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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.
478 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 6, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 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.
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.
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!
May 10, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
April 30, 2026
Beauty & Bonds
I will say I loved the first book with Simone & King, liked the second book with Moses & Sol but this one missed the mark. I didn’t find the chemistry between Nina & Dre to be particularly compelling. I found all the coincidences to be a little too much. I did enjoy the interwoven dialogue of the other couples building their stories and relationships while having main character focus in each book. Hopefully, the next 2 will have that “something” I found in the first book.
I will say I loved the first book with Simone & King, liked the second book with Moses & Sol but this one missed the mark. I didn’t find the chemistry between Nina & Dre to be particularly compelling. I found all the coincidences to be a little too much. I did enjoy the interwoven dialogue of the other couples building their stories and relationships while having main character focus in each book. Hopefully, the next 2 will have that “something” I found in the first book.
May 11, 2026
4.5⭐️
I lost hella sleep reading this book! At first I went in and it seemed “just okay” I was reading thinking, this is not as good as the first 2; but the way I couldn’t put it down!
Dre was the poster boy for trash! Used women under the pretenses of “we’re just screwing” all while getting folks pulled in. His mess circles back!
I would have liked to see more of Dre’s mom and stepdad in this book! Have him address his initial issues with women as a result.
Book 3 and the editing errors are still apparent.
On to Roc’s book!
I lost hella sleep reading this book! At first I went in and it seemed “just okay” I was reading thinking, this is not as good as the first 2; but the way I couldn’t put it down!
Dre was the poster boy for trash! Used women under the pretenses of “we’re just screwing” all while getting folks pulled in. His mess circles back!
I would have liked to see more of Dre’s mom and stepdad in this book! Have him address his initial issues with women as a result.
Book 3 and the editing errors are still apparent.
On to Roc’s book!
March 26, 2026
LAWD
These two really know how to stress me out. The push and pull made sense on both sides, I can’t even lie, but it definitely had me on edge!!! That fatal attraction twist? So good!!
I’m really enjoying this series, especially getting to see the other couples grow in the background. I love Moses and Sol, so that epilogue was perfect.
Yall, the secrets in this book were a mile long! EVERYBODY had a secret.
I’m ready for the next book!
Highly Recommend!!!
These two really know how to stress me out. The push and pull made sense on both sides, I can’t even lie, but it definitely had me on edge!!! That fatal attraction twist? So good!!
I’m really enjoying this series, especially getting to see the other couples grow in the background. I love Moses and Sol, so that epilogue was perfect.
Yall, the secrets in this book were a mile long! EVERYBODY had a secret.
I’m ready for the next book!
Highly Recommend!!!
April 22, 2026
Oh I have a love and hate relationship with Nina😭😭😭sometimes I think she’s dump (not really) but I also think her family traumatised her too much that she can’t think for herself sometimes she’s a people pleaser but people are still not pleased😩want so much better for her
Hope she lets go of giving her family the benefit of the doubt especially when they haven’t apologised first!!!!!
Anyways still love her💋
Hope she lets go of giving her family the benefit of the doubt especially when they haven’t apologised first!!!!!
Anyways still love her💋
April 28, 2026
Talk about fatal attraction!
First, Malani was the true definition of a woman scorned. While I didn't agree with how she went about it I understand as a woman how being misled can break you. I loved that Nina would stand on business but hated how Dre at times was so set in his ways.
Their relationship was conflicting, some moments were great and hard to root for them but others I felt a sigh of relief. Overall, I'm happy things worked out.
First, Malani was the true definition of a woman scorned. While I didn't agree with how she went about it I understand as a woman how being misled can break you. I loved that Nina would stand on business but hated how Dre at times was so set in his ways.
Their relationship was conflicting, some moments were great and hard to root for them but others I felt a sigh of relief. Overall, I'm happy things worked out.
February 19, 2026
Well Nina was a big mouth in book 1 and she clearly let that mouth get her in trouble again. Her lack of maturity was very frustrating in this book and was the reason for the back-and-forth. Her and Dre were pretty toxic together. I’m not a fan of them.
Lastly, this book was like watching a lifetime movie. I definitely enjoy the syndicate anytime they gather.
Lastly, this book was like watching a lifetime movie. I definitely enjoy the syndicate anytime they gather.
April 2, 2026
I’m loving this series something serious. In this book I didn’t love how all of the sudden Dre was like oh I need her back. Also I was so annoyed at the crazy psych doc ruining everyone’s lifeeeee. What the hell!! Also another kidnapping after it was I’ll keep you safe. 🧐 The first book is still my fav.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 22, 2026
4.25 stars
This one was so good!
Nina and Dre finally got to tell their story and when I say this one took me through there, it really did! I wasn’t expecting the fatal attraction twist with their story at all. Nina’s family should have known with all their money power and resources to not openly trust someone out of the blue.
Overall a good book and now it’s on to the next one!
This one was so good!
Nina and Dre finally got to tell their story and when I say this one took me through there, it really did! I wasn’t expecting the fatal attraction twist with their story at all. Nina’s family should have known with all their money power and resources to not openly trust someone out of the blue.
Overall a good book and now it’s on to the next one!
April 30, 2026
Each Book Gets Better
Dre pissed me off! Why not be truthful? The secrets….the so-calked protection…acting clueless. But Nina loved him and he was crazy about her. I thought Mo was a nut but Dre was just as bad. Let’s not even talk about Malani!
Can’t wait to hear Roc’s story.
Dre pissed me off! Why not be truthful? The secrets….the so-calked protection…acting clueless. But Nina loved him and he was crazy about her. I thought Mo was a nut but Dre was just as bad. Let’s not even talk about Malani!
Can’t wait to hear Roc’s story.
May 8, 2026
CRAZY
This book had so many turns that you had to pay close attention. Malani was crazy I could tell in King’s book the length she would go for Dre. Nina was always the blind seeing one out Simone and Dee-Dee she let someone get to her and put Simone life in jeopardy. Didn’t see the pregnancy part they came out of know where. Overall good read.
This book had so many turns that you had to pay close attention. Malani was crazy I could tell in King’s book the length she would go for Dre. Nina was always the blind seeing one out Simone and Dee-Dee she let someone get to her and put Simone life in jeopardy. Didn’t see the pregnancy part they came out of know where. Overall good read.
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.
May 13, 2026
Like this better than Mo and YaYa (sorry YaYa girl love you down) but I felt the storyline in this one was more realistic? Maybe that’s not the right word to use but it gave more Lifetime movie than Tubi movie if that makes sense 😂 Dre was pissing me off at times but gahhhdamnn that man knows how to be suave lol let me see what Roc talking about now
January 4, 2026
Beauty and Bonds
This one was a bit of push/pull for me. The FMChas family dynamics issues and the MMC kept messing up. Communication would have saved me nerves. Throw in a ex that wouldn’t take no for an answer and we got some real family scandals.
This one was a bit of push/pull for me. The FMChas family dynamics issues and the MMC kept messing up. Communication would have saved me nerves. Throw in a ex that wouldn’t take no for an answer and we got some real family scandals.
April 17, 2026
This was edge of you seat good!
So far I think this is the best one! I just couldn't believe it took them so long to figure out who was behind everything. And Dre I think he was delusional about a lot especially Ms Dr.
So far I think this is the best one! I just couldn't believe it took them so long to figure out who was behind everything. And Dre I think he was delusional about a lot especially Ms Dr.
April 21, 2026
What did I just read?? lmbo
Babyyyyyyy… that bitch was crazier than a soup sandwich wasn’t she? LOL!
And was! Tf?!? I was so mad she didn’t get hers until 77% into the book. I was so tired of that lady!!! Real bad.
Babyyyyyyy… that bitch was crazier than a soup sandwich wasn’t she? LOL!
And was! Tf?!? I was so mad she didn’t get hers until 77% into the book. I was so tired of that lady!!! Real bad.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews