Young, gifted, and black. Oh, and let’s not forget, lesbian. These adjectives describe main character Cleopatra (Cleo) Giovanni to a “T.†Tasha Miller sets the bar pretty high in her first novel about a provocative Cleo who, by all accounts, is a chick magnet to the umpteenth power who is always on the prowl for her next short-term prey. However, underneath all the bravado, what she truly seeks is “the one†that will capture not only her wandering eye but also her heart…the one who will make her believe fairy tales really can last forever.
Miller also introduces us to closeted lesbian Jacqueline Tripp, a curvaceous, caramel-coated beauty, who happens to already have the scoop on Cleo. She takes her on a ride that is every bit as electrifying as it is sobering, smothered in the realities of life itself that snip off her wings while in mid-flight during their tumultuous relationship.“I can lead you into a love like you’ve never seen. Again, this is not a poem. I just want you to know that I see you.â€
Destroyed by the inconceivable betrayal of Jacqueline and haunted by dark, brooding characters from her past, Cleo reverts back to old habits, along with gal pal Shawn. They immerse themselves in the pleasures of free-flow loving with nameless, faceless females, but Cleo has a deep yearning that cannot be denied. “…she will shut down and stop feeling altogether and eventually, replace you with the bodies of numerous other women.â€
Ultimately, Jacqueline won’t let her go; she wants her more now than ever. But how far is she willing to push the envelope in order to woo her back into her arms? Time heals all wounds and the budding love affair that Cleo yearned for all her life soon comes beckoning at her door again and she accepts her future wifey back into her loving embrace.
She Wants Her makes an excellent addition to any LGBT collection and is suitable for all types of libraries.
Reviewer: Michelle D. Dartis, MLS
Indiana University Alumni
