What do you think?
Rate this book
The Book of Adam and Jo: an Interracial Literary Romance
This thing me and Jo have, it’s real dangerous. And not just because of who we are.
Passion. It’s reckless. Doesn’t care who sees or what it costs. It’s good if you have a little. Just enough to aim and shoot. Hit your goal. But it shouldn’t be spilling all over the place. Damn. I knew the danger. The whole time. She seemed a little lonely, but she seemed decent. Moral. Had her head in the right place. I just can’t remember why I thought that would keep me safe. Why would a woman not have the power to consume me, just because she was decent and moral? Since when did pure oxygen become less of a threat to a match?
But then, a wild, stubborn, loudmouth son of a bitch like me definitely shoulda kept her safe. So I don’t know what the hell is goin’ on.
A stern and heartfelt warning from the author:
This book contains the first-person perspective and inner monologue of a former nazi/white supremacist main character named Adam Kerr. He has a swastika tattoo on his arm and lives in a racially segregated town called Bethesda, set fictionally in North Carolina. He is not politically correct. He's not a Republican, but he's sure as hell, not a Democrat. He's never heard the term "cisgender," he has no pronouns and he does not know what "safe spaces" are. He does not keep up with current events on the world stage. He does not have social media because he does not have friends, he only has family. He doesn't mind you reading about him, nor he does care your thoughts and feelings about his thoughts and feelings. He only cares about what one woman thinks about him, and that woman is JoAnn Abrams Kerr.
If this is your first C.L. Donley book, I recommend that you put off buying this one, and start with a different book [my recommendation: Leftovers With Benefits]. If you don't like that one, then you will hate this one. If you do like it, then proceed with Adam and Jo at your own risk. I create all my characters with unflinching realism, empathy, and dimension, so if you have problems feeling positively and/or negatively toward a person that you don't agree with, who is the main focus of the book, then you should move on.
For those of you who've read my work before and appreciate it, check out the sample before downloading the book. This book is unlike the others, in that it straddles the fence between romance and literary/women's fiction. If you know and trust me as an author, I'm hoping you will trust me again. It is incredibly steamy. You will be triggered. You will be challenged. You will cry. You will laugh. You'll cry again. You should probably take off work.
Wanna read a story? Then let's flippin' do this.
C.L.
Passion. It’s reckless. Doesn’t care who sees or what it costs. It’s good if you have a little. Just enough to aim and shoot. Hit your goal. But it shouldn’t be spilling all over the place. Damn. I knew the danger. The whole time. She seemed a little lonely, but she seemed decent. Moral. Had her head in the right place. I just can’t remember why I thought that would keep me safe. Why would a woman not have the power to consume me, just because she was decent and moral? Since when did pure oxygen become less of a threat to a match?
But then, a wild, stubborn, loudmouth son of a bitch like me definitely shoulda kept her safe. So I don’t know what the hell is goin’ on.
A stern and heartfelt warning from the author:
This book contains the first-person perspective and inner monologue of a former nazi/white supremacist main character named Adam Kerr. He has a swastika tattoo on his arm and lives in a racially segregated town called Bethesda, set fictionally in North Carolina. He is not politically correct. He's not a Republican, but he's sure as hell, not a Democrat. He's never heard the term "cisgender," he has no pronouns and he does not know what "safe spaces" are. He does not keep up with current events on the world stage. He does not have social media because he does not have friends, he only has family. He doesn't mind you reading about him, nor he does care your thoughts and feelings about his thoughts and feelings. He only cares about what one woman thinks about him, and that woman is JoAnn Abrams Kerr.
If this is your first C.L. Donley book, I recommend that you put off buying this one, and start with a different book [my recommendation: Leftovers With Benefits]. If you don't like that one, then you will hate this one. If you do like it, then proceed with Adam and Jo at your own risk. I create all my characters with unflinching realism, empathy, and dimension, so if you have problems feeling positively and/or negatively toward a person that you don't agree with, who is the main focus of the book, then you should move on.
For those of you who've read my work before and appreciate it, check out the sample before downloading the book. This book is unlike the others, in that it straddles the fence between romance and literary/women's fiction. If you know and trust me as an author, I'm hoping you will trust me again. It is incredibly steamy. You will be triggered. You will be challenged. You will cry. You will laugh. You'll cry again. You should probably take off work.
Wanna read a story? Then let's flippin' do this.
C.L.
