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Won't Keep You Waiting

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Anario Anderson is a professional poker player who thrives on taking risks—except when it comes to love. After a messy breakup with his daughter’s mother two years ago, he’s embraced the bachelor lifestyle and left serious relationships off the table. But everything changes when he meets China Armani, his daughter’s intelligent, beautiful, and cautious teacher, at a school open house.

China is focused on rebuilding her life after ending a dead-end relationship. The last thing she wants is to gamble on love, especially with a smooth-talking playboy like Anario. But he’s never been one to fold under pressure, and he’s determined to win her over.

As Anario chips away at China’s defenses, she begins to see there’s more to him than his charm and high-stakes career. But with her past heartbreaks and his unpredictable lifestyle, can they both bet on love and come out on top?

243 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 2, 2025

799 people are currently reading
920 people want to read

About the author

T'Lyn

59 books658 followers
T’Lyn is a Greenville, South Carolina, native, mother of five, and author with a affinity for writing. She fell in love with reading at the age of fourteen, soon discovering that she wanted to share her own creative ideas.

With a gifted ability of storytelling, T’Lyn crafts love stories mixed with romance and hood. To date, she has published eighteen novels.

T’Lyn has a passion for writing and continues to pen her wild imaginative thoughts, taking readers on a journey with authentic storytelling.

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5 stars
1,977 (61%)
4 stars
915 (28%)
3 stars
280 (8%)
2 stars
27 (<1%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 239 reviews
Profile Image for Annette Williams.
1,201 reviews434 followers
January 13, 2025
4.5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐

“I hate that you question everything about me and us, and I hate that you give a f*ck about time and shyt. Just chill and enjoy this ride I’m ‘bout to take you on to our happily ever after, aight?” Swoon! ☺️☺️☺️☺️

China has been in a stale azz relationship for seven years with a man who has a questionable relationship with his mama. Calling Jackson a mama’s boy is a ginormous understatement. He talks to his mama before he goes to bed, he talks to his mama when he wakes up, he invites her on their dinner dates, if mama needs somethin’ he don’t mind cancelin’ their plans and, the coup de grâce, he asks dear mama for advice on their sex life. My good sis is fed up but, that’s her man’s mama and for some unknown reason, she’s stickin’ beside him. But, when Jackson makes some questionable decisions that impacts their lives and he still chooses to put his bad hip mama’s needs over theirs, China has had enough and she finally walks away.

Rio is a popular professional poker player. He shares custody of his five year old daughter but, ever since their breakup, his baby mama has been movin’ funny and being very neglectful of Kali. When Marissa forgets to pick their daughter up from school, he takes temporary custody of Kali until she gets her shyt together. It’s Open House time and Kali is dyin’ to introduce her daddy to Ms. A. When Rio spots China from down the hall, he’s a goner. He was ready to put a ring on her finger and change her name to Anderson right then and there. Having just ended a long term relationship, China’s not ready for anything serious but, Rio wasn’t tryin’ to hear all that. He had his foot on the pretty four-eyed teacher’s neck and he wasn’t lettin’ up anytime soon.

I absolutely loved this book! Won’t Keep You Waiting was sexy, funny, romantic, and everything in between. China and Rio were such a breath of fresh air. I loved how he pursued her with intention and wouldn’t accept no regardless of how many times she said it. I loved the supportive family dynamics on both sides and I just adored lil Ms. Kali. She 1000% stole the whole book. My only complaint is the lack of resolve with Jackson’s relationship with his mama. She eluded to an inappropriate relationship between them but, there was no follow-up. I kept waiting for China to catch them in some kind of compromising position but, it never happened. But, other than that, this was a great read. T’Lyn, come on down to the front of the class and get your flowers. Ma'am, you did a phenomenal job with this book and I can’t wait to see what you have in store for the other two Armani sisters.
Profile Image for Kameel.
1,068 reviews302 followers
January 6, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2 Stars
Profile Image for WellReadRuby.
542 reviews114 followers
January 12, 2025
Love a Instalove 🙂‍↕️🥰

Anario was on China’s bumper from day 1! And honestly I was here for it because Jackson was a complete clown. This story was very much boy meets girl; they fall in love, and there is a little drama along the way! LOL, I wish we could've gone deeper into the Ris and Jackson situation, but they were resolved. Now, Anario and China didn't hold back spice in this book! T’Lyn can write a vivid scene 🔥! Overall, I enjoyed this story. It was fun, steamy, and light, and I enjoyed reading. If you like heavy drama, this may not be the story for you, but I still recommend it if that is not a problem!
Profile Image for *Ebony I*.
1,422 reviews160 followers
January 31, 2025
Love at first sight

While I have read about men falling in love with their kids teacher before, I appreciated the different take on this story. 

Anario (I liked his name) was a King! He was a professional Poker player that loved his family and absolutely didn't play about his baby girl Kali. He has been chilling on relationships after things went bad with his ex Kali's mom. At the school Open House he meets China and both are blown away by the other. They were on some love at first sight ish bad, but China was fighting for her life because she was at work. Oh and she has a terrible flkboy of a boyfriend. Anario insists she will be his wife and he sets out to be a man of his word. He was so mannish to be the child of a Judge and lawyer. I love how consistent Anario was, he slowly knocked down her walls showing her how a real man should treat his woman. They were truly each other's peace. 

I loved the black wealth that was represented. China's sisters, her parents, and Anario's brother and his parents all had great careers and their parents laid a foundation of wealth for them. The drama around Kali's mother was wow, I didn't understand her choices at all, but I did appreciate how Anario protected his child while doing his best to support her.

Good Read, I would recommend!!
Profile Image for 'The Book Queen'.
6,044 reviews116 followers
January 14, 2025
The story is about a professional poker player whose determined to get the lady of his dreams. His target is his daughter's teacher... it's a good storyline and a lot of amusing backstory to unfold...4.75 stars.
Profile Image for Crimson.
615 reviews4 followers
January 9, 2025
Yasssss

👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 Thank you so much for this beautiful work of art. This was a cute little story that made my heart flutter. Sometimes we get caught up in these comfortable situationships. Baby just leave. Know your worth. Just read the damn book.
Profile Image for L. Shauntel.
Author 1 book23 followers
January 4, 2025
♠️single dad

♠️teacher

♠️instalove

After being stuck in a dead end relationship China Armani just wants to move on with her life, and getting into a relationship anytime soon is the furthest thing from her mind. Especially when it’s with the father of one of her students. Denario Anderson (Rio) is a professional poker player who has never thought about settling down, until he met his daughter’s teacher.

If yo man ain’t delusional about you, is that really your man? From the moment Rio laid eyes on China he staked his claim on her and told her she was going to be his wife. When she introduced herself as Ms. Armani, he said, “nah that’s subject to change soon, I want the permanent one.” And it was at that moment I knew China was not ready for the type of pressure Rio was gone be applying.
A provider, a protector, and a lover boy, Rio is the perfect man, just a lil rough around the edges. I loved everything about him. That man had me over here blushing.
Profile Image for Mika Verrett.
236 reviews53 followers
January 16, 2025
4.5⭐️

✨Book Review✨

Anario Anderson is a high-stakes poker player who lives for the adrenaline rush of risk-taking. But despite his fearless nature at the card table, there's one gamble he won't make: opening his heart again after a devastating breakup. Now a single father to his spirited 5-year-old daughter, Kali, he embraces the freedom of bachelorhood with both hands—his heart locked away for good.

That is, until the moment he first glimpses China Armani, his daughter's captivating teacher, at an open house. Sparks fly and Anario's heart races; suddenly, all he can think about is making China his. He's determined to steal her heart and change her last name, but there's one catch—China is stuck in a relationship with the ultimate mama’s boy, and she's at her breaking point.

As Anario pulls out all the stops to win her affection, China is confronted with an exhilarating dilemma: will she choose a love that sets her free or remain tethered to the familiar? Get ready for a whirlwind romance where one man's relentless pursuit reveals what it truly means to be loved by someone who Won't Keep her Waiting!

One of my Favorite Parts:

“Not that it’s your business, sir, but yes. I have a man.”
“He gon’ take the easy way or the hard way?” He asked, and my face twisted in confusion.
“What are you talking about?”
“The easy way is him gettin’ the fuck on willingly,” he smirked. “Hard way usually comes with an ass whoopin’, some bullets, or maybe both if he piss me off to bad.”

Book: Won’t Keep You Waiting
Author: T’lyn
Genre: Romance
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Spice: 🥵🥵🥵🥵
Profile Image for ReadnliftwithShar.
1,874 reviews
January 4, 2025
“Won’t Keep You Waiting” was another banger written by T’Lyn. China Armani and Anario Anderson were something special together and then add little Kali and her bossy diva attitude, the little family had me swiping pages so fast to see it all come together. Rio is a professional Poker player, while China is a teacher. Rio met China at Kali’s open house at school and he was immediately ready to change her last name. IKTR! I would say China made Rio chase her, but she could not resist his charm, for real. Rio was the biggest upgrade China needed because her boyfriend, Jackson, had me 38 HOT! It was the audacity and his bad hip mama, for me!! I loved seeing the progression of the relationship between Rio and China. Although China grew up with the “finer” things, something about Rio’s constant reassurance, positive affirmations, and confidence that showed China what she was missing.

Overall, this book gave me all I needed: a swoon-worthy father who knows what he wants, and a boss chick, who is headstrong but also willing to let her man lead. There was just enough drama and sweet moments sprinkled throughout. Also, the slight foreshadowing on what is to come from China’s sisters Kenya and Italy have me intrigued, and I would love to know more about A5 because I know he is going to have me stressed, lol!

**Arc Review
Profile Image for OnceUponAStorybook.
479 reviews28 followers
January 23, 2025
This is the second book I read by T’Lyn and I’m officially a stan. Her books just scratch the right itch 😩 I love the down bad MMC, I eat it up every single time. The way Anario didn’t let up on China, I’m obsessed 😍 Literally he knew what he wanted and went after it. If my man not coming like Anario, I don’t want him 🤷🏾‍♀️ Love how China let the man in considering her ex was a piece of shit 💩

Will be trying to read her entire catalog now!
Profile Image for Sihle &#x1fabb;&#x1f338;&#x1f337;&#x1f33c;&#x1f31d;.
171 reviews11 followers
October 10, 2025
The beginning? Fire. The confidence, the energy, I was sold. But then halfway through it started losing me. The plot went a little too “I’ve-seen-this-before” and some scenes felt way too convenient for the story to work. Like… really? 👀 Don’t get me wrong, it’s not a bad read, but it slid into predictable territory instead of keeping that bold vibe it started with.
Profile Image for C.M. Campbell.
Author 2 books15 followers
January 4, 2025
Another one

T’Lyn has successfully made me fall in love with another fictional man. Rio is simply that man. China did not stand a chance once he stepped to her, even though she tried to act like it lol.
Profile Image for Jahda.
1,071 reviews323 followers
January 27, 2025
Reading about China and Rio seemed like a breath of fresh air. I love it when a man knows what he wants. Rio was determined to make China his lady. I adore the family dynamic, and I thought the poker aspect was unique. This is something I would add to my TBR.
Profile Image for perfectlyamberb.
653 reviews29 followers
January 3, 2025
Cute🥰

Rio and China’s story had me kicking my feet! Rio is a professional poker player and a single dad who shows up to his baby girl’s open house at school and becomes enchanted with her teacher. China is an elementary school teacher in a dead-end relationship with an irrelevant momma’s boy, so when Rio sets his eyes on her, you already know how it’s going to go. I absolutely loved Rio! He was ten toes down in his pursuit of China, and even with her objections, he was not deterred. Their journey was honestly cute, and China’s relationship with Kali was very sweet. This was a great start to the series, and I can’t wait for Italy and Kenya’s books.
Profile Image for Lisette.
615 reviews43 followers
January 6, 2025
China and Amario!!!!

I thoroughly enjoyed this! The beginning had me a little stuck because China was just too turned up for me. But she absolutely deserved to be because Jackson was 🙄🙄🙄
And as soon as Rio laid eyes on her, he knew. It was all has no brakes making her his. I loved him. Them. This.
Very well written story!
Profile Image for Jaye Woods.
317 reviews
January 12, 2025
If T’Lyn wrote it… you gotta know it’s a hit ! Anario and china were too cute ! I loved the single dad trope
Profile Image for Tisha.
1,250 reviews
January 19, 2025
⭐️⭐️

After seeing so many glowing reviews, I’m unfortunately in the minority- because I didn’t like this story. I couldn’t connect with the characters. For someone so established, why was China tolerating Jackson. Plus nothing about that storyline made sense. What ever happened with him and his mom? Why didn’t we find out the oddness of their relationship? Was he cheating?

Also, the portrayal of Kali didn’t seem typical of a 5 year old. A 5 year old was texting her dad! Not voice messaging, but typing Eiffel Tower. Girl! What?

Anarrio was okay. Nothing more to him- I did like his respect for Marissa. But even that was weird. Was the author alluding she began using after she cheated on him? And why did she leave him for someone in a worse situation?

I’m interested to see if it improves as the sisters’ stories unfold. Overall, this story needed to be flushed out more.
Profile Image for Shalana.
484 reviews8 followers
February 1, 2025
3.5 ⭐

Instalove and I loved it.

Anario meets China, his daughter's teacher and immediately wants her. China is dating a bum when they meet but he (the bum) swiftly removes himself from the equation because sometimes the trash takes itself out.

I loved how persistent Anario was and how willing he was to romance her. That man earned his time with our girl China.
Profile Image for ashley.
898 reviews18 followers
January 6, 2025
4.25 good

I loved the intro to new city and all the possibilities of the new stories from one of my favorites...
We get a complete storyline with a good girl and really a good guy with splash of an edge...it love at first sight for him and he doesn't take his foot off the gas until it's HEA.
I look forward to the sisters story and hopefully his brother.
410 reviews7 followers
June 30, 2025
A cute start

This is a hilarious introduction to the Armani sisters. T'Lyn is a fantastic storyteller who can make you swoon. Rio and China are a cute couple, though Rio is slightly off-kilter. The book does cover some heavy topics that slightly affected the flow and continuity for me. However, the story as a whole is still entertaining, sweet, and funny.
Profile Image for Arnell  Peterson .
1,030 reviews35 followers
January 3, 2025
This was a surprise release and I ate this story up! Amazing job. I would like a update on them in the future.
Profile Image for Angie.
85 reviews14 followers
January 10, 2025
Cute, quick read, Anario’s mouth was filthy but I liked it lol 🤣 A little toxic for book boo is okay 👌
Profile Image for Chicagogirl312.
92 reviews6 followers
January 10, 2025
beautiful story

This was such a beautiful story, Rio knew what he wanted and he put all the pressure behind China. This was a great developing of the character and a great storyline! Definitely a must read I couldn’t put it down.
Profile Image for Jacquie.
613 reviews13 followers
January 3, 2025
I was having a good ol’ time reading this one! Rio had me giggling and kicking my little feet from start to finish. He’s starting the new year off right for sure!

He has my type of audacity.. my type of carrying on. When he said China was gonna be his wife he meant that with his whole chest! He swooned my girl right up out them draws and would’ve lived in her skin if he could. He was also super sweet though. Loved him as a girl dad and for all his audacity he took his role as a man serious. China and Kali just needed to sit pretty and daddy would handle the rest!

There’s nothing but things to love about this book for me!
Profile Image for Ambra | ambreadbooks.
450 reviews17 followers
July 23, 2025
4/5
— Black wealth and black excellence is always beautiful to read on paper. The Armani’s and Anderson’a eluded that to the T. — I appreciate reading about healthy black love.
— Anario “Rio” was consistent when it came to making China his and honoring his word on making her his wife. China tried to fight her feelings but Rio knocked her walls down and pursued her with intention. I loved the peace they brought one another and the love they showered Kalianna with. — I loved every moment when Kali was in the scene!
— There was some commotion in the background with Marissa (Kali’s mom) and Jackson (China’s ex), but Rio and China handled the situations with grace.
Profile Image for Jerrica (Mrsmar10Reads) Martin .
1,683 reviews10 followers
January 6, 2025
Anario and China

Anario met China and it was a wrap. He didn't want to hear nothing about her being his daughter's teacher, he was pursuing her without questions. China, realizing that the man she'd given so much of her time to was worthless. Jackson didn't deserve to breathe her air for all the stunts he pulled. I loved that China realized she was getting in her own way by not giving Anario a chance and once she did, everything was beautiful. I can't wait to see what's next.
Profile Image for Naee.Reads.
175 reviews3 followers
January 3, 2025
Five stars…. Not Surprised!!

I was counting down until this book was released & mannnnn T’Lyn NEVER disappoints!! Rio & China are such an amazing couple and I LOVE that he set his sights on her & wasn’t letting up, AT. ALL!! So excited to see what the other books in this series hold.
Profile Image for _dulcekk.
650 reviews3 followers
January 21, 2025
When you know, You know…

4.5 ⭐️ Rio came out the gate with that pressure for China… had my girl flustered at the open house off rip lol. This story had the right amount of drama, spice, and heartfelt moments. I’m happy Kali’s mother made the right choice for her sake and her children. Rio was truly a gentleman off rip; he was intentional with China and didn’t allow his past hurt with Kali’s mom to taint his present. “When I looked into your eyes, all four of them, I saw my future, my forever”.
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