August’s Book of the Month: Stay by Ivy Symone
Below is Episode 31, and it’s full of spoilers. If you haven’t read Stay, skip down to our reviews.
Frankee had everything a woman could desire. From the castle-like mansion she dwelled in to the fancy jewels she adorned; she had it all. She was the mother of two beautiful children whom she simply adored, and she was surrounded by a slew of servants who praised and worshipped her like she was royalty. Her fairytale life was every girl’s dream come true. But she never thought her shining knight in armor would come in the form of a megalomaniac!
Zino Okonjo has been proclaimed by many to be a powerful and ruthless “street financier”. A man like Zino doesn’t sit back and play by the rules others make; it’s his way or no way. Exerting his dominance, he takes Frankee in exchange for a debt owed; it changes her life instantly. Four years later, Frankee still hasn’t accepted her fate and want to reconnect with the man she was taken from. An opportunity presents itself and she makes a dash for her freedom to reunite with her ex, Antwan.
This was his chance to reclaim the woman that was rightfully his. Not only will Antwan get his woman back, but it’s time for him to exact revenge on the man he loathe the most: Zino.
Bridgette’s Review
Five Stars
I felt like I was on one of those rides where it shakes you back and forth and around again. Frankee was a naïve, cold-hearted daredevil. Man did this girl took chances that were NOT smart. Her intuition about men was NOT on point! When they showed her who they were she didn’t believe them…smh
Antwan was a low-life thief always looking for a hustle. He only cared about his wants and needs. Zino was a monster, an excellent lover, and businessman rolled up in one. I felt bad for Zino being the head of his organization with snakes all around, not knowing who was truly trustworthy, who was really for him. He made me love him though. He changed so drastically showing his true self to Frankee smiling and laughing.
Thanks, Ivy Symone for a much needed wonderful get-a-way!
Renée’s Review
This book, this book! Man, look. So, we try to read recent books but Bridgette chose this one from 2016 and I am so glad she did. Ivy Symone did that and some.
Frankee, to me, was a victim and I was behind her with how she felt because of the circumstances in which she became Zino’s wife. I couldn’t believe it went down like it did. Then to see that they have a family and she’d been with him for four years! How could she be happy with someone she didn’t really know? It was like an arranged marriage and she hated it. So, I hated it for her.
Then to see that Zino was controlling and had a mean streak with any and everyone who pissed him off at the right time. I didn’t like him.
Oh, but as the story went on, there were so many people I didn’t trust. Zino and Frankee just weren’t meshing but deep down I started hoping something would change that because other people were suspect.
Then it all went downhill and I was completely sucked in. It felt like a movie that I’d watch over and over. To keep this spoiler-free, I’ll say that it is worth the read. I always said I hate crime families or bosses who did awful things but Ivy Symone just made this monster of a guy have a real heart. I loved it.
