster that will have you curse out loud, but leave you warm on the inside, buy your copy today!
M.J. Kane
Author of A Heart Not Easily Broken (Book 1 of The Butterfly Memoirs)
A few months ago, I read Unsuitable Men and fell in love with the characters. Nia's shameless use of bad decisions, preconceived notions and the repercussions of it all are what drew me into the story. As I read, I learned there was a previous book; Commitment. Needless to say, I bought it and was not disappointed!
Reilly and Shawn....what can I say? Two people destined to be together, yet too foolish to accept it without kicking and screaming along the way. But isn't that love? Real life isn't all rainbows and sunshine. There are good days, bad days, and even worse days. True love sees us through the ups and downs, overlooks the foolish decisions we make, even the attempts to destroy what we have. And man, do Reilly and Shawn have their fill! What I liked most about this book is while we see the glitz and glitter of fame from Shawn (the rapper) it's not all about the good stuff that comes with that life style. The famous give up more than just a part of themselves to chase their dream and often times, there are consequences. Reilly, (the journalist) falls into his lifestyle, yet manages to not get sucked into the fame or desire to be a trophy wife (thank god!) There are times when I want to shake some since into Reilly and tell her to let go of some of her independence and accept the fact this man loves her. Other times I wanted to pimp slap Shawn for pushing the envelope and not fully trusting her. In the end, I was not disappointed.
If you are ready to ride an emotional roller coaster that will have you curse out loud, but leave you warm on the inside, buy your copy today!
M.J. Kane
Author of A Heart Not Easily Broken (Book 1 of The Butterfly Memoirs)
November 19, 2012
Nia Forrester is an amazing writer. I recommend this book because it is an enjoyable well-written story. As a reader, I feel like she puts her heart into every single sentence. I really appreciate that her characters are REAL (as humans we are not all good or all bad) and the situations that they encounter are real. I've been reading Commitment over and over again because it is just that good. You really do fall in love with Riley and Shawn. I also enjoyed how Ms. Forrester weaved social and cultural subjects into the story in a discreet way. Lastly, you will finish this book satisfied. That's a sign that the author did a good job. I feel like this review isn't doing her book justice so please read it for yourself. :)
February 23, 2013
I really LOVED reading this book...out of all the book I've read with about 400 pages this one was 5 stars throughout the book. Most books I read with that many pages either start with 4 stars an I drop down to 3 in the end cause it seem the book was dragging an I was getting bored or started skipping pages for the book to end out of annoyance. This book was really on the realistic side of many books I'm used to...there is one other book that was one of my all time favorite. "The Unwanted Wife" but this is really, I mean really good! It was like begin right beside the characters. Around of applause to the writer and keep up the good work!
January 19, 2014
3.5* I really don't know what to think or say hmmm started really strong and was really enjoying it but after a while kinda knew where it was going but was still drawn in...after the 'accusation' the story in my mind fell away...nothing really happened after that and the wait for the decision seemed to be prolonged too detailed like a filler...the ending was also sudden. I give the early part of this bk 4 and the last part 3 so overall that's 3.5.
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