Byron Harmon Mistakes Men Make

Mistakes Men Make

Byron Harmon

Pocket, Jul 2005, $13.00, 304 pp.

ISBN: 074348309X

In the eight months that former NFL star cornerback Eric Swift has been a top sports anchor at ABC in New York he has made it with almost a dozen women. As he did when he was at the pinnacle of his football career, Eric works hard at his broadcasting job, but player even harder on the nightlife prowl. However, his co-anchor, Eden Alexander, sacks his advances to go out with him.

Eden's resistance ends and she accepts a date with Eric, but she selects the locale. She takes him to the Black Baptist Church Convention where former rapper-turned preacher Reverend Francois provides uplifting services that Eric ignores as heaven to him is having Eden in his bed. He feigns interest in the Reverend's message to entice Eden, but also cheats on the side.

Eric soon feels like Job with no one seemingly to turn to unless he heeds the Reverend's message. His best friend from his DC days LeBaron and his wife face medical complications while she is pregnant; his father is seriously ailing; finally he lost his chance at love with Eden.

Though the relapse back into hedonistic player seems odd for reformed dissolute womanizing champion Eric (see ALL THE WOMEN I LOVED for why), readers will appreciate this fine uplifting novel. Eric is a terrific protagonist who wants his cake and eat it to and seems to have succeeded until his just desserts come home to haunt him as he worries about the Browns, his parents, and his sacked opportunity for something heavenly inspirational with Eden. Byron Harmon, one of the best authors at providing heartening enriching novels starring immoral males finding the way, provides a well written inspiring tale.

Harriet Klausner