Khadijah is a hopeless romantic that can’t seem to find love on any avenue she turns to, leaving her quite pessimistic to the reality of relationships. With her head either in the clouds or in a book it’s no surprise that she’d inadvertently run into the man who would be the greatest love of her life. Xavier is the new doctor in town, full of southern charm and an all or nothing attitude. Their literal run in sparks more than an argument. One wild weekend in the crescent city together and they both go tumbling head over heels. Will Khadijah open up her heart for once and not just another book? Will Xavier be patient with her and stay?
The City That Taught Her To Love is the debut romance novel from Rochelle Duncan and let me tell you...it is INCREDIBLE. This is a must-read for anyone who likes romance novels with a little spice and a lot of swoon. It is heart-warming and had me grinning and kicking my feet throughout the whole book! I loved how real the main characters are and that they're both 30. The way they dealt with problems was so refreshing.
I related a lot to Khadijah because she's been through some sh*tty relationships and is pretty hesitant to believe she could actually have a good relationship, but is still a hopeless romantic. She has a big dream of owning her own bookstore and is fiery and strong-willed!
Xavier is SUCH a gentleman. He is definitely on my favorite book boyfriend list! He's incredibly patient with Khadijah, so thoughtful, and doesn't stop proving to her how right they are together. AND he's a doctor. When she's doubting their relationship, he doesn't make it worse or try to cause more drama; he talks through what's on his mind. Guys...take notes! ;)
I had the pleasure of reviewing an ARC for The City That Taught Her To Love
I had the pleasure as an Arc reader to experience reading a great love story and let me tell you…
This book had me in a CHOKEHOLD!
Xavier is the man! The kind who knows what he wants and isn’t afraid to wait for it. But what happens when the woman he’s falling for is a hopeless romantic who’d rather live through books than take a real chance on love? Whew!Their story had me screaming into the pages!
The tension? Perfect. The steam? Just right. But what really got me was how Xavier didn’t just love Khadijah, he saw her. And watching her fight against her own heart? I wanted to jump into the book and shake her (then hug her, then hand her a glass of wine).
If you love slow burns with emotional depth, a hero who’s all in, and a heroine who’s stubborn in the most relatable way? Don’t walk!! Run to grab this!
I really enjoyed this book — it had just the right amount of spice and kept me hooked from start to finish. As a fellow bookworm, I totally related to the main character, Khadijah. She’s a hopeless romantic who can’t seem to catch a break in love, leaving her a bit jaded about relationships. Her story felt authentic and deeply relatable.
Overall, it’s a fun and heartfelt story, perfect for curling up with on a sunny day. I’d highly recommend it — definitely one to add to your T
ARC Review – The City That Taught Her to Love by Rochelle Duncan Release Date: August 15, 2025 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I had the absolute pleasure of reading an advanced copy of The City That Taught Her to Love, and let me tell you, I’m still recovering from the butterflies this book gave me. What makes it even more impressive? This is Rochelle Duncan’s debut, and sis didn’t just drop one book—she gave us two! Talk about making an entrance!
Khadijah is the kind of character you root for from page one: bookish, a little jaded, and beautifully flawed in a way that feels real. She’s a romantic at heart, but after too many letdowns, love feels like something best left on the pages of the fiction she reads. Enter Xavier, the southern gentleman doctor with enough charm to disarm even the most unbelieving heart.
Their chance encounter in the heart of New Orleans kicks off a whirlwind weekend that feels like magic—messy, hilarious, steamy magic. Rochelle Duncan does an incredible job of capturing the electric pull between two people who weren’t looking for love but found it anyway. The city becomes more than just a backdrop; it’s a character of its own, breathing life and rhythm into every moment Khadijah and Xavier share.
What I loved most? The emotional depth beneath the romance. Khadijah’s hesitancy, Xavier’s patience, and the vulnerability required from both to make something real. It all felt honest and earned.
This story is a celebration of second chances, the courage it takes to open your heart, and the magic that happens when you finally believe you’re worthy of the kind of love you’ve only read about.
Can’t wait for everyone to meet Khadijah and Xavier!
This book is 1 of 3 in the Haven Series and I can't wait to dive into book 2 - "The Last Name on Her List"
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 The City That Taught Her How to Love by Rochelle Duncan is nothing short of phenomenal. From the very first page, I felt an undeniable connection to the main character—her vulnerability, her strength, and her emotional journey mirrored my own in ways that left me feeling seen, understood, and deeply moved. As an ARC reader, I’m truly honored to have experienced this beautiful story before its release. Rochelle Duncan’s writing is raw, poetic, and beautifully authentic, capturing the complexities of healing, self-discovery, and love with such grace and depth. As a debut novel, this is a stunning achievement, and Rochelle deserves endless praise for crafting a story that resonates so powerfully. I can’t wait for others to experience the same joy and emotional connection I have when the book is released next month—and I’m beyond excited to start the second book in this unforgettable series. Keep writing Queen 🥰 ~from a Fellow hopeless romantic ❣️
This debut fiction novel is everything you are looking for in a book: captivating and full of depth.
The author managed to create a world that pulls you in and doesn’t let go. It’s rare to find a first novel this polished. This book is a reflection of her creativity, imagination, and undeniable gift as a storyteller. If you’re looking for a fiction read that lingers with you long after the last page: this is it.
Omg what a read!!!! I picked up the series at BLACK WALL STREET in NEW HAVEN,CT on Saturday August 15 2026and I can’t put it down. I finished the first book in one day. Sunday is my day to relax so it was perfect. I did my facial and dove in deep. I’m glad I did. I can’t wait to read book 2 of the series. THIS IS A MUST READ…… YOU WONT REGRET BUYING IT! But make sure you set aside a day to dive deep! Lmao