My trauma does not define me. My past doesn’t determine my future. My nightmares won’t control my actions.
Overcoming past trauma can be a long windy road, especially when it isn’t dealt with properly. Yunique Mott, a forty-year-old dentist, can attest to that. Her childhood trauma has been dictating her every move. While she thinks she’s moved on from it, she doesn’t realize that she hasn’t healed. She craves love and a family, despite it all, but she feels because she’s so picky about what she’s willing to accept, it will never happen. She takes a page from her friend, Giselle’s, book, and makes an appointment with Arranged Hearts, hoping they will be able to help her find the man she craves and deserves.
I am not my father. I deserve love from the right woman. I can be a better man, despite my past.
Harlem Moore hails from the tough streets of Houston, Texas, but chooses to move to Tallahassee, Florida for a fresh start. He wants his hustling days to be behind him, and to be sure of that, he knows he has to change his environment. After being in Florida for six months, he realizes he needs to schedule a dentist appointment. Upon scrolling the listings, he sees Yunique Mott’s picture. At first sight of her, he craves love that he feels only she can give. However, because of her rejection and mention of her pending nuptials, he decides to take the same route, hoping he can be paired with someone like her that will rock his soul.
Fierce chemistry… Insurmountable passion… Love without bounds.
The compatibility of Yunique and Harlem is higher than any other possible pairing, and once they are matched, the surprise of it all is initially overwhelming. The chemistry and attraction are already there, so the transition seems easy. However, there are some secrets about their pasts that can cause mental turmoil and rough descensions for both. The trauma is great and threatens to suffocate anyone attached to it. Will the arranged hearts be able to overcome the impossible and commit to forever, or will I do turn into I don’t?
Starting with poetry, writing has always been a constant in Monica's life. The interest began in her teenage years, being in love for the first time. Her love for writing has only progressed. Song lyrics and poetry led to short stories, then one day in her down time, a short story became a 56k word novel. It has been non-stop since then. Being a wife and mother, has only added to the joys of Monica's life. Attaining a BS in Sociology, helping her better understand people and their behaviors, has only helped her become a better writer, understanding characters and their complex personalities. Romance of all types has been her passion, and she plans to continue honing her skills in that genre.
The first book was so good, how could I not read the spinoff? Monica Walters, you knocked it out of the park yet again.
Harlem was exactly the man Yunique needed, he said he'd be there through thick and thin AND WAS!! He was ready to wait for however long it took Yunique to figure stuff out, and he supported her every step of the way.
And poor Yunique...my heart breaks for her, what she went through, but I'm glad she decided to get some help, and to fight for their marriage. These two are meant to be together!!
The highlight of my reading experience was the Clayton - Vegas...collab, shall we say. I've been waiting for that since book one. It was so funny.
There were some pretty heavy topics discussed, and I appreciated the sensitivity around them. I loved the support that the FMC received from her family, friends and community.
The emotional availability of the MMC was refreshing. Also, I need a story about Vegas!! Why do we keep getting nuggets about him, I need the whole story.
The friendship. The community. 🫶🏽
This was a quick read. A novella if you will, but it encompassed all that was needed in the story.
Trigger warnings: SA, child abuse, grief, and mental illness/metal breakdowns (incl. PTSD)
Loved this book. Yunique was dealing with trauma from her childhood that she could not escape. She wanted to find love and have a family. She was finally able to do so but she had to get through some road blocks.
I enjoyed this Arranged Hearts spin off. This story was very emotional while witnessing Yunique truly heal from her trauma. I loved that Harlem was there for her through it all and to see his love for her. Harlem was definitely the man she needed to truly confront her issues and deal with them, it just sucks that something drastic had to happen to get her to see that. I also appreciated Yunique’s growth throughout this story.
If you enjoyed the previous Arranged Hearts story you may enjoy this one as well, but be prepared to go on an emotional rollercoaster with this one. 3.5/5 stars
Instead of looking/wanting love Yunique should’ve focused on healing from her trauma. But unfortunately I think it took her marrying Harlem at first sight to break and get the help she actually needed. Harlem was patient, kind and caring.
Overcoming trauma is no easy feat, and for 40-year-old Yunique Mott, this couldn’t ring truer. She believes she has conquered her childhood struggles, building a successful career as a dentist. On the surface, her life seems picture-perfect, but deep down, she longs for love and the family she's always dreamed of. That's when she decides to take a leap of faith inspired by her friend Giselle and reaches out to Arranged Hearts, hoping they can help her find the man of her dreams.
Enter Harlem Moore—a man seeking a fresh start after relocating from bustling Houston, Texas, to the charming streets of Tallahassee, Florida. Eager to leave his hustling days behind, Harlem quickly discovers he needs a reliable dentist. While flipping through the local papers, he stumbles upon Yunique’s radiant picture, and just like that, he’s captivated. He believes she holds the key to the love he desperately craves. However, his pursuit comes to a screeching halt upon learning she's already set to marry someone else. Undeterred, he takes a chance and joins Arranged Hearts, hoping to find someone who ignites his soul like Yunique did.
Just when it seems like fate has conspired against them, an unexpected twist awaits! Yunique and Harlem are both stunned to find one another standing at the altar on their wedding day. Thrilled at having been matched, their chemistry is electric, sparking a connection that leaves no doubt they’re destined for something special. But as they embark on this new journey together, shadows from their past threaten to derail their happiness.
The story unfolds with breathtaking beauty and raw emotion as Yunique and Harlem confront their old wounds. Will they manage to heal and forgive in order to build a future together? Did Arranged Hearts truly create another successful couple? Dive into this captivating tale to discover their journey!
Foremost, the cover photo for “Fervor…” is absolutely gorgeous 🤎🤩‼️…My goodness😮💨🥺🥹😍 “Fervor: An Arranged Hearts Spin Off” was a fantastic read yet emotionally exhausting. The chemistry between Yunique & Harlem was electrifying (even at Dentist Office 🤭). These two were destined to be together. Likewise, their AH preliminary individual interviews were hilarious & legendary & even when their physical attraction, desired romantic journey to relationship were challenged‼️ “You kill my dog, I kill your entire family.” 😬🤭‼️Nonetheless, I was just as anxious 😬 (reading) throughout each chapter as the principal characters celebrated personal victories while simultaneously reliving mutual debilitating & or humiliating traumatic experiences. However, those same experiences didn’t preclude the beauty or the beast from receiving their heart’s desire to be loved‼️ “I’m ready to treat one woman the way she deserves, with love, devotion & fervent affection.”🥰
First off… grab your tissues and a strong drink because Monica Walters is taking us through it with this one! The twists and turns in this book still have my emotions everywhere. This was such a heartbreaking yet beautiful story. We’ve met Yunique in previous books and learned some of her background but I still wasn't ready. Experiencing things from her POV kept my eyes wet! The connection between Yunique and Harlem is unmatched. The way he loved his woman and his protection over her and mental peace is what every woman needs. Yunique is so strong. I can admit that in previous books I didn't care for her and the way she handled the “incident” but after witnessing her trauma yeah… she has my respect. Monica did her big one with this book. The storyline was executed perfectly. The characters were complex and also relatable at the same time. She touched every emotion I had. I laughed, cried, cussed, and screamed while reading this masterpiece, and although I still feel raw I thoroughly enjoyed this read and I’m already wanting more!
(3.5⭐️) Let this story serve as a warning of what happens when you don’t actually deal with your trauma and when you go to therapy but don’t do the work🙄This was a fast moving love story and I loved Harlem as a MMC. He was a sensitive reformed street 🥷He and Yunique fell hard and fast, and despite the odds being against their relationship working out…they got their happily ever after.
Monicaaaaaaaa, you took me on a wild emotional ride, and I’m so glad you did! This book was *a lot* because Yunique was, in fact, deeply traumatized. I felt for her—truly, I did—but she was *pissing me off*! Lmao, it’s all through my notes. I kept feeling like she wasn’t doing the work, like she was waiting to be rescued and saved instead of getting in the field and doing it herself.
Whew, when the truth was revealed, I *almost* DNF’d because I hated her attitude about the whole situation. Like, how all of a sudden, immediately, Mo was all she could see. That part tore me up and had me crying at my desk, but it was *necessary*. I’m so glad the author made Yunique take charge and actually start doing the hard work.
