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Safe Word
She was the star that the world adored. He was the protector she didn’t know she needed. She sang about love. He didn’t believe the hype. One night changed everything, bringing them one step closer to destroying everything.
Carteay Hoyt is one of the biggest names in R&B. She’s beautiful. She’s talented. She’s trapped in a contract that owns her soul. If that isn’t bad enough, she’s in a toxic fake relationship with the hottest rapper in the game, Cy the Great. To the world, her life is a dream. Behind closed doors, her reality is a nightmare.
The one person who truly sees her is her friend Kannon Glover, the cynical bodyguard who found his way into her life by chance. He’s not a crazed fan. He’s not on the label’s payroll. He’s just a man willing to stand in the gap for her. Kannon is the only constant in her chaotic life.
When one night of recklessness starts to blur the lines between protection and passion, Carteay is torn between the man and the life the world says she should want, and the one she can’t get over. All she asked for is one week to breathe and something fun with no strings. Kannon gave her safety and a soft place to land. Their chemistry is undeniable, but if the label or Cy finds out where she’s hiding, it could cost them everything. What happens when the only way out is to risk it all?
Carteay Hoyt is one of the biggest names in R&B. She’s beautiful. She’s talented. She’s trapped in a contract that owns her soul. If that isn’t bad enough, she’s in a toxic fake relationship with the hottest rapper in the game, Cy the Great. To the world, her life is a dream. Behind closed doors, her reality is a nightmare.
The one person who truly sees her is her friend Kannon Glover, the cynical bodyguard who found his way into her life by chance. He’s not a crazed fan. He’s not on the label’s payroll. He’s just a man willing to stand in the gap for her. Kannon is the only constant in her chaotic life.
When one night of recklessness starts to blur the lines between protection and passion, Carteay is torn between the man and the life the world says she should want, and the one she can’t get over. All she asked for is one week to breathe and something fun with no strings. Kannon gave her safety and a soft place to land. Their chemistry is undeniable, but if the label or Cy finds out where she’s hiding, it could cost them everything. What happens when the only way out is to risk it all?
96 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 21, 2025
270 people are currently reading
157 people want to read
About the author
Tatum James
65 books553 followersTatum James is a passionate author of romance, urban fiction, and women’s fiction. Since publishing her debut novella Identical Sins in 2018, she has written more than 30 titles—each one known for its unique storylines, unpredictable twists, and vivid characters. A true storyteller at heart, Tatum loves painting pictures with words, weaving emotion, tension, and passion into every page.
A South Georgia native from the small town of Abbeville, Tatum grew up surrounded by the quiet of the rural South—a place where imagination had room to run wild. That early creativity now fuels her writing, often infused with her love of storytelling and music. These twin passions frequently shape the themes and rhythm of her books.
Outside of writing, Tatum has worked as a dedicated nurse for over a decade. Her compassion and life experience shine through in the depth of her characters and the realism of her stories.
A South Georgia native from the small town of Abbeville, Tatum grew up surrounded by the quiet of the rural South—a place where imagination had room to run wild. That early creativity now fuels her writing, often infused with her love of storytelling and music. These twin passions frequently shape the themes and rhythm of her books.
Outside of writing, Tatum has worked as a dedicated nurse for over a decade. Her compassion and life experience shine through in the depth of her characters and the realism of her stories.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
November 23, 2025
whatttt
I love Carteay but she got me stressed. Let Kannon protect you! Tell him what’s going on. Cyrus and Cesar need their boarding passes printed to hell.
I love Carteay but she got me stressed. Let Kannon protect you! Tell him what’s going on. Cyrus and Cesar need their boarding passes printed to hell.
November 23, 2025
Safe Word by Tatum James is the kind of story that grabs you by the throat, steals your breath, and refuses to let go until the very last page, leaving me aching for more.
Carteay has such raw vulnerability that you can’t help but root for her, even when she’s barely holding herself together.
Kannon is her cynical protector she never knew she needed. He just sees her. Their connection? Their chemistry? Undeniable. Consuming. Magnetic. Their situation? A ticking time bomb.
He wants to protect her but she wants to protect him.
And that ending? It didn’t just break my heart, but it crushed it, swept up the pieces, and whispered, “You’re going to need book two.”
Tatum James delivers a beautifully written love story full of tension, danger, longing, and the kind of emotional pull that lingers long after you’ve closed the book. I’m still thinking about Carteay and Kannon… and desperately hoping their story isn’t over.
Tatum, please. I need Part 2 like yesterday.
Carteay has such raw vulnerability that you can’t help but root for her, even when she’s barely holding herself together.
Kannon is her cynical protector she never knew she needed. He just sees her. Their connection? Their chemistry? Undeniable. Consuming. Magnetic. Their situation? A ticking time bomb.
He wants to protect her but she wants to protect him.
And that ending? It didn’t just break my heart, but it crushed it, swept up the pieces, and whispered, “You’re going to need book two.”
Tatum James delivers a beautifully written love story full of tension, danger, longing, and the kind of emotional pull that lingers long after you’ve closed the book. I’m still thinking about Carteay and Kannon… and desperately hoping their story isn’t over.
Tatum, please. I need Part 2 like yesterday.
January 12, 2026
wow!!
My girl does what she does best and stress me out!! And my crazy self keeps coming back for more because she does a good job at it!
The beginning of Kannon and Carteay’s story has me all in my emotions. He started off as her bodyguard and as he continued to work for her, they became friends, her only real friend in the fake industry she worked in. And after some crazy mess happened between her and her fake boyfriend, he became more than her protector and friend.
I can’t wait to see how Tatum ends their story in book two. If you love a good urban romance with lots of drama then add this book to your TBR, you won’t be disappointed!!
My girl does what she does best and stress me out!! And my crazy self keeps coming back for more because she does a good job at it!
The beginning of Kannon and Carteay’s story has me all in my emotions. He started off as her bodyguard and as he continued to work for her, they became friends, her only real friend in the fake industry she worked in. And after some crazy mess happened between her and her fake boyfriend, he became more than her protector and friend.
I can’t wait to see how Tatum ends their story in book two. If you love a good urban romance with lots of drama then add this book to your TBR, you won’t be disappointed!!
November 27, 2025
Be Careful What You Ask For!
When I say Kannon is not to be taken lightly. Whew! If a man you’ve never been with sexually, says “what’s your safe word”? I would think seriously about what I’m considering doing. You’ve been around this man, he’s responsible for your safety and takes that very seriously. He exudes power. But, you go with it and when he goes into his nightstand, instead of saying, what you about to do with that”, you go with it. Carteay gets props from me for that because I would’ve had to rethink my proposal and wait until I’m sober. You know this man is about to do damage and you go with it. Then you go in again and again and even become a master with it. Applause. Then after this man has allowed you to escape and gain peace that this superstar world, boyfriend and company won’t allow you to own, you have to decide to fight or flee for everyone’s safety. You decide to flee because they don’t know the secrets you hold besides Kannon. Now he has to settle for a letter that gives him nothing but questions. Hopefully, he looks at his tablet Carrie used and sees why she left like a thief in the night. I’m praying for her safety because it’s already known what Cyrus is capable of but Ceasar is threatening as well. I don’t think they know what they’ve started. December 9th, another installment and the title says a lot for me, Have Mercy On Me….chile!!!
When I say Kannon is not to be taken lightly. Whew! If a man you’ve never been with sexually, says “what’s your safe word”? I would think seriously about what I’m considering doing. You’ve been around this man, he’s responsible for your safety and takes that very seriously. He exudes power. But, you go with it and when he goes into his nightstand, instead of saying, what you about to do with that”, you go with it. Carteay gets props from me for that because I would’ve had to rethink my proposal and wait until I’m sober. You know this man is about to do damage and you go with it. Then you go in again and again and even become a master with it. Applause. Then after this man has allowed you to escape and gain peace that this superstar world, boyfriend and company won’t allow you to own, you have to decide to fight or flee for everyone’s safety. You decide to flee because they don’t know the secrets you hold besides Kannon. Now he has to settle for a letter that gives him nothing but questions. Hopefully, he looks at his tablet Carrie used and sees why she left like a thief in the night. I’m praying for her safety because it’s already known what Cyrus is capable of but Ceasar is threatening as well. I don’t think they know what they’ve started. December 9th, another installment and the title says a lot for me, Have Mercy On Me….chile!!!
November 25, 2025
Mercy Mercy Me
I enjoy a good friends-to-lovers romance. Carteay, the damsel in distress, has no one she can truly trust—except for her sometimes bodyguard Kannon. Kannon does what he does best—protect. Always lending an ear, Kannon keeps it real with her. Being controlled by her label and having a fu¢k boy for a boyfriend isn’t what Carteay thought her life in the limelight would be like. An unfortunate encounter with said boyfriend thrusts her straight into Kannon’s arms, where he does more than just protect Carteay 😏. It’s clearly the beginning of a beautiful love story, and I’m excited to see where the next part of their journey goes.
I enjoy a good friends-to-lovers romance. Carteay, the damsel in distress, has no one she can truly trust—except for her sometimes bodyguard Kannon. Kannon does what he does best—protect. Always lending an ear, Kannon keeps it real with her. Being controlled by her label and having a fu¢k boy for a boyfriend isn’t what Carteay thought her life in the limelight would be like. An unfortunate encounter with said boyfriend thrusts her straight into Kannon’s arms, where he does more than just protect Carteay 😏. It’s clearly the beginning of a beautiful love story, and I’m excited to see where the next part of their journey goes.
November 28, 2025
The Right Kind of Dangerous
This story came in hot and didn’t let up. For such a short read, it packed in more emotion, tension, and steam than I expect from full length novels. The chemistry between Carteay and Kannon was instant but believable. It equal parts sweet, protective, and off-the-charts spicy. I loved the way their relationship balanced vulnerability with danger; you could feel every risk and every heartbeat.
The behind-the-scenes look at fame, control, and image added depth, and that ending? I literally sat there like, wait… what?! Definitely one of those books that leaves you wanting. Tatum James knew what she was doing here. I’ll be back.
This story came in hot and didn’t let up. For such a short read, it packed in more emotion, tension, and steam than I expect from full length novels. The chemistry between Carteay and Kannon was instant but believable. It equal parts sweet, protective, and off-the-charts spicy. I loved the way their relationship balanced vulnerability with danger; you could feel every risk and every heartbeat.
The behind-the-scenes look at fame, control, and image added depth, and that ending? I literally sat there like, wait… what?! Definitely one of those books that leaves you wanting. Tatum James knew what she was doing here. I’ll be back.
November 25, 2025
I’ve been waiting for this release! Safe Word by Tatum James is book three in the Glover Brothers series. Yes, you can read them as standalones… but why would you do that to yourself?! Get into the whole world.
This was a fast-paced, high-heat story following Kannon, a bodyguard who doesn’t hesitate to throw himself in the line of fire to protect his friend/client, Carrie. One thing about Kannon? He does not play about her safety no matter who he has to stand against.
Carrie just wanted to be free but she already knew freedom comes with a cost.
We follow them through one week and see their friendship evolve. Spice and Connection were all there.
I devoured this in one sitting and enjoyed every moment.
This was a fast-paced, high-heat story following Kannon, a bodyguard who doesn’t hesitate to throw himself in the line of fire to protect his friend/client, Carrie. One thing about Kannon? He does not play about her safety no matter who he has to stand against.
Carrie just wanted to be free but she already knew freedom comes with a cost.
We follow them through one week and see their friendship evolve. Spice and Connection were all there.
I devoured this in one sitting and enjoyed every moment.
December 28, 2025
I adored Kannon and he was not to be taken lightly. Whew! What’s your safe word? Chileeeeeeeee Mercy! I love a friends-to-lovers romance. Carteay, was a damsel in distress, with no one to fully bare her soul with until Kannon. He was a protector, a pleaser and a real good eater😏. I was screaming at my kindle like girlllllll tell that man the truth lol.
The label was a hot mess and so was that awful boyfriend. This was just the beginning of a beautiful love story. Kannon go ahead and call your brothers and get our girl back.
Have Mercy On Me!!!
The label was a hot mess and so was that awful boyfriend. This was just the beginning of a beautiful love story. Kannon go ahead and call your brothers and get our girl back.
Have Mercy On Me!!!
November 22, 2025
OMG!!
Ms. Tatum please come to the front of the class!! Girl no you didn’t leave me hanging like that!! I need to know, do Carrie and Kannon get their happily ever after? Does Cyrus and the label get theirs! I know big bro is coming back out into the field about his brother!! Girl you did not disappoint I will be waiting on book 2. Five stars Ms. Tatum!!🥰
Ms. Tatum please come to the front of the class!! Girl no you didn’t leave me hanging like that!! I need to know, do Carrie and Kannon get their happily ever after? Does Cyrus and the label get theirs! I know big bro is coming back out into the field about his brother!! Girl you did not disappoint I will be waiting on book 2. Five stars Ms. Tatum!!🥰
November 23, 2025
Now ma’am!!!
You know you can’t end this book like that! Where’s the to be continued or something lol. I need more!!! Like now 😆. I feel like a fiend!!! This was so good! I need to see where Kannon goes and saves his C again. She’s with child from him… he helps her get out of that shady contract… him and Kross handle Cy and everyone else! Please think about it 😉
You know you can’t end this book like that! Where’s the to be continued or something lol. I need more!!! Like now 😆. I feel like a fiend!!! This was so good! I need to see where Kannon goes and saves his C again. She’s with child from him… he helps her get out of that shady contract… him and Kross handle Cy and everyone else! Please think about it 😉
November 26, 2025
AMAZING TEASER!!!!!
Initially, I thought this was just a Short Read, but oh no, this was a TEASER for the REAL DEAL.... I am so excited to see this book coming on 12/9/2025 that I am IMPATIENTLY WAITING, on edge and biting my nails. Mrs James, YOU DID IT YET AGAIN..... Like A L W A Y S....🤏🏾🤏🏾🤏🏾🔥 Keep it coming 🩷📚
Initially, I thought this was just a Short Read, but oh no, this was a TEASER for the REAL DEAL.... I am so excited to see this book coming on 12/9/2025 that I am IMPATIENTLY WAITING, on edge and biting my nails. Mrs James, YOU DID IT YET AGAIN..... Like A L W A Y S....🤏🏾🤏🏾🤏🏾🔥 Keep it coming 🩷📚
December 12, 2025
The emotion in this book was palpable. You can feel Carteay’s fear and desperation. You can feel Kannon’s longing and desire to just protect her. I found myself SCREAMING to her “GIRL TELL HIM EVERYTHING LET THAT MAN PROTECT YOU!!!!!” Such a beautifully tragic love story honestly. I can’t wait for Book 2. I have to believe that Kannon is going to burn the city down to protect his Carrie.
November 24, 2025
Ok so I hope this is only the teaser!! OMG I loved this book down. Carteay is in a situation that she feels she can't get out of, but I have a strong feeling Kannon is going to get her out of it big time! I feel like she should've just told him everything that was going on with her. We have to get a part two because how it ended had me wanting more!
November 23, 2025
bodyguard
This gave me bodyguard feels and I loved every bit of it! I just have one question will we get more? I mean I know what it said at the end but I want more. Tatum has a way with her words, each page I could actually picture the scenes.
This gave me bodyguard feels and I loved every bit of it! I just have one question will we get more? I mean I know what it said at the end but I want more. Tatum has a way with her words, each page I could actually picture the scenes.
November 24, 2025
Have Mercy on me.
Kannon and Carrie were so sweet. He did his best to protect her and give her time to breathe and find herself. Please can we get a part 2 so we know how their love story ends. They deserve the happily ever after like his brothers.
Kannon and Carrie were so sweet. He did his best to protect her and give her time to breathe and find herself. Please can we get a part 2 so we know how their love story ends. They deserve the happily ever after like his brothers.
November 26, 2025
Shady
Reading is fundamental signing documents without reading the fine print can provide strife where you once had peace. Everyone doesn’t feel they deserve happiness or the house with the picket fence.
Reading is fundamental signing documents without reading the fine print can provide strife where you once had peace. Everyone doesn’t feel they deserve happiness or the house with the picket fence.
December 1, 2025
Spicy
The only problem I have with this book is it is too short.
I'm praying there is more to come regarding these two. I refuse to believe Ms. James would leave us hanging like this.
Waiting patiently............... (tapping my foot)
The only problem I have with this book is it is too short.
I'm praying there is more to come regarding these two. I refuse to believe Ms. James would leave us hanging like this.
Waiting patiently............... (tapping my foot)
November 22, 2025
Safe Word
OMG! Now wait a dang minute…. I was so into this book that I didn’t realize that I was at the end! Please tell me that there will be another book. Mercy…
OMG! Now wait a dang minute…. I was so into this book that I didn’t realize that I was at the end! Please tell me that there will be another book. Mercy…
November 22, 2025
OMG
Tatum with the clip hanger. I wish Carrie had not done that but I understand. She has to trust someone. Know that he is coming.
Tatum with the clip hanger. I wish Carrie had not done that but I understand. She has to trust someone. Know that he is coming.
November 23, 2025
bruhhh
She so petty! I know good and well there better be a part 2 coming soon! My poor edges! Like bruhhh
She so petty! I know good and well there better be a part 2 coming soon! My poor edges! Like bruhhh
November 23, 2025
Mercy mercy mercy me!!!
I need to see how Kannon take care of Carrie. This is going to have me creating too many conclusions. The suspense is too much!
I need to see how Kannon take care of Carrie. This is going to have me creating too many conclusions. The suspense is too much!
November 27, 2025
kannon
Love transcends through time and space. This book was so good, I can’t wait to read the follow-up book! A great read!
Love transcends through time and space. This book was so good, I can’t wait to read the follow-up book! A great read!
December 3, 2025
Carteay and Kannon story, wow short with a little spice and straight to the point. Poor Carteay was a singer trying to support her family but was being controlled by her rapper boyfriend and her label. Kannon was standing on business about Carteay and trying to protect her. But I was hoping for something better in the end they both deserve a happy ending! I hope we get a part two! 10/10🔥
December 3, 2025
Where Is The Happy Ending
Kannon could protect Carrie
Tatum!! How could you leave me hanging?
This book had me stuck and now I need to know the outcome. Ugh
Kannon could protect Carrie
Tatum!! How could you leave me hanging?
This book had me stuck and now I need to know the outcome. Ugh
December 19, 2025
This book had me locked in from page one. Safe Word is one of those stories that reminds you how dangerous it can be when the thing you prayed for turns into the very thing trying to break you. Carteay is living the dream on paper fame, talent, beauty, success but behind the curtain she’s owned, controlled and silenced. Her life isn’t hers and that ache for freedom seeps through every page.
Enter Kannon. Not a savior in shining armor, not a fan, not a man with an agenda just a protector who sees her before the world does. That’s what made their connection so powerful. Safety. Real safety. The kind that lets you exhale for the first time in years. Kannon didn’t just guard her body; he guarded her peace, her breath, her right to exist without performing.
That one reckless night 👀🥵 lines blurred in a way that felt inevitable, not forced. When someone finally makes you feel seen, protected and held without conditions, desire doesn’t ask for permission. What started as “just one week” quickly turned into something deeper, more dangerous not because of their feelings but because of the world waiting to punish them for choosing each other.
The tension in this book is thick. Every page feels like something could blow at any moment. Can Carteay really trust that Kannon can protect her from the life she’s trapped in and protect himself in the process? Is love worth the risk when everything you’ve built could crumble?
This story wasn’t just captivating it was consuming. It explored power, consent, safety and love in a way that felt raw and real. Safe Word proves that feeling safe isn’t a luxury it’s a necessity. Once you find it, letting it go may be the hardest thing you’ll ever do.
Enter Kannon. Not a savior in shining armor, not a fan, not a man with an agenda just a protector who sees her before the world does. That’s what made their connection so powerful. Safety. Real safety. The kind that lets you exhale for the first time in years. Kannon didn’t just guard her body; he guarded her peace, her breath, her right to exist without performing.
That one reckless night 👀🥵 lines blurred in a way that felt inevitable, not forced. When someone finally makes you feel seen, protected and held without conditions, desire doesn’t ask for permission. What started as “just one week” quickly turned into something deeper, more dangerous not because of their feelings but because of the world waiting to punish them for choosing each other.
The tension in this book is thick. Every page feels like something could blow at any moment. Can Carteay really trust that Kannon can protect her from the life she’s trapped in and protect himself in the process? Is love worth the risk when everything you’ve built could crumble?
This story wasn’t just captivating it was consuming. It explored power, consent, safety and love in a way that felt raw and real. Safe Word proves that feeling safe isn’t a luxury it’s a necessity. Once you find it, letting it go may be the hardest thing you’ll ever do.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 26, 2025
disappointing
This was a very disappointing read! In my opinion this was a book full of filler pages. I expected this to be 1 and done but no we got a weird cliffhanger that felt like a ending but at the same time felt like a silent part 2 announcement… Nothing was accomplished like she got saved only to hide out fall in love and then run right back into danger. There was no interaction with the label heads just Carteay explaining the horrible conditions she was treated which didn’t connect the same it would have if you included her going to the label heads and trying to get out of her “relationship” and them revealing she’s “owned”. But all we got was the two interactions with the fake boyfriend that fell flat.. Like all that happened at a club and no one saw? Even if it was in a back room the commotion alone would have alerted at the very least club employees . She goes missing for a week and there’s no one looking for her? No loyal fan clubs who noticed her disappearance? I am supposed to believe he sent all these threats via social media messages? Wouldn’t that be hard evidence to use to get her out of the contract? Like you did all of that to give us a semi-erotic book (The sex scenes made up majority of the book). She didn’t want to get Kannon hurt but she doesn’t care or love herself enough to protect herself? How is it the book started with her saying how safe Kannon made her feel to her acting as if he wasn’t him!! Like she saw what he is capable of by himself yet she leaves the only real protection she had. I have so many other things I can say but I’m going to stop here…Happy Reading people!
This was a very disappointing read! In my opinion this was a book full of filler pages. I expected this to be 1 and done but no we got a weird cliffhanger that felt like a ending but at the same time felt like a silent part 2 announcement… Nothing was accomplished like she got saved only to hide out fall in love and then run right back into danger. There was no interaction with the label heads just Carteay explaining the horrible conditions she was treated which didn’t connect the same it would have if you included her going to the label heads and trying to get out of her “relationship” and them revealing she’s “owned”. But all we got was the two interactions with the fake boyfriend that fell flat.. Like all that happened at a club and no one saw? Even if it was in a back room the commotion alone would have alerted at the very least club employees . She goes missing for a week and there’s no one looking for her? No loyal fan clubs who noticed her disappearance? I am supposed to believe he sent all these threats via social media messages? Wouldn’t that be hard evidence to use to get her out of the contract? Like you did all of that to give us a semi-erotic book (The sex scenes made up majority of the book). She didn’t want to get Kannon hurt but she doesn’t care or love herself enough to protect herself? How is it the book started with her saying how safe Kannon made her feel to her acting as if he wasn’t him!! Like she saw what he is capable of by himself yet she leaves the only real protection she had. I have so many other things I can say but I’m going to stop here…Happy Reading people!
December 13, 2025
Now tell me why my girl slid in here with a 96-page book and had me in a full chokehold?! Because she DID that. I have been waiting on Kannon’s story, and when I say this one came in swinging? Yeah… literally. 😂
Kannon and Carteay were actually perfect for each other, the chemistry was there, the tension was right, and the dynamic? Whew. BUT just like in some of Tatum James’ other books, the FMC had me tight. I’m already assuming she’ll get her redemption in Book 2, but for right now? I’m giving her a boombastic side eye because ma’am… what are we doing?!
Talking about you’re trying to “protect” him...GIRL. Do you know who that man’s people are?! Lay your problems at his feet and let them evaporate. Please. Immediately. 😭
That said, this story was quick, intense, and did exactly what it needed to do to set things up. I’m locked in, invested, and already on my way to Book 2 because clearly I like stress.
Alright, that’s all for now... see y’all on the next review! 📚🔥
Kannon and Carteay were actually perfect for each other, the chemistry was there, the tension was right, and the dynamic? Whew. BUT just like in some of Tatum James’ other books, the FMC had me tight. I’m already assuming she’ll get her redemption in Book 2, but for right now? I’m giving her a boombastic side eye because ma’am… what are we doing?!
Talking about you’re trying to “protect” him...GIRL. Do you know who that man’s people are?! Lay your problems at his feet and let them evaporate. Please. Immediately. 😭
That said, this story was quick, intense, and did exactly what it needed to do to set things up. I’m locked in, invested, and already on my way to Book 2 because clearly I like stress.
Alright, that’s all for now... see y’all on the next review! 📚🔥
December 17, 2025
Kannon and Carteay!!
Kannon was hired by Carteay to work her album release party as her security. While there, he learns the true nature of what has been going on in Carteay's world. He ends up taking her away from all of that stress and strife to protect her peace. One of my favorite lines in the book is "My goal was to be a soft place for her to land, not a hard 🍆 for her to ride." However, it wasn't long before they crossed the line and deep feelings developed. To Carteay's way of thinking, she decided that in order to protect Kannon, she had to leave him and return to the treacherous world that she came from. I truly enjoyed this novella from beginning to end. I can't wait to read the follow-up book. I'm hoping Cyrus and Ceasar get what's coming to them.
Kannon was hired by Carteay to work her album release party as her security. While there, he learns the true nature of what has been going on in Carteay's world. He ends up taking her away from all of that stress and strife to protect her peace. One of my favorite lines in the book is "My goal was to be a soft place for her to land, not a hard 🍆 for her to ride." However, it wasn't long before they crossed the line and deep feelings developed. To Carteay's way of thinking, she decided that in order to protect Kannon, she had to leave him and return to the treacherous world that she came from. I truly enjoyed this novella from beginning to end. I can't wait to read the follow-up book. I'm hoping Cyrus and Ceasar get what's coming to them.
January 7, 2026
Mercy
I really enjoyed the storyline and the direction of the plot. Carteay is finally beginning to experience the release, peace, and sense of control she has been longing for. Watching how her life is managed and manipulated within the music industry made me think about how many women—and men—are likely being controlled in similar ways behind the scenes in real life. It also raises important questions about how many relationships are fabricated purely for popularity, image, votes, and streaming numbers rather than genuine connection.
While the story was engaging, I do believe Carteay made a poor decision toward the end. As is often the case in stories like this, the main characters failed to communicate openly and honestly, which led to avoidable misunderstandings and consequences. That lack of communication was frustrating but realistic, and it added to the emotional tension of the story. Overall, the book was thought-provoking and kept me invested from beginning to end.
I really enjoyed the storyline and the direction of the plot. Carteay is finally beginning to experience the release, peace, and sense of control she has been longing for. Watching how her life is managed and manipulated within the music industry made me think about how many women—and men—are likely being controlled in similar ways behind the scenes in real life. It also raises important questions about how many relationships are fabricated purely for popularity, image, votes, and streaming numbers rather than genuine connection.
While the story was engaging, I do believe Carteay made a poor decision toward the end. As is often the case in stories like this, the main characters failed to communicate openly and honestly, which led to avoidable misunderstandings and consequences. That lack of communication was frustrating but realistic, and it added to the emotional tension of the story. Overall, the book was thought-provoking and kept me invested from beginning to end.
January 30, 2026
I coulda finished this book daaayyysss ago. I read the first half in like a day or two, but was dragging out the last few pages for over a week. It really slowed down and started getting repetitive, so I wanted to finish it but didn’t feel inclined to.
I really liked how protective Kannon was of Carrie and how much he was willing to help her. She did what she felt she had to do to fix her situation in the end, but I don’t think I’d read book 2 to find out if it worked.
Plus, I thought there’d be way more “scenes”! Thought it was a lil odd how she was in an abusive relationship with Cyrus and then Kannon ties her up the first time they have sex… Felt a lil off for her character. I would think they’d ease into that.
I really liked how protective Kannon was of Carrie and how much he was willing to help her. She did what she felt she had to do to fix her situation in the end, but I don’t think I’d read book 2 to find out if it worked.
Plus, I thought there’d be way more “scenes”! Thought it was a lil odd how she was in an abusive relationship with Cyrus and then Kannon ties her up the first time they have sex… Felt a lil off for her character. I would think they’d ease into that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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