Swag Paperback – August 13, 2009

Reading this book and currently residing in Detroit, I thought to myself, it would really be cool to see a reality show play out just the way it did in Jones "Swag." I believe that the main character Noelle represents all women at one or any giving phase of their life who simply do not see their value or worth. Sometimes, it takes a life changing moment or two for a person to finally wake up and see they are amazing just as Noelle did.Not realizing that she deserved the best in life and everygood thing this life has to offer, Noelle, enters a competition on a major reality show. Monroe, the creator of the show was astounded and simply amazed at her audition and as a result, she was selected as a contestant. Despite of Noelle, suffering from low self esteem and the on-going drama brought on by a six year relationship with her boyfriend Jonah, she has the personality and the welcoming spirit of a good hearted woman from the South. There is however another contestant by the name of Taylor who's personality is just the opposite of Noelle's. Cutthroat, and very scandalous, there's nothing this woman will not do to win.Speaking of scandalous, certain characters from Jone's book "Floss", make a grand appearance in this novel as well. Ms Dionysus is back. For those of you who are aware of her, she put the "S" on scandalous and "H" on Hoe back in the day when she was in the process of finding herself. I was proud to read that Di has made some changes for the better in her life. Infact, she becomes the one real true friend that Noelle ends up relying on as she goes on this journey as a singing contestant trying to win more than just a contest. Noelle is also on a conquest to win first place at simply loving herself. I was very happy for Noelle at the end of this story line because she made some decisions based upon what would make her happy and her life one awesome experience.Adra YoungAuthor of: The Everyday Living of Children & Teens Monologues Experience

After just finishing  FLOSS (The Floss Series)  I was very anxious to read Swag to see what happened to the characters, but this book is not a sequel to Floss, so be prepared. This is definitely a stand alone book which stood well on its own. It was great catching up with Dionysus and seeing what a positive turn around her life has made. She really did a complete 180 from the way she behaved in  FLOSS (The Floss Series) . Noelle was such an authentically written character that you couldn't help but relate to her. The maturing she did by the end of the book was really commendable. Jonah, wow didn't really see that ending coming. I enjoyed this book a bit more than  FLOSS (The Floss Series) , probably because the characters had closure. I am still intrigued to know what happened with Jabez and Abel, so I'm hoping Intrigued that is mentioned at the end of this book will be published sometime in the near future.

I just read Swag and I loved it!!! This is such an intriguing, interesting, humorous, dramatic and unpredictable novel. I am impressed with Ms. Jones' style of writing. I truly admired the way she was able to mix so many different aspects of everyday life...the hustlers (both Jonah & Taylor), the undiscovered talent (Noelle), reality television, people (especially men) who don't know how to appreciate what/who they have (Jonah), the people who will do anything to get what they want (both Taylor & Monroe) and the reformed bad girl (Dionysus - originally from Floss...another great book). It was reassuring to see Taylor (whose selfish, manipulative & destructive path caused her own downfall) get what she deserved. I appreciate that Swag did not have the typical, predictable ending with Noelle either accepting Jonah's marriage proposal or her being with Monroe. I respect the author's choice to make it more realistic because Jonah had been too disrespectful and disloyal to be easily forgiven and Monroe (although his intentions were good) can't exactly be trusted either. Instead, Noelle will take some much needed time for herself. This is an excellent look at troubled relationships and a realistic depiction of the entertainment industry and the shady/greedy people who will do anything to get what they want regardless of who gets hurt. I have to add this to my list of favorites.

From following someone on twitter who follows the author and retweets book information I found this serious of books, and I was not disappointed. I feel like I know these charaters and I can see these things actually going on. I really liked Swag! I was rooting for Noele to go head girl and do her own thing! I was inspired by and proud of the transformation the main character completed. This is a good read and will keep you ready to turn pages to see what happens next! I'm even thinking of letting my friend borrow my phone for a few hours to read it off of my kindle!

Amazon showed me Monica Marie Jones, and I thank "them" for that. I was recommended Swag by Amazon, and have no recommended it to friends. The title initially caught my attention and I ended up reading it and the prequel Floss in less than 4 days. Jones has an ability to humanize and create real characters. Her characters have other qualities that make them more well rounded than one would ever expect. The beautiful "barbie on the outside" Di also likes to garden and write, as we found out in Floss... this detail could have been skipped, but made the reader enjoy Di and her struggles to become a better person. With out giving away more, read Swag and Floss... they will make you feel good.