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Lombardi Brothers #1
Teach Me To Love Again
Meet Breanna (Brea) Montgomery. Young, ambitious, full of life and very single.
Meet Kyle Lombardi. Breanna's new boss at Perks Coffee Distributors. He's handsome, successful, single and fighting internal demons that have taken him over.
Already butting heads at the office after their first meeting, Breanna is determined to keep her dream job despite Kyle's crass behavior towards her.
She learns he has not always been this way. A bad divorce caused him to alienate himself from everyone and hate everything. Breanna throws caution to the wind as well as the dire warnings from her colleagues to keep her distance from him. It's hard for her to do that considering she has to work with him.
Stuck in an elevator for hours will be a test for Breanna, who believes there is good in everyone including Kyle.
Meet Kyle Lombardi. Breanna's new boss at Perks Coffee Distributors. He's handsome, successful, single and fighting internal demons that have taken him over.
Already butting heads at the office after their first meeting, Breanna is determined to keep her dream job despite Kyle's crass behavior towards her.
She learns he has not always been this way. A bad divorce caused him to alienate himself from everyone and hate everything. Breanna throws caution to the wind as well as the dire warnings from her colleagues to keep her distance from him. It's hard for her to do that considering she has to work with him.
Stuck in an elevator for hours will be a test for Breanna, who believes there is good in everyone including Kyle.
242 pages, Paperback
First published August 22, 2014
25 people are currently reading
252 people want to read
About the author
Toye Lawson Brown
53 books125 followersToye Lawson Brown resides in Ohio, is an national bestselling author and member of RWA. Her romance novels include African-American, interracial romance, romantic suspense, and multicultural stories. She was nominated for Breakout Author of the Year (2014) and Best Interracial Romance (2015) by the B.R.A.B Book Club. The Men of CLE-FD also was nominated for a Reader's Choice Award for IR/MC best series. Toye Lawson Brown lures readers from the present to her fictional world from the first page. When not writing, Toye is in the kitchen creating mouth-watering meals or sharpening her bread-making techniques.
Toye would love to hear from readers.
Email: toyebrown@gmail.com
Website: www.toyelbrown.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/BooksbyToye/
Twitter @quietbreezes
Instagram: toyelawsonbrown
Toye would love to hear from readers.
Email: toyebrown@gmail.com
Website: www.toyelbrown.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/BooksbyToye/
Twitter @quietbreezes
Instagram: toyelawsonbrown
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
August 11, 2016
I like Toye Lawson Brown because she writes strong female characters. I would have rated this book slightly higher but what prevents me are the typos and syntax. With some editing, proofreading, tightening up the story line(s) and new book covers, I believe Toye has what it takes to be a contender. She's talented so I will continue to read her stories.
September 5, 2014
This is the story of Kyle and Breanna, and I absolutely loved it!
Kyle is recently divorced and still dealing with the fallout of his failed marriage, leaving him bitter, broken, and sworn off of women for life. His life is an empty shell. Breanna, on the other hand, is striking out on her own for the first time after leaving her fiancé, a wealthy pro basketball player. She seems strong and determined on the outside, but she’s got issues too. Our couple meets when Breanna or Brea starts a new job where Kyle is her supervisor. To say they got a rocky start would be an understatement. They fight the attraction to one another while still trying to come to terms with their own issues making for some interesting, and sometimes funny confrontations, but it’s all rooted in realism. This is the stuff that real people go through-it ain’t all wine and roses, and that’s one of the reasons that I love Toye Lawson Brown’s books. She not only makes the couple work for the HEA, but she makes the reader work for it too by sticking with the story when you’re like come on y’all get it together!
The storytelling is excellent as usual. I get so caught up when I’m reading. It’s not all niceties and sex, but a just-right mix of angst, drama, and romance. This couple may seem like a mismatch, but they really do compliment each other well. They recognize and acknowledge their racial, economic, and social differences without making it the focal point of their relationship, but instead working together as colleagues and as a couple despite them. Kyle is really an understated alpha male, but Brea ain’t no punk either! She comes from the school of hard knocks so she not only has the book smarts, but the street smarts as well. Kyle's family : UGH!!!
Whether you’re new or an existing reader of TLB’s books, give this one a shot. It’s good.
Kyle is recently divorced and still dealing with the fallout of his failed marriage, leaving him bitter, broken, and sworn off of women for life. His life is an empty shell. Breanna, on the other hand, is striking out on her own for the first time after leaving her fiancé, a wealthy pro basketball player. She seems strong and determined on the outside, but she’s got issues too. Our couple meets when Breanna or Brea starts a new job where Kyle is her supervisor. To say they got a rocky start would be an understatement. They fight the attraction to one another while still trying to come to terms with their own issues making for some interesting, and sometimes funny confrontations, but it’s all rooted in realism. This is the stuff that real people go through-it ain’t all wine and roses, and that’s one of the reasons that I love Toye Lawson Brown’s books. She not only makes the couple work for the HEA, but she makes the reader work for it too by sticking with the story when you’re like come on y’all get it together!
The storytelling is excellent as usual. I get so caught up when I’m reading. It’s not all niceties and sex, but a just-right mix of angst, drama, and romance. This couple may seem like a mismatch, but they really do compliment each other well. They recognize and acknowledge their racial, economic, and social differences without making it the focal point of their relationship, but instead working together as colleagues and as a couple despite them. Kyle is really an understated alpha male, but Brea ain’t no punk either! She comes from the school of hard knocks so she not only has the book smarts, but the street smarts as well. Kyle's family : UGH!!!
Whether you’re new or an existing reader of TLB’s books, give this one a shot. It’s good.
August 24, 2014
Although I have loads of Ms Brown's books on my kindle, this is the first of her books I have actually read. I loved Brea and Kyle as a couple. I loved the concept of the story that Brea was going to teach Kyle to love again after a disastrous first marriage.
I totally could understand why Kyle was bitter after the treatment from his first wife so I was in his corner and wanted true love to rescue him.
I did not like Brea's friends any of them. They all ended up betraying her and talking about her behind her back and allowing other to destroy her home. Marla and Brent were very negative about Brea's relationship with Kyle and actively tried to put her off him. I thought Brea should have stood up to them a lot more especially as Kyle was right about Brent. However, what I will say for Brea is was kick ass when she discovered anyone putting Kyle down like his ex-wife and she will step to you if she feels you are overstepping. I loved about her!
The book also dealt with both families not being so comfortable with the couple being interracial which I thought was true to life. Folks sometimes have to get to know the partner of their child's choice before they just accept them due to the stereotyping of both races. Like when Kyle mum wanted to put her jewelry box away when she realizes Brea was in her home. That was a real stereotype. Brea's family had their issues too with her choice being a white man.
A good romance story. I would recommend it as a good read.
October 1, 2014
I must say that I enjoyed this book. The storyline of this book was definitely different.
It's very rare to find a book where the heroine is the teacher of love for the hero. We also find out that the heroine (Breanna) walked away from a previous relationship, not because of him cheating, not because he was abusive, but because she didn't feel a part of the lifestyle they were living; and it wasn't a bad one but you'll need to read the book to find out what I'm talking about. I also found it nice to read about a heroine who although she was struggling financially, that she always seemed to look for the positive in life.
I found the hero Kyle to be different as well. He wasn't broke, yet he wasn't as financially successful as he had been, because of being almost taken to the cleansers by his ex-wife. He was also down on love, life, and alienated everyone because of his bitter divorce several years before.
The only person that seemed to be able to reach that loving part of him that was still deep, deep within was his new work trainee Breanna. Once she was able to get him to re-open his heart and let love in, Kyle will let no one; not his family, his ex, or even his co-workers, mistreat, disrespect, or talk against the newfound love and life he has with Breanna.
This may have been an IR romance; however, finding love was at the center, while racial differences played a secondary role. Based on this book I would definitely read other books by this author.
It's very rare to find a book where the heroine is the teacher of love for the hero. We also find out that the heroine (Breanna) walked away from a previous relationship, not because of him cheating, not because he was abusive, but because she didn't feel a part of the lifestyle they were living; and it wasn't a bad one but you'll need to read the book to find out what I'm talking about. I also found it nice to read about a heroine who although she was struggling financially, that she always seemed to look for the positive in life.
I found the hero Kyle to be different as well. He wasn't broke, yet he wasn't as financially successful as he had been, because of being almost taken to the cleansers by his ex-wife. He was also down on love, life, and alienated everyone because of his bitter divorce several years before.
The only person that seemed to be able to reach that loving part of him that was still deep, deep within was his new work trainee Breanna. Once she was able to get him to re-open his heart and let love in, Kyle will let no one; not his family, his ex, or even his co-workers, mistreat, disrespect, or talk against the newfound love and life he has with Breanna.
This may have been an IR romance; however, finding love was at the center, while racial differences played a secondary role. Based on this book I would definitely read other books by this author.
September 1, 2014
This was a good book. I loved the characters and the twist with them. Most books I read it's usually the woman who hates men because he broke her heart but, Kyle was different it was him who heart was broken. And I loved that because it gave his character a much better position to grow and change. This book did hit on interracial dating problems among the families and I loved how Kyle stood up for his girlfriend to his family. It was a good book, worth the price.
