A Pair Like No Otha'

by Hunter Hayes

Shemone Waters and Darnell Williams were best friends in high school. Smart, sexy Shemone didn't let the very mean streets of Harlem drag her down. But Darnell made one critical mistake -- and he was sent to prison because of it. Now, at twenty-nine, the sistah's making a name for herself as a columnist for the hot African-American magazine Sister Soul Magazine. She's on the fast track up, with precious little time for romance ... or danger. And her carefully thoughtout "ten-year plan" is moving along without a hitch -- right up until Darnell Williams comes home. Has he changed? Is Darnell a new man ... or just another ex-con temporarily back on the streets until another misstep puts him back behind bars? All Shemone knows is he's the handsomest hunk of dark chocolate to enter her life in an age, and this bad boy makes her feel soooo good! Following her heart for the first time ever could be the biggest mistake she ever makes and cost her the career and the future she's worked so hard for. But this could be love-hot, breathtaking, and real. And love is the biggest risk of all.... From Hunter Hayes, one of the most exciting new voices in African-American fiction, comes a moving and unforgettable novel of hard choices and new beginnings ... and the bold and beautiful chances the heart makes you take.

384 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

About the author

Hi all,

it feels good to be back on the literary scene again, home from my extended hiatus! My first novel, Shoes On the Otha’ Foot, was originally self-published and got picked up by a major publisher where I landed a multiple book deal. (Shoes On the Otha’ Foot, A Pair Like No Otha’ – Harper Torch).

Both titles were praised and highly acclaimed. I’m ever so grateful to all of my reading fans, and now I’m prepared to promote what I feel is my best work yet, Stripper Pole to Heaven (Deuce Publishing - July 28, 2010). In case you were wondering, my favorite authors are Kimberla Lawson Roby, Mary Monroe, Terry McMillan, Sophie Kinsella, Eric Jerome Dickey, Noire, Claude Brown and Piri Thomas. I live in New York City.

And as for that burning question that everyone will want to know about...."Has Ms. Hunter Hayes ever swung on a stripper pole?" The answer is this, "No, but my new novel is very symbolic to me. When bad things happen to you again, and again, you tend to question why you? Now I understand it. At a point in my life, I had to be "stripped" of everything in order to find the strength to build myself back up again. After confronting it all, I wholeheartedly believe that there is no such thing as the impossible. I'm such a better me.”

Reviews

[Ranysha · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book definitely lacks in character development. Most of what we know about the characters before they "get down" is told through long paragraphs of exposition rather than through actions or dialogue. It's too: "She was like this, and he was like that." Then when the characters do hook up its far too hasty and the descriptions a little sketchy. Like there is no mention of contraceptives throughout the entire book, yet no one gets pregnant. And why would a celibate person be on birth control anyway. I'm lost with this book, and Hayes is not finding me. AT ALL!!!

["Jakia7d" } · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is so real. Its about a woman and a man who were best friends in high school. Then later on in life becomes lovers. But there is one thing that is wrong, he goes to prison, but about 10 years later, hes out, and ends up going back. Now her only choose is to wait on him, to change.

[Abreah7c · Rating 5 out of 5]

PERSONALLY TO ME THIS BOOK WAS A VERY FIESTY AND EXOTIC BOOK. I LIKED IT ALOT THOUGH.

[Rosa Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good read.