Tag Archive | african american romance

Breaking Bailey’s Rules #bailey #netgalley @AuthorBJackson

I received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Breaking Bailey’s Rules (The Westmorelands)

Synopsis

Bailey is the baby of the Denver Westmorelands. They are a close-knit family who discovered that they could be related to a family in Alaska.

Walker comes to visit the Denver Westmorelands as a favor to his best friend (the family that might be related to them). Bailey is sent to the airport to pick him up from the airport.

There are rules that Bailey lives by, but Walker might have her breaking all of them.

Opinion

First, I must say that I think Brenda Jackson is one of my favorite romance authors and that is not just because she writes African-American romance novels. Of all of her different series (she has SEVERAL), the Westmoreland series is the best. She had a plan when she developed this family because there are so many siblings and cousins and everyone gets their story. Just when you think the series is over, the family finds another branch of Westmorelands to keep it going. Seriously, if you have not read any of the Westmoreland series, there are enough books to fill a couple of months’ worth of weekends. It more of a saga than a series 😀

Okay now I got that out-of-the-way. Back to the story.

I like Bailey. She may be a little spoiled but that is because she is the youngest of a very tight family where the brothers try to seem chill but are overprotective.

Walker is doing his friend a favor and really likes the Denver Westmoreland guys. He sees the attraction to Bailey as unexpected. Plus his adherence to the “bro code” will not allow him to get physical with their little sister.

Good thing that Bailey knows what she wants and is going to do her best to get it.

Even after reading so many of Jackson’s books, you would think that I would not be surprised by her plot twists. But one of the things that Bailey did in Alaska really surprised me. It had me seeing her with a newfound respect. I went from ambivalent to “This chick is cool!” and “She needs a happy ending!”

While I decided early how much I liked Bailey, I could tell that Walker was being hardheaded. He has a lot of making up to do when he finally realizes that Bailey is the one for him. He does it in grand style. All I can say is that it is good to have friends in high places.

Overall, I loved this book because Bailey’s multi-faceted character added so much the story. If you like the Westmoreland series, this book should definitely be on your list. If you are new to Brenda Jackson, this is a great author and book to add to your list.

Book Details from Amazon

Print Length: 256 pages

Publisher: Harlequin Desire (November 1, 2015)

Publication Date: November 1, 2015

Sold by: Harlequin Digital Sales Corp.

Short romance novella #reviews

Sep10

I read a few novellas and none had enough substance to warrant a full blog length post.

Overtime Love

Synopsis

Drew thought he would own the semi-pro football team where he is general manager. The owner died and left it to his granddaughter Tasha.

Tasha does not know much about owning a football team and is cognizant of the fact that the current general manager thought he would own the team. She knows that they have to work with each other if the team is going be a success. At the same time, she is trying to figure out why her grandfather put her in this situation.

Opinion

The story line is not very original but it was entertaining.

Drew and Tasha have preconceived notions about each other. However, these prove to be false once they get more acquainted with each other. Since they acknowledge the intense attraction, they decide to mix business with pleasure with the caveat that they are leaving their hearts out of it.

He said, “He could make love to her for the rest of his life, but he remembers their agreement – no ties, no commitment.”

She said, “She wanted this incredible man in her life but knew she had to keep the desire unspoken.”

It is obvious to the reader that they have deep emotions for each other but it is a matter of who will crack first and profess undying love and devotion.

How long will it take to communicate?

Thankfully, it did not take long since this is a novella.

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Ex-mas Reunion

Synopsis

Kendra and Damien are stranded in a snow storm at the airport. Needing to get home, they decided to drive a car together since all the flights are cancelled.

Opinion

There was not much to this story. The reason they broke up was poor communication. They needed a long drive to provide them with uninterrupted time to talk out their emotions.

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Holiday Affair

Synopsis

Ava and Colby are Atlanta attorneys that engage in a one-night stand. Then they find out that they are the opposing counsel on a major case. Colby’s client is suing Ava’s client for employment discrimination.

Opinion

The story line was okay. In comparison to the love scenes in the other two stories, this story was extremely graphic. I was not prepared .

It was at that point where I started to doubt that this was supposed to be a romance. I wanted to tell Ava to stop jumping bones with Colby. In the midst of all the uncontrollable “lovemaking”, they decide to commit to each other.

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Should you buy? If the book is in compilation, then yes if the price is not more than $2. If the books are sold separately, then Overtime Love might be the only one that I really recommend.

O is for Overtime #atozchallenge #ABCofRomance @AprilA2Z

Apr17

Overtime Love ♥♥♥
Book sold as part of Merry Sexy Christmas: Overtime Love\Ex-mas Reunion\A Holiday Affair (Harlequin Kimani Arabesque)

Synopsis

Drew thought he would own the semi-pro football team where he is general manager. The owner died and left it to his granddaughter Tasha.

Opinion

The story line is not very original but it was entertaining.

He said, “He could make love to her for the rest of his life, but he remembers their agreement – no ties, no commitment.”

She said, “She wanted this incredible man in her life but knew she had to keep the desire unspoken.”

It is obvious to the reader that they have deep emotions for each other but it is a matter of who will crack first and profess undying love and devotion.

How long will it take to communicate? Thankfully, it did not take long since this is a novella.

Should you buy? This story was not that bad once I got past the miscommunication. Considering it is part of a compilation, the price per story is cheap.

Details from Goodreads – Novella bought as part of a compilation
Paperback, 288 pages
Published October 16th 2012 by Harlequin Kimani Arabesque
Buy the compilation on Amazon