Synopses & Reviews
For years Samai Collins has been a faithful Christian, devoted wife and loving mother. But suddenly she finds herself in the middle of a nasty divorce from her minister husband and struggling to find a job, with almost no work skills, in order to support her three children. As Samai tries to get back on her feet, loneliness and the deep longing for a man's touch cause her to stumble in her spiritual beliefs.
Then an old high school crush reappears and Samai's life takes a wild new turn. She is seduced completely by Zane Blackmon's passion and zest for life and soon finds herself being led down a dark path that she never knew existed. An underworld of drugs threatens her life and the lives of her three children. But is love...and just a little bit of faith enough to save them all?
Review
"Mari Walker's fresh new voice brings an era to life with a style as enthralling as it is entertaining."—Solomon Jones, Essence bestselling author of C.R.E.A.M.
“Never As Good As The First Time is a fascinating novel...Readers will no doubt have a hard time putting this intriguing book down.” -Books2Mention Magazine
About the Author
Mari Walker spends her spare time freelance writing, editing, and advising aspiring writers on creative writing techniques. Mari resides in Ohio where she is currently working on her next novel.
Reading Group Guide
1. Zane and Samai are total opposites when they reunite at Samais job. Samai is quiet and reserved and Zane is outspoken, rough around the edges, and at times downright vulgar. Why do you think the attraction between the two of them was so immediate and intense?2. When Samai went to Zanes house party, why wasnt she turned off when Zane informed her that some of his guests would be doing drugs? What kept Samai at the party after she saw a different side of Zane?3. The sex between Zane and Samai was explosive and mind blowing. If someone could satisfy you that way, would you lose yourself in him? Why or why not?4. Once Samai realized that she was addicted to crack, why wasnt the love for her children enough to make her seek help right away?5. Why do you think Samais daughter Jadyn was so anxious to move in with her aunt? How did Samais addiction affect her and her ability to care for her children.6. What kind of man did Zane reveal himself to be? What do you think made him behave the way he did?7. Do you think that Zane ever loved Samai? Did Samai love Zane?8. Do you think that turning to God is the only way to truly cure addiction?9. Why did Quin react the way he did when he found out that Zane had stolen from him? Why was Quin also angry with Samai and Gloria Winston?10. When Samai risked her life to save her daughter, do you feel she was redeemed from her past mistakes? 11. Which characters, if any, would you like to read about in another story? Why or why not?