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13 of 15 found the following review helpful:
 A HIP Relationship Book for All - Are you Ready For This? Feb 16, 2007
By Priscilla Branch
"Priscilla"
Sucka Free Love is a very unique peek into the relationship struggles of folks like you and me around the GLOBE. This book is a culmination of almost 20 years of relationship advice counseling, to an audience that doesn't suffer fools or indirect responses. With a solid WHACK, this book comes at you hard & fast. Featured in a slew of media outlets, including nationally syndicated magazines (Black Enterprise & Essence), as well as national talk shows and radio shows Ms. Heartbeat preaches her self-styled methods of self-love and self-empowerment and will whip you into shape with her quick wit and sharp humor. Just imagine a "Dear Prudence" and a "Dear Abby" mixed in with a little Richard Pryor. That's Ms. Heartbeat. And just as quickly as she responds to a letter in the "Street" vernacular, she just as quickly spits out a response that waxes poetic.
This book is not only for those lucky few who haven't gotten caught up (yet) in a relationship that isn't going perfectly; it's also for us embattled "experts" who have been-there-done-that and wear our experiences like badges of honor (or dishonor). Whether you are the dumped or the dumper, the love-torn or the heartbreaker, you will undoubtedly find your experiences within the pages of this book. Wouldn't you like to know that you're not alone? If you're a teenager, wouldn't you like to know the real scoop on the good, the bad and the ugly of all relationships--including those of the adults you most admire? Well, Sucka Free Love does that and more, with a powerful punch. She shoots from the hip, with some of her responses much akin to having a case of Beat-Down falling on your head.
More than likely, you've probably never been given the kind of feedback that Ms. Heartbeat gives. Many advice seekers, who are clearly in agony and want relief, are encouraged to improve in many creative, supportive ways. But there are many letters where a person clearly goes astray and wants to justify burning in hell. Ms. Heartbeat's responses to these letters are not for the feint of heart. You will undoubtedly bowl over with laughter and widen your eyes in disbelief at some of the idiotic situations that folks write about. Especially if you write in looking for sympathy after you've slept with someone else's mate and wondered why they haven't packed their bags to be with you. Yes, yes, Dear Reader, there are folks who have asked how to win someone over after they've slashed their tires, because they can't live without their object of affection. You can be assured that no "innocent" soul is spared from a hilarious but direct response from Ms. Heartbeat.
With catchy titles like I'll Call You! I Love You! Let's Hang Out!; Which Came First, the Chicken Head or the Egg?; Drama Here, Drama There, Stupid Drama Everywhere, the reader will be tempted to read Sucka Free Love in one sitting. Just like a sticky web, you'll be entangled into reading the next question and response, and the next one after that. Some of you may even wonder if that advice seeker was talking about you...
Not including the appendices, Sucka Free Love is a short but sweet 211 pages...just enough to get the point across, but arguably enough to cover just about every romantic stumbling block we may ever face. Including those of us who have suffered from temporary insanity. Letters and responses are written in a way to not be intimidating to anyone, including those of us who are new or experienced to the Love Game. You may find yourself cringing, crying and roaring with laughter at some of the real life situations people have written to Ms. Heartbeat about. Without a doubt, if you pick up a copy of this book, you will find it a truly enjoyable read. Here's to Love & Happiness!
5 of 5 found the following review helpful:
 Smart Advice and a Hilarious Read Jul 01, 2009
By Diana Landen
"Bookaholic"
Sucka Free Love is a hilarious book full of smart advice. My husband picked it up and couldn't stop reading and laughing - and he never reads self-help books.
If you only read one book of dating advice this year, make it Sucka Free Love. Even if you don't normally read books about dating, read this one just for fun.
One of my favorite quotes from page 78:
"Your boyfriend's version of events would lead one to believe he was just walking down the street, casually minding his own business when he tripped and fell, and suddenly found himself screwing that girl. 'What? What's going on here? Hey, who are you!? Security! This is a drive-by screwing! Stop that, my girlfriend is gonna be mad at you!'"
7 of 8 found the following review helpful:
Relationships Guru Wins 'Top Black Books 2007 Award' for Dating Guide Jan 25, 2008
By D. Cooper
Advice columnist and dating expert Deborrah Cooper was recently selected for the "The Best Black Books of 2007" award by syndicated critic Kam Williams. Her book "Sucka Free Love: How to Avoid Dating The Dumb, The Deceitful, The Dastardly, The Dysfunctional & The Deranged!" has received rave reviews from consumers and critics alike. Ms. Cooper was one of 23 authors recognized, which included Bill Cosby, Dr. Alvin F. Poussaint, and Sonsyrea Tate.
Surprisingly, the decision to write Sucka Free Love! was made on the spur of the moment. "I woke up one morning feeling especially motivated and decided this was the day to stop talking and get busy DOING!"
For months she devoted 6-10 hours per day to writing. "I didn't leave my computer much. Socializing was cut to a bare minimum. I ate, I wrote, I slept. I was absolutely determined! Or maybe crazy is a better word!" she laughs.
The effort required to organize material for and write a book was somewhat of a shock. "We've all said 'oh, I have a lot of important things to tell the world... I should write a book!' Well, let me tell you, writing a book is more than a notion. I write articles for my site frequently. But writing this book... there was absolutely no comparison."
Self-publishing was the chosen option as major book publishers often use contracts which give them rights to change covers, titles and content at will.
"Once I found that out, I decided to publish the book myself. I didn't want anyone to change the book or chapter titles, or any of the content. Spiritually, I felt it important to put the book on the market exactly as envisioned. So that's what I did."
Creative tactics were employed to raise funds for printing and marketing. One popular strategy: home made sweet-potato pies. "I made so many pies... it was just ridiculous!" Cooper says with amusement. "My house smelled like a bakery for months and I gained at least 5 lbs! But it was wonderful to have so many people around who supported this venture and did everything they could to ensure my success."
Sucka Free Love! advises readers on complex dating situations such as friends with benefits, interracial relationships, dating people with addictions or other baggage, and the importance of establishing and maintaining boundaries. "These are the issues singles are, unfortunately, dealing with every day" explains Deborrah.
"Messages are delivered in a way readers can relate to. Sometimes my advice has a humorous twist, sometimes its detailed instructions for change. And sometimes I bluntly tell them they are not making intelligent decisions! But I always tell the truth as I see it, and do my best to provide down-to-earth advice that will help them. The formula seems to be working, because here I am!"
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3 of 3 found the following review helpful:
One, Two Punch! Oct 16, 2008
By CHayes
"Cheryl"
Sucka Free Love by Deborrah Cooper is a hilarious, Q&A guide to helping people deal with deadbeat relationships, denial issues, as well as sex and commitment woes. This Q & A will have your rolling on the floor from laughing at the outrageous questions as well as the abrupt responses. This book is filled with questions from people all over the world who are looking for answers to questions that many of us want to ask but are too embarrassed to say out loud. Ms. Cooper included comments from all ages, races and sexuality. If you have questions, look out because Ms. Heartbeat has an answer.
I could not put this book down; it was like reading my favorite advice column and not having to wait until tomorrow's newspaper to come out. Packed with good information, questions that never really crossed my mind but once reading about it I looked forward to hearing her answer. I recommend this book to readers of all genres who are looking for answers to THE question but are too afraid to ask. If you have thought about it, I am sure Ms. Heartbeat covers it in this book. I look forward to what Ms. Cooper has in store for her readers next.
Reviewed by: Cheryl H
APOOO BookClub
2 of 2 found the following review helpful:
All young girls should be required to read this before age 13. Nov 19, 2009
By Pat
The things we don't know can hurt us. It's a good book, since nowadays more men have become expert liars (aka suckas.) If women realized how many men out there (just boys actually) are nothing but characterless low lifes, (they have no character so they rely on their lies to get what they want) there would be more single women. Actually, if more women/girls really understood them, could spot them, and if she could do what she should do (tell them to "TAKE A HIKE" and mean it) then more men would be forced to grow up and learn what it really means to be a man, the way God intended it, and for us to be happy. It's a good advice book, from a good honest woman. She sounds angry at times, and I don't blame her. I am too, at easy-sleazy men and women of the world. Too many of you, easy sleazys, ruining your own lives. But oh well, as the saying goes, you can't fix stupid.
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