- GenresRomance
279 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 18, 2019
145 people are currently reading
108 people want to read
About the author
C.L. Donley
16 books203 followersC.L. Donley is a future New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author of multicultural and interracial romance, who believes romance novels that are impossible to put down are the only kind that should exist! Armed with a B.A. in English and M.A. in Writing, she is new to the romance game, having written her first novel, Amara's Calling, after discovering the romance genre in September 2017. Donley writes in a style she calls "romantic realism" that is sophisticated yet simple, grounded yet unaplogetically escapist, and character-driven rather than plot-driven. This style creates a unique, modern reading experience ideal for book club discussions, personal epiphanies, satisfying re-reads, and the occasional spiraling reviewer! Love it or hate it, fans and critics alike can't deny her talent, and always find themselves coming back for more!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
October 20, 2019
"And the ancestors wept."
What. Did. I. Just. Read.
**clutching pearls**
I was given an ARC of the book to read in exchange for my honest review...and I've read it like 4 times. And clutched my pearls each time. And laughed out loud. And maybe "No this mofo did not..." was said a time or ten. I give it a solid 4 stars.
Ms. Donley is not playing in her warning. If you're not open to being challenged and uncomfortable, this book is NOT your type of party. I couldn't believe I was reading what I was reading, but I kept reading. Her writing and the characters are just that good. Great, really. You will be conflicted reading this book. But there are gems in here to chew on even after you finish...things that may make you go, hmmm.
I definitely disagree with Adam on a lot of things, but darn it if I don't respect him for keeping it as real as he knows how to. He said what he said. Period. He has his view of right and wrong and will stand up for those wronged, regardless of what others think. And I appreciate that his growth is not the instalove, quick 180 degree turn you often see in other stories about white supremacists falling for black women. I mean, let's be honest, nowadays it sounds delusional to even want to read such a story. But guess what? This story is about so much more. To me, this is a human story about how it is hard to maintain biases and prejudices when you actually take the time to get to know someone who is ostensibly the polar opposite of you. For example, values like family and community are important to him, but he's been exposed to a very specific interpretation of those values. When he is exposed to something else...well, it takes a while to process. A person's perception is their reality, so it stands to reason that when their perception is challenged and changed that their reality shifts. That's some tough ish. Also, Adam+Judah=the warm and fuzzies
And JoJo did not come to play. Her tolerance was set at "we'll never be at the racist joke phase" from the beginning and she also kept it 100. She was curious and open to engaging on a human-to-human level, but she's also coming into her own and knows that she deserves better, so she will call folks out on their BS. Ultimately, she was willing to make a heart-wrenching decision because her son, Judah, came first and there were some risks she just wasn't willing to take. And things get messy really fast. But you do get to see Jo's growth, too, as she realizes, for example, that in the face of such extreme examples of hate, she had been dealing with micro (and not so micro) aggressions for years. (Don't think I don't see you, Chris.)
Ugh. There are layers to this story. I can't say much more without spoiling the experience for you. Just take the ride. You're in good hands.
What. Did. I. Just. Read.
**clutching pearls**
I was given an ARC of the book to read in exchange for my honest review...and I've read it like 4 times. And clutched my pearls each time. And laughed out loud. And maybe "No this mofo did not..." was said a time or ten. I give it a solid 4 stars.
Ms. Donley is not playing in her warning. If you're not open to being challenged and uncomfortable, this book is NOT your type of party. I couldn't believe I was reading what I was reading, but I kept reading. Her writing and the characters are just that good. Great, really. You will be conflicted reading this book. But there are gems in here to chew on even after you finish...things that may make you go, hmmm.
I definitely disagree with Adam on a lot of things, but darn it if I don't respect him for keeping it as real as he knows how to. He said what he said. Period. He has his view of right and wrong and will stand up for those wronged, regardless of what others think. And I appreciate that his growth is not the instalove, quick 180 degree turn you often see in other stories about white supremacists falling for black women. I mean, let's be honest, nowadays it sounds delusional to even want to read such a story. But guess what? This story is about so much more. To me, this is a human story about how it is hard to maintain biases and prejudices when you actually take the time to get to know someone who is ostensibly the polar opposite of you. For example, values like family and community are important to him, but he's been exposed to a very specific interpretation of those values. When he is exposed to something else...well, it takes a while to process. A person's perception is their reality, so it stands to reason that when their perception is challenged and changed that their reality shifts. That's some tough ish. Also, Adam+Judah=the warm and fuzzies
And JoJo did not come to play. Her tolerance was set at "we'll never be at the racist joke phase" from the beginning and she also kept it 100. She was curious and open to engaging on a human-to-human level, but she's also coming into her own and knows that she deserves better, so she will call folks out on their BS. Ultimately, she was willing to make a heart-wrenching decision because her son, Judah, came first and there were some risks she just wasn't willing to take. And things get messy really fast. But you do get to see Jo's growth, too, as she realizes, for example, that in the face of such extreme examples of hate, she had been dealing with micro (and not so micro) aggressions for years. (Don't think I don't see you, Chris.)
