What do you think?
Rate this book
Where Did We Go Wrong?
True friends help you through the consequences of poor judgment when no one else will. Best friends Gabby, Maxine, and Joy protect each other at all costs, even if it means keeping secrets that turn their lives upside-down. Gabby has no boundaries when it comes to getting what she wants. She pulls out every trick in the book to keep her daughter's married father out of their lives but keep his money in her bank account. Maxine lives for her family but when her husband's excessive spending lands them in more debt than they can handle, the stress takes a toll on their perfect marriage. After Joy's loyalty to her controlling mother causes her to lose the only man she's ever loved, she marries a man she barely knows. After her wedding, she quickly realizes she made the biggest mistake of her life and it puts everybody she loves in danger. Unfortunately, someone will have to pay the ultimate price with their life.
Audible Audio
First published March 9, 2011
27 people are currently reading
634 people want to read
About the author
Monica Mathis-Stowe
5 books64 followersAbout Monica Mathis-Stowe
At age ten, she was introduced to the world of romantic fiction by an older cousin who worked at a local library, and it was "love at first read." She simply couldn't get enough. Reading for fun opened her mind to new experiences.
As a teenager, she decided to become a writer on a hot, summer day while reading in her bedroom. Having just finished a chapter where the author described a ski resort so vividly, she got up from her bed and looked out her bedroom window expecting to see snow-tipped mountains and feel frigid temperatures. She wanted that power-the ability to make people feel and experience life through her words and stories.
Instead of just reading novels, she studied them, determined to create entertaining stories like the published authors whose work she enjoyed. Her favorite authors include Jackie Collins, Terry McMillan, Mary Higgins Clark and Carl Weber. She enjoys reading all genres, but her favorite is contemporary and romantic fiction with strong, independent women as lead characters.
Her novels describe the drama in relationships among families, lovers, friends, and colleagues. She likes to take her readers on a roller-coaster ride of emotions that will make them laugh, cry, gasp, think, and question people and their actions.
Her first novel, Where Did We Go Wrong? is scheduled to hit bookstores in April 2012. In the meantime, she is busy at work on future novels. There is nothing more exciting to her than creating a fictional world with flawed characters who consume her thoughts and tell her how they want the story to play out.
Monica is a native of Washington, D.C., and a graduate of Nyack College with a degree in Organizational Management. When she's not pounding the keyboard crafting her next novel, she works as an investigator in the metropolitan Washington area. She currently lives in Prince George's County, Maryland, with her brave, sexy firefighter husband and their loving, handsome son.
In her free time, she travels as much as she can, but when she's home, she's surrounded by her family and friends. She is a member of Romance Writers of America (RWA) and several writers' networks and groups.
Life is good!
At age ten, she was introduced to the world of romantic fiction by an older cousin who worked at a local library, and it was "love at first read." She simply couldn't get enough. Reading for fun opened her mind to new experiences.
As a teenager, she decided to become a writer on a hot, summer day while reading in her bedroom. Having just finished a chapter where the author described a ski resort so vividly, she got up from her bed and looked out her bedroom window expecting to see snow-tipped mountains and feel frigid temperatures. She wanted that power-the ability to make people feel and experience life through her words and stories.
Instead of just reading novels, she studied them, determined to create entertaining stories like the published authors whose work she enjoyed. Her favorite authors include Jackie Collins, Terry McMillan, Mary Higgins Clark and Carl Weber. She enjoys reading all genres, but her favorite is contemporary and romantic fiction with strong, independent women as lead characters.
Her novels describe the drama in relationships among families, lovers, friends, and colleagues. She likes to take her readers on a roller-coaster ride of emotions that will make them laugh, cry, gasp, think, and question people and their actions.
Her first novel, Where Did We Go Wrong? is scheduled to hit bookstores in April 2012. In the meantime, she is busy at work on future novels. There is nothing more exciting to her than creating a fictional world with flawed characters who consume her thoughts and tell her how they want the story to play out.
Monica is a native of Washington, D.C., and a graduate of Nyack College with a degree in Organizational Management. When she's not pounding the keyboard crafting her next novel, she works as an investigator in the metropolitan Washington area. She currently lives in Prince George's County, Maryland, with her brave, sexy firefighter husband and their loving, handsome son.
In her free time, she travels as much as she can, but when she's home, she's surrounded by her family and friends. She is a member of Romance Writers of America (RWA) and several writers' networks and groups.
Life is good!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
June 18, 2012
This book was in some ways entertaining but somewhat crude and sophomoric in the way the characters interact. The characters were more caricatures than they were characters that you could believe would actually exist. Add that to the overload of unlikely situations and it wasn’t the book it could have been. As I said, it is entertaining to a degree if you skip over some of the more crude parts of the book. The ladies are fast friends and lend their support to each other through their many challenges which include marrying a man and convincing him you are carrying his child while blackmailing another who is really the father, domestic violence and rebuilding a relationship (which is a good story), long distance relationships, family relationship, murder and much more. Although it’s not my taste I am sure many people would enjoy it. I am happy to have had the opportunity to check it out thanks to Goodreads.
April 22, 2012
This book had the most godawful stereotypical ghetto women. It was a struggle to read and pretty much just pissed me off. Where are the books about normal, educated, classy black characters? Please no more "baby daddy" drama stories...
June 27, 2013
Where Did We Go Wrong? by Monica Mathis-Stowe was the 2013 June BOTM Selection for the KC Girlfriends Book Club.
One of the things that we did like about Ms. Mathis-Stowe's book was the storyline between Joy and Allen. It was a fairly solid storyline for the most part between the two and we really did root for the couple. We felt that although they had their faults, they were really meant for one another. The book probably would have been better served had it been based on Joy and Allen's relationship (because of the solid storyline) instead of Joy, Gabby and Maxine's friendship. There were only two things that perplexed us about them - Why was it necessary for Allen to have a roommate? He had a stable job. The roommate really didn't have a significant role in the book so it didn't quite make sense. Also, we felt that the fact that the couple kept their relationship a secret from Joy's mom for 10 YEARS was unrealistic, especially since the couple were childhood friends and Joy's mom was actually still great friends with Allen's sister. Maybe 10 months but not 10 years. That just didn't seem plausible to us.
The biggest issue that we had with Where Did We Go Wrong? is that we couldn't fully discuss the book. The reason why we weren't able to discuss the book is because we weren't aware that the book required you to read both parts in order to get the full story. All of our members were annoyed with how the book ended. It wasn't a cliffhanger at all. The book literally stopped in the middle of an intense scene. So it felt like the book was torn in half. We could not effectively discuss the book because there was no conclusion. Regardless if an author decides to create a sequel, each installment within that sequel should provide a full story - a beginning, middle and ending. The sequel shouldn't be the continuation of the SAME exact storyline! The reader should never get to the end of the book...in the middle of a very intense scene mind you, to be told - "To be continued in...Where Did We Go Wrong Again?" Only one member purchased the sequel because she was nosy enough to want to figure out what happened. The remainder members felt that they did not want to invest in the sequel because we didn't want to get more annoyed by the ending of the second book. The bottom line is that this book did not require a sequel at all. It could have been told in one book if there was a complete story. One member was required to purchase the paperback due to the book not being available on Nook. So she paid much more than other members. She was very annoyed, not because she had to purchase the paperback, (We will happily purchase books in paperback...we do it all the time) but to not receive a full story AND have to pay full price for a book is just not right.
There were some serious character development issues with the other male characters outside of Allen. With Rashawn, William and Dean we really didn't see the progression of their mental state, erratic behavior and instability as they began to act out in the story through their actions. We were basically told by the author but we really didn't see their demise develop over time in the book. So you had to rely on the author telling you about these important factors through her narratives. Also, it wasn't realistic to think that RaShawn and Dean were co-workers (lawyers in the same law firm) and both of them end up being crazy and criminals by the end of the book?! There were also some issues with Maxine and Rashawn's relationship that didn't make sense but I don't want to give the entire storyline away.
Although Gabby was the antagonist in the book, there should have been some redeeming qualities in her to make us feel slight empathy towards her. We got that she was manipulative, self centered and just evil but it was hard to connect with her to even love to hate her because we really didn't understand the root of her evilness.
Maxine was a good character but because of some of the time lapses and the author's decision to provide narratives instead of allowing us to see the situation between her and Rashawn get progressively worse it was hard to connect with her at times, although we really wanted to be able to relate to her.
The last thing that was a serious issue for us was the cover. I personally felt that the cover did not match the content of the book. Joy and Maxine really just didn't fit the description of any of these women, especially style-wise. Gabby, absolutely. None of these ladies on the cover looked like a housewife or a professional. A gold digger...yes! There were no character descriptions in the book that could substantiates the book cover. This is clearly not an urban book per the content but if you look at the cover that's what you think you're getting. WDWGW? is really a contemporary fiction or at best a chick lit book.
Overall, we were disappointed with the fact that we weren't able to fully discuss Where Did We Go Wrong? during our book club meeting. I personally would give the author another try depending on what she writes outside of this series because I think she will learn from her experience. I also think that she had a good concept for this book but it just wasn't executed very well. However, we cannot recommend this book for others to read.(I did personally reach out to Ms. Mathis-Stowe and give more in depth feedback regarding her book. Ms. Mathis-Stowe was very courteous, professional, and took our critiques well.)
This review is based on the KC Girlfriends Book Club Book Review Standards. Books are rated on book presentation, price point (paper/hardback books only), character development, storyline, and editing.
2 stars
Reviewed by TaNisha
One of the things that we did like about Ms. Mathis-Stowe's book was the storyline between Joy and Allen. It was a fairly solid storyline for the most part between the two and we really did root for the couple. We felt that although they had their faults, they were really meant for one another. The book probably would have been better served had it been based on Joy and Allen's relationship (because of the solid storyline) instead of Joy, Gabby and Maxine's friendship. There were only two things that perplexed us about them - Why was it necessary for Allen to have a roommate? He had a stable job. The roommate really didn't have a significant role in the book so it didn't quite make sense. Also, we felt that the fact that the couple kept their relationship a secret from Joy's mom for 10 YEARS was unrealistic, especially since the couple were childhood friends and Joy's mom was actually still great friends with Allen's sister. Maybe 10 months but not 10 years. That just didn't seem plausible to us.
The biggest issue that we had with Where Did We Go Wrong? is that we couldn't fully discuss the book. The reason why we weren't able to discuss the book is because we weren't aware that the book required you to read both parts in order to get the full story. All of our members were annoyed with how the book ended. It wasn't a cliffhanger at all. The book literally stopped in the middle of an intense scene. So it felt like the book was torn in half. We could not effectively discuss the book because there was no conclusion. Regardless if an author decides to create a sequel, each installment within that sequel should provide a full story - a beginning, middle and ending. The sequel shouldn't be the continuation of the SAME exact storyline! The reader should never get to the end of the book...in the middle of a very intense scene mind you, to be told - "To be continued in...Where Did We Go Wrong Again?" Only one member purchased the sequel because she was nosy enough to want to figure out what happened. The remainder members felt that they did not want to invest in the sequel because we didn't want to get more annoyed by the ending of the second book. The bottom line is that this book did not require a sequel at all. It could have been told in one book if there was a complete story. One member was required to purchase the paperback due to the book not being available on Nook. So she paid much more than other members. She was very annoyed, not because she had to purchase the paperback, (We will happily purchase books in paperback...we do it all the time) but to not receive a full story AND have to pay full price for a book is just not right.
There were some serious character development issues with the other male characters outside of Allen. With Rashawn, William and Dean we really didn't see the progression of their mental state, erratic behavior and instability as they began to act out in the story through their actions. We were basically told by the author but we really didn't see their demise develop over time in the book. So you had to rely on the author telling you about these important factors through her narratives. Also, it wasn't realistic to think that RaShawn and Dean were co-workers (lawyers in the same law firm) and both of them end up being crazy and criminals by the end of the book?! There were also some issues with Maxine and Rashawn's relationship that didn't make sense but I don't want to give the entire storyline away.
Although Gabby was the antagonist in the book, there should have been some redeeming qualities in her to make us feel slight empathy towards her. We got that she was manipulative, self centered and just evil but it was hard to connect with her to even love to hate her because we really didn't understand the root of her evilness.
Maxine was a good character but because of some of the time lapses and the author's decision to provide narratives instead of allowing us to see the situation between her and Rashawn get progressively worse it was hard to connect with her at times, although we really wanted to be able to relate to her.
The last thing that was a serious issue for us was the cover. I personally felt that the cover did not match the content of the book. Joy and Maxine really just didn't fit the description of any of these women, especially style-wise. Gabby, absolutely. None of these ladies on the cover looked like a housewife or a professional. A gold digger...yes! There were no character descriptions in the book that could substantiates the book cover. This is clearly not an urban book per the content but if you look at the cover that's what you think you're getting. WDWGW? is really a contemporary fiction or at best a chick lit book.
Overall, we were disappointed with the fact that we weren't able to fully discuss Where Did We Go Wrong? during our book club meeting. I personally would give the author another try depending on what she writes outside of this series because I think she will learn from her experience. I also think that she had a good concept for this book but it just wasn't executed very well. However, we cannot recommend this book for others to read.(I did personally reach out to Ms. Mathis-Stowe and give more in depth feedback regarding her book. Ms. Mathis-Stowe was very courteous, professional, and took our critiques well.)
This review is based on the KC Girlfriends Book Club Book Review Standards. Books are rated on book presentation, price point (paper/hardback books only), character development, storyline, and editing.
2 stars
Reviewed by TaNisha
August 13, 2012
Do individuals you call friends really have your best interest at heart? Do they listen to you complain or provide a shoulder for you to cry on? This is true in Where Did We Go Wrong? by Monica Mathis-Stowe. Maxine, Joy and Gabby are three friends who always have each other’s backs. Maxine is a proud mother and wife who wants the best for her family. Maxine finds out her cozy life is not perfect after finding out her husband, Trent, has been keeping vital information from her. When Maxine confronts him she sees a different side of her husband that has her keeping secrets from her best friends.
Joy does not always make the best decisions if you let her mother tell it. Joy has a habit of letting her mother control her life because she does not want to disappoint her. Joy keeps her relationship with boyfriend, Allen, a secret until Allen is tired of being a well-kept secret. Joy has to make a decision and the one she makes has an impact on the lives of everyone she knows.
Gabby is a demanding diva. Gabby does not care who she harms in getting what she wants. She always has a game and backup plan. What will Gabby do when her past threatens her future? Gabby learns that everything happens for a reason especially when karma is involved.
Where Did We Go Wrong? is an entertaining book about three friends and the choices they make. It was a suspenseful book full of drama. Readers will be frustrated, sympathetic and confused by some of the things these main characters do. The author does a wonderful job enticing readers to continue turning the pages while leaving them anticipating the next book. I recommend this book to those who enjoy drama.
This book was provided by the author for review purposes.
Teresa Beasley
APOOO BookClub
APOOO Rating: 4.5
Joy does not always make the best decisions if you let her mother tell it. Joy has a habit of letting her mother control her life because she does not want to disappoint her. Joy keeps her relationship with boyfriend, Allen, a secret until Allen is tired of being a well-kept secret. Joy has to make a decision and the one she makes has an impact on the lives of everyone she knows.
Gabby is a demanding diva. Gabby does not care who she harms in getting what she wants. She always has a game and backup plan. What will Gabby do when her past threatens her future? Gabby learns that everything happens for a reason especially when karma is involved.
Where Did We Go Wrong? is an entertaining book about three friends and the choices they make. It was a suspenseful book full of drama. Readers will be frustrated, sympathetic and confused by some of the things these main characters do. The author does a wonderful job enticing readers to continue turning the pages while leaving them anticipating the next book. I recommend this book to those who enjoy drama.
This book was provided by the author for review purposes.
Teresa Beasley
APOOO BookClub
APOOO Rating: 4.5
May 1, 2012
I recently had my nose in the novel “Where Did We Go Wrong?” by Monica Mathis-Stowe and indeed this was an awesome read. The story was based on three best-friends who shared the beauty of friendship – no matter what they were going through they were there for each other. This book was a fast paced page turner full of drama and in between some very ‘hot’ sex scenes. This was one of those books that made me feel as if I were watching a late night reality/soap right on tv. There was the character Gabby – she was the one I absolutely loved to hate, her greed had control of her not to mention home girl is very, very self-centered. There was the character, Joy who allowed her mother to control her life, even her love life. Then there was the character Maxine, who was controlled by her husband. I found myself talking and fussing at the characters out loud as if they were right here because of how they let that “control” factor from others take over. You most definitely won’t be disappointed if you love a urban fiction that keeps you entertained through out with drama (grab the book and see what I’m talking about). I promise you I couldn’t take my eyes away from it. Each chapter had me anticipating the next. At the end the author left me hanging with a cliff hanger, which I know there has to be a sequel coming, lol. I will definitely be on the look out for part II…I gotta’ know.
Overall this book was well written and was an awesome read…It definitely deserves 5 buzzes. Great job on your Debut Novel, Author Monica Mathis-Stowe
~Nita Bee
You can also read this review and see the interview here:
http://nitabee.com/2012/05/author-int...
Overall this book was well written and was an awesome read…It definitely deserves 5 buzzes. Great job on your Debut Novel, Author Monica Mathis-Stowe
~Nita Bee
You can also read this review and see the interview here:
http://nitabee.com/2012/05/author-int...
January 9, 2013
I was warned by another reviewer that there will be a sequel but after having invested over a day into this I was a bit let-down that it just stopped and you HAVE to get the sequel if you want to know what happened in it !! By the time I'd read the lot I wanted to know what happens next, of course......a clever marketing ploy, really.
I enjoyed reading about the three women and those closest to them. Wasn't keen on Gabby in the least. Quite a hateful character. Joy was probably my favourite of the three. Maxine was lovely too but sadly let down too often.....
I was annoyed to see a character's name change on one page. One minute he was Tim then further down he changed to Owen. Another annoyance for me was the amount of evil looks being given by this person or that one. That was overused. I got a bit bored with the sex scenes but as with most books the sex is always amazing......
Another huge plus point in this book was that there aren't any grammatical errors I spotted which in itself these days is a special bonus !!
I enjoyed reading about the three women and those closest to them. Wasn't keen on Gabby in the least. Quite a hateful character. Joy was probably my favourite of the three. Maxine was lovely too but sadly let down too often.....
I was annoyed to see a character's name change on one page. One minute he was Tim then further down he changed to Owen. Another annoyance for me was the amount of evil looks being given by this person or that one. That was overused. I got a bit bored with the sex scenes but as with most books the sex is always amazing......
Another huge plus point in this book was that there aren't any grammatical errors I spotted which in itself these days is a special bonus !!
April 27, 2017
this book had me from go. i absolutely loved it. i will b first to buy pt 2
June 11, 2012
Drama isn't even the word
Even though I hate her, Gabby was my favorite character in this book. She manipulated, stole, connived and did just about everything else to get what she wanted. She made William the man who thinks he's the father, put not only his family, but his own mother out of the shotgun wedding that occurred shortly after the birth. Meanwhile, Rayshawn who happens to be the real father, is about to rock the boat with the help of the in-laws, but with a woman like Gabby will that even be enough to put a damper on her one-woman show?
Maxine's life is a mess as she deals with an abusive husband and it doesn't stop there. Maxine has low self-esteem and seems to need others to lean on as a crutch instead of standing on her own two feet. She puts her life on the back burner while Trent is trying to keep up with the Joneses even at the expense of putting their family further into debt. Nothing Maxine tries works until everything comes to a head literally.
Joy is doing everything that she can to keep her mother out of her love life. She goes through such lengths to accomplish this even at the risk of losing the man that she's been with since she was 15 years old unbeknownst to her mother. Allen is the man of her dreams, but her mother's worst nightmare when it comes to a suitable mate for her one and only child. Allen receives the best news possible for his career that will have Joy's back up against a brick wall. Major decisions and deadly consequences could ruin the life Joy planned for if she allows other things to get in the way of her heart's desire.
