Omar Tyree Simon & Schuster 418 pages General fiction $21.95 MORE STORIES By Christine Jacques, S... Sexy tale leaves only subs

July 21, 2006 Terrance Mitchell is a rarity: a successful male model. Rarer still, a successful black male model. And perhaps even more rare, a successful black, heterosexual, male model. "I guess you could call me the token sex god," he opines.

In other words, Omar Tyree is at it again, offering up another book of sex and sizzle with his newest title, What They Want. But while there's plenty of each in this novel, Tyree's story ultimately falls short in its search for true understanding between this black man and the many women who love him.

In What They Want, Terrance is a charming man. He dutifully returns his mother's calls; he's concerned about his airhead sister; he graciously gives people his autograph; and he gets his dates to the VIP lounge in dance clubs. Terrance is also brutally honest with all the women in his life: no exclusive contracts. If his primary woman, Andrea, wants commitment, then it's her problem.

No surprise, Andrea leaves, and Terrance doesn't think about her much for some time. Fast-forward three years, when an acquaintance opens up the can of worms. "Man, Andrea lost her career, then she lost her child, and now she's divorcing," says the friend.

While Terrance thought he was over this girl, readers will see the writing on the wall: boy meets girl, boy loses girl, boy regrets losing girl and works his tail off to get her back. But Tyree takes his time getting to the end. What They Want spans two to three months of wild nights, juggling cell-phone calls and reflections on What It's All About before Terrance makes a move.

Throughout the story, Tyree explores the sexuality of race relations, brought up by Victoria, a white woman who picks up Terrance in an airport.

Tyree lets Terrance communicate the impression that black men and white women dream of long nights of passion in one another's arms. But in the long run, Terrance comes to believe that white women just aren't challenging enough for black men.

"It seemed like once you went over there, you were a living zombie, with plenty of dessert, but no spice," he muses. Had Victoria smacked Terrance when he answered his cell phone during foreplay, he might think differently.

Tyree keeps the story moving and has a clear eye on Terrance the man. But his picture of Terrance the model is clouded. Terrance's physique seems to be the result of sheer magic: He never goes to the gym, doesn't watch his weight, has no skin-care routine and routinely stays out til all hours. At age 30, lack of maintenance would show in his face and body, and would affect his ability to get jobs. (Remember Kate Moss?) Modeling is work.

Relationships seem to happen by magic as well. Tyree makes it look too easy for Terrance. And the surprise ending strains credibility. Let's just say that Terrance's mother is pleased.

Still, one can hope for more next time, as Terrance is a relatively young man. What They Want could lead to another Terrance novel in which a successful black male model carries on a partnership of equals with a successful black woman who doesn't agree that Terrance makes all the rules. Maybe Tyree will let this woman say what she finds appealing about Terrance, besides his six-pack abs.

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