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Choices
When Lara Boyd, a successful African-American woman who is unlucky in love, meets Caucasian widower Ryan Andrews and his young son, she finally finds Mr. Right, but also finds opposition and a surprising, otherworldly ally. Original.
322 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2008
10 people are currently reading
189 people want to read
About the author
Tammy Williams
20 books30 followersI became fascinated with writing in the sixth grade, when my English teacher had the class get into pairs to write and illustrate a short story. I absolutely loved it. As the years went on, I found myself growing increasingly excited with the prospect of writing something...anything. When I looked forward to the writing portion of standardized tests, I knew I was a lost cause. I had discovered my passion…writing.
When I got my first home computer, I discovered the Internet and something even more fantastic--fan fiction. I had never heard of such a thing, but with the opportunity to change storylines from your favorite shows to do with as you pleased and share it with the world… Wow! I became addicted to it. An avid soap fan at the time, I had a wonderful time re-writing all the wrongs perpetrated against my favorite daytime couples. I was having a great time, but I wanted more.
Around this time, a friend told me about Romance Writers of America (RWA). I was a bit skeptical, because I didn’t think of myself as a romance writer, but I joined nonetheless. It was the best move I ever made. Soon after, I joined the local chapter of RWA, Lowcountry Romance Writers of America (LRWA) in Charleston, SC.
Since joining these groups, I have learned so much about the craft of writing. Things I sincerely doubt I could have learned on my own. These learned tools have enabled me to write my brand of contemporary fiction. Stories about people and their hopes, fears, and aspirations. Stories that make you think; that touch, tickle, and titillate you. A combination of your favorite sit-com and family drama all rolled into one paperbacked package. If I can a make a reader smile, laugh, sigh, or even have a moment of reflection, I’ve done what I’ve set out to do--to bring joy with what brings me joy.
When I got my first home computer, I discovered the Internet and something even more fantastic--fan fiction. I had never heard of such a thing, but with the opportunity to change storylines from your favorite shows to do with as you pleased and share it with the world… Wow! I became addicted to it. An avid soap fan at the time, I had a wonderful time re-writing all the wrongs perpetrated against my favorite daytime couples. I was having a great time, but I wanted more.
Around this time, a friend told me about Romance Writers of America (RWA). I was a bit skeptical, because I didn’t think of myself as a romance writer, but I joined nonetheless. It was the best move I ever made. Soon after, I joined the local chapter of RWA, Lowcountry Romance Writers of America (LRWA) in Charleston, SC.
Since joining these groups, I have learned so much about the craft of writing. Things I sincerely doubt I could have learned on my own. These learned tools have enabled me to write my brand of contemporary fiction. Stories about people and their hopes, fears, and aspirations. Stories that make you think; that touch, tickle, and titillate you. A combination of your favorite sit-com and family drama all rolled into one paperbacked package. If I can a make a reader smile, laugh, sigh, or even have a moment of reflection, I’ve done what I’ve set out to do--to bring joy with what brings me joy.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
January 4, 2014
Dammit! This book was SO close to a four star for me. I'd honestly give it a 3.5 if I could.
Thing is, it has everything I look for in a good, straight romance novel. Everything. HOWEVER, what keeps it from getting a four or even a five is the fact that it also has the one thing I cannot stand in IR. The focus on race was WAY overboard.
Tammie Williams has a real talent with dialog and setting a tone. I loved the interactions and conversations between Lara and Ryan. This is the kind of interplay I get into because I can actually understand why each of these people falls for the other. There is plenty of laughter and they are both open to the feelings each inspires in the other. No game playing, no ridiculous hiding. I dig that. But for the love of books, I kept wanting to check the copyright date because the race issue played more like something written at least as far back as the 80's. Way too much talk about stares and whispers and literally EVERY person in their lives questions if they can "handle it" or flat out disapproves. I can understand family raising a brow, especially if you've never dated outside your race. But to literally have every person that had any interaction with the two of them behaving as though they were trying interspecies dating instead of just interracial was a bit much. I think I recall the setting as being South Carolina, but honestly? Good grief. Just overboard. It read like overkill after a while, even though Williams manages to give the reader enough romance and sweetness to keep you reading.
