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On My Own
After a terrible breakup, Kaylondria "Kaye" Parker enters a state of self-discovery. It is during this period that she is introduced to Atlanta Panthers running back, Jalen Matthews.
After sharing more than a passionate kiss when they are left alone for a weekend, Kaye is left to make a critical should she choose an unsure future with Jalen or should she make a decision that will forever change hr life?
After sharing more than a passionate kiss when they are left alone for a weekend, Kaye is left to make a critical should she choose an unsure future with Jalen or should she make a decision that will forever change hr life?
147 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 2, 2007
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
November 26, 2016
Kaye’s entire life has been a school of hard knocks, starting with the death of her parents, which left her orphaned. She is a decent, hardworking, successful woman who has learned, unfortunately, that people aren’t always who they present themselves to be and that the people closest to her don’t always stick around.
At a low point in her life, Kaye meets Tori, a woman who would become her best friend. They are as opposite as any two people could be. Kaye is tender, caring, loving, loyal, and gives a gentle hand to those who cross her path. Tori is spoiled, narcissistic, entitled, and can be down right rude and obnoxious, even to those she claims to love the most. Whereas Kaye has had to struggle and fight for everything she’s ever had, the world has been handed to Tori on a silver platter and she expects nothing less.
In her usual fashion, Tori, treating Kaye as her personal project to “fix,” has set her up on a blind date. Granted, Jalen is fine with a capital F, wealthy, fun to be around, and focused. Tori certainly could have done worse for her friend. Trouble is, Kaye has sworn off relationships after a bitter and extremely damaging breakup with her ex-boyfriend Derek. But there is something irresistible about this Jalen that has Kaye throwing caution to the wind and embracing the possibilities that could exist between them. He’s the perfect guy…or is he just as self-serving and irresponsible as most other men who have crossed her path?
When circumstances arise and the tides take a turn, Kaye’s entire world is shaken up. But she’s a survivor who knows that this too shall pass. After the dark sides of some people she trusted were revealed, she is left angry, dejected, and abandoned not just in relationships, but in life. Too many hits below the belt and not enough tenderness have left this precious soul wounded in a way no one seems to understand. She is forced to decide if she will let bitterness govern the entire course of her life or will she pick herself up once again and be the fighter she’s always been, sweet self firmly in tact.
This is my first read by Kesha Redmon. The book started up extremely slow, however once it picked up, it did so in such a way I couldn’t put it down until I knew how it ended. From the beginning I was irritated by Tori’s rudeness, the way she was constantly putting Kaye down, and her entitled attitude. I found myself thinking Kaye you don’t deserve this. Why are you calling this woman your friend when she treats you like the hired hand and a charity case she’s picked up off the corner? However, later on I felt somewhat differently about Tori and could see the bonds of friendship and sisterhood that existed between them.
Wealth, status, titles, positions and a great smile does not a man make. Like Kaye, I found myself fooled by Jalen and really expected so much more from him. When humanity shows the worst of themselves and a person’s life is impacted, the one who has been hurt feels any number of emotions…all of them valid. One of the things that irritated me the most in this story was how Kaye was treated and judged by the very ones who were supposed to have her best interest at heart. Her so-called friends did things to her that would have caused them to end their relationship had the tables been turned. I see this all too often with Christians (since this is what they were portrayed to be) where they want to judge a person’s actions and feelings without trying to understand what a person is going through. They are far too willing to throw the book at another in need instead of being a caring, loving support. While Jesus is the one has the right to judge, often he chooses the road of compassion towards his children. He allows himself to see their heart and feel their pain, offering validation to them instead of criticism and judgment. Those in Kaye’s life could have used a healthy dose of this lesson.
In the same vain of disliking how Kaye’s friends treated her, I also did not agree with nor like how Tori, Jalen, Dre, and William were free to behave anyway they wanted to with no accountability or reprimands. The double standard was really sickening. Not every bad thing that happens to someone is karma. There are good, decent people who are affected by other folks’ madness all the time. Sometimes people are just caught up in the madness of other folks ‘stuff.’
While I had a number of issues with the plot and the way the author chose to tell this story, the story was in fact very well written and interesting. When it came to evoking emotion within the reader, Kesha nailed it! I found myself wanting to have some conversations and apply the laying on of hands to a few of the characters! Well done.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
4 stars
At a low point in her life, Kaye meets Tori, a woman who would become her best friend. They are as opposite as any two people could be. Kaye is tender, caring, loving, loyal, and gives a gentle hand to those who cross her path. Tori is spoiled, narcissistic, entitled, and can be down right rude and obnoxious, even to those she claims to love the most. Whereas Kaye has had to struggle and fight for everything she’s ever had, the world has been handed to Tori on a silver platter and she expects nothing less.
In her usual fashion, Tori, treating Kaye as her personal project to “fix,” has set her up on a blind date. Granted, Jalen is fine with a capital F, wealthy, fun to be around, and focused. Tori certainly could have done worse for her friend. Trouble is, Kaye has sworn off relationships after a bitter and extremely damaging breakup with her ex-boyfriend Derek. But there is something irresistible about this Jalen that has Kaye throwing caution to the wind and embracing the possibilities that could exist between them. He’s the perfect guy…or is he just as self-serving and irresponsible as most other men who have crossed her path?
When circumstances arise and the tides take a turn, Kaye’s entire world is shaken up. But she’s a survivor who knows that this too shall pass. After the dark sides of some people she trusted were revealed, she is left angry, dejected, and abandoned not just in relationships, but in life. Too many hits below the belt and not enough tenderness have left this precious soul wounded in a way no one seems to understand. She is forced to decide if she will let bitterness govern the entire course of her life or will she pick herself up once again and be the fighter she’s always been, sweet self firmly in tact.
This is my first read by Kesha Redmon. The book started up extremely slow, however once it picked up, it did so in such a way I couldn’t put it down until I knew how it ended. From the beginning I was irritated by Tori’s rudeness, the way she was constantly putting Kaye down, and her entitled attitude. I found myself thinking Kaye you don’t deserve this. Why are you calling this woman your friend when she treats you like the hired hand and a charity case she’s picked up off the corner? However, later on I felt somewhat differently about Tori and could see the bonds of friendship and sisterhood that existed between them.
Wealth, status, titles, positions and a great smile does not a man make. Like Kaye, I found myself fooled by Jalen and really expected so much more from him. When humanity shows the worst of themselves and a person’s life is impacted, the one who has been hurt feels any number of emotions…all of them valid. One of the things that irritated me the most in this story was how Kaye was treated and judged by the very ones who were supposed to have her best interest at heart. Her so-called friends did things to her that would have caused them to end their relationship had the tables been turned. I see this all too often with Christians (since this is what they were portrayed to be) where they want to judge a person’s actions and feelings without trying to understand what a person is going through. They are far too willing to throw the book at another in need instead of being a caring, loving support. While Jesus is the one has the right to judge, often he chooses the road of compassion towards his children. He allows himself to see their heart and feel their pain, offering validation to them instead of criticism and judgment. Those in Kaye’s life could have used a healthy dose of this lesson.
In the same vain of disliking how Kaye’s friends treated her, I also did not agree with nor like how Tori, Jalen, Dre, and William were free to behave anyway they wanted to with no accountability or reprimands. The double standard was really sickening. Not every bad thing that happens to someone is karma. There are good, decent people who are affected by other folks’ madness all the time. Sometimes people are just caught up in the madness of other folks ‘stuff.’
While I had a number of issues with the plot and the way the author chose to tell this story, the story was in fact very well written and interesting. When it came to evoking emotion within the reader, Kesha nailed it! I found myself wanting to have some conversations and apply the laying on of hands to a few of the characters! Well done.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
4 stars
July 29, 2012
On My Own by Kesha Redmon was a surprisingly witty and emotional journey through the choices and consequences of Kaye Parker. Kaye is a smart and cautious woman who underestimates herself until she meets Jaylen, an attractive and charismatic NFL player. Sparks fly between the two, unleashing passion, feelings, and outcomes that neither expect or can handle. In the end, both people must take a good look at themselves and deal with the truth, even if it hurts.
I decided to read On My Own after connecting with the author via social media and wanting to check out her work. I am really glad that I did. The story, although dealing with very real and hard topics, is hilarious. Redmon weaves humor into even the most serious moments making the book more enjoyable. At the same time, readers will be able to relate to the mistakes made by the characters, and hopefully apply the lessons learned. The book was a page-turner, and each chapter's ending, left me wanting to know more. There was a lack of identifiers during discussions that sometimes made conversations hard to to follow and at one point in the book, the point of view switched briefly, but outside of these criticisms, the book was a really good read that I would certainly recommend to others.
I decided to read On My Own after connecting with the author via social media and wanting to check out her work. I am really glad that I did. The story, although dealing with very real and hard topics, is hilarious. Redmon weaves humor into even the most serious moments making the book more enjoyable. At the same time, readers will be able to relate to the mistakes made by the characters, and hopefully apply the lessons learned. The book was a page-turner, and each chapter's ending, left me wanting to know more. There was a lack of identifiers during discussions that sometimes made conversations hard to to follow and at one point in the book, the point of view switched briefly, but outside of these criticisms, the book was a really good read that I would certainly recommend to others.
January 11, 2013
Okay! This book was amazing but I am still wiping tears from my eyes. Never have a read a book that got me so connected to the main character, that I experienced every emotion she encountered. This book shares hurt, pain, love, friendship and forgiveness. After being hurt before, the main character Kaye dives into her career, allowing love to take a back burner in her life until she meets Jalen. An emotional roller coaster soon follows leaving Kaye questioning her character and heartbroken. One thing after another transpire, until the very end, which nearly caused me to drink! just kidding. All jokes aside, this may very well be one of my favorite books to date!There was never a dull moment and I became so wrapped up in this book that it only took me a few hours to finish. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves to read a great story. just be prepared to shred a few tears along the way. I love me some Tory, everyone needs a friend like her. Great job!! I look forward to more works from this amazing author.
July 9, 2012
Reality
Main character, Kaye, seems to have things on track, but once she makes her heart accessible to a man, everything changes and it doesn't seem for the better.
ON MY OWN is an intriguing book that will encourage women to stay strong through enduring situations. Though vulnerability may bring about pain, this is an unyielding journey and worth the experience. However, the book's slow start and lack of excitement at times pulled at this reader's attention. Overall, ON MY OWN is a good book as it was realistic in its portrayal of the many different obstacles that women face.
Main character, Kaye, seems to have things on track, but once she makes her heart accessible to a man, everything changes and it doesn't seem for the better.
ON MY OWN is an intriguing book that will encourage women to stay strong through enduring situations. Though vulnerability may bring about pain, this is an unyielding journey and worth the experience. However, the book's slow start and lack of excitement at times pulled at this reader's attention. Overall, ON MY OWN is a good book as it was realistic in its portrayal of the many different obstacles that women face.
November 26, 2016
On My Own by Kesha K. Redmon
Kaye’s entire life has been a school of hard knocks, starting with the death of her parents, which left her orphaned. She is a decent, hardworking, successful woman who has learned, unfortunately, that people aren’t always who they present themselves to be and that the people closest to her don’t always stick around.
At a low point in her life, Kaye meets Tori, a woman who would become her best friend. They are as opposite as any two people could be. Kaye is tender, caring, loving, loyal, and gives a gentle hand to those who cross her path. Tori is spoiled, narcissistic, entitled, and can be down right rude and obnoxious, even to those she claims to love the most. Whereas Kaye has had to struggle and fight for everything she’s ever had, the world has been handed to Tori on a silver platter and she expects nothing less.
In her usual fashion, Tori, treating Kaye as her personal project to “fix,” has set her up on a blind date. Granted, Jalen is fine with a capital F, wealthy, fun to be around, and focused. Tori certainly could have done worse for her friend. Trouble is, Kaye has sworn off relationships after a bitter and extremely damaging breakup with her ex-boyfriend Derek. But there is something irresistible about this Jalen that has Kaye throwing caution to the wind and embracing the possibilities that could exist between them. He’s the perfect guy…or is he just as self-serving and irresponsible as most other men who have crossed her path?
When circumstances arise and the tides take a turn, Kaye’s entire world is shaken up. But she’s a survivor who knows that this too shall pass. After the dark sides of some people she trusted were revealed, she is left angry, dejected, and abandoned not just in relationships, but in life. Too many hits below the belt and not enough tenderness have left this precious soul wounded in a way no one seems to understand. She is forced to decide if she will let bitterness govern the entire course of her life or will she pick herself up once again and be the fighter she’s always been, sweet self firmly in tact.
This is my first read by Kesha Redmon. The book started up extremely slow, however once it picked up, it did so in such a way I couldn’t put it down until I knew how it ended. From the beginning I was irritated by Tori’s rudeness, the way she was constantly putting Kaye down, and her entitled attitude. I found myself thinking Kaye you don’t deserve this. Why are you calling this woman your friend when she treats you like the hired hand and a charity case she’s picked up off the corner? However, later on I felt somewhat differently about Tori and could see the bonds of friendship and sisterhood that existed between them.
Wealth, status, titles, positions and a great smile does not a man make. Like Kaye, I found myself fooled by Jalen and really expected so much more from him. When humanity shows the worst of themselves and a person’s life is impacted, the one who has been hurt feels any number of emotions…all of them valid. One of the things that irritated me the most in this story was how Kaye was treated and judged by the very ones who were supposed to have her best interest at heart. Her so-called friends did things to her that would have caused them to end their relationship had the tables been turned. I see this all too often with Christians (since this is what they were portrayed to be) where they want to judge a person’s actions and feelings without trying to understand what a person is going through. They are far too willing to throw the book at another in need instead of being a caring, loving support. While Jesus is the one has the right to judge, often he chooses the road of compassion towards his children. He allows himself to see their heart and feel their pain, offering validation to them instead of criticism and judgment. Those in Kaye’s life could have used a healthy dose of this lesson.
In the same vain of disliking how Kaye’s friends treated her, I also did not agree with nor like how Tori, Jalen, Dre, and William were free to behave anyway they wanted to with no accountability or reprimands. The double standard was really sickening. Not every bad thing that happens to someone is karma. There are good, decent people who are affected by other folks’ madness all the time. Sometimes people are just caught up in the madness of other folks ‘stuff.’
While I had a number of issues with the plot and the way the author chose to tell this story, the story was in fact very well written and interesting. When it came to evoking emotion within the reader, Kesha nailed it! I found myself wanting to have some conversations and apply the laying on of hands to a few of the characters! Well done.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
4 stars
______________
Reviewed by Tumika Patrice Cain
Kaye’s entire life has been a school of hard knocks, starting with the death of her parents, which left her orphaned. She is a decent, hardworking, successful woman who has learned, unfortunately, that people aren’t always who they present themselves to be and that the people closest to her don’t always stick around.
At a low point in her life, Kaye meets Tori, a woman who would become her best friend. They are as opposite as any two people could be. Kaye is tender, caring, loving, loyal, and gives a gentle hand to those who cross her path. Tori is spoiled, narcissistic, entitled, and can be down right rude and obnoxious, even to those she claims to love the most. Whereas Kaye has had to struggle and fight for everything she’s ever had, the world has been handed to Tori on a silver platter and she expects nothing less.
In her usual fashion, Tori, treating Kaye as her personal project to “fix,” has set her up on a blind date. Granted, Jalen is fine with a capital F, wealthy, fun to be around, and focused. Tori certainly could have done worse for her friend. Trouble is, Kaye has sworn off relationships after a bitter and extremely damaging breakup with her ex-boyfriend Derek. But there is something irresistible about this Jalen that has Kaye throwing caution to the wind and embracing the possibilities that could exist between them. He’s the perfect guy…or is he just as self-serving and irresponsible as most other men who have crossed her path?
When circumstances arise and the tides take a turn, Kaye’s entire world is shaken up. But she’s a survivor who knows that this too shall pass. After the dark sides of some people she trusted were revealed, she is left angry, dejected, and abandoned not just in relationships, but in life. Too many hits below the belt and not enough tenderness have left this precious soul wounded in a way no one seems to understand. She is forced to decide if she will let bitterness govern the entire course of her life or will she pick herself up once again and be the fighter she’s always been, sweet self firmly in tact.
