The Cartier Cartel 4: Love in Perfect Tempo

by Jessica N. Watkins

I wasn’t supposed to want him. Big A was always off-limits. He was my brothers’ closest friend, a respected lieutenant in the Cartier cartel, and one of the few men I couldn’t fall for. I was obligated to remain loyal to my brothers, but obligations mean nothing when your heart gets involved. After years of silently craving him, one explosive moment shatters every boundary. Now, I’m trapped between the man my family chose and the forbidden passion I can't deny. Our secret could break hearts, unravel family ties, and threaten the very foundation of the empire my brothers built. What Big A and I have is undeniable, powerful, dangerous, addictive, and impossible to walk away from. Loving Big A was never going to be simple, but it might just be worth risking it all.

Big
I was never supposed to touch her. Tempo Cartier had been off-limits from day one. She was the little sister of my closest friends and business partners. Her name should’ve never left my lips, let alone consumed my every thought. But now, we’ve crossed the line, and there’s no turning back. She’s mine in ways that no one can break, except that she belongs to another man. She wears his ring, but I know her soul belongs to me. Every glance between us is charged, dangerous, and risks exposure that could destroy friendships, loyalties, and lives. But giving her up feels like losing myself. The choice is I’ll either claim Tempo and risk it all or watch the only woman I’ve ever loved, marry someone else.

Audible Audio

Published September 8, 2026

About the author

Author of Urban Chick Lit, Erotica, and Contemporary Urban Fiction... Jessica N. Watkins was born April 1st in Chicago, Illinois. She obtained a Bachelors of Arts with Focus in Psychology from DePaul University and Masters of Applied Professional Studies with focus in Business Administration from the like institution. Working in Hospital Administration for the majority of her career, Watkins has also been an author of fiction literature since the young age of nine. Eventually she used writing as an outlet during her freshmen year of high school as a single parent: “In the third grade I entered a short story contest with a fiction tale of an apple tree that refused to grow despite the efforts of the darling main character. My writing evolved from apple trees to my seventh and eighth grade classmates paying me to read novels I had written about kids our age living the lives our parents wouldn’t dare let us”. At the age of twenty-eight, Watkins’ chronicles have matured into steamy, humorous, and realistic tales of women's literature. She hopes that The Epitome of Femistry series will successfully emulate ideal femininity while tackling stereotypes, familiar heartache, and relatable distress in a humorous, sophisticated, and erotic fashion.

Jessica N. Watkins is available for talks, workshops or book signings. Email her for more information at Jessica@femistrypress.net.

Additional information can be found at www.jessica-n-watkins.com.

Follow Jessica on Twitter - @authorjwatkins.

Follow Jessica on Facebook- http://www.facebook.com/authorjwatkins

Reviews

[Joslyn]

3⭐️ This book was probably my least favorite out the series. The love story between Tempo & Big A didn’t move me. I couldn’t grasp how they were so in love with one another when all They ever did was lust after each other. I Don’t think the author did a good job writing their love story & making it believable.

I also feel like their book focuses more on everyone else than them as a couple. You can tell that Aria is tired of being pregnant & legend doesn’t seem to care. It’s like we’re watching her fall into depression because she’s tired . I wanted to cry for Aria during her mommy makeover … I would have went manic too lol

Livia & icon are doing their best to raise loyal. I loved the part when Icon had to be honest with Livia & let her know that she’s not the only one experiencing pain. Women sometime forget that the men are also hurt & ignore their feelings.

I didn’t like the fact that tempo led sincere along knowing her heart wasn’t in it. So when Sasha blasted them I was happy. Both of them were cheating on their partners & too afraid to live in their truth.

Sasha was a dirty bitch idk why she thought she was going to get away with that weak ass plan with Zayd. Like girl be fr . .

The first 3 books were filled with action & plot twists this book fell short of that & like I mentioned before the love story didn’t move me enough to be interested in them as a couple.

[KarynReads]

Ok Big A! Thats how you take yo lady! Those feelings couldn’t stay hidden for too much longer. Idk why the brothers thought it was cool for Tempo to have her choices guided while their lives could lead independently. Just ridiculous.

I did imagine Big A’s character a little more scarier lol idk I just did. I guess because he was also playing the role of a lovesick man. Maybe thats it. Either way he stood up for his woman and made sure she was good against anyone. Definitely a “book bae” as they say. Lol. The family just keeps on growing. I have been enjoying this series. Good job.

[Thujuana]

Sooooo Good!

Can’t say enough good things about this series! Jessica N Watkins did it big with this one!!! The drama, the spice, the hilarious moments, and the love was spot on. I’m sad the series has come to an end! I can’t wait for this series to come to audible!

