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Love Unexpected #3
An Unexpected Attraction
They didn’t mean to fall in love…
Brenda Morrison has known Jay Santorini for years, but he’s off limits. He’s her friend’s ex-husband, and except for one slip-up, they’ve always had a platonic relationship. But now that she’s back in Atlanta, the smoldering attraction between them is much harder to resist.
Jay has always kept a hands-off approach to Brenda, and the time they spend together starts out innocently enough, or so he pretends. Because the truth is, Jay has feelings for her, and those feelings are anything but innocent.
Brenda Morrison has known Jay Santorini for years, but he’s off limits. He’s her friend’s ex-husband, and except for one slip-up, they’ve always had a platonic relationship. But now that she’s back in Atlanta, the smoldering attraction between them is much harder to resist.
Jay has always kept a hands-off approach to Brenda, and the time they spend together starts out innocently enough, or so he pretends. Because the truth is, Jay has feelings for her, and those feelings are anything but innocent.
202 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 7, 2015
105 people are currently reading
556 people want to read
About the author
Delaney Diamond
103 books9,768 followersDelaney Diamond is the USA Today Bestselling Author of more than 60 contemporary romance and romantic suspense novels, and dozens of romance short stories. She reads romance novels, mysteries, thrillers, and a fair amount of nonfiction. When she’s not spinning tales of romantic fiction, she’s in the kitchen trying out new recipes, dining at one of her favorite restaurants, or traveling to an interesting locale.
She enjoys learning about time management and ways to increase productivity and shares her recommendations on her For Authors page at delaneydiamond.com. She also offers self-publishing consultations, leveraging her extensive experience to guide and support authors through the publishing process.
-Website: www.delaneydiamond.com
-Amazon page: https://www.amazon.com/author/delaney...
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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/delaneydiam...
X: https://twitter.com/DelaneyDiamond
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She enjoys learning about time management and ways to increase productivity and shares her recommendations on her For Authors page at delaneydiamond.com. She also offers self-publishing consultations, leveraging her extensive experience to guide and support authors through the publishing process.
-Website: www.delaneydiamond.com
-Amazon page: https://www.amazon.com/author/delaney...
Newsletter signup: https://geni.us/DDNews
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/delaneydiam...
X: https://twitter.com/DelaneyDiamond
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/DelaneyDiamond
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews
January 13, 2015
This was a very good story. I really, really enjoyed it.
So why 3-stars? It was too short. And this isn't just a 'oh, I like longer books' rant. No, there was too much going on in this book for it to be this page length and none of it felt fully cooked.
There were some great relationships, friendships, soon-to-be-ex-friendships, romantic musical chairs and last minute bombshells roiling around in this story. All these things were juggled well in the book and I got completely immersed in all the personalities and plots. But I also felt shortchanged. None of them concluded to my satisfaction. So many of the balls being juggled still felt left up in the air.
Even the romance...again well done, but I still wanted them to explore each other more.
This was a very well written, very interesting, completely engaging book. But for what the author had going on it really need more pages to feel fully realized.
All that said, this author has quietly become one of my favorites.
So why 3-stars? It was too short. And this isn't just a 'oh, I like longer books' rant. No, there was too much going on in this book for it to be this page length and none of it felt fully cooked.
There were some great relationships, friendships, soon-to-be-ex-friendships, romantic musical chairs and last minute bombshells roiling around in this story. All these things were juggled well in the book and I got completely immersed in all the personalities and plots. But I also felt shortchanged. None of them concluded to my satisfaction. So many of the balls being juggled still felt left up in the air.
Even the romance...again well done, but I still wanted them to explore each other more.
This was a very well written, very interesting, completely engaging book. But for what the author had going on it really need more pages to feel fully realized.
All that said, this author has quietly become one of my favorites.
January 18, 2015
Mad Drama
This book should have been titled The Messy Quadrangle because you’ve got a group of friends who at some point had some late night (and daytime) creeps, and we all know what happens in the dark will soon come to light! Okay, see if you can keep up:
Brenda, Jay, Nick, Jenna, and Sophie are college friends who reunite for the funeral of their friend Charlie a la The Big Chill. Jay and Jenna are divorced with pre-pubescent twin sons. Sophie has a sometime-y boyfriend, Brenda is single, Nick is thrice divorced, but Jay and Nick both wanna tap Brenda in more ways than one. Follow?
Brenda and Jay have feelings for each other that go back damn near 12 years when they were in college, but Jenna met Jay first (I think), and Brenda fought and continues to fight her feelings for Jay because she doesn’t want to "betray" her friend. Jay, marries Jenna only because she got knocked up, but his heart is really with Brenda. Whoo…Meanwhile, Nick still has residual feelings for Brenda over a one-time hookup, but Brenda ain’t really checking him ya feel? She wants Jay. Jay wants Brenda. But Brenda is still faking the funk because she doesn’t want to hurt Jenna. Now do you see the messy quadrangle?
This is the gist of the story. It’s good, juicy drama throughout because you wanna slap the hell out of Brenda for denying her feelings for 12 years. I understand not wanting to hurt a friend and all, but damn, is the friendship more important than your own happiness? Jenna knew the deal-that Jay wasn’t really feeling her and was only doing the “right thing” because he knocked her up. So what happens? Does Brenda finally say eff it, I’ve gotta make me happy for once? Or does she stick to the creed of friends don’t boink friends’ exes? Read this story to find out! It's good, delicious madness.
This book should have been titled The Messy Quadrangle because you’ve got a group of friends who at some point had some late night (and daytime) creeps, and we all know what happens in the dark will soon come to light! Okay, see if you can keep up:
Brenda, Jay, Nick, Jenna, and Sophie are college friends who reunite for the funeral of their friend Charlie a la The Big Chill. Jay and Jenna are divorced with pre-pubescent twin sons. Sophie has a sometime-y boyfriend, Brenda is single, Nick is thrice divorced, but Jay and Nick both wanna tap Brenda in more ways than one. Follow?
Brenda and Jay have feelings for each other that go back damn near 12 years when they were in college, but Jenna met Jay first (I think), and Brenda fought and continues to fight her feelings for Jay because she doesn’t want to "betray" her friend. Jay, marries Jenna only because she got knocked up, but his heart is really with Brenda. Whoo…Meanwhile, Nick still has residual feelings for Brenda over a one-time hookup, but Brenda ain’t really checking him ya feel? She wants Jay. Jay wants Brenda. But Brenda is still faking the funk because she doesn’t want to hurt Jenna. Now do you see the messy quadrangle?
This is the gist of the story. It’s good, juicy drama throughout because you wanna slap the hell out of Brenda for denying her feelings for 12 years. I understand not wanting to hurt a friend and all, but damn, is the friendship more important than your own happiness? Jenna knew the deal-that Jay wasn’t really feeling her and was only doing the “right thing” because he knocked her up. So what happens? Does Brenda finally say eff it, I’ve gotta make me happy for once? Or does she stick to the creed of friends don’t boink friends’ exes? Read this story to find out! It's good, delicious madness.
April 2, 2016
This book demonstrated we really can't help who we fall in love with. It also hits on the delicate subject of 'girlfriend rule'.
January 18, 2015
DNF at 42%
I can't read this anymore. This woman wants love, has love, and is holding on to a stupid reason not to embrace love.
Ridiculous.
I can't read this anymore. This woman wants love, has love, and is holding on to a stupid reason not to embrace love.
Ridiculous.
March 2, 2015
Just okay. I did not enjoy this book as much as the first two installment in the series. I felt the book was left a little unfinished. I don't think Jenna got what was coming to her. The conclusion to the court battle regarding the twins was left hanging. Jay and Brenda make a great couple, and should have been together years ago had it not been for Jenna purposely keeping them apart with her antics. Getting pregnant and then having her father getting Brenda a job in Chicago. Where was her self respect and she sleep with Dale and Jay within 24 hr period without protection.Then Jay himself instead of going after who he really wanted he sleeps with Jenna and settles. Then Brenda slept with Nick and Nick rubs it in Jay's face. Not to mention the sucker punch he got away with. Just too many loose ends with this installment.
January 19, 2015
I was really into the story then it took a turn which was unexpected. Loved that part, however, the ending was abrupt. I have way too many questions along with especially not knowing if this is the end of their story. It needed an epilogue.
I'm a Delaney fan, but this was not one of my favorite stories.
I'm a Delaney fan, but this was not one of my favorite stories.
February 4, 2015
Enjoyed the story, liked the couple. I am enjoying the series.
Jenna and Nick where the traitors in this story for me. Jenna in particular caused Jay and Brenda to waste so many years when they could have been together all that time. I did feel frustrated by Brenda's girlfriend code of you don't date a girlfriend ex because enough time had passed.
Jenna and Nick where the traitors in this story for me. Jenna in particular caused Jay and Brenda to waste so many years when they could have been together all that time. I did feel frustrated by Brenda's girlfriend code of you don't date a girlfriend ex because enough time had passed.
January 20, 2015
it was okay.
November 24, 2021
This was good but I was left wanting by the ending. it seemed a bit abrupt and there were a lot of things left unresolved. But, I liked this story of a love that was undeniable but not easy because of their shared pasts.
I wasn't a fan of Nick's character at all. He acted like a spoiled child who was mad that another boy got to the toy he wanted to play with first or something.
Jenna was also a piece of work. It was a lot of drama but I was glad that Brenda and Jay were able to get through it
I wasn't a fan of Nick's character at all. He acted like a spoiled child who was mad that another boy got to the toy he wanted to play with first or something.
Jenna was also a piece of work. It was a lot of drama but I was glad that Brenda and Jay were able to get through it
February 15, 2022
This is one of those "heroines" that I wanted to strangle within the first 3 chapters.
Her logic makes zero sense.
She's clueless half the time.
Their problem isn't really much of a problem other than in her own mind.
And the man isn't much better.
This one misses the mark by a mile. Too bad, because Diamond is one of the few IR novelist (especially of the earlier variety) that has done decent work consistently. Theres just no getting past an unlikeable lead.
Her logic makes zero sense.
She's clueless half the time.
Their problem isn't really much of a problem other than in her own mind.
And the man isn't much better.
This one misses the mark by a mile. Too bad, because Diamond is one of the few IR novelist (especially of the earlier variety) that has done decent work consistently. Theres just no getting past an unlikeable lead.
March 5, 2021
2.5 Stars / 4 Steam Fans
Video review available in Week 6: Feb 7 – Feb 13, 2021, full weekly book reviews available on Steph's Romance Book Talk Patreon.
For other bookish content, check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk.
Video review available in Week 6: Feb 7 – Feb 13, 2021, full weekly book reviews available on Steph's Romance Book Talk Patreon.
For other bookish content, check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk.
February 23, 2015
I love, love, love Delaney Diamond's stories. She knows how to write the kind of reads that will draw you in and not let go until the last page.
This story is #3 in the "Love Unexpected Series" and is about Brenda Morrison and Jay Santorini. Everyone comes together for the funeral of their friend Christopher who died suddenly, they were part of a Rat Pack so to speak. Their attraction started 12 years ago, she was attracted to him and he to her. Brenda was friends with the woman Jay was seeing and one night things kind of got out of hand between the two. While Brenda fled, Jay still wanted her. The friend Jenny got pregnant and Jay wanting to do the right thing marries her. Neither Brenda or Jay could have foreseen the way things would go down thus having them living in separate places for all those years. Jay fell in love with Brenda but as the fates would have it, they would not get a chance to revisit the what ifs until years later.
Brenda has not had an easy life, she grew up being more of a parent to her own mother and little sister. She has watched her mother flit and flap through men as if she were changing underwear. Forcing Brenda up faster than she wanted and swearing she would never be like her mother. The problem with that notion was, that although Brenda wasn't promiscuous like her mother her indecisiveness and wanting to play the martyr drove me absolutely crazy. Whereas Jay wanted to be with Brenda, knew that too much time had entirely been wasted had purposed in his heart that he would wait no more. Brenda on the other hand waffled too darn much for me, making me not like her until the very last pages of the story which was tragic actually because she could have been a much better woman.
Now I am not saying her reasons weren't valid, but what I am saying is, even in a teary and bitter confession by Jay's ex-wife Jenna she always knew he was in love with Brenda. Then how in the hot Hades did Brenda not see it herself. Then there was the other friends Nick and Sophia. Now I would love to see a story for Sophia but not Nick though. He acted like a spoiled child who always threw tantrums. Now for him towards the end of the story I still didn't like him at all so I honestly don't need to see a redemption story for him.
There was some real doozies of revelations in their story and I do hope to get answers to those, maybe in a future book (hint, hint). All in all I really enjoyed the story and more so because of Jay Santorini who knew what he wanted and went for it.
Well Until My Next Review Ciao Bellas!
This story is #3 in the "Love Unexpected Series" and is about Brenda Morrison and Jay Santorini. Everyone comes together for the funeral of their friend Christopher who died suddenly, they were part of a Rat Pack so to speak. Their attraction started 12 years ago, she was attracted to him and he to her. Brenda was friends with the woman Jay was seeing and one night things kind of got out of hand between the two. While Brenda fled, Jay still wanted her. The friend Jenny got pregnant and Jay wanting to do the right thing marries her. Neither Brenda or Jay could have foreseen the way things would go down thus having them living in separate places for all those years. Jay fell in love with Brenda but as the fates would have it, they would not get a chance to revisit the what ifs until years later.
Brenda has not had an easy life, she grew up being more of a parent to her own mother and little sister. She has watched her mother flit and flap through men as if she were changing underwear. Forcing Brenda up faster than she wanted and swearing she would never be like her mother. The problem with that notion was, that although Brenda wasn't promiscuous like her mother her indecisiveness and wanting to play the martyr drove me absolutely crazy. Whereas Jay wanted to be with Brenda, knew that too much time had entirely been wasted had purposed in his heart that he would wait no more. Brenda on the other hand waffled too darn much for me, making me not like her until the very last pages of the story which was tragic actually because she could have been a much better woman.
Now I am not saying her reasons weren't valid, but what I am saying is, even in a teary and bitter confession by Jay's ex-wife Jenna she always knew he was in love with Brenda. Then how in the hot Hades did Brenda not see it herself. Then there was the other friends Nick and Sophia. Now I would love to see a story for Sophia but not Nick though. He acted like a spoiled child who always threw tantrums. Now for him towards the end of the story I still didn't like him at all so I honestly don't need to see a redemption story for him.
There was some real doozies of revelations in their story and I do hope to get answers to those, maybe in a future book (hint, hint). All in all I really enjoyed the story and more so because of Jay Santorini who knew what he wanted and went for it.
Well Until My Next Review Ciao Bellas!
November 27, 2015
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I'm used to reading Delaney Diamond's sweeter romances, so this was a departure for me. Her style in this book is a bit grittier. This story was well thought-out with amazing characters and off-the-chain sex scenes. Jay comes across as confident and in control without being an overbearing Alpha hero. Brenda has the perfect combination of compassion and strength. These two had a hot, erotic encounter years ago when Jay was Brenda's best friend's boyfriend. They both did the honorable thing and didn't hook up for 12 years, but instead of dying out, the fire between them still smoldered. And when they get together years later (no strings attached), it's on and popping! I highly recommend this book. You will not be disappointed. I think a series is in the works for secondary characters Nick and Sophie. Also, I'm interested to see what happens to Jay's kids, Arturo and Marco. Will Dale split them up? Only Delaney knows!
February 1, 2015
As a persnickety connoisseur of exceptional Interracial Romance fiction, I absolutely loved this book. Why? Because not only was it captivating, but the drama was delicious, and the sexual angst was allowed to build up, without being played out.
Aside from a few issues, this was a fun read that kept me busy for 3+ hours straight.
Giving this one: 4 brilliant stars.
Aside from a few issues, this was a fun read that kept me busy for 3+ hours straight.
Giving this one: 4 brilliant stars.
February 1, 2015
Okay, I was initially a little put off when I found out that Brenda and Jay's ex-wife seemed to be pretty good friends. That just seemed a little too close for comfort for me. But I kept reading and got over it, lol.
I liked Brenda, but I connected more with Jay's character than I did with hers. It feels like we got more info on Jay and his history than we dd with hers. I was curious about Brenda's mom and sister and wish we could have seen more with them. Nick was really a trip, and I was surprised at the turn of events with him and Jay. And with Jay and his ex-wife.
Another good story from Delaney Diamond.
I liked Brenda, but I connected more with Jay's character than I did with hers. It feels like we got more info on Jay and his history than we dd with hers. I was curious about Brenda's mom and sister and wish we could have seen more with them. Nick was really a trip, and I was surprised at the turn of events with him and Jay. And with Jay and his ex-wife.
Another good story from Delaney Diamond.
March 17, 2015
This is my third Delaney Diamond book, after I found out about her via a reading group that I'm in and it's my favorite so far. Delaney is a gifted storyteller, and I always feel satisfied when I'm finished, mostly because her characters are so endearing. An Unexpected Attraction doesn't deviate from this, and Brenda and Jay's story is so sweet, with so many layers, I felt drawn into their cozy world. Diamond does the alpha-male right-- making her guys sexy and hot without stepping over the line into crazy territory (as many authors do, in my opinion). I read this book in one sitting and had a smile on my face when I finished.
March 18, 2016
I enjoyed this story but it could have benefited from an extra 100+ pages. It was too short for all the drama that was introduced into the storyline. It felt incomplete even though the H/H got their HEA. More than half of the book was spent with the h/h not being together. Then the rest was them dealing with drama from outside forces. There needs to be a part 2 because there wasn't a lot of resolution regarding Jay's ex-wife and Jay and Brenda's mutual friend, Nick (despite the confrontation at the end).
January 15, 2015
Oh this was good! There love story was very torturous!!...which I can understand because of the situation. This was very much a unexpected, almost unwanted, relationship. The rule that you don't mess around with a friends ex is seriously challenged in this story. It might make you change your mind about your beliefs. I really enjoyed this story. I hope she writes more about the other characters too.
January 27, 2015
Brenda and Jay's story was sweet and definitely definitely off the beaten path. I understood why Brenda was hesitant to be with Jay. A little frustrating to read through but I understood. Brenda's mother was not the best example. //With friends like Jenna you don't need enemies. 4 stars wish it was longer! I definitely recommend this book
August 9, 2015
This book introduced drama at unexpected places and kept me turning the pages. I loved that it kept me on my toes and without giving away the story, I love the journey the characters went thru.
Excellent Read!
Excellent Read!
February 2, 2015
Too short, want more!
January 15, 2015
It was ok, not something I would read again.
February 6, 2015
Another great read by Delaney Diamond. I just wish that it was longer. Awesome job!!
Read
June 12, 2020A[nother] audiobook read - I don't think I've read anything by Delany Diamond before (nor of Garden Avenue Press I don't think) ... but yay for me for finding her books.
This read a lot like a category romance - but ... it's hard to explain. A different tone - a bit more realistic/stark but NOT actually stark. Hard to explain - just ... closer to real life? (When compared to a HP anyway.)
And OOF the complicated relationship(s) in this book would fit right into any K or C-drama.
Spoilers so ... Brenda and Jay had a MOMENT but Jay was with Jenna ... and she ran off and then Jay proposed to Jenna (WHY?! - I think actually because she got pregnant?) - anyway also in their friend group is Nick; Nick and Brenda slept together ON THE NIGHT OF JAY AND JENNA'S WEDDING.
Incidentally - they're all in the same friend group ... I think?! X: poor brain - that Jay and Jenna got divorced 10 years ago; they were married for 2...
so Brenda moves to ATL where Jay lives. And they bump into each other more.
Nick is still in love with Brenda.
Their other friend (sorry rando friend I can't really remember because you were a mess and annoying) - is attracted to Jay. But he's not interested.
Soooooo yeah. OOF.
Brenda keeps running from the attraction she feels for Jay, with ... I wouldn't say misplaced guilt but ... first there's the "friend code" - then she feels she owes Jenna for Jenna's dad getting Brenda her first interview out of college.
(I think they kinda all met on an exchange program?) Brain.
There's a lot.
I wavered a lot between Brenda's loyalty to Jenna being admirable or annoying.
Like ... yeah. You don't date your friends exes.
Of course it's been 10 years.
Jenna has moved on [kinda?] => Jenna is super bitchy...
What did not help at all is the narrator voiced all the women except for Brenda (and not even always) as the stereotypical annoying valley girl. Bitchy and whiny, and flakey.
He made them sound like petulant teenage girls. So ... that didn't help. The friend, and Jenna. And Jenna is WRITTEN as a bitch too.
[I'm not quite sure why Jay ever even proposed although I guess he did love Jenna then and also more/most importantly it seems that she was pregnant...]
Once they DO get together though, I will say Brenda was quite steady. And she reaches out instead of running - and Jay is a bit of an ass but in the same instance they make up/he pulls her back so...
And the ending is pretty overall delightful.
I'd say this was a solid C. Definitely looking for more by this author.
If I'm feeling generous a C+?
This read a lot like a category romance - but ... it's hard to explain. A different tone - a bit more realistic/stark but NOT actually stark. Hard to explain - just ... closer to real life? (When compared to a HP anyway.)
And OOF the complicated relationship(s) in this book would fit right into any K or C-drama.
Spoilers so ... Brenda and Jay had a MOMENT but Jay was with Jenna ... and she ran off and then Jay proposed to Jenna (WHY?! - I think actually because she got pregnant?) - anyway also in their friend group is Nick; Nick and Brenda slept together ON THE NIGHT OF JAY AND JENNA'S WEDDING.
Incidentally - they're all in the same friend group ... I think?! X: poor brain - that Jay and Jenna got divorced 10 years ago; they were married for 2...
so Brenda moves to ATL where Jay lives. And they bump into each other more.
Nick is still in love with Brenda.
Their other friend (sorry rando friend I can't really remember because you were a mess and annoying) - is attracted to Jay. But he's not interested.
Soooooo yeah. OOF.
Brenda keeps running from the attraction she feels for Jay, with ... I wouldn't say misplaced guilt but ... first there's the "friend code" - then she feels she owes Jenna for Jenna's dad getting Brenda her first interview out of college.
(I think they kinda all met on an exchange program?) Brain.
There's a lot.
I wavered a lot between Brenda's loyalty to Jenna being admirable or annoying.
Like ... yeah. You don't date your friends exes.
Of course it's been 10 years.
Jenna has moved on [kinda?] => Jenna is super bitchy...
What did not help at all is the narrator voiced all the women except for Brenda (and not even always) as the stereotypical annoying valley girl. Bitchy and whiny, and flakey.
He made them sound like petulant teenage girls. So ... that didn't help. The friend, and Jenna. And Jenna is WRITTEN as a bitch too.
[I'm not quite sure why Jay ever even proposed although I guess he did love Jenna then and also more/most importantly it seems that she was pregnant...]
Once they DO get together though, I will say Brenda was quite steady. And she reaches out instead of running - and Jay is a bit of an ass but in the same instance they make up/he pulls her back so...
And the ending is pretty overall delightful.
I'd say this was a solid C. Definitely looking for more by this author.
If I'm feeling generous a C+?
October 3, 2022
OK so I didn’t actually finish this book I couldn’t. Jay was just way too unlikable and really fucking cocky. I stopped at the part where his ex-wife had called him and said that one of their kids got into a fight at summer camp and she said she was dating someone else and he really did not care. The narrator stayed with no emotion and all that he didn’t love her anymore. And she called him out on it he’s like “I never cheated on you” she was like “you didn’t have to you love somebody else that whole time you were with me.”
I read a few of the other comments so I know that she got pregnant on purpose and that the kids are possibly not even his. So he stayed with this woman outta convenience. he settled with this woman because the one he wanted turned him down which was dumb and now he’s a in situation that he can’t get out of. It was just too messy for my liking.
And I am listening to this on audible. I listened to the first two books the potential is there, the stories are great she really should’ve had a black woman as the narrator because it was really hard to get into the stories with a Caucasian man is trying to play the voice of someone of Hispanic and African-American descent.
I read a few of the other comments so I know that she got pregnant on purpose and that the kids are possibly not even his. So he stayed with this woman outta convenience. he settled with this woman because the one he wanted turned him down which was dumb and now he’s a in situation that he can’t get out of. It was just too messy for my liking.
And I am listening to this on audible. I listened to the first two books the potential is there, the stories are great she really should’ve had a black woman as the narrator because it was really hard to get into the stories with a Caucasian man is trying to play the voice of someone of Hispanic and African-American descent.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 22, 2020
I was loving all of the tension between Jay and Brenda every time they were around one another. It really felt like they couldn't help what was happening between them.
I was all in until Jay hears something that he doesn't like and let his jealousy make him say some nasty things to Brenda. That wasn't the issue just what led to it. I understand jealousy is irrational and can make people behave as such, and the result encounter between them was super hot.
My problem was that there was never an apology from him for the things he implied with his statements.
I also hate that they made the ex an asshole in this. I felt like the author did that to make these two being together more palatable to those us who believe in girl code.
Girl Code = never have a relationship with your girlfriends (or other female you are close to) ex.
I would have been on board with them ending up together either way, because they had so much chemistry it was bleeding off the page. So...making her be as shady as she turned out to be was unnecessary in my opinion.
Overall I enjoyed this story and will definitely read the rest of this series.
I was all in until Jay hears something that he doesn't like and let his jealousy make him say some nasty things to Brenda. That wasn't the issue just what led to it. I understand jealousy is irrational and can make people behave as such, and the result encounter between them was super hot.
My problem was that there was never an apology from him for the things he implied with his statements.
I also hate that they made the ex an asshole in this. I felt like the author did that to make these two being together more palatable to those us who believe in girl code.
Girl Code = never have a relationship with your girlfriends (or other female you are close to) ex.
I would have been on board with them ending up together either way, because they had so much chemistry it was bleeding off the page. So...making her be as shady as she turned out to be was unnecessary in my opinion.
Overall I enjoyed this story and will definitely read the rest of this series.
March 30, 2020
Brenda and Jay were attracted to each other. They denied their feelings. He married a mutual friend and even after the divorce Brenda kept putting him off. Meanwhile, another friend is attracted to Jay, and yet another one in love with Brenda. Twelve years later they’re all still pining away for each other. Things finally get resolved as far as relationships go, but then comes the issue of paternity and custody involving one of Jay’s children and the story ends with that issue in the air. Decent story, but some honest conversations would’ve saved them all a lot of heartache over the years. Plus, stories with cliffhangers (the custody issue) aren’t my thing. Not sure if this gets resolved in another book or not. Decent read, happy(ish) ending, but who gets Jay’s son Marco is in the air at the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 18, 2018
3rd book in a bi-racial series. The story is about Jay Santorini and Brenda Morrison. Jay runs a business taking it over after his father retires. There is a group of men and women that have been friends since college days. Jay was engaged to one of the women but had growing feeling for her best friend Brenda. Brenda felt these feelings too, but wouldn't betray her friend. He had twin boys with Jenna but the marriage fell apart quickly. Even after their divorce Brenda didn't feel right to have feeling for Jay. They kept these feelings hidden for years. This is their story of ho they come to a happy ending.
September 21, 2025
Woulda, Coulda, Shoulda
**Contains spoilers**
One of my frustrations with this story is this isn't even a miscommunication trope; it's a lack of communication trope. Brenda/Nick/Jenna/Jay are the major players in this story. Nick has loved Brenda for years but says nothing. Jay loved Brenda but married Jenna, divorces Jenna but never says anything for years. The one person I understand saying nothing is Brenda. Brenda was in the hardest spot of all of them, in love with your best friend's ex-husband. Death brings them together and I enjoyed the drama that happens after it. I wish Nick would have gotten a book.
**Contains spoilers**
One of my frustrations with this story is this isn't even a miscommunication trope; it's a lack of communication trope. Brenda/Nick/Jenna/Jay are the major players in this story. Nick has loved Brenda for years but says nothing. Jay loved Brenda but married Jenna, divorces Jenna but never says anything for years. The one person I understand saying nothing is Brenda. Brenda was in the hardest spot of all of them, in love with your best friend's ex-husband. Death brings them together and I enjoyed the drama that happens after it. I wish Nick would have gotten a book.
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