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Role Play
High-level corruption, high-priced addiction, high-voltage infidelity. The American Dream . . . Loving husband, doting father, respected politician. On the surface, California Governor Montgomery ‘Monty’ Fields appears to have it all—and he intends to keep it that way. But even a powerful man like Monty can’t control everything or everyone . . . First Lady Ellaina ‘Elle’ Lockhart-Fields has a juicy secret. One that she’s succeeded in keeping under wraps. Until her longtime lover shows up as her husband’s top security officer and threatens to ruin everything. Desperate, Elle concocts a clever plan. But it’s far more dangerous than she realizes. Thanks to her scandalous affair with the governor, single mother Brooklyn Pryce is living in luxury. But empty nights and lonely holidays are starting to break her spirit. A passionate encounter with a mystery man inspires her to leave Monty. But that’s not as easy as she thinks . . . Behind it all is a reporter who’s been tracking Monty’s every move, determined to bring him down, no matter who he has to seduce to get the job done. And as pressure from the women in Monty’s life, the press, and his partners in white-collar crime starts to boil over, Monty begins to unravel in ways no one sees coming . . .
386 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 29, 2020
21 people are currently reading
49 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 24 reviews
September 26, 2020
Role Play is eye-popping urban fiction by Tu-Shonda L. Whitaker.
Rating - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A masterpiece: Will definitely read again.
Tu-Shonda L. Whitaker has written an urban fiction masterpiece. The novel is very well-written. I was impressed by her well-measured prose, which isn’t something usually associated with this genre. The story is told from the alternating viewpoints of the main characters. Whitaker easily handles this sometimes tricky technique with appropriate chapter headers. The characters are wholly dynamic, and the dialogue is on-point. There are multiple storylines, but they meld nicely. Some heavy subject matter is explored and expertly highlighted. My attention was held from start to finish. Every page was highly anticipated. There is some explicit content but it is completely fitting in this context. The plot is ingenious, and the ending wasn’t jaw-dropping; it was jaw-breaking. I’m still trying to get my breath back. Ultimately, this is a tale of love, hate, jealousy, betrayal, revenge, treachery and mayhem. This could only be rated 5 out of 5 stars. I highly recommend Role Play to all readers of multicultural urban fiction and to fans of great fiction in general.
My thanks to Kensington Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. However the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine and mine alone.
Rating - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A masterpiece: Will definitely read again.
Tu-Shonda L. Whitaker has written an urban fiction masterpiece. The novel is very well-written. I was impressed by her well-measured prose, which isn’t something usually associated with this genre. The story is told from the alternating viewpoints of the main characters. Whitaker easily handles this sometimes tricky technique with appropriate chapter headers. The characters are wholly dynamic, and the dialogue is on-point. There are multiple storylines, but they meld nicely. Some heavy subject matter is explored and expertly highlighted. My attention was held from start to finish. Every page was highly anticipated. There is some explicit content but it is completely fitting in this context. The plot is ingenious, and the ending wasn’t jaw-dropping; it was jaw-breaking. I’m still trying to get my breath back. Ultimately, this is a tale of love, hate, jealousy, betrayal, revenge, treachery and mayhem. This could only be rated 5 out of 5 stars. I highly recommend Role Play to all readers of multicultural urban fiction and to fans of great fiction in general.
My thanks to Kensington Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. However the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine and mine alone.
July 16, 2020
This book was hard to put down. The constant twists and the dynamic characters kept the action moving quickly as we watch Elle and her husband Monty transition into the First Lady and Governor of California. There are sexual scenes that are steamy at times. There are scenes of violence, especially when her fervently religious parents are involved.
A very different ending that did wrap up all of the political and personal intrigue and explained all of the connections of all of the characters. To reveal more would spoil the plot.
Join Elle and Monty as their lives expand and implode!
I volunteered to read an ARC from Kensington Press through Net Galley.
Release date Sept 29, 2020.
A very different ending that did wrap up all of the political and personal intrigue and explained all of the connections of all of the characters. To reveal more would spoil the plot.
Join Elle and Monty as their lives expand and implode!
I volunteered to read an ARC from Kensington Press through Net Galley.
Release date Sept 29, 2020.
September 19, 2020
Thanks to Netgalley for this ARC.
What a story that was...
I love it when a book grips me from the very beginning with characters so relatable that you can't put the book down till you reach the end and when you finally reach the end of the story it's like a big surprise ending. This is the exact feeling I got from reading Role Play.
The character I connected with most was Brooklyn. I felt she was dealt a bad hand in life and her relationship with Monty was just something she needed to survive. Monty's treatment towards Brooklyn and even Elle showed me that he had little regard for women and that he had deep seated abandonment issues from his mother leaving. The moral of this story in my opinion is that nothing in life comes easy but we need to be honest and not let our lust and greed for status and power get the better of us.
All in all I really liked this story.
What a story that was...
I love it when a book grips me from the very beginning with characters so relatable that you can't put the book down till you reach the end and when you finally reach the end of the story it's like a big surprise ending. This is the exact feeling I got from reading Role Play.
The character I connected with most was Brooklyn. I felt she was dealt a bad hand in life and her relationship with Monty was just something she needed to survive. Monty's treatment towards Brooklyn and even Elle showed me that he had little regard for women and that he had deep seated abandonment issues from his mother leaving. The moral of this story in my opinion is that nothing in life comes easy but we need to be honest and not let our lust and greed for status and power get the better of us.
All in all I really liked this story.
January 18, 2021
I don't even know where to begin. This book takes you on a wild, rollercoaster ride into the underworld of politics. Governor and First Lady Fields are rich, respected and powerful. They should be happy and living the life, right? Nah. They both living a double life and everyone around them becomes entangled in a role where the strings are being pulled like puppets from behind the scenes. Monty thinks he has everything under control but someone else knows what's going on and the pieces on the board starts to move in ways no one sees coming. This was a slow build up of a well thought out storyline, well developed characters and insane drama that had me second guessing myself and pausing in between reading like Wait! Whet?! This was some high level corruption of money laundering, addiction, infidelity, murder and anything else you can think of type of read. The ending ....I never saw coming!
October 2, 2020
Man. I'm not normally into political drama reads, but this one was a job well done. Governor Montgomery fields and his wife Ellaina Lockhart-Fields both have secrets that could derail their future political plans. Brooklyn is living the life as the Governor's Mistress, until all kinds of life and death drama derails her life. All three must come to a decision that could change the direction of their lives.
I did not want this story to end. There were all kinds of twists and turns that kept me guessing, right up until the very end. I'm not a fan of most dramas, but this story is completely unforgettable and is a phenomenal well written story.
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I did not want this story to end. There were all kinds of twists and turns that kept me guessing, right up until the very end. I'm not a fan of most dramas, but this story is completely unforgettable and is a phenomenal well written story.
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
September 16, 2020
Role Play an exhilarating read – full of twists and turns, with real page-turner quality. The pace advances along towards a menacing, suspenseful and gripping climax. Everything becomes clear only in the final chapters. This story is an edge-of-your-seat read that tells us about the world of politics and how some of these people are actually elected into office and let the power of the title get to them. It has the right mix of credible characters along with a storyline that pulls you in and keeps you reading until you reach the end. The author does not hesitate to keep her foot off the gas in this thriller of a novel. I wish I can give it more stars but this is definitely a 5-star read.
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June 14, 2020I love when I start reading a book thinking it is going in one direction and when you read the last few pages, you were TOTALLY wrong. This book is a twisting, turning story of three people and how their lives are entertwined. It is a story of power, greed, religion, drugs, and love. I will defnitely be looking for other books by this author.
September 23, 2020
ARC: Role Play by Tu-Shonda L. Whitaker, Releases on September 29, 2020 and provided by: @netgalley and @kensingtonbooks
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Role Play is a book that follows the life of the Governor of California- Monty Montgomery and his wife, Elle. It details back office deals, conspiracy, money laundering, addiction, infidelity, etc. basically the governor and his wife were living a double life.
When the book first begins, I was taken aback by the backstories of the characters. The main characters are Monty, Elle, and Brooklyn. It just seemed like each one had a hard childhood. Monty had an abusive and drunk for a father. Elle had over protective Christian parents. And Brooklyn dealt with an addict for a mother and sexual abuse.
As the story comes together, I realized that each character is playing a specific role and at the end sacrifices were made. This books gives vibes of the Illuminati, it’s like there was someone else controlling everyone and every decision that was made. But, the characters do not follow the plan and in the end blood is shed.
The author did such a great job because I really didn’t know how this would all come together. But, what I did know is that I could not put the book down. It was written with such great detail, the supporting characters were likable, and also the content was relatable. It was a big Jigsaw puzzle that came together flawlessly! I so enjoyed this book.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Role Play is a book that follows the life of the Governor of California- Monty Montgomery and his wife, Elle. It details back office deals, conspiracy, money laundering, addiction, infidelity, etc. basically the governor and his wife were living a double life.
When the book first begins, I was taken aback by the backstories of the characters. The main characters are Monty, Elle, and Brooklyn. It just seemed like each one had a hard childhood. Monty had an abusive and drunk for a father. Elle had over protective Christian parents. And Brooklyn dealt with an addict for a mother and sexual abuse.
As the story comes together, I realized that each character is playing a specific role and at the end sacrifices were made. This books gives vibes of the Illuminati, it’s like there was someone else controlling everyone and every decision that was made. But, the characters do not follow the plan and in the end blood is shed.
The author did such a great job because I really didn’t know how this would all come together. But, what I did know is that I could not put the book down. It was written with such great detail, the supporting characters were likable, and also the content was relatable. It was a big Jigsaw puzzle that came together flawlessly! I so enjoyed this book.
April 13, 2021
California Governor Montgomery ‘Monty’ Fields III, thrives off of control, and no one is exempt...friends, family and foe. Things begin to unravel when he realizes that he doesn’t have as much control as he thinks, and his childhood demons rear their ugly head.
💫
First Lady Ellaina ‘Elle’ Lockhart-Fields is a doting wife and mother, who is living a secret life...one that has haunted her since her teens. Is her secret worth the fire that she’s playing with?
💫
Brooklyn Pryce is a single mother and the governor’s mistress, who meets someone that can offer her everything he can’t. But leaving may not be as easy as she thinks.
💫
This book is full of secrets, drama, scandal and malice. This page-turner addresses social issues that may be considered taboo, but will leave the reader wanting more. I highly recommend this 💎💎💎💎💎read by @tushonda.
💫
First Lady Ellaina ‘Elle’ Lockhart-Fields is a doting wife and mother, who is living a secret life...one that has haunted her since her teens. Is her secret worth the fire that she’s playing with?
💫
Brooklyn Pryce is a single mother and the governor’s mistress, who meets someone that can offer her everything he can’t. But leaving may not be as easy as she thinks.
💫
This book is full of secrets, drama, scandal and malice. This page-turner addresses social issues that may be considered taboo, but will leave the reader wanting more. I highly recommend this 💎💎💎💎💎read by @tushonda.
July 27, 2020
It has been a while since I have read a book by Mrs Whitaker and she did not disappoint!
Everybody has a rile to play in this book and you will not believe the roles these characters played!
Monty is the governor of California and sheesh. He was a character in and of himself. He gave me serious anxiety and heartburn. Elle his wife gives off confused and somewhat docile vibes. Yeah ok! Brooklyn is Monty's mistress who is over this love triangle. And those are just the foundation characters for this storyline. It was a whirlwind of events that had me gasping for breath. Some laughs, a few tears. The ending alone had me all in a tizzy! Never saw that coming. This ARC was worth this lazy sunday read and then some!
Everybody has a rile to play in this book and you will not believe the roles these characters played!
Monty is the governor of California and sheesh. He was a character in and of himself. He gave me serious anxiety and heartburn. Elle his wife gives off confused and somewhat docile vibes. Yeah ok! Brooklyn is Monty's mistress who is over this love triangle. And those are just the foundation characters for this storyline. It was a whirlwind of events that had me gasping for breath. Some laughs, a few tears. The ending alone had me all in a tizzy! Never saw that coming. This ARC was worth this lazy sunday read and then some!
October 26, 2020
Tu-Shonda L. Whitaker put her foot in this book! The novel is gritty and edgy but written in a manner that is easy to read for this genre. Ms. Whitaker utilizes the technique of writing from alternating viewpoints, which is not always an easy thing to do. However, this story flows well between the tow without causing confusion. The characters are well-written, with depth, allowing the reader the opportunity to experience what the charters are experiencing. There is a lot going on in this story: love, hate, jealousy, and just pure excitement. If I could rate this book more than 5 stars, I would. Don’t miss out on this one! Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for the opportunity to review this book.
September 18, 2020
I wasn't expecting this story to consist of so many different phases. There was infidelity on both parts and then Elle's sexual preference.
Monty thought he could outsmart his mistress Brooklyn, but in the end, she showed him.
