De·sire /dəˈzī(ə)r/a strong feeling of wanting to have something or wishing for something to happen.
Unsettled… that is the word Desire Chambries uses to describe how she feels. Although her preschool students bring her joy, her personal life needs resuscitating. She’d love to get married, but the dating scene lacks quality men. Most were barely boyfriend material and definitely not fit to be someone’s husband. At thirty-five years old, her hope of finding the man of her dreams and becoming a wife is fading fast, as is the idea of having children of her own.
One lonely Friday night, after being stood up for the third time, she sees an ad for Arranged Hearts on social media. Her interest is piqued, and before she second-guesses herself, she completes the online profile. Once she presses submit, things move rapidly, and she finds herself agreeing to spend the rest of her life with a man she’s never met.
Aziel Harris has to make some lifestyle changes since he plans to run for a second term as mayor of his hometown. His image has taken some major hits as of late, with women coming out of the woodwork to stake their claim on him. Not to mention, he’s raising his sassy three-year-old daughter, Azaria, alone, and single fatherhood as a forty-two-year-old is harder than running the city.
Unbeknownst to him, his assistant completes a profile for him with Arranged Hearts. Initially, he refuses to go through the process, but knowing a team of people are counting on him to continue his reign as mayor, he agrees to marry a woman he’s yet to meet.
Desire and Aziel don’t expect marrying a stranger to be easy, but neither of them are prepared for the obstacles thrown their way. Will the arranged hearts commit to forever, or will ‘I do’ turn into ‘I don’t’?
Welcome to Kay Shanee's Reading Korner Kay is forty something wife and mother, born and raised in the Midwest. During the day, she is a high school teacher. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends. Her favorite pastime is reading and writing romance novels about the dopeness of BLACK LOVE.
Desire is sick and tired of dealing with triflin’ azz ninjas that do nothing but waste her time. At 35, her biological clock is tickin’ and she’s ready to say I do to somebody’s son and have a few babies. After being stood up for the third time, Desire is over the dating scene and has decided to let the elite matchmakers of Arranged Hearts do the heavy lifting for her and find her future husband.
Aziel is the mayor of Onyx City and, while he’s done great things for the city during his first term, his numbers are slipping in the poles. This does not bode well for his re-election bid. Being an unmarried single father does not appeal to his female constituents and it also doesn’t help that he’s a known man whore. To clean up his image, his assistant suggests he signs up with Arranged Hearts. With nothing to lose and everything to gain, Aziel agrees.
Alexa, play Lets Get Married. When Desire met Aziel at the alter in her white dress, to say this man was over the moon would be an understatement. See, the gag is, both of them were already crushin’ hard on each other but, Desire was well aware of Aziel’s heauxish reputation and, she refused to be just another hit it and quit it. As soon as Aziel lifted Desire’s veil, he vowed then and there to make their marriage real in every way and he didn’t care what any of the naysayers had to say. “If anyone objects, keep it to yourself and take your ass home. This wedding is happening whether you object or not. We’re not here for the negativity.” Yaaaaasssss! Aziel said y’all betta put some respect on their union.
This was such a good book! I really enjoyed Desire and Aziel’s unconventional love journey. I loved how quickly they became protective of one another. He didn’t play about his wife, she didn’t play about her husband, and anybody who tried them could get it. And, y’all know Nette love the kids and little Ms. Azaria swooped in and stole the whole damn book. Her reaction when she saw Ms. Chammies at the alter with her daddy was so stinkin' adorable. This book was marriage at first sight done right. If you haven’t read any of the books in this series, start with this one. Well done Kay Shanee. 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
I LOVED A Good Kay Shanee Story….She’s Always coming with a spin. This was such a cute story and I always love a good story with child(ren) as good secondary characters. Desire and Aziel had an attraction simmering during her time working for Black Pearl….”Arranged Hearts was the vessel” ….
What in the married at first sight is going on here?!?!?!!!! Arranged Hearts is putting in that work like a stripper trying to make rent on the first and chyyyy the next couple is up!!!
Mayor Harris may be campaigning for re-election but he’s also after the heart of his daughter’s preschool teacher Miss Desire Chambries. Unfortunately babies aren’t the only thing the Mayor has been kissing! Mayor Harris is 🗣️ FOR THE STREETS!!!! And with a reputation that precedes him, Desire wanted zero parts in his she said my name will NOT be added to the roster. Well they say tell God your plans and watch him make a fool of you! 😏
When Arranged Hearts pairs Desire and Mayor Harris together they wasted no time acting on the chemistry that had been building up in months past! They knew that what they felt was real but when right place wrong time turned into he’s always on time, these two became inseparable! They quickly adjusted to their role as a family and I loved the dynamic and bond that was effortlessly built.
❣️It was the honeymoon for me because if we ain’t fkn and eating on the island then what is we doing?!?!!
❣️It was the stuffed peppers for me because feed that man!! He was not playing about his wife’s cooking 😆
❣️It was Azaria and her Miss Chammies for me because “I go with you!”🥹🥰 that baby was not playing about her at all!!
🗣️NOW TAMMY!!! Did that REALLY make sense in your birdbrain head?! 🤔
I’m glad the book girlies gave me the push to read this story because it was the cutest and I really enjoyed how everything came together! This was the perfect palette cleanser from the drug dealing mayhem I’m used to! If this book is not on your TBR, it should be!!
I ate this book up the other day, it was amazing!! I knew it would be, because I'm familiar with Kay Shanee's work, I love the way she writes and how much personality she gives her characters. And Mr Mayor?? Fine with a capital F. I feel like him and Gentry from Monica Walters' book would be the best of friends.
Bonus points for the sizzling chemistry, no third act breakup, and Aziel falling first. Tiny minus points for all that stuff with you know who, could've done without that, but the book is still my second fav in the series.
Queue Jagged Edge...Meet me at the altar in your white dress, we ain't getting no younger, we might as well do it! Baby Let's get Married, I just wanna get married!!
Mayor Aziel Harris was low key singing this to his daughter's preschool teacher, but Ms. Desire Chambries was not having it. Although it was clear they had some chemistry his reputation preceded him and she refused to be added to his list of heauxs. However, both fate and God intervened because unbeknownst to them they find their way together via Arranged Hearts. I loved how this came together, because they would not have found their way together any other way. Both were getting older and needed a little guidance on their next life step. It felt destined and that it was. Desire left caution in the wind and decided to embrace Aziel and his sweet daughter Azaria, whom she was already completely smitten with. The drama and jealousy surrounding their union tested them, but they made it through with minimal bruising. Eventually making their bond even stronger.
I love when the mmc falls first. Aziel had been trying to mack Desire down to no avail, so when he found out she was his bride he was overjoyed. Like he said God did his Big One!! He made it his mission to lighten her load and to really take care of her. He was a good balance of nasty and sweet and I loved that for Desire. Desire was 35 and tired of the dating scene, she was over the bs. When she realized Aziel was her groom, it surprisingly eased her mind because he was not a complete stranger. These two were insatiable and despite having a toddler found plenty of time to to get well acquainted with each other.
Baby Azaria was such a scene stealer. I loved when she was on the page and I could hear her sweet wittle voice spreading all types of love for her parents. She was the sweetest and added a special touch to this story.
Desire was just plain tired of the dating pool and decided to allow the professionals to do the heavy lifting for her. She wasn't getting any younger, and she wanted to find love and have a family.
Aziel loved the company of women. However, the one woman he craved was curving him at every turn. Approaching reelection his assistant talks him into seeking the help of Arranged Hearts to clean up his image and win votes. When he turns around at the altar, he cannot believe who his intended bride is. 🤯
Desire and Aziel had feelings simmering under the surface, and the wedding sealed the deal. Although Aziel seemed to be a playboy, he was all in with Desire and ready to make this marriage work. Now Mr. Mayor had BDE overflow and was trying to get at his new wife at every turn. 🥵 Their connection was immediate, and their chemistry was hot! Newlywed bliss was upon them, and they could only see happiness in their future.
Well, some heifers just can't take that L and move around. I got shady vibes from Tammy, but damn I had no idea she would go to that extreme. 👀 Men.... why can't they spot the crazy? 🤦🏾♀️ Then the ish with Iris. Whew lawd! 😤
Aziel did not play about his wife. I loved the protectiveness he displayed in caring for Desire when ish started hitting the fan. Desire wasn't half stepping either. Aziel was her man, her man, her man. You could try her if you want to. 😂 They were perfect together and I enjoyed their story. Great work ladies with this series thus far.👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾
A mayor in the match in the matchmaking service may make me try in real life! Lol Desire and Aziel were destined and I'll let you read to find out how. Those two were something else once they said I do lol. Like sir get off of her for a second lmao. With all the fun and love shared from their honeymoon there was bound to be some drama and whew was there drama! In the words of Lil Wayne “Hoes going to be hoes so I couldn't blame Tammy!” 🥴 I can't say I was expecting that scenario or the latter but the drama and suspense towards the latter half of the book were good! I enjoyed this story and I now have to read another book from this series!
Now this was an exciting read and I love when both people commit to each other and support each other. From the beginning I felt the spark between Desire and Aziel and their connection and commitment was strong. Desire and Aziel’s relationship really gave fated, togetherness and was electrifying. Azara was just too cute and now she has her mommy as Desire. Loved this family and Desire and Aziel’s families, support and unity all around. As with love came the drama with delu Tammy and then with miss stalker/crazy. Even with all those little bumps Desire and Aziel made it through and had a beautiful HEA.
I was enjoying this book for the most part until we got to the 80% mark and Iris and the true story of the relationship with Aziel comes to light. Any goodwill I had towards him disappeared immediately. He’s an awful man who used a woman’s feelings to get something he wants. And then he threw her away like trash. He’s a user. Just because he wanted her to keep the baby doesn’t make him a good man Savannah. He manipulated the fck out of a woman who had mental health issues. And Desire understanding and being okay with what he did made me hate her. True Pick Me behavior who doesn’t support women. Fck her and fck him.
First, I absolutely loved both narrators—they did the damn thing!
Desire was a fun, quick addition to The Arranged Hearts series, and I actually liked Aziel (and his name!) and Desire a lot! The way they balanced each other out and communicated well was a breath of fresh air. While this series is intentionally insta-lovey and fast-paced, Desire was extremely predictable, and this is the first ever novel where I felt like I guessed every twist and turn accurately because it was laid out so plainly lol, and that was off-putting for me and a bit disappointing. I also did not like the spice in the beginning—I don't know why authors are writing things like "my honeypot" and "loins," but it feels very urban romance circa 2009 and I'm not here for it! However, the rest of the spice was enjoyable and not cringe to read! Overall, Kay Shanee is a great storyteller, and I had such a great time with this story!
3.75 ⭐️s 3 🌶️ 🚨 Audiobook pub date 8/20/24
Thank you to Dreamscape Media & NetGalley for providing an ALC!
“No babygirl. You’re daddy’s princess. Ms. Chambries is daddy’s queen.”
Well baby if getting married at first sight is going to land me a husband or wife like this, then sign me up. I love Black Love.
They are perfect for each other. With already having the chemistry there it took no time getting things popping. Baby they were taking each other DOOOOWWWWNNNNNN 🥵🤤🥰. He played no games about his wife and him falling first ♥️ but my girl was not too far behind him. Desire was putting anyone in their place. She didn’t play when it came to family. The bond baby girl and Desire had was everything. She trusted and loved Desiree. It was also great to seeing the characters actually open up to one another. Know more about some touch and hard moments in their life.
Now Tammy on the other hand was a hot a$$ mess. Like girl you’re so dumb. That man would’ve let you know what’s up if he wanted to. I’m glad Kay brought to light parents like baby girl’s mother. That was a whole lot. Thankfully we get a hea with a beautiful surprise.
In this book like the others in the series, Aziel and Desire have signed up for the Arranged Hearts service to find their spouse; however, this one had a little twist as Aziel was only signing up for appearances to help him win his second term as mayor. However, once he realized the woman he was matched with was who he had been crushing on, it was game over and he knew that it was going to be a lasting marriage.
Desire lowkey wanted to be with Aziel as well but didn't want to give him a chance due to his reputation as being a ladies man but once she got to know him she learned that not everything you see on social media is true. It was also nice that she already had a relationship with his daughter being her teacher and all so the transition to being a family was fairly seamless.
Although this book was about the romance between Desire and Aziel and how it blossomed, it also had its fair share of drama and suspense that added to the storyline and only made their love for each other stronger. I really enjoyed the writing, the character development and the spice level in this one.
Desire felt like reading a reflection of so many real struggles women face the longing for love, the frustration of dating, and the quiet fear that time might be slipping away. I connected with her hopefulness just as much as her weariness, and it made her story resonate all the more deeply. Aziel brought his own set of challenges, from public scrutiny to single fatherhood, and I loved how their connection showed that love can bloom even when life is messy and complicated.
What stood out most was the balance between vulnerability and strength. Desire didn’t shrink herself to fit into someone’s world, and Aziel had to grow into the kind of man who could stand beside her. Together, they showed that marriage isn’t just about the vows, it’s about building something steady when the foundation isn’t perfect. This book gave me a romance that felt both tender and resilient, the kind that lingers with you after the last page.
Arranged Hearts did their thing with Aziel and Desire! Although they weren't complete strangers, they would have never ended up in a relationship. They fell instantly, and the chemistry they shared helped even more. Their family life was immaculate. Nobody could come in between what they shared. Although a few tried, their love outweighed the tragedy. Their love continued to grow, as well as their family. This was an outstanding read! Job well done!
I am really enjoying this series but more importantly I am enjoying this author. This is the 4th book from her I've read this month and it did not disappoint.
Desire and Aziel are so well matched. Aziel is a devoted father which is hella attractive. Plus you add a kid or a dog to a romance, write it well and I'm sold. I also simply loved their family dynamic. They both came from loving and supportive families. It was such a fun read.
Kay Shanee did it again! I always know if I see a book by you its going to be good. Aziel and Desire were a perfect match. I was hooked from the very beginning. The lite drama didn't last long. You kept the focus on the love between them and baby girl Ria. This marriage at first sight was amazingly beautiful. 😍
Beautiful addition to the Arranged Hearts series! I loved the characters, their chemistry oozed from the pages. I had an advanced listeners copy from Dreamscape and the narrators were solid bringing the story to life. Good read for me.
Arranged Hearts has another success story! From the beginning, I’d hoped Aziel and Desire would be matched and was happy to see that come true. Their protective bond was seen by all as they navigated the tough times as a unit and their family support was especially appreciated. I loved the connection between Desire and Azaria. Their bond began well before the marriage and continued to flourish afterwards. Azaria really took to her as a mother figure and that was beautiful to read. Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the advanced reader copy.
Desire and Aziel's story was great. Listening to the audio book narrators give these characters voice made it that much better to hear it play out.
The family dynamic and the I don't play about mine mentality of Aziel makes a girls knees weak and the way he talked whew 🥵🤤. The heat index on this one was 5🌶! Don't listen to this one in public 😂
Mrs. Shanee has done it again. When her creative juices start to flow and the pen hits the paper, we get a masterpiece. An arranged marriage is what Aziel and Desire were seeking, but what they got was much more. Aziel was already smitten by Desire. He wanted her before he ever uttered the words, "I do." Little Miss Azaria was an added bonus to the love that formed between Aziel and Desire. Aziel may have been a busy politician, but when it came to the two most important women in his life, he had no limits when it came to protecting and providing. Aziel was all in from the minute he heard Desire voice at the ceremony. Their union did not come without any blemishes. It was not one but two women in Aziel's life who tried to stir the pot. Both were handled separately and in the correct manner.
Here is another great addition to the Arrange Hearts series. The husband that Aziel was to Desire was not forseeable by a long shot. He made sure to wear his title loud and proud. He was a well-rounded gentleman who knew how to properly court, date, and love a woman. The part where he asked for her hand in marriage before the ceremony was honorable. Ladies and gents, you know the drill. Download, purchase, and grab your copy today. This masterpiece lets you know arranged marriages may not be what you previously thought.