Single with Benefits Relentless Aaron. St. Martin’s Griffin, $14.95 paper (288p) ISBN 978-0-312-35937-9
Nineteen-year-old j-school student Shawn Hopkins learns some hard lessons after his “ride or die chick” rips him off in this raw cautionary tale from street-lit phenom Aaron. Shawn’s happy with Venus Hamilton, who keeps one hand in his wallet and the other in his pants, until her best friend, Allison, gets dumped by her man on New Year’s Eve. Shawn wants to keep his distance, but soon, Allison’s living in their crib while Shawn brings in mo’ money (for Venus to spend) from a real estate gig. He impresses his boss and soon is in on a massive deal, but before you can say “bling,” Venus takes off with all his money and possessions, leaving Shawn to discover the joys and hazards of being “single with benefits.” In true Aaron style, the plot flies, the narration is unflinching and there are some hilarious scenes. Aaron doesn’t bring anything new to his game with this one, but he plays it like a pro. (Nov.)
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