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Fab Life #1
Not a Good Look
One gifted girl, one super diva, one ego too many... She's got mad talent, her own singing group, and honor roll grades. Sunday Tolliver is this close to making her music industry career dreams come true-until her mother spends her entire college fund. Now Sunday's only chance to get to college means slaving as a "personal assistant" to her diva cousin, Dreya. And since Dreya just got the record deal of a lifetime and an upcoming tour with hip-hop's biggest rapper, Truth, Sunday is sure Dreya's ego-trippin', among other things, couldn't get worse. But when bad boy Truth starts pushing up on Sunday and her life becomes "Paparazzi Blogs Gone Wild," a jealous Dreya is on the warpath. Can Sunday make the right moves before her dreams go up in smoke for good? Praise for Nikki Carter "Step to This is hot, it's new, it's now...with characters that leap from the pages, it's absolutely a must-read." --Monica McKayhan, Essence bestselling author "Nikki Carter is a fresh, new voice." --ReShonda Tate Billingsley, Essence bestselling author "Literally and figuratively, drama is on high alert in the first installment of Nikki Carter's hot new teen series, The Fab Life. An undeniable page-turner, Not A Good Look is sure to capture the attention of every teen who's ever dreamed of becoming hip-hop's next overnight superstar. Readers are certain to fall in love with Sunday and her diva cousin, Dreya, just as fast as the many cute boys in their lives." --Mitzi Miller, Essence (c) bestselling author
259 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
January 26, 2012
We often get tired of reading, because it's boring or it "wastes" time. However, I find this book quite amazing. Not only does it show a development of fame for the cousins, but it shows many conflicts that are involved in their dreams. Sunday and Dreya, are cousins looking for fame, along with a "best friend" Bethany who is desperate for fame.
Sunday and Dreya, both are starting from the bottom up. Two completely different perspectives of life, and education are both reaching for one similar goal, fame. Dreya, wants to finish school faster, so she can live her life. On the other hand, Sunday wants to go to college, however her mom used all her college tuition money.
Life is complicated, because you have to care about how others view you, and you can't live and do the actions you want. It always seems like your life is based on other's wants.
This book is amazing, and it's definitely worth reading. I'm not going to tell you about this book, because we all deserve to take a deeper look at this book.
Sunday and Dreya, both are starting from the bottom up. Two completely different perspectives of life, and education are both reaching for one similar goal, fame. Dreya, wants to finish school faster, so she can live her life. On the other hand, Sunday wants to go to college, however her mom used all her college tuition money.
Life is complicated, because you have to care about how others view you, and you can't live and do the actions you want. It always seems like your life is based on other's wants.
This book is amazing, and it's definitely worth reading. I'm not going to tell you about this book, because we all deserve to take a deeper look at this book.
March 21, 2012
I my opinion this book is awesome.Not a good look is a drama filled, fun packed, urban fiction book.It will always keep your attention. In the begining Sunday Tolliver, which is the main charcter is just an average kid with an extreame passion for music. One day she goes to the studio with her cousian dreya and ends up writing some music for her which later makes her cousian a huge pop sensation. As the go down the road her cousian has seemed to forgotten who help her up to the top, Sunday is forced with many chanlleges in this book with family, so called money hungry friends, and there is a little bit of romance with the not so cute but talented sam.
July 27, 2011
Wonderful teen fiction. I have to say, it was a page turner. I couldn't put it down and I'm long out of my teens.
November 16, 2022
Hmmm this is a tough one. This is a 3-star book in my opinion BUT, if I was 12-16 y/o (the correct age demographic) this easily would've been a 4 star read for me, therefore I will rate it based on that.
This story follows Sunday, a talented, singer/songwriter in her senior year of high school. We are following her experiences in the music industry, college application process, as well as her relationships with boys, and friends, family. This book was written in 2010 so I loved the nostalgia I got reading about layered tank tops, babyphat, and apple bottom jeans. I liked Sunday's confidence and high self esteem.
However, there were some things I didn't like (and probably wouldn't have liked even if I was 15). I don't understand how Sunday and Bethany were best friends. Throughout the book they were BEEFING. Like they never had any fun or happy moments together. Also Dreya was an extreme hater. I can't even phantom how Sunday, Bethany, and Dreya were in a singing group together. Also the kids seemed more mature than the adults in this story. Dreya's mom was a bum and Sunday's mom, although present, didn’t seem to have a backbone, made poor decisions, and was way too caught up in her man for me.
The writing style was a bit juvenile but it made sense given that it's YA. I think it was appropriate for the audience. I wasn't a fan of how this ended. I literally flipped to the next page thinking it was the next chapter and the book was over. Good thing this is a series lol.
Overall, I had fun with this and it was a nice escape from the other books I've been reading. If I saw my future child reading this I would not be upset.
This story follows Sunday, a talented, singer/songwriter in her senior year of high school. We are following her experiences in the music industry, college application process, as well as her relationships with boys, and friends, family. This book was written in 2010 so I loved the nostalgia I got reading about layered tank tops, babyphat, and apple bottom jeans. I liked Sunday's confidence and high self esteem.
However, there were some things I didn't like (and probably wouldn't have liked even if I was 15). I don't understand how Sunday and Bethany were best friends. Throughout the book they were BEEFING. Like they never had any fun or happy moments together. Also Dreya was an extreme hater. I can't even phantom how Sunday, Bethany, and Dreya were in a singing group together. Also the kids seemed more mature than the adults in this story. Dreya's mom was a bum and Sunday's mom, although present, didn’t seem to have a backbone, made poor decisions, and was way too caught up in her man for me.
The writing style was a bit juvenile but it made sense given that it's YA. I think it was appropriate for the audience. I wasn't a fan of how this ended. I literally flipped to the next page thinking it was the next chapter and the book was over. Good thing this is a series lol.
Overall, I had fun with this and it was a nice escape from the other books I've been reading. If I saw my future child reading this I would not be upset.
September 27, 2024
This was Love and Hip Hop before Love and Hip Hop and I really loved this series. Every book was an easy read. Sunday was my favorite as she was a very likable character. So glad she got her just rewards in the final book.
January 7, 2023
I loved this book since middle school. This has been my favorite series of all time.
October 7, 2016
Yes, I would recommend this book because I’ve read it twice and both times I really liked the book and I’m currently working on finishing the whole series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 2, 2011
Since fifth grade Sunday Tolliver knew she wanted to attend Spelman College, and the money she'd need took years for her mother to save. But then her mother's boyfriend needs a loan and Sunday's college fund is depleted. Will she be able to earn enough money so she won't miss out on a higher education?
Sunday is a likeable character and I felt bad for her when she found out about her college fund. She mentioned a `hood existence', making it clear that she wasn't happy where she was. Looking at her family situation I was glad that college was on Sunday's agenda. I'm not sure how she knew since fifth grade that she wanted to go, though, because - unless I missed something - I didn't see anyone in her life that would encourage such an important goal. Yes, her mother saved the money, but then she put a so-called man before her daughter and gave it all away. It didn't matter if it was supposed to be a loan and she expected to get it back. It was money to ensure her daughter could study entertainment law and she should have told Carlos to find another way or given him her retirement money instead if she was so concerned about his troubles.
Dreya (aka Drama) is something else! She needs all of the attention and she doesn't seem to care about anybody else. She can be loud and seemingly in control, but insecurity is what I noticed most. I won't say I didn't like her, but her presence was bothersome at times.
I'm not sure what's going on with Bethany - why she makes certain choices. I did notice the envy and jealousy towards Sunday, but I felt like something more was going on with this girl.
Sam was a good guy; talented and respectful of females. I liked him.
Music: I listen to different genres, but I know nothing about the music industry. Not a Good Look gave me a behind the scenes look; some of it was good and some of it was not. As I closed the book all I could think of was that I hope Sunday doesn't allow certain people to keep her from living her dreams. I plan to read All The Wrong Moves and Doing My Own Thing to find out what happens with this gifted young lady, and I'd also like to get to know Bethany better.
Sunday is a likeable character and I felt bad for her when she found out about her college fund. She mentioned a `hood existence', making it clear that she wasn't happy where she was. Looking at her family situation I was glad that college was on Sunday's agenda. I'm not sure how she knew since fifth grade that she wanted to go, though, because - unless I missed something - I didn't see anyone in her life that would encourage such an important goal. Yes, her mother saved the money, but then she put a so-called man before her daughter and gave it all away. It didn't matter if it was supposed to be a loan and she expected to get it back. It was money to ensure her daughter could study entertainment law and she should have told Carlos to find another way or given him her retirement money instead if she was so concerned about his troubles.
Dreya (aka Drama) is something else! She needs all of the attention and she doesn't seem to care about anybody else. She can be loud and seemingly in control, but insecurity is what I noticed most. I won't say I didn't like her, but her presence was bothersome at times.
I'm not sure what's going on with Bethany - why she makes certain choices. I did notice the envy and jealousy towards Sunday, but I felt like something more was going on with this girl.
Sam was a good guy; talented and respectful of females. I liked him.
