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The Recessive Paradox
When Samara found out that her husband was cheating on her, all she wanted to do was get a divorce. Everything changed when a week later she found out she was pregnant with his child. Now not only was she a teacher, sister, daughter, friend, she was now a mother as well. Unwilling to raise her child in a single-parent household, Samara stayed with her husband, but when he accuses her of cheating and the baby not being his, she had enough.
After spending years in London, Aiden would do anything to resume his role of Big Brother to his sister - even if that meant rushing to help someone he’s never met. He didn’t expect her to be this beautiful and feisty. He also didn’t expect her to have a son who looked exactly like him.
After spending years in London, Aiden would do anything to resume his role of Big Brother to his sister - even if that meant rushing to help someone he’s never met. He didn’t expect her to be this beautiful and feisty. He also didn’t expect her to have a son who looked exactly like him.
- GenresRomance
287 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 15, 2024
471 people are currently reading
630 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
December 5, 2024
I was either going to 1 star or DNF over the heroine's dithering, but nicely played! Oh yes!
December 4, 2024
I thought this was a hoot. It's everything you WISH happened if someone cheated on you while still being (relatively) realistic.
While I agree with the other reviews that it needed polishing on some things like less descriptions on mundane stuff (like outfits and food) and more character growth, along with a few less side characters it still intrigued me and made me read it in one sitting.
FMC found out she was cheated on by her husband. She files for divorce only to find out she's pregnant. She like many, many other people decide to give the marriage another chance because of the baby. When the baby is born, he looks white-ish while both her husband and her are varying shades of color. Husband accuses her of cheating, says he now has proof, the baby isn't his and walks out on her in the delivery room. It's a pretty brutal scene.
A day later, she goes home with the baby by herself only to walk in on her husband and her best friend cheating. She's told it's been going on two years and the husband is downright VICIOUS. He keeps saying keep that bastard white baby away from me. This is a day old newborn people. He then kicks the FMC out of her/their house and slaps her across the face. (That part didn't make sense to me, a call to the cops would have handled that in a minute).
The FMC to her credit never cheated and even does a ton of research to try and find out why her baby essentially looks white (described as white skinned, gold curls, blue eyes) when her and hubby are brown/black and comes up with the notion they must carry recessive genes hence the title of the book.
She goes to stay with a woman she met the day she was in labor (this part also stretches into unbelievable) mostly because she doesn't want to admit to her family and friends what's been happening with the husband (but wouldn't the baby's safety become priority over embarrassment?). Turns out the friend is white and so is her super hot cop brother who meets FMC and the baby, who ironically looks just like him, and sort of falls instantly in lust/love.
The book is VERY fast paced. FMC goes from a cheated on, verbally and emotionally abused woman, to being spoiled and treated like a queen relatively fast by the new MMC. It's fun, cute, adorable and very romantic to read. You do have to suspend belief a bit because it's pretty whiplash-y, and they say that in the book too, but they also figure why wait? Life's too short not to jump in with both feet kind of thing.
Basically wraps up with FMC and MMC falling in love and him ADORING the baby. She divorces ex-husband who is still absolutely brutal towards her. He takes her to Paternity Court where it all comes out that A. She never cheated, B. The baby is his, C. The best friend lied about FMC cheating on her husband when THEY were actually the cheaters so she'd feel less guilty about it and D. The husband signs away all parental rights and ends up embarrassed and ashamed on TV.
I thought the ending was a bit too quick but again, it's a short fast paced read and I can't wait for the next one to come out.
While I agree with the other reviews that it needed polishing on some things like less descriptions on mundane stuff (like outfits and food) and more character growth, along with a few less side characters it still intrigued me and made me read it in one sitting.
FMC found out she was cheated on by her husband. She files for divorce only to find out she's pregnant. She like many, many other people decide to give the marriage another chance because of the baby. When the baby is born, he looks white-ish while both her husband and her are varying shades of color. Husband accuses her of cheating, says he now has proof, the baby isn't his and walks out on her in the delivery room. It's a pretty brutal scene.
A day later, she goes home with the baby by herself only to walk in on her husband and her best friend cheating. She's told it's been going on two years and the husband is downright VICIOUS. He keeps saying keep that bastard white baby away from me. This is a day old newborn people. He then kicks the FMC out of her/their house and slaps her across the face. (That part didn't make sense to me, a call to the cops would have handled that in a minute).
The FMC to her credit never cheated and even does a ton of research to try and find out why her baby essentially looks white (described as white skinned, gold curls, blue eyes) when her and hubby are brown/black and comes up with the notion they must carry recessive genes hence the title of the book.
