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Tension: The Arranged Hearts Series
Tension /ˈtenSH(ə)n/ The silent force that can either draw two hearts together or push them apart.
Dakota Buck a rough around the edges music executive, strides through life calling the shots with an aura of grit. Yet beneath his rugged exterior lies a complex man shaped by a past marred by betrayal and disappointment, leaving him guarded against true connection and trust. Although willing to open his heart, Dakota yearns for a bond that transcends the superficial or nothing.
On the other hand, Mariah Stanfill is a passionate high school counselor who brightens every room she enters. Done being a perpetual bridesmaid, she's ready to finally experience the devoted love she's witnessed for years in others. However, wary of judgment, Mariah hesitates to make herself vulnerable as she searches for a man who will value her long-stifled voice.
When Dakota and Mariah find themselves thrust into a whirlwind marriage by the elite matchmaking service Arranged Hearts, their union becomes an all-or-nothing gamble on love. From the outset, uncertainties and the contrasting promises of blissful harmony or utter chaos hang over their arranged marriage.
As they navigate this unconventional path together, Dakota grapples with his deep-seated trust issues rooted in past betrayals, while Mariah contends with her fears of vulnerability and opening herself up. Forced to confront each other's insecurities, flaws, and the shadows of their pasts, the question Will this bold leap lead them to an enduring love? Or will their marriage crumble under the weight of unspoken truths and external pressures? Will the arranged hearts commit to forever, or will I do turn into I don’t?
Dakota Buck a rough around the edges music executive, strides through life calling the shots with an aura of grit. Yet beneath his rugged exterior lies a complex man shaped by a past marred by betrayal and disappointment, leaving him guarded against true connection and trust. Although willing to open his heart, Dakota yearns for a bond that transcends the superficial or nothing.
On the other hand, Mariah Stanfill is a passionate high school counselor who brightens every room she enters. Done being a perpetual bridesmaid, she's ready to finally experience the devoted love she's witnessed for years in others. However, wary of judgment, Mariah hesitates to make herself vulnerable as she searches for a man who will value her long-stifled voice.
When Dakota and Mariah find themselves thrust into a whirlwind marriage by the elite matchmaking service Arranged Hearts, their union becomes an all-or-nothing gamble on love. From the outset, uncertainties and the contrasting promises of blissful harmony or utter chaos hang over their arranged marriage.
As they navigate this unconventional path together, Dakota grapples with his deep-seated trust issues rooted in past betrayals, while Mariah contends with her fears of vulnerability and opening herself up. Forced to confront each other's insecurities, flaws, and the shadows of their pasts, the question Will this bold leap lead them to an enduring love? Or will their marriage crumble under the weight of unspoken truths and external pressures? Will the arranged hearts commit to forever, or will I do turn into I don’t?
265 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 10, 2024
370 people are currently reading
367 people want to read
About the author
C. Monet
67 books252 followersI'm Author C. Monet of Clarksville TN. I write transparent creative romance with a splash of urban. My stories feature, smart, witty boss women and swoon-worthy, loving, flawed men all looking for one thing..... LOVE. Yes, you guessed it I write about love. My novels usually center around instalove, opposites attract, and redemptive love. However, I've been known to come up with love that cant be placed in a box. All in all, love is the motive no matter how it's reached. My books will leave you full; full of love, gems, and pieces of me.
Once life started to happen for and around me I grabbed the pen and decided to unmute my truth. I pen love unfiltered and undefined because rules can’t exist with creativity. The poetry in my words takes you to a place filled with dreams and aspirations of love and how it heals the soul.
Join me in my journey by subscribing to my mailing list at www.authorcmonet.com
Once life started to happen for and around me I grabbed the pen and decided to unmute my truth. I pen love unfiltered and undefined because rules can’t exist with creativity. The poetry in my words takes you to a place filled with dreams and aspirations of love and how it heals the soul.
Join me in my journey by subscribing to my mailing list at www.authorcmonet.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 164 reviews
November 19, 2025
This was cuteee, I loved the focus on communication that these two had, they'd sit down and discuss things like adults (except when they didn't...but we will be ignoring that) and work their issues out together, one day at a time.
