Somebody's Forever

by Robbi Renee

Zeke & Jules’ situationship continues in Somebody's Forever. Will they find happily-ever-after, or was it fun while it lasted? After a tumultuous divorce, Dr. Jemma Holiday simply wanted a fresh start... with Dr. Ezekiel Green. Living in the small college town of Monroe City, Jemma was reluctant to go public with the new relationship, while Ezekiel was ready to share the love for his beautiful Jules with the world. Jemma wanted to be somebody's girlfriend. She wanted a man she could love with no shame. But was Jules moving too fast with the good doctor Zeke or was this whirlwind love affair right on time? Ezekiel wanted to be somebody's forever, to love every beautiful flaw, every imperfection of a woman. Zeke wanted to be Jemma's forever.

Genres: Romance, African American Romance, African American, Novella, Adult

132 pages, Paperback

Published May 29, 2023

About the author

Hey Loves! I grew up in St. Louis, Missouri (in the words of Nelly, “I’m from the Lou and I’m proud!) with incredible parents and two amazing older sisters. Born Stacey Renee, I was the baby of the bunch and always had a vivid imagination – was wise beyond my years (to grown for my own good) if you ask my mother!

My love for talking too much (ha!), journaling, daydreaming, reading & watching various genres of movies, books I went to journalism school, determined to become Oprah! After finishing my degree, I did everything but becoming a journalist. I dishonored my childhood dreams of being in some form of entertainment but found a way to use this big mouth for good in the diversity, equity, and inclusion space.

I rekindled my love for reading and writing during the 2020 pandemic where my alter ego & pen name, Robbi Renee was born. Robbi is my daddy’s nickname so my pen name pays homage to him. (Yep! I’m still a daddy’s girl!) Renee, as you can see is my middle name – Robbi Renee!

I started Love Notes by Robbi Renee as an outline to release all of the stories that live in my head. I was challenged to write and publish my first novella, French Kiss Christmas, published December 2020.

Robbi Renee draws upon personal experiences with life and love. My written works are inspired by my adoration for Black love, and stories of romance, heartache, trauma, intuition, and redemption.

Stacey/Robbi Renee enjoys her own Black family love story with her husband George and teenage son.

Reviews

[Jahda · Rating 3 out of 5]

We didn’t need this …

[Annette Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

To say I was over the moon when RR first posted about this update on Jemma and Zeke would be an understatement. I was so happy to see this couple still thriving and very much in love with each other. Zeke finally got his lady and can love her out loud and proud or so he thought. Jemma is still very hesitant to go public with their relationship so soon after her divorce. As in the first book, Jemma is perpetually concerned with what other people will think about her moving on so quickly. Then, there’s Shilo. She’s taking her parent’s divorce much harder than we saw in the first book. Shilo is angry, depressed, her grades are slipping, and she’s quit the track team. To try to get ahead of Shilo’s depression, everyone goes to family therapy so she has a safe space to address her feelings. Bottom line, baby girl wants her family back together and this, of course, immediately dumps a truck load of guilt onto Jemma’s shoulders. Honestly, I was expecting to see more growth from Jemma but she kind of reverted back to her old ways of putting everyone else's needs ahead of her own. Because she was so concerned with other people’s opinions, she wouldn’t let Zeke date her like he really wanted to. They were pretty much sneakin’ and creepin’ like they were when she was still married. Jemma had me givin’ her the bombastic side eye. I just didn’t like the position she kept putting Zeke in. With that being said I still, very much, enjoyed Somebody’s Forever. Jemma and Zeke had to overcome a few growing pains but, their HEA is still intact. Now that we’ve gotten our update on these two, I wouldn’t say no to a book on Quaron, Maxine, Ezra, and Myron.

[Shawnaci Schroeder · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5 ⭐️

- Love that this novella felt like an actual story and not like an extended epilogue. The spice was spicyyy but the storyline was a great one so it really kept me invested.
- The writing in this book and Somebody’s Wife is just so easy to read! I feel like I could have easily binged this in a day if I had completely uninterrupted time.
- Wish there were a third book because I could definitely continue on and on with their love story!

[Sharonda Isadora · Rating 2 out of 5]

beautiful gowns, beautiful gowns

[Dahyana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jemma x Zeke

Jemma's story has just begun. She and Provost Green have soo much passion. Her story is told soo amazingly, cause it's real, it's raw. It's someone's reality. We get to see Jemma deal with the aftermath of her divorce. Zeke is madly in love with Jemma and wants to live out loud with her. But this is a new normal for Jemma and her family. However, broken they are. It's gonna take a lot of getting used to. Especially for Shiloh. This little update on Jemma and Zeke was refreshing, just as touching as the first book. This a series you want to read. It will pull at your every heartstrings.

[Sharon Alexander · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️ while I enjoyed it… we could’ve did without it.

[Toya Davis-Stokley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so excited, when I realized this was a continuation of Zeke and Jules' story! Let me tell ya'll if Zeke is anything he is consistent! Still ALL man, ready to be there for Jules whenever she needs him, and that infamous quote, "don't think, don't hesitate, just come!" Whew! 😍 All is going well until Jules starts to get in her own way! Once again, she starts to make decisions based on other people's thoughts and feelings rather than her own! Pushing her relationship into the shadows. I get it that Shiloh was having a hard time. That is normal and expected. But damn at 20 years old though, she was being a brat! Shiloh, this ain't about you, and your selfishness is bout to cost your momma her man! Grow up! 😡 I was heartbroken for Zeke when Jules pumped the brakes on their courtship! This man has always laid himself bare for Jules, knowing that she may never walk into the light together with him; and to see it all crumbling made me angry! Jules get yo ish together girl! 🤬 That incident in New York, lit a fire under Jules' ass, and made her realize that she needed to show up for Zeke and let him know he was not in this alone! Yes!! I can't get enough of these two and hope to see them again soon! Great read! 👍👍👍

[Mrs. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

I'm not sure I needed this next step for Zeke and Jules. I like them as a couple. I did not need the spoiled 20-somethings drama. But I guess I would be upset with my parents, too, especially if my dad cheated so blatantly and out loud for the world to see. Zeke's patience with Jules was remarkable with all her hang-ups and hiding. The relaxing parts with the couple were abundant in this story. Note to authors: Stop with the medically induced coma, please.... Overall, this was a good follow-up and semi-closure for the couple.

[Shades N Pages · Rating 3 out of 5]

When the author mentioned she was writing this book, I got excited. I hated to let this couple go and I looked forward to receiving more insight into their relationship. I know one thing that’s for certain, Ezekiel and Jemma have passion and intimacy down to a science. It shows in their interactions and the way they refuse to keep their hands off eachother. I liked how Quinton accepted responsibility for his actions and the demise of their marriage. The family therapy was also a plus. However, for me, I felt like Shiloh’s needs took precedence over the story and her mother’s decisions. I’m a firm believer that if the parents aren’t okay, the kids won’t be. Not to say that the kids aren’t important but how can you pour into them if you’re not pouring into yourself. I didn’t like Shiloh’s behavior towards her mom. It just felt like she was blaming her for his dad’s actions and faulting her for moving on and choosing herself. Plus, with Jemma being a habitual people pleaser in the last book, I didn’t see much character growth. She’s still worried about what others think and basically confines her relationship with Zeke to hotels. Also, she needed to check her mom for her disrespectful behavior. While we’re at it, an on page conversation of her checking her daughter would’ve helped too. Overall, it was nice to meet up with Jemma and the Good doctor again but I feel like the meaningful conversations they needed was clouded by sex and Shiloh’s unnecessary behavior. In the end she did surprise me with her actions, but I feel individual therapy and Jemma actively choosing herself on page would’ve satisfied me more and convince me she wouldn’t convert back to her people pleasing ways.

[Ebony | ebonylovesbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really raved to anyone who would listen about how much I Loved the first book Somebody’s Wife. I had to get more of Jemma and Zeke.

Now I’ll be 100% honest, was this book necessary? No, but did I enjoy the update and a little more of them? Yes, but Jemma was still on her one foot in, one foot out and honestly I was just like GIRL send the good doctor back to the streets for someone else 🤣

[Vonetta Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading Somebody's Wife I was excited to read this one to see where Jemma and Ezekial ended up. I was happy to see that it picked up where the first book left off with them being together but a little disappointed that she still wanted to hide the relationship and still cared about the optics of how things looked to outsiders. I was also a little annoyed with her mother's response to learn that she was dating and how she should only be focused on her daughter. While I understood the situation was a lot for her daughter, I also felt at the same time Jemma as a person needed to live too and it was almost how parents give up some things for their happiness to give to their children which happens so often.

I was happy that her friends cheered her on and supported her relationship the whole time and I was also happy that Shiloh was on board towards the end as well. I enjoyed the book but I could have used an epilogue at the end as I wanted a little bit more.

[JBucky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Continuation of Zeke & Jules

This continuation of Dr. Greene & Dr. Holiday was fantastic! Everything was handled expertly, despite the roadblocks between the two. There was a valuable lesson to be learned even from reading about Shiloh's experiences with her family's breakup! I'm relieved that Jemma FINALLY let go and stopped avoiding everything she deserved! I think it's a lovely conclusion!!

[Lisette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my word. Swooning!

This was such a beautiful update for one of my favorite couples. I thought I was going to stay frustrated with my girl Jemma, but she got it together eventually. I'm glad Shiloh is working through her issues and that The Good Doctor continues to exhibit his unwavering patience and loyalty.
I loved this! Can't wait for the brothers.

[Sunflower · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm glad Jemma tightened up when it came to what her heart wanted. Zeke really loved her, it just felt so genuine. The best thing a man can do is unapologetically love a woman, flaws & all & Zeke did just that. In Somebody's Forever, I noticed that Jemma loved herself more than she did in Somebody's Wife.

[Nica M · Rating 4 out of 5]

REALLY?!?

I liked the sequel more than the first book, but the ending was wack!

We don't even get to know what the gifts were and if one was an engagement ring?

Come on now! We deserved more. Smh

[Whit · Rating 4 out of 5]

A captivating page turner.

Jules and Zeke are moving on after sleazy, cheating Quinton decimated so many relationships with his selfishness. As a result, Shiloh seems to be the most damaged. She wants her mom and dad back together, but Quinton made that impossible!

To add insult to injury, Jules is keeping Zeke a dirty secret. Not fair when he is so good to her. Don't make him pay for Quinton's sins! Ezekiel does not deserve that!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, I loved this novella even more than the full length novel. Robbi packed a punch with this one. If you were looking for the tension, the emotional rollercoaster and the grit of their love story….this is what you need to read.

Dr. Ezekiel Green I’m in Saint Louis and I’m dropping you my location. Come see about me!

[The Love Librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the perfect follow-up to Somebody’s Wife! This novella shows us the ups and downs that Zeke and Jemma must work through to make sure their relationship is truly unbreakable.

I’m ready for Jemma’s besties to get books!

[KarynReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVE!!!

I loved this so much! Such a pure love to read about. Jemma and Zeke!!! I can read this again starting with book 1!

[Rochelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very nice sequel to Somebody's Wife. Dr. Zeke is still EVERYTHING! If only these book baes existed in the real world. Can't wait to read Ezra and Quaron's story next.

[Sheronda H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved reading more about Zeke and Jules story. I was nervous about how it would end but I wasn’t disappointed. This book was shorter than the 1st but it was still a great read.

[Ebony Essence · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thoughts…just bare with me.

2.5 - Love as a whole is beautiful to see in any form and even through pain. This was a good quick story to keep us updated on what zeke and jemma have been up to since the first book. However, i don’t know if it was needed.

1. Jemma’s mom gave me the ick.
2. If zeke & jemma don’t do nothing they’re going to f**k.
3. Jemma truly got on my nerves
4. I didn’t like that Zeke had to keep telling Jemma grown behind to “used her words.” First book it was cute but this time no.

I buddy read this book and we both felt the same way. Jemma just couldn’t seem to stand on her own two when it came to her and zeke’s relationship. Cared too much about what others thought. It was like she was stuck back being 20 years old again. Why are saying “whatever it is” pertaining to you and zeke’s relationship. Like ma’am in the last book did you not agree to be his girlfriend? I felt that was so disrespectful and the way it seemed she just drugged him along, smh. In the first book she should have been over all of that. If anything i wish in this book she stood in her happiness and owned it like the black Dr. she is. She could have shown her daughter what it’s like when life throws a curve ball and how you get back up feeling your emotions and all. Or if she needed to completely take a break and focus on her, her daughter and what she truly wanted would have been good too. She just didn’t communicate well enough for me.

Wish we could have gotten a conversation between shiloh and Jemma. The one between Quinton and Shiloh definitely did some healing.

Zeke is without a doubt a good guy and for sure always shows up. However, i felt like he was starting to get a little desperate. It’s like he was willing to take whatever jemma was giving. Zeke really loved her more. So I’m glad Robbi wrote a few times how zeke told jemma “she’ll never know how much he loves her.” She was for sure testing that love. What’s sad is what if nothing ever happened to zeke’s mom? Where would their relationship have gone?

All in all this book shows you what being loved correctly by a man looks like. That it is okay to take time after heartbreak if you’re not sure. There’s no need to leave more hearts broken.

[Ciana · Rating 3 out of 5]

So…Dr. Holiday and Dr. Green have gotten freaky sneaky and fell in love. She is now divorced and Dr. Green said he ain’t going to be nobody’s secret (okay then). But Dr. Holiday’s daughter (20 year old daughter) isn’t taking the divorce well. Girl get over it! At some point you have to realize your parents are just people and your 20s are that decade of realization!!
Dr. Green should’ve been name Mr. Fix it or Bob the Builder because he wants so bad to make this woman whole again, and just call Dr. Holiday Humpty Dumpty because girlfriend is in a million pieces and is refusing to be put back together! These urban romances are like a Tubi top 10 list, messy, spicy, bad acting…but you’re watching it anyway!

[Rashida Barthelemy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Somebody’s forever was a cute book. In my opinion it did not need to be a 2nd book. Although I did like the book I feel like Jemma and Zeck’s story could’ve ended in the first book. This book honestly felt a little like an after thought but because of how the first book ended I guess there needed to be a second book. but overall it was a cute read.
3.25 ⭐️⭐️⭐️

[MJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I could have done without this follow up. Jemma and her emotional baggage started to irk me. And Shiloh is too old to be acting the way she did.

The story redeemed itself with the appropriate level of spice and romance.

[Kristal Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Somebody’s forever

I loved this follow up on Zeke and Jules. These two were definitely made for each other. I loved how they showed up for each other every time and how Zeke always encouraged Jules to advocate for herself and go after her hearts desires even if that meant disappointing other people or her not choosing him. He simply wanted her to choose herself and what made her happy, whatever that looked like. I also loved that Ezekiel stood on business when it came to his love, support, feelings and wants when it came to his Jules.

There were moments where Jules was frustrating me because she seemed to want to hide her relationship with Zeke as a means of making everyone else more comfortable after the divorce and didn’t really consider how doing so would hurt Zeke. I understand Jemma’s need to sort of protect her daughter from seeing her move on, but Shiloh was an adult and I think what hindered her healing was her parents treating her like she was a little girl and not being honest about everything upfront so that everything was on the table to allow her to process at once instead of getting to a good place and then being hit with another curveball. For Jemma and Shiloh, they needed to have a woman to woman/mother to adult daughter conversation way sooner than they did because there was no reason for this girl to be throwing temper tantrums at her big age.

I also loved the friendship and sisterhood with Jemma and her girls and how they also always encouraged her to go after her hearts desires and not think about what others will say. This was such a good series and I would love to read about Ezra and Quaron or even Maxi and Myron.

[Ashlei Arceneaux · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.0/5.0 stars

I was happy to see a continuation of the story with Jemma and Zeke but this just wasn't the same as the first one. Mainly for 2 reasons: 1) I found Zeke to be really selfish in this one. Jemma had A LOT to deal with and I felt like because he went through it already she needed to be over and done with it. Using sex against her in the one scene to make her change her mind when she wanted to break if off aggravated me. Then 2) I just found the smutty scenes to be excessive. We already know they are really physical with each other. It was literally happening in every chapter. They should not be having important talks in the middle of intimacy. It was off-putting. The communication was not giving what it should have. If it wasn't for those things, this could have been 5 stars.

[Ebony (whatebonyreads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

To say I wasn't nervous for Dr. Ezekiel Green going into this book would completely distort the truth. I was waiting for the other shoe to drop, and boy, did it ever. I yelled at Jemma, aka Jules, and even put my iPad down because she frustrated me. Now, I understand the emotions that mothers go thru when it comes to carving their own life after dedicating it to others for so long. I'm just glad Jules finally came to her senses because if not, I was going to Monroe to look for Dr. Green my damn self!!

Excellent reads by Ms. Brown, Definitely a fan.

[Nelliey Makena · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much more than the first (Somebody’s Wife) - contrary to several other readers’ reviews. And yes I needed it. I loved seeing how Zeke and Jemma’s love grew and how their various dynamics spanned out, and especially how the aspect of Shilo was handled.
Is love after divorce a smooth ride? How does it look like if there are kids involved? I needed these details in these two’s story and coming to the end of it, I was glad I picked up book 2. It goes to affirm that everyone deserves a forever love despite of / inspite of a previously failed relationship/marriage.

[Keesha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I broke down and read this sequel since it’s clear we won’t be getting it as an audiobook. I absolutely love Somebody’s Wife so I appreciated this update. I love how my Zee is still completely gone over Jemma. The love story in Somebody’s Wife is so captivating that we don’t focus on how messy it will be for the good doctor and Jemma to make their relationship work in real life. There are a lot of complications. I wasn’t surprised or annoyed by the challenges and I was happy to see Jemma stepped up for Zee the way he had long done for her. I love this couple!