Quiet creative Imani Wright finally has everything she’s prayed for – lovely friendships and an art career on the rise.
As a part-time stylist assistant to celebrity client Melody Monroe, she’s met her fair share of entertaining figures, one of them being tennis legend DeAndre Harrison. They first met at Melody’s wedding more than four years ago, building an instant visceral connection that Imani never felt with anyone…
After a chance encounter with Imani at his friend’s wedding a few years ago, DeAndre hasn’t been able to get her out of his mind. The two have remained mutual acquaintances since then, something that DeAndre reluctantly accepted. But, he figures out just what to do to get Imani back in his life.
“When I told you I got you, this is also what I meant. I’m always gonna catch every single, last thing you’re willing to give me. Believe that.”
I LOVE me a good slow burn and when the author gives us breadcrumbs or shall I say croutons along the way!!!!! Omg perfection!! Baby this build up was worth the fall!!
Imani and DeAndre first crossed paths when Imani stepped in as a last minute bridesmaid and walked down the aisle with DeAndre as her companion. If you’re familiar with the movie “Gone in 60 Seconds” then you should know that this was DeAndre because this man was GONE behind Imani. He fell swiftly and I don’t even think he realized what was happening.
After their initial meeting sparks fly but nothing can really become of this. Fast forward four years later and the level of intensity behind how badly DeAndre wants Imani has only amplified. Yes he’s living life as a single man doing what single men do but if Imani decided to give him the time of day, he’d jump without hesitation. It’s not surprising that as one of the top tennis players known, that women are literally falling at his feet but there’s only one that he’s trying to catch. This world wind emotional journey was nothing like what I expected going into this read.
This was the first tennis sports romance of its kind so kudos for originality!! I loved how the author moved the storyline forward at a steady pace but still kept us connected to the story with flashback moments. Aside from adjusting to when we were reading a flashback moment vs the present because there was no clear cut transition, I have very few complaints.
🎾 It was the constant reaffirming for me 🎾 It was DeAndre teaching Imani “confidence” for me! 🎾 It was DeAndre going beast mode after the tennis match for me!🥵 🎾 It was Imani brining this man to his knees for me 🎾 It was Melody gathering DeAndre with all of his foolishness by the collar for me! 👏🏽 gather 👏🏽him 👏🏽sis 🎾It was honestly the entire book for me!
Had the ending not been rushed because let’s face it, 🗣️it was rushed… this would’ve gotten 5 stars from me. But to give us conflict + reveal the root cause of Imani’s trauma at 90+% and expect a clean and thorough wrap up was diabolical. After reading 500 pages, we would’ve happily read 100 more to see how DeAndre’s drama played out on page as well as how he responded to what happened to Imani. I felt cheated as a reader regarding these moments.
All things considered, if this was Jade’s debut release, I can’t wait to see what she has in store for us once she really takes her foot off the brakes! All gas sis, all gas!
I love when a slow burn is done right and for me, this was beautifully written. For my spice loving girls, you won’t get that until about 60 percent into the book but it was worth the wait. It was the “beg for it” for me 😏🙃
Imani is an artist in a relationship with a newly ordained Pastor, Michael. He was safe for her and although she loved the safety he provided her, that fire was missing.
In the prologue, DeAndre is introduced and I really enjoyed him. He met Imani at a wedding and was smitten with her ever since. DeAndre was a professional tennis player and I loved that because I don’t think I’ve read a book yet where that was the profession of the mmc. Of course, he was a playboy but hey - he was single 🤷🏾♀️
Within this story, you’ll see Imani struggle with settling or following her heart. You’ll see her try to navigate her new relationship and the conflicts that may arise while dealing with past trauma and a major family secret.
I loved the chemistry between these two and the character development was great.
For her first novel, Jade Olivia really did an amazing job and I look forward to see what’s to come in the future.
This was a really good read and if this is the author’s first, she definitely has potential. This book was a very slooow burn and I think I’m slowly realizing they’re not my cup of tea. If you gonna drag your feet, the story has to be exceptional to me. I feel like it took me a month of Sundays just to finish. My only complaint and reason for the 4 stars is that the real trauma and drama was revealed so late in the story. Initially I thought that the most we would get was the conflict between Imani, Mike and the relationship with Deandre. We also knew that Jazmine could potentially be a problem but she just disappeared from the story line completely and then 90% in, abracadabra 💨 Jazmine. With all the energy and creativity put into the drama with Jazmine, to only receive a summary (and not even an in depth one) of the resolution was nasty work. Every trauma introduced in the tail end of the book was wrapped up with less than desirable summaries. Despite my displeasure with the summaries, I look forward to future reads from this author.
A second chance sports romance that will captivate you from beginning to end.
MMC-DeAndre (professional tennis player 🤎🎾) FMC-Imani (artist🎨👩🏾🎨)
They meet at a mutual friend's wedding when Imani is asked to walk down the aisle with DeAndre as a last minute stand in to be a bridesmaid. DeAndre is smitten with her immediately. Imani was in her own world not paying much attention to him but they end up connecting through social media after the wedding keeping it strictly friendly. She has a boyfriend (rolls eyes) An opportunity presents itself where DeAndre hires Imani to paint something in his house. Story unfolds from there.
This was a slowwww burn. If you know me by now you know how I feel about those lol BUT I liked this because of the character development. Also this story was very unique because I’ve never read a sports romance featuring a tennis player. I loved that.
Ending was rushed 😩 There were situations that were glanced over that I wish weren’t. Also getting proposed to at a funeral is crazy lol But overall loved the story as a whole and glad they got an HEA!
My Notes:
*Glad Imani didn't settle with Michael. She had the pressure of trying to do right but he was not her person. *Imani's family secret was devastating. *Abandonment issues were prevalent for both. *Randall's untimely death :( *I knew Jasmine was a sneaky little winch.....heffa! lol *Melody going in on DeAndre's ass!!!!!!!!! I was like yessssss tell him about his self lol *Imani being pimped out. so random! hated we learned this toward the end.
4⭐️ and 2.5🌶️ Jade Olivia is a NTMA and she definitely has a new fan.
"I love you so much that l'd pull down every star from the sky for you."
Deandre and Imani met years ago at a mutual friend's wedding. It was love at first sight in their minds but... life has a way of switching things up. Years later, Deandre is the playboy star tennis player and Imani is a free-spirited talented artist in a loveless relationship with a future pastor.
Life really gives you what you need when you NEED it. And Deandre and Imani needed and desired each other. This story had some of the most beautiful character development l've read in a long time. Their backstories were heavy but their love literally stood the test of time. And they endured every test. I felt so many emotions throughout their stories but most of all, I felt and believed in their love.
+ Fated Mates + Time Jump + Found Family + Family Drama
This book is a slow burn and it was done so well. You have Imani who is an artist and is struggling with her heart and mind when it comes to love. As we follow her we learn so much about her life as she grows with ups & downs, family and even work drama. She’s a woman that wants to be loved right without all the bs and i totally get it.
Now this was interesting to have a pastor and a famous tennis player on opposite ends for Imani’s heart. I’m glad to see the mmc was not just a topical round the way bad boy but a bad boy that plays tennis. Sign me up please. I really enjoyed DeAndre and his growth was beautiful to watch. Once again with him you have family drama and watch where his life was and then now. Definitely my favorite character.
The community of friends these two characters had around them was nice. They really were a family. Imani and DeAndre learned, loved and grew together because honestly you never know when love will strike. Gotta hit the court running. Oh yea the spice was pretty sweet.
Only down side was toward the ending. Felt like Imani’s flashback to her trauma could have been moved way up in the story or left out all together. It was good insight but wrong placement.
Jade so happy to have met you at Indie Love event. Such a beauty inside and out. Can’t wait to see your career blossom as a writer.
The story held my interest to the point of great angst. I love to feel a story deep in my soul. I enjoyed watching each character's development. By The way, this story is my first book by this author. There were enough dramatic moments to keep me coming back for more. I know, I felt like Imani needed me. DeAndre also needed me. So, I kept reading and hoping that DeAndre wasn't an anomaly. DeAndre the tennis great was pining over an unknown artist with a darkness inside her realm. My only mild issue was the part toward the end that explains why Imani was so noncommittal in her relationships. Especially with the church guy, and then the whole about face with DeAndre. I guess It would have helped in my reading journey to have that explained earlier in the storyline. The disconnection between Imani and DeAndre was clearer after the big reveal. In a few places, I could not solidly connect with Imani's thought process. I was certain it would take a month of Sunday's to get her to the trust levels she needed for the man she loved. Even when she questioned her own sanity. The story had an interesting vibe, a smooth delivery, it also nicely detailed the couple's relationship. The backstory encapsulates DeAndre's character to a tee. Make no mistake, this was a good first read by this new author.
A Month of Sundays is a full-length novel featuring a championship-caliber tennis player, DeAndre, and an artist, Imani. DeAndre is the ultimate bachelor and is often featured juggling different women. DeAndre and Imani met at a wedding, and they are a part of the party. Fast-forward four years later, the two finally grace each other’s presence again- only, this time, DeAndre is a man on a mission. He is determined to have Imani as his, but she is in a long-term relationship.
The story was different but in the best way. It showed the entire picture of both characters- the life of an athlete and a struggling artist. Society would tell us they were not each other’s equal, but that couldn’t have been the furthest thing from the truth. They have more things in common that superseded the financial aspect. The best thing about this story is the detail surrounding tennis. I could picture the matches happening; I could hear the fans and paparazzi- it was done well by the author. Furthermore, it shows how “we” can dominate any sport and change the narrative towards “us.” I also couldn’t help but think of the Kings of Comedy when Cedric The Entertainer told the joke about AAs playing and attending golf matches- lol!!😂 that is how DeAndre’s tennis matches were.
The book is a slow burn, but it is engaging and easy to follow, and when the love scenes happen, it is steamy and worth the wait. The plot and storyline is strong. The character development is overwhelmingly good, as is the chemistry- it oozes from the pages. It is a no-brainer that the two would end up together, but it took a lot of work and difficult truths to make it to the end. The tropes included sports romance, found family, instant love, and proximity, amongst other things. There is an emphasis on settling vs following your heart throughout the story, and I am glad that DeAndre and Imani weathered the storm.
There’s something about a slow burn that captures you AND keeps you engaged the entire story. Jade managed to do that, almost effortlessly, with A Month of Sundays. I have so many things I loved about this book. I loved that we really got a chance to know who Imani and Deandre were as individuals. The contrast between where they were professionally also added an additional layer to the depth of their story. The chemistry though…..WHEW I felt it. From that car ride after the birthday party through the end of the book and despite all of the DRAMA, I never doubted that they would end up together. To wrap things up of you are looking for a COMPLETE STORY, you need to check this one out!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Second chance romance. I don't know what to say other than this was so beautifully told, uniquely and captivating from beginning to the end. I loved these two. So fresh. Such a good read.
For so much of A Month of Sundays by Jade Olivia, I was veryyyy frustrated. I felt that the story dragged on and it wasn't interesting to me until about 45% in...after that, I was hooked and I finished the book in 2 days. In A Month of Sundays we're introduced to two of the most complex characters I've ever read about and we don't get the full depth of their complications until we get to the very end of the book.
That said, I just knew that I was going to rate A Month of Sundays 3 stars, maybe 3.5. Then outta nowhere it became this incredible 5 star read that had me rethinking my thoughts about womanhood, love, compassion, and forgiveness. Jade Olivia does such a great job developing the characters Imani and DeAndre. I am so glad that I stuck with the book, even though I wanted to bail on it many many times.
A Month of Sundays is a well written and beautiful story about self-love, found family, managing expectations, setting boundaries, and being true to oneself, especially when it comes to achieving goals and self-expression. A must-read for anyone who has the patience to enjoy a slow burn with powerful, hard hitting themes and a thought provoking storyline.
Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️
Content Warnings: Moderate: Death, Death of parent, Toxic relationship, Abandonment, Infidelity, Pregnancy, Sexual content, Cursing, Emotional abuse, and Grief Minor: Alcohol, Bullying, Infertility, Injury/Injury detail, Drug abuse, Misogyny, Domestic abuse, Gaslighting, Addiction, Drug use, Physical abuse, and Forced institutionalization
I was sooo close to the end but I just couldn’t finish this book, and that’s not for a lack of trying. I wanted to stop reading it wayyy before then. I was just sooo bored. DeAndre and Imani’s story dragged out. No shade or anything but this book could’ve been 200-300 pages instead of 500+. I should’ve read reviews before downloading this book because it was a [hella] slow burn and those aren’t my thing.
I read a good chunk of this book but started skimming after a while because I was soooo ready for DeAndre and Imani to get together, and I got bored. I only stopped when I felt something was necessary. I even contemplated about jumping to the middle of the book or something when I was at the beginning of the book.
I also skimmed a lot in this book because *a lot* of the paragraphs were very descriptive, and I just didn’t care. Whether a room/building was being described or going into detail about their jobs or whatever, I just didn’t care. And the New York storyline was drawn out for most of the book (nothing has really been revealed at my stopping point). I’ve gotten to the point that I don’t care about finding out what happened to Imani in New York.
Other than that, a few of the characters seemed cool but not cool enough that I want to keep reading this book. This book just wasn’t for me.
*ENTERING SLIGHT SPOILERS AND A MINI RANT*
When the proposal happened, my reaction was “IKYFL 😒” because why. THEN DeAndre and Imani gon say they love one another. Again girl why?? Like yeah y’all are attracted to one another and have spent a bit of time together but y’all aren’t in love. I don’t buy it. When Randall told DeAndre that Imani is the kind of girl that needs commitment, I’m pretty sure he meant just a regular gf/bf exclusive relationship. DeAndre took that info and just dove in head first with no kinda exclusive experience and was like “marriage. Got it.” Sir bffr. And Imani’s ass agreed to marry him. Girl 🙄
THEN we didn’t read about DeAndre mourning Randall? It was mentioned briefly when Imani saw DeAndre for the first time in a while and took in his appearance. We can assume he took it hard because of how she described him but dassit. Randall was this man’s best friend/right hand man since childhood and instead of us seeing it affect him, we get an out of nowhere proposal. And that happened pretty early on. Between then and where I stopped, there was no mention of the death affecting DeAndre. Just DeAndre and Imani adjusting to married life and them f*cking.
And even then, their sex was bland. Granted, Imani told DeAndre she needed a little razzle dazzle which he provided in a hotel scene that involved a countdown, but aside from that one scene, I was still bored.
Maybe all of my complaints were resolved after I stopped reading but I won’t be finishing this book to find out.
This was a good read. It had character development, spice, BDE, and more! I loved both the MMC and FMC and the village they surrounded themselves with. This was a great sports romance and all sports romance enthusiasts will love this novel. This author is off to a great start and I look forward to reading more from her. I saw Rae Lyse in her acknowledgements, so her surrounding herself with an author of her caliber is always a good sign. My only critiques of this story is that she should’ve shared the details of the FMC’s past trauma sooner. She gave hints, but the final details felt rushed. I would have also loved for her to share more of the MMC’s response to one of the pivotal moments in the story. This would have added to the length of the story, but that’s okay. People who click on 500 page novels don’t mind the additional pages when necessary. Looking forward to the next one!
The overall plot was fine but the book was necessarily long. I like long books but not one that is long and still doesn't explain everything. Why didn't we see him and his father try to hash it out? What about an open conversation with his mom, how did they move forward? Who is her biological mom? How did they find out he wasn't the father and where is Jazmine today? Did he ever confront Jazmine?
The fashion in the book was also terrible. I had to double check to see when it was published? Who wears earrings down to their shoulders? Literally all of it was bad?
I think the author has potential but needs a better editor. There's a paragraph repeated twice amongst other things. I would like to see a story for Stephanie.
Overall, I dug it. I liked the writing and there were several stretches where I was super engaged and locked in on what was coming next. I just felt there were too many times where it veered or rambled and kinda broke the flow. It just got overly wordy at times, in my opinion. And the editing was interesting, as there was an overuse of ellipses that oftentimes just didn't make sense.
Imani and DeAndre...I liked them together, for the most part. Imani's reaction to the Jazmine situation had me rolling my eyes a little, and then, she just decided she was over it and the story ended (in a nutshell). It felt abrupt, though I appreciated the HEA.
I loved Melody and how she kept it real with both of them.
I liked this book but it felt like the beginning dragged, it started to pick up around 50% and I really got into it but then it really felt like the ending was so rushed. The whole storyline about her in New York was totally and completely unnecessary. The author could’ve just went with the stuff about her parents and things would have made sense. The whole situation with Jasmine was ok but also just “ended” without any level of detail. Overall good story, too much unnecessary detail in some areas and not enough detail and depth in others, especially the ending.
A Month of Sundays is 502 pages but I already want updates on Imani and DeAndre. This book had me sitting up at one in the morning rubbing my chest like my heart was broken. The last 20% of the story had me gobsmacked, run amok, led astray. I didn’t know what to expect.
Their love story takes you on a ride like a wooden roller coaster. Starts off slowly as it builds up, until the big drop full of reveals, and the many twists and turns. While you’re on the ride you think it could probably use some repairs but it’s sturdy after so many years. A good time!
Subtlety passionate, very detailed (overly detailed in my opinion), I expected more events to happen for it to be a 500 page book like between jasmine and Deandre, more drama I shall say. it was a okay read. I did like the characters names Imani and Deandre and their dynamic but yeah 3.5 stars out of me
4.5 stars. Loved this book and the slow burn was done just right. The peaks and valleys of DeAndre and Imani’s relationship was done so well. I just didn’t like the rushed ending. I would have read 100 more pages to wrap everything up nicely. Aside: when I pictured the fmc, Eva Apio always came to mind.
Imani and Deandre are the quintessential long lost soul tie love story. They fall fast and stubbornly have to find their way to each other. The imagery and overall love is palatable. Would definitely recommend.
This is a new to me author and I was hesitant to read 500 pages but it was worth the read. A full, detailed story. I still have questions on some parts but it was an overall great read. Looking forward to more work!
This book has the bones to be a really great love story! I wish we would have had more tension, more banter, more time with our couple than with their jobs. I think that the family dynamics really played a great role into this relationships.