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Asylum
Asylum Matthews has devoted his life to his wife, stepdaughter, and the safehouses and protection he provides the city of Memphis. When his wife disappears without a trace, leaving signed divorce papers and her daughter behind, Asylum’s world is tilted on its axis.
Dauterive Jersey married the wrong man, and she’s suffered silently because of it. The free-spirited, independent woman has been dying for an escape. When she finally has the courage to divorce her husband, he vows to make her pay with an age-old threat—if he can’t have her no one can.
When Dauterive needs protection, Asylum offers his assistance without knowing who she is or what’s going on. The second they are in each other’s presence, memories of their time together rush to the surface, allowing a love they stifled to finally breathe again. Will it be easy for this second chance love to bloom, or will it wither and die and put both of their lives on the line?
Dauterive Jersey married the wrong man, and she’s suffered silently because of it. The free-spirited, independent woman has been dying for an escape. When she finally has the courage to divorce her husband, he vows to make her pay with an age-old threat—if he can’t have her no one can.
When Dauterive needs protection, Asylum offers his assistance without knowing who she is or what’s going on. The second they are in each other’s presence, memories of their time together rush to the surface, allowing a love they stifled to finally breathe again. Will it be easy for this second chance love to bloom, or will it wither and die and put both of their lives on the line?
204 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 15, 2024
About the author
B. Love
273 books1,568 followersVoted AAMBC's 2018 Romance author of the year, Master storyteller B. Love is the unparalleled self-love teacher. As the powerhouse for modern-day womanhood, she pens contagious content that encourages readers to internalize admiration and intimacy. She allows her most powerful vessel to guide her stories, wholly.
Since age 12, Love has been spreading self-awareness, care, and appreciation. For over six years, Love has authored over 40 publications centered around heart-piercing, reverence-worthy romance. Her novels not only entertain but challenge the audience to explore love. With a keen eye for passion, desire and dynamism she includes heuristic methods in her beautifully curated accounts of life.
B. Love’s entire persona is spearheaded by her incredible infatuation with the power of love. Contained within each novel, is an edification created for the glorification of self. Her pen bleeds for the souls who need just an inkling of empowerment. Each story is written with the intent to enlighten, engross and enkindle the passion in whoever picks up her book.
Since age 12, Love has been spreading self-awareness, care, and appreciation. For over six years, Love has authored over 40 publications centered around heart-piercing, reverence-worthy romance. Her novels not only entertain but challenge the audience to explore love. With a keen eye for passion, desire and dynamism she includes heuristic methods in her beautifully curated accounts of life.
B. Love’s entire persona is spearheaded by her incredible infatuation with the power of love. Contained within each novel, is an edification created for the glorification of self. Her pen bleeds for the souls who need just an inkling of empowerment. Each story is written with the intent to enlighten, engross and enkindle the passion in whoever picks up her book.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 247 reviews
February 19, 2024
I'm having a hard time with reviewing this one. After the last read, I was expecting a kidnapping for ransom, hostage situation or something like that to happen, as everything seemed urgent. The way things played out were okay, but not what I was anticipating.
Doe wasn't aware that she married a narcissistic, mentally unstable man, until she left him. However, as the storyline went on that showed his crazy, it just dragged on so long, to the point where I didn't care what happened to him.
Asylum was a sweetheart of a man. You don't find many that will stay with a woman after that ish she pulled, and still provide for their family. But being that man, meant he lost the love of his life, and he was not going to let her get easy. Sierra's behavior was so childish, just because she couldn't have her way. Between her antics and Bobby's, I was just over it. The only saving grace was the reconnection of Asylum and Doe, with the addition of True to the family unit.
Doe wasn't aware that she married a narcissistic, mentally unstable man, until she left him. However, as the storyline went on that showed his crazy, it just dragged on so long, to the point where I didn't care what happened to him.
Asylum was a sweetheart of a man. You don't find many that will stay with a woman after that ish she pulled, and still provide for their family. But being that man, meant he lost the love of his life, and he was not going to let her get easy. Sierra's behavior was so childish, just because she couldn't have her way. Between her antics and Bobby's, I was just over it. The only saving grace was the reconnection of Asylum and Doe, with the addition of True to the family unit.
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February 15, 2024DNF
July 7, 2024
There was more tension and angst between my phone and my fingers scrolling through the pages.
These two people haven't seen or spoken to each other in over a decade but they're already talking about forever and getting pregnant. Y'all just randomly met up again the other day. INSANITY. It all felt forced and bland. I was especially tired of the repetitiveness. I understand there was a point being made that they always had open communication but it's the same topics/sentences over and over again. Plus the timeline jumps started to get jumbled up the further the story went.
Also, Doe is another willingly dense main character.
March 14, 2024
THIS BOOK WAS ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING.!!!! Second chance romance and a bit of suspense and thriller. ASYLUM is definitely added to the book boyfriend list 🫶🏾😂❤️
June 26, 2026
This was so good from beginning to end! This second-chance romance was layered with just the right amount of suspense to keep me completely locked in.
Twelve years after calling off their engagement because of infidelity, Dautervie and Asylum find their way back to each other while healing from the heartbreak of failed marriages. I loved the way their story unfolded, and True was such a bright spot throughout the book.
Asylum is my favorite kind of MMC—a man of action whose love is shown through what he does. This was a beautiful story about finding your way back to your person.
One of my favorite moments was when Asylum called Doe his stabilizer—because baby, that man was ready to crash out behind True. 🤭 I loved seeing the way Doe grounded him while he protected the people he loved.
Twelve years after calling off their engagement because of infidelity, Dautervie and Asylum find their way back to each other while healing from the heartbreak of failed marriages. I loved the way their story unfolded, and True was such a bright spot throughout the book.
Asylum is my favorite kind of MMC—a man of action whose love is shown through what he does. This was a beautiful story about finding your way back to your person.
One of my favorite moments was when Asylum called Doe his stabilizer—because baby, that man was ready to crash out behind True. 🤭 I loved seeing the way Doe grounded him while he protected the people he loved.
March 19, 2024
bla. this book was just kinda corny to me. didn't really FEEL it. a lot of it seemed to be redundant. and there was a piece in the timeline that was just off. how is that, you guys fly to Houston, take pictures in Dallas or Houston, before your flight back home Memphis at 9am the next morning and somehow, you get to the car with missed calls and you're then back at home? lol that just doesn't flow. I don't like it. anywho... it was an alright read.
March 27, 2026
This book was such a refreshing read!
A story about lost love finding its way back after 13 years felt both heartfelt and real. I loved watching the relationship rebuild from where it once began—and where it had ended—with a sense of growth and understanding.
What stood out most was the maturity of the characters as they navigated challenges outside of their relationship. It wasn’t wrapped up in the typical “billionaire romance” trope, which made it feel more grounded and relatable. Instead, it told a story of real trials and tribulations—of facing struggles that can feel endless and still finding a way through them.
Overall, this was a deeply emotional and believable story about love, resilience, and second chances.
A story about lost love finding its way back after 13 years felt both heartfelt and real. I loved watching the relationship rebuild from where it once began—and where it had ended—with a sense of growth and understanding.
What stood out most was the maturity of the characters as they navigated challenges outside of their relationship. It wasn’t wrapped up in the typical “billionaire romance” trope, which made it feel more grounded and relatable. Instead, it told a story of real trials and tribulations—of facing struggles that can feel endless and still finding a way through them.
Overall, this was a deeply emotional and believable story about love, resilience, and second chances.
February 27, 2025
This book had the setup for an emotional, high-stakes second-chance romance, but it didn’t quite deliver for me. While the premise of a protective hero and a woman escaping a dangerous past was intriguing, the execution felt lacking in depth.
Asylum was an interesting character, but his emotional turmoil over his wife’s disappearance and sudden romantic rekindling with Dauterive felt rushed. There wasn’t enough exploration of his grief or transition from one relationship to another.
🎶Hate That I Love You – Rihanna & Ne-Yo
🎶Need You Now – Lady A
Asylum was an interesting character, but his emotional turmoil over his wife’s disappearance and sudden romantic rekindling with Dauterive felt rushed. There wasn’t enough exploration of his grief or transition from one relationship to another.
🎶Hate That I Love You – Rihanna & Ne-Yo
🎶Need You Now – Lady A
March 16, 2024
🔐🫶🏾
He was her protector, she was his stabilizer. This rekindled love story was quite the ride but it came together in an unexpected way. I liked this one, Asylum was such a man and True and Doe was just what he needed. The plot twists and smidge of suspense was just right for me.
He was her protector, she was his stabilizer. This rekindled love story was quite the ride but it came together in an unexpected way. I liked this one, Asylum was such a man and True and Doe was just what he needed. The plot twists and smidge of suspense was just right for me.
June 12, 2024
Asylum! The type of man you want to love and protect you 😍😍! 5 stars!!!
July 7, 2026
Asylum and Dautrive showed us that real true love can stand the test of time.
March 29, 2026
For this to be the first book in the series, I feel like it set the tone! I thoroughly enjoyed it and can’t wait to see what the rest of the series is like. And Asylum?! BDE frfr 🫦🫠🤏🏾
I usually have a love/hate relationship with stories where characters reconnect after a long time and rekindle things like nothing ever happened, especiallyyyyyy when it’s written poorly. But with Asylum and Doe, given their history, this gave everything it needed to give for me. I love love loveeeee how he protected her, and how she protected him, really saw him, and they loved each other through their love languages in such a healthy way. Trey was bat shit crazy, and Sierra never deserved a man like Asylum from the beginning, I’m just glad him and my girl Doe finally found some peace!!!
The way Asylum showed up as a father to True, protecting her and provided peace and stability was so heart warming.
He did not play about his baby girl and his sweetheart, and it was curtains for anyone who would even dare disrupt their happy home. You saw how fast he had Sierra ass LITERALLY running when that time was ticking lmfao 😂
A man showing emotions being normalized in literature, regardless of the genre, is a major W! This kind of representation matters, and I hope all authors/authoresses lean into this and keep it going.
If you want a suspenseful, urban, second-chance romance with all the right amount of spice, and you don’t mind the falling fast trope, definitely consider this book ❤️❤️
I usually have a love/hate relationship with stories where characters reconnect after a long time and rekindle things like nothing ever happened, especiallyyyyyy when it’s written poorly. But with Asylum and Doe, given their history, this gave everything it needed to give for me. I love love loveeeee how he protected her, and how she protected him, really saw him, and they loved each other through their love languages in such a healthy way. Trey was bat shit crazy, and Sierra never deserved a man like Asylum from the beginning, I’m just glad him and my girl Doe finally found some peace!!!
The way Asylum showed up as a father to True, protecting her and provided peace and stability was so heart warming.
He did not play about his baby girl and his sweetheart, and it was curtains for anyone who would even dare disrupt their happy home. You saw how fast he had Sierra ass LITERALLY running when that time was ticking lmfao 😂
A man showing emotions being normalized in literature, regardless of the genre, is a major W! This kind of representation matters, and I hope all authors/authoresses lean into this and keep it going.
If you want a suspenseful, urban, second-chance romance with all the right amount of spice, and you don’t mind the falling fast trope, definitely consider this book ❤️❤️
June 27, 2025
Listened via hoopla. The narrators are Georgie Kimble and Tony Roberts. I really enjoyed Tony’s voice. Georgie I am on the fence about. The pacing and how the story developed was good. Didn’t feel rushed or like i was missing out. Even the drama in this had me on the edge.
Now the love story i enjoyed very much. Reconnecting with a past flame in a crazy way but nonetheless you’re getting a second chance. That Asylum is definitely a stepper and protector. He doesn’t play and will not be made a foul of. Also very sweet and compassionate character. The way he loves Tru despite the circumstances is a real man. What he does for work i really love. He puts himself on the line to cover those that need protecting.
Doe did get on my nerves a little. Like ma’am sometimes people change and you can no longer put stuff past them. Overall I enjoyed her and the spark in her to want to fight back. These two definitely had some spice and were able to talk about the past like adults. They make a good couple.
Now the love story i enjoyed very much. Reconnecting with a past flame in a crazy way but nonetheless you’re getting a second chance. That Asylum is definitely a stepper and protector. He doesn’t play and will not be made a foul of. Also very sweet and compassionate character. The way he loves Tru despite the circumstances is a real man. What he does for work i really love. He puts himself on the line to cover those that need protecting.
Doe did get on my nerves a little. Like ma’am sometimes people change and you can no longer put stuff past them. Overall I enjoyed her and the spark in her to want to fight back. These two definitely had some spice and were able to talk about the past like adults. They make a good couple.
February 21, 2024
Sy and Doe ❤️
Asylum definitely had a big heart. Although he was abandoned by his mother, that didn't stop him from helping those in need. His relationship with True was heartwarming. You couldn't tell him he wasn't her father. Sierra and her petty way of dealing with rejection caused more hurt for True than she expected. Bobby was no better either. I loved the second chance romamce between Sy and Doe. I was happy they never lost love for each other and decided to rekindle what was meant to be. They definitely deserved a happy ending.
Asylum definitely had a big heart. Although he was abandoned by his mother, that didn't stop him from helping those in need. His relationship with True was heartwarming. You couldn't tell him he wasn't her father. Sierra and her petty way of dealing with rejection caused more hurt for True than she expected. Bobby was no better either. I loved the second chance romamce between Sy and Doe. I was happy they never lost love for each other and decided to rekindle what was meant to be. They definitely deserved a happy ending.
February 18, 2024
"You give me God’s rest"
This is what I call popcorn sweet romances. Popcorn in the fact that it's convenient, you know exactly what you are getting, and it's a safe choice. The MMC is perfect. He does everything right. The FMC is exactly perfect fit in every way and she wows everyone. The conflicts are external and fixed with ease. It's a sweet tale with strongly written characters
This is what I call popcorn sweet romances. Popcorn in the fact that it's convenient, you know exactly what you are getting, and it's a safe choice. The MMC is perfect. He does everything right. The FMC is exactly perfect fit in every way and she wows everyone. The conflicts are external and fixed with ease. It's a sweet tale with strongly written characters
November 17, 2024
Sometimes, when things look like they’re falling apart, they fall right into place.
I can only imagine how Asylum felt when Dauterive chose to end their relationship. Life has a unique way of guiding us back to the right path, often when we least expect it. It's reassuring to think that, in time, things can align for the better.
This is a beautiful story that ignites a spark of hope in love, even for the most skeptical nonbelievers.
I can only imagine how Asylum felt when Dauterive chose to end their relationship. Life has a unique way of guiding us back to the right path, often when we least expect it. It's reassuring to think that, in time, things can align for the better.
This is a beautiful story that ignites a spark of hope in love, even for the most skeptical nonbelievers.
January 21, 2026
*SPOILERS*
3.5 ⭐️. This was a cute second chance romance but part of it made no sense to me. The only reason yall wasn’t together is because of a one night stand baby and bm drama. You find out the baby isn’t yours the day of birth and you still don’t go after your woman? You stick around and eventually marry the girl? We all love a step daddy and I loved True and Asylum’s relationship but only if you love her mother. Honestly there were parts I had to remind myself this is fiction cuz some of the decisions seemed weird. Otherwise I enjoyed.
3.5 ⭐️. This was a cute second chance romance but part of it made no sense to me. The only reason yall wasn’t together is because of a one night stand baby and bm drama. You find out the baby isn’t yours the day of birth and you still don’t go after your woman? You stick around and eventually marry the girl? We all love a step daddy and I loved True and Asylum’s relationship but only if you love her mother. Honestly there were parts I had to remind myself this is fiction cuz some of the decisions seemed weird. Otherwise I enjoyed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 7, 2025
I enjoyed this book! Asylum was that man. He and Doe got a second chance at love but there were some obstacles they had to overcome first. The only thing that gave me pause from giving this 5 stars is Asylum not being smart enough to figure out how to get full custody of True with all the connections he had after what her mom and dad did. Overall, it was a good read.
February 23, 2024
B Love is a new to me author and this is my first read by her. This story gave suspense but soft and gentle love I didn’t know I needed. Asylum’s care for Doe as a provider and protector gave her peace without measure and I loved every minute
September 9, 2024
I’m convinced if you look up PROTECTOR in the dictionary Asylum picture would be next to the word. This man had no limits when it came to Doe, I loved how he had so much love for True even with him knowing that she wasn’t his biological daughter.
September 21, 2025
great read
This was a such a good sweet romance what’s even better is the lovers separated and were brought back … I love those kind of romance tales..
I think you will as well.
Happy reading
This was a such a good sweet romance what’s even better is the lovers separated and were brought back … I love those kind of romance tales..
I think you will as well.
Happy reading
Read
March 23, 2024Chef's Kiss
First time reading this author, and this book had my heart melting. Asylum is a MAN, and I love every drop of him. His love for True and Doe was beautiful to read, just a real life Godly love story that every woman should experience in this lifetime. ❤
First time reading this author, and this book had my heart melting. Asylum is a MAN, and I love every drop of him. His love for True and Doe was beautiful to read, just a real life Godly love story that every woman should experience in this lifetime. ❤
September 30, 2024
This is a new to me author and I was pleasantly surprised. I'm now going through her entire catalog. It totally wasn't what I expected. I loved Asylum's and Doe's story, True was my fav character though.
June 23, 2024
Wow
This is my first B. Love read and I promise you, it won't be my last. I loved the relationship between Doe (I dare not try to pronounce her name or spell it) and Asylum. I also loved the relationship between Asylum and True. I loved to see the growth and all development in their respective lives. Their honesty with where they were back then and current day was clearly seen. They both had things to face and overcome in order for them to have the future they envisioned. It was an "unputdownable" story. Their other partners were crazy as sheol which added momentum to the story. I hurt for them all except Trey. Asylum really understood True. I loved the maturity he had regarding True even when what was happening to her triggered him. Her parents (True's) were non thinking, selfish adults but in the end, it all came together. I haven't enjoyed a read like this in a minute.
This is my first B. Love read and I promise you, it won't be my last. I loved the relationship between Doe (I dare not try to pronounce her name or spell it) and Asylum. I also loved the relationship between Asylum and True. I loved to see the growth and all development in their respective lives. Their honesty with where they were back then and current day was clearly seen. They both had things to face and overcome in order for them to have the future they envisioned. It was an "unputdownable" story. Their other partners were crazy as sheol which added momentum to the story. I hurt for them all except Trey. Asylum really understood True. I loved the maturity he had regarding True even when what was happening to her triggered him. Her parents (True's) were non thinking, selfish adults but in the end, it all came together. I haven't enjoyed a read like this in a minute.
December 12, 2024
Nice quick read 3.5 stars
February 19, 2024
I need an Asylum
Lordy, lordy, I wish I met this man when I was forty. Then I could show him a thing or three about living his best life. In this story, Asylum's gangsta was tested time after time, and he prevailed each time. I don't understand why the women in romance novels act like damsel who need to be in distress. Okay, your ex has flipped his lid, and you have a bodyguard, why in the I am not real smart would you...never mind. But any way, Doe was a cute bird, most of the story, pun intended. I was happy she was able to get her second chance with Asylum. I forgot to mention, his ex Sierra, now that one was another bird. And so you understand, a child named True shall lead them. Uhh hum- please and thank you. I'm good with this story. 4stars.
Lordy, lordy, I wish I met this man when I was forty. Then I could show him a thing or three about living his best life. In this story, Asylum's gangsta was tested time after time, and he prevailed each time. I don't understand why the women in romance novels act like damsel who need to be in distress. Okay, your ex has flipped his lid, and you have a bodyguard, why in the I am not real smart would you...never mind. But any way, Doe was a cute bird, most of the story, pun intended. I was happy she was able to get her second chance with Asylum. I forgot to mention, his ex Sierra, now that one was another bird. And so you understand, a child named True shall lead them. Uhh hum- please and thank you. I'm good with this story. 4stars.
Read
August 16, 2025Asylum
To have a permanent safe place is truly a joy! Asylum & Doe are proof that if it’s meant to be it will be! True is God send! I hate that Sierra put her through pain only to still not get what she wanted from Asylum. Trey was getting on my nerves. It’s crazy how a person puts all their energy into you once they’ve lost you. He was his own demise. Merc is someone I’d like to get to know! I loved this read!
To have a permanent safe place is truly a joy! Asylum & Doe are proof that if it’s meant to be it will be! True is God send! I hate that Sierra put her through pain only to still not get what she wanted from Asylum. Trey was getting on my nerves. It’s crazy how a person puts all their energy into you once they’ve lost you. He was his own demise. Merc is someone I’d like to get to know! I loved this read!
November 15, 2024
Second Chance Romance
Predictable, boring, and cliche. All the right things said but it missed the mark for ME. Thirty six and taking a Plan B——GIRL BYE, MISS ME WITH IT.
Different states having different child protection processes BUT I am confident that the process isn't what was stated in this book. There is no way that you have the child's account that could have been easily collaborated and action would not have been taken by child protective services, police, or court. Then you have physical injury to a child which is considered "excessive corporal punishment" that could have resulted in an arrest and a court case against the perpetrator/"person legally responsible"/parent. Don't say you don't want the children in the system so you are going to allow them to remain in neglectful conditions and circumstances. The night that the police removed the child, the next morning the court house should have been the first step to file a petition for guardianship.
Breaking down doors ("breaking and entering") and assault, should have resulted in an arrest, Mr. former police officer who should know the law. You got connections with the FBI but did not have any judicial connection. The police testify in courts so there is no way, he did not have any connection with DA staff, judicial staff.
Conveniently when mother is gone, you have to have her living with you for your father to grant access to cash. How does your father know that her mother is gone?
Too be clear, you left him with your child to hurt him but didn't know your child would be hurt. If you wanted to hurt him (punish him for not loving you), you would have left with your child. I'm sorry, kumbaya my behind. How about looking at a tattoo and constantly being rejected fostered an addiction, so you went into rehab? How about communicating with Mr. Noble and your child that you can't stay in a loveless marriage and need time away to heal and figure about next steps? The man sacrificed his happiness to care for you and child so he was owed more than I hate you.
Flaming coincidences are a product of lazy writing and I personally find it insulting to this reader. The same day you meet up with your friend to discuss your 12 -13yr marriage is the same day, you link up with former fiancee who just got divorced. Y'all got the same friends but having seen each other in 13 yrs.
A one-night stand turns into you are the man I need to pin my baby on? There needed to be more background development for that to be believable. How about they worked together or knew each other in college and she craved a relationship like he had with perfect Pattie...give something besides a chance meeting while he was in his feelings. So you don't know girlie but don't suit up..okay that could happen.
By chapter 6 my patience waned and all I craved was an ending to this perfect tale. This may be a great read for many but I just couldn’t connect with it.
Predictable, boring, and cliche. All the right things said but it missed the mark for ME. Thirty six and taking a Plan B——GIRL BYE, MISS ME WITH IT.
Different states having different child protection processes BUT I am confident that the process isn't what was stated in this book. There is no way that you have the child's account that could have been easily collaborated and action would not have been taken by child protective services, police, or court. Then you have physical injury to a child which is considered "excessive corporal punishment" that could have resulted in an arrest and a court case against the perpetrator/"person legally responsible"/parent. Don't say you don't want the children in the system so you are going to allow them to remain in neglectful conditions and circumstances. The night that the police removed the child, the next morning the court house should have been the first step to file a petition for guardianship.
Breaking down doors ("breaking and entering") and assault, should have resulted in an arrest, Mr. former police officer who should know the law. You got connections with the FBI but did not have any judicial connection. The police testify in courts so there is no way, he did not have any connection with DA staff, judicial staff.
Conveniently when mother is gone, you have to have her living with you for your father to grant access to cash. How does your father know that her mother is gone?
Too be clear, you left him with your child to hurt him but didn't know your child would be hurt. If you wanted to hurt him (punish him for not loving you), you would have left with your child. I'm sorry, kumbaya my behind. How about looking at a tattoo and constantly being rejected fostered an addiction, so you went into rehab? How about communicating with Mr. Noble and your child that you can't stay in a loveless marriage and need time away to heal and figure about next steps? The man sacrificed his happiness to care for you and child so he was owed more than I hate you.
Flaming coincidences are a product of lazy writing and I personally find it insulting to this reader. The same day you meet up with your friend to discuss your 12 -13yr marriage is the same day, you link up with former fiancee who just got divorced. Y'all got the same friends but having seen each other in 13 yrs.
A one-night stand turns into you are the man I need to pin my baby on? There needed to be more background development for that to be believable. How about they worked together or knew each other in college and she craved a relationship like he had with perfect Pattie...give something besides a chance meeting while he was in his feelings. So you don't know girlie but don't suit up..okay that could happen.
By chapter 6 my patience waned and all I craved was an ending to this perfect tale. This may be a great read for many but I just couldn’t connect with it.
March 30, 2026
My first B. Love book, and I liked it!
This was my first book by B. Love, and overall I enjoyed it. One thing I can say right away is that I liked her writing style. The story felt clear and controlled, and she did not take it into a bunch of unnecessary chaos just for drama’s sake.
Now me personally, I love a good messy book. I love drama. And this story had plenty of opportunities to go all the way there. Between the baby mama situation, Doe’s ex-husband spiraling, and the general setup of a second-chance romance with old feelings involved, this book could have easily turned into a full-blown urban drama. But it didn’t. And honestly, I respected that.
The story follows Asylum and Dauterive “Doe,” who are brought back together when Doe's ex-husband tries to kill her twice. I liked that setup a lot because it gave the book immediate tension while also bringing in the emotional history between them. Asylum was probably my favorite part of the book. He was a grown ass man, and I appreciated how protective he was without it feeling forced. Doe was also a strong heroine, and I liked that she did not completely fold under pressure or let her ex scare her into silence.
I also appreciated that the conversations between Doe and Asylum felt mature. The book touched on abandonment, forgiveness, and trying to move forward after disappointment in a way that felt grounded. It wasn’t doing the absolute most, and sometimes that worked in its favor.
What kept this from being a higher rating for me was the emotional buildup. Because this is a second-chance romance involving failed marriages and lingering history, I wanted a little more time for them to really sit in everything before fully reconnecting. Some parts of the book moved quickly, and the time jumps made a few moments feel choppy. I also think the safe house angle and a few side characters could have been developed more because those pieces felt interesting enough to deserve more depth.
If you like Black romance, second chances, mature characters, and a little suspense without the book becoming chaotic, this one is worth checking out.
This was my first book by B. Love, and overall I enjoyed it. One thing I can say right away is that I liked her writing style. The story felt clear and controlled, and she did not take it into a bunch of unnecessary chaos just for drama’s sake.
Now me personally, I love a good messy book. I love drama. And this story had plenty of opportunities to go all the way there. Between the baby mama situation, Doe’s ex-husband spiraling, and the general setup of a second-chance romance with old feelings involved, this book could have easily turned into a full-blown urban drama. But it didn’t. And honestly, I respected that.
The story follows Asylum and Dauterive “Doe,” who are brought back together when Doe's ex-husband tries to kill her twice. I liked that setup a lot because it gave the book immediate tension while also bringing in the emotional history between them. Asylum was probably my favorite part of the book. He was a grown ass man, and I appreciated how protective he was without it feeling forced. Doe was also a strong heroine, and I liked that she did not completely fold under pressure or let her ex scare her into silence.
I also appreciated that the conversations between Doe and Asylum felt mature. The book touched on abandonment, forgiveness, and trying to move forward after disappointment in a way that felt grounded. It wasn’t doing the absolute most, and sometimes that worked in its favor.
What kept this from being a higher rating for me was the emotional buildup. Because this is a second-chance romance involving failed marriages and lingering history, I wanted a little more time for them to really sit in everything before fully reconnecting. Some parts of the book moved quickly, and the time jumps made a few moments feel choppy. I also think the safe house angle and a few side characters could have been developed more because those pieces felt interesting enough to deserve more depth.
If you like Black romance, second chances, mature characters, and a little suspense without the book becoming chaotic, this one is worth checking out.
June 22, 2026
When you fully embrace the second chance with the love of your life
I loved this story. At first glance, it's a simple tale of a second chance with the love of your life. But it also shows how you often have to endure trials and tribulations to create the better version of you to properly appreciate the one who has always been your heartbeat.
Then, after losing the love of your life, there's the whole aspect of getting involved with someone else whose level of delusional is certifiable. Both Asylum and Dauterive experienced this in bucket loads from their respective former spouses, just in different forms.
Trey and his narcissistic cheating self refused to let Dauterive go after she filed for divorce and afterwards tried to kill her on multiple occasions. The first of which is how Asylum and her crossed paths again for the first time in 12 years when he and a mutual friend of theirs (unknowingly btw) ended up saving her from being trapped in a house fire that Trey set.
At the same time, Dauterive was dealing with his wife Sierra abandoning him and her daughter True by just disappearing and leaving divorce papers for him to sign. And this was all because she wanted to hurt him because he didn't love her the way he still loved Dauterive. The audacity of the this woman when she tricked him into believing she was pregnant with his child after a one night stand while he and Dauterive had broken up, and ultimately all her crazy baby mama antics that ensued made reconciliation between Dauterive and Asylum impossible. And what made it worse, was that the DNA testing proved True wasn't even Dauterive's biological child. But that amazing man stayed in what essentially became a marriage of convenience because he was already in love with that baby and being her dad and he (stupidly IMO) felt that he was no longer worthy of Dauterive.
But fate knew these two lovebirds needed time apart to gain some wisdom and emotional maturity because the way they love and protect each other's psychological and physical well-beings once they reconnect was beautiful.
I loved this story. At first glance, it's a simple tale of a second chance with the love of your life. But it also shows how you often have to endure trials and tribulations to create the better version of you to properly appreciate the one who has always been your heartbeat.
Then, after losing the love of your life, there's the whole aspect of getting involved with someone else whose level of delusional is certifiable. Both Asylum and Dauterive experienced this in bucket loads from their respective former spouses, just in different forms.
Trey and his narcissistic cheating self refused to let Dauterive go after she filed for divorce and afterwards tried to kill her on multiple occasions. The first of which is how Asylum and her crossed paths again for the first time in 12 years when he and a mutual friend of theirs (unknowingly btw) ended up saving her from being trapped in a house fire that Trey set.
At the same time, Dauterive was dealing with his wife Sierra abandoning him and her daughter True by just disappearing and leaving divorce papers for him to sign. And this was all because she wanted to hurt him because he didn't love her the way he still loved Dauterive. The audacity of the this woman when she tricked him into believing she was pregnant with his child after a one night stand while he and Dauterive had broken up, and ultimately all her crazy baby mama antics that ensued made reconciliation between Dauterive and Asylum impossible. And what made it worse, was that the DNA testing proved True wasn't even Dauterive's biological child. But that amazing man stayed in what essentially became a marriage of convenience because he was already in love with that baby and being her dad and he (stupidly IMO) felt that he was no longer worthy of Dauterive.
But fate knew these two lovebirds needed time apart to gain some wisdom and emotional maturity because the way they love and protect each other's psychological and physical well-beings once they reconnect was beautiful.
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