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Roomie, Lover, Friend: A New Hope Novel
BLAIR BELLAMY’s luck for the past year has been tenuous, at best. Nothing is going right. She lost her job, her relationship and now, her housing.
She needs something—just one thing—to go right. And when she downloads the Roomie app, she thinks she’s headed in the right direction. That’s until…
ELIJAH CUNNINGHAM’s life is simple. He has a job that doesn’t drain him, a workout routine he’s perfected, and favors his own company over anybody else’s. Teased all his life for being a homebody, imagine his surprise when the woman of his dreams shows up on his doorstep. He’s not looking for a roommate, but something about Blair won’t let him leave her alone…
She needs something—just one thing—to go right. And when she downloads the Roomie app, she thinks she’s headed in the right direction. That’s until…
ELIJAH CUNNINGHAM’s life is simple. He has a job that doesn’t drain him, a workout routine he’s perfected, and favors his own company over anybody else’s. Teased all his life for being a homebody, imagine his surprise when the woman of his dreams shows up on his doorstep. He’s not looking for a roommate, but something about Blair won’t let him leave her alone…
333 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 11, 2024
349 people are currently reading
849 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 182 reviews
June 6, 2024
“I love you whole, not in pieces”
And in pieces Blair was after she gave too much of herself to a 🥷 that wasn’t worth it only to turn around and break up with her on Christmas Day AAANNNDDD gives her an eviction notice to the townhouse they share. 🗣️When I say b*tch *ss you say 🥷🗣️b*tch *ss 🗣️🎙️ 👌🏽very good *in my Tabitha Brown voice* 😂😂!
Now faced with finding somewhere else to live, her recent job loss does not afford her with the luxury of living on her own. Thanks to a roomie app recommended by her cousin, Blair is well on her way to finding a place to stay before the fkboy deadline has been reached.
Blair had no idea that knocking on Eli’s door would bring clarity to her life regarding love and how to be treated properly as a woman and an individual. Eli showed from the very beginning that he was a stand up guy! His parents raised him right and it showed in how he treated Blair.
He definitely fell first and was in his feelings a bit more than I would have liked. I don’t think he extended grace to Blair and her situation when Jeremiah showed up to their apartment. He gave unnecessary emo vibes and we don’t like that!
Blair also had moments of insecurity that irked my nerves as well and while I completely understood where she was coming from she displayed a level of confidence in the beginning of the book that became watered down as the story progressed. The story also felt a bit slow paced at times and the relationship between Blair and her mother was a bit glossed over for me! I would’ve loved to see the deeply rooted issues between the two of them tackled beyond the surface.
The highlight of the book for me was the confrontation at the grocery store and the app! This was a decent enough read but it didn’t fully hit the mark for me.
And in pieces Blair was after she gave too much of herself to a 🥷 that wasn’t worth it only to turn around and break up with her on Christmas Day AAANNNDDD gives her an eviction notice to the townhouse they share. 🗣️When I say b*tch *ss you say 🥷🗣️b*tch *ss 🗣️🎙️ 👌🏽very good *in my Tabitha Brown voice* 😂😂!
Now faced with finding somewhere else to live, her recent job loss does not afford her with the luxury of living on her own. Thanks to a roomie app recommended by her cousin, Blair is well on her way to finding a place to stay before the fkboy deadline has been reached.
Blair had no idea that knocking on Eli’s door would bring clarity to her life regarding love and how to be treated properly as a woman and an individual. Eli showed from the very beginning that he was a stand up guy! His parents raised him right and it showed in how he treated Blair.
He definitely fell first and was in his feelings a bit more than I would have liked. I don’t think he extended grace to Blair and her situation when Jeremiah showed up to their apartment. He gave unnecessary emo vibes and we don’t like that!
Blair also had moments of insecurity that irked my nerves as well and while I completely understood where she was coming from she displayed a level of confidence in the beginning of the book that became watered down as the story progressed. The story also felt a bit slow paced at times and the relationship between Blair and her mother was a bit glossed over for me! I would’ve loved to see the deeply rooted issues between the two of them tackled beyond the surface.
The highlight of the book for me was the confrontation at the grocery store and the app! This was a decent enough read but it didn’t fully hit the mark for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 6, 2024
3⭐️ This was a very lovely read. Blair's boyfriend breaks up with her and gives her a date for when she has to leave the apartment they share. Everything simply starts falling into place once she accidentally visits Elijah's flat while looking for an apartment. Blair had Elijah wrapped around her finger from their first conversation. Blair wanted to keep the newfound connection platonic because of the devastation she'd experienced with her ex-boyfriend, but Elijah wouldn't have it. Despite all of the push and pull, Blair ultimately allows Elijah to show her what true love is. It was a lovely and enjoyable read. I'll admit that I knew Jeremiah wasn't shit when he had her sleeping in his office and didn't even assist her when she was moving out. WHERE IS MY MAN ??? SO HE CAN BUILD ME AN APP. These authors know how to write a man making it hard out here for me.
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May 12, 2024🚨 NOW ON KU🚨
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D3CCK363
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What you can expect:
🧡Forced proximity
🎮 Mutual pining
🧡Plus-size FMC
🎮Cinnamon roll hero
🧡No third act break up
🎮Guaranteed HEA💕
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D3CCK363
Join my newsletter for updates: shontheauthor.com
What you can expect:
🧡Forced proximity
🎮 Mutual pining
🧡Plus-size FMC
🎮Cinnamon roll hero
🧡No third act break up
🎮Guaranteed HEA💕
January 30, 2026
“We’re not a secret, Blair. I’m yours and you’re mine. If you can f*ck me in private, you can hold my hand in public. Or do I need to bend you over this pool table and remind you who you belong to?” M’kay Elijah. 😏
Life is lifin’ for Blair and not in a good way. She was laid off from her job then, her boyfriend broke up with her on Christmas day and gave her six weeks to move out. Ninjas ain’t shyt. That wouldn’t be such a big issue if housing wasn’t so scarce in New Hope. Most apartments have a three month waitlist and Blair doesn’t have that kind of time. If she doesn’t find something soon, she’ll have to move back in with her parents and, well, that’s a different story for another day. While viewing an apartment, Blair accidentally goes to the wrong door but finds Mr. Right. My girl is immediately taken aback with how fine this stranger is but, unfortunately for her he’s not in the market for a roommate. Or, is he?!!! Roomie, Lover, Friend was a fun read. Blair and Elijah were the cutest accidental couple. They were funny, sexy, and quirky. I loved watching their relationship blossom despite Blair’s insecurities. Elijah really showed up and showed out for my girl and I love that for her.
Life is lifin’ for Blair and not in a good way. She was laid off from her job then, her boyfriend broke up with her on Christmas day and gave her six weeks to move out. Ninjas ain’t shyt. That wouldn’t be such a big issue if housing wasn’t so scarce in New Hope. Most apartments have a three month waitlist and Blair doesn’t have that kind of time. If she doesn’t find something soon, she’ll have to move back in with her parents and, well, that’s a different story for another day. While viewing an apartment, Blair accidentally goes to the wrong door but finds Mr. Right. My girl is immediately taken aback with how fine this stranger is but, unfortunately for her he’s not in the market for a roommate. Or, is he?!!! Roomie, Lover, Friend was a fun read. Blair and Elijah were the cutest accidental couple. They were funny, sexy, and quirky. I loved watching their relationship blossom despite Blair’s insecurities. Elijah really showed up and showed out for my girl and I love that for her.
August 4, 2024
🥹
I didn’t want this book to end, I loved the characters so much. Eli and Blair had an unorthodox relationship but it was unique and super cute. Their first 3 encounters were all circumstantial but the universe knew what it was doing bringing them together. I couldn’t stand Blair’s ex and the way he did her SMH! The spicy scenes were good and I loved how Eli loved Blair “the right way.”
I didn’t want this book to end, I loved the characters so much. Eli and Blair had an unorthodox relationship but it was unique and super cute. Their first 3 encounters were all circumstantial but the universe knew what it was doing bringing them together. I couldn’t stand Blair’s ex and the way he did her SMH! The spicy scenes were good and I loved how Eli loved Blair “the right way.”
March 27, 2025
To be loved is to be seen and omf Elijah loved her down.. he made her a freaking app people and app so he can take her on dates based off her moods are you kidding me 😭😩
July 11, 2024
Pretty good... more later.
May 16, 2024
What a fun, and quirky read! Poor Blair was having a tough go at life, right at Christmastime no less. Lost her job, boyfriend dumped her, now he’s putting her out of their shared space. My heart went out to Blair, cause she was really going through it. When her cousin Quinn puts her on to an app that helps you find a roommate, she is a bit leery, but hopeful that that things will turn around for her.
When she goes to apartment 402 to meet her prospective roommate, the most handsome man she has ever seen answers the door, and she is speechless. Once she regains her voice, she tells him why she is there, and is immediately embarrassed. She at the wrong damn door! Girl 👀😂
Elijah, is so laid back, enjoys running his company, and his solitude. When this beautiful woman appears at his door, he is intrigued. Although he isn’t looking for a roommate, he wants to know her! After finding out the hardships Blair had and is going through, Elijah gives her a proposition.
Blair can’t believe her luck, as she has always been let down in life, so she doesn’t believe in good things happening to her. However, she takes Elijah up on his offer, and let the fun begin.
These two had crazy chemistry, but Blair wanted to keep it platonic. Elijah not so much. He wanted Blair more than he needed to breathe, but he would follow her lead. There was a bit of push and pull with these two, but they finally got it together. Elijah was adorable in the way he planned dates and showed her how a real man treats a woman he cares about. Blair finally learned how to let her guard down and accept that she is worthy of good things too. Really cute read.
When she goes to apartment 402 to meet her prospective roommate, the most handsome man she has ever seen answers the door, and she is speechless. Once she regains her voice, she tells him why she is there, and is immediately embarrassed. She at the wrong damn door! Girl 👀😂
Elijah, is so laid back, enjoys running his company, and his solitude. When this beautiful woman appears at his door, he is intrigued. Although he isn’t looking for a roommate, he wants to know her! After finding out the hardships Blair had and is going through, Elijah gives her a proposition.
Blair can’t believe her luck, as she has always been let down in life, so she doesn’t believe in good things happening to her. However, she takes Elijah up on his offer, and let the fun begin.
These two had crazy chemistry, but Blair wanted to keep it platonic. Elijah not so much. He wanted Blair more than he needed to breathe, but he would follow her lead. There was a bit of push and pull with these two, but they finally got it together. Elijah was adorable in the way he planned dates and showed her how a real man treats a woman he cares about. Blair finally learned how to let her guard down and accept that she is worthy of good things too. Really cute read.
June 22, 2024
a solid roomie to friends to lovers romance!
Let me get this out the way Jeremiah was trash! How this book opens and Bella’s circumstances are insane. Shout out to fate for putting Bella and Elijah in the same place a few times for a connection to be made. Now I won't lie Bella tap-danced on my nerves a bit but my girl was working through some trauma! Elijah, as much as I support womens wrongs I appreciated him standing on business when it came to his dealings with Bella. Either we are all in or not! Once Bella came around the love got better, the spicy scenes were amazing, and her light was no longer dim. As women sometimes we will settle for whatever and then carry the baggage to the next situation when the previous didn't work. Bella working through that was nice to read. I loved Bella and Elijah's interactions, they were so fun together! I'm interested if there will be a follow-up with Quin and Elias because that side story was interesting! Oh, I almost forgot, a man trying to turn your parent against you is not as bad as your parent going with what they said smh. Glad that got resolved and Bella stood on business regarding that situation. Overall I give this book a solid 4 and look forward to reading more from Shon!
Let me get this out the way Jeremiah was trash! How this book opens and Bella’s circumstances are insane. Shout out to fate for putting Bella and Elijah in the same place a few times for a connection to be made. Now I won't lie Bella tap-danced on my nerves a bit but my girl was working through some trauma! Elijah, as much as I support womens wrongs I appreciated him standing on business when it came to his dealings with Bella. Either we are all in or not! Once Bella came around the love got better, the spicy scenes were amazing, and her light was no longer dim. As women sometimes we will settle for whatever and then carry the baggage to the next situation when the previous didn't work. Bella working through that was nice to read. I loved Bella and Elijah's interactions, they were so fun together! I'm interested if there will be a follow-up with Quin and Elias because that side story was interesting! Oh, I almost forgot, a man trying to turn your parent against you is not as bad as your parent going with what they said smh. Glad that got resolved and Bella stood on business regarding that situation. Overall I give this book a solid 4 and look forward to reading more from Shon!
July 30, 2024
I finally read my first Shon book and it did not disappoint! This was such a soft, sweet romance. The love Blair & Elijah shared was beautiful to witness. Elijah is definitely one of my new favorite book boyfriends! If you’re in the mood for a beautiful, soft romance to sink into, check this one out!
September 20, 2024
Two 5 star ✨ reads from Shon in the same month. Incredible! 👩🏽🍳 💋
December 31, 2024
Eli x Bella (*swoon*)
“My brother used to tell me I wouldn’t find love staying in the house all day and now I get to rub it in that nigga’s face every time I see him.” -Elijah
Elijah can definitely say love found him on her doorstep. Blair can say she knows the love of a real good man even when she was at her lowest. So many wise gems placed throughout this roomies to lovers story. Love at its finest. Loved their chemistry. 🖤
“My brother used to tell me I wouldn’t find love staying in the house all day and now I get to rub it in that nigga’s face every time I see him.” -Elijah
Elijah can definitely say love found him on her doorstep. Blair can say she knows the love of a real good man even when she was at her lowest. So many wise gems placed throughout this roomies to lovers story. Love at its finest. Loved their chemistry. 🖤
May 16, 2024
This was such a cute read! Gave me the giggles & had me kicking my feet lol. Also, really love how Elijah’s introverted self still managed to find the love of his life while barely leaving the house. 🤣
May 21, 2024
5 ⭐
Strangers to roommates. Roommates to friends. Friends to lovers.
Blair is having a rough time of it and meets Elijah at her lowest. She intends on keeping this platonic but it's abundantly clear that that's impossible. Elijah is practically foaming at the mouth for her and she definitely is attracted to him. We watch them become friends and then lovers and it's so damn sweet. Elijah loves her so gently and so completely that Blair really has no choice but to move on her from her past and accept that they belong together.
Shon's books always get me in my feels because her stories of black love are so realistic to me. And this one is no exception.
Strangers to roommates. Roommates to friends. Friends to lovers.
Blair is having a rough time of it and meets Elijah at her lowest. She intends on keeping this platonic but it's abundantly clear that that's impossible. Elijah is practically foaming at the mouth for her and she definitely is attracted to him. We watch them become friends and then lovers and it's so damn sweet. Elijah loves her so gently and so completely that Blair really has no choice but to move on her from her past and accept that they belong together.
Shon's books always get me in my feels because her stories of black love are so realistic to me. And this one is no exception.
June 16, 2024
What a sweet romance
For all my fellow asocialites who have been told they won't ever find love just sitting in their house; this story is for you. Blair is at the end of a relationship and the end of having a place to stay. She meets Elijah accidentally while trying to find a new home. The two have a semi-immefiate connection that ends with them becoming room mates. This story is a close proximity story that is believable. I didn't feel like I got to know Elijah outside of his proximity to Blair, which made me deduct a star, but their chemistry is a breath of fresh air. This story is the perfect break from my dark romance binge.
For all my fellow asocialites who have been told they won't ever find love just sitting in their house; this story is for you. Blair is at the end of a relationship and the end of having a place to stay. She meets Elijah accidentally while trying to find a new home. The two have a semi-immefiate connection that ends with them becoming room mates. This story is a close proximity story that is believable. I didn't feel like I got to know Elijah outside of his proximity to Blair, which made me deduct a star, but their chemistry is a breath of fresh air. This story is the perfect break from my dark romance binge.
June 6, 2024
This was just so good. I think any romance with a black man loving on a black woman will always be a four star read but Elijah was that man honey! And i felt it radiating through my kindle.
May 8, 2024
I started my Monday kicking my feet, giggling and swooning over Elijah. Shon doesn’t write books that I don’t love. She manages to get me invested within a few pages every single time and this was no different.
Bella lost her job, got dumped and now her boyfriend is kicking her out of their place. She’s run out of options and tries a Hail Mary through an app that lets you find a roommate. She accidentally knocks on Elijah’s door and is immediately taken with how fine he is. Unfortunately he’s not looking for a roommate and my girl is about to have to move back in with her parent.
Elijah is smitten with Bella too and after running inyo her a few more times he offers a solution….she can move into his spare bedroom. Now like any smart Black woman Bella is suspicious, because why is this fine stranger being so nice to me. Turns out Elijah really is just a good guy. From there we get to see a friendship bloom and that grows into something else. You really just need to read it for yourself. You won’t regret it.
Bella lost her job, got dumped and now her boyfriend is kicking her out of their place. She’s run out of options and tries a Hail Mary through an app that lets you find a roommate. She accidentally knocks on Elijah’s door and is immediately taken with how fine he is. Unfortunately he’s not looking for a roommate and my girl is about to have to move back in with her parent.
Elijah is smitten with Bella too and after running inyo her a few more times he offers a solution….she can move into his spare bedroom. Now like any smart Black woman Bella is suspicious, because why is this fine stranger being so nice to me. Turns out Elijah really is just a good guy. From there we get to see a friendship bloom and that grows into something else. You really just need to read it for yourself. You won’t regret it.
May 9, 2024
I had a great time! Shon is an auto buy author for me. Wonderful story overall!
October 26, 2024
Blair is about to be homeless. Forced to find a new place because her ex switched up after she fell on hard times, she downloads an app to look for a roommate. And knocks right on Elijah's door. But it's the wrong door. And while she's only looking to mitigate the embarrassment, Elijah wants her to stay.
I loved this book. One of my favorites from Shon. Her rhythm and and cadence are unmatched and the way she pulls you into her character's thoughts makes you feel like you're there with them. Blair and Elijah were so sweet and so right for each other. The push and pull of both of them denying their feelings was a nice angst, but you got relief quickly. Elijah was strong and very self-aware, and I love the way he protected Blair from the moment he offered his home. Blair got dealt a bad hand but her bounce back was amazing to see and you rooted for her, with and besides Elijah. Their passion filled the pages without being over the top and I love the way the author wrote their chemistry. Leading into physical connection was a great anticipatory ride and the moment they went there, Shon's writing took you all the way there and it was riveting as always. The side characters added some good heft to the personalities of our mains and the supermarket scene was gold. Wonderful book.
I loved this book. One of my favorites from Shon. Her rhythm and and cadence are unmatched and the way she pulls you into her character's thoughts makes you feel like you're there with them. Blair and Elijah were so sweet and so right for each other. The push and pull of both of them denying their feelings was a nice angst, but you got relief quickly. Elijah was strong and very self-aware, and I love the way he protected Blair from the moment he offered his home. Blair got dealt a bad hand but her bounce back was amazing to see and you rooted for her, with and besides Elijah. Their passion filled the pages without being over the top and I love the way the author wrote their chemistry. Leading into physical connection was a great anticipatory ride and the moment they went there, Shon's writing took you all the way there and it was riveting as always. The side characters added some good heft to the personalities of our mains and the supermarket scene was gold. Wonderful book.
June 30, 2025
(3.5⭐️) Who said you couldn’t find the love of your life by staying in the house? 🤣This was a cute friends to lovers story. It had just the right amount of yearning, tension, emotion and spice. They both tried to fight it hard but their connection & attraction was palpable. Once they got together, I loved the way that Elijah loved Blair intentionally & out loud. Sir said “we’re not a secret. If you can f*ck me in private you can hold my hand in public”. Iktr! I also loved that he recognized that she had been through a lot and didn’t mind giving her that reassurance when her insecurities tried to create their head. Also yay for no 3rd act break up!
February 1, 2026
This was an okay read, but honestly it didn't feel much like a romance to me. Blair has broken up with her boyfriend after losing her job and is now forced to leave their shared apartment. While apartment hunting, she mistakenly comes to the wrong door and meets Elijah. Eli is smitten with her from first sight, but Blair is too preoccupied with life events to notice. A series of events leads her to rooming with Eli, and the attraction between them simmers, but Blair has it in her mind she can't get involved with Eli, so she friendzones him immediately. Now this is where the book loses steam for me because Blair kept Eli in the friend zone for far too long. I'm talking about nothing happening between them for, like, eighty percent of the book. Eli applies pressure, but it comes off weird since Blair made it clear that she isn't for the dating, and Blair was too indecisive about her feelings and unwilling to do anything when she did figure it out. I kept wondering if this book was a romance or a slice of life contemporary.
April 27, 2025
4.5⭐️ I really wanted an epilogue,this was so good didn’t want it to end.
Elijah Cunningham
I mean these authors just continue to create higher standards for me irl
Cause baby Eli playing for keeps.
His attention to detail, his own nickname for Blair, the dates,the app 🥰🥺❤️😍🥰
Blair my sweet Blair - her and her mama relationship was little triggered but I loved that she set boundaries .Oh Jeremiah please and bye boy .
Favorite quotes
“I love you whole, not in pieces, Blair. You weren’t whole with that n* and I’m glad he made room for me to love you the right way.”
“It’s one thing to love someone with your words, but you love me with your actions and I’m so lucky I get to experience that. I didn’t even know love existed on the level you give it.”
“Loving you is easy for me too. You’re my home, Bella. Everything you get from me is a reflection of how you make me feel.”
I hope Elias & Elisha get books 🫶🏾
Elijah Cunningham
I mean these authors just continue to create higher standards for me irl
Cause baby Eli playing for keeps.
His attention to detail, his own nickname for Blair, the dates,the app 🥰🥺❤️😍🥰
Blair my sweet Blair - her and her mama relationship was little triggered but I loved that she set boundaries .Oh Jeremiah please and bye boy .
Favorite quotes
“I love you whole, not in pieces, Blair. You weren’t whole with that n* and I’m glad he made room for me to love you the right way.”
“It’s one thing to love someone with your words, but you love me with your actions and I’m so lucky I get to experience that. I didn’t even know love existed on the level you give it.”
“Loving you is easy for me too. You’re my home, Bella. Everything you get from me is a reflection of how you make me feel.”
I hope Elias & Elisha get books 🫶🏾
May 21, 2024
Roomie Lover Friend
This was such a cute book. It gave all the romantic, feet swinging, giggling vibes you want in a romance book. Our two main characters were so perfect for each other & Shon did a great job of sharing their love story.
This was such a cute book. It gave all the romantic, feet swinging, giggling vibes you want in a romance book. Our two main characters were so perfect for each other & Shon did a great job of sharing their love story.
June 4, 2024
Elijah & Blair
I absolutely loved watching Blair and Elijah's relationship blossom. Seeing them transition from roommates to lovers was truly heartwarming. Their journey together made for a sweet and romantic story that I thoroughly enjoyed.
I absolutely loved watching Blair and Elijah's relationship blossom. Seeing them transition from roommates to lovers was truly heartwarming. Their journey together made for a sweet and romantic story that I thoroughly enjoyed.
January 15, 2026
DNF bored. Audiobook version. Not sure if this was a reflection of the story or if I wasn’t in the mood for this particular story. I got bored early in & returned the audiobook on my libby app.
June 17, 2024
Please Shon point me to the nearest place where I can find an Elijah, because baby! That's a man.
The men Shon writes deserve their own land/country, and I need a passport to where they reside. I loved this to pieces. As always with Shons books sex is just the icing in the cake. It's the way the men genuinely love their women that gets me every time.
Highly recommend 👌🏾
The men Shon writes deserve their own land/country, and I need a passport to where they reside. I loved this to pieces. As always with Shons books sex is just the icing in the cake. It's the way the men genuinely love their women that gets me every time.
Highly recommend 👌🏾
June 2, 2024
I enjoyed the book and loved the MMC!! The FMC was doing too much and honestly both the characters seemed younger then their age.. I would’ve guessed early 20s.
June 27, 2024
So swoon worthy
This was such an easy & loving read.
Elijah dethroned Rome as my favorite book boyfriend for grand gestures & that’s a huge accomplishment lol!
This was such an easy & loving read.
Elijah dethroned Rome as my favorite book boyfriend for grand gestures & that’s a huge accomplishment lol!
June 8, 2024
beyond cute
Love coming to the front door. I love this. Cute, funny, sweet and sexy rolled up in one. It’s crazy when both parties grow, face their fears and overcome insecurities fall for each other
Love coming to the front door. I love this. Cute, funny, sweet and sexy rolled up in one. It’s crazy when both parties grow, face their fears and overcome insecurities fall for each other
Displaying 1 - 30 of 182 reviews