The Last Good Kiss

Pinnock’s uneven debut centers on a sticky love triangle and the tight circle of friends who get to hear about it. Tamara Jones, a financial manager, is dating gorgeous Tyrone Livingston when she’s drawn into drama via an ex: Quincy “Q” Baker, arrested for attempted murder. Quincy’s mother, Miss Dee, who is Tami’s mother’s best friend, asks for Tami’s help. Tami initially balks but agrees, but doesn’t tell Ty. Seven sistah friends dish with Tami once a month, and peeks at their troubled lives yield some fireworks (i.e., loose glam model Jacklyn falls for a preacher, Shan gets pregnant by her gynecologist without remembering it, etc.). But the conflict around Q, Tami and Ty founders long before the clunker denouement. (Aug.)