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Strangers No More
Addison, a determined young woman burdened with the responsibility of caring for her ailing grandmother while completing college, makes a desperate deal with the devil to save her family home. Little does she know, her path will cross with Seojun, a man on a relentless quest for vengeance and redemption.
Seojun, once the proud leader of the Jaguars, has been betrayed and left to rebuild his life from the shadows. As he hunts down those who wronged him, he encounters Addison, whose courage and resilience ignite a spark within him. Together, they navigate a treacherous landscape filled with ruthless enemies, hidden agendas, and a love that neither of them expected. As their worlds collide, Addison and Seojun must confront their pasts and decide if they can trust each other enough to forge a future together.
Strangers No More is a gripping tale of love, sacrifice, and the unbreakable spirit of two souls destined to find each other in the most unlikely of circumstances.
Seojun, once the proud leader of the Jaguars, has been betrayed and left to rebuild his life from the shadows. As he hunts down those who wronged him, he encounters Addison, whose courage and resilience ignite a spark within him. Together, they navigate a treacherous landscape filled with ruthless enemies, hidden agendas, and a love that neither of them expected. As their worlds collide, Addison and Seojun must confront their pasts and decide if they can trust each other enough to forge a future together.
Strangers No More is a gripping tale of love, sacrifice, and the unbreakable spirit of two souls destined to find each other in the most unlikely of circumstances.
260 pages, Unknown Binding
First published August 1, 2025
83 people are currently reading
77 people want to read
About the author
J.D. Southwell
9 books62 followersJD Southwell, a proud Texan, embraces her roles as a devoted wife, passionate author, and aspiring businesswoman. Identifying as a functioning introvert, JD channels her love for reading into crafting romance books filled suspense and fantasy, finding joy in the diverse worlds that literature offers.
In the peaceful quiet of the night, her creativity thrives as she weaves stories inspired by the characters and adventures she encounters within the pages of books. When she's not writing, you can often find her in the kitchen baking delicious treats, rewatching her favorite shows and movies, or cherishing moments with family and friends.
In the peaceful quiet of the night, her creativity thrives as she weaves stories inspired by the characters and adventures she encounters within the pages of books. When she's not writing, you can often find her in the kitchen baking delicious treats, rewatching her favorite shows and movies, or cherishing moments with family and friends.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
August 20, 2025
ARC Review
New book, new characters. This book does have a trigger warning which you should read because this is not a light as the first two books. It is considered a dark romance and there is a lot that happens in the book. Now that being said I did enjoy it. In this third installment in the It's a Vibe series we get the backstory of Seojun's character who was briefly mentioned in book 2 and is also Ayzo's cousin. Seojun was an interesting character because although he had this cold blooded ways when it came to getting revenge for those who wronged him, he also wanted to help out those people in the communities that couldn't afford much and was a great businessman so it was almost like a Jekyll & Hyde situation when it came to him.
I empathized with Addison and what she was going through with her mom and trying to take care of her grandmother and although her decisions were questionable, she made the choices that she thought were best for her situation at the time to get her the help she needed. Once she crossed paths with Seojun we saw a different side to her that was not expected but it was like okay, these two were kind of meant to be together...lol.
There was a lot going on in this book with the romance aspect, the sense of family and honoring what was previously built, and of course there was drama but I liked the way the story unfolded and it all came full circle. We got the closure that was needed from the first book to this one and we got a glimpse into all the couples after the aftermath of it all which I liked. Overall I thought this was a good ending to the series.
Thank you to Pretty Girls Do Read for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
New book, new characters. This book does have a trigger warning which you should read because this is not a light as the first two books. It is considered a dark romance and there is a lot that happens in the book. Now that being said I did enjoy it. In this third installment in the It's a Vibe series we get the backstory of Seojun's character who was briefly mentioned in book 2 and is also Ayzo's cousin. Seojun was an interesting character because although he had this cold blooded ways when it came to getting revenge for those who wronged him, he also wanted to help out those people in the communities that couldn't afford much and was a great businessman so it was almost like a Jekyll & Hyde situation when it came to him.
I empathized with Addison and what she was going through with her mom and trying to take care of her grandmother and although her decisions were questionable, she made the choices that she thought were best for her situation at the time to get her the help she needed. Once she crossed paths with Seojun we saw a different side to her that was not expected but it was like okay, these two were kind of meant to be together...lol.
There was a lot going on in this book with the romance aspect, the sense of family and honoring what was previously built, and of course there was drama but I liked the way the story unfolded and it all came full circle. We got the closure that was needed from the first book to this one and we got a glimpse into all the couples after the aftermath of it all which I liked. Overall I thought this was a good ending to the series.
Thank you to Pretty Girls Do Read for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
September 11, 2025
When desperation pushes Addison into a dangerous deal, she collides with Seojun, a man living in the shadows, fueled by vengeance and betrayal. What starts as survival turns into an unexpected spark as they face ruthless enemies, buried secrets, and the question of whether love can bloom in the darkest places.
••
Strangers No More is a story of resilience, sacrifice, and two souls who were never supposed to meet, yet can’t let go.
••
This is the third book in the It’s a Vibe series, and whew… there was A LOT happening. Between the POV shifts and all the drama, this one kept me on my toes. I ended up really enjoying the story nonetheless. I’m especially glad it delivered the closure I’ve been waiting for since book one.
•
And Addison… honey… 🤭 That’s all I’ll say.
•
I definitely recommend picking this one up, but make sure you check the trigger warnings first!
••
Strangers No More is a story of resilience, sacrifice, and two souls who were never supposed to meet, yet can’t let go.
••
This is the third book in the It’s a Vibe series, and whew… there was A LOT happening. Between the POV shifts and all the drama, this one kept me on my toes. I ended up really enjoying the story nonetheless. I’m especially glad it delivered the closure I’ve been waiting for since book one.
•
And Addison… honey… 🤭 That’s all I’ll say.
•
I definitely recommend picking this one up, but make sure you check the trigger warnings first!
August 13, 2025
***ARC Review*** Thanks JD Southwell for the opportunity.
This is the 3rd installment of the Strangers Series so if you haven't read 40Hrs With A Stranger or They're Not Strangers, PLEASE STOP RIGHT HERE!!!
Seojun has been in hiding for a few years trying to determine who was after him by taking his massage parlors, brothels, and the members of his beloved Jaguars. He has to come out bc his cousin Ayzo needs him. He has to return to the place that he ran from. Being the leader of the Jaguars has afforded him some special skills. One of those skills being how to hide in plain sight. Although he's been 'hiding', someone knows where he's been and has sent a crew after him. Seojun took care of the crew while also recording it to send to their "boss".
Addison is a college student who has encountered some financial issues due to taking care of her grandmother who has been diagnosed with dementia. On a random breakdown, she encounters someone who seems genuine who allows Addison to vent her troubles. The encounter presents her an opportunity too good to pass up or is it? She soon finds out that if something is too good to be true, it probably is. Addison's best friend tells her about a job that pays good money. She goes to assist her and finds something that she wants to return to the owner.
In distress, Addison reaches out to Seojun for help with her situation. Due to the nature of her distress, Seojun must figure out Addison's angle. This book is captivating bc there are MULTIPLE plot twists. Those twists have you questioning yourself to ensure that you read what you thought you read. This is the way to bring a story full circle! Kudos JD for this story!!
This is the 3rd installment of the Strangers Series so if you haven't read 40Hrs With A Stranger or They're Not Strangers, PLEASE STOP RIGHT HERE!!!
Seojun has been in hiding for a few years trying to determine who was after him by taking his massage parlors, brothels, and the members of his beloved Jaguars. He has to come out bc his cousin Ayzo needs him. He has to return to the place that he ran from. Being the leader of the Jaguars has afforded him some special skills. One of those skills being how to hide in plain sight. Although he's been 'hiding', someone knows where he's been and has sent a crew after him. Seojun took care of the crew while also recording it to send to their "boss".
Addison is a college student who has encountered some financial issues due to taking care of her grandmother who has been diagnosed with dementia. On a random breakdown, she encounters someone who seems genuine who allows Addison to vent her troubles. The encounter presents her an opportunity too good to pass up or is it? She soon finds out that if something is too good to be true, it probably is. Addison's best friend tells her about a job that pays good money. She goes to assist her and finds something that she wants to return to the owner.
In distress, Addison reaches out to Seojun for help with her situation. Due to the nature of her distress, Seojun must figure out Addison's angle. This book is captivating bc there are MULTIPLE plot twists. Those twists have you questioning yourself to ensure that you read what you thought you read. This is the way to bring a story full circle! Kudos JD for this story!!
August 19, 2025
Yeobo 🧡
I absolutely love Addison. It be those quiet ones hunty. She turned a fucked up situation into something amazing. But listen the way she handled Tiffany was everything. I think that’s when Seojun fell deep…
Seojun…That man. Baby he something. I absolutely love everything about him. That quiet demeanor was something serious.
Akira is that best friend you need. She don’t play about her friend!
First Comes Mur*** Then Comes Marriage
“Let’s End This Shit”
I absolutely love Addison. It be those quiet ones hunty. She turned a fucked up situation into something amazing. But listen the way she handled Tiffany was everything. I think that’s when Seojun fell deep…
Seojun…That man. Baby he something. I absolutely love everything about him. That quiet demeanor was something serious.
Akira is that best friend you need. She don’t play about her friend!
First Comes Mur*** Then Comes Marriage
“Let’s End This Shit”
December 15, 2025
This book has way too much going on and too much attention is spent on side characters and side plots. The two main characters, Addison and Seojun don't even meet until it's a little over 40% of the way through the book. The numerous characters and points of view were distracting and didn't add to the story. I also couldn't appreciate the book because all of the characters sounded the same.
Addison is a college student and desperate to get the money she needs to take care of her grandmother who has dementia. She signs on you become the wife of someone she's never met in exchange for her grandmother's care and payment of her grandmother's mortgage. Seojun is cleaning his crime family because he had traitor switch to a rival faction. He murders someone and sends the video with his voice in it to an unknown contact in the person he killed's phone he and another three men breached Seojun's house to take him out.
Addison comes to clean his house with her friend and finds the phone, takes it home and charges it sees the video, and reaches out to Seojun to see if he can help her. Instead of treating it like a threat, Seojun agrees to meet Addison and they come to an agreement and relationship. A lot wasn't believable and I found myself counting down the pages until the book was over.
Addison is a college student and desperate to get the money she needs to take care of her grandmother who has dementia. She signs on you become the wife of someone she's never met in exchange for her grandmother's care and payment of her grandmother's mortgage. Seojun is cleaning his crime family because he had traitor switch to a rival faction. He murders someone and sends the video with his voice in it to an unknown contact in the person he killed's phone he and another three men breached Seojun's house to take him out.
Addison comes to clean his house with her friend and finds the phone, takes it home and charges it sees the video, and reaches out to Seojun to see if he can help her. Instead of treating it like a threat, Seojun agrees to meet Addison and they come to an agreement and relationship. A lot wasn't believable and I found myself counting down the pages until the book was over.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 25, 2025
You Literally Need this series in your life. You go from the restored romance to the second chance romance to dark romance. With the dark romance you get all the previous characters, but this book is putting everything together. The amount of vengeance, survival, family drama, and sacrifice are nothing like the 1st two books.
You have Addison’s trying to be a caretaker and save her Grandmother’s home all while in school with no help. She refuses to ask for help and put herself in a very dangerous compromising position with no way out. Then you get Seojun who is a living walking contradiction living a double life. He is on a war path to redeem his name and everything he built all while getting the revenge on everything and everyone who switched up on him. How the two cross paths and end up helping and needing each other is how the story really unfolds.
One thing that pissed me off is why no one is talking knowing they wanted and needed the same thing, and it took to long to figure it out. I just hate it when the characters all have the same goal but work separate and not let the others in on the information needed. How the group works together to get the answers and deal accordingly was everything.
Regardless of that the book was written well and kept my attention with every page. All of the questions that I had were answered for the most part but I would have loved a book 4 because this series is too good to let go. 💐💐💐J.D. Southwell I loved everything about this series and the characthers!!!!
You have Addison’s trying to be a caretaker and save her Grandmother’s home all while in school with no help. She refuses to ask for help and put herself in a very dangerous compromising position with no way out. Then you get Seojun who is a living walking contradiction living a double life. He is on a war path to redeem his name and everything he built all while getting the revenge on everything and everyone who switched up on him. How the two cross paths and end up helping and needing each other is how the story really unfolds.
One thing that pissed me off is why no one is talking knowing they wanted and needed the same thing, and it took to long to figure it out. I just hate it when the characters all have the same goal but work separate and not let the others in on the information needed. How the group works together to get the answers and deal accordingly was everything.
Regardless of that the book was written well and kept my attention with every page. All of the questions that I had were answered for the most part but I would have loved a book 4 because this series is too good to let go. 💐💐💐J.D. Southwell I loved everything about this series and the characthers!!!!
August 20, 2025
Book 3 of 3 in the series and and this one definitely takes a darker turn. It's labeled dark romance for a reason —it’s layered with vengeance, sacrifice, and survival. I.enjoyed.it.all.
Seojun, a man torn between revenge and redemption. On one side, he’s ruthless when it comes to those who betrayed him. On the other, he’s a sharp businessman who quietly supports the people in his community. That contrast made him so interesting to read.
