Kayleigh has the odds stacked up against her. Pregnant by a man who she learned wasn't who she thought he was and starting a new career, she's forced to step up and show everyone around her she's more than the hothead, feisty, girl they believe her to be. Legend scorned from a past relationship, gives up his lover boy ways, refusing to commit again. As one of the most sought out producers in the industry he's about his business and doesn't take his work lightly. When the pregnant beauty walked in his studio for a session, the last thing he expected was the impact she would have on him.
Two people who are more alike than they know, who refuse to settle down find themselves in a gray area. Neither willing to put titles on anything until enough becomes enough and the feelings get too strong. Outside forces are lurking attempting to break the duo apart, but the love found in the studio, just may be too strong to end.
Tay Mo'Nae is a 27-year-old Urban Romance author who pens about Black Love. She create stories to help her readers escape reality and create a movie in their head. She loves writing about characters that at least one reader can relate too.
With 50 books under her belt, Tay Mo'Nae hopes to gain at least one new reader with every release and have them connect to her characters and story in some way. If she would have to explain her writing she would say she loves "penning complicated characters that find a path to love".
The male lead got me through this story…Legend was far more sensible and mature ….Female lead Kayleigh was too immature….I just realized she was only 21 and he was 30…he had to pull her back in too many times….she constantly flew off the handle….all she did throughout the entire story was leave her baby with someone, twerk and fight.
2nd read I deceived to bit the bullet despite how I originally felt about the story because of the narrators…Wesleigh usually can always pull me through a bad story. Midnite Michael is also narrating this story.
This book makes me want to do ratchet things with my best friends. lol! ***** After completing Love in the Studio, I kept thinking of that Close Friends song by Lil Baby and Gunna because Kayleigh and Legend started as "best friends" and turned into soul mates. I don't think either actually expected for things to go in the direction they did but it was surely destined to happen. This book includes, close proximity, music references, step-daddy season, bitter exes, secret baby, and spice - basically, all the things that I have come to expect trom a Tay Monae book. I thoroughly enjoyed this one, it telt like a reality show playing out on page. The way these characters had me hemmed up against my will was truly astonishing but I couldn't look away. I loved the way the characters came together.
Kayleigh was originally introduced in Wrapped Up in His Thuggish Ways, she found herself pregnant by a married man and I was so curious to see how things would play out for her. Legend was a music producer and Kayleigh was introduced to him by rue, as she was ready to be serious about her music career.
The instant Kayleigh and Legend met in the studio, knew it would be a challenge to keep things platonic. The best thing about this book was how protective Legend was over Kayleigh and the baby- it was so cute. I think in a way, they were the family he craved. He had his share of relationship issues in his past but fatherhood looked good on him. Tay turned up the drama in this book, as well. My head was spinning because I didn't know what would happen next. Without giving away spoilers, I will say, Tyler and Dominique were truly the same person in different bodies. The chaos they brought to the story had me ready to fight both of them.
Speaking of fighting, Legend and Kayleigh were not afraid of getting their hands dirty! *cues fight club song*
Overall, I enjoyed this book so much! I appreciated the banter, the realistic relationship between the siblings, and the way the family came together and formed a village for Kaylyn. I understood the reservations Kayleigh's mother had but she was tap dancing on my last nerve, I’m glad Legend proved her wrong. I would have liked have liked more of Kayleigh’s music career outside of the studio but this is only the beginning for her. I am hoping the next book is about Kinsley, but I also would like to see Jream get a spin-off. Good work on this one!
I freaking love this book! From beginning to end, I was truly enamored with Kayleigh's hot in the tail self and my guy Legend. Their relationship was so organic and pure. The pacing of this story was perfect to me. I just knew my girl was gonna be a problem, and she was, but honestly, she wasn't as bad as she could have been. This was so darn good! I definitely will read it again. Also, Legend is for sure, Book Bae!😍😍😍
Ugh! I’m shocked at how much I didn’t like the FMC. Pretty sure I will be in the minority on this one. Typically I enjoy Tay’s books, especially her celebrity romances. But this one went off the rails pretty quickly for me.
