Hold Me in Contempt Paperback – April 15, 2014

I didn't know what to expect when I bought this book, as a Wendy fan I decided to support her. This is not a book I would normally read, but I'm glad I did. Kim Kind was not the average heroin found in typical romance novels which was nice. There was actual substance to the plot; beyond some sappy unrealistic love story. Wendy promised a juicy summer read; she absolutely delivered.

I didn't expect to enjoy this book as much as I did, as my usual reading preferences lean more toward horror and vampires. I am an avid Wendy fan, though, (how YOU doin'?) and wanted to support her endeavor, as I once upon a time fancied myself a writer. I couldn't put it down once I started it, though! For me, it was more of a "beachy" read, one I think I'd have enjoyed more lying on the sand with big sunglasses, a bigger hat and a cocktail next to me. I say this not only because I thought of it as a "lighter" read, but because I found myself annoyed when my reading was interrupted by daughter or hubby. Williams' characters leapt off the page, and I thought they were very well-developed, especially the cousin, brother, and best friend. I found myself rooting for Kimberly throughout the novel, and absolutely adored King. I found the book an intelligent read with an intelligent ending. I am quite happy with my decision to purchase it.

I didn't known what to think about this story at first. The main character, Kim, I found to be a complete train wreck. I almost gave up because I couldn't take any more of her crazy. I'm all for the drama but Kim's kind of crazy was exhausting at best. Mood swings, alcoholism, addiction to pain meds, abandonment issues, psychosomatic pain...it was just too much for one character. Despite all of that, the writing was better than I expected and the plot was interesting. I wish it had more of the love story though. For this to be titled a romance, the romance part of the story was rushed and glossed over. We were told that "they" fell in love but were never shown how it happened and I bought the book for the love story. That's why the 3 stars.

This book was excellent and the greatest that Wendy has ever written! It is a love story and it teaches you life lessons about addictions and that addictions are not always drugs!! I was hurt in the end because it left me yearning for more! so there has to be a sequel!! I would recommend this to book club readers!! trust me, you want regret it!! Hats off to Wendy Williams!!

The story line was good. It was interesting and entertaining. I didn't give it 5 stars because the ending was messy. The entire story was believable until the end. It is definitely a page-turner. Coming from an inner city background and being educated, I can identify with some of the challenges the main character faced being a homegirl and a professional woman. On some levels we can identify more with a "roughneck" than our corporate climbing brothers. My college-graduate children don't have that issue. They gravitate toward well-educated, corporate-climbing partners, many of whom were raised in middle class families like themselves. We didn't have so much of that available to us, and I didn't come from that type of background.The ending was too dramatic for me! Even Phaedra's husband is going to jail! But that said, I can't wait for the movie!!!

Great read !! I really enjoyed this book recommended by a friend ! Definitely will be recommending for those looking for a good page turner!

As an avid reader, TV enthusiast and Cinematic lover, I've got to share these tips:1. Determine who you're writing to. If the character is an Assistant District Attorney then study that role thoroughly, make me believe it.2. If your stories/characters intersect, then maybe write the ending first then build on that. Nothing is worse than a poor climax.3. Engage your audience; each idea/scene/thought needs to keep us (the readers) captive and wanting more ...now this is not say that all authors are like that BUT, they bring something about THEM to the table. Wendy Williams is a funny, sweet, no nonsense sweetheart Diva ...and I love her/her show ...and if she had brought a little of herself into the book, it might have been different.For me, the characters and the plot were lackluster, I wasn't able to connect.

Ok...I know this suppose to be a romantic storyline, but it was soooo dumb!The leading character "acted" silly from beginning to end.... Ugh!The only reason I finished the book is because I paid for it!Loved the drug dealer,"KING" though.....;)