Kenderella: Once upon a Politician

Belafonte & Friends #1

by Danielle Brooks

Once upon a time, Kennedy Ellis had a chance collision with the handsome bachelor Mayor Jameson Belafonte on Valentine's Day. The night was magical, and sparks were lit, but at the end of the night, it seemed that was it. However, Mayor Belafonte's team was on a mission to clean up his reputation as a playboy to make him more in favor of the public for his pursuit of Governor of Greenbrook, and he set his eyes on Kennedy as his fake girlfriend. Will this love story stay faux or turn into a serendipitous fairytale?

Genres: Romance

266 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 28, 2024

Reviews

[quietpageturner · Rating 4 out of 5]

A business woman meets a politician after being stood up on Valentine’s Day makes for a near perfect meet cute in this romance full of black love, yearning, and spice 😉
Danielle Brooks creates dynamic characters that make you root for them and has you questioning why you weren’t one of the chosen ones to meet the swoon worthy Jameson Belafonte in real life. Kennedy embodies all that women aim to be - successful, self-assured, ambitious, loved.
Jameson, the reformed playboy, just wants to love Kennedy and continue climbing up the political ladder. This story read like a Shondaland show and I couldn’t put it down!
definitely recommend this for my romance girlies out there ♥️

[Darcy J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️ & 3.5🌶️ for Kenderella
Fake dating, Cinderella moments, and he falls first? Sign me up every time.

Imagine you’re stood up on Valentine’s Day at the highly anticipated sweetheart’s gala and in your haste to save face, your heel gives you issues and you’re saved by a charming playboy, aka, The Mayor of your city. What are you going to do?!

My girl Kennedy goes to the gala and then hops on a private jet with the Mayor! I know that’s right 😏👏🏾
I am here for it. Kennedy is a girls girl and also my friend in my head. I love that she has a passion for the young kweens she mentors and her friend group is supportive and hilarious! She is truly deserving of the happily ever after she longs for.

Mayor Jameson Belafonte. Jameson started out as Prince Charming until he made me want to mock that slap to the face he got in the bathroom. His playboy past started creeping into their lives. But once he really got to know Kennedy, he convinced me to stay.
These two did not lack chemistry for sure! 😏 I loved how they communicated even if there were some lingering secrets...They kept each other first.
I highly recommend this beautiful retelling of a classic story but with characters we can relate to, set in Black opulence 😍

[Ebony Essence · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was cute & spicy

3.75 - Overall i liked the storyline. The characters i feel were well written and Jameson i absolutely adored. Him and Kennedy were a good match of energy, passion and fun. They both had good intentions with the work they did for the community. Of course there was drama. That old lady knows she was petty for absolutely no reason. Other than that nothing really jaw dropping. A smooth easy read.

The ending with therapy sessions might have been my favorite part. Well outside of Jameson giving Kennedy the business wherever and whenever. That man loved him some her.

[Mrs. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read. Kind of dramatic, but it was still a good read.

[Jonea · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have read another book by this author and I think she always has a good story. The ideas are there and the story is always good. She needs a better editor though. She often switches between tenses, which I find annoying. She also misuses words or uses colloquialisms incorrectly- for example in that vain which should have been in that vein. I find that so distracting. Other than that the story is always good.

[Breana · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fairytale a girl could hope for!

Mayor Jameson Belafonte was immediately added to the book boyfriend list!! This book was a RIDE and I enjoyed every moment of it. Imagine being stood up on Valentine's Day and that turns into your HEA with the notorious playboy politician. There is some fake dating, banter, drama, spice and of course he falls first. The chemistry between Kennedy and Jameson was fantastic. They are both two strong main characters and I can't wait to read more of their story.

[Ambra | ambreadbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 ⭐️
— This was an easy read. Cute love story with sprinkled with spice. This story was something like a modern day Cinderella story but makes it black.
— Kennedy goes from being stood up on Valentine’s Day to ending her night with Mayor James Belafonte. — he falls first and hard. Their chemistry was chefs kiss. I love when couples are able to communicate.

[Treasure · Rating 4 out of 5]

=============ARC REVIEW=============
Such a good read , I can honestly say ,I can see the grown in Danielle's writing style.
The character development and plot twists were spot on. I wasn't disengaged at any time of the book , very entertaining and the spice level has definitely increased.
Imagine the most eligible bachelor, who is seen as the player of the town, is also the Mayor of your town. You don't like politicians but the first impression of him (Jameson) on valentine's day has you intrigued. He offers to take you to DC for valentine dinner after attending his gala hours prior. You two shared a cheeky kiss and since then , he hasn't been able to get you out of his mind. His people need him to clean up his image ,so they decide to find him a committed girlfriend for the year. He says, he will only do this arrangement, if you agree to be this arranged girlfriend.

He has just made the decision to cancel a grant you were look forward to receiving and you cant stand his guts. Will you (Kenndy - FMC) agree to this arrangement and explore the feeling that you felt on valentine's day?

Just know that this book is full of drama, tears and genuine love ,a must read!!

[Bradley Book Bites · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jamie is so respectful, intelligent, charming and a playboy Bachelor but once you get to know him that man is soooooo nasty.. OMGGGG! Kennedy is beautiful, intelligent, creative, witty and just full of life. I love it lol. I love fake dating and relationship arrangements tropes cause it starts out with one person faking while the other was never faking and blossoms into something bigger but Jameson definitely fell first and he’s been hooked on Kennedy since. Now I did feel like Kennedy had this unrealistic perception of what love was like because always believed in fairytail love story with a happy ever after with Prince Charming … but when she received it, she kinda questioned if she deserved it. If that’s what you always wanted, of course you deserve it girl. She was pissing me off simply because she waited too long yo reveal some things either way I love this story and their love.

[Vonetta Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a modern day spin on Cinderella but not exactly a fairytale retelling. Kennedy is a woman who knows what she wants and will not settle for less than expected. It's not that she wants anything out of the ordinary but just wants to be treated a certain way, wined and dined and like a princess in a fairytale. She gets that in the person she least expected when she crosses paths with Jameson. He is the Mayor of her town and while she has a thing about politicians there is something about him that she can't ignore. When a fake dating proposition is posed, she agrees but what started off as something fake turns into something real that neither of them can deny. Things moved fast between these two and there were some secrets on both ends that threatened their relationship but in the end she got the happily ever after that she wanted. I enjoyed this book and the amount of spice it had as well.

[CheKesha Simms · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t believe I just finished the last book in the Greenbrook Lovers Series.
THIS BOOK!!!! The slow burn on this was perfection. Each chapter you just knew it was going to happen and when it did it was 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️. I don’t know if you would consider this a strangers to lovers trope but the MMC had already had a curiosity for the FMC after their meeting during a town council type of meeting/ The FMC chasing that once upon a time fairytail didn’t know what was about to hit her when THE MAYOR saved her and her stiletto. This is a must read, shucks the whole series is.

RECOMMENDATION :10/10
SPICE LEVEL: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
THIRSTY FOR MORE: 💦💦💦💦💦

[Brisace · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’ve ever believed in fairytales, this story will touch your heart in the deepest way. The connection between Mayor Jameson and Kennedy is more than just chemistry it’s soul-stirring. Jameson, once known for his playboy ways, becomes a man transformed by love gentle, devoted, and utterly captivating. With Kennedy, he sees more than just beauty; he sees his future. She’s his Cinderella, and he’s the man who finally understands what it means to truly cherish someone. Their story is a reminder that every woman deserves to feel chosen, treasured, and loved like the heroine of her own fairytale.

[Teighlor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this as an arc. I will read anything Danielle Brooks writes. This book was the fairytale that people always dream of. Kennedy is a single woman but she’s a boss and doesn’t need a man to complete her. She would just like to have someone by her side. Jameson is a playboy politician who wants to clean his image up. This story had a ton of romance and amazing banter. I also appreciated that there was no senseless breakup, it was just a good story.

[Noel McIntosh · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was fun, cute, and spicyyyy read! I thoroughly enjoyed watching Kennedy and Jameson’s love story play out. I love how Kennedy was about her business and Jameson’s BDE/how he did not play about her. The Beverly situation was weird lol but my only true gripe is that Kennedy waited entirely too long to be truthful with Jameson. I just feel like she had plenty of opportunities, no?? Aside from that, I loved it!

