A marriage of convenience was not exactly what he had in mind when he vowed she’d one day be his.
Antonio Jenkins is resigned to being a bachelor for life. Everyone around him is getting their happily ever after, leaving him without hope of ever finding his special someone. Until he meets Scarlett. He instantly knows she’s the one for him. Yet proving it to her is going to be the biggest battle of his life.
Single mom Scarlett Rowsey craves that toe-curling, heart-stopping, undeniable love she’s seen in the movies. But history has shown her it’s impossible. She’s incapable of falling in love. However, everything changes when she learns her daughter, Bella, might be in danger. There’s nothing Scarlett wouldn’t do to protect her—even marry someone she may never love. Antonio is everything she longs for in a man—kind, gentle, and protective. Still, Scarlett fears she might crush his heart in the end.
For Antonio, a marriage of convenience is a small price to pay to love and protect the woman of his dreams. But will Scarlett lower her guard enough to see this arrangement as more than a transaction?
*Books in the Jenkins & Sons Construction series can be read as standalones.
USA Today bestselling author Sharon C. Cooper loves anything involving romance with a happily-ever-after, whether in books, movies, or real life. She writes contemporary romance, romantic suspense, as well as romantic comedy. She enjoys rainy days, carpet picnics, and family game night. Her stories have won numerous awards, including The Rochelle Alers Best Series award for her Atlanta’s Finest Series (2022) and The Beverly Jenkins Author of the Year award (2021). When she isn’t writing, Sharon loves hanging out with her amazing husband, doing volunteer work, or reading a good book (a romance of course). To read more about Sharon and her novels, or to sign up to be notified of her latest releases, visit www.sharoncooper.net
When marriage of convenience turns real! What do you do when you are a high achieving member of a multi-billionaire dollar family who wishes for a love of your own, as you watch siblings and cousins find their "one"? You spot the woman who takes your breath away and blesses you with the most adorable little girl, who steals your whole heart! Then you do all you can to make them an integral part of your life. There are some people who seem to have a sixth sense about people and acts of danger! Bella's great grand seem to have had such a gift. Antonio knew he wanted Scarlett and her daughter Bella in his life and was prepared to do everything necessary to bring it to fruition! The close relationship between Scarlett and Bella's great grandmother resulted in Bella becoming the object of someone's greed once her now sickly grand passed on! Drama unfolded at the demise of Bella's great grand in the form of political crimes coming to a head, crimes of attempted extortion, and a reckoning of things of the past take center stage in this excellently written story! For the most part we get to visit with this large, wealthy, well educated and high functioning Jenkins' clan! However the drama that comes calling is intense and not what the family suspected to occur! Glad who appeared to be condoning the criminal behavior of a key character in the story was actually working a plan to bring the criminal down! Overall, it was great visiting the Jenkins family, learning of the goings on since our last visit, seeing how they still rally together when one is in danger, and enjoying just being a part of a huge loving family structure! Sharon, you took us there again and all of what you introduced us to in this latest Jenkins story did not disappoint in the least! Great job Sharon, take a bow and accept the hand claps and pats on the back!!!!!👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾💕!
Can you believe it? It’s the sixth book of Jenkins & Sons Construction Series, and if you are a fan of this series, you have witnessed the love journey of five of the Jenkins’ men. Well, fans there is one more left, and in this story, we get to know Antonio Jenkins, the estimator for the thriving family construction business. He’s ready; ready to settle down with that special someone and start a family of his own. That “special someone” happens to be the sister of his brother, Ben Jr.’s fiancée, Mahogany (soon to be wife) from BID ON LOVE. Scarlett Rowsey and Antonio Jenkins are not strangers. They have spent some time together, and there is definitely chemistry there. Not to mention that Bella, Scarlett’s precocious daughter, has certainly won the heart of her “Uncle Tony”. While both Antonio and Scarlett are contemplating their dating life and their relationship, the storyline takes a sharp turn when they find themselves facing a marriage of convenience. How did they get to that point? Well, without spilling all the tea, I will say that a certain intriguing character, Mrs. Cynthia Armani, Bella’s great grandmother, initiates this scenario that proves to be the heart and soul of this story. Bella is thrilled because she will have a Daddy “who is not in heaven”. Scarlett is trying to come to grips with the “curveball she hadn’t seen coming”, and Antonio is convinced, “She’s the one”. I promise you will understand everything when you read the story. It’s a doozy! THE COST OF LOVE is a captivating story with compelling characters, and a well-written storyline that grabs your attention and doesn’t let go. I recommend it for your reading pleasure.
Antonio had reached the point in his life where he wanted a wife and children. He's had his eye on Scarlett for a while and is ready to make her his. Scarlett is convinced as well as apprehensive that she can't fall in love. But what happens when Bella becomes endangered from her paternal grandparents? A marriage of convenience between Antonio and Scarlett happens. Scarlett and Bella both felt safe with Antonio and I loved that for him. I just loved the relationships that developed between Antonio, Scarlett and Bella. The way that Bella would run into Antonio's arms was truly heart-warming. There were many emotional moments in the book that had me tearing up several times especially when Antonio and Scarlett told Bella that Antonio was going to be her daddy. There were humorous moments as well including MJ's shenanigans at the wedding and the family dinner as always. 😂😂😂 MJ's actions and relationship with Antonio was a sweet and endearing portion of the book. I was glad when Scarlett came to her senses and realized the feelings that she was experiencing with Antonio was true love. I enjoyed the added suspense in the book as it brought a level of sitting on the edge of your seat feeling. I loved how the family just jumped in and provided their support anyway that they could. Mrs. Cooper did a marvelous job with this marriage of convenience storyline and the Jenkins family. I can't wait for the next book in the series.
Antonio had his sights set on Scarlet from the very beginning. He knew he wanted a wife and a family for a while. He had to watch his brother and cousins settle down with their families. He was a bit jealous of them. Oh but his day was coming. All he had to do was convince Scarlet! She thought she was incapable of falling in love. Antonio was also very fond of Scarlet’s daughter Bella. Bella loved Antonio with all her heart. She was his “Babydoll!” Bella’s father passed away before she was born. Bella’s father’s parents were very shady people. Scarlet didn’t want them to find out about Bella. Nor did Bella’s Great Grandmother, Cynthia. Scarlet and Bella were very close to her. Cynthia was leaving practically everything to Bella in her will. This made things dangerous for Scarlet and Bella. Anyway, this book was so good, I couldn’t put it down! Very well written Sharon C. Cooper! You never disappoint!! I am a big fan of the Jenkins family series!!! I highly recommend this entire series!!! ❤️🔥
The wait is over! Antonio Jenkins is center stage and he is burning up the pages. The Cost of Love is a must read. Antonio has wanted Scarlett from the first time he met her and now at his brother’s wedding he wants to be more than the occasional date but something is holding Scarlett back. Scarlett really likes Antonio but her fear of not being able to fall in love with him like with her previous relationships is scaring her. But that doesn’t stop her precious daughter Bella from loving him and calling him Uncle Tony. Antonio is a Jenkins man and he wants who he wants and that’s Scarlett and Bella and nothing will stop them from being a forever family, not even a marriage of convenience. Scarlett knows she has a true family man that loves her and Bella, all she had to do is love him back.
I really enjoyed reading Antonio, Scarlett, Bella’s story. I like the fact that Antonio and Bella had already had their own bond outside of dating Scarlett. Bella was his cute “Baby Doll” and he was at first her favorite Uncle Tony. Scarlett thought that she was incapable of falling deeply in love with anyone because it hadn’t happened in the past but like Antonio told her they weren’t the one who was destined to be with her. She did in fact end up falling madly in love with Antonio. Cynthia, Ezra’s grandmother, knew what she was doing when she suggested that Antonio adopt Bella to keep her daughter and her husband from knowing of Bella’s existence since she was going to be her sole heir of her fortune. I’m glad that everything worked out for them in the end with Antonio, Scarlett, Bella, and Chase.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I was first introduced to Scarlett and Antonio in Bid on Love; Mahogany and Ben's love story. I thought that I would enjoy their love story just as much; I didn't. I gave this book 3 stars for Antonio and Bella wonderful bond and father/daughter relationship. Scarlett needed therapy before the incident with the kidnapper. She has so much guilt over not being in love with Ezra and turning down his marriage proposal the night he died that she couldn't see and trust her genuine feelings for Antonio.
If it wasn't for the Jenkins' myth of knowing your person when you meet them and getting a little help from Claire, they would not be married and getting their HEA even though it felt forced.
This story was one of her best! This series I love and hate that it has ended! I love the Jenkins family! Each book was centered around the love of the family! I love the fact that it was so much love and respect for their Patriarch and Matriarch in the family! The beginning for this family! I do have favorite couples and favorite couples but just having them all proud Black Family members who love each other dearly and always had each other's backs! Martina I Loved! Will there be more Jenkins stories? 10+
Having just finished the story of Mahogany and Ben,Jr. this match was kind of expected. However the road to this HEA was not. Antonio and Scarlet were simply meant to be. The usual love and loyalty of the Jenkins clan was on full display. The help and kindness Martina displayed regarding Antonio was especially sweet. This was truly a joyful reading experience. Keep them coming!
Antonio truly deserved Love and Happiness. I was a bit skeptical of Scarlett but true love prevailed. ONG that dang Bella is a wonderful child. This book had me laughing and crying. I love the whole Jenkins clan. Thanks for the updates on the large family. That Thug Lawyer Luke is still one of my favorites.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Family first always. Love and respect for one another. Love of children who always have someone looking out for them. Safety, caring, sharing, communication, family community. It does not get any better. Throw in a little suspenceful and action. We have a winner. Thank you.
I fell in love with the stars of this sweet story. Tony wanting love, Scarlette not knowing if she could love. Add an 8 year old sweetheart daughter to the mix and she gets both of their hearts. Just enough drama and action to keep you on the edg, and turning the pages. Then to end with a HAPPILY EVER AFTER. Great Read and highly recommended.
Great read, I enjoyed the characters and storyline. Antonio was smitten with Scarlett and he loved her daughter Bella. They went from dating to an arranged marriage to protect her daughter Bella. Antonio and Scarlett’s chemistry was strong. This is their journey to forever love. It was great catching up with the Jenkins family. I look forward to the next installment.
This romance trope is one that has been used many times, but the author gave it a good spin. The book was enjoyable. I loved the interaction of all the characters, especially little Bella. Antonio and Scarlett made for an interesting couple with a lot of twists and turns. This novel is a good addition to the series and totally worth the read. Enjoy.
Antonio knew what he wanted in life, he was a planner. She was untrue if she would ever find love but it found her. Her precocious daughter loved him from the beginning and he her. Good read.
What A Man Antonio, AKA "Ant," AKA "Tony" knows what he wants and will do whatever is necessary to have Belle and Scarlett in his life. On the other side Scarlett is afraid of life. Working together, with a little help from various Jenkins family members, they both understood the Cost of Love.
I love Antonio and Bella’s connected! Antonio was so patient and didn’t give up. I loved Cynthia! Her and Scarlett had a wonderful bond. Never disappointed by this author and the Jenkins family!
Welcome back to the Jenkins family with Scarlett and Antonio a contract marriage that turned to a love match. This book gives you love, romance and intrigue a recipe for a great story. If you're a fan of the Jenkins family series you'll love this book.
The Jenkins never disappoint! It was great catching up with them and welcoming new members into the family. Love ruled, and happiness abounds as always with this clan. Looking forward to more of their stories.
Love the chemistry Thought for a moment Antonio wouldn't get his dreams fulfilled Great family Great support Need a village to grow and develop to be good people Love the Jenkins family
Great love story, I enjoyed the faith tony had with his faith in Scarlett's growing love for him. It's so hard for some to take care of another man's child especially with the love he had showed for her. Great job with the writing.
Scarlett and Antonio were just also me together. The they showed each other from the start of their relationship what makes for a great love story. Her daughter Bella was the icing on the 🎂...
True family doesn't always have to be through a bloodline
The forming of a 'True' family between Antonio, Scarlett, and Bella despite the adversities in their path just goes to prove that love still can conquer the evil intentions of others!
Happy endings are the best and Antonio and Scarlett deserved theirs! This is a wonderful story and the thought of Martina keeping secrets is laughable! Martina grew up on us 😂😂! This book will not disappoint!