After six months apart, Zaria Jameson swears she’s finally over Lennox Mercer, the man who shattered her heart. Then, at 1:23 a.m., his name lights up her phone. One reckless message blurs every boundary she built.
When Lennox returns to Lockmoor Cove, both their past and their passion collide, forcing Zaria to choose between closure and surrender. Over one electric week leading to Valentine’s Day, desire, grief, and unfinished love push them to the edge.
When the clock strikes 1:23 a.m. again… will they begin again, or end it for good?
I received this for an ARC and it wasn’t enough. I had to spin the block like Pretty Baby did with Lennox. Honestly she held out longer than I would’ve. He would’ve got me real quick once I saw him back at work. And Elijah…..oh.
1:23am is one of those quiet, aching love stories that creeps under your skin and refuses to leave. D.H. Renfroe captures the rawness of unfinished love with such tenderness that every page feels intentional, like time itself is holding its breath. Zaria and Lennox’s reconnection isn’t rushed or flashy. It’s layered with grief, longing, and the kind of history that doesn’t disappear just because time has passed.
The pacing over the single, emotionally charged week leading up to Valentine’s Day works beautifully, making every interaction feel heavy with meaning. The chemistry simmers instead of explodes, and that restraint makes their moments together hit even harder. Lines like “He took her in the way a thirsty man regards water” perfectly reflect the tone of the story. Consuming, reverent, and intimate without needing excess.
What I loved most was how realistic the emotional stakes felt. This isn’t just about rekindling passion. It’s about choosing whether love deserves another chance when the wounds are still tender. 1:23am is heartfelt, reflective, and deeply romantic, perfect for readers who love second-chance stories that prioritize emotional connection just as much as desire.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Thank you to D.H. Renfroe for the ARC. This story lingered with me long after the clock struck 1:23 a.m.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
it's 1:23am and you get a text from your ex, what would you do??
Book 2 in the 2am erotica series, follows Zaria & Lennox. Zaria & Lennox was together for a while when he got the job opportunity of a lifetime which caused him to have to relocate to LA, Zaria not wanting to be in a long distance relationship decides that its best to end things. It's 6 months later and Lennox is back. Zaria has to decide if it is worth spinning the block or let the relationship stay in the past.
This is an erotica, but loved the way the author blends the story of this being a second chance romance, and surrendering to your pleasure. When it comes to the spice, baby Zaria folded like a pretzel lol. There is a restaurant scene that you are going to want to read. Definitely add this one to your kindle
Heck of a wild ride!!!! If you enjoy good and plenty sex scenes, then this is the book for you!!! Lord have mercy!!!!!!!!!
Zaria and Lennox were together for 3 years, when he ups and moves to L.A. to head up his own Division. Lennox makes the decision without discussing it with the woman he "supposedly loves". He hurt Zaria down to her bones. Then no communication for 6 months and now he is back! Can his "I am so sorry" really fix this?
Come on Now D.H. Renfroe!!! I’m new to this author but I won’t be after today! Babyyyy!! This 2am Series is becoming on of my faves! I love me a good rekindle story! Zaria and Lennox love and respect for one another is everything! And the respect part is important! Lennox knew he Fucked up when he decided to leave! Zaria mad sure to tell him that his decision in not including her in the decision is what really broke her heart! I love how he made sure to show her that she can trust him again by being patient with her and still pursuing her and how she didn’t just moved in right away but assured him that she will eventually! And then the ending! *fans myself* Full circle! Loved it! Oh and her Friends, Nia and Carla are hilarious! Loved them! Now I’m wonder is the friend, Malachi in book 3? 👀👀🤔🤔😂😂
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Plot or Character Driven: A mix Strong character development: Yes Loveable characters: Yes Diverse cast of characters: Yes Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
This spicy second chance romance is a delightful read. D H Rennie is a new to me author and I am now a fan!
Zaria and Lennox had a good thing going, together for three years, loving each other like crazy. Then he has to leave for work. This career shaping and strengthening move is all his eyes can see until he gets there. Zaria has gone through the grief of losing him, and worked on herself. No contact with each other but they still have the memories.
Lennox returns and vows to show Zaria, she is his number one still and he will show her.
Throughly enjoyed how this woman is loved on. Lennox is the number 1 book boyfriend.
I normally don't read books that are written in the 3rd person but this story was so good I actually didn't mind.
Zaria and Lennox ended things due to distance and eventhough they both tried to move on the love the two shared was still there. I don't even blame her for responding to that text so fast lol I probably would have done the same thing 🤭
Lennox spoiled Zaria rotten and dicked her down like it was nobody's business...well Elijah got a little taste but Pretty Baby wasn't his to keep just to devour and devour he did 🥵
This is the 2nd book in the series and they are both a filthy good time 🔥
They say as long as you can get an answer, the story isn't truly over and Lennox and Zaria definitely had unfinished business. Things were perfect until they weren't. Lennox didn't realize how much his miscalculation would cost him, but when he came back? He came back for everything. I truly loved this second chance story. The way he catered to her to get her back, and stayed on his game to keep her, was everything. There were moments that caught me off guard in the best way, but he stayed consistent. He was exactly who she needed him to be. Black Love for the win!
Zaria and Lennox had a past that kind of blew up when he decided to leave town to enhance his career. He never thought about leaving her but she didn't really give them a chance to see if the distance could work. Now here they are some months later and he is back in the flesh. She doesn't know it yet but a late night text at 1:23am opened the door to a second chance that they both desperately wanted. This book was definitely high on the spice and we saw just how kinky these two characters could get. I would have liked to see a little more of their dynamic outside of the sex. There were some scenes here and there that had me smiling but I didn't fully feel the love between the two of them that was expressed in the book. That being said, I did enjoy the book overall.
I was given the opportunity to ARC READ the second book of the 2AM SERIES. Which did not disappoint but kept me locked in from the first page to the last. Zaria has the choice to give Lennox and her relationship another chance. But will she take the risk again? Is it worth putting her all in this time or just play it safe? In the meantime why not have fun and enjoy what you can until you are ready for that next step right? Let’s not forget those spicy scenes because DH Renfroe brought the spice and a whole lot of it too. 😍
1:23am was a whole good time and delivered exactly what I love in a second-chance romance. Zaria and Lennox didn’t miss a beat. Time apart meant absolutely nothing when it came to their connection. The love was still there. The heat was very much still there. And the chemistry? Undeniable.
I loved how effortlessly their dynamic flowed. Every interaction felt charged with history, longing, and unfinished business. You could feel everything they weren’t saying just as much as what they were.
And listen… that restaurant scene? Yeah. A time was definitely had. 😮💨
I wanted to put together this perfectly broken down review. But yall go read the book damnit . This book bout took me OUT and I mean that in the best way possible. Madam Refroe YOU DID YOUR BIG ONE . 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 clap it up one time for big mama …. I knew your was about to take us through there . This book was so juicy , delicious, whew imma need this to be on my password needed list 🤪🫢 go read NOW !
*ARC REVIEW* When you get that one text from your ex. Do you stand on business or do you fold immediately ? & I mean ain’t nothing wrong with spinning the block…well sometimes anyway lol. This books isn’t just spice it gives all those feels the communication, the connection and the accountability and those friends you need to give that solid advice. Lennox comes back and is applying pressure for his pretty baby.
I had the opportunity to read 1:23am as an ARC, and let me say @authordhrenfroe did not disappoint! What happens when your safe space comes crashing down and you’ve convinced yourself why it was for the best? Only your heart doesn’t agree.. if your ex hits you at 1:23am what would you do? Especially when said ex is your favorite eater and nobody compares?! Idk about you but I might see what that old thang be like. Ohh and let me just say.. we love a man that’s not selfish 🤭
Like your next meal was the response she sent when asked how it taste.. Lennox and Zaria circle back after being apart 6months for long distance & he’s asked to return in a new position and accepts.. as he tries to gain her trust back, he’s happy the connection and attraction are still in place.. they don’t deny each other and work on the relationship.. she moved in and then became a fiancé.. a cute novella
Ok so first I thought we was getting more of O and A but Lennox and Zariaaaa yessss. Lennox don came back like he never left but in reality he did. He was selfish and he knew he had a hell of alot of making up to do if he wanted Zaria to be in his life for good. Zaria was pissed that he left her without any communication before or after but when she seen Him back in town she knew she was done for.
Spicy, second chance novella. Although it would’ve been good to see Lennox have to grovel a little more, I don’t blame Zaria for folding like a pretzel, literally lol, because he did come hard with the romance for his Pretty Baby.
That one restaurant scene 😝😅😏
I’m a fan of this author. I’ve read almost all their whole catalog so far. Great writing style and it’s clear that good editing took place.
Read this book as an ARC. I usually don’t do second chance romances but really enjoyed this one. Both MCs knew what they wanted and went for it. This story has minimal conflict. It’s an EROTICA so proceed at your own risk lol. Be careful though you may be tempted to spin the block 🤭
Late-night texts, lingering feelings, and undeniable chemistry make this a fun, addictive read. The friend group adds humor and realness, and the romance is intentional, sexy, and full of smile worthy moments. A good time from start to finish, the couple’s energy just works.
This was a really good erotica. When I tell you this was just the right amount of erotica….it was chef’s kiss. It had a plot and not just hunky tunk. I really enjoyed this second chance romance. A lil razzle and a lot of dazzle. That man and his “Pretty Baby” were spicy 🌶️🌶️🌶️ 10/10 highly recommend. 5 ⭐️
Lennox was the epitome of lover boy! Chefs kiss! That man paid attention to detail and made sure Zaria felt loved and appreciated every single time. Zaria folded every single time AS SHE SHOULD with a man like that but I loved how she still set boundaries while also embracing the second chance. Favorite man so far....now I want a love bracelet🤭
The spice in this book is top tier to say the least. However, it kept me wanting to experience more of the MFM scenes. The storyline was good and the body worship kink was moderatly displayed. I enjoyed this book.
DH Renfroe can consider me an instant fan after this book! 1:23 AM is a spicy second chance romance that was all gas and no breaks. Zaria and Lennox were a happy couple until Lennox decided to take a job across the country without even discussing it with Zaria first which led to their breakup. Then 1 day 6 months later he text her in the middle of the night and that reginites everything. Lennox wanted his girl back and did what needed to be done. I know for certain I will be reading this book agian in the future. Thsi book alone means anything DH writes I will be reading from now on!
Good and spicy novella just in time for Valentine’s Day! I just wished Zaria made Lennox grovel just a little bit more bc she folded real quick 😂😂 but baby that restaurant scene tho 🥵🥵🥵🥵
Ohhhhh YES. This was a quick erotica that managed to seamlessly weave real love in it. I felt like I could actually feel the love between Zaria and Lennox. The spice was top notch! Just…just read it.
This was the perfect Valentine’s Day novella. The intimate scenes were naaaasssssstttttyyyyyy but very tastefully done. I loved it! There’s a cute and sexy playlist included for AppleMusic or Spotify too! -Exhibitionism kink -Spit kink