You Never Know: An Anthology

This book was a very good read. It gave you a taste of the writing styles of each author. I've read several of Niobia Bryant's books but this is the first I've read of Schuster and White. I believe I'm hooked on there work as well! I would definitely recommend!

Niobia Bryant, Melanie Schuster and Kimberley White join forces to create a wonderfully engaging anthology that focuses on finding love using unconventional, but increasingly popular, methods. A consistently brilliant writer, Niobia Bryant excels again with "Could It Be" the story of Ameena and Marcus. Ameena is a fashion stylist to the stars who has made a good life for herself, but in the process has sacrificed meeting the man of her dreams. When one of her girlfriends invites her to go along for a night of speed dating, Ameena decides to give it a shot. During a night of meeting less than stellar men, she comes across Marcus and is quickly infatuated. Marcus has also been dragged along to the speed dating event by friends and never expected to meet someone like Ameena. They quickly fall into a romantic relationship, but will face tests that cause them to question whether their connection is real. Melanie Schuster, another sure bet for a great story and widely known for her novels on the Cochran/Devereaux clan, introduces new characters in her contribution "Chain Of Fools". This story centers on Liz, an executive producer, who is talked into appearing on a reality dating show by her good friend and boss. Liz decides to prove her point that all men are only interested in surface characteristics by dressing up as a hoochie to appear on the show. However, the joke is on her when she meets the man of her dreams Romare under these false pretenses. Romare has been coerced to go on the show in a bet with his brothers and cousin. He doesn't expect to be taken with the type of woman who would participate in such a show, but quickly falls under Liz's spell. The story plays out in an interesting fashion as Liz tries to figure out how to recover from the mess she has gotten herself into; while Romare struggles with being attracted to a woman he never thought would have a chance to get to him. Melanie's story is wonderful and I hope we will see some of the supporting cast members in stories of their own. In "To Have It All" Kimberley White ends the anthology with a nice contribution of her own. Screenwriter Lacey has made it big after one of her scripts has been made in to a blockbuster movie. The price of succeeding, however, has been the lack of time or opportunity to cultivate a romantic relationship. After being teased and taunted by her best friend about her lack of a romantic life, Lacey signs up for an online matching service. Her first encounter is with "Chococate Dream", also known as agent/attorney Mikel. Through in depth conversations online, they quickly become completely infatuated with each other. Their story, though brief, is fulfilling with both romantic elements and dramatic elements brought through the interactions of the main characters with friends and acquaintances. This was a wonderful anthology that paired three great writers to form a cohesive, satisfying mix of three strong stories.

This book was different in terms of how each couple met (speed dating, reality show, internet dating...dating in the modern world - you gotta love it..lol!). I read this book over a weekend. The main reason I purchased this book was because of Niobia Braynt. I have read all her books and this short story was just as enjoyable as her books. This was my first time reading the other two authors. The second story I enjoyed. I like the relationships between the brothers and Liz's relationship with her hairstylist. Some parts in the story had me busintg out laughing. Also the story pointed out that sometimes just maybe our family/friends can get it right and hook us up with "the one." The last story I enjoyed as well. I liked how Mikel was like this is how I am and I'm not perfect. I found that refreshing when now a days guys front on who they are. All three stories had just the amount of "tugging at your heart strings" as well. So go ahead and pick up the book already!

The three romance writers' write an anthology that would make any anyone go look for love in the untraditional ways. Niobia Bryant, Melanie Schuster, and Kimberly White bring together women with status with men of status but will chaos happen before happiness can become a factor. Niobia Bryant shows how fashion stylist Ameena Jones falls in love with Marcus Daniels who has the prestigious career of an entertainment attorney and they fall in love within twenty four hours but they later question whether it was all a mistake when a decision comes about who will do what and ultimatums are thrown decisions are made irrationally and love is put on hold to allow careers to flourish. With stubborn hearts and the will not to loss will Marcus or Ameena put aside their difference to allow love to follow through? Melanie Schuster shows how deceit can cause problems beyond repair if one isn't too careful. Liz Walker is a executive producer of a television station but when her overbearing boss starts bulking up her tree about a social life she finds herself making a decision to get her way or at least she thought she was going to get her way but when stuff start to tumble she has to make a decision but not before Romare Alexander puts the Alexander love to the test but when he finds out the truth behind Liz he finds himself devastated and wanting answers but when Liz jumps to conclusions before asking question they find their selves at odds. Kimberley White takes internet dating to the next step when she introduces successful screenwriter Lacey to entertainment lawyer/agent Mikel their whirlwind relationship takes off but when Mikel finds himself defending his business over Lacey's best friend he finds his relationship with her quick taking tolls because she questions his decisions but will love find their way back or will a friendship win over a relationship. Niobia, Melanie, and Kimberley all take the untraditional style of dating to a whole new level with men who met standards and woman who exercise those standards to a point of undeniable love.