I couldn’t get past the FMC. She was immature and ridiculous. Although the author tends to write younger characters, this 21 y/o character read more like a teenager. Which made her relationship with Tyler feel pedo-ish. Because as childish as this girl was, what the heck was a 40 something year old doing with her.
Legend deserved so much better. I repeated that statement to myself throughout the whole story. After her first tantrum, I thought we would begin to see growth. Especially as their relationship progressed. But nah! If anything she became even more of a bird. Nothing about her ever matured.
Like the entire relationship or length of the story, she never became better. Which sucked! There was an opportunity to see the character grow, especially after some tough consequences and yet nada.
I hope Kinsley and Ace are more mature. I’m also curious about Chance and Jream. Oh and what was the deal with the record exec and baker?!
Good thorough standalone. I’m glad we got glimpses of the sisters situations as well as Jream. Legend had me at hello! He was perfect for Belly and all the drama around her!
Whew, this one was crazy. So much bd and bm drama. They had to let that hurt go. I’m not going to lie; I thought that Kins was messing around with Tyler at one point. Especially the baby comment. This was such a great read though. I hope Kinsley is next!!
This story was a good one. I liked how even though the FMC was young and kind of childish, she matured quickly when she got with Legend. He was patient with her but he set her straight when she was doing the most. The other characters had their own stuff going on in the background and it was funny, but the two main characters really were a great fit for this storyline.
I can easily see this book being a favoite of 2024. When we were introduced to Kayliegh in “Wrapped up in his Ruggish Ways” I didn’t know if I liked her at the time. She gave off attention seeking spoiled brat. Reading her story though…. Man I can relate in so many ways ! Kayliegh was involved was a man prior to knowing he was married but she stuck around after finding out he was married with the hopes he would leave his wife, however that does not happen and she gets pregnant with his baby, a baby he does not want that is. Initially she keeps the baby out of spite and that pissed me off. She did grow to love her baby immediately during her pregnancy though. Her baby daddy Tyler is a bitch ass mf and I am so happy that she was able to get his sorry ass.
Now to Legend fine Step Daddy ass ! He is a music producer on top of his game, not looking for a relationship. He finds himself immediately attracted to a pregnant Kayliegh coming in his studio. I love how he was there for his “Belly” throughout the final weeks of her pregnancy. I loved their friendship;particularly his love for Kaylyn. I was also on the edge of my seat about Dominique. What does the bitch want??? Does she have a secret baby? Is she coming to cause trouble? She annoyed me to no end. Overall, I loved this book so much ! This book left me wanting more of Kingsley and Ace’s story too.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Baby! Kayleigh was a young girl with no real responsibilities out there living her best life! She was in the club popping bottles and the occasional b*tch that stepped to her or her sisters wrong. I give her grace because she was doing what any 20 year old would. Yes she made some bad decisions and was emotionally immature but she was growing through life. If she didn’t have the experiences to mold her then how can she evolve? Now even though she was outside, she was still handling business! Literally in silence and that’s how she met bestie turned bae Legend. I loved how grounded and patient he was. He let her be herself while gently helping her grow up. My only issue with him was that he was on her neck about communicating but then when he found out the news from messy Dominique he shut her out and she had to go looking for the answers. He acted like she was impatient but he was moving funny and with them taking their relationship to the next level, should’ve let her know sooner instead of acting like everything was ok when it wasn’t.
I was happy when Kayleigh put that knot on Dominique head, cause baby stop playing in my face and disrespecting me! Tyler was out here doubling down on his playa playa and he got more unhinged knowing he lost Kayleigh. I would’ve loved for legend to get to the house before the cops but you can’t win them all. Overall, loved it down!
I enjoyed reading about Legend and Kayleigh’s love journey. I didn’t like how Kayleigh kept underestimating Tyler when he had choked her before when she sent the sonogram to his wife. Kayleigh really showed major growth in this book especially with ending her relationship with a married man, starting a singing career, and being a good mother. Legend was a father to Kaylyn from day one regardless of what happened between him and Kayleigh. I like how his mom and sister took to Kayleigh and Kaylyn too. Domonique was so foul for keeping Legaci hidden and away from Legend until she needed him. I’m glad that Legaci got better and now has her real father in her life along with Kaylyn as her sister. I said in my review for “Wrapped Up In His Ruggish Ways” that I wanted to know Jrue and Xiomara’s baby gender so I was glad that it was given in this book. I thought that it was Chance who was Kinsley’s secret baby daddy but it was surprisingly Ace and Chance was low key creeping with Jream behind her brothers, Jrue and Jamir, backs. Chance wants to play games but it was too funny when she rolled up at Legends birthday party with a date. I can��t wait to see what happens next with Ace and Kinsley, Chance and Jream, and possibly Memphis and Malaya.
There were so many things I enjoyed about this book. I loved, loved, LOVED Legend. He wasn't perfect and needed a little training but he was such a good man. Kayleigh on the other hand got on my last nerve! She needed to woman up for real. She was so childish, I wanted to shake her so many times. I got why everyone was on her behind about the stupid stuff she pulled throughout the book. I know she was young but she made her bed and needed to lay right down in it! I'm glad people called her out on her immaturity and stupidity. There were so many times when I felt like she didn't deserve Legend, but her little girl definitely did, so here we are.
I was glad to have the gang back and I need more stories in this series. It was nice seeing Xiomara and Jrue again as well as the extended family. Now what I'm waiting for is Kinsley to have a book and Jream too! I know some stuff will go down in those books.
I was also glad that Legend got a HEA because he deserved it. I'm just reserving a side-eye for he wanted it with!
Kayleigh trusted Tyler with her heart only for him to stomp all over it. Not only did she find our he was married but he lied about leaving her. She wasn't very happy after learning she was pregnant and planned on raising her baby alone. She was ready to get her music career started and shock the world. She had been performing on YouTube as Lady K but never showed her face. Jrue helped her to link up with music producer Legend and that's where the magic began.
Legend was reserved and didn't trust women. After getting his heart broken by his ex he was determined to protect his heart and only used women for one thing. Working with Kayleigh he realized he couldn't resist the chemistry that was building between them. Kayleigh was more guarded than him but together they worked to break down the walls of each other's hearts. I loved how protective they were over each other ♥️
This was also a great book to read because it shows the struggle that the main character Kayleigh had to go through being a single mother and the struggles that she face with her choice . But she would trade her baby for the world even though her child father is a dead best and she will do anything to get her career starred and have her sister in her corner even though at first they didn’t agree with her being a single mom and her baby daddy being married . When she got with the main character legend he showed he what a real man is like and supported her through he career and she loved him for that . They do have some spicy scene. Her sister and her man are very important to her and they would go through hell and higher for each other and she don’t take no mess because her and her sister don’t play and they will fight anyone that comes at them sideways . I really lie the closeness that they shared .
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I was really rooting for Kayleigh to get it together and grow up. I had to extend a lot of grace and remember that she was only 22 and doing what a 22-year-old is supposed to do...
I loved the fact that we got to see the vulnerable side of Kayleigh in this book and see why she acts the way she does. I do wish she had a little more grace for her momma and gave space, especially after losing her brother the way they did.
Legend is mixed with BDE and Stepdaddy energy and I loved to see it. I loved how he held Kayleigh accountable but still gave her a safe space to express herself.
Dominque and Tyler would have made a nice match together. Let them use and victimize each other instead of bothering Legend and Kayleigh.
Now I hope all the characters in here keep talking to Tay Monae because I saw at least 4 relationships that I need the tea on.
Kayleigh having Kaylyn was made her grow, but has still has childish ways. Tyler narcissist, arrogant person who has to have control over everyone. Jrue plugged with Legend. It was on from there. They recorded music. The way Legend took his place as the protector of his girls. Her mama was getting on my nerves always asking about Tyler and let Kaylyn get close to Legend so won't get confused. Legend loves his family, and here comes Dominique dropping a secret daughter on him. She thought he still has feelings for her. Kayleigh had kept it cordial but all bets off when talked about her child. Kayleigh had two piece her. She felt like Legend was taking too long to have words with her. Kayleigh showed out for his thirty. I'm looking forward to read about Kinsley and Ace.
Whew honey the second Barker sister was about to drive me up the wall chile. Kayleigh truly got one my nerves and was very much childish, naive and a brat all around. I understand that she made a bad decision by still messing with Tyler but she was wasn’t trying to take any accountability for her actions. Legend had been burned in his past deeply and decided that relationships wasn’t for him anymore. He had made a name for himself in the music industry, all while living single bachelor life. Kayleigh and Legend friendship formed so naturally and his bond with Kaylyn was so precious. Tyler and Dominique deserve a special place in h3ll for the stunts they pulled. But I’m glad all the small obstacles worked out and dreams came true. Can’t wait to see what Kinsley been up too!!! Great job Tay !!
-I kept forgetting Kayleigh was in her early twenties whereas Legend was closer to thirty but it was obvious whenever the pair fought.
- I won’t say her mother didn’t love her, but her mother was her biggest critic and that f*cking sucks. -Tyler is a bitch and so was his wife— Match made in hell. S.b. I do think when someone tells you “I don’t want no baby” do not be surprised when they procede to behave like they don’t want a baby. 😭 -Good on Kayleigh for getting that child support though! -Sometimes the pacing felt off and I felt like there could’ve been more focus on the studio sitz (legit in the title) -Legeci? No hate on no kids but she didn’t need to exist.
Overall it was someone to pass the time. I preferred Drunk on Love so idk If I’d read another book in this series
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I really enjoyed this couple.Kayleigh and Legend were adamant that they were just best friends but everyone around them could see right through them.
Legend was a patient man and I loved how he loved Lil Bit and took on the role as her father.
Kayleigh was so immature and I know she was young but she was childish and self centered. She found out Tyler was married and still dealt with him when she could’ve left him alone.
Kayleigh eventually grew on me tho. I hope we get to revisit them in a holiday special or maybe Kinsley gets her own story. I would like an update to see her character development.
Dominique was so trifling and one thing I can’t stand is an ex popping up years later with a kid 🙄 The minute she reached out to Legend I already knew what it was.
I love a good friends turned lovers story and this one did not disappoint 🔥🖊️📚👏🏾
4.5 ⭐️. I was thoroughly invested in Kayleigh and Legend’s relationship. I can appreciate the bond that was built from coworkers to friends to lovers. This is a single parent trope. Legend bonded with the baby from the beginning. Love a good step up daddy. This was full of drama. I had to curse both parties out at one point. Kayleigh acted exactly her age. She was young, always ready to party and had moments of immaturity. I gave her some grace tho. Even Legend had moments where I side eyed him for being hypocritical. I loved them tho. I wished the epilogue was further out. It was only like two weeks later. I’m assuming an update will be giving in another book like Xiomara. All in all I enjoy reading this journey and the surrounding drama attached. Oh and this gets real spicy. I would recommend.
3.5 ⭐️… Let me just say the plot/storyline of this book was good overall. I loved the friends to lovers of it & how the two built a true friendship first however when it came time for the friendship to turn into lovers it felt kinda rushed. Because prior to the intimacy the two was really friends & they acknowledged that the counterpart was attractive but that was it. Then randomly she wants him to sleep with her then next thing he’s popping up on her to hunch. But to me a lot of the story felt blotchy (I hope that makes sense). There also was grammar issues but I didn’t mind that at all. Despite my dislikes of the book I would still recommend this book because the story was cute.
Kayleigh was a firecracker but once she got pregnant she somewhat calmed down (I mean she had to). Meeting Legend (or best friend as she would call him) was her saving grace. Although it was regarding music, it turned into something more. Legend stepped in as a “Father” for Kaylyn from the day she was born. Legend also was the one that had to put Kayleigh in her place here and there especially when it came to his involvement with Kaylyn, he did play about that little girl (or Lil Bit as he called her). When Dominique showed back up with news of a daughter he stepped up and didn’t play about Legs either. Honestly was put through the ringer when it came to both women BUT he always handled it so smooth. Great read!!!
This was a really good read! From the moment Kayleigh and Legend met there was a connection! Tyler was an idiot who thought money would keep Kayleigh in line but she showed him. Dominique thought popping back up 6 years later with Legaci would make Legend take her back, wrong! I was glad they both overcame their insecurities and got it together! Kaylan and Legaci will never lack love! The sisters and Jream were funny as heck! I think Kinsley needs a book next! My only complaint is the editing needs some work! Words out of order in sentences, extra words used. Our African American Authors need to be just as sharp in this area as our counterparts, I will forever stress, may someone to truly edit your work!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Whew chile. Kayleigh gave me a headache. Legend has the patience of a saint that’s for sure. I loved how they clicked immediately and how he w/o an outlet for her. What I didn’t care for was how quick her temper was or how she chose to handle situations—I got a headache for Legend with all the back in forth. Tyler was a nuisance and should’ve just signed over his rights. Dominique was a delusional opportunist. Kinsley’s secret kind of shocked me, and Jream’s was blah too. I don’t care for either of those pairings, but maybe my mind will change when the next installment is released.
First thank you for writing a BOOK…Major props for that because the market is saturated with three/four part books that should’ve been one. Legend was the absolute truth bringing pressure in a GREAT way..Can’t stomach another ‘nothing ass’ brother main character. It’s STALE..Legend stood on business giving Kayleigh Grace almost to the point of exhaustion…Which real talk is exactly what she was. Exhausting…Her growth was slow and often late to the party. One step forward four backwards..Left me conflicted rooting her. I loved Legend for her but it was a struggle to want her for him..That’s why a better Epilogue was definitely needed..
I’m giving this book a solid 3.5 stars! Legend was bae for real! The way he loved Kaylynn and Legaci was beautiful. I really didn’t like Kayleigh. I was at 90% and sis was STILL getting on my nerves 🥴 Like her character didn’t really evolve. She was still childish despite making her dreams come true. She was triggered by any little thing and didn’t give Legend as much grace as he gave her (even when she didn’t really deserve it). The drama was good but I wish Dominique would’ve gotten some real karma for taking the chance away from Legend getting to know his daughter. I’m interested to see who the next story will be.
- The spiciness? Top-tier! 🔥 The exploration of Kayleigh’s kinks added a bold and exciting layer to the story. - Legend’s love for Kayleigh and Kaylyn was absolutely heartwarming. His devotion made my heart melt. ♥️ - And let’s talk about Dominique—when Legend’s ex got put in her place? That moment was EVERYTHING. 👏
This book was definitely a hit for me! Kayleigh’s growth and her journey of working things out with Legend was so satisfying to see. While Kayleigh could be a bit extra at times (😂), it only added to her charm. Overall, I’m giving this book 4.5 stars. Highly recommend for anyone who loves a spicy romance with depth and drama!
Kayleigh and Legend took us on a journey. I enjoyed how their friendship grew organically and genuinely. They fought those feelings that were developing for awhile. I loved the way Legend immediately took to baby Kaylyn. Tyler and Dominique were some trashy people! Kayleigh showed so much growth by the end of this story. Author Tay Mo'Nae definitely set the tone for more stories (Kinsley and Ace, Jream and Chance) so I hoping we'll get those. 5+ stars, amazing storytelling and character development.