Play the Game

by Doug Dixon

When Mya LeVeaux discovers that her ex-boyfriend is engaged-not to mention that her own father, Bishop Franklyn LeVeaux, is performing the marriage ceremony-there's only one thing to relieve her shopping (nothing like a new pair of shoes to heal a broken heart). And since Mya is new to Atlanta, a couple of new friends wouldn't hurt either-which is exactly what she finds attached to a pair of burgundy boots . . . Childhood pals Stephanie Hall and Tangie Jackson are on their weekly girls' day out at the mall. For Stephanie, it's the perfect way to give her just-out-of-jail boyfriend some alone time with their two-year-old son. For Tangie, today is a celebration of divorce number two. After a brief tug-of-war over a sexy pair of boots with Mya, the three discover they have more in common than their taste in footwear . . . With two marriages behind her, Tangie is just looking for a good time-even if it's with someone else's husband. Stephanie is just trying to keep it together for her son, putting up with her man's unemployment and waywardness. As for Maya, the only thing she's curling up with these days is a good book. But now that she has her girls in her life, that may be about to change, as each woman deals with the game of love in her own special way-for better or for worse . . .

352 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2007

About the author

Doug Dixon was born in Mobile, Alabama. Upon high school graduation, he joined the Naval Reserves and studied Electrical Engineering from South East College before attending Auburn University at Montgomery to study computer science. After earning a degree in the IT field, he lived in New Orleans before moving to Atlanta in hopes of climbing the corporate ladder and having a family. He found refuge from many failed relationships and a stressful work environment through reading books. Discussions with women in several different book clubs and throughout his travels revealed that many felt relationships portrayed in novels were sugar-coated, expressing popcorn love rather than ordinary couples’ reality. Each comment, along with his own life experiences, created images in Dixon’s mind that he later put on paper for his first novel. Since completing Twisted, his desire to “keep it real” has inspired Dixon to start writing several other novels about struggled relationships.

When Doug Dixon isn’t writing, you can find him in Atlanta’s inner city recreation centers coaching baseball and basketball or attending spoken word events. His works have caught the attention of bestselling author and friend Camika Spencer and renowned editor Chandra Sparks Taylor who, with their continued support and inspiration, have made Dixon’s hard work and determination worthwhile.

Reviews

[The Urban Book Source · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love is tantamount to a game and Doug Dixon, with each of his three main characters, will show you just how it's played. Play the Game surrounds three sistas at different points in the game of love.

Tangie is a twice-divorced teacher in the Atlanta school district simply looking for fun, regardless if it's in the bed of a married ex-boyfriend or with the father of one of her students. Stephanie, also a teacher and Tangie's childhood friend, is trying to keep it together for her ex-con of a man freshly sprung from jail, with a 2-year-old involved, she is willing to turn her head to his wandering ways and low aspirations. The pair meets Mya on one of their regular shopping trips. Although the encounter begins with a slight scuffle over a pair of fashionable boots, the trio soon discovers they have a lot in common. Not only is Mya a new teacher at their school, she too is reveling in her own romantic despair. New to Atlanta, Mya befriends the duo, as all three help each other get over their bumps on the road to love. Doug Dixon's Play the Game offers a cultural twist on the popular Sex in the City and an insight into the mind and love life of the modern woman.



What did you like best about the story?
The concept of three women being friends and helping one another in life; too often there are elements of back-stabbing and deceit in the novels about black women.

What did you dislike about the story?
There were a few sections that could have been shortened or enhanced to keep the story going. The plot was slow to build.

How can the author improve?
Although the author for the most part understood the mindset of a woman, I still think that some of the situations or even some of the characters could be polished with either more research into female perspective or a light developmental edit.

[Kareenah E · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. the storyline had me at the first chapter and the p.o.v. of the 3 main characters as they navigate the complex dynamics of dating and relationships. Each individual lady experience relationships issues that all or most women go through. it was nice to read and experience the journey that each one of the characters goes through. My only problem is that at times the author gives the reader too much info on things that's not relevant to the story.

[Rhonda C. Henry · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a nice quick read. The friendship between the women was very refreshing. Three and 1/2 stars.