Music: I listen to different genres, but I know nothing about the music industry. Not a Good Look gave me a behind the scenes look; some of it was good and some of it was not. As I closed the book all I could think of was that I hope Sunday doesn't allow certain people to keep her from living her dreams. I plan to read All The Wrong Moves and Doing My Own Thing to find out what happens with this gifted young lady, and I'd also like to get to know Bethany better.
January 3, 2011
Sunday and Dreya were in their last year of high school and love to sing. They had a girl group and had dreams of becoming stars. They don’t all have the same idea of what being stars will be or how it may ruin their friendship. Sunday has the voice and the song writing skills, but has long term dreams of being successful. Dreya has the attitude and the man that gets her into the door to start her singing career.
When Dreya sings the hook on her boyfriends Truth’s first single, it opens up the door for her to get a record deal. Although her voice wasn’t as strong as her cousin Sunday’s she had the look that the industry wanted to have in the front of the stage while Sunday carried her as a background singer. Making Sunday Dreya’s assistant to have her on the road putting life into Dreya’s songs the two collide as Dreya’s attitude gets out of control.
Both girls learn a lot in a short time and realize that life is not as simple as they dreamed it would. They fall in love, experience heartbreak and learn that they can’t always have what they dream about. The competition to be better than the other forms a wedge between them and the jealously is off the charts.
This novel was a quick and easy read. I gave it a four instead of a five because it started out slow and took a while to really pick up for me. I will compliment Nikki for her style of writing. She has the ability to entertain teens and adults and I’d recommend this book to young girls. I look forward to reading more of your work. If you are looking for an enjoyable read for yourself or a young adult this is one to be recommended. Great job Nikki!
Anna Black
AAMBC Book Reviewer
When Dreya sings the hook on her boyfriends Truth’s first single, it opens up the door for her to get a record deal. Although her voice wasn’t as strong as her cousin Sunday’s she had the look that the industry wanted to have in the front of the stage while Sunday carried her as a background singer. Making Sunday Dreya’s assistant to have her on the road putting life into Dreya’s songs the two collide as Dreya’s attitude gets out of control.
Both girls learn a lot in a short time and realize that life is not as simple as they dreamed it would. They fall in love, experience heartbreak and learn that they can’t always have what they dream about. The competition to be better than the other forms a wedge between them and the jealously is off the charts.
This novel was a quick and easy read. I gave it a four instead of a five because it started out slow and took a while to really pick up for me. I will compliment Nikki for her style of writing. She has the ability to entertain teens and adults and I’d recommend this book to young girls. I look forward to reading more of your work. If you are looking for an enjoyable read for yourself or a young adult this is one to be recommended. Great job Nikki!
Anna Black
AAMBC Book Reviewer
February 27, 2011
This book was about a girl name Sunday Tolliver and her cousin Dreya. in this book sunday is doing very well in school and she is in the 12th grade. she plans on going to college but her mother spent the money on her boyfriend because he was in some type of trouble. And dreya and her family are living with Sunday and her mom until they can get back on their feet. sunday and dreya dont get along at all. dreya thinks she's all that and dim sum, just because she got a famous boyfriend. Dreya is starting to become famous as well. In order for sunday to get her college money back, she has to go on tour with her cousin Dreya. you can only imagine how thats gonna go.
Personally i liked this book very much. it had great detail and it was well written, but i didnt like the ending. it lefted you hanging. i wanted to know what was gonna happen to Dreya and Sunday when they leave the club. And what ever happen to Sunday's moms boyfriend?
Personally i liked this book very much. it had great detail and it was well written, but i didnt like the ending. it lefted you hanging. i wanted to know what was gonna happen to Dreya and Sunday when they leave the club. And what ever happen to Sunday's moms boyfriend?
July 23, 2011
A Different Track
Fly, witty, smart and talented, Sunday Tolliver has big plans for her future. When she and best friend Bethany accompany cousin Dreya to the studio where her boyfriend Truth, an up-and-coming artist, Sunday hit's a note that helps launch everyone's hopes and dreams.
Already lost in sound, Sunday is distraught as she learns that her college fund has been depleted. When Big D, the producer, offers to pay her as a songwriter, Sunday is pleased that she may make it to Spelman after all. When she and Sam, the engineer, start to strike the right chords, Sunday is intent on keeping it friendly and all business. Will music, jealousy and others change things?
NOT A GOOD LOOK by Nikki Carter is chart topping good. I absolutely love the characters and their drama. I really wish that there was more to the Carlos story, but I am looking forward to reading more in ALL THE WRONG MOVES.
4.5
Fly, witty, smart and talented, Sunday Tolliver has big plans for her future. When she and best friend Bethany accompany cousin Dreya to the studio where her boyfriend Truth, an up-and-coming artist, Sunday hit's a note that helps launch everyone's hopes and dreams.
Already lost in sound, Sunday is distraught as she learns that her college fund has been depleted. When Big D, the producer, offers to pay her as a songwriter, Sunday is pleased that she may make it to Spelman after all. When she and Sam, the engineer, start to strike the right chords, Sunday is intent on keeping it friendly and all business. Will music, jealousy and others change things?
NOT A GOOD LOOK by Nikki Carter is chart topping good. I absolutely love the characters and their drama. I really wish that there was more to the Carlos story, but I am looking forward to reading more in ALL THE WRONG MOVES.
4.5
May 7, 2014
Cousins Sunday and Dreya were in a singing group with their friend Bethany but then Dreya got a record deal and Sunday whose college fund is now up in smoke works on writing songs with a guy named Sam while she is Dreya's assistant. Dreya is not very appreciative of Sunday or pretty much anyone else as well. And is obviously feeling herself a bit too much. Overall this is a good book with a really good storyline and I can say that for every book in the series. My only pet peeve was the Dreya character, it wasn't that I didn't like her it's just that she was WAY too one dimensional. I understand she's supposed to be the antagonist/villain of this story but the author could have at least given her some redeemable qualities like she did with the Bethany character. I was hoping this would change throughout the series but it didn't.
February 8, 2016
Great to read about some diverse and interesting girls from the "hood" of Atlanta. Dreya (aka Drama) is about to get her rise to stardom in the music world. But it is Sunday's hook that takes her there; a small fact that Dreya likes to immediately forget as she lives up to her alter-ego persona "Drama".
Some good character developments and a storyline that really left me wanting the next installment asap! It is a fast read full of action, boyfriend troubles, girlfriend drama, musical achievements and trying to find your place in the world.
Some good character developments and a storyline that really left me wanting the next installment asap! It is a fast read full of action, boyfriend troubles, girlfriend drama, musical achievements and trying to find your place in the world.
May 2, 2012
Not A Good Look is crazy but awesome. Life is changing for Sunday Tolliver and her cousin Drama(i couldn't remember her first name because I'm used to Drama). Sunday dreams are coming true to become a singer and so is her cousin, but too much drama is happening. Her mom spent all her college fee for Spelman University and her cosuin's b.f is trying to get with her. Sunday got a lot her plate and can't swallow it alll by herself. Until a nice young fella comes and help her along the way.
February 18, 2012
A good story about two cousins trying to make it in the music business.
The book is marred by poor writing. The story is told from Sunday's POV in the language that she speaks which is full of "for real" and "don't be a hater" and other street talk. It got old fast. Also the ending just leaves you hanging. I know it's part of a series but a nicer resolution would have been nice.
The book is marred by poor writing. The story is told from Sunday's POV in the language that she speaks which is full of "for real" and "don't be a hater" and other street talk. It got old fast. Also the ending just leaves you hanging. I know it's part of a series but a nicer resolution would have been nice.
November 15, 2010
This is a must read for Young Adults. This book explains family relationships as well as friendships. The book also gives readers a glimpse into the music industry from a teenage point of view. I recommend it to others.
October 11, 2014
I love this book it was really good I just wish Sunday get with Sam already she plucking my nerves when she keep turning him down. I got me thinking she actually do want truth. Her cousin Dreya is dumb she needs to pay close attention to Bethany.
November 15, 2015
I love this series. I can say this is one of my favorite best series I've read. I definitely enjoyed this and Sam and Sunday was my favorites. And favorite couple idc I was glad when they got back together lol!!!!
Read
September 29, 2010i lernt that life is full of suprises and u shouldnt trust any of ur friends and even family members cos u dnt know what they will do to you..drama sucks..
November 21, 2010
this book was grate. i cant wait for. All The Wrong Moves to come out.
March 3, 2011
Embarrassed by how much I liked this...
July 14, 2011
eww grosss i hate it plz write about the color blue!Not a Good Look
September 18, 2011
This was a great book reminds me of Drama High series
April 23, 2012
Like this serie....
Read
January 20, 2015this waz a good book
January 8, 2015
it's the best book ever
November 3, 2013
I love this book and will continue to read the rest of the books in this series
December 2, 2013
The book was good, it kept me coming back for more ... for awhile I have been looking for the sequeal (All The Wrong Moves) ... Sorry to say I've had no luck .
August 7, 2015
This whole series was a banger.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews