Large and In Charge

by La Jill Hunt

Devyn Douglas has been called beautiful for her entire life. Three years ago, she was strutting the runways, featured in magazines, and on the fast track to being signed to the biggest modeling agency in the industry when suddenly, her world came crashing down and her weight started climbing up. Now, she's a substitute teacher who's lost her passion for life and her desire for love, until a favor for one of her students somehow turns into a miracle.

288 pages, Paperback

Published February 23, 2021

About the author

LaJill Hunt is a native of Mobile, AL who burst onto the literary scene in 2003 with her debut novel, Drama Queen. The memorable characters she created and the entertaining stories she told quickly drew best-selling success and a following of fans, young and old. Although known for her urban chic-lit novels, she has also contributed to the street anthology series Around the Way Girls, and penned an urban romance Another Sad Love Song. Her erotica short story, Catch 22, is currently available as a digital download. Currently residing in Virginia Beach, VA, LaJill enjoys spending time with her daughters, family and friends.

(source: Amazon)

Reviews

[Annette Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

It has been at least 25 years since I've read a book by La Jill Hunt and I see why. Large and In Charge was filled with over the top dramatics and an unrealistic storyline. Devyn is a former model whose body has gone through a significant change because, of a disease she was diagnosed with. The medication she's on has caused her to gain some weight. 27 pounds to be exact. The weight gain has caused Devyn to become really insecure about her body. She's also still trying to get over being left at the alter by her ex-fiancée. Lets talk about that. Devyn was at the height of her career. When Trammel decides he doesn't want to get married, Devyn doesn't get emotional and cry. She does what I would've done and started throwin' hands. Because of this, Devyn loses her career and has to walk away from being a model. Trammel, on the other hand, gains notoriety and builds his career off of Devyn's humiliation. How is it that she loses her career but, he's able to gain one?!!! Make it make sense! Then we have Asha. Asha is a secondary character that's not even mentioned in the synopsis. If the book was going to be about Devyn and Asha then, it should've been mentioned in the description. Asha is dating Sully who happens to be 23 years older than her. Sully is clingy and wants Asha to spend all of her time with him and him only. He also can't stand Devyn but, the author never gives a specific reason for his dislike of her. That really irked me because, Sully was constantly saying slick shyt about Devyn and Asha never once called him out on it. When I say call him out, I mean she never checked him. There's no way a black woman is going to allow her man to continually say slick shyt about her BFF and not get cussed out. That's something we would shut down the first time he tried it and a black female author should know that. This book was not a true representation of how black women act and it really bothered me. Devyn is suppose to be a plus size woman and, yet, the author described her as weighing only 150 pounds. Newsflash, ma'am, 150 pounds is NOT considered plus size. I've been 150 pounds at one time in my life and could still wear a size 8. Devyn may have gained some weight or gotten a little thicker but, she was far from being plus size. Also, the chick on the cover was not a true representative of a plus size woman. If you're going to write a book about a plus size woman, the person on the cover should actually be plus sized. To add insult to injury, the author ends the book on a cliffhanger! I'm sorry but, these characters just weren't interesting enough for a sequel. Large and In Charge was too inconsistent for me. At times I enjoyed it and other times I did not. It's going to be a hard no for me on the sequel. I'm good.

[LaChelle Weaver · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first introduction to this author and it won’t be my last. I thoroughly enjoyed Devyn’s story and her evolution throughout. She went from broken and self doubt to confident and self assured. It was a good lesson that our pasts don’t define us. We can preserve and succeed. The only thing I didn’t like was how it ended. I hate cliffhangers. But I’m looking forward to catching up with these characters in a future book. Hopefully, that won’t be too long.

[Ellowyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a little slow for me but once it picked up it was a great read. Asha is a trip. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series. The cliff hanger was a shocker.

[Kim Knight · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is filled with so many great themes. Sisterhood, redemption, love, humor and of course drama. It was good to see some old characters and I definitely love these new ones. I have read the paperback and listened to the audio version. It’s just that good to read over and over. This is a great book for a bookclub discussion.

[Asha Wade · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first LaJill Hunt book and I must say that I truly enjoyed this book. I listened to the audiobook.

Devin ( aka D’Morgan) was a successful model and at the top of her game. After a series of unfortunate events, she quit the modeling scene and became somewhat a recluse.

Her best friend Asha and god sister Chas (Chasity), helped her get through the toughest times of her life. Will she be able to start over and make a name for herself, claim her spot back in the modeling world and find love in the process.

I truly enjoyed this book and I am ready to continue the story in the next book.

No spoilers from me…. Read it yourself!

[Dawn “D-Love” · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall good read but the pace was kind of off. Asha irritated my soul. Her trying to control Devin and her relationships but turning around and being in a jacked up one herself was beyond crazy. Just when Devin starts to realize her worth she’s hit with another boom. There are still some unanswered questions, but I was happy to see some of my favorites make cameo appearances, YaYa and Brianna. Hopefully the next book will clear up the Asha and Devin dilemma.

[ShayBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lajill Hunt gets on my nerves in a good way. There is not a book of hers that does not leave my mouth wide open at several points in her story. She has not disappointed me at all. This story has something for everyone just like this Author loves to give it, drama and more drama. Waiting for the next installment.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wanted to like Sully so bad, but he was so clingy. Did this man not have any friends? There was never a clear reason why he didn’t like Devin which was suspicious as well, especially since Devin wasn’t out in the streets and trying to keep a low level profile.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow this book had so many twist and turns . I don’t want to give any spoilers , just know I’m ready for part two . I have an issue with hidden secrets also . Oh and let me go check these medicine cabinets lol .

[Michelle Myers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Large and In Charge was a great book to listen to between three good friends Devyn, Asha and Chase. I loved to tight bond they had between them. This was a cliff hanger can’t wait to see what happens in the next book.

[Angela Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Devyn is on a journey of self-discovery and taking back her life after the devastation of a horrific break-up, followed by the abrupt end to her soaring career. Her best friend, corporate event planner, Asha is determined to shelter Devyn from the cruelty of the world and help her to pick up the pieces and utilize her talent and passion in a different way. A friend through and through, Asha has proven to have Devyn’s back at all cost. Things get complicated as old friends reappear, new friendships are born, life’s current situations, dark hidden secrets, and matters of who to trust comes front and center.

Large and In Charge is the story of love, friendship, secrets, suspense, and fiery drama that will keep you turning the pages to the very end. This upbeat, fast pace read will have you on a roller coaster ride of pure enjoyment and emotional uprising with its perfect balance of laughter and tears. The nail-biting suspense of hidden secrets, unfolding truths, drama and I can’t believe this just happen moments are enough to keep you on the edge of your seat turning the pages for what’s to come. Large and In Charge is an electrifying read that you will not want to put down until every word has been read.

[J · Rating 3 out of 5]

(FROM JACKET) Two years ago, aspiring model Devyn was on the fast track to success and living her best life as D'Morgan. She was engaged to a rising hip-hop star, mentored by one of the world's biggest supermodels, and the center of attention for thousands of adoring fans and followers. Then, it all came tumbling down, and in a matter of minutes, she lost everything she loved- and more. Now, D'Morgan no longer exists, and the spotlight is the one thing Devyn has managed to avoid.

Corporate event-planner Asha is Devyn's best friend and has been by her side through everything: the good and bad, ups and downs, and highs and lows. Whatever Devyn needs, Asha is there for her. When Asha discovers an opportunity for Devyn to use her runway talent in a new direction, she doesn't hesitate to guide her best friend on a new path and purpose in life and love.

As fate would have it, Devyn is once again thrust in the public eye and facing the demons of her past. Can Asha balance helping her best friend while dealing with her own drama? Will Devyn find the strength to stand on her own finally? Or will the friendship they've built be destroyed by the secrets they're hiding? In this crossover novel, LaJill Hunt introduces us to a new, memorable cast of characters with appearances from a few other familiar faces.

[Shone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sisters From Another Mother

Blood is thicker than water Devyn, Asha, and Chase could not have been closer if they were triplets. Always there for each other through the good, bad, and indifference, However one of them is not on the up and up, Who is it? Well-written defined characters, plot twist, with an ending that will leave you with your mouth hanging open, mad as heck, and looking forward to the sequel.


#Cillasbookmaniacs #Mamatoni

[Michelle Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

This book was so good and hard to put down. I’m sure a lot of us can relate to Devyn and what she has been through. I love the sistaship between Asha, Devyn and Chasity and how they all had each other’s backs no matter what or did they? We have to wait and see...ugh not happy about that but always loving LaJill’s work.

[Felicia Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed this book

This book was a page turner from start to finish . I enjoyed this book
Please take the time out and get this book you will enjoy it . To tell the truth you will enjoy all of La Jill Hunt books that she have written .

[AllthingsAudiobookwithMsChupsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy this book but this is the 2nd book I read from this author where it ends with a cliff hanger and there is no sequel for the book. If u are like me who needs a bow tie ending, I would skip this book for now until the author writes the sequel or finale.

[Michelle Chavis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good one by La Jill Hunt. This book has so much drama. I couldn’t put it down!!!