Suprisingly, it almost read a bit innocent in that there is zero bad language and they held off on the sex so long I thought I'd stumbled into a Christian read. Its in there though, for what its worth if that's a deal breaker for you.
Overall, I'll say a very strong 3 and a good recommendation. It held my attention and I could even see reading this again in the future. I'm just pissed that the race overkill kept it from perfection for me. Its not often I find an IR that really captures my interest and hits all the right buttons for me, so that makes it harder to swallow the race thing being overplayed.
Thing is, it has everything I look for in a good, straight romance novel. Everything. HOWEVER, what keeps it from getting a four or even a five is the fact that it also has the one thing I cannot stand in IR. The focus on race was WAY overboard.
Tammie Williams has a real talent with dialog and setting a tone. I loved the interactions and conversations between Lara and Ryan. This is the kind of interplay I get into because I can actually understand why each of these people falls for the other. There is plenty of laughter and they are both open to the feelings each inspires in the other. No game playing, no ridiculous hiding. I dig that. But for the love of books, I kept wanting to check the copyright date because the race issue played more like something written at least as far back as the 80's. Way too much talk about stares and whispers and literally EVERY person in their lives questions if they can "handle it" or flat out disapproves. I can understand family raising a brow, especially if you've never dated outside your race. But to literally have every person that had any interaction with the two of them behaving as though they were trying interspecies dating instead of just interracial was a bit much. I think I recall the setting as being South Carolina, but honestly? Good grief. Just overboard. It read like overkill after a while, even though Williams manages to give the reader enough romance and sweetness to keep you reading.
Suprisingly, it almost read a bit innocent in that there is zero bad language and they held off on the sex so long I thought I'd stumbled into a Christian read. Its in there though, for what its worth if that's a deal breaker for you.
Overall, I'll say a very strong 3 and a good recommendation. It held my attention and I could even see reading this again in the future. I'm just pissed that the race overkill kept it from perfection for me. Its not often I find an IR that really captures my interest and hits all the right buttons for me, so that makes it harder to swallow the race thing being overplayed.
November 20, 2014
DNF
Christian romance should post warnings!
This was utter glitter-encrusted crap.
Christian romance should post warnings!
This was utter glitter-encrusted crap.
July 11, 2010
Loved it! I finished this book pretty quickly because I was reading it every chance I got, it was that good. The passionate and strong relationships of the characters, not just romantic relationships, was what really drew me in.
There was some conflict throughout the story, which tugged at my heart, but the positive events far outweighed the negative. And I really loved Ryan's 5 year old son Justin! He was such a loving, caring and adorable little boy, I just wanted nothing but love and happiness for him.
One thing I really liked about the book was that the characters are supporting characters from Blindsided, which focuses on Ryan's best friend Norris Converse, who also appears from time to time in Choices. I read Blindsided first not realizing that it was part of a series or tied to this book and chronologically comes after Choices. It was no hardship, but having read Blindsided first once I started reading Choices and realized Ryan and Lara were that book also I was clued in to a bit of how Choices would turn out.
There was some conflict throughout the story, which tugged at my heart, but the positive events far outweighed the negative. And I really loved Ryan's 5 year old son Justin! He was such a loving, caring and adorable little boy, I just wanted nothing but love and happiness for him.
One thing I really liked about the book was that the characters are supporting characters from Blindsided, which focuses on Ryan's best friend Norris Converse, who also appears from time to time in Choices. I read Blindsided first not realizing that it was part of a series or tied to this book and chronologically comes after Choices. It was no hardship, but having read Blindsided first once I started reading Choices and realized Ryan and Lara were that book also I was clued in to a bit of how Choices would turn out.
August 15, 2015
This book is a solid 5 for pure entertainment and fantasy values. I'm actually ranking it a 4.5 because one big reveal was a complete let down and once again the female lead kind of pissed me off (not sure why female writers always do something to make the female lead piss me off but it almost always happens when I read romance; just look at my other reviews) Anyway, I really did enjoy this story. This is the story of Lara a kindergarten teacher and Ryan and children's book author whose son, Justin (the most adorable) is in Lara's class. Lara hasn't had a boyfriend in 6 years because her fiance dumped her 2 months before the wedding and Ryan is a young widower who lost his wife 3 years ago. They meet and the sparks fly. We also have the ghost of Ryan's wife Shelly coming to him and telling him to be happy with Lara. Shelly's mother Sue on the other hand is against the relationship. She has been helping Ryan with Justin and doesn't want to see her son in law involved with anyone. She has her snide remarks. They get their looks from strangers but for the most part their families and friends are happy that they are happy.