Happy Reading!!!!!
Happy Reading!!!!!
September 1, 2014
Beautiful
I gave this 4 stars because the story flowed and I loved all the characters even teak. the lost point goes to the repetitive times Breanna was spelled Breanne. However I highly recommend this book for fans of romantically happy ever after.
I gave this 4 stars because the story flowed and I loved all the characters even teak. the lost point goes to the repetitive times Breanna was spelled Breanne. However I highly recommend this book for fans of romantically happy ever after.
September 5, 2014
This was a good book. Touched on interracial dating that seemed more realistic than most books. Kyle's progression to love was somewhat unrealistic me. Too fast from where he started. Too many editing issues in the book. Loved Breanna's character.
September 6, 2014
Beautiful story
another one of my new favorites. this book tell the story of how one person can saved a person that is badly in need of saving. this story is heart warming and beautiful. it's a must!
another one of my new favorites. this book tell the story of how one person can saved a person that is badly in need of saving. this story is heart warming and beautiful. it's a must!
September 13, 2014
Teach Me To Love Again
I love this story it made me smile. Brea was a wonderful characters and I loved how she was willing to see the man that Kyle truly was.
Ms. Brown, I think Chase needs is own story.
I love this story it made me smile. Brea was a wonderful characters and I loved how she was willing to see the man that Kyle truly was.
Ms. Brown, I think Chase needs is own story.
April 5, 2023
This was different than the usual IR novel, but it was enjoyable. I thought both characters were portrayed a bit negatively, but it worked for this novel. Both of their families were biased, but they were both secure in their feelings for each other so it did not shake their relationship. Overall, good work, but had too many errrors from lax editing!
June 13, 2024
I’m Not A Writer
However, I am an avid reader of romance novels. This book lacked romance. It was full of typos and the editing could’ve been much better. It wasn’t cohesive. It has an alpha male that had an ulcer. Alpha males don’t have ulcers they give ulcers. I didn’t like this book.
However, I am an avid reader of romance novels. This book lacked romance. It was full of typos and the editing could’ve been much better. It wasn’t cohesive. It has an alpha male that had an ulcer. Alpha males don’t have ulcers they give ulcers. I didn’t like this book.
July 13, 2020
2.5 stars
November 2, 2014
I challenged myself and finished this book. I don't like leaving things unfinished.
This book needs to be edited. There were too many mistakes to be overlooked or forgiven. The book was laden with so many stereotypes and just...wrongness.
Breanna is educated and driven. She leaves a relationship of financial security because she wasn't in love. Admirable. She lives in a crime ridden neighborhood until she could afford better, on her own. She doesn't afford herself to get bogged down in negativity. She has her own mind and stands up for who/what she believes. So, I don't understand why a woman like her would up with a man who presents rather weak.
Parts of the storyline just didn't work for me. As is, I can't recommend this book.
This book needs to be edited. There were too many mistakes to be overlooked or forgiven. The book was laden with so many stereotypes and just...wrongness.
Breanna is educated and driven. She leaves a relationship of financial security because she wasn't in love. Admirable. She lives in a crime ridden neighborhood until she could afford better, on her own. She doesn't afford herself to get bogged down in negativity. She has her own mind and stands up for who/what she believes. So, I don't understand why a woman like her would up with a man who presents rather weak.
Parts of the storyline just didn't work for me. As is, I can't recommend this book.
September 28, 2015
Teach Me To Love Again was my first book by this author and it was between a like and love - 3.5 stars
We have some great characters with depth (at least from Kyle), their love story had a nice build up, and the work Brea put in to teach Kyle how to love again was no easy task. I think somewhere at the mid point the book lost some of it's steam and then seemed to hit us full force with it all at the end.
All in all, this was a good book and it was good enough for me to want to try something else by this autho
We have some great characters with depth (at least from Kyle), their love story had a nice build up, and the work Brea put in to teach Kyle how to love again was no easy task. I think somewhere at the mid point the book lost some of it's steam and then seemed to hit us full force with it all at the end.
All in all, this was a good book and it was good enough for me to want to try something else by this autho
September 28, 2015
Teach Me To Love Again was my first book by this author and it was between a like and love - 3.5(NOTE: I wish goodreads will let us start rating half stars)!!!
We have some great characters with depth (at least from Kyle), their love story had a nice build up, and the work Brea put in to teach Kyle how to love again was no easy task. I think somewhere at the mid point the book lost some of it's steam and then seemed to hit us full force with it all at the end.
All in all, this was a good book and it was good enough for me to want to try something else by this author.
We have some great characters with depth (at least from Kyle), their love story had a nice build up, and the work Brea put in to teach Kyle how to love again was no easy task. I think somewhere at the mid point the book lost some of it's steam and then seemed to hit us full force with it all at the end.
All in all, this was a good book and it was good enough for me to want to try something else by this author.
January 28, 2015
Really well written cute story...so why a four
The errors were really high, and I know if it was me, my errors would be high as well, but the spelling, there is spell check, missed words...But now that I got,that out I loved the book, I loved Kyle for so many reasons, let's just say behind
every good man there is a hell of a woman Breanna, love, loved her, and writer thanks for Teka's happy ending, I literally cheered, sorry to point out the errors habit of mine loved it really cute recommended read.
The errors were really high, and I know if it was me, my errors would be high as well, but the spelling, there is spell check, missed words...But now that I got,that out I loved the book, I loved Kyle for so many reasons, let's just say behind
every good man there is a hell of a woman Breanna, love, loved her, and writer thanks for Teka's happy ending, I literally cheered, sorry to point out the errors habit of mine loved it really cute recommended read.
October 23, 2015
Laws of attraction
Brea and Kyle were totally different. This book shows how opposites attract indeed. It also shows how the love of a good woman or a good man can overcome the hurt and pain of a bad relationship. The underlying theme is to remain hopeful and have faith despite your previous situation. In addition, the book reminds us to not let someone else determine our destiny and how we feel. Don't give people power over you that they didn't not earn.
Brea and Kyle were totally different. This book shows how opposites attract indeed. It also shows how the love of a good woman or a good man can overcome the hurt and pain of a bad relationship. The underlying theme is to remain hopeful and have faith despite your previous situation. In addition, the book reminds us to not let someone else determine our destiny and how we feel. Don't give people power over you that they didn't not earn.
October 14, 2014
Lovey story of Brea & kyle ,in the beginning did not like Kyle was a total Jackass,but as you got further into the book you realise why he behaves the way he does after you learn about his ex wife Frances.I especially like how he stood up to his family defending her ,also how Brea was able to forgive her friend and help her escape into another state
October 21, 2014
FANTASTIC
I have read several books by this author and have never been disappointed. Wonderful love story. Breanna had it all,engaged to a NBA player but she could not get into his lifestyle so she left. Kyle had been beat down by his ex-wife so he disliked all women.But Brea taught him to love again.
I have read several books by this author and have never been disappointed. Wonderful love story. Breanna had it all,engaged to a NBA player but she could not get into his lifestyle so she left. Kyle had been beat down by his ex-wife so he disliked all women.But Brea taught him to love again.
November 29, 2014
Love is color blind
Loved it and it was a full length book. Beautiful work. Great storyline. This is what I like, a book about working people with differences and working through them together. The sex wasn't bad either. I would recommend this to anyone who'd doesn't have any prejudices about color and loves a love story.
Loved it and it was a full length book. Beautiful work. Great storyline. This is what I like, a book about working people with differences and working through them together. The sex wasn't bad either. I would recommend this to anyone who'd doesn't have any prejudices about color and loves a love story.
January 20, 2015
l really liked this book, I thought the characters were developed well and you slowly watched them fall in love with each other. I also like the realism of them meeting each other's families, because let's face it even in this day and age some people cannot accept interracial relationships. A fantastic book to read.
September 11, 2014
Ok I like the story but had to auto correct way to many times. My Kindle version needed an editors touch. Would have given a 3 to 4 star rating but there were to many errors.
October 18, 2014
Review
Another story under my belt. Loved the story line and the characters.....a journey in love is always interesting....I recommend this to any who like a good love story.
Another story under my belt. Loved the story line and the characters.....a journey in love is always interesting....I recommend this to any who like a good love story.
October 26, 2014
amazing, absolutely loved every page of it
November 12, 2014
Good read but....
Good story but needs editing badly. Misspelled words threw me and I had to re-read lines to grasp the author's meaning. Otherwise a great read.
Good story but needs editing badly. Misspelled words threw me and I had to re-read lines to grasp the author's meaning. Otherwise a great read.
December 28, 2014
I really like Breanna and Kyle's story. I appreciated that it was more realistic than over the top like some recent ones that I've read. I just wished Brea actually got to hit the ex wife.
September 15, 2015
Very good
A bumpy road but love won out. The ups and downs of the relationship was well worth the happy ending.
A bumpy road but love won out. The ups and downs of the relationship was well worth the happy ending.
October 10, 2015
Very enjoyable.
December 5, 2016
Excellent!
This book was not a classic love story. I loved the twists and turns in the book as well as the happy ever after ending. True love has no color!
This book was not a classic love story. I loved the twists and turns in the book as well as the happy ever after ending. True love has no color!
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews