Saturday, December 28, 2013

.99 cent or not?

The question, if an author should make their work available for free or .99 cents have been a toss up and it really confuse me. If the readers are not willing to pay over a certain dollar amount then what should an author do? On the flip side, if an author make their work free, the reader becomes leary and usually don't read it anyway. I have found a midway point, I think... 2.99. What do you authors feel and what do the readers want?

Friday, September 27, 2013

Synopsis for Dysfunctional

What does one do when all odds are stacked against you from the beginning? In Tamara Brown's case, the answer was simple enough; she would have to make her own way. Being raised by her maternal grandmother and never getting a chance to meet her dad, Dysfunctional tells the story of Tamara's early childhood years as she struggles to outcome the void left by her parents' abandonment, which transformed her into a seemingly uncaring young lady. But was she really this atrocious teenager or was it just a way to mask the pain she endured?
She figured since life had dealt her a bad hand and rendered her a joke, she was determined to end up with a royal flush. It was up to her to change her destiny by any means necessary. This 235 page novel reflects Tamara's journey with life as she betrays, seduces and conspires to get what she deserves: A better life and revenge.
CreateSpace eStore: https://www.createspace.com/3722324 

Synopsis for Dy2functional

Dy2functional (The Constant Deception) is the sequel to Dysfunctional (Root of Betrayal) and continues the twisted saga of Tamara Brown. Now a few years down the road, Tamara is older and much more powerful with the inheritance she has gained. The problem is that she is just as dangerous as her fortune will allow her to be. To her credit, she made attempts to clean up her act considering all the damage she had previously caused throughout the years, but now a family tragedy provokes her to return to her evil ways. When she is forced to return back home for the funeral of a cousin, gunfire rings out as they are leaving the church, which causes her old instincts to automatically kick in. Tamara uses her financial means to launch an investigation to find out who needs to suffer the consequences; consequences only someone close to them would have knowledge of. In the meantime, Tamara's twins deal with their own set of emotional issues, suffering from her absence in the home as she throws herself into the management of multiple businesses and her plots for revenge. The cost she is confronted with as payment for her choices is much more than she would have ever imagined.--Review by Ondrea Davis


REVIEWS

Fantastic!!, June 29, 2012
By 
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This review is from: Dysfunctional (The Root of Betrayal 1) (Kindle Edition)
I don't think you can get any more dysfunctional than this!! The main character, Tamara is my favorite character hands down!!! I was truly taken in the moment I started reading. I think this author did a great job and I cannot wait to see what happens next!!!
Kudos to the Author, May 23, 2012
By 
Yvette N. Bentley (LOUISVILLE, KY, US) - See all my reviews
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This is a WONDERFUL and AMAZING read!

From the beginning of the story, I could tell that it was going to be packed with mystery, suspense, chaos, excitement, and confusion! Those elements were illustrated from beginning to end and I could hardly put this book down!

In this fictional creation, Tameka captured a story that has many twists and turns of her main character, Tamara, that are not necessarily fictional in the world in which we live. There are many components of dysfunction within people that often go unnoticed or undetected, such mental illness, infidelity, deception, selfishness, and criminal thinking. When these issues go un-addressed, then there is the potential explosion of one's behaviors in various forms, and Tamara's life illustrated the various types of explosions that can be detrimental to that one person and all the people that they come in contact with.

What I loved about this book the most that it was unpredictable...I couldn't predict what was going to happen next, nor could I wait to see what will happen next.

I am thrilled there is a sequel, Dysfunctional: The Constant Deception, because that is the next read on my list!


More please!!, May 16, 2012
By 
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I really enjoyed reading this book. You never knew what Tamara was gonna do next. And it's sad to say that some mothers do put men before their daughters, I know from first hand it happened to me. The part that really got me is when I found out that the twins were her aunts husbands (WOW!) and that she set up her father and grandmother, now that was GOOD!!!!! Really, really, good reading.


loved it!!!, March 6, 2012
By 
This book was one of the best books I've read in a while.. Loved how the Author was not afraid to just really allow her creative side out. Tamara is a severely abused young woman who is all to eager to explain how her wrong doing is justified. Tamara's payback actions kept me wondering what she was going to do next... loved it!!!

THE TWISTED THOUGHTS OF TAMARA BROWN, November 19, 2012
By 
This review is from: Dy2functional (The Constant Deception) (Kindle Edition)

Dy2functional (The Constant Deception) by Tamika Hicks was a twistedly entertaining read. Walking with Tamara as she expresses her thoughts on the plots and plans to avenge the wrongdoing against her is both entertaining and disheartening. She portrays how betrayal, especially from 
youth can cause you to form defense mechanisms that prevent your emotions from maturing correctly. Her mindset has been warped from a young child and her thought processes as an adult are evidence of this. Also evident as I read, was how the dysfunction can trickle down from one generation to the next. Now that Tamara's children are older, you can plainly see how their upbringing has negatively affected them. This made me think about the many cases of familial brokenness in our society today. Ultimately, Ms. Hicks did a great job in illustrating all of the wrong ways to operate your family. I enjoyed this read as a follow-up to the first installment. If you want unending drama, this is the book for you.

 Edgy and Different, December 22, 2011
By 
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This review is from: Dysfunctional (The Root of Betrayal) (Kindle Edition)
I love all kinds of books. I read romance, young adult, horror, science fiction, and just about anything that I can get my hands on. I loved loved loved this book. I love how the main character isn't your typical boring, same as every other teenager, character. She has a real bite to her, and isn't afraid to stand up for herself. I want to meet her and say, 'you are amazing'. I love this authors edgy writing, and I can honestly say that I can't compair this to other books because it stands out so far on its own. I am really looking forward to more works by this author, and would highly recommend this book to someone looking for something that stands out from the crowd.

5.0 out of 5 stars Good read!, December 
By 
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This review is from: Dysfunctional (The Root of Betrayal) (Kindle Edition)
I was captivated and did not want this to end. Its amazing how much everyone can relate to some portion of the story (if you are honest with yourself) and find a piece that will help you grow and strengthen yourself...

 A good read, September 21, 2012
By 
Quastarcella Borom (Washington, DC United States) - See all my reviews
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Dysfunctional (The Root of Betrayal) (Kindle Edition)
This book was good and kept me on edge. It's not very often that one may read a book where a woman is as diabolical.
5.0 out of 5 stars dysfunctional, June 14, 2012
By 
this is a really great read. it is a page turner from the beginning to end. all of the characters are very real. it is easy for anyone,to relate to each one of them. loved it! can.t wait to read her second one!
Dysfunctional Book Review, April 18, 2012
By 
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This book is awesome, very creative, I would definitely by it again. Tamara felt unloved so that is what led to her strange behavior. For all readers who love a good book that is an easy read, get THIS BOOK! The author truly knows how to write a compelling story. Once you have read the book the first time, you will want to read it again.

5.0 out of 5 stars Worth It!, July 27, 2012
By 
With so many titles to choose from selecting a book that you'll be happy with once you have finished is difficult. This book was recommended to me so I decided to give it a try. WORTH IT! This book has unexpected twists and turns yet still holds enough edge to remain urban and real. It's certainly not an average urban tale (hood book) where you know how it's going to end after the first 5 pages. READ IT!

5.0 out of 5 stars Kudos to the Author, May 23, 2012
By 
Yvette N. Bentley (LOUISVILLE, KY, US) - See all my reviews
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This is a WONDERFUL and AMAZING read!

From the beginning of the story, I could tell that it was going to be packed with mystery, suspense, chaos, excitement, and confusion! Those elements were illustrated from beginning to end and I could hardly put this book down!

In this fictional creation, Tameka captured a story that has many twists and turns of her main character, Tamara, that are not necessarily fictional in the world in which we live. There are many components of dysfunction within people that often go unnoticed or undetected, such 
mental illness, infidelity, deception, selfishness, and criminal thinking. When these issues go unaddressed, then there is the potential explosion of one's behaviors in various forms, and Tamara's life illustrated the various types of explosions that can be detrimental to that one person and all the people that they come in contact with.

What I loved about this book the most that it was unpredictable...I couldn't predict what was going to happen next, nor could I wait to see what will happen next.
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Dysfunctional (The Root of Betrayal) (Kindle Edition)
I downloaded this book yesterday and I'm already finished. Wow that girl Tamara was really wild and crazy. I would totally recommend this book, its freaking Awesome!!! Isn't part two available??
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars Ready for a ride?, December 29, 2011
By 
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Dysfunctional (The Root of Betrayal) (Kindle Edition)
Tameka Hicks...you did a great job at hooking me into your storyline! I loved that this wasnt a typical family drama novel. The twists and turns throughout kept me turning the pages! Good job! If you like this book you may also enjoy... Damaged Goods (A Short Story)

4.0 out of 5 stars Crazy, December 28, 2011
By 
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That damn Tamara had some serious issues. I felt bad for her because she felt unloved nd unwanted which is why she did the things she did. Her mother was a trip and needed help. However, Tamara needed some serious help because she was the epitome of dysfunctional

4.0 out of 5 stars decent, August 18, 2013
By 
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This review is from: Dysfunctional (The Root of Betrayal) (Kindle Edition)
Keeps you interested to know what's going to happen you'd never guess I didn't anyway. I would recommend others to read it
4.0 out of 5 stars Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde, April 28, 2013
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This is one of those Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde stories. I read this story and was thinking to myself, Tamara Brown has ISSUES. But this is what happens when her mother Jeanette never wanted her daughter (Tamara). Dysfunctional is full of drama (with some scenes very comical).

Questions that were roaming through my mind (hopefully they'll be addressed in her second/third book) were as follows:
1. Will Tamara get help for the abandonment she suffered?
2. Will the law ever catch up to Tamara?

Another thought that ran through my mind was thank God I haven't met anyone like Tamara. If I did, I might have to write my death 
certificate.

Anyway, great job Tameka and look forward to reading to the sequels.

4.0 out of 5 stars I like it but..., March 26, 2013
By 
This review is from: Dysfunctional (The Root of Betrayal) (Kindle Edition)
Honestly the ending was a little too "out there" for me. I know it's fiction so of course outlandish things can happen but....

Overall, I did enjoy reading Dysfunctional and would recommend it.

4.0 out of 5 stars The title says it all!, August 30, 2012
By 
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This review is from: Dysfunctional (The Root of Betrayal) (Kindle Edition)
This book took me up and down and round and round. All I can say is that Tamara, and Jeanette are a hot mess! Matter of fact "mess" perfectly describes this whole dysfunctional family. There is just too much drama to explain...read it for yourself. Whoa!

4.0 out of 5 stars Deeply Disturbed, July 22, 2012
By 
Tamara Brown was raised by her grandmother until her teen years. This is when her mom decides it's time for her to come back home. In addition to abandonment issues, she returns to deal with several forms of abuse. What happens when one internalizes so much disappointment?

Tameka Oliver has penned a story that demonstrates how deeply affected an individual is by dysfunction. Tamara Brown didn't have the typical childhood. Even though I didn't always agree with Tamara's actions, they made for a great read. You're guaranteed to experience a range of emotions with "Dysfunctional." The twists make a great page turner and the ending leaves you in a state of shock.

4.0 out of 5 stars Suspenseful, June 30, 2012
By 
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The book is about a girl who is victim of mental, emotional, sexual abuse, abandonment and her determination to avenge those who caused her to become Dysfunctional. The story is told by 1st person (main character) and a narrator. The story picks up steam and soars. It is suspenseful, believable and captivating. The beginning of the story is slow, confusing and hard to follow. This affected the overall rating. The ending is masterpiece! I look forward to reading more books by this author.

4.0 out of 5 stars Very Good, May 1, 2012
By 
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This is a story of a young lady named Tamara that just wanted to be loved, especially by her mother. It just goes to show that when a person doesn't have the love that they require it can turn into some straight dysfunction. Tamara turns in an unstable person, the only thing on her mind is revenge. It doesn't matter who it is to, and the reason why. If she does not like what that person has done to her, she will scheme until something bad happens..Very good book...