An ugly encounter propels Kai into a depthless depression. Trying to shake back, she’s inadvertently thrown into a potentially dangerous situation with no escape. After coming in contact with someone who she’s deemed a monster, Kai tries her best to back out of the deal.
Yet this handsome stranger activates his charm and she finds herself captivated by his presence. Despite their brewing chemistry, Kai knows he’s no good for her. When her guard is let down, she finds out a truth that leaves her stunned. Not knowing how to escape her reality, Kai learns that she is suddenly trapped in a beautiful nightmare…
It is with great pleasure and extreme ease that I give SOS my first 5 star review of 2024! I just saw a post on IG that said “my 5 star reviews are based off vibes” and in my case, I couldn’t agree more! SOS gave me everything I expect when reading a book! The book was an entire mood and a whole vibe! The feels whether good or bad were definitely felt!
Kai and Elias had an unconventional story to say the least. Their past, present and future intertwined in ways they could have never imagined and constantly navigated through various challenges wasn’t easy but when you have two extremely determined people you can help but to root for a win!
I absolutely loved the family dynamic in the book and while complex it really added an enjoyable element to my reading experience! Quinton ain’t sh*t and I’m glad Nicole got her HEA because mama needs a life too!
I will forever hate 3rd act break ups in EVERY book that I read because why yall be letting us fall in love with these people only to send them AND us through this turmoil. It’s like you know it’s coming and you try to brace for it but you’re never prepared 😩😩
The only thing I would’ve loved to see more of and this is just me nitpicking was their Yoruba heritage reflected on page. This was the main reason they arranged marriages for their children, to keep their lineage and bloodline intact, so seeing authentic representation of Yoruba traditions throughout the story would’ve been the icing on the cake. Again just me being a greedy reader!
If SOS is not already on your 2024 TBR add it and make it a priority read.
With all the stories I've read recently about arrangement marriages, this one seems the most grounded in reality. When Kai sees a crime, it traumatizes her, and even though she's struggling to cope well, she gives up everything in order to pay off her dad's debt, which leads to an arrangement. As a result of her sheltered upbringing, Kai had no idea who the men in her life were. As two individuals who are completely unfamiliar with one another and are attempting to understand one other, Elias and Kai's relationship was like a rollercoaster—frustrating at times, but realistic overall. They have a lot of disagreements, and we are just along for the ride as they discover and navigate the complexities of their family relationships.
It turns out that things aren't what they seem to be, and the truth is starting to emerge. Despite his apprehension towards his marriage, Eli tried all he could to make it work, and I adored him for it. Respect was one thing Eli didn't mess around with, and he was sure to get it no matter what. His protection was unparalleled, and anybody could get it.
I've been enjoying arranged marriages and I will add this one to the list. The Heroux family believed that marriage and expanding the bloodline was important and by the age of 30 a bride or groom was chosen for them. I loved seeing a black family intentionally taking care of each other, removing a life of struggle for their bloodline. I appreciated the original storyline.
Eli was well past the age where he should be married. His father finally found his bride and he would meet her the day of the wedding, which I thought was crazy. We can't get a little lunch introductory date?! 😩 Unbeknownst to Eli and his family he had an encounter with his bride before. Kai was a chef and agreed to the marriage for a family situation. She didn't know that she would be agreeing to marriage with a man that literally haunted her dreams.
Eli set out to change Kai's perception of him....She slowly came around, but every time they took steps forward the unresolved past would slap Kai in the face. Eli was such an interesting man, he strived for perfection and the ups and downs with Kai seemed to take a toll on him. Not having previously established a relationship prior to marriage was felt in their lack of comfortability to communicate. Once they got past the drama I was happy they got their HEA.
I loved that Eli didn't play about Kai. Even when he was indifferent about her...everybody was gone put some respek on her name. Definitely recommend.