She goes to stay with a woman she met the day she was in labor (this part also stretches into unbelievable) mostly because she doesn't want to admit to her family and friends what's been happening with the husband (but wouldn't the baby's safety become priority over embarrassment?). Turns out the friend is white and so is her super hot cop brother who meets FMC and the baby, who ironically looks just like him, and sort of falls instantly in lust/love.
The book is VERY fast paced. FMC goes from a cheated on, verbally and emotionally abused woman, to being spoiled and treated like a queen relatively fast by the new MMC. It's fun, cute, adorable and very romantic to read. You do have to suspend belief a bit because it's pretty whiplash-y, and they say that in the book too, but they also figure why wait? Life's too short not to jump in with both feet kind of thing.
Basically wraps up with FMC and MMC falling in love and him ADORING the baby. She divorces ex-husband who is still absolutely brutal towards her. He takes her to Paternity Court where it all comes out that A. She never cheated, B. The baby is his, C. The best friend lied about FMC cheating on her husband when THEY were actually the cheaters so she'd feel less guilty about it and D. The husband signs away all parental rights and ends up embarrassed and ashamed on TV.
I thought the ending was a bit too quick but again, it's a short fast paced read and I can't wait for the next one to come out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 25, 2024
Not for the reader who wants a well built story.
This book is a tad confusing at times when the story doesn’t clarify certain parts. The storyline itself is rather juvenile and unrealistic.
This book is a tad confusing at times when the story doesn’t clarify certain parts. The storyline itself is rather juvenile and unrealistic.
February 5, 2025
While I loved the storyline, it felt a little bit choppy and hard to follow at times. I think the switching back and forth between Aiden and Samara's characters attributed to that. Additionally, there were some unrealistic points and some incontinuities throughout the book. When Mitch was on the phone with Samara threatening custody of Jaxson, it mentions Mitch silent on the phone and then suddenly Aiden was at the door and they were having a conversation about her phone call with Mitch but there is no mention of the phone call ending. Also, a child being born at 32 weeks would more than likely need additional days in the hospital and possibly NICU, not being released right after birth. However, as I stated above, I did enjoy the storyline overall.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 30, 2025
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Can I just say, the writing right off bat is very akin to fanfiction style, a bit jumbled and unclear at moments and the insanely fast instalove was very Wattpad.
The characters are rather comically immature and sappily romantic. The dialogues were incredibly mushy and corny, and reminds me of young teens being in love which is funny as the MMC and FMC are adults - one being a police officer and the other a university professor iirc. Maybe if the mushiness was toned down a bit, I'd be able to take them more seriously. But because the mushiness is at the max, I'm taking them all in like I'm watching a trashy reality TV show. Mind you, that's not a bad thing. It's definitely entertaining.
The plot was also very predictable but that's fine since we already knew who the biological father is and how it would turn out. I really wish we had more friendship moments with Eve. She was sad about not having friends and at the end, it really did feel like her brother stole her new friend and now she was just a glorified babysitter. I believe she has her own book so maybe there's more friendship moments there.
Overall, was this well-written? No. Was this a well-developed romance between 2 mature adults? Not really. But was it BAD? Absolutely not. It was quite a fun and fast read. This gave me Wattpad and AO3 vibes and my inner teenage is rather satisfied with how everything turned out.
Can I just say, the writing right off bat is very akin to fanfiction style, a bit jumbled and unclear at moments and the insanely fast instalove was very Wattpad.
The characters are rather comically immature and sappily romantic. The dialogues were incredibly mushy and corny, and reminds me of young teens being in love which is funny as the MMC and FMC are adults - one being a police officer and the other a university professor iirc. Maybe if the mushiness was toned down a bit, I'd be able to take them more seriously. But because the mushiness is at the max, I'm taking them all in like I'm watching a trashy reality TV show. Mind you, that's not a bad thing. It's definitely entertaining.
The plot was also very predictable but that's fine since we already knew who the biological father is and how it would turn out. I really wish we had more friendship moments with Eve. She was sad about not having friends and at the end, it really did feel like her brother stole her new friend and now she was just a glorified babysitter. I believe she has her own book so maybe there's more friendship moments there.
Overall, was this well-written? No. Was this a well-developed romance between 2 mature adults? Not really. But was it BAD? Absolutely not. It was quite a fun and fast read. This gave me Wattpad and AO3 vibes and my inner teenage is rather satisfied with how everything turned out.
December 17, 2024
Juicy Drama and a Juicy Police Man !
What would you do if your husband left you moments after you give birth ? Loose the plot ? Go into a deep hole ……. Or would you fall into the hands of a handsome blonde hair blue eyed hunk of a police man ?
Samara is dealt one of the worse hands of cards I’ve read about the though makes your heart ache for her, but how her character is written you know she will overcome anything and come back stronger …. And that she did !
With her new bestie Eve by her side and Eve big bro Aiden and his best Adan , Samara and Jaxson have a self made family right there.
Love how the characters are written, each one you begin to love in their own way, Mitch on the other hand I would gladly throat punch him !
The storyline is written so beautifully you just keep reading as you want to know what happens between these two love birds who’s chemistry is so strong throughout the whole book you just keep reading to find out more.
The ending is perfect ! The whole last few chapters had me on edge wanting everything to work out and tellers just say these two have the HEA they deserve !
Oh and our police man can have a bit of a dirty mouth on him too …. There is some spicy few chapters in this book 👌🏻
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
What would you do if your husband left you moments after you give birth ? Loose the plot ? Go into a deep hole ……. Or would you fall into the hands of a handsome blonde hair blue eyed hunk of a police man ?
Samara is dealt one of the worse hands of cards I’ve read about the though makes your heart ache for her, but how her character is written you know she will overcome anything and come back stronger …. And that she did !
With her new bestie Eve by her side and Eve big bro Aiden and his best Adan , Samara and Jaxson have a self made family right there.
Love how the characters are written, each one you begin to love in their own way, Mitch on the other hand I would gladly throat punch him !
The storyline is written so beautifully you just keep reading as you want to know what happens between these two love birds who’s chemistry is so strong throughout the whole book you just keep reading to find out more.
The ending is perfect ! The whole last few chapters had me on edge wanting everything to work out and tellers just say these two have the HEA they deserve !
Oh and our police man can have a bit of a dirty mouth on him too …. There is some spicy few chapters in this book 👌🏻
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
July 2, 2025
Samara, you are a goddess and a much better person than me! The way she handled Mitch and his disloyalty and horrible comments was amazing. She never stooped to his level. She showed amazing restraint. Mitch is a small little man and deserved everything he got and more. I adore his mother and how she made sure he knew how disappointmented she was. Eve is a girls girl, and I love the friendship Samara and her developed. After what Britney did, Eve was a breath of fresh air. I also have to mention what a dream boat Aiden is! He was supportive, kind, and most of all patient. He let Samara feel everything and supported her. Seriously, a dream!! I love that they got their happy ending, and Samara ended up with someone who appreciated her and loved her. Recessive genes really are interesting. It happened in my family, but luckily, none of the drama. Mitch should have trusted Samara, but that was too much for him. Im definitely diving into Eve's story. Im excited
November 4, 2024
Holy Smokes What a HEARTWARMING Read!!!
I gobbled this book up! Started a few hours ago and couldn’t put it down. I saw it on my TikTok feed and jumped right over to it!
This is a warm and wholesome story with real heartache and hope thrown in. A true romance.
It had one of my fav troupes, insta-love but still a full and satisfying story to boot. I smiled so much and felt the h’s pain so strongly as well. My 1st book by Leigh Stevens and I hope she has more!
Our H, Aiden, was a man!! In every way. I want one of these when I grow up please and thank you! He was strong when Samara needed him to be and allowed her to take the lead when he sensed she needed that too.
All in all a good wholesome feel good read that also dealt with real life issues throughout. That reminded us that people can only had as much power over us as we allow them to.
I gobbled this book up! Started a few hours ago and couldn’t put it down. I saw it on my TikTok feed and jumped right over to it!
This is a warm and wholesome story with real heartache and hope thrown in. A true romance.
It had one of my fav troupes, insta-love but still a full and satisfying story to boot. I smiled so much and felt the h’s pain so strongly as well. My 1st book by Leigh Stevens and I hope she has more!
Our H, Aiden, was a man!! In every way. I want one of these when I grow up please and thank you! He was strong when Samara needed him to be and allowed her to take the lead when he sensed she needed that too.
All in all a good wholesome feel good read that also dealt with real life issues throughout. That reminded us that people can only had as much power over us as we allow them to.
November 29, 2024
2.5 stars
Honestly can’t even really review this as I forgot most of it lol All I remember is her husband accuses her of cheating and the baby isn’t his. He is NOT the MMC. He has been cheating on her. Note that he cheated before and she forgave him previous (before books starts) and was planning on staying when she found out she was pregnant. When he cheats again after accusing her of cheating, since the baby didn’t look like him, and kicks her out literally the day she came back from giving birth, she decides on getting a divorce. She meets her friends brother, who happens to look JUST like her baby. Drama with her ex and then a HEA. This book was pretty forgettable. I didn’t hate it, just boring
Honestly can’t even really review this as I forgot most of it lol All I remember is her husband accuses her of cheating and the baby isn’t his. He is NOT the MMC. He has been cheating on her. Note that he cheated before and she forgave him previous (before books starts) and was planning on staying when she found out she was pregnant. When he cheats again after accusing her of cheating, since the baby didn’t look like him, and kicks her out literally the day she came back from giving birth, she decides on getting a divorce. She meets her friends brother, who happens to look JUST like her baby. Drama with her ex and then a HEA. This book was pretty forgettable. I didn’t hate it, just boring
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 22, 2024
Leigh S delivers once again with the drama, relationship issues, betrayal, revenge and love at first sight. Samara just wants her family to be whole but her husband has other plans in mind. With the arrival of their son puts the final nail in the coffin of their marriage. Now Samara is learning how to be solo dolo but Fate has other plans. Join the story to see how far betrayal can go, how new friends can be better than old friends and sometimes you have to try something new to reach your ultimate goal...a happy loving relationship. Enjoy 🥰.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 16, 2024
Samara has gone through a lot with her husband, but nothing could prepare her for the way he treated her after the birth of their child. Accused of cheating he kicked her out of their home in spite of just getting out of the hospital and she catches him with her best friend. Devastated Aiden comes to her rescue, and it starts them along a path that is filled with dramatic twists and a blooming love between them. Will Samara finally get the happiness she deserves with Aiden.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 1, 2024
My first L.S. book and wow. Family is complicated, and this book shows all the aspects. Samara didn't want to repeat history, but her first choice in a husband led her to be like her mom. But a new friend, with an amazing brother, step in to create a better family for Samara and her newborn son. Bit of a roller-coaster with the soon to be ex, but Samara is justified in the end and wins by getting the better man and father.
February 2, 2025
Whose White baby is that?
This was such a sweet story. Samara was a strong female character who tried to face her husband's betrayal on her own. A new bestie fell into her lap, as well as bestie's hot brother, Aiden, and a new, better support system was born.
The mutual instant attraction between the two was beautiful. Aiden immediately knew Samara and her baby were his family and took the steps to make sure it happened.
Beautifully written, loved this story.
This was such a sweet story. Samara was a strong female character who tried to face her husband's betrayal on her own. A new bestie fell into her lap, as well as bestie's hot brother, Aiden, and a new, better support system was born.
The mutual instant attraction between the two was beautiful. Aiden immediately knew Samara and her baby were his family and took the steps to make sure it happened.
Beautifully written, loved this story.
October 27, 2025
Sweet story
I did consider giving this story more stars as it was a sweet love story for the FMC after the disastrous end of her marriage. What stopped me giving higher though was how deep the love at first sight was. If it was more of a gradual buildup it would’ve seemed more believable, but doing that would’ve resulted in a longer story. In the end though everyone gets exactly what they deserve, particularly her ex-husband.
I did consider giving this story more stars as it was a sweet love story for the FMC after the disastrous end of her marriage. What stopped me giving higher though was how deep the love at first sight was. If it was more of a gradual buildup it would’ve seemed more believable, but doing that would’ve resulted in a longer story. In the end though everyone gets exactly what they deserve, particularly her ex-husband.
September 26, 2024
It was alright.
There was nothing wrong this book. The story was ok, a bit too insta for me but I liked it. But I didn’t like the writing style, there was too many adjectives used and 8 dunno, it just made me roll my eyes. I just struggled to stay connected to the story and it took me days to finish less than 300 pages.
There was nothing wrong this book. The story was ok, a bit too insta for me but I liked it. But I didn’t like the writing style, there was too many adjectives used and 8 dunno, it just made me roll my eyes. I just struggled to stay connected to the story and it took me days to finish less than 300 pages.
November 3, 2024
I started this book last night like 12 an and most up all night couldn’t put it down up at 8 and finished this . Got to read this . Husband was cheating wife had a baby but he believed not his , left her at hosp came home to him and someone important she thought there . Loved it !! Don’t want to write give story away . She gets justice and finds love and peace she was looking for .
January 28, 2025
Interesting concept
This book was okay. At times, it was repetitive, restating things over and over again. In addition, Samara had what could be considered mood swings throughout the book which left me feeling like I couldn't identify with her as a character. I did like the Maury/ paternity court moment.
This book was okay. At times, it was repetitive, restating things over and over again. In addition, Samara had what could be considered mood swings throughout the book which left me feeling like I couldn't identify with her as a character. I did like the Maury/ paternity court moment.
April 17, 2025
Samara and Aiden met in less than ideal circumstances, but it seemed to have been love at first sight for them both. Eve was the epitome of what a best friend should be like. Mitch and Britney were horrible characters, but they both got what they deserved. IMO, the story was a little tough to get through, but it was a very interesting read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 11, 2026
I just love the drama especially when men blame their loyal partner of cheating when they’re the ones that actively cheats.
Wish he got more of a punishment than just giving away his rights and being embarrassed.
At least the fmc leaves one shitty man to someone who treats her like the queen she is and accepts the baby as his own.
Wish he got more of a punishment than just giving away his rights and being embarrassed.
At least the fmc leaves one shitty man to someone who treats her like the queen she is and accepts the baby as his own.
November 3, 2024
Sweet Love
What a wonderful story. Marshmallow MMC and a strong FMC that knows what she wants. I read some books that are on the dark side and this one is a perfect palate cleanser with a bit of spice. I’ll be reading more books from this author.
What a wonderful story. Marshmallow MMC and a strong FMC that knows what she wants. I read some books that are on the dark side and this one is a perfect palate cleanser with a bit of spice. I’ll be reading more books from this author.
January 31, 2025
There was a lot of potential in this book, but it didn't quite live up to it. The author wasn't quite able to make me feel the angst, or the passion, that should have been herein
based on the subject matter.
The best part was the court scene, even though it was a bit OTT.
based on the subject matter.
The best part was the court scene, even though it was a bit OTT.
April 2, 2025
I love everything about this book! It’s the first book I’ve read by this author and I will definitely be reading more. Samara and Aiden’s characters were perfect. And the supporting characters were so fun to read about. I can’t wait until the next book in this series is released!
May 8, 2025
Cutesy & Charming
I enjoyed this book. The FMC was totally relate able as to what some women go through.
The FMC’s husband is a real jerk. I like that the FMC had a happy ending for her and her child.
I enjoyed this book. The FMC was totally relate able as to what some women go through.
The FMC’s husband is a real jerk. I like that the FMC had a happy ending for her and her child.
August 12, 2025
underwhelming
The story has potential to be good but the plot was rushed from the outset. It reads as if a teenager wrote it trying to balance being profound with being romantic and throwing in stereotypical “she’s mine” vibes with no backstory.
The story has potential to be good but the plot was rushed from the outset. It reads as if a teenager wrote it trying to balance being profound with being romantic and throwing in stereotypical “she’s mine” vibes with no backstory.
August 23, 2025
loved it
Omg this was the best ever. If you are a hopeless romantic and believe in love at first sight, this is definitely the one to read. I loved how a total stranger became her best friend and the brother became the knight in shining armor. I would definitely read this again.
Omg this was the best ever. If you are a hopeless romantic and believe in love at first sight, this is definitely the one to read. I loved how a total stranger became her best friend and the brother became the knight in shining armor. I would definitely read this again.
October 15, 2025
Amazing!
I loved the story, loved the plot. Aiden is by far the most swoon worthy MMC. Bless his little golden retriever, cinnamon roll heart. I love a story were the man isn't afraid to go after what he wants. Fights for it. Never apologizing for his feelings.
I loved the story, loved the plot. Aiden is by far the most swoon worthy MMC. Bless his little golden retriever, cinnamon roll heart. I love a story were the man isn't afraid to go after what he wants. Fights for it. Never apologizing for his feelings.
September 20, 2024
Read sample which was the first six chapters. I did not care for the writing style or story telling.
Mitch was a dumb p.o.s.
Samara's character was annoying
Mitch was a dumb p.o.s.
Samara's character was annoying
October 30, 2024
Cute
Cute story, I loved the mmc the fmc was cute but not my favorite. Loved ger friendship with eve! Cute epilogue
Cute story, I loved the mmc the fmc was cute but not my favorite. Loved ger friendship with eve! Cute epilogue
October 31, 2024
4 1/2
This book is very good I recommend to you to read. I feel very bad for the mom . I so glad she found her true love 💗
This book is very good I recommend to you to read. I feel very bad for the mom . I so glad she found her true love 💗
November 27, 2024
amazing
This book has it all. I was held captive from the beginning. Excellent book. I had to buy it for my library .
This book has it all. I was held captive from the beginning. Excellent book. I had to buy it for my library .
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews