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The Black Wife Effect #1
The Black Wife Effect
As an elite matchmaker with a perfectly planned life, my days revolved around crafting fairy-tale romances for others—while secretly devouring steamy, dark billionaire novels at night. Those stories were my escape, a guilty pleasure that added a thrill to my otherwise orderly world. I knew they weren’t real, but I couldn’t help craving the kind of wild adventure they promised.
Enter Will Huntley: a gorgeous, arrogant billionaire who wasn’t looking for love—he wanted a fake wife, and he wanted me. One minute I was sipping coffee, the next I was waking up on his private jet to Paris, kidnapped into the kind of over-the-top romance I’d only read about. It was insane. It was reckless. And it was starting to feel dangerously real.
The Black Wife Effect, from award-winning creator Taccara (T.L.) Martin, is a hilarious and swoon-worthy romantic comedy about what happens when fantasy crashes headfirst into real life. Set against the dreamy backdrop of Paris, this is a story of unexpected love, laugh-out-loud moments, and discovering that sometimes the best adventures are the ones you never saw coming.
✨ Fake Wife / Marriage of Convenience
✨ Arrogant Billionaire Hero
✨ Obsessed Lover
✈️ Destination Romance
✨ Kidnapped by the Billionaire
✨ Forced Proximity
Enter Will Huntley: a gorgeous, arrogant billionaire who wasn’t looking for love—he wanted a fake wife, and he wanted me. One minute I was sipping coffee, the next I was waking up on his private jet to Paris, kidnapped into the kind of over-the-top romance I’d only read about. It was insane. It was reckless. And it was starting to feel dangerously real.
The Black Wife Effect, from award-winning creator Taccara (T.L.) Martin, is a hilarious and swoon-worthy romantic comedy about what happens when fantasy crashes headfirst into real life. Set against the dreamy backdrop of Paris, this is a story of unexpected love, laugh-out-loud moments, and discovering that sometimes the best adventures are the ones you never saw coming.
✨ Fake Wife / Marriage of Convenience
✨ Arrogant Billionaire Hero
✨ Obsessed Lover
✈️ Destination Romance
✨ Kidnapped by the Billionaire
✨ Forced Proximity
232 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 26, 2024
794 people are currently reading
2288 people want to read
About the author
Taccara Martin
15 books158 followersTaccara, widely known for her contemporary romance novels and award-winning fiction podcasts, has amassed a devoted following of over 100,000 readers and listeners alongside her husband, Kenyon, using the power of storytelling. A former relationship coach, she now effortlessly weaves lighthearted charm with brooding, complex heroes, crafting romances that delve into the shadowy depths of love while balancing humor and heart in perfect harmony.
Writing as T.L. Martin, award-winning author Taccara Martin immerses readers in the captivating world of dark romance—and occasionally, rom-coms featuring brooding, enigmatic men.
While staying true to the witty banter and deep emotional themes her readers love, she weaves in adventure, suspense, and an irresistible touch of spice.
Passionate about portraying healthy relationships, Taccara draws endless inspiration from her own love story. Married to her "forever book boyfriend," Kenyon, she credits the safety and security of their relationship as the wellspring of her creativity and romance-driven narratives.
To learn more about Taccara, explore her award-winning fiction podcasts, or sign up for her mailing list, visit TLMartinWrites.com.
Writing as T.L. Martin, award-winning author Taccara Martin immerses readers in the captivating world of dark romance—and occasionally, rom-coms featuring brooding, enigmatic men.
While staying true to the witty banter and deep emotional themes her readers love, she weaves in adventure, suspense, and an irresistible touch of spice.
Passionate about portraying healthy relationships, Taccara draws endless inspiration from her own love story. Married to her "forever book boyfriend," Kenyon, she credits the safety and security of their relationship as the wellspring of her creativity and romance-driven narratives.
To learn more about Taccara, explore her award-winning fiction podcasts, or sign up for her mailing list, visit TLMartinWrites.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 200 reviews
October 23, 2024
DNFd when she compared him to Ben Affleck…because no
August 17, 2024
The title of the book was intriguing since “The Black Wife Effect” and its glow up was huge on Tik Tok and Instagram. While this book tried to capitalize on this the effect was predictable and mediocre.
My challenges:
- Too many stereotypes
- The story jumped around and wasn’t consistent
- Not enough attention paid to details
- Themes started and not explored
- Even the spacing, checking of spelling and grammar was off
- This book was rushed out to capitalize on a trend then trivialized it
I’m glad this was an inexpensive purchase on Amazon. Because spending a lot would have annoyed me since this read like a movie on Tubi.
My challenges:
- Too many stereotypes
- The story jumped around and wasn’t consistent
- Not enough attention paid to details
- Themes started and not explored
- Even the spacing, checking of spelling and grammar was off
- This book was rushed out to capitalize on a trend then trivialized it
I’m glad this was an inexpensive purchase on Amazon. Because spending a lot would have annoyed me since this read like a movie on Tubi.
Did Not Finish
April 13, 2025DNF real quick
This beginning is like an essay on why this author wrote the book. As told via monologue by her main character
🥱
This beginning is like an essay on why this author wrote the book. As told via monologue by her main character
🥱
December 1, 2024
Might as well call this elote what with how corny and cheesy it was. This is a light 2.5⭐️ only because it’s readable but the writing is amateur at best. Timantha isn’t super likeable — she’s whiny, needy and illogical at times. The Jeffrey Dahmer and Ike Turner jokes were completely tasteless and I especially didn’t like Timantha when she literally threw the baby during the babysitting scene. Will wasn’t much better especially because he was a bad dom! Real BDSM relationships START with clear communication, boundaries, and safe words of which there were none! I get that the author wanted to add a push/pull element but they never clearly defined when it was playtime or not, he just switched it on when he felt like it without there being an agreement between them of that being how their play is structured. There were so many other cringe lines/moments like the comment Will makes about Black people getting together outside the prying eyes of white folks. That was giving overseer ancestry 🤢 Also, there was no confession — they just fucked and magically had an understanding though Timantha later says that Will said they should try something real together. Wouldn’t it have made sense for the reader to, idk, see that scene??? Other peeves were awkward phrasing, incorrect usage of homonyms like where/were, dam/damn, etc, weird spacing, and several plot inconsistencies that left me scratching my head. This book would’ve benefited from an editor and a Notion page to keep the scene blocking, lore, and timeline all straight.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 16, 2024
This book was a fun read, but was really all over the place.
The kidnapping actually didn’t need to happen as part of this plot, which made its inclusion confusing. It felt like they were trying to make Will this christian grey character with dark kinks and a closed off past, but he’s actually a pretty nice guy and they never actually get to any bdsm (maybe the author is hinting at a sequel?). There was a line where will said he “had a taste for chocolate” almost immediately after he and timantha have a conversation about black women being courted vs being fetishized. There was a villain who was mentioned several times but not introduced until 20 pages till the end, who also did very little the drive the plot. Timantha had a nutmeg allergy that was bad enough to get her to pass out for several hours, but never came up again, even in passing. There were also quite a few spelling/grammatical errors that actually impacted the story (thing like “keep your hands off me” vs “keep your hands on me”). And lastly, I think more research could have been done about a social anxiety disorder. I’m not sure this book accurately captured what actually occurs. I think this book needed another round of editing to massage out the pacing, clean some grammar issues, and cut the fat on some loose plot ends, and it could be really good! But for now, it was a fun read with some issues.
The kidnapping actually didn’t need to happen as part of this plot, which made its inclusion confusing. It felt like they were trying to make Will this christian grey character with dark kinks and a closed off past, but he’s actually a pretty nice guy and they never actually get to any bdsm (maybe the author is hinting at a sequel?). There was a line where will said he “had a taste for chocolate” almost immediately after he and timantha have a conversation about black women being courted vs being fetishized. There was a villain who was mentioned several times but not introduced until 20 pages till the end, who also did very little the drive the plot. Timantha had a nutmeg allergy that was bad enough to get her to pass out for several hours, but never came up again, even in passing. There were also quite a few spelling/grammatical errors that actually impacted the story (thing like “keep your hands off me” vs “keep your hands on me”). And lastly, I think more research could have been done about a social anxiety disorder. I’m not sure this book accurately captured what actually occurs. I think this book needed another round of editing to massage out the pacing, clean some grammar issues, and cut the fat on some loose plot ends, and it could be really good! But for now, it was a fun read with some issues.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 26, 2025
*slight spoilers*
On other apps I rated this 2.5, but this app is limited with that so…. 3 for here because it wasn’t as bad as a 2.
I am good with billionaire romance, not opposed interracial (BWWM) romance, and I actually really enjoy the fake dating/marriage trope. So I had high hopes, but it was meh for me. The FMC got on my nerves, the push of Strong Black Female stereotype, and the “oh I love how she jumps in front of the proverbial bullet” stuff on top of the fact that you’re STRANGERS but you’re hurt and confused that this man who literally drugged and kidnapped you won’t open up and be vulnerable with you — nah. This was not for me, BUT people who are into this vibe would like it. And props to the author for making sure the culture was represented. And the spice level was decent enough for people who want spice but not necessarily hardcore erotica. SN: The description of the MMC as “Ben Affleck as Batman” - fried me up instantly and required vigorous brain shaking a la etch-a-sketch before I could read on.
On other apps I rated this 2.5, but this app is limited with that so…. 3 for here because it wasn’t as bad as a 2.
I am good with billionaire romance, not opposed interracial (BWWM) romance, and I actually really enjoy the fake dating/marriage trope. So I had high hopes, but it was meh for me. The FMC got on my nerves, the push of Strong Black Female stereotype, and the “oh I love how she jumps in front of the proverbial bullet” stuff on top of the fact that you’re STRANGERS but you’re hurt and confused that this man who literally drugged and kidnapped you won’t open up and be vulnerable with you — nah. This was not for me, BUT people who are into this vibe would like it. And props to the author for making sure the culture was represented. And the spice level was decent enough for people who want spice but not necessarily hardcore erotica. SN: The description of the MMC as “Ben Affleck as Batman” - fried me up instantly and required vigorous brain shaking a la etch-a-sketch before I could read on.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 14, 2026
Stars:DNFed @8%
Start Date: 2/4/26
Ending Date:2/4/26
Genre: Romance
Form: Audiobook
Page Count: 232
Publishing Date:7/26/24
Point of View: 1st Dual
Setting:
Content Warning: Sexual Content
My Blog:https://tanyasreading.wordpress.com/2...
DNF@%8
I wanted something light to listen to while in between reading Eternal Ruin before I started on the two arcs I want to read this month for Black History. So I bought the audiobook of this when Libro.fm had a sale sometime in December since it sounded interesting. So I decided to listen to it now since it's Black History Month and Valentine's Day is around the corner.
I have to stop already.
1.The beginning monologue of our FMC had me rolling my eyes hard and the fact I can tell that it was written a little after the pandemic.
2.The FMC seems like a mean girl and how she wanted to trip up the barista in the coffee shop.
3. To have FMC describe the MMC as looking like Ben Affleck.. Nothing against Ben but come on.
4. Having the White MMC needing a "fake wife" to talk to a woman with a small hair care line whose name is Malika into a business deal to make him richer ....... I'll let you draw conclusions on that name and the fact that she has a small hair care line...
5. Having the White MMC describing the Black FMC with "Exotic Looking Eyes" in her pictures..
This supposed to be a Black Author but I already feel like Black Stereotypes about to be in this.
Yep, bowing out.
Start Date: 2/4/26
Ending Date:2/4/26
Genre: Romance
Form: Audiobook
Page Count: 232
Publishing Date:7/26/24
Point of View: 1st Dual
Setting:
Content Warning: Sexual Content
My Blog:https://tanyasreading.wordpress.com/2...
DNF@%8
I wanted something light to listen to while in between reading Eternal Ruin before I started on the two arcs I want to read this month for Black History. So I bought the audiobook of this when Libro.fm had a sale sometime in December since it sounded interesting. So I decided to listen to it now since it's Black History Month and Valentine's Day is around the corner.
I have to stop already.
1.The beginning monologue of our FMC had me rolling my eyes hard and the fact I can tell that it was written a little after the pandemic.
2.The FMC seems like a mean girl and how she wanted to trip up the barista in the coffee shop.
3. To have FMC describe the MMC as looking like Ben Affleck.. Nothing against Ben but come on.
4. Having the White MMC needing a "fake wife" to talk to a woman with a small hair care line whose name is Malika into a business deal to make him richer ....... I'll let you draw conclusions on that name and the fact that she has a small hair care line...
5. Having the White MMC describing the Black FMC with "Exotic Looking Eyes" in her pictures..
This supposed to be a Black Author but I already feel like Black Stereotypes about to be in this.
Yep, bowing out.
Did Not Finish
May 21, 2025DNF at 15%.
yeaaaa…i tried to give it a chance...but nah. but issa wrap for me.
i really tried to support the author but sis really could've left this one in the drafts.
yeaaaa…i tried to give it a chance...but nah. but issa wrap for me.
i really tried to support the author but sis really could've left this one in the drafts.
April 30, 2025
The Black Wife Effect
The Black Wife Effect, Book #1
I Picked Up This Book Because: I honestly don’t remember.
Media Type: Audiobook
Source: Audible via Amazon Music
Dates Read: 4/22/25 - 4/24/25
Rating: 3 Stars
Narrator(s): Benjamin Sands and Zair Jordan
The Characters:
Timantha :
Will Huntly:
The Story:
This was my pick for Bks book club in April and while reading it I couldn’t understand why I wanted to. There was so much going on and it could have used some revising to take off a few less tropes. The characters had chemistry and a good relationship. I just think it could be showcased better.
The Black Wife Effect, Book #1
I Picked Up This Book Because: I honestly don’t remember.
Media Type: Audiobook
Source: Audible via Amazon Music
Dates Read: 4/22/25 - 4/24/25
Rating: 3 Stars
Narrator(s): Benjamin Sands and Zair Jordan
The Characters:
Timantha :
Will Huntly:
The Story:
This was my pick for Bks book club in April and while reading it I couldn’t understand why I wanted to. There was so much going on and it could have used some revising to take off a few less tropes. The characters had chemistry and a good relationship. I just think it could be showcased better.
November 21, 2024
DNF on the first page. I couldn’t get over Timantha. I could not say that name for 200+ pages.
April 24, 2026
Cute short read! It’s a romance novel inside a romance novel! LOL! One of those quid pro quo type of romances and the spice was very nice! 🌶️🌶️🌶️
September 15, 2024
I'm going to keep this short and sweet. I think the book was good, I liked the storyline itself. However, I feel like it was a try-hard in relating current social media trends with the storyline. It didn't match up. The black wife effect trend on tiktok is calling attention to a glow-up of sorts for the husband. While I think the FMC did help the MMC with his anxiety issues, the actual purpose for the trend was never addressed in the book, except for maybe one night out for the couple.
In addition to that, several layers of the MMC were revealed later in the book but were not explored enough due to a "trust" issue. I feel like that certain revelation of the MMC could've been left out of not intended to be fully explored at least once in the book.
There were several tropes in the book that gave "everything in the kitchen sink" vibes but it was still a good read. I would've enjoyed it more with less tropes and more detail.
In addition to that, several layers of the MMC were revealed later in the book but were not explored enough due to a "trust" issue. I feel like that certain revelation of the MMC could've been left out of not intended to be fully explored at least once in the book.
There were several tropes in the book that gave "everything in the kitchen sink" vibes but it was still a good read. I would've enjoyed it more with less tropes and more detail.
October 26, 2024
What a bummer.
Book was severely rushed. Inconsistent and all over the place.
Ben Affleck?! Nah I'm good.
Way too many unfortunate stereotypes that didn't add to anything.
Hot and cold, introverted and dominating. It didn't make sense.
Also, this had nothing to do with the tik tok trend. It's supposed to be about a glow up from having a Black wife, Will was already established and didn't actually change at all.
And don't get me started with the thirsty Timantha. Like girl, you're a successful business owner and you decide to amend a well made legal contract with sexually explicit changes. Who would ever do that?
Will doesn't want her to be considered a prostitute but at any given chance she just grabs his dick in a business meeting? 🙃
Thankfully it was short. I almost didn't finish it.
Didn't hate it but didn't like it either.
Book was severely rushed. Inconsistent and all over the place.
Ben Affleck?! Nah I'm good.
Way too many unfortunate stereotypes that didn't add to anything.
Hot and cold, introverted and dominating. It didn't make sense.
Also, this had nothing to do with the tik tok trend. It's supposed to be about a glow up from having a Black wife, Will was already established and didn't actually change at all.
And don't get me started with the thirsty Timantha. Like girl, you're a successful business owner and you decide to amend a well made legal contract with sexually explicit changes. Who would ever do that?
Will doesn't want her to be considered a prostitute but at any given chance she just grabs his dick in a business meeting? 🙃
Thankfully it was short. I almost didn't finish it.
Didn't hate it but didn't like it either.
April 20, 2025
The Black Wife Effect by T.L. Martin (2024)
The Black Wife Effect #1
6h 16m narrated by Benjamin Sands and Zair Jordan, 232 pages
Genre: Romance
Featuring: [Ebook - Author's Note, Link to My Filthy Rich Valentine, Author's Links, Bibliography for Taccara Martin or T.L. Martin] Book Club, Sorority Sisters, Divorcée, Atlanta, Georgia; Matchmaker, Billionaire Trope, Fake Marriage Trope, Social Anxiety, Paris, France; Twins, Business Owners, Ben Affleck, Sex - Detailed, Baby, Drama, Stereotypes, Affluent People, Secrets
Rating as a movie: NC-17
Songs for the soundtrack: "Baby Shark" by Pinkfong, "Before I Let Go" by Beyoncé, "Yeah" by Usher featuring Ludacris and Lil' Jon
Books and Authors mentioned: Reverend Curtis Black Series by Kimberla Lawson Roby, Beauty and the Beast by Gabrielle-Suzanne de Villeneuve translation by James Planché, Pretty Woman by J. F. Lawton, Carrie by Stephen King, And Still I Rise by Maya Angelou, Christina C. Jones, Willow by George Lucas, Demetria Lucas,
Memorable Quotes: Seeing that the ladies were open to falling in love with toxic book boyfriends like Curtis Black, my best friend, Autika, introduced us to the smutty, intense side of contemporary romance—dark billionaire romance and dark mafia romance novels. The men in these stories were anything but chivalrous, and we all loved them too. Even though I often had to challenge some of the female characters’ decision-making abilities, their enthusiasm for these dangerous and alluring male leads was contagious. “I just don’t get it. If these women really wanted to escape, they would have found a way! Are you telling me that just because a man is tall, muscular, and talks like the beast from Beauty and the Beast, you’d be okay with being his captive and falling in love with him?” I asked at this month’s book club meeting, questioning yet another female lead’s decision to stop resisting the advances of her mafia prince captor. Even though she’d just seen him blow a man’s head off. The ladies exchanged knowing glances, mischievous smirks spreading across their faces before they collectively chorused, “Hell yeah!” We all burst into laughter.
I had this game I played with myself where, whenever I was reading a book or watching a show or movie, I had to try to figure out what was coming next. Usually, I obnoxiously guessed out loud, spoiling major parts for everyone. But I couldn’t help it. I had an obsession with predictability. I needed it, really. If writers couldn’t craft a story where I couldn’t predict the plot twist coming, I’d lose interest.
The bell above the door rang, and I was pleased to see the gorgeous man walk in. It was him, and his pictures did not do him justice. Very well dressed, meticulously tailored suit, and a watch that looked like it cost more than my car. I’d never dated a white man before, but this man had a Ben Affleck as Batman look going for him and I was digging it! Keep it together, Tim! This world was full of beautiful men, and if I was going to have longevity, I couldn’t be fawning all over my clients. But he wasn’t a client yet!
This beautiful, Ben Afflecky man drugged me and put me on a private plane to Paris!
“Yes! And I just Googled this man and … Tim, have you seen him? Like, really seen him? Because he’s fine. Ben Affleck as Batman fine!”
“Deal! What time are we getting little Jeff Junior?” I asked. “We call him J.R.,” Jeff corrected, but I didn’t care if they called that baby Chuckie. I was going to see D-Nice!
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️½👩🏿❤️💋👨🏽🇫🇷
My thoughts: 📱9% 34:34 Chapter 4 - Kim Roby? If you are going to endorse another author you should use their publishing name so people know who to look up. This was turning into an "everything wrong with this story." Ain't nobody in love with Curtis Black or Ben Affleck! I'm supposed to be shunning mediocre and okay books this year, but I have a weakness for train wrecks. After my shows, I'll see. * I did notice several bad reviews so I hope it's entertainingly bad and not just bad.
This is available on KU, but I wouldn't be able to eyeball this, I highly recommend the audio. This story has some issues but it is very entertaining. It's not as bad as I fear, I missed the errors because of the audio, but I can see why people love and hate it. I asked and I couldn't find a single person I knew irl that thought Ben Affleck was even cute let alone sexy. If she wants to say this guy looks like Affleck, fine, but she should have only said it once. It was okay, kinda reminds me a little of early Jill Hunt. I'm not sure if I'll be reading Book 2. The plot was too thin and riddled with holes, but I couldn’t stop.
Recommend to others: You certainly need to sample and decide for yourself. This one could go either way.