[Trini B]

Disappointed!!!!

I have been waiting on this book since the third installment came out and I must say this book did not do Tempo or Big A any justice. The story felt too rushed with way too many missing parts. I also felt like the tone of the characters changed drastically since the first book. Overall I’m just disappointed with this book.

[Shay]

This could have been the perfect slow burn, instead it was rushed and forced. How you love him and never even spent a day with him? What?? I found myself skipping pages. The first two books in the series were cool! The last two not so much. Also, Aria just get your tubes tied sis.

[Shay Mooney]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.5/5 Series

This series was so good I didn’t want it to end. The Cartier Cartel Inc. follows four siblings, three full siblings and one side baby, and the drama starts immediately. Their parents die tragically early on, and from that point, the siblings are forced to take control of the cartel. Between family secrets and rival gangs trying to take what’s theirs, the story does not let up.

When I first started the series, I was a little confused. There were a lot of POVs, and I kept mixing the characters up. But once I got into the story, it all made sense. The chapters were short but so well written, and you get something out of each one.

There’s romance, betrayal, rival crews, and serious growth (Legend was a certified crash out at first! 😂). The love stories? Some messy, some not-so-messy, but all of them had depth and emotion.

The only thing I didn’t love was how things played out for Tempo in the beginning. All the men got to be with who they really wanted, but she was expected to marry someone she didn’t love just because her brothers approved. That didn’t sit right with me. Thankfully, she did get her happy ending, but it took a lot to get there.

This series gave me everything love, betrayal, revenge, healing, and drama. And the endings? So satisfying. But I still need a spin-off or novella about Sincere. He deserves peace, love, and a soft life. ❤️❤️❤️

Read the series!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Lizzy Clark]

MY ARC REVIEW...

BAY-BE YOU DID YOUR MOTHERFUDGESICKLESTIX THANG WITH THE 4TH INSTALLMENT TO THE CARTIER SERIES🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥!!!

BIG A & TEMPO! I LAUGHED, CRIED, SCREAMED, WAS READY TO FIGHT AND KILL A FEW FOLKS, LBVS. I MEAN IT GAVE ALL THE FEELS, AND THE LOVE WAS SO STRONG I COULDN'T STOP SMILING AND PRAYING THAT I FIND MY FOREVER LOVE🥰. IT JUST FLOWED IN A WAY THAT ALTHOUGH IT'S HOOD LOVE, IT GAVE YOU THAT 90'S GOTTA HOLD ON TO MY BABY AND FIGHT TO KEEP US TOGETHER, IT'S US AGAINST THE WORLD KIND OF LOVE. THAT WHEN FOLKS SEE YOU THEY KNOW YOU'RE BEING LOVED PROPERLY CAUSE IT SEEPS FROM YOUR PORES KIND OF LOVE🤎. WHAT HE DID FOR HER WAS PRICELESS🥰.

SASHA GOT WTF SHE DESERVED WITH HER CONNIVING AZZ🤷🏾‍♀️.

AT THIS POINT ARIA NEEDS TO GET HER TUBES TIED CAUSE BIRTH CONTROL BE DAMNED🤣🤣🤣

LET ME FIRST SAY THAT I'M BEYOND HAPPY FOR ICON & LIVIA❤️. ROYAL MOST DEFINITELY DEFIED THE ODDS. NOW, ICON IRKED MY MOTHERFUDGESICKLESTIX NERVES WITH HIS OVERBEARING AZZ. I WAS GLAD WHEN LIVIA WITHHELD THE😼 UNTIL HE GOT HIS ISH TOGETHER.

SINCERE MAY NOT HAVE BEEN THE ONE FOR TEMPO, BUT HE PROVED HIMSELF WORTHY OF BEING THAT NINJA. THAT MAN WAS THE EPITOME OF A MAN WHO LOVED A WOMAN ENOUGH TO LET HER GO. HE GREW ON ME AND I LOW KEY LOVE HIM❤️

BIG A & TEMPO😁! KUDOS QUEEN👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🫶🏽🫶🏽🫶🏽

[Cre8tive Dreamz]

Tempo and Asim, Fairytales Do Come True

I was soooo happy for Tempo and Asim!!!…They got the person and the love all those around them talked about and ppl seen when they looked at each of the couples!!!…
I was soooo happy irritated with the brothers every single time they pushed Sincere on Tempo to make sure their business’s transactions were sealed!!!…They never acknowledged that she didn’t want to be with him or how it would hurt Sincere in the long run, being in a loveless marriage, because he truly loved Tempo!!!…
Baby Royal’s story is one of strength and love because Icon was silently breaking while keep his family together and Baby Royal was drawing from that look at Royal growing and showing them that love and encouragement from your family will help you thrive!!!…
Aria has me laughing and crying, because I had that same moment of thinking I was getting something done, only to leave with a script for prenatal vitamins!!!…I hope there is story for her because she deserves that mommie make over!!!…
I enjoyed everything about this book and I was not shocked at all that Sasha was a whole snake out here in these streets and she got exactly what she had coming too!!!…

[L.D. Johnson]

Jessica N. Watkins has me completely invested in the Cartier family at this point. Every book pulls me in deeper, and Cartier Cartel 4 was no different.

What stood out to me most was Tempo's story. My heart hurt for her because she was expected to marry Sincere out of loyalty to the family, while she was deeply in love with Asim. She wasn't choosing between two men—she was choosing between her heart and her responsibility. That made every decision she made feel heavy.

I felt just as bad for Asim. Imagine loving the woman you're supposed to let go because your loyalty to the family comes first. There were so many moments where I wanted him to fight for Tempo, but I also understood why he couldn't. Jessica did an excellent job of making me empathize with both of them.

I also appreciated how Sincere was written. It would've been easy to make him the villain, but he wasn't. That made the situation even more complicated because there really wasn't a "bad guy." Everyone was trying to do what they believed was right, and that's what made this story so emotional.

Of course, Jessica didn't let us sit in our feelings for too long. The action, betrayals, and twists kept coming, and more than once I found myself saying, "Now wait a minute..." because I didn't see some of those moments coming.

One thing Jessica consistently does well is make the romance and the cartel business coexist without one overshadowing the other. The love story had me invested, but the family dynamics and loyalty kept me glued to the pages.

Overall, this was another phenomenal installment. I finished the book feeling emotionally drained—in the best way possible—and anxious to see what happens next with the Cartier family.


Now what’s in store for Sincere?

[Reaux]

So, I’m in the middle of this book and I reserve the right to edit this review.

So, from book 1 when Tempo wanted to join Saint with running their own drug ring I was pretty much rolling my eyes & smacking my lips bc girl WHAT. WHO YOU FEELING LIKE?!

She does not make great decisions & the boys have to come & save her all the while she’s bucking up her chest like she’s the brains of this operation!

She didn’t love Sincere like at all? Not even a lil bit of kindness for him? She forgot he was even at the event with her? Ain’t check on him or nothing? Girl GTF!

Also, how tf old is Big Ace? Bc I know Saint & Tempo are in their early 20s like they just graduated high school or at least Tempo did in book 1 and book 2 was 3yrs later.

Also, how tf is it okay for Tempo and Sincere to be together but not big Ace & tempo they both handling $ for the cartel. I would certainly think they would be more concerned with tempo fucking him over than Ace being mad.

They floated around each other for how many years and they’ve had little to no communication with each other just squinting eyes and lustful looks but she’s your rib and he’s the love of your life? Like girl! I am just not getting it…

I- just girl! GTFOOMGDFWTBS

[Courtney]

Big A and Tempo had so much drama going on! Tempo deserved to be happy with the man that she wanted but thanks to the family business and Icon she was forced to make a different choice. As much as I've loved Icon he got on my last nerve in this book. I didn't like how he expected Tempo to sacrifice her happiness for the sake of the family business when he, Legend and Saint got to choose who they loved regardless of how much drama it caused. This whole mess was at least 60% Icon's fault. I also hated that Sincere got caught up in this foolishness. He was such a good man. He just wasn't the man for Tempo and he loved her enough to let her go. I can't wait to read his story because he deserves love and I know whatever woman he ends up with is going to be a lucky girl! Big A was a real one once he finally got it together. In my opinion he should've claimed Tempo as his girl long before he did but once he got it together he didn't play about her no matter who it was including Saint's temperamental behind! Legend and Aria need to figure out a permanent birth control plan! I loved to see the growth between Icon and Livia. I also love how the girls held Tempo down and made sure her brothers didn't give her a hard time about her relationship!

[Tenika Glover]

True Love Isn't A Business Deal!!

I was so mad at Icon, I could choke him. He used Tempo as a pawn, I feel. She just wanted to find her forever love just like her brothers. Livia spoke for Tempo. She nor Asim didn't want to disappoint her brothers. That's why they lied to everyone. Sincere is a real one, he could have been petty, jealous and bitter. He put his pride a side that's just how much he loves Tempo. He is going to get his dream girl one day. Sasha got on my last good nerve with all that crying. She had everybody fooled. Zayd did too. They tried to get over on Big A. The way Aria's is feeling, I'm surprised that she didn't didn't try to give Legend a vascetomy her d@mn self. He wouldn't be allowed to look my ever again. Until he got snip. I'm so happy for Icon, Livia and Royal. Tempo and Asim can love each other out loud instead of sneaking because they were getting it in every chance they got. I love that for them. She took a step back from the business. She let Asim ( Big A) resume his role.

[Abena]

6 stars! I was wondering if anything else would make this a strong urban romance and I didn’t see anything—it was so well done! It tells the story of Cartier little sister Tempo overcoming the resistance of her brothers and cartel business considerations to find love with Big A. I love a strong woman being held tightly enough to fall in love and Big A did the work. But I think the “missteps” he made in the courting process made the love feel even more authentic. Tempo’s personal growth was beautiful as were the background stories of Icon/Livia, Legend/Aria, and Saint/Zahra. Jessica does a good job of weaving it all together without it being too confusing!

Without spoiling, Sincere’s book is next and in this book I found his behavior/maturity unprecedented in the urban romances I’ve read. His life and ways it was incorporated into the study also made it feel just real enough in the midst of the boom boom, bang bang.

[Ms. Williams]

Perfect Tempo?

Love in a Perfect Tempo was a good read. I enjoyed the journey that Tempo had to go through to get to the love that she desired. At points throughout this book, I was screaming profess your love to one another, f your brothers, don't go through with the wedding. When Tempo walked down, that aisle to Sincere balling her eyes out I felt that! She should have ended this long before, but at that moment, she should not have proceeded. It took Big A getting kidnapped for her to put things into perspective. I'm glad they got it right. Big A planning that wedding was top tier 👌🏾. Sasha needed a long slow death by the hands of Temp, similar to what Saint did in that last book. There is no way she should have gotten off that easily. All in all, the book was a good read.

[Brandy Smith]

It was tea

This was a beautifully written book so positive I'm so happy that they didn't have to villainize sincere in order for her to love someone else often books do that where if they don't if they're not in love with someone that they have to villainize them and I'm glad they didn't have to do that with this. I don't know how I feel about Ava being in love with Sincere because before she knew that Tempo loved Big A she felt like that towards Sincere but she in the friend circle so that rubbed me wrong a little bit. I also felt like I got everybody else's story inside of a book that was supposed to be about Tempo and Big A that actually lost me for a minute but again the book was still beautifully written and I did like all the characters and I'm happy with the way everything ended so this was 10 out of 10 for me.

[T G]

The perfect series 😍

I must express my sadness at the conclusion of this series. The author's talent is truly remarkable. I found myself thoroughly enjoying all the characters. The way they interacted and evolved together was simply wonderful. The Cartier family, a strong unit, along with their cherished friends, who felt like family, was a pleasure to read about. It wasn't always easy for Tempo, the current matriarch of her family. Witnessing her happiness with Asim brought me immense joy. Asim's love for Tempo embodies the kind of affection and protection her brothers always desired for her. I am hoping to learn more about Sincere and Ava in the future. It was a true pleasure to read this book and the entire series. 🥰

[Mia L Boone]

Tempo

Big A and Tempo, what a ride. These two had been secretly in love with each other for years. But because of loyalty to the brothers, neither acted on it. They resisted each other until they couldn't anymore.

Sincere is that guy. A good dude with a heart of gold. He loved Tempo, but he willingly gave her up. He wanted her to be happy and at peace. That was absolutely beautiful. Most men would be on one, but Sincere bowed out with grace, dignity, and maturity. He came through in the clutch for Big A and it was all love...solid.

Aria, Lord if her and Legend don't stop having babies...whew Chile. This is an awesome series

[Mz_MELLO YELLO from the BAY]

That’s How You Stand 10 Toes Down!!

This Jessia pulled at all my emotions. I was hooked at page one and cheering for them from the beginning. Being a mother of a disabled son, I understood all that Icon and Livia was going through with Royal. Can honestly relate on all levels. Then the way she wrote about Tempo and Big A. What they went through is real in the world we live in today. Everything about this read was amazing. Lastly Sincere, the way she wrote his character was it for me. He was that guy because in the world today, there is NO one that would have been as mature as he was when everything was exposed. Yeah, I am honestly anxious to start his book.

[_SimplyRead]

3.5 🎧

I enjoyed this story a lot, but my biggest issue was this story was suppose to be Big A and Tempo story, but it was too much of everyone else POV. We got to the point but I think it would have been better to see more of them in their book. Like even the ending of this book ended with more of Icon. Tempo didn’t have this much visibility in the other books and I truly wanted more of her in her own book.

Besides that I really liked Big A and Tempo story and the journey they took to get here. I think Sincere is truly a saint and I can’t wait to dive into his story. I really hope it focuses on him and him alone I think we have enough updates of the Cartiers lol.

[Dreayke Harris]

Kimmi’s Reads

I love absolutely every line.. I’m so happy Tempo got her happily ever after she deserved it. I would like to know if her and Asim would start a family tho.. lol 😆 I’m curious to know about Aria and Legend and them thousand kids. Yes we need to know about Zahra and Saint a little more and Royal’s development and would Icon and Livia have more kids. Ms Jessica girl come back and give us more please and thank you and Ms Gworllll what was up with Ava and Sincere we need to get into all of their business 🤣🤣🤣👌🏽

[Robin Perryman]

An Explosive Ending

Wow! I enjoyed the whole series but Tempo's story was like the icing on the cake. This story had me crying througout. I loved Tempo and Asim but I felt bad for Sincere. He’s the perfect man for someone else (Ava). I was fasting on Icon for making Tempo go through everything for family while he had who he wanted. All the characters were going through some things but they got through it in the end., Maybe there’ll be another story abou Sincere coming. He would be interesting.

[Tara Jones]

🥴 So the book was good, but there were some things that I hated. Livia, I hated that she went through so much like she couldn’t catch a break in this book which I disliked. Aria was clearly over being pregnant and she told her husband that and it was like in my opinion he did not give a fuck about that, she wanted her body back and couldn’t even get her mommy make over because she was pregnant again. I loved Tempo and Big A story it was just when it came to some of the others in the book I don’t fully like how their story was written.

[A Joseph]

The Heart Wants What it Wants

Tempo and Big A were trying to fight their attraction to one another and as the universe would have it, it’s a forbidden love. Meanwhile, as the Cartier Cartel continues to grow and expand, we are introduced to some new characters like Zayd and Dylon. The Cartier Cartel 4 continues to build on the story of Tempo while shining some light on Legend, Icon and Saint.

[Charlotte Bembry]

Whew chile!

What a series. I absolutely loved this book. It was well written, flowed well and definitely kept my attention. I was worried that Tempo would find herself tied/trapped into a loveless marriage, but everything worked out in her favor. The love that Sincere had to see her happy was quite admirable. But I’m sure he and Ava will end up together. Sasha was a snake and got just what she deserved.

[Shan-Queda Brown]

wonderful series

I loved Tempo’s story I’m glad she chose love in the end. I hated Sasha so bad. Sincere is a man. Maybe he and Ava could explore her feelings. Or maybe friendship. Legend and Aria .. whewwwww. That’s soo many damn kids. I still love Saint the most. Icon and Livia for win every single time. He did oiss me off when he blocked Tempo and Big A’s happily ever after.

[Tedra Allen]

A love story without a black woman enduring trauma for it

Simply put, this was an easy read.A lot less stressful than Icon, Saint and Legends love story. I love how Sincere’s character matches his name. I hope he can get a love story too despite knowing he wouldn’t experience any drama since he isn’t fully emerged into the streets. Ava and him can have a beautiful story just like Asim & Tempo

[Chareese H.]

I enjoyed this book just like i did the others. The drama in this story was crazy. The love between Big A and Tempo was written well. I am sad that as an audiobook lover this is the end of the Cartier Cartel, but I might just breakdown and read Sincere's story to find out if he finds a true love of his own. Sasha was 🗑️ and got exactly what was deserved. Definitely recommending the full series to my audiobook friends.

PS Legend needs to stop making babies 👀

[Troynika Wright]

Big A!

I'm going to have to change my favorite! Big A! A round of applause for that man! The stunt he pulled on Saint's doorstep was absolutely epic. My girl finally got her happy! This book took me through so many emotions. Bravo Ms. Watkins!

Tell Legend to unhand that lady! She is TIED LOL

[sunkiss]

Really enjoyed this book every woman that’s hyper independent needs a man like Big A. Women not letting a man lead is due to trust issues and constantly be let down. I’m glad tempo was able to let her guard down and let love in and fully trust Big A. Dominance shouldn’t be forced. This book is definitely on my REread list.

[Desmond]

🥶🥶🥶

Mannn that’s the ending I was hoping for. U got me wondering if u coming out with a book for Ava. I need to know if her n ol dude get together they will be a cute couple. Overall i loved the book. Didn’t want it to end. How u do Aria like that. Had me weak to find out she is preggo again..