Lookin' For Luv

by Carl Weber

A modern story of the search for romance from an urban, African American male perspective.

Genres: Fiction, African American, Romance, Urban

452 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2000

About the author

Carl Weber is a New York Times and #1 Essence® bestselling novelist.

In addition to his writing, Weber is the founder and publisher of Urban Books and in 2005, he was named Blackboard's Publisher of the Year. He is the owner of the Urban Knowledge chain of book stores and a past recipient of Blackboard's Bookseller of the Year award.

Weber graduated from Virginia State University and holds an MBA in marketing from the University of Virginia.

Reviews

[Kierra J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book begins a little slow, but once you get started and have all of the characters in order, it's pretty good. I re-read this book for the second time and an understand better since I'm a little older. I can see this book as one of those movies like "The Wood", "Baby Boy" or even "Why Did I Get Married". The story has so many surprises in it; once you think you have it all figured out, something else happens! I would recommend this to someone who just wants something not too serious (I even laughed aloud at many points). Also, remember it was written in the 90's so some of the language is dated, but many of the issues characters face are real and appicable to many people today. Overall, a few years down the line, when I forget the details, I'd probably read it again.

[Mrs Tupac · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lol so glad I read this book , I been meaning to read more of Carl Weber books. Imo , it's always interesting to read books from the men point of view. The characters seem believable too like men you could easily come across.... I liked Tyrone the most he REALLY GREW THE MOST out of the rest of the boys.

Antonie just made me mad , the way he treated Keisha was dead wrong she should've bossed up on his ass. I don't think he really loved Keisha he was just with her because his heart was broken by a damn man..... I don't feel bad for him at all it's like he stayed the same and didn't even FULLY hold himself accountable for being mean to Keisha ....

Kevin was a thorn in my side he didn't have a problem being a sugar baby to a white woman , he even chose that delusional broad over his own mama. How could he be such an angry fool. Him and Alicia deserve each other ...

As for Tyrone I don't like he was still messing with a married woman imo they were using eachother....

Ugh Maurice was nothing more than an abusive pervert... he should've got his ass kicked up and through that county jail.....hope him and Shawna are happy forever:D

[Tamara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read!

[Carl Weber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Follow me on Twitter. http://twitter.com/CarlWeber_UB

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[Shanae · Rating 4 out of 5]

Giving this 4 stars when it really deserves like 3.5. It's an okay read, full of details and kinda slow at some points. It was a good audiobook, but in physical form, I probably wouldn't have finished it.

[Heather · Rating 2 out of 5]

For the most part, it was a good story... if you can get past the author's serious lack of sensitivity toward transsexuals and his disdain for interracial relationships. I, for one, am incensed by his attitude. This was my first and will be my last book by this author.

[Nardsbaby Reader · Rating 2 out of 5]

Looking for a real book

NOT AGAIN! Okay yes it was semi funny!!! But it was so soft and so predictable it was like an episode of The Jerry Springer show.

[Na'Tisha Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! Each man was on a different path and it all started from 1800BlackLuv! I don’t know who story I loved more! Maurice and Sylvia started off as a typical stale couple! Maurice wasn’t attracted to his wife any longer and was looking for any and everybody! However as we get deeper into the story we hear his as a teenager he was in a relationship with one of his teachers, who he runs away with only to be left in a hotel six months later! From there he never mentally recovers and sets out to hurt every woman he comes in contact with! Apparently he left Sylvia in a field after sex with her, but unfortunately for him she ended up pregnant and her rich family is having none of that! Tyrone is probably the most relatable character in the book! Once down on his luck and addicted to crack, he has vowed to get his life together so he can take care of his two daughters! He is a brilliant artist who just needs a break! He is also a self proclaimed player and doesn’t make it a secret! Once he meets Sylvia he began to change his views on women and life! Kevin and Alicia seem like a good couple from the beginning, however she is in a toxic relationship with her sons father, whom is mentally, emotionally and at time physically abusive!

[Miranda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very entertaining! I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about this book I thought the title and cover photo looked to cheesy for me, but I must say it did not disappoint. I don’t think this is a book of ever read again but I am happy I did read it once. Throughout there were so many twists and turns that had me saying “ wow I didn’t see that one coming.” It was so amazing how all the characters fit together and connected in the story, I would definitely consider reading the rest of the series.

[Carol Hornsby-mccoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

For those of you who don't feel that justice can and will be served, please read this book. You can only do wrong for so long before all so call good things comes to an end. But when it does, be ready. God may have had mercy of Marcie in some ways but in others. 😂😂😂 Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. This book turned strangers into friends for life. True bond of friendship that last a lifetime. Great!!!
Looking for LUV and finding true love. ❤️

[Rose 'I Have Too Many Books To Read And No More Room' Barrientos · Rating 1 out of 5]

I hadn't read this in awhile and for the most part it was good. Until we find out the big reveal about Shawna and how it's handled so bad. First Antoine nearly killing her and is finding out that Maurice is dating her now and it's written like he's getting what he deserves. Written today, this whole storyline wouldn't fly.

Almost had three or four stars until that.


Also...we never find out what happened to Denise and the bartender. What happened?

[Hope · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book!!!! I love Carl Weber. This book was thoroughly entertaining and enjoyable. I think the characters were very believable, and the storyline held up. For once, I was not concerned about chapter length, as each chapter flowed effortlessly into the next. And with so much happening, all I wanted to do was keep turning the pages. Very solid 4.5 stars!

[Jamillah Dillard · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read. The characters are quite entertaining and I found myself laughing and shocked at the twists and turns the characters lives take. The ending was even better Carl Weber is definitely one of my favorite authors.

[Dee Musa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone who is saying the author handled the subject on transsexual “insensitively” is insane. Most heterosexual men who were deceived would have reacted the way that Antwon did if not worst.

I love how everyone ended up with love especially Maurice 🤣🤣

[Kim Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was so much fun to listen to. Even though the book is nearly 25 years old, it does not feel outdated. Periodically, a reference to someone’s beeper is a reminder that is an older book, but it’s still well written and a great story.

[Tonie Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. With all its twists and turns and unexpected surprises.

[Denisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Page turner

Loved this book as it gave a male view of relationships. The twist that came with this left me searching for the next book in this series

[Ramona Sims · Rating 5 out of 5]

A page turner.

This is definitely a great read! From start, to finish I literally could not turn away. Looking forward to reading the second book.

[Faloni © · Rating 5 out of 5]

😂 Money, is exactly like sex, you think of nothing else if you don’t
have it and think of other things if you do.

[Kristin Hermanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The main characters (love them) truly got what they deserved, as for the very end of the book, seems fitting that character got what he deserved too (least favorite character) lol

[Danielle Vaughan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book many years ago and wanted to reread it. The games people play just to get love.

[Syraia LaPan · Rating 1 out of 5]

Poorly written with a bad plot

[Terri Young · Rating 3 out of 5]

I dont know if it was the narrator or what but I really couldn't stay focused. I was confused about the characters until close to the end of the book.

[Landa · Rating 3 out of 5]

👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾

[Jacqulyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book kept me on the edge of my seat. It was such a page turner!!!

[Abi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved it. Quick read and full of goodness on every page.

[Jenny Tyler]

I have just started reading 'Lookin for Luv' by Carl Weber. This is the story of 3 male best friends Kevin, Tyrone, and Antoine as well as their boss Maurice. Kevin has recently moved from Virginia to New York where he is a gym teacher, Antoine is an english teacher and Tyrone is a security guard. They all are great friends who come across a hotline 1-900-Black-Luv. Each of them are searching for something different when they call the hotline. Kevin is searching for real love, Antoine is searching for someone to critique his poetry, and Tyrone is searching for a friends-with-benefits type of relationship. Kevin who goes first to the hotline meets Alicia who is a secretary and single mom. He doesn't feel weird about the situation at all until he finds out her ex used to beat her and abuse her. After a while of dates and becoming a couple he begins to suspect that she is cheating when her son Michael tells Kevin that her ex has been staying with them. For Tyrone he has begun having a relationship with Sylvia, a 38-year-old black elite. Sylvia is the wife of Maurice (Tyrone's boss) but Tyrone doesn't know. For Antoine he still tries to leave alone Keisha, his nosey neighbor that can't take her eye of him. Then he meets Shawna. Shawna seems like the perfect girl, a lover of literature and book store owner. Then he finds out she's an exotic dancer and doesn't like her as much. He leaves that alone and then tries to dig deeper but the thought of her in that environment makes him hate it. And for Maurice, the sorry excuse of a husband he considers himself a player. He's married to Sylvia and he continues to meet and have sex with other woman. He takes out younger women to his private homes in Vermont and the Pocono's so Sylvia doesn't find out. Then he makes a hotline account and Sylvia finds it. So Sylvia continues to see Tyrone and have fun with it.

***UPDATE 1/18/13***
This week I have finished reading 'Lookin' For Luv' by Carl Weber. And I must say the ending was very unexpected. Kevin and Alicia break up and Alicia files a restraining order against Kevin because he got mad and grabbed her, while she never did this to her ex who constantly physically abused her. Pushing him in to the arms of Denise, a white woman who called the hotline because she has a love for dark black men. They start to date and he ends up bringing her to Virginia to meet his mother who knows something is fishy about Denise and Kevin. Kevins sister has an issue with her heart and Kevin's family cannot pay for the operation. But lucky for Denise (who's been trying to win Kevin over) she is a rich lawyer working for her dad's law firm and can pay for the surgery 'out of love' for Kevin. After they return to New York Kevin sees Alicia and she apologizes realizing she was wrong. So he takes her back and begins to shrug off Denise, who won't go down without a fight. Denise tries to accuse Kevin of rape since he doesn't want her. So she constantly reminds him of all the trips she took him on, all the clothes and shoes she paid for and the surgery she paid for that saved his sisters life. Strangely enough it all dies down and after building up their relationship again Kevin and Alicia get married. As for Tyrone and Sylvia they become more serious, Tyrone even gives Sylvia a key to his apartment any time she wants to leave her house. After getting Tyrone an art deal with a famous painter for $100,000 they move to California so he can pursue his dream. And for Antoine, Shawna isn't the woman she said she was. In fact, Shawna was really a man waiting to go through a sex change which is why she never became intimate with Antoine. When Antoine finds out he wants to kill Shawna for playing with his emotions but realizes he cares for her too much. That pushes him into the arms of Keisha who isn't what she seems to be either. Keisha is actually educated and into literature and classic novels like Antoine. And because Antoine had been seeing Keisha on the side anyway he finds out she is pregnant with his child and keeping the baby too. Lastly for Maurice; since Sylvia divorced him and moved to California with Tyrone, Maurice began seeing Shawna, the 'new' Shawna.

[Tally · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before Reading: Aww yea it's Carl Weber I'm bout to tear this book up!

While Reading: I couldn't put the book down. I was so addicted!

After Reading: I absolutely love Carl's writing. He keeps you interested in the story throughout the book with just enough plot twists to get you hooked and not confused. I wish other writers did that with their books instead of rambling on about unnecessary scenes.

Kevin: Like Antoine said, You forget that Kevin is really 23 by how mature he is. I wish most 23 y.o's did act like Kevin did. I was completely rooting for his and Alicia's relationship because I just felt for it. I think it was genuine but they had so many issues and she kept going back to Tyrell. When he did finally get his shit together I was happy.

Antoine: He wasn't my favorite out of the three because of his views on the interracial relationships thing. I did feel bad for him about what happened between him and Shawna. I felt really bad and I believe no man as good as Antoine deserves to go through that.

Tyrone: He was a very moving character. From being a crack addict to player...he was a good character overall. I liked him. He had great strength that I admired and didn't relapse like I thought he would but he was stronger than that. Usually relationships that start from someone cheating don't end up well and well...I was happy for him and Sylvia.

Alicia: I kept getting mad at her for her baby daddy issue. I also didn't like when she didn't give Kevin a chance but I still liked her as a character I just didn't like the decisions she made.

Shawna: All I can say is...giiiiirrrrlllllll!

Sylvia: Girl you better werk! I was happy she met Tyrone like seriously...screw Maurice.

Keisha: Was too ghetto and I still feel like she's ghetto. Lol

Maurice: I hate him and everything he does. He deserves what he got at the end.

Anyways...banging story. I recommend this book to EVERYONE. I def will reread this book.

[Tamara Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was somewhat shocked when I found that this book was supposed to be for juveniles.After reading this book,I find it extremely hard to believe that this book was meant to be read by a younger audience.While I found it in the Adult Fiction section of the library I felt it was the correct place to be. Not only did it contain references about drug use, but also, it also had several sexual relationships in it.

The reason why I liked this book is because to how real it is.By this I mean that the characters are very realistic and so much so, I beg if I went on the street right now, I'm sure that I could hear a conversation just like the ones read in this book.

Also, I enjoyed the way in which the author gave an individual voice to each character in the book.Not once did I feel confused by who was speaking. For each character, you saw a different man who was in a different type of situation. Furthermore, the way in which the author tied these men together was also good.I would have never thought the one come find a way to connect three friends and their boss.

Overall, I was impressed by this book.Not only did the author do a great job, but also, this helped give me a new insight into men's minds when it comes to relationships.Also through reading this book, I found that for all the pretend that one does in life, in the end, all anyone wants in life is to be loved by someone and have someone love them back.

[Vacirca Vaughn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this older work by Mr. Weber. Three friends--Tyrone, Antoine, and Kevin--are all searching for a good woman. They end up calling one of those dating chat lines that were so popular in the nineties. As a result, they end up on a series of adventures (and mishaps) during their quest to hook up with the perfect woman.

I enjoyed the humorous dialogue. It was true to the NYC culture back then. I appreciated how the characters were all professional black men, but down-to-earth. The female characters all provided true-to-life depictions of the struggles black women--women of all cultures--face in the dating world. They faced realistic issues but managed to survive without the corny, over-the-top perfect solutions we often find in fiction.

There was romance without the raunchy sex scenes we find in Mr. Weber's later works. I appreciated that more. The scenes were sensual rather than explicit and I was able to use my imagination to fill in the rest.

It was a tasteful work. I wish Mr. Weber would take his diverse writing style back to the old-school in his future works because I've enjoyed this work of his a lot more than his later novels.