Three years of long-distance. Two weeks together. One tragic ending.
After three years of long-distance love, Carmen Reyes and Theodore Clayton never thought they’d share the same space again, let alone the same bed. But fate hands them a fragile two weeks together in Italy before Carmen’s high-profile legal career whisks her away to New York.
It should’ve been simple—a quick catch-up and a romantic getaway. But nothing about them has ever been simple. What should have been a sweet, nostalgic reunion quickly spirals into chaos.
Old wounds resurface, secrets fester, and the clock ticks louder daily.
It turns out that loving someone across an ocean is hard. But being back in the same room, facing everything they’ve been avoiding? That might be even harder.
Taahesi B. Williams is a debut Indie author from a small island in the Caribbean. She's been writing stories since the age of ten, driven by her love for crafting complex characters and exploring human connections. In addition to writing, She's also an artist and passionate reader.
Strange Seduction was a beautifully messy ride full of love, tension, and heartbreak. Carmen and Theodore’s story had me hooked from the beginning because long distance love already carries so many challenges, but adding old wounds and secrets into the mix made their reunion feel raw and real.
I really felt for Carmen as she tried to balance her high-profile career with her heart. Theodore, on the other hand, was both frustrating and magnetic, and their chemistry was undeniable even when the weight of their past kept pulling them apart.
What stood out most to me was how Taahesi captured the push and pull of wanting love but struggling to make it work when life and timing aren’t on your side. It wasn’t always pretty, but it felt honest.
This was an emotional and bittersweet read that reminded me that sometimes love isn’t enough, but the journey still leaves a mark. Definitely worth the read for anyone who enjoys complicated romance with plenty of passion and heart.
You bald headed heffa you!! We were rooting for you! We were all rooting for you!
How could you do this to me.....AGAIN!
These two...... these two ain't learned NATHANIEL! And I mean absolutely nothing! The communication..... or lack there of. Baby, it's just too much!! They're so chaotic, but that love is real.
You had me up all night. I was reading in the bookstore, the mall, the car, and the shoe store! ( I was outside but it's obvious I should have stayed home🤣)
You really had me thinking..... you were gonna tell us what happened and why they haven't talked then boom...... back to the present and going from there but nooooooo you ripped my heart out!😭😭😭😭
The friend group still being in play and the possibilities there.....I really didn't think Tyler was gonna go out like that!
Oh before I forget...... VINCENT!!! Carmen you knew! Uughhhh!!! You knew!! Vincent can take a long walk off a short cliff but CARMEN!! YOU KNEW BETTER!
Teddy Bear.... sometimes it's not the intentions, but it's how it's received!
Thank you so much to Taahesi Williams for sending me an ARC, although I was SO late to review 😭!!! <3
Yall. This book was a ROLLERCOASTER of emotions in the best way. The emotional depth this had- and it actually brought tears into my eyes at one point. I think trust and love are some of the most complicated feelings to navigate, and this book expressed and showcased just how messy they can be. Even if the people care for each other. Sometimes....lives just dont align in this perfect painted picture we expect or want. UGH!!! I loved this.
Then the ending? I WISH MORE AUTHORS WROTE OPEN ENDINGS!!! This book leaves a lot up to assumption of what happens between Theo and Carmen, and I think thats beautiful. Time passes, they change, feelings change, and the way it doubles back in the end??? GAWD i loveeeeeee when that happens. I felt it showcased their relationship so perfectly in a weird way that just...worked!
Overall, this was my first Taahesi Williams book and wow. The spice, the writing, the emotion- I mean this book was thick but worth it. The constant push and pull and will they won't they really gave me life in this book. For an author who just made her debut this yearrrrrrr??????? THIS WHAT I LIKE TO SEEEEEE!!!!! Amazing. I already raved about it in her DMs as well, because wow. I even kind of let this book simmer a little bit after, because i legit finished and had to let it really sink in. Wow.
this is probably one of the few times i’ll ever write a review but i genuinely have to say what i gotta say.
Mrs. Williams. I cannot stand you. i already knew what i was getting into with the epilogue of the first book and yet, you still surprised me. I was on the edge of my seat every time a situation came up between my beloved Theo and Carmen! you captured me, holding me by the throat while you continued to tease what the straw that broke the camel’s back would be! I feel like how Teddy must feel when Carmen decides to tease him!!
the scenes? the scenes, Taahesi! i thought Strange Sweetness was something. I thought New Growth was something (shout to Ms. Sawyer, my other beloved!). clearly you haven’t stopped outdoing yourself yet! i pray you never stop!!! i had to take breaks to scream. laugh. cry. scream, laugh, cry. that’s all i did the entire book. i’m shocked i didn’t get any noise complaints or asking i was okay while i read through my favorite “toxic” relationship.
i always love the inclusion of our other favorite players. Jayda x Tyler had me rolling at times. Izzy in motherhood were fun tidbits and reminded me about how different life is for everyone in this group but they still somehow make the effort to come together and at least check in on one another; whether for the drama or not.
i’m getting sick of buying your books because every time i do, i end up messing up my sleep schedule because i can’t put the book down!!! You’ve had me so down bad, i’m assuming you’ve figure out a way to put crack in books because how am I this addicted to your plots and schemes and everything in between?!
maybe it’s a good thing i will not be attending brbf because if i was there, i wouldn’t know whether to hug you or cuss you for your crimes against my heart!!
(semi-spoiler)
it was written all the way throughout the book and i still couldn’t believe my eyes when i realized how much they’ve both changed, for the better and worst. HOW DARE YOU TAAHESI?!?!? my heart cannot take this anymore! this was a very emotional read for me as i am currently lowkey going through a breakup rn and the parallels were paralleling!!
p.s. fuck Vincent.
all i know is, i better get my happy ending or i will find a way to meet you!! lol but im looking forward to the third book so badly!
i’m also gonna find a way to sue for emotional distress because of the recap you put at the end!
Taahesi B. Williams delivers a poignant and emotionally charged sequel in Strange Seduction, a beautifully layered story that explores love, distance, and the bittersweet reality of timing. After three years of long-distance separation, Carmen Reyes and Theodore Clayton are reunited in Italy for two fleeting weeks. What should have been a simple, romantic escape quickly becomes a turbulent unraveling of unspoken truths, unresolved wounds, and the undeniable chemistry that still binds them together. Williams captures the fragility of their reunion with striking authenticity, blending nostalgia, tension, and heartbreak in equal measure. Carmen’s struggle to reconcile her high-powered legal career with the demands of her heart is both relatable and moving, while Theodore emerges as a figure both magnetic and maddening, his pull on Carmen as irresistible as it is complicated. Together, they embody the messy contradictions of love—desire clashing with pride, passion shadowed by past mistakes. What makes Strange Seduction stand out is Williams’s ability to render love in all its imperfection. Through unreliable narration, fourth-wall breaks, and the immersive backdrop of an Italian summer, the novel conveys the raw push and pull of two people who want desperately to hold onto each other but are constantly undone by circumstance and secrets. This is not a neatly packaged romance; it is honest, bittersweet, and beautifully human. Williams reminds readers that sometimes love, no matter how deep, is not enough—but its imprint remains long after. A compelling continuation of Strange Sweetness, Strange Seduction is a must-read for fans of emotionally complex, passion-driven romance. With its blend of intensity and vulnerability, it sets the stage for an unforgettable third installment.
First of all, I just have to say that Taahesi has become one of my favorite authors — there isn’t a single book of hers I wouldn’t pick up!
Strange Seduction will take you through the wringer — and I don’t mean just a little twist. You’ll get flipped upside down and smacked back up again. There were moments when I was smiling at my phone, times when I had to physically put the book down because my heart was breaking, and other moments where I couldn’t stop laughing.
Coming from Stranger Sweetness and witnessing the complexity and beauty of Theo and Carmen’s growth, you’d think it couldn’t get better. But Taahesi proves you firmly wrong. This was not always an easy read — there are points where you feel like both Carmen and Theo are villains (you’ll want to reach through the page and shake them). But as you keep reading, you realize that yes, they’ve hurt each other and made mistakes, but at the core, they’re just trying to love each other in the only ways they know how.
Some of their characters choices were slightly disappointing for me as a firm Theo-and-Carmen stan, but I think those choices were necessary to reflect the reality of a relationship. That realism made the experience more immersive and made the characters feel less like figureheads and more like flawed, relatable people.
I’ll be honest: halfway through, I wasn’t sure if this would be a 5⭐️ read. But I realized that was only because of how deeply connected I felt to Theo and Carmen — I was measuring the story against the ending I wanted rather than enjoying the ride. What it delivers is messy, bittersweet, and heartbreaking, yet she still finds a way to stitch everything back together.
No spoilers, since I was lucky enough to receive an ARC, but trust me: this is a must-read and one of my favorite books of the year. I’m sat on the edge of my seat for the third book!!!
Ps grad some tissues before you read this you’re gonna need them ;)
One of my favorite reads of the year — even though it had me ugly crying and seriously wanting to fight Theo. This book took me on an emotional rollercoaster through jealousy, self-doubt, and the kind of romance that feels raw and broken. Taahesi has officially become my new favorite author, and I can't wait to see more of her stories out in the world.
my chest is honestly hurting. this book took me through it with carmen and theo. their love? it was thick in the air, on every page, in every word. and that’s what made it so gut-wrenching. i’m not calling their dynamic toxic, because i could understand both of their perspectives — but i am saying they needed a few therapy sessions and a communication workshop.
carmen fought hard for her success and she deserved to bask in it. theo? right again — his job paid for the lifestyle she’d grown to enjoy. they both had valid points, and that’s what made this whole emotional push-and-pull feel so real. it wasn’t love vs. hate — it was love vs. life. and sometimes, life wins.
also… not to sound freaked out, but that one scene? if you know, you know. 🥵 what he did to Carmen after what he ON Carmen and the kisses after … whew.
if you’re into messy second-chance lovers, emotional chaos, and smut that makes your jaw drop — this one’s for you.
Wheewwww what a story! I tend to go into books blind and thought this would be picking up from the last book, and providing a small glimpse into what caused their break up. Boy was I shocked when the entire book detailed the entire two week trip and everything these two went through on the rise and fall of their relationship. Small things just building and building. Never had I actually wanted a couple to break up by the end of a story. This book was so well written by the author in capturing and detailing both characters emotions. It really was an emotional rollercoaster these two went through to fight for their love. This book really showed the ugly side of long distance relationships, no matter how much each party may love each other or want it to work, but if the trust isn’t there at all, it won’t. Can’t wait until the next story and see what else in store for Theo and Carmen.
Theodore and Carmen’s story picks up post law school graduation. With Carmen pursuing her law degree and Theo taking over the Italian office of his family business, long distance relationship was the only option they had.
Now Theo and Carmen have two weeks to spend with each other before she starts her new career. The trip is an emotional rollercoaster to say the least. Lots of highs and lows are described in this story. As much as I was rooting for an ultimate love story, the author illustrated a tale of a relationship hanging on a thread of hope.
Book one is my favourite thus far of the series and I cannot wait to see what book three reveals when it comes to Theo and Carmen.
Talk about a complicated love. I love Carmen and Teddy so much and this was a wild ride. My heart in shambles even though I knew what was going to happen. I love seeing who the grew into after Eden. It also makes me think about how trust and insecurities erode great things in our life. On the flip side the lover in me knows that sometimes we go through fire to be refined and better than ever.
I love that I can’t wait to read what happens next and yet sad that I have to wait. A must read but be warned you will swoon, scream, rejoice, become skeptical, heartbroken as well as hot and bothered.
The first book had me hooked. I’ve fell in love with both the MMC and FMC. This book was incredibly written. I felt as I was experiencing all of this firsthand. I’ve laughed, ugly- cried , and super pissed. I literally could not put it down once I started. I read this book in one day. I’m can’t wait for book 3. At lest I’m praying there will be a book 3. They deserve a HEA. AMAZING JOB Ms. Williams!!!
I first saw this book on TikTok. And I saved it to my to be read list. Forgot about it, and it popped up on my kindle suggestions. read the first book addicted. Second, which came out a week later.And it ends with a cliff hanger. I need the third book,Teddy and Carmen irritates my spirit. Because they make loving each other so difficult.But I have a feeling it's all gonna come together so fingers cross. Not your typical romance but a great read
This one was hard to read. The range of emotions that I went through reading these pages is a testament to the incredible writing skills of Taahesi B. Williams.
I just knew it would've ended the way it did, but the epilogue broke me.
Am I happy? Only time will tell. I don't want to get my hopes up yet.
Reading how Teddy and Carmen’s relationship unfolded and came apart should not have wrecked me like it did. It goes to show just how important trusting your partner is.
This book left Me with 2 edges CAUSE WHYYYY?? These Characters had Me so STRESSED OMG! I had to pull My Keyboard out for this review HUNNI cause Baby One thing Taahesi gonna do is write Us a Good A$$ book! This Book Was so Dramatic, Charming, and at one point I cried! Seriously! The World Taahesi built is soooo Romantic & The Characters are SOOOO charming &Sexy! I don’t want to give to much away but Baby We love a Strong MMC who knows what He want & doesn’t play about it! But We also LOVE a Strong FMC who loves Her Man but isn’t giving up all She built for HIm! She knows Her worth!!
TROPES ARE: Long Distance Relationship Issues 🛩️ College Sweethearts 🩷 Makeup & BreakUps A MMC WHO BEGS & AINT TOO PROUD TO DO SO! 🫠 A Strong FMC who knows Her worth & Isn’t going to settle for less than! 😌
Spice LEVEL 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Cause Baby in the bedroom They gets down They don’t Play!
Now look Theo gave me this ick a little bit in this one but I just love these two!!! A lot of things between these two was just miscommunication and heavy insecurities. Both of them need therapy but I still want them to work it out