And Harlem, baby! If I wasn’t from the Bronx, lol, he’d be my favorite borough. That man was not playing with Yunique. He was supportive, loving, and kind. I appreciated how he was willing to sacrifice his pride and do whatever it took to keep his chocolate Barbie. The level of compassion and consideration he showed was beautiful to witness because, honestly, Yunique was trying her hardest to condemn that man for the sins of his father—a man he didn’t even rock with like that! Overall this was a beautiful and gripping tale of overcoming mental health struggles and adversity with the power of love support, good meds and a splash of that vitamin D. I do wish we would’ve gotten some more on her pregnancy and how she managed those emotions and medications but still a great story
Monica warned me and I thought I was ready, but I wasn't fully prepared. Yunique had a lot going on in her head with the trauma from her childhood and once I knew more, I understood better. However, it was definitely A LOT. Harlem came into her life like a wrecking ball and literally wrecked shop! (IYKYK, it's A Texas thang) Him being her match after her first one backed out and being who he was, just wasn't something Nique was mentally prepared for. I mean it actually almost killed her. The power the mind has over the body is scary. Even while she tried to push him away, Harlem proved that he was definitely a man in love and willing to do whatever for Nique. His fervor and vulnerability was top tier. Seeing how sickness and health showed up immediately and he took it on like David did Goliath made him the man in my book.
Monica, why you had Vegas do Clayton like that? That was something I shouldn't have been laughing about, but I was straight up cackling! That man out here limping and stuttering, but after the stunts he pulled with Giselle and Gentry...he got what he asked for. For real though, please read the authors warning because even though I did, it still took my breath.
I actually really love the story... Like miss author maybe I didn't not expect this to be so emotional and it literally brought me to tears. Understanding the trauma and how deep it ran for yunique really hurt my spirit but seeing her heal and grow with Harlem alongside her was the most beautiful touching thing that I've ever seen. Harlem was everything she needed in a man and more that man was sensitive yet aggressive sweet yet BDE What's so powerful. The fact that her trauma not only put her deep but when Harlem found out everything it literally made him sickAnd my heart literally broke when he broke out into tears he wanted to be with her so much that he was willing to wait it out to see where she was with everything. This is literally the definition of a couple that's meant to be together even through trials and obstacles they will find their way back to each other because they are bigger than the trauma. Obviously I love the family aspect and everybody supporting her in her situation and also being voices of reasonHow they all each handle the situation and why. PS still cracking up about Clayton because his a** was handed to him by Vegas he went in there and was like Aha needed to pack the f*** down, don't no one play with baby sis 🤣
Enjoyed the Love Story of Yunique & Harlem. I will definitely recommend this story as I enjoyed all of the Arranged Heart Stories. I took a chance with this as I read that it had to do with a past trauma from a previous book and wanted to see. I was sad to hear via audiobook that it was the sister Yunique who was traumatized by the incident when they were young, but was glad that she was finally willing to get real help and follow through to stay healthy and alive. My heart went out to Harlem when he revealed who his father was and they both broke down in tears. I enjoyed the Narration. Loved how Yunique realized that she had a lot to live for and chose to get better and make the marriage work as they both really loved each other. This story had its parts where I was able to laugh and cry but all in all I found this to be the most emotional of them all. I always love a Happy ending. A definite recommendation. Well done 10/10⭐️⭐️.
As a huge fan of the An Arranged Heart series, I was absolutely ecstatic when I found out Monica Walters was giving us a spin-off that had connections to one of my favorite families, the Berottle family. Fervor did not disappoint!
Harlem and Yunique’s story is truly heartwarming. Both were yearning for love but unsure if it would ever find them. Yunique’s trauma was so palpable that it brought tears to my eyes, making her journey all the more powerful and relatable.
The lessons in this story are twofold: (1) It’s never too late to find your forever love, and (2) until you heal from your trauma, the same lessons will keep resurfacing until you put in the work to overcome them.
Monica Walters has delivered yet another incredible story filled with love, growth, and resilience. A must-read for fans of the Berottle family and anyone who loves a heartfelt romance!
I'm glad Yunique really started putting in the work to be better. Mental health is nothing to play at. Speaking from experience on both ends it was nice being able to see her getting better. Harlem was really great with her. I'm glad she saw past who his sperm donor was and still gave him a chance. The fact that their mother is still around and their allowing it like she didn't allow Kee to be molested is straight disturbing to me. It's fucked up especially because in gangsta Kee talked about how Yunique started calling her Karen instead of mom and Yunique said in the beginning she resented the hell out of her mom and blamed her but all that was swept under the rug and quickly forgotten at the beginning of the story. It seems she got off completely with absolutely no consequences for the trauma she let happen.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I've been a Monica Walters fan for a while and I never thought anything/anyone could top Jasper (Ignite My Soul) but man was I proven wrong. Harlem was thuggish enough for people to not try him but sensitive and warm enough to be a PRESENT PARTNER. He was able to help Yunique heal the pieces of herself that had been broken for years. This couple took love without bounds to a whole new level of trust, commitment and determination. The sub characters provided the support and care that I wish everyone could feel, and the fact that readers know what they'd overcome and now had the ability to show up for someone else had me crying like I really know these people! If you haven't read this book AND all the others connected to it.
P.S they bonus was finding out that Vegas really made a special trip to "see about" Clayton😉
Yunique and Harlem, Currently Loving You Through Your Past Pain
Amazing!!! Amazing and beautifully written!!!…I loved everything about this book!!!… This book was definitely a show of protection, healing, loving yourself and another with family and friends!!!… Yunique definitely needed some rest and a healing for her heart and soul!!!…I was scared about how she would respond once she found out who Harlem was, but I was so happy that she didn’t hold his father’s bad behavior against him!!!… I love that her friends and family was supportive without being pushy or forcing their thoughts on her, but to walk with her as she made the decision!!!… Harlem was a wonderful person for letting her know he loved her, but he would move at her pace!!!…
Yunique wanted what her sisters and friends had marriage and babies but there was trauma she was dealing with..... Then this fine ass man comes into her dental office, the chemistry was hott but she shook it off. Harlem seen her picture for a dentist and he loves some chocolate...... then he finds out his shady daddy had done something but didn't know what it was until his reception . Jungle and Vegas don't play about family and to find the whole truth he knew he had to tell her and when she said his daddy name he had to say that was daddy my heart broke ... I have never cried so much my head was hurting. Clayton every time he talks I start laughing like crazy Vegas don't play about family Great Book
Nothing that I've read by this author has been disappointing. Every story is so relatable in so many ways. I loved this book. Watching Yunique on her healing journey was a lot but so glad she overcame so much. Dealing with a lot of past trauma made her very untrusting of people especially men. When she felt she was ready to find her forever mate she decided to try Arranged hearts which worked so well for her friend Giselle. She got matched with someone she was already had previous encounters with recently. What she didn't know was he was indirectly tied to the people who caused the most trauma in her life. They worked hard together to help her work through her fears and truly find her way through her healing journey.
I have some thoughts about this one. It was cute — not amazing, but cute. I gave it 3.5 stars.
The main character had a lot of trauma, and while I appreciate her journey, I do feel like she still has some healing left to do. That said, she’s happy, and if she’s happy, I’m happy.
Now let’s talk about him. Whew. That man put in some serious work. Did he ever. Had her screaming, okay? He understood the assignment. Their chemistry was definitely there.
This was a spinoff novella from Monica Walters’ Arrange Hearts series, which I’ve partially read (maybe two or three books). The tie-in was nice, especially if you’re familiar with the series. It added a little extra flavor to the experience. Overall, it was okay enjoyable, but not earth shattering.
When the connection between Yunique’s childhood trauma and Harlem finally came out, I was sitting there like IKYFL. That was A LOT, but the way they allowed love to rise above all that hurt was truly beautiful.
Harlem wanting Yunique from first sight!!! That man was locked in. Their wedding, Tahiti, her recovery… and the way he stood by her even while dealing with his own pain? FERVOR!
Ms. Monica, ma’am… that author’s note should’ve come with a tissue warning because WOW.