Addison’s journey was just as compelling. With her mother absent and the weight of caring for her grandmother, her choices weren’t always the “right” ones, but they were rooted in survival. I felt for her, and once her path crossed with Seojun’s, the unexpected spark between them really worked. Their connection felt gritty and raw, but it made sense—they pushed and balanced each other in ways I didn’t see coming.
This book is packed with family ties, drama, loyalty, and an undercurrent of love in the most unlikely circumstances.
Overall, this was a solid conclusion to the series—emotional, dark, and ultimately satisfying.
Thank you to Pretty Girls Do Read for the ARC!
Seojun, a man torn between revenge and redemption. On one side, he’s ruthless when it comes to those who betrayed him. On the other, he’s a sharp businessman who quietly supports the people in his community. That contrast made him so interesting to read.
Addison’s journey was just as compelling. With her mother absent and the weight of caring for her grandmother, her choices weren’t always the “right” ones, but they were rooted in survival. I felt for her, and once her path crossed with Seojun’s, the unexpected spark between them really worked. Their connection felt gritty and raw, but it made sense—they pushed and balanced each other in ways I didn’t see coming.
This book is packed with family ties, drama, loyalty, and an undercurrent of love in the most unlikely circumstances.
Overall, this was a solid conclusion to the series—emotional, dark, and ultimately satisfying.
Thank you to Pretty Girls Do Read for the ARC!
August 22, 2025
What an exciting end to the series, and Yes, you need to read the books in order. I could not put this story down. I devoured it in one sitting. I especially loved how the author brought everything together and put it in a nice, albeit chaotic bow. There was so much growth from the first book to the finale. I am invested in these characters, and although this particular series is over with, I really hope to see some of them in future stories. This is not my normal type if read (I'm more of a contemporary reader), this was an absolute site to read and I can't wait to see what the author does next.
I received a copy of the book via Pretty Girls do Read and am voluntarily leaving an honest review of my own thoughts and opinions.
I received a copy of the book via Pretty Girls do Read and am voluntarily leaving an honest review of my own thoughts and opinions.
August 22, 2025
𝙷𝚊𝚙𝚙𝚢 𝚁𝚎𝚕𝚎𝚊𝚜𝚎 𝙳𝚊𝚢
𝐍𝐨𝐰 𝐀𝐯𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞!
𝙴𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚁𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚎𝚠
🌟🌟🌟🌟.2
When I tell you I devoured this book on my mini road trip with family, I devoured it.
1. The cover art is Chief Kiss 💋
2. This is book three in the series, so start from book 1, you have been warned ⚠️
3. The romance was romancing!
4. The storyline, the twists and turns this story took me on were so well done.
5. Highly Recommended!
I can't wait to see where @jdsouthwells goes with her writing.
Thank you to @prettygirlsdoread and @jdsouthwells for the ebook in exchange for my honest.
𝐍𝐨𝐰 𝐀𝐯𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞!
𝙴𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚁𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚎𝚠
🌟🌟🌟🌟.2
When I tell you I devoured this book on my mini road trip with family, I devoured it.
1. The cover art is Chief Kiss 💋
2. This is book three in the series, so start from book 1, you have been warned ⚠️
3. The romance was romancing!
4. The storyline, the twists and turns this story took me on were so well done.
5. Highly Recommended!
I can't wait to see where @jdsouthwells goes with her writing.
Thank you to @prettygirlsdoread and @jdsouthwells for the ebook in exchange for my honest.
January 13, 2026
I loved the first two books. Book 3 had me confused from the beginning. There were a lot of characters introduced through this book, which made it feel like the storyline was all over the place. I almost wanted to stop reading and go back to books 1 & 2 to see if I had missed anything.
I feel like what were supposed to be the main characters - Addison & Seojun - we didn’t get to know them for real; their storyline didn’t really connect until almost halfway through the book.
I would give this book a 3 star. Maybe I have to revisit the series at a later time.
I feel like what were supposed to be the main characters - Addison & Seojun - we didn’t get to know them for real; their storyline didn’t really connect until almost halfway through the book.
I would give this book a 3 star. Maybe I have to revisit the series at a later time.
August 19, 2025
MY GIRRRRRRRRL!!! the wait was soooo worth it!!! im happy that its finally being released so the world can be blessed with ANOTHER amazing read 🫶🏼
What a WILD RIDEEE! I was buckled in TIGHTLY !! if I can give this more than 5 stars I soo would!
as other reviewers mentioned if you haven't read the first 2 books 40hrs With A Stranger & They're Not Strangers I highly recommend so you can experience the who1e crazy ride
RUNNNN GO GET YOUR COPY OF THE SERIES ASAP 🏃♀️
What a WILD RIDEEE! I was buckled in TIGHTLY !! if I can give this more than 5 stars I soo would!
as other reviewers mentioned if you haven't read the first 2 books 40hrs With A Stranger & They're Not Strangers I highly recommend so you can experience the who1e crazy ride
RUNNNN GO GET YOUR COPY OF THE SERIES ASAP 🏃♀️
August 20, 2025
Arc review thank you to the author
💖 Book Review: Strangers No More by JD Southwell 💖
Ex-Mafia MC + arranged marriage + dark romance = everything I love in one book! 🔥 This story had me hooked from the first page—the tension, the passion, the drama, all of it was so addictive. I couldn’t stop reading. If you love gritty romance with emotional depth and unforgettable characters, this one’s for you!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#PrettyGirlsDoRead #BookReview #DarkRomance #StrangersNoMore
💖 Book Review: Strangers No More by JD Southwell 💖
Ex-Mafia MC + arranged marriage + dark romance = everything I love in one book! 🔥 This story had me hooked from the first page—the tension, the passion, the drama, all of it was so addictive. I couldn’t stop reading. If you love gritty romance with emotional depth and unforgettable characters, this one’s for you!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#PrettyGirlsDoRead #BookReview #DarkRomance #StrangersNoMore
January 18, 2026
Not My Vibe
Hmmm 🤔, I should have heeded the Author’s advice & quit while ahead🤦🏾♀️🥴‼️ Nevertheless, “Stranger No More: It’s A Vibe - Book 3” was not the book for me 🙂↔️. Sadly, it was a disappointing ending to a decent “it’s a vibe” series beginning. Unfortunately, book 3 just not my vibe 🤨‼️
Hmmm 🤔, I should have heeded the Author’s advice & quit while ahead🤦🏾♀️🥴‼️ Nevertheless, “Stranger No More: It’s A Vibe - Book 3” was not the book for me 🙂↔️. Sadly, it was a disappointing ending to a decent “it’s a vibe” series beginning. Unfortunately, book 3 just not my vibe 🤨‼️
August 19, 2025
Addison
This was so good and worth the wait.
First, you must read the first 2 books before this one! It’s so worth it. This is not the same type of read as the first 2. But, this is my fave of the 3.
These characters truly come full circle.
This was so good and worth the wait.
First, you must read the first 2 books before this one! It’s so worth it. This is not the same type of read as the first 2. But, this is my fave of the 3.
These characters truly come full circle.
August 20, 2025
Read it!!!!!
Whew when the drama started unfolding…it UNFOLDED! Great end to the series! Although life was whooping Addison she never gave up. Seojun is most definitely my favorite MMC of the series.
Whew when the drama started unfolding…it UNFOLDED! Great end to the series! Although life was whooping Addison she never gave up. Seojun is most definitely my favorite MMC of the series.
December 23, 2025
4. Very good addition! I enjoyed the plot a lot; it was different from the previous book and a bit more intense. I loved both MCs, but I feel like their romance wasn’t properly fleshed out, they got together too fast. I’m happy Addison wasn’t some type of scared lamb and held her own
January 14, 2026
Not very realistic
I like the whole 6 degrees of separation plot but I skipped through pages because it wasn’t very realistic. You can’t go from quiet college girl never hurt a fly to beating ppl with bats and cutting off fingers.
I like the whole 6 degrees of separation plot but I skipped through pages because it wasn’t very realistic. You can’t go from quiet college girl never hurt a fly to beating ppl with bats and cutting off fingers.
January 17, 2026
3.75 ☆
August 25, 2025
So many turns and shocks. I liked the end to this series.
August 31, 2025
Hands down my favorite book of the series! I’m so sad it’s ending but definitely a great finisher to close out. You have to read the first two books before jumping into this one or you’ll definitely be a little lost. But now that the series is complete, you might as well binge it straight through lol.
And listen, my girl Addison could not catch a break. Sis was just trying to finish school and take care of her granny, but life was not letting up. Still, when it came down to it, Ms. Mamas stood ten toes down every time.
I really hope we get some spin-offs because I need more. Like, give me the parents’ backstory please! Were the Jaguars and Cobras out here giving West Side Story vibes back in the day? I need answers lol.
And listen, my girl Addison could not catch a break. Sis was just trying to finish school and take care of her granny, but life was not letting up. Still, when it came down to it, Ms. Mamas stood ten toes down every time.
I really hope we get some spin-offs because I need more. Like, give me the parents’ backstory please! Were the Jaguars and Cobras out here giving West Side Story vibes back in the day? I need answers lol.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews