The VIPs
A Novel
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3.8 • 11 Ratings
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- $7.99
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- $7.99
Publisher Description
Scott Poulson-Bryant brings the heat in this rip-roaring tale of secrets, sex, and betrayal.
On a steamy June day in New York City, mega-star rapper TNT gathers a group of four successful men together, childhood friends who called themselves "the VIPs," signaling the big dreams they all once had. Leo Bradford is a gay publishing magnate who is learning to love again after a devastating tragedy. Barry Chambers is a playboy attorney with a working-class background who is starting to realize that the chip he's carried on his shoulders all these years doesn't go too well with the bespoke suits that have become his trademark. Joey Ramirez is a high-flying fashion designer who has managed to triumph over a life of abuse and neglect to become one of the most successful clothiers in the world. And Duke Maynard is a recently-retired NFL star facing the challenges of successfully transferring his competitive energies from his gridiron past to his entertainment world future. These four men have a history and bond that could be torn apart by a night of passion one of them had long ago.
The VIPs, who haven't seen one another in years, are greeted at the Hotel Gansevoort by an openly hostile TNT, who asks them the bombshell question: "Which one of you bastards is my father?"
Shocking, hilarious, suspenseful, and, ultimately, incredible moving, The VIPs will have readers furiously turning the pages to find out who the real father is.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
With his first novel, Poulson-Bryant, a founding editor of Vibe magazine, reveals the complicated lives of four old friends who've grown apart. When we meet the VIPs, they've been called to a meeting with the young rapper, TNT. Barry Chambers runs a huge New York cosmetics company; Leo Bradford is a bestselling author; Duke Maynard, a former football star, has made a killing on the Internet; and superstar designer Joey Ramirez is often called "the Latino Calvin Klein." They arrive separately and are surprised to see each other. But surprise turns to shock when TNT demands to know, "hich one of you bastards is my father?" The question sends the four men chasing past indiscretions, mistakes, and successes, and by the story's end, the old friends will have to deal with the cost of keeping secrets and face tragedy head-on. Although Bryant's page-turner is full of melodrama, violence, betrayal, and sex, the central relationships never jibe, and the characters' unmotivated actions will leave readers perplexed. Still, Bryant excels at creating a fine sense of place, suggesting a burgeoning talent in the street lit game.
Customer Reviews
Great
Awesome story. From the beginning you are drawn in. You follow and learn the characters. Surprising twist at the end!!