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War & Wine

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Rockwell "Roc" Dean is The Syndicate’s tech mastermind with a street mentality. Camera's, trackers, encrypted lines; he'll have your whole life on file before you know he's watching. He doesn't waste words. He lives by his own protect those you love, punish those who cross him. Lowkey. Deadly. Loyal.

Southern charm with a hustlers heart, Celeste Holloway has it all. Classy. Ambitious. Always put together. Her life is the envy of her friends. Fifteen years as a surgeon's wife, her marriage is perfect on paper. But behind close doors? Boredom. Stagnancy. A marriage built on smoke and mirrors.

When their worlds collide, it's messy. Heated. Inevitable. Raw passion.
He's not just offering love. He's claiming it. Protecting it. Teaching her what it means to be kept and seen in every sense of the word.

In a city built on secrets and violence, they'll have to carve out space for something real. But with Roc, real is possessive. He doesn't care about her marriage. She belongs to him whenever and wherever he wants.

And for Celeste... that might be exactly what she's been waiting for.

War & Wine is a fast-paced erotica, about two opposite people finding their forever in each other.

334 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 2, 2025

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Dominique Black

10 books66 followers

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5 stars
599 (64%)
4 stars
248 (26%)
3 stars
77 (8%)
2 stars
6 (<1%)
1 star
5 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
42 reviews2 followers
October 12, 2025
Worst storyline of the series

I have enjoyed the other books for the most part. This one has to be the worst. Story line makes absolutely no sense. You cheat on your husband. Not because he cheated first, not because he abused you, not because he had abandoned. But because he just hasn't been up to par in the bedroom as of recent. Something that could have been resolved. Then yall fall so in live but know absolutely nothing about each other other than how good the sex is. Then she has the balls to get mad when she finds out, after they have already separated, that he did actually cheat. I would have DNF this had this been written closer to the beginning of the book and not the last 10% of the book.
Profile Image for ReadnliftwithShar.
1,956 reviews
December 6, 2025
Chile 🤭

There was absolutely no reason I should have liked this book as much as I did, lol! 😝 it went against all my morals but the way Roc was putting Celeste through the mattress, I was absolutely here for it all! Celeste was a working woman, in a marriage that had run its course. Roc wasn’t looking for anything serious but something about Celeste had him down bad. The spice was everything! I couldn’t stand Grant, like he just gave sneaky vibes to me. 🫠this was a quick and easy read for me.
Profile Image for Monique.
636 reviews29 followers
December 28, 2025
Listen I get why King & Roc are brothers. The amount of BDE…astronomical. Like I’m sorry Roc…..I was unfamiliar with your game sir. Don’t let him being a computer nerd fool you. Roc was HIM. I would have blown my marriage of 15yrs up for him as well🤣As always Dominique writes a MMC who is fiercely protective and slightly flawed. While I think Celeste was wrong in the way she went about things, I sympathized with her plight in feeling stifled and unfulfilled in her marriage. I liked “Papa” & “Goddess’” dynamic though. One thing those Syndicate men are going to do is force softness on their women.

Also the ending setup for Shadow’s book??? Baby, I’m locked in. He’s been quiet & mysterious over 4 books now and I know this finale is about to take me through it.
Profile Image for Sharonna.
12 reviews
June 2, 2026
This Man kept me on the edge!! Book 4 was definitely a good read.
Profile Image for Keisha Renny.
301 reviews15 followers
May 19, 2026
-sigh- this was by the far the dumbest book of the series. D. Lowe pretty much forced his way into her life and not in an unhinged way that we all love. There was no real chemistry, no backbone, nothing. And calling your lover “Papa” is hella cringey.
Profile Image for Shay.
63 reviews2 followers
May 12, 2026
**SPOILERS**

57% - So I don’t like a cheater for no reason so Celeste gets a heavy side eye from me. Although I know her husband is cheating because sir, overnight for a surgeon gtfoh. The book hasn’t presented that to the readers yet, so as of now Celeste in the wrong but I’m still on her side bc of that clue lol

I usually like instalove but Roc relaxxxxx crazy man! At times I was like damn you’re aggressive AF gon scare the girl away. I did like how Simone was like how you going this hard and you don’t know her for real. I was like yes exactly! Idk if Papa or Daddy is worse but him and King 😒.

I like the all the humping though 🤣🤣🙂‍↕️

73% - Why was Roc so beefed up with her ex. Sir that man had a reason to feel a way 🤣. Also, he took their money not just her money but ok 😭.

88% - Now why you think crying over your ex would go over well with your new man 😒. Why are you going over there for clothes?? Then to say “you did this to us” giiiirl you been left that man for another mannnn!! Like bffr!!

100% - Celeste and Roc were my least favorite couple. I liked all the sex in the book but besides that blaaahhh.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
46 reviews
May 4, 2026
War, Wine, and Indifference.

Overall, War & Wine was a solid read. They say a good writer should evoke a range of emotions from their readers, and Dominique definitely achieved that here. However, this particular trope had me side-eyeing both Roc and Celeste for most of the book.
I really wanted to love Roc, but I just couldn't get there. While the book did a great job showing his deep-seated need for love as a result of his childhood trauma, I couldn't get past his sense of entitlement. It’s hard to get behind a lead who feels indignant and self-righteous toward another man’s wife. How do you stake a claim on a woman who isn't yours and then get upset when she’s hesitant?
Then there’s Celeste. The lack of communication between her and her husband was glaring. She never seemed to suspect his infidelities, or at least the book didn't hint at it, yet she willingly jumped into an affair of her own. By the end, they rode off into the sunset, but given how they started, you have to wonder if that happily-ever-after is actually built to last.
None of this takes away from the author’s creativity because the writing is definitely there. I ultimately just walked away feeling pretty indifferent toward these characters.
Profile Image for Phaze.
395 reviews1 follower
May 21, 2026
Roc and Celeste

Now, this story is a bit unorthodox for those who are big on marriage and trust.

Roc is the tech genius of the crew. He is in the foster care system from the age to 10 to 17. He meets King at 17, and they become frined and embark on a journey to become known.

Celeste is married but unfulfilled. She has been leading her family Fina ially since she graduated college. She helped put her husband through med school. She is growing and wants her husband to notice, but he doesn't, and when she tries to include he, he wants to keep her in the box that he created for her. She is tired but isn't really looking outside of her marriage.

Roc and Celeate are introduced to each other by Andre. There is something there, but they don't act on it. Some time has passed when they meet again, and Roc makes a subtle pass.

Celeste is really torn about what she wants and needs. But, she learns that she is the only one with a secret.

Reading about these two had me on the edge, wondering if they were gonna get caught.
131 reviews
May 18, 2026
War & Win

War & Wine: What’s Forbidden Always Taste the Sweetest leaned heavily into forbidden desire and the consequences that come with it, but I struggled with how the story handled Celeste’s choices.

Celeste felt unfulfilled in her marriage to Grant and often complained about their intimacy. When she meets Roc, there is an instant attraction that turns into an affair, and after 15 years of marriage she ultimately leaves Grant for him.

What did not work for me was how one-sided the emotional framing felt. Celeste’s dissatisfaction stayed centered, while Grant’s pain as the betrayed spouse did not seem to carry the same weight. I also was not feeling Celeste as a character. It always felt like everything revolved around her, and when she later spoke about betrayal, it felt inconsistent given her own actions.

Overall, I just could not connect with the story or how the characters’ choices were framed.
159 reviews
June 20, 2026
These authors will have you rooting for cheating lol! And then it was the woman cheating! Baby Roc turned Celeste every way but loose!!! This man pulled up outside the house, while on her dinner date, her job, and the gala with vibrating panties! Taking her through it while she’s sitting next to her husband and his peers! Fingering her in public while her in-laws watched! ROC gave not one f***! They were drawn to each other like moths to a flame!

Roc was a little immature in his thinking! How did you expect a married woman of 15 years to react? Give that woman some grace! Thankfully he got his ish together and went and got his woman! How ironic was it that he fell for his counselor daughter! A woman who influenced him..

I wish them nothing but love and a houseful of babies!!

On yeah- Grant you’re a B.A.N. Wonder if he’s an active father to the baby!

Love seeing all the couples together and the banter! Great character development!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Ess Bee.
125 reviews
June 5, 2026
Papa & His Goddess..

Book 4 of The SHS Series did not disappoint!
I read the disclaimer & still wasn’t ready.. lol 🤪😩🥵

This book is messy in the best way. There’s drama, secrets, sneaking, hacking, tracking, more secrets, & unbelievably incredible spice. Plus all of the fun, loving vibes whenever The Syndicate fam is all together.

Roc & Celeste were a TIME.
I could feel their attraction & chemistry when Dre introduced them to each other. But baby, there’s no way I could have anticipated their passion and fire for one another. It was blazing off of the pages; both of em had me yearning!
Forbidden Romance & Erotica Book Babes, please tap in!


I’m tryna finish the series before I pick a book bae, but I think I’m a lil sweet on Rockwell Dean.
I’m RUNNING to read D. Lowe’s book!
Profile Image for perfectlyamberb.
714 reviews32 followers
April 30, 2026
Ahhh…

I didn't fall head over heels for Celeste and Roc like I thought I would, and that's honestly because I felt like Celeste was dead wrong. She didn't communicate in her marriage and instead chose to step out. Not only did she not communicate her needs like an adult, but she left that man with no explanation and flaunted her affair in not only Grant's face but also to his family in the most disrespectful way. And I don't want to hear anything about what Grant was up to because Celeste did all that before knowing anything about his situation. She was operating under the guise that he was a perfect husband. It was just childish and wrong. And honestly, ROC wasn't any better; he was childish. He wanted Celeste and didn't care who he steamrolled, including Celeste.
Profile Image for SheaButtahBookhead.
496 reviews26 followers
January 19, 2026
Character dev: 👤👤👤👤
Originality: 📝📝📝📝
Narration: kindle unlimited
Plot: 📖📖📖
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Action: 👊🏽👊🏽
Troupe: cheating, stalking
Triggers: cheating

Loved it! NEXT 🗣️

Just like the other men ROC don’t play about his. He took “don’t let your husband stop you from finding your forever“ to a new level.

I’m loving Dominique’s writing style more and more. The pace is consistent and continues throughout the books. Each book has a different story without losing touch with the previous characters and each character is different.

This is my favorite series and I haven’t gotten to the last book yet.
Profile Image for Castina.
293 reviews2 followers
March 28, 2026
Mind of A Maniac

ROC was crazy, but honestly… everyone knew that. It’s a character trait for everyone in the Syndicate. That man was determined to get his girl, while Celeste was just there for a good time until she realized it was something more. These two were wild! I still can’t stop thinking about the ballroom scene and the bathroom scene at the restaurant… ROC really moved like, “who’s gonna check me?” 😂

I definitely enjoyed this one. I love seeing Mo & Sol in the background of each book, yes I’m fully obsessed. I love the way Dominique writes, and this one set things up perfectly for the finale. I can’t wait to read the next book.
Profile Image for Sierra.
186 reviews
April 22, 2026
The sweetest wine

I wasn’t too sure how I was going to like this one because of the main trope in this but I must say in this instance it worked out in everyone’s favor!

Roc and Celeste literally had a love at first sight moment and it was on go after that. Roc is now on my list of big steppers when it comes to getting and loving on his woman.

Celeste was a strong woman for not only putting up with her husband for the amount of time that she did but to also put some of her wants and needs to the side for said husband. Then Roc showed up and showed her what she truly deserved in this world.

This series just keeps getting better and now it’s on to the finale.
Profile Image for Abbey.
269 reviews2 followers
June 9, 2026
You are a Goddess

If you can't handle a little infidelity that was clearly necessary, then this isn't the book for you. Because Rockwell is rescuing Celeste from that awful situation most women find themselves in and that's self erasure to serve a man's dreams and whims, while neglecting their own. And I will forever stan an unhinged man learning to love and loving his woman fiercely, even if she may have technically been someone else's wife at the time. And don't go feeling sad for that nuisance husband either, for he has his own little secrets that are devastating and Celeste would not have recovered from their reveal if she didn't have Roc's support.
37 reviews
January 24, 2026
With this being the 3 book in this series I can say I didnt really enjoy it. Roc was too obsessive almost like stalker-ish and Celeste was a simple yes girl. She went from being a surgeon's wife to being Roc's yes girl. Her character didnt have any growth. I wonder why the author decided have Roc fall in love with a married woman? She wasnt a damsel in distress, her husband wasnt beating on her...I simply didnt enjoy the storyline. Roc bullied his way into this women's life. This book gave me the iks. The last two chapters is what bump up my rating from a 2 to a 3.
Profile Image for 5 Star Delta.
326 reviews
May 12, 2026
Okay Big Papa!

I have so many highlights from this book. Now the author states is erotica; but I would categorize it as erotica; but legit a lot of screwing! Which is not a bad thing. It seemed this book was shorter than the rest; but it was still a good read.

Celeste went out on a limb to risk it all for Papa’s good D!!! I was wondering if the FMC in this series was gonna be kidnapped b/c so far all of them had except Yaya in book 2!

I would have liked to know if theirs a baby in their future; but maybe we find out in Shadow’s book.

Editing sucks!
Profile Image for Jade Whiteside.
135 reviews4 followers
May 17, 2026
I actually ended up enjoying Roc and Celeste’s storyline. In the beginning, I understood she was left unfulfilled in her marriage, but I thought the way she was going about things with Roc was harsh. But deep down I just knew Grant had some dirt that would come to the surface, so I had to see it through. I’m surprised Roc wasn’t able to find out about Grant’s dirt first, and exposed it, so he and Celeste’s situation was justified all along. Either way, things worked out for the best and they both seemed to be fulfilled on a romantic, sexual and spiritual level.
Profile Image for Katrina Gonzalez.
23 reviews
May 21, 2026
Al I can say is this series is THAT GIRL!!

I never thought I would read a series that would rival the Delgado series but here we are! Each story is uniquely different, each love story pure and raw. The MMC’s whewwww! Each FMC’s are BAD ASS BOSS BITCHES! Each of the ladies all different and all bring their kings down to their knees. These men burn the world down, and Hulk smash anyone who hurts them. Chileeee I’m so sad I’m about to read the last of the series. Dominique you did your big one sis!!
Profile Image for Ericka.
52 reviews4 followers
January 31, 2026
Roc don't play!

This was a good read. Roc was filthy in so many good ways!!!! I loved the way he impowered Celeste to be the goddess that she is. They are perfect for each other. I did not make the connection between Roc and Janine but that was a beautiful reunion scene. Had me all teary eyed. A strong man being vulnerable with his trusted people does it for me! This serise is just soooo good. Can't wait to dive into the legend, the myth, the infamous D. Lowe!
543 reviews
February 2, 2026
Good

And another one! Roc and Celeste's story was good. Sexy, emotional, sad, and sweet. I liked how Roc stepped in and took charge of their situation and then their relationship. He was in some ways the same lil foster kid, hurt and trying to protect his feelings. Celeste was in a unhappy marriage. In the outside looking in, she has it all. But in reality she was miserable. But in the end it all turns out go be good.
Profile Image for Lisha The Book Report.
93 reviews6 followers
February 4, 2026
This was my first cheating trope story and I will say it was well written. The plot was interesting and engaging. Roc and Celeste were a bit hard to believe in. Celeste’s issues in her marriage seemed superficial in my opinion. There also wasn’t really an explanation for her husband’s “issues” either. Although this one wasn’t a favorite of mine, there were some good moments and hopefully we hear more about them in the next book. Can’t wait to dive into D.Lowes book!
Profile Image for BookTalesTink .
177 reviews1 follower
March 24, 2026
ROC and Celeste

I swear it always be them quiet nerds that will put with through the floor board. In the beginning it felt like Roc and Celeste had some dealings together before. Celeste and Grant was both wrong Grant just did a better job hiding and Celeste was in love with being who she was before she lost herself in her marriage. I was waiting on a good ole read from Yaya too.
Profile Image for Jasmine.
131 reviews2 followers
May 24, 2026
Papa 😍

Roc was crazy as hell and delusional. Once he had celeste, he wasn’t coming up off of her, husband or not. I will say this has been my favorite book thus far in the series. I love an unhinged man. I’m not gonna lie though at first I was side eyeing Celeste like you ready to throw 15 years of marriage away like it ain’t nothing; but ass secrets were revealed I’m happy my girl got her HEA. Baby the spice definitely gave erotica!
Profile Image for Dekilia.
11 reviews
May 25, 2026
😩 not me happy about cheating. lol

Celeste is in an unfulfilled marriage and didn’t expect to be attracted to Roc the way that she is and Roc was not looking for anything serious until her. Baby, Roc was not playing with his future wife and told her from day one she was gone be his. He came through with BDE, real stealthy and sure of himself and what they would have. Every time, she said “yes papa” had me giggling and kicking my feet.
Profile Image for Bianca.
1,069 reviews5 followers
June 1, 2026
Mmmmm

I'm not gonna lie, I felt if Celeste was so unhappy in her marriage she should've left. Also, the part about Grant not wanting her to leave a stressful job that could've cause her health problems was a red flag. There was a lot of sex but when I got tired of it I just skipped it so no problem there. Happy Roc didn't allow things to continue prolonged without her leaving the relationship to go where she's happier.
Profile Image for La Ronda.
39 reviews
June 16, 2026
I'm in love and currently obsessed with the Syndicate. The loyalty, protective nature, connections, laughs and how they love on each other is beautiful. I thought Mo and Yaya were my favorite couple but Roc and Celeste have stole my little heart. The story may or may not have been a little too close to home and very relatable which is why I loved it so much. Every unhappy wife deserves a Rockwell Dean!
Profile Image for SM.
697 reviews1 follower
April 2, 2026
I love that you still get to read about the couples from the previous books. King and Simone still being my favvv. I wish Lacey and Logo would’ve gotten a book. This one was tough for me because why couldn’t Celeste just tell her husband it’s over. Why did we need to cheat. I hate the cheating troupe. If she would’ve just told her husband prior it’s over I would’ve loved it more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews