Happy Holidays, everyone!! We are back this week with BOOK 9 of our Holiday Reading Challenge, Millionaire Wives Club by Tu-Shonda L. Whitaker.
So, let’s get things started! Feel free to ask any questions and/or share any comments regarding the book and we’ll also discuss some of our favorite reality shows. 
MILLIONAIRE WIVES CLUB by Tu-Shonda Whitaker
One World Ballantine, November 2009
320 Pages, Paperback, $15.00
ISBN-10: 0345486676
ISBN-13: 978-0345486677
BOOK SYNOPSIS
In Tu-Shonda L. Whitaker’s steamiest novel yet, we meet the four deliciously dramatic, designer-clad divas from prime time’s new hit reality show, The Millionaire Wives Club.
Evan: Married to a pro-football star who isn’t in love with her anymore, Evan is digging her freshly manicured nails in ever deeper as she fights to keep the husband who loves someone else.
Milan: Half Dominican, half black, and beautifully exotic-looking, Milan is watching her has-been husband’s fortune fade fast–while her romantic attachment to Evan’s husband is heating up.
Jaise: Divorced from a former boxing star who’s now married to a white woman, Jaise is trying to raise her sixteen-year-old son on her own. Will her huge alimony checks keep her from falling in love?
Chaunci: Editor of the hottest black women’s magazine, Chaunci is now engaged to the high-powered man who helped finance her magazine when she was just a struggling single mom. But when a onetime passionate flame reignites, Chaunci may not be able to resist its charms.
When these starlets’ private lives run as wild as their emotions, their relationships with one another inevitably turn into high-profile catfights. Through it all, the cameras never stop rolling on TV’s guiltiest pleasure, where power–and diamonds–are always a girl’s best friend.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Tu-Shonda L. Whitaker is the Essence bestselling author of The Ex-Factor, Flip Side of the Game and Game Over. She received the Ella Baker and W.E.B. Dubois’ International Award for fiction writing.
She lives in New Jersey with her husband and two daughters.
Visit her website at www.tushonda.com.
Tu-Shonda, thanks so much for joining us today! I hope you enjoyed your time off during Christmas and are ready to get your chat on. Please start off by telling us a bit about yourself and how you came up with Millionaire Wives Club, because some of us feel it’s your version of The Real Housewives on Bravo…lol.
Everyone else…welcome!! We’ll be in throughout the day, so feel free to leave your questions and comments.
-Tee
I’m currently working on my next Risque novel, Smooth Operator. In addition I write erotic fiction under Risque and teen fiction under the name Ni-Ni Simone.
Why I wanted to write Millionaires….well, I was so in love with the Real housewives series on Bravo that i wanted to write my own version….so…I came up with Millionaire Wives Club. LOL. So yes it is my version of my own reality tv.
Well you definitely brought the drama….LOL!!
I watched for the first time this last season the Atlanta housewives and I also watch the New Jersey housewives.
I couldn’t stand NJ housewives, Caroline was a bully! Ugg.
LOL
Okay, I’ll admit I’ve watched them all, which trips me out, because I’m not a reality show type of person. NJ is my least favorite, too. It does annoy me though as I really don’t think there are any “real” housewives on any of the shows. Housewives to them seems to mean spending lavish amounts of money, but for the housewives I actually know, it’s more about taking care of home; especially the kids. Those shows have hardly any interaction between the mother & kids, unless it’s shopping or thousands spent on a birthday party. So annoying!
Ummm…done. ROFL.
-Tee
I have watched several of the NY housewives and several Atl housewives, havent seen the others~ I am with Tee, not sure if housewives is a good description and much of what goes on is so over the top, find myself wondering who actually acts like that~ but is good for comic relief~
I agree with both of you. I don’t know any housewives who act the way some of them do.
I used to watch the housewives of Atlanta, then stopped during the second season.
LOL!!! So, how do you juggle the three genres and keep one story from overlapping into the other?
And the characters of MWC…ummm, if you could be one of them, which one would you be and why?
-Tee
Ummm…if I could be one, it would be….Milan–’cause God knows I imagined Kendu to be so fine it tain’t make no damyum sense. Geezus!
Oh and let’s see how do I juggled the three genres. well, I start by getting the two year old man who lives here, off to school on time. Then, I am striving to have good time management–doesn’t always work–but still. I try. Also, I write at 5 a.m. and when my children go to bed at night,
I watched the Real Housewives of Atlanta and the whole time I was reading the book I was trying put a Millionaire character with a Housewives character.
Millionaire characters were funny as heck. By the time I was finished with the book I was walking around the house saying “I speak da truef baby.”
LaDena….LOL I was trying to put a character with the RHoA too and the only one remotely close in one aspect is Jaise/Lisa. Jaise like to start stuff between Evan and Milan then act like she didn’t start the whole mess.
That’s the way Lisa acts on the show…..wishy washy….can’t be trusted
Sharon,
I was putting Jaise with Sheree. Sheree always acting like she all together when her stuff is really falling apart money wise.
LaDena,
Yep…that’s a good one
LOL. When I finished writing the book I kept saying, “Da Truef shall set you free!”
Da Truef was hillarious!!! Especially at the end when it was announced he was getting his own show…LOL!!!
Yep…when did he become a wrestler…LOL
I agree I felt sorry for Evan, too. The girl needed some serious help.
It’s interesting that you felt sorry for Evan, is that because of her childhood or her husband?
““I speak da truef baby.—
LaDena, I know. I was cracking up whenever he said that.
Tu-Shonda, while I haven’t gotten to Millionaire Wives Club yet, I have read “The Sweetest Taboo”, Risque. I absolutely loved that book and am delighted to here you have another book coming out under that pen name. One of my most favorite scandulous scenes in “The Sweetest Taboo” is when Yuri is nearly caught cheating on her husband by her husband in their home! I was quite satisfied with the ending. This book has remained on my book shelf for quite along time because it is a favorite.
Gabby aka TygerLily
Thanks, Gabrielle! Yes, I’m working on another right now and this scene I just finished writing–honey, honey, honey–LOL.
Ooooo…I’ll be waiting for the release….
Gabby aka TygerLily
Oh Oh….sounds like it’s gonna be juicy…LOL
I’m also on every Wednesday @ 7 p.m. on 3 Chicks on lit–www.blogtalkradio.com/chicksonlit. be sure to join us, because we have a ball!
I loved Millionaire Wives Club, it had me laughing from start to finish, it was just what I needed at the time. I found the Evan character to be extremely sad…I really enjoyed the Jaise component of the story, the truth in how in denial parents can be about their children and how often kids are craving discipline. The Bilal character only enhanced that. And ‘Da Truef’ was pure comic relief, reminded me of a few ‘former ballers’ I know~
Yes…about Evan…I didn’t see that coming about her poisioning Aiyanna.
I didn’t know she was poisoning her but I felt something “fishy” going on.
I felt the same thing. I didn’t think she was poisoning her own child, I was shocked when I found she was. I also wondered if she was really Kendu’s child.
I neve had an inkling that she wasn’t Kendu’s child.
Gurl, Da Truef reminded me of a man who attends the same church as I do. He use to be famous but is not any more. And when he sings er” damn song sounds like Blue Magic. lawd. Can you imagine him singing I come this far by Faith. A sight, pure sight.
My hometown spawned a number of pro athletes, a few of whom didnt make it and are as delusional and funny as ‘Da Truef” ~ truth is stranger than fiction, erry time
Evan was sick in the head to do that to her own child–all at the expense of trying to hold on to her man.
I hope I’m in the right spot!
Yep, you’re here! Come on in and get comfy.
Good morning Tu-Shonda and thank you for joining us!!!
My favorite character was Chaunci. She was hilarious and a straight shooter. “Da Truef” cracked me up talking in 3rd person and Bridget got on my nerves….she didn’t care how she got the story…ratings only mattered to her.
LOL, yes Chaunci was a straigh shooter from the hip, but she had her drama. Da Truef (name courtesy of my friend, Nakea Murray) was a hot azz mess. he cracked me up when i was writing him.
And Bridget rocked er’ ones nerves, but I can only imagine that these producers have to be over the top to work in such high drama.
ROFL!! I absolutely love humor in a book and I’ll admit, I like when folks talk in 3rd person; especially when they’re serious as all get out and Da Truef had it down!!
Okay, some questions:
- Who was your favorite character and why?
- If you could be one of the characters, which one would you choose? Why?
- Which character did you just not like and want to put a beat down on?
- What was your favorite thing about the book? What didn’t work for you?
More later…
My favorite character was Jaise’s son, I could feel that he was a good kid, who simply needed direction. It was clear he was craving attention and discipline
Can’t imagine being anyone else ~ hee hee
I didnt necessarily dislike him, but Chaunci’s fiance worked my nerves, so judgemental and stiff, I know a few of those also~
My favorite was the overall humor, I love laughing out loud when reading~
- Who was your favorite character and why?
My favorite character was Chaunci. Chaunci gave it to you straight. She had her issues with Edmond but thought it through enough to not take it further.
- If you could be one of the characters, which one would you choose? Why?
Again it would be Chaunci. I have my own. Yes, I used a man to start me up but dang it he used me too so I got something out of the deal.
- Which character did you just not like and want to put a beat down on?
Bridget (that’s her name). I wanted to wring her neck. She saw the violence and wanted to keep right on shooting for ratings sake.
- What was your favorite thing about the book? What didn’t work for you?
The humor of it all was my favorite.
First off..thanks for joining us today.
Who was your favorite character and why? Evan..I felt sorry for her
- If you could be one of the characters, which one would you choose? Why? NONE
- Which character did you just not like and want to put a beat down on? Most all..
- What was your favorite thing about the book? Funny..What didn’t work for you? Female characters names because they were so masculine ..to me
I tend to lean toward masculine names–not Harry or Peter–but names that I could envision a woman having. Plus. a lot of the female names we have/like today, such as Ashley, Sidney, Taylor, Jordan, ect started out as men names.
- Who was your favorite character and why? My favorite character was Chaunci because of her humor and she told it like it was.
- If you could be one of the characters, which one would you choose? Why? I think I could be Chaunci but w/o all her drama
- Which character did you just not like and want to put a beat down on? Evan b/c she was poisioning her daughter
- What was your favorite thing about the book? What didn’t work for you? My fav part of the book was Bilal becoming a father figure for Jabril.
Oh my goodness, Lollipop was a translation to be~~ too funny~ also reminded me of someone from back in the day
I think we all knew/know a Lollipop….ROFL!!!!
Tu-Shonda….where did you find Al-Taniesha and Lollipop….LOL
LOL, I had to have a couple that was the exact opposite of what Jaise envisioned herself as being, so when they came to Jaise’s door, all hell would break loose. LOL.
I wondered how I would have handled Al-Taniesha and Lollipop if they would have come to my door? Probably by knocking the hell out of my son LOL!!!!
If Al-taniesha had come to my door I would’ve finished the fight Jaise took her earrings off for. Heck with bilal holding me back. Would have whupped er’body’s azz! LOL
I imagine Al-Taniesha to be a loud mouth, red rabbit coat wearing, tacky azz, stuff startin’ housewife!
Yes those two characters were comic relief too.
Thanks for joining us. You said you got the inspiration for MWC from TV where do you get the inspiration for your teen series? Is that real life too?
All of my novels are fiction, but I guess the inspiration does come from real life. I work with a lot of kids and their issues so I usually take a real life subject I want to tackle and work it into teen fiction with a lot of humor, spoken in their language and something they can relate to and get a message from.
Thank you for joining us Tu-Shonda. I really enjoyed MWC!! It was a book that brought me some relief to be reading because of the humor. I laughed throughout the entire book but I also wanted to whoop up on the producer (her name slips my mind right now). The producer showed how insensitive folks can be when it comes to getting money.
I received Millonaire Wives for Christmas and have not started to read so I am not gonna come back until later…I want to read it and I am afraid I will get to much info here…lol, but welcome Tu Shonda I love your young adult books and purchased for my grand daughters…..See everyone later…..just wanted to stop by on chat…….
Shhhhh…me too, so I’ll be around to discuss with you. I’m trying to finish now, but these kids are driving me bonkers, all up in my office chit-chatting and being loud. SMH.
Leave those angels alone….LOL
See, that’s why my two year old Spiderman had to go. I let him eat his breakfast, demand his juice, but after that he had to go, will see him in a few hours. Heck, I have to write my erotic novel and there is no way in heck I can write anything erotic with him lurking around playing King of the house!
See! I knew someone could relate vs calling them angels. ROFL! I should’ve asked Santa for part-time daycare for the little one and a babysitter for both of them.
-Tee
Can you imagine Al-Taneisha being the newest housewife? I know I can’t….LOL
Will there be a sequel to MWC?
Maybe…
I hope there’s a sequel. Can a sista get a sneak peek if it is
Would Jaise really had married Bilal if he was broke? Would love won over her need for money?
I think she would have married him.
I like thinking that Jaise would have married Bilal even on his cop’s salary~ hopefully everyone gets to a point where money isnt the end all and be all~ I also understood Bilal’s hiding his resources, many paid brothers have articulated to me that they want to be wanted for themselves~
I think love would have won, and she would have married him.
I think she would have married him because she cared for him.
and Jabril’s dad…WOW…I would have had to do a couple of drive-bys on him and his wife.
He was stupid! i couldn’t stand him and I wrote him!
Do you think MIlan could have tried harder to stay away from Kendu? And do you think Kendu truly wanted to leave Evan and be with MIlan?
I absolutely think that Mllan should have stayed away from Kendu. And I felt that Kendu was like many married men who want to have their and eat it too~ they were both just messy~
I agree with you Angelia, Milan should have stayed away. She knew he was married, even if his marriage was on the rocks. Kendu was wrong too, if he didn’t want to stay with Evan he should have left, instead of having an affair with Milan. Like you said he wanted his cake and eat it too.
@Jaime I see that all the time, women willing to settle for that little bit they can get and many brothers knowing they can have both~ or in some cases many, settling for a piece of something already divided~
That’s ridiculous!!! I for one know I don’t knowingly want another woman’s husband. I can be selfish sometimes, and being in a relationship is one of those times!
It sound ridiculous but it is a truth, that is why the writers among us can find so many stories to write about it~
You have a point there…
tis true , ladies, tis true. Writing one right now.
Like angelia said, it is ridiculous, but this is reality. I know women right now that sleep with other women’s husbands for the heck of it.
Gabby aka TygerLily
Or they sleep with him because they want to with no regard for his marriage—but then again he really should have the regard.
You’re right…he’s the one in the committed relationship so he should know better.
You are so right he should have the regard, folks do to us what we let them do and what they want to do and the spouse is the one cheating, not the one they are cheating with. People tend to forget that. That is why I never understood the woman fighting the woman~
Karma is going to hit them with a vengenace…not just the women but the husbands too.
In one specific situation, apparently, the two women know about each other. I don’t know…maybe the husband is a billionaire or something…but no amount of money would keep me in a situation like that. But then again, I don’t have a billionaire hubby and I’m not in a situation like that, so…
And who knows what really goes on in a cheater’s head.
That sounds like a Kim and “Big Poppa” scenario
lol @ Sharon. It does, doesn’t it?
Kendu was an enabler–if he wouldn’t have been playing mind games with Evan, I don’t think she would have done half the things she did. Although Evan’s personality made you not like her as a person, I did feel sorry for her.
Was Chaunci wrong for keeping Kobi from her father, Idris? Did you suspect they were going to get together in the end?
Should the producer, Bridget and the camera man Carl told Kendu about Evan’s behavior the day she shoved the oatmeal in Aiyanaa’s mouth and threatened her not to tell?
I always think its wrong to keep kids from parents unless they are abusing them in some way~ not fair to the child~ Yeah I suspected they might get together~
Oh, they definitely should have said something~
I don’t think you should keep a child from a parent unless there is danger in the picture. Yes, I suspected they would get back together.
That is why I hated Bridget!
My favorite character in this book was Chaunci because she kept it real to everybody else but herself and her daugther Kobi who remind of Kandi off the Real Housewives of ATL. The characters I want to beat down was Evan and Milan because Evan for poisoning her daugther Ayianna and lying about the father of the child. Milan for being stupid twice for men who did not get a damn about her to a degree especially the Trusef . My favorite part in the book was when Bilal took Jas to his house in Massachusetts and ask her to marry him and that he was wealthy especially like the fact that he was a good model and father figure to Jabil.
Tu, you know I loved the book. After reading I love the way you were able to craft our funny antics in. You have such a gift of creating memorable characters that folks don’t want to let go of or forget.I’m telling the whole Truef and nothing but the Truef lmao
Awwl, Nakea, that sooo sweet. I still tell people about the day Da truef was born. Okay, everyone this is the story. Da Truef was always named Yusef and a washed up basketball player, but I was talking about him to Nakea one day and she was like, “You have to give him a nick name. They all have them.” Hell, I didn’t know what to call him so I said, “Okay…and…” Nakea says, “Da Truef and spell it just like I said it Da Truef.”
Immediately I screamed in laughter and all day we kept saying, “Da Truef, Da Truef, is on fire, and Da Truef shall sat you free!” I’m sure there are other things that I got from Nakea–the one liner queen–but Da Truef hands down is Ms. Murray’s boy. Ha-ha-ha. Loved it!
Creative thinking!
Keep posting your questions because this is so much fun, I will keep checking in, going to finish up a Risque scene that involves glow in the dark paint–LOL.
Sounds interesting!
Do you feel Milan got what she deserved for falling in love with “Da Truef” ‘s money instead of him?
“Do you feel Milan got what she deserved for falling in love with “Da Truef†’s money instead of him?”
Yes. She knew she didn’t love him so she shouldn’t have married him. She was in love with the lifestyle he could offer her.
Hi, Tu-Shonda
I’m a fan of all of your books because you bring the drama, comedy and the erotica! You’re definitely a talented author but I think you’d make one hell of a comedienne you keep me in tears and that’s Da Truef!!! From Aunt Cookie, Cousin Shake and my all time favorite Mr. Marcus I’m always LOl while reading your books.
Not to mention the fact that you write about the most drop dead sexy make you wanna jump in the book and attack them male characters starting with Dr. Taj all the way up to Nasty Naz and Good Lawd Blessing Shields!!!!
But moving the discussion to MWC Bridget definitely deserved the beat down. I wasn’t a fan of Milan either but I loved Chaunci because she didn’t bite her tongue! As the mother of a 16 year old son I have to say you kept it 100% with Jabil and I would of made that fast a$$ girl climb through that window too.
Keep up the good work!!!!
Thanks so much, Hot aka Delonya. I really appreciate your support. Not sure about being a comedian I would get stage fright I’m sure. Lol.
Thank you Raw Sistaz for having me and for your support! I really enjoyed the chat and would love to come back. Thanks also to everyone who participated in the chat and for your support. You can always reach me on facebook, myspace, email-tushonda111@aol.com, or on Wednesday nights @ 7pm on 3 chicks on lit wwwmblogtalkradio.com/chicksonlit.
Blessings everyone!
Tu-Shonda
Thank you for joining us Tu-Shonda and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tu-Shonda, thank YOU for joining us and sharing your enthusiasm for the book. We look forward to hearing more about your upcoming releases and chatting with you again.
-Tee
TuShonda, as you know by now I really enjoyed the book. (Sorry I’m late to chat though). If the show came on TV, I would be watching it. I’ll read through the threads to see if any of my questions have already been asked & answered.
I know I’m all late, but I wanted to tell you I THOROUGHLY enjoyed the book. Da Truef had me cracking up and feeling guilty about it, but still cracking up.