The Black Wife Effect
1. The Black Wife Effect (2024)
2. My Filthy Rich Valentine (2025)
The Black Wife Effect #1
6h 16m narrated by Benjamin Sands and Zair Jordan, 232 pages
Genre: Romance
Featuring: [Ebook - Author's Note, Link to My Filthy Rich Valentine, Author's Links, Bibliography for Taccara Martin or T.L. Martin] Book Club, Sorority Sisters, Divorcée, Atlanta, Georgia; Matchmaker, Billionaire Trope, Fake Marriage Trope, Social Anxiety, Paris, France; Twins, Business Owners, Ben Affleck, Sex - Detailed, Baby, Drama, Stereotypes, Affluent People, Secrets
Rating as a movie: NC-17
Songs for the soundtrack: "Baby Shark" by Pinkfong, "Before I Let Go" by Beyoncé, "Yeah" by Usher featuring Ludacris and Lil' Jon
Books and Authors mentioned: Reverend Curtis Black Series by Kimberla Lawson Roby, Beauty and the Beast by Gabrielle-Suzanne de Villeneuve translation by James Planché, Pretty Woman by J. F. Lawton, Carrie by Stephen King, And Still I Rise by Maya Angelou, Christina C. Jones, Willow by George Lucas, Demetria Lucas,
Memorable Quotes: Seeing that the ladies were open to falling in love with toxic book boyfriends like Curtis Black, my best friend, Autika, introduced us to the smutty, intense side of contemporary romance—dark billionaire romance and dark mafia romance novels. The men in these stories were anything but chivalrous, and we all loved them too. Even though I often had to challenge some of the female characters’ decision-making abilities, their enthusiasm for these dangerous and alluring male leads was contagious. “I just don’t get it. If these women really wanted to escape, they would have found a way! Are you telling me that just because a man is tall, muscular, and talks like the beast from Beauty and the Beast, you’d be okay with being his captive and falling in love with him?” I asked at this month’s book club meeting, questioning yet another female lead’s decision to stop resisting the advances of her mafia prince captor. Even though she’d just seen him blow a man’s head off. The ladies exchanged knowing glances, mischievous smirks spreading across their faces before they collectively chorused, “Hell yeah!” We all burst into laughter.
I had this game I played with myself where, whenever I was reading a book or watching a show or movie, I had to try to figure out what was coming next. Usually, I obnoxiously guessed out loud, spoiling major parts for everyone. But I couldn’t help it. I had an obsession with predictability. I needed it, really. If writers couldn’t craft a story where I couldn’t predict the plot twist coming, I’d lose interest.
The bell above the door rang, and I was pleased to see the gorgeous man walk in. It was him, and his pictures did not do him justice. Very well dressed, meticulously tailored suit, and a watch that looked like it cost more than my car. I’d never dated a white man before, but this man had a Ben Affleck as Batman look going for him and I was digging it! Keep it together, Tim! This world was full of beautiful men, and if I was going to have longevity, I couldn’t be fawning all over my clients. But he wasn’t a client yet!
This beautiful, Ben Afflecky man drugged me and put me on a private plane to Paris!
“Yes! And I just Googled this man and … Tim, have you seen him? Like, really seen him? Because he’s fine. Ben Affleck as Batman fine!”
“Deal! What time are we getting little Jeff Junior?” I asked. “We call him J.R.,” Jeff corrected, but I didn’t care if they called that baby Chuckie. I was going to see D-Nice!
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️½👩🏿❤️💋👨🏽🇫🇷
My thoughts: 📱9% 34:34 Chapter 4 - Kim Roby? If you are going to endorse another author you should use their publishing name so people know who to look up. This was turning into an "everything wrong with this story." Ain't nobody in love with Curtis Black or Ben Affleck! I'm supposed to be shunning mediocre and okay books this year, but I have a weakness for train wrecks. After my shows, I'll see. * I did notice several bad reviews so I hope it's entertainingly bad and not just bad.
This is available on KU, but I wouldn't be able to eyeball this, I highly recommend the audio. This story has some issues but it is very entertaining. It's not as bad as I fear, I missed the errors because of the audio, but I can see why people love and hate it. I asked and I couldn't find a single person I knew irl that thought Ben Affleck was even cute let alone sexy. If she wants to say this guy looks like Affleck, fine, but she should have only said it once. It was okay, kinda reminds me a little of early Jill Hunt. I'm not sure if I'll be reading Book 2. The plot was too thin and riddled with holes, but I couldn’t stop.
Recommend to others: You certainly need to sample and decide for yourself. This one could go either way.
The Black Wife Effect
1. The Black Wife Effect (2024)
2. My Filthy Rich Valentine (2025)
December 24, 2024
started strong but fizzled at the end
I really enjoyed the writing in this book. I loved the authors voice and style. I even laughed out loud at certain moments but I felt the ending was lackluster. There was such an exquisite build up and then we rushed to the finish line. I would have loved more development after Tim and Will confessed their feelings but it felt glossed over. Additionally, I was ready for more smut. I felt like the first time they had sex it was closed door. I would have loved to read about their time together and gotten to hear their emotions during especially Will who was so adamant about control. All in all,it was a quick read and a decent book. I’d be open to seeing hat other stories this author has.
I really enjoyed the writing in this book. I loved the authors voice and style. I even laughed out loud at certain moments but I felt the ending was lackluster. There was such an exquisite build up and then we rushed to the finish line. I would have loved more development after Tim and Will confessed their feelings but it felt glossed over. Additionally, I was ready for more smut. I felt like the first time they had sex it was closed door. I would have loved to read about their time together and gotten to hear their emotions during especially Will who was so adamant about control. All in all,it was a quick read and a decent book. I’d be open to seeing hat other stories this author has.
June 17, 2025
3.8 Stars 🎧
Cute story. The black wife effect is a visual upgrade to the husband but this was that.
This doesn't get the full-on 4 stars because comparing the MMC to Ben Affleck was NOT it. Ben Affleck looks average, at best. He would not be "fine" (to some) if he didn't have money.
The MMC sent mixed signals in an effort to be "in control" but of course that backfired because that never works.
Cute story. The black wife effect is a visual upgrade to the husband but this was that.
This doesn't get the full-on 4 stars because comparing the MMC to Ben Affleck was NOT it. Ben Affleck looks average, at best. He would not be "fine" (to some) if he didn't have money.
The MMC sent mixed signals in an effort to be "in control" but of course that backfired because that never works.
March 31, 2026
I really do like interracial romances, but this was corny AF. When Will said, "The only color I see is beauty" and referring to black women as "chocolate"...Like??? Also, this was not a mafia romance or even a dark romance. So the kidnapping was extremely off-putting and strange. Tim got over it in like 2.5 seconds and then started fingering herself in front of her captor. It didn't need to be in there at all. And that brings me to another thing, the name Timantha was sending me.
June 13, 2025
spice: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
story line: 🌼🌼🌼
story line: 🌼🌼🌼
August 20, 2025
enjoyed my time here and am looking forward to the next one!
January 15, 2026
I'm only giving this a 2⭐️, because the sexual tension was top tier. The act in question was a complete let down.
February 10, 2026
Cute little romance story about interracial relationships and what it is like dating outside ones race. Loved every bit of this story.
June 16, 2025
Tim is a book girlie
I like how this book was made from the “black wife effect” trend. But I love how Timantha is a dark romance book girlie who appreciates some smut.
I like how this book was made from the “black wife effect” trend. But I love how Timantha is a dark romance book girlie who appreciates some smut.
April 17, 2026
A Fake Dating Romance That’s Funny, Fresh, and Done Right
📚 On Casey’s Bookshelf
Book: 58
Dates read: 03.16.2026 – 03.16.2026
Title: The Black Wife Effect
Author: T.L. Martin
Format: digital
#caseysbookshelf
OK so if you know me, you know I don’t really venture over into IR land. But after Venus got her new man and I was over here celebrating like one of my besties was in their epilogue era, I had to check myself. Because how do I love seeing women like Serena Williams, Gabby Sidibe, and Lauren Hamilton being loved out loud and unapologetically by men who just happen to be white… but have an aversion to reading it in my favorite genre?
That felt a little hypocritical.
Plus, I’ve read Jasmine Guillory before and outside of the c-word (boffum 🤢), I’ve enjoyed her work. And the “Black Wife Effect” videos? Yeah… this felt like the perfect book to lean into. And I’m glad I did.
This is a fake dating billionaire romance (my trope), but what really works here is the humor and self-awareness. A matchmaker who builds perfect love stories for others ends up living one herself… and it’s chaotic in the best way.
What stood out most is how the interracial relationship was handled. It wasn’t a fixation and never felt fetishized. The differences felt natural, like any other background or class dynamic. The relationship made sense. The progression made sense. And that matters.
Also… the humor? She nailed it. I was actually laughing out loud, not just smiling.
This is a quick, fun read that works perfectly as a palate cleanser between heavier books.
Now if you follow my IG, you know I only use Black music on my posts. But listen… it would’ve been creatively dishonest not to use the song behind the “Black Wife Effect” trend. Don’t jump me. 😂 It fits too perfectly. And if you know the trend, you already know the “after” in this HEA is aligned.
Another book off the shelf. We keep reading with intention. 📚
📚 On Casey’s Bookshelf
Book: 58
Dates read: 03.16.2026 – 03.16.2026
Title: The Black Wife Effect
Author: T.L. Martin
Format: digital
#caseysbookshelf
OK so if you know me, you know I don’t really venture over into IR land. But after Venus got her new man and I was over here celebrating like one of my besties was in their epilogue era, I had to check myself. Because how do I love seeing women like Serena Williams, Gabby Sidibe, and Lauren Hamilton being loved out loud and unapologetically by men who just happen to be white… but have an aversion to reading it in my favorite genre?
That felt a little hypocritical.
Plus, I’ve read Jasmine Guillory before and outside of the c-word (boffum 🤢), I’ve enjoyed her work. And the “Black Wife Effect” videos? Yeah… this felt like the perfect book to lean into. And I’m glad I did.
This is a fake dating billionaire romance (my trope), but what really works here is the humor and self-awareness. A matchmaker who builds perfect love stories for others ends up living one herself… and it’s chaotic in the best way.
What stood out most is how the interracial relationship was handled. It wasn’t a fixation and never felt fetishized. The differences felt natural, like any other background or class dynamic. The relationship made sense. The progression made sense. And that matters.
Also… the humor? She nailed it. I was actually laughing out loud, not just smiling.
This is a quick, fun read that works perfectly as a palate cleanser between heavier books.
Now if you follow my IG, you know I only use Black music on my posts. But listen… it would’ve been creatively dishonest not to use the song behind the “Black Wife Effect” trend. Don’t jump me. 😂 It fits too perfectly. And if you know the trend, you already know the “after” in this HEA is aligned.
Another book off the shelf. We keep reading with intention. 📚
Did Not Finish
May 17, 2025DNF at 57%.
Ok look. I was with you when he kind of kidnaps her and she wakes up on a plane to pretend to be his fake wife in Paris for the week. Make this man pay for the audacity.
The final line for me was when they finally get a double date, and she spends what felt like 25 minutes of the audiobook giving an under the table handy. This deal was important enough to him to kidnap an entire woman to feed the lie about him being a family man and make a good impression on this business associate and they spend it acting up. My secondhand embarrassment just couldn't take it anymore.
Also, her name is Timantha so tell me why this man kept moaning Tim or Timmy in my ear???
Ok look. I was with you when he kind of kidnaps her and she wakes up on a plane to pretend to be his fake wife in Paris for the week. Make this man pay for the audacity.
The final line for me was when they finally get a double date, and she spends what felt like 25 minutes of the audiobook giving an under the table handy. This deal was important enough to him to kidnap an entire woman to feed the lie about him being a family man and make a good impression on this business associate and they spend it acting up. My secondhand embarrassment just couldn't take it anymore.
Also, her name is Timantha so tell me why this man kept moaning Tim or Timmy in my ear???
June 9, 2025
Not sure why this one’s getting dragged or why people are DNF’ing 🤷🏽♀️ because honestly, it was a cute, quick lil romcom with an interracial couple and solid vibes! 💕📚
Sure, could the character development have gone a little deeper? Absolutely. But it wasn’t giving “terrible,” it was giving “fun, flirty, and full of potential.” The couple had mutual respect and chemistry!
Plus, I’m always here for supporting Black indie authors 🖤✨. I liked it enough to keep the momentum going with book two—because now I need to see how it all wraps up. Give it a shot, especially if you’re looking for something light and sweet! 🍬💫
Sure, could the character development have gone a little deeper? Absolutely. But it wasn’t giving “terrible,” it was giving “fun, flirty, and full of potential.” The couple had mutual respect and chemistry!
Plus, I’m always here for supporting Black indie authors 🖤✨. I liked it enough to keep the momentum going with book two—because now I need to see how it all wraps up. Give it a shot, especially if you’re looking for something light and sweet! 🍬💫
September 23, 2024
It was mid. A cute fast read. Predictable and rushed just a bit. There really wasn’t anything exciting about it. I don’t even recall really knowing what the main characters look like. The author doesn’t do a good job at painting the pic. There was no description, no depth so it caused me not to really be able to relate with them.
April 23, 2025
DNF'd this one. The writing style was not for me
December 13, 2025
Updated to 2 stars after going back and finishing the book. I did not like the book, but the back 2/3rds was better than the first 1/3rd, which is honestly more irritating. The author just didn’t need to do any of the stuff that irked me at the beginning and this would have been a solid 3 star read.
__________
1 star. DNF @28% but I should have stopped earlier.
Of all the names, we went with Timantha (Tim for short)??? Tamantha I could have lived with. But Tim? Is her dad named Tim?
Ok so she’s a matchmaker (as in she creates opportunities for her clients to meet people). She meets a potential client in a cafe and assumes she’s being pranked when he said he needed someone to pose as his date for an upcoming work event. (At a recent event, he told someone important that he was a newlywed so he’d be taken more seriously). Stupid on his part but that’s run of the mill as far as fake dating tropes go. Not sure why it had to be a prank, but ok.
She has an allergic reaction to touching the traces of nutmeg on his hand from his pastry and passes out for hours. Think about how impossible life would be if you were rendered unconscious by just touching a super common spice! You’d have to be way more vigilant than the typical food-restricted person (like celiac and dairy allergy multiplied). And then consider that she decided to meet him in a cafe (where there are bakery items) despite this presumably debilitating condition. Also it seems weird to pass out but not have anaphylaxis.
Ok. Well she’s passed out and there are first responders down the block. So what does he do? You guessed it. He kidnaps her. Takes her to his doctor then drugs her and puts her on a private jet to go to a work event. Because that’s totally normal and reasonable. What if she had plans for the day? A dog at home that needed to be walked?
After very minimal concern for her own safety, the two discuss a contract for her to be his fake wife. There’s specifically no sex allowed and plenty of upside for her if she can get through a few days. For some reason she becomes so horny staring into his *shudder* Ben Affleck-looking face (seriously stop describing him like that!) that she starts masturbating in front of him and the staff. This is where I should have stopped because WTF is wrong with you, lady?
Then she amends the contract to include a bunch of sex acts she wants to do with him - I repeat, WTF is wrong with you? And that’s where I gave up.
I’m not convinced she needed an allergic reaction and kidnapping to make this happen. They were negotiating in the cafe, so it could have just been a conversation and standard-ish contract. Then as they got to know each other a bit, they could have agreed to modify the terms a bit.
Also, the title feels like clickbait given how hot she thought he was already. I still can’t believe the author compared him to Ben Affleck multiple times and expected that to mean universally hot. Yuck.
My apologies to Ben Affleck, but this is a Hilary Swank “hot or not” situation, and the answer is not.
__________
1 star. DNF @28% but I should have stopped earlier.
Of all the names, we went with Timantha (Tim for short)??? Tamantha I could have lived with. But Tim? Is her dad named Tim?
Ok so she’s a matchmaker (as in she creates opportunities for her clients to meet people). She meets a potential client in a cafe and assumes she’s being pranked when he said he needed someone to pose as his date for an upcoming work event. (At a recent event, he told someone important that he was a newlywed so he’d be taken more seriously). Stupid on his part but that’s run of the mill as far as fake dating tropes go. Not sure why it had to be a prank, but ok.
She has an allergic reaction to touching the traces of nutmeg on his hand from his pastry and passes out for hours. Think about how impossible life would be if you were rendered unconscious by just touching a super common spice! You’d have to be way more vigilant than the typical food-restricted person (like celiac and dairy allergy multiplied). And then consider that she decided to meet him in a cafe (where there are bakery items) despite this presumably debilitating condition. Also it seems weird to pass out but not have anaphylaxis.
Ok. Well she’s passed out and there are first responders down the block. So what does he do? You guessed it. He kidnaps her. Takes her to his doctor then drugs her and puts her on a private jet to go to a work event. Because that’s totally normal and reasonable. What if she had plans for the day? A dog at home that needed to be walked?
After very minimal concern for her own safety, the two discuss a contract for her to be his fake wife. There’s specifically no sex allowed and plenty of upside for her if she can get through a few days. For some reason she becomes so horny staring into his *shudder* Ben Affleck-looking face (seriously stop describing him like that!) that she starts masturbating in front of him and the staff. This is where I should have stopped because WTF is wrong with you, lady?
Then she amends the contract to include a bunch of sex acts she wants to do with him - I repeat, WTF is wrong with you? And that’s where I gave up.
I’m not convinced she needed an allergic reaction and kidnapping to make this happen. They were negotiating in the cafe, so it could have just been a conversation and standard-ish contract. Then as they got to know each other a bit, they could have agreed to modify the terms a bit.
Also, the title feels like clickbait given how hot she thought he was already. I still can’t believe the author compared him to Ben Affleck multiple times and expected that to mean universally hot. Yuck.
My apologies to Ben Affleck, but this is a Hilary Swank “hot or not” situation, and the answer is not.
December 12, 2025
Note: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
C’est la première fois que je lis un livre avec une FMC noire aussi bien décrite et où j’ai eu aussi facile à me mettre à sa place.
J’ai adoré Timantha : une femme noire drôle, organisée et tellement attachante. Elle a ce mélange de douceur et de caractère qui fait qu’on peut se reconnaître en elle sans effort. Et puis il y a Will. Le milliardaire complètement à l’opposé, mais qui, étrangement, lui correspond à merveille. Leur relation m’a fait sourire du début à la fin.
J’ai beaucoup aimé les messages autour des couples interraciaux, la manière dont l’autrice montre les réalités, les appréhensions, mais aussi la beauté et la solidité de ces relations. En tant que femme noire, certaines choses m’ont parlé directement. Rien n’est dramatisé, rien n’est minimisé non plus : c’est simple, c'est vrai.
La romance est fun, moderne, pleine de bonnes vibes, mais elle aborde aussi ces petits détails auxquels on ne pense pas toujours : se sentir vue, respectée, choisie… vraiment choisie. Et Will, malgré son côté chaotique, fait exactement ça. Il voit Timantha, il la comprend, il la soutient quand elle doute et elle fait pareil pour lui.
J’ai aussi apprécié le rythme : pas de longueurs, pas de blabla pour rien. On reste dedans du début à la fin, entre humour, tension et moments cute qui tombent juste.
J’aurais peut-être aimé quelque chose d’un peu plus poussé, un peu plus profond, mais pour une lecture chill, rapide et efficace comme celle-ci, c’était exactement ce qu’il fallait.
C’est la première fois que je lis un livre avec une FMC noire aussi bien décrite et où j’ai eu aussi facile à me mettre à sa place.
J’ai adoré Timantha : une femme noire drôle, organisée et tellement attachante. Elle a ce mélange de douceur et de caractère qui fait qu’on peut se reconnaître en elle sans effort. Et puis il y a Will. Le milliardaire complètement à l’opposé, mais qui, étrangement, lui correspond à merveille. Leur relation m’a fait sourire du début à la fin.
J’ai beaucoup aimé les messages autour des couples interraciaux, la manière dont l’autrice montre les réalités, les appréhensions, mais aussi la beauté et la solidité de ces relations. En tant que femme noire, certaines choses m’ont parlé directement. Rien n’est dramatisé, rien n’est minimisé non plus : c’est simple, c'est vrai.
La romance est fun, moderne, pleine de bonnes vibes, mais elle aborde aussi ces petits détails auxquels on ne pense pas toujours : se sentir vue, respectée, choisie… vraiment choisie. Et Will, malgré son côté chaotique, fait exactement ça. Il voit Timantha, il la comprend, il la soutient quand elle doute et elle fait pareil pour lui.
J’ai aussi apprécié le rythme : pas de longueurs, pas de blabla pour rien. On reste dedans du début à la fin, entre humour, tension et moments cute qui tombent juste.
J’aurais peut-être aimé quelque chose d’un peu plus poussé, un peu plus profond, mais pour une lecture chill, rapide et efficace comme celle-ci, c’était exactement ce qu’il fallait.
December 19, 2025
I'm really enjoying this book. OMG
This book starts with something so brilliant: a book reader who has an amazing book club with her friends gets to live out her own billionaire romance fantasy in REAL LIFE. As readers, we all want to live in these fantasies, and seeing a fellow reader experience it was absolutely delightful.
The Black Wife Effect follows a matchmaker who creates an elite matchmaking company for wealthy, accomplished men who struggle to find meaningful relationships. When she meets her first client—a billionaire—he proposes something unexpected, setting the stage for a romance that balances business with brewing passion.
What I loved:
Mature characters: These are grown, accomplished adults having real conversations. No naive, ridiculous behavior—just refreshing maturity.
The premise: A matchmaker living out her own romance? Different and engaging.
Business meets passion: The mix of business politics, personality traits, and how they affect relationships was interwoven beautifully.
Character growth: Watching them change and evolve was so satisfying.
The tropes: Billionaire romance, fake marriage (my second one and I'm loving this trope!), grumpy/sunshine, jealous MMC, bold FMC—perfection.
The passion between them was electrifying, the storyline was fresh, and the way the author explored how two accomplished people navigate their feelings while maintaining a business arrangement? Chef's kiss.
If you love mature romance, fake marriage done right, business dynamics, and a story that celebrates readers living out their fantasies, pick this up!
This book starts with something so brilliant: a book reader who has an amazing book club with her friends gets to live out her own billionaire romance fantasy in REAL LIFE. As readers, we all want to live in these fantasies, and seeing a fellow reader experience it was absolutely delightful.
The Black Wife Effect follows a matchmaker who creates an elite matchmaking company for wealthy, accomplished men who struggle to find meaningful relationships. When she meets her first client—a billionaire—he proposes something unexpected, setting the stage for a romance that balances business with brewing passion.
What I loved:
Mature characters: These are grown, accomplished adults having real conversations. No naive, ridiculous behavior—just refreshing maturity.
The premise: A matchmaker living out her own romance? Different and engaging.
Business meets passion: The mix of business politics, personality traits, and how they affect relationships was interwoven beautifully.
Character growth: Watching them change and evolve was so satisfying.
The tropes: Billionaire romance, fake marriage (my second one and I'm loving this trope!), grumpy/sunshine, jealous MMC, bold FMC—perfection.
The passion between them was electrifying, the storyline was fresh, and the way the author explored how two accomplished people navigate their feelings while maintaining a business arrangement? Chef's kiss.
If you love mature romance, fake marriage done right, business dynamics, and a story that celebrates readers living out their fantasies, pick this up!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 200 reviews