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Speak: A Post Divorce Romance
Something awful and illuminating happens when a marriage ends. All illusions fade away. Light spills into the darkest corners of the union, forcing you to face the cracks. The moments bereft of love. The nights without affection. The days spent learning to be quiet and still, expecting nothing because that’s all you’ve ever been given.
But then it’s done and you’re supposed to be free except you’re not. You’re carrying it all with you. You’re holding it close like a lover, making space for it to join you in every room, and it comes happily. An unwelcome plus one sitting in every seat beside you until someone comes along and makes it leave.
For me, that someone is Xavier Allen. Tall, dark, fine as hell and good in bed. He’s everything I should want in my next partner, the only trouble is, he’s also my divorce lawyer.
But then it’s done and you’re supposed to be free except you’re not. You’re carrying it all with you. You’re holding it close like a lover, making space for it to join you in every room, and it comes happily. An unwelcome plus one sitting in every seat beside you until someone comes along and makes it leave.
For me, that someone is Xavier Allen. Tall, dark, fine as hell and good in bed. He’s everything I should want in my next partner, the only trouble is, he’s also my divorce lawyer.
140 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 29, 2025
117 people are currently reading
552 people want to read
About the author
J.L. Seegars
10 books2,240 followersJ.L. Seegars is a dedicated smut peddler and lifelong nerd who’s always had a love of words, storytelling and drama. When she isn’t writing messy and emotionally complex characters like the ones she grew up around, she’s watching reality TV, supporting her fellow authors by devouring their work or spending time with her husband and son.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 145 reviews
January 30, 2025
Made me want to fall in love….
Dear Big Sandals, feel free to send me an Xavier Allen. Amen.
This story grabbed me immediately and didn’t let go until I got to the end. First of all, good for Greyson for getting out of that loveless marriage. Hiring her ex’s enrmy and then falling in love with him was the cherry on top. That Xavier Allen. A MAN. He showed my girl what real love looked like. How it was supposed to feel and he did it EFFORTLESSLY while delivering good D. If i had one complaint it’s that i wanted more time with these two.
Dear Big Sandals, feel free to send me an Xavier Allen. Amen.
This story grabbed me immediately and didn’t let go until I got to the end. First of all, good for Greyson for getting out of that loveless marriage. Hiring her ex’s enrmy and then falling in love with him was the cherry on top. That Xavier Allen. A MAN. He showed my girl what real love looked like. How it was supposed to feel and he did it EFFORTLESSLY while delivering good D. If i had one complaint it’s that i wanted more time with these two.
February 4, 2025
I JUST FUCKING LOVE THEM! I want man like Xavier Allen. His proposal!!! Aaaaaaa! And I love how strong, brave and incredible Grayson is! My role model!
January 31, 2025
“Speak” - Book #2 Fairview Novellas
5⭐️ and 1.5🌶️
Ending my “Novella January” with Speak was beyond amazing. I absolutely loved everything about this story and the words crafted from the amazing @jlseegarsauthor
It would be impossible to not love a “I want you but I will wait until you’re ready” kind of man. Whew! And Xavier Allen, Esq. is just that kind of man.
So much of my love goes to Grayson as an FMC because in the theme of finding her voice, she was right on time in the car scene. The “You’re a monster” monologue?! I need to see that on screen. I love that we didn’t have to wait for her to see and speak 😉 life into herself. She knew, even if she didn’t realize her voice in the past.
Sometimes you just want to see the evolution of a love story that will have you swooning. A love story that will make you fan yourself on the witness stand! 😏🥵 A love story with a sexy club scene. A love story with the perfect movie theater date. And a love story that makes you believe in and feel the love between the two main characters and this one was it for me.
I was so glad to be back in the world of my favorite neighbors of Fairview and New Haven. It’s always a treat to see and get updates on previous characters! I can’t wait to see what the future holds for my favorite attorney and fashion designer. 🥰🩶
But also…what’s up with these siblings though? 👀😊🫶🏾
✨Divorce
✨He Falls First
✨Plus size FMC
✨Another Chance At Love
5⭐️ and 1.5🌶️
Ending my “Novella January” with Speak was beyond amazing. I absolutely loved everything about this story and the words crafted from the amazing @jlseegarsauthor
It would be impossible to not love a “I want you but I will wait until you’re ready” kind of man. Whew! And Xavier Allen, Esq. is just that kind of man.
So much of my love goes to Grayson as an FMC because in the theme of finding her voice, she was right on time in the car scene. The “You’re a monster” monologue?! I need to see that on screen. I love that we didn’t have to wait for her to see and speak 😉 life into herself. She knew, even if she didn’t realize her voice in the past.
Sometimes you just want to see the evolution of a love story that will have you swooning. A love story that will make you fan yourself on the witness stand! 😏🥵 A love story with a sexy club scene. A love story with the perfect movie theater date. And a love story that makes you believe in and feel the love between the two main characters and this one was it for me.
I was so glad to be back in the world of my favorite neighbors of Fairview and New Haven. It’s always a treat to see and get updates on previous characters! I can’t wait to see what the future holds for my favorite attorney and fashion designer. 🥰🩶
But also…what’s up with these siblings though? 👀😊🫶🏾
✨Divorce
✨He Falls First
✨Plus size FMC
✨Another Chance At Love
February 14, 2025
Every man JL writes I’m like omg he’s the one. Then she comes out with another book and my standards are IMMEDIATELY raised. This book was sooooo good I almost wish it had 3 parts like revive me (I kid I kid). I loved Xavier and his openness in showing Grayson how he felt. A man that loves you out loud is the only one you should keep. And Grayson allowing herself to see she is she is worthy and being unapologetic in building a new life for herself. I loved it! I also loved Graysons and Xavier’s connections with their family. Ugh this was so cute you did it again JL !
February 9, 2025
When grown black folks fall in love its beautiful. And this was beautiful!
February 5, 2025
Loved this Novella especially Xavier .. Grayson took a minute to get it together but she did.
February 13, 2025
✨Book Review✨
Closing the door on the only life you’ve known is one of the scariest leaps into the unknown, but Grayson Hart is about to discover that nothing worth having comes easy! After another night of her husband Brian’s shocking disrespect, Grayson decides it’s time to blow her life up—in the best possible way. That car ride home? Pure intensity. Her “You’re a monster!” monologue had me cheering—👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾. I felt that deep in my soul!
What drives me crazy about men like Brian is if you don’t want someone, why make it so difficult for them to leave? Brian didn’t see the writing on the wall and did everything he could to trap her in this miserable relationship. But there’s a twist he never saw coming: his arch-rival, Mr. Xavier Allen, Esq., is the one fighting for Grayson’s freedom! Xavier is not only out for justice but ready to offer Grayson the love she’s always dreamed of!
As Xavier steps up to help Grayson escape this nightmare, he finds himself grappling with intense feelings for his former law school classmate ex wife. He knows what he wants, and he’s not backing down! Even as his desire for her grows, he respects Grayson’s need to heal from all the chaos without rushing her.
I absolutely adored everything about this book! My only complaint? I wanted 100 more pages because I couldn’t bear to put it down. It was that captivating! And let’s just say, I hope Brian and Noelle are living the miserable lives they deserve!
But can we talk about that ending? I was in tears! It was simply breathtaking. JL has done it again! 👏🏾👏🏾
Book: Speak
Author: JL Seegars
Genre: Romance
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🥵🥵🥵
Closing the door on the only life you’ve known is one of the scariest leaps into the unknown, but Grayson Hart is about to discover that nothing worth having comes easy! After another night of her husband Brian’s shocking disrespect, Grayson decides it’s time to blow her life up—in the best possible way. That car ride home? Pure intensity. Her “You’re a monster!” monologue had me cheering—👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾. I felt that deep in my soul!
What drives me crazy about men like Brian is if you don’t want someone, why make it so difficult for them to leave? Brian didn’t see the writing on the wall and did everything he could to trap her in this miserable relationship. But there’s a twist he never saw coming: his arch-rival, Mr. Xavier Allen, Esq., is the one fighting for Grayson’s freedom! Xavier is not only out for justice but ready to offer Grayson the love she’s always dreamed of!
As Xavier steps up to help Grayson escape this nightmare, he finds himself grappling with intense feelings for his former law school classmate ex wife. He knows what he wants, and he’s not backing down! Even as his desire for her grows, he respects Grayson’s need to heal from all the chaos without rushing her.
I absolutely adored everything about this book! My only complaint? I wanted 100 more pages because I couldn’t bear to put it down. It was that captivating! And let’s just say, I hope Brian and Noelle are living the miserable lives they deserve!
But can we talk about that ending? I was in tears! It was simply breathtaking. JL has done it again! 👏🏾👏🏾
Book: Speak
Author: JL Seegars
Genre: Romance
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🥵🥵🥵
February 21, 2025
Seegars can do no wrong in my eyes when it comes to writing, because she can write a good love story!!!
February 10, 2025
I have never read a book by J.L. Seegars that I didn’t love 🤩
March 19, 2025
Excuse me while I slide down my bedroom wall because the phrase "more than I've ever wanted anything" has utterly destroyed me. Then you add that trial prep scene with Greyson on the stand and Xavier coaxing her through questioning. My word I was a puddle!
True to JL's steelo, I was ready to jump in the story and stomp a hole through one of the characters. Brian really showed his tail and if this was longer than a novella I'm sure my blood pressure would have been through the roof because of his antics. No matter, Xavier was twice the man that Brian wish he was and he knew it!
Greyson had a village that supported her through it all. Watching her regain her independence and reclaim her business was a beautiful thing to read. (especially during women's history month)
True to JL's steelo, I was ready to jump in the story and stomp a hole through one of the characters. Brian really showed his tail and if this was longer than a novella I'm sure my blood pressure would have been through the roof because of his antics. No matter, Xavier was twice the man that Brian wish he was and he knew it!
Greyson had a village that supported her through it all. Watching her regain her independence and reclaim her business was a beautiful thing to read. (especially during women's history month)
February 3, 2025
Speak is the second installment in the Fairview Novellas series, and JL Seegars delivers yet another powerhouse story packed with emotion, romance, and undeniable chemistry. This novella follows Grayson, the executive assistant to Jaxson from book one, as she reclaims her independence and finds the love she truly deserves.
Trapped in a toxic marriage with Brian, a pretentious and wealthy attorney who constantly belittles her, Grayson finally reaches her breaking point and files for divorce. Enter Xavier, the only lawyer in town with enough guts and skill to take on her ex. Not only is Xavier brilliant and fierce in the courtroom, but he’s also incredibly fine—and the sparks between him and Grayson? Absolutely electric. What starts as a professional relationship quickly turns into something passionate, romantic, and deeply fulfilling.
JL Seegars never misses when it comes to writing swoon-worthy men, and Xavier is no exception. This novella was short, sweet, and impactful—every scene carried weight, and the romance was both spicy and deeply emotional. Grayson’s journey of rediscovery was inspiring, and the chemistry between her and Xavier was everything.
If JL Seegars writes it, I’m reading it IMMEDIATELY. 🔥💋
Trapped in a toxic marriage with Brian, a pretentious and wealthy attorney who constantly belittles her, Grayson finally reaches her breaking point and files for divorce. Enter Xavier, the only lawyer in town with enough guts and skill to take on her ex. Not only is Xavier brilliant and fierce in the courtroom, but he’s also incredibly fine—and the sparks between him and Grayson? Absolutely electric. What starts as a professional relationship quickly turns into something passionate, romantic, and deeply fulfilling.
JL Seegars never misses when it comes to writing swoon-worthy men, and Xavier is no exception. This novella was short, sweet, and impactful—every scene carried weight, and the romance was both spicy and deeply emotional. Grayson’s journey of rediscovery was inspiring, and the chemistry between her and Xavier was everything.
If JL Seegars writes it, I’m reading it IMMEDIATELY. 🔥💋
February 9, 2025
The courage to love again!
Grayson had every reason to be hesitant and fearful of trusting her heart to another man so soon after the dissolution of her previous union. But Xavier swooped right in not only in a legal capacity as her divorce lawyer... but also in all the ways she needed to feel comfortable enough to allow him access to her mind, body and soul. Now I want Orion, Chance and Lincoln's story!
Grayson had every reason to be hesitant and fearful of trusting her heart to another man so soon after the dissolution of her previous union. But Xavier swooped right in not only in a legal capacity as her divorce lawyer... but also in all the ways she needed to feel comfortable enough to allow him access to her mind, body and soul. Now I want Orion, Chance and Lincoln's story!
February 4, 2025
this just pulled me out of the reading slump of a lifetime. i loveeeeee their love 😭
February 17, 2025
This was great,no surprise there. Really enjoyed it wish he was my man instead ok bye.
April 16, 2025
My My My
Xavier Allen is definitely a book boyfriend. I love how Mallory & Amina pop up and there are updates on them in the story.
Xavier Allen is definitely a book boyfriend. I love how Mallory & Amina pop up and there are updates on them in the story.
February 1, 2025
5.0
He falls first and Harder
Divorce
Divorce Lawyer/ Plus size Divorcee
Another chance at love
HEALING AND…HOT?!
JL Seegars does it again with a healing and emotional journey even in short form. Xavier and Grayson’s story captures what it means to find love through healing.
