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Love and Happiness
Karen has it all: a handsome husband, beautiful twin daughters, a lovely home and a great job. Karen also has a secret; she’s cheating on her husband, with not one man, but two.
On the outside her life seems perfect, but on the inside Karen feels neglected, bored and unappreciated. Yearning for affection and excitement, she falls into the arms of first Raheem and then Tyrell. Out of fear of losing her husband and breaking up her family, Karen ends the affairs but things don’t turn out how she planned. When Karen’s dirty secrets are revealed she must fight to keep her family together.
Chris is doing all he can to hold his marriage together. He loves Karen but she grows more distant every day. When she starts coming home later and later, he suspects she is being unfaithful. When Chris accidentally takes her cell phone what he finds changes their lives forever.
When tragedy strikes, Karen must decide if she should sacrifice her happiness for her husband’s love, and Chris wonders if he should stay with Karen because he still loves her despite her infidelity. But if they do stay together, will they ever find love and happiness again?
Sexy and relatable, insightful and inspiring, Love and Happiness shows us both sides of Chris and Karen's story, and reminds us that sometimes to have it all, you must first lose it all.
On the outside her life seems perfect, but on the inside Karen feels neglected, bored and unappreciated. Yearning for affection and excitement, she falls into the arms of first Raheem and then Tyrell. Out of fear of losing her husband and breaking up her family, Karen ends the affairs but things don’t turn out how she planned. When Karen’s dirty secrets are revealed she must fight to keep her family together.
Chris is doing all he can to hold his marriage together. He loves Karen but she grows more distant every day. When she starts coming home later and later, he suspects she is being unfaithful. When Chris accidentally takes her cell phone what he finds changes their lives forever.
When tragedy strikes, Karen must decide if she should sacrifice her happiness for her husband’s love, and Chris wonders if he should stay with Karen because he still loves her despite her infidelity. But if they do stay together, will they ever find love and happiness again?
Sexy and relatable, insightful and inspiring, Love and Happiness shows us both sides of Chris and Karen's story, and reminds us that sometimes to have it all, you must first lose it all.
- GenresFiction
242 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 24, 2015
7 people are currently reading
249 people want to read
About the author
Ben Burgess Jr.
10 books214 followersBen Burgess Jr is the author of the award-winning novels "Monster," "Wounded," "Love and Happiness," " A Father's Sacrifice: Daddy's Girl," and the new novel "Defining Moments: Black and White." He is an active performer of spoken word poetry. Ben Burgess Jr uses his love of writing to inspire and influence youths to strive for what they believe in and never give up on their dreams. His novels "Monster" and "Wounded" are used in schools on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. Ben Burgess has a BA degree in Business Management and an MA degree in Educational Leadership. He is the proud father of his daughters Jaelynn, Jaclyn, and Jocelyn, and he is active in improving urban neighborhoods and communities. Ben Burgess's dream is to have his novels adapted into major motion pictures.
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Twitter: https://twitter.com/Ben_Burgess_Jr
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
June 24, 2017
Love and Happiness by Ben Burgess Jr. is an enigma from the very start, even the title of the piece doesn't come into focus until the literary journey is complete. And believe me; it won't take you long. It's raw, gritty, and well written. His characters, both main and supporting, are complex, consistent, and three-dimensional. Burgess accomplishes this within the narrative, not bogging the story down with tedious descriptions or backstory but by incorporating these qualities seamlessly in dialogue and action. He does the same with imagery in a setting sense as well giving you enough to paint the basics and then draws you in on an emotional level so that your imagination takes over and personalizes it. It would be a fiery film with a great adaptation.
This is one of those titles that truly earns the distinction: unputdownable. It's that riveting. It's like an accident you can't turn away from, and this starts early on in the book. The conflict that Burgess crafts doesn't feel contrived but authentic, especially if you've lived through even one tough relationship as many of us have. Speaking of relationships, Love and Happiness strikes that cord in a big way. While usual story conflicts feature man vs. man, man vs. nature, or man vs. himself, Love and Happiness tackles Man vs. Relationships. I discovered this by trying to figure out who the good and bad guys were.
The main characters, Karen and Chris come complete with baggage that is revealed throughout the narrative. They're regular, flawed folk like you and I, in love with each other but with different want and needs, different backgrounds and different mindsets. It's easy to pick your poison as you read the novel as to who you can relate too. Will you end up team Karen or Team Chris? I was team Chris all the way. In the end, Burgess does a magnificent job of tying it all up and at the same time showing the easy answer is ... there is no easy answer. If you like drama, grit, and conflict and have time to read for a spell ('cause you won't put it down) you'll adore Love and Happiness!
This is one of those titles that truly earns the distinction: unputdownable. It's that riveting. It's like an accident you can't turn away from, and this starts early on in the book. The conflict that Burgess crafts doesn't feel contrived but authentic, especially if you've lived through even one tough relationship as many of us have. Speaking of relationships, Love and Happiness strikes that cord in a big way. While usual story conflicts feature man vs. man, man vs. nature, or man vs. himself, Love and Happiness tackles Man vs. Relationships. I discovered this by trying to figure out who the good and bad guys were.
The main characters, Karen and Chris come complete with baggage that is revealed throughout the narrative. They're regular, flawed folk like you and I, in love with each other but with different want and needs, different backgrounds and different mindsets. It's easy to pick your poison as you read the novel as to who you can relate too. Will you end up team Karen or Team Chris? I was team Chris all the way. In the end, Burgess does a magnificent job of tying it all up and at the same time showing the easy answer is ... there is no easy answer. If you like drama, grit, and conflict and have time to read for a spell ('cause you won't put it down) you'll adore Love and Happiness!
December 7, 2019
Powerful Reading! Award Winning Author Ben Burgess Jr. has FIVE eCopies & FIVE Print Copies of MONSTER and LOVE AND HAPPINESS up for grabs!
