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Beyond Expectations
Sometimes the path to happily ever after is messy, complicated, and beyond all your expectations…
Serena
Rich men are not to be trusted. My past certainly taught me that.
Then I met him.
Rhett Chambers grew up in a world where someone like me, a mechanic’s daughter, could never fathom.
I fought against all odds to become a lawyer, and he was born a billionaire. But I want him. More than my next breath.
But just because opposites attract doesn’t mean they belong together…right?
Rhett
I never thought I’d fall for a whip-smart attorney who’d make me question everything I thought I knew about love, romance, and the world in general.
But I did.
I know I should stay away. Serena doesn’t deserve the chaos that loving me would bring into her life.
And none of that seems to matter when she’s in my arms…or in my bed…
Can Serena and Rhett overcome the world of differences that separate them? Only if they’re willing to trust in each other—and in love—when it counts…
The first in a series of interconnected standalones is an interracial, contemporary romance featuring a heroine who is more than she seems, a hero who steals her heart, and plenty of spicy times, emotional moments, and self-discovery. Get ready to fall for Serena and Rhett in a tale Beyond Expectations.
Serena
Rich men are not to be trusted. My past certainly taught me that.
Then I met him.
Rhett Chambers grew up in a world where someone like me, a mechanic’s daughter, could never fathom.
I fought against all odds to become a lawyer, and he was born a billionaire. But I want him. More than my next breath.
But just because opposites attract doesn’t mean they belong together…right?
Rhett
I never thought I’d fall for a whip-smart attorney who’d make me question everything I thought I knew about love, romance, and the world in general.
But I did.
I know I should stay away. Serena doesn’t deserve the chaos that loving me would bring into her life.
And none of that seems to matter when she’s in my arms…or in my bed…
Can Serena and Rhett overcome the world of differences that separate them? Only if they’re willing to trust in each other—and in love—when it counts…
The first in a series of interconnected standalones is an interracial, contemporary romance featuring a heroine who is more than she seems, a hero who steals her heart, and plenty of spicy times, emotional moments, and self-discovery. Get ready to fall for Serena and Rhett in a tale Beyond Expectations.
- GenresContemporary
332 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 3, 2024
75 people are currently reading
123 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
March 24, 2024
This story follows Rhett - a billionaire with family money & Serena - a hard working, successful lawyer and all around baddie.
Upon their first meeting, their attraction is palpable. Serena thinks she’ll never see him again and then guess who (unknowingly) hires her firm? Although they can’t fight the magnetic pull, nothing is as easy as it seems. They come from different worlds and with that brings obstacles. They need to trust in each other and work together to find their happy ending. I loved their dynamic and their story! I also enjoyed the side characters and the depth to this story!
I read this in one day, couldn’t put it down.
Here are some key take aways from me:
- The spice was spicin ! 🌶️🌶️🌶️🥵
- There’s a scene where they get caught in the rain and need to seek shelter - oh dear whatever will we do?! 😈
- If a book makes me cry it’s an instant 5 ⭐️ from me.
Upon their first meeting, their attraction is palpable. Serena thinks she’ll never see him again and then guess who (unknowingly) hires her firm? Although they can’t fight the magnetic pull, nothing is as easy as it seems. They come from different worlds and with that brings obstacles. They need to trust in each other and work together to find their happy ending. I loved their dynamic and their story! I also enjoyed the side characters and the depth to this story!
I read this in one day, couldn’t put it down.
Here are some key take aways from me:
- The spice was spicin ! 🌶️🌶️🌶️🥵
- There’s a scene where they get caught in the rain and need to seek shelter - oh dear whatever will we do?! 😈
- If a book makes me cry it’s an instant 5 ⭐️ from me.
March 22, 2024
Good vibes all around. I very much enjoyed reading this. The author did a good job at describing some of the challenges interracial couples may face, without the story ever getting too heavy. Serena and Rhett were perfection, and I loved seeing their relationship develop. It was nice to read a story where the fmc is on equal footing with the mmc when it comes to professional accolades and finances.
Smut:
🌶🌶🌶
•••
I received an ARC from the author. My opinions are my own
Smut:
🌶🌶🌶
•••
I received an ARC from the author. My opinions are my own
March 26, 2024
This is an ARC review, thank you Natasha for letting me read this early !
I was in such a book slump, seriously slumped after reading another series that I reviewed on here and nothing was making me happy lol
And daaaaaaamn, I don’t know what I was expecting when reading this book. But this is not what I expected at all. I was a little nervous about reading a book with a fmc who’s a mechanic I didn’t know if I could get into this just by reading the blurb, but I LEGIT finished this in two days (I’m a mom a wife and I work full time so 2 days is impressive for me lol) but I could not put this down once I got like 6% in I was hooked. Serena is amazing I truly love her character, I will touch more on what I love after it’s released.
This was the perfect amount of plot, intrigue, real life human and relationship issues and spiiiice. Rhett is hot af 🔥He is 100% book boyfriend worthy material.
I hope this is just the first book in a potential series, I would love to read a book about the best friend 😉
I definitely reccomend this book if you are into the hot billionaire, who knows what the hell he’s doing if ya know what I mean.
I was in such a book slump, seriously slumped after reading another series that I reviewed on here and nothing was making me happy lol
And daaaaaaamn, I don’t know what I was expecting when reading this book. But this is not what I expected at all. I was a little nervous about reading a book with a fmc who’s a mechanic I didn’t know if I could get into this just by reading the blurb, but I LEGIT finished this in two days (I’m a mom a wife and I work full time so 2 days is impressive for me lol) but I could not put this down once I got like 6% in I was hooked. Serena is amazing I truly love her character, I will touch more on what I love after it’s released.
This was the perfect amount of plot, intrigue, real life human and relationship issues and spiiiice. Rhett is hot af 🔥He is 100% book boyfriend worthy material.
I hope this is just the first book in a potential series, I would love to read a book about the best friend 😉
I definitely reccomend this book if you are into the hot billionaire, who knows what the hell he’s doing if ya know what I mean.
April 3, 2024
This book was incredible!! You honestly would not believe this is a debut. A beautiful interracial romance that’s deliciously spicy! You can tell that a piece of the author went into this story and I’m so very glad I got the chance to read it.
This is so authentic, so brutally honest in places and just a joy to read.
Serena is a successful lawyer who also loves playing around with and fixing cars. She’s built her own firm and is a strong and brave woman who has been hurt in the past and is scared to let love in.
Rhett is from a privileged background, will eventually be taking over his father’s company and is the complete opposite to Serena. He comes from a family who have outdated and snobbish views on people of other ethnicities, although he himself doesn’t share them! Let me say here..Verity needs to take a long walk off a short pier.
I loved that Rhett misjudged Serena to begin with and was knocked on his butt when he realised that the beautiful woman he’d been fantasising over was smart, driven and not taking any crap!
Their story was heartbreaking in places, I actually sobbed my little heart out, and in certain places I wanted to throw my book in anger at some characters bigoted views!
They were explosive together, sparks flew from the get go and they go through so much that by the time we got to the end I was whooping and cheering at his grand gesture.
This book was beautifully written and even though what they go through shouldn’t still be happening in this day and age, it showed that true love can literally overcome any obstacle and won’t be stopped by anyone who judges a person by the colour of their skin or how they were born and raised.
This is what romance should be..two humans who want to be together doing so regardless of what anyone thinks. If we are lucky enough to find true love, no matter who it’s with, no matter what race or gender, we should grab it with both hands because life is too short to do otherwise!
This is so authentic, so brutally honest in places and just a joy to read.
Serena is a successful lawyer who also loves playing around with and fixing cars. She’s built her own firm and is a strong and brave woman who has been hurt in the past and is scared to let love in.
Rhett is from a privileged background, will eventually be taking over his father’s company and is the complete opposite to Serena. He comes from a family who have outdated and snobbish views on people of other ethnicities, although he himself doesn’t share them! Let me say here..Verity needs to take a long walk off a short pier.
I loved that Rhett misjudged Serena to begin with and was knocked on his butt when he realised that the beautiful woman he’d been fantasising over was smart, driven and not taking any crap!
Their story was heartbreaking in places, I actually sobbed my little heart out, and in certain places I wanted to throw my book in anger at some characters bigoted views!
They were explosive together, sparks flew from the get go and they go through so much that by the time we got to the end I was whooping and cheering at his grand gesture.
This book was beautifully written and even though what they go through shouldn’t still be happening in this day and age, it showed that true love can literally overcome any obstacle and won’t be stopped by anyone who judges a person by the colour of their skin or how they were born and raised.
This is what romance should be..two humans who want to be together doing so regardless of what anyone thinks. If we are lucky enough to find true love, no matter who it’s with, no matter what race or gender, we should grab it with both hands because life is too short to do otherwise!
April 2, 2024
“Beyond Expectations” was one of those stories I eagerly awaited reading. It was an interracial romance that portrayed characters that reflected well and realistically that I could relate to as a bi-racial woman. Yes, it was a wonderfully written wealthy man meets a professional woman, woos her, and they get it on—-quite well, I might add. But it was more than that. The story captured moments I appreciated, whether the subtly of Serena’s hair curling up after stepping out of the shower or the perils of Serena and Rhett dating––Rhett’s mother’s hostility towards Serena and not acknowledging her racist feelings towards her was perfectly written.
Author Natasha Allen’s ability to pull those heartstrings with Rhett’s family challenges took the story to another level. When he was going through it—so was I.
I enjoyed “Beyond Expectations” and do hope to read more from Natasha Allen in the future.
Author Natasha Allen’s ability to pull those heartstrings with Rhett’s family challenges took the story to another level. When he was going through it—so was I.
I enjoyed “Beyond Expectations” and do hope to read more from Natasha Allen in the future.
March 25, 2024
I got this book as an Arc for a review
I am very thankful of this opportunity and for the Author, i wish you nothing but success in your release day🤩
I read this book in one sitting. It had everything I love in interracial relationship books. The FMC was That girl and she knew it.
Book Trope: Millionaire
interracial Romance
Work Place Romance
He Falls First
Strong FMC
HEA
Spicy
I loved how Rhett just had the upmost respect for Serena. I loved that he was proud of the woman she was and never felt threatened by her intelligence.
Loved the way they both cared for each other even in the most difficult times.
He was totally obsessed with her and I loved it.
I loved the fact that Serena wasn’t portrayed as a hopeless black woman who needed a man to show her worth.
The banter was just perfect.
Overall I give this book 4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and 🌶️🌶️🌶️.75 spice
April 2, 2024
Beyond Expectations Review
Natasha Allen
Rating 4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice 3🌶 🌶 🌶
This story centres around FMC Serena a hard working lawyer and MMC Rhett a billionaire with a family run business. The story covers lots of struggles that interracial couples could face daily. The support they show each other in the book is lovely.
I really enjoyed this book, I was hooked from page one. The story is so well written and the character development was brilliantly done. The book contained just the right amount of everything you want in a book.
I highly recommend reading this one. It was such a good book.
Natasha Allen
Rating 4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice 3🌶 🌶 🌶
This story centres around FMC Serena a hard working lawyer and MMC Rhett a billionaire with a family run business. The story covers lots of struggles that interracial couples could face daily. The support they show each other in the book is lovely.
I really enjoyed this book, I was hooked from page one. The story is so well written and the character development was brilliantly done. The book contained just the right amount of everything you want in a book.
I highly recommend reading this one. It was such a good book.
April 3, 2024
I got this as an ARC for an honest review 😁
I was so excited to start this book and this book didnt disappoint at all !!
The plot was there from the get go, you really felt for Serena and how she grew up , with the struggles of being a coloured women but she never let that stop her. She was strong , loyal through out, I really related to the MFC there was nothing you didnt like about her.
Rhett my goodness he was something else. I love him he was amazing , he was charming , caring, very protective and I love this about him.
The whole story was amazing read i was hooked from the start and didnt want it too end at all because it truly was amazing story from start to finish.
The last line said in the book was just everything for me and it just ended it perfect
" You have made me the happiest man in the world, Serena Chambers. My life , my love, my queen " I mean swoon worthy 🥰
Honestly please read this book, its was perfect and for Natasha Allen first baby to be out in the world you should be so proud because this book has hit all the expectations and more !! Cant wait to read more book from you in the future 😁
1000% recommend!!
I was so excited to start this book and this book didnt disappoint at all !!
The plot was there from the get go, you really felt for Serena and how she grew up , with the struggles of being a coloured women but she never let that stop her. She was strong , loyal through out, I really related to the MFC there was nothing you didnt like about her.
Rhett my goodness he was something else. I love him he was amazing , he was charming , caring, very protective and I love this about him.
The whole story was amazing read i was hooked from the start and didnt want it too end at all because it truly was amazing story from start to finish.
The last line said in the book was just everything for me and it just ended it perfect
" You have made me the happiest man in the world, Serena Chambers. My life , my love, my queen " I mean swoon worthy 🥰
Honestly please read this book, its was perfect and for Natasha Allen first baby to be out in the world you should be so proud because this book has hit all the expectations and more !! Cant wait to read more book from you in the future 😁
1000% recommend!!
April 6, 2024
It’s gonna take me a second to put a review together because I am in my feelings right now
*UPDATE*
Whilst this book had a strong message it didn’t take away from the plot, and it didn’t take away from the relationship.
As someone who is in a interracial relationship and now is the mother to a (the most amazing) mixed race daughter, this book meant a lot to me, when I finished it I found myself wanting to thank the author because one thing that has terrified me is the world being harder for her based on her race. Its all new to me. It’s been drilled into me from birth that “we don’t see skin colour” but I’ve never felt comfortable with that because I recognise it’s problematic. And that was a point itself in the message of this book.
“Saying you don’t see my race is just as precarious. I know you don’t mean it in a bad way, but saying you don’t see it means saying you don’t see a part of who I am.”
If you love;
✨Interracial
✨Opposites Attract
✨Work place romance
✨Independent FMC
✨One Bed Trope
Genre; Interracial Millionaire Romance
Pages; 310
Rating;
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️.5
⚠️
Series or Standalone; Book 1
Themes/Tropes; Interracial, HEA, Spice, Millionaire Romance, Workplace Romance, He Falls First, Opposites Attract, Independent FMC, One Bed Trope
*UPDATE*
Whilst this book had a strong message it didn’t take away from the plot, and it didn’t take away from the relationship.
As someone who is in a interracial relationship and now is the mother to a (the most amazing) mixed race daughter, this book meant a lot to me, when I finished it I found myself wanting to thank the author because one thing that has terrified me is the world being harder for her based on her race. Its all new to me. It’s been drilled into me from birth that “we don’t see skin colour” but I’ve never felt comfortable with that because I recognise it’s problematic. And that was a point itself in the message of this book.
“Saying you don’t see my race is just as precarious. I know you don’t mean it in a bad way, but saying you don’t see it means saying you don’t see a part of who I am.”
If you love;
✨Interracial
✨Opposites Attract
✨Work place romance
✨Independent FMC
✨One Bed Trope
Genre; Interracial Millionaire Romance
Pages; 310
Rating;
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️.5
⚠️
Series or Standalone; Book 1
Themes/Tropes; Interracial, HEA, Spice, Millionaire Romance, Workplace Romance, He Falls First, Opposites Attract, Independent FMC, One Bed Trope
April 1, 2024
the book started out kind of good, but then i feel like it went on a downward slope because everything started to happen so quickly that it just didn’t fit right. it did became steady in between, the plot moving at the right pace, but then it kept fluctuating and it was starting to get frustrating.
the characters were okay. i felt like they didn’t have anything special about them. like, a little special element that would’ve made them loveable was missing. it was also that the main characters were morally white, and everyone around them justified their behaviour. honestly, it had started to get boring at that point.
what made it worse, was that the two always seemed to be on different pages, and the ones who got them on the same track were literally strangers. it felt like the author needed something to fill there, and just decided to create a new character for no reason.
the book having a workplace romance trope was not right. it wasn’t done right. at all. a workplace romance consists of hiding and subtle smiles and touches and desperate needs to just say “fuck it” and kiss the partner in front of everyone. it consists of jealousy and hot hot sex. this did not have that. this book very quickly, in the start itself, justified that there’s no problem for them to be dating because he’s not her client technically. it just wasn’t fair.
also, there was a weird predictable-unpredictable thing going on. a lot of “twists” i was able to tell but i still felt surprised at them. no idea why. feel free to check my brain. i also didn’t like the way there was blatant racism and classism. it might be coming
the characters were okay. i felt like they didn’t have anything special about them. like, a little special element that would’ve made them loveable was missing. it was also that the main characters were morally white, and everyone around them justified their behaviour. honestly, it had started to get boring at that point.
what made it worse, was that the two always seemed to be on different pages, and the ones who got them on the same track were literally strangers. it felt like the author needed something to fill there, and just decided to create a new character for no reason.
the book having a workplace romance trope was not right. it wasn’t done right. at all. a workplace romance consists of hiding and subtle smiles and touches and desperate needs to just say “fuck it” and kiss the partner in front of everyone. it consists of jealousy and hot hot sex. this did not have that. this book very quickly, in the start itself, justified that there’s no problem for them to be dating because he’s not her client technically. it just wasn’t fair.
also, there was a weird predictable-unpredictable thing going on. a lot of “twists” i was able to tell but i still felt surprised at them. no idea why. feel free to check my brain. i also didn’t like the way there was blatant racism and classism. it might be coming
April 3, 2024
👩🏽🔧👩🏾⚖️Book Review👩🏽🔧👩🏾⚖️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
This story was not beautiful but also eye opening and some bits relatable.
Two main characters, both millionaires, head strong, know what they want, BUT from 2 completely different worlds.
Rhett, basically was born into money, had his life mapped out for him and building up to take over the family’s business. Serena, from a single parent background, had to work her ass off to get what she wanted and what she has accomplished, running and managing her own law company, but also not afraid to get her hands dirty with helping her dad in his car garage.
They both cross paths and eventually fall for each other, but Serena has her guard up due to what’s happened to her in the past. How they come together is beautiful to read, but there’s also some very eye opening twists along the way.
Two characters I was looking to drop kick (Verity and Rhett’s mother 🤬🤬), and reading some of things hit me hard. It also pointed out some of the issues that is still ongoing in the real world unfortunately. How the author pin pointed those were brilliant, eye opening but also not out shadowing the whole story, but showing that a person of colour does have to work more harder to be notice and to be taken serious (which shouldn’t be happening, but it’s still a big issue in the real world).
Love is love, no matter what the colour of your skin is, but as we see some people who have old 18th centuries standards still believe in them 🙄🙄.
Hands off to Ruby, she is a friend that everyone needs, her and Serena’s friendship just reminded me of how me and my girl are 🤣🤣, and don’t get me started on her family, they are the best.
One thing I would liked to have read more and see what happen was Julian (Rhett’s brother), dude has a problem, so I would have loved to have read more about him and seen what had happened.
With this being book 1, i cannot wait to read book 2, see what’s happening with certain characters and where their journey takes them. Hands off to the author, she understood the assignment, and not only wrote a beautiful book but also tackled some hard topics.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
This story was not beautiful but also eye opening and some bits relatable.
Two main characters, both millionaires, head strong, know what they want, BUT from 2 completely different worlds.
Rhett, basically was born into money, had his life mapped out for him and building up to take over the family’s business. Serena, from a single parent background, had to work her ass off to get what she wanted and what she has accomplished, running and managing her own law company, but also not afraid to get her hands dirty with helping her dad in his car garage.
They both cross paths and eventually fall for each other, but Serena has her guard up due to what’s happened to her in the past. How they come together is beautiful to read, but there’s also some very eye opening twists along the way.
Two characters I was looking to drop kick (Verity and Rhett’s mother 🤬🤬), and reading some of things hit me hard. It also pointed out some of the issues that is still ongoing in the real world unfortunately. How the author pin pointed those were brilliant, eye opening but also not out shadowing the whole story, but showing that a person of colour does have to work more harder to be notice and to be taken serious (which shouldn’t be happening, but it’s still a big issue in the real world).
Love is love, no matter what the colour of your skin is, but as we see some people who have old 18th centuries standards still believe in them 🙄🙄.
Hands off to Ruby, she is a friend that everyone needs, her and Serena’s friendship just reminded me of how me and my girl are 🤣🤣, and don’t get me started on her family, they are the best.
One thing I would liked to have read more and see what happen was Julian (Rhett’s brother), dude has a problem, so I would have loved to have read more about him and seen what had happened.
With this being book 1, i cannot wait to read book 2, see what’s happening with certain characters and where their journey takes them. Hands off to the author, she understood the assignment, and not only wrote a beautiful book but also tackled some hard topics.
July 17, 2024
disappointing (contains spoilers)
The book started well with a non cliche FMC. I.e she was a professional woman who didn’t need to be financially rescued. Unfortunately there was not character development for her. Instead she treated the MMC terribly and hid behind her past to justify her behavior. Let’s recap. Rhett lost his father and Serena, instead of showing support and compassion whines because he “redrew” for two days? She then has the utter gall to tell him how he feels for her and break up with him on the day of the funeral? After all this we have a lecture through the cafe owner telling how we should understand her behavior because her mother left her when she was a child and race? Really? She should have been the one apologizing with the grand gesture not the other way around. Boo hoo his mother didn’t like her, so what? She didn’t even know her like that. How old is she? People might need more time to really get to know you to warm up to you. It felt like the author wanted to talk about social justice and class and jumped the gun. The “rich white women are racists trope” is boring. The ending was rushed.
The book started well with a non cliche FMC. I.e she was a professional woman who didn’t need to be financially rescued. Unfortunately there was not character development for her. Instead she treated the MMC terribly and hid behind her past to justify her behavior. Let’s recap. Rhett lost his father and Serena, instead of showing support and compassion whines because he “redrew” for two days? She then has the utter gall to tell him how he feels for her and break up with him on the day of the funeral? After all this we have a lecture through the cafe owner telling how we should understand her behavior because her mother left her when she was a child and race? Really? She should have been the one apologizing with the grand gesture not the other way around. Boo hoo his mother didn’t like her, so what? She didn’t even know her like that. How old is she? People might need more time to really get to know you to warm up to you. It felt like the author wanted to talk about social justice and class and jumped the gun. The “rich white women are racists trope” is boring. The ending was rushed.
April 4, 2024
This book was perfectly titled because it went “beyond expectations” for me. It is easily one of my top reads of April so far! I still can’t believe this was Natasha’s debut novel!
My thoughts:
Serena and Rhett were a very unique couple. I loved that Natasha made them equal to each other and didn’t make Natasha like a regular FMC, giving her a more male dominated job and kept her as Rhett’s equal. Her way of storytelling was awe inspiring. You really were sucked into the story, feeling the emotions of her characters, crying at points, mad at points and falling deeper in love with Rhett and Natasha. They were polar opposites, but were truly meant to be together. How she portrayed their interracial relationship was impeccable and something I related to personally being in an interracial marriage. I loved the characters, the storyline, the twists and officially love Natasha Allen. For a debut novel, she knocked this book out of the park and I can’t wait to see her take the book world by storm!
My thoughts:
Serena and Rhett were a very unique couple. I loved that Natasha made them equal to each other and didn’t make Natasha like a regular FMC, giving her a more male dominated job and kept her as Rhett’s equal. Her way of storytelling was awe inspiring. You really were sucked into the story, feeling the emotions of her characters, crying at points, mad at points and falling deeper in love with Rhett and Natasha. They were polar opposites, but were truly meant to be together. How she portrayed their interracial relationship was impeccable and something I related to personally being in an interracial marriage. I loved the characters, the storyline, the twists and officially love Natasha Allen. For a debut novel, she knocked this book out of the park and I can’t wait to see her take the book world by storm!
November 24, 2025
Amazing, angry with myself I didn't read this sooner
6 ⭐️
2 🌶
This book has healed a part of my soul that I didn't even know was broken.
This book was everything. I can not wait to read book 2!
Serena is such a a bad ass, I loved how unimpressed she was by Rhett's wealth. Their meet cute is one of my all time favourites. I was jumping for joy when Rhett finally realised what he needed to do.
I love how madly and deeply Rhett felt for Serena and how she felt for him too... the words being stuck in her throat literally had my heart cracking. I loved their story.
This book tackles some serious issues in the most sensitive and realistic way. As a black woman who is in an interracial marriage I felt so seen. The representation within this book was magical. From talking about microagressions, to how long it takes to do our hair to making macaroni salad the night before a BBQ I loved seeing parts of myself reflected within the pages of this book!
Natasha your writting is magic, I hold this book dear to my heart and wish I read it sooner. ❤️
6 ⭐️
2 🌶
This book has healed a part of my soul that I didn't even know was broken.
This book was everything. I can not wait to read book 2!
Serena is such a a bad ass, I loved how unimpressed she was by Rhett's wealth. Their meet cute is one of my all time favourites. I was jumping for joy when Rhett finally realised what he needed to do.
I love how madly and deeply Rhett felt for Serena and how she felt for him too... the words being stuck in her throat literally had my heart cracking. I loved their story.
This book tackles some serious issues in the most sensitive and realistic way. As a black woman who is in an interracial marriage I felt so seen. The representation within this book was magical. From talking about microagressions, to how long it takes to do our hair to making macaroni salad the night before a BBQ I loved seeing parts of myself reflected within the pages of this book!
Natasha your writting is magic, I hold this book dear to my heart and wish I read it sooner. ❤️
November 24, 2025
6 ⭐️
2 🌶
This book has healed a part of my soul that I didn't even know was broken.
This book was everything. I can not wait to read book 2!
Serena is such a a bad ass, I loved how unimpressed she was by Rhett's wealth. Their meet cute is one of my all time favourites. I was jumping for joy when Rhett finally realised what he needed to do.
I love how madly and deeply Rhett felt for Serena and how she felt for him too... the words being stuck in her throat literally had my heart cracking. I loved their story.
This book tackles some serious issues in the most sensitive and realistic way. As a black woman who is in an interracial marriage I felt so seen. The representation within this book was magical. From talking about microagressions, to how long it takes to do our hair to making macaroni salad the night before a BBQ I loved seeing parts of myself reflected within the pages of this book!
Natasha your writting is magic, I hold this book dear to my heart and wish I read it sooner. ❤️
2 🌶
This book has healed a part of my soul that I didn't even know was broken.
This book was everything. I can not wait to read book 2!
Serena is such a a bad ass, I loved how unimpressed she was by Rhett's wealth. Their meet cute is one of my all time favourites. I was jumping for joy when Rhett finally realised what he needed to do.
I love how madly and deeply Rhett felt for Serena and how she felt for him too... the words being stuck in her throat literally had my heart cracking. I loved their story.
This book tackles some serious issues in the most sensitive and realistic way. As a black woman who is in an interracial marriage I felt so seen. The representation within this book was magical. From talking about microagressions, to how long it takes to do our hair to making macaroni salad the night before a BBQ I loved seeing parts of myself reflected within the pages of this book!
Natasha your writting is magic, I hold this book dear to my heart and wish I read it sooner. ❤️
August 21, 2024
💖💖💖
Rhett & Serena love story had me tearing towards the end. Everything she went through with his Mom and his ex was awful. However she was a strong black woman who wasn't taking it even if she lost the man she loved. That ending though? It had to be the most romantic ending I've ever read. The nieces with their princess story and how Serena family accepted Rhett had my heart pitty pattering. There was a couple of things that wasn't explained; Rhett brother and the relationship he had with Ruby. I could understand the brother was hurting but the book go into details why he drunk so much and was constantly mad. Also it wasn't explained what was in the letter that Rhett Mom received from her husband after he died. All in all this book has been put in my top 5 in the interracial books I've read!
Rhett & Serena love story had me tearing towards the end. Everything she went through with his Mom and his ex was awful. However she was a strong black woman who wasn't taking it even if she lost the man she loved. That ending though? It had to be the most romantic ending I've ever read. The nieces with their princess story and how Serena family accepted Rhett had my heart pitty pattering. There was a couple of things that wasn't explained; Rhett brother and the relationship he had with Ruby. I could understand the brother was hurting but the book go into details why he drunk so much and was constantly mad. Also it wasn't explained what was in the letter that Rhett Mom received from her husband after he died. All in all this book has been put in my top 5 in the interracial books I've read!
March 26, 2024
🎉 Book Review 🎉
Beyond Expectations by @natashaallenauthor
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
I really enjoyed this book, the 2nd half had me hooked and I couldn't put it down ❤️
Serena and Rhett are amazing! Their support of each other is the best and I loved it when Rhett laid into Verity (what a bitch she is) and put her firmly in her place 👏
It took alot for Serena to let Rhett in but I am soooo happy she did!
This book is beautifully written and even had me crying 😢 I highly recommend you give this a read!
A huge thank you to the author Natasha for ARC copy of this book, its going to go far ❤️
#bookreview #bookblogger #bookblog #arc #arcreader #arccopy #beyondexpectations #natashaallenauthor #readingrecommendations #bookrecommendations #bookishcommunity #marchreads #march2024 #march
Beyond Expectations by @natashaallenauthor
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
I really enjoyed this book, the 2nd half had me hooked and I couldn't put it down ❤️
Serena and Rhett are amazing! Their support of each other is the best and I loved it when Rhett laid into Verity (what a bitch she is) and put her firmly in her place 👏
It took alot for Serena to let Rhett in but I am soooo happy she did!
This book is beautifully written and even had me crying 😢 I highly recommend you give this a read!
A huge thank you to the author Natasha for ARC copy of this book, its going to go far ❤️
#bookreview #bookblogger #bookblog #arc #arcreader #arccopy #beyondexpectations #natashaallenauthor #readingrecommendations #bookrecommendations #bookishcommunity #marchreads #march2024 #march
March 27, 2024
So I had to go away a digest everything I had read because wow! This book will have you hooked from start to finish and making you read most of it in one sit in!
The importance this book has is written beautifully and there are so many subjects that just had my heart. I cried, giggled like a teenager and by the end my heart was full and my eyes were wide!
I love love love Rhett.. not his mum though she can get in the bin 😂. The way Rhett is protective yet sweet and spiccyyy that’s for sure. And Serena is one hell of a Woman I tell you that.
The character building in this book is one of my favourite parts because you seen them grow in such a short space of time. Thank you so much Natasha for allowing me to read your book to review 🤍
The importance this book has is written beautifully and there are so many subjects that just had my heart. I cried, giggled like a teenager and by the end my heart was full and my eyes were wide!
I love love love Rhett.. not his mum though she can get in the bin 😂. The way Rhett is protective yet sweet and spiccyyy that’s for sure. And Serena is one hell of a Woman I tell you that.
The character building in this book is one of my favourite parts because you seen them grow in such a short space of time. Thank you so much Natasha for allowing me to read your book to review 🤍
April 4, 2024
This book was so good!
Rhett and Serena met her dad's garage, they're chemistry from the first seeing each other was off the charts, but they knew nothing about each and didn't swap any sort of details. Serena was fully embedded in Rhett's mind and coincidentally Serena walks into his boardroom. Serena is a lawyer always fighting for the underdogs. When she takes on a new client to fight to get those underdogs the best deal they can possibly get she's faced with Rhett and the chemistry between them.
I loved this book the characters face a lot of hurdles to be together and they both see the opposite worlds if that makes sense.
Tropes:
Opposites Attract
Interracial Romance
He Falls First
Contemporary Romance
HEA
Rhett and Serena met her dad's garage, they're chemistry from the first seeing each other was off the charts, but they knew nothing about each and didn't swap any sort of details. Serena was fully embedded in Rhett's mind and coincidentally Serena walks into his boardroom. Serena is a lawyer always fighting for the underdogs. When she takes on a new client to fight to get those underdogs the best deal they can possibly get she's faced with Rhett and the chemistry between them.
I loved this book the characters face a lot of hurdles to be together and they both see the opposite worlds if that makes sense.
Tropes:
Opposites Attract
Interracial Romance
He Falls First
Contemporary Romance
HEA
May 1, 2024
Loved Rhett and Serena
I loved this story. Rhett and Serena had instant chemistry and had so much in common that a relationship between them was inevitable and so was the complications. Rhett was a loner who dealt with so much family pressure and a complicated relationship with his family and Serena was loving and had a close relationship with her family but was cautious with relationships and was dealing with abandonment issues. Rhett and Serena together were such a power couple and better together than apart. The family and friends all had prominent roles in their lives which helped them through see one of their relationships issues. Definitely recommend reading this book. Loved it.
I loved this story. Rhett and Serena had instant chemistry and had so much in common that a relationship between them was inevitable and so was the complications. Rhett was a loner who dealt with so much family pressure and a complicated relationship with his family and Serena was loving and had a close relationship with her family but was cautious with relationships and was dealing with abandonment issues. Rhett and Serena together were such a power couple and better together than apart. The family and friends all had prominent roles in their lives which helped them through see one of their relationships issues. Definitely recommend reading this book. Loved it.
July 14, 2024
2⭐️
Not for me unfortunately. The writing style was way too formal and I couldn’t connect with the characters at all. It didn’t feel like a contemporary romance book really, because each chapter just consisted of smut with not much substance. I basically skimmed from page 100 to the end and I noticed that they broke up because Serena called it off and not only did Rhett ask her back but he asked her to marry him when she didn’t even say I love you earlier or at any time before?
It just felt like Serena was resisting Rhett at all times and issues that didn’t needed to exasperated were which made this a book slump for me which was a shame because the reviews were singing its praises.
Not for me unfortunately. The writing style was way too formal and I couldn’t connect with the characters at all. It didn’t feel like a contemporary romance book really, because each chapter just consisted of smut with not much substance. I basically skimmed from page 100 to the end and I noticed that they broke up because Serena called it off and not only did Rhett ask her back but he asked her to marry him when she didn’t even say I love you earlier or at any time before?
It just felt like Serena was resisting Rhett at all times and issues that didn’t needed to exasperated were which made this a book slump for me which was a shame because the reviews were singing its praises.
March 28, 2024
My heart. What a lovely story. She's a beautiful woman of colour. He's from old money. She's worked hard to get to where she's at. He was born into and raised for a roll. She's used to fighting for herself and others, but will she fight for what they have? He's never had to work for much, but will he put in the effort to show her how much he loves her? This is a love story full of angst, on both sides, with a nice amount of spice in it, and a sweet meet-cute. The end had me in tears. Though they were tears of happiness I must say. Such a well told story. I look forward to reading more from this author, as this is a great first outing.
April 12, 2024
This book had me on more of an emotional roller coaster than I expected. This is a billionaire interracial romance where the author has expose true challenges in a relationship. It shows just how each individual is affected by their up bringing and carries that forward into future relationships. As well as how personal and professional lives can mix. I loved the personal growth in the character development.
In this book the main characters have undeniable chemistry which she tries to ignore at first due to his company being a new client of hers. This changes when they get stuck in a rain storms that forces them to stay overnight in the same bed.
In this book the main characters have undeniable chemistry which she tries to ignore at first due to his company being a new client of hers. This changes when they get stuck in a rain storms that forces them to stay overnight in the same bed.
December 11, 2025
I loved this book. Serena in particular was my favourite character. Multi faceted, dynamic, interesting & unpredictable, she is everything you want in a strong FMC. She empowers herself & we see examples of this throughout her character arc. It is a pleasure to read her personal development.
Rhett is rightly fascinated by mistaking her purely as a mechanics daughter and then finding out she's a hot shot attorney, with a strong sense of empathy who shakes up his world.
Natasha has done a fantastic job of portraying the challenges of interracial couples without over dramatising. She tells a good story with realism & heart. it was an easy read & I would definitely recommend it to others.
Rhett is rightly fascinated by mistaking her purely as a mechanics daughter and then finding out she's a hot shot attorney, with a strong sense of empathy who shakes up his world.
Natasha has done a fantastic job of portraying the challenges of interracial couples without over dramatising. She tells a good story with realism & heart. it was an easy read & I would definitely recommend it to others.
April 5, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
It was such a great book it is a workplace romance he falls first. Contemporary romance. I love Serena she is an independent/ hardworking women. She has went through a lot on her past and doesn’t really trust men. So I felt like it is a little slow burn for her to confuse her feelings for Rhett. Like she knows but doesn’t trust herself to say them. I love Rhett cause he loves her and cherish her and show it off. He defends her from anybody which that is beautiful❤️❤️🫶🏼 I really enjoy it alot it was something fluffy, but spicy something you need after reading so many dark romance.
It was such a great book it is a workplace romance he falls first. Contemporary romance. I love Serena she is an independent/ hardworking women. She has went through a lot on her past and doesn’t really trust men. So I felt like it is a little slow burn for her to confuse her feelings for Rhett. Like she knows but doesn’t trust herself to say them. I love Rhett cause he loves her and cherish her and show it off. He defends her from anybody which that is beautiful❤️❤️🫶🏼 I really enjoy it alot it was something fluffy, but spicy something you need after reading so many dark romance.
April 6, 2024
This book was really good I liked the story line I liked the characters I like the fact that it was diverse and went through emotions of race and how someone of colour have to fight for things in their lives. The writting was good the spice was amazing.
The character development was great rhett and Serena were just amazing together they pulled the best out of each other! And the development that they both creatred for one another was great.
The ending was beautiful like what more could you possibly ask for than a speech like that!
The character development was great rhett and Serena were just amazing together they pulled the best out of each other! And the development that they both creatred for one another was great.
The ending was beautiful like what more could you possibly ask for than a speech like that!
March 23, 2024
Beyond Expectations tells the story of instant attraction between Serena and Rhett. Two beautiful people from very different backgrounds who face adversity while trying to navigate their relationship.
Wonderful tale of interracial romance, adversity, love, heartache, and friendship.
This is the type of uplifting Sunday morning movie storyline that just begs to be read 🥰 Pre order now for your sweet fix 💕
Wonderful tale of interracial romance, adversity, love, heartache, and friendship.
This is the type of uplifting Sunday morning movie storyline that just begs to be read 🥰 Pre order now for your sweet fix 💕
March 27, 2024
ARC READ - A BEAUTIFUL STORY. This is what I’m looking for in a contemporary romance book. Natasha has absolutely executed this story line in a way that keep a you wanting to read more! Felt the main characters chemistry from the JUMP. Also bringing awareness to the struggles of what Women and POC face on a daily which I really thought was great - excited to to see more of what Natasha Allen will bring in the near future!! Love love love 💙💙
April 1, 2024
Wow I literally could not put this book down. I was gripped from start to finish and went through every emotion possible. The characters are so lovable and Rhett is just adorable! They have both gone through so many difficulties and heartbreak in their lives which has made it difficult to trust and let people into their lives. The spicy scenes in this book are just enough so as not to distract from the main story contained within.
April 5, 2024
Meet Serena & Rhett, two people from different worlds. How do they meet? Over a car, yes, you read that right. Rhett brought his car to Serena's dad's garage as it needed work. Come to find out, Serena was hired by his company to help them with acquisitions of companies. Why? She's a lawyer! We have the millionaire and the up and coming lawyer. Will they overcome the differences in family, or will they part ways? This book has twists, turns, great spice, and love.
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