Review of Livin Ain't Easy by Peron Long

Livin Ain't Easy (Urban Renaissance)

by Peron Long
Paperback, 288 pages
Published March 1st 2009 by Urban Books

Goodreads Description:

Livin Ain't Easy is a story of self-evaluation, heartache, and renewal-all wrapped up in suspense and murder. The story chronicles approximately seven months of the lives of Devlin Carter and Simone Jackson.

Devlin is a 32-year-old former schoolteacher whose development of a line of educational tools has made him a very wealthy man. His dreams in life had basically been to teach and to help students achieve their maximum potential. He also wanted to be able to provide the finer things in life for his grandmother, who raised him, and for Leslie, the love of his life. Sadly, his grandmother died five years before his financial achievements, and Leslie couldn't wait around for him to become successful. She married another man for his money. In spite of her marriage, though, Leslie has heard of Devlin's new wealth and she's trying to keep their on-again, off-again affair alive.

Simone Jackson is a 31-year-old local television talk show host whose show is in the verge of going national. She is happy about the success she has accomplished in broadcasting, but her dreams of love of and for a man have been nonexistent, due to her sexual orientation. Since her first experience in college ten years earlier, she has lived the life of a lesbian. She is now at a crossroads in her life. She is no longer happy with her personal choices, and when she meets a future guest on her show, Devlin Carter, her interest in him creates feelings she had only dreamed of in the past. At the same time, she's looking to end the relationship with her lover, Trinity.

When Devlin and Simone meet the day his best friend dies, she immediately becomes the friend that he needs, and he becomes the dream she'swished to have for years. As they begin to form a bond, they are both confronted with issues of overbearing, vindictive ex-lovers, as well as the surprising emergence of Devlin's long-absent father. When an attempt is made on Devlin's life and then one of their ex-lovers ends up dead, will it rip them apart, or bring them closer together?

My thoughts:
I hadn't ever read any books from Urban Books until I saw author Dwayne S. Joseph on Goodreads. I've read quite a few of his books, and came across the author Peron Long. I plan on reading more books from this author and from other Urban Books authors. I really enjoy these books!

Devlin was sleeping with a married woman named Leslie for 5 years. He thought it was perfect. He had someone to have sex when he needed it. He had quit his teaching job and made and sold educational products. Leslie wanted to be with Devlin after he became wealthy from selling these products. He knew that she only wanted him now because of his money. He wanted something more than her.

Simone Jackson thought she was a lesbian, but not until she was in college. She caught her roommate with another female. She became curious. She later kissed a girl and was blown away by how it felt. She began to wonder after years of being with women, if a man could make her feel the same.

Devlin was supposed to be on Simone's talk show, but they met each other in person before that and they both felt sparks. Simone is there to comfort Devlin when his best friend dies. The women in each of their lives don't like what develops

Devlin was truly a gentleman. He wanted to treat Simone right and not move to fast. I'm glad he realized that his relationship with Leslie was not going anywhere and he needed to find a woman who doesn't want him for his money and will treat him right. Simone was a great woman and really was there for Devlin, unlike Leslie.

I really liked this book and want to read more books by this author!

Rating: 5/5