WDWGW is a fast-paced read, however, there is a lot of telling in this book and jumping around. If the author can let things flow continuously without interruptions and the readers being "told" instead of getting to enjoy moments for themselves, this book would've lived up to its full potential. For all its worth, I enjoyed the book except for telling and interruptions. As stated previously, Gabby was by far my favorite simply because her character was more developed. It seemed that with writing Gabby laid the author's passion for the basis of the story. Joy and Maxine had some good points to them as well, but could've used some more oomph. As for the men in this book, they were all very underdeveloped. When it came to them, this is where most of the "telling" took place.
I look forward to part two of this book. If those issues are addressed, then the next book will be a 5 star read.
Even though I hate her, Gabby was my favorite character in this book. She manipulated, stole, connived and did just about everything else to get what she wanted. She made William the man who thinks he's the father, put not only his family, but his own mother out of the shotgun wedding that occurred shortly after the birth. Meanwhile, Rayshawn who happens to be the real father, is about to rock the boat with the help of the in-laws, but with a woman like Gabby will that even be enough to put a damper on her one-woman show?
Maxine's life is a mess as she deals with an abusive husband and it doesn't stop there. Maxine has low self-esteem and seems to need others to lean on as a crutch instead of standing on her own two feet. She puts her life on the back burner while Trent is trying to keep up with the Joneses even at the expense of putting their family further into debt. Nothing Maxine tries works until everything comes to a head literally.
Joy is doing everything that she can to keep her mother out of her love life. She goes through such lengths to accomplish this even at the risk of losing the man that she's been with since she was 15 years old unbeknownst to her mother. Allen is the man of her dreams, but her mother's worst nightmare when it comes to a suitable mate for her one and only child. Allen receives the best news possible for his career that will have Joy's back up against a brick wall. Major decisions and deadly consequences could ruin the life Joy planned for if she allows other things to get in the way of her heart's desire.
WDWGW is a fast-paced read, however, there is a lot of telling in this book and jumping around. If the author can let things flow continuously without interruptions and the readers being "told" instead of getting to enjoy moments for themselves, this book would've lived up to its full potential. For all its worth, I enjoyed the book except for telling and interruptions. As stated previously, Gabby was by far my favorite simply because her character was more developed. It seemed that with writing Gabby laid the author's passion for the basis of the story. Joy and Maxine had some good points to them as well, but could've used some more oomph. As for the men in this book, they were all very underdeveloped. When it came to them, this is where most of the "telling" took place.
I look forward to part two of this book. If those issues are addressed, then the next book will be a 5 star read.
July 22, 2012
True Sistas
Monica Mathis-Stowe’s “Where Did We Go Wrong?” is the story of three close friends that act more like sistas – Gabby, Maxine, and Joy. Gabby is a selfish gold digger that does what it takes to get money. Maxine, the good housewife and mother, tries her hardest to keep her marriage happy with Trent. Joy, young, educated, and naïve, is deeply in love with Allen.
Together these three women make the typical life seem complicated as they discover the truth within their relationships and battle to make them strong again. When things go terribly wrong, the women reconsider the decisions made to confirm their mistakes. Will they be strong enough to overcome these obstacles?
“Where Did We Go Wrong?” is a good novel that I recommend to all readers. It’s a very fast and exciting read. I like the way the author made the novel very suspenseful, making the reader want more. Full of drama and suspense, a must for me, I look forward to reading more of Monica Mathis-Stowe’s novels in the future.
Reviewed by: Tekisha
Monica Mathis-Stowe’s “Where Did We Go Wrong?” is the story of three close friends that act more like sistas – Gabby, Maxine, and Joy. Gabby is a selfish gold digger that does what it takes to get money. Maxine, the good housewife and mother, tries her hardest to keep her marriage happy with Trent. Joy, young, educated, and naïve, is deeply in love with Allen.
Together these three women make the typical life seem complicated as they discover the truth within their relationships and battle to make them strong again. When things go terribly wrong, the women reconsider the decisions made to confirm their mistakes. Will they be strong enough to overcome these obstacles?
“Where Did We Go Wrong?” is a good novel that I recommend to all readers. It’s a very fast and exciting read. I like the way the author made the novel very suspenseful, making the reader want more. Full of drama and suspense, a must for me, I look forward to reading more of Monica Mathis-Stowe’s novels in the future.
Reviewed by: Tekisha
July 15, 2012
First read from this author and I though it was pretty good, and thoroughly entertaining. You could tell this women shared a great bond from the start. They went through quite a few ups and downs in their friendship, but were always there for one another. Gabby, that girl was a mess. The things she would lie about just had me shaking my head the entire book. She did provide the comic relief in the book. Maxine, I couldn't help but to feel for her and her situation. By the middle of the book she really grew a backbone, and you could see the positive progress she was making. I felt a little bad for Joy as well. Although she could use a little bit of growing up, her situation was a bit heartbreaking. I hope it works out for her in the end. Overall a good read, and I'm looking forward to reading the sequel.
May 27, 2013
This book has a ton of twist and turns. Romance, love, life changes and deceit. Gabby, you want to lock her up in a closet and lose the key for how she talks to and treats her BFF's. Maxine, you want to protect and shield her. Joy and her mother you just want to shake some sense in. The men I am not going to name, but you have some tear jerking stories behind each of them and their connects to these ladies. I couldn't but the book down when I finished so I immediately picked up the next volume and begain to read....the suspense just keep me going until I woke up with the kindle's black screen in front of me. LOL
May 17, 2012
I loved this. It is the story of three very different friends and their various relationships. The drama starts right away and never lets up. Just when things seem to be going ok, here comes a new and surprising twist to keep things interesting. There are no slow parts in this book. And the end...Oh my. When is the next book coming out?
March 29, 2013
College roommates turned best friends for life! These friends have stuck together thru the good the bad and the ugly. Monica Mathis-Stowe did a great joy weaving a web of drama, love, heart break, secrets & lies. This book was definitely a page turner. Joy, Maxine & Gabby are the true meaning of sister friends. I hated for the story to end!!!
February 7, 2016
This book was lke reading a soap opera it had you so consumed with these girls lives as if you are apart of the story. This is my first time reading this author and I throughly enjoyed ever word on these pages. Kudos
April 5, 2012
It's an excellent and entertaining drama filled novel if I must say so myself! :)
May 2, 2012
...Juicy and tantelizing!!!!
May 15, 2012
Great Great Great book... from beginning to end!!!
May 28, 2012
What's done in the dark will always come to the light!!
May 29, 2012
This book looks like it will be a GOODREAD from GOODREADS.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Want to read
June 6, 2012This is JawJackin 4real Book Club June pick of the month....I'm looking 4ward 2 reading it (:
May 11, 2015
Omg! That was a good damn read. The drama these 3 friends had going was crazy.
June 27, 2017
The book was nice but left me hanging and now i have to read part two to see what happen. I am not a happy person right now. This book was just like a soap opera with more twist and turns..I hope the next book is just as good or better.
May 11, 2018
This book was so good. Gabby made me so mad. However Phyllis did the most as well. So glad Allen is back in the picture. The cliffhanger was everything a cliffhanger is supposed to be. I just hope you don’t killed my boo off #TeamAllen
May 17, 2017
I'm undecided on this one. There was a lot going on. Seemed unrealistic to me but I can see where it may happen for real. I'm reading book 2 now and we will see how this one turns out.
December 7, 2017
Wow
Great book. I'm so happy Joy and Allen found their way back to each other, but with Dean's crazy ass I'm dying to know what happens next. 5 star read
Great book. I'm so happy Joy and Allen found their way back to each other, but with Dean's crazy ass I'm dying to know what happens next. 5 star read
February 3, 2014
I first read the Kindle eBook version, and listen to the Audible.com, audio version, narrated by Hillary Hawkins. I kinda liked these two novels. I will admit it took me a minute to get into the story. I will not blame the author, Monica for the slow start, I blame the story itself. The three main characters in, "Where Did I Go Wrong," were... simple said, was young. Their issues were, juvenile, but don't undermine the story and here's why. I'm in my mid/late 50's, with over 36 years of marriage, and I lived these issues when I was the of these three young ladies, but I stuck with the novel because the writing was good enough to get me involved emotionally and mentally.
The Kindle edition was nice and clean, no funny coding or weird stuff. The Audible.com edition was 8 hours, and 51 minutes long, published by, The Literary Publishing Group, and again the narrator was Hillary Hawkins.
The novel has a lot of characters, the author Monica, does a good job in the character development. The subplot and plot points were set good, the story did move well, although the ending was abrupt. The error the author made here is one of the same I committed as well. I learned ending the story at a critical climax doesn't make the reader anything other than PISSED OFF. I learned the hard way I was sculled, received threats, and was punched at two separated readers. So hopefully she received some advise on closing and opening sequels
Narrator Hillary Hawkins she did a good job with separating the many characters employed within the pages of this story, but I don't think she was suited for all the characters, I think a male narrator could have been used, and for this reason Narration received a 3.
The story is full of drama, and as I always say, I love drama, and if you love drama you will not be disappointed. These three young ladies will take you through a range of emotions as they cause and work out their particular problems, and boy do they have some issues. Most of the storyline is believable. There were some flags, but the author ironed them out and them seem plausible, so overall the read, or listening is good.
What did I find out of place, annoying, or totally unbelievable? -The two central characters Joy and Allen. Now this is where I see the book was written by a woman for women. Joy should have been Allenless, because her constant whining and distrust with Allen just pissed me off. The man done took a bullet, and nearly died for you, so who cares if he didn't tell you about everyone he sexed while he was living his life without you in it! --Is what I wanted to say. (Okay granted the crazy chick tried to kill her, but that's different). --And was just too good to be true. He did most things what a would do for his woman, but he was too concerning, too protective, just plain old overbearing. Baby this, and baby that, baby, baby, baby. If she farted he wanted to know if it hurt her, and then he would analyzed it to see if the gas mixture is okay. A man like that has issues, they're over possessive. But other than those two wacky relationship, the two novels are a good read. My overall rating for both novels is 3 stars.