Ugh. There are layers to this story. I can't say much more without spoiling the experience for you. Just take the ride. You're in good hands.
November 1, 2019
Lawd a mercy! This book took me through the change of life! I am practically speechless.
Okay, where to start! First I will warn anyone picking this book up. Try not to prejudge the book because of the cover. That Rebel Flag can get under our skin if you let it. There are also some choice words that will have you clutching your pearls. But if you can get past that and see the story for what it is, you will enjoy.
Now let’s talk content and characters. Adam is a straight up White Supremist. Former member of the triple K organization. The man had his beliefs and did not mince his words. If you didn’t like his way of thinking, that’s your problem. Let him tell it, he was not a racist. That was something stupid people who lived their lives with hate did. He was not that person.
He treated people “fairly”. He simply was under the mindset that because Europeans started Western Civilization, they were superior. For a very smart man, he was clueless that his words and way of thinking would offend someone of another race. He used racial slurs and fell into the stereotype trap like it was drinking water. Easy!
So you will excuse me if I was confused as all get out at how I, a strong black woman, could like this man. I realized, as did Jo, the man was irresistible. If you could get past the primal urge to rip his face off and just get to know him, he was very charming. He had the courage of his conviction and never varied from it. He was consistently honest and never once tried to be anyone but himself. Now that is something I can appreciate, even if I wholeheartedly disagree with his mindset. Plus he was often mistaken for Thor! Simply Gorgeous.
Jo was a feisty young black single mother whose son was of mixed race. She worked doing drywall, which was an awesome career for a female character! Love it. She also held down her dream job as a dj on weekends. Her deadbeat baby daddy was in school and too self absorbed to even care that she was struggling raising his son. He chose to work an unpaid internship to boost his career, instead of helping to fund his child’s upbringing. He was a tool. Well, Adam called him something much more vulgar, but I can’t repeat it here. Just know, Adam was right.
This story took race relations in the south to a whole other level. Most books similar to this, give you a racist “hero” who magically changes his mind after falling in love with a heroine of another race. Nope! Not in this book. Not Adam. He was a stubborn alpha male who believed strongly that his race was superior. However, he was kind to people of other races and took them for face value on an individual basis.
It may seem as if I am taking up for him, but that’s just the way the book develops. The author is so talented that she was able to take a character that I know I am supposed to hate, and make him likable. Eventually the conflict comes, but not in the usual race bait type of way. It was much deeper than that.
Jo and Adam get a somewhat happy ending. Then I read the epilogue and was both happy and sad at the same time. Happy because of the time they had together, what they accomplished and the love they had for each other and their children. Sad because just like real life, getting old sucks! I’ll let you discover what I mean so I don’t ruin the story.
I was thoroughly entertained by this book and can’t wait to read more from this author.
Okay, where to start! First I will warn anyone picking this book up. Try not to prejudge the book because of the cover. That Rebel Flag can get under our skin if you let it. There are also some choice words that will have you clutching your pearls. But if you can get past that and see the story for what it is, you will enjoy.
Now let’s talk content and characters. Adam is a straight up White Supremist. Former member of the triple K organization. The man had his beliefs and did not mince his words. If you didn’t like his way of thinking, that’s your problem. Let him tell it, he was not a racist. That was something stupid people who lived their lives with hate did. He was not that person.
He treated people “fairly”. He simply was under the mindset that because Europeans started Western Civilization, they were superior. For a very smart man, he was clueless that his words and way of thinking would offend someone of another race. He used racial slurs and fell into the stereotype trap like it was drinking water. Easy!
So you will excuse me if I was confused as all get out at how I, a strong black woman, could like this man. I realized, as did Jo, the man was irresistible. If you could get past the primal urge to rip his face off and just get to know him, he was very charming. He had the courage of his conviction and never varied from it. He was consistently honest and never once tried to be anyone but himself. Now that is something I can appreciate, even if I wholeheartedly disagree with his mindset. Plus he was often mistaken for Thor! Simply Gorgeous.
Jo was a feisty young black single mother whose son was of mixed race. She worked doing drywall, which was an awesome career for a female character! Love it. She also held down her dream job as a dj on weekends. Her deadbeat baby daddy was in school and too self absorbed to even care that she was struggling raising his son. He chose to work an unpaid internship to boost his career, instead of helping to fund his child’s upbringing. He was a tool. Well, Adam called him something much more vulgar, but I can’t repeat it here. Just know, Adam was right.
This story took race relations in the south to a whole other level. Most books similar to this, give you a racist “hero” who magically changes his mind after falling in love with a heroine of another race. Nope! Not in this book. Not Adam. He was a stubborn alpha male who believed strongly that his race was superior. However, he was kind to people of other races and took them for face value on an individual basis.
It may seem as if I am taking up for him, but that’s just the way the book develops. The author is so talented that she was able to take a character that I know I am supposed to hate, and make him likable. Eventually the conflict comes, but not in the usual race bait type of way. It was much deeper than that.
Jo and Adam get a somewhat happy ending. Then I read the epilogue and was both happy and sad at the same time. Happy because of the time they had together, what they accomplished and the love they had for each other and their children. Sad because just like real life, getting old sucks! I’ll let you discover what I mean so I don’t ruin the story.
I was thoroughly entertained by this book and can’t wait to read more from this author.
October 30, 2019
My expectations for this story was not very high based on other reviews. However I must say that I don’t agree with the other reviews. Adam and Jo gave me a realistic view of how it might be if this situation happened in real life. We can’t pick who we love and more often than not we get in our own way in relationships. Jo stayed in her mind thinking and rethinking because of who and what Adam is and was. I completely understand Jo’s character and why she hesitated about Adam like she did. As with Adam, his motives were realistic in the beginning as well. Yes you can also see the author’s imagination at work in parts but thats what writing is about.
Now I didn’t understand the epilogue. I could be because i schemed through it. I would have hoped for a timeline of Adam and Jo’s life. Maybe ill go back and revisit the epilogue to see how it ties to the story.
Overall, I loved the story. I don’t give out four stars regularly but i felt that due to the level of realness this story earned it. I would definitely recommend it to my friends to discuss Adam’s and Jo’s views.
Now I didn’t understand the epilogue. I could be because i schemed through it. I would have hoped for a timeline of Adam and Jo’s life. Maybe ill go back and revisit the epilogue to see how it ties to the story.
Overall, I loved the story. I don’t give out four stars regularly but i felt that due to the level of realness this story earned it. I would definitely recommend it to my friends to discuss Adam’s and Jo’s views.
October 28, 2019
This book...hated the ending.
I read this book because of the warning by the author and I'm not sure how I feel about it. I normally read romance novels for happy endings and this was anything but that. It left me wanting in not just the ending, but also the character development.
This book was suppose to be 'real but in the real world how does a man like Adam maintain those beliefs while raising mixed kids and loving a black woman? How does he end up not tainting them with his ideals? He kept repeating that he wasn't racist but he speaks like a racist. He agreed with everything the KKK stood for, for christsake and the only reason he left was because they didn't take any actions when it came to their dogma.
After all the back and forth in the book I expected the ending to give me some balm that things worked out but...it did not. There was no cutesy ending and it left me wanting more because the kids are not all right, Jo is dead(the part about them not finding her dead until hours after the fact was so unnecessary) and Adam is battling sickness. Why would that be how you end their story????
All in all, I've read books with similar plot lines but this is the first that I've been left wholly unsatisfied with in terms of the character development. I'm not sure in which world this book makes sense but several persons seemed to like it which was another factor in me buying it but what a let down.
This is my first book from this author so I'll give her another chance after I put some space between me and this book.
I read this book because of the warning by the author and I'm not sure how I feel about it. I normally read romance novels for happy endings and this was anything but that. It left me wanting in not just the ending, but also the character development.
This book was suppose to be 'real but in the real world how does a man like Adam maintain those beliefs while raising mixed kids and loving a black woman? How does he end up not tainting them with his ideals? He kept repeating that he wasn't racist but he speaks like a racist. He agreed with everything the KKK stood for, for christsake and the only reason he left was because they didn't take any actions when it came to their dogma.
After all the back and forth in the book I expected the ending to give me some balm that things worked out but...it did not. There was no cutesy ending and it left me wanting more because the kids are not all right, Jo is dead(the part about them not finding her dead until hours after the fact was so unnecessary) and Adam is battling sickness. Why would that be how you end their story????
All in all, I've read books with similar plot lines but this is the first that I've been left wholly unsatisfied with in terms of the character development. I'm not sure in which world this book makes sense but several persons seemed to like it which was another factor in me buying it but what a let down.
This is my first book from this author so I'll give her another chance after I put some space between me and this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 10, 2020
When this book started floating around in my brain, I suppressed it for a long time, as you can imagine. Which is actually good for book ideas. The longer they stew, they tend to come out more powerful. Eventually, it got to the point where I couldn't ignore it. The scenes start to play continually in my mind and sort of drive me crazy a little bit. So then I have to get it all down, even if just as an exercise, especially if I'm trying to work on other projects at the same time.
So I go to write this character down, and I'm all "oh, hi, my name's Adam I'm a racist blah blah blah n***er n***er n***er, this book will never see the light of day *fart noises*
And then I left it alone for about, a month let's say. And there's thing that happens, when I know I've got something good. It's like baking a loaf of bread. A draft is like the dough. You make the dough, let it alone, and then come back to it and hopefully, it's got some volume to it, if everything is right. If you come back and it's exciting to read in its infant state, it's like, "wow this is great!" It's doubled its size already. All you have to do is dress it up, punch it back down, get some more rising going, and it's going to turn out.
Basically, I came back to this asinine dough and it was like... the size of my living room. I was like... "oh nooooooo...." Because now I had something that I had made, that I knew had to be released. I was very thankful when the opening scene came to me, and little Judah came to me, and the epilogue came to me. Because I was like, "people could really love this." I know the epilogue is a whopper, and it did cost me some brownie points, but it literally took my breath away when I thought of it, and thus could not be removed or changed.
The fact that this book is turning out to be my best-reviewed work in the few short months it's been out is IN...sane. And it's taught me a few things. One: as an author, don't be afraid. The more you take a chance, the more rewarding the praise. Two: readers are smarter than pretty much everyone gives them credit for. To the people who gave this a low rating because of the HEA (or lack thereof)-- I flipping love you guys for that shit. LOL!! That gave me the surprise of my writing life.
So I go to write this character down, and I'm all "oh, hi, my name's Adam I'm a racist blah blah blah n***er n***er n***er, this book will never see the light of day *fart noises*
And then I left it alone for about, a month let's say. And there's thing that happens, when I know I've got something good. It's like baking a loaf of bread. A draft is like the dough. You make the dough, let it alone, and then come back to it and hopefully, it's got some volume to it, if everything is right. If you come back and it's exciting to read in its infant state, it's like, "wow this is great!" It's doubled its size already. All you have to do is dress it up, punch it back down, get some more rising going, and it's going to turn out.
Basically, I came back to this asinine dough and it was like... the size of my living room. I was like... "oh nooooooo...." Because now I had something that I had made, that I knew had to be released. I was very thankful when the opening scene came to me, and little Judah came to me, and the epilogue came to me. Because I was like, "people could really love this." I know the epilogue is a whopper, and it did cost me some brownie points, but it literally took my breath away when I thought of it, and thus could not be removed or changed.
The fact that this book is turning out to be my best-reviewed work in the few short months it's been out is IN...sane. And it's taught me a few things. One: as an author, don't be afraid. The more you take a chance, the more rewarding the praise. Two: readers are smarter than pretty much everyone gives them credit for. To the people who gave this a low rating because of the HEA (or lack thereof)-- I flipping love you guys for that shit. LOL!! That gave me the surprise of my writing life.
October 19, 2019
Pretty good missed the opportunity to be better... to me!
Uncomfortable but good story. Went back and forth a bit much for my taste but enjoyable. The main reason I gave this a four instead of 5 is the epilogue. The story was painful enough why end on that note...I may be biased though because my family is coping with a similar situation with my grandad. It’s just how I feel and my opinion but give me a happily ever after and be done. I didn’t need to be plunged right back into a painful reality...
Uncomfortable but good story. Went back and forth a bit much for my taste but enjoyable. The main reason I gave this a four instead of 5 is the epilogue. The story was painful enough why end on that note...I may be biased though because my family is coping with a similar situation with my grandad. It’s just how I feel and my opinion but give me a happily ever after and be done. I didn’t need to be plunged right back into a painful reality...
Read
October 5, 2020Interesting storyline starting out, but went downhill. Slow read, little story progression, and very little dynamic with the hero's supposed racism. Best part of the story was the heroine’s son. DNF at 25%.
August 26, 2024
No comment... 🤕
November 17, 2019
True to Life Romance
This book was definitely 5 stars.I started reading and oh boy what emotions😂I got mad,I laughed,and at the end...I for sure cried.Adam and Jo were so real it was like people you actually could meet.And what I honestly really could appreciate was it showed that change doesn't happen overnite.You will read some of these books Bwwm racist trope,and it shows the minute the racist falls in love with the black woman,he stops being racist!Now while that is a beautiful thought,that racism can be cured through finding your soulmate....change just doesn't happen that quick in real life.I absolutely appreciated that the author showed Adam learned that behaviour his whole life...so he didn't just drop it in a week.Very realistic this book was.Job well done to this author!
This book was definitely 5 stars.I started reading and oh boy what emotions😂I got mad,I laughed,and at the end...I for sure cried.Adam and Jo were so real it was like people you actually could meet.And what I honestly really could appreciate was it showed that change doesn't happen overnite.You will read some of these books Bwwm racist trope,and it shows the minute the racist falls in love with the black woman,he stops being racist!Now while that is a beautiful thought,that racism can be cured through finding your soulmate....change just doesn't happen that quick in real life.I absolutely appreciated that the author showed Adam learned that behaviour his whole life...so he didn't just drop it in a week.Very realistic this book was.Job well done to this author!
October 18, 2019
Shucks
I really enjoyed the book, full of laughter and not a billionaire story. Adam despite his beliefs was a really good person and deeply loved Jo. Jo well, she was beaten down by her experiences with Judah’s dad and society’s expectations so it took her longer to come around. I hated the ending though. I know life is not all roses, however the author was telling a story of hope and she pulled the rug right from under us. I would have preferred to read more about them coming together, building a life with its difficulties. The birth of his children, dealing with racism as a parent, A showdown between a grownup Judah and his dad, Corey coming around etc. I would have also liked to know what Gus said to her that night.
I really enjoyed the book, full of laughter and not a billionaire story. Adam despite his beliefs was a really good person and deeply loved Jo. Jo well, she was beaten down by her experiences with Judah’s dad and society’s expectations so it took her longer to come around. I hated the ending though. I know life is not all roses, however the author was telling a story of hope and she pulled the rug right from under us. I would have preferred to read more about them coming together, building a life with its difficulties. The birth of his children, dealing with racism as a parent, A showdown between a grownup Judah and his dad, Corey coming around etc. I would have also liked to know what Gus said to her that night.
October 26, 2019
Adam, Jo and Judah❤❤❤❤❤
The Book of Adam and Jo had me all twisted up. Adam was brutally honest about life, love, family and his beliefs but most of all his JoJo. Upon their first meeting Jo new there was that magnetic pull between her, Judah and Adam. I loved it. Their love was so obvious. Adam didn't care how other's felt about his old affiliations, as long as Jo knew that he had her back. Jo never had any man's total support and love. Only her son's, Judah. They dealt with racism of the worst kind. My emotions were everywhere. I cried for them. Loved this story and characters. The ending broke my heart but this story is so real! I recommend this book and author. Ty👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
The Book of Adam and Jo had me all twisted up. Adam was brutally honest about life, love, family and his beliefs but most of all his JoJo. Upon their first meeting Jo new there was that magnetic pull between her, Judah and Adam. I loved it. Their love was so obvious. Adam didn't care how other's felt about his old affiliations, as long as Jo knew that he had her back. Jo never had any man's total support and love. Only her son's, Judah. They dealt with racism of the worst kind. My emotions were everywhere. I cried for them. Loved this story and characters. The ending broke my heart but this story is so real! I recommend this book and author. Ty👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
October 26, 2019
Pretty Good
Whenever I read stories like this I am always apprehensive because you want it done right. While the writer gives us a pretty watered down version, this is still a good story. I writer gives us a look inside the relationship and a candid look at how couples handle themselves. Now what I would have liked is to see this couple living there lives and interacting with the town they live reside. Also a look at them once the marry and have the family they want. The epilogue just give a good closure because we don't get to see Adam and JoAnn happy. We don't get a glimpse of them making and having a family. Overall this was a good story only I think somethings are missing.
Whenever I read stories like this I am always apprehensive because you want it done right. While the writer gives us a pretty watered down version, this is still a good story. I writer gives us a look inside the relationship and a candid look at how couples handle themselves. Now what I would have liked is to see this couple living there lives and interacting with the town they live reside. Also a look at them once the marry and have the family they want. The epilogue just give a good closure because we don't get to see Adam and JoAnn happy. We don't get a glimpse of them making and having a family. Overall this was a good story only I think somethings are missing.
May 25, 2020
I loved it!
This was my first time reading this author and I really enjoyed the book! I almost passed it up because of the warnings, but it wasn't so bad. I was thinking it was going to be as rough as the N Word, by Tiana Laveen, but it wasn't close. (Excellent book btw) This book wasn't what I was expecting. I thought Adam was going to be a hardcore racist, but he wasn't. His views were horrible, but he was a good guy. It just took some time for Adam and Jo to figure things out. The reason why I gave this 4 stars is because of the epilogue. It was weird. I've never read a book that ended that way before and I wasn't a fan. It reminded me of the Notebook. I'll definitely read more from this author.
This was my first time reading this author and I really enjoyed the book! I almost passed it up because of the warnings, but it wasn't so bad. I was thinking it was going to be as rough as the N Word, by Tiana Laveen, but it wasn't close. (Excellent book btw) This book wasn't what I was expecting. I thought Adam was going to be a hardcore racist, but he wasn't. His views were horrible, but he was a good guy. It just took some time for Adam and Jo to figure things out. The reason why I gave this 4 stars is because of the epilogue. It was weird. I've never read a book that ended that way before and I wasn't a fan. It reminded me of the Notebook. I'll definitely read more from this author.
October 19, 2019
Hard to read
I'm a C.L. Donley fan. So even though the subject matter did not endear itself to me, I still checked it out due to her other books. This one was hard to read from the beginning. And that is one of the reasons why I like it. It wasn't explainable nor easy to understand. It was just human mess. Drama that is your everyday, real life drama. And the end was painful because of personal experience. I wanted to stop reading several times when reading this book but I trudged on because of experience with reading her other books. Definitely not "Leftover", more like "Lark." But still real life romance with all its ugliness.
I'm a C.L. Donley fan. So even though the subject matter did not endear itself to me, I still checked it out due to her other books. This one was hard to read from the beginning. And that is one of the reasons why I like it. It wasn't explainable nor easy to understand. It was just human mess. Drama that is your everyday, real life drama. And the end was painful because of personal experience. I wanted to stop reading several times when reading this book but I trudged on because of experience with reading her other books. Definitely not "Leftover", more like "Lark." But still real life romance with all its ugliness.
November 17, 2019
Absolutely Amazing
I loved the story and the characters. I would have liked a brief follow up about Corey (Pete), not so much Gus. Done with him. But, totally understand that Jo and Adam were starting a new community. As I read the epilogue, tears were stuck in my throat. Sadness due to Adam's disease and him forgetting that she's gone, but happiness knowing he and Jo had a full life together and he simply can't live without believing she's still there with him.
I loved the story and the characters. I would have liked a brief follow up about Corey (Pete), not so much Gus. Done with him. But, totally understand that Jo and Adam were starting a new community. As I read the epilogue, tears were stuck in my throat. Sadness due to Adam's disease and him forgetting that she's gone, but happiness knowing he and Jo had a full life together and he simply can't live without believing she's still there with him.
November 5, 2019
Nice story!
I enjoyed this love story from the beginning to the end. Adam and Jo love was very interesting. While reading this book I thought everybody should just tell their truth, good or bad. That what Adam did and Jo loved him for it. The epilogue was a beautiful tear jerker. Check it out!
I enjoyed this love story from the beginning to the end. Adam and Jo love was very interesting. While reading this book I thought everybody should just tell their truth, good or bad. That what Adam did and Jo loved him for it. The epilogue was a beautiful tear jerker. Check it out!
October 26, 2019
Perfect
Absolutely one of the best novels I've read in a long time. Complex, rich in characters and moving. The descriptions of the people and places read like a movie. Going to find another Donley book!
Absolutely one of the best novels I've read in a long time. Complex, rich in characters and moving. The descriptions of the people and places read like a movie. Going to find another Donley book!
November 11, 2019
After Reading the reviews
I was not expecting a lot but I was pleasantly surprised once I got into the book. I really enjoyed how he wasn’t magically “un-racist” after falling in love with a black woman. A really good book with a lot of thought provoking dialogue.
I was not expecting a lot but I was pleasantly surprised once I got into the book. I really enjoyed how he wasn’t magically “un-racist” after falling in love with a black woman. A really good book with a lot of thought provoking dialogue.
October 19, 2019
Good read
I enjoyed this book & the characters and i liked how their relationship gradually built. I love this author & her books😘
I enjoyed this book & the characters and i liked how their relationship gradually built. I love this author & her books😘
October 24, 2019
It was hard to read. Once I started I couldn't put it down. I wish the book was longer
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
October 25, 2019Awesome
I loved this book from start to finish.A beautiful love story ,about two people of different backgrounds.I could not put it down.
I loved this book from start to finish.A beautiful love story ,about two people of different backgrounds.I could not put it down.
October 29, 2019
I am officially a FAN!
Loved Jose and Adams love journey; loved the epilogue too. This story made my heart smile. I wanted to fight for them
Well done!
Loved Jose and Adams love journey; loved the epilogue too. This story made my heart smile. I wanted to fight for them
Well done!
October 31, 2019
Brillant
Sad and brilliant, really liked this book so sad but good at the same time. I haven't read any of this author's other books but will now.
Sad and brilliant, really liked this book so sad but good at the same time. I haven't read any of this author's other books but will now.
November 8, 2019
Real
This story is real life. No punches are pulled. I loved their story. Now, if you're a person that can't handle real talk, don't read this book.
This story is real life. No punches are pulled. I loved their story. Now, if you're a person that can't handle real talk, don't read this book.
December 24, 2020
A wonderful story. My emotions are too raw and I'm honestly just too gutted right now to write a review. It wasn't at all what I expected. Absolutely loved this story.
January 25, 2021
This was actually a good book. I liked the pace. I had low expectations because of the subject matter but I was sucked in by the first page. I enjoyed that first dialogue. It was random and about an electrical box but the way the story just flowed from there was talent. I think it really set the tone of the book.
Now, Adam and Jojo (lol, cute nickname for her), I liked the way things progressed between them even if sometimes I wanted a better reaction from Jo than just laughing it off when Adam was being Adam. Speaking of Adam, talk about a straight shooter. Forget being politically correct. I enjoyed his character's consistency throughout. His internal monologues really cracked me up more than once.
Judah was hella cute. I wanted more scenes with him. I could have done without that epilogue though. I really could have. I thought it was a downer. Oh, and at some point in the book, Jo was crying non-stop or something, I don't know, I skimmed a bit there.
Overall, this book has depth, complex characters and lovely romance.
Probably will re-read (without the epilogue). I look forward to reading other books from this author.
Now, Adam and Jojo (lol, cute nickname for her), I liked the way things progressed between them even if sometimes I wanted a better reaction from Jo than just laughing it off when Adam was being Adam. Speaking of Adam, talk about a straight shooter. Forget being politically correct. I enjoyed his character's consistency throughout. His internal monologues really cracked me up more than once.
Judah was hella cute. I wanted more scenes with him. I could have done without that epilogue though. I really could have. I thought it was a downer. Oh, and at some point in the book, Jo was crying non-stop or something, I don't know, I skimmed a bit there.
Overall, this book has depth, complex characters and lovely romance.
Probably will re-read (without the epilogue). I look forward to reading other books from this author.
April 27, 2020
3.75 Stars. (BW/WM). a Kindle Unlimited e-book. Forbidden love. The heroine, JoAnn “JoJo” Abrams, is a college dropout due to pregnancy; thus, a single mother who works two jobs: some nights she expertly hangs dry wall other nights she peruses her passion as a DJ. The hero, Adam Kerr, is the gorgeous Thor look-a-like foreman of a family construction company, he is also an unapologetic White Supremacist and former KKK member. The opening interaction between Adam and Jo and her 4-year-old son made Adam a likable character and relegated his white supremacist views to political incorrectness and ignorance of factual history. Adam openly pursued a relationship with a Black woman and her Black mixed race son. I enjoyed the exchanges between Jo and Adam. I hated that the prologue featured the couple’s children and grand children rather than the building of a loving unit between Jo and Adam and his tattooing over the swastika and showing what other changes came as he and his family came to terms with his mixed race family in light of his past.
August 20, 2023
Wow. I really liked this this story. And I’ve read a couple similar stories and usually I didn’t get an education the way this author told the story. I had tried to read “The book of Adam & Jo” a couple of years ago and I was like just another white supremacy bit where a white guy falling for a black chick, but it was so much more than that and I was so here for it. The character development was superb. It was a story that was told beautifully. I didn’t get offended by the racial slurs if anything Adam was hilarious. Just a pure fool. This story was well done. The ending was sad. I lost my mom to dementia. Gratefully, she passed in the first stage so she hadn’t forgotten us. But there were signs where she was forgetting other things. I miss her so much. Coming up on the anniversary of her passing August 30th.
Okay enough of my grief. Loved this story. Stellar job Ms. Donley. I’m a fan
Okay enough of my grief. Loved this story. Stellar job Ms. Donley. I’m a fan
April 5, 2020
Makes you squirm in good ways
The characters are what really hooked me to this book. Whether it was Jo’s love of contradictions or Adams love of being contradictory that did it, I’m not sure.
There were uncomfortable moments but they were real and interesting. They didn’t seemed forced.
The romance was intense and definitely worth the read. If you want something to set you on fire while giving you chills this is definitely a good read.
The characters are what really hooked me to this book. Whether it was Jo’s love of contradictions or Adams love of being contradictory that did it, I’m not sure.
There were uncomfortable moments but they were real and interesting. They didn’t seemed forced.
The romance was intense and definitely worth the read. If you want something to set you on fire while giving you chills this is definitely a good read.
April 29, 2021
Wow!!! I am speechless.
I am so full of emotions after reading Adam & Jo's story. Not only is the dialogue depicted in such a gripping way, but the story literally transported me back in time to the rural Arkansas of my youth.
Growing up during the 1980's until the early 2000's, I came in contact with so many people just like the characters in this story. I'm still crying and smiling because this was such a gripping genuine interracial romance. Simply amazing.
I am so full of emotions after reading Adam & Jo's story. Not only is the dialogue depicted in such a gripping way, but the story literally transported me back in time to the rural Arkansas of my youth.
Growing up during the 1980's until the early 2000's, I came in contact with so many people just like the characters in this story. I'm still crying and smiling because this was such a gripping genuine interracial romance. Simply amazing.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews