It Should've Been Me

by ReShonda Tate Billingsley, Victoria Christopher Murray

Lights, camera, action... Tamara Collins is poised to become the next great American actress. The problem is Hollywood doesn't know that just yet.....and since her bills aren't paying themselves, Tamara signs on to star in the new stageplay, It Should've Been Me. Get in, get out, get paid...that's all Tamara wants to do. But her co-stars - including Donovan Dobbs, her ex that left her at the altar and Camille Woods, a young starlet with a serious grudge - could make this the worst decision Tamara's ever made. Whatever it takes... Playwright/producer Gwen Tanner Weinstein has decided if her neglectful husband can't give her love, she'll take his money. And use it to make her stageplay dreams come true. She's put together an amazing cast, sold out shows across the country and is ready to take her rightful reign as one of the top play producers in the country. If only she can keep the drama contained to the stage....and that sexy young merchandising guy out of her bed.... From shady crewmembers, to unscrupulous paparazzi, It Should've Been Me is bound to be turned into real life drama that will rival anything that could ever happen on the stage.

Genres: Audiobook, Christian Fiction, Fiction

290 pages, Paperback

Published November 16, 2016

About the author

ReShonda Tate Billingsley is a general assignment reporter for KRIV-TV, the Fox affiliate in Houston, Texas. She is the author of the nonfiction book Help! I've Turned Into My Mother! and three previous adult novels: My Brother's Keeper, for which she received the prestigious Gold Pen Award for Best New Author from the Black Writer's Alliance and the Nova Lee Nation Award from the Greater Dallas Writing Association; the national bestseller Let the Church Say Amen, chosen for Library Journal's Best of 2004 list for Christian fiction; and I Know I've Been Changed, a Main Selection of the Black Expressions Book Club.
Her previous Christian teen novels are Nothing But Drama and Blessings in Disguise, both available from Pocket Books.
She is also a contributor to the story anthology Have a Little Faith.

Reviews

[Cryssy Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Drama, Drama, and more DRAMA!! The pages were filled with secrets, conflicts, and scandals until the very end. But the life lessons learned were the best. Tamara learned that just because she wanted something, didn't mean she needed it no matter how much her soul craved it. Gwen learned the full extent of compromising her values when her scheming ways blew up in her face and forced her to reevaluate her life. And Camille learned that revenge doesn't always taste so sweet. I feel like there's more to each one of their stories and I can't wait to read about it. There were times when I cheered and times when I booed but even still, I was taken on an emotionally charged journey from start to finish. Another incredible read by ReShonda Tate Billingsley and Victoria Christopher Murray!

[Monique Shantay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg! I’ve just finished this book and I have so many questions! This is the third book I’ve read from Reshonda Tate-Billingsly and it was crazy drama from beginning to end! Initially, I didn’t care for Tamara and thought she was a diva but as the story went on, I found her relatable and was actually feeling sorry for her. I thought that Gwen was miserable and messy and although a few of the scenes between her and Eli seemed slow to me, it helped me to understand her motivations. There were so many antagonists in this story including Gwen and it was hard to decide which one to hate more. Camille is just misguided and twisted. I waited the entire book for her to get what was coming to her. Poor Tamara just didn’t have a clue, even after the plot twist towards the end that nearly knocked me out of my chair. I was so mad at the end, but even that is a good thing because it left me wanting more.

[Dawn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not much about the story felt realistic - a B-list actor takes a role in a play that mirrors the life she had with her ex-fiancé, who’s also staring alongside side her in the play. This is a story of deceit, longing, greed and blackmail.

Now, I like my guilty pleasures lowly, but this was a bit much for me. The characters were so one-dimensional, and I had a hard time caring about any of them. The parallel blackmailing storylines were bad enough, but the love triangle was just awful. And the ending? It felt like the author was just over it and decided to wrap it up in a few sentences. There was so much drama, only to end with a ton of loose ends. Disappointing to say the least. 2 stars.

[Julie Riley · Rating 2 out of 5]

Did not like the story

This book did not meet the writing standards I have grown accustomed from these two authors. It read more like a short story. The storyline was strong enough but it was not well developed. I will change my opinion us there is a sequel to tie up loose ends.

[Autumn · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are too many unresolved storylines in this book. I hope there is a planned sequel.

[Daphne James · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book started out a little slow for me. It picked up around chapter 10 or so I guess. I did enjoy it and I'm looking forward to the next one.

[Dominique McAlister · Rating 3 out of 5]

Now, I love a villainous protagonist, just ask “Mrs. Wiggins” (s/o to Mary Monroe) but I could never recommend “It should’ve been me,” to anybody cause Ms. Ma’am took it too far.

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you dig one grave make sure to dig one for yourself!!! That is the warning and lesson in this book. I just finished it and I am simply blown away. I am praying there will be another installment because this story was amazing. When everyone is out for themselves who will come out on top? If you want to read a soap opera, play, and romance all in one please pick this one up you will not be disappointed. I would give it a "10" if I could.

[Michelle Thomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Much left to be desired!

I gave three stars because of how the book ended. I felt it was incomplete as left the reader (me) hanging. What happened to Tamara; did Camille ever get busted in the role she played in Randy being murdered; did Gwen divorce Eli? There are so many questions with no answers and no hint of another book to follow!

[Taneka · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did not like this book. I couldn't get into the characters. They were just too unbelievable. How could Gwen NOT know that this would happen to her, with Justin? Why would Tamara do that with Donavan, knowing his marital situation? How could Camille think that her plan was a good one? It was just too much.

Then the ending. Did Tamara find out about Camille's involvement? Did Donovan ever find out about his wife's lie? Did Eli find out about his wife? Too many doors left open and not enough questions answered. It just ended abruptly.

I was hoping it was a series and that questions would be answered in the other installments, but from the other reviews, that doesn't seem probable.

Read at your own risk.

[The Book Chick · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5
It did hold my interest. It was really good at some parts and melodramatic in others. It was a bit contrived and at some points I was almost exhausted by all the weaving and plotting.
RTB put a lot into telling this story only to fall short in the end for me. There was just so much going on and for her to leave it open at the end was a slap in the face.
The moral of this story was basically don't ever think you can walk a day in someone else's shoes. Which would've went over so much better had she concentrated on maybe one or two characters.
The big climactic event was so serious it deserved a lot more than what was given here.
I am a long time fan of her stand alone work, but this one was not exactly on point yet it is worth a read.

[Colette]

This book also has typos which I don't care for. I didn't connect the title of the book to the story until the very end, thus, I think the title should have been something entirely different; something like You Reap What You Sow!. Lots of twists and turns in this story which is all about greed and revenge on the characters parts except for the lead character Tamara. ReShonda Tate Billingsley and Victoria Murray are two of my favorite authors and I love their books. Although this story meshed, the story ending could have been better!

[K Lamb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good and juicy and messy! Murray and Billingsley most definitely wrote a page turner. They always write amazing books, especially when they collaborate. Shadiness, pettiness, opportunists, back stabbers, manipulators were rapid throughout this book. It is said that money is the root to all evil, but I must say that status is as well. These characters were naive and oblivious. (particularly, Gwen and Camille). They lost all their dignity and pride just for a dollar. So much for fame...the grass isn't always greener on the other side. There's a high cost for being famous.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Should’ve been and could’ve been me

I will say this this was not my favorite book by these authors. It definitely delivered on the drama from the very beginning with secrets being unleashed that i never saw coming. However, the ending seemed to be lacking as i felt I with left with a few more questions than answers. I’m not sure that this would be a book I would recommend.

[mauriann woods · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omggg

I have always enjoyed reading these two brilliant ladies works. This was an excellent read. There was romance, mystery, humour & love. But the ending had me going back, because I thought I had missed a page or two. As usual you guys had me clamoring for more. I can not wait for the second installment!

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listened via Scribd 4/5 stars

I really wanted to give this book 3 stars.
I feel like there are so many things that need to be addressed. If there is a Part 2 to this story, please leave me a comment so that I can read it.

What ever came of Donovan and Tamara?
What is the rest of the story between Gwen and Eli?
And, Camille needs to pay for what she did

[Lyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Drama filled. I enjoyed it. It was a different read than what I'm used to by the authors, but the flow was great. The in and outs had me going back to read some pages over. Still my favorite authors. Great Read.

[Natasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read/listen. Left some things unanswered so I'm assuming there will be a continuation to the story. I got many questions so I'll be disappointed if there's not another installment where they get answered. I'm rooting for Tamara to make the right decisions and come out on top.

[ShayBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story started out a little slow but picked right up and kept me intrigued. It was good a storyline. There is a lot of unanswered questions and I hope there is part two. Near the end there is a lot of secrets reveled and I need to know if those secrets will be exposed.

[Jeida K. Storey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Give Us More

Scandalous! This felt like watching your favorite reality television show but with much more drama! I'm eager to see if a sequel becomes of this because I ended the book on the edge of my seat!

[Rosemary Ross · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read! I would recommend it.

I hadn't read anything by this author in awhile. I enjoyed the storyline, but there was a lot going on. A lot of characters to keep up with. I just didn't like the ending.

[Tamara Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Left on a cliffhanger

There needs to be a sequel! I need to know if people are going to find out about other people? Tamara doesn't even know about June, what happened to him. I gave it four stars because I like seeing my name in print!

[Andrea Flowers · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had humor in it which I love it had twist in turn like in the beginning you see one girl beefing with herself which is literally how it be sometimes but the ending I did NOT expect loved the book would recommend but will not read again

[Marlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!!

Once again! You ladies have done it once again! I totally read this while holding my breath you need to have the part 2 at press stat! Your books never disappoint me!

[cassandra Shackelford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

The story has its twist and turns but keeps you interested. Can't wait for the second book so I can finish the story.

[India Jones-Tanner · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was just ok to me....I was actually bored listening to it.

[LaCeasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG this book is wonderful. It is a story of love and loss and it's real page turner. This book had me all in my feelings. I was ready to beat a couple of people in this book.

[Charmer (+ Vibes Only) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was entertaining. I had to push through the narrators reading. She tried. I hope three of the characters gets their comeuppance.

[Christie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did not like that the book ended with so many unresolved issues.

[Iambrown Skinned · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scandalous all the way around! Loved it!