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Wives, Fiancées, and Side-Chicks of Hotlanta
From Sheree Whitfield, one of the stars of Bravo TV's hit show The Real Housewives of Atlanta, comes a debut novel that's a page-turning mix of rumor, fiction, and a tantalizing dash of reality...
Sasha Wellington has put herself on the fast track to success. Fresh out of college, she's got her career as a fashion designer and entrepreneur all planned out. Her only wild card is choosing which city to launch from. When fate points her to Atlanta, she sets out to make her dreams come true...
Before she knows it, Sasha's befriended by two rival BFFs. First there's Norman, savvy stylist to Atlanta's stars, from the A-list on down. Then there's Paris, an outrageous personality with a questionable nightlife. Between their antics, Sasha's beyond grateful for her coworker, Casey. Married to an NBA player, Casey's got class. But there's more than meets the eye to being a baller's wife. And the more time Sasha spends among the movers and shakers, the clearer it gets that just like on reality TV, the truth lies behind-the-scenes. Still, she's not worried about getting caught up in the drama--until she's romanced by a baller of her own. Can she stick to her game plan, or will Hotlanta derail her future--and reveal a side of herself even she didn't know existed?
Sasha Wellington has put herself on the fast track to success. Fresh out of college, she's got her career as a fashion designer and entrepreneur all planned out. Her only wild card is choosing which city to launch from. When fate points her to Atlanta, she sets out to make her dreams come true...
Before she knows it, Sasha's befriended by two rival BFFs. First there's Norman, savvy stylist to Atlanta's stars, from the A-list on down. Then there's Paris, an outrageous personality with a questionable nightlife. Between their antics, Sasha's beyond grateful for her coworker, Casey. Married to an NBA player, Casey's got class. But there's more than meets the eye to being a baller's wife. And the more time Sasha spends among the movers and shakers, the clearer it gets that just like on reality TV, the truth lies behind-the-scenes. Still, she's not worried about getting caught up in the drama--until she's romanced by a baller of her own. Can she stick to her game plan, or will Hotlanta derail her future--and reveal a side of herself even she didn't know existed?
- GenresFiction
288 pages, Paperback
First published January 31, 2017
144 people are currently reading
869 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
February 10, 2017
I am proud to admit I am a "Real Housewives of..." whatever city junky. I have never been one to sheepishly say I love my Housewives. Of course I have my favorite from each franchise such as Lisa Vanderpump from Beverly Hills, Caroline Manzo from New Jersey, and the lovely Phaedra Parks from Atlanta. The reality TV sites I peruse reported Sheree Whitfield is placing her hat in the wonderful world of marketing herself by writing a book.
Unlike some of the other Housewives turned authors (excluding Carole Radziwell), Sheree Whitfield did not do a cookbook, of provide information on how to live a fabulous life in or out of jail, but instead chose to go the way of an actual novel. I was more than excited to be given a review copy of Wives, Fiancees, and Side-Chicks of Hotlanta. Part of me just wanted to read this book only to rip it to shreds (simply because of the title... I mean c'mon) while the other half simply wanted to see an original Housewife do well and prove her literary chops. Now, I simply want to be honest and give my own, unbiased opinion of this novel and encourage those who don't agree to just...
Sheree Whitfield opens the book with a prelude to all the craziness that will ensue in Sasha Wellington's life in "Hotlanta". For those of us not so hip, that would be Atlanta, Ga. Sasha is a fish out of water after moving to Atlanta to pursue her dream of becoming a successful fashion designer. With her business and life plan in tow, she quickly learns that she may have bitten off more than she can chew. We are on Sasha's journey in learning life and herself.
Because I hate going too deep into any review with silly plot details I will begin to dissect this novel and rip it apart with my catty opinion and over the top shade.
Sheree Whitfield really does an awesome job at providing a character that is easy to love. Sasha is like so many of us women. She wants to appear tough, put together, and confident but really, she's just as vulnerable to self-doubt as the next woman. Many times I find the contradictory characteristics of other protagonists to be annoying but Whitfield manages to make the moments when Sasha is doubtful of herself, genuine and not simply a ploy for sympathy from the audience. These moments allow readers to be happy for her as she changes and grows (for good or bad) in "Hotlanta".
Nothing involving any Housewife is without drama so why should Wives, Fiancees, and Side-Chicks of Hotlanta. This novel is hard to put down due to the increasing drama in love, friendships, and life. Whitfield is very aware of her audience and keeps the story moving forward quickly. This device usually causes a lack of character development, and I won't lie, that happens here too. Outside of Sasha, I felt the supporting cast were all caricatures. I feel like everyone introduced was exactly like I remember them being on past Housewife episodes. Which leads me to my gripes...
Wives, Fiancees, Side-Chicks of Hotlanta relies too heavily on cliche and one liners. I fear that this book can become dated when "throwing shade", "THOT", or even "twerking" begins to fade in pop culture. These cliche terms are not only used by the characters in this novel, but by the narrator as well. It's almost like the "Hotlanta" took hold of the narrator and made them shady or a real-live hater. This approach also limits the audience potential for Whitfield. I know that a targeted audience is always great, but as a reviewer, I like when author's force me to be open to reading a new genre. This book might not appeal to anyone who isn't from Atlanta or an avid Housewife fan like myself.
Okay, okay. I see you Phaedra. In conclusion, I actually enjoyed Wives, Fiancees, and Side-Chicks of Hotlanta very much. It's just as messy and drama filled as most of the Housewives in this very successful franchise. Sheree Whitfield has my attention for sure. I hope she follows this one up with another great read. I won't say "Hotlanta" will be touted as a great literary read but it will encourage readers to recognize what they will and won't do for love, power, and respect.
Copy provided by Kensington Books via Netgalley
Unlike some of the other Housewives turned authors (excluding Carole Radziwell), Sheree Whitfield did not do a cookbook, of provide information on how to live a fabulous life in or out of jail, but instead chose to go the way of an actual novel. I was more than excited to be given a review copy of Wives, Fiancees, and Side-Chicks of Hotlanta. Part of me just wanted to read this book only to rip it to shreds (simply because of the title... I mean c'mon) while the other half simply wanted to see an original Housewife do well and prove her literary chops. Now, I simply want to be honest and give my own, unbiased opinion of this novel and encourage those who don't agree to just...
Sheree Whitfield opens the book with a prelude to all the craziness that will ensue in Sasha Wellington's life in "Hotlanta". For those of us not so hip, that would be Atlanta, Ga. Sasha is a fish out of water after moving to Atlanta to pursue her dream of becoming a successful fashion designer. With her business and life plan in tow, she quickly learns that she may have bitten off more than she can chew. We are on Sasha's journey in learning life and herself.
Because I hate going too deep into any review with silly plot details I will begin to dissect this novel and rip it apart with my catty opinion and over the top shade.
Sheree Whitfield really does an awesome job at providing a character that is easy to love. Sasha is like so many of us women. She wants to appear tough, put together, and confident but really, she's just as vulnerable to self-doubt as the next woman. Many times I find the contradictory characteristics of other protagonists to be annoying but Whitfield manages to make the moments when Sasha is doubtful of herself, genuine and not simply a ploy for sympathy from the audience. These moments allow readers to be happy for her as she changes and grows (for good or bad) in "Hotlanta".
Nothing involving any Housewife is without drama so why should Wives, Fiancees, and Side-Chicks of Hotlanta. This novel is hard to put down due to the increasing drama in love, friendships, and life. Whitfield is very aware of her audience and keeps the story moving forward quickly. This device usually causes a lack of character development, and I won't lie, that happens here too. Outside of Sasha, I felt the supporting cast were all caricatures. I feel like everyone introduced was exactly like I remember them being on past Housewife episodes. Which leads me to my gripes...
Wives, Fiancees, Side-Chicks of Hotlanta relies too heavily on cliche and one liners. I fear that this book can become dated when "throwing shade", "THOT", or even "twerking" begins to fade in pop culture. These cliche terms are not only used by the characters in this novel, but by the narrator as well. It's almost like the "Hotlanta" took hold of the narrator and made them shady or a real-live hater. This approach also limits the audience potential for Whitfield. I know that a targeted audience is always great, but as a reviewer, I like when author's force me to be open to reading a new genre. This book might not appeal to anyone who isn't from Atlanta or an avid Housewife fan like myself.
Okay, okay. I see you Phaedra. In conclusion, I actually enjoyed Wives, Fiancees, and Side-Chicks of Hotlanta very much. It's just as messy and drama filled as most of the Housewives in this very successful franchise. Sheree Whitfield has my attention for sure. I hope she follows this one up with another great read. I won't say "Hotlanta" will be touted as a great literary read but it will encourage readers to recognize what they will and won't do for love, power, and respect.
Copy provided by Kensington Books via Netgalley
October 14, 2024
2.5 stars. reading all Real Housewives books reading vlog: https://youtu.be/yuhvTqFl_sI
this had a lil thrillery edge to it that at least made it a LIL fun!!!
this had a lil thrillery edge to it that at least made it a LIL fun!!!
February 7, 2017
I've watched the RHOA since it began. So I'm familiar with some of the people who inspired these 'characters' while it's a few I can't figure out. Needless to say I felt very comfortable reading about these people. With all of the drama on the show I was happy with the glimpse behind the scenes before the show started. Sheree has pleasantly surprised me with her fictional truth lol.
I received a copy from NetGalley for an honest review.
I received a copy from NetGalley for an honest review.
January 8, 2017
This was a very quick and simple read, but it wasn't my cup of tea. If you're a fan of some of those popular (scripted) reality television shows, then you'd probably find it very enjoyable. Full review to come!
February 12, 2017
it started out really slow, repetitive & boring. when it finally started to get good, it ended.
February 26, 2017
It was everything I expected it to be...ratchet, basic, based on RHOA characters. Seemingly depicting Kim, Nene, Sheree and Dwight, the book was the whirlwind drama that comes with being in the "in-crowd" of the tv version of Atlanta. With the opening she could have recapped the saga of Sasha &a Terrance without going into so much detail and that would have allowed her to cover more ground. My guess is the detail and redundancy will allow for a book 2 and 3 so that we can see just how Sasha learns to "play". 3 stars, it wasn't good, but like the show I'm sure I'll pick up sequels because it's like a train wreck you can't turn away from.
February 5, 2017
Clearly published based on the author's name and Real Housewives fan base. I know that's why I read it. Good news is that it was a quick read. Bad news is that the writing, plotting and story were all bad. Don't waste your money.
February 9, 2017
This book had some okay scenes...but for the most part, I couldn't get into it.
December 22, 2016
Thank you to NetGalley.com for the opportunity to read an Advanced Reader Copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
I think that books by celebrities (and their ghost writers) are some of the best fluffy fiction out there. I’ve read them all – Joan Collins, Lisa Rinna, Nicole Ritchie, Lauren Graham and even Britian’s Jordan Price and loved them all! When reading a tale by a celebrity – its so much fun to try and figure out what other famous people influenced the characters – and how much of their real lives are being revealed.
So not the case with this pile of doggy doo-doo from RHOA’s Shereé Whitfield. Where do I even begin with my issues with the book? Let’s see…. For starters - for someone who claims never to get “ghetto” in the first chapter of the book seems to go there quite a bit throughout the entire story. Sasha’s entire moral being completely dissolves throughout the story and its almost disgusting to watch a fictional character let everything she’s worked for, her hopes and dreams, fall to the wayside because she’s gotten the taste of designer things, fancy living, and money that someone else earned. The prologue and the ending don’t even match up. The prologue apparently takes place a few days after the super abrupt ending of the tale and Sasha’s character is completely schizophrenic by then. Is she pissed? Has she accepted this is life as she knows it in order to keep her new lifestyle? Confused but don’t really care. The timeline to the story is all jacked. If Chapter One is 6 months ago set on the day Sasha moves down to Atlanta and then towards the end of the book its been a year since she moved – WTH? Ghost writer – you’re not doing your job…
What I loved: Its so obvious that Paris is based on NeNe Leakes that its humerous.
What I didn’t love: See entire third paragraph – I’m not repeating myself.
What I learned: I’m okay with ending a sentence in a preposition, but not every sentenence.
Overall Grade: D
I think that books by celebrities (and their ghost writers) are some of the best fluffy fiction out there. I’ve read them all – Joan Collins, Lisa Rinna, Nicole Ritchie, Lauren Graham and even Britian’s Jordan Price and loved them all! When reading a tale by a celebrity – its so much fun to try and figure out what other famous people influenced the characters – and how much of their real lives are being revealed.
So not the case with this pile of doggy doo-doo from RHOA’s Shereé Whitfield. Where do I even begin with my issues with the book? Let’s see…. For starters - for someone who claims never to get “ghetto” in the first chapter of the book seems to go there quite a bit throughout the entire story. Sasha’s entire moral being completely dissolves throughout the story and its almost disgusting to watch a fictional character let everything she’s worked for, her hopes and dreams, fall to the wayside because she’s gotten the taste of designer things, fancy living, and money that someone else earned. The prologue and the ending don’t even match up. The prologue apparently takes place a few days after the super abrupt ending of the tale and Sasha’s character is completely schizophrenic by then. Is she pissed? Has she accepted this is life as she knows it in order to keep her new lifestyle? Confused but don’t really care. The timeline to the story is all jacked. If Chapter One is 6 months ago set on the day Sasha moves down to Atlanta and then towards the end of the book its been a year since she moved – WTH? Ghost writer – you’re not doing your job…
What I loved: Its so obvious that Paris is based on NeNe Leakes that its humerous.
What I didn’t love: See entire third paragraph – I’m not repeating myself.
What I learned: I’m okay with ending a sentence in a preposition, but not every sentenence.
Overall Grade: D
March 7, 2017
This book was all about SHE BY SHEREE, with a big lump of embellishments for entertainment purposes ONLY...I HOPE! #smh
May 2, 2017
Boring, plotless, and badly written.
dnf
September 17, 2021I was excited to read this book. I've watched some episodes in the past and I thought this book would give insight or a fictional story from chatters on the show. Instead, to my dismay this was a memoir about Ms. Whitfield. Sasha is no doubt Sheree and you discover that from the first couple of sentences. I found the story to be showy, boastful and self serving. I had to put it down as it isn't a style of writing I prefer.
I received an advanced reader copy from Kensington Books/Dafina via Netgalley
I received an advanced reader copy from Kensington Books/Dafina via Netgalley
February 6, 2017
I had such high hopes for this! I'm a huge rhoa fan and enjoyed a couple other books by other housewives. I looked forward to reading this for months! What a disappointment! I didn't like the undeveloped characters, there wasn't much of an actual plot, and the writing was just awful. I can't help but wonder where the editor was in the publishing process cause this is just sloppy imo.
February 15, 2017
Oh, Sheree, you flatter yourself. It's like what Sheree wishes her life was. She should have just written about the sex parties that her friends had, I would read a whole book of that.
April 15, 2017
The book was very well-written, but the main reason I'm only giving the book 2 stars is because if there was a climax in the book, I totally missed it.
February 9, 2017
You're only reading this if you watch RHOA, which is fine. (Me, too.) But you don't even get any good gossip -- yeah, we know Nene used to be a "dancer." The writing is actively terrible, there are lots and lots of typos which no one seems to have noticed, there's no continuity between scenes, and people scream at each other for no good reason. Our heroine, Sasha, is beautiful, smart, classy, and determined -- but of course also totally ratchet and ready to "go there" if she has to, including shouting "Who gonna check me, boo???" at one point, and starting a clothing line called She By Sasha.
Anyway, the epilogue is absolutely bonkers. I think it was an attempt at a Gone Girl twist, but it is nuts and makes no sense. I was thinking that Bob, Sheree's real-life ex, should be super flattered by the book, but after the epilogue I understand why she warned him about it. Hard to imagine him as a suddenly-revealed cacklingly evil villain, but I guess it's her story, not mine.
Anyway, the epilogue is absolutely bonkers. I think it was an attempt at a Gone Girl twist, but it is nuts and makes no sense. I was thinking that Bob, Sheree's real-life ex, should be super flattered by the book, but after the epilogue I understand why she warned him about it. Hard to imagine him as a suddenly-revealed cacklingly evil villain, but I guess it's her story, not mine.
February 15, 2017
Disappointing
I was looking very forward to this book, I am a fan of Sheree's. After I saw such good reviews I was more than happy to buy this book. This book did not have the same impact on me. I am a vivid reader. I can finish a book in a day or two. It took me over a week. I'm mad I spent ten dollars on this book and may ask for a refund. I really gave this book a chance. It started off very slow, I kept waiting for it to pick up, that never happened. There were a few juicy bits in between but too far and few. She should have lost more of the characters devious actions play out. The way the book ended is how it should have began. The ending was the best part. I would have liked to see more of that through out the book. To find out how grimey Terrence, casey, eric, and Paris was would have made the story that much better. Maybe there will be a part two, I'm not interested. I was very bored with this book.
I was looking very forward to this book, I am a fan of Sheree's. After I saw such good reviews I was more than happy to buy this book. This book did not have the same impact on me. I am a vivid reader. I can finish a book in a day or two. It took me over a week. I'm mad I spent ten dollars on this book and may ask for a refund. I really gave this book a chance. It started off very slow, I kept waiting for it to pick up, that never happened. There were a few juicy bits in between but too far and few. She should have lost more of the characters devious actions play out. The way the book ended is how it should have began. The ending was the best part. I would have liked to see more of that through out the book. To find out how grimey Terrence, casey, eric, and Paris was would have made the story that much better. Maybe there will be a part two, I'm not interested. I was very bored with this book.
March 14, 2017
I hope Sheree wrote this book herself because if a ghostwriter did, he or she did a horrible job. Anyone who watches The Real Housewives knows there are several words they use over and over. After reading this book, I hope to never hear the word shade or read. It was overused. Also, this book could have been 200 pages because of a lot of stuff was repeated over and over. Ok we get it...you don't want to go back to Ohio. And you're a budding designer. I'm hoping I can sell this book and make some money back.
March 7, 2017
I thought this was an autobiography of my girl, Sheree, but it is definitely not? Or is it but the main girl has a different name? I can't... read any more of this. Sorry, Sheree.
May 23, 2017
I read the book to give Sheree Whitfield a chance as an Author because I'm a fan of the RHOA. However this book was okay. At one point I started counting down the pages until the end.
April 15, 2017
Respect to Sheree' Whitfield for bringing a book to fruition.
October 13, 2017
Book, started out so good. Ran out of steam about half way through. I felt like this book was entirely about NeNe Leakes.....
January 14, 2018
Read stories similar to this before, but with more relatable characters. The main character was stuck up and very judgemental and just boring. I won't even get on the side characters.
May 5, 2017
Wasn't the best well written book, but you really got into the characters. Story kept my interest and I liked the humor. For a quick, fun read, I would recommend. Makes me want to visit Atlanta!
February 7, 2017
Taut with melodramatic scenes, agrarian sexual capers, adversarial dalliances, this story had me turning the pages at lightning speed. The idea of a young woman with goals and dreams getting caught up in the conspiratorial schemes of those closest to her was heart wrenching.
Sasha Wellington,forced to take the hand she has been dealt, must be willing to play the game and not get played. Leaving her home town and arriving in Atlanta was anything but luck for this budding Georgia peach. Living in Black Hollywood was nothing like she thought it would be.
In this gritty, amatory novel by Sheree Whitfield, we meet a naive woman with a one-year plan to rise up in the fashion world. With her flamboyant gay friend and a libidinous new acquaintances, Sasha sets out on a roller coaster ride she will never forget. At its zenith, Sasha’s newfound bliss is cracked to its core.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review.
Sasha Wellington,forced to take the hand she has been dealt, must be willing to play the game and not get played. Leaving her home town and arriving in Atlanta was anything but luck for this budding Georgia peach. Living in Black Hollywood was nothing like she thought it would be.
In this gritty, amatory novel by Sheree Whitfield, we meet a naive woman with a one-year plan to rise up in the fashion world. With her flamboyant gay friend and a libidinous new acquaintances, Sasha sets out on a roller coaster ride she will never forget. At its zenith, Sasha’s newfound bliss is cracked to its core.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review.
February 24, 2017
I watch the tv show... and thought the characters were made up. But after watching the 1st session of Real Housewives of Atlanta. If you have watched the show, try and figure out who is who in her book. She took inspiration from her life. I find myself laughing at the show more now after reading this book. It is not a book that will change your life... it is just something that is just for entertainment.
February 18, 2017
I used to love watching all the Housewives franchises but gave them up cold turkey - so much indulgence, whining and entitlement - made me wonder how they lived in the real world. Thought I could redeem my opinion with this book - but nope, more of the same...so gave up. Written by one of the "Housewives" from Atlanta. http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/1...
July 9, 2019
This book...huhhhhh...I really wanted to like it but IT IS TERRIBLE! The plot is bland, the storyline is boring, the characters are underdeveloped, and the writing is awful. I am sure there is a sequel the way it ended, but I will never know for sure because I would not want to torture myself again. Stick with developing SHE By Sheree please! No more writing books!
March 13, 2017
Very disappointing.
June 19, 2018
Whew, this was a terrible book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews