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Her Best Friend's Lover - Cee Brooks
Her Best Friend's Lover
Cee Brooks
ISBN: 9780982089705
Sensations Publishing
Reviewed By Linda Waterson
Official Apex Reviews Rating:
Lela and Violet have been the best of friends since their early childhood years. In fact, they're so close that they appear to everyone else to be more like sisters than friends, sharing an unbreakable bond that has stood the test of time...so, imagine Violet’s surprise when she discovers that Lela has been carrying on an illicit affair with her husband, Massine. In order to preserve her friendship with Violet, Lela initially denies her wrongdoing, but she ultimately confesses the truth - only to have Violet brutally attack her in return. Vowing to destroy Lela for ruining her life, Violet disappears from the scene - and Lela's life - and, despite her ominous threats, isn't heard from for years...
Lela moves on, eventually finding happiness with Daniel, her dreamboat of a fiancé, in a wonderful new life of full of endless bliss and promise. Deep within herself, she’s made amends for the selfishness of her past, which served as her primary motivation for interfering in Violet’s marriage by sleeping with her husband. She’s finally reached the point where she’s convinced that all the skeletons of her past will stay forever dead and buried – until Violet mysteriously shows up on her doorstep one morning. With countless assurances that their collective past is behind them, Violet manages to manipulate her way back into Lela’s life, eventually reclaiming the position of prominence that was once hers years before, and the women appear to be restoring the strength of their lifelong bond...
But, little does Lela know, Violet is carrying a deep, dark secret, and her motives for reuniting with her old friend are less than benevolent...will Lela discover the truth about Violet’s sudden re-emergence before it’s too late – or has she already lost the chance to save herself from the unresolved demons of her past...?
The debut novel from Cee Brooks, Her Best Friend’s Lover takes the reader deep into the complex – and often dangerous – world of friends and lovers. Though Lela and Violet’s bond is strong, it is subject to the same external pressures that test us all, and – as with everything else – its true colors always show themselves in time. The fact that the women are able to sustain their friendship for years is a powerful testament to the spirit of dedication within each of them, but allowing their union to fall into disrepair in such tragic fashion also places their delicate humanity squarely on display.
Brooks also provides the reader with an invaluable lesson in the inescapable power of karma. Malefactors often attempt to convince themselves that, as long as they’re penitent for the misdeeds of their past, the proverbial slate is wiped clean – but, as Lela ultimately learns, no matter how long it takes, what goes around truly does come back around again.
An enjoyable read with a subtle, yet powerful message, Her Best Friend's Lover is sure to entertain.
Official Apex Reviews Interview: Cee Brooks (Her Best Friend's Lover)
Apex Reviews: Thanks for joining us for this interview, Cee. We're looking forward to learning more about your book.
Is the story based at all on personal experiences of yours?
Cee Brooks: Yes and no. This book is completely fictional, but there are some of life's little lessons that I’ve learned in it also.
AR: Given how close Lela and Violet are, how is Lela able to commit adultery with her husband - of all people?
CB: It's easy. Lust is a powerful thing that shouldn't be downplayed. It can make you do things that you never imagined you would do. One should never say, "I would never…" because until you're put in that position, you really don't know what your response will be.
AR: How did you come up with the idea for the damning email that Violet sends to all of Lela's co-workers?
CB: I thought it would be an interesting twist, something that readers wouldn't expect to read. As a writer, I had to counter Lela's betrayal without taking away from Violet's aura. Violet's character had to up the level of revenge, and what better way than to drop a bomb on the place where Lela worked?
AR: When Violet re-emerges into Lela's life, why does Lela not suspect that she may have ulterior motives?
CB: Lela couldn't allow herself to think that Violet was there to hurt her, even though she knew her friend better than anyone else. Sometimes in life, we choose not to see what's in front of us. She was blinded by the reality she was trying to create.
AR: When all is said and done, what happens to Massine and Daniel?
CB: Good question (LOL). Massine and Daniel went on with the rest of their lives. This story's focus was on Lela and Violet's friendship. Men can come and go, but your friends are the people who hold you up - and that is the point I want to get across.
AR: Her Best Friend's Lover is your debut novel. What have been some of the reactions that you've gotten thus far?
CB: I've gotten a lot of positive reactions to the book. Some people tell me that the storyline is very realistic and that it made them re-evaluate their friendships. I had someone actually recite a quote from my book, and, honestly, I almost hit the floor in amazement.
AR: As a first time author, what advice do you have for all the aspiring authors out there?
CB: Never stop trying to move into your destiny! It's not always going to be easy or feel rewarding, but you have to keep moving into the place where you envision yourself. Being a writer is an "out of the box" career choice that others may not understand; but, if you believe in yourself and can brace the sleepless nights, uneasiness, and headaches, then you will became a writer. Make your life rock, and don't settle for the majority.
AR: Please share more with our readers about your publisher, Sweetie's Books.
CB: Where do I begin? Sweetie's Books is not just a publishing company. Dyahnne, the owner of Sweetie's Books, has many more facets than that one title. When she believes in you and your work, then you know that there is someone else who's as passionate about your project as you are. I knew Sweetie's Books was the publisher to use when releasing my book because she has a solid plan for her company.
AR: What are your future writing plans?
CB: My second novel, Zoned, is due to be released this month. I am currently working on my third book, and I also write for an on-line magazine, From A Writer's POV. My column is the Writer's Advice section, which is good because it shows my versatility.
AR: Do you have a website where our readers can learn more about you and your writing efforts?
CB: Yes, my website is www.ceebrooks.com, or they can visit my page on my publisher's website: http://sweetiesbooks.com/ceebrooks.aspx.
AR: Also, how can they contact you directly?
CB: I can be contacted through my website. There is a mini form in the "Contact Me" section. All requests, comments, and/or concerns will be emailed to me directly.
AR: Any final thoughts you'd like to share with our readers?
CB: Yes, my hope is that readers will understand that we are the keepers of our own destinies. Never say, "I wish my life were different" because it can be. Take one step into the positive, then another, and soon you'll be in a completely new space.
AR: Thanks again, Cee, and best of continued success to you in all your endeavors!
Cee Brooks
ISBN: 9780982089705
Sensations Publishing
Reviewed By Linda Waterson
Official Apex Reviews Rating:
Lela and Violet have been the best of friends since their early childhood years. In fact, they're so close that they appear to everyone else to be more like sisters than friends, sharing an unbreakable bond that has stood the test of time...so, imagine Violet’s surprise when she discovers that Lela has been carrying on an illicit affair with her husband, Massine. In order to preserve her friendship with Violet, Lela initially denies her wrongdoing, but she ultimately confesses the truth - only to have Violet brutally attack her in return. Vowing to destroy Lela for ruining her life, Violet disappears from the scene - and Lela's life - and, despite her ominous threats, isn't heard from for years...
Lela moves on, eventually finding happiness with Daniel, her dreamboat of a fiancé, in a wonderful new life of full of endless bliss and promise. Deep within herself, she’s made amends for the selfishness of her past, which served as her primary motivation for interfering in Violet’s marriage by sleeping with her husband. She’s finally reached the point where she’s convinced that all the skeletons of her past will stay forever dead and buried – until Violet mysteriously shows up on her doorstep one morning. With countless assurances that their collective past is behind them, Violet manages to manipulate her way back into Lela’s life, eventually reclaiming the position of prominence that was once hers years before, and the women appear to be restoring the strength of their lifelong bond...
But, little does Lela know, Violet is carrying a deep, dark secret, and her motives for reuniting with her old friend are less than benevolent...will Lela discover the truth about Violet’s sudden re-emergence before it’s too late – or has she already lost the chance to save herself from the unresolved demons of her past...?
The debut novel from Cee Brooks, Her Best Friend’s Lover takes the reader deep into the complex – and often dangerous – world of friends and lovers. Though Lela and Violet’s bond is strong, it is subject to the same external pressures that test us all, and – as with everything else – its true colors always show themselves in time. The fact that the women are able to sustain their friendship for years is a powerful testament to the spirit of dedication within each of them, but allowing their union to fall into disrepair in such tragic fashion also places their delicate humanity squarely on display.
Brooks also provides the reader with an invaluable lesson in the inescapable power of karma. Malefactors often attempt to convince themselves that, as long as they’re penitent for the misdeeds of their past, the proverbial slate is wiped clean – but, as Lela ultimately learns, no matter how long it takes, what goes around truly does come back around again.
An enjoyable read with a subtle, yet powerful message, Her Best Friend's Lover is sure to entertain.
Official Apex Reviews Interview: Cee Brooks (Her Best Friend's Lover)
Apex Reviews: Thanks for joining us for this interview, Cee. We're looking forward to learning more about your book.
Is the story based at all on personal experiences of yours?
Cee Brooks: Yes and no. This book is completely fictional, but there are some of life's little lessons that I’ve learned in it also.
AR: Given how close Lela and Violet are, how is Lela able to commit adultery with her husband - of all people?
CB: It's easy. Lust is a powerful thing that shouldn't be downplayed. It can make you do things that you never imagined you would do. One should never say, "I would never…" because until you're put in that position, you really don't know what your response will be.
AR: How did you come up with the idea for the damning email that Violet sends to all of Lela's co-workers?
CB: I thought it would be an interesting twist, something that readers wouldn't expect to read. As a writer, I had to counter Lela's betrayal without taking away from Violet's aura. Violet's character had to up the level of revenge, and what better way than to drop a bomb on the place where Lela worked?
AR: When Violet re-emerges into Lela's life, why does Lela not suspect that she may have ulterior motives?
CB: Lela couldn't allow herself to think that Violet was there to hurt her, even though she knew her friend better than anyone else. Sometimes in life, we choose not to see what's in front of us. She was blinded by the reality she was trying to create.
AR: When all is said and done, what happens to Massine and Daniel?
CB: Good question (LOL). Massine and Daniel went on with the rest of their lives. This story's focus was on Lela and Violet's friendship. Men can come and go, but your friends are the people who hold you up - and that is the point I want to get across.
AR: Her Best Friend's Lover is your debut novel. What have been some of the reactions that you've gotten thus far?
CB: I've gotten a lot of positive reactions to the book. Some people tell me that the storyline is very realistic and that it made them re-evaluate their friendships. I had someone actually recite a quote from my book, and, honestly, I almost hit the floor in amazement.
AR: As a first time author, what advice do you have for all the aspiring authors out there?
CB: Never stop trying to move into your destiny! It's not always going to be easy or feel rewarding, but you have to keep moving into the place where you envision yourself. Being a writer is an "out of the box" career choice that others may not understand; but, if you believe in yourself and can brace the sleepless nights, uneasiness, and headaches, then you will became a writer. Make your life rock, and don't settle for the majority.
AR: Please share more with our readers about your publisher, Sweetie's Books.
CB: Where do I begin? Sweetie's Books is not just a publishing company. Dyahnne, the owner of Sweetie's Books, has many more facets than that one title. When she believes in you and your work, then you know that there is someone else who's as passionate about your project as you are. I knew Sweetie's Books was the publisher to use when releasing my book because she has a solid plan for her company.
AR: What are your future writing plans?
CB: My second novel, Zoned, is due to be released this month. I am currently working on my third book, and I also write for an on-line magazine, From A Writer's POV. My column is the Writer's Advice section, which is good because it shows my versatility.
AR: Do you have a website where our readers can learn more about you and your writing efforts?
CB: Yes, my website is www.ceebrooks.com, or they can visit my page on my publisher's website: http://sweetiesbooks.com/ceebrooks.aspx.
AR: Also, how can they contact you directly?
CB: I can be contacted through my website. There is a mini form in the "Contact Me" section. All requests, comments, and/or concerns will be emailed to me directly.
AR: Any final thoughts you'd like to share with our readers?
CB: Yes, my hope is that readers will understand that we are the keepers of our own destinies. Never say, "I wish my life were different" because it can be. Take one step into the positive, then another, and soon you'll be in a completely new space.
AR: Thanks again, Cee, and best of continued success to you in all your endeavors!