Calix Moore was like nothing I’d ever experienced in this life.
He stormed in with no regard for what it might do to my heart, only his own.
I wanted to open up and give him a chance, same as I had the first night we met—the night we threw all caution to the wind and spent twelve passionate hours behind closed doors.
But when the sky brightened, and I looked next to me, I knew I could never allow him to see me again. Except fate had other plans and now he’s standing in front of me, at my place of business, with a knowing smirk pulling at his lips.
I hadn’t been prepared for this, for him.
Calix Moore
June Hanson was everything I wanted to experience in this life.
She embodied the love I wanted to give and receive.
I wanted her to open up and give me a chance to prove myself, like she had the first night we met—the night I looked across the empty bar we were in and decided I would convince her to leave with me.
When I woke the next morning and found she’d left, I thought I’d never see her again. Until fate stepped in and brought me to her once more.
4/5 ⭐️ - My heeeeeart!!! Omg I loved this story SO much. I neeeeed more books about this family. Loved how we were able to see so many sides of June - her vulnerable side, her independent side, her spicy side.. & Calix!! Ah!! Loved their relationship! - The way Calix always just wanted to protect and care for June was the sweetest thing. This story was such an easy read. I never wanted to put it down!! - Love romances that have a plot that is a driving force outside of the romance and this one definitely had that. The pacing was perfect!
The first book I read by this author was And Then Life Was Beautiful, and I loved it so much that just over a week later I started this book. I did enjoy this book, but not as much as the first one. For some reason, I didn’t connect to the characters as much in this book and I felt there was missing for me. In saying that I still enjoyed it, but I just didn’t love it. If you enjoy this author I suggest you read this one as I’m sure you will love it like many other readers have. Recommended.
I will say that I respect Calix's patience and love for June. June is taking steps to overcome her trauma from an abusive past relationship. So we're particularly just following her as she opens her heart to Calix's love. It was a cute story, and I recognize where the author was going with it, but I failed to feel the passion between the characters. Even with Calix's personal sorrow over his father, it felt a little surface-level. I felt like we knew the characters and the challenges they faced, but not on a deeper level. Nonetheless, it was a nice story.
Although I enjoyed watching the love between Calix and June blossom, something still felt lacking for me. After what was meant to be a one-night stand, the two cross paths again by chance. June is healing from the loss of her grandparents and an abusive relationship, while Calix is mourning his father's death. Yet, they end up being exactly what the other needed. I particularly loved Calix's selflessness and protective nature.
While I really enjoyed the audio for the first book in this series, this story felt a bit too familiar.
June and Calix are love. I’m not sure if I can convey what I mean by that but it’s the best way for me to describe them. They are love. The passion between these strangers was PALPABLE…..what Calix was saying that first night….WHEW. Just everything. Then my girl June, who is absolutely the oldest quad, there was something so endearing about her. Like I wanted to sit down and sip gin and chat with her. Seeing her let Calix in and him just being a safe space….a protector for her. Whew Asia Monique know she can write a book. I finished this in one day and I didn’t want it to end. I kept hoping we’d get one more epilogue. I’ll absolutely be reading this again!
Two people meeting at a time in their lives where they are grieving, scared, and unsure of themselves and their future, turns into a mighty love. Calix and June meet at a bar when their minds are full of trauma, but the chemistry felt between them quickly ignited into a night full of passion. Supposedly a one and done, they are surprised when they run into each other again in a professional capacity.
June, the oldest of the quadruplets, is the mother hen, but is hiding the real reason her relationship ended with her family, due to the shame. She doesn’t want to be a burden to anyone and have them feel pity for her inability to leave that situation sooner.
Calix, still in a fog of grief after suddenly losing someone that meant so much to him. However, meeting June quickly clears the fog, and he is seeing things much clearer now.
I loved the slow burn of this read. Calix is bae all day!! 😍🥰 He made his presence and intentions known to June, while giving her the time and space she needed to move forward from her place of fear. The friendship they built while they were feeling each other out, was sweet and I loved that June had the opportunity to see and feel love from a genuine place. The Hanson family is a riot, and love how they are all in for each other. Enjoyed this. 👍🏾👍🏾
Beyonce once asked, "Where do you go when you go quiet?" June Hanson's quiet place was in her thoughts, and with her family, until Calix Moore sat next to her in a bar. "I knew she loved her family and she trusted them but I wanted to be her first choice."
June is the oldest of the Quads and she's dealing with being "the strong one," while internally battling her feelings and future because of an abusive ex. But then a one night stand and a chance encounter turned into passion and love. Calix Moore never gave June a reason to question anything when it came to his feelings for her and what he would do to make her feel safe. I love how comfortable she felt with him even though she was questioning herself and her feelings. Some of my favorite parts were his affirmations to June and the scenes with their families. I live for Hanson gatherings! The communication, the trust, and of course the passion came from every direction and I love that for June, Calix, and us!
However, I wanted so much more. More of June with Haven. I think that could’ve been an important bond to witness. The story with Silas, their families corruption, and Cecil’s reporting just disappeared and I know we got an update in the epilogue but it was just an abrupt stop before then. The family gathering at the end felt rushed. I think they would have benefitted from a conversation/scene with August and Couri since they dealt with some of the same familial issues.
Asia Monique does it for me every time but this time wasn't my favorite. And Then Life Was Beautiful will always be number one for me and I'm excited to see what the Hanson family gives us next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I wanted to love this book so bad because Ioved August & Couri’s book (And Then Life Was Beautiful) so much so I was looking forward to this next book but it fell so flat to me.
I didn’t feel connected to these characters and caught myself skimming through some of the pages.
Something was missing. Left to be desired. I’m not sure but I didn’t enjoy this one as much. Very surface level.
I did enjoy the affirmations given though. I enjoyed that and the scenes with their family.
The Fact That This Series Is Sitll On-going Makes The Wait A Little More Unbearable. Need The Next Book ASAP And It Better Be About Lola, She Has Unfinished Business, Please..
I was excited for this book and it did NOT disappoint. I loved June so much! Wanted to hug her so bad! I’m really glad she had a really good support system. Love how close the Hanson family is. I really liked Calix. I liked how protective he was of June (without being overbearing), he was so kind and patient, never pushed her past her limits and just waited for her to open up😭 I really liked the fact that they took things slow, they both knew where it was headed but still took their time, they were very open with each other and communicated clearly. Loved this sooo much
I loved the first book in this series and was so excited for this one but Something was missing with June’s story. Where was the passion? There wasn’t even passion in her resistance to Calix. Like I wanted more fiery give and pull like hot hookups in the janitor closet at the distillery with regrets and then it keeps happening over and over with June saying this will be the last time. Like when I’m eating Twizzlers and I always tell myself that this will be the last one but it isn’t and I just keep eating until the bag is empty. That’s what I wanted. Other than the one night stand, the sex scenes were very few and meh. Not spicy at all. What was going on with Haven and her school? So many plot points were introduced and dropped. Calix and June were okay as a couple but very boring. June was frustrating. Would have seen more of Calix dealing with his grief. Would have lived to see June befriend Haven; become a mentor or surrogate big sister. I don’t know. This 2nd book of the series just didn’t hit like the first one for me.
Several errors throughout the book. Minor though. But principal vs principle like 3-4 times in a row. Also i can’t tell you why but never trust nobody named Ophelia. She’s not even a big character in the book and probably will only be mentioned once (which i just read) but i’m telling you don’t trust nobody named Ophelia. Even in book form 😂 June is just now coming around to asking Calix to meet her family. He’s been hella patient with her. And now she wants to be lowkey upset that he hasn’t asked her to meet his family. You can’t have it both ways! 🙄 so the story was cute. I wish there was a little more drama with Silas. But that may be because some of the last few books I read had a thriller aspect tied in. I do like there there are multiple epilogues so we see how their story continues.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
What started as a one night stand between Calix and June evolved into so much more. When they first crossed paths, they were kind of on the same time where they would just have one night together and leave it at that. After this night they both had thoughts of the time they shared together. When Calix's job lead him back to June, he wanted to get to know her better but she was not into that based on some issues from her past. Eventually she gave in and the more they talked, the more she let her guards down and let him in. I appreciated the flower references with the two of them as well and what it stood for in their respective situations.
It was nice to see her trusting him with the secrets of her past and how he became protective of her and made it be known she couldn't push him away. I liked how they both were able to blend in well with each other's family and the families were welcoming of them. I liked the two of them together and I enjoyed the book overall.
I really loved the first book in this series, and I couldn't wait to get my hands on this one. Unfortunately, this story fell a little flat for me. I couldn't connect with the characters. June and Calix love for each felt rushed and unbelievable. I think it's worth the read if you're looking for a quick romance that's easy to read. Nothing groundbreaking or earth-shattering. Side Note: Asia Monique loves her epilogues! This book had 4 of them....lol
3/5 — It was good to see June find love again after leaving a traumatic relationship with her ex. June and Calix love was nice to watch grow. The bedroom chemistry was a plus, lol. — I enjoyed the family dynamics. Can’t wait to read about the other 2 Hansen siblings finding love, July and September.
Such an easy, fulfilling read. Her ability to write a love story that gives you butterflies! I’ve always loved her knack for writing in family dynamics. I loved June & Calix’s romance.
This was a really good book…but the editing took me out the story sometimes. There were some errors that caught me off guard. This is the first time that has happened with this author. Still a great story regardless!!
This book was so good from beginning to end. For this book to be this author’s first release of the year, she came out with a bang and didn’t disappoint with this read.
I loved the genuine connection and chemistry between June and Calix. They fed off each others’ energy and reciprocated their affection and support at every turn. They truly met each other when it was needed for them both. While it was clear June was feeling Calix from the beginning, it does take her some time to fully embrace her feelings because of her past history, but I loved that Calix showed her patience and compassion and understanding at every turn. He provided her a safe space and she provided one for him in return. I found both characters relatable and it made for an easy read. I also loved how the author wrote the epilogues and gave us a look into their life together years on down the line. This is a definite must read and I’m looking forward to getting more from the quads.
Who wouldn’t want to be a part of the Hanson crew? I didn’t enjoy this one as much as the first book in the series but Calix and June’s story is still an enjoyable read. Emmanuel Ingram ate this audiobook UP! Nia Serge struggles to match his energy but the way Mr. Ingram slays the sex scenes is enough to make this book worthy of a listen.
4.75/5⭐️ This is the 2nd book in the Hanson Family series, but the book doesn’t have to be read in order to read this one. June and Calix’s story happens at the same time the events in book one are happening. This is my sixth book by Asia Monique, and I really enjoy her writing. Her characters in her books can equally hold their own. They are able to communicate with one another and handle conflict like mature adults. The supportive family is shown throughout her books. Her current book was no exception! I enjoyed June and Calix’s story! You get to meet June in the first book as a support to her brother, but June is going through her own personal issues. Calix was an amazing support for June. He was very intentional and respectful of June while going through his personal issues. I have so much respect for how these two continuously showed up for one another. They had so much respect for their relationship in how they communicated with one another. I really enjoyed the book!
Overall this is a nice sweet, though sometimes corny/overly gushy book. And don’t get me wrong, I like corny lol but this one just didn’t feel believable and felt too rushed, especially towards the end - one minute they were trying to want to take it slow bc it’s still very new, but then on the next sentence over they’re both planning on meeting the entire family…it was just a lot and felt so rushed.
Would have made more sense and believability if June and Haven got to meet and have lunch before meeting his mom, same with Calix having lunch with her siblings before meeting the family or something to serve as an in between before the big family dinner….just something to bridge the gap
And despite their big words of admiration and love it just ultimately fell flat to me……and I really wanted to love it but I just couldn’t believe it.
**TW**: **Graphic** – Sexual content, Domestic abuse, Death of parent **Moderate** – Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, Grief
*And Then There Was Passion* follows June Hanson, a career-focused woman healing from an abusive past, and Calix Moore, a charismatic man haunted by the recent death of his father. What begins as a passionate twelve-hour encounter turns into something neither June nor Calix expected. After June follows her usual pattern of cutting ties, Calix refuses to let her go, with fate lending him a hand in his pursuit of her. A twist? They shared their middle names when they first met—something that connects them in ways they don’t yet understand.
Overall, the book beautifully explores themes of love, self-discovery, and the risks of opening your heart to change. The chemistry and emotional depth are undeniable, but it didn’t captivate me quite as much as the first book in the series. Still, it’s a powerful, passionate journey with moments that tugged at my heart.
Calix and June had ME from the start! From the initial meet-cute, to growing in their love for one another, to how Calix easily blended into the Hanson family...UGH, it was just so good. This family is just CHEF'S KISS to me! I enjoy reading books with family dynamics, such as The Hansons. They way they all are so ride or die for each other...and then run a successful Black business on top of that! UGH...so good!
I'm not going to lie, though. The ending felt a little drawn out to me. I was half expecting June's ex to come back and act a fool or for a third-act breakup, and when neither of those things happened, the last 30 or so pages made me wonder, "Is that all?"
And then a drawn out ending AND four epilogues...I was like, GIRL?! I absolutely unequivocally love this series and I cannot wait for the next book!
June Hasson is trying to get over a terrible abusive relationship and goes to the bar to have a drink. At the bar, she notices a handsome man, Calix Moore and begins to check him out. He notices her staring and starts up a conversation with her. They give each other fake names. One thing leads to another and they end up at his hotel room. They spend the night involved in mind blowing sex. The next morning June leaves knowing she will never see him again but she will hold onto the memories. Until he shows up at her job to do an interview and they are both shocked to run into each other again. Will they act on their mutual attraction or leave it as a one-time event?
What a sweet love story. I loved that Calix fell first and hard, and wasn’t against putting himself out there for Junie. As the story progressed and we got to root of her hesitance and his unresolved feelings towards his father—I knew they would be okay. Junie had endured so much and Calix provided safety that she didn’t have for a while. I love how he allowed her to be soft with him and how she readily included him in her family. It was beautiful. I can’t wait to see what the July and September have in store.