Sweeter Than Honey

Honey Diaries #1

by Mary B. Morrison

Reinventing herself as Honey Thomas, the founder of a counseling company that helps victimized women and the lover of wealthy Atlanta up-and-comer Grant Hill, Lace St. Thomas finally takes control of her life until her criminal past catches up to her with a vengeance. 75,000 first printing.

Genres: Fiction

264 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 2007

About the author

Mary B. Morrison, New York Times best-selling author is the up and coming artist with a multiple book-to-film deal. Mary has seventeen published novels including her newest release, If I Can’t Have You.

She writes for Kensington Publishing Corporation as Mary B. Morrison and Grand Central Publishing as HoneyB. In her novels Mary addresses social and sexual issues while empowering her female characters.

“Women Rule,” that’s the way I see it. “Beside every great man there is a powerful woman. The same does not hold true for every successful woman. A lot of us are single because men want to wear the pants, even if they didn’t buy them.”

Jeff Clanagan, CEO of Codeblack Entertainment and filmmaker, Leslie Small, optioned the film rights to Mary B. Morrison’s popular Soulmates Dissipate series (which includes seven novels). Her first book, Soulmates Dissipate, is being developed for feature film in 2013.

Mary is an Executive Producer on her film deal and she was Executive Producer and playwright for her stage play Single Husbands (based on her novel under her pen name HoneyB).

On June 3, 2000, Mary withdrew her retirement to self-publish her debut novel, Soulmates Dissipate. Mary has also sponsored an anthology publishing 33 students entitled Diverse Stories: From the Imaginations of Sixth Graders.

Lift Every Voice and Write is Mary’s non-profit. The organization is established to help increase literacy and support students interested in pursuing writing as a career.

Born in Aurora, Illinois, and reared in New Orleans, Louisiana, Mary is the middle child of seven. She’s a graduate of McDonogh #35 High School in New Orleans and Berkeley Community College in Berkeley, California.

Her wonderful son, Jesse Byrd, Jr. is a 2010 graduate of U.C. Santa Barbara and producer on Mary’s film deal. Jesse has recently completed his first novel and owns a clothing business, OiseauChateau.com.

Mary currently resides in Oakland, California.

Reviews

[Winter Sophia Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sexy, Juicy, Raw, Crazy & Funny! An Awesome Read! I Loved It!

[Cassandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was great! I agree with some of the other readers, that the title initially threw me off, but once I got into the book it captured me from the start. This book speaks to young women who face these types of things everyday, and what can happen when your life is haunted by the abuse. There is a lot of sex talk and profanity in the book, but it's life, and it's what people do everyday whether you hear it or not. The characters draw you in, and it makes you want to keep reading just to find out what will happen next!

[Brandi · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was very disappointed in this book! The description made the reader believe it would be about one thing and it was something all together different. It felt thrown together especially towards the end. I wouldn't recommend this book at all.

[Ashlea Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is very interesting!! Have to read more to find out the whole story!!

[Elizabeth Graf · Rating 4 out of 5]

First off, I will have to forewarn any future reader that this book has a lot of sex in it. If you are uncomfortable with sex and some swearing then this book is really not for you. That being said, I will move on..........

I am not really sure what I would give this book, when I first started, all I read about was sex and cursing, and I just was not into this book but, I figured I would read a bit more and then decide if I wanted to finish it. (I was surprised that this was an ebook loaner from my public library). The story basically revolves around Lace, a Vegas madam, and her boyfriend, Benito, her 'girls' and the man who runs the escort service Valentino. Lace has a theory that since she has the 'goods' that she has all the power and she uses it (her sexuality) to get what she wants from men.

After a few chapters, I will admit that I did get into the story. I loved reading how Lace and Valentino and Benito were all intertwined in the story. It was interesting to read how something was playing out through each person eyes. Though in the middle of the story Benito did a long rant of how the black man was abused and taken advantage of by the white man and so forth. After reading that, I almost put the book down as that is not why I got this book to read. Eventually, the story line picked back up and continued. Lace talks off and on through about how no woman should be taken advantage/abused by any man.

The ending though was a bit odd--it came at about 80% of the way through the book. Then out of the blue is poetry. Yes, poems, I kid you not. There were also some questions for one to ponder like if you read this story for a bookclub. These question made one think about the story and how it would relate to your personal life and what you would do. Then some words from the author and others. Then it continues (an excerpt) from the next book in the series right where the ending left off. I was happy to see that as I was curious as I felt like I was just left hanging not knowing what happened to Lace and everything else.

Then again a few words from the author and then a major flash forward in the story line between Lace (Honey)/Valentino/Benito. I will say that I was not expecting to see Valentino listed in the story anywhere in the future in this way.

I will say that the excerpt and the major flash forward really have my interest. I want to find out
what happens with all the characters.

I only gave 4 out of 5 as at the beginning I had a hard time with this book keeping my interest and to read/listen to Benito go on about how he is being deprived of everything because of the white man. I realize that is part of his character though and one can not like every single character they ever read in a book.

[Gw · Rating 1 out of 5]

OMG!! I bought a lot if books a while ago and just got around to reading them these last few years!! The HONEY series!! AWFUL!! So far any book that I have read by her is sooo awful!! THESE BOOKS DO NOT MAKE ANY SENSE AT ALL!! I MEAN YES ITS FICTION BUT IT READS MORE LIKE RIDICULOUS FANTASY FICTION!!! It is just sooo awful!! The writing is terrible.. And she kept making more books.. I read them because there was a time when I felt like I had to finish a series or a book because I started it but books this bad helped end that way of thinking! I read a couple (because I had them) and I couldn't bring myself to read anymore.
There was a time when I felt books were to sacred to throw away but OMG I have bought some bad ones and I have been throwing those bad boys away!! Mary B Morrison's books are garbage worthy!

[Tanisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

how easily children are taken advantage of and are somewhat forced to live an unhealthy lifestyle and get themselves caught up in bad situations that is difficult to get out of. i feel really bad that Lace lived a tough, hard-baring life being raped as a child, kicked out of the house as a child, growing up becoming a prostitute then a madam to having escorts to boss around and to find out one of the escorts died by her committing suicide, who was one of her best friends and that her sister might die from cancer if she doesn't remove her bone marrow.

[T.S. Wallace · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first in a series and I can see why she is so popular! The sex scenes are off the charts and there are so many twists and turns in the plot that it makes your head spin... I would have liked it better if it weren't so disjointed and some of the loose ends were tied up as far as the relationships between key characters (it is a trilogy...lol) and the horde of extra character who were left undeveloped but overall it was great and a good blueprint for what I am already doing with my own work!

[Shante · Rating 4 out of 5]

I almost put the book down and moved to the next on my "to-read" list. It took a couple of chapters before I caught up to the storyline but I am glad I kept reading. Mary B. Morrison is so out there with her writing style but I can honestly say that she kept me entertained and I could feel the shift in the characters. I especially appreciate Benito's character because he made me think deeper about black men's position in this country.

[Misdajania · Rating 5 out of 5]

All Lace St. Thomas was love. Because that dream never came true Lace was forced into adulthood at 16. After being kicked out of her home Lace, had to do what she had to do to make it. After years of abuse, sex and lies and murder. Lace is ready to redeem herself,be love and love someone else.

I liked this book because it was very interesting. It was very detailic and taught me alot. This book really makes you think. The author real used great imagery.

[SondraSoSmooth85 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book...A page turner for real, I loved Lace, she didn't play no games and ol' Valentino wasn't nothing nice either,lol, This book was so close to real life it wasn't even funny so many young girls run away from home and turn to prostitution to make ends meet and end up not making it out the game alive...Mary you did yo thing girl.

[Emily. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it

I really enjoyed this book it's actually the second time I have read it. This book is amazing Lace St. Thomas is truly the IT girl. Only parts that I dislike was Benito's parts in this book always talking about the "Black Man". Whenever he went on his rants I just skipped over it because ain't nobody got time for that. Other than that it is definitely a page turner.

[India · Rating 5 out of 5]

sweeter than honey is one of the those book that i pick up and don't put down.i like how she had different people telling their own story.i really like the poems in the back.one of the best book i have read...

[Jay George · Rating 1 out of 5]

I didn't really like the book nor did I finish. I felt as though the book was boring and lacked entertainment. maybe if I had finished the book I might have enjoyed it but I lost interest in the book after the first few chapters.

[Martha · Rating 2 out of 5]

this book sucked!!!

[Rabbit · Rating 1 out of 5]

Somebody recomended this book and cause of the high marks I went ahead and got it. I didn't see what everybody else saw. i couldn't even finish and that's rare for me.

[Mrs Tupac · Rating 1 out of 5]

What a disappointment people around been talking about this book like it was the best.... boy am I disappointed
1. There wasn't alot of background information surrounding certain characters
2. No in depth writing
3. Lace was heartless and crazy but look where she came from I couldn't understand her ass.
4.Valentino ain't shit he know he killed Sunny or whatever her name was but wanted us to believe he didn't.
5.Bento was dumb and broken straight up.
This book was all over the place it was hard for me to feel connected.

[Adriane Griggs · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book has been around for a while but it was a recommendation. Can't believe I had to force myself to finish this book. I'm not sure why the main characters supposed man is intelligent enough to rant about the plight of the black man in America, but can't put together enough coherent thoughts to get himself together. Speed reading and skimming over the unnecessary dialog was a saving grace. There were a few chapters that could have been eliminated and would have had no impact on the ending. You not missing out by not reading this.

[Chantelle White · Rating 1 out of 5]

Before reading this book I'd just finished up reading books about the Black Panther Party, The Heart of a Woman by Maya Angelou and a few other black classics. It was my mistake going from that to this. It started off with a scenario that just doesn't seem logical. I was sidetracked at every curse word because it was just unnecessary. I got to about Chapter 19 before I decided I just couldn't finish it. To each their own but this book was not for me at all.

[Twana · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like that every page you turn there was so much going on between all the characters in the book. I'm glad justice was done for the twin sister.

[Kandise Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome!!!

[Damilola Adewuyi]

😍😍😍

[John Morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting story with solid characters. Found towards end book kind of lost sense of direction , but did finish nicely.

[Meshia83 · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would say about a 3.75. Fairly good read.

[diamond · Rating 3 out of 5]

2 and a half stars. Definitely a product of its time, some themes are still relevant today, but overall, very much a lighter read

[Nardsbaby Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

Freedom Is A Choice

Mentally abused by her hateful mother, Rita, Lace St. Thomas always felt like a stranger in her own home. At the age of 16, Lace's credibility was diminished when her mother believed her perverted step-father, Don, over her. Kicked out, abandoned, homeless and afraid, Lace married a stranger and suffered countless abuse until finally she'd had enough.

For 11 years in Sin City, Lace used the power of her body to afford shelter, food and material things. As she climbed the rank from prostitute, to wife-in-law, to madam, Lace became more educated and was no longer willing to suffer at the hands of another man. Employed now as a Madam at Immaculate Perception, Lace knows that she has to remain in control, otherwise she can end up on the bottom. When she meets Sunny Day, a prostitute that she recruited, she sees that this is no longer the business she wants to be acquainted with. Working for Valentino may have its ups, but it also comes with downs. Can Lace escape untouched?

Benito Bannister is Lace's live in boyfriend. He was once a professional football player, with money, cars and fame. Dead broke, Benito is 100% indebted to his boy, Valentino, for hooking him up with Lace. However, Benito has issues. Adopted, abandoned and destitute, Benito tries to love Lace with all that he has. When his boy, Valentino, asks him to do him a favor, will Benito risk all that he has with Lace?

"Sweeter Than Honey" by veteran Mary B. Morrison speaks volumes about women and the choices they have. While it takes a candid look at prostitutes, it encourages all women, despite what they've been through, to believe in themselves and when they are able to, pay it forward. While I loved the positive message, I also hated it! Oh my goodness, I'm at a total loss and for those of you that truly know me, you know that I'm a talker. I got so tired of Benito rambling on about the black man, and if Valentino would've said he was a "G" just one more time... not to mention that the LVPD used civilians to help them entrap criminals while endangering their lives just so the undercover Sergeant Bleu could get her promotion. I agree with other reviewers, Mary is a gifted writer, however at times "Sweeter Than Honey" shuffles along slowly and the sex, believe it or not, is a little too much. I love that Mary uses her writing to advocate to others.

[K.augustine]

I almost put the book down because of his rants about The Black Man and all they had to and continue to go through! I am African American myself and it made me want to puke! No wonder Caucasians say we cry wolf about racism all the time! I just wanted to pull my hair out and scream SHUT UP! He ruined the book for me. I think it would have been 4 stars without his rants and definitely 5 stars if she filled his chapters will more juicy, jaw dropping stuff like the Mary B. Morrison/Honey B I grew to love. I really liked the story line about Lace/Honey/Sunny/Summer/Valentino/Sapphire and just wish Benito wasn't there or wasn't so racist. Is racist the right word? Anyway, this book isn't a must read. It isn't anything like all the other Mary/Honey B books. She must have taken a Black History class while she wrote this book or something. . . shaking my head. . . It was honestly painful to read. I have a bunch of bad things to say about this book but ONLY because of the Benito Bannister character. I had to literally force myself to finish his chapters just incase something significant happened that I might need to know. If you can get through his rambling, hate, excuses, and complaining then you are in for a good read. I will definitely be getting part two. I hope Benito isn't a main character this go around or I might just have to skip his chapters and put the pieces together some other way lol.

[Belinda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Again this was not one of my favorites by Mary B. Morrison. I gave the book 3 out 5 rating. I was half finished reading this book before I really got into it. Women should treasure their bodies and allow themselves to be used (prostitution, escorts, etc.). We as women have to learn to love ourselves and know our worth. I was proud of Lacy/ Honey for getting herself out of being a madam and rescuing her girls. She took her money and opened Sweeter Than Honey to help women in abusive environments ( sexual, mental, physical, financial, etc. forms of abuse). She had to learn to love herself and know her self worth and therefore was able to help others. She and her sister started being abused by their mom's boyfriend. Their mom sided with the man. Lacy was kicked out of her home and therefore got hooked up in prostitution, etc.

[Tiah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Looking for mobilization from obscure poverty to instant fame, Lace St. Thomas embroils herself into a world of the darkest characters. Along the way she meets Honey and form a bond of loyalty. Most surprising, however is the entrapment of the illusions of grandeur and wealth that entangles them into hopeless despair...I'm not sure if they will make it out alive.

[Shani Greene-Dowdell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a page turner...There is enough sex, lies, and murder to keep the reader intrigued, but my favorite part was the unexpected history lessons from the character B.

Recommended reading.