In this incredible book; Symone Davenport is a 22-year-old college senior who has set herself up for a very secure future, but all her achievements feel more like a duty than a labor of love. Her true love is singing R&B. She doesn't believe her plus-size figure could ever be diva material. She settles for fading into the background in her father's church choir. It takes the help of Jaylen Richards, the handsome new choir director to not only unlock her talent and try to bring her into the spotlight, but to unlock her heart. Janice was never very thin, but the fifty pounds she packed on after her sister's sudden death two years ago sent her way beyond the size 14 she used to be. With a gorgeous face, personality, and brains she isn't lacking friends, but her insecurities about her weight gain get in the way of things reaching the next level with men. Flirting over the phone and via e-mail with Tony is easy, since he's hundreds of miles away, but when business brings him to Janice's Chicago office, she goes out of her way to avoid meeting him face to face. She assumes he'll take one look at her and not even remember their conversations. She couldn't be further from the truth, and soon their romance blossoms. In his arms nothing, especially size, matters; however, when lies are uncovered and things come undone, layers of Tony are exposed. Will it reveal a golden pear or a rotten apple? Did he play on her insecurities for his own selfish gain, and is he just more dead weight she will eventually have to lose?
I love this series ! I did enjoy the first book about a woman that wants to follow her dreams but is conflicted with what her dad wants for her ! Now the second story I wish it was longer because I did enjoy it a lot ! Moving on the the third book !
Full Figured 2: Plus Size Divas by Alexis Nicole and Trista Russell is about woman dealing with issues related to their weight. In Back Side of Soul by Alexis Nicole, Simone is a college student who dreams of becoming a singer. Simone has a harmonious voice that proves she has what it takes to become a star. Simone's father on the other had has a different plane for his daughter's life.Jaylen Richards takes the Assistant Minister of Music at Greater Faith Baptist Church. Jaylen knows music just like he recognizes talent when he hears it. After Jaylen hears Simone one of his choir members sing he starts picturing a bright future for the both of them. Will everything work as planned?
In Smoke and Mirrors by Trista Russell, Garcelle is a woman who has used food as a crutch to get over her sister's death. Garcelle has a great personality and very intelligent but her insecurities ruins her relationships with the opposite sex. Cortez has been emailing and talking to the girl of his dreams. Since Garcelle lives in another city, he is yet to lay eyes on her. When an opportunity through his job gives him the chance to meet, her Cortez is excited. After meeting Cortez and Garcelle are captivated with each other until... Cortez's secret is revealed.
Full Figured 2 is about believing and loving yourself. The women in both stories have to deal with self-esteem issues in order to move on with their lives. Both authors have created entertaining stories with well-developed characters and plots. I recommend Full Figured 2 to others.
I didn't realize that this was going to be two novellas. I guess it's safe to say the whole series is. Which isn't a bad thing. The first story was OK... Not bad, just a little predictable. I am a big Trista Russell fan so I loved the second one.
So I enjoyed the first story, but was disappointed in the shortness of the second story. I wanted to know more about them. Did the coworker make a fuss and call HR because she didn't choose him? Did her insecurities drive Cortez away? I hope one of these installments picks this story up.
The first story was cute, dream-filled and had you hoping Simone would fulfill her dreams without tearing her family apart more. But when it came to the second story I wasn't expecting it to be so hot and sexy. They definitely had different levels of romance but I enjoyed both stories and loved the twist in the second one, just when you thought she had Mr. Right... From tame to steamy, both stories kept my attention equally.
Good book to me because I liked how Symone followed her dreams to be a singer despite the fact that her father didn't want her to. Then to find out the reason why he felt that way when it finally came out was touching. Glad that Dylan continued to encourage her to follow the singer dream even though his partner agreed she had a good singing voice but not the singer appearance just because she was a "big" girl. Don't be so quick to judge a book by it's cover!
The first story was cool. Family dynamics and dysfunction make for a predictable storyline and ending. The second story had me intrigued. I was all in until the very end. I plan to seek out additional material by this author, Trista Russell.
Carl Weber Presents Full Figured 2 Plus Sixed Divas has two short stories by Alexis Nicole and Trista Russell about what else, Full Figured Plus Sized Divas!!!!
Back Side of Soul by Alexis Nicole
Simone Davenport is a 22 year old daughter of Reverend and Mrs. Davenport who's dream is of becoming a singer. She has a voice that will melt butter along with everyone's hearts!! She sings in the church choir and is just fine with sitting in the background because she believes that is where she belongs because she is a plus size woman.
Jaylen Richards moved to Atlanta with frat brothers Miles and Quinten to find new talent and to start their record label Tru Harmony when his uncle calls him to interview for the position of Minister of Music. Once at church, Jaylen see meets Simone and decides that she is a woman that he has to get to know better.
Through a series of events Jaylen will help change her life but is she willing to accept it?
Smoke and Mirrors by Trista Russell
Garcelle Monroe is a beautiful plus size woman who believes that she will never find the love that she deserves because of her size. She has had various relationships and they all treat her like a second class citizen.
Cortez Franklin is an executive at the corporation that Garcelle works at and he and Garcelle work together very, very well. When Cortez is coming to visit Chicago, he feels like it is time for him and Garcelle to finally meet. Garcelle is glad to finally be meeting her boss and friend. Friendships enhance, sparks start to fly and Garcelle wonders is this man the one? Mother always said "if it looks to good to be true, it probably is!"
I love the Carl Weber Presents books, they are novellas by authors who absolutely complement each other. The Full Figured series are books that focus on the positive aspects of being a full figured woman, great job!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Overall, 3.5 stars; first story - 4 stars, second story - 3 stars.
I definitely enjoyed the first story, by Alexis Nicole, better than the second one. The characters were more fully developed, the pacing was good, and I was able to get lost in the story much better. I enjoy stories about strong friendships and family connections, as well as sweet, just-blossoming romances.
The second story, by Trista Russell, suffered more than anything due to the quality of the writing. A good editor would have helped make this a more enjoyable reading experience. I did find the main character to be very likeable, and would have loved to see the author delve more fully into her life, her back story, and her interactions with others. The overall plot could have benefited by adding more details & more intrigue to the main drama, as well as creating more interactions between the main character and her ultimate love interest.
I realize both of these stories were meant to be novellas, not full novels, but one of the biggest appeal factors for me are the characters, and I would have enjoyed reading more about the individuals introduced here.
I picked this up because after reading Trista Russell's last book (which was real good) I wanted the same reading experience. I didn't get that..at all. The thing about creating anthologies with other authors is that the rating is split based on the book overall, not just on one story read in the book. Well, at least that is how I am rating this book.
2.5* The first story by Alexis Nicole was underwhelming at best. Started off promising, but the plot seemed to lack progression as the conflict was trite. I was hoping to see some heat develop from the chemistry between Simone and Jaylen but that was sooo lukewarm at best. Very forgettable characters..even plot..I almost can't remember the story..and that doesn't happen to me.
3* Trista Russell's story was all over the place for me. Though it's a short, I felt it had a lack of development, especially at the end. I found myself skipping a few pages that didn't enhance the plot at all..example the dets the lead character gives on the Second Life computer game. The plot twist (which came almost near the very end), was surprising but there was such lil development of it, it was almost over before it began..total bummer.
OK the first story could’ve been a little longer. It was OK, the family drama was just a little too much for me. The father disowns his one daughter for following her dreams. Basically doing what his father did. Because your father didn’t support your dreams so your last words to him were more words in spite and anger and you’re literally doing the same to your daughters now. Break the cycle! And I really wanted to hear the romance between her and the boy. And you didn’t really get the whole feel of that. It just skipped everything. Oh and by the way how it kept going back between the boy and the girl was kind of confusing. Normally Audible stories always tell you who’s point of view you're on. it never did that. Made it kinda hard to keep up with the story. The second story. Can’t even call it a story. That definitely should’ve been longer. Number one complaint from everybody.
Back Side Of Soul: the story left me wanting to know more about Jaylin & Simone's relationship. The story seemed disjointed to me. It was all right but there was too much woah is me I'm fat,
Smoke & Mirrors: loved it but I pretty much love everything Trista Russell writes. This frat like a complete story. I didn't feel cheated at all. I would like yo know what happens with the characters though.
This book is a clear indication that you cant judge a book by its cover. Turns out Garcelle was just thirsty fir attention & I'm glad she began living for herself & not caring what others thought of her. Cortaz was scum s well as Bill & they deserved each other. Turns out that Jason was the sweetheart in the end though.
There is so much I could say about this book. First and formost I am a full figured woman. It was nice to read a book about someone like myself. To see that there is hope and a bright future for women like myself.
I enjoyed both stories the attitude of the father in the first had me talking out loud to the book. The opening incident in the second had me start a discussion in a group about it. I think everyone should check out the full figured book.
A few curveballs but somewhat predictable. The main character was a bit one dimensional but I did enjoy the few times she did get in her head. Some of the one liners and sarcastic conversations the main character would have with herself were hilarious.