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Taming a Heartbreaker: Spicy Black Romance

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Taming a Heartbreaker by New York Times bestselling author Brenda Jackson—Part of the bestselling Westmoreland Legacy series!

A steamy opposites-attract story about a playboy CEO determined never to settle down and a hopeless romantic who knows it just takes the right person to reform a rake.

He’s closed off to love. She’s set on taming his wild ways. Let the sparks fly!

Redford St. James is having too much fun to settle down with just one woman. Until a Westmoreland family wedding reunites him with Carmen Golan. He can’t get Carmen—gorgeous, sweet and a hopeless romantic—out of his mind. Even though she’s outright said he’s husband material! Him! And she believes any heartbreaker can be tamed—by the right person. Well, it’s his duty to set her straight!

But an intimate conversation becomes an intimate evening and a night that makes them wonder who’s taming whom. And that night could have consequences in nine short months…

FREE BONUS STORY INCLUDED!

A Little Bit of Love by Synithia Williams


Sheri “Li’l Bit” Thomas will do anything to help revitalize the community she loves—even work with Lieutenant Deandre King, the cop who once arrested her after a stupid breakup stunt. But neither counts on the attraction simmering between them—or the potential problems with Deandre’s teen son. Is Sheri the mom—and wife—they never knew they needed?


Don’t miss the complete Harlequin 75th Anniversary Collection:
Taming a Heartbreaker by Brenda Jackson
No Turning Back by Lindsay McKenna
Rancher’s Law by Diana Palmer
Save Me by Sharon Sala
A Murderer Among Us by Heather Graham
A Beach House Beginning by RaeAnne Thayne
Renegade Wife by B.J. Daniels
Tying the Knot by Brenda Novak

395 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 21, 2024

404 people are currently reading
122 people want to read

About the author

Brenda Jackson

898 books3,592 followers
In 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.

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5 stars
270 (50%)
4 stars
166 (30%)
3 stars
84 (15%)
2 stars
8 (1%)
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8 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
Profile Image for Page Passion .
855 reviews9 followers
June 20, 2024
This was a cute, very low angst story! there’s something very easy about Brenda’s writing. Her books are always a good distraction. Though I enjoyed this one, I just wish there was a little bit more conflict. Some romances work when external conflict and others internal conflict. This one had the internal conflict of man afraid of his own feelings and can never love. It’s cute, good way to pass time, but definitely not my favorite from the author.

Profile Image for Turtleberry Turtleberry.
Author 49 books50 followers
June 7, 2024
Carmen knew that Redford was the one for her the moment she set eyes on him. He was team one and done. He thought that he could be that way with her but she got under his skin.
I really enjoyed their love story.
Profile Image for Susan.
4,806 reviews125 followers
March 21, 2025
Two years earlier, Carmen saw Redford at a wedding and told her friend Leslie (What He Wants for Christmas), "That's the man I'm going to marry." Leslie tried to explain that she knows Redford and he will never marry. Carmen insists they are soulmates and it will happen. Redford hears about it and laughs but carefully avoids her.

After a brutal betrayal when he was younger (a senior in high school), Redford swore he would never marry or have children. He has kept his promise and is well known for his "one and done" approach to women. Fast forward to the present and they meet again at another wedding. The sparks between them are intense, and Redford wants her in his bed. Carmen believes that the right woman can tame a heartbreaker. "She would not pursue him. When the time was right, he would pursue her."

Meanwhile, Redford's confidence in his plans to seduce her is unwavering. She's been warned of his reputation. A starlit picnic leads to a passionate night, but Carmen's optimism takes a hit when he leaves without a word.

Shaken and confused, Redford doesn't understand why he can't get Carmen and their night together out of his mind. He's determined to regain control and knows what to do. His plan comes to a screeching halt when Redford learns Carmen is pregnant and at high risk of losing the baby. Though he had made his aversion to marriage and fatherhood clear to Carmen, he wouldn't turn his back on her and his child.

I enjoyed watching Carmen and Redford's relationship develop. Redford is determined to care for Carmen and prove to her that he wants to be part of their child's life. Understandably wary, Carmen agrees to let him stay. Redford's care for her is unexpectedly tender and intense, right down to his compulsive research on the best foods to aid with her sickness and giving her a pedicure. However, he still fights his feelings for her, attributing their growing connection to friendship. Carmen knows she loves him but won't say anything because she won't risk a repeat of his rejection. I liked the ending and the advice that got them past the fears and misunderstandings that held them back.
788 reviews4 followers
May 22, 2024
This was so worth the wait!

Before I begin my review, may I tell you that it was my intent to tell you this before I read the interview! There has not been one book by you that I have read that didn't capture my complete attention from the moment I opened the book. At the risk of sounding fangirlish, I truly like your novels. Whether they are part of a series or standalones! Now, for Redford and Carmen's story. It is something about both of these characters' initial declaration that kept me reading to know when, if and whose declaration if either, would change! I am glad it was both of them and I enjoyed their story so much, I could not put it down until I finished it. Thank you again Mrs. Jackson for the many hours of excellent reading you afford me! Let me say before I go, your characters take on a life of their own for me and by the time their story ends, I feel I know them personally!
Profile Image for Vonetta Augustine.
341 reviews
May 29, 2024
I love that I got two stories in one. I enjoyed reading both writers.

Taming a Heartbreaker
Redford and Carmen I remembered from Sloan's story and when she declared Redford would be her mate for life. What a journey these two went true to find this love. Redford was too jaded and Carmen too optimistic. Once Redford saw Carmen's genuine love and Carmen understood Redford's deep rooted pain, they were able to see each other better. Throwing in a unexpected and unstable pregnancy to get these two together and you have a recipe for love. I love that Redford is a researcher and researched everything from foods for an extreme morning sickness to how to give a woman a pedicure. He did that.

A Little Bit of Love
How do you go from an arrest to love? Sheri and Deandre shows you how. Those two are so cute. Sheri's cousin Cora is messy and Deandre's son is troubled. Once, they were able to work through those family situations. Sheri and Deandre had more than enough love to find their HEA.
Profile Image for Roberta (Always Behind).
724 reviews15 followers
July 15, 2024
I had heard of Brenda Jackson over time, but had never read any of her novels until Taming A Heartbreaker was the June pick for the Brenda Novak's Book Club. The interview Brenda Novak had online with Brenda Jackson was fabulous and I learned a lot about her as an incredible person as well as the prolific author. Taming The Heartbreaker is part of her ongoing series of two families. I was able to follow this current one very easily.
Redford was deeply hurt by a young woman when he was just a teenager. Ever since then he has been a womanizer and definitely a heartbreaker.
Carmen has her heart set on Redford being her soulmate and eventual husband. Can unexpected events change Redford's one and done attitude?
As the the subtitle emphasizes, this novel is spicy as the author claims is her usual emphasis. The way she handles it, the heat is just perfect.
I highly recommend this book if you like it hot. I am looking toward reading her next book and reviewing it.
Profile Image for Chichi.
68 reviews
September 1, 2025
DNF

This book was written by AI, you CANNOT convince me otherwise. The writing was so mechanical and empty. I honestly tried to read at least halfway through, but I was losing my mind.

The plot sounded cute enough, womanizer reformed by a woman he got pregnant? Not the best but not the worst either. But the execution was TERRIBLE. Everything about it. The writing is atrocious, the dialogue often felt like replacement of actual descriptions, like how in a terrible movie instead of showing stuff they’ll say it, creating such a weird and stunted dialogue.

I disliked all the characters, except Leslie. Yes, even Carmen, for being such a fool for this guy who very obviously didn’t really want her. She had an idea of him and their situation in her head and ran with it, which I find unbelievable for a supposedly 32 y/o strait-laced woman. You’d think she had some sense.

And don’t even get me started on Redford. What a POS!
This was a huge waste of my time, please don’t waste yours.
Profile Image for JigsawGirl.
4,146 reviews
June 4, 2024
A Little Bit of Love review. 4 Stars.

I will have to go try and go back to finish the first book in this 2 book audiobook and update my review.

I enjoyed the 2nd book. I thought the narration was good. I liked Shari and Deandre as a couple. I was frustrated by DJ, but I understood how he felt. I was surprised in one sense that he would take things that far, but I was not surprised to find out who was involved.

I did not like Shari's cousin Cora at all. I found her jealousy of Shari to be a problem. I did not care that Cora was family. There were 3 separate incidents where Cora did not have her best inter at heart, in spite of what she said. Sometimes it is necessary to walk away from family members who mean you no good.