Overall, this was a beautiful story of healing, redemption, and the undeniable power of love. 🫶🏾
And can I just say—I loved that Yunique was described as a chocolate goddess. 👑
Harlem did not come to play! The chemistry between he and Yunique was so intense. Their first sexual encounter during the honeymoon was overwhelming. Their connection brought forth strong emotional intimacy that burned the pages! Monica did an excellent job with how she handled Nique's trauma and Harlem's connection to it. She did the work to pull herself through it when she realized she'd just buried it instead of moving on from it. Their journey could have gone in a different direction, but the make-up of the strong characters on Monica's part made all the difference. Very well written! It was great seeing the crew as well.
This author ceases to amaze me with each masterpiece that she writes and delivers. The chemistry and fire was jumping from Yunique and Harlem's first encounter, and the flame never seemed to die. They both tried to fight and deny their attraction, but it wasn't to be had, even after their unknown match in "Arranged Hearts."
The turbulence of trauma, tribulation, and misery was the test to see if they could & would have the beautiful relationship, marriage, and family that they both wanted badly. Harlem was definitely up to the challenge, having a former lifestyle that Yunique frowned upon. But, she wanted him. The heart wants what the heart wants!
Yunique and Harlem exhibited the perfect balance needed to make their relationship stand the test of time.
❤️❤️ Loved catching up with some of the gang from previous books.
A fervent love indeed! This story was beautifully written and discusses real life topics that some cultures have children hiding. That "what happens in this house, stays in this house" mentality will ruin a person. Both of the main characters were over the raggedy dating scene and decided to get help to find their love. What a ride it was! Harlem came with that fervor and meant it all through his being. It's a beautiful thing to read how the story unfolds with all of the intertwining from previous stories. Loved it! Well done Author Monica Walters... take your bow!! ✨️👏🏾
I really enjoyed The Arranged Hearts book, Passion, so when this one dropped I said I HAVE to read this one too. Since I read Gangsta and Passion, I knew that Yuniques story was going to make me emotional. But babyyyy I was not prepared for the love that Harlem displayed so soon. I felt for Yunique when she was trying to overcome her trauma and I felt for Harlem trying to show her he wasn’t the same as that person. I didn’t know how Monica would bring it all together, but she did an amazing job. I absolutely loved every moment of this book. I had all the feels reading this one.
When I first started reading this book I didn't think it was for me because I'm not really interested in those types of books but I'm glad I continued to read it because it turned out to be a very good books. It's about a man who used to be a thug and got out of that situation to make a better life for himself and a woman whose father was in that life when she was a child but she distanced herself from it. Not too much drama but a very well written story about Harlem and Yunique who are both looking for love and gets matched through an online service. Monica Walters is an excellent storyteller.
I enjoyed this book from beginning to end. Yunique is a beautiful, 40 year old dentist who is ready to be free and to be loved on and protected. Swearing off hood 🥷🏿, she left her old life behind to find something different. Harlem, a former hood 🥷🏿, gave up the street life in pursuit of something different. Like the fine, chocolate dentist in his new city.
The way Monique wrote Harlem was just so beautiful! He was everything that women would want in a man. The way that he loved on Yunique... my heart.
The trauma. It was a lot. I need to go back & read Gangsta. The story was beautiful. I could have read 100 more pages.
This was a heavy book. I really enjoy both Unique and Harlem’s characters. The topic of the book was so heavy it felt rushed. This is the appropriate book to “drag” a little. I haven’t read any additional books by this author so being that this is a stand alone but tied to a series it could have been started in a si different book. I loved the inclusion of therapy and how it was immersed throughout the book when Unique was struggling and the author didn’t use sex or drugs as a scapegoat. I thought her dream was just a dream but finding out it was real was a hard pill to swallow. I would definitely read more by this author.
Harlem was a man that knew what he wanted and went for it. At first sight, Yunique was on his radar. Finding out the truth from Vegas and Jungle made him want to let his feelings go, although he knew nothing about Mo's wrong doings. Yunique needed to heal, but was determined to find her forever. She and Harlem made beautiful harmony together. Finding out the truth brought out the best part of them both. Their chemistry became stronger and love more beautiful. Awesome read!