Review: GJS II by Shawn Stewart Ruff

It isn't often that I read a book and discover so quickly that it isn't going to be a book I'm entertained by. Based on the description, which follows, I thought it would be different than what was delivered. That isn't necessarily the fault of the author as much as it is in my expectations based on reading the book's synopsis.

The book is described as:

Self-made Griffin Jewells Saunders II is a man of means: covetable connections, immense wealth, a glamorous TV-celebrity and fashion icon wife and five telegenic children. The sterling qualities that have made this handsome black embodiment of the American dream a Cincinnati mayoral prospect prove his undoing. A lucrative business alliance with his Clinton cabinet-appointed half-brother ensnares the partnership in the Republican attack machine. As the Monica Lewinsky scandal engulfs the White House, the brothers turn on each other, convinced an FBI sting is afoot. Distrust balloons and bursts...and the fallout sweeps Griffin's family into the maelstrom in this thrilling page-turner of political intrigue, fashion misdemeanors and murder.

I wanted to like GJS II, but ultimately it came across as an Empire wannabe with political connections and a love for fashion at its center instead of the music industry. What makes it worse is that on Empire, at least, the Lyons family may be fighting with each other but at the end of the day they also take up for each other. I didn't get that feeling with GJS II at all. Of course, that may have been Ruff's intent all along. If so, that makes it all the sadder.

Rating: 2 Stars

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Quote Editions, Inc. (through NetGalley) in exchange for my honest review.