I thought this was a sweet romance with a few complications, but ended with an HEA.
Profile Image for Shana OkieCozyReader.
1,355 reviews61 followers
June 29, 2024
I thought this was a fun little read for the Brenda Novak book club. I thought the ending seemed abrupt - i wanted more of their story. I love that part of it takes place in Alaska.

Another short story - HUSBAND MATERIAL is included in this book as well as an excerpt from Marist Yates’ book A FOREVER KIND OF RANCHER.

“Leslie had known Redford for as long as she’d known Sloan, since she’d met both guys the same day on the university’s campus over ten years ago. Redford had been known then as a heartbreaker. According to Sloan, Redford hadn’t changed. If anything, he’d gotten worse.”

“Redford was not the marrying kind. He’d made that clear when he’d said no woman would ever tame him.”
Prologue

“Then tame the heartbreaker. Specifically, tame your heartbreaker.” Ch 13
Profile Image for Arlena.
3,480 reviews1 follower
November 18, 2025
Title: Taming A Heartbreaker
Author: Brenda Jackson
Publisher: Harlequin
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Taming a Heartbreaker" by Brenda Jackson

My Insight:

"Taming a Heartbreaker" is an engaging romantic novel that will keep readers eagerly turning the pages to discover what happens next for the characters Redford and Carmen. As their lives are transformed by love, the story highlights the challenges of commitment and responsibility.

Throughout the narrative, you'll witness the evolution of their relationship and the struggles they face as opposites trying to unite. This compelling read invites you to explore how the author skillfully unfolds their journey. Don't miss the chance to see if Redford and Carmen can come together as one!

210 reviews2 followers
June 28, 2024
Carmen Golan went to her friends wedding. While there she sees a man. She takes one look at him and says "that's the man she is going to marry". They hook up at the wedding. Redford St James is all about one night stand. He got hurt when he was younger and said he would never get married. They had a one night stand and he couldn't get her out of his mind.
He had to see her. He found out from her friend, that Carmen was pregnant with his child. He wanted to take care of her during her pregnancy but not marry her. They agreed but bonding together, the sparks flew. A very good romance story.

The book includes a bonus story, Husband Material.
Definitely a Goodread!!!!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
714 reviews
May 21, 2024
Another great book

This is another great book by Brenda Jackson. The plot and characters were very well written and developed. The h had met the H at a mutual friend’s wedding and she knew he was her soulmate but he was a womanizer and wanted to stay that way. They shared one night of passion which led to an unexpected pregnancy and heartbreak for her. Her pregnancy was high risk and he found out and decided to come and take care of her and their baby. They were able to overcome their fears and find love. Fantastic epilogue.
Profile Image for Lis Sigona.
588 reviews
June 29, 2024
A short novel about a girl and a guy and their best friends - all from college days. You can say there used to be the typical misunderstandings, the typical angst of young love, the typical stubbornness and miscommunications. The foresight of friends that have been there - done that… not found of all the in-depth graphic sexual writings - maybe I’m getting to become a prude or just been there read that long ago and don’t need it so much now… just didn’t find a fondness for it. I rather find humor and lightness in a novel now.
Profile Image for Courtney.
260 reviews8 followers
August 9, 2024
I thought this was a good book and a very quick read. I thought it was very predictable however, especially if you read the summary on the back cover which pretty much gives the story and plot line away. I also thought the story was a bit repetitive especially with all the morning sickness and the fact that Carmen happened to get pregnant the very first time she was intimate with a man. That seemed kind of unrealistic to me. The romance was also predictable and much like other books I have read in the past. Not the best but not the worst book either.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for SOMDReigel.
1,123 reviews
June 16, 2024
My first time reading a Brenda Jackson book and I’m ready to read more! I enjoyed the two main characters: womanizer Redford and the romantic Carmen. They seem opposites but are meant to be together! They had quite the journey to get to their HEA. Steamy romance, written very well, believable characters and plot. This is part of a series, which I have not read yet and can be read as a standalone. Highly recommend.
Profile Image for Belinda.
1,136 reviews1 follower
June 9, 2024
Another arrogant guy who thinks he can have any woman he wants. Carmen has wanted Redford for years and believes they will marry.

He tells her a whopper to get her in bed than leaves. She is devastated but something happens and he is back!

I didn't care for his actions. I can't stand guys like that!
Profile Image for Jaclyn.
2,574 reviews5 followers
September 2, 2024
Taming a Heartbreaker- 4 stars

Sweet, low-angst romance with super caring hero who cares for heroine during a difficult pregnancy. He even gives her a pedicure!

Husband Material - 4 stars

Sweet and steamy second chance romance between an actress and a director/producer.

CW: miscarriage (off page)
Profile Image for Ashley Hedden.
5,259 reviews43 followers
September 28, 2024
Taming a Heartbreaker was a great read by Brenda Jackson. Redford St. James doesn’t want to settle down with just one woman. That is until a Westmoreland family wedding reunites him with Carmen Golan. He can’t get Carmen out of his mind. I enjoyed reading this book and can’t wait to read more by the author.
206 reviews1 follower
April 15, 2025
Taming a Heartbreaker

This was a story about Sheri Thomas and Deandre King. They met as part of a community outreach committee to improve their community. He worked for the police department and she had a restaurant. They planned an event to include everyone. They realized there was a strong attraction that slowly developed into a relationship.
Profile Image for Miss_J2g.
44 reviews
June 8, 2025
Redford & Carmen

When a woman knows, she knows. But, it takes a bull headed man to be slow in knowing. Lol Redford and Carmen’s story was great. It was wonderful how he loved her before he even realized he loved her after she had staked her claim for him and purposely ignored her. I loved how he took care of her in her time of need. She definitely tamed him. Good read. :-)
Profile Image for Brittni.
146 reviews24 followers
July 25, 2025
Carmen is naive and Redford is just one of those guys who sees women as conquests. The HEA is unrealistic, but I read to escape reality. Also, that's not a spoiler because it's in the title of the book.

Cute, palate-cleansing story to help me jump from all the fantasy and thrillers I've been reading (every single book had murder in it!) and go back into my romance era. Mild spice.
4 reviews
November 21, 2025
Repetitive!

In my opinion, this was not one of Brenda Jackson’s better books. There was just way too much repetition. She kept repeating the same thing over and over again throughout the entire book, like we couldn’t remember what we’d read. The overall story was good, but too many wasted words.
386 reviews1 follower
May 24, 2024
Spicy black romance

Both short stories was interesting. Many issues occur when is trying to avoid a commitment, the other has to deal with past problems. Both stories have major problems for a good and loving relationship.
Profile Image for Laura.
173 reviews
June 10, 2024
This book about Redman, a CEO, who was never going to get married, met Carmen, and she thought they were soulmates. Carman ended up pregnant after one encounter, and Redman couldn’t get Carman off his mind.
208 reviews9 followers
June 17, 2024
Double fun

This is an interesting story
about love and responsibilities. It also reminds us how quickly life can change and how the past can affect the present. Fun characters and an interesting storyline.
418 reviews7 followers
June 18, 2024
This book was a huge disappointment. There was no storyline to speak of it was just one big discussion about sex and a one night stand that resulted in a pregnancy. If not for being this month's book group read I would not have read this book.
Profile Image for Colette.
79 reviews8 followers
June 18, 2024
WOW, This is my first book I've read that Brenda Jackson wrote. It is a true Harlequin romance! But Brenda's description of characters and their interactions is so tingling and exciting I couldn't put it down. I love to go in the fantasy world of romance.
Profile Image for Lis Sigona.
588 reviews
June 29, 2024
A short novel about a girl and a guy and their best friends - all from college days. You can say there used to be the typical misunderstandings, the typical angst of young love, the typical stubbornness and miscommunications. The foresight of friends that have been there - done that… not found of all the in-depth graphic sexual writings - maybe I’m getting to become a prude or just been there read that long ago and don’t need it so much now… just didn’t find a fondness for it. I rather find humor and lightness in a novel now.
Profile Image for Lis Sigona.
588 reviews
June 29, 2024
A short novel about a girl and a guy and their best friends - all from college days. You can say there used to be the typical misunderstandings, the typical angst of young love, the typical stubbornness and miscommunications. The foresight of friends that have been there - done that… not found of all the in-depth graphic sexual writings - maybe I’m getting to become a prude or just been there read that long ago and don’t need it so much now… just didn’t find a fondness for it. I rather find humor and lightness in a novel now.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews

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