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Madaris Family Saga #18
Inseparable
Living under Reese Madaris's roof makes LaKenna James the envy of every woman in town. But Reese's offer of a place to stay is strictly platonic--just until Kenna's new condo is completed. He has no idea that his best friend has been attracted to him since college, and Kenna plans to keep it that way.
Ever since his cousin Blade got married, Reese has become Houston's most eligible bachelor--and a magnet for gold diggers. Reese turns to his temporary roommate for dating advice, and suddenly sees Kenna for the beautiful, voluptuous woman she is. Though Kenna's afraid to give her heart to the man who could so easily break it, when her life is in jeopardy, she'll discover just how far a Madaris man will go when love is at stake...
300 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2011
117 people are currently reading
594 people want to read
About the author
Brenda Jackson
895 books3,587 followersIn 1994, Brenda Jackson’s first novel, Tonight and Forever, was released. Since then she has had more than 100 novels and novellas published (the first African-American author to accomplish such a feat) and has over 3 million books in print.
A native of Jacksonville, Florida, Brenda is the first African-American author to have a book published by Harlequin Desire and the first African-American romance author to make the New York Times and USA TODAY bestseller lists within the series romance genre.
In 2012, Brenda received the Romance Writers of America’s Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award—one of the highest literary awards a romance author can receive. In 2013, she was recognized by the mayor and the city of Jacksonville as being a Trailblazer in the literary field.
In 2010, she collaborated with Five Alive Films to turn her Truly Everlasting title into a feature film. Brenda’s 2011 novel A Silken Thread is scheduled to be filmed with Debbie Allen attached as director in 2015.
Email Brenda at authorbrendajackson@gmail.com or visit her on her website at brendajackson.net.
A native of Jacksonville, Florida, Brenda is the first African-American author to have a book published by Harlequin Desire and the first African-American romance author to make the New York Times and USA TODAY bestseller lists within the series romance genre.
In 2012, Brenda received the Romance Writers of America’s Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award—one of the highest literary awards a romance author can receive. In 2013, she was recognized by the mayor and the city of Jacksonville as being a Trailblazer in the literary field.
In 2010, she collaborated with Five Alive Films to turn her Truly Everlasting title into a feature film. Brenda’s 2011 novel A Silken Thread is scheduled to be filmed with Debbie Allen attached as director in 2015.
Email Brenda at authorbrendajackson@gmail.com or visit her on her website at brendajackson.net.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
July 5, 2020
3.5 EASY STARS
An enjoyable friend-to-lovers romance, a book I haven’t re-read in years but I’m glad I picked it up again. LeKenna (Kenna) James and Reese Madaris have known each other for over a decade, and share a close friendship, one that has led to a lot of upset when it comes to the people each have dated – their partners can never understand their bond, but Reece and Kenna had made a promise to each other long ago, that if the person they’re with can’t accept their friendship it would be goodbye to that person. But when Kenna decides to move to the same town as Reese due to a job opportunity, and agrees to stay with him until her place is done – lines blur and desire simmers to the surface. The chemistry between the two is clear, how did nothing at all happen over the years?!
I did wish that there was a little less repetitiveness when it came to the two continuously asserting they were only friends in the first few chapters, but it didn’t overly annoy me thank goodness, I could accept it since
One strand of the story involves a serial killer who is raping and killing women – which has all of Houston on edge. It’s really a secondary component of the overarching plot, the relationship development between Reese and Kenna dominates.
This is a part of a series, and characters from previous books are in this book, but it can comfortably be read as a standalone.
99p on amazon 15th August 2019.
An enjoyable friend-to-lovers romance, a book I haven’t re-read in years but I’m glad I picked it up again. LeKenna (Kenna) James and Reese Madaris have known each other for over a decade, and share a close friendship, one that has led to a lot of upset when it comes to the people each have dated – their partners can never understand their bond, but Reece and Kenna had made a promise to each other long ago, that if the person they’re with can’t accept their friendship it would be goodbye to that person. But when Kenna decides to move to the same town as Reese due to a job opportunity, and agrees to stay with him until her place is done – lines blur and desire simmers to the surface. The chemistry between the two is clear, how did nothing at all happen over the years?!
I did wish that there was a little less repetitiveness when it came to the two continuously asserting they were only friends in the first few chapters, but it didn’t overly annoy me thank goodness, I could accept it since
One strand of the story involves a serial killer who is raping and killing women – which has all of Houston on edge. It’s really a secondary component of the overarching plot, the relationship development between Reese and Kenna dominates.
This is a part of a series, and characters from previous books are in this book, but it can comfortably be read as a standalone.
99p on amazon 15th August 2019.
July 3, 2011
I liked this book and I am glad I read it because honestly, I had gotten turned off by Mrs. Jacksons' books. Two things that I loved about this book were:
1. The heroine was not a virgin.
2. The hero was not a slut who slept with every woman that he found attractive. He was a serial monogamist, something that is damn near unheard of for a male lead in a Brenda Jackson book.
This book had drama, mystery, a little suspence, and of course the over bearing, almost too Alpha men. It was a good book and a nice departure from the usual.
1. The heroine was not a virgin.
2. The hero was not a slut who slept with every woman that he found attractive. He was a serial monogamist, something that is damn near unheard of for a male lead in a Brenda Jackson book.
This book had drama, mystery, a little suspence, and of course the over bearing, almost too Alpha men. It was a good book and a nice departure from the usual.
May 23, 2012
Love a friends-to-lovers story :) This is part of her Madaris family series, but I was able to read it as a stand-alone. (There are clearly characters who starred in previous books, and some that may be in coming stories mentioned.)
So Reese Madaris is now THE hot bachelor because another cousin recently married, leaving him the dubious title. He invited his best friend, LaKenna James to stay at his place until her condo is finished. They've been best friends since college, and while Kenna has secretly longed for Reese for years, they've both been in relationships over those years and she's firmly tamped down her attraction for him into that little "I can't have him so don't go there" space.
For once though, neither of them is involved with anyone else, and Reese's blinders to Kenna's many feminine attractions are suddenly gone, and his lack of resistance to her stuns him.
A bit of a suspense plot involving a serial killer and a great supporting cast of characters rounds out the story nicely. Ms. Jackson does a great job with the emotional intensity of their attraction and balances it with the warm cushion of their friends and Reese's loving family.
So Reese Madaris is now THE hot bachelor because another cousin recently married, leaving him the dubious title. He invited his best friend, LaKenna James to stay at his place until her condo is finished. They've been best friends since college, and while Kenna has secretly longed for Reese for years, they've both been in relationships over those years and she's firmly tamped down her attraction for him into that little "I can't have him so don't go there" space.
For once though, neither of them is involved with anyone else, and Reese's blinders to Kenna's many feminine attractions are suddenly gone, and his lack of resistance to her stuns him.
A bit of a suspense plot involving a serial killer and a great supporting cast of characters rounds out the story nicely. Ms. Jackson does a great job with the emotional intensity of their attraction and balances it with the warm cushion of their friends and Reese's loving family.
July 11, 2014
Yes!!! This is the story of two best friend Reese and Kenna who move their relationship from being best friends to lovers. Let's just say when they get to lovers they were combustible together, on and popping. The love scenes are super hot and sexy (love the hot tub). Reese is one Madaris man you don't want to mess with and I loved Kenna she was sweet, she loved Reese and was willing to let him go just so they wouldn't lose their friendship. Now she has it all the man and the friendship. This is a favorite of mine now. Will have to re-read soon.
January 24, 2014
Inseparable is most certainly what this is. Suspense around the corner and in the next new friend. Jackson is very good when it comes to putting a little suspense in romance. This was not lacking at all in this story. Romance abound for the two unsuspecting best friends.
Kenna learned that being best friends made the loving a lot better and improved their friendship. As usual the man is a little slow on the uptake. But Reese made of for it in style.
Kenna learned that being best friends made the loving a lot better and improved their friendship. As usual the man is a little slow on the uptake. But Reese made of for it in style.
January 29, 2013
It was a good story and I liked Reese and Kenna. My biggest issue was the repetitiveness of the writing. It felt like every other page she was telling me how attracted they we're to each other or that they were friends and only friends so why couldn't other people understand their relationship. It was frustrating.
July 26, 2014
Brenda Jackson
You can't go wrong with a Ms.Jackson book. you will not put it down till you are done. I live for a romantic book and this is the one for you. get it. you will not be disappointed.
You can't go wrong with a Ms.Jackson book. you will not put it down till you are done. I live for a romantic book and this is the one for you. get it. you will not be disappointed.
September 6, 2021
I'm a sucker for the friend's to lovers trope and my Auntie Brenda Jackson does it so well. I've read this numerous times and I really enjoy seeing all of our favorite Madaris characters return as well.
July 16, 2020
Awesome story!
Reese and LaKenna are truly best friends! Their relationship is comfortable, supportive and easy going. Until they realize there's some attraction, lust and love operating underneath. Neither one wants to gamble losing their valuable friendship for a quick roll in the hay. But they soon realize it's so much more than that.
I love how there's a stalker/suspense element to the story. It had me guessing all the way to the end, only to discover it was not who I thought it was at all!
Reese and LaKenna are truly best friends! Their relationship is comfortable, supportive and easy going. Until they realize there's some attraction, lust and love operating underneath. Neither one wants to gamble losing their valuable friendship for a quick roll in the hay. But they soon realize it's so much more than that.
I love how there's a stalker/suspense element to the story. It had me guessing all the way to the end, only to discover it was not who I thought it was at all!
June 20, 2012
When it comes to romance novels I tend to stick with writers whose work I have enjoyed before. This was my first reading of Brenda Jackson's work and I want more. The characters were likeable and the romantic situation believable. This novel is part of a family series and there are teasers about the secondary characters that will urge you to read more of this family's saga. So be warned!
September 9, 2013
Another Madaris male bites the dust to true love. Reese Madaris and his best friend LaKenna James had to go through layers of their friendship to finally realize that they were truly in love and inseparable. Another awesome love story in the Madaris series. "Where on earth can I find one of those men for myself"?
June 20, 2011
It was nice to see Brenda Jackson switch up her style again. The suspense that she added was a welcomed change, but the love story was the typical Brenda Jackson deal. This is the last book I am going to read from her this year. I am just tired of the same love story over and over again.
November 2, 2013
How special is the relationship and friendship between Reese and Kenna. Not only did their friendship survive the test of time, their love for one another was strong enough to last a lifetime. Very lovely story!! Next.... Ms. Peyton and De'Angelo! Hmmm
April 17, 2018
Sweet story
I really liked this love story. It was sweet and at times very steamy. Adding a criminal element to the plot added a bit of suspense and adventure but in a way that didn’t take away from or confuse the plot. An overall delightful read.
I really liked this love story. It was sweet and at times very steamy. Adding a criminal element to the plot added a bit of suspense and adventure but in a way that didn’t take away from or confuse the plot. An overall delightful read.
October 2, 2011
Another great romance novel of Brenda Jackson
January 7, 2014
Awesome
I love it the romance, the danger it's a must read. Reese and Kenna best friends turn lovers is always a good foundation for long lasting relationship.
I love it the romance, the danger it's a must read. Reese and Kenna best friends turn lovers is always a good foundation for long lasting relationship.
April 11, 2014
OMIGOSH this book was the perfect mix between romance ans suspense, and it also had some good summmthin scenes if you know what i mean.....
May 26, 2014
This was and is my all time favorite Brenda Jackson book!!! A definite must read!!!
February 16, 2020
Reese Madaris and LaKenna James know they're just friends. It's everyone else that is a little less sure. When Kenna moves into Reese's house for a month while her condo is finished. She's moving from Austin to Houston where she will be the sketch artist for the police department. While Reese and Kenna are realizing that there is more to their friendship than they thought, there is a serial killer running around, the "Shoe Killer" who takes one shoe of each of his victims.
This book was a fast read but the A and B stories didn't fit well together. And Jackson has So. Many. books where friends can't just be friends (unless they're coupled up), it would be nice to see just a friendship from her (she may have one but I haven't read it yet) because they CAN happen and it would be nice to see it in writing.
This book was a fast read but the A and B stories didn't fit well together. And Jackson has So. Many. books where friends can't just be friends (unless they're coupled up), it would be nice to see just a friendship from her (she may have one but I haven't read it yet) because they CAN happen and it would be nice to see it in writing.
March 29, 2021
Fun, but typical
Typical best friends, turned husband and wife plot line. What irks me the most, is that both Reese and Kenna, gave their previous love interests hell for not accepting their friendship, when it was clear that Kenna had feelings for him. If Syneda could tell, how could you expect Reese’s exes not too? And clearly their suspicions weren’t baseless. I would normal give ms Jackson’s novels 4/5 stars but this was tiring and frustrating. Once again a typical storyline, with a dash of crime drama for Alex & Friends(Karate-military/CIA-infused-Cherokee visions-special forces) to solve. This side of the family must have some bad luck somewhere because in the last few books, the love interests have found themselves in life or death situations.
Typical best friends, turned husband and wife plot line. What irks me the most, is that both Reese and Kenna, gave their previous love interests hell for not accepting their friendship, when it was clear that Kenna had feelings for him. If Syneda could tell, how could you expect Reese’s exes not too? And clearly their suspicions weren’t baseless. I would normal give ms Jackson’s novels 4/5 stars but this was tiring and frustrating. Once again a typical storyline, with a dash of crime drama for Alex & Friends(Karate-military/CIA-infused-Cherokee visions-special forces) to solve. This side of the family must have some bad luck somewhere because in the last few books, the love interests have found themselves in life or death situations.
October 2, 2023
Inseparable Friends Became Lovers
This was a different read from BJ. It had a James Patterson type of mystery thrown in. Unexpected twists and turns made me think there was definitely a ghost writer involved with this book. So glad LaKenna and Reese finally ended up together and took down the nuisance causing havoc and ruining lives. Cameos from Madaris family and friend favorites are in the book as well including the infamous Syneda and Clayton Madaris, Christy Madaris and Alex Maxwell, Ashton Sinclair, Sir Drake and Tori to name a few. Overall good read that kept my attention.
This was a different read from BJ. It had a James Patterson type of mystery thrown in. Unexpected twists and turns made me think there was definitely a ghost writer involved with this book. So glad LaKenna and Reese finally ended up together and took down the nuisance causing havoc and ruining lives. Cameos from Madaris family and friend favorites are in the book as well including the infamous Syneda and Clayton Madaris, Christy Madaris and Alex Maxwell, Ashton Sinclair, Sir Drake and Tori to name a few. Overall good read that kept my attention.
August 26, 2022
Brenda Jackson is frequently recommended for fans of Beverly Jenkins. I tried another one of her novels a few years ago, but couldn't finish it. I decided to try again with a different series.
I could talk about the slow pace, the random serial killer part of the plot or the vague homophobic comments from one of the characters.
I powered through 3/4 of the book (not easy, see point 1 about pacing).
The part that made me walk away:
The author named twin bachelors Blade and Slade.
Blade. And. Slade.
This is why people mock romance novels.
Ugh.
I could talk about the slow pace, the random serial killer part of the plot or the vague homophobic comments from one of the characters.
I powered through 3/4 of the book (not easy, see point 1 about pacing).
The part that made me walk away:
The author named twin bachelors Blade and Slade.
Blade. And. Slade.
This is why people mock romance novels.
Ugh.
July 30, 2022
Excellent read
Excellent read, I enjoyed the characters and storyline. Reese and Kenna are best friends who denied their attraction for each other. Eventually, their chemistry won and they recognized their true love for each other. There is romance, erotica and mystery in this book. While our favorite heroes hunt a serial killer. It’s great to catch up with the Madaris family and friends.
Excellent read, I enjoyed the characters and storyline. Reese and Kenna are best friends who denied their attraction for each other. Eventually, their chemistry won and they recognized their true love for each other. There is romance, erotica and mystery in this book. While our favorite heroes hunt a serial killer. It’s great to catch up with the Madaris family and friends.
April 17, 2025
I’ve listened to the audible version of this book on iBooks narrator lost a star for this book. I listen to many narrating books and by far the worst, however, Brenda Jackson is a prolific excellent writer I enjoy the story and her my favorite character was Tori and I wish she could’ve played a larger role in the story as she represents Strength and soft together.
February 15, 2018
Intriguing
I love the story line. The twists and turn were new and exciting. A real page turner, I was sitting on the edge my seat the whole time. Once I started reading I could not put the book down.
I love the story line. The twists and turn were new and exciting. A real page turner, I was sitting on the edge my seat the whole time. Once I started reading I could not put the book down.
September 20, 2018
The Best Love
Every Novel in this series just keep getting better. I love the love, romance, and plot in each book. Brenda is not only a great writer, she is very imaginative with love making techniques. All of my friends already know about this Dynamic author.
Every Novel in this series just keep getting better. I love the love, romance, and plot in each book. Brenda is not only a great writer, she is very imaginative with love making techniques. All of my friends already know about this Dynamic author.
January 31, 2019
Great read
I’ve honestly read this book a dozen times. I’m in love with the development of the characters and the flow of the storyline. Every time I read it, it’s as good as the first time.
I’ve honestly read this book a dozen times. I’m in love with the development of the characters and the flow of the storyline. Every time I read it, it’s as good as the first time.
June 12, 2019
Brenda Jackson done it again!!!
Once you read one of Brenda Jackson novels you are hooked! Whether it's the Madaris Family or the Westmoreland, her novels keep you on the edge of your seat.
Once you read one of Brenda Jackson novels you are hooked! Whether it's the Madaris Family or the Westmoreland, her novels keep you on the edge of your seat.
April 9, 2020
Truly enjoyed reading about friendship that turned into a love appreciated by both people. Brenda Jackson never disappoints me. Just love reading about those Westmoreland brothers who not only look out for one another but insist on remaining single until they are finally caught off guard by love.
June 11, 2024
Reese and Kenna's story had such a hold on me. Their love story was great. A very well executed friends to lovers story. The mystery of the serial killer had me turning pages anxious to find out who he was. This was a really good book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews