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Asylum

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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?

204 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 15, 2024

1001 people are currently reading
641 people want to read

About the author

B. Love

280 books1,400 followers
Voted 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.

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5 stars
1,630 (60%)
4 stars
705 (25%)
3 stars
320 (11%)
2 stars
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7 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 218 reviews
Profile Image for Toya  Davis-Stokley.
2,549 reviews100 followers
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.
Profile Image for scthoughts.
314 reviews63 followers
July 7, 2024
description
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.
Profile Image for Brittany.
136 reviews2,336 followers
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 🫶🏾😂❤️
Profile Image for Keyerra Johnson.
222 reviews2 followers
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.
Profile Image for Antonella.
4,129 reviews621 followers
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
Profile Image for ReadnliftwithShar.
1,856 reviews
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.
Profile Image for Qua'Tesha Ratliff.
300 reviews15 followers
June 12, 2024
Asylum! The type of man you want to love and protect you 😍😍! 5 stars!!!
Profile Image for Ebony Essence.
531 reviews24 followers
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.
Profile Image for Shanelle.
1,483 reviews21 followers
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.
Profile Image for TheReaderVert .
803 reviews29 followers
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
Profile Image for Ebony (whatebonyreads).
123 reviews14 followers
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.
Profile Image for Wind.
328 reviews3 followers
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.
Profile Image for Ladi Kreyol.
197 reviews46 followers
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
Profile Image for Maya Mckenzie.
172 reviews11 followers
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.
Profile Image for Twigi718.
1,051 reviews4 followers
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
Profile Image for Jaye Woods.
313 reviews
August 6, 2024
Asylum and Dautrive showed us that real true love can stand the test of time.
Profile Image for ConSonia .
335 reviews7 followers
Read
March 23, 2024
Chef'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. ❤
Profile Image for Dannelle.
258 reviews
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.
Profile Image for Hyacinth.
2,074 reviews16 followers
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.
Profile Image for Mrs..
5,994 reviews107 followers
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.
Profile Image for Ieshia Shephard.
596 reviews
Read
August 16, 2025
Asylum

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!
373 reviews4 followers
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.
Profile Image for Jite.
1,313 reviews74 followers
March 28, 2024
Cute.

This was a cute, relaxing second chance romance with minimal to moderate drama, likable main characters, and of course a satisfying ending. The premise is that over a decade after breaking up, ex-cop Asylum is called in to protect newly-divorced Dauterive whose ex-husband has decided if he can’t have her no one will and has become a threat to her. Instantly, old flames are rekindled as the couple find their way back to each other.

I liked almost everything about this- the emotions portrayed around loss, abandonment, forgiveness, and the maturity of the conversations Dauterive and Asylum had felt very on point and realistic. The plot moved along at a good pace and I never felt bored with the pace or like things were rushed. I can’t quite put my finger on what felt a bit off with this… I think it could be that sometimes, it felt like a series of really good scenes missing linkages… like there was a lot of “2 weeks later”, “a month later”- type timing cues that made it feel a little choppy. And that also made it seem hard to believe that the entire story happens in 4 months. I think the other challenge I had with this was partially my fault for not doing my research. Even though this is a standalone, and the start of a new series, there were lots of character names dropped that clearly demonstrated that this was an established world and indeed Asylum’s and Dauterive’s friends have books of their own already. I sometimes found it a little difficult to keep up with the friends and could tell that there was background I was missing with the way the friends were spoken about.

Overall, I found this a good enough read and would certainly read more in the series.
Profile Image for Tahjza Holmes.
7 reviews
July 15, 2025
Okay, let me just start by saying B. Love knows how to write the sweetest stories with the perfect amount of thug and drama 🤣. I loved this story! First of let's talk about Asylum 😍. He had me thinking about replacing my current book hubby (Rome) iykyk because he is the perfect mix of sweetheart & gangsta. He did not play about Doto Reeve & we love that for her. Also, I love how devoted he was to True. Even though she wasn't biologically his child, he was literally willing to give up his life for her and if that doesn't deserve a Father of the Year award, I don't know what does.

Now, let's talk about the characters that need to be in an asylum! Trey....#1 patient! That man was deranged, like homeboy had serious issues. They described him as narcissistic but that man was way past that. He needs to be in a stray jacket 💯. Next, Bobby....just *sigh* the epitome of deadbeat🙄🙄🙄. Ciara...I won't call her deadbeat because she came back but *sigh* annoying 🙄🙄🙄.

I also love the fact that this was kind of a redemption story for Asylum & Doto Reeve 🩷 and it just truly goes to show that whatever is meant for you, is for you and nobody can change that. You'll have to read the book to understand why I'm saying that. And lastly I love how B. love's characters are all interconnected in each other's stories. I'm excited to read the second book in this series which is about Merc (one of the bodyguards in this story).

10/10
Profile Image for Bunny.
170 reviews
November 19, 2024
"I wanted to make her life as easy and soft as I could. Because, doing that for her made me feel like a man" -Sy A GOOD MAN SAVANNAH!!! Asylum is a man honey. He was all about family, his babygirl, his lady and his business. Him being able to express his feelings, while NEVA tellin' a LIE!?!? whew,chile! B love broke the mold with this one.

This was beautiful! If you've read the Mister Series. Then you know in book 8 Asylum is mentioned. It was so nice to get the back story on him and to hear about all the other misters and misses we've all grown to love.

This second chance love story had me in tears ya'll. Sy and Deu showcased GROWN/healthy love, family dynamics and relationships.

Sy And Deu were engaged 13 years prior to crossing paths again. Even down to the way they reconnected, it was clear they were meant for one another. Each time she mentioned her face being tatted on this man. I was CHEESIN'.

This story was a roller coaster ride I didn't want to get off of! Her raggedy ass ex got what he deserved! I was yelling, crying, clutching my no existent pearls. I loved every second of this story! WE need this on Netflix B! This is easily one of my favorite books I've read this year.

Already reading book #2!
Profile Image for Marie Rivers.
141 reviews1 follower
June 18, 2025
This man gets a tattoo of her face on his neck when they were separated, he brings her a bouquet of flowers/gifts every time they see each other, he protects her, he plans dates, he’s emotionally intelligent, AND he prays for her. Asylum is THE book husband!😍😍😍

This is how you do second chance romance! I loved Asylum and Doe’s romance so much. They were really mature about their past situations and knew how to talk through it. The plot of this story kept me intrigued, because not only were they trying to rekindle what they had 13 years ago, but they were dealing with their exes. And things got WILD, let me tell you. Romance, suspense, and drama mixed into this 187 page book was a real treat.

I loved the writing, I loved the characters(minus Trey, Bobby, and Sierra🤦🏽‍♀️😂) and I just loved seeing Doe being loved correctly by her soulmate. I’ll definitely be reading more from this author now! I went through so many different emotions and hated when I had to put down my kindle to be a responsible adult lol. If you want a black romance that will have you swooning and highly entertained, PICK THIS UP!!
Profile Image for LayLay Reads.
44 reviews
April 8, 2024
I don’t care what anyone says, Safe is the NEW SEXY

This is a second chance romance of two people who married the wrong people, got divorced and found each other again.

Our FMC, Doe is divorced from an extremely abusive, narcissistic, cheating man who decided if he can’t have her no one will. He stalked her, tried to unalive her, and made her life hell. After surviving a house fire that her crazy ex-husband started, Doe wakes up in the hospital to find out the man who saved her life is none other than the guy who got away 13 years ago. Asylum!

Asylum, our knight in shining armor, is an ex-cop whose wife disappeared and left him with their daughter. He owns several safe houses around the city and is known for helping those in need of protection. Still in love with Doe, and being the true alpha male that he is, he went through extreme measures to keep her safe. He was her protector; she was his stabilizer! This book showed if you let true love go, it’ll always come back.

Not over here though… (Stay yo ass where you at)
Profile Image for Angellica.
105 reviews1 follower
May 25, 2025

Review of Asylum by B. Love

Asylum by B. Love was a beautiful, emotional journey that completely captured my heart. I truly loved this book. At its core, it’s about love—the kind that goes beyond bloodlines and biology. It shows that family isn’t just who you’re born to, but who chooses to love and care for you, especially when you need it most.

The way the characters poured love into children that weren’t biologically theirs was powerful and moving. It reminded me that sometimes the most healing, unconditional love comes from those who don’t have to love you, but choose to. The storyline was heartfelt and real, and the characters were layered, flawed, and deeply relatable.

B. Love has a gift for writing emotional depth with purpose, and Asylum is a perfect example of that. It’s a story about healing, second chances, and finding a safe place—an “asylum”—in people who see and accept you completely.

This book made me feel everything: joy, sadness, love, and hope. I can’t recommend it enough for anyone who loves a story filled with heart and meaning.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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