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Carried Away

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*Carried Away is a Father's Day short and a set up for the standalone novel Treacherous Justice*
After eight years of being with her husband, Shalaine Brunson has reached her breaking point. Without a job, she knows her exit has to be strategic. However, before she can leave on her own, the decision is made for her. One traumatic event is all it takes for Shalaine to realize that the person she was married to wasn't who she thought he was. Becoming a single mother overnight is far from easy, but that's not the worst of the curveballs that are thrown at Shalaine. One of the changes in her life consists of moving to a less than desirable neighborhood. At first glance, her neighbors are far from her first choice on the list of neighbors, but are they as bad as she thinks? Shalaine learns not to assume because sometimes guardian angels come in all kinds of disguises.

When Simone Trent became pregnant at the age of fifteen, she wanted nothing to do with being a mother. From the moment Truce was born, his grandparents were his parental figures. Simone turned eighteen and left home leaving her son behind. With an absent father and a deadbeat mother, Truce can't help but to have abandonment issues. For that very reason, he doesn't like to get close to people. Despite his past trauma, Truce was raised right, and when he sees that his grandfather's new neighbor needs help, he doesn't hesitate to offer it. No matter how many times it has to occur. Trent soon finds out that Shalaine has him rethinking his hesitancy to become attached to people. For different reasons, they are both hesitant to act on their growing attraction to one another but soon, fighting it might not be possible.

170 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 2, 2024

1017 people are currently reading
703 people want to read

About the author

Natisha Raynor

294 books683 followers

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5 stars
1,908 (68%)
4 stars
655 (23%)
3 stars
195 (6%)
2 stars
27 (<1%)
1 star
6 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 254 reviews
Profile Image for Shawnaci Schroeder.
550 reviews4,891 followers
December 31, 2025
3.5/5
Okay I neeeeeeed book two! I love when an ending leaves me wanting more! These characters were so fun to follow and I love how Truce really gave Shalaine the Princess treatment with all that she was going through. The chronic illness representation in this was everything.
Profile Image for Kameel.
1,067 reviews301 followers
October 3, 2025
A freaking cliffhanger….But, I’m invested….I gotta see what Simone did….

2nd read was the newly released audiobook narrated by Midnite Michael and JY Kora
Profile Image for Annette Williams.
1,201 reviews433 followers
June 7, 2024
Adulting is stressful and ghetto and Shalaine is over it. Three years into their marriage, her husband flipped on dime and, out of nowhere, became physically and emotionally abusive. As if her life wasn't already in shambles, the Feds came knockin’ at their door and arrested Cliff’s shady azz for fraud. Shalaine was forced to move out of her home to a more affordable but, less desirable side of town and she had to sell most of their personal belongings for some quick cash because, she’s currently unemployed. Add to that, Shalaine can’t get a divorce until she and Cliff have been separated for at least a year and, the icing on the cake is, she’s just been diagnosed with Lupus. So, to recap, Shalaine is now an unemployed single wife and mama with a debilitating disease. Life is lifin’ for my girl and not in a good way. Fortunately for Shalaine, she moved next door to an angel.

Truce is the neighborhood fix it man. You need your walls painted? Truce got you. You need your windows replaced. Truce got you. You need new carpet or hardwood floors put in? Truce got you. You need your battery changed? Truce got you. You need your yard cut? Truce got you. You need to wind down on the weekend with a lil bud? Truce got you on that too. He's the go to man for any and everything. When his grandfather’s new neighbor’s car won’t start, Truce is there to save the day. When he meets Shalaine, he’s immediately attracted to her but, Truce doesn’t do commitment. Ever since his mama left him with his grandparents to raise, Truce has abandonment issues so, he doesn’t trust easily. But, the more time he spends with Shalaine and her kids, he finds himself breaking his own rules and wanting to be attached to all three of them.

Carried Away was such a good book. I didn’t expect the bar for the drama to be set so low but, I ain’t mad at it. Truce was everything! He was hardworking, smart, patient, kind, and gentle. I loved when he realized he was falling for not just Shalaine but, Tevin and Janay too, he didn’t let his mental baggage and mommy issues get in the way. He was more than willing to see where these new feelings would take him and Shay Shay. I also loved how he constantly said he wasn’t ready for kids but, he had no problem stepping up and becoming a father figure for Tevin and Janay. And, that ending! Pull out the defibrillator and resuscitate me now because, I did NOT see that coming! Whew! I’m already impatiently waiting on book two.
Profile Image for Dahyana.
695 reviews90 followers
October 26, 2024
Shalaine x Truce

This was really good. Shalaine was going through it, thanks to her no-good husband—"sperm donor" is a better word. Her savior came in the form of a kind-hearted man named Truce. Even though he had his own demons and baggage, Truce was everything. The way he treated Shalaine was refreshing.
I really liked Shalaine, but she did annoy me a little. I understand that she didn’t want to taint her husband’s image in front of the kids, but at some point, something had to be done. I admire her strength, but I wish she had acted sooner and been a bit more proactive.
This story was really good and ends in a cliffhanger. As much as I hate cliffhangers, I’m fully invested now because my curiosity is piqued.
This might be my first read by Natasha Raynor, but I’ll be back—I need to know what happens next!
4.6⭐️
Profile Image for 'The Book Queen'.
6,039 reviews115 followers
June 4, 2024
You all are killing me with these endings

I stand by this title. I was most definitely getting carried away with this story about a woman who was abused by her husband. When she finally gets the chance to leave her marriage, she finds her truth in a man named Truce. Moreover, she finds a safe place for her heart and her children. Then the author did me dirty by ending the story with a mild hanging cliffhanger ending. And she is fortunate that I will be back for the ending. Unless she keeps adding unneeded stuff and ends up with 16 books. 🤔
Profile Image for LaToya Lee.
353 reviews
August 18, 2024
Big Truce 🥰

Oh, Shalaine. I felt for her and related to her in so many ways. After her marriage falls apart, she’s forced to pick up the pieces and make a way for her and her two children. She didn’t move to the worst neighborhood but it was far from what she and the kids were accustomed to (she stereotyped the neighborhood and its residents so much within the first chapter of this book, I was annoyed but I’m glad I kept reading).

Trying to navigate single parenthood and becoming head of the household was tough on Shalaine (I felt your pain, girl). If it wasn’t one thing going wrong, it was another but in walks Truce 🥰 He saw her doing the best she could for her children and he just genuinely wanted to help when he could. I knew he was a good man when he put that battery in for free 😭 He had his own internal issues he was dealing with but he didn’t let his fears stop him from being there for Shalaine and the kids. I loved how he wasn’t sure if he was ready for kids but his relationship with them grew organically - especially with Tevin.

The ending? I need to know what happened!

I also have to just get on my soap box real quick. The author’s note at the beginning of this story talked about how important Fathers are and I couldn’t agree more. When a relationship ends and there are children involved - the kids should come first. Be bitter on your own time but leaving a Woman to shoulder all the responsibility alone is disgusting behavior. Don’t get mad when a Truce comes along and loves that Woman and them kids in ways you refused to 😉
Profile Image for Simply_YoYo.
480 reviews12 followers
October 5, 2025
Shay Shay is going through IT! Life is coming at my girl FAST — an abusive husband who’s now locked up, she has to relocate with her two small kids, and then is hit with a health diagnosis. Whew 😩

Then there’s Truce — Truce, Truce, Truce! 6’4”, cornrows, hard-working, and sensible. He’s kind, compassionate, and when he sees Shay Shay struggling, he steps up in ways that matter 🥹❤️

Ummm… I was not ready for that cliffhanger! 😭 WAIT — they’re what?! Heading straight to Book 2 because I have questions 🤷🏾‍♀️
Profile Image for Lisette.
615 reviews43 followers
June 5, 2024
10 stars!!!!

This book had me Captivated from beginning to end and now I need more!!!
O M G
I absolutely love Truce and how he's so gentle yet so mannish at the same time.
Shelaine going through so much didn't cause him any reluctance in stepping in and stepping up.
Now to find out more about the boxes contents!!!! I am so ready!
Profile Image for *Ebony I*.
1,421 reviews158 followers
March 12, 2025
Stepping up for love

First off this man on the cover is fine AF and he was definitely an accurate depiction of Truce. 

Truce was most women's dream when it came to characteristics...tall, dark, and handsome..but who he was on the inside was the real prize. He was a MAN...sweet, caring, ambitious, generous, and hard working. When Shalaine came in his life he did his best to avoid his attraction, to avoid being attached. His abandonment issues had him doing everything to avoid being hurt. However, he just felt called to protect Shalaine, to try to make her life easier. Lord knows she deserved it too, because life was rough for her. She had a fkboy for a husband that was abusive and added himself to the dead beat committee because he was jealous. She was struggling with her health, all while trying to do her best to take care of her kids. Truce was her escape from all the bs and I loved that for her. I also loved the way he stepped up for her kids. It was just too sweet.

This ending 😳 There is a lot going on and I'm eager to learn about their expanding family.
Profile Image for SheBeC.
44 reviews20 followers
June 4, 2024
3.5⭐️s

I was hoping to learn more about Simone’s secrets before I got to the cliffhanger 😫. Hopefully a follow up is soon to come.
Profile Image for Akilam.
302 reviews2 followers
June 4, 2024
Ooooooh weeeeee TRUCE IS BAE

I set out to start and finish this book in one sitting, and I did. Baby, listen. Truce didn't play bout Shalaine, and I ain't gonna play bout Truce.
The cover, the flow, the storyline, the xes scenes, and that ENDING.
There's a handful of authors that alllll I need is a fire cover, and it's over. I ain't gotta read not one word of the synopsis to KNOW I'm finna get to it. Natisha is onnnne'a dem.
This book had all the feels, and my eyes were misty a couple of times.
Heart over here thumping bout these two, and I can't wait for more.
Profile Image for Mani.
80 reviews27 followers
June 29, 2024
This was my first Natisha Raynor book and okaayyyyyyyyy. This was cute with a twist and a hint of spice.

Shalaine, young wife to an abusive, deadbeat scammer finds love with her neighbors grandson Truce, while her husband is fighting a fraud charge.

Truce with the mommy issues. Rightfully so, seeing that his mother was absent and did not even try to build a relationship with him even as an adult. He never thought he would find a woman worthy enough to allow himself to feel and form a bond with until he meets Shalaine and her children.

4.7 ⭐️s
Profile Image for BetweentheCoversLiterary .
1,512 reviews34 followers
October 23, 2024
My heart broke for Shalaine she has definitely had a tough time but hunny Truce is her saving grace and we're not even deep into the storyline and I love what I see. That damn Simone got plenty skeletons in her closet and they about to tumble out on the floor... I can't wait for part 2
Profile Image for Shekie Johnson.
1,120 reviews13 followers
June 5, 2024
WTH WAS THAT🙄🙄

What a cliffhanger! Man this author done pissed me off. Truce and I was both shocked at what he discovered. Truce is a good man Savanna. So sweet and caring of Shalaine! Uhh hurry up with the next book!!
81 reviews
June 3, 2024
I’ve found a new book bae

This book gives me all the feels! it made me cry tears, made me mad, sad and happy. God sent Sha Sha exactly what she needed; an angel. Truce is a gorgeous angel on earth and even though had his own mental baggage, he didn’t let that be an issue or interfere with how he treated Sha. This is such a sweet love story, and is well written, as the main characters are well developed, and circumstances is explained so that it makes the reader understand and most importantly visualize it. This author’s writing skill gets better and better the more books she releases. She seems to have found her niche, which is writing a beautiful love story between a single parent and their soulmate.
Profile Image for Mia Morgan.
1,144 reviews34 followers
August 21, 2024
Whew

Natisha, this was good. Truce is all man. You hear me! Poor Shaliane, she is just so sweet. She can get gangsta though. That ending
Profile Image for Rhina M. Finley.
1,293 reviews19 followers
August 21, 2024
A Great Read!

Natisha never misses and always consistent with her love stories and this another amazing written romance! I ready for the other installments!
Profile Image for Chichilovestoread.
503 reviews
December 15, 2025
Thoughts while reading:

Not the trap house 😂

Your dad is right, crying doesn’t change shii.

I see you Truce.. let me hold $5 😂😂

Not miss Pearly tryna get Truce.

Grandpa hilarious 😂

Truce is like an Angel…Shalaine snatch that man up.

See the neighbors not even thugs 🤣🤣


😂😂 wayy less talking and wayy more putting my foot in your ahh 😂😂

Not even the momma said he’s fine.

I appreciate her mom 🫶🏾

Oh yea Marie on one 😂

Truce probably was dusty 😂😂

You know what I like. These characters some regular ahh people.

Cliff go to hell.

My girl said SEPARATED 🗣️ 😂😂

Fr making a mistake more than once is a choice 💀💀

Not Shay Shay 😈

😈🍆Hmmm mmm 😂😂😂😂

He so right, tomorrow is not promised.

🍆 harder than Chinese arithmetic 😂😂😂😂

Truce please you already attached.

Crunchy baby hairs 😂😂

Truce said bet.. he finna handle it. Not paid his friend to bet the breaks off her😂😂😂

Can’t stand Cliff ahh..

Your mother, grandmother, and her mother too…. Fuk he calling a ho ahh bitxh 😂😂
Profile Image for Katrina.
297 reviews
October 27, 2025
Shalaine x Truce

If Shalaine knows nothing else, she know that adulting is so ghetto. My girl was going through it from moving her and her two kids from the home and life that they lived and was accustomed to, to moving into what she thought was the hood into a smaller house, to her husband getting hit by the FED’s, to her meeting Truce, to her being diagnoised with Lupus, to her husband getting out of jail on bond turning out to be a complete butt munch, to her and Truce finally hitting that couples stage, to her finding out that she was pregnant, and oh, We can’t forget about her husband beating the crap out of her while her kids where present. I mean it seems like Shalaine couldn’t catch a break if someone handed her one.

Truce has been Shalaine’s saving grace from the moment that he jumped started her car. Truce came in (although he didn’t want no attachments) and showed Shalaine that there were still good men out there who don’t have a motive behind being nice. Truce was also dealing with his own abandonment issues from his mother and father which is the reason for him not wanting to get close to anyone to form any kind of attatchments. I guess his mind and heart was not on the same page because he fell for Shalaine and her two kiddo’s in record time.

The thing that wrecked havoc on Truce’s mental was when he found birth certificates for not one, not two, but three boys meaning that he was a triplet and was not the only child.
Profile Image for TrueBookJunkie.
643 reviews16 followers
July 5, 2024
A very good read! I'm becoming a bigger fan of Natisha Raynor’s work with every book.
This was a quick read that gave us the introduction we needed into Truce’s life. He was such a good dude, and Shalaine really lucked up connecting with him. My girl had a lot going on, but her strength was admirable, and her love for her kids was simply beautiful. These two handled everything they faced in a healthy way, not letting outside factors play in their faces too much, and I loved that for them.
The storyline has now brought us more stories and more information and explanations. I'm so ready to find out more about Loyal and Justice, and I feel like the foolery is about to really begin (because Truce and Sha Sha had light work), and I can't wait😁
Profile Image for Shanelle.
1,489 reviews22 followers
January 15, 2025
WOW 😳

This series is starting off really well, and I like it. I love the flow of the story and the friendship that forms between Truce and Shalaine. Shalaine goes through a rough patch, but Truce, being the gentleman he is, has her back all the way. I love the type of man he is. Just when things seem to be going positive for Truce and Shelaine, a secret gets revealed that will need to be explained. How will Truce take the news? Looking forward to the next part of this series.
Profile Image for Lisa Mayers-McGruder.
1,158 reviews16 followers
June 4, 2024
Ok this was such a great introduction. Truce was everything a woman would want. He stepped in a father figure roll just like his grandfather and uncle did for him. Shalaine knew she needed to leave her abusive husband but didn’t until he was forced to leave. Now yes he is an azz for what he put his kids through as well as his wife. But he got what he deserved. Now this cliffhanger wow. Truce is a triplet and his feels he has been lied to his whole life. I hope it a good explanation to this story and he does not blame his grandfather. Can’t wait until series drops!!!
Profile Image for Judith Sims.
931 reviews10 followers
June 5, 2024
Got me tweeking!!!!!

Man, this man is a triplet!!! 3 fine men, I can't water to see how that daddy looks. Truce is such a sweet soul, I hope they don't taint him cause he was really wishing for a family, but why, after all these years, has the daddy come forth? I'm waiting on this next installment!!! Natasha did the Thang with this one!!!
Profile Image for Kay Dupree.
164 reviews3 followers
June 10, 2024
Cliffhanger 🤯🤯

Truce is such a cool dude that doesn’t bother anyone. He just wants to make his money and created a healthy space for him and his grandfather.

Shalaine couldn’t catch a break. Her husband was an awful person and every thing he showed up, he acted a fool. True was what Shalaine needed soft, kind, gentle and a safe space.

That cliffhanger babbbyyyyy.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 254 reviews

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