Overall this book was well written and fun and more to my liking than the last interracial romance novel that I read. Ryan was perfection(and of course he was supposed to be) and Lara was a good match for him and his son. Justin was so cute and wise beyond his years.Of course there were some set backs but all's well that ends well.
Things I loved about the book were Shelly. I haven't had the pleasure of seeing a ghost and she was so nice and funny. Celeste, Lara's best friend was so cool. Norris, Ryan's best friend was hilarious. He has some of the best lines and there is a follow up book that is his story. I look forward to reading that as well.
Overall this book was well written and fun and more to my liking than the last interracial romance novel that I read. Ryan was perfection(and of course he was supposed to be) and Lara was a good match for him and his son. Justin was so cute and wise beyond his years.Of course there were some set backs but all's well that ends well.
Things I loved about the book were Shelly. I haven't had the pleasure of seeing a ghost and she was so nice and funny. Celeste, Lara's best friend was so cool. Norris, Ryan's best friend was hilarious. He has some of the best lines and there is a follow up book that is his story. I look forward to reading that as well.
November 11, 2011
This is my first read from this author and I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed the story. From start to finish it just felt like the author was writing from experience. This story is exactly how I would imagine life for an interracial couple would be. Getting glances and whispers in public, resistance from certain family members, coming to terms with what an interracial relationship would be for themselves. From the beginning Ryan didn't see color, only that Lara was a beautiful and special person. Lara didn't see color either, but the race issue was always at the back of her mind. There is a Thanksgiving scene that was so funny, I was laughing out loud during it. This book really had a mixture of it all, a great storyline, good love scenes, and of course a happy ending. I'd definitely recommend this book.
August 13, 2012
I LOVED IT!!! I appreciated that there weren't any overly stupid out of the box completely unrealistic things that broke them up. I appreciate the character growth and the honesty they had with each other as a couple. I usually always get the feeling that authors tend to make IR books over complicated with the unrealistic problems of keeping things from each other. I appreciate Ryan's (male lead)strength in this book. His character really made me want him. I usually feel like they make the guy seem kind of submissive to the woman in IR books which feed into the hype that Black women intimidate White men and that we can't be submissive because we always take control. I liked that she didn't do that with Lara( female lead) this book was comfortable and easy. There weren't any crazy over the top plot twist that broken them up for about a few months. Problems got solved through genuine communication in this book and I appreciated it. It seemed more real life. Minus the talking to ghost who are stuck in "limbo" part. Over all I loved the book. Ryan was and is my dream guy as of right now. Strong, sexy, and still in tuned with his emotions! I like, I love!
April 27, 2008
An Excellent Choice
"Choices" is a refreshing debut novel by Tammy Williams. It is quite an entertaining read with a nice mix of drama and romance. She has created an engaging cast of characters, main and secondary, with some clever dialogue throughout, even from the "children. Ryan and Lara's attraction is mutual and instantaneous. And Ryan's son, Justin is quite the little charmer. I was definitely caught up in the romance, the tension-filled opposition they faced and even the occasional ghostly visits from their greatest supporter. I also enjoyed the humorous moments with Ryan and Lara's family and their circle of friends. And as so many of the other reviewers stated this novel definitely LACKED the loads of spelling or grammatical errors I have unfortunately become accustomed to seeing in quite a few of the novels I've read this year. Kudos, Ms. Williams! I'll definitely keep an eye out for any future novels.
"Choices" is a refreshing debut novel by Tammy Williams. It is quite an entertaining read with a nice mix of drama and romance. She has created an engaging cast of characters, main and secondary, with some clever dialogue throughout, even from the "children. Ryan and Lara's attraction is mutual and instantaneous. And Ryan's son, Justin is quite the little charmer. I was definitely caught up in the romance, the tension-filled opposition they faced and even the occasional ghostly visits from their greatest supporter. I also enjoyed the humorous moments with Ryan and Lara's family and their circle of friends. And as so many of the other reviewers stated this novel definitely LACKED the loads of spelling or grammatical errors I have unfortunately become accustomed to seeing in quite a few of the novels I've read this year. Kudos, Ms. Williams! I'll definitely keep an eye out for any future novels.
