Love Like This

Black Family #1

by Sylvia Hubbard

Angered that his wife would sleep with his brother, Ethan swore revenge.

To his surprise, he becomes involved with the one person his wife never wanted him to get close to...her daughter, Nicole.

Once Ethan leaves his wife penniless and then breaks Nicoles heart his revenge will be complete.

Too bad Ethan didn't expect to fall in love with Nicole.

Genres: Romance, Interracial Romance, Erotica, Contemporary

115 pages, Nook

First published March 11, 2009

About the author

With twist and turns, Sylvia will make your eyes dance and your mind shudder as you read her short stories. Find out all about this fantastic author of mystery/romance & sensual/noir.
Sylvia Hubbard, single mother of three is from Detroit, Michigan. Dreams of Reality was her first novel, and since then have published over 60 books available wherever books are sold

AUTHOR, MOTHER, SPEAKER, JOURNALIST, CONSULTANT & MORE!

Founder of Motown Writers Network & The African American Electronic Literary Network & Motown Romance Network, Editor of The Essence of Motown Literary Journal.

Owner of HubBooks Literary Service and Co-Founder of Essence of Motown Writers Alliance Literary Conference

Moderator of Detroit Writers Galore & Lulu’s Romance Writers

Board Member of National Association of Black Writers, Michigan Black

Independent Publishers

Present and Past Member of Great Lakes Booksellers Assc, National Association of Black Journalist-Detroit, Sisters In Crime, Black Writers Association, Romance Writers of America, World Romance Writers, Erotic Author’s Association, Real Sister Writers & Essentially Woman Literary Group, & Great Lakes Publishers Assc., Authors Supporting Authors (ASA), The Society of Midland Authors, The Michigan Reading Association

ABOUT HER:
Sylvia Hubbard has independently published 4 paperback books and over 10 e-books. Her foundation genre has always been romance, but she has ventured into suspense, erotic, mystery, paranormal and I/R. Always urban and contemporary styled, her writing is enjoyed all over the world by all nationalities. She’s always available for speaking opportunities at bookclubs, conferences, schools, and writing groups. In the upcoming year, she will be featured in several anthologies & will be publishing another paperback and 4 more e-books. She has a degree in Marketing/Management and minored in journalism, broadcasting (Specs Howard), drama, html programming, teaching assistant, customer service specialist, and commercial art.

Voted by Romance Book Cafe as a Favorite Author

Spirit of Detroit Winner for 2005 by Detroit City Council

2006 State of Michigan Governor’s Certificate of Tribute Emerging Minority Business Leader Award

2005 Stone’s Revenge Voted Best African-American Mystery by Mojolist.com

2006 Triumphant SPIRIT Award Winner (acknowledging Legacy of Bessie Mae Downey Rhoades Martin) by Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc – Rho Sigma Chapter

2006 EbonyAuthor.com To Look Out For

2007 National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) Greater Detroit Chapter’s Top 10 Michigan Business Giving Spirit Award Nominee

2007 Erotic Showdown Author Nominee by Publisher’s Market.

2007 Who’s Who In Black Detroit listing. (2nd Edition)

2007 National Inspiration Role Model Month (November) Literary Leader Award
2007 Powerful Visionary Award by Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc – Rho Sigma Chapter

2008 SORMAG.com Readers Choice Award The Best Multi-Cultural Self-Published Author of the Year

2008 Facilitator at Idlewild Dubois Writing Workshop

2008 Detroit Literary Empowerment Community Champion for Motown Writers Network

2008 Distinguish Service Award Recipient from Detroit City Council

2008 NaNoWriMo Winner for Eve’s Deception @ 56992 words

2008 Metro Times The Best of Detroit Recipient – Best Literary Host and Literacy Booster

2009 Black Author Network Community Literary Legend Author

2009 Who’s Who In Black Detroit listing. (3rd Edition)

Reviews

[★Codie Abibliophobic ★ · Rating 1 out of 5]

Pros:
Ethan and Nicole's love was very heartfelt and sincere and the development of the characters was very touching and seeing. Nicole's relationship with her Nana was so strong and wonderful, you could kind of feel the love seeping from the pages as you read, which personally I liked. The characters were real and relatable (in certain ways) as well as strong and not super annoying. And not to mention that the plot was well thought out and becoming in certain ways.

Cons:
Alright, well there are many cons to the story, first starting with how the relationship developed between Ethan and Nicole. So The relationship begins with nicole kissing (a random stranger to her at the time) Ethan so her mom wouldn't see her (really ? Are there no trees or bushes ?) and then later he follows her to her job and starts stalking her. Then one day he ask her how much would she cost (sexual favors) so she plays along ( what rational person would play along with something like that) and thinks it's a joke until he gives her what she asked, so since she's an honorable person (I'm not even that honorable) she goes ahead and gives him an oral favor. This arrangement was only supposed to last for two days. Now the only reason I explained the whole deal was because it's completely ludicrous! I mean really , why in the world would this smart, beautiful girl degrade herself by basically trading sexual favors for money.

Now another problem I had with this story was Ethan.
He was a hateful man who was going to use Nicole, an innocent, to get back at his cheating, deceitful, hateful, malicious, spiteful soon to be ex wife ( I'll get to her next). I just really didn't get this, it didn't make sense, especially since Ethan knew that his ex wife didn't care about her accidental love child (uh next as well). I mean why would she care about a kid she didn't even want to begin with.

Another thing I couldn't get off the fact that Nicole was with her mothers husband. That's really gross if you think about it, what in the world would possess anyone to do such a thing. Even though she didn't know it was still so wrong. But of course this is just my opinion.

The ex wife of Ethan, as well as Nicole's mother, Lynne was very exaggerated and stupid. I didn't understand why the author over did her character so much. I didn't like her character but not because of the obvious reasons but because of lack of... Care, it just seemed as though the author didn't put to much thought into her.

And then there was Nana. Now I know that Nana was sick and all but why was Nicole being treated the way she was before she got severely sick. Didn't get this either.

I'm just going to stop after this one because there is just so much wrong with this story. I had a problem with all the grammatical mistakes as well as spelling errors. It was just to much of it to be a edited story.

This story was just wrong, so very very wrong.

[TinaNoir · Rating 1 out of 5]

Honestly, I don't generally do .gifs in reviews, I prefer to write. But I ran across one that pretty much encapsulated what I felt after just one chapter of this book:

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I found the primary narrator's voice (the hero) to be immediately distasteful

[Jessica Burstrem · Rating 1 out of 5]

Honestly, I couldn't stomach more than ten pages. There was everything to dissuade me from continuing. The male character whose perspective the book follows at the beginning is sexist and spiteful. The author sets up scenes that could reinforce hateful racist and sexist stereotypes. Of course, I can guess that in the end he'll see the error of his ways, but frankly, I don't want to come to admire him, and I can't imagine, after the way I felt while attempting to wait out the awful beginning, that I could ever be brought to that point anyway. The writing itself is also terrible. The vocabulary is limited and often boorish -- and not artistically so. I am amazed at the rating others have given this book; it saddens me.

[M.J. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book 1 of the Black Family series focuses on Ethan Black. He is married to Lynn, a mean hateful, greedy woman. Ethan is out for revenge after finding out his wife slept with his brother. He seeks to hurt Lynne and leave her penniless, by hatching a plan to seduce her daughter Nicole, who was abandoned by Lynne and has no dealing with her estranged mother. Ethan sets his plan in motion against the lovely young lady but you know what they say about the best laid plans. It turns out his beautiful step-daughter is not at all what he expected and he finds himself falling for her. How Ethan get his revenge when now all he has on his mind is Nicole.
Reading this book I often found myself wondering what is really going. While the premise of this story got me interested and wanting to read this unique tale, there where so many changes in the characters personalities it was hard understand what the author was doing. I know real life & relationships are complicated but some of the things in this book I just didn’t get. For example Ethan, tries to seek revenge on his wife by seducing a child that she cared nothing about? How is that revenge? After finding out Nicole was raped, he takes care of her while waiting so he can seduce her? Your own step daughter who was raped? Come on now, this makes no sense at all to me. I really wanted to love this book. It had so much potential and the characters where complex, it could have been great, sadly it was just ok.

[Farrah Hussain · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first book I read by the author and now I am completely hooked to all her novels! This book was a brilliant I could not put it down. There was so many twists, which is what I love to see in a book! Quiet possibly the best book I have ever read!

My message to the author would be to keep it up :)

[Lebrondae Shei · Rating 1 out of 5]

Disastrous and distastefully told

I'm glad this book was free, or else I would of been very disappointed that I bought the book. The beginning had so much potential to be better then it read in its entirety. I don't know of any intelligent, ambitious nineteen year old virgin who would give a complete older stranger a bj just because she was told how and was offered $500 would really go through it, not only that if they also got molested from their back passage would willingly lay down with a stranger without hesitation, dread and trepidation; opening their legs to part with their virginity half way thru to go and get the courage to go back and complete the task with that same said person after a couple of days that they broke their virginity with........such fanciful rubbish. Sorry for the harsh critic, but it all seems such a unrealistic expectations even thou it is a fictitious story, we at least would like to read a close to possible probable storyline that we could nod our heads at as a likely story than a unlikely-hood farfetched one. For me that is the beginning of where it all started to go wrong not only that, the synopsis said that Ethan was an evil man.......where was the evil in this man that was the main character of a man that was wrongly done by his wife, of course he would want to get even and come up with a vengeful plan but Ethan did nothing that was evil in my books, he was hurt and angry that was all! Now Lynne and Marvin were the evil pair in my eyes and they both got there just deserves. I wish I could of felt more for Ethan and Nicole but the story was written in just a cold matter of fact way instead of delving into the emotions of each characters depth that it just washed over the impact of rape, physical abuse, emotional abuse that it felt that you could of been reading about someone stripping a car down to its bare necessity, which was so sad really. Sylvia Hubbard did not give this story any justice to the topics that she raised in this storyline. I am very disappointed that a published author could ever write about abuse and not care for the thousands of people who have actually been through this not to give this topic it's merits and basically white washed it away as if it was nothing. No I don't believe I would willingly buy another book by this author, unless I read from other reviewers what a tremendous success her storytelling is or I would have to download a sample first before I part with my cash first!

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

I enjoyed this read, but it won't be everyone's cup of tea because of the racial assumptions, and incest that goes on in the book, but the love story between Ethan and Nicole was solid, although a bit awkward to begin with. They had a somewhat grimey start, but it really developed into something really special. Nicole's relationship with her Nana was extremely heartfelt, it really added a level of compassion to the book. Overall I liked the read and would recommend it.

[V. Rena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Speechless

This book has left me speechless. There were many twists and turns from beginning to the end. I don't know how I feel about Ethan and Nicole's relationship. As it has been told, good can happen from bad situations. This story is a great example of this.

[Lyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love it.. :)

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read Love Like This and thought it was good. The story was good. I would recommend this book.

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very good book and I would have given it 5 stars if not for all the spelling errors and character mix-ups, but I guess since it was free I can't be too picky.

[Paganalexandria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my favorite, but did hold my interest. None of the characters seemed to act plausible in any situation. This kept taking me out plot.

[Simone · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfectly Fine Without a HEA Ending

Trigger/Content Warning: This book contains topics and acts of incest, rape, and domestic abuse. 

This is my first read by author Sylvia Hubbard. I think the premise of the story was well executed, with the exception of minor typos throughout the book. I found that Ethan's revenge plot reeked of male logic, particularly, male logic from one that has low emotional intelligence. For that reason, I was perfectly fine with this book not having a HEA ending. Without giving much of the plot away, ultimately, how the book ended has elements of HEA, while also grappling with the realities of the rightfully deserved karma that should have been earlier bestowed on both Lynne and Marvin (ESPECIALLY Marvin). 

[Felicia Seay · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Good Read

This is a drama filled unexpected romance story that's not for the faint of heart. A cheating spouse fuels the husband's need for revenge. Dirty family secrets are revealed and hearts are broken and healed amidst the chaos that ensues. In a way, this story reminds me a bit of "Soul Food". There are some similarities. It's a well written drama and dark romance. Overall it's a good read.
Definitely check the trigger warnings before reading if you are sensitive to certain acts of violence.

[Norma J. H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read!!!

This was a great story. It started off a little slow but really picked up once you got pass the first chapter. Initially, I was very upset with Ethan’s character but as I continued reading it was easy to see his side of the story. It was just interesting how everyone had a horrible reason for doing the things they did, but the good part is how things worked themselves out in the end. Great book everyone needs to read.

[Ash · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let me exact revenge on my cheating wife by getting with her daughter that she doesnt give 2 fucks about... yea, that makes sense 🤣
This book was TRASH! but in a good way. I couldn't stop reading it and enjoyed the journey this put me through. This was my first Hubbard book and I can't wait to read more.

[AshLee Bristol · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bot really sure how to feel about this book. I dont think it was terrible but The first time I tried to read it I quit a few chapters jn and the second time I made myself finish it. I didnt hate the book but I probably wouldnt read it a second time through.

[Journalist Valarie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Misspelled words, weak plot, forgone conclusion.

Why bother! Save your money. Just read the blurb and you've read the book. Two stars simply because the story is set in Detroit, one of my favorite cities.

[Jennifer D. Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very good book and I would recommended it to everyone who likes a great romance to read it.

I chose this book because I liked the storyline. And because I love a book with some mystery to it also.

[Kyieta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Mavin has me so upset I wanted to fight him myself. I’m so happy Lynne was able to make up with her daughter. I’m happy that Nicole and Ethan were able to find love and happiness. I would love to see what happens next.

[Ruth Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a different story

I did enjoy this book it is definitely different than anything I have read. I am glad that Ethan and Nicole formed a friendship also that she was able to forgive her mother.

[Inga · Rating 1 out of 5]

For revenge offer your exes daughter money for revenge is just disgusting.
Using the same girl for revenge is just wrong on so many levels.
The same girl falling for the ex of your mother needs a psychiatrist

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick read

If Shonda Rimes and Jerry Springer had a baby, this is would be the outcome. Good Lord but my neck hurt with all the my head did with these plot twists. If you want messy twitch a side of hot sex and a happy ending, this is all you.

[Nikkia Chante’ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good quick read. Lynna and Marvin are no good and got what they deserved. Ethan is sick and I can’t wrap my mind around him and Nicole but I guess the heart wants what the heart wants. Cleo was a good friend to Nicole and I adore little David.

[Yvette Parson-Tuitt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Typical but interesting

Love comes in all forms and should be explored. Interesting story and pleasurable experience. Thanks for keeping me entertained. Enjoy

[Shanezzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fire

The flow, the plot. Wishing for a little more! Maybe a follow to Nicole and Ethan or even Parker Mills. I'm a little interested in knowing a little more about him😊

[Nicole Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Family drama

Omg. This was such an unexpected story. So much drama and intensity. Revenge turning into love has never been so unique. I recommend this story to others.

[Reggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Read

I enjoyed this story.Nicole was such a sweet person inside and out. I’m glad Marvin and Lynne got what was coming to them, Nanna was a sweetheart.

[STARR OYERINDE · Rating 1 out of 5]

seriously

I can’t this was so problematic and just not a well developed story immediately no I can’t say it enough this was horrible and problematic

[Cynthia Carlisle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart warming and intense

Sadness, physical and mental abuse, undying love, healing and bitterness. The book was good. I couldn't put it down until I was done.