From Duty To Desire

by Netra Antionette

Talynn Joseph has dreams as big as her scars are deep. After escaping a toxic, abusive relationship, all she’s left with is her determination to rebuild. But it feels impossible —until a chance encounter changes everything.

Dr. Reginald "Reggie" Baldwin has everything his prestigious family could a successful career, a respected name, and a commitment to excellence. But their relentless pressure to settle down and marry has left him jaded about love and their idea of the perfect match. When he meets Talynn, her resilience and drive captivates him, sparking an idea as unconventional as it is life-changing.

He proposes a marriage of Talynn can move in with him, get back on her feet, and chase her dreams. In return, he gains a reprieve from his family's matchmaking schemes. It’s a mutually beneficial arrangement—strictly business, no strings attached.

But as their lives intertwine, the lines blur, and their connection deepens in ways neither expected. Just as hope begins to bloom, the shadows of their pasts resurface, threatening to unravel everything they’ve built.

With their hearts on the line and everything they’ve built in jeopardy, they must face their pasts, confront their fears, and decide if they can rewrite their future together—or if some contracts are meant to be broken.

Genres: Marriage Of Convenience

202 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 9, 2025

Reviews

[LeKetrisse Barnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Series, OMG!!! I Can SCREAM, It Was So Good! UGH!

[CLorraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

From Duty To Desire by Netra Antionette is a mature love story with richly drawn characters, living their lives with resilience and dignity. Talynn, a nurse specializing in obstetrics, is in an abusive relationship with her immature boyfriend. For years, she has carried their financial burdens while he chases success as a game designer. Her reward for unselfish behavior is abuse, betrayal and ultimately the loss of her living space. Reggie is a doctor at the same hospital where Talynn works; however, they have had limited contact with each other. His family is old fashioned and constantly pressures him to settle down and start a family. He is in friends with benefits relationship with a woman who does not want to settle down. When he meets the charming and slightly broken Talynn, Reggie proposes a marriage of convenience to her. This arrangement will solve both of their problems, Talynn would make a wonderful wife to anyone, and Reggie would provide a home and stability for Talynn, win, win for the both of them! But what happens when their past connections want to connect again? And can they just be friends when their feelings are so much bigger? Ms. Antionette gives her readers a wonderfully mature story where the characters make sensible choices, leading with their hearts and intellect. Talynn had some areas of fragility, but she didn’t wallow in her pain but moved forward. Reggie was so kind and honorable, and I loved that he didn’t allow his past complication to derail his present blessing. In addition, their families and friends were awesome. Noah, Reggie’s friend, is featured in the first book in this series, I would like to read his story AND the blurb from the next book pulled me in!
https://theretiredreader.com/f/from-d...

[Vonetta Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a 4.5 for me.

Talynn and Reggie's relationship started off as a mutually beneficial arranged marriage where she could get on her feet and he could show his parents that he was with someone; however, the feelings became involved rather quickly. Even though things moved fast between the two of them it still seemed natural in a sense and it they had a connection and chemistry that could not be denied. It was nice to see how his family took to her so quickly too.

There was a situation that came up from his past that threatened to ruin what they were building but Talynn's younger sister of all people reminded her of what she had and how Reggie was always open and honest with her so she shouldn't let that get in the way of her happiness. I was happy that her past didn't cause any issues in their relationship either.

This book was a testament that you have to believe in yourself and your worth. Don't settle for less because you can lose out on what is meant for you and you should follow your heart. Also with a good support system you can get through a lot. There were a few things that I questioned in the book but overall I thought it was a good read, I enjoyed the story and I am looking forward to the next book in the series.

Thank you to the author Netra Antionette for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Melo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good romance read that starts as somewhat of a damsel in distress trope, that turns into something a bit more. Taylnn and Reggie’s story is about love of course but also persevering through the twists and turns along the way. It really personifies how imperfect love can be; but when you have two people open and willing to do the work on themselves and the relationship, you can really make love work! 4/10!

[Presh Patterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Netra done did it again!

Talynn and Reggie were 🔥🔥🔥

Talynn has been through IT! But she has def come out of it as unscathed as possible. She was cared for so eloquently from day one. Their chemistry and attraction was was undeniable from their first meeting!

I can not wait for Jayce and Marlee’s story!

Thank you Netra for yet another ARC for this amazing series! 🫶🏽💕

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy Love

This was such a good read, with enough drama to have you guessing. This couple is beautiful though, it was so easy for them to slip into loving each other. They were exactly what each other needed, and MMC did not disappoint in showing his appreciation for her being such a good woman.

[C.M. Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

Talynn and Reggie won me over with their love. Who knew an arranged marriage could turn into something so beautiful! I definitely wanted to drag a few of these characters by their hair 🤭

[Taneisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful Read!!!!

I loved Talynn and Reggie’s story. The title is absolutely fitting for the plot. The author did an amazing job with how the story played out in the end. As well as how she connected the characters in the story. Looking forward to reading more from this author!

[Mycherie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Netra did it again

I love that the characters have their own unique story and then they fall in love ❤️❤️❤️❤️

Thank you for the ARC

[Vaughnny J · Rating 4 out of 5]

well wrote story

A great story, love the character building. Had me in tears, smiling and laughing. A journey of finding not just love but healing in yourself. Enjoyed this.

[Catherine Mukora · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved Reggie and how hard he rode for Talynn from the start. Even when they were just roommates, he endeavored to make sure all her needs were met, that she was able to go back and finish school, that she didn’t have to worry about money. A MAN!! It was beautiful watching them navigate challenges while getting to know each other. Both their backstories were incredible too. Talynn’s broke my heart but my goodness did she build herself back up!!

[Brit Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book! Netras writing is something else! I really enjoyed that the characters fell in love and didn’t fight it, they were very mature in their communication and it’s something that I really adore about her writing!