Their relationship felt very realistic, as did the problems they were going through. There were some minor, past related, things I wasn't a fan of, but overall this was an enjoyable read.
Also, I have to mention that the narrators did a good job, but the whole time I was wondering what kind of studio the male one was recording in, because the audio wasn't totally clear. So if you're choosing the audiobook, you might need to pay a little extra attention to his parts, nothing major though.
Their relationship felt very realistic, as did the problems they were going through. There were some minor, past related, things I wasn't a fan of, but overall this was an enjoyable read.
Also, I have to mention that the narrators did a good job, but the whole time I was wondering what kind of studio the male one was recording in, because the audio wasn't totally clear. So if you're choosing the audiobook, you might need to pay a little extra attention to his parts, nothing major though.
October 25, 2024
It’s the non traditional love stories that tend to work out the best.
Tension was the perfect title for this Arranged hearts series release because Dakota and Mariah were no walk in the park. I enjoyed how realistic aspects of this story was because while they were compatible when it came to the system Arranged Hearts uses, these two bumped heads the way you would expect two strangers going into a union under these circumstances would.
There was a lot of compromise needed from these two and once a few secret were exposed, their relationship faced tests that could potentially undo all of their hard work. There were some trust issues that they had to work through and it was definitely WORK!!
I appreciated the growth in their relationship. When Dakota and Mariah were on the same page the chemistry was explosive and all was right in their world. Dakota really shocked me because where I expected him to be the most apprehensive of the two, he seemed the most invested in wanting things to work with them.
Dakota and Mariah were the perfect example of the beauty that can blossoms from compromise and commitment. This was my first read by C. Monet and after this, I’m open to seeing what other goodies she has in her catalog.
Tension was the perfect title for this Arranged hearts series release because Dakota and Mariah were no walk in the park. I enjoyed how realistic aspects of this story was because while they were compatible when it came to the system Arranged Hearts uses, these two bumped heads the way you would expect two strangers going into a union under these circumstances would.
There was a lot of compromise needed from these two and once a few secret were exposed, their relationship faced tests that could potentially undo all of their hard work. There were some trust issues that they had to work through and it was definitely WORK!!
I appreciated the growth in their relationship. When Dakota and Mariah were on the same page the chemistry was explosive and all was right in their world. Dakota really shocked me because where I expected him to be the most apprehensive of the two, he seemed the most invested in wanting things to work with them.
Dakota and Mariah were the perfect example of the beauty that can blossoms from compromise and commitment. This was my first read by C. Monet and after this, I’m open to seeing what other goodies she has in her catalog.
May 15, 2024
The romance between Dakota and Mariah seemed plausible to me. In an attempt to find love, the two have joined the exclusive Arranged Hearts matching service. Mariah overanalyzed their connection and Dakota's problems with his mother. Throughout the novel, they were focusing on developing their communication and trust skills. What kind of planned marriage would be complete without some conflict? That's why I liked their love story.
June 17, 2024
Loving this series so far. Although the marriages are arranged, you can feel the passion, love, and longing of the couples, that want a successful union more than anything.
Dakota and Mariah had instant chemistry when they met, and those vows! Swooning.... 😍 They both seemed ready to dive into getting to know one another and doing the work to make their marriage successful. Although Dakota had trust and abandonment issues, he was still all in with Mariah. Laying himself bare, to make sure that their bond was solid. Mariah however had communication issues, and was a runner when things got tough. She would hold back and not allow herself to be vulnerable with Dakota, causing discord in what they were building.
That damn Shane could have kept his old ass hidden in the shadows, cause just why? 👀 However, that was a blessing in disguise, as they both needed to deal with the issues that were keeping them from having a thriving partnership. Absence does make the heart grow fonder, and I'm glad they realized the errors of their ways. Beautiful read.
Dakota and Mariah had instant chemistry when they met, and those vows! Swooning.... 😍 They both seemed ready to dive into getting to know one another and doing the work to make their marriage successful. Although Dakota had trust and abandonment issues, he was still all in with Mariah. Laying himself bare, to make sure that their bond was solid. Mariah however had communication issues, and was a runner when things got tough. She would hold back and not allow herself to be vulnerable with Dakota, causing discord in what they were building.
That damn Shane could have kept his old ass hidden in the shadows, cause just why? 👀 However, that was a blessing in disguise, as they both needed to deal with the issues that were keeping them from having a thriving partnership. Absence does make the heart grow fonder, and I'm glad they realized the errors of their ways. Beautiful read.
June 25, 2024
3.5 ⭐!
Ok, the tension was indeed heavy! Whew! Mariah and Dakota couldn't escape the mess from their past trying to pop their marital bliss bubble. Tbh this was one of the more realistic stories because every emotion felt real. I enjoyed their banter and getting to know one another. Dakota definitely had some mommy issues and I'm glad it was addressed. Mariah had a lot going on and I'm glad she was able to tell her truth. Enjoyed this addition to the Arranged Heart Series.
Ok, the tension was indeed heavy! Whew! Mariah and Dakota couldn't escape the mess from their past trying to pop their marital bliss bubble. Tbh this was one of the more realistic stories because every emotion felt real. I enjoyed their banter and getting to know one another. Dakota definitely had some mommy issues and I'm glad it was addressed. Mariah had a lot going on and I'm glad she was able to tell her truth. Enjoyed this addition to the Arranged Heart Series.
May 19, 2024
Read It
I rarely claim book baes, but whew! Dakota is the one. He had me swooning from his introduction. I loved this couples journey and I think you will too.
I rarely claim book baes, but whew! Dakota is the one. He had me swooning from his introduction. I loved this couples journey and I think you will too.
August 30, 2024
Dakota and Mariah were an interesting pairing in this book from the series. They both seemed to have some demons in their past that had to be exposed for them to be able to move forward together but Dakota seemed to be a little more open with her at first and she was more closed off. However, once we found out what her past was that she didn't want to talk about it was easier to see why and it also made a brought a little more clarity to why she reacted the way she did when they came back from their honeymoon and she found out what Dakota did.
Dakota really had to learn how to communicate differently when it came to Mariah which was a good thing for him and she had to learn how to be more trusting. I found it interesting that she didn't plan to get physical with him right away even though they were married but of course those plans went out the window...lol. It was nice the way they were supportive of each other when it came to those around them, including family, speaking down or negatively about the other one and I was happy the advice they received from the counselor helped them in their marriage.
I felt this book had good character development and even though there was drama, it helped to shape the storyline. I also appreciated how it was a complete story and even the way the epilogue incorporated it all was a nice ending. I really enjoyed this book.
Dakota really had to learn how to communicate differently when it came to Mariah which was a good thing for him and she had to learn how to be more trusting. I found it interesting that she didn't plan to get physical with him right away even though they were married but of course those plans went out the window...lol. It was nice the way they were supportive of each other when it came to those around them, including family, speaking down or negatively about the other one and I was happy the advice they received from the counselor helped them in their marriage.
I felt this book had good character development and even though there was drama, it helped to shape the storyline. I also appreciated how it was a complete story and even the way the epilogue incorporated it all was a nice ending. I really enjoyed this book.
January 5, 2025
the ex subplot pmo, including dakota’s reaction. like forgive the woman you’ve only know for a few months for having some things she struggles to share, damn.
overall this was cute tho!
overall this was cute tho!
October 22, 2024
One of my top reads in this whole series.
July 23, 2024
Tension by Author C. Monet
Genre: Romance
Spice: 1🌶
Rating: 4.25 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
TW: None
Troupes: Arranged Marriage
This was my first time reading this autbirs work and I will gor sure be rwading more. "Tension"was truley a heart warming story that gives you hope and teaches some of life's most valuable lessons.
Mariah and Dakota both have it all yet are looking for someone to share it with. They both come from pasts that have been challenging an may have caused trauma. They separately sign up for a arranged marriage service called Arranged Hearts and They are both super excited for what is to come.
It was quite refreshing as I could yell early on that they would be perfect for one another. Literally the Ying to each others yang. Mariah is so use to being independent and having her own space that she wasn't even prepared for a real man to come in and sweep her off of her feet.
Sand with Dakota. He has it all and is so use to doing that he doesn't take time to think about the why or what ifs. So they most definitely complimented each other well. This may be the book that forces me to put myself back on the market knowing there is hope for something good.
I thouroughly enjoyed this urban romance and to be quiet honest I haven't read something so refreshing in a while. I kept waiting for something bad to happen. In reality we sometimes expect the bad so much that it becomes a rain cloud.
Thank you C. Monet for this beautiful story and reminding us that some thing are not too good to be true and to keep looking forward to the good. I rated this a 4.25/5 stars.
Genre: Romance
Spice: 1🌶
Rating: 4.25 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
TW: None
Troupes: Arranged Marriage
This was my first time reading this autbirs work and I will gor sure be rwading more. "Tension"was truley a heart warming story that gives you hope and teaches some of life's most valuable lessons.
Mariah and Dakota both have it all yet are looking for someone to share it with. They both come from pasts that have been challenging an may have caused trauma. They separately sign up for a arranged marriage service called Arranged Hearts and They are both super excited for what is to come.
It was quite refreshing as I could yell early on that they would be perfect for one another. Literally the Ying to each others yang. Mariah is so use to being independent and having her own space that she wasn't even prepared for a real man to come in and sweep her off of her feet.
Sand with Dakota. He has it all and is so use to doing that he doesn't take time to think about the why or what ifs. So they most definitely complimented each other well. This may be the book that forces me to put myself back on the market knowing there is hope for something good.
I thouroughly enjoyed this urban romance and to be quiet honest I haven't read something so refreshing in a while. I kept waiting for something bad to happen. In reality we sometimes expect the bad so much that it becomes a rain cloud.
Thank you C. Monet for this beautiful story and reminding us that some thing are not too good to be true and to keep looking forward to the good. I rated this a 4.25/5 stars.
March 21, 2025
Listened to the audio on hoopla
Dakota and Mariah were just okay. I wasn’t in love with them or their story. For me, I didn’t see what the interviewer saw between them. The way i would have snapped on Dakota so bad about touching my things without asking. He would have been begging for his mother’s return. Mariah didn’t rise enough hell for me. Just because they are married and went on a honey moon doesn’t mean you totally know someone. That’s what they both needed to understand. The insta love could’ve still remained in the story.
There was this one part i felt they both harped on too much. The past is the past. I just didn’t find it that serious but oh well. Yes they had their cute, funny, and spicy moments. Glad there was talk of therapy to effectively commiserate. Loved Dakota sticking up for Mariah with her dad as well. Lastly, i loved what they did for careers and community.
Quotes:
-“Feeling lost just means you’re on the verge of finding something great.”
-“Don’t let their questions become your own.”
-“We might not have a history but we will have a future.”
Dakota and Mariah were just okay. I wasn’t in love with them or their story. For me, I didn’t see what the interviewer saw between them. The way i would have snapped on Dakota so bad about touching my things without asking. He would have been begging for his mother’s return. Mariah didn’t rise enough hell for me. Just because they are married and went on a honey moon doesn’t mean you totally know someone. That’s what they both needed to understand. The insta love could’ve still remained in the story.
There was this one part i felt they both harped on too much. The past is the past. I just didn’t find it that serious but oh well. Yes they had their cute, funny, and spicy moments. Glad there was talk of therapy to effectively commiserate. Loved Dakota sticking up for Mariah with her dad as well. Lastly, i loved what they did for careers and community.
Quotes:
-“Feeling lost just means you’re on the verge of finding something great.”
-“Don’t let their questions become your own.”
-“We might not have a history but we will have a future.”
September 27, 2025
Their arranged marriage setup had me hooked because it wasn’t just about falling in love it was about fighting through trust issues, insecurities, and the weight of the past to see if love could really hold. The tension between them was thick enough to feel in every scene and watching them navigate the push and pull of vulnerability and desire kept me turning the pages.
Dakota was rough, guarded, and so layered that I couldn’t help but want to peel him back page by page. Mariah brought the softness and light, but she also carried her own fears that made her journey feel so real. This wasn’t just a love story; it was about what it takes to risk yourself for a real connection, even when everything in you says to guard your heart.
Dakota was rough, guarded, and so layered that I couldn’t help but want to peel him back page by page. Mariah brought the softness and light, but she also carried her own fears that made her journey feel so real. This wasn’t just a love story; it was about what it takes to risk yourself for a real connection, even when everything in you says to guard your heart.
May 12, 2024
Yall the way this read tore at my heart strings and had me begging for more. The journey. The ride. All worth it.
April 27, 2025
I like this story. Overall I like the audiobook.
September 7, 2024
I definitely wasn’t expecting that last POV! He’s in the music and she’s a counselor or something like that cause she works with kids. Employment aside, can we talk about their chemistry!? Mariah and Dakota have my heart and money cause if C Monet wants to write forevermore about these two imma put my card on tab.
July 31, 2024
Audio ARC read provided by NetGalley
DNF at 67%
While the premise is fantastic and the FMC is a well developed character, this leaves a lot to be desired.
Repetitive and exasperating, this is almost a tit for tat story where the same situations are repeated over and over, yet there is SOOOOO much communication about how this instalove, arranged marriage is so strong and they will weather any storm but two seconds later someone for their past shows up and they need time to process it. Even though the other person reassured them that they want to be with them. Once or twice is fine but at 68% it’s all this story is and I’m not compelled enough to finish.
However, this is a great premise with a promising start but it just didn’t pan out for me.
DNF at 67%
While the premise is fantastic and the FMC is a well developed character, this leaves a lot to be desired.
Repetitive and exasperating, this is almost a tit for tat story where the same situations are repeated over and over, yet there is SOOOOO much communication about how this instalove, arranged marriage is so strong and they will weather any storm but two seconds later someone for their past shows up and they need time to process it. Even though the other person reassured them that they want to be with them. Once or twice is fine but at 68% it’s all this story is and I’m not compelled enough to finish.
However, this is a great premise with a promising start but it just didn’t pan out for me.
May 22, 2024
I thought Dakota was a man child with a bad attitude and how much can you enjoy a romance when you can’t stand the MMC? 😭 I wouldn’t have been totally fine had they never spoke to each other gain
January 20, 2025
⭐️/5 🌶🌶/5
TW - drugs (meth, mentioned in passing, weed - smoked by MC), absent parent / parental abandonment (mentioned), poverty (past, mentioned), familial failed marriages (mentioned, divorce discussed at length on page), alcoholism (parent, past, mentioned), violent parent (past, mentioned), death of a parent (past, mentioned), use of the n word, cheating ex (fiancé, past, mentioned), narcissistic ex (mentioned), troubled upbringings (mentioned, FMC is a guidance counsellor) , alcohol consumption, depression (sc), physical altercation (MMC and sc), pregnancy and on page birth, guns (mentioned)
CW - semi public play, hand necklace, light spanking, some OM/OW drama
Tropes - arranged marriage / marriage at first sight, insta love, possessive, rich MMC
Representation - Black MCs
God F O R B I D I act this way at 37 or come across a man at 35 that acts like this. I’d rather be single.
After reading Allure: The Arranged Hearts Series, I was excited to read something a bit longer with this concept but this one should have ended 100 pages sooner than it did.
The MMC was not a serious person. He had all her things moved to his house without asking because they’re married now and should be living together??? This is the work of an unserious individual fr. And she forgave him instantly LOL no
The issue I had is that he didn't see why his actions were problematic, he was apologising because she was mad about it. Her best friend basically thinking the whole situation is okay and then her subsequently thinking it’s fine because he’s a man????? Are we on the same plane of existence right now? For me, wanting my partner to take charge does not include moving me out of my house without asking me???? And I feel like that’s normal. I was not following how everyone in her life was basically gaslighting her into thinking that it was normal behaviour.
To make matters worse, this book had a second act breakup - the horror. They kept saying that they can weather any storm, they just need to communicate, they can work through anything but, at 67% it’s just repeating situations of something happening / something from their pasts creeping up and them not communicating about it. It’s stupid, tiresome and just highlighted the fact that the characters actually didn't have any chemistry. I’m Black but not a Black American so idk if that is contributing to the fact that I found the characters to be so cringe in their interactions and mannerisms.
Random points:
The FMC's dad is the biggest hater to hate. Pathetic.
Small continuity errors like the time of the date and placement of the tattoo made me dislike this more
Suggesting the name DaKaylyn is actually DaDevil’s work 🥴
This book feels like it’s just someone’s ramblings
Scale:
⭐️ - would've DNF'ed / continued out of spite
⭐️⭐️ - shit, but whatever
⭐️⭐️⭐️ - meh, could've been better
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - lit 👅
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - loved it, inject this shit into my veins 🤪
🫑 - no smut
🌶 - no point
🌶🌶 - mediocre at best
🌶🌶🌶 - standard smut, hot
🌶🌶🌶🌶 - 🥵 okay, some CW
🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶 - fuck me 🥵🥵 CWs / filthy with a side of filth - see Poison / Room Twenty-Two: Hide and Seek/ The Naughty List / The Naughtier List
TW - drugs (meth, mentioned in passing, weed - smoked by MC), absent parent / parental abandonment (mentioned), poverty (past, mentioned), familial failed marriages (mentioned, divorce discussed at length on page), alcoholism (parent, past, mentioned), violent parent (past, mentioned), death of a parent (past, mentioned), use of the n word, cheating ex (fiancé, past, mentioned), narcissistic ex (mentioned), troubled upbringings (mentioned, FMC is a guidance counsellor) , alcohol consumption, depression (sc), physical altercation (MMC and sc), pregnancy and on page birth, guns (mentioned)
CW - semi public play, hand necklace, light spanking, some OM/OW drama
Tropes - arranged marriage / marriage at first sight, insta love, possessive, rich MMC
Representation - Black MCs
God F O R B I D I act this way at 37 or come across a man at 35 that acts like this. I’d rather be single.
After reading Allure: The Arranged Hearts Series, I was excited to read something a bit longer with this concept but this one should have ended 100 pages sooner than it did.
The MMC was not a serious person. He had all her things moved to his house without asking because they’re married now and should be living together??? This is the work of an unserious individual fr. And she forgave him instantly LOL no
The issue I had is that he didn't see why his actions were problematic, he was apologising because she was mad about it. Her best friend basically thinking the whole situation is okay and then her subsequently thinking it’s fine because he’s a man????? Are we on the same plane of existence right now? For me, wanting my partner to take charge does not include moving me out of my house without asking me???? And I feel like that’s normal. I was not following how everyone in her life was basically gaslighting her into thinking that it was normal behaviour.
To make matters worse, this book had a second act breakup - the horror. They kept saying that they can weather any storm, they just need to communicate, they can work through anything but, at 67% it’s just repeating situations of something happening / something from their pasts creeping up and them not communicating about it. It’s stupid, tiresome and just highlighted the fact that the characters actually didn't have any chemistry. I’m Black but not a Black American so idk if that is contributing to the fact that I found the characters to be so cringe in their interactions and mannerisms.
Random points:
The FMC's dad is the biggest hater to hate. Pathetic.
Small continuity errors like the time of the date and placement of the tattoo made me dislike this more
Suggesting the name DaKaylyn is actually DaDevil’s work 🥴
This book feels like it’s just someone’s ramblings
Scale:
⭐️ - would've DNF'ed / continued out of spite
⭐️⭐️ - shit, but whatever
⭐️⭐️⭐️ - meh, could've been better
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - lit 👅
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - loved it, inject this shit into my veins 🤪
🫑 - no smut
🌶 - no point
🌶🌶 - mediocre at best
🌶🌶🌶 - standard smut, hot
🌶🌶🌶🌶 - 🥵 okay, some CW
🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶 - fuck me 🥵🥵 CWs / filthy with a side of filth - see Poison / Room Twenty-Two: Hide and Seek/ The Naughty List / The Naughtier List
November 27, 2024
"Be careful putting humans on pedestals and don't let anyone put you on one either."
"Your trauma is your responsibility"
This was my first C. Monet and certainly won't be my last! I loved her author's note for this book and how she shared her own unconventional love story. Her writing voice in this book was so strong and rooted in the bond of marriage. (given she's been married 9 years herself) I loved how she focused on therapy and communication between the characters. Each one of their arguments felt real and relatable, so much so I found myself taking sides. However C. Monet did a great job of bring both viewpoints into the picture. Then how she provided comparison and the real life consequence of drifting too far away from each other was perfect.
Additionally, C. Monet's writing style shined through in her comedy and love for music. I found myself wanting to create a playlist and go back and watch old tv shows. That Lovita and Big Ceddie reference was definitely a IYKYK moment.
Tension is for the girls that love reading about FMCs getting their soft, princess treatment life. There was never a want or a need of Mariah's that didn't go unattended to. Even when Dakota was pissed he still cared and made sure she knew it. I was completely caught off guard by the conflict in this book but appreciated that C. Monet introduced it. This is a topic that I have never seen broached. (which is something I've been mentioning about this series) If you want a crash course in experiencing the ups and downs of a marriage in less than 300 pages this is the one!
"Your trauma is your responsibility"
This was my first C. Monet and certainly won't be my last! I loved her author's note for this book and how she shared her own unconventional love story. Her writing voice in this book was so strong and rooted in the bond of marriage. (given she's been married 9 years herself) I loved how she focused on therapy and communication between the characters. Each one of their arguments felt real and relatable, so much so I found myself taking sides. However C. Monet did a great job of bring both viewpoints into the picture. Then how she provided comparison and the real life consequence of drifting too far away from each other was perfect.
Additionally, C. Monet's writing style shined through in her comedy and love for music. I found myself wanting to create a playlist and go back and watch old tv shows. That Lovita and Big Ceddie reference was definitely a IYKYK moment.
Tension is for the girls that love reading about FMCs getting their soft, princess treatment life. There was never a want or a need of Mariah's that didn't go unattended to. Even when Dakota was pissed he still cared and made sure she knew it. I was completely caught off guard by the conflict in this book but appreciated that C. Monet introduced it. This is a topic that I have never seen broached. (which is something I've been mentioning about this series) If you want a crash course in experiencing the ups and downs of a marriage in less than 300 pages this is the one!
May 24, 2024
Meet me at the altar....
This series is on fire. Mrs. Monet, I loved how Dakota and Mariah became one. It wasn't the old-school courting that Maraih's father wanted for his daughter however it was still a union. They may have met at the altar but their relationship was like any other loving couple. They had their mountain-top moments as well as their valley issues. After realizing how important communication is in a relationship the bumps started to become much smoother. Dakota and Mariah worked through their problems but Cashay's split broke my heart. This couple proved that arranged marriages can be a success with work put in by both parties.
Another magnificent read added to Mrs. Monet's portfolio. You will experience a plethora of emotions from this book. At some points, you may shed a tear and at others, you will crack a rib. With that being said I highly suggest this masterpiece. Therefore grab your copy today. You will fall in love with love again.
This series is on fire. Mrs. Monet, I loved how Dakota and Mariah became one. It wasn't the old-school courting that Maraih's father wanted for his daughter however it was still a union. They may have met at the altar but their relationship was like any other loving couple. They had their mountain-top moments as well as their valley issues. After realizing how important communication is in a relationship the bumps started to become much smoother. Dakota and Mariah worked through their problems but Cashay's split broke my heart. This couple proved that arranged marriages can be a success with work put in by both parties.
Another magnificent read added to Mrs. Monet's portfolio. You will experience a plethora of emotions from this book. At some points, you may shed a tear and at others, you will crack a rib. With that being said I highly suggest this masterpiece. Therefore grab your copy today. You will fall in love with love again.
February 22, 2025
This story was so beautiful! I loved it from beginning to end! Love is truly something special! Dakota and Mariah’s relationship was so real and relatable! Although they found each other “unconventionally” they still developed a bond like no other! What you thought might have broken them apart only made them strong! Baby Dakota is definitely a book bae because honey he STEPPED behind his woman!! Even when things were rocky he made it known…you’re still my woman and I’m going to continue to treat you as such!!
July 30, 2024
While Tension is admittedly insta-love, a trope I detest, I chose request to read Tension because it took elements from reality TV that the masses really seem to enjoy and made something that is taboo in the same society—arranged marriages—seem cool, fun, safe, and exciting. C. Monet is a great storyteller and created characters who not only had their own lives and goals, they also acted their age and had normal processing and conflict resolution skills. While I didn't like the ending very much, I overall enjoyed the first book in this series and look forward to the next.
Thank you to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for providing an ALC!
4 ⭐️s
3 🌶️s
🚨 audiobook pub date: 8/6/24
Thank you to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for providing an ALC!
4 ⭐️s
3 🌶️s
🚨 audiobook pub date: 8/6/24
October 2, 2024
Just finished the last one for me in the #arrangedheartseries for me by C. Monet. I feel like this was one of the best ones for me in this series. The character Development with Dakota & Mariah was real. I felt like the obstacles that they faced is something a couple faces in real life. This story left me wanting more. I want to see how their life plays out.
August 20, 2024
The romance was good in the book , i just felt it kinda went by fast with the timeline in the book like i wanted to know or experience more. Over all a good read love that Dakota and Mariah was arranged and it turned out to be everything they both hoped and prayed for.
May 12, 2024
A good read.
August 18, 2024
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ stars! Thank you to NetGalley for the ALC! I am really enjoying this series! Mariah is a high school counselor and she is ready to take a chance on love. Dakota is a music executive who is ready to settle down with one woman.
They both decide to try Arranged Hearts in hopes of finding the love of their life. With the Arranged Hearts program, you are matched up with your perfect mate by meeting with the matchmaker who asks a series of questions, and she will match you with your person based off of your responses, and you marry each other sight unseen.
We follow Dakota and Mariah’s relationship and see if they will live happily ever after. They encounter some bumps in the road along with their own personal issues that they have to work through, and see how they work through these issues in hopes of them working it out. I really enjoyed their story and look forward to reading the other books in the Arranged Hearts series.
They both decide to try Arranged Hearts in hopes of finding the love of their life. With the Arranged Hearts program, you are matched up with your perfect mate by meeting with the matchmaker who asks a series of questions, and she will match you with your person based off of your responses, and you marry each other sight unseen.
We follow Dakota and Mariah’s relationship and see if they will live happily ever after. They encounter some bumps in the road along with their own personal issues that they have to work through, and see how they work through these issues in hopes of them working it out. I really enjoyed their story and look forward to reading the other books in the Arranged Hearts series.
August 12, 2024
In the beginning I was not feeling Mariah but eventually I started to understand her. Dakota was instantly lovable. I liked going through the journey of their relationship. They both had trust issues and it was interesting to see how each of them dealt with it. Simone Rothschild did a great job with the narration. Dylan Ford was ok but didn't wow me.
Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the audio ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the audio ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 10, 2024
This is the second book I’ve read in this series, and I still like the theme of black love meets married at first sight. It’s a fun premise and I like the story in general. However, the execution of this particular book fell a little short for me. The female narrator was great, but the male narrator didn’t sell it for me. I also didn’t love the main characters. The male main character was arrogant and heavy-handed, and the female main character was too much of a doormat. I didn’t feel like she stood her ground. The spice was good, and overall it was a cute story, but I really wish I liked the characters more. Thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an ALC in exchange for an honest review.
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