This is my first read by Kesha Redmon. The book started up extremely slow, however once it picked up, it did so in such a way I couldn’t put it down until I knew how it ended. From the beginning I was irritated by Tori’s rudeness, the way she was constantly putting Kaye down, and her entitled attitude. I found myself thinking Kaye you don’t deserve this. Why are you calling this woman your friend when she treats you like the hired hand and a charity case she’s picked up off the corner? However, later on I felt somewhat differently about Tori and could see the bonds of friendship and sisterhood that existed between them.
Wealth, status, titles, positions and a great smile does not a man make. Like Kaye, I found myself fooled by Jalen and really expected so much more from him. When humanity shows the worst of themselves and a person’s life is impacted, the one who has been hurt feels any number of emotions…all of them valid. One of the things that irritated me the most in this story was how Kaye was treated and judged by the very ones who were supposed to have her best interest at heart. Her so-called friends did things to her that would have caused them to end their relationship had the tables been turned. I see this all too often with Christians (since this is what they were portrayed to be) where they want to judge a person’s actions and feelings without trying to understand what a person is going through. They are far too willing to throw the book at another in need instead of being a caring, loving support. While Jesus is the one has the right to judge, often he chooses the road of compassion towards his children. He allows himself to see their heart and feel their pain, offering validation to them instead of criticism and judgment. Those in Kaye’s life could have used a healthy dose of this lesson.
In the same vain of disliking how Kaye’s friends treated her, I also did not agree with nor like how Tori, Jalen, Dre, and William were free to behave anyway they wanted to with no accountability or reprimands. The double standard was really sickening. Not every bad thing that happens to someone is karma. There are good, decent people who are affected by other folks’ madness all the time. Sometimes people are just caught up in the madness of other folks ‘stuff.’
While I had a number of issues with the plot and the way the author chose to tell this story, the story was in fact very well written and interesting. When it came to evoking emotion within the reader, Kesha nailed it! I found myself wanting to have some conversations and apply the laying on of hands to a few of the characters! Well done.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
4 stars
______________
Reviewed by Tumika Patrice Cain
November 26, 2016
This is my first read by this author and it will not be my last. I didn't know what to expect, but I was very pleased. The characters were very well developed and the story flowed well. Being unwilling to forgive can ruin your life which Kaye finds out the hard way. Not allowing yourself to love can also ruin your life as Jalen finds out the hard way. Because Kaye has been hurt by love in the past she is having a hard time finding love. She finally allows herself to love again only to be hurt again. When it's time to forgive she is unwilling to do so. Jalen because of his family life is unwilling to accept that he's fallen in love and pushes that love away. Through their journey they have friends that love them enough to push them to be the best they can be. You will not be disappointed. I think I cried from the time Kaye came back for her vacation until the end. My copy was provided by Ella Curry for my honest opinion.
December 30, 2016
Why is it that when we have "that" break-up everyone assumes we are losing our mind while we are really in self-reflection. And when we look our worst, curlers, tight sweatpants "he" comes along...
Kayondria Parker is in state of self-discovery and along comes Mr. Fine Atlanta running back Jalen Matthews. What happens after that is the typical story of lady meets man. Stayed tuned and go for the ride. Great story line, suspensful to the end and wonderful plot.
Kayondria Parker is in state of self-discovery and along comes Mr. Fine Atlanta running back Jalen Matthews. What happens after that is the typical story of lady meets man. Stayed tuned and go for the ride. Great story line, suspensful to the end and wonderful plot.
November 27, 2016
I really enjoyed this book. It was well written, quick and easy to read. This book dealt with serious life issues and situations but I loved how the author added some hilarious moments for balance. This is my first time reading a book by this author and I was not disappointed. I will be adding this to my book club's 2017 reading list.
Kenya E.
Soul Sistahs Book Club
Kenya E.
Soul Sistahs Book Club
November 29, 2016
Good read, I loved the larger font. Nicely developed charater development. Smooth plot flow. Great twist and turns. I would recommend to my book club members.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews