***standalone*** There were three simple Be available. Be discreet. Don’t fall in love. They followed them all… except one. Kai carries the weight of the world on his shoulders, always putting the needs of others before his own. Angel is almost thirty and finds herself starting over in more ways than one. Both sought an outlet, a no-strings-attached arrangement to escape reality, but what happens when that fantasy becomes the realest thing they’ve ever felt? *** DELIVERED is a standalone within the bestselling, AMBW series, "Free Falling". This installment features secondary characters from the saga and is a contemporary, office romance that can be read out of sequence of the series*** Free Falling Series Book 1: Gravity Book 2: Secrets Book 3: Exposed Book 3.5: Today. Tomorrow. Always. Book 4: Angel and Kai (A Standalone in "The Free Falling Series")
Raven is the author of several interracial and African-American romances, including her debut series, "Free Falling" books 1 - 3, "Red Sun", and "Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob". Since early on, she has found writing to be her creative outlet of choice, although she did not complete her first full-length novel until 2009. She has a Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, but currently works from home, mostly writing, but also building her own Virtual Assistant business. If you're interested in learning more about Raven's upcoming works, there are a number of ways to find her and to stay in touch!
The first TWO chapters of "Delivered" will be distributed to my newsletter subscribers on November 24, 2015 along with the cover reveal :) For those who have inquired about the release date and have been waiting, I definitely appreciate your patience and hope sharing two chapters instead of one makes up for the delay LOL. Love you guys and be watching your email inboxes next month! Here's the link for those who haven't subscribed yet: http://eepurl.com/7f_Pb
Move over AJ Hahn, there’s a new book boo in town. And his name is Kai Mura!
Raven St. Pierre is what I call a slow-burn author. Her stories always begin with a torturous buildup of emotion, with just enough detail to keep your interest without totally wanting to scream: OH COME ON!!! Your inner vixen is ready, but your outer good girl is enjoying the steady ride. Now on to the review…
Instant Attraction: What would you do? How would you act when you meet your new boss, and dude is fine as hell? Put me in Angel Hawthorne’s shoes, and I’ll have you clutching your pearls by the end of chapter one lmao!
Seriously though, what did Terry McMillan teach us? When you exhale, he da one! And Kai had Angel exhaling like she was taking a breathing treatment. This man is the personal embodiment of strength, determination, and character. Kai could have easily become a victim of his circumstance, but instead, he flipped it and became a success. On the surface, he appears cold and detached, but Kai is a man who is truly carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders. He works himself to the bone to not only take care of his family, but to also prove to himself that failure is not an option. Kai puts it down in the boardroom and the bedroom.
Angel, if you’ll remember, is the cousin of Sam Kelley (Hahn) from the Free Falling series. She is recovering from a bad breakup and looking to make a change in her life, personally and career-wise. I think Angel is one of the strongest heroines that St. Pierre has written to date. For one, she’s slightly older (If you consider 29 old…) and markedly more mature than Solei, Sam, Lissy, and Brooklyn from her other stories, and I instantly dug Angel. I was feeling her vibe big time. Even after all the ish that went down with her ex, she took risks with her heart and her career, and they both paid off in dividends.
Fans of Sam and AJ will also be in for a treat as they make a cameo appearance or two, but this is definitely Kai and Angel’s journey. While this is a stand alone with no cliffhanger, I am itching for a follow up. It ended on a happy, positive note, but this couple is just so lovable that I want to know what happened next. A girl can dream…Click it up!
St. Pierre gives her readers a realistic and heart warming romance in DELIVERED. Both Kai and Angel are relatable people with issues and hang ups that aren't over the top, but still difficult enough to provide tension to the story. Kai feels a need to prove to the world that he is strong enough to overcome a great tragedy and achieve professional success. While Angel is out to prove to herself and her family that she can forge her own path without their intrusive interference.
Kai is a self made man who has fought for and earned his every success and accomplishment. Life hasn't been easy for Kai and he has big responsibilities that he takes seriously. Kai has built a reputation for being reserved and professional at all times, yet when he is put in close contact with Angel, she tempts him to navigate around his sturdily erected defenses. Not only does Angel surprise him by being more professionally competent than he expected, but she also makes him want to connect with her on more than a professional level.
Angel is still recovering from the abrupt ending of a long term relationship with a man who ultimately made her question her own desirability and self awareness. With her confidence in her judgement and appeal shaken, Angel is as cautious as Kai when it comes to forming a relationship beyond physical attraction.
The attraction between Kai and Angel is intense and the sexy times are just right. I am not going to lie, there were a few scenes where all I thought was "Get it girl!" When Angel decides to go for it, she goes all in. Nice! St. Pierre allowed the story to move quickly without leaving the reader feeling that anything is missing or glossed over. DELIVERED is an enjoyable contemporary romance between two people who have been singed by relationships in the past, but eventually take the risk to find unexpected happiness.
P.S. This is truly a stand alone title. I have not read the complete Free Falling series and I had absolutely no problem following and enjoying DELIVERED.
*** I received an ARC of this book for my honest review. I have not been paid for my review. ***
Unlike many other fans of this author, I have not read the first 3 books in the "Free Falling Series" so all the characters were new to me. However, I have read books by this author previously and have enjoyed her particular writing of style.
This is Angel and Kai's story. For me this was a beautiful story about real people who faced real life issues. I love the honesty and integrity that the couple showed in their relationship even though this was suppose to be a causal relationship. From this foundation of two broken people who did not want to be in a committed relationship, developed a relationship of depth through tragedy and need.
I love the way that this author tells her love stories. There an intensity and a reality to her stories that true love can be born out of adversity. I love that her stories are not based on a lot angst and drama. Her stories are about how love can withstand the curve balls and the difficult circumstances that life can throw at you and how love can overcome these obstacles and sustain and give you hope.
Lamar's secret was not a surprise to me. I had worked it out from Angel's narrative. This is not your typical romance story but a great romance story none the less. The problems that are dealt with in the story are real and are happening to families every day.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for a FAIR and HONEST review. Receipt of the ARC in NO WAY effected my rating or review of this book. Okay, now that we got that out of the way let's jump right into my thoughts on this book.
This story is part of the Free Falling Series family. While the story can be read as a stand alone it is better read as part of the entire series so that you can understand the back story of characters. Without it you can still figure out what is going on but with the additional information it makes it that much richer. In other words, reading the other books in the series will help take the story from good to good to great. Like eating that hot fudge sundae with or without the whipped cream and the cherry. My recommendation... the whipped cream and the cherry of course so go for that series.
This is Angel and Kai's story. Angel is normally outgoing, blunt, gregarious, direct and self-assured. Normally. Lately to her family something seems to be different about her. A little off. They keep asking her what it is only she's not talking and they won't stop guessing. She's not confused. She knows what the problem is but she's struggling on how to fix it. In an effort to change up her life Angel, a CPA, takes a position as an administrative assistant at a company owned by her cousin's husband.
Enter Kai. Angel's new supervisor. Standoffish, quiet and a workaholic. Also, gorgeous and at first glance Angel's polar opposite. So what happens when these two opposites come close to each other? Like the strong magnets they represent they attract. Of course. There are just a few problems. One is that neither of them wants a relationship and the other is their work situation. So, they agree that like most "with benefits" scenarios they will make some ground rules including that this will be a secret and that the "L" word (love or even strong like) is not even in the same room let alone on the table. Sounds easy right? Yeah, it is. Until it isn't. Like most secrets things don't always stay hidden and in life people, situations. scenarios and things change. But that wasn't the deal. Remember?
What I LOVE about Ms. Raven's books is that they trick you. LOL She lures you in with the thought that you are getting one thing (in this case a steamy book about a "with benefits" relationship) and you do get that but you usually get something else when you dig a little deeper. (DISCLAIMER: I am in NO WAY complaining about this! Who complains when you get that free gift with purchase and it's actually something you really want and can use? LOL) There is usually a lesson for life hidden in there that allows you to grow just like her characters do and this one is no different. I found myself asking questions LONG after I read the last word on the last page and turned off that Kindle. I questioned what I would do in the situations that the characters faced, how I would handle it, who I would blame if anyone, when do you draw the line on what you need hold on to versus what you need to sacrifice in order to make the "right choice" and is sacrifice ever wrong? (No spoilers here so you have to read the book but when you do the questions make PERFECT sense. At least they do to me.)
The writing style and character development made it easy for me to like characters. To want to give out encouragement, tell them to keep their head up, get over it or even to just give out a hug when it was needed. In other words I cared. I connected. I Was involved enough to look crazy to other people as I talked back to people on my tablet or laptop and had to confirm several times... "No. I am not on FaceTime (Skype, the phone, etc.) I'm reading a book. Yes. I do understand that they are not REAL people and that they can't actually hear me!" LOL
So, what can you expect? Just when you think that you have it figured out a person, situation or scenario twists, turns and curves out of nowhere but when you look back at the story it makes perfect sense. Like a perfect piece of a puzzle that when put in the right space (context) completes the entire big picture. Just like real life. What else? Characters who make you laugh, care, fuss and wonder... Just like your real friends do or should. Is that it? No. You can also look forward to a lot of "Oh no he didn't!" "Oh WOW" and "$%!! NO!" moments and comments as you read. Also, plan to start this one early in the day when you have a lot of time to read or else you may just wind up with red eyes, a lot of yawns and a satisfied smile the next day because you spent all night reading. Yeah, this is one of THOSE kinds of books that make it HARD to put down. Start too late and prepare for an all nighter. Consider yourself warned!
Bottom line. Would I recommend this one? ABSOLUTELY!! This is the type of book that I call a pacer. You want to read super fast because it's so good but then you want to slow it down so you can savor it and you don't want it to be over. So, you spend the entire book trying to pace yourself so you can go at just the right speed. LOL
Now, where's that other star so I can rate this one even higher?
Yaaaaassss! Ms. Raven Delivered this story straight to my heart! Oh my heart strings!!!
When I received this book for an honest review do you know my pregnant but was like yes I did, yes I did.
So this was about Kia and Angel and on my hotness I mean like... really, that hotel scene girrrlll I was like All in all this story, like all her stories was just fantastic. It was such a sweet story, buuuut left me wanting more, yes I want, noooo I demand more of Kai and Angel! This was one of those quick reads that leaves you feeling all yummy inside even with the blankety blank that happen, yeah you have to read it to know what I'm talking about. But this lovely story of these two that found their way to one another was special and beautifully told. Ms Raven you did it again you delivered another story that will stay with me always and though Aj and Sam will always be my fav you gave me Kia Angel and now they have a special place in my heart.
Heres my couple and them song is Something New by Zendaya and Pillow Talk by Zayn
When I read a book I like to feel like I get to really know the characters I am reading about. Character development is huge! The great thing about Raven St. Pierre's books is that she doesn't need 500 pages to make you feel an intimate connection with her characters. I fell in love with Kai's quiet strength and I really wanted Angel to have her HEA. Their story is so believable and relatable but the way it is told is, at the same time, exciting and intriguing! I started reading and I literally couldn't stop. The sex scenes are just the way I like them - HOT!! No spoilers here but I have to say that Chapter 5 is everything! ;-) You can't help but want both of these people to get past all of the obstacles and find love! My only complaint is that I thought the story ended abruptly and I wanted so much more!!! I'm hoping there will be another book for this couple coming soon...
OK, I'm new to this series...this author, actually but I'm a proud convert! You wrote the hell outta this book! You are the reason why I love the romance genre; it's real, true to life stories with the basis being the romantic connection between the hero & heroine. YOU ABSOLUTELY NAILED IT!!! Kai & Angel are perfect for each other; they've both been hurt in the past and thought they wanted a no strings kind of relationship but their souls knew they NEEDED that deep connection with the other. Fear of the unknown will never be able to withstand a soul connection to another human being and wow....it was sweet, romantic and sexy when they got it too!!
My head was spinning after completing Delivered. It is the fourth and last book in Raven St. Pierre's Free Falling Series. A believable love story about characters with real everyday life complications. I was left feeling that magical high I think every author wants someone to feel after reading their work. I am sad to see this series has come to an end, but I very excited to read more from her in the future. Raven has become an author who delivers books on quality romances.
These main characters were simply amazing people. People, if they were real, you would want them to achieve all of their hopes and dreams. It was great seeing AJ and Sam from the previous books. It was a great change of pace from the previous angst that seemed to prevail in the other books.
If you are looking for a love story that has you rooting for the characters, take a chance on this book and read it.
I have no complaints except I wish it had never ended.i would have read three books worth of Kai and angel too.no overwrought drama .the sex was delicious ,not vulgar and overdone.it was pallet cleanser to some of the drudgery I have been reading lately. A grown up novel that was worth staying up late to finish.
**starts playing Adele’s “I Miss You”** When I saw there was a new book out by Raven St. Pierre, I did not hesitate to click that purchase button; and boy, I was not disappointed. I first fell in love with this author reading the Free Falling series (if you haven’t, please do yourself a favor!!) the two primary characters in this novel were introduced briefly in the series, and it was just enough to whet one’s appetite. The relationship between Kai (hero) and Angel (heroine) was complex and cleverly cultivated into a chemistry that almost rivaled Sam and AJ’s. I was almost immediately emotionally invested in both Kai and Angel as individuals, and even more so their relationship with one another. There were several times, when I had to force myself to put the book down to prolong the inevitable of the book’s completion. Most reviews, delve into the characters, story line, and development throughout; I’m not going to take you through that. Why? Because this novel is a journey that has to be experienced on your own, with no preconceived notions (other than being blown away by the author). I will say, I deeply appreciate St. Pierre’s portrayal of the “Asian man” (much like I did with AJ), because Kai was free of stereotypical nuances (a mark that most authors of AM?W novels miss. I am literally and figuratively waiting on the edge of my seat for more! Now I’m sure you’re wondering why, I wrote that I started playing Adele’s song “I Miss You,” well I was listening to this song as I read the book, and it happened to be at a certain steamy scene and it just fit perfectly, and to me described their relationship to the proverbial ‘T’. I was going to say if you get a chance, this is a must read; but I take that back READ Delivered: Angel & Kai NOW!!!
Raven St. Pierre has done it again. The story of Angel & Kai was well written and frankly hot. Three rules: be available; be discreet; don't fall in love, but rules are meant to be broken and they were broken in a big way with this story. I liked seeing this couple develop and weed through life as bedroom buddies and then overcome everything that made them swore off of love. This is not your cookie cutter romance, you will feel that you are in a real true to life story and will fall in love with Angel & Kai wishing that the book never ends. As you walk with them through trying to figure out the non-relationship that they have you will see the chemistry and see that chemistry develop into love. I received this book as an ARC for an honest review.
Merged review:
Raven St. Pierre has done it again. The story of Angel & Kai was well written and frankly hot. Three rules: be available; be discreet; don't fall in love, but rules are meant to be broken and they were broken in a big way with this story. I liked seeing this couple develop and weed through life as bedroom buddies and then overcome everything that made them swore off of love. This is not your cookie cutter romance, you will feel that you are in a real true to life story and will fall in love with Angel & Kai wishing that the book never ends. As you walk with them through trying to figure out the non-relationship that they have you will see the chemistry and see that chemistry develop into love. I received this book as an ARC for an honest review.
What happens when unspoken rules are set in place with the intention to not get emotionally attached. Thus start the story of Angel and Kai. Angel is dealing with her intrusive parents and where she wants to go in life after a long term relationship has ended. Both has suffered loss in their lives and is unwilling to go through that again. The physical aspect of their relationship is where these two let their guard down until....Angel was fighting for her womanhood and being in control of her wants and desires started her process of healing. Kai who is very structured almost clinical and efficient was unwilling to let love in. Then here comes this woman who would upset that balance. You see the author slowly move them from hurting individuals to two people who has let go of past baggage to their levels of healing. I enjoyed the evolution of both characters and in the end letting go of those unspoken rules to being able to speak their hearts is what you hope for in romance.
Delivered (Angel & Kai) was a slight disappointment for me, but overall still an engaging (and final) follow-up to the Free Falling Series. One issue I have is the relationship rules/parameters are referenced, but I don't remember the characters actually having this discussion. So every time they mentioned the parameters, I kept saying -- what parameters? My other issue is that the ending was rushed, before the epilogue was introduced. Lastly, I need both the Hero and Heroine to vs. it being implied. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the author will consider writing a 1.5 Novella for this couple as the "cherry" on top of the whip cream that's on top of my sundae.
I was provided an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Raven St. Pierre’s Delivered (Angel & Kai) was a sweet love story with heat! Although Angel and Kai are derived from the earlier works of the Free Falling series, this latest can be read as a stand-alone. This is a huge bonus for other readers who may not have read the previous books. I appreciated that this couple was mature enough and knew what they wanted in their relationship. I liked that there was no over the top drama and the conflict was primarily within the main characters. The way in which Ms. Pierre resolved the couple’s issues made me feel like I was reading a classic love story. This is why Ms. Pierre is on auto buy for this reader and highly recommended.
I received this book as an ARC for an honest review. I Loved Kai & Angel. There story was phenomenal Kai is the type of guy that you want in your corner when the chips are down. They had some big shoes to fill cause AJ & SAM are my couple HANDS DOWN!!!!! They Did It, No Question! What I didn't like was for Angel and Sam to have been so close Angel didn't confide in Sam, I found that to not make sense. I mean I could understand not at first but for a year to go by, nope that didn't fit to me. Then there was the ending although good it left some to be desired, which if the Author is going to have another addition that would be cleared up.
I fell in love with Kai he had so many layers to him that unless you took the time to find out you wouldn’t know. He was just what the doctor ordered for Angel. Their relationship was very unorthodox, but it worked for them and in a way healed both of their hearts.
I liked how Kai put is son first and based off of his history he wanted to help his son with what was to come as best as he could. I don’t even have words for Angels past, I did find my self wanting her to have some sort of closure.
Kai & Angel story was very refreshing. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I would absolutely recommend this book
I choose this rating because the story of Angel and Kai is amazing, their relationship starts in the last Free falling series where you see they have a mutual attraction, but have to put that to one side as they are going work together, you can feel their chemistry leaping off the pages and you start wishing that they can see how each other feels before it's too late. I loved their story and even though the end was good it left me wanting more as I still feel they have more to say. I recommend this book as you can read it as a standalone or with the series but be warned you'll want to read more...!
Received an ARC for an honest review. This is part of a series but can be read standalone. Character development and depth of thought process was awesome. Showed struggles and complexity with decision-making. Tremendously relatable. Regardless of preferences the attraction was undeniable. Spicy bold chemistry I nice ignited on a intimate level. Life experiences and what you may do to deal/cope to compartmentalize to minimize emotional exposure to shield for possible hurt. Things that you can see yourself experience IRL. Simply beautiful.
I was given this book as an ARC for and honest review. This book was so freaking awesome I don't even know where the start. This is another stellar book by Raven st Pierre I will always be a fan girl for this author. Angela and Kai's story was soooo good. it was sweet, real and sexy. I love the way Raven slowly but engagingly unfolded the characters. you really get to know them but at the same time when it ends it leaves you wanting more. This is one of those books that makes u believe in love. Kai is now a book husband
I was given this book as an ARC for an honest review. Angel and Kai are both non-resistive to a relationship based on past relationship experiences. As this story unfolds you see how these two try to navigate what was suppose to only be a non-commitment affair blossomed into pure love. Raven had me shedding a couple of tears about what Kai did for his ex-wife. Kai is a true definition of a good man. This story truly makes me believe in happily ever after for real people with real life problems!!!
Angel and Kai's story is one that grabs you from beginning to end and just draws on every emotion possible. We first met Angel in previous books, being Samantha's cousin and backbone during her tumultuous years.
The author has done a great job of bringing their story to the forefront and making it entirely their own. Both characters were broken at some point in time; however they were able to find what they needed in each other and eventually finding their HEA.
Received as an Arc, for an honest review. This book is truly awesome, I loved the chemistry between Kai and Angrl. They will take you in a roller coaster of emotions. One is dealing with betrayal, the other with heartache, and they will discover that it's okay to trust someone other than them selves. This is a beautiful love story, with an I threshing twist. Raven St Pierre has delivered yeDelivered: Angel & Kait again
I loved it. This book was just so enjoyable to me. I love Kai and I love Angel. Neither of them annoyed me at all. I just loved them. I liked the whole thing. Oh, and I totally guessed the whole Lamar situation. Back when it was first mentioned, I had a clue and when it was confirmed, I was pretty happy. Everything just fit. It made sense. The characters are so likable and the sad things that happened actually seemed sad. A++
I was given this book as an ARC for an honest review.
I completely fell in love with Kai and Angel. This book took me through so many emotions. I Loved that Kai and Angel took there time finding their relationship and falling into a sweet love. Kai's relationship with his son David and how he treated his ex Loren was amazing and made me love Kai even more. This was a great read I can't wait to see what Raven has next for us.
Delivered is book 4 in the Free Falling series. It is meant to be a stand alone novel. Sweet and Sexy describes this book. Each character is struggling with their past histories and the impact its having on their present lives. So an arrangement involving sex only would seem to be the answer. Of course not for Angel and Kai. I enjoyed both characters. Ms. St. Pierre has a way of making you feel apart of their story.
I am a huge fan of the Free Falling Series and have read them all. This book did NOT disappoint. This author speaks my language and writes beautifully. This AMBW romance had a very easy flow into love.
Merged review:
I am a huge fan of the Free Falling Series and have read them all. This book did NOT disappoint. This author speaks my language and writes beautifully. This AMBW romance had a very easy flow into love.
Loved this story about Angel and Kai. This unlikely pairing proved to be a very nice storyline and lovely message about loving and never settling . A well written story. Kai was co-parenting with his ex wife, who was sick. Angel was hired as Kai's admin assistant while his regular assistant was on leave.. Her initial opinion about her surly boss proved to be untrue. Over a period of time Kai and Angel quickly evolved into more... Good read