January 21, 2015
Modern day it's a wonderful life.
I loved it. Now this book is not for the overly deep and analytical. But if you love it's a wonderful life classic movie this is for you. The author did great with the first person and third party point of view blend. It was a great love story, family ties with bigotry. All of this and you get to experience it all through the innocence of a child eyes. I will be reading more of Mrs tammy Williams. My only dislike was my name Genevieve being used for a ugly hearted character.
I loved it. Now this book is not for the overly deep and analytical. But if you love it's a wonderful life classic movie this is for you. The author did great with the first person and third party point of view blend. It was a great love story, family ties with bigotry. All of this and you get to experience it all through the innocence of a child eyes. I will be reading more of Mrs tammy Williams. My only dislike was my name Genevieve being used for a ugly hearted character.
February 1, 2011
I really loved this book and I loved the relationship between Justin and "Ms.Body." Does anyone know of any other books like this where the man is a single father? For some reason I love the fact that they find love again and get another mother like figure for their child.
February 11, 2015
This was a nice story. I really like the characters and how the story developed. Even the people you started disliking at the beginning of the book, you understood at the end of the book. You may not like them but you understand what is pushing them
July 23, 2010
I loved this book. The characters and how they met was so touching. Would definitely read it again.
September 22, 2009
Sweet story with two very likeable characters.
July 31, 2010
Luved it! A keeper. I have read this book a few times and I enjoyed it every time.
December 29, 2017
Nice read
Ryan a widower with a shy son Justin meet Justin kindergarten teacher and both fall in love immediately. Lara also feels deeply for both men. Like that a spiritual being intercedes on their behalf to help them . Love that the author actually include the child in the story. Most stories the kids disappear, this story includes him in many aspects of their relationship and the first time they try to make love who interrupts but Justin, lol. Like that they took on the race issue even though so of the responses to their relationship were either over the top or too good to be true. Nice to see that they both had conversation on this part of relationship. Kudos.
Ryan a widower with a shy son Justin meet Justin kindergarten teacher and both fall in love immediately. Lara also feels deeply for both men. Like that a spiritual being intercedes on their behalf to help them . Love that the author actually include the child in the story. Most stories the kids disappear, this story includes him in many aspects of their relationship and the first time they try to make love who interrupts but Justin, lol. Like that they took on the race issue even though so of the responses to their relationship were either over the top or too good to be true. Nice to see that they both had conversation on this part of relationship. Kudos.
November 27, 2020
Interesting story and Ghosts. I loved the characters.
July 15, 2008
Lara is a kindergarten teacher in North Carolina, and she meets Ryan, a widower and his son (Justin). Lara and Ryan are attracted to each other, and Lara gets on with his son, and the story takes off from there.
it's a really sweet story, and its heartening to see that although the race issue came up, it wasn't among the under 40s, especially Ryan's friend Norris, because he took Lara and their relationship as is. Then, you have Shell, the ghost of Ryan's dead wife (it's not as cheesy as it sounds, honest!), who is only hung up on the fact that her husband is in a sort of stasis, and that he should get a jump on his lady love. nothing more.
It's the rare romance novel that makes you laugh out loud, and this one does. It doesn't hurt that the novel strokes a kink - the widow/er who opens him/herself to find love again. Yum.
It's only failing is that certain situations could have been avoided- the situation with Lara's ex for example seemed a tad contrived- and the characters could have been firmer (especially Ryan with his mum in law) and more Norris, please!
But it's a really sweet piece of writing. A pretty decent first novel. Brava, Ms Williams. Brava.
it's a really sweet story, and its heartening to see that although the race issue came up, it wasn't among the under 40s, especially Ryan's friend Norris, because he took Lara and their relationship as is. Then, you have Shell, the ghost of Ryan's dead wife (it's not as cheesy as it sounds, honest!), who is only hung up on the fact that her husband is in a sort of stasis, and that he should get a jump on his lady love. nothing more.
