A Personal Matter

I put off picking up this book for the longest because of all the earlier negative reviews. But, after coming across it in a local bookstore I decided to go ahead and give it a try since it was only $6.99. I'm glad I did!!! Don't believe the negative hype being spouted about this book. It is very well written. The characters are developed thoughtfully and fully. The plotline was completely natural and believable. There was no rush into sex or a relationship before the two really "discovered" each other over time. It was simply a natural progression that was refreshing especially since there are a few IR novels that are just too ridiculous with how quick they have their characters profess their "love" for one another or hop in the sack. Alayna, the main character, was in no way a pain or unbearable as some here have suggested. I found her to be strong, sensitive, intelligent and clever. Additionally, I was not offended by the way she stood up for herself when necessary and didn't take anything off of anyone. I especially loved how she remained the epitome of class while doing it, a true example of the beautiful and intelligent black woman. She wasn't that super-stereotyped version of the black woman with attitude (like in the horrendous Renee and Jay by JJ Murray). Also, I loved the fact that Benjamin (the "Ice Man") was her match, wit for wit and brain for brain. That was wonderful to witness. Everything Alayna dished out, Ice could take and give right back. LOVED IT!! They were equals and complimented each other in every meaningful way!! If you love INTELLIGENT and REALISTIC interracial novels, purchase this book!!! You'll be glad you did.

Alayna Jackson had worked hard raising her baby sister after their mother's death, working long hours for a pay she didn't deserve, so when her sister needed to go to college Alayna was about to ask the big boss for a promotion and raise when the "big boss" offered her one to work with the "Ice Man" Ben Richards. Alayna neeeded the money, so working with the devil himself wouldn't make her say no. Ben "Ice Man" Richards didn't care what people thought of him because he was a damn good lawyer, who knew how to get the job done with emotional ties to another person, but Alayna's way of being very direct with him wore him down. They couple had to go through their own personal battles, Alayna sister getting pregnant and not wanting to go to college from Ben's secret she had to uncover, before she could confesss her love. A Personl Matter is a wonderfully written novel about two people who fell in love while working with each other on a case. Race was secondary to the love and commitment they felt for each other. I think this book is a must have for you interracial bookshelf. Don't miss out on the chance to get a fanastic book.

Karyn Langhorne comes out swinging in the first sentence of her debut novel, A Personal Matter. From page one it is obvious the main character, Alayna, is witty, outspoken, and sure to be a wonderful host through this literary tour de force. And she proves as such in the ensuing pages. Even more thrilling, the other characters are just as intriguing. Langhorne fills in enough details, enough unique traits, and distinct dialogue etc. to give her characters a versimillitude unfortunately too few novel characters enjoy. From Alayna's sister,Martine, to Trailer Trixie, every time one of Langhorne's characters stepped on stage, this reader was riveted. Not your basic love story, A Personal Matter deserves a large audience, and hopefully will achieve it. The story in a snippet...Alayna, a black, paralegal with the brains and chutzpah for much more in her firm, is assigned to work with Ben "Ice" Richards, a white lawyer with the reputation, as his nickname suggests, for being less than personable. Do sparks fly between the two? Let's just say their meeting and first few encounters looked like a night in Baghdad. But eventually, through Langhorne's fresh prose, inventive conceits, and breathtaking realness, the two become closer. The cover tagline, "Their relationship was strictly business...until it went too far" is a fitting nugget of what occurs in the pages to follow. I can't say enough about this work. Langhorne is one to watch.

Just finished this book and...loved it! I didn't know if I would but I was hooked from the first page. I mean standing at the bus stop reading, forgetting to do anything else, hooked. This novel is about two people who end up working together when that's the last thing they want to do. Alayna is trying to support her younger sister and works for Ben "Ice" to make more money. Ice comes off as an ass, but turns out to much more on the surface. Alayna comes off as a woman who hates white people and see them as the enemy, but turns out to be so much more. SHe learns a lot throughout the novel. Alayna and Ice become work associates, friends, and lastly lovers. The relationship is slow. They just don't fall into bed with each other. Situations come up where they get to know each other even when that's the last thing they want to do. Each scene with them is important b/c it shows how little by little they began to care about each other. By the time they make love they are comfortable and real wtih each other, not having to pretend. I liked Alayna's character a lot. She was a real stong person who didn't take any crap and didn't depend on anyone. I would say she was kind of a tourtured heroine. Ice had his own problems, but was able to help Alayna work through hers so later she can help him with his'. They became partners is every sense of the word.

I actually read this book a couple of months ago because I work at a book store and we were sent an advanced readers copy of it. At first I thought it would be some of the usual crap we're sent, but the front cover piqued my interest and when I read it found it to be surprisingly good. This book is about the blossoming relationship between a young, black female paralegal,Alayna, and her white hard-to-get-along with boss, Ben Richards (aka "Ice"). Both of them must learn to trust the other in order to resolve their personal issues. Unlike some other interracial romance books that I have read, this one is more realistic. The couple does not fall in love at first sight, and the issue of race is something that is crucial to the development (or lack thereof) of the relationship. I also like the fact that Alayna and Ben are around the same age categroy (she's 27 and he's in his early 30s), unlike a lot of IR romances which have a young black woman paired with a relatively old white man. This book is a quick read because it's so good. Don't be surprised if you finish it in a day. I think the author did a great job for this to be her first novel. I hope to see more novels from her soon.