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Leslie's Curl & Dye
“Of all the places you could have ended up, why are you here? Why didn’t you go home?”
“This is home. I’d think you would be happy to see me here, establishing a business, putting down roots.”
“When your roots pull mine out, we have a problem.”
Falling in love in a small town is tricky.
Falling in love with the man who's putting you out of business is trickier.
Leslie Baker, owner of Potter Lake’s original hometown beauty shop, the Curl & Dye, has a muscular, handsome, 6’4” problem. Her college sweetheart, former basketball superstar Kade “KC” Cavanaugh, is back in Potter Lake following his NBA retirement and the shop he’s opened, a slick and shiny co-ed salon, directly competes with Curl & Dye.
Despite the "friendly" competition, KC is all too eager to pick things up where they left off so many years ago, but Leslie can’t forget how he pushed her away after an intimate encounter, then dropped out of college and left her behind for the bright lights of professional ball.
Though she won’t admit it, time and maturity have eaten away at Leslie's anger and her long-buried attraction to Kade Cavanaugh has resurfaced. With a vengeance.
And then there's the problem of the two sides of Potter Lake at war and the town on the verge of destruction at the hands of a crook. Leslie and KC find themselves in the center of this city wide drama, and with their livelihoods at stake, the two have to stop sniping at each other and start working together.
But first... can they forget the past, forgive each other and revive what was once a budding romance?
“This is home. I’d think you would be happy to see me here, establishing a business, putting down roots.”
“When your roots pull mine out, we have a problem.”
Falling in love in a small town is tricky.
Falling in love with the man who's putting you out of business is trickier.
Leslie Baker, owner of Potter Lake’s original hometown beauty shop, the Curl & Dye, has a muscular, handsome, 6’4” problem. Her college sweetheart, former basketball superstar Kade “KC” Cavanaugh, is back in Potter Lake following his NBA retirement and the shop he’s opened, a slick and shiny co-ed salon, directly competes with Curl & Dye.
Despite the "friendly" competition, KC is all too eager to pick things up where they left off so many years ago, but Leslie can’t forget how he pushed her away after an intimate encounter, then dropped out of college and left her behind for the bright lights of professional ball.
Though she won’t admit it, time and maturity have eaten away at Leslie's anger and her long-buried attraction to Kade Cavanaugh has resurfaced. With a vengeance.
And then there's the problem of the two sides of Potter Lake at war and the town on the verge of destruction at the hands of a crook. Leslie and KC find themselves in the center of this city wide drama, and with their livelihoods at stake, the two have to stop sniping at each other and start working together.
But first... can they forget the past, forgive each other and revive what was once a budding romance?
Audiobook
Published September 1, 2018
164 people are currently reading
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About the author
D.L. White
23 books394 followersDL White writes romance novels that celebrate Black love across multiple series, including the Ruby's Novels, Black Diamond Bay collection, and Potter Lake Small Town Romance. Her fifteen-plus titles offer rich, nuanced relationships that center Black characters. Through The Books by DL White Bookcast, she shares her current reads and writing updates. An Atlanta-based author and Executive Administrative Assistant, White finds inspiration from lakeshores to white sand beaches. When she's not writing, you'll find her chasing the perfect Sunday brunch or enjoying a great cup of coffee.
Browse, read, and buy her work at BooksByDLWhite.com.
Browse, read, and buy her work at BooksByDLWhite.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
August 8, 2021
Leslie's Curl & Dye is the book to pick up if you love small town romances. This was a really sweet book that also included discussions related to some tough topics. I think that this is the first D.L. White book that I've read and I thoroughly enjoyed myself.
First, I love that this book takes place against the backdrop of a barbershop/salon. I don't think that I've read a romance that has such a huge emphasis on it and it works well in this novel. It focuses on Leslie and KC who both live in Potter Lake. The two initially have conflict because KC's salon is in direct competition with Leslie's. However, the conflict extends once KC finds out that mayor who was supposed to find provide financial support to new businesses refuses to do so. To counter his lack of professionalism, KC decides to run for mayor and enlist the assistance of Leslie.
The character development of this book was interesting. KC and Leslie were really close in college until they developed feelings for each other. KC decided to drop out to enter the draft and then things went south. This, of course, is a miscommunication trope so KC and Leslie have several things to work through when readers see them meet and interact with each other. Nevertheless, I think that their history makes the development of their romance even more enjoyable than I would have anticipated. As they develop as characters, readers learn more about why things didn't initially work between the two of them. There is a sense of sincerity, honesty, and loyalty that exists between the two of them that they are initially fighting to ignore. However, once they truly begin to work together to fight back against the mayor, their relationship dynamics begin to make more sense to them.
I didn't really expect the plot to be two fold when I began reading the book (I actually went into this blind and didn't read the synopsis). It was a pleasant surprise to find out that not only did this book focus on the budding relationship between KC and Leslie, but it focused on the larger issue of the mayor and how he treaded residents. It may not seem like a big deal, but by constructing the plot in such a way, readers have the opportunity to meet so many different people from the town. And it was done in way that the introduction of characters wasn't overwhelming. It allowed readers to connect with the townspeople so that they are invested in plot surrounding the mayor and his removal. It also gives readers more insight into the people who are important figures in the life of KC and Leslie. There are moments of deep conversations related to addiction and familial relationships as well that not only reinforce the plot, but become essential to character development.
Overall, this was a great introduction to D.L. White as a writer and I'm looking forward to checking out more books by her and the rest of the books in this series.
First, I love that this book takes place against the backdrop of a barbershop/salon. I don't think that I've read a romance that has such a huge emphasis on it and it works well in this novel. It focuses on Leslie and KC who both live in Potter Lake. The two initially have conflict because KC's salon is in direct competition with Leslie's. However, the conflict extends once KC finds out that mayor who was supposed to find provide financial support to new businesses refuses to do so. To counter his lack of professionalism, KC decides to run for mayor and enlist the assistance of Leslie.
The character development of this book was interesting. KC and Leslie were really close in college until they developed feelings for each other. KC decided to drop out to enter the draft and then things went south. This, of course, is a miscommunication trope so KC and Leslie have several things to work through when readers see them meet and interact with each other. Nevertheless, I think that their history makes the development of their romance even more enjoyable than I would have anticipated. As they develop as characters, readers learn more about why things didn't initially work between the two of them. There is a sense of sincerity, honesty, and loyalty that exists between the two of them that they are initially fighting to ignore. However, once they truly begin to work together to fight back against the mayor, their relationship dynamics begin to make more sense to them.
I didn't really expect the plot to be two fold when I began reading the book (I actually went into this blind and didn't read the synopsis). It was a pleasant surprise to find out that not only did this book focus on the budding relationship between KC and Leslie, but it focused on the larger issue of the mayor and how he treaded residents. It may not seem like a big deal, but by constructing the plot in such a way, readers have the opportunity to meet so many different people from the town. And it was done in way that the introduction of characters wasn't overwhelming. It allowed readers to connect with the townspeople so that they are invested in plot surrounding the mayor and his removal. It also gives readers more insight into the people who are important figures in the life of KC and Leslie. There are moments of deep conversations related to addiction and familial relationships as well that not only reinforce the plot, but become essential to character development.
Overall, this was a great introduction to D.L. White as a writer and I'm looking forward to checking out more books by her and the rest of the books in this series.
August 6, 2020
I love the simplicity of Leslie's Curl & Dye. KC and Leslie was able to get past their issues and move forward with their relationship. I loved me some Tamera. You gotta love a good girlfriend that'll go hard for you but, damn she was all in Leslie's business. She was taking some things way too personal that had me asking is Leslie her BFF or her chic?!!! I'm just glad she finally found a boo and climbed out of Kade and Leslie's business. I sure hope this series doesn't end with The Guy Next Door. I mean, I liked Evonne but, I didn't think she was a popular enough character to merit her own book. I really hope TC gets a book. I would love to see her get her HEA. I am loving The Potter Lake series. I can't wait to dive into book two.
July 17, 2023
Leslie x KC
Honestly, I almost DNF this book. Not because it was bad, but because the romance was lacking. Like, it wasn't enough. It didn't feel like a romance book to me. The politics and the small town events kinda overshadowed the love and romance in this book. The chemistry between the H&h was evidently there, and their love was absolutely beautiful. It would've been perfect to have had more of them. I still enjoyed the book and the narrator. I'm still very much impressed with DL White's writing style, so I might spend a little bit more time in her catalog.
Honestly, I almost DNF this book. Not because it was bad, but because the romance was lacking. Like, it wasn't enough. It didn't feel like a romance book to me. The politics and the small town events kinda overshadowed the love and romance in this book. The chemistry between the H&h was evidently there, and their love was absolutely beautiful. It would've been perfect to have had more of them. I still enjoyed the book and the narrator. I'm still very much impressed with DL White's writing style, so I might spend a little bit more time in her catalog.
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October 8, 2017I am the author of this novel! I hope you've enjoyed reading my latest release... Leslie & Kade were a TON of fun to write and the cast of characters remain in my mind like old friends. ENJOY and I hope you're all leaving reviews!
September 13, 2017
I love romantic stories set in small towns, so D.L. White scores huge points with me for creating the fictional town of Potter Lake and its cast of characters. Much like the towns Beverly Jenkins created in her Blessings series and Farrah Rochon with her Bayou Dreams and Moments in Maplesville series, I just want to pack up my bags and move there.
While the main characters and their story lines are predictable, in introducing so many townspeople, there's potential to turn this initial story line into a broader series. The playful banter between KC and his twin sister, TC, reminded me of the relationship Cam and his sister Mary Charles have on Survivor's Remorse. It's light and playful on the surface but both would do anything for their siblings. I'd like to see TC get a little more shine. There's more to her than just running KC's business and living next door to him. Leslie's best friend, Tamera, seems to have a story of her own to tell as well. What was she doing back in Potter Lake when Leslie was living it up in Chicago? Miss Earline who gets her hair done at the salon and continues to slay in her golden years definitely has a story. There are so many tales to be told.
I won't pressure the author to churn out another book. I won't bother her about creating a series from this. (I'm lying, yes I will.) I know that good things come to those who wait. It may take time before the rest of the characters start talking to her like they talked to me, but whenever she's ready to go back to Potter Lake, I'll be there waiting.
While the main characters and their story lines are predictable, in introducing so many townspeople, there's potential to turn this initial story line into a broader series. The playful banter between KC and his twin sister, TC, reminded me of the relationship Cam and his sister Mary Charles have on Survivor's Remorse. It's light and playful on the surface but both would do anything for their siblings. I'd like to see TC get a little more shine. There's more to her than just running KC's business and living next door to him. Leslie's best friend, Tamera, seems to have a story of her own to tell as well. What was she doing back in Potter Lake when Leslie was living it up in Chicago? Miss Earline who gets her hair done at the salon and continues to slay in her golden years definitely has a story. There are so many tales to be told.
I won't pressure the author to churn out another book. I won't bother her about creating a series from this. (I'm lying, yes I will.) I know that good things come to those who wait. It may take time before the rest of the characters start talking to her like they talked to me, but whenever she's ready to go back to Potter Lake, I'll be there waiting.
January 1, 2022
My final book of 2021 and it was wonderful. This is my first experience with DL White, but won’t be my last. I loved this audio - second chance romance, small town, and absolutely hilarious. It takes a little bit for Leslie to get over her past hurts from her college more-than-just-friends, KC. But once they team up against a corrupt mayor and sparks fly it is hot. I love that relationship-wise, these two were pretty low angst. Most of the drama comes from responding to changes to their small town and doing what’s right for the folks of Potter Lake. The banter between all the friends is exactly what you’d expect from people who’ve known each other their whole lives.
It’s a fantastic HEA - and a super cute and sexy epilogue. (I love epilogues!)
As soon as I finished, I bought the rest of the series. Up next, Second Time Around.
Narration:
I loved Sharell Palmer’s narration. She did a great job of giving all the characters their own unique voice and personalities. She’s a great fit for White’s writing and I’m looking forward to hearing more from both of them.
It’s a fantastic HEA - and a super cute and sexy epilogue. (I love epilogues!)
As soon as I finished, I bought the rest of the series. Up next, Second Time Around.
Narration:
I loved Sharell Palmer’s narration. She did a great job of giving all the characters their own unique voice and personalities. She’s a great fit for White’s writing and I’m looking forward to hearing more from both of them.
May 27, 2023
I really enjoyed this book and had several sleepless nights trying to finish it. DL really knows how to put the reader there inside the story. I swear I was sitting under a hot dryer listening to the towns gossip. Can’t wait to start book 2.
September 11, 2017
This was a well written story, with relatable characters. Throughout the entire book, you feel the characters' feelings and root for things to work out. The story, for me, had relatable undertones to things going on in the world today, so the feel of people from different sides coming together for a common goal, really resonated with me. And of COURSE, the LOVE story turned out beautifully!!
September 13, 2017
Amazing Dahlings
This author is another one of my go to when I need a well-told story with amazing writing. This story was in line with her standard goodness. Leslie was handed down her beauty shop from her grandparents. It was her family's legacy. The salon was across town from an up and coming district in another part of the city. The other side was thriving, whereas Leslie and the other shop owners were struggling. Former NBA star Kade Cunningham was the owner of a competing shop that was starving Leslie nearly out of her business. Kade and Leslie were once a couple, so once they got back together it was as though their love never stopped. The obstacle in their relationship was the Mayor. The story will reveal all the shady stuff the Mayor was into. The love and sexy connection between Leslie and Kade was nice... A five star read!!!
This author is another one of my go to when I need a well-told story with amazing writing. This story was in line with her standard goodness. Leslie was handed down her beauty shop from her grandparents. It was her family's legacy. The salon was across town from an up and coming district in another part of the city. The other side was thriving, whereas Leslie and the other shop owners were struggling. Former NBA star Kade Cunningham was the owner of a competing shop that was starving Leslie nearly out of her business. Kade and Leslie were once a couple, so once they got back together it was as though their love never stopped. The obstacle in their relationship was the Mayor. The story will reveal all the shady stuff the Mayor was into. The love and sexy connection between Leslie and Kade was nice... A five star read!!!
March 28, 2018
Sweet
Sweet, funny, & sexy, this book touches on themes any reader of romance will enjoy: second chances, small hometowns, family. And falling for a former NBA hottie. Good stuff.
Sweet, funny, & sexy, this book touches on themes any reader of romance will enjoy: second chances, small hometowns, family. And falling for a former NBA hottie. Good stuff.
March 17, 2020
A story of young love interrupted & rekindled years later. Add in currently relevant issues of political corruption & gentrification and you’ve got a sweet & sexy romance with a side of social awareness. Kudos, D.L.!
November 10, 2022
Second chance at forever.
Kade and Leslie are former classmates from college. He left to pursue a NBA career. She finished and moved away from her hometown. Years later the two find themselves at odds over business. However they were able to find common ground and began a partnership to defeat a mutual foe. Excellent read with intrigue and romance. I love this book and it's author.
Kade and Leslie are former classmates from college. He left to pursue a NBA career. She finished and moved away from her hometown. Years later the two find themselves at odds over business. However they were able to find common ground and began a partnership to defeat a mutual foe. Excellent read with intrigue and romance. I love this book and it's author.
October 8, 2017
Loving her stories!
It's been a minute since a book kept me up all night reading but I could not let this one go. It was simple, familial and loving! Hometown girl makes good with college sweetheart. It felt good to read. I need everyone to add it to your TBR list and move it to the tip of the list. I guarantee no one will be disappointed! Kudos DL White on another bestseller!
It's been a minute since a book kept me up all night reading but I could not let this one go. It was simple, familial and loving! Hometown girl makes good with college sweetheart. It felt good to read. I need everyone to add it to your TBR list and move it to the tip of the list. I guarantee no one will be disappointed! Kudos DL White on another bestseller!
September 22, 2022
A second chances, enemies to lovers story that was highly entertaining. I enjoyed reading this romance and look forward to reading Book 2 in the story.
June 16, 2018
Cute Read!
I enjoyed my time in Potter Lake! What a great little town! Got me ready to move in (on the new side, of course) and set up my standing appointment at the Curl & Dye.
I enjoyed my time in Potter Lake! What a great little town! Got me ready to move in (on the new side, of course) and set up my standing appointment at the Curl & Dye.
July 28, 2018
This is a cute story. I really related to the characters and the dialogue was realistic. It's a quick fun read and I really enjoyed it!!!
October 1, 2017
Fair Game
This was a good second chance romance. Kade and Leslie find themselves at odds when Leslie learns that’s Kade’s new business is ruining hers. I enjoyed the politics and atmosphere of this book. It started out slow for me, but things picked up as the story progressed.
This was a good second chance romance. Kade and Leslie find themselves at odds when Leslie learns that’s Kade’s new business is ruining hers. I enjoyed the politics and atmosphere of this book. It started out slow for me, but things picked up as the story progressed.
September 23, 2017
Leslie and Kade (KC) met in college and became friends first. KC left college to enter the NBA draft causing Leslie hurt and pain. After 15 years, they meet again in Leslie's hometown owning competing businesses. They end up being partners in a political campaign as well as partners in love. I truly enjoyed how the love and passion of Leslie and KC's relationship was expressed by Ms. White. Good friends to lovers/reunited lovers book that I would recommend to others.
September 24, 2017
Loved it!
This was definitely a good read. A few grammar mistakes, but it didn't affect the flow of the book. Leslie and Kade were goals
This was definitely a good read. A few grammar mistakes, but it didn't affect the flow of the book. Leslie and Kade were goals
October 25, 2023
I really enjoyed this. Such a cute, easy read. Sharell Palmer did a great job with the narration. I look forward to more by this author.
September 14, 2017
Lovely
I so enjoyed this book. Leslie and KC didn't lose that love after all that time. I'm glad it didn't take long for them to pick up where they left off. That Tamera worked my nerves so bad. What was her problem!! I'm glad she got somebody. Only thing is TC needed someone. Great read.
I so enjoyed this book. Leslie and KC didn't lose that love after all that time. I'm glad it didn't take long for them to pick up where they left off. That Tamera worked my nerves so bad. What was her problem!! I'm glad she got somebody. Only thing is TC needed someone. Great read.
September 16, 2017
I like KC and Leslie worked everything out and came together. This was a great story. Great job.
August 24, 2020
This was my introduction to D.L. White’s writing and I have since devoured everything she’s written. KC and Leslie’s story is set in Potter Lake, GA a small town outside of Atlanta. The town is having growing pains which creates a rivalry between two hair salons on opposite sides of the lake. This rivalry serves as the backdrop to the romance between the salon owners. Their’s is kind of a 2nd Chance at romance and kind of a frenemies to lovers story. The book is well written and engaging with characters that are likable and dialogue that is often laugh out loud funny. The chemistry between KC and Leslie is a slow burn, but worth the wait. Sharrell Palmer’s narration is spot on and easy to listen to.
November 11, 2019
Great story!
This was my first time reading a book by DL White and I must say, I was not disappointed! The characters were well developed and you felt like you knew everyone in Potter Lake. I love KC and Leslie’s love story. It wasn’t perfect but they were perfect for each other. I look forward to sequels possibly about Tamera and Erik and other characters in the book.
This was my first time reading a book by DL White and I must say, I was not disappointed! The characters were well developed and you felt like you knew everyone in Potter Lake. I love KC and Leslie’s love story. It wasn’t perfect but they were perfect for each other. I look forward to sequels possibly about Tamera and Erik and other characters in the book.
May 27, 2018
This review is long overdue, but I rolled over this rainy morning and spotted Leslie’s Curl & Dye on my bookshelf, and decided to flip through it again. DL White is a great women’s fiction writer. Sure, this is probably listed genre-wise as romance, but I didn’t find it to be formulaic in that way. The heroine, Leslie is introduced to us thoroughly in the opening chapter, so that not only do we know who she is and what she does, but a fair amount about her family, her roots and the varied characters that occupy her home community of Potter’s Lake.
The characters who inhabit the town and who visit Leslie’s beauty shop, the Curl & Dye, are as vividly and lovingly drawn as the main characters Leslie, and her college love, Kade. I LOVED that about this book. I saw and felt Potter’s Lake through the author’s words and had more than a few moments of wistfully imagining that kind of quiet life in a small town where I have lots of history. Another solid choice this author made was to have the main characters resolve a central conflict and misunderstanding through ... wait for it ... a conversation! Imagine that. She didn’t drag the misunderstanding out for 80% of the book, making you want to toss it across the room, she just had the characters ... talk about it. And once they’d moved on, they moved on.
Then the action became about a dilemma that the main characters had in common, and how to resolve it. The process of reaching that resolution, and working together for it, brought the main characters closer together in a way that felt natural and organic, and not at all contrived. And best of all, it gave us lots of opportunities to get to know more characters and eccentrics from Potter’s Lake. For me, this book was at its best when that was happening, and that’s saying a lot, because the love story at the heart of the book was also well-drawn and pitch-perfect. The conversations between the two weren’t just about their angsty love, but also about real-world concerns, and their banter was amusing and engaging.
And finally, it often happens that you read a book, and enjoy some parts of it, but aren’t quite sure why they were included. That never happened here. Everything felt necessary to move the plot along, help me get to know the characters (including the town, which I happen to believe is the ‘star’ of the show) and move the book toward its extremely satisfying conclusion. I recommend this book, with the caveat that it isn’t purely romance, where most of the action centers around the characters and their push-and-pull. It’s about a small town, the people in it and of it, and about a couple, who happen to fall in love there.
The characters who inhabit the town and who visit Leslie’s beauty shop, the Curl & Dye, are as vividly and lovingly drawn as the main characters Leslie, and her college love, Kade. I LOVED that about this book. I saw and felt Potter’s Lake through the author’s words and had more than a few moments of wistfully imagining that kind of quiet life in a small town where I have lots of history. Another solid choice this author made was to have the main characters resolve a central conflict and misunderstanding through ... wait for it ... a conversation! Imagine that. She didn’t drag the misunderstanding out for 80% of the book, making you want to toss it across the room, she just had the characters ... talk about it. And once they’d moved on, they moved on.
Then the action became about a dilemma that the main characters had in common, and how to resolve it. The process of reaching that resolution, and working together for it, brought the main characters closer together in a way that felt natural and organic, and not at all contrived. And best of all, it gave us lots of opportunities to get to know more characters and eccentrics from Potter’s Lake. For me, this book was at its best when that was happening, and that’s saying a lot, because the love story at the heart of the book was also well-drawn and pitch-perfect. The conversations between the two weren’t just about their angsty love, but also about real-world concerns, and their banter was amusing and engaging.
And finally, it often happens that you read a book, and enjoy some parts of it, but aren’t quite sure why they were included. That never happened here. Everything felt necessary to move the plot along, help me get to know the characters (including the town, which I happen to believe is the ‘star’ of the show) and move the book toward its extremely satisfying conclusion. I recommend this book, with the caveat that it isn’t purely romance, where most of the action centers around the characters and their push-and-pull. It’s about a small town, the people in it and of it, and about a couple, who happen to fall in love there.
August 20, 2020
I enjoyed Leslie's Curl & Dye; the town of Potter Lake felt almost as if it was its own character, balancing out the romance between Leslie and KC. Though I will say for me, this book felt as though it leaned more on the women's fiction side than romance, which is not a negative, just not what I was hoping for or was particularly in the mood for.
Leslie finds herself back home after spending some time working and living in Chicago. When things go south with the man she is dating, she takes over her mother's salon. It wasn't necessarily her dream, but she's tackling the responsibility head on, that is until KC's new salon on the other side of town threatens the livelihood of Leslie's. It doesn't help that KC, a former NBA player, was Leslie's college crush. Their friendship/romance was disrupted when KC decided to pursue professional basketball over his studies, much to Leslie's dismay.
This second-chance romance not only explored they dynamics between Leslie and KC as a couple, but also addressed their individual and family lives. Friends, loved ones, and the community were all major aspects of the story.
What did not always work for me was the pacing. This was especially so since I had read this with the understanding it would be a romance, but those elements didn't really come into play until the latter half of the book. Also, there were some elements that I did not feel added to the narrative as a whole, but I suppose they may have been build-ups to the subsequent books in this series, which I am considering finishing.
Leslie finds herself back home after spending some time working and living in Chicago. When things go south with the man she is dating, she takes over her mother's salon. It wasn't necessarily her dream, but she's tackling the responsibility head on, that is until KC's new salon on the other side of town threatens the livelihood of Leslie's. It doesn't help that KC, a former NBA player, was Leslie's college crush. Their friendship/romance was disrupted when KC decided to pursue professional basketball over his studies, much to Leslie's dismay.
This second-chance romance not only explored they dynamics between Leslie and KC as a couple, but also addressed their individual and family lives. Friends, loved ones, and the community were all major aspects of the story.
What did not always work for me was the pacing. This was especially so since I had read this with the understanding it would be a romance, but those elements didn't really come into play until the latter half of the book. Also, there were some elements that I did not feel added to the narrative as a whole, but I suppose they may have been build-ups to the subsequent books in this series, which I am considering finishing.
October 22, 2018
Curls and Guys and Errors
This could have been an excellent discourse on a small part of the vibrant life of African-American on display in a "beauty shop" . The people in a beauty shop in the African-American world are true representatives of their world. They encompass all levels of society in the neighborhood. Throw in politics on a local level, add in an NBA super star who identify with their problems and people or their families who are affected by politicians selfish decisions and you have all the ingredients of an excellent book.
Why then is this book not rated five stars? The main characters aren't fully developed. We are given a glimpse of their back stories. There are so many other characters with important roles who are not well developed at all. The plots never came together even though an attempt was made to do so. More importantly, the grammar, usage or wrong usage of words was poor. It often disrupted the flow of the story that was a realistic view of "black folks". An editor of a good editor is badly needed. A word processing program with spell/grammar check would have caught a large number of the errors. Finally, too much information was given with no connection by the main characters.
The author told a story that most could have identified with, however something was missing. Most characters either overplayed their hands or missed the mark. It such a shame because this author has a gift. Some moments that should have been laugh out loud just weren't. The blame lies with the author.
I'll certainly read other books by this author, however, I'll give up after three strikes or three stars.
This could have been an excellent discourse on a small part of the vibrant life of African-American on display in a "beauty shop" . The people in a beauty shop in the African-American world are true representatives of their world. They encompass all levels of society in the neighborhood. Throw in politics on a local level, add in an NBA super star who identify with their problems and people or their families who are affected by politicians selfish decisions and you have all the ingredients of an excellent book.
Why then is this book not rated five stars? The main characters aren't fully developed. We are given a glimpse of their back stories. There are so many other characters with important roles who are not well developed at all. The plots never came together even though an attempt was made to do so. More importantly, the grammar, usage or wrong usage of words was poor. It often disrupted the flow of the story that was a realistic view of "black folks". An editor of a good editor is badly needed. A word processing program with spell/grammar check would have caught a large number of the errors. Finally, too much information was given with no connection by the main characters.
The author told a story that most could have identified with, however something was missing. Most characters either overplayed their hands or missed the mark. It such a shame because this author has a gift. Some moments that should have been laugh out loud just weren't. The blame lies with the author.
I'll certainly read other books by this author, however, I'll give up after three strikes or three stars.
March 19, 2022
This is a 2 star read for me. I use the Goodreads suggested rating scheme. Two stars means it’s okay. And it is.
KC and Leslie’s romance is the ordinary kind of romance you find everyday. It’s not rainbows and unicorns; it’s full of hard work and difficult conversations and disappointments. It’s the realism in romance a lot of people are looking for.
From reading this story, I realized that I’m not one of those people. I like a little fantasy in my romance. I want a little sparkle and shine. I want to point to that special scene where they…
Sadly, I didn’t find that here. KC and Leslie were likable enough, but having just finished this book, I can’t point to a single scene that I’m going to remember when I look back on my favorite couples.
Further, the ending was a disappointment. Too many of the main events I was waiting for took place off screen or with only one of the leads. The rest occurred in the epilogue in summary fashion. I wish I’d had the chance to experience some of those things rather than getting a quick summation at the end.
KC and Leslie’s romance is the ordinary kind of romance you find everyday. It’s not rainbows and unicorns; it’s full of hard work and difficult conversations and disappointments. It’s the realism in romance a lot of people are looking for.
From reading this story, I realized that I’m not one of those people. I like a little fantasy in my romance. I want a little sparkle and shine. I want to point to that special scene where they…
Sadly, I didn’t find that here. KC and Leslie were likable enough, but having just finished this book, I can’t point to a single scene that I’m going to remember when I look back on my favorite couples.
Further, the ending was a disappointment. Too many of the main events I was waiting for took place off screen or with only one of the leads. The rest occurred in the epilogue in summary fashion. I wish I’d had the chance to experience some of those things rather than getting a quick summation at the end.
October 23, 2017
Great Read
I am always so excited when I discover a new Indie author. I am new to DL White's work but I plan to start reading her previous books as soon as I post this review. LOL
Leslie's Curl & Dye is her newest release and great contemporary fiction with a bit of romance and good women's fiction.
Her writing style is easy on the eyes, crisp and clear. The characters; well developed, became friends in my head soon after I began to read the novel. The story line held my attention and I read the book in one sitting.
It was well paced novel and the little surprise at the ending was delightful. Can you tell that I really enjoyed this book?
DL White, why have I not found your books before now? I am a true fan and am looking forward to reading Brunch At Ruby's. Good job!
I am always so excited when I discover a new Indie author. I am new to DL White's work but I plan to start reading her previous books as soon as I post this review. LOL
Leslie's Curl & Dye is her newest release and great contemporary fiction with a bit of romance and good women's fiction.
Her writing style is easy on the eyes, crisp and clear. The characters; well developed, became friends in my head soon after I began to read the novel. The story line held my attention and I read the book in one sitting.
It was well paced novel and the little surprise at the ending was delightful. Can you tell that I really enjoyed this book?
DL White, why have I not found your books before now? I am a true fan and am looking forward to reading Brunch At Ruby's. Good job!
December 31, 2021
I love small town romances and this one really hit the mark. I loved the main characters and all of the supporting characters. It was nice that Kade had a group of guy friends who were supportive and caring. We always get that with the ladies, so it was nice to see it with the guys. And I loved Tamera. She was a firecracker, and I would love to see her with a book of her own.
While I enjoyed the book, I only gave it three stars, because there are so many errors and sometimes they took me out of the story. Also, the author should have done research on the NBA, especially the draft, because that’s not how it works. I know some ladies don’t watch or care about sports, but some do. It was just another thing that would take me out of the story.
But, I’m not dismissing this author at all. I’ve read The Never List and Beach Thing, and loved them. And I will continue to support her.
While I enjoyed the book, I only gave it three stars, because there are so many errors and sometimes they took me out of the story. Also, the author should have done research on the NBA, especially the draft, because that’s not how it works. I know some ladies don’t watch or care about sports, but some do. It was just another thing that would take me out of the story.
But, I’m not dismissing this author at all. I’ve read The Never List and Beach Thing, and loved them. And I will continue to support her.
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