One good aspect of the book is you never know what is going to happen. You definitely cannot predict the outcome.
Mony and Elle were two people who were married but not living in their truth.
I'm thankful for the opportunity to receive a free copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
Monty thought he could outsmart his mistress Brooklyn, but in the end, she showed him.
One good aspect of the book is you never know what is going to happen. You definitely cannot predict the outcome.
Mony and Elle were two people who were married but not living in their truth.
I'm thankful for the opportunity to receive a free copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
May 6, 2023
I haven't read a Tu-Shonda Whitaker book in quite some time.
This one wasn't quite her usual. It still held my interest. Told from three povs: Monty, Ella and Brooklyn.
Monty being a corrupt Black California governor, Ella being his wife and Brooklyn, his mistress. All three have secrets as we learn from the flashbacks to their pasts.
It would have been nice if we were given more information on the secret society. I didn't think the Sheila/Ella relationship wasn't realistic. How much could one person take?
All in all though, it was an entertaining read.
3.5 stars
This one wasn't quite her usual. It still held my interest. Told from three povs: Monty, Ella and Brooklyn.
Monty being a corrupt Black California governor, Ella being his wife and Brooklyn, his mistress. All three have secrets as we learn from the flashbacks to their pasts.
It would have been nice if we were given more information on the secret society. I didn't think the Sheila/Ella relationship wasn't realistic. How much could one person take?
All in all though, it was an entertaining read.
3.5 stars
June 6, 2020
Role Play by Tu-Shonda Whitaker is truly a work of urban fiction art!! The layout of this book was excellently planned and executed. The main characters in this book was so perfectly plotted and showcased. Role Play was so intriguingly written I couldn't wait to flip to the next page to see what would happen next. The ending figuratively took my breathe away!! I sat with my mouth agaped at the end. Kiddos Ms. Whitaker, these 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 was truly earned!!
December 1, 2020
Role play
1 star
Slow, lack lustre plot that nevers gets moving
It’s not even worth my time to outline the plot – not that there is much of a plot.
I notice that many other reviewers disagree with me – so maybe the review reflects my philosophy on life.
This title has been reviewed by www.books-reviewed.weebly.com
This title was provided by Netgalley and the publisher in return for an open and honest review.
#RolePlay #NetGalley
1 star
Slow, lack lustre plot that nevers gets moving
It’s not even worth my time to outline the plot – not that there is much of a plot.
I notice that many other reviewers disagree with me – so maybe the review reflects my philosophy on life.
This title has been reviewed by www.books-reviewed.weebly.com
This title was provided by Netgalley and the publisher in return for an open and honest review.
#RolePlay #NetGalley
October 6, 2020
Stick with the plan
This was a wonderful book. Are you sure you didn’t write the TV series Ambitions😀But if course this book was better!
ELL really played her part. I’m glad Brooklyn finally got a chance to face all her demons and now realize that she didn’t need a man to make her whole🥰
I will recommend this book to all readers that want to enjoy a great book.
Great Job🥰🥰
This was a wonderful book. Are you sure you didn’t write the TV series Ambitions😀But if course this book was better!
ELL really played her part. I’m glad Brooklyn finally got a chance to face all her demons and now realize that she didn’t need a man to make her whole🥰
I will recommend this book to all readers that want to enjoy a great book.
Great Job🥰🥰
October 30, 2020
Everyone has a role to play
I enjoyed this book it was my first reading a book like this but it probably will not be my last Monty was a trip Elle was confused lol I think Brooklyn was cool I liked her sister and bae they brought the smiles and laughs
I enjoyed this book it was my first reading a book like this but it probably will not be my last Monty was a trip Elle was confused lol I think Brooklyn was cool I liked her sister and bae they brought the smiles and laughs
November 6, 2020
Surprising!
A little slow to begin with but started picking up toward the middle of the book. The rest of the book was exotic g and we'll with the read. One comment it should not take half a book to get to the plot.
A little slow to begin with but started picking up toward the middle of the book. The rest of the book was exotic g and we'll with the read. One comment it should not take half a book to get to the plot.
February 6, 2022
This was the first book that I read by this author and I was not disappointed.
May 19, 2022
Definitely a great read! It was alot going on but easy to follow. Never a dull moment!!! Plenty of unexpected turns!!!
October 21, 2020
Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Ohhhhh, this was a very sexy, rollercoaster of a trashy read. I cannot wait to see it on Netflix one day. I read it in one day. There's even an appearance by the "The Family", an Illuminati type organisation (Y'all haters corny with that Illuminati mess) which, I have to admit, I nearly closed the book at that bit, but persevere, because it's hilarious, and all that that entails, but it works as a minor plot device.
It's minor, because you might think that Monty is the centre of the book and, therefore, the minor plot device of how he got to be California's governor and a future POTUS remains minor. Because it's not Monty's book, no matter what he thinks. It's Elliana, his wife, and Brooklyn, his girlfriend's book. It's about them and how they find who they truly are in this political mess of corruption and money. Brooklyn in particular is a great character, and an example of trying to live with honour in a sewer.
It all goes completely nuts by the end. Who you think is innocent and righteous and who is guilty and not will be upended. I mean, it's not a complete surprise in a potboiler but my jaw was dropped right open.
Brilliantly executed, thoroughly enjoyed. Looking forward to seeing on the telly one day.
#roleplay #tushondalwhitaker #netgalley
Ohhhhh, this was a very sexy, rollercoaster of a trashy read. I cannot wait to see it on Netflix one day. I read it in one day. There's even an appearance by the "The Family", an Illuminati type organisation (Y'all haters corny with that Illuminati mess) which, I have to admit, I nearly closed the book at that bit, but persevere, because it's hilarious, and all that that entails, but it works as a minor plot device.
It's minor, because you might think that Monty is the centre of the book and, therefore, the minor plot device of how he got to be California's governor and a future POTUS remains minor. Because it's not Monty's book, no matter what he thinks. It's Elliana, his wife, and Brooklyn, his girlfriend's book. It's about them and how they find who they truly are in this political mess of corruption and money. Brooklyn in particular is a great character, and an example of trying to live with honour in a sewer.
It all goes completely nuts by the end. Who you think is innocent and righteous and who is guilty and not will be upended. I mean, it's not a complete surprise in a potboiler but my jaw was dropped right open.
Brilliantly executed, thoroughly enjoyed. Looking forward to seeing on the telly one day.
#roleplay #tushondalwhitaker #netgalley
August 2, 2020
I received an early copy of this book from NetGalley. I haven't read anything by this author in awhile. Lets say she hit it out the park with this one. I loved the characters and the interactions. I could not put this book down. And the ending what a shocker. Elle and Monty are a powerhouse couple. He's the governor and she his first lady but Barack and Michelle they are not. Elle has a secret. Not only a secret but a secret lover who she has kept in the shadows until her lover becomes security for her husband. But Monty is fighting demons from his childhood. He also has a secret something on the side too. Scandal has nothing on this group. I don't wanna give too much away. Woo child read this.
March 11, 2024
ROLE PLAY by Tu-Shonda L. Whitaker is an urban fiction masterpiece that weaves a gripping tale of love, betrayal, and intrigue. The story revolves around California Governor Montgomery “Monty” Fields, a loving husband and respected politician. However, beneath the surface lies a web of secrets and dangerous encounters. First Lady Elle Lockhart-Fields harbors a juicy secret, one that her longtime lover threatens to expose. Her clever plan to protect herself takes an unexpected turn.
Brooklyn Pryce, entangled in a scandalous affair with the governor, enjoys luxury but battles loneliness. A mysterious encounter inspires her to break free. A relentless reporter shadows Monty, determined to bring him down, regardless of the cost. As pressure mounts from women, the press, and white-collar partners, Monty’s life unravels unexpectedly.
The novel’s well-measured prose, alternating viewpoints, and multiple storylines create an engaging experience. Explicit content fits seamlessly within the context. The plot is ingenious, and the ending leaves readers breathless. In short, “Role Play” is a must-read for anyone seeking a thrilling journey through love, hate, and treachery.
Brooklyn Pryce, entangled in a scandalous affair with the governor, enjoys luxury but battles loneliness. A mysterious encounter inspires her to break free. A relentless reporter shadows Monty, determined to bring him down, regardless of the cost. As pressure mounts from women, the press, and white-collar partners, Monty’s life unravels unexpectedly.
The novel’s well-measured prose, alternating viewpoints, and multiple storylines create an engaging experience. Explicit content fits seamlessly within the context. The plot is ingenious, and the ending leaves readers breathless. In short, “Role Play” is a must-read for anyone seeking a thrilling journey through love, hate, and treachery.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 24 reviews