This Time Around

by Kay Shanee

Two decades ago, two strangers make a connection that bonds them for life. Perfect for fans of second chance romance, This Time Around is the love reunion hopeless romantics have been waiting for. Dr. Tessa Howard is sick and tired of everything—her job, her nagging mother, and her boyfriend who wouldn’t know commitment if it hit him in the face. The only thing that didn’t work her last nerve was her soon-to-be twenty-year-old daughter, Cyrah. Watching her one and only child, her greatest accomplishment, live life out loud was her greatest joy. Tessa didn’t know what she’d do if she didn’t have Cyrah, whom she admittedly lived vicariously through. After an epiphany in the middle of the night, Tessa finds herself single and unemployed. With no job, no man, and no prospects for either, Tessa finally decides to let loose and learns that history does, in fact, repeats itself. Dr. Cypress Boone recently ended a relationship after a two-year engagement. He’d given his all to Emery, but she played him for a fool. Although disappointed, he hasn’t given up on love and is ready for a fresh start. Emery, however, isn’t ready to let go and refuses to accept that they are over. In an effort to make a clean break, he accepts a job at the prestigious Black Elm University, over two thousand miles away from his current residence. With a new job in a new city, Cypress has high hopes that a new woman will soon be added to the equation. However, maybe this time around, someone new isn’t what he needs.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Audiobook

320 pages, Paperback

Published March 26, 2024

About the author

Welcome to Kay Shanee's Reading Korner
Kay is forty something wife and mother, born and raised in the Midwest. During the day, she is a high school teacher. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends. Her favorite pastime is reading and writing romance novels about the dopeness of BLACK LOVE.

Reviews

[Annette Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imagine being set up on a blind date by your daughter and in walks the man you had a one night with 20 years ago during Spring Break. Now, you’re pondering if you should tell this handsome stranger he’s the father of a 20-year-old daughter he knows nothing about as an ice breaker. Tessa is feeling unsettled and unfulfilled with her life. She’s in a three year on again off again relationship with a man who’s made it perfectly clear he wants no parts of marriage, she has a mama who acts like she’s hates her on most days, and, although she’s the youngest African American Studies Professor at Black Elm University, she no longer finds enjoyment in her job. Tessa wants something different but, she doesn’t know what that something is. So, after a 3am epiphany, she breaks up with her boyfriend and resigns from her job.

After breaking off his two-year engagement, Cypress is looking for a fresh start. When the position as the new African American Studies Professor at Black Elm University practically falls in his lap, he makes the move from Chicago to California without hesitation. During one of his classes, Cypress notices one of his students looks awfully familiar but he just can’t place her. Cyrah feels the same pull but, she’s much more concerned with setting her mama up with the good professor. She thinks Dr. Boone is exactly what her mama needs and convinces him to go on a blind date with her. When Cypress walks into that restaurant, he has no idea the whirlwind journey his life is about to embark on.

What I really loved about this book is that it featured a mature couple. I’m always here for reading books on characters closer to my age. Tessa and Cypress are in their 40s and both are experiencing major life changes in their personal lives, their careers, and their love lives. There were so many moments in this book that really stood out for me. There were moments of regret, moments of betrayal, moments of vulnerability, moments of passion, and even moments of sadness. It was just a roller coaster of emotions. I absolutely adored the relationship between Tessa and Cyrah. Considering the relationship she had with her own mama, Tessa used that as a blueprint on how NOT to raise her daughter. This Time Around was the perfect second chance romance. The author gave us a great balance of romance, drama, and humor. This couple had to weather a few storms but, the end result was more than worth it. Congratulations to Kay Shanee on her first traditionally published novel. I hope there are many more in your future.

[LaShaun’s Literary Lounge · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Time Around was just so stinking cute! I canceled all my plans yesterday and ate this book up and it did not disappoint. From the one night stand, the accidental pregnancy, the blind date plot twist, the mama drama ,(you read that right. MAMA DRAMA) to the unsuspecting betrayal by a loved one. This book had it all but, what it also had was a beautiful display of mature black love. I love reading about characters who are in their 40s or older. More books like these please! I 1000% percent fell in love with Tessa and Cypress and you will too. Get into this book people. You are in for a treat. Oh, and congratulations to you Ms. Kay Shanee on your first traditionally published novel. Well done ma'am. 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[♥Milica♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

THIS is how you write a second chance romance folks!! I knew if anyone could do it, Kay Shanee would be the one. The audiobook was excellent as well.

I really loved the characters, and the fact that they were older and actually acted their age (other romance authors take notes). I also loved the fact that their daughter set them up again after 2 decades, it was so adorableeee.

I'm really glad that this is a trad release, because now even more people will be introduced to this author's books, yayy!!! If you liked this, try any of her other books, you won't regret it.

[Ladi Kreyol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kay Shanee is a “New To Me” author. When she presented me with an opportunity to read a copy I felt honored. When I turned the pages, I was blown away and glad that she chose me to give my thoughts on such a beautifully written story. Kay gave us drama, vulnerability, tears, and cheers! I cannot wait for
everyone to get their hands on a copy March 26th!

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Format: E-book (ARC received for honest review)
Trope: Friends-to-Lovers (One night stand -to-lovers?)

Have you ever finished a book and immediately wanted to devour the author’s entire catalog? That was me with this book !This is a 10-star romance that grabbed me from page one and refused to let me go 😂😂. From the first twist, I was hanging on for dear life, desperate to see where Tessa and Cypress would lead me next. I was up until 3am with zero regrets! Yes, it's that good!

Tessa and Cypress are my new ride-or-die pairing. Tessa's life had been on autopilot and was really being driven by fear and familiarity rather than purpose and joy. Much the same with Cypress, he was with a partner who didn't appreciate him and in a job that he felt stagnant until he took a leap of faith that paid off in spades!

Tessa’s heart and hidden resilience play off Cypress’s charisma and unexpected depth in a way that feels entirely plausible. Every twist and turn just lands organically, like real life on steroids. Just when you think you’ve pegged one of them, Shanee flips the script, and you’re right back on that emotional rollercoaster.

The pacing in this book was so good. The story flows so seamlessly that I blinked and realized hours had vanished. It’s cinematic, like I'd pay good money to see this unfold on the big screen. And that HEA? Glorious! I live for epilogues, but give me multiple POVs and I’m officially obsessed, those final updates felt like little gifts from Tessa and Cypress' future, and I devoured every single one!

Minor Gripes 💔: I wanted more of the exes stories (on both ends). I'm sure there's some juicy backstory there and a bit deeper dive into the extended family dynamics. But honestly, that’s just me screaming please don't let this book end! 😂

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (10/10)

Quick Highlights

- The Pace!: stayed up till 3 a.m., no regrets
- Plausible twists that land with real-life authenticity
- Chemistry so electric and organic
- Movie-worthy storytelling that never stalls
- HEA payoff that had me grinning ear to ear

[_SimplyRead · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kay Shanee is a NTMA and I am excited to read more of her catalogue!

First let me start by saying how excited I was to read about a more mature couple! The way Cy & Tessa communicated throughout this entire book was REFRESHING! The lack of childish dialogue and Grown Folks behavior happening in this book was everything I needed!


***Possible Spoilers***
This story follows Cy and Tessa a one night stand that resulted in a baby girl. They didn’t connect for over 18years and life changes brought them back into each other lives! It follows their journey of learning and loving each other while facing several obstacles.

They fell hard and fast and neither of them played with their feelings, and moved with vibes vs timing!

All I can say is if you’re looking for a book with a really cute yet engaging story (with an actual plot), spice and love this is one you need to get into ASAP!

['The Book Queen' · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing love story, with a secret baby, and family matters love story. I loved this delectable treat.

[Naomi'sBookNook · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just loved Tessa and Cypress. Their second chance at love was well deserved. We need more books on seasoned characters. These are characters I can actually relate with.

[andrea pollard · Rating 5 out of 5]

love this Author

Loved the way Cypress loved Tessa .This was a good book this author can do no wrong. I also loved that this was an older couple !

[Emaleigh Nichelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story was good. The characters had a lot going on in their lives, welcome to adulting. From their initial meeting they had chemistry and lust that’s really all that’s required on a one night stand. Fast forward 20 years later you have a story full of chaos, found family, and chance encounters. Read this story if you like a little drama in your romance story.

[Keeping.Volumes.Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, Ms. Kay Shanee, applause for you! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 You did an amazing job! This story took me on such an emotional roller coaster – I felt everything! At one point, I was so frustrated that I almost tossed my headphones across the room! I had to take a little break before diving back in. Now I’m left wondering what to do with myself!

[Wind · Rating 4 out of 5]

Imagine having a one night stand that results in you getting pregnant to 20 years later you go on a date that was set up by your daughter with the man you had a one night stand with!?! Yep the story had me hooked and I was so invested in learning about Tessa and Cypress journey to HEA. One thing I have to say is Tessa mama is a no good heifer!

[Mariah Sherley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This time around they were ready for each other. From the first date they were inseparable. So happy they found each other again. Loved them so much.

[Crimson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful

Kay Shanee!!! This was a great read. Keeper my attention front the beginning to the end . Y'all just read the damn book.

[Robyn Fletcher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall: 4
Spice: 3

OMG!! This book was amazing. I thought I was going to die when one grandmother smacked another grandmother. This book had it all, spice, drama, love, respect. It was a refreshing story about what happens after a one-night stand. She left the story where we could have a few different sequels or leave it like this. This was my first book by the author but will look at other books.

[Ronnie Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew this book was going to be a 5⭐️ read for me. I felt it in my bones. What a time I had reading "This Time Around". We have Tessa the FMC and Cypress the MMC who meet for the first time at a club and have a one night stand. But upon meeting they don't exchange their real/full names. No information is exchanged from that night. Fast forward 20 years later Tessa has raised a 20 yr. old daughter as a single parent and has made some sudden life changes and Cypress has made a career change in a new place. These changes land the two in a chance encounter set up by Cyrah, Tessa's daughter. And the story takes off from there.

Let's talk about Cypress, a man who was whole and healed. Despite a single night of indiscretion, he lived his life by the book and was genuinely a good guy. Far from being a womanizer, he was educated, career-driven, and came from a two-parent household where his parents exemplified love and care for their family. Even after his fiancée betrayed him, he didn't become vengeful or develop a hatred for women. Instead, Cy's emotional intelligence allowed him to reconnect with Tessa and love her wholeheartedly. When conflicts arose in their relationship, he handled them with maturity and reason, showcasing his true character.

Now, Tessa was a remarkable woman—beautiful and successful in her career. Yet, as she approached 40, a sense of unhappiness loomed, prompting her to make some life changes. Unlike Cypress, Tessa was raised in a single-parent household by her mother, never knowing her father. Her relationship with her mother was tumultuous, marred by constant negativity and criticism. Despite this, Tessa forged a beautiful, almost best-friend-like bond with her daughter, Cyrah, proving that she could break the cycle and create a nurturing, loving relationship.

I couldn't put this book down. From beginning to end, it's filled with complex romantic relationships—both healthy and toxic—betrayal, the struggles and strengths of single-parent households, generational conflicts, and journeys toward personal growth and overcoming adversity. It evoked every emotion in me, from excitement and anxiety to sadness, anger, and happiness. If you're looking for this kind of gripping entertainment, I highly recommend picking it up and diving in.

[tre be · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️. TTA started off strong. I was deeply invested in the story, characters and if things would change for better or for worse "this" time around.

Cypress!! My man, my man, my man, my baby, my baby! Definitely my book bae 😍This man was fine, intelligent, family oriented and could whip up a mean French Toast?! 🥵 Zaddy!!

But, I couldn't get over how much I really disliked the FMC. She was petty, combative and selfish. The stars of the story for me were Cypress and Cyrah. Jada and Cyrah were the only one who had a genuinely realistic reaction to the big revelation. There was no way Cypress should've been apologetic after being kept in the dark for so long.

What I loved most was the warmth and closeness of the Cypress family! The Thanksgiving-themed scenes were a highlight, delivering plenty of dynamic shifts, surprises, and tension. All of these elements boosted the reading experience and made it an ideal book for autumn!

There was a lot of drama happening, and I was disappointed about the way the Emery storyline turned out. It could've added more meat to the story if things would've worked out in the opposite. I really don’t like when authors pretty things up for a perfect HEA.

The story was pretty predictable, but moved quickly and kept the drama flowing! I’d definitely recommend it for a story that’ll give you lots to talk about!!

[Yolanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I went into this book with high hopes after seeing the high ratings. The beginning pulled me in right away, and I really thought I was in for a great read. The setup was strong, the chemistry was there, and I was curious to see where it would all go. But somewhere along the way, things started to fall apart for me. It all came down to Tessa.

I struggled with her character more than I expected. She came across as really selfish to me. What frustrated me the most was how long she kept the truth from Cypress. They were constantly together, emotionally and physically, and yet she held onto a major secret until the halfway point of the book. It did not feel believable, and it definitely did not sit right with me.

Spoiler alert below …

The relationship also felt rushed. It was hard to believe that a brand-new professor would let a student set him up. That part felt unrealistic, and the tenant-landlord one-night stand didn’t work for me either. I just wasn’t feeling it. I gave it 3 stars because it was not horrible just not my vibe.

[Murlonda Webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

A true gem!

I read this whole book in less than 24 hours. Kay Shanee wrote a true masterpiece. There were moments I cried, smiled and was angry but it kept me turning the page. Great job!

[Tailyn Aka Daebug · Rating 4 out of 5]

soul mates

Tessa stressed me the heck out. Cypress was such a breath of fresh air. The love connection between the two was genuine and refreshing. Great story of finding the love that you truly deserve

[Piper Larson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Second chance romance and secret baby are two of my favorite tropes and this book did them well.

[Ebony · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so good! The storytelling was immaculate. I couldn’t put it down.

[JazzReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Tessa got on my nerves especially when she took forever to tell that man about hid child. Overall I like the book and I was happy with the way the book ended.

[Lorraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved everything about this book from start to finish, it was a page turner. This author made you feel for all of the characters except Tessa's mom and those exes they can go to hell LOL. I thought this well written and pulled at my heart for Tessa, she really went through it with her mom and sometimes we really need to cut family off that cause us nothing but heartache. I loved how Cypress and Cyrah connected so quickly it brought joy to my heart. This book was beautiful, WONDERFUL read!!!!!

[Camisha Crisp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Won’t be able to put it down!

This Time Around is one of those books you will get lost in and not come up for air until it’s over. Cypress and Tessa are two people who are both embarking on new adventures in their lives . A blind date leads to a strong attraction and two people with intentions of seeing what happens next. However, there is a small detail that Tessa fails to mention that will impact this budding romance! This Time around is a wonderful contemporary romance novel that clicks on all cylinders. You will laugh, cry, and fight the air !! Kay Shanee really showed out with This Time Around!

[Stacie H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whew! ❤️🔥😊

When I tell you this book took me on an emotional journey 🤦🏾‍♀️. I was excited, frustrated, happy and sad. Tessa and Cypress love was truly one for the books 😁. It was beautiful! Cyrah bringing her parents together was the start of this union that was meant to be. I was anxiously waiting for my book and it was worth the wait. I loved it!

[Natoi · Rating 5 out of 5]

One night of letting go of my inhibitions, One night to change your life. I didn't know him he didn't know me. I didn't even want to know his name. But he pulled and called to something in me. So, when he invited me back to his room, I went and had the best night of my life. This book had secrets and passion and sexy and serious and everything in between. But what happens when that one night finds you years later and discovers all was not forgotten? Do you give love a chance or has to much time past to build something strong? Find out in This time around!!

[Jaleesa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kay Shanee has not written a story I didn’t enjoy and that stayed true with This Time Around. This story gave me very loose second chance vibes….and I say very loose because a one night stand definitely isn’t an established relationship. This is definitely a mature romance and I loved that. You have Cypress and Tessa who are both experiencing some major life changes. Throw in a 20 year old who fixed her mom up on a date with her college professor and that’s really where this story takes off.

Tessa and Cypress absolutely had chemistry…..I felt it and so did they. There were so many moments in this book. Moments of passion, regret, vulnerability, self doubt and self realization. There was some drama too, some expected, some unexpected and I enjoyed every word. I felt like I was going through the emotions with these characters and I love when an author writes so well I get caught up in the story.

This book releases on 3/26 and you definitely want to add it to your TBR. Thanks to Kay Shanee and Black Odyssey Media for the ARC. All thoughts and feelings are my own.

[Kyeatta H · Rating 5 out of 5]

SPOILERSSSSSSSS:::::::::Whew....So Baby I read this book in a day. I literally got it in the mail when I got off work and sat down and was up until almost 3am. So let me just say this, Cypress did not play. Once he was in there, there was no turning back. There was no way that this wasn't just kismet the way 20 years had gone by and it was so easy to just spin the block. Then for the family to look and be like damn y'all look alike is crazy to me. Momma was nuts and hateful. She deserved the cutoff that she got. I was so glad that in the end they got the family that they deserved. Full of love and compassion.

[*Ebony I* · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unexpected love

This book was the epitome of a fated love. 

Tessa was at a crossroads in life. She was over not truly being happy. Despite having an accomplished career as a Professor, a beautiful daughter, and a man for the last three years...two out of the three were lacking and she was ready to move on. She woke up and chose violence resigning after a decade of tenure, and ending her relationship with a man that was not aligned to her needs. She was done pretending. 

Her actions were a domino effect as it created a Professor opening for Cypress. After getting his Doctorate he was ready to progress in his career, even if it meant moving across the country. He too was done pretending and had ended a two year engagement. I liked Cyrus's sweet family, they didn't play about him or each other at all. They were saddened by his move, but fully supported him as well. 

Fast forward to a student recommending Cypress meet her mother...Tessa. I loved how everything came full circle for them. Cypress didn't remember, but they had a previous brief but powerful interaction and boy did he leave an impression. Tessa and Cypress were soul mates. They were so good together. I loved how he cared for her, served her, supported her. BDE was rolling off of him. I loved how supportive Tessa was as well. She was a rider, and was by his side when he needed her the most despite the length of their relationship. I enjoyed the arc of their relationship.

I wanted to experience more of the wedding. She waited all that time, why? What did the wedding of her dreams look like? I wanted a glimpse of her dress. Did she have her hair in its natural state or did she straighten it for the occasion. What were the colors? Just more... 

Sn: Adding Tessa's Momma to the list of Trash Mother's. She was a bonafide hater and for the life of me I didn't understand why she didn't just give her to her father 🤷🏾‍♀️