Click on Banner to Enter! - Intl where allowed
In the story of every relationship, they say there are three sides, his, hers and the truth. Ben Burgess Jr.’s Love and Happiness is a raw and brutally bold tale of a marriage gone wrong and how selfishness, deceit and infidelity can erode a marriage until it is nothing more than a congealing puddle of rancid sludge. How many times can a spouse forgive the sins of the other? How much blame should each share? Follow the journey of Karen and Chris as they travel the path to marital implosion, one brutal act at a time.
She had it all, but it wasn’t enough. Karen needed more than one man to please her. She needed to feel worshiped; being tied to one man and her beautiful children was not enough. She wanted excitement, to live life on the edge, completely missing the point that she already had it all and with a little effort on her part, she could have even more with Chris.
Chris was a dedicated father and husband, always working extra to provide for his family, thinking of their future, but he forgot the present, and had little energy for the wife he inadvertently took for granted, thinking he was “doing right by his family.” But secrets have a way of unraveling and betrayal is hard to overcome, especially when the betrayer refused to own the deeds.
It takes two to love and it takes two to argue, but it took more than either had to give to discuss and repair their marriage. Is it possible that sometimes Cupid gets it wrong and there will be no happily ever after?
Hang on tight, Ben Burgess Jr. is going to hit every pulse point you have, from the raw sexually scenes told with blunt frankness to the inner thoughts and perspectives of both Chris and Karen. Eye-opening, far too realistic in today’s society, Mr. Burgess tackles the death of another marriage with a clear-headed vision that will leave you reeling. Unafraid to give us characters to dislike far beyond just their actions, we are given both sides of a story, as well as being able to sense the skewed perspectives of the characters. Raw, gritty and from the gut, everyone will take something away from this tale, thanks to the ability of this author to connect soul-deep with his readers.
I received this copy from the author in exchange for my honest review.
Publication Date: April 24, 2015
Publisher: Ben Burgess Jr
ISBN-13: 9780988374546
Genre: Family Drama
Print Length: 240 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Click on Banner to Enter! - Intl where allowed
In the story of every relationship, they say there are three sides, his, hers and the truth. Ben Burgess Jr.’s Love and Happiness is a raw and brutally bold tale of a marriage gone wrong and how selfishness, deceit and infidelity can erode a marriage until it is nothing more than a congealing puddle of rancid sludge. How many times can a spouse forgive the sins of the other? How much blame should each share? Follow the journey of Karen and Chris as they travel the path to marital implosion, one brutal act at a time.
She had it all, but it wasn’t enough. Karen needed more than one man to please her. She needed to feel worshiped; being tied to one man and her beautiful children was not enough. She wanted excitement, to live life on the edge, completely missing the point that she already had it all and with a little effort on her part, she could have even more with Chris.
Chris was a dedicated father and husband, always working extra to provide for his family, thinking of their future, but he forgot the present, and had little energy for the wife he inadvertently took for granted, thinking he was “doing right by his family.” But secrets have a way of unraveling and betrayal is hard to overcome, especially when the betrayer refused to own the deeds.
It takes two to love and it takes two to argue, but it took more than either had to give to discuss and repair their marriage. Is it possible that sometimes Cupid gets it wrong and there will be no happily ever after?
Hang on tight, Ben Burgess Jr. is going to hit every pulse point you have, from the raw sexually scenes told with blunt frankness to the inner thoughts and perspectives of both Chris and Karen. Eye-opening, far too realistic in today’s society, Mr. Burgess tackles the death of another marriage with a clear-headed vision that will leave you reeling. Unafraid to give us characters to dislike far beyond just their actions, we are given both sides of a story, as well as being able to sense the skewed perspectives of the characters. Raw, gritty and from the gut, everyone will take something away from this tale, thanks to the ability of this author to connect soul-deep with his readers.
I received this copy from the author in exchange for my honest review.
Publication Date: April 24, 2015
Publisher: Ben Burgess Jr
ISBN-13: 9780988374546
Genre: Family Drama
Print Length: 240 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
September 13, 2015
3.5 ★ for this explicit sex tale
This is very much not my kind of novel, but I’m sure there are plenty of people who will love it. Karen and Chris have young twin daughters whom they often park with Pops, Chris’s dad, while Chris works overtime to pay the bills, and Karen plays overtime with lovers because she’s bored.
Their story is told from alternating viewpoints, and Karen spends a fair bit of her time describing male bodies and equipment, comparing them with each other and luxuriating in descriptions of their performances.
It’s almost as if we should excuse her because she has such a fine appreciation of the male physique, including her husband’s. She thinks he’s hot, but he’s not very romantic and doesn’t talk to her. Hardly a new theme, but certainly universal.
Karen has a sister and a group of not very interesting girlfriends who generally encourage her bad behaviour, and when the you-know-what finally hits you-know-where, it all starts to fall apart.
Karen makes excuses for herself and tries to seduce her way back into Chris’s good graces, meanwhile attempting to shed her lovers, but seeming to have just one more romp before she goes.
When discovered (text messages are the undoing of many people), she still keeps trying to convince Chris she can make everything better if only he will understand why she strayed (it’s all his fault, of course) and give their marriage another chance. In one of Chris’s chapters, he says:
“Karen looked down as tears slipped from her eyes and soaked her blouse. Her voice was shaky when she finally spoke.
‘There wasn’t one specific reason why I cheated on you. I wasn’t happy. I was bored, and I felt that you didn’t appreciate me. You were always working, and we never went anywhere. Sometimes you’d be home, and I’d still feel lonely. I felt like you cared more about restoring your stupid car than you did for me.'
I couldn’t believe what I was hearing."
The story is smooth, well-written, and colourful and will probably be popular. I didn’t find any of the characters particularly engaging, but that could be just me.
Thanks to the author and Booklover Catlady Publicity for my copy for review. I’m sure it will find an enthusiastic audience.
This is very much not my kind of novel, but I’m sure there are plenty of people who will love it. Karen and Chris have young twin daughters whom they often park with Pops, Chris’s dad, while Chris works overtime to pay the bills, and Karen plays overtime with lovers because she’s bored.
Their story is told from alternating viewpoints, and Karen spends a fair bit of her time describing male bodies and equipment, comparing them with each other and luxuriating in descriptions of their performances.
