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Appearances
Maya seems to have the perfect life. She is a successful real estate agent. She has a handsome fiancé, Steven. She even has a fun and supportive best friend, Toni. Little do her friends realize, however, that Maya is living a lie. Secretly, she’s miserable—and it’s all Toni’s fault.
Toni stole the love of Maya’s life and had the gall to marry him. Although ecstatic to have Ty as her husband, Toni knows their relationship will never be truly free of Maya. Her own feelings of guilt prevent her fully letting Maya go, forcing the two women to play a perverse game of keeping up appearances while they secretly hate each other.
The game becomes very real when an accident leaves Toni’s husband injured and vulnerable—and Maya begins seeing the cracks in Toni and Ty’s relationship. At the same time, her own engagement to Steven is falling apart. Is this Maya’s last chance to get what she truly wants?
In this twisting drama, two very different women finally let appearances fall by the wayside, exposing the jealousy, anger, resentment, and guilt that have been simmering just below the surface. Can Toni survive Maya’s toxic rage?
119 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 17, 2017
9 people are currently reading
41 people want to read
About the author
K. Reshay
15 books39 followersK. Reshay is a self-published author, poet and playwright. She was a featured panelist and presenter at the 2019 NATIONAL Book Club Conference in Atlanta, GA.
In 2017, her debut book series “Appearances,” provoked readers to examine the people amongst their circles.
As the President and Founder of Me Time Book Club, she has participated in several book and community service events throughout the years. The goal of her book club is to promote literacy within the community.
Her latest standalone novel “All Things Work Out Well,” depicts the heartbreaking story of tragedy and triumph amongst two friends. In addition, she has released two stage plays and a children’s book co-authored with her two sons.
Currently, she is working on her personal travel memoir “African American Girl Lost.” This memoir outlines her personal journey of self discovery during her first visit to West Africa.
She resides in Alabama with her husband and two sons.
In 2017, her debut book series “Appearances,” provoked readers to examine the people amongst their circles.
As the President and Founder of Me Time Book Club, she has participated in several book and community service events throughout the years. The goal of her book club is to promote literacy within the community.
Her latest standalone novel “All Things Work Out Well,” depicts the heartbreaking story of tragedy and triumph amongst two friends. In addition, she has released two stage plays and a children’s book co-authored with her two sons.
Currently, she is working on her personal travel memoir “African American Girl Lost.” This memoir outlines her personal journey of self discovery during her first visit to West Africa.
She resides in Alabama with her husband and two sons.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
January 29, 2020
This is my first read by author K. Reshay, and sadly, I didn't enjoy this book like I thought I may. I was disappointed with the character development, firstly. I had a strong dislike for some of the characters (Maya and Steven most specifically), but I couldn't really get a good read on any of them. Perhaps that was intentional on the authors part - a tool to indicate the unhinged personalities throughout? In any case, I don't think it worked here. I also felt like it was too fast paced and not a well developed storyline. And stetching it out over two or three novels, when it could have easily been one full length was a little off-putting, especially at $9.99 a pop. I think the idea of this novel was a good one, but if fell short in my opinion. This book would also benefit from a thorough editing. Because this was a book of the month for my book club, and because I am slightly invested, I will read part two and hope it is better than the first installment.
November 15, 2017
Appearances by K. Reshay is a steamy, character driven novel that tells the drama-filled story of Maya, Toni, Ricky and Ty.
The story begins with the lives of characters Maya and Toni who meet as college roommates. Instantly becoming best friends, they did everything together. But, as time progressed a devastating event takes place which causes an unrepairable rift between the two friends. In an effort to put the past behind them, they ultimately decide to become friends again. However, the relationship faces challenges as Maya cannot completely move on, and as a result becomes obsessed with Toni’s life.
Adding characters Ty and Ricky to story, the plot quickly thickens when a secret Ricky is keeping threatens his friendship with Ty. But not only does it threaten their friendship, it may also disrupt the course of all their lives.
I enjoyed reading this book. Each chapter is written from the perspectives of one of the four main characters (Maya, Toni, Ricky and Ty). Weaving the plot together this way gives each character dimension and a clear voice. Also, it allows the reader to understand each character’s motives.
The story line maintained momentum throughout the book. There was never a dull moment. The author did an awesome job with her use of flashbacks within the story. These moments added substance that filled the plot.
Now, although I totally enjoyed this book, I must admit I felt the story ended kind of abruptly, leaving me left with a lot of unanswered questions (however the author does inform the reader there will be a Part II).
Aside from that, K. Reshay has delivered a drama filled page turner that’s sprinkled with suspense, sex and intrigue. After reading her book you just may look at your best friend and wonder, “What secrets are you keeping for the sake of... Appearances?”
The story begins with the lives of characters Maya and Toni who meet as college roommates. Instantly becoming best friends, they did everything together. But, as time progressed a devastating event takes place which causes an unrepairable rift between the two friends. In an effort to put the past behind them, they ultimately decide to become friends again. However, the relationship faces challenges as Maya cannot completely move on, and as a result becomes obsessed with Toni’s life.
Adding characters Ty and Ricky to story, the plot quickly thickens when a secret Ricky is keeping threatens his friendship with Ty. But not only does it threaten their friendship, it may also disrupt the course of all their lives.
I enjoyed reading this book. Each chapter is written from the perspectives of one of the four main characters (Maya, Toni, Ricky and Ty). Weaving the plot together this way gives each character dimension and a clear voice. Also, it allows the reader to understand each character’s motives.
The story line maintained momentum throughout the book. There was never a dull moment. The author did an awesome job with her use of flashbacks within the story. These moments added substance that filled the plot.
Now, although I totally enjoyed this book, I must admit I felt the story ended kind of abruptly, leaving me left with a lot of unanswered questions (however the author does inform the reader there will be a Part II).
Aside from that, K. Reshay has delivered a drama filled page turner that’s sprinkled with suspense, sex and intrigue. After reading her book you just may look at your best friend and wonder, “What secrets are you keeping for the sake of... Appearances?”
October 22, 2017
Great read by author K. Reshay, who has literally captured the essence of living a lie. Lies are not always spoken, and as the author has shown us, when lying to ourselves about any situation, the audacious behavior of both women creates a gripping tug of war inside our spirit. The tale of these two women displays lies on both sides; the friend, lying about being a friend then proving to be envious, greedy, and mean by placing herself in the middle of what her friend believed could be aa fairy-tale come true relationship then marrying her man in the end. Then, proving that although the person you thought was your friend was able to steal your man right under your nose, so, now both women play the “I can out-do you” game but in reality, both are living a lie; the author truly gave us a story that shows how living a lie can bring very dangerous and the impact of the lies and poor behavior can ultimately destroy not only their relationship, but the relationship of others. This story happens to multiple people, on any giving day. Brilliant job on this piece K. Reshay.
Sheila S. Rowell
AAMBC Reviewer
February 26, 2020
Not the best read, but interesting at times. I felt that the three books could have been combined.
Our book club had a good discussion about the books.
Our book club had a good discussion about the books.
July 20, 2019
This novel is on the erotic side and I hadn't picked that up from the resume, so I was a little surprised when a simple mansharing between two best friends transformed into a dark rivalry dived into very hot scenes.
Be aware that this novel is part of a series.
Be aware that this novel is part of a series.
March 23, 2018
“This is high school Detective Cruz. What is a friend anyway?” (line from Jawbreaker) Where do I start with this one? Appearances by K. Reshay takes us into the pretend lives of several characters who all seem to be hiding painful secrets that could ruin each other’s happiness indefinitely. From start to finish my eyes were glued to the pages anticipating what was going to happen next. Each juicy scandal I read about in this book had my emotions all over the place while really making me think about relationships we all deal with in life and how to over come betrayal.
As a whole, Appearances was a great drama filled read that kept my attention from page 1 all the way to the end. The reader will definitely enjoy the suspense, scandals, and creative themes that were displayed in this book. HOWEVER, although the overall content was great I must say I hated these characters. In every novel usually, I can find something I like about a character even if they are not the protagonist, that didn’t happen with this book. I have never seen such classless, deceptive, UNREMORSEFUL, shady, and inconsiderate people in my life. On everything in God’s green earth, I could not understand why these so-called friends (Maya and Toni) had anything to do with the other knowing damn well that their relationship was nonexistent. What were they keeping up Appearances for? I didn’t get. Where they just friends so they flaunt their happiness in the others face? Who has time to waste on someone they don’t even care about. Me and ole girl (Toni) would have never spoken again, I mean no calls, no text, not even a message in a bottle after what she did. Maya was no better, she wasted her life worrying about someone else’s happiness instead of truly chasing her own. This was a good story, I do recommend this read, but I honestly care less about these characters.
As a whole, Appearances was a great drama filled read that kept my attention from page 1 all the way to the end. The reader will definitely enjoy the suspense, scandals, and creative themes that were displayed in this book. HOWEVER, although the overall content was great I must say I hated these characters. In every novel usually, I can find something I like about a character even if they are not the protagonist, that didn’t happen with this book. I have never seen such classless, deceptive, UNREMORSEFUL, shady, and inconsiderate people in my life. On everything in God’s green earth, I could not understand why these so-called friends (Maya and Toni) had anything to do with the other knowing damn well that their relationship was nonexistent. What were they keeping up Appearances for? I didn’t get. Where they just friends so they flaunt their happiness in the others face? Who has time to waste on someone they don’t even care about. Me and ole girl (Toni) would have never spoken again, I mean no calls, no text, not even a message in a bottle after what she did. Maya was no better, she wasted her life worrying about someone else’s happiness instead of truly chasing her own. This was a good story, I do recommend this read, but I honestly care less about these characters.
October 24, 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can't wait for the second. #spoileralert! Is Ty going to ever get his memory back? Is Maya going to learn about Steven's secret? Does Maya and Tony end their friendship? Is there another steamy shower scene in the future?There's too many questions I can ask!! I need to know!!
June 21, 2017
Great Read!! 5 stars and more!
This was a great read! I absolutely could not put down. The story line was captivating and kept me interested from beginning to end. I can't wait for part 2...hurry K. Reshay!!
This was a great read! I absolutely could not put down. The story line was captivating and kept me interested from beginning to end. I can't wait for part 2...hurry K. Reshay!!
August 22, 2018
Appear ~ to be or to come into sight. When you appear somewhere, you are able to be seen or at the very least your presence is known. Some people make a grand appearance because they like to be seen while others just are barely noticeable. However you appear to a person it will be a lasting impression, that's why when you show your true self you are never forgotten.
Toni and Maya met on the first day of college. Their first time being away from home they developed a quick bond. To them, they were the sisters that the other never had. As they get older and hopefully a little bit wiser, they start to discover things about each other that is not very favorable. What should they do? How should they go about addressing these issues and is it even worth speaking about? Can and will the friendship survive or will they go their separate ways?
Appearances is a book about realization. When you meet a person you are seeing what they want you to see, not the real and true them. As time goes along, you start to get comfortable and the real them makes an appearance. That is what is happening in this story, it is about friends who eyes aren't totally open towards each other. The story line flows and the book makes you take another look at the characters. You are trying to decide if you really like that person or were you tricked.
The excitement that occurs in this freshman novel is the beginning to a very long writing career and I look forward to reading more from Reshay. Congratulations to a very good start!
Toni and Maya met on the first day of college. Their first time being away from home they developed a quick bond. To them, they were the sisters that the other never had. As they get older and hopefully a little bit wiser, they start to discover things about each other that is not very favorable. What should they do? How should they go about addressing these issues and is it even worth speaking about? Can and will the friendship survive or will they go their separate ways?
Appearances is a book about realization. When you meet a person you are seeing what they want you to see, not the real and true them. As time goes along, you start to get comfortable and the real them makes an appearance. That is what is happening in this story, it is about friends who eyes aren't totally open towards each other. The story line flows and the book makes you take another look at the characters. You are trying to decide if you really like that person or were you tricked.
The excitement that occurs in this freshman novel is the beginning to a very long writing career and I look forward to reading more from Reshay. Congratulations to a very good start!
March 15, 2018
Before i started this book, I didn't read the synopsis and honestly had no idea what the book was about. This was my first time ever doing such, but I was not disappointed. The story started off perfectly. The introduction was well needed and I honestly feel like this is one of the best books I have ever read.The author took her time with making sure each character was heard and that is valuable in a story of this kind. It made me feel some type of way about each character. I was torn between Mya and Toni as to who was right and wrong. I understood where they were coming from because of what went on when they were in college. My favorite character was Ty! I like how he is the one who figures out whats going on with everybody. The plot is interesting and you can tell it was well thought out. I was more and more surprised as I kept reading. It will definitely make you think. I cant wait to read part 2, which is also available now! Definitely check this one out, easily five stars.
April 28, 2018
This was a drama filled page turner! My temper was on "go" from nearly chapter 1. The levels of betrayal in this book are enough to make you want to throw the book. It was one of those reads where your first thought is..."if this would've been me". Okay, is if this would've been me, Toni and Ty would've been a short story, lol! So glad that the author didn't do that though and allowed us to journey on this crazy road of twists and turns. Great read!
April 29, 2018
Awesome book
This book was very interesting. It had a lot of twists and turns in it. Maya needs to stop being bitter. Toni needs to stop being friends with her also. Ty needs to be more honest with his wife about her not working. Steven and Ricky need to get it together. They will be hurting a lot of people. I can't wait to read part 2.
This book was very interesting. It had a lot of twists and turns in it. Maya needs to stop being bitter. Toni needs to stop being friends with her also. Ty needs to be more honest with his wife about her not working. Steven and Ricky need to get it together. They will be hurting a lot of people. I can't wait to read part 2.
March 7, 2020
First I would like to thank the author for allowing her work to be gifted and I'm so thankful I received a copy.
Now to the book. It was a quick read but has depth. I love the way the author showcases each characters true character thoughts and feelings. True relationships in the raw. Love problems for everyone. How each of them handles it was what made the book relatable. Now just gotta wait for Appearances 2.
Now to the book. It was a quick read but has depth. I love the way the author showcases each characters true character thoughts and feelings. True relationships in the raw. Love problems for everyone. How each of them handles it was what made the book relatable. Now just gotta wait for Appearances 2.
April 29, 2018
Great read
I gave 5*s because this book was simply amazing. The levels of betrayal had me ready to fight somebody lol. May needs to move on, and Toni needs to end there friendship. Can't wait to read part 2. Loved it
I gave 5*s because this book was simply amazing. The levels of betrayal had me ready to fight somebody lol. May needs to move on, and Toni needs to end there friendship. Can't wait to read part 2. Loved it
November 29, 2023
Different
Well this is different. In the beginning, I was just shaking my head. I mean, who does this? I couldn't see myself finishing this. But a few chapters in, I had to see where this was heading. There are some twists that compelled me to keep reading. Interesting storyline.
Well this is different. In the beginning, I was just shaking my head. I mean, who does this? I couldn't see myself finishing this. But a few chapters in, I had to see where this was heading. There are some twists that compelled me to keep reading. Interesting storyline.
September 9, 2017
Fast read..
It took a couple of chapters to grab me, but then I was hooked. Looking forward to the second book. Can't wait for Maya to get hers!,
It took a couple of chapters to grab me, but then I was hooked. Looking forward to the second book. Can't wait for Maya to get hers!,
August 17, 2019
It was a good read. That Maya was just a real piece of work and I still can't stand her. There were twists and turns that I didn't expect throughout the story.
February 4, 2020
Great quick read
This was a great read with a twist I wasn’t ready for. I don’t like the fact that I have to download another book not actually get to the ending.
This was a great read with a twist I wasn’t ready for. I don’t like the fact that I have to download another book not actually get to the ending.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews