Ain't No Sunshine

by Candice Dow

Abandoned as a child, Laila has never known the love she has always longed for. When she strips for extra cash, she is hoping to one day escape her lonely life. Her escape seems to arrive with David DuBois, a successful and sweet man who takes Laila into his home.
Things change quickly, however, and Laila soon realizes that David is not what he seems. It becomes apparent that Laila will need a lot of courage and an unbreakable determination to escape from her present life, her past memories and an unknowable future.

Genres: Fiction

243 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2006

About the author

Candice Dow is a native of Baltimore, MD and graduate of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore and Johns Hopkins University. Before becoming a full-time writer, she worked as a Senior Software Engineer. It was her lifelong dream to write a novel and after toying with the idea for over five years, Candice made a commitment to herself to finish, Caught in the Mix; a story she had sporadically worked on.

Shortly after, Candice retained a literary agent and within two months was offered a two-book deal from Kensington Publishing. In 2005, she stepped out on faith and quit her six-figure job, one month prior to the release of her debut novel, Caught in the Mix. In her subsequent novels, Ain’t No Sunshine, A Hire Love and Tappin’ On Thirty, Candice continues to tackle relatable topics and create intriguing characters with stories that speak to the soul.

Candice currently resides in Maryland and is at work on her next novel. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Rho Xi Omega Chapter in Baltimore. Candice is a frequent traveler and loves to analyze love, life, and relationships, and seeks to expose the answers in works of fiction.

Reviews

[OOSA · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Storm is Over
Laila's life has been one tragic roller coaster since that fateful day she was left at the hospital by her mother. Going from foster home to foster home, Laila battled the jealousy and hatred of other girls and decided to begin working one of the only professions that earned quick and easy money, Laila turned to stripping and using her body to keep a roof over her head.

Feeling that she was being saved from such a terrible life, Laila leaves the club and makes her home with David. After three years of blood, sweat and tears, Laila cannot take the turmoil of David. His abusive and inconsiderate ways can only one day kill her. With the help of a boss and friend, Laila escapes and begin to turn the only life she knows around.

Now living in Philly, Laila constantly wonders if she has done the right thing and yearns for the arms of David. True she doesn't have to deal with the fights and arguments that come along with her life with David; she still wants the love of someone and cannot deal with the loneliness.

As soon as Laila feels her life has taken a turn for the better, she deals with baby mama drama, nightmares and a past that can only bring the storm to a full head.

Candice Dow continues to provide her readers with a solid story and keeps the storyline with twists and turns, laughs and some tears.

Reviewed by: LaDonna

[Diane Collins · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the ending was predictable in parts but not a bad novel.

[S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book.

[Nardsbaby Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Melodies

Laila Jackson's sexuality is her pride. At 17, while living in a group home she's learned to use her "talent" to make a buck. Though it's not much, Laila scours the club for a little something extra. By fate, David DuBois materializes and is immediately stirred by Laila. Right away it becomes David's mission to protect, love, and provide for her. Finally her thunderous life will have love and security.

Four raged filled years, countless scars, guilt and the shame of her secret being uncovered, Laila has finally had it. No longer is she willing to relent to the torment. Approached with a chance for a fresh start, Laila journeys off in search of a different course.

Although Philadelphia is far enough away from Florida, the humiliation still smolders causing her to be apprehensive and distrustful. Laila has concealed her heart, trust and hopes inside the pages of countless notebooks. Is she ready to be examined?

Candice Dow proves just because it AIN'T NO SUNSHINE doesn't mean that the sun will never shine again.

[Alissa G. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was great! Although it did have some down moments, and/or confusing parts, i really liked it. Laila is a verys strong woman. I dont know how many woman can endure that much pain and heartache and not want to quit men all together. The thing that trip me up was finding out her ex was her brother....the HELL! That was a pretty good thing to throw in to keep the suspense going. I hope she comes out with a part 2 to show how her and Duke are living, now that they are engaged. They also had a baby, so i wonder if the baby actually turns out to be duke's. If not, that would be a good plot for the second book.

[Rosalee]

This book would be described as a book that is fulled with drama and complete shocking facts about the characters. It's about who has no parents growing up and she gets moved from foster home to foster home until she meets a guy at the age of seventeen who says he can get her back on track and head her in the right direction. She believes jim until he starts to beat on her and she gets tired of it and runs away from him and meets another guy and her life turns upside down if you want to find out if it is for the good or bad then read the book

[Latoya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book it about a girl named laila who was abandoned at birth. She goes thru the foster care system and she starts stripping to raise money. Whilst working in the stripe club she meets a man named David whom claims he wants to save her. She ends up being physically abused by David for a number of years until her manager helps her get out of the relationship. She flee in hope to start a fresh. Loved this book from beginning to the end.

[Donnie Wilson]

This book was a gift from my sister, it's not a book I would normally chose. The abundant overuse of stereotypes and cliches about the African American/people of color community doesn't sit too well with me. However, Ain't No Sunshine story line blew me away. It had a few situations that I found offensive but my overall feeling is about 3 1/2 stars out of 5.

[Resse · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my book, I read this about 2 times it was CRAZY, Characters built and written well. This author can write. I felt like i was watching a movie instead of reading and its defiantly a page turner. The ending floored me actually i fell off my bed.
If you like Urban books this is the one you should start with or find in the middle of your list.

[Ms Goss · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked it. It kept me on edge wondering if this guy was going to find her. If she would end up with the other guy. Then the end really threw me for a loop, when she finds out why she couldn't have children with the other guy. Candice kept my attention, and I can't wait to read more.

[Tia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love any book written by Candice Dow! I knew this book would be just as good as her others! Very shocking twist towards the end of the book. I didn't expect the storyline to go that way with Laila and David. WOW! I loved John and Laila's love story. Very good book!

[Carolyn Alleyne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Highly entertaining, I was really rooting for the heroine in this book. I can really relate to how all it takes is one person to be nice to you or look out for you in life and it changes your entire path.

[Marieca Lashawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read! Very well written and catching storyline. I also love that there is not a ton of profanity used, nor is there no stereotypical "hood-drug dealer" types, like so many other African American fiction novels out these days. I can't wait to read more from this author.

[Stacy]

this is a very adult book but it is also a great book bout love,friendship, and family

[Shantae J · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was really a page turner for me. It had a lot of drama and ironic events.

[Selah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very interesting book. I felt a close connection to the characters.

[LaVa Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

very good book, read it with a good friend....

[Tonya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! this is a book that will really blow your mind if your into love stories. I liked it after I read the first few pages. It has a dramatic opening that won't let you stop reading.

[Alexandra valcin · Rating 5 out of 5]

first book that got me started with all the rest

[Mya · Rating 4 out of 5]

nice kinda expectedthen a twist

[Deviana11 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best books I ever read. Highly recommend!

[Mariama · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me fall in love with this author. I have read it three times already and each time i love it even more.

[Jasmine Myles · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book and was able to read it in roughly 1 day. It had a nice plot with interesting and unexpected plot twists.

[Francy Jules · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book was amazing I highly recommend it.

[Goldie Pompey · Rating 4 out of 5]

good story. writing could have been better.