It’s almost as if we should excuse her because she has such a fine appreciation of the male physique, including her husband’s. She thinks he’s hot, but he’s not very romantic and doesn’t talk to her. Hardly a new theme, but certainly universal.
Karen has a sister and a group of not very interesting girlfriends who generally encourage her bad behaviour, and when the you-know-what finally hits you-know-where, it all starts to fall apart.
Karen makes excuses for herself and tries to seduce her way back into Chris’s good graces, meanwhile attempting to shed her lovers, but seeming to have just one more romp before she goes.
When discovered (text messages are the undoing of many people), she still keeps trying to convince Chris she can make everything better if only he will understand why she strayed (it’s all his fault, of course) and give their marriage another chance. In one of Chris’s chapters, he says:
“Karen looked down as tears slipped from her eyes and soaked her blouse. Her voice was shaky when she finally spoke.
‘There wasn’t one specific reason why I cheated on you. I wasn’t happy. I was bored, and I felt that you didn’t appreciate me. You were always working, and we never went anywhere. Sometimes you’d be home, and I’d still feel lonely. I felt like you cared more about restoring your stupid car than you did for me.'
I couldn’t believe what I was hearing."
The story is smooth, well-written, and colourful and will probably be popular. I didn’t find any of the characters particularly engaging, but that could be just me.
Thanks to the author and Booklover Catlady Publicity for my copy for review. I’m sure it will find an enthusiastic audience.
September 7, 2016
I really enjoyed this entire book. Not my usual genre but again proved that going out used the box often pays off. Ben Burgess Jnr. really shines in writing this novel, a well blended mix of marriage drama intertwined with the impact of an affair/s on marriage and the journey beyond.
There are some no holding back sex scenes in this book and adult conversation so it's designed for mature audiences. What I loved was the story, the plot and getting to know the characters.
Karen has it all: a handsome husband, beautiful twin daughters, a lovely home and a great job. Karen also has a secret; she’s cheating on her husband, with not one man, but two.
On the outside her life seems perfect, but on the inside Karen feels neglected, bored and unappreciated. Yearning for affection and excitement, she falls into the arms of first Raheem and then Tyrell. Out of fear of losing her husband and breaking up her family, Karen ends the affairs but things don’t turn out how she planned. When Karen’s dirty secrets are revealed she must fight to keep her family together.
Chris is doing all he can to hold his marriage together. He loves Karen but she grows more distant every day. When she starts coming home later and later, he suspects an affair.
It's hard to like Karen, despite her moans that her needs are not being met. Who can like a character who is having affairs with more than one man behind her husband's back? It's the height of selfishness and deception.
On the other hand I grew to love Chris as a character, both characters are written really well. The alternating points of view makes the book really interesting as we hear from both perspectives.
Can a marriage survive such a betrayal? This is the big question hanging over the relationship. Because some marriages do, and some don't.
Karen's shenanigans in the book had me shaking my head over and over again. And as for her posse of girlfriends? Well some I loved and others I wanted to shake! I like the way mutual married friends are tackled in the story also.
So will Love and Happiness prevail in the end? Guess you'll have to read it to find out! An enjoyable 4 paw print read from Booklover Catlady.
I currently have review copies of this great book available for those keen to read and review, you can email me at booklovercatlady@gmail.com for a copy.
For more of my reviews see you at:
https://www.facebook.com/BookloverCat...
Follow me on Twitter! I talk back!
https://www.twitter.com/BookloverCatlady
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review, many thanks.
There are some no holding back sex scenes in this book and adult conversation so it's designed for mature audiences. What I loved was the story, the plot and getting to know the characters.
Karen has it all: a handsome husband, beautiful twin daughters, a lovely home and a great job. Karen also has a secret; she’s cheating on her husband, with not one man, but two.
On the outside her life seems perfect, but on the inside Karen feels neglected, bored and unappreciated. Yearning for affection and excitement, she falls into the arms of first Raheem and then Tyrell. Out of fear of losing her husband and breaking up her family, Karen ends the affairs but things don’t turn out how she planned. When Karen’s dirty secrets are revealed she must fight to keep her family together.
Chris is doing all he can to hold his marriage together. He loves Karen but she grows more distant every day. When she starts coming home later and later, he suspects an affair.
It's hard to like Karen, despite her moans that her needs are not being met. Who can like a character who is having affairs with more than one man behind her husband's back? It's the height of selfishness and deception.
On the other hand I grew to love Chris as a character, both characters are written really well. The alternating points of view makes the book really interesting as we hear from both perspectives.
Can a marriage survive such a betrayal? This is the big question hanging over the relationship. Because some marriages do, and some don't.
Karen's shenanigans in the book had me shaking my head over and over again. And as for her posse of girlfriends? Well some I loved and others I wanted to shake! I like the way mutual married friends are tackled in the story also.
So will Love and Happiness prevail in the end? Guess you'll have to read it to find out! An enjoyable 4 paw print read from Booklover Catlady.
I currently have review copies of this great book available for those keen to read and review, you can email me at booklovercatlady@gmail.com for a copy.
For more of my reviews see you at:
https://www.facebook.com/BookloverCat...
Follow me on Twitter! I talk back!
https://www.twitter.com/BookloverCatlady
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review, many thanks.
October 6, 2015
Don't you just love people who have it all and want more.
I am aware that not all marriages are what they seem to be , but I also know that when you have a loving husband and children, you are rich.
None of us have all our "needs" met, no one. No matter what those "needs" are. But we hopefully balance them up with what we have which is good
Nope, not Karen, she is a selfish woman. A woman who has a husband who loves her, twin daughters, a gorgeous home and a successful job.
But Karen is unhappy right. So what does she do? She has two lovers, yep, that's right, she has two lovers. Its all a secret .
But of course, you can't have one affair let alone two without something about to give. And Karen is becoming more and more distant from her husband.
There are some RED hot sexy scenes and some MATURE talk so be aware of this. Its paramount to the story though, shows Karen in her light.
Of course, this life style of Karen's is not going to hold and her extra marital affairs are creeping over into her daily life. She's coming home later and later, things are getting neglected. At times, I thought Karen lost the entire plot except when she was in the arms of her lovers.
Her husband then suspects his wife.
Something happens, an important "something" that has dire consequences for their future.
Secrets can never stay secrets for long.
But once its all out there in the open, can they rebuild their marriage, their family life?
Some do, some don't.
You have to see what happens and what occurs.
My hat goes off to Ben Burgess, this just shows a man can write a story like this just as well as any female author [which I have read plenty like this] and he has written this beautifully. Created real life like characters that are believable, there is a "Karen" out there somewhere, maybe several. That is what makes this story stand up, its reality to some. Unfortunately this is the sad case and the sad world we live in now. Morals are all over the place and Karen's was way off the scale.
I know there are a few of my buddy readers who would love to read this so I will be recommending this to them.
My thanks to this authors Publicist and to the author himself for my copy.
I will be looking forward to future books from him.
January 31, 2016
I love Ben's writing he reallys knows how to draw you into his character.
First I can describe Karen in just one word...
Here is a woman who has a loving husband and beautiful children and all she can think about is herself. It's not like she put any effort into the relationship, or tried to make it better, no she made it worst! I felt bad for Chris and I could rant on and on about the book, but this is a book where you have to read to believe, it is definitely true to life, but sad at times.
First I can describe Karen in just one word...
Here is a woman who has a loving husband and beautiful children and all she can think about is herself. It's not like she put any effort into the relationship, or tried to make it better, no she made it worst! I felt bad for Chris and I could rant on and on about the book, but this is a book where you have to read to believe, it is definitely true to life, but sad at times.
June 29, 2015
I have read the author's previous two books, Monster and Wounded, and to be honest, I was curious to find out how he would top those two. Well, I was very pleasantly surprised when the book far exceeded my expectations. You ever read a book where you want to reach out and strangle one of the characters? This is THAT book! I read this book in one setting; great plot, twists, and very believeable characters! Trust me when I tell you, I didn't want to put this book DOWN! I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a drama-filled, action-packed book who will have you in your feelings, and make you feel some type of way!
July 2, 2017
Finished this in one day, I couldn't put this one down!
How do you measure love and happiness? Do you consider your mate in the equation or is it solely based on your own desires and needs? Love and Happiness, was brilliant! Ken Burgess dove head on into a relationship about Karen and Chris (I am 100% Team Chris). Young with their lives ahead of them they fall in love and marry...but lies, secrets, deceit and lack of communication can tear down any relationship.
This couple goes through it!! I must say, I felt Karen was selfish and manipulative from the beginning. But you can only mask your true self for so long.
How do you measure love and happiness? Do you consider your mate in the equation or is it solely based on your own desires and needs? Love and Happiness, was brilliant! Ken Burgess dove head on into a relationship about Karen and Chris (I am 100% Team Chris). Young with their lives ahead of them they fall in love and marry...but lies, secrets, deceit and lack of communication can tear down any relationship.
This couple goes through it!! I must say, I felt Karen was selfish and manipulative from the beginning. But you can only mask your true self for so long.
October 29, 2015
I was provided with this book in return for an honest review. Thank you so much Booklover Catlady Publicity and Ben Burgess Jr. for this honor.
I wanted to start my review with two passages from the book that were among my favorites:
"Chris slept peacefully as I crawled into bed feeling guilty. I cried myself to sleep replaying what I had done. I'd broken my promise to Chris, to myself, and to God with my actions. While I felt horrible, I also felt justified. How many times had I cried to Chris, explaining how I felt? How many clues had I given him? I realized cheating wasn't as bad as I thought."
Karen: What's your secret to a happy marriage?
Edna: Nothing worth something comes easy. You have to work at it. Both of you have to be willing to sacrifice, to constantly communicate, and most importantly, both of you have to appreciate what you love."
As a married women, I had to remain objective. Once I fully put my personal feelings in check, I was able to enjoy the book. Infidelity is a sensitive topic for me. The story was told in alternating view points from Karen and her husband Chris which I absolutely loved. The characters were relatable. A lot of the sayings made it seem like I was reading about friends or family because they are a lot of sayings I use.
The author gave insight into the behavior of both characters and I think the alternating chapters helped to bring everything full circle. This book was packed full of dramatic moments, laugh out loud moments, yell out loud moments, and head shaking moments.
The book also had some predictable moments but even though predictable at times something would happen to knock me off my feet.
The book was fast moving which I had a love/hate relationship with. Things were not long and drawn out. I didn't have to wait long to learn what the response to certain situations turned out to be. Yet at the same time, things to seem to move really fast in terms of falling in and out of love. I'm trying not to give too much away.
Other things that stood out was marketing. I'm not sure if there was a motive behind it or if it was simply used to again make the book one that people could identify with. There were lots of musical artist mentioned and current songs. Other things mentioned to name a few among many; Verizon, Polo Sport Cologne, clothing store Express, Molly Maids,and Le Blanc Spa Resort in Cancun.
This book really has something for everyone erotica, infidelity, family of origin issues, real marital concerns and much more. The ending was a bit too fairytale in my opinion but it was an enjoyable read.
I wanted to start my review with two passages from the book that were among my favorites:
"Chris slept peacefully as I crawled into bed feeling guilty. I cried myself to sleep replaying what I had done. I'd broken my promise to Chris, to myself, and to God with my actions. While I felt horrible, I also felt justified. How many times had I cried to Chris, explaining how I felt? How many clues had I given him? I realized cheating wasn't as bad as I thought."
Karen: What's your secret to a happy marriage?
Edna: Nothing worth something comes easy. You have to work at it. Both of you have to be willing to sacrifice, to constantly communicate, and most importantly, both of you have to appreciate what you love."
As a married women, I had to remain objective. Once I fully put my personal feelings in check, I was able to enjoy the book. Infidelity is a sensitive topic for me. The story was told in alternating view points from Karen and her husband Chris which I absolutely loved. The characters were relatable. A lot of the sayings made it seem like I was reading about friends or family because they are a lot of sayings I use.
The author gave insight into the behavior of both characters and I think the alternating chapters helped to bring everything full circle. This book was packed full of dramatic moments, laugh out loud moments, yell out loud moments, and head shaking moments.
The book also had some predictable moments but even though predictable at times something would happen to knock me off my feet.
The book was fast moving which I had a love/hate relationship with. Things were not long and drawn out. I didn't have to wait long to learn what the response to certain situations turned out to be. Yet at the same time, things to seem to move really fast in terms of falling in and out of love. I'm trying not to give too much away.
Other things that stood out was marketing. I'm not sure if there was a motive behind it or if it was simply used to again make the book one that people could identify with. There were lots of musical artist mentioned and current songs. Other things mentioned to name a few among many; Verizon, Polo Sport Cologne, clothing store Express, Molly Maids,and Le Blanc Spa Resort in Cancun.
This book really has something for everyone erotica, infidelity, family of origin issues, real marital concerns and much more. The ending was a bit too fairytale in my opinion but it was an enjoyable read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 13, 2015
Book Review originally published here: http://www.iheartreading.net/book-tou...
Sometimes love isn’t enough to make people happy. In Love and Happiness, like the title suggests, the plot focuses heavily on love, happiness, and what the characters must do in order to achieve both. Karen has it all: handsome husband, beautiful kids, lovely home, a great job. But unfortunately all of that isn’t enough to give her happiness. She’s secrety cheating on her husband, and not just with one man, but with two, Raheem and then Tyrell. She ends the affairs, growing afraid she might lose her husband. But when her secret is revealed and her husband, Chris, finds out, she must decide if she wants to fight for their marriage, and if she still loves her husband or not.
Chris is struggling too. He tries to keep his family together because despite everything, he still loves Karen, but things aren’t what they once used to be. Can he trust her? Can they find love again? The book is told from the POV of both Chris and Karen to give us a full picture of their marriage and their issues. Especially Karen seemed to have a lot of those. It was hard to sympathize with her, and although I disliked her personality, I did like her as a character. If she hadn’t been as selfish and spoiled, the book wouldn’t have been the same, and unfortunately, there are way too many people out there who are exactly like Karen. It doesn’t often happen that the main character is described as the “villain”, but it works here.
The moment I started reading, I couldn’t put this one down. It’s about more than romance – it’s about family, love, about changing and having to change, and about our neverending search for happiness, and how hard it is to find that at times.
Sometimes love isn’t enough to make people happy. In Love and Happiness, like the title suggests, the plot focuses heavily on love, happiness, and what the characters must do in order to achieve both. Karen has it all: handsome husband, beautiful kids, lovely home, a great job. But unfortunately all of that isn’t enough to give her happiness. She’s secrety cheating on her husband, and not just with one man, but with two, Raheem and then Tyrell. She ends the affairs, growing afraid she might lose her husband. But when her secret is revealed and her husband, Chris, finds out, she must decide if she wants to fight for their marriage, and if she still loves her husband or not.
Chris is struggling too. He tries to keep his family together because despite everything, he still loves Karen, but things aren’t what they once used to be. Can he trust her? Can they find love again? The book is told from the POV of both Chris and Karen to give us a full picture of their marriage and their issues. Especially Karen seemed to have a lot of those. It was hard to sympathize with her, and although I disliked her personality, I did like her as a character. If she hadn’t been as selfish and spoiled, the book wouldn’t have been the same, and unfortunately, there are way too many people out there who are exactly like Karen. It doesn’t often happen that the main character is described as the “villain”, but it works here.
The moment I started reading, I couldn’t put this one down. It’s about more than romance – it’s about family, love, about changing and having to change, and about our neverending search for happiness, and how hard it is to find that at times.
September 29, 2015
Love and Happiness chronicles the demise of a marriage that never should have been in the first place. Told from Chris' and Karen's points of view, it is full of drama, explicit sex and truly unlikable characters. In fact, I can't remember the last time I despised a book character as much as I did Karen. Not really for the obvious thing (she is cheating on her husband with two guys), but simply because she was the most selfish, dishonest person ever and treated people around her like crap. The author did a brilliant job creating some really interesting personalities, and I loved that he made the female character into the one who's doing the cheating. For me, the story would have worked well even without all the explicit sex scenes. It was a really well developed plot of two people trying to find happiness and you couldn't help but become emotionally involved in the story. I kept shaking my head at Karen's and Chris' "friends" and felt sorry for the two kids involved. The ending was too perfect and too positive for my liking, and the book is in need of some proofreading, but it was a truly enjoyable read that definitely held my attention throughout.
Thanks you to the author and to Maxine Booklover Catlady Publicity for my free copy in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks you to the author and to Maxine Booklover Catlady Publicity for my free copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 28, 2015
"Pops, I need this. Between stress from bills and problems with Karen, if I don't do something, I'm going to fall apart."
"Stop sounding soft. I didn't raise no punk. I raised you to be stronger than that. If you have bills, then you work to pay them. You're a man. If you're having problems with your wife, you fix it. End of story."
Love and Happiness could very well be a snapshot into today's marriages and what goes on behind people's closed doors. Karen and Chris are at a crossroads in their marriage and Chris' dad isn't much help. Not only is their marriage having financial difficulties, Karen is also having many affairs and instead of giving up Chris wants to try to fix everything.
As with his previous books, Burgess has a gift when it comes to exploring relationships and expressing human emotions. I read Love and Happiness while on a flight to Atlanta. It was full of twists, turns, and everything in between. If there weren't a few grammatical errors, it would easily be a 5. Overall, Burgess is a very talented storyteller and I look forward to see what he has in store for us next!!!
September 14, 2015
Not my usual genre but I quite enjoyed this book apart from the sex scenes which I thought were not really needed(~or at least in such depth- they didn’t add to the story in my view)
A story of a marriage which shouldn’t have been. One half working to mend it (or so they think) and one half not really caring. The chapters are written from each one’s perspective which is great as you get to know the inner feelings of each half of the marriage. Some good characters which built towards the end. Good descriptions of feeling and emotions, which for those who have been in some of these situation (or the receiving end) are very well done. By the end I was smiling, I do like a good ending!
I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
A story of a marriage which shouldn’t have been. One half working to mend it (or so they think) and one half not really caring. The chapters are written from each one’s perspective which is great as you get to know the inner feelings of each half of the marriage. Some good characters which built towards the end. Good descriptions of feeling and emotions, which for those who have been in some of these situation (or the receiving end) are very well done. By the end I was smiling, I do like a good ending!
I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 27, 2015
Really Loved This Book
1st off I have to say that I have been a fan of Ben Burgess since he released his first book, ‘Monster'. After reading that book I knew that I would continue to follow him on his writing journey because he could tell a great story and he held my attention all the way through his books. As for this book...... WOW, I almost want to say it's my favorite book, what a bittersweet ending. Although I'm a woman I'm still #teamChris, I can go on and on about the book but I don't want to ruin the story for others. I will say that I highly recommend this book. No matter what type of books your into you will enjoy this book, I guarantee it!!!
5 star book!!!
1st off I have to say that I have been a fan of Ben Burgess since he released his first book, ‘Monster'. After reading that book I knew that I would continue to follow him on his writing journey because he could tell a great story and he held my attention all the way through his books. As for this book...... WOW, I almost want to say it's my favorite book, what a bittersweet ending. Although I'm a woman I'm still #teamChris, I can go on and on about the book but I don't want to ruin the story for others. I will say that I highly recommend this book. No matter what type of books your into you will enjoy this book, I guarantee it!!!
5 star book!!!
January 3, 2016
Truly unforgettable story. I felt Ben Burgess Jr. hit the nail on the head in showing both sides of this catastrophic yet delicate situation. I just couldn't put this book down... In the beginning, I just didn't know what to think about Karen...or Chloe...I just know I wasn't fond of either... As I've read Wounded, I thought an excellent job was done writing this story in describing what the characters were feeling while certain events were occurring. Nicely written with a great storyline, this is a story that I highly recommend all to read.
June 5, 2015
Ben Burgess Jr. has once again painted another realistic masterpiece of how poor communication and selfish actions can ruin a relationship. FROM START TO FINISH...Dirty secrets, messy betrayal and endless drama had me anxiously lingering onto every word. Although, I felt wavering compassion for Karen... I AM WITHOUT A DOUBT 110% TEAM Chris!
EyeCU Approved & HIGHLY
EyeCU Approved & HIGHLY
August 11, 2022
Quickly running to read Ben Burgess Jr's full catalog...
May 3, 2016
This was my first time reading something from this author. I always like to see a male author's take on fictional romance.
*This review is my opinion only. An opinion based entirely on the story and nothing personal against the author. Everyone experiences something different from the same book and I honestly feel that a review should not dissuade a reader from choosing a particular book. Find your own story and form your own opinion.*
Love and Happiness is set up in four parts--the fourth part was much more well written (I felt the events and characters flowed better and connected better.)
There were times throughout the story where I felt the author forgot who his characters were supposed to be and where they were headed-- for example, the female main character contradicted herself on many occasions regarding her feelings toward her husband and the reasons for why she was married to him. I thought she just said this a couple of pages ago and now she is saying the opposite. That doesn't make sense to me. She definitely did not have many redeeming qualities even as an antagonist character.
There were also times during the story, that i felt somewhat disconnected from the story or couldn't get invested in it because the storyline became almost too much. As if the author added in scenes or stereotypical romance novel ideas all in one bag to give us some WTF moments. They were gratuitous or unnecessary and I felt had he expanded on a couple of these ideas and developed those more, the story would have been much stronger. Instead, I felt all over the place and couldn't settle myself into the story.
I will say the male character and his father were much more solid and believable. In fact, all the male characters were solid and maybe this is because he is a male author. The female characters lacked integrity (even villainous or bitchy characters have something the reader can buy into that makes them believable). Often, I found myself thinking these characters were stereotypical and unrealistic of educated black women or women as a whole.
While this story was hard for me to buy into, I thought the story line and where he ended the story were good. I would honestly be open to reading more from this author and seeing how his writing grows and evolves.
D 3/5
*This review is my opinion only. An opinion based entirely on the story and nothing personal against the author. Everyone experiences something different from the same book and I honestly feel that a review should not dissuade a reader from choosing a particular book. Find your own story and form your own opinion.*
Love and Happiness is set up in four parts--the fourth part was much more well written (I felt the events and characters flowed better and connected better.)
There were times throughout the story where I felt the author forgot who his characters were supposed to be and where they were headed-- for example, the female main character contradicted herself on many occasions regarding her feelings toward her husband and the reasons for why she was married to him. I thought she just said this a couple of pages ago and now she is saying the opposite. That doesn't make sense to me. She definitely did not have many redeeming qualities even as an antagonist character.
There were also times during the story, that i felt somewhat disconnected from the story or couldn't get invested in it because the storyline became almost too much. As if the author added in scenes or stereotypical romance novel ideas all in one bag to give us some WTF moments. They were gratuitous or unnecessary and I felt had he expanded on a couple of these ideas and developed those more, the story would have been much stronger. Instead, I felt all over the place and couldn't settle myself into the story.
I will say the male character and his father were much more solid and believable. In fact, all the male characters were solid and maybe this is because he is a male author. The female characters lacked integrity (even villainous or bitchy characters have something the reader can buy into that makes them believable). Often, I found myself thinking these characters were stereotypical and unrealistic of educated black women or women as a whole.
While this story was hard for me to buy into, I thought the story line and where he ended the story were good. I would honestly be open to reading more from this author and seeing how his writing grows and evolves.
D 3/5
June 12, 2015
Love is a word that is thrown around a lot but when it is said, what is truly meant by it? Are you just saying it because you feel that is the right thing to do or are you saying it because you have genuine feeling for that person? Happiness is one of those feelings that is different for everyone. According to the dictionary, happiness means: a state of well-being and contentment, joy, a pleasurable or satisfying experience. Different things and different events make people happy but are you truly happy or are you just skating by?
Karen and Chris are college sweethearts that are the true meaning of opposites attract. Karen is a party girl and Chris is more disciplined and laid back. Through their differences and difficulties, they made it work into a beautiful marriage with two beautiful girls. When life really started to kick in and kick butt, the house became divided and started to grow distant. How can you say that you love someone but you are not willing to fight for total happiness? Is it more about total happiness or your happiness alone?
Love & Happiness is a book about life lessons. How you deal with the life that you are dealt and what you should do about it. This story is a great story regarding who you are and who you TRULY want to be. The characters are so in tune with each other this novel could either be your own life or a movie. You can totally relate to the life situations that are going on within this novel and you have a feeling of wanting to help the underdog but with the twists and turns ~ who is the real underdog? I would highly recommend this novel, it is excellent reading for anyone who likes a good book. It keeps you engrossed so you will not want to put it down until you find out what happens next! Great job Ben Burgess Jr., continued success!
Karen and Chris are college sweethearts that are the true meaning of opposites attract. Karen is a party girl and Chris is more disciplined and laid back. Through their differences and difficulties, they made it work into a beautiful marriage with two beautiful girls. When life really started to kick in and kick butt, the house became divided and started to grow distant. How can you say that you love someone but you are not willing to fight for total happiness? Is it more about total happiness or your happiness alone?
Love & Happiness is a book about life lessons. How you deal with the life that you are dealt and what you should do about it. This story is a great story regarding who you are and who you TRULY want to be. The characters are so in tune with each other this novel could either be your own life or a movie. You can totally relate to the life situations that are going on within this novel and you have a feeling of wanting to help the underdog but with the twists and turns ~ who is the real underdog? I would highly recommend this novel, it is excellent reading for anyone who likes a good book. It keeps you engrossed so you will not want to put it down until you find out what happens next! Great job Ben Burgess Jr., continued success!
February 5, 2021
OK...so the idea/content was good...However, Its obvious that this book was written by a man....I don't mean any harm....A lot of the material was unrealistic and one-sided.....How is it for a man so in love with his wife be completely oblivious to the things that he knows will make his wife happy not do them, but meet another woman and do those very things to make the next lady happy.....so one-sided....In addition, women are more calculating.....a woman would have never been caught that easily...switching phones? Nah! That's definitely how a man would be caught....Don't get me wrong....Karen was wrong from the very start and I was definitely Team Chris.....but, her sister and friends were too involved and there were times that she simply said nothing and allowed her sister to yell at Chris....UNREALISTIC! She get drunk and the man takes her to her own home (and she doesn't recognize her own home) and she walks pass her father-in law and he does not say anything about another man being in his son's home and he doesn't call his son....UNREALISTIC....The two have wild sex....and the father-in-law allows it to happen while he's in the home...UNREALISTIC....the friend Lindsey that was dead set on not allowing her to leave with the guy understanding and knowing that she's unbelievably drunk and she's allowed to leave with the guy anyway....UNREALISTIC....black girls don't get wasted like that and are not have someone to take care of them...especially going out with 4 other females....Some of the things that happen in this story was just too much and I found the characters & the story under developed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 7, 2015
Love and Happiness Review
Author Ben Burgess Jr.
5 stars *****
So this is the Third Novel of this author and I must say that he is definitely on fire. He is making a name for himself.
While his love scenes for me, takes some getting used to as they are steamy, I found myself once again enthralled by his characters and the story line.
Karen is your typical working wife and mother who is bored, but it surprised me to find out she had more than one lover on the side. Karen had my emotions fluctuating from anger, to annoyance to downright heated, as she one minute belittled her husband Chris on more than one occasion. And she didn’t do it with words, but actions. It made me so angry how she allowed such disrespect for Chris from herself and others.
Chris on the other hand was very…not weak but defeated to me even before he found out about the infidelity. It’s like he gave up on life or just emotionally dead- until he finds out his wife is cheating.
Nadine, a character I was waiting to see if she would be too good to be true, dug her way into my heart too as she won over Chris’.
A small part of me wanted Karen and Chris to make it. That they would weather the storm, but in the end I enjoyed where they ended up. Overall it was a great read.
http://www.amazon.com/Love-Happiness-...
http://www.amazon.com/Ben-Burgess-Jr....
Author Ben Burgess Jr.
5 stars *****
So this is the Third Novel of this author and I must say that he is definitely on fire. He is making a name for himself.
While his love scenes for me, takes some getting used to as they are steamy, I found myself once again enthralled by his characters and the story line.
Karen is your typical working wife and mother who is bored, but it surprised me to find out she had more than one lover on the side. Karen had my emotions fluctuating from anger, to annoyance to downright heated, as she one minute belittled her husband Chris on more than one occasion. And she didn’t do it with words, but actions. It made me so angry how she allowed such disrespect for Chris from herself and others.
Chris on the other hand was very…not weak but defeated to me even before he found out about the infidelity. It’s like he gave up on life or just emotionally dead- until he finds out his wife is cheating.
Nadine, a character I was waiting to see if she would be too good to be true, dug her way into my heart too as she won over Chris’.
A small part of me wanted Karen and Chris to make it. That they would weather the storm, but in the end I enjoyed where they ended up. Overall it was a great read.
http://www.amazon.com/Love-Happiness-...
http://www.amazon.com/Ben-Burgess-Jr....
May 18, 2015
Love and Happiness was a relatable read of one woman's decision to find happiness outside of her marriage. Is that ever a good choice?
Karen and Chris' marriage has turned into a rollercoaster and it is great to see the author's perspective with the woman as the cheater. We all know a woman who is fed up and when we are, we sometimes do the unthinkable. Karen does it and more! But is it acceptable when the person you truly love is not your husband?
The author develops each character very well and causes us to see both sides of the story. No man wants to imagine their woman being intimate, emotionally and physically with another man. To me, there is no Team Chris or Team Karen, I am for Team Happiness by any means necessary. Do I think Karen should have tied up loose ends in her marriage first? Most definitely. Do I think Chris could have done more as a husband? Yep!
I suggest you one click this amazing story and see if you are able to pick a side. Great job Ben once again....great job!
Karen and Chris' marriage has turned into a rollercoaster and it is great to see the author's perspective with the woman as the cheater. We all know a woman who is fed up and when we are, we sometimes do the unthinkable. Karen does it and more! But is it acceptable when the person you truly love is not your husband?
The author develops each character very well and causes us to see both sides of the story. No man wants to imagine their woman being intimate, emotionally and physically with another man. To me, there is no Team Chris or Team Karen, I am for Team Happiness by any means necessary. Do I think Karen should have tied up loose ends in her marriage first? Most definitely. Do I think Chris could have done more as a husband? Yep!
I suggest you one click this amazing story and see if you are able to pick a side. Great job Ben once again....great job!
October 8, 2015
This is my first book by Ben Burgess, Jr. I thoroughly enjoyed Love and Happiness. Let me start off by saying that Karen is a real piece of work. Karen and Chris are married and Karen is not content with her marriage. As a result, she commits adultery with not one, but two men. These two should not have married and start a family. However, it appears that Chris is actually attempting to try to work on his marriage, when Karen is more concerned with being single and partying than being a wife and mother. I enjoyed that the book was told from the perspective of both parties so you were able to see what each party was thinking. Although I truly disliked Karen, I think that the characters were very well developed and fit the story very well. The book seems to be more of a role reversal with Karen as the serial cheater, but it just puts out there that this happens more than some people know. Great book about real life trials and tribulations.
May 17, 2015
Pretty good read
This was my first time reading anything by Ben Burgess Jr even though I have another book by him. It was a pretty good read. I didn't particularly care for Karen. She was very selfish in my opinion but by the end of the book I was very happy for the woman she had grown into. Chris truly deserved all the happiness his heart could hold. He was an amazing guy who needed to see what he didn't have in order to see what it was that he needed in a woman. I will definitely check out more of this author's work. His character development is phenomenal and his story isn't filled with fluff. He's a winner in my book
This was my first time reading anything by Ben Burgess Jr even though I have another book by him. It was a pretty good read. I didn't particularly care for Karen. She was very selfish in my opinion but by the end of the book I was very happy for the woman she had grown into. Chris truly deserved all the happiness his heart could hold. He was an amazing guy who needed to see what he didn't have in order to see what it was that he needed in a woman. I will definitely check out more of this author's work. His character development is phenomenal and his story isn't filled with fluff. He's a winner in my book
June 11, 2015
I don't even know where to begin without giving away the end.
I have to be #TeamMarriage.
Both Karen and Chris had issues but they were good people with(issues).
They deserved to be happy but they had alot to learn about themselves and each other.
I cried a few times because I wanted something different to happen but I got over it.. (I'm a crybaby anyway).
I truly LOVED the story..Definitely a good ending..
Ben Burgess is an amazing author. He has a way of making you feel like you are right there with the characters. You laugh and you cry with them.. I've read all 3 of his books and I have never been disappointed.
I'm really looking forward to his next novel!!!
I have to be #TeamMarriage.
Both Karen and Chris had issues but they were good people with(issues).
They deserved to be happy but they had alot to learn about themselves and each other.
I cried a few times because I wanted something different to happen but I got over it.. (I'm a crybaby anyway).
I truly LOVED the story..Definitely a good ending..
Ben Burgess is an amazing author. He has a way of making you feel like you are right there with the characters. You laugh and you cry with them.. I've read all 3 of his books and I have never been disappointed.
I'm really looking forward to his next novel!!!
July 9, 2015
I read Ben burgesses book 'Wounded' and became a fan of his work. He writes with such passion and it is transmitted to the reader. I was excited to read this book based on the feedback of my book club. Everyone was talking about the individual characters as if they were real people. I started the book last night and it kept me turning page after page arguing with the characters and their decisions. I don't want to give the story away but, it makes one step back and think about relationships and marriage. It is ultimately a love story and contains twists and turns that keep the reader involved. Ben, you knocked this one out the park!
July 8, 2015
Author Ben Burgess, Jr tells the story from each main character's perspective and it is done well. The characters all have vibrant, tangible personalities. I love how the woman gets to be the antagonist and is well defined in what many like to think is a spot held traditionally by males. This is not your mothers' romance novel. The sex scenes don't carry the book, the actual story does.
Author Ben Burgess Jr has managed to capture all of the volatility of love- romance, cheating, heartache and heartbreak, death and forgiveness into one expertly woven tale
See the complete review on She Reads www.whoshereads.com
Author Ben Burgess Jr has managed to capture all of the volatility of love- romance, cheating, heartache and heartbreak, death and forgiveness into one expertly woven tale
See the complete review on She Reads www.whoshereads.com
May 4, 2015
Anytime a book causes me to stop reading and fuss out loud it's a great book. This was a great book! For me there was nothing to like about Karen for me. She had a sister and a couple of friends that were the meaning of misery loving company personified. She had a good man even though he was flawed......but she handled her marriage all wrong. I would suggest this book to anyone looking for a goodread.
May 14, 2015
Amazing Written
Wow!! What an incredible story. So many life lessons we learn. We make mistakes in our relationships but we learn from those mistakes and apply them to our future. As a people, we only get better on time. When I read a book and cry real tears, that's how I know it's real. Excellent read. If I do say so myself!!!!
Wow!! What an incredible story. So many life lessons we learn. We make mistakes in our relationships but we learn from those mistakes and apply them to our future. As a people, we only get better on time. When I read a book and cry real tears, that's how I know it's real. Excellent read. If I do say so myself!!!!
June 11, 2015
I can't say that I particularly liked Karen’s character, in fact if I met her in real life I would have a few things I wanted to say BUT kudos to Ben Burgess, he really knows how to write them. All his characters are 3 dimensional and at the end of the day it's all about the story which in this case was top notch.
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