It's the rare romance novel that makes you laugh out loud, and this one does. It doesn't hurt that the novel strokes a kink - the widow/er who opens him/herself to find love again. Yum.
It's only failing is that certain situations could have been avoided- the situation with Lara's ex for example seemed a tad contrived- and the characters could have been firmer (especially Ryan with his mum in law) and more Norris, please!
But it's a really sweet piece of writing. A pretty decent first novel. Brava, Ms Williams. Brava.
December 13, 2017
I'm rereading this book. I love it so much that oftentimes I pull it out and read it again. Ms. Williams is one of the IR Authors that I truly miss the writings of. I so looked forward to reading her work. It's funny how I look back at IR Authors work from 2008 - 2011 compared to some IR Authors from 2014 to now and see a significant difference especially amongst the BWWM Genre. Most IR books of today from that aspect portray the heroine as a low self esteem nymph that has sex on the brain at the opening gate, whereas IR stories not so long ago were more reserved and told a real story. The romance and the sex scenes were well written and you could draw from the fictional love between the two characters as if it were real enough to reach out and touch. Don't misunderstand me, there are some IR Authors today who are putting out great work. I'm just saying the search for moving stories in the genre is like finding a four leaf clover, while a few years ago there were so many to choose from that you couldn't wait to finish one in order to get to another. I miss the Soul of this Genre and I hope we can see it make a comeback.
February 19, 2015
4 stars. Good story. Lara, Ryan and Justin come together beautifully in this story. Great read. Ryan Andrews is a widower with a young son, Justin, who is in Lara Boyd's kindergarten class. After getting over his guilt regarding his deceased wife, Ryan and Lara become romantically involved. His deceased wife's mother is against his relationship with Lara both because she is Black and because she is jealous of Lara's relationship with Justin. Ultimately, Ryan, Lara and Justin become a family with a little one on the way.
November 13, 2012
I loved it this was a sweet love story, it was sweet the way Lara and Ryan fell in love at first site. Ryan was not afraid of the fact the they were an I/R couple nor did he care what anyone thought. Lara was another story she was scared to tell her family she was in love with a white man. Justin was so cute in this book they way he love Lara was so sweet. Read this book you will fall in love with this couple just like I am.
November 1, 2013
4 stars. A sweet and adorable book. The ignorance of people again, because of interracial couples was plain and dumb. But Lara and Ryan loved each other. His Mother-in-Law, wow, words can not be express how disturbing this woman can be and placing her grandson in the mix, again wow. But it was well written and Love do concur all! Kudos to the author. I truly did enjoy this book. Adding you to one of my fav author.
January 20, 2016
As far as romance goes, it was a nice, sweet, romantic read. But for a book written in this century, the reactions of people to an interracial relationship was a little overblown. Not a lot, but a little. Even if that is how it would play out in real life (doubtful) the sheer amount of it wears on you in a book. The disbelief and distrust of the families was believable. The warnings from what seemed like *every* *single* *friend* was just annoying.
January 22, 2014
Very romantic and charming love story. PG18 love scenes which I likes the most. Looking for a story that you may know someone could relate regardless of skin color, this would be it. Death of a spouse with inlaws that are pushy try to join the living after three years of dealing with the lose. The author will become one of my must read writers.
October 26, 2010
I really don't know what to say. I found this story strange. The characters didn't feel like real people. At times, it was soap opera cheesy. And then there was the whole ghost thing. It was just weird. Still readable but weird.
October 2, 2011
Cute story, and I like the way the son formed such a beautiful attachment to his teacher, Ms. Boyd.
August 2, 2012
I really loved this book.
November 8, 2012
This is a good beginning but felt like everything was happening really fast. If slowing down is possible it should have been a bit longer with a little more action.
August 9, 2013
Not a bad read. The story was nice and pretty logical. It didn't feel rushed. It was cute, cozy, and sweet.
December 30, 2013
This is my first read by this author and I was definitely impressed with the story. It was very well written and the characters were well developed. All in all, it was a charming romance.
November 18, 2014
Definitely one of my fav, very endearing story about love lost and found when you least expect it! Really great story Brian and Lara's story is really sweet!
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