Kenya Wright wrote her first novel during her third year at UM Law school. She dropped out a month after the release and never looked back.
Words are power, and Kenya wants to be the greatest wizard that ever lived.
It's an audacity to inspire and teach the healing of love through arousal.
It's this crazy idea that love can not only help a reader escape, but the story can also teach the person about being human, while making them laugh, cry, and hot for more sex.
Curvy and just under middle age, Rae works in Hollywood as an intimacy coordinator, choreographing sex scenes, even down to adjusting a male actor’s modesty patch.
This Valentine's Day she has decided to step out of her comfort zone and splurge on dinner at one of New York's most exclusive restaurants, on a date with herself.
Her bravado is truly tested, however, when a sexy mysterious stranger asks her to dine with him instead. Rae must decide to rise to the challenge and accept his offer or decline and forever wonder what if.
Wright does a fantastic job setting the mood with evocative, lavish descriptions of the restaurant and multi-course meal, making the reader feel as if we have stepped into an epicurean fantasy world. She does even better with the love scenes between Rae and “Mr. Lyon”.
I love that this story features a hot and brazen older couple, an example to us all that we can be vibrant and sexually active at any age.
This is a story about a woman claiming and owning her power, making a space in the world for herself where previously she was denied, and inspiring the reader to cheer for her when she meets her obsessive and possessive match.
This was something I just picked on a whim. I enjoyed the buildup and romantic tension (and the Alchemy restaurant courses) more than the sex and HEA. But it was a super quick read and if you like short and spicy, this is for you.
This was a good slow burn. It dealt with one insecurity about one self and body image, something that some of us deal with on a daily basis. How other people see us and how we see ourselves. This makes it an issue because we're not happy with ourselves because we're so caught up in what society thinks a person should look like, are what size we should be to be beautiful. I really liked the book. I'm glad she went out on her own to explore life to enjoy her. Self love,and self-care and appreciation, ending up meeting another wonderful person. And having a marvelous, exciting time in such a short time, Rae and Fabian story is very well written. I love both characters, sensitivity, and faith. The restaurant they went to alchemy was the bomb. I wonder if it is a real restaurant out there like that? That was so cool, i love the different entrees. In the different settings, the restaurant put you in. I loved it. Great book by Kenya Wright
Rae Harris is an intimacy coordinator who is on a journey of rediscovery in more ways than one. She decides that she wants her version of romance beyond the stage. While Rae is enjoying a much well-deserved solo dinner date, she meets the mysterious Fabien Lyon. This is where the whirlwind and captivating journey begins for our main characters. I won’t spoil the story, but I will say this story has the perfect combination of humor, self-discovery, steamy romance, and much more. Rae and Fabien’s chemistry soared off the page. Although the steamy romance was scorching, you also see Rae and Fabien’s overall love story unfold. I also loved that the author perfectly illustrated the individual growth Rae and Fabien experienced to be open to love again. Also, I appreciate seeing an adult couple that was realistically written while still being lively. Also, the culinary experience at Alchemy played a secondary role as well. I will say I love that Rae actively addressed her self-image, etc, in a way that wasn’t off-putting. Overall, I enjoyed the story and the care the author put into telling this story. I would love to hear from this couple again and see how their HEA is going.
Wow! Just wow! Another awesome, very well written, heart felt read by Ms. Wright. I loved the way this story was written and I especially loved the way Fabian loved Rae. 5 stars!!!!
2.5 stars I can’t believe I am writing this review about this great author with a body of strong works. It was frustrating reading this book. It was unnecessarily too long and too descriptive. For example, the first kissing scene was stretched out over 5 pages. I just wanted the story to pick up and it never did. I found myself asking, was there even a plot?? Or was it just pages and pages of descriptions about the surrounding area?
From the very first page, this book had me hooked—it teased something magical, almost like stepping into a fantasy illusion. The urban vibe gave it a grounded edge, but what truly stood out was the representation of plus-size women. It wasn’t just surface-level; there was sensuality, depth, and care in how the female lead was portrayed. That felt refreshing. Now, the male lead? I’m still torn. His international background added intrigue, but his arrogance made me side-eye him more than once. Still, I appreciated that both leads weren’t perfect—they each had emotional baggage and actually sought help instead of spiraling. That vulnerability made them feel real. The best friend character? She was everything. Supportive, funny, loyal—the kind of friend every woman deserves. She lit up every scene she was in. And let’s talk about the steam. Whew. The build-up was slow and delicious, and by the time we got to the middle and end, those intimate scenes were absolutely fan-worthy. Tastefully done, but undeniably hot. What I loved most? No villains. No toxic drama. Just flawed people trying to love and heal. That’s rare—and I’m here for it.
I believe I’m a first time reader of this author and seriously I didn’t know I needed to read this very quick but absolutely necessary book! I received this recommendation based on a KU list of recommended books and I’m glad I gave it a try. I normally read dark romance novels so not sure how this book popped into my list of recommended books but I’m so glad it did. As soon as I finish writing this review, I will purchase. The ironic thing is I’m in a very happy marriage and I can’t, necessarily physically relate to Rae, but I can relate to the self doubts of worthlessness that I finally conquered through a lot of work and most importantly acceptance of my past and through all of the excruciating process my husband was there supporting me and loving me through it. Anyway, my bad for digressing but I truly loved all the nuggets of intrinsic philosophy spread throughout the book…KW you knocked it out of the park, very well done!
“You are worthy. You are deserving. You are goddamn amazing”
Kenya Wright delivers a whirlwind of passion and charm like only she can! In this spicy short read, Rae sets out to treat herself to a once-in-a-lifetime magical dining experience—but she gets far more than she expected when she meets Fabien. This line says it all!
“Alright now, handsome. I kidnap fine men so. . .be careful.”
Sparks fly instantly, and the chemistry between them turns up the heat fast.
“"Tonight," he whispered, "spend this exquisite dinner with me." And the way he said it. . .it didn’t sound like he would take any answer but yes. Oh my.”
Though it’s a quick read, this story will have you smiling, blushing, and kicking your feet like a teenager in love. A spicy five-star romance you won’t want to put down! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This was BBW finding love/lust at first sight, whirlwind old school romance novel. I did love the history that you still get from two people that have been through some things, old relationships, had wounds, but did some work to heal themselves. But, when that moment came with the right person-love blossoned. KW still gone give you them steamy scenes with some spicy characters, a few cute scenerios, side characters to add a little flare. This is a short and sweet one that gets you there, but still has the KW elements of good strong character development, storyline, spice, and real life people/relationship situation that are relatable. This was also grown up people at peaks in their life that both are mature. Loved it so much...would love more of these grown up love stories.
I need a cigarette after reading this story, AND I DON’T EVEN SMOKE!!! WHEW CHILE’ THIS BOOK HERE WAS 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥! I loved the way the story unfolded and the journey it took me on. It was sexy, it was, sensual, and downright erotic! You could feel every touch, every whisper of Fabian breath! Can we all find us a Fabian! I loved the fmc’s constant mantra reminding herself that she is worthy and deserving of all of this that’s happening to her! After a 10 drought like hers hell Rae deserves everything for the rest of her life, and Fabian is just the man to give it to her! The heat and chemistry between these two will leave you breathless and wanton! I give it ❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥 burning hearts!
What can I say about this book? I usually don’t like a slow burn book. I need my scenes steamy and frequent but this book didn’t need to have many because it was so intimate in so many other ways. Rae and Fabian eating together as the most sensuous thing I have ever read. The build up for these two was absolutely perfection. Him seeing her and immediately staring and letting her know he wants her was the beginning and I was here for all of it. Rae coming on her own to find her self worth and love herself again and finding a man who could help her see that she was already beautiful and worthy was just *chefs kiss.* I can’t say enough about this book so please just read it!
Im just so tired of romance books written by black women that has the lead heroine so self - deprecating. It's so prevalent in these interracial books , do these authors feel that way about themselves or do they believe this is how we as black women see ourselves, either way, it's depressing to read this so frequently. Maybe there's a correlation between the interracial romances & black women with low self- esteem, what i do know is, it would be nice to read a romance book without the endless self- loathing. It's such a popular trope, it seems like projection. Every bw is not feeling inferior or unattractive. It's ok to have a healthy self esteem & still find love, it's not one or the other.
Kenya did it again (no surprise there!) I loved every moment of this story of Rae struggling to love with her body image in the 'perfect world' of Hollywood. Like many she knows she's beautiful, is comfortable in her own skin, but sometimes has to beat back the insecurities. One solo date and not only was she looking and feeling fly, but she catches the eye of a man who shows her just how beautiful she is. It's a relatively quick read (for me anyway, but I usually go through a book a day) but well worth it. The spice is nice and there is an HEA (with room for a followup, hint, hint)
Short and to the point....lol I want to know about their time in Cali.
Fabien sees someone he likes and he lets her know by hiw he keeps his eyes on her when she steps in the restaurant. Fabien is from Paris, but is in New York for work.
Rae is on a mission to love herself and she decides to visit an exclusive restaurant in New York. As soon as she walks in she feels eyes on her. When she looks up, it's Fabian.
They end up dining together and enjoying the rest of her night in New York. While they are together, Fabien is thinking of ways to get her to Paris.
“He asked, ‘This all for me?’” and I swear I had to put the book down for a second. That line alone? Worth it.
I loved loved the world building—KW always knows how to make you feel like you’re right there. Everything just felt so vivid and real, but still totally unhinged in the best way.
This one’s definitely for the grown and sexy. If you like romance that’s slow-building, steamy, and comes with a nice, satisfying finish—go read this immediately.
5⭐️s of the back!!! The restaurant and food descriptions alone were chef’s kiss. I was salivating at the food descriptions and wondering if a place like Alchemy existed outside of these pages. I couldn’t fathom a dining experience so unique. Then you have Fabian who is the epitome of sex wrapped in confidant poise. The things this man said had me shook! Not to mention how he adored and went after Rae with a fierceness. Knowing what and who you want without pretense is a flex! I really enjoyed this novella. Great job Ms. Wright!! 👏🏾👏🏾
First things first, is the restaurant real Kenya you outdid yourself with this book, I loved it but restaurant scene, out of this world with descriptions I could feel the seduction of it and I want to go (lol) I loved Rae and Fabian especially how they found each other unexpected soul mates I’m sorry it ended, want to read it again that’s how good it is Please do yourself a favor and get this book you will not regret it
Rae is a full figure woman, who's learning to love herself the way she is. With the help of her therapist and best friend, she books a trip of a lifetime. Unbeknownst to her someone else finds her and he wants all of her. Both Rae and Fabien have had broken relationships, but Rae doesn't understand what Fabien sees in her, he's rich handsome and could have any woman. Fabien works at getting Rae to believe he wants her. Loved this story.
I love this book and am a huge fan of K.W. I love her writing style, how she pulls you in making you feel like you’re right there with them sharing everything together. I love POV’s from the MMC, I love seeing things from their perspective and feelings. She did an incredible job with this, it was an unexpected twist on how things turned out. Normally it’s the other way around but this was beautiful, sizzling hot and yummy.
Such a romantic story. Rae and Fabien are two mature people with different backgrounds who meet at an exclusive restaurant on Valentine's Day. Once Fabien sees Rae a BBW he's in lust BUT it turns to much more in 24 hours. Rae and Fabien have both experienced failed marriages. Kenya has written a steamy, romantic story and is a very enjoyable read.
Wow!!! Eat Slay Love was all if that and soooo much more...mere words can not express nor five stars rate how incredible this novel was to women of all cultures, colors, religions, shapes, sizes and backgrounds...all women woukd, could, will love this great read...look forward to more from thus couple
I loved this!!!! It resonated so much with me. Yes, I know it’s fiction, but it’s a great reminder to any woman who has felt she wasn’t enough, struggled to love herself, to fill her cup first; it’s a fun way to be reminded you’re worthy, you’re deserving. A fun, hot, quick read with great banter, and lines worthy of an everyday mantra!
Whewweeww I loved everything about this book. Normal I hate a slow burn but this one was fun because of how cheeky and smooth Fabien was. I loved the realness of Rae having confidence in herself yet still having moments of doubt but still owned who she was. Once the spice hit it did not disappoint. I would love more of Fabien and Rae's story.
Nice little short read. I loved the way the focus was on a woman that is "finding/found" herself and living in her era of "knowing" who she is. Only thing I wish we had was a epilogue - giving us a 5 or so year update on where they end up if they make if or part ways.
I loved the description of the food and the journey for the night.
In Rae quest to show herself that she was worthy of all the things that her ex husband lacked in giving her she found Fabien !A man that would not only say the right things but also do them without hesitation because what he found was worth him uprooting his life to be with the woman he knew would change everything.I As with all KW books it was smoking hot
While I thought the one chapter written from Fabien's point of view was strange, I loved it! Not only does Rae learn to love herself but Fabien learns to put himself in her shoes & consider someone other than himself. There are some clear gems here about what makes relationships work. This was short and sweet.
This was excellent. I can identify very well with the main character. I’m a plus size woman who has had to learn to love myself. I’ve adopted Rea’s mantra. I am worthy I am deserving. I don’t think that I’ll attract a rich French man, but who knows! Hot and steamy parts. Wow. Good read.
I like the mystery of the date. I really didn't feel their chemistry, but it was evident that Rae and Fabien were extremely attracted to each other. The exotics of the date made things magical, but their initial glance made you believe that one look is all it takes to know that you found your person.
He was so obsessed with her from the jump and you have to appreciate that. Also I really enjoy books where the lead is a woman in the media field...intamacy coordinator seems like such a cool opportunity to craft a moment of film.
Her taking herself out for a solo date was cute but him deciding that she should do a solo date another time and let him join her this time was better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.