[Shakirra Renee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one is for all the girls who dream of a fairytale love story! Kenderella gives all that and more. I was giggling and kicking my feet the whole time. Jameson is a hero to die for and Kennedy is an exceptional FMC. My favorite scene has to be the shoe slip in the parking lot. A page right out of the Cinderella play book. A quick read that I would definitely recommend!

[Onehellofalady · Rating 4 out of 5]

When a contract turn into real love and gives you the fairy tale life you’ve always dreamed of. This book was cute. Listen when the mayor wants you, just go with the flow even if you gotta make a little side deal at first lol. Sparks flew between Jameson and Kennedy and it was on accident but ended up turning into true love. Playboy turned grown man type ish. I loved it.

[Kay Dupree · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good I just wanted more.

There were parts of the book that I wish weren’t skipped over or rushed. I would have a fully detailed book that’s over 300 pages. Kennedy and Jameson story didn’t need to rushed. I truly enjoyed reading my first book by Danielle Brooks. I, definitely going to go through her catalog.

[Merisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ms. Brooks, I apologize. I wasn’t familiar with your pen game.

Jameson does not and will never play about Kennedy. Cinderella was my favourite Disney princess growing up so I always enjoy when authors do retellings of the story and this book was no exception. I enjoyed the modern twist to the story (a Mayor and a Business woman) and that there was no third act breakup.

[ciara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good, However..

I love Danielle Brooks books but I will say this was my least favorite. It took me awhile to finish as it just didn’t hold my attention for some reason. The storyline seemed to drag like just unnecessary things to have it be longer.

I’ll still be reading from her though.

[Shamoya Radcliffe · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5 stars
This story follows a Mayor Jamison Belafonte, who hopes to the next Governor. he doesn't want anything serious when it comes to relationships and goes from woman to woman with no serious commitment just keeps it surface level, that is until he met the FMC Kennedy at a valentine's ball when her date stood her up. Everyone wants him to clean up his playboy act before he announces that he is running for governor. When the idea came up to fake date someone, he decided he wanted to choose who that person is and choose Kennedy.

Kennedy is a successful entrepreneur, who didn't care for Politian's, she thought they were all the same until she met Jameson. she always dreamed of a fairytale love story for herself with someone who would sweep her off her feet. Even though she was hesitant to date Jamison, it was a bit mutually beneficial as she would get the resources needed for her nonprofit.

even though this was considered fake dating, their chemistry was there from the beginning, and they couldn't keep their hands off each other. I love the balance of this story, the secrets, the story of parental pressures. the political aspect, the spice and of course the love story. I love how the author Dnielle Brooks writes her characters with equal parts of yearning, friendships, complex but still relatable.

[Desiree Buggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

This was an amazing read. I enjoyed Kennedy and Jamison’s story. I hated that Kennedy kept the money secret from him so long because i knew it would’ve caused Jamison to be angry and not trust her. But in the end love wins.

[Ronnie Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's definitely a swoon-worthy read. Perfect balance of good plot & characters. I loved the fairytale references & connections to Cinderella. Brooks did a good job on the modern twist. The way Jameson had to have Kennedy anytime "let me just put the tip in", 😊 whew, loved it!

[Lethabo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book a lot. A feel good kinda romance ❤️

[Nick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so good to me and I enjoy reading the book from beginning to the very end ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾

[Smoke · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series yes i actually read backwards & it STILL ate down 😂😂😂😩😩

[Leah · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75⭐️

[cayla ✿ · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF

[Kia V Kia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had this book on my TBR for months and I’m glad I finally got to read it. I loved this. Once again, a fake dating trope is going to do it for me every time.

[Krissy Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wish we got more details about the FMC. Like we read a lot about MMC but not enough for me on her. I think they were both VERY dramatic.

To hide a baby for months is crazy
To hide the money until the day before the wedding is crazy
To get counseling right after the wedding cause yall don’t know each other is super crazy

Like I rarely feel like the main two people shouldn’t end up together but after reading this I was like yall shouldn’t have gotten married. I’m sorry.

It didn’t feel like a good match just a we both here and it’s some attraction kind of match.

[Deanna Hernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super super cute. Loved every second. I was sweating through the last 10-15%.