Grayson was trapped in an emotional abusive and stagnant marriage with a man so undeserving of her love when she realizes she is sick and tired of begging for his attention that he freely gives to his ex. It’s the bottom line for her and she leaves. A year later it’s time to finalize the divorce and her ex is being as nasty and dirty as he always has been leading her to finding Xavier, unbeknownst to her, who is an attorney who has beaten her ex in court before who just so happens to despise her ex almost as much as Grayson does.
Vulnerability is on the front line behind closed doors as Grayson has to recount six years of her marriage in order to gain something that is rightfully hers. Through it all Xavier is there to hold her and encourage her as she puts her life back together and goes after her dream. The chemistry between the two is undeniable. From the courthouse to the club, they keep running into each other over time and they can’t stop the attraction to each other even though she’s fresh out of her divorce and happy, she’s not yet ready to run head first into another relationship. She just doesn’t know that she already did. From the moment that Xavier and Grayson met they had been falling for each other slowly, surely, and Healthily.
Both characters are well written and the chemistry is excellent. For a story in short form, I can totally see them falling in love and it not feeling rushed. The pacing was great and I liked that it was time established between most chapters. It helps knowing that time was moving on so that when they decided to be together she wasn’t actually fresh of her divorce, that she was healing and moving forward in her life. Grayson is awe inspiring and her regaining her confidence in herself was beautiful and Xavier is a dream man, he supports her, loves her and meets her where she’s at.
Overall, I’d recommend this story to everyone, it’s just so beautiful.
He falls first and Harder
Divorce
Divorce Lawyer/ Plus size Divorcee
Another chance at love
HEALING AND…HOT?!
JL Seegars does it again with a healing and emotional journey even in short form. Xavier and Grayson’s story captures what it means to find love through healing.
Grayson was trapped in an emotional abusive and stagnant marriage with a man so undeserving of her love when she realizes she is sick and tired of begging for his attention that he freely gives to his ex. It’s the bottom line for her and she leaves. A year later it’s time to finalize the divorce and her ex is being as nasty and dirty as he always has been leading her to finding Xavier, unbeknownst to her, who is an attorney who has beaten her ex in court before who just so happens to despise her ex almost as much as Grayson does.
Vulnerability is on the front line behind closed doors as Grayson has to recount six years of her marriage in order to gain something that is rightfully hers. Through it all Xavier is there to hold her and encourage her as she puts her life back together and goes after her dream. The chemistry between the two is undeniable. From the courthouse to the club, they keep running into each other over time and they can’t stop the attraction to each other even though she’s fresh out of her divorce and happy, she’s not yet ready to run head first into another relationship. She just doesn’t know that she already did. From the moment that Xavier and Grayson met they had been falling for each other slowly, surely, and Healthily.
Both characters are well written and the chemistry is excellent. For a story in short form, I can totally see them falling in love and it not feeling rushed. The pacing was great and I liked that it was time established between most chapters. It helps knowing that time was moving on so that when they decided to be together she wasn’t actually fresh of her divorce, that she was healing and moving forward in her life. Grayson is awe inspiring and her regaining her confidence in herself was beautiful and Xavier is a dream man, he supports her, loves her and meets her where she’s at.
Overall, I’d recommend this story to everyone, it’s just so beautiful.
January 29, 2025
* ARC Review*
Xavier and Grayson's love story was so well written and beautifully crafted that I could feel it while reading it.
One thing JL knows how to do is write a real MAN!!! The care, tenderness, attention, support, and love that Xavier gave to Grayson was everything. This man fell so hard, but he also respected the time she needed for herself after her divorce. Xavier said I'll be whatever you need me to be as long as I get to have you. He was not playing, and I appreciated him so much.
I also loved Grayson and how she was able to pick herself up after the divorce after what she went through with that man. She showed so much strength. I'm happy that she allowed herself to love and be loved by Grayson.
Grayson and Xavier's family was the added plus to their story. Loved every single family member and friend. This is how family should be. Hopefully, we get individual stories for them as well.
I am looking forward to seeing glimpses of Xavier and Grayson in future stories.
Xavier and Grayson's love story was so well written and beautifully crafted that I could feel it while reading it.
One thing JL knows how to do is write a real MAN!!! The care, tenderness, attention, support, and love that Xavier gave to Grayson was everything. This man fell so hard, but he also respected the time she needed for herself after her divorce. Xavier said I'll be whatever you need me to be as long as I get to have you. He was not playing, and I appreciated him so much.
I also loved Grayson and how she was able to pick herself up after the divorce after what she went through with that man. She showed so much strength. I'm happy that she allowed herself to love and be loved by Grayson.
Grayson and Xavier's family was the added plus to their story. Loved every single family member and friend. This is how family should be. Hopefully, we get individual stories for them as well.
I am looking forward to seeing glimpses of Xavier and Grayson in future stories.
March 21, 2025
If you love, love then this story is for you !
This is book 2 in the Fairview series, with a guest appearance from Jaxon and Amina from book 1.
We follow Grayson’s post-divorce story.
Once a upon time, she was a beautiful plus size designer with a lot of pep in her step. She married her college crush Brian Lucas, very successful lawyer, who was never really into her.
She lost herself and everything she stands for during the 7 years of marriage. She knew that she was just a trophy to him.
A social gathering with Brian’s ex-girlfriend present, confirmed to Grayson that her husband will never love or support her, the way he does his ex and that was the only motivation, she needed to leave him.
Her husband filed for a divorce after a year apart and vowed to make the divorce proceeding very difficult for Grayson. This is when she hired Xavier, who not only is Brian’s rival but also the man that bring back, life, light, and love to her life.
Read this story of love, rediscovery, and new beginnings.
This is book 2 in the Fairview series, with a guest appearance from Jaxon and Amina from book 1.
We follow Grayson’s post-divorce story.
Once a upon time, she was a beautiful plus size designer with a lot of pep in her step. She married her college crush Brian Lucas, very successful lawyer, who was never really into her.
She lost herself and everything she stands for during the 7 years of marriage. She knew that she was just a trophy to him.
A social gathering with Brian’s ex-girlfriend present, confirmed to Grayson that her husband will never love or support her, the way he does his ex and that was the only motivation, she needed to leave him.
Her husband filed for a divorce after a year apart and vowed to make the divorce proceeding very difficult for Grayson. This is when she hired Xavier, who not only is Brian’s rival but also the man that bring back, life, light, and love to her life.
Read this story of love, rediscovery, and new beginnings.
February 23, 2025
Better Next Time 💚💛💜
Listennnmnnn this NTMA impressed me big time! This book was recommended by one of my book sistas, and I'm so glad I did! This is a story so many women live and the words expressed in this story is giving healed after a season of real hurt. It's giving "I'm awake!" after years of being slept on! I can appreciate what came next, because of what I had before! JL Seegars.... Sis you slayed this read! 💯🤜🏽🤛🏽
Listennnmnnn this NTMA impressed me big time! This book was recommended by one of my book sistas, and I'm so glad I did! This is a story so many women live and the words expressed in this story is giving healed after a season of real hurt. It's giving "I'm awake!" after years of being slept on! I can appreciate what came next, because of what I had before! JL Seegars.... Sis you slayed this read! 💯🤜🏽🤛🏽
May 17, 2025
I am impressed with J.J. Seegars writing, will read more. This is short but intense, I think it’s actually the perfect lenght for this story. I loved the characterization. Xavier was a perfect book boyfriend, he really wanted to be whatever Grayson needed at the moment. Brian was evil but the fact I hated him so much is a sign of how well written this was.
Can’t wait to read more from this author.
Can’t wait to read more from this author.
February 4, 2025
I’m starting to enjoy novellas. But ones written by JL Seegars? Sign me up every time. I’ve been a fan of her books ever since she introduced Nic and Sloane into my life. Now I have a new obsession with Xavier and Grayson. This was a great read from top to bottom. 152 pages of feet kicking and smiles, Black woman being worshiped and loved by a Black man, and much more.
March 18, 2025
4.5⭐️ this novella could have been a novel and I still would have eaten it up. Xavier’s beginning relationship with Grayson was as her divorce lawyer. He met her when she was in the trenches but then fell in love and loved her through discovering the new better version of herself. I loved this novella.
August 15, 2025
I loved this book, I just wished it was a full length book! I would have loved more details about the trial and the famlies backstories but I still really enjoyed it! My only complant is that I hope she told him that she was okay with being married again before he proposed cause she's been through so much with her divorce.
January 30, 2025
Another hit by the one and only JL Seegars! I love everything she writes and honestly this gem is no different. I loved Greyson and Xavier’s story so much. And I loved the cameos from other New Haven favorites, Jax and Amina, Chris and Mal, etc.
April 29, 2025
Finished this one in one day, I couldn’t put it down! This was really good! A professional to personal relationship that just WORKED!
The power of affirming your partner was cute to witness due to the emotional abuse Gray was exposed to before.
Grayson is actually a cute girls name *adds to baby name list* 😂
The power of affirming your partner was cute to witness due to the emotional abuse Gray was exposed to before.
Grayson is actually a cute girls name *adds to baby name list* 😂
February 5, 2025
Wow. Just wow. So beautifully written 🥹
April 16, 2025
yep. just give me novellas about every character at this point. 😍
that last chapter…👩🏽🍳🤌🏽
that last chapter…👩🏽🍳🤌🏽
November 7, 2025
It felt like I was reading a kpop idol "When he is your divorce lawyer" fanfiction
February 6, 2025
I loved Grayson + Xavier. Their chemistry was off the charts. There is something powerful about a woman standing up for herself taking back control of her life finding her voice and realizing her self worth. Xavier now that was a good, patient, loving man Savannah! He spoke life and love into Grayson. He falls first and hard and shows it. Speak was such a beautiful love story.
February 23, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌶🌶/5
TW - divorce, emotional and psychological abuse (FMC and sc both from a partner), mental health hospital (past, parent, mentioned), brief mention of financial abuse, alcohol consumption, pregnancy and infertility (briefly mentioned RE trying for a baby), financial troubles (RE a business, sc, mentioned), familial death (past, mentioned), infidelity (scs, mentioned), unethical business practices, absent parent (sc, mentioned), foster care (past, mentioned), anxiety and mild panic attacks (mentioned)
Tropes - he falls first and hard, divorcee x divorce lawyer, friends with benefits to lovers
Representation - plus-size FMC, Black MCs, multilingual MMC
Despite the heavy topic of this book, it was fun and I really enjoyed it. Grayson (FMC) is getting a divorce from her shitty husband as she goes through the real realisation that abuse isn’t just the physical kind and has to reconcile the fact that she’s been in an emotionally abusive relationship.
When it’s all said and done, there’s more space to recognises that there was something between her and Xavier (MMC).
This is a novella so short and sweet. I enjoyed the MCs and all of the side characters we met. I do wish we got to see more of the divorce trial but I know that’s not what we were here for 😅
Scale:
⭐️ - would've DNF'ed / continued out of spite
⭐️⭐️ - shit, but whatever
⭐️⭐️⭐️ - meh, could've been better
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - lit 👅
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - loved it, inject this shit into my veins 🤪
🫑 - no smut
🌶 - no point
🌶🌶 - mediocre at best
🌶🌶🌶 - standard smut, hot
🌶🌶🌶🌶 - 🥵 okay, some CW
🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶 - fuck me 🥵🥵 CWs / filthy with a side of filth - see Poison / Room Twenty-Two: Hide and Seek/ The Naughty List / The Naughtier List
TW - divorce, emotional and psychological abuse (FMC and sc both from a partner), mental health hospital (past, parent, mentioned), brief mention of financial abuse, alcohol consumption, pregnancy and infertility (briefly mentioned RE trying for a baby), financial troubles (RE a business, sc, mentioned), familial death (past, mentioned), infidelity (scs, mentioned), unethical business practices, absent parent (sc, mentioned), foster care (past, mentioned), anxiety and mild panic attacks (mentioned)
Tropes - he falls first and hard, divorcee x divorce lawyer, friends with benefits to lovers
Representation - plus-size FMC, Black MCs, multilingual MMC
Despite the heavy topic of this book, it was fun and I really enjoyed it. Grayson (FMC) is getting a divorce from her shitty husband as she goes through the real realisation that abuse isn’t just the physical kind and has to reconcile the fact that she’s been in an emotionally abusive relationship.
When it’s all said and done, there’s more space to recognises that there was something between her and Xavier (MMC).
This is a novella so short and sweet. I enjoyed the MCs and all of the side characters we met. I do wish we got to see more of the divorce trial but I know that’s not what we were here for 😅
Scale:
⭐️ - would've DNF'ed / continued out of spite
⭐️⭐️ - shit, but whatever
⭐️⭐️⭐️ - meh, could've been better
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - lit 👅
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - loved it, inject this shit into my veins 🤪
🫑 - no smut
🌶 - no point
🌶🌶 - mediocre at best
🌶🌶🌶 - standard smut, hot
🌶🌶🌶🌶 - 🥵 okay, some CW
🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶 - fuck me 🥵🥵 CWs / filthy with a side of filth - see Poison / Room Twenty-Two: Hide and Seek/ The Naughty List / The Naughtier List
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