Soul Mates Dissipate.

Soul Mates Dissipate by Mary B. Morrison Kensington/Dafina Books, June 2001 $23.00, ISBN 1-575-66913-7

This steamy debut novel tackles the uncertain terrain of what can happen when love goes awry. With page-turning scenes that keep the reader on edge, there is no doubt why this formerly self-published book was snatched up by Kensington Publishing Company within six months of its release. The novel centers around Jada Diamond Tanner, a single, seemingly self-assured, vivacious vixen who is approaching her 30th birthday. She and Wellington Jones, a successful investment banker, meet at a concert at which he showers her with flowers. On the surface, the two mesh in a paradise-like fairytale. Jada Diamond Tanner is an empathetic character. From the beginning, readers await the "happily-ever-after" that concludes such classic tales. However, in a twist on the girl-meets-boy, girl-gets-boy plot, a Jones family friend decides that Wellington is just the man she's always wanted.

Enter Melanie Marie Thompson, who joins forces with Cynthia Jones, Wellington's status and color-conscious mother, to lure him away from Jada. Morrison weaves a wonderful web of a story, complete with steaming sensuality and thought-provoking poetry. The plot tumbles and somersaults so much that readers will wonder if anyone will be left standing.

Nicole Bailey-Williams is the host of The Literary Review (WDAS-AM) and author of A Little Piece of Sky (Sugarene's Press).