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Unfinished Business
Black activist Erica Johnson wears her causes on her sleeve--literally. With her class of beloved fourth graders depending on her to represent their concerns, Erica's ready to confront golden-boy conservative senator Mark Newman. And she's willing to suffer through a night in jail and a battle of wits with a real-life war hero, if it will help get the children the money they need.
Mark Newman's a worthy adversary. But there's a more human side to the ambitious politician with the dreamy blue eyes--from the physical pain of his war wound, to his grief over his wife's death. Though they disagree on every hot-button issue, Erica and Mark can't resist their attraction or ignore the unfinished business between them--much to the delight of those trying to use this new relationship against the senator. And when Erica starts receiving some particularly vicious hate mail she has to decide if this handsome dream from the right/wrong side of the political fence is worth risking her heart for . . . and maybe her life.
Mark Newman's a worthy adversary. But there's a more human side to the ambitious politician with the dreamy blue eyes--from the physical pain of his war wound, to his grief over his wife's death. Though they disagree on every hot-button issue, Erica and Mark can't resist their attraction or ignore the unfinished business between them--much to the delight of those trying to use this new relationship against the senator. And when Erica starts receiving some particularly vicious hate mail she has to decide if this handsome dream from the right/wrong side of the political fence is worth risking her heart for . . . and maybe her life.
400 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published May 29, 2007
15 people are currently reading
310 people want to read
About the author
Karyn Langhorne Folan
26 books93 followersKaryn Langhorne Folan graduated from Harvard Law School and after practicing and teaching law for several years, decided to pursue her dream of becoming a writer. She is the author of twenty-one books and counting, including three young adult titles for the popular Bluford High series, four romance novels, several works of nonfiction. She has also been the ghostwriter for personalities in the entertainment and music industries. She is married and has two daughters.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
July 18, 2007
Finally Finished
This is the second novel I've read by Karyn Langhorne and as far as IR romance novels go, her writing style just doesn't work for me. The novel pulled you in fast, however it started to go down hill in the middle. Mrs. Langhorne's couples always seem to have way too much hostility towards each other. With all the tension and animosity how can they even build a relationship. A little tension and heated attraction is cute and quite interesting for a while, but throughout the whole novel it becomes tiresome. The novel also seemed a little long for me, the story could have been told in fewer chapters and pages and probably would have turned out more interesting. Once the couple became intimate I thought that maybe things would change, but they were still at each others throats, more times than I personally cared to read about. Both the characters were very hard to get along with, and if it wasn't for the physical chemistry they just didn't seem to have much in common and I couldn't begin to imagine how they could sustain a committed relationship let alone a marriage with their totally opposing views on everything. You can't build a relationship only on physical attraction and sex, especially considering his line of work, just seemed realistically impossible to me.
This is the second novel I've read by Karyn Langhorne and as far as IR romance novels go, her writing style just doesn't work for me. The novel pulled you in fast, however it started to go down hill in the middle. Mrs. Langhorne's couples always seem to have way too much hostility towards each other. With all the tension and animosity how can they even build a relationship. A little tension and heated attraction is cute and quite interesting for a while, but throughout the whole novel it becomes tiresome. The novel also seemed a little long for me, the story could have been told in fewer chapters and pages and probably would have turned out more interesting. Once the couple became intimate I thought that maybe things would change, but they were still at each others throats, more times than I personally cared to read about. Both the characters were very hard to get along with, and if it wasn't for the physical chemistry they just didn't seem to have much in common and I couldn't begin to imagine how they could sustain a committed relationship let alone a marriage with their totally opposing views on everything. You can't build a relationship only on physical attraction and sex, especially considering his line of work, just seemed realistically impossible to me.
April 16, 2018
Read this a while back and there was too much hostility between the H and h for any true relationship to form. I didn’t even buy into the sudden HEA- where the heck did that marriage proposal come from😳
🤔 nah
🤔 nah
September 20, 2012
I thought I would not like this story but I really did. Why is there alway the women not giving in. Where is the stories where the man just can't do it.
