Jada Cruz, a widow, who just lost her husband a year prior is new to the east coast. After being left millions from her late husband, Jada decides it’s time to leave the west coast and moves to Atlanta, Georgia for a fresh start. Kaye, her best friend convinces her to come out for a night on the town. Hesitant at first, she decides to throw caution in the wind and go. After all, it’s just a night out on the town – right? Jasiem ‘Siem’ Banks is the owner of Ice Bank Jewelry . He’s the jeweler to the stars. Everyone wants to rock an Ice Bank piece. Since breaking up with his ex-girlfriend, Kimber, years ago, Jasiem hasn’t opened his heart to love. Maybe too busy or too afraid, one would never know. He focus is on his career and his elderly parents. With a father who has Alzheimer’s, and a mother who is in remission, love isn’t at the top of his priorities. Jasiem Banks doesn’t do relationships, he does sex. He never lets a woman stick around long enough to develop feelings or grow attached. When his best friend makes a bet with him to date one woman for two months without catching feelings or falling in love, Jasiem is hesitant at first. When ten thousand dollars is thrown into the deal, he decides to take his best friend up on his bet. Will Jasiem be able to walk away without catching feelings? Or will his Icy heart start beating again?
I enjoy this author’s gentle lover girl stand-alone shorts but can admit they lack some of the completeness of her longer works. This isn’t because of their length but more because they feel like snapshots and sort of story outlines or prompts. In this book, widowed Jada moves to Atlanta and meets love hater, Jasiem, who’s taken a bet to prove he’s love proof. The two fall in love and things are going smoothly until Jada finds out about the bet.
There wasn’t much plot in this but there was good character development. I however wish more had been done with this potential- Jada never really dealt with the complex emotions of having been a very young bride to an older man who cheated rampantly their entire marriage and neglected her emotionally, she had really no ambitions or idea of what she wanted to do or who she wanted to be, she had the strange friendship with Kaye- who’s her only connection on the world- no family (estranged from her parents who we never see her confront) or other friends. Jasiem, similarly had a strong backstory with his parents situation (his dad’s Alzheimer’s) and his past heartbreak- there wasn’t much space for them to process or discuss or even a performance of them working through these things.
All of that said, I really enjoyed this for what it was meant to be- a low key sort of gentle short. I would totally have read the long form versions of this and Kaye’s story if it existed. But that’s only to be expected as this author never misses.
This book pulled me in from the very beginning. Jada’s story of loss, fresh starts, and stepping into a whole new life hit me in a soft spot. She deserved happiness, and I loved seeing her open herself up again after so much pain. Then there’s Jasiem, successful, charming, and carrying way more baggage than he admits. He thought he could play games, but the way Jada disarmed him was everything.
The tension, the bet, the vulnerability hiding behind their walls, it all made the romance that much sweeter and more addictive. Jasiem swore he couldn’t love, but the chemistry between them proved otherwise. Watching him slowly let go of his icy exterior for Jada felt like the perfect payoff.
Although I enjoyed this story, the ending left me wanting a lot more from this story. I hope the author gives us a second chance to see what happens after the happy for now ending to this one.
This book has me so torn on whether I like it or not. On one hand the story is good, but on the other it felt rush and therefore unrealistic. It was ok, but it could have been great if it was more developed. I wish more of Siem and Jada’s relationship was explored. I mean they went from two dates to I’m in love with you. More of their “between” date conversations could exposed which would hav explained the quick to love feelings. There were grammatical issues too.
Okay I have been reading your books for years..I appreciate your ability to keep a cohesive flow with the storylines..Something different happened this time..So much of the story keep leading back to Jada and Clyde..Jada and Kaye..Jada and her parents..The relationship between her and Jasiem seemed glossed over..I kept reading because I thought you’d explore their dynamic more..The bones were there..I would have preferred to read more about how their relationship flourished and definitely wished we’d gotten a better ending..it read like an afterthought..
Lesson to be learned, don’t play with no one’s heart when they are into you in the action speaks louder than words, Especially jada She has a pure heart with good intentions. when a woman qualities Beauty she’s worth more than a stupid bet .. Jasim Fell in love with Jada.. From the beginning, he should’ve been honest with her. Her friend Kaya have low self-esteem.. her intentions are not good… Material things, come and go . A pure heart was true intentions is forever.
I love Jada she has a very soft heart. Kaye reminds me of so many ladies today, know your worth. Jerome is a sucker for love, he seems to want a woman to challenge him. Finally MrBanks is a rare breed I am glad he and jada crossed paths. I could not stop reading this story. Long time since I’ve read until I fell asleep and woke up trying to find out what happened in the end.
I really enjoyed this book but I felt there were missing pieces to the story. I would have really enjoyed diving deeper into J and J’s relationship to actually see how they fell in love versus them being together for like two days and then bam. Also, the end was sooo rushed. It did not flow well with rest of the story. Hopefully, there is a part 2 or Kaye’s story.
This was a good read but to me it felt unfinished. The ending needed a little bit more. Even though I didn't care for Kaye to much it would have been good to get some closure on the situation she had going on. Altogether it was entertaining and I'm glad Jada and Siem found love.😘😘
I wished it was a little bit longer. I would want to know how Seim and Jada are doing and I would definitely want to know what Kaye decided to do with the baby and did Relic and Willow really get married. I also believe that Willow knew Relic been cheating with Kaye the whole time. I would say that this was a lesson because you have to put your fears aside to walk into your blessings.
Another great read. I most definitely love all of your books. They be the best ones. I was so happy that Jasiem and Jada got together. I want to hear more about Kaye though I hope you do a book on her but if not I understand.
This book wasn’t my cup of tea, but for people who like fast paced books that give small backgrounds but live in the moment this is for you. Grammar was great, spelling was on point, and the plot did give something to be desired.
Short and sweet. All Jada wanted was to be loved. Her parents were so foul for disowning her. Kaye was so selfish, her mother messed her up. Jasiem wasn't looking for love either but because of a bet he actually found love. Maybe we can get a spinoff.
I am going to give you 5 stars because I don’t want to hurt your score. However, I think this book had a good story line but a bad execution. I feel like we missed them falling in love. There wasn’t a lot of that. It went from them going to the charity event to them leaving the event. It just felt like the pint of the story wasn’t pulled through.
This was a very good read, but I would love to see what else happened with Jada and Siem also with Kay and Relic will she keep the baby well Relic get married?? Please do a book 2!!!
My only complaint would be I wish it was longer . I loved this story two damaged souls intertwined initially over a bet . I'm nosey Jahquel I needed more about the engagement, reality show and this baby . Come on now good sis .
I enjoyed this story and liked the connection with Jada and Jasiem. The only two things I was like 🙄 is Jada texting Jerome on Siri’s phone. It made no sense. The other thing was how things were rectified in the end - thst lacked development.
Great job. Two people both fighting against love but ended up loving each other in a short time. Now the cousin fell in love with someone who doesn’t love her.
Stepping out of one’s comfort zone may seem hard however larking in the shadows may be lonely. Trusting your heart will provide happiness while walking in truth.
Oh my, this is an awesome standalone. I love the characters. The good the backstabbers and the liars. I want spoil the read, trust it's worth your time.