Relapse

by Nikki Turner

Nikki Turner, Queen of Hip-Hop Lit, is back with one of her gutsiest female characters yet, a glamorous chick with a high-end hustle that can rival any man’s game.
 
As the respected, renowned concierge for a luxury hotel chain, Beijing Lee caters to the wealthy and famous. Whether it’s securing a dinner reservation, a fleet of limos, or a record deal, or protecting her clients from the paparazzi, there’s nothing Beijing can’t do. She’s stacked up an impressive pile of IOUs from the world’s elite—and one day she decides it’s time to start cashing in. Before long, she’s a five-star diva running her own lucrative business, where she secures her clients their most outrageous—and increasingly illegal—desires.

But Beijing has her own addiction: a man named Lootchee, who lavishes her with even more diamonds and luxury than she already has. But behind Lootchee’s charm and over-the-top romantic gestures is a selfish, high-stakes hustler who lures Beijing into a dangerous web that takes even this seasoned enterpriser by surpise, and breaks her heart in the process.

Once the ball finally drops, it’ll take a ghost from Beijing’s past to rescue her—not only from those who are out to seriously harm her, but from herself.

Genres: Audiobook, Fiction, Urban, Romance

283 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

After Nikki Turner read The Coldest Winter Ever by Sistah Souljah she was dismayed that there weren't other books like it. "I wanted to write the kinds of books I wanted to read," said the bestselling author, whose 2002 debut novel, A Hustler's Wife, would go on to sell more than a few 100,000 copies.
While Nikki Turner's first two novels were published by a small publishing house in the Midwest, in 2004 she signed a 2-book deal with One World, an imprint of Ballantine Books, which is part of The Random House Publishing Group. After publishing the first book under that deal, The Glamorous Life in 2005 as well as a short story collection edited by Nikki, Street Chronicles: Tales from da Hood, One World quickly signed Nikki up for three more Nikki Turner Original novels and negotiated a deal with her for her own book line, Nikki Turner Presents. "I want to give new authors the same kind of opportunity I was given," said Nikki. "I want to produce authors who will be household names."

(Taken from author's website)

Reviews

[Diane Wallace · Rating 2 out of 5]

just ok...not her best work...storyline got a bit confusing at times.....(paperback!)

[Shar Rowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have given this nikki turner five stars,really enjoyed listening to it on audio and was very impressed by the story line the only thing is the ending ? is the a part two to this book ?

[Iris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hopefully, Ms. Turner will write a sequel to this one! I'm anxious to see if Beijing uses her head the next time she falls for a guy! And Lochtee needs his behind whipped for all his unnecessary foolishness. ..!

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first Nikki Turner book and I was not disappointed. Lady can write. Page turner from beginning to end. From the first page to the last I could not put the book down. Can't wait for the sequel to see what happens with Beijing next.

[Latrisha Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book will there be a book 2, left with a cliffhanger!

[Monique · Rating 1 out of 5]

I think I officially give up on Nikki Turner. Her first few "hood" books were really good, and this is why I'm shocked that the last two I've read have been less than stellar. The ending was corny. :( The big plot device at the end made NO SENSE whatsoever. She does way too much "telling" and not enough "showing." Don't just create situations that are supposed to make me care about a particular person, show me why I should care. Likewise, if I am supposed to hate a character or even be suspicious of them and their motives. She goes into great details about outfits and what people ate, but when it comes to the important stuff, not so much.

[Valerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really good book. I couldn't put the book down; next thing I know it's 2:00 a.m. in the morning. I never heard of this author before. One day I was browsing in the library looking at books that were highlighted for new reads. I just took a chance just to try out something new. I've never read a book like this before. I was so looking forward to the next book, but found out that the author has not yet done a follow-up book to this book yet. I hope that she does have a sequel to the book in the very near future.

[Keyara Jackson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is kind of wild ride and honestly a great pallet cleanser. Love that everyone is addicted to something, work, money, men and drugs it's easy to get tied up. I could fault this book on a technical standpoint of more telling than showing but it's not that serious. It's pretty straightforward and it's kind of like a soap opera. I definitely don't suggest the audiobook it can be kind of cringe and corny in some parts.

[Madlyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book started off very intriguing to me reading about the life of a concierge and several chapters into the story I knew this was going to be a crazy ending and yes it was just that. The drama was stupid, the concierge was ridiculously phony to believe a person can provide unbelievable services for people and the Story ended with no class.

[Stacey · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was an ok read, nothing special.

[Latoshia Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Nikki turner.

This book deserves 5 stars. She did a really great job. I can definitely relate. To see with everything she had been through, she made it.

[Chivon · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.6/5 Quick juicy read lots of ghetto and goodness

[Rose 'I Have Too Many Books To Read And No More Room' Barrientos · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm torn between thinking some of this book was decent to thinking about how full of cliches it was.

[Pamela Moody · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read. I love Nikki Turner

[Lakasha Brooks]

Good read

[Amber Carter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Relapse
By Nikki Turner
Reviewed by Amber Carter


This book is a very good book. I thought at first this book wasn't going to be good and splendid, but the writer is very detailed you actually feel like its your life and draws your attention so you don't stop reading.Relapse is a very good lesson to the young and old.It will have you off the edge of your seat.The prologue starts out at a slow pace but generally speeds up like a burst of energy.The main plots of this book are in the big city's, clubs, hotels, and homes. A few main characters are: Demi who is a cater, head boss, rich, and is very independent. Teflon Don who is an upcoming rapper who has had a ruff childhood. The Whiz the owner of the biggest platinum record label. People should read this book to learn about different lifestyles,how to better your character, and learn from your mistakes. This book does relate to students that are in school who have hardships,struggles to try to make it and envy. I highly recommend this book "you would love it and want more". " Take a peak!" !” ” get ready...set…go”.


[book cover:Relapse|6922567]

[Jazzmyn Kennedy · Rating 2 out of 5]

My first book by this author...and im not to happy about it...what was really the point of this story??? As much as i wanted to like Beijing her complete lack of self worth was frustrating...you have this beautiful successful black woman who is letting this man who obviously has relationship issues get in the way...i understand thats real life sometimes unfortunately...but who reads fiction to read about real life!!! Where was the crazy drama?? It felt like more of a biography of her life which didn't keep it interesting. Not to mention,unless there is a sequel, the book ended with alot of questions. What happened to her opening her own business? Does she go back to that child trying to be a man Lotchee or stay with Stash??? What happened to Rayna? If there is a sequel i will probably read it but only to find out if my questions get answered...otherwise...i hope this is the last we hear of Beijing and her crazy men!

[Lauren · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was my first Nikki Turner and I thought it was so-so. I really liked Beijing and that almost everyone was struggling with addiction and relapse of some sort, but the story didn't seem to have a sense of where it was going, and I didn't feel like it properly built up to an ending. Turner does way too much telling and not enough showing, and it's jarring how the POV will suddenly switch to really minor characters and away from Beijing. Plus it had more ridiculous dramatic situations than a Bollywood movie, and that ending situation just came out of nowhere. Why couldn't it end with Beijing having to solve a problem using her own resourcefulness and moral compass? It didn't do justice to such a strong character. However, Banhi Turpin's audio narration was awesome as always and made me stick with it.

[Molly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Despite some poor editing (street lit, you gotta get your act together on this front!), I actually really enjoyed this story. Through main character Beijing, the author drew pretty profound comparisons between substance abuse and addiction and self abuse through addiction to love and unhealthy relationships. So some of the stuff was kind of over the top; I'm becoming more and more okay with that as I read more street lit and think about its purpose for different readers. Author Nikki Turner sets the story up nicely at the end for a sequel, which I'm pretty confident I would read. Will seek out at least one other title by this author.

[Mrs Tupac · Rating 2 out of 5]

It’s usually a hit or miss when it comes to Ms.Turner who puts me in the mind of Vickie M Stringer books . This book was a miss for me ! I hated Benji’s name and had to laugh at the explanation of Chyna’s name how ghetto fabulous! None of the characters had any likable redeeming tendencies. Benji was a soft workaholic who definitely had bad taste when it came to men. She complained about being over worked yet continued to deal with this job which was like a baby sitter for other grown people . The book was unnecessarily long ! Even the ending made no sense it’s hard to find a good book by Nikki but when I find them I hold onto them .

[Kate · Rating 1 out of 5]

I feel like the storyline could have been interesting. There was so much unnecessary detail. I got that she did special favors for people. I got it after the first call she took. I didn't need the dialogue for 60 more calls. The analogies were terrible. She squeezed his butt like Charmin? Ugh. I will definitely not be reading any more of Nikki Turner's books.

[Tiffany]

I like this book because it shows how you can be addicted to things other than drugs. It also shoes how favors can in turn get you anything you want.I recommend this book to people who like romance stories and reading about people who have determination to be sucessful in life.

[Laqueisha Malone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beijing.....all I can say is I wanted to be like Beijing....she was strong all the way around....had more hustle than any man....but she had to go through to be who she was at that time....but in the end her suffering and strong will not to be a victim paid off in the end....

[Anita Dawson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beijing Lee, Concierge extraordinaire, caters to her clients with tender loving care. Even as she deals with their problems, she isn't as successful with her own love and happiness. But you can't keep a good chick down...

[JazzyRacquel · Rating 5 out of 5]

♥ GREAT READ ♥ Could Not Put It Down ♥

[Ang · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has more twists & turns than a little bit. I am totally ready for the continuation/next installment. The icing on the cake was Stash. Well done Nikki Turner.

[Phoebe Pitchford · Rating 4 out of 5]

One Of my all time favorite Authors have always been Donald Goins, but after reading Nikki Turner, I feel like she is a female verson of Donald Goins. Hat's Off To You Nikki! great work

[Pearl · Rating 2 out of 5]

There was a lot going on in this book. It wasnt one of her best books, but i continued to the end hoping for a good ending, which she left us hanging.

[Chas · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a good book but I gave it 3 stars because of the way she ended it.

[Kimberly · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book started off slow! The only interesting part I liked was the ending. This book will have you going in circles I was just ready for it to end.