MARCO “THE GRAFFITI EFFECT” GRAF Being an exotic dancer is a life I was made for. Sh*t gives me a high like nothing else I’ve ever experienced. Since the very first time I stepped onstage to perform, it’s been magic. First things first, I do need to ask that you not confuse exotic dancing with stripping. I don’t give full-frontal views. I give just enough—of an illusion. Being able to create fantasies for women is hot as f*ck. They love it ! They get excited, at a level that their men may never make them reach. Yeah, it’s that hot. At the end of a performance, it’s not uncommon for me to take one of the lucky ones back to my suite, for a night of adult fun. No strings attached. No emotions attached—at least not on my part. Oh, and yeah... there's NDA's involved. But, there was that one time . . . I knew there would be a bride-to-be in attendance. I knew that her name was Kassidi. In fact, I knew of her before she knew me. I also knew that I’d bring her onstage as a part of a surprise. What I didn’t know, was that I would be compelled to go an extra step with her, during my set. I could say that I gave her a little extra attention to make her feel special. But the truth was, she had an energy about her that I liked. That I was drawn to. KASSIDI “KASS” HENSON At thirty-five, I was the last of my friends to enter a committed relationship. Unacceptable . At least in my book, it was. By now, I was supposed to have gotten a man that wanted to make me his wife . . . his life. Right? Well, I thought so. But then it happened. I got my proposal, I got my ring. What I didn’t get was as excited as I thought I’d be. Maybe it was the obstacles in the way. Maybe it was me in my own way. I didn’t know, but I figured my upcoming bachelorette trip to Vegas would put my mind at ease. Relax me. Prepare me. But was that the right thing to do? I had never been to Vegas. [insert deep sigh here] I was a Vegas-virgin. Perhaps I should’ve left it that way. It was one show, one performance. Erotic. Mesmerizing. The Graffiti Effect. It certainly, had an effect. It brought about the same curiosity that led moths flying, eyes wide open, into burning flames. We danced, we talked. Then we talked some more. Then temptation tapped me on the shoulder. It convinced me of one last indiscretion. It was unavoidable. He was unavoidable. After it was all said and done, I was prepared to let what happened in Vegas, stay in Vegas . . . However, fate had other plans for me.
I had up my previous bio for years! It was nice and all, and gave details of my life. But it was so structured! And I’m kinda not. Because of that, I’ve decided to change it to something that really gives you a glimpse into who I am. Is that cool? K, good. So, here goes:
I’m a Bay Area girl. Cali is in my blood! I moved to Vegas in 2017 (No, I wasn’t following the Raiders!) to see how another way of life would be, after my only kid . . . the love of my life . . . decided he was joining the Marines. Can you believe that?! Sigh. Wait, deep sigh! I know some parents await the day for their kids to leave, not this Mama. That was my ace, my bestie in male form. I had to hit the reset button. But here I am. He’s thriving. I’m ‘trying’ to thrive. Lol! No, but really. This relocation was good because I’ve never lived away from home. So, I needed to grow, cultivate a little. It’s working for now.
I consider myself a novelist. And that’s because a novelist doesn’t just write in one genre. For the most part, I write #InterracialRomance, with a primary focus on #BWWM, as my leads. However, I have written a few novels that fell comfortably in the #AfricanAmericanFiction realm, showcasing some #BlackLove. In short, I love building stories. I like to say that I “spin #Sexy and #Suspense into a single web.” The two dynamics have to co-exist in my stories, or I’m bored. And you know if the author is bored with their own work, there’s a problem! Trust me, I’ve done plenty of rewrites when that’s happened.
On my literary journey, I just hope to always write the stories that women find relatable. Characters who are strong, but vulnerable when they need to be. Family-focused, and intelligent. Basically, mirror images of myself. Ironically, writing these characters, have helped me discover things about myself along the way. I think that’s why I write as often as I do. It’s almost like peeling back layers of me as I go. And to stop that process, kind of hits the pause button on me . . . my life . . . my existence. I have to be a moving machine at all times. Does that get stressful? Absolutely. But is it rewarding and are there many teachable moments? Absolutely!
Ever need me, reach out. Ever got questions, I’m never too busy to respond.
If I'd known there was more to this story I would have opted NOT to read this book at this time. Though, this book doesn't technically end on a cliffhanger, there is definitely more story to be explored. I just hope a follow-up is written, unlike another book series that was started and left unresolved.
An engaged woman makes a life-changing decision that changes her life ...
Title: The Graffiti Effect Author: Perri Forrest Publisher: Chic Lioness Publishing, LLC Reviewed By: Arlena Dean Rating: Five Review:
"The Graffiti Effect" by Perri Forrest
My Thoughts....
This read was another good ones by this author that will keep your attention, even though it was a long read. It was quite interesting seeing how Kassidi [Kass] Henson will change after spending a weekend in Vegas with her friends just before her wedding. After meeting Marco during his Vegas show as his 'performance as a erotic, mesmerizing, The Graffiti Effect' dancer Kass's life will never be the same. This was a very good story of how a women who thought she was ready for marriage but after a 'life changing decisions that happens in her life in Vegas; she takes a different road. This whole story will give the reader some very interesting characters along with a good story that will keep you turning the pages to see what is coming next. I will say there were a few questions that were left unanswered that did leave me wondering about...like in that epilogue was off the chain where I hoped we would have gotten more of what all is going on with Kaia [Macro's half sister]. Will she ever get caught for all she has done? How long will this family put up with her mess before it's too late? Oh, well I was just left wondering!
Oh my goodness. Just wow. This was my first Perri Forrest book and I loved it so much I had to go buy all her books. Literally all of them. It was like I wanted to surround myself in the awesomeness of her work. I couldn’t get enough and wanted more. So I think an absolute standing ovation is in order. This book had everything and ticked every box for me. I was pulled in from the start, loved the way the story played out. It was like I was watching a film . I never wanted it to end. Marco for me is my book boyfriend . He was cool, sexy and just yum. I loved the chemistry between him and Kassidi. I love when attraction just leaps off the page and grabs you. That was what I had and absolutely loved reading this book. I 100% reccomend 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
Marco was the kind of guy you can picture in your head as being your guy. He had this cool demeanor that some like Kassidi needed to calm her high-strung moments. I hated Jamie and his co-horts. I wanted to jump thru the book on that sister. I didn't care for Cyn either. Love had that chick blinded. I would love to see where Alonzo and Kandice go...they were cute. The chemistry was immediate with Marco and Kassidi. It was very natural and effortless. That's the best kinda love and you could feel it thru the pages. Looking forward to more. But Kaia.....oooowwweeee. What the heck is she up to???
Brilliantly written, didn't see the end coming..loved it!
Wow......The Graffiti Effect, affected me in a good way!fast pacing story that had me hooked. The main characters were relatable and genuine, I liked the fact that their relationship developed organically, and you get to know them separately. A brilliantly written story with hot steamy sex scenes the will have you toes curling!
Too many side stories and side characters causing too many holes. I'm not a fan of Kassidi nor Marco. I didn't feel the alleged chemistry between them. To be honest, not pleased with the story overall. Not even sure why this Kaia character was introduced. Is there going to be a book 2? The ending just leaves you lingering. I can't in all honesty recommend reading this book.
One night, one weekend can change the course of your life forever. The chemistry between Marco and Kassidi was explosive and impossible to ignore. I loved the relationship that developed between the two. The secondary characters added to the story and boy do I have questions. Please tell me there's a part 2 coming? Great job Ms. Perri!
If you can just visualize me giving Ms.Forrest a standing ovation: This book was Everything I tell you. The different levels to the story was just so OMG Awesome. I can't wait for the next one. If you've read any of her books you already know she's a Beast, it just seems like she took it up another level if that's even possible. Definitely a good read!!
Sooooo I feel as though this book is incomplete, and for that it gets 4 stars. It had a slow star but it’s a good book. Honestly kassidi is trash but hey that’s my opinion 💁🏽
I enjoyed this book. One weekend changed Kassidi life. Kassidi went to Vegas just before her wedding with her friends. The chemistry between Marco and Kassidi was awesome. I’m happy that Kassidi did not get married; she was not ready. Awesome read.
This was one of the best reads that I have read in a long time. There were so many twists and turns, characters and drama, and of course lots of hot sex. Perri put her foot in it! Can’t wait to read her next book. Don’t miss out on this brilliant author!
Loved this story!!!! Perri you did your thing with this one girl. I was drawn in from page one, sneaking and peeking while I worked because I didn't want to stop reading on the good part. Problem was, they all were good parts Lol. I cannot wait for part two to drop. Well done!!!!
Not sure about this book. I enjoyed the characters and it was a good story . I felt that there was a lot of the story not explained, the end was rushed, unless there is going to be another book?
I don't even know where to start but I do hope we get a book two. Great story line of love, life and happiness. Can't wait to read more from Ms Forrest.
It was just to long and drawn out for me. I love Marco but I didn't like Kassidi and because of it I couldn't get down with their relationship. I am a big fan of Miss.Forrest but I couldn't get with this one. This is only my opinion yours maybe different.