March 31, 2010
Whether he wants to or not, Mark Newman is going to run for President in six years. He’s the perfect republican candidate. A war hero from the south, he’s smart, has charisma, style and principles. Men admire him and want to be like him. Women swoon and want him. All women love him. Just ask him, his staff and a former intern or two.
Well, all women except Erica Johnson. Erica’s a DC schoolteacher, a far left neo-soul vegan, with a love of t-shirts baring political slogans that oppose everything Mark Newman stands for politically.
Armed with a "Books Not Bombs" t-shirt, Erica and Mark "meet" when she stages a protest during a Senate hearing. The chemistry between them was instantaneous and inflammatory. But as Erica’s being arrested and hauled off to jail, they both challenge the other to spend time walking in their shoes, becoming better informed about the things they both care about the most. For Erica, it’s the children that she teach. While for Senator Newman, it’s his home state and its constituents.
IR readers looking for a hero and heroine that are aren’t necessarily hung-up on the skin color of the person they fall in love with, will enjoy "Unfinished Business." Yes, Ms Neo-Soul kinda has a moment or two when she looks at him and says/thinks, "He‘s white." But it’s not something that as a reader I felt she was stuck on; she was far more concerned with his politics and how they effected the world around us.
"Unfinished Business" also explores the fact that while interracial couples are becoming more and more the norm in southern states, many of them still have a lot to deal with when it comes down to southern society in general. But in the case of Erica and Mark specifically, how racism can be used politically to manipulate the opinions of the general public.
Incredibly well-written, from the moment Erica and Mark first meet the reader is taken on a mystery ride of political intrigue when they find themselves in one life threatening or career destroying situation after another as they learn to see the other person’s side of the story and how their environment, especially Mark’s, shaped their selfless personal and political beliefs. Unfinished Business is guaranteed to keep you on the edge or your seat and guessing who’s behind it all while rooting for Erica and Mark to "finish the business" of finding their happily ever after.
Well, all women except Erica Johnson. Erica’s a DC schoolteacher, a far left neo-soul vegan, with a love of t-shirts baring political slogans that oppose everything Mark Newman stands for politically.
Armed with a "Books Not Bombs" t-shirt, Erica and Mark "meet" when she stages a protest during a Senate hearing. The chemistry between them was instantaneous and inflammatory. But as Erica’s being arrested and hauled off to jail, they both challenge the other to spend time walking in their shoes, becoming better informed about the things they both care about the most. For Erica, it’s the children that she teach. While for Senator Newman, it’s his home state and its constituents.
IR readers looking for a hero and heroine that are aren’t necessarily hung-up on the skin color of the person they fall in love with, will enjoy "Unfinished Business." Yes, Ms Neo-Soul kinda has a moment or two when she looks at him and says/thinks, "He‘s white." But it’s not something that as a reader I felt she was stuck on; she was far more concerned with his politics and how they effected the world around us.
"Unfinished Business" also explores the fact that while interracial couples are becoming more and more the norm in southern states, many of them still have a lot to deal with when it comes down to southern society in general. But in the case of Erica and Mark specifically, how racism can be used politically to manipulate the opinions of the general public.
Incredibly well-written, from the moment Erica and Mark first meet the reader is taken on a mystery ride of political intrigue when they find themselves in one life threatening or career destroying situation after another as they learn to see the other person’s side of the story and how their environment, especially Mark’s, shaped their selfless personal and political beliefs. Unfinished Business is guaranteed to keep you on the edge or your seat and guessing who’s behind it all while rooting for Erica and Mark to "finish the business" of finding their happily ever after.
November 30, 2015
I don't know if I have enough verbs and nouns, to my fellow readers how wonderfully written this book is. I have been disappointed lately by many authors.
This was a smart romance. It wasn't about the sex, like so many romances/ dramas are about. It's about two people who on paper different, but they are both passionate. Their races were secondary. This was real life, they spoke about real issues. I know this maybe a horrible review. But I just don't have words to tell everyone how much I loved this book. It may me think about how I treat people , particularly when I don't agree with their politics or their point views. I love that friends were friends. If you don't want to read about real life and grown up situation. This may not be the book for you.
This was a smart romance. It wasn't about the sex, like so many romances/ dramas are about. It's about two people who on paper different, but they are both passionate. Their races were secondary. This was real life, they spoke about real issues. I know this maybe a horrible review. But I just don't have words to tell everyone how much I loved this book. It may me think about how I treat people , particularly when I don't agree with their politics or their point views. I love that friends were friends. If you don't want to read about real life and grown up situation. This may not be the book for you.
January 19, 2022
Outstanding Contemporary Romance
Ms Langhorne writes about race and romance with skilled grace. She touches on sensitive matters of race and class in straight forward ways that make you think and laugh. The characters are well developed and don't fall into typical stereotypes. The romance is delicious and the plot has some intrigue and fun twists. I highly recommend this book.
Ms Langhorne writes about race and romance with skilled grace. She touches on sensitive matters of race and class in straight forward ways that make you think and laugh. The characters are well developed and don't fall into typical stereotypes. The romance is delicious and the plot has some intrigue and fun twists. I highly recommend this book.
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March 8, 2016Roller Coaster
I went through so many different emotions reading this book, disbelief, skepticism, laughter, love and hope. At time I had to stop and ponder my thoughts and ideologies. So when a book can bring me to so many levels of emotional engagement, then I know , for me the author has done a fine job. Excellent writing Mrs Langhorne..
I went through so many different emotions reading this book, disbelief, skepticism, laughter, love and hope. At time I had to stop and ponder my thoughts and ideologies. So when a book can bring me to so many levels of emotional engagement, then I know , for me the author has done a fine job. Excellent writing Mrs Langhorne..
May 13, 2019
The best mix of politics and love
I loved this book. I hardly ever reread books but this one is worth the read and the reread. I loved that the heroine was an activist she stayed true to herself while falling in love.
I loved this book. I hardly ever reread books but this one is worth the read and the reread. I loved that the heroine was an activist she stayed true to herself while falling in love.
April 26, 2021
A pleasant surprise!
Titillating, romantic and mysterious. A fun read that had me laughing out loud one minute and trying to scope out the bad guy the next. The story and the characters held my attention and will provide food for thought for many hours to come.
Titillating, romantic and mysterious. A fun read that had me laughing out loud one minute and trying to scope out the bad guy the next. The story and the characters held my attention and will provide food for thought for many hours to come.
April 23, 2009
This was ok, slow from the beginning to the end.
May 15, 2015
Eh! :-/. This was just ok!! Got hokey toward the end. Found it on the dollar shelf so gave it a try.
September 22, 2014
2.5 stars
December 30, 2017
Yes and No
Mark a rising senator is a conservative politician ,Erica is a liberal not planning to back down to his conservative stance. Yes I like the clash of views and that each person is willing to stand up and defend their point of view, I also like the part where each character has a stereotype view of the other and their view. He thinks she is a bleeding heart hippie liberal. She thinks he is a war mongreling red neck conservative. Very positive read here. No still trying to work out how they got together what they saw in each other. In some ways they were both flawed. He seemed to be an arrogant obnoxious jerk and she was unyielding obnoxious jerk. I can only guess that the author was either pulling a fast one where they found humor in these qualities and assumed the reader was in on the joke or else the author has an issue with politicians and people who are part of their sphere. The author also included a bit of suspense that was a yes. Unfinished Business is a good title for this book.
