Charisma: Baller's Wife

by Nikki Turner

The past always has a way of catching up with you...

Charisma Bland was born and raised in the heart of Baltimore, where she learns that a moment's pleasure can sometimes lead to a life of pain. Against her better judgment, she has a one-night stand that changes her life forever. Turning over the family business to her cousin, she leaves behind her past. Charisma moves to Miami, where she meets Mr. Manny Manifesto, aka Mr. Baseball.

Manny is coming off his best season ever, bringing with him a freshly inked 250-million-dollar-plus contract. After a chance meeting, Charisma sees an opportunity to start anew, and she and Manny attempt to build a relationship. The sex might be good, but will their omissions and the deeds of their past come back to haunt them?

288 pages, Paperback

Published May 30, 2017

About the author

After Nikki Turner read The Coldest Winter Ever by Sistah Souljah she was dismayed that there weren't other books like it. "I wanted to write the kinds of books I wanted to read," said the bestselling author, whose 2002 debut novel, A Hustler's Wife, would go on to sell more than a few 100,000 copies.
While Nikki Turner's first two novels were published by a small publishing house in the Midwest, in 2004 she signed a 2-book deal with One World, an imprint of Ballantine Books, which is part of The Random House Publishing Group. After publishing the first book under that deal, The Glamorous Life in 2005 as well as a short story collection edited by Nikki, Street Chronicles: Tales from da Hood, One World quickly signed Nikki up for three more Nikki Turner Original novels and negotiated a deal with her for her own book line, Nikki Turner Presents. "I want to give new authors the same kind of opportunity I was given," said Nikki. "I want to produce authors who will be household names."

(Taken from author's website)

Reviews

[aisha ray · Rating 2 out of 5]

Different

I have been a fan of Nikki Turner 's for a long time now. I was very excited when I saw this book. I could tell it was a little different than the other books I've read by her. I was a little disappointed the book didn't keep my interest like her books normally do. I kept putting it down. Had I not paid for it I may have stopped reading it. Some parts were ok but others I was board with. Hoping the next book will be better.

[Melissa · Rating 2 out of 5]

I can usually rely on Nikki Turner for a quick read.
This one was interesting.
A young woman named Charisma moves to Miami from Baltimore. She then meets pro baller Manny.
Manny has a baby with a crazy ex named Bing.
Charisma is starting fresh after a one night stand with another pro baller (Roc) that left her pregnant.
She takes the 2 million dollars in hush money offered and thinks that's the end of it.
My confusion set in when a woman called Charisma "homely". Sure it could have been sour grapes. But, Charisma thinks to herself that she was never a beauty queen.
Next thing everyone is talking about how "fine" she is.
Which is it?
The characters are never fleshed out. So, Roc turning into a psycho is out of left field.
Also when someone is crying it's "bawling". Not "balling".
It ended abruptly,
2.5 stars

[Felicia Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good book Charisma went though it all . No matter who tryed to bring her down ,she made it though . When you with someone for money be careful what you sign up for ,Jasmine didnt get that , but she found out money dont get you everytbing . I enjoyed this book . Nikki Turner thank you !!!

[ChaTerra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I agree the book was mainly very predictable but I throughly enjoy this book. Good job Nikki turner👍
Everything worked out in charisma favor.
And that bitch bing AND jasmine got what they deserve!
Goodreads

[Cherise Fisher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charisma was a good, fast paced read. It was one of those books that have you waiting to see what will happen next. The main character and supporting characters played their part very well. I am a fan of Niki Turner and with this book she did not disappoint.

[WhyEvenAsk]

This book was a hot tangly mess. The abrupt switches between the POVs was confusing. Side characters presented without any introduction. Told and not shown why the main couple are into one another. Dnf at 80%.

[Maya B · Rating 4 out of 5]

good read. some parts felt rushed but not enough to take away from the story.

[Chene · Rating 5 out of 5]

good book but very predictable.

[Sade Webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book was an excellent read can't wait for part 2

[Letha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! Classic Nikki Turner

Loved this book.... almost makes you think you know who she is writing about. Can’t wait for part two... don’t make us wait too long.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charisma went through a lot death,pregnancy,abortion and rape. Manny was the best thing that happened to her. Roc and Jasmine got what they deserved and Bing she just crazy.

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charisma

Love the book...but that ending...smh!! I can only imagine what the semi will be like. But I am looking forward to the next book.

[Shamicka · Rating 5 out of 5]

The ending could have been better or have a part 2 but overall a great read.

[NT · Rating 1 out of 5]

Did not finish. This book was boring and the writing wasn’t good. I only got about 17% into the book and I couldn’t find any interest in continuing.

[BossyLadi · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF.

[Detra Brady · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ending rushed. Should have been a part 2.