Between Lovers » (Reprint)

Back in 1996, former software engineer writer Eric Jerome Dickey quit his day job as a substitute teacher after the success of his first novel, Sister, Sister. With the sexy, savvy flow of African-American-themed bestsellers that followed, it's pretty safe to say Dickey won't have to go back to the classroom.

With each new novel, Eric Jerome Dickey has established himself as one of the freshest and most exciting writers on America's contemporary fiction scene. His latest book is no exception. Set in the San Francisco Bay area, Between Lovers brings together three irresistible characters. The novel's narrator-a Los Angeles-based writer-is still reeling from being dumped by Nicole after seven good years followed by an aborted trip to the altar. Nicole grew up during their time together, and changed-she became a successful career woman, moved north to Oakland, and fell in love with another woman. But she's still not satisfied. She likes what she has, but misses what she had, and wants to find out if she can have it all. She's playing with fire, not to mention the feelings of the two people who love her most in the world, but Nicole lures her former fiancé back into her new life, opening the floodgates of anger, passion, pain...and refreshing honesty. How these three fascinating people handle this unusual and complex love triangle makes for one of Dickey's most provocative and unforgettable novels.

Between Lovers is sure to be another runaway bestseller from one of our most popular and uniquely gifted authors.

Library Journal

Set in the African American community, Dickey's books (e.g., Cheaters) have explored such issues as fidelity, interracial dating, and the influence of career, family, and friends on one's love life. In the abridged version of Between Lovers, a provocative contemporary romance, Richard Allen's narration hits all the right notes. The novel's protagonist, an unnamed Los Angeles-based writer, was left at the altar by Nicole, his girlfriend of seven years. After moving in with her lesbian lover, Ayanna, a fiery and successful attorney, Nicole reestablishes a relationship with her jilted fianc and eventually persuades her two possessive lovers to join her in a love triangle. The triangle, which becomes spiritual as well as physical, proves first destructive, then healing. While Dickey's dialog sparkles, as usual, his characterization and plotting rise to a new level in this intense and imaginative work. While the explicit love scenes among the three characters could well offend some listeners, this thought-provoking production is recommended for most adult collections. The author's dialog and characterization also shine in the unabridged set read by Dion Graham, but the plot strains with the length. Public libraries with a strong following for this best-selling writer may want the unabridged tapes, while for most popular fiction collections the abridged program will suffice. Beth Farrell, Portage Cty. Dist. Lib., OH Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.