~LW~
June 25, 2012
Where Did We Go Wrong? by Monica Mathis-Stowe is entertaining and unpredictable. The friendships that cement into sisterhood between Joy, Gabby and Maxine is tested by the non-stop drama these late-20-somethings find themselves creating. Being "sisters from other misters" is the only thing that keeps these Morgan State University graduates together. Equal parts dysfunction and support, the bond formed in college is barely strong enough to keep the rocky relationships from disintegrating into nothingness. Sometimes friendship is a matter of familiarity.
Monica Mathis-Stowe orchestrates a scintillating adventure in Where Did We Go Wrong? that will leave you affected by the world that is left behind after the last page is turned. The author gives each of the three women distinct attitudes and sets of behaviors. The power struggle between the two alpha-women Gabby and Joy is juxtapositioned by Maxine's nurturing, timid nature. The interactions are as interesting as they are authentic - with the strengths and weaknesses giving Where Did We Go Wrong? its own feel. Where Maxine wants everything to be alright, Gabby thrives on conflict. Where Gabby wants everyone she comes into contact to benefit her, Joy wants her friends to be strong and independent. Where Joy finds herself sad because she is alone, Maxine is sad because she has a family and wants to do so much more for them.
I also loved to hate Gabby. Even though this is a novel about three friends, Gabby is the arch-villain that takes center stage of every scene of which she is a part. As the book progresses, she gets more evil and harsh in ways that will leave your eyebrows raised to your hairline in sheer shock. Joy and Maxine have interesting experiences in Where Did We Go Wrong?, but Gabby is pure hell in human form. Because of this, she drives the drama further than the other two women could have without Gabby. Without this addition to the trio, Where Did We Go Wrong? would be another run-of-the-mill Lifetime Movie in book-form. In more ways than one, she is the keystone to this book's success.
If you love drama, Where Did We Go Wrong? is the perfect read. The action never dies down in a novel that Monica Mathis-Stowe made sure will do more than keep our attention. This book deals with issues like domestic abuse, long-distance relationships, extramarital affairs and strained friendships in a way that keeps your heart pounding and your brain turning.
Joey Pinkney
Book Reviewer
Here the fill book review
here http://h1t.it/LsXNqN
for Where Did We Go Wrong?
by Monica Mathis-Stowe
Monica Mathis-Stowe orchestrates a scintillating adventure in Where Did We Go Wrong? that will leave you affected by the world that is left behind after the last page is turned. The author gives each of the three women distinct attitudes and sets of behaviors. The power struggle between the two alpha-women Gabby and Joy is juxtapositioned by Maxine's nurturing, timid nature. The interactions are as interesting as they are authentic - with the strengths and weaknesses giving Where Did We Go Wrong? its own feel. Where Maxine wants everything to be alright, Gabby thrives on conflict. Where Gabby wants everyone she comes into contact to benefit her, Joy wants her friends to be strong and independent. Where Joy finds herself sad because she is alone, Maxine is sad because she has a family and wants to do so much more for them.
I also loved to hate Gabby. Even though this is a novel about three friends, Gabby is the arch-villain that takes center stage of every scene of which she is a part. As the book progresses, she gets more evil and harsh in ways that will leave your eyebrows raised to your hairline in sheer shock. Joy and Maxine have interesting experiences in Where Did We Go Wrong?, but Gabby is pure hell in human form. Because of this, she drives the drama further than the other two women could have without Gabby. Without this addition to the trio, Where Did We Go Wrong? would be another run-of-the-mill Lifetime Movie in book-form. In more ways than one, she is the keystone to this book's success.
If you love drama, Where Did We Go Wrong? is the perfect read. The action never dies down in a novel that Monica Mathis-Stowe made sure will do more than keep our attention. This book deals with issues like domestic abuse, long-distance relationships, extramarital affairs and strained friendships in a way that keeps your heart pounding and your brain turning.
Joey Pinkney
Book Reviewer
Here the fill book review
here http://h1t.it/LsXNqN
for Where Did We Go Wrong?
by Monica Mathis-Stowe
August 21, 2013
Monica Mathis-Stowe really outdid herself with “Where Did We Go Wrong?.” This read is very unpredictable as it leaves you wondering, waiting and wanting to find out what happens next in the sequel you see coming a mile away. As you read, you see the methodical approach Monica took to write this book. She delivers a story that keeps you immersed in a world of drama and suspense.
Monica cleverly wrote a story with lots of twists and turns. She made sure this read is hard to put down. This read is very unpredictable, and you anxiously keep turning those pages to see what web Gabby is weaving. There’s a point in the story that you think you have her figured out, but she goes and do something that leaves your jaw gaped open. I constantly found myself speechless at things that happened in the book.
Joy, Gabby and Maxine have been friends since college days, and they’re tighter than three ticks on a dog’s tail. Their bond of friendship is strong, but you wonder if it will stand the fate that lies before them. This thriller lends some humor and adventure in the young ladies lives, but when someone is shot, the murder adds a whole new dimension to the story. The more you read, the more you find yourself entangled in the drama these women bring. One moment you develop a love-hate relationship for them, and the next you’re sympathetically crying over their dilemma.
If you’re looking for a good drama, “Where Did We Go Wrong?” is the read for you. You won’t want to put it down until you’ve read the entire story. You’ll have the book read in two to three days, it’s just that engaging. I highly recommend this book.
Monica cleverly wrote a story with lots of twists and turns. She made sure this read is hard to put down. This read is very unpredictable, and you anxiously keep turning those pages to see what web Gabby is weaving. There’s a point in the story that you think you have her figured out, but she goes and do something that leaves your jaw gaped open. I constantly found myself speechless at things that happened in the book.
Joy, Gabby and Maxine have been friends since college days, and they’re tighter than three ticks on a dog’s tail. Their bond of friendship is strong, but you wonder if it will stand the fate that lies before them. This thriller lends some humor and adventure in the young ladies lives, but when someone is shot, the murder adds a whole new dimension to the story. The more you read, the more you find yourself entangled in the drama these women bring. One moment you develop a love-hate relationship for them, and the next you’re sympathetically crying over their dilemma.
If you’re looking for a good drama, “Where Did We Go Wrong?” is the read for you. You won’t want to put it down until you’ve read the entire story. You’ll have the book read in two to three days, it’s just that engaging. I highly recommend this book.
April 29, 2013
When I began reading Monica Mathis-Stowe’s Where Did We Go Wrong?, I wasn’t sure where the story was going to go. Silently, I was hoping that this wouldn’t be another drama filled Street Lit book filled with self-absorbed women and drug dealers that took no prisoners and lived the high life. I was pleasantly surprised.
Where Did We Go Wrong? is full of drama…crazy drama. Just when you think that the story couldn’t get any more drama-filled, another situation presents itself which compliments the plot perfectly.
Mrs. Mathis-Stowe takes her readers on a journey into the lives of best friends Gabby, Maxine and Joy…three women that forged a lifelong friendship under unlikely circumstances. However opposite the personalities of the characters portrayed, Mrs. Mathis-Stowe weaves a tale that works under the worst of circumstances.
The story can be construed as being a bit over the top in some circles, but for my personal taste, the story was so on-point with character development and dialogue. The editing job done was superior by far in contrast to other books that I have read.
I truly enjoyed reading this book because in all honesty, if I had to review one more book with a thug who drives the hottest whip, had money to burn like crazy and has a penis the size of a Sequoia tree, I would have to slit my wrists and call it a day.
Mrs. Mathis-Stowe shows that sometimes, the bond between women can survive the worst of circumstances. My hats off to Monica for putting out a story that I would gladly read again, and I am looking forward to her next book!
Where Did We Go Wrong? is full of drama…crazy drama. Just when you think that the story couldn’t get any more drama-filled, another situation presents itself which compliments the plot perfectly.
Mrs. Mathis-Stowe takes her readers on a journey into the lives of best friends Gabby, Maxine and Joy…three women that forged a lifelong friendship under unlikely circumstances. However opposite the personalities of the characters portrayed, Mrs. Mathis-Stowe weaves a tale that works under the worst of circumstances.
The story can be construed as being a bit over the top in some circles, but for my personal taste, the story was so on-point with character development and dialogue. The editing job done was superior by far in contrast to other books that I have read.
I truly enjoyed reading this book because in all honesty, if I had to review one more book with a thug who drives the hottest whip, had money to burn like crazy and has a penis the size of a Sequoia tree, I would have to slit my wrists and call it a day.
Mrs. Mathis-Stowe shows that sometimes, the bond between women can survive the worst of circumstances. My hats off to Monica for putting out a story that I would gladly read again, and I am looking forward to her next book!
August 1, 2019
I listened to this book on Audible. The production quality was good. However, the narration was a squeaky, high pitched whiney delivery, especially when voicing the Maxine character. The narrator, Hilary Hawkins' voice is better suited for teen fiction
The characters, Joy and Gabby, were both selfish women. I thought it was a believable depiction. I disliked both so the author did her job of creating them. Joy put everyone else in front of her man and was shocked when he'd had enough. After a few dates with another man, she's pregnant and going to marry a stranger. Her "true love' comes back and all the "I'll do anything to be with you" went out the door. She expected him to submit to her demands yet again. The epitome of a selfish, narcissistic.
I like the addition of Dean as a villain. Trent's character was believable because his backstory is true for so many. Maxine her character made no impression. I'll say that could have something to do with the narration.
I would've liked some backstory on Gabby & Maxine to understood why the way they developed into the adults presented in the story.
The characters, Joy and Gabby, were both selfish women. I thought it was a believable depiction. I disliked both so the author did her job of creating them. Joy put everyone else in front of her man and was shocked when he'd had enough. After a few dates with another man, she's pregnant and going to marry a stranger. Her "true love' comes back and all the "I'll do anything to be with you" went out the door. She expected him to submit to her demands yet again. The epitome of a selfish, narcissistic.
I like the addition of Dean as a villain. Trent's character was believable because his backstory is true for so many. Maxine her character made no impression. I'll say that could have something to do with the narration.
I would've liked some backstory on Gabby & Maxine to understood why the way they developed into the adults presented in the story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews