Life was great for Landon Reynolds. Although his mother had abandoned him and his sister as kids to be raised by their grandmother, he was determined to have the family that she never provided. He married and started a family with his high school sweetheart and they were happy, or so he thought. Landon’s wife, Malia, loved her husband and kids, but she loved herself more. She’d been a wife and mother for most of her young life and she began to feel like something was missing. After deciding to leave her two sons in the care of their father, Malia set out to find her own happiness. Faryn had a childhood that most girls her age couldn’t endure. Her drug addicted mother left her and her siblings to fend for themselves and that’s exactly what they did. Faryn wasn’t proud of some of the things she had to do, but it was necessary in order to survive. After putting herself through college, she settled into a comfortable, yet predictable routine. When a chance encounter allows Faryn and Landon to cross paths, their chemistry was undeniable. A friendship turned romance soon blossomed between the two and the possibilities were endless. Unfortunately, not everyone was thrilled about their newfound union. Foes, old and new, decided that they were better off apart. When inside and outside forces threaten to divide what they’d just put into place, will Landon and Faryn manage to come out on top? Will they overcome the many obstacles that are thrown their way or will they give up on love and each other altogether? These questions and more will be answered in I Don't Want You Back, a full length standalone.
Title: I Don't Want You Back Author: Chenell Parker Publisher: C.P. Reviewed By: Arlena Dean Rating: Five Review:
"I Don't Want You Back" by Chenell Parker
My Thoughts...
I really enjoyed every bit of this story. The plot was simply off the chart very well done alone with some very interesting characters from family members, to friends. What I also loved about the read is that it was a standalone read...a little long but at least we get one full story and now have to wait for a series! This story will definitely keep one turning the pages to see what was coming next as it seems like everyone was connected in some way to one person. Now, to find out who that was you will just have to pick up the fantastic read to see how well this author puts it all together definitely keeping the reader guessing along with at little bit of it all from love, drama, humor and karma. Truly Landon and Faryn were beautifully put together. Just seeing how with all Faryn had faced that in the end how well it turns out. The humorous parts from that uncle [Aidan] had me laughing out loud! In the end the reader will get quite a interesting story where there is hope for all. Would I recommend? YES!
It’s A Lot A Lot going on in this story…that some how all connects back to Landon & Faryn…..Both of them had rough lives…her a lot worse than his upbringing…Both we’re able to pulling themselves out of the mud to make things happen for them…But, of course along the way there’s drama….Especially, after the two of them met and started dating.
This one was cool. Messy. This one dragged a bit. Didn’t feel like it needed to be this long. A lot of connections between all the characters.
The timeline in the prologue didn’t make sense. How was she a girlfriend of 11 years and a wife of 8? I think it was a girlfriend of 3 years then married for 8. Some errors. Repetitive.
This was so so so good. It was a good long standalone. I really enjoyed it. It was so many shocking moments in this book. Just leave your mouth open. Those brothers plus Aiden need someone to tame them. They need a book. Raheem would be a story also he so calm. Great read.
This book was really nice it was about growth and finding love and as well as taking responsibility for your actions. Landon and Faryn met at a good time when starting life over and their love blossomed and grew wholeheartedly and I enjoyed their journey even with all obstacles in the way continuously trying to stop them they didn’t make it stop their progression only made it become stronger. I loved how they fed off each other with the chemistry so adorable at times with spiciness. The antagonists in this book got what they deserved and I’m happy with the outcomes 😂. I gave it 4.7 stars because it was well rounded in my opinion and tackled more than one thing that I wanted to read about on the characters. The drama and funniness of these characters took the cake as well. I hope all will like it as much as I have !
I really enjoy Chenell Parker's stories because the story lines move fast and they never get slow or boring. You are always ready for what happens next. This book was no different. Her characters fight a lot and I suspect that is a regional or city characteristic. The fighting parts I never can relate to, but I know to expect one or two in her books. I enjoyed the story line of Faryn being a counselor and her finding love even with her past. Everyone deserves redemption. Landon was a stand up guy and it is always good to have positive male characters.
If You've Read Chenell's Last Three Books then ...
Decent read. I support Chenell because she's from the same city as me and the books give me a sense of Nostalgia because I can picture the places in the book but because I've read ALL of the books by this author I can pretty much predict what's going to happen and how it will happen. I appreciate a full length book but I want suspense and surprise like the first 2 series. I'm a fan and I'm loyal I'll continue to support but I want more.
Abandonment (usually by an absentee parent) A sexy main female character with a pretty face and a big ass - mainly caramel completed A heart broken man Someone cheated Someone was abused Someone close is jealous Unrequited love A fast relationship Surprise pregnancy Marriage Young parents Food Money A big house Someone running from their problems FIGHTS Karma - antagonist gets killed or hurt badly
I've read them all and I look forward to the next one but I definitely want more
This story was so good.. Chenell Parker is a master at telling stories.. There was so much going on and everyone was connected in 1 way or and other and I loved it.. They say that 1 man's/woman's trash is another s treasure and that was definitely true with Landon.. Malia thought she was doin sumthin but only hurt herself and her kids in tha end.. Robins selfish @$$ is getting her karma 10 fold.. I'm so happy everything worked out for Landon and Faryn they deserved happiness..
Overall, this book was pretty solid. The plot was good. The characters were entertaining. Their backstories were interesting. My main problem was that it was just too long. There was enough here to make this one book into a series. Once I got to around 85%, I felt like the story could have ended. I didn't mind the extra details, but it just got to be too much. Even though I was overwhelmed towards the end, I think this book is worth a read.
O.M.G. This wS so gooddd.... We got another one... Deserved more than 5 stars⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
MS. Parker you put your whole foot in this... This was so sweet, so romantic, so not ratchet, so not hood. It was nice to see another side of reality, where ts not about so much hood, drugs, dope boys, and gangster. This was so different because it truly tapped in to another reality that we all have where we go to work, and take of family where there aren't kids leaving off the streets and no abusing happening from step parents... Even though Faryn had a rough childhood, she got out and turn everything around. She was a real breath of fresh air, because so many girls are out there just like Faryn. Stripping and all and it's nice to see that there is light T the end of the Tunel. Faryn was beautiful inside and out and intelligent and so down to earth. She was true through and through. Landon was so man, so everything and I would love to have me one and it was nice to see there are different alpha, boss man and all than the hood guys going on. He was super intelligent. Not in a geek way but more in a confident man way. Landon and Faryn was so cute together and I loved how they didn't have any secrets in between each other. I loved how MS. Parker was able to teach and educate on how real life can be woven in the story as closely as possible. Malia got off so easy, wish she was completely out of the way of everyone. Monica, Jo-Jo and Kane got exactly what they deserved, as well as Robin and Ava. Lance was my man as well as Lennox, Roman, Chad and Aiden. Ella was so funny and the best of them all. This so good, and definitely deserved more than 5 stars⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
No doubt, Chenell Parker is a Phenomenal Author with a very Vivid imagination and tells some Scandalous, yet Intriguing stories!👊🏾 However, I want to read something DIFFERENT instead of the SAME Plotline: Unprotected sex by strangers, Who gets into a "Situationship" AFTER only knowing the other for a Short period of time and they almost Immediately get pregnant, shortly thereafter ("You on birth control, because I can't hold off too much longer, since we're ALREADY in the middle of *Relations*)"?!🙄Although the writing is Decent, the storylines are Too PREDICTABLE (the wording "Can you BRING me over they're house", the fighting "GROWN A** Women", Etc.), as well as the Majority of the endings.......🤷🏾♀️😲 Then, EVERYTHING takes place in New Orleans and apparently it is a Small Town, because EVERYONE winds up Knowing the remaining characters in the book.......🙄 Anyway, 'I Don't Want You Back' was Okay and Not one of the better works by Miss Parker, IMO.🤷🏾♀️ Landon was a Good Provider, but he Needed More self-control of his "Bad Temper". Malia got NO Props, for just being guilty of marrying too Young and NOT knowing how to tell Landon that and probably "Uncomfortable" with How she assumed he'd "Act", by spilling her TRUE Feelings to him.......😕 There were many "red flags" throughout the story, but I Enjoyed it, nevertheless.👍🏾
Malia definitely lost a good thing when she felt she was missing out on something. I'm not sure who pissed me off the most between Monica, Kane, Ava, Jo -Jo, and Malia. They were all pressed about Faryn when all she was trying to do was better her life. Who would've ever known that Lance showing out would lead to Landon and Faryn crossing paths. I loved how their relationship went because Landon proved just what type of man he was. Ms. Ella was a character and although she tried keeping her family together she had to come to the realization that everything wouldn't go as she wished. Roman and Chad were crazy and I never expected them to be connected to Faryn. Man Aiden was giving me life with his craziness. Malia had to accept Landon moving on and the reason why. Ava was a straight dummy and she got reminded of that so many times. I would've loved to know what Faryn decided as far as her career. I didn't feel an ounce of sympathy for those that tried to hurt Faryn and Landon in any way.
I think of all of Chenell's standalone books this is the one I enjoyed the most. I like how she handle Faryn character coming from the back she ground she had. She didn't make a her bitter and continue doing the same thing over and over. Faryn did what she had to do to make something out her self and never negated from that. Landon was indeed a winner and although his past relationship was a flop not fault if his own, he never turned bitter. He could have easily been bitter and disrespectful but he wasn't. He remain led humbled and raised his family with dignity. Now he did get ratchet a time or two but that was only when he was crossed. The family connection was everything, Faryn past coming back gave more impact to the story. There were alot of unexpected turn of events some joyful and some death defying. All in all this was one of the most interesting.
Standalone books are my favorites... One thing about this book, is eventhough it may to some been predictable. It was not for me.. Who would have known that Faryn and Landons lives, would have been so interwoven... Loved Aiden he was a Fool, and funny. Kane what a total waste of nothing, and his wife Ava, a total diva, and dumb for allowing him to keep cheating on her, just for a make-up present of some Red Bottoms. Malia??? where do folks do what she did and think that she would get Landon back.Glad her mom Cora. put something in her head, other than a man. Her sister,Monica Needed EVERYTHING she got. So many characters. Faryn finally getting her family back, and loving Landons kids, and haveing her own... One womans trash, is another womans treasure.. Great Job Chenell... I will continue to read your works
I actually liked Malia . Yes , she was wrong about what she did to Landon and the kids . However , Her feelings about being married way too young is valid . She felt unfulfilled and felt overwhelmed and alot of women can relate to that. Instead, of making a crazy decision like cheating and divorcing him because she felt like something was missing she should’ve just talked to her husband.
She definitely gave up a good man for sure but I’m glad she wised up in the end. Roman gave her the reality check she needed but I felt he deserved a little karma himself. He rubbed me the wrong way. All and all I found myself more entertained by the supporting characters and not the main characters . It was a little predictable and by the time faryn and lance got together I knew how their relationship would play out
Love this book. Chenell Parker never disappoints. The storyline had my attention from beginning to end. The grass isn't always greener on the other side and Malia definitely had to learn that the hard way after deciding to end her marriage to be with someone who didn't want a future with her. There was always one revelation after the other that connected the characters at some point in their lives. Aiden, Roman & Chad kept the humor throughout the book and didn't play when it came to protecting their family. Faryn came along way but she didn't let her bad childhood stop her from becoming successful. I was glad she found a soulmate in Landon & they both found happiness with each other. Outstanding standalone with great character development.
WOW, this book here was something else. Malia was just a straight up fool and got just what she deserved. She learned the hard way to because Roman was straight hood and told her like it was. You can't change people. Chad and Aiden won't no joke and keep my laughing. Makena was definitely her brothers keeper, I loved there relationship. Ella/GG was my kind of woman, straight no chaser. Redd/Kyron, Monica and Jo-Jo got exactly what they deserved. Finally my favorite couple Landon and Faryn. I loved the way that Landon was a real man and realized that everyone has a pass, his love was unconstitutional. Faryn was scared to love but once she let her guard down she got just what she always wanted and needed.
I love Chenell Parker’s writing. As always she takes us on a delightful journey with her many characters. She is truly gifted in her ability to weave the storylines of all the characters together so cohesively. I love the layers to her characters. With that said I was disappointed in Faryn’s characterization. For Faryn to be a behavior therapist, her behavior was the worse. I would like to see some growth to the characters where all of the fighting is not necessary. Landon was very mature and even when he lost his temper it was always for a concrete reason. Whereas, Faryn just showed lack of restraint. Fighting while her kids were in the stroller was just ghetto and immature. So far, To Boston with Love is still my number one CP books.
Another GREAT read about Chenell Parker... One persons trash is a another person BIG Treasure!!! I absolutely love the chemistry Landon and Faryn had together. I also loved their individual spirits. Landon a great father, determined to not make the same mistake is mother made when neglecting her children, he was determined to make sure his family was never felt neglected. Faryn a girl just trying to make it despite her past circumstances. When accidentally meeting are was it always in God's plans, whatever the reason; it was ON from day one. I saw some of the twist coming, but I was also shock at some. Go Chenell.
Girl once again you shut the game down with this one. So much action in this story i couldn’t get nothing accomplished until i finished this book. Landon new book bae or Man as he liked to be call. Uncle Aiden that’s my guy he needs a S on his chest he always end up in the right place at the right time. Ella is that grandma who give it straight no chaser. Faryn it’s goals for any chick that had to get it how they can love her !! Man stop reading this already and grab your copy turning the pages of this book is like getting your next fix you want to keep chasing it lol so i hear
Chenell has done it once again! This story has several layers to it. The grass isn't always greener on the other side and sex should never be confused as love. Malia and Robin learned that the hard way. Kane, Jo- jo and Monica was a piece of pathetic work. They all got what they deserved and karma was on time. I'm happy Landon & Faryn got their happy ending. They deserved one another. I'd love to read a spin off on Roman, Aiden and Chad. They were too much. Overall, this is without a doubt one of the best standalones of 2017. Chenell is a brilliant storyteller that can't be compared. 5 stars!
When I started back reading novels again I came across Chenell's books. Artist don't only create but they support one another. Every novel I've read by Chenell has always been relatable, and she always provides us with a message that we don't. expect. She gives you stories that happen often in real life. I believe stories like this gives young women and men hope. Chenell your gift is undeniable, keep doing your things queen. -Always a satisfied customer 💖 P.S . I don't like writing reviews because I feel like I'll tell the story - so basically this is my way of saying you better check out Chenell Parker books ;)
Loved it.. but that is nothing new for this author. I have read and loved each and everyone of her books. I love that her characters are professional mostly, the drama, but not to much, the hood but not to much,the romance just enough and the comedy, she always gives the laughs. In this one Landon was great and I was happy he found the right woman to receive all the love he had to give. Faryn is that Woman. You can't discard a diamond and expect to be waiting for you when you come back, it just may not Want You Back!!!!
This book was a page turner with exciting characters. Landon and Faryn put up with a lot from family, friends and exes. The one thing I had an issue with was the fact that so many bad things happened to Faryn and nothing happened to Landon. It was a little much for one character to have people constantly coming after them. Also the way the characters stories tied together had too many coincidences. One or two in a story is fine but there were like five. Although I had an issue with those things, I still kept my face in this book constantly. It was very entertaining
I enjoyed this book like I’ve enjoyed all of this author books. Faryn was my fav character throughout the book she had a dream to fulfill and she did it and got her dream man in the end. Landon was a real man throughout the whole book I’m happy his character showed a man being a positive role model and father figure. I love how the author had so many what the what reactions and secrets revealed she never let me down with the drama. I definitely see the growth in the author writing and recommend this book
Where do I begin? This read was great. I was interested from beginning to end. Faryn deserves her happy ending. Malia’s story proves that the grass isn’t greener on the other side. Yours would be just as green if you watered it. Landon is a very strong man. He’s the kind of man we should praise and worship. He’s the kind of man we should breathe air into. He did everything but fold. While reading this story I not only was entertained but I was able to tie a few life lessons into it as well. Chenell never disappoints me. NEVER.
I loved this book Faryn lived a rough life but she made something out of it she met Landon who loved her regardless of her past . I’m glad she found her siblings that’s the best even tho it’s crazy how they all was in the same circle lol. Landon finally found a honest and faithful woman. Malia really had it good to leave her husband for somebody that didn’t care about her . You know the saying one man trash is another man prize . Kane and Jojo should’ve left faryn alone smh . 5 stars
Faryn and Landon are the perfect melody for each other's lives, bringing peace and unconditional love. I love how they were upfront about their pasts and how she love his boys and them her. Reaping what you sew happens to Malia, Ava, and Robin. The twists are very good and unexpected, especially with the family reunions. Drama ensues throughout, but I love it. Ella and Aiden were a trip. After a rocky childhood and adult issues, Faryn and Landon find the family that they always wanted.
This was a good book I was happy that Faryn overcame her past and did not let it stop her from achieving her goals. It was good to read a book where the female character did prevail it was also good to see a good man like Landon not chase Faryn away because of his past with issues with is ex wife. If you are looking for a book where the man is not the enemy and did nothing wrong but ends up with a good girl who made choices to survive in life and he does not hold it against her as well as a book that is not based off of secrets and lies this book is for you.
Chenell I hope you hit on all all the slots in Vegas because BABY you came through majorly. This story proves that six degrees of separation really exists. I love how Faryn owned her scandal and didn’t allow anyone to hold it over her and Roman would really get along with Jayden. I promise not to harass you for at least two months but don’t get to slacking because 2018 is the year of back to back.