Mark a rising senator is a conservative politician ,Erica is a liberal not planning to back down to his conservative stance. Yes I like the clash of views and that each person is willing to stand up and defend their point of view, I also like the part where each character has a stereotype view of the other and their view. He thinks she is a bleeding heart hippie liberal. She thinks he is a war mongreling red neck conservative. Very positive read here. No still trying to work out how they got together what they saw in each other. In some ways they were both flawed. He seemed to be an arrogant obnoxious jerk and she was unyielding obnoxious jerk. I can only guess that the author was either pulling a fast one where they found humor in these qualities and assumed the reader was in on the joke or else the author has an issue with politicians and people who are part of their sphere. The author also included a bit of suspense that was a yes. Unfinished Business is a good title for this book.
October 12, 2021
Here’s the thing…
As always this author is supremely talented with storytelling and I couldn’t put it down. That being said, this was the weakest book of hers in my opinion. Something about it just couldn’t click with me. Maybe my personal politics are too strong because I know I would be flagrantly disrespectful to someone like Mark depending on what his beliefs were about certain things. This book is a product of its time because the likelihood of my generation and the generation after getting together with someone on the opposite side of the aisle is laughable. In Marks defense, the Republicans of 2008 were not as deplorable as they are today so it was realistic in that respect. Wonder how he would feel about Trump. That’s the true litmus test. Anyway, good story to entertain. Wasn’t feeling the love but that’s on me.
As always this author is supremely talented with storytelling and I couldn’t put it down. That being said, this was the weakest book of hers in my opinion. Something about it just couldn’t click with me. Maybe my personal politics are too strong because I know I would be flagrantly disrespectful to someone like Mark depending on what his beliefs were about certain things. This book is a product of its time because the likelihood of my generation and the generation after getting together with someone on the opposite side of the aisle is laughable. In Marks defense, the Republicans of 2008 were not as deplorable as they are today so it was realistic in that respect. Wonder how he would feel about Trump. That’s the true litmus test. Anyway, good story to entertain. Wasn’t feeling the love but that’s on me.
February 4, 2023
Rated: 2.50. Kindle Edition $5.99/ 399 page e-b00k.
Heroine, Erica Johnson, is a fourth grade teacher. She is a Black liberal activist. Hero, Mark Newman, sustained a leg injury in the Iraq War, he is also a White conservative Republican Senator from a racist agricultural state. Mark is also said to be in the third year of grieving his murdered wife.
I didn't like this story, it is slow moving from beginning to end. The protagonists disagree and argue about everything from the healthiest foods to how to succeed in America, they on agreed that they had great sex but argued about who want who first and more. Their arguments were more sinister than cute funny banter. I couldn't see how they had romantic love....it was purely physical attraction an lust.
Heroine, Erica Johnson, is a fourth grade teacher. She is a Black liberal activist. Hero, Mark Newman, sustained a leg injury in the Iraq War, he is also a White conservative Republican Senator from a racist agricultural state. Mark is also said to be in the third year of grieving his murdered wife.
I didn't like this story, it is slow moving from beginning to end. The protagonists disagree and argue about everything from the healthiest foods to how to succeed in America, they on agreed that they had great sex but argued about who want who first and more. Their arguments were more sinister than cute funny banter. I couldn't see how they had romantic love....it was purely physical attraction an lust.
May 21, 2023
Interesting Story
I had some difficulty reading due to the many editing issues. Because I am an English teacher this changed my view early. But as an avid reader I continued to read. Although I liked the conflict between them I was concerned about the reality of this story. I was also concerned about the multiple conflicts too. But many of our male senators are white and up in age and married with the exception of Lyndsey Graham. Anyway I digress. I did enjoy the plot but didn't see them actually getting married. Erica was too opinionated. But that's what made me keep reading. Maybe we need couples like this to help the government more approachable.
I had some difficulty reading due to the many editing issues. Because I am an English teacher this changed my view early. But as an avid reader I continued to read. Although I liked the conflict between them I was concerned about the reality of this story. I was also concerned about the multiple conflicts too. But many of our male senators are white and up in age and married with the exception of Lyndsey Graham. Anyway I digress. I did enjoy the plot but didn't see them actually getting married. Erica was too opinionated. But that's what made me keep reading. Maybe we need couples like this to help the government more approachable.
August 21, 2021
Hilarious, insightful, intriguing, a prime example of race relations and how to overcome our differences. No spoilers, but a depiction straight out of todays news.
October 19, 2020
if i had read this book within a few years of it being written i woulda liked it a whole mot more. mark did not wake up and change his shit politics enough and erica did not hold onto her ideals and make the point that it's not just politics but her students, her family, and other people's live his republican ass doesn't understand.
all of the beliefs mark had were pretty much wrong and whenever he was confronted by his own biases they started making out or talking about chemistry. and the racism erica faced from pretty much the moment she gained his interest was treated as an afterthought and not as traumatic and violent as it actually was. angelique was annoying af 85% of the time big upping this white dude and moaning about ignoring his politics and thinking about whether you were in looooooove, meanwhile how the fuck you love somebody that degrades the homeless and people who choose not to eat meat?? and don't get me started on the dropped threads about bitsi and her racist ass.
it was too much both sides need to meet in the middle and politics shouldn't dictate relationships for me but it was written ok.
p.s all the clothing described sounded tacky af. she don't own one normal shirt???? aint you tired ms millie???
all of the beliefs mark had were pretty much wrong and whenever he was confronted by his own biases they started making out or talking about chemistry. and the racism erica faced from pretty much the moment she gained his interest was treated as an afterthought and not as traumatic and violent as it actually was. angelique was annoying af 85% of the time big upping this white dude and moaning about ignoring his politics and thinking about whether you were in looooooove, meanwhile how the fuck you love somebody that degrades the homeless and people who choose not to eat meat?? and don't get me started on the dropped threads about bitsi and her racist ass.
it was too much both sides need to meet in the middle and politics shouldn't dictate relationships for me but it was written ok.
p.s all the clothing described sounded tacky af. she don't own one normal shirt???? aint you tired ms millie???
January 14, 2016
This book is good but it is not your typical lust romance there is one scene where the couple make love and it is lovely, here is a sentence that I really liked .(*Oh Yes," He murmured in her ear, like a man returning to a beloved home after years away. Yes" And like he'd known her body all his life he found his stroke and proceeded to work her like he was getting paid.) Now that is hot!!! The story is about politics and race and two people you would think don't belong together but some how they get together I loved this book and it is certainly different.
September 5, 2009
This was a great book. Living in the DC area and being in the political middle is not easy. The entire premise of this book reflexs what I have almost given up trying to explain to my friends and associates that range across the political spectrum. Agree to disagree and move on with life, love and fellowship.
November 5, 2015
Miss Langhorne... thank you ....i was captivated by the authors writing; the love was nice... the characters had time to get to know each other ... its being a while since i read a book where the leads are not sleeping together two pages into reading... finally a book that understand romance..... the love stony between Mark and Erica was cute, funny, touching, and passionate.
March 5, 2015
Okay
Erica was WAY TO POLITICALLY CORRECT...Mark was to cocky. After a while you get tired of them fighting and then sort of making up....the constant fighting did nothing help with there non existent chemistry.
Erica was WAY TO POLITICALLY CORRECT...Mark was to cocky. After a while you get tired of them fighting and then sort of making up....the constant fighting did nothing help with there non existent chemistry.
March 31, 2009
This was a pretty interesting read. The heroine kind of reminds me of myself, so she was alright with me. I love politics and romance.
September 7, 2015
This was my first book by this author.
This was a smart, funny romance novel. I liked this book a lot. Especially as we are heading toward election time in this country...this was a good read.
This was a smart, funny romance novel. I liked this book a lot. Especially as we are heading toward election time in this country...this was a good read.
September 28, 2015
Excellent
A very good, interesting book for grown ups. Attraction at first sight that led to a lot more between two of the most stubborn characters ever.
A very good, interesting book for grown ups. Attraction at first sight that led to a lot more between two of the most stubborn characters ever.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews