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In Exchange: An Urban Thriller
When the love of my life is the bad boy instead of the prince…
It was a simple arrangement.
People desperate for a come-up for different reasons.
It wasn’t supposed to snowball into real feelings or a fairytale proposal.
And definitely not a surprise pregnancy.
To most, my fiancé, Kareem Solomon, is the self-proclaimed, privileged prince of NOLA with a radiant smile and a heart of gold.
His family’s deep pockets have managed to hide his missteps.
A year ago, I was hired to help save him from his demons, reel him in from his depression, and rebuild the man his best friend and family once knew and loved.
In exchange, I would get the payout of my dreams and everything I needed to open my restaurant.
The catch? It’s his best friend who makes my pulse skitter.
Psalm Baptiste is everything I’ve ever handsome, poised, and an arrogant demeanor that leaves me dazzled.
Born and bred in the bayou, he wields the power and money to dismantle or rescue my heart.
I didn’t know what our agreement would mean for us.
That I would be spellbound by the number of zeros on the check and the essence of him.
That signing my name on the dotted line would leave three hearts hanging in a gray area.
That I would become the villain of my own love story.
It’s only a matter of time before the truth comes out and everything implodes.
But until then…
This steamy novella was previously titled House of Cards.
It was a simple arrangement.
People desperate for a come-up for different reasons.
It wasn’t supposed to snowball into real feelings or a fairytale proposal.
And definitely not a surprise pregnancy.
To most, my fiancé, Kareem Solomon, is the self-proclaimed, privileged prince of NOLA with a radiant smile and a heart of gold.
His family’s deep pockets have managed to hide his missteps.
A year ago, I was hired to help save him from his demons, reel him in from his depression, and rebuild the man his best friend and family once knew and loved.
In exchange, I would get the payout of my dreams and everything I needed to open my restaurant.
The catch? It’s his best friend who makes my pulse skitter.
Psalm Baptiste is everything I’ve ever handsome, poised, and an arrogant demeanor that leaves me dazzled.
Born and bred in the bayou, he wields the power and money to dismantle or rescue my heart.
I didn’t know what our agreement would mean for us.
That I would be spellbound by the number of zeros on the check and the essence of him.
That signing my name on the dotted line would leave three hearts hanging in a gray area.
That I would become the villain of my own love story.
It’s only a matter of time before the truth comes out and everything implodes.
But until then…
This steamy novella was previously titled House of Cards.
131 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 4, 2024
71 people are currently reading
36 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
March 9, 2024
What do you do when you’ve finally found the love of your life only for them to ask you to make the ultimate sacrifice?! How far does your love extend and is the sacrifice worth the risks?! Is your love negotiable and what are you willing to give “In Exchange” for said love?!
These were all questions that Lotus never thought she would have to answer. After growing up scraping the bottom of the pot, she’s become accustomed to robbing Peter to pay Paul. She’s no stranger to doing things to keep a roof over her head and food in her stomach that some would deem unacceptable professions but hey this was the hand she was dealt and she was going to play like she never played before.
However, Lotus didn’t anticipate Psalm entering the game and having a better hand than her. Psalm and Lotus fell hard for each other and after a two month long world wind of a relationship Psalm ghosted Lotus. After a month of licking her wounds and poorly mending her broken heart, Psalm resurfaces and presents Lotus with an offer she’d be a fool to refuse and an even bigger fool to accept!
K.L.’s spin on this arranged marriage trope was hella original and had me wondering how things would play out. I saw the train wreck coming from a mile away and found myself wondering the entire time what was going to happen when the 💩 hit the fan. And let’s not even talk about the plot twist. I had an inkling but definitely didnt see things playing out the way that they did! This story captivated me from the opening prologue and I absolutely enjoyed the way everything played out.
UPDATE: After consulting with my book bestie the consensus is that this book had way too many flaws to keep my original rating 🤷🏽♀️ sue me 😂
These were all questions that Lotus never thought she would have to answer. After growing up scraping the bottom of the pot, she’s become accustomed to robbing Peter to pay Paul. She’s no stranger to doing things to keep a roof over her head and food in her stomach that some would deem unacceptable professions but hey this was the hand she was dealt and she was going to play like she never played before.
However, Lotus didn’t anticipate Psalm entering the game and having a better hand than her. Psalm and Lotus fell hard for each other and after a two month long world wind of a relationship Psalm ghosted Lotus. After a month of licking her wounds and poorly mending her broken heart, Psalm resurfaces and presents Lotus with an offer she’d be a fool to refuse and an even bigger fool to accept!
K.L.’s spin on this arranged marriage trope was hella original and had me wondering how things would play out. I saw the train wreck coming from a mile away and found myself wondering the entire time what was going to happen when the 💩 hit the fan. And let’s not even talk about the plot twist. I had an inkling but definitely didnt see things playing out the way that they did! This story captivated me from the opening prologue and I absolutely enjoyed the way everything played out.
UPDATE: After consulting with my book bestie the consensus is that this book had way too many flaws to keep my original rating 🤷🏽♀️ sue me 😂
March 8, 2024
I went into this really excited about a thriller and it fell short for me. There were definitely more secrets and lies. The main characters also just didn’t do it for me.
March 7, 2024
🫨
Whoa! I don’t know what she put in this book but I ATE it up today! This book was one more plot twist away from me throwing my phone. I don’t want to give anything away but, expect the unexpected! I didn’t see it ending the way it did but I will say I felt awful for Kareem. Good read for me!
Whoa! I don’t know what she put in this book but I ATE it up today! This book was one more plot twist away from me throwing my phone. I don’t want to give anything away but, expect the unexpected! I didn’t see it ending the way it did but I will say I felt awful for Kareem. Good read for me!
March 10, 2024
i wouldn’t say this was a thriller. just a bunch unnecessary secrets and lies. like it was jam packed with drama! every chapter it was something new. enjoyable read but yeah, not a thriller.
March 9, 2024
Umm this wasn’t a thriller 🤣 good story though I see the vision. I just think the main characters ain’t shit 🤷🏽♀️.
March 8, 2024
Mwuah, no review ❤️
August 3, 2024
I was annoyed most of the book but I did find it enjoyable. I loved the PTSD discussion. I didn’t like Tiffany from the gate !! She rubbed me wrong simply bc she initially pimped her cousin out like a hating ass (…..) ! Lotus, Psalm and Kareem had me on the edge of my seat. I guess the best woman and man won in the end.
March 7, 2024
thriller ?
Nothing about this book was a thriller. This storyline was nothing but chaos, for it to be a thriller no one even dies. Was expecting more of a "thriller storyline" and this just gave wtf did I read. 2.5/3 stars
Nothing about this book was a thriller. This storyline was nothing but chaos, for it to be a thriller no one even dies. Was expecting more of a "thriller storyline" and this just gave wtf did I read. 2.5/3 stars
February 19, 2025
A Twist
The twist and turns I was not expecting but loved none the less. I really hope my Reem baby gets his happy ending
The twist and turns I was not expecting but loved none the less. I really hope my Reem baby gets his happy ending
March 8, 2024
Love Makes You Do Crazy Things
OMG!!!!! This was sooooo good. Baby I don’t love NONE of my friends enough to say I would give up my man for them. NONE!!!! WHEW!!!! Lotus my girl Lotus the cards you were dealt was the crappiest of crap. You loved Psalm in a way I don’t think I ever wanna love a man BECAUSE ain’t no way. You deserved everything your heart desired after everything you’ve been through and everything you had to endure. You were incredible. You allowed your dream to fuel you through life and that in itself is commendable. Psalm I understood, I really did BUT ain’t no way….. Kareem would have been on his own. Idk how you loved him in such a deep way when he was poison. Too much codling was done with him and for him. I’m glad you finally came to your senses and righted your wrongs. Kareem, I’m sorry you suffered and endured the pain and things you did BUT it did not justify your actions. You were a man who was also a coward. You had all the resources to get help in the right way and to air your grievances and dirty laundry BUT you hid. You hid behind PTSD, you hid behind mental illness and you were an abuser. I thank God Lotus was freed from you. Thank you giving Lotus her happy ending because she truly deserved it. This was written so well and I enjoyed it from start to finish. Kudos Mrs. Hall!!!!
OMG!!!!! This was sooooo good. Baby I don’t love NONE of my friends enough to say I would give up my man for them. NONE!!!! WHEW!!!! Lotus my girl Lotus the cards you were dealt was the crappiest of crap. You loved Psalm in a way I don’t think I ever wanna love a man BECAUSE ain’t no way. You deserved everything your heart desired after everything you’ve been through and everything you had to endure. You were incredible. You allowed your dream to fuel you through life and that in itself is commendable. Psalm I understood, I really did BUT ain’t no way….. Kareem would have been on his own. Idk how you loved him in such a deep way when he was poison. Too much codling was done with him and for him. I’m glad you finally came to your senses and righted your wrongs. Kareem, I’m sorry you suffered and endured the pain and things you did BUT it did not justify your actions. You were a man who was also a coward. You had all the resources to get help in the right way and to air your grievances and dirty laundry BUT you hid. You hid behind PTSD, you hid behind mental illness and you were an abuser. I thank God Lotus was freed from you. Thank you giving Lotus her happy ending because she truly deserved it. This was written so well and I enjoyed it from start to finish. Kudos Mrs. Hall!!!!
March 8, 2024
OMG!!!!! This was sooooo good. Baby I don’t love NONE of my friends enough to say I would give up my man for them. NONE!!!! WHEW!!!! Lotus my girl Lotus the cards you were dealt was the crappiest of crap. You loved Psalm in a way I don’t think I ever wanna love a man BECAUSE ain’t no way. You deserved everything your heart desired after everything you’ve been through and everything you had to endure. You were incredible. You allowed your dream to fuel you through life and that in itself is commendable. Psalm I understood, I really did BUT ain’t no way….. Kareem would have been on his own. Idk how you loved him in such a deep way when he was poison. Too much codling was done with him and for him. I’m glad you finally came to your senses and righted your wrongs. Kareem, I’m sorry you suffered and endured the pain and things you did BUT it did not justify your actions. You were a man who was also a coward. You had all the resources to get help in the right way and to air your grievances and dirty laundry BUT you hid. You hid behind PTSD, you hid behind mental illness and you were an abuser. I thank God Lotus was freed from you. Thank you giving Lotus her happy ending because she truly deserved it. This was written so well and I enjoyed it from start to finish. Kudos Mrs. Hall!!!!
March 6, 2024
This was a really good storyline. It had the right amount of spice and drama to keep me engaged which I never have to question with this author.
Imagine meeting a man that you fall head over heels in love with and he ghosts you. Then when you do see him again he has a proposition for you in exchange for something. Lotus was skeptical but went along with the plan. She knew exactly what she wanted,
Psalm imagine meeting a woman and you have to give her to your best friend because you think she’s what he needs. HMM, can he deal with it or not??
Kareem my heart kinda was breaking for him because he was dealing with his own battles and no one really knew the depth of them.
This was a really good read for me. Granted I fell in love with these characters instantly. Please follow K.L Hall and thank me later.
Imagine meeting a man that you fall head over heels in love with and he ghosts you. Then when you do see him again he has a proposition for you in exchange for something. Lotus was skeptical but went along with the plan. She knew exactly what she wanted,
Psalm imagine meeting a woman and you have to give her to your best friend because you think she’s what he needs. HMM, can he deal with it or not??
Kareem my heart kinda was breaking for him because he was dealing with his own battles and no one really knew the depth of them.
This was a really good read for me. Granted I fell in love with these characters instantly. Please follow K.L Hall and thank me later.
March 13, 2024
WOW
I really enjoyed this book. What a tangled web of lies, deceit, sex and drama. The lengths people go to for those they love to ensure their happiness.
Kareem was broken, not just from losing the love of his life but because he couldn't be his true self without worrying about judgment.
Psalm was the friend who would go to any length possible to ensure Kareem had happiness even if it meant jeopardizing his own. Add Lotus to the mix, and it becomes one plot twist after the next. Just when you think the truth has finally been revealed, here comes another twist that definitely wasn't expected.
Overall, a good read.
I really enjoyed this book. What a tangled web of lies, deceit, sex and drama. The lengths people go to for those they love to ensure their happiness.
Kareem was broken, not just from losing the love of his life but because he couldn't be his true self without worrying about judgment.
Psalm was the friend who would go to any length possible to ensure Kareem had happiness even if it meant jeopardizing his own. Add Lotus to the mix, and it becomes one plot twist after the next. Just when you think the truth has finally been revealed, here comes another twist that definitely wasn't expected.
Overall, a good read.
March 21, 2024
Messy Situation!!!
I didn't know what to expect from this story when I read the synopsis but I was pleasantly surprised by it. I loved the relationship that formed between Psalm and Lotus but there's no way that I would want someone else to have my man or woman. Psalm had a lot of nerve even proposing what he did after ghosting Lotus and it showed the desperation that Lotus was feeling for her to accept it. It wasn't a bed of roses for Lotus because she went through hell with both Psalm and Kareem. Secrets, betrayals, both known and unknown, and lies are found throughout this book which is what made this such a good book to read.
I didn't know what to expect from this story when I read the synopsis but I was pleasantly surprised by it. I loved the relationship that formed between Psalm and Lotus but there's no way that I would want someone else to have my man or woman. Psalm had a lot of nerve even proposing what he did after ghosting Lotus and it showed the desperation that Lotus was feeling for her to accept it. It wasn't a bed of roses for Lotus because she went through hell with both Psalm and Kareem. Secrets, betrayals, both known and unknown, and lies are found throughout this book which is what made this such a good book to read.
March 7, 2024
How far would you go for the one you love? Apparently for Lotus very far that she would date her lover bestfriend (Kareem) to make him happy. Now I honestly felt it was unrequited yes. A real man wouldn’t do such a thing love is priceless, but I digress if it’s Psalm and Lotus. I felt bad for Kareem he had a lot of trauma I can’t give him slack any though(no spoilers). I was thoroughly entertained the plot twist, drama and thrill for sure. I appreciate you labeling this an urban thriller cause yea none of the characters were likeable lol.
March 14, 2024
Reminiscent of Indecent Proposal
Yuppy, yup, yup, yup that was good til’ the last word dropped‼️🤪🤯Crazy, Sexy, Kool breeze & Hot cheese goodness‼️…what in the 🤬🎢 😲🤦🏾♀️! “In Exchange: An Urban Thriller” was a phenomenal read, reminiscent of indecent proposal. Thereafter, I refuse to express, rant and or divulge any clues or spoilers to ruin this book 📚 for anyone! Sorry, you’ll have to submerse into the storyline & judge for yourself (you’ll thank me later🤭)🤷🏾♀️‼️Thank Ms. Hall for the urban bayou masquerade🎭 👏🏿👏🏾👏🏽‼️
Yuppy, yup, yup, yup that was good til’ the last word dropped‼️🤪🤯Crazy, Sexy, Kool breeze & Hot cheese goodness‼️…what in the 🤬🎢 😲🤦🏾♀️! “In Exchange: An Urban Thriller” was a phenomenal read, reminiscent of indecent proposal. Thereafter, I refuse to express, rant and or divulge any clues or spoilers to ruin this book 📚 for anyone! Sorry, you’ll have to submerse into the storyline & judge for yourself (you’ll thank me later🤭)🤷🏾♀️‼️Thank Ms. Hall for the urban bayou masquerade🎭 👏🏿👏🏾👏🏽‼️
April 1, 2024
Mystery
I was so engrossed in this story that I was afraid to turn the pages. I couldn't believe Lotus took Psalm up on his offer to be with Kareem. Lotus wanted that restaurant bad, she stayed and suffered that engagement.
All three should have been honest about their feelings and maybe Lotus wouldn't have suffered through the bogus relationship with Kareem.
I'm happy everyone came to turns man about their feelings. Lotus and Psalm got some surprises in the end.
Lotus got here happy ever after. Great mystery story!
I was so engrossed in this story that I was afraid to turn the pages. I couldn't believe Lotus took Psalm up on his offer to be with Kareem. Lotus wanted that restaurant bad, she stayed and suffered that engagement.
All three should have been honest about their feelings and maybe Lotus wouldn't have suffered through the bogus relationship with Kareem.
I'm happy everyone came to turns man about their feelings. Lotus and Psalm got some surprises in the end.
Lotus got here happy ever after. Great mystery story!
April 15, 2024
Light thriller at best
Ok, so this was not a romance by any means and was very light to be considered a thriller. What it was, was a very twisted and toxic story of opportunity, foolery, greed, and misplaced good intentions. Psalm showed little to no concern for Lotus welfare which was a huge red flag and no for me. On the other hand, Lotus was stuck on stupid for the entire book! Letting everyone take advantage of her, like wth! She was too gullible for Psalm, too stupid for putting up with Kareem and his parents, and too dumb for letting greed rule her life!
Ok, so this was not a romance by any means and was very light to be considered a thriller. What it was, was a very twisted and toxic story of opportunity, foolery, greed, and misplaced good intentions. Psalm showed little to no concern for Lotus welfare which was a huge red flag and no for me. On the other hand, Lotus was stuck on stupid for the entire book! Letting everyone take advantage of her, like wth! She was too gullible for Psalm, too stupid for putting up with Kareem and his parents, and too dumb for letting greed rule her life!
March 14, 2024
I am usually a fan of this author's works but this story...I felt like it was too many tropes being placed together under the thriller umbrella. Unfortunately it didn't feel like a thriller and there is no way that Psalm loved Lotus when he placed her in harm's way with his best friend Kareem. Then the twists at the end made the story underwhelming and not believable. By the time I reached the end I was exhausted because it was too much and I didn't like any of the characters...not one.
March 9, 2024
Twist
God looks out for fools and babies when you see a person fall and s/he stands back up receiving blessings on blessings. Nobody but King Jesus carrying burdens you mayn’t feel or dodge that was meant to hurt.
God looks out for fools and babies when you see a person fall and s/he stands back up receiving blessings on blessings. Nobody but King Jesus carrying burdens you mayn’t feel or dodge that was meant to hurt.
March 12, 2024
In Exchange
The suspense had me on pins and needles. I was glad for a HEA! Lotus and Psalm deserved that. That doggone Tiffany was something else. Kareem was able to stand on his truth. So many secrets and lies untangled together. This was a good read!
The suspense had me on pins and needles. I was glad for a HEA! Lotus and Psalm deserved that. That doggone Tiffany was something else. Kareem was able to stand on his truth. So many secrets and lies untangled together. This was a good read!
March 24, 2024
What a Wide Ride
I loved this thriller. I stuck with book until the end.
Secrets come out to the light when you least expect them.
You really had us concern about what was going to be revealed at the wedding.
Great job!!!!
I loved this thriller. I stuck with book until the end.
Secrets come out to the light when you least expect them.
You really had us concern about what was going to be revealed at the wedding.
Great job!!!!
March 28, 2024
What a ride!?!
Psalm & Lotus! This is not my type of love story. But!!! After the first chapter, I couldn't put it down. Any story that has my talking to my Kindle OUT loud is a good story.
Psalm & Lotus! This is not my type of love story. But!!! After the first chapter, I couldn't put it down. Any story that has my talking to my Kindle OUT loud is a good story.
March 6, 2024
I liked the original ending better. It was spicier and more organic.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 1, 2024
twists and turns galore!
This was the perfect weekend read! I devoured it rather fast and it kept me on the edge of my seat with everything that was unfolding!
This was the perfect weekend read! I devoured it rather fast and it kept me on the edge of my seat with everything that was unfolding!
April 7, 2024
Mehh… this was an okay read but I don’t think thriller should be on the cover bc it wasn’t a thriller at all imo.
April 9, 2024
Wild
Crazy, sexy, wild. All they had to do was communicate better but I get it, Baptiste wanted to save his best friend a little extreme though . But it turned out alright .
Crazy, sexy, wild. All they had to do was communicate better but I get it, Baptiste wanted to save his best friend a little extreme though . But it turned out alright .
May 5, 2024
Speechless
Wow, I’m speechless at how great this story is. Please give an another about Kareem. The drama of it all Lotus know she wrong.
Wow, I’m speechless at how great this story is. Please give an another about Kareem. The drama of it all Lotus know she wrong.
December 26, 2024
entertaining till the very end
So good! Kept me on the edge of my seat! Lo is trifling but it’s all for love so I’ll, let her slide. Lols
So good! Kept me on the edge of my seat! Lo is trifling but it’s all for love so I’ll, let her slide. Lols
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews