Book Review Genre: Romance

Disclaimer: Reading is all about exploring new worlds, but this Book Review does not shy away from spoiling specific scenes as this is more of a look inside the good and bad of a book.

The Analysis:

I got this recommendation from a booktuber, I follow. This pick was a part of her youth, but it was the first time I’d heard of it. I also swore that I wouldn’t buy any more books because I want to put a dent in my TBR. But for BLACK History sake, I made an exception with this one. So, let’s book review it. But first, follow me on Goodreads.

Here’s The Blurb:

After a devastating tragedy left her convinced she’d never love again, successful songwriter Rae Lindsay sought refuge in the only thing that still brought her comfort—her music. But when Quinten Parker walked into her life, Rae suddenly found her peaceful solitude threatened—along with her heart. Now, torn between desire and painful memories, she must search the deepest part of herself to overcome the past and take a second chance at love—the chance of a lifetime.

Cover Critique:

The models are true to the description inside the book. As for the cover itself, I don’t love it. It’s way more x-rated than the book actually is. Yes, there are steamy scenes, but only one by my count. Plus, it doesn’t give a good indication as to what to expect with this novel.

Now The Story:

Book Info:
Pages: 288
Author: Veronica Dean
Available: Amazon

The first pov we get is from the male perspective and I have to say I was intrigued. He’s a single father to an adorable kid, grieving the loss of his wife. I knew off the back that at the very least it would be an enjoyable read and that’s what I got.

I appreciated the simple meet-cute at the grocery store as it came across as more authentic and real. But I wasn’t sure how I felt about her songwriting skills being the thing that sealed the deal. Like don’t use the woman. But I sensed that initial magic when he firsts hears her poetry, and they sit down to talk. And she reveals that she lost her family too.

The whole thing reminds me of black romantic comedies from the 80s-90s. It filled a hole I knew was there, and I badly missed this smooth mahogany jazz feel that can be black love. Almost like jazz is the sound of black love. And this book is the first note, and it was played well.

I was just as conflicted as the heroine when he shows up at her house the next morning. Sure she had invited him out, but I don’t remember her saying knock on my door. It more sounded like, I’ll meet you there. So, on the tip, I wasn’t sure how comfortable I was with him making himself at home by cooking her breakfast. But I let it go because if she like it, I love it lol.

This book is short. Something, I should point out before I complain. Now she plays him a song that is still being worked on, but her heart somehow writes the words. And it’s pretty much everything they both need to say to each other to move on. My first thought was the moment is beautiful, but maybe too soon.

I didn’t realize until too far in lol that the kid was not his deceased wife’s child. In fact, he had a baby momma who had remarried, who’s alive and well. They have an amicable co-parenting situation.

I get to a point and then I don’t even realize that the hero hasn’t really opened up to her. He admits that he hasn’t told her about his son and the relationship with his baby mama. But there already knees deep in loving each other it seemed. They get back together after a separation and yet again she’s pouring her heart out and he’s acting like a sponge rather than an active participant. Now, he does reveal deep things about himself, but we’re talking about how your sister died in 82 and not why your stuck in this rutt, now. Maybe I just failed to see the connection. The info is also trickling out from him like a leaky faucet and pouring from her like a waterfall.

I’m about 50% in and I’m kinda getting bored with having the same conversations. That’s the moment this becomes a 3 star read for me.

Now, I appreciate the moment she meets the baby mama, and it’s not drama galore. They are two, beautiful women that don’t need to fight over a man. But I did get annoyed on the baby mama’s behalf when our heroine has the nerve to ask her why the hero doesn’t have shared custody. Like bro, he’s been in a state of depression for three years. You just got him off the couch yesterday and now you ready to throw him a toddler that needs round-the-clock attention and affection. Stop. He needs to prove he can take care of this little boy in the way he needs. She was clearly thinking with her p****.

But the best friend was one of thee, best-supporting characters. Talk about modeling boss behavior. The hero goes to cry on her shoulder about a problem that bothers him. But instead of embracing him, she gives him support in another form. She encourages him to let his girl in and let her be the one he cries to. She deserves your trust and the chance to support you. So many best friends out here, male and female, need to learn a thing or two versus coloring everything through the lens of jealousy and mistrust. And they all still had a familial bond as evidenced by them spending Christmas together later on.

Speaking of problem: There is also a little twist, surprise secret thrown in there at the end. But I can’t say how much of that was really needed. Frankly, for me, it was just prolonging a story already long over. Although, my heart went out to the mother. Of course, I did pick up that it served to also prove that the hero had moved beyond his trust issues because he was able to let the heroine in, but still.

Story At A Glance:

Recommendation:  3 out of 5

Read Series Continuation:  No

 Book Review The Ratings:

Book Cover Appeal:

🍓🍓🍓

Story & Narration:

🍓🍓🍓

Romance:

🍓🍓🍓

Character/(s) Personality:

🍓🍓🍓

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