This is how you end the year! I know when I read a book from Charae, I’m going to get a complete story that is multifaceted with complex characters, drama, attention to detail and an abundance of emotions pulled out of me. SOS was a great book; it was different from her but she penned the arranged marriage trope well. Kai is a chef and daughter of the former mayor. She witnessed a crime that shook her world up and in addition to that, she decided that she wanted to save her father who had an addiction. Elias is the son and fixer for the Heroux family. When he was not collecting debts by any means necessary, he could be found at The Ace, an illegal gambling entity owned by the family. There are side characters that are important and I enjoyed getting to know them and the layer of suspense they brought to the story as well. I won’t go into much detail about Kai’s father but I truly despise his character. He deserved a greater downfall, but I digress.
The story began with an important breadcrumb that I almost missed but I went back and reread it and realized it was something I needed to keep an eye on. After the characters are introduced, the fun truly began. The crazy amount of emotions I felt throughout was truly unheard of but I couldn’t stop reading. The characters were so stubborn, and I wanted to shake them so bad, especially Kai. I understood why she was hesitant to be “all in” with Eli but she almost fumbled the bag because she kept holding onto the past. Eli was extremely patient and it broke my heart when he was ready to throw in the towel. With this trope, I expect the relationship highs and lows, but I was truly worried about this couple. However, in true Charae fashion, she found a way to reel the characters back in and I appreciated that! The title and cover doesn’t tell much about the story but this was an experience and another display of the brilliance that is Ms. Lewis! Tap in to this one!
I didn't like this story like i thought i would. I just couldn't rock with Eli. And after finding out the reason almost at the end of the book [which i almost stopped reading] the damage had been done. While Kai was falling in love and bonding with the dude I'm like but where's Jake? And why was he kidnapped? Eli ass kept ignoring Kai's turmoil with not knowing the answers to those questions. He wanted her to move past what she saw and accept the goodness he was doing. But he couldn't understand that she wasn't brought up like that. Eli only revealed the truth or reason why he did what he did because Kai went to his dad for help instead of him. I understand he wanted to protect his sister but he could've told kai the truth without involving his sister's story. Jake was a rapist so him killing him was a service to the city after he pointed out the raping had stopped since Jake was gone. Their marriage could've been good from the start. And because Eli wanted to be an asshole and keep secrets i couldn't rock with him. So 3 stars
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
who would've known that an arranged marriage could bring so much drama & deep feels! charae definitely did her thing with this book! especially with the character ELI. eli was everything! a protector, a provider, and a beast when he needed to be. i truly enjoyed his ride with kai.. and how charae peeled back the layers of her characters which often times we dont get to see. ELI was that guy: husband, brother, and son! he didnt take anything from anybody and truly protected those he loved AND sought therapy to try and fix his issues that were hard to identify. loved loved loved this book! and angelyn deserved her ass whooped MULTIPLE times!
Imagine witnessing a kidnapping, your mental health declining. Then you have to clean up your father’s mess by getting married to a stranger. And this stranger’s voice haunts you every day.
Whew! Kai was going through it! I was pleading with my girl to give Eli a fair chance. Because regardless of the acts she witness, Eli was giving SAFE. He was trying and he really wanted her to love being with him.
Eli was added to my favorites MMC list! That man said he would lay his own brother down for disrespecting his wife. I KNOW THATS RIGHT!!
Luna and Maeve are a good balance of friends. You always need a Maeve to your Luna. Maeve provided a lot of comedic relief.
Logan is TRASH! I knew he was trash from the jump.
Angelynn lived in DELULU LAND
I love when characters from other books are brought up. Reading a glimpse of Yazmin and Hero was a pleasant surprise.
Too much back and forth for me. The whole family had issues that annoyed me. I feel like the issues were drawn out longer than necessary. It was a good story, but could have been wrapped into a novella with the same impact.
This book pulled me in from the beginning and I did not want to put it down. Charae Lewis is such a good story teller. One minute I was smiling and falling and love the next minute I’m like wait nooo! Then I’m like NO WAY! I didn’t what except when I dived in and I loved every inch of this novel!
I loved me some Eli! He ain’t play about his wife not one bit! Now Kia had me yelling at her but I understood why she was acting the way she was she didn’t have all the answers and she was going off what she thought she knew. But the heart wants what the heart wants.
I was tickled when I saw a cameo of my twins from Saint Ave with they had behinds! Do not come corrupt any sweet babies 😂.
I will recommend this book everyone! I read this in less than 24 hours I just knew I was gonna take my time but I couldn’t stop reading it.
Charae Lewis never misses. I was engaged from the first page to the last. Arranged marriages do something to me. Is it me? Am I the problem? Y'all just read the damn book.
We love a book that opens up and pulls you in directly. No wondering who these characters will be or what they will be getting into. SOS does exactly that. As I read (in one sitting) I realized what we think we know about these folks, we have no earthly idea until Author Charae wants you to know.
There were moments where I felt bad for somebody then immediately wanted them X’d out because any opps have to go !!!
Kai and Elias frustrated me so bad that I had to sit the book down but not for long because I had to know what was coming next and who would be behind the incoming drama.
One minute I would be on my way to swoonville & the next I would be ready to yell at everybody lmao I don’t want to describe it as a roller coaster but it truly is a bumpy ride .. a fun, emotional and frustrating ride.
I loved every second of the mystery, suspense, and twists this book gave. Towards the end I would have never thought that was the reason Jake was kidnapped or expected the ending!
Kai was so naive it drove me a little crazy, I’m glad she finally opened her eyes at the evils around her. Eli was that dude and I loved how he made the decision to make it all work and his asking for consent to touch Kai made me weak in the knees. We love a consent king.
Gottttttdang this is what I'm talking about! When I say I want a gotdurn romance in one book this is what I'm talking about.
Angsty Angst ✅️ 69 slurping slurp ✅️✅️ Daddy-o × don't run from the D ✅️✅️✅️ ComplexFMC ✅️✅️✅️✅️ Mental health rep ✅️✅️✅️✅️✅️ People getting got × Black Mafi-mafia ✅️×10
It took me threw it....respectfully Kai almost caught these hands but I loved reading the growth and journey whew. Kai was a lot to take amd the back and forth did get to me but this book deserves every single star in 5 stars because I felt like I went through the romance battle with this couple. I felt like I saw the battle scars and loved the maturity and growth. It was a sight to behold. Its hard writing flawed FMCs. They will get dragged for filth in these bookish streets but man ole man was it worth it to see the outcome here. Eli had hus moments as well. He was imperfect but it was great to see him his personal journey unfolded. Charae Lewis will not back down from having her mains be ugly at times. I love that about her writing.
Complex characters shrouded in secrets placed in an arranged marriage...recipe for a reader's roller-coaster emotional journey. I will say that Eli stole my heart immediately and it would explain how he eventually got Kai's. I loved how some of the true villains were revealed teaching us AGAIN to not judge a book its cover. Some characters just needed to fade away because uh why are you still here? This was a 4.5 star read and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I get so lost in Charae’s writing! She gets me every time with her books and this was no different! I was so invested in Eli & Kai’s love story. I was sad when they broke up and was rooting for them to get back together! The way he was so protective of Kai had me feeling like I’m dating the wrong type of person lol. This is definitely a must read! You won’t be disappointed! On to the next Charae book! 💜
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Kai and Eli stressed me out in this story. Kai was judged everyone from her mother asking her father for a divorce to Eli family when her father is the one that was gambling her freedom away. I had to really warm up to Kai because she was so up and down. Eli could have been upfront with Kai about Jake so the relationship could more forward. I am happy the couple stayed together.
This book felt very transactional and robotic. It didn’t really flow for me.
The dialogue was kind of weird. Like that’s not how people converse. An underscore kept being used in dialogue instead of an em dash. It was kind of distracting.
Eli Eli Eli. This book started out excited and carried the pace for the entire book. MMC Eli was going through his own mental and emotional adjustment from work and family life, but still managed to be of sound mind when dealing with his new bride. And the new bride had a lot going on mentally herself and it showed in her attitude and behavior. There relationship and growth made this story a great read. arrange Marriage and Happily Ever After.
There was too much time wasted on the horrid lack of very much so needed communication that the chemistry or connection with any of the characters wasn't there. I don't mind the arranged marriage trope but let the reason for it be a good one or at least give them a choice. Kai was so annoying in every way. The women were all door mats besides Kai and she was annoying I needed her to pick a lane, especially when it came to her no good father. This book annoyed me more than anything due to the lack of needed communication.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, thanks to its masterful foreshadowing and a plethora of unexpected twists. It was impossible to put down.
Each character was intricately crafted, especially Kai, whose battle with depression and anxiety didn't overshadow her vibrant personality. The author skillfully revealed her traits - hardworking, loving, and slightly petty - through actions and dialogue, not just descriptions. Eli, the perfectionist, displayed a complex blend of strengths and flaws, with admirable self-awareness.
The side characters, including Quinton, Maeve, and Dylan, were equally engaging, keeping me and my Kindle awake until 4 am.For anyone seeking a story blending an arranged marriage, palpable frustration, and a generous sprinkle of BDE, this book is a must-read.
This book leaves no stones unturned. I love arranged marriage books. Most arranged marriage books involve the families needing to exchange something. This one was based more on keeping the family generation going. Very well written. I would have never guessed Jake did what he did. The punishment was well deserved. Eli was the man. He protected his wife no matter who came for her. There was a lot of topics in the book that are so important and people battle alone. Depression being number one. The message in the book was loud and clear….you don’t have to battle alone.
SOS by Charae Lewis is about Kai Montgomery and Elias Heroux. Kai is a passionate chef until a traumatic event at work leaves her depressed, afraid and jobless. Eli is the youngest son of ruthless businessman Benjamin Heroux, he’s also the collector for “The Ace”, the family’s gambling house. The Heroux family like many wealthy families hold traditional values. Eli is over 30 and his dad has decided that it’s time for him to settle down, and just like it was for his brothers, it’ll be with a bride of Benjamin’s choosing. I love the marriage of convenience/ arranged marriage trope so when I realized that’s where the story was going I was elated 🥰 Kai and Eli are both unenthusiastic about their upcoming nuptials, however, once “I do’s” are exchanged they can’t help but feel each other. Eli is so committed and intentional with the dates he plans for his wife. He’s such a man and he doesn’t play about his WIFE!! Eli’s standing on business every time, blood or not! Kai’s guard doesn’t stand a chance against this man. Kai is a boss chick, she’s authentic and real, it’s no surprise that Eli is attracted to her. These two have strong personalities, different upbringings, chemistry, commitment, family drama, communication issues and whole lot of baggage! Read this to see if that’s a recipe for love or disaster!
Who would have thought the man who came and kidnapped your boss, would be the man you are arranged to marry 3 months later and you don’t find out until the wedding day. BOOP! Bayyyyybeeeee when I say I loved this entire book. I loved it alll. Elias & Kai (whew) y’all were so perfect for each other in so many ways. Kai needed healing from the trauma of watching her boss be kidnapped and Elias needed to experience love that was not family related AND healing from needing to be perfect and watching/living through the horrific things his sister had to endure. Now Kai was terrified off Elias yet intrigued at the same time, but could you blame her. (Shrugs) Either way, it was a constant daily battle for her. Some days she wanted to let him in and the next she wanted to hate him. Yet she couldn’t hate him because she showed her nothing but love and kindness. Elias treated her as an equal despite the underlying circumstances. Watching them learn each other and grow with each other was truly beautiful. Then when they finally admit that they had fallen for each other (ouuuuuu my little heart was ecstatic) Logan should have been unalived because what kind of man is okay with letting his daughter marry a man to pay off his debts. TUH! Low down dirty dog. I’m glad Nicole left Logan he was truly a parasite and he had sucked all the love out of her. Now y’all know it wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows cause again arranged marriage BUT just as I thought we were getting some where, too much was said and too much happened and everything came crashing down. Light was shedded on the darkness and things were made clearer. Either way they survived and even though Kai had her moments where she was pissing me off, they survived. So I got my HEA because if no one else deserved it, they did. Eliana( aka Dylan) the things you had to endure from the age of 14 and then again in your adulthood would have brought the strongest person to their knees. I understand why you were in such a dark place and it truly made me happy to see you finally be able to breathe and see light again. The bond you and Elias had was incredible and I loved how he loved you as a brother. This book was chefs kiss. Thanks Miss MaMas!!!!!