Book Review: The Rolexxx Club by Meta Smith

By Sandy Amazeen Jul 17, 2006, 1:55 GMT

After trying to make a name for herself as a singer and model, Dez catches the eye of a hot hip-hop star and producer who might just make her a star. Someone from her past doesn\'t want her to succeed, and unless she learns who her enemies are, her life and dreams could burn out faster than a shooting star. ...more

Desiree has few qualms when it comes to making her dreams come true and if that means shaking her booty, dancing at Miami strip clubs then so be it. Ginger, a veteran of the dance and trick trade decides to take Desiree under her wing and teaches her all the ins and outs of the business. Money rolls in but for Desiree, it is nowhere near enough, her goal is to make a name for herself in the music business and she will stop at nothing to achieve that goal. Naturally, a certain amount of envy and enemies are created along the way but Desiree doesn’t allow conscience much of a voice.

When Ginger finds God after an overdose, Desiree goes off in her own direction, which includes turning big buck tricks, dancing and modeling. Eventually a chance encounter at a party connects her to rapper Bentley and Sparks, his brother. At long last, her dreams of true stardom begin to unfold and love seems to be developing between her and Bentley. When Bentley is provided a porn tape starring Desiree, he ends their personal relationship yet even being dumped is not enough for her enemies. A botched attempt on her life brings several issues to light, not the least of which is the knowledge that at long last, she has finally made it.

Savvy, snappy and reasonably streetwise, the dialog is full of hip slang that may take some getting used to but keeps the storytelling lively. Frequently dark in tone, this offers a different look at high dollar skin trade and the broken women who make the most of their situation. An interesting, reasonably fast-paced read with no shortage of grit, grudges and dirty dealings that still manages to end on a hopeful note.