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Beauty & Bonds
She’s the beauty behind a blooming beauty empire.
He’s the bond broker who broke her heart.
Millicent “Nina-Marie” Jackson isn’t looking back— she’s looking forward. As the daughter of South-Hurst’s most polished political and legal dynasty— legacy and power is in her blood… but it’s also the weight on her back. After walking away from the man who broke her heart and the family that nearly broke her spirit, Nina’s betting on herself—and building a beauty empire all her own.
Until Andre “Dre” Coleman slides back in like he never left.
Polished, powerful, and always three moves ahead, Andre Coleman makes million-dollar deals by day and keeps the city’s dirtiest secrets by night. He built his empire with charm, strategy, and silence. The Syndicate’s money man and the city’s clean-cut king of finance. Nina? She was his only soft spot. Now she’s back in his life, and the chemistry between them still burns hot enough to scorch everything in its path.
But someone is watching.
Plotting.
A threat moving in the shadows, ready to burn it all down.
As old wounds reopen and new enemies emerge, Nina and Dre find themselves caught between passion, power, and the past
Secrets. Manipulation. Money. Chaos.
This is Beauty & Bonds—where love tests your limits, and your loyalty.
He’s the bond broker who broke her heart.
Millicent “Nina-Marie” Jackson isn’t looking back— she’s looking forward. As the daughter of South-Hurst’s most polished political and legal dynasty— legacy and power is in her blood… but it’s also the weight on her back. After walking away from the man who broke her heart and the family that nearly broke her spirit, Nina’s betting on herself—and building a beauty empire all her own.
Until Andre “Dre” Coleman slides back in like he never left.
Polished, powerful, and always three moves ahead, Andre Coleman makes million-dollar deals by day and keeps the city’s dirtiest secrets by night. He built his empire with charm, strategy, and silence. The Syndicate’s money man and the city’s clean-cut king of finance. Nina? She was his only soft spot. Now she’s back in his life, and the chemistry between them still burns hot enough to scorch everything in its path.
But someone is watching.
Plotting.
A threat moving in the shadows, ready to burn it all down.
As old wounds reopen and new enemies emerge, Nina and Dre find themselves caught between passion, power, and the past
Secrets. Manipulation. Money. Chaos.
This is Beauty & Bonds—where love tests your limits, and your loyalty.
- GenresUrban
478 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 6, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
December 28, 2025
This dragged on a bit for me. But I get it, it was a slow build up to the action (fatal attraction style). I actually don’t think Nina & Dre needed to be together honestly. Their relationship felt toxic & while I felt their physical chemistry idk how I felt about them as a couple. I also struggled to like Nina as a FMC. She felt…all over the place emotionally & a bit immature. We saw it in Book 1, and she clearly didn’t grow. And I know it’s because of the weight of her family name but idk…seek therapy child. And Dre…idk fr. Also Nina’s entire family? A mess. With zero situational awareness. Just out here trusting all the people knowing how much power yall have😩
What I did enjoy was getting glimpses of the other couples from the previous books. And the brotherhood between the syndicate is always top tier.
What I did enjoy was getting glimpses of the other couples from the previous books. And the brotherhood between the syndicate is always top tier.
June 26, 2026
Nina was dumb in book 1 and an annoying FMC. How you hate the legacy but feel small about making your own? Pick a side. How you act “down” but have ZERO survival skills? Tell your business to a stranger AND letting her manipulate you is crazy to me. How EVERYBODY that said something about your man had you questioning the relationship? Girl TF? Do you like him or not? How you know his brothers and ask “are you dangerous?”? Girl duh!
My least favorite in the series so far and I wanted it to be my fave based on Dre in the other books.
My least favorite in the series so far and I wanted it to be my fave based on Dre in the other books.
April 20, 2026
I needed a better villain killing. Malani got off too easy. I think the author could've prolonged Nina forgiving Dre because his past did completely torpedo her and her family's life, like life altering scandals and he's like, "I love you. Marry me." and she says yes lol
Malani should've gone out way worse. I feel the book did a good job at detailing Malani's plotting, but her death was simple and happened off screen.
Malani should've gone out way worse. I feel the book did a good job at detailing Malani's plotting, but her death was simple and happened off screen.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 11, 2026
1.5 stars. This series is repetitive - why are the women always being subjected to trauma?! This book was very similar to book one with Simone. Like please give us a new storyline. Also, what do you mean these tech savvy, criminal enterprise men don’t do backgrounds on folks?! Aaahhhh. I hope book four is better.
July 9, 2026
Nina and Dre have such an interesting story. The sex scenes? Lol. Mmhmm… NEEDED IT. 😛
However, their relationship was a MOTHAFUCKING roller coaster, and all because of Malani’s crazy ass. I knew she was going to be a problem as soon as Dre ended things with her, but she took the cake for crazy. I mean, you did ALL THIS over a M-A-N? She literally messed with Nina’s entire family just to make sure they couldn’t be together.
A few cons for me: after all the mayhem Malani caused, she just gets accidentally killed? I know Moses had a baby on the way, but y’all could’ve had him take her out a little more gruesomely.
Nina is such a contradiction to me. She’s wealthy, but she can’t hold a secret? She can’t handle her liquor? One of Malani’s best moments was when she said, “All this pretending to be confident, but deep down you broken.” That was probably one of the best lines in the book.
I also think Dre and Nina’s relationship moved way too fast. Like… she just got kidnapped and MURDERED Malani, but sure, let’s get engaged. 😭
I saw another post that said, “They both need some therapy,” and I’m like… yeah, they probably should hash out a few problems before they actually walk down the aisle.
However, their relationship was a MOTHAFUCKING roller coaster, and all because of Malani’s crazy ass. I knew she was going to be a problem as soon as Dre ended things with her, but she took the cake for crazy. I mean, you did ALL THIS over a M-A-N? She literally messed with Nina’s entire family just to make sure they couldn’t be together.
A few cons for me: after all the mayhem Malani caused, she just gets accidentally killed? I know Moses had a baby on the way, but y’all could’ve had him take her out a little more gruesomely.
Nina is such a contradiction to me. She’s wealthy, but she can’t hold a secret? She can’t handle her liquor? One of Malani’s best moments was when she said, “All this pretending to be confident, but deep down you broken.” That was probably one of the best lines in the book.
I also think Dre and Nina’s relationship moved way too fast. Like… she just got kidnapped and MURDERED Malani, but sure, let’s get engaged. 😭
I saw another post that said, “They both need some therapy,” and I’m like… yeah, they probably should hash out a few problems before they actually walk down the aisle.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 12, 2026
I thought Simone calling King Daddy was like a bedroom, kinky thing. This girl calls this man Daddy all day, everyday, in front of everyone, including her mother in law. Shit was WEIRD. You’re a grown ass woman begging a man to go out with your friends and then calling him Daddy in the process? Absolutely the fuck not!!! Then him giving her a high school age curfew? IKYFL!!!
Nina was slow and needed therapy.
Dre was slow and needed therapy.
They’re both business savvy, but their personal and love lives were a mess. Only they could deal with the each other. Also, I didn’t even really feel a connection between them. Their whole relationship developed off page. Paris gave us zero insight and then when they came home, it was just a bunch of I love you, trauma dumping, and fighting mixed with a crazy bitch stalker.
His whole relationship with Malani was weird and the fact that he didn’t suspect her was a testament to him being slow.
Then they just got engaged and that was the end? Like huh?!
I enjoyed Malani’s crazy ass plotting but other than that, this book was lackluster.
Nina was slow and needed therapy.
Dre was slow and needed therapy.
They’re both business savvy, but their personal and love lives were a mess. Only they could deal with the each other. Also, I didn’t even really feel a connection between them. Their whole relationship developed off page. Paris gave us zero insight and then when they came home, it was just a bunch of I love you, trauma dumping, and fighting mixed with a crazy bitch stalker.
His whole relationship with Malani was weird and the fact that he didn’t suspect her was a testament to him being slow.
Then they just got engaged and that was the end? Like huh?!
I enjoyed Malani’s crazy ass plotting but other than that, this book was lackluster.
December 4, 2025
what a ride
This was actually a toxic storyline! I was not expecting the twists to transpire the way they did but I was here for it all! I really liked Dre and Nina! The chemistry was there but Nina wasn’t really there for the long run with Dre - but the pressure he applied. I get it sis, I would have folded too! Now what got me was Nina’s trifling family! They had more secrets than a little bit!! 😱and that calculated Dr - It was giving fatal attraction!! 😩😩I don’t know why the women keep getting kidnapped but I need the Syndicate to stop letting it happen lol 😂 ready for book 4!
This was actually a toxic storyline! I was not expecting the twists to transpire the way they did but I was here for it all! I really liked Dre and Nina! The chemistry was there but Nina wasn’t really there for the long run with Dre - but the pressure he applied. I get it sis, I would have folded too! Now what got me was Nina’s trifling family! They had more secrets than a little bit!! 😱and that calculated Dr - It was giving fatal attraction!! 😩😩I don’t know why the women keep getting kidnapped but I need the Syndicate to stop letting it happen lol 😂 ready for book 4!
January 19, 2026
Character dev: 👤👤👤👤
Originality: 📝📝📝
Narration:
Plot: 📖📖📖📖
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Action: 👊🏽👊🏽
Troupe: breakup to make up, millionaire romance
Triggers: some violence
The story is good and a bit of a palette cleanser after reading about Mo and Sol.
I didn’t care for Dre at all, he didn’t move me. but I was locked in on the fatal attraction element.
Originality: 📝📝📝
Narration:
Plot: 📖📖📖📖
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Action: 👊🏽👊🏽
Troupe: breakup to make up, millionaire romance
Triggers: some violence
The story is good and a bit of a palette cleanser after reading about Mo and Sol.
I didn’t care for Dre at all, he didn’t move me. but I was locked in on the fatal attraction element.
April 19, 2026
Nina was upsetting me and my homegirls because why was she so indecisive?!😭 This book has to be my least favorite out of the series. I felt as though I was reading a relationship between teenagers. Dre with the lies, Nina not knowing what she wanted, the family being extremely messy……chile it was a lot. I’ll still give it 3 stars because it was written well, just super toxic and annoying.
November 4, 2025
Legacy meets crazy
MMC was such a manipulator. His presence was the catalyst for destruction. He did not get enough karma. I understood why the villain did what she did. Dre you count your days! He didn’t do enough compared to the first two books. His love didn’t sleep off the page frfr. Nina deserved more from him.
MMC was such a manipulator. His presence was the catalyst for destruction. He did not get enough karma. I understood why the villain did what she did. Dre you count your days! He didn’t do enough compared to the first two books. His love didn’t sleep off the page frfr. Nina deserved more from him.
March 24, 2026
Dre and Nina is my least favorite
I loved this book overall, but Dre? Yeah… he definitely gave narcissist energy. The way he strung that woman along for three years after everything they went through, including a miscarriage just to act like she meant nothing?
Malani, on the other hand, was the definition of a woman scorned. I understood her pain, but I don’t agree with how she handled it. Targeting Nina was unnecessary her issue should’ve stayed with Dre. The whole “Sasha” persona added another layer, because Nina really had no idea who she was dealing with.
And speaking of Nina… whew. She talks way too much. She may be book smart, but street smart? Not even close. No matter how loud or bold she tries to come off, she’s still not my favorite character. I was hoping for some development with her.
One thing I always enjoy, though, is getting updates on the brothers. It was really good to see Moses more at peace, and of course, King is still very much King.
I loved this book overall, but Dre? Yeah… he definitely gave narcissist energy. The way he strung that woman along for three years after everything they went through, including a miscarriage just to act like she meant nothing?
Malani, on the other hand, was the definition of a woman scorned. I understood her pain, but I don’t agree with how she handled it. Targeting Nina was unnecessary her issue should’ve stayed with Dre. The whole “Sasha” persona added another layer, because Nina really had no idea who she was dealing with.
And speaking of Nina… whew. She talks way too much. She may be book smart, but street smart? Not even close. No matter how loud or bold she tries to come off, she’s still not my favorite character. I was hoping for some development with her.
One thing I always enjoy, though, is getting updates on the brothers. It was really good to see Moses more at peace, and of course, King is still very much King.
September 2, 2025
Loved the series!
I read out of order as someone suggested ROC’s book as Nerd MMC and I had to read them all after him!! Now Dre and Nina. Nina made me mad in Kings book because she was so loose lipped. But she seemed so ditsy and had no common sense. Lol not taking away from how good the book was at all. Putting Ms Black in my favorite author list. Please keep writing ma’am.
I read out of order as someone suggested ROC’s book as Nerd MMC and I had to read them all after him!! Now Dre and Nina. Nina made me mad in Kings book because she was so loose lipped. But she seemed so ditsy and had no common sense. Lol not taking away from how good the book was at all. Putting Ms Black in my favorite author list. Please keep writing ma’am.
June 17, 2026
Rating 4.5 ⭐️ Beauty & Bonds: Not Every Threat Comes with a Warning (The South-Hurst Syndicate Book 3) by Dominique Black. This series continues to prove that love can be beautiful but whew it can also be exhausting, messy and dangerous as hell.
Nina and Dre’s story wasn’t even really about finding their way back to each other for me. It was about timing, growth and realizing that chemistry alone doesn’t make something work. These two had a bit of history, feelings, unfinished business and enough stubbornness to drag everything out longer than necessary. Nina was so aggravating at times and Dre was shockingly patient.
What I wasn’t prepared for was the level of chaos surrounding them and why Malani was moving like heartbreak activated a full time villain origin story! When Mo asked what you do, sprinkle Coke on your dick? I HOLLERED because seriously ain’t no way somebody crashes out THIS hard over a three year situationship ending. Malani was operating on levels I could not comprehend. Every time something happened I kept thinking surely this isn’t another one of her schemes and babeeee it was. Her background made her the perfect person to conduct physiological warfare. Does the couch lady have a couch lady??
Dominique Black has a talent for making love feel expensive, dangerous and worth fighting for all at once. South-Hurst keeps delivering.
Nina and Dre’s story wasn’t even really about finding their way back to each other for me. It was about timing, growth and realizing that chemistry alone doesn’t make something work. These two had a bit of history, feelings, unfinished business and enough stubbornness to drag everything out longer than necessary. Nina was so aggravating at times and Dre was shockingly patient.
What I wasn’t prepared for was the level of chaos surrounding them and why Malani was moving like heartbreak activated a full time villain origin story! When Mo asked what you do, sprinkle Coke on your dick? I HOLLERED because seriously ain’t no way somebody crashes out THIS hard over a three year situationship ending. Malani was operating on levels I could not comprehend. Every time something happened I kept thinking surely this isn’t another one of her schemes and babeeee it was. Her background made her the perfect person to conduct physiological warfare. Does the couch lady have a couch lady??
Dominique Black has a talent for making love feel expensive, dangerous and worth fighting for all at once. South-Hurst keeps delivering.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 11, 2026
3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Beauty & Bonds was a solid read. It didn't pull me in as much as the previous books in the series, but it wasn't bad either. It kept my attention, even if I never felt as invested in this couple as I did in the others.
Malani was absolutely unhinged, but honestly, Dre played a huge role in why she became so obsessed. He strung her along for three years, took her on trips, spoiled her with shopping sprees, and even got her pregnant, only to drop her like she meant nothing. If it was truly just an arrangement, he never should've blurred those lines or treated it like a real relationship. That doesn't excuse Malani's actions, but I can understand why she believed there was something more between them.
Nina wasn't one of my favorite characters. I understood the pressure she was under from her family, but she frustrated me at times. She talks way too much when she drinks, just like she did in the first book, and she's way too trusting of people she barely knows. I really wish she had better situational awareness because she should've picked up on Malani's energy long before everything spiraled out of control.
I also never fully bought into Dre and Nina as a couple. Their chemistry just didn't hit for me the way the other couples in the series did.
Beauty & Bonds was a solid read. It didn't pull me in as much as the previous books in the series, but it wasn't bad either. It kept my attention, even if I never felt as invested in this couple as I did in the others.
Malani was absolutely unhinged, but honestly, Dre played a huge role in why she became so obsessed. He strung her along for three years, took her on trips, spoiled her with shopping sprees, and even got her pregnant, only to drop her like she meant nothing. If it was truly just an arrangement, he never should've blurred those lines or treated it like a real relationship. That doesn't excuse Malani's actions, but I can understand why she believed there was something more between them.
Nina wasn't one of my favorite characters. I understood the pressure she was under from her family, but she frustrated me at times. She talks way too much when she drinks, just like she did in the first book, and she's way too trusting of people she barely knows. I really wish she had better situational awareness because she should've picked up on Malani's energy long before everything spiraled out of control.
I also never fully bought into Dre and Nina as a couple. Their chemistry just didn't hit for me the way the other couples in the series did.
May 10, 2026
Chile! Dre and Nina was stressing me the hell out. For a minute I couldn’t fight the feeling that he had an ulterior motive because of who her family was, and also the secrets he didn’t want coming to the surface. But as more secrets continued to affect their relationship, Dre was left with the only option of letting Nina in more and more, and only then did I start to feel he truly did love her. I never questioned Nina’s love for him because he was someone who saw her for who she truly was, and accepted it for the most part.
I do think even while in the relationship, he did have some internal battles with not being set in his ways. However, the idea of potentially losing someone forever will make a man tighten up immediately, and that was the case with them. I do wish the circumstances in which he asked for her hand were different, but the love was there so I guess.
Malani did way too much, and could’ve moved on and bossed up on Dre, but she wasn’t wrong with the pain she felt. However, she wasn’t smart enough to see who was truly the root of the problem. Nonetheless, the was a good read. I will say, I love Mo and Yaya so much, it was the epilogue that moved this from a 4-star to 5-star read for me.
I do think even while in the relationship, he did have some internal battles with not being set in his ways. However, the idea of potentially losing someone forever will make a man tighten up immediately, and that was the case with them. I do wish the circumstances in which he asked for her hand were different, but the love was there so I guess.
Malani did way too much, and could’ve moved on and bossed up on Dre, but she wasn’t wrong with the pain she felt. However, she wasn’t smart enough to see who was truly the root of the problem. Nonetheless, the was a good read. I will say, I love Mo and Yaya so much, it was the epilogue that moved this from a 4-star to 5-star read for me.
February 8, 2026
Great story. I loved the characters overall, but Nina annoyed me just a little. I felt like she was always looking for reasons not to be with Dre. Every time she got mad at him, it was over something that happened before her. I really wanted her to grow up at times because she constantly chose to stay mad.
I started getting tired of Dre always being the one fixing things when, honestly, there was nothing to fix. It wasn’t his fault that some other heaux was crazy. She could clearly see that this man was crazy about her, yet she kept starting drama and finding reasons to be upset. A few times, I was hoping he’d just move on and show her what she’d miss if he actually left. He had her on the highest pedestal.
What made it worse is that Nina wasn’t perfect herself. She was trying to rebel and act single at times, and every single time, Dre forgave her and let it ride, even during their relationship. Yet everything she held against him was from before they were together. She really needed to mature and stop letting people she didn’t even know get in her head.
Silly behavior aside, it was still a good book overall.
I started getting tired of Dre always being the one fixing things when, honestly, there was nothing to fix. It wasn’t his fault that some other heaux was crazy. She could clearly see that this man was crazy about her, yet she kept starting drama and finding reasons to be upset. A few times, I was hoping he’d just move on and show her what she’d miss if he actually left. He had her on the highest pedestal.
What made it worse is that Nina wasn’t perfect herself. She was trying to rebel and act single at times, and every single time, Dre forgave her and let it ride, even during their relationship. Yet everything she held against him was from before they were together. She really needed to mature and stop letting people she didn’t even know get in her head.
Silly behavior aside, it was still a good book overall.
July 30, 2026
3 1/2⭐️
Overall, I really enjoyed Beauty and Bonds Nina had me up and down throughout the book, but I had to remind myself that she's only 25/26. She acts like someone in their mid-20s, and I actually appreciated that once I stopped expecting her to react like someone much older.
I think my biggest issue was with Dre at times. There's an age gap between them, and I found myself frustrated whenever he expected Nina to have the same level of maturity that he did. She's younger, she's still figuring things out, and sometimes she acted exactly how I'd expect a 25-year-old to act. That felt realistic to me.
There were also a few story choices that didn't quite work for me. Nina's family dynamics were messy in a way that made it hard to fully root for them. With the exception of Lang.
Even with those critiques, I still had a good time. I actually enjoyed this more than Velvet and Venom, though not as much as Sage and Sin. The story kept me engaged, and I'm definitely invested enough to keep going.
Now I'm ready for Roc's book, that's the one I've really been waiting for.
Overall, I really enjoyed Beauty and Bonds Nina had me up and down throughout the book, but I had to remind myself that she's only 25/26. She acts like someone in their mid-20s, and I actually appreciated that once I stopped expecting her to react like someone much older.
I think my biggest issue was with Dre at times. There's an age gap between them, and I found myself frustrated whenever he expected Nina to have the same level of maturity that he did. She's younger, she's still figuring things out, and sometimes she acted exactly how I'd expect a 25-year-old to act. That felt realistic to me.
There were also a few story choices that didn't quite work for me. Nina's family dynamics were messy in a way that made it hard to fully root for them. With the exception of Lang.
Even with those critiques, I still had a good time. I actually enjoyed this more than Velvet and Venom, though not as much as Sage and Sin. The story kept me engaged, and I'm definitely invested enough to keep going.
Now I'm ready for Roc's book, that's the one I've really been waiting for.
May 21, 2026
Dre and Nina
Andre Coleman is the finance guru in his group of merry men. His stepfather taught some of what he knew. How to command a room and play the game that some folks aren't aware is happening.
Nina Jackson is the daughter of judicial greatness, but she decided to pursue her own path, which cause her to be seen as the blacksheep of her family. She tends not to put her family connection out there because she wants to be known for her own identity.
Andre and Nina secretly had a thing going, and it didn't end well. She caught him in a compromising position and broke it off, and blocked him from her life.
Sometime later, Andre crosses her path at an event and learns her family connection. Before this, he thought about her. But he never truly tried connecting again. Now, he is making it known that he wants another chance.
Nina is trying to figure out if he is worth i.
Andre Coleman is the finance guru in his group of merry men. His stepfather taught some of what he knew. How to command a room and play the game that some folks aren't aware is happening.
Nina Jackson is the daughter of judicial greatness, but she decided to pursue her own path, which cause her to be seen as the blacksheep of her family. She tends not to put her family connection out there because she wants to be known for her own identity.
Andre and Nina secretly had a thing going, and it didn't end well. She caught him in a compromising position and broke it off, and blocked him from her life.
Sometime later, Andre crosses her path at an event and learns her family connection. Before this, he thought about her. But he never truly tried connecting again. Now, he is making it known that he wants another chance.
Nina is trying to figure out if he is worth i.
May 30, 2026
Contortionist
This wasn’t a favorite by any means.
First the timing. What happened that catapulted Dre into wanting to now be all in. The only saving grace on his part was that he addressed her at that dinner prior to realizing who she was.
Second why was Millicent now all of a sudden attending family events. If she was doing these things previously she would’ve never gone so long being undetected by Dre who’s in those circles.
Third Constance’s protective murmuring. Where’d that come from when you were throwing all the jabs. That switch was just too sudden for me.
Fourth “Sasha” the whole warehouse situation was wacky, the only part that I could appreciate was the slideshow of her relationship. AND “Sasha” was too clean to have mercenaries in her back pocket so where’d they come from?
All in all this was a mental contortion which befuddled the stories narrative.
This wasn’t a favorite by any means.
First the timing. What happened that catapulted Dre into wanting to now be all in. The only saving grace on his part was that he addressed her at that dinner prior to realizing who she was.
Second why was Millicent now all of a sudden attending family events. If she was doing these things previously she would’ve never gone so long being undetected by Dre who’s in those circles.
Third Constance’s protective murmuring. Where’d that come from when you were throwing all the jabs. That switch was just too sudden for me.
Fourth “Sasha” the whole warehouse situation was wacky, the only part that I could appreciate was the slideshow of her relationship. AND “Sasha” was too clean to have mercenaries in her back pocket so where’d they come from?
All in all this was a mental contortion which befuddled the stories narrative.
June 20, 2026
So a lot of the reviews didn’t like Nina and Dre but I did. I didn’t find Nina to be annoying. I found her to be the outcast! So she showed up in different ways! She expressed herself in a different way. Now Dre is who pissed me off. I felt like he didn’t see truly until Nina until he saw her at the event. That was his “ahh ahh” moment. I’m question if it was genuine. Like what reason in the beginning did you start backing off? But Nina made him pay!! A building and half a mil??? And a trip to Paris. Nina was like honey you’ve been doing child’s play! I’m big dawg round this bishhh! Lol
Now onto Malina/Sasha!! Girl you are batpoop crazy!! Like the way you infiltrated that family was cray cray! Daphne, Carl, Constance and Nina didn’t know what hit them! And Dre dumb ass was none the wiser! How didn’t you remember that she was at your house????
I love some Dee-Dee! I like Simone too but I don’t like her calling King “Daddy” in public. It’s cringy!!! At least Dre ain’t on that!!!
Now onto Malina/Sasha!! Girl you are batpoop crazy!! Like the way you infiltrated that family was cray cray! Daphne, Carl, Constance and Nina didn’t know what hit them! And Dre dumb ass was none the wiser! How didn’t you remember that she was at your house????
I love some Dee-Dee! I like Simone too but I don’t like her calling King “Daddy” in public. It’s cringy!!! At least Dre ain’t on that!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 1, 2026
Exposing all the family secrets
Andre Coleman and Millicent Nina-Marie Jackson had a little fling after King and Simone wedding. They dated, however at the time Dre was still a playboy that was afraid of the deep feelings he began to have for Nina and ended up hurting and running her off. However they would all still be connected because of The Syndicate circle surrounding them. Dre had been taught about finance from his mother’s 3rd husband who happened to be white and learned how to work rooms and be successful as a black man. Nina was born into money and prestige but considered the black sheep as she wanted to do hair and create her own lane. A gala fundraiser she attended with her family brought her and Dre back in the same room and space. He realized what she meant and was finally ready to commit. His new relationship exposed didn’t sit well with some crazy ex and she plotted on the downfall. Lots of crazy twists and turns, but it was good.
Andre Coleman and Millicent Nina-Marie Jackson had a little fling after King and Simone wedding. They dated, however at the time Dre was still a playboy that was afraid of the deep feelings he began to have for Nina and ended up hurting and running her off. However they would all still be connected because of The Syndicate circle surrounding them. Dre had been taught about finance from his mother’s 3rd husband who happened to be white and learned how to work rooms and be successful as a black man. Nina was born into money and prestige but considered the black sheep as she wanted to do hair and create her own lane. A gala fundraiser she attended with her family brought her and Dre back in the same room and space. He realized what she meant and was finally ready to commit. His new relationship exposed didn’t sit well with some crazy ex and she plotted on the downfall. Lots of crazy twists and turns, but it was good.
July 3, 2026
This was a really good read. Malani was definitely one of the best antagonists I’ve read. Usually the crazy ones do a lil this and that to the fmc and mmc but she took the cake. I’m curious to know what happened to Nina parents after everything came to light. Dre should have been dead Malani soon as he found out. They waited in order to plan her demise strategically but at the end nothing was done strategically therefore situation should have been dead. I also wanted to know more about Malani, her background, and how she was able to enlist military help. Couldn’t stand Nina family except for Lang. Also Nina mentioned still being in the shadow and attempting to find her own. Seem like her growth was minimized due to the ending circumstances and their relationship was still a lil rocky. Also Dre lowkey sugar coated that relationship , watered it completely down. That should have been addressed.
May 14, 2026
🤔🤷🏾♀️🙄
I really enjoyed King & Simone’s story, but Mo & Yaya’s book definitely stole the show for me. Mo and King are officially added to my list of book baes.
As for Dre & Nina’s story, while it kept me engaged enough to keep turning the pages, their love story just didn’t fully connect for me. Dre wasn’t my favorite male lead, and I honestly didn’t feel much chemistry between them. I’m also not a fan of heavy miscommunication tropes.
The fatal attraction storyline with Malina definitely added drama and suspense, but it wasn’t my favorite part of the series. I completely understand that Dre led her on, but trying to destroy Nina and her entire family was beyond excessive.
Overall, books one and two were much stronger for me, so I’m hoping the next installments pull me back in more. I guess three isn’t always the charm.
I really enjoyed King & Simone’s story, but Mo & Yaya’s book definitely stole the show for me. Mo and King are officially added to my list of book baes.
As for Dre & Nina’s story, while it kept me engaged enough to keep turning the pages, their love story just didn’t fully connect for me. Dre wasn’t my favorite male lead, and I honestly didn’t feel much chemistry between them. I’m also not a fan of heavy miscommunication tropes.
The fatal attraction storyline with Malina definitely added drama and suspense, but it wasn’t my favorite part of the series. I completely understand that Dre led her on, but trying to destroy Nina and her entire family was beyond excessive.
Overall, books one and two were much stronger for me, so I’m hoping the next installments pull me back in more. I guess three isn’t always the charm.
May 16, 2026
Thin Line Between Love & Hate on Steroids
This book was messy in the best and most draining way possible. It gave A Thin Line Between Love & Hate on steroids. The antagonist was completely unhinged and clearly spiraling through a full psychotic episode because baby was exhausting me BAD.
The MFC came across way too naïve at times. I just couldn’t get past her pouring her feelings out to a complete stranger instead of talking to her actual friends. That part had me side-eyeing her a little.
Now the MMC? That man learned the hard way that playing with women’s hearts will spin the block on you every single time. I will say, though, he genuinely tried to become a better man for his woman.
Overall, this was pure chaos and nonstop drama from beginning to end. If you like toxic, messy, emotionally exhausting reads that keep you locked in, this one definitely delivers.
This book was messy in the best and most draining way possible. It gave A Thin Line Between Love & Hate on steroids. The antagonist was completely unhinged and clearly spiraling through a full psychotic episode because baby was exhausting me BAD.
The MFC came across way too naïve at times. I just couldn’t get past her pouring her feelings out to a complete stranger instead of talking to her actual friends. That part had me side-eyeing her a little.
Now the MMC? That man learned the hard way that playing with women’s hearts will spin the block on you every single time. I will say, though, he genuinely tried to become a better man for his woman.
Overall, this was pure chaos and nonstop drama from beginning to end. If you like toxic, messy, emotionally exhausting reads that keep you locked in, this one definitely delivers.
May 11, 2026
Can’t say that I cared for these characters together & it’s probably because their initial bonding happened off page. I need to witness romance characters fall in love and that didn’t happen for me.
I found Nina to be immature and annoying. Just creating problems out of nowhere. Dre is another MMC in this series that keeps promising safety and security all for it to be thrown out the window over and over again 🙄 there was nothing extraordinary about him.
I was ready for this book to wrap up at the 30% mark. Then to have to endure Malani’s shenanigans for the rest of the book was soooo exhausting, I don’t know how many times I said “I’m over this”. I had to see it through, but I don’t plan on continuing the series. Those who like a lot of drama will probably eat this up.
I found Nina to be immature and annoying. Just creating problems out of nowhere. Dre is another MMC in this series that keeps promising safety and security all for it to be thrown out the window over and over again 🙄 there was nothing extraordinary about him.
I was ready for this book to wrap up at the 30% mark. Then to have to endure Malani’s shenanigans for the rest of the book was soooo exhausting, I don’t know how many times I said “I’m over this”. I had to see it through, but I don’t plan on continuing the series. Those who like a lot of drama will probably eat this up.
May 16, 2026
The prologue really captured my attention. The book was good, although it had a lot of different POV’s they weren’t hard to follow.
I personally liked Malani, but I’m a sucker for a woman scorned. The story never convinced me that Dre actually loved Nina and wasn’t just dating her for her family connections or to boost his image. He just wasn’t a trustworthy character to me. The ending felt wrapped up too quickly. I usually love when characters from previous books make appearances but I’ve had enough of Simone and King. The “daddy” calling is so cringey, it feels more like his infantilizing her instead of being sexy. Speaking of, the MMC’s giving the girls curfews then throwing tantrums when they’re late was extreme and came off as controlling.
I personally liked Malani, but I’m a sucker for a woman scorned. The story never convinced me that Dre actually loved Nina and wasn’t just dating her for her family connections or to boost his image. He just wasn’t a trustworthy character to me. The ending felt wrapped up too quickly. I usually love when characters from previous books make appearances but I’ve had enough of Simone and King. The “daddy” calling is so cringey, it feels more like his infantilizing her instead of being sexy. Speaking of, the MMC’s giving the girls curfews then throwing tantrums when they’re late was extreme and came off as controlling.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 28, 2026
🥰🥰🥰
Baby I burst out laughing at the authors note at the end lol.
Anywho, I’m not going to lie; I was tempted to skip this book because from the previous two books, I wasn’t sure how it was going to work out with Nina. Girl blew me a couple times. But with the time jump and getting it from her perspective, it worked out. I also can understand trauma causing you to act out, or act a certain way.
And that’s why you gotta watch who you be “kicking” it with. (Insert clip from Next Friday 😮💨🥴) They definitely should’ve stretched that out. She really got off light smh.
Andre and Millicent stressed me, but that’s what happens when you got ppl plotting on you. On to book 4.
Baby I burst out laughing at the authors note at the end lol.
Anywho, I’m not going to lie; I was tempted to skip this book because from the previous two books, I wasn’t sure how it was going to work out with Nina. Girl blew me a couple times. But with the time jump and getting it from her perspective, it worked out. I also can understand trauma causing you to act out, or act a certain way.
And that’s why you gotta watch who you be “kicking” it with. (Insert clip from Next Friday 😮💨🥴) They definitely should’ve stretched that out. She really got off light smh.
Andre and Millicent stressed me, but that’s what happens when you got ppl plotting on you. On to book 4.
December 31, 2025
Good
Omgoodness! That chick was a whole doctor, a psychiatrist, but crazy as a road lizard! These men will get enough of sticking they we-we in who and whatever. Dre was with a certifiable nutcase but didn't know it. Once he decided to make a go it with Nina that chick decided to ruin that woman's life. Her whole family was impacted, some devastated, by her. Hopefully we'll see some sign of how Mine's family is fairing after all of that. Good getting a glimpse of King, Simone, Mo, Yaya, Lucky, and Lacey. That scene with them in the club was funny, I like it when the girls piss the guys off as a unit.
Omgoodness! That chick was a whole doctor, a psychiatrist, but crazy as a road lizard! These men will get enough of sticking they we-we in who and whatever. Dre was with a certifiable nutcase but didn't know it. Once he decided to make a go it with Nina that chick decided to ruin that woman's life. Her whole family was impacted, some devastated, by her. Hopefully we'll see some sign of how Mine's family is fairing after all of that. Good getting a glimpse of King, Simone, Mo, Yaya, Lucky, and Lacey. That scene with them in the club was funny, I like it when the girls piss the guys off as a unit.
April 17, 2026
A solid 3.5
Now hear me out….Dominique’s pen game is the truth! I fell in love with King and Simone’s story, was gutted by Moses and Soleil’s story…but Dre and Nina??
Spoilers ahead…..
I should have known that Andre wouldn’t be my cup of tea with how he was introduced (King’s origin story of how they met) in the first book. Andre just didn’t do it for me, cheating on the MFC is always a hard stop for me and I wish that was mentioned by the author. Nina and Dre by the end of the book left you hoping that they would have broken up or that there would have been 2-3 more chapters to show some growth and redemption of their characters “love”. I did buy the entire series after book 2, so hoping for a better experience in books 4 and 5….
Now hear me out….Dominique’s pen game is the truth! I fell in love with King and Simone’s story, was gutted by Moses and Soleil’s story…but Dre and Nina??
Spoilers ahead…..
I should have known that Andre wouldn’t be my cup of tea with how he was introduced (King’s origin story of how they met) in the first book. Andre just didn’t do it for me, cheating on the MFC is always a hard stop for me and I wish that was mentioned by the author. Nina and Dre by the end of the book left you hoping that they would have broken up or that there would have been 2-3 more chapters to show some growth and redemption of their characters “love”. I did buy the entire series after book 2, so hoping for a better experience in books 4 and 5….
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 29, 2026
The writing was good a few grammatical errors but overall good. I absolutely hated both the Andre and the Nina because there was no character development from the first chapter to the last there was no growth. Their love is so toxic and they absolutely justify the saying the person you love brings out the best and worst in you. In comparison to other books in this series this is my least favorite. I just don't think the book was for me i was more irritated and annoyed than moved by their story. The author did her thing it was just not my cup of tea. I finished it purely because i wanted to move on to the next book in the series and this book sets up the couple of the next book.
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