Life has always moved fast for Kwamé Stone. Being placed from home to home as a child has made it hard for her to put down solid roots. Hopping from flight to flight to appease the next client was her game. She’s a crisis counselor whose sole focus has always been work. Work kept her busy enough to chase away the fears she quietly battles. The only stability she’s ever known came from living on the farm her adoptive brother owns.
S. S. Estates is the first true home Kwamé has ever had. Dealing with her own trauma, all she wants to do is hide from the world. However, tragedy leads her back to S. S. Estates and sets her life on a journey she could never have imagined.
Registered nurse, Adrian Bell, has his sights set on a doctorate degree, leaving little room for anything other than his studies. He’s used to the finer things and lives his life quietly, choosing to keep himself closed off to anything resembling commitment. Well, unless it involves Kwamé. From the first moment he meets her, Adrian is captivated by Kwamé. He’s determined that Kwamé is the only woman who can take him off the market.
Tragedy places Kwamé back in Adrian’s sites, but this time, he isn’t willing to give up so easily as before. Especially now that Kwame’s daughter, Jessie, has stolen his heart. He finally wants to prove to Kwamé that he can love her. This time around, they’re willing to hold on to each other by any means necessary.
This one was a lot better for me than the previous tale, I feel like we got to see more of the main couple in love and kinda how they got there. The use of flashbacks definitely helped sell it. They were moving FAST AFFFF but when you know you know. The lead up to Percy’s story felt very choppy to be idk how to describe it other than it was abrupt, like we meet him a lil bit and then we getting glimpses into the next book but as a reader I didn’t feel a strong pull toward him because of how it was introduced. I’m still gonna read it, but hopefully we get a little more depth and connection to him.
“If it’s a problem to you, it’s a problem to me. And every single problem you have, I’m gon’ fix it”. Adrian was a man of action who was committed to ensuring that Kwamé (& baby Jessie) had a soft life. Kwamé tried to resist him but couldn’t and once she accepted it she was able to truly heal from some things she was carrying. This was a fast past read with a lot packed into a little pages. There’s also some side characters introduced that make I wonder if we’ll get their story or if this small peek of them is all. This was a fast paced story that you’ll enjoy if you’re a fan of instalove and the healing that a secure relationship can help facilitate.
Lots of love to go around! This story had quite a few romances in one. I am also curious about this prologue romance between Percy and Zia. Adrian and Kwame were sweet, and I’m so glad they got their happy ending. Also, please be aware that SA is mentioned and briefly detailed for one of the times.
I was really looking forward to this read, as Kwame’ felt so mysterious. Adrian’s obsession with Kwame’ seemed to come out of nowhere. However, the flashbacks helped us understand how these two got from there to here. At any rate, their coupling moved fast as hell. Adrian was not playing with Kwame’, and she had better get with the program. 🤣 It was adorable the way he loved her and Jessie. 🥰
When it all was revealed who Jessie’s biological father was, it made sense why Kwame’ was so secretive. Damn! 🤯 Then we got sneak peeks into other budding relationships, on the horizon. Ari and Russ, seem to be well on their way. Wonder what they will do to get Rod out of the picture. 🙄 I don’t remember much about Percy, but that breakdown almost took me out! My heart broke for him. 💔 Then to find out his connection to Zia was crazy. Those seven words that Zia uttered at the end of the book will change Percy forever! I believe that was a sign from Rylan to allow him to rise from his constant state of grief and begin to live again. 👍🏾👍🏾
I do love an instafamily so this was right up my alley. Adrian was getting his girls and I appreciate Kwame not playing hard to get, she just let her man love her and Jessie. Going from girlfriend to wife in 3 weeks, YES PLEASE. It took a dark turn when we got down to what happened and I didn’t see that twist coming at the end so I cannot wait to see where we go next. I’d like to move to Niceville Shores.
I enjoyed Adrian and Kwamé’s story. Adrian was all about Kwamé and Jessie and you couldn’t tell him they weren’t his wife and baby. I loved the way he loved on them and was gentle and protective over them while everyone else considered him to be mean.
I also loved how Adrian stepped in for Perc when he needed him most. The brief glimpse into Perc and Zia has me wanting more and hoping the next book in the Niceville Shores universe is released soon.
There was a LOT to unpack with this story. Kwame, girl, your strength is something that needs to be studied. Adrian, hats off to you my friend. Make her a soft girl. Ari, embrace it all. Welcome the man that is for you. Percy, you had me scared there for a minute.
M. Monique has done it again. Hanging on to every word written, she pulled out all the emotions. This story like all her others had me so engrossed, I couldn’t put the book down.
Adrian was cut from the same cloth as his brother ride-or-die to the core and there was absolutely nothing he wouldn’t do for Kwame and her daughter, Jessie. The moment Kwame trusted him enough to open up about her trauma, Adrian didn’t hesitate. He stepped in, handled business like the quiet storm he is, and made sure no shadows from her past ever touched her again. Author M. Monique proves once again that she is the queen of insta-love with heart and found-family magic. She doesn’t just write couples you feel like you’re being swept into a home full of warmth, protection, and joy. Adrian’s love for Kwame is tender but fierce, the kind that wraps around her like a promise. And Jessie? He loved that baby like she had always been his. Watching Adrian show up, show out, and love his women right was everything. This story was sweet, spicy, and full of those “awww!” moments that make you kick your feet. M. Monique gave us a romance that feels like a hug—and I adored every bit of it.
Adrian made his intentions very clear from the start, but baby… Kwamé had blinders all the way on when it came to just how much that man cared about her. And honestly, I get it. Past trauma has a way of making you doubt kind words, even when the actions line up.
She knew Adrian was a good man, he was a Bell, after all but when you’re carrying things you’ve buried deep and don’t want resurfacing, letting someone in feels almost impossible. Still, Adrian wasn’t going anywhere. That man was determined. He showed up, showed out, and stayed consistent until she could no longer deny what was right in front of her.
What I loved most was watching him patiently hold space for her healing. He knew she was the one, and he wasn’t about to stop until she believed it too.
This story was soft, intentional, and really beautiful. It shows how sometimes all it takes is one person seeing you clearly for the healing to finally begin. 💕📚
First things first; I just lovvveeeee Adrian and Kwame real bad!!! What she did for B and Antonias; she’ll always be at the top of my faves list. You can keep writing books about those four, if we’re being honest.
Now onto Percy and Zia; *sigh* I just feel so bad for P. Love the fact that he has people in his counter that wanna see him at his best! Zia needed a way out, and OG made sure there would be no backtracking lol. Sorry not sorry, this fiction babe. Hopefully we’ll get more from these two.
Kwame is that girl. She is a FMC that I like and was proud of to see her strength, vulnerability, and love for her family. Adrian did not play about her. I love how he was supportive, patient, and protective of Kwame and Jessie. The chemistry between Kwame and Adrian had me smiling the whole time. The only reason I gave the 4 out of 5 stars is because I felt like the story was being rushed towards. I think so to introduce the next couple for the next book, if there is one. Other than that, Kwame and Adrian are my favorite couple out there series so far.
This book was a lot to unpack and the trauma that Kwame experienced was heartbreaking. Luckily, she has a man that didn’t play any games with her and Jessie.
Kwame was a forgiving soul, regarding her forgiveness with her biological mother, and this attribute to her parents!
There were some subplots within the book, and maybe with the future books we will get more information about these characters and their HEA!
Kwame was truly living a soft girl era. Them Bell men do not play about there women. They know what they want and they waste no time in securing it. Kwame was such a blessing to her brother and you can tell she has such a beautiful soul just someone took advantage of her. Adrian was not playing about her and Jessie he spring straight into action and I loved that for them.
Kwame’ and Adrian’s story was such a good short read — I really enjoyed it! 💕 M. Monique always know how to keep you locked in, even with a novella 😮💨 That cliffhanger though 👀🔥 got me wonderin’ who’s up next… Ari & Russ or Percy & Zia? Either way, I’m ready for it! 🙌🏾💫
Adrian laid it all down from the beginning. Adrian was pressure from the start. He let Kwame know that she would lead a soft life and he meant that, from the weekly flowers, the gifts and standing in if she got upset.
The story just moved effortlessly. Before long you look up and the story is done and you want more. Now I can't wait to read about Percy and Zia.
It’s harder to release your own traumas for fear of judgement or rejection. It’s easier to be a shoulder, hand, ear or arm for everyone else but when it’s your turn you cry in silence.
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Ms. Ma’am’s pen is on fire. Just when I think I have this thing figured out, I am left STUCK once agin. These novellas have me hooked! Adrian Bell don’t play about his. His banter was everything and I enjoyed the way he wore Kwame down. Looking forward to the next installment. I can tell Dr. Percy Cartwright is going to be something else!
This book has a storyline that is sweet and traumatic. The love of these two characters happened so sweetly. Even with the issues. I love their relationship and the way he slowly became her and her daughters protector. I am loving this series and all of stories.
This was my favorite of the three books. I am a sucker for stories where the MMC states his intentions with the FMC and acts on said intentions. The way Adrian expressed in words and actions how he wanted Kwame and Jessie in his life was a beautiful love story. There were some minor twists along the way and even a surprise or two.
The love for Adrian and Kwame is sooo high. You can’t help but to love this man who knew what he wanted and went directly towards it, momma and daughter. The fact that Kwame didn’t even try to hide her true feelings for Adrian but still play hard to concur somewhat. This series is everything I can’t wait to see who next hoping it Percy and Zia.
I love, Adrian and Kwame! The way Adrian showed up and proof his actions love Dan Jesse just love the way he loved her. Can’t wait to get a little bit more of Russ and Ari and I can’t wait for Pierce and Zia’s book.
On business. That’s where Adrian stood. Kwame got a HEA in more ways than one and I loved that for her.i thoroughly enjoyed how the story unfolded for them and the rest of the friends and family.
I love the ongoing short stories of the Bell and friends series. Adrian and Kwame’s story was sweet with that bad boy swagger all the books of this series has and I was here for it! Nice read
This book was very good and it was fast-paced I love Adrian and kwame together and how hard that he loved her and he accepted her baby and he was very protective of her and doesn't have love I need
Kwame tried to fight her feelings for Adrian but he wore her down. Adrian showed up time after time. Adrian came for his family & said it’s forever. A man. Proud of Kwame for speaking up and letting other women know it’s ok to tell their truth.
Kwame’s story was so endearing. I love the way Adrian instantly took to baby Jessie. He was determined to claim his girls and protect them at all costs. Can’t wait for Zia and Percy!
The ending had me more intrigued than the book. However, this story line was okay but weird to take place over a few weeks. Felt a little rushed but this my fav author so I’m long to continue to read anything she put out.