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A Love Like This #1
A Love Like This
A Love Like This - Book 1A Love Like This - Book 2 - Finale (2/24/2015)Alida Johnson is struggling to keep her eight-year relationship to successful lawyer, Darren Jones, together. The last few years of their relationship has been nothing but stressful, due to him making partner. It seems that all he cares about is work and making others feel less superior to him; including her. She's lacking the things that a woman craves in a relationship; the ability to connect mentally and physically. She wants her relationship to work, but the lack of stimulation and cryptic messages she's been receiving may just push her into the arms of another.Merit Anderson is one the youngest, most successful criminal defense attorneys in the country. He has it all; money, power, and respect. The only thing he's missing, and isn't looking for, is love. That is until he meets a beautiful woman at a fundraiser that just so happens to be his old college rival's girlfriend, Alida Johnson. Determined to get under the skin of his former rival, he manages to get a date with her. The attempt to play with the emotions of his rival may violently backfire when he begins to develop strong feelings for her.Will Merit find the missing piece to his life, or will his immature antics cause someone their life?Part 2 is coming soon! Text keyword "femistry" to 25827 to receive a text message announcing the exact release date.
206 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 18, 2015
48 people are currently reading
103 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie James
14 books6 followersStephanie James is a creative soul with a serious soft spot for love—especially the kind that blooms in multicultural relationships. She writes stories featuring strong women of color, flawed-but-fine heroes, and couples who fight their way through past traumas to earn their happily ever afters.
Stephanie’s playground is contemporary and urban romance, where passion comes in many flavors. Whether you like falling for broody millionaires, irresistible male strippers, or heroes who bring just the right touch of danger, she’s got a story ready to sweep you away (and maybe keep you up past your bedtime).
When Stephanie isn’t holed up in her writing fortress of solitude, she’s braving blistering heat or icy winds on the sidelines of her daughters’ softball games or her son’s soccer matches. And if she’s not doing that, she’s probably wandering through a new city for yet another wildly overpriced cheer competition. Through the chaos of parenting—chaos she admittedly loves—Stephanie still ends each night wrapped in her beloved Comfy, devouring a new romance by a fellow amazing author.
With every book she writes, she leaves a piece of her heart on the page, letting her characters speak through her to tell their messy, magical, multicultural love stories.
Stephanie’s playground is contemporary and urban romance, where passion comes in many flavors. Whether you like falling for broody millionaires, irresistible male strippers, or heroes who bring just the right touch of danger, she’s got a story ready to sweep you away (and maybe keep you up past your bedtime).
When Stephanie isn’t holed up in her writing fortress of solitude, she’s braving blistering heat or icy winds on the sidelines of her daughters’ softball games or her son’s soccer matches. And if she’s not doing that, she’s probably wandering through a new city for yet another wildly overpriced cheer competition. Through the chaos of parenting—chaos she admittedly loves—Stephanie still ends each night wrapped in her beloved Comfy, devouring a new romance by a fellow amazing author.
With every book she writes, she leaves a piece of her heart on the page, letting her characters speak through her to tell their messy, magical, multicultural love stories.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
September 3, 2016
LMAO!
This is the story of Alida and Merit whose relationship started with a little smoke and turned into fire. Alida and her long time boyfriend and future D.A. Darren have been in a funk lately. All he ever talks about is himself and his career which leaves little time for her. At a charity event she meets her mans long time rival Merit Anderson and she feels the heat. Merit would love to stick it to Darren and what better way than to bid for a date with his woman at his charity auction,but he soon finds himself very attracted to Alida and wants her for himself. Alida is attracted to Merit too but is faithful to her man. However, when Alida finds Darren in a compromising position Merit steps in and all bets are off.
This book was really good and so funny I keep laughing out loud. the chemistry between Alida and Merit was fire and the sex was hot. The dialogue between Merit and his friends and Alida and her mother had me laughing so hard I was in tears. Great read can't wait for part 2
This is the story of Alida and Merit whose relationship started with a little smoke and turned into fire. Alida and her long time boyfriend and future D.A. Darren have been in a funk lately. All he ever talks about is himself and his career which leaves little time for her. At a charity event she meets her mans long time rival Merit Anderson and she feels the heat. Merit would love to stick it to Darren and what better way than to bid for a date with his woman at his charity auction,but he soon finds himself very attracted to Alida and wants her for himself. Alida is attracted to Merit too but is faithful to her man. However, when Alida finds Darren in a compromising position Merit steps in and all bets are off.
This book was really good and so funny I keep laughing out loud. the chemistry between Alida and Merit was fire and the sex was hot. The dialogue between Merit and his friends and Alida and her mother had me laughing so hard I was in tears. Great read can't wait for part 2
January 24, 2015
This was a great short read I finished in one sitting. Darren was an asshole. Merit(thats such a cute name) his personality did not fit with his looks for me. He was too hood lol. I know how that sounds but the language he used did not remind me of an lawyer. Alida was an women who did not know what her man was doing. My grandmother use to say to me as a women we have this intuition about our men. She did give someone a beat down in the story and that was funny to read. I felt the book could of went into depth on certain subjects. The author just wrote about it on the surface and left it at that. They never said I love you.
Final thoughts the book moved to fast for me. The author had a great story line here. The characters were funny as hell I will say that. Jason, Shonda, Sergio were hilarious characters. This is the first time reading this author but I will read the sequel to see how it turns out with Merit and Alida story.
Happy Reading!!
Final thoughts the book moved to fast for me. The author had a great story line here. The characters were funny as hell I will say that. Jason, Shonda, Sergio were hilarious characters. This is the first time reading this author but I will read the sequel to see how it turns out with Merit and Alida story.
Happy Reading!!
January 31, 2015
The dialogues lacked class, were full of ignorant comments and just plain tacky. I hate it when the professional nature of the characters does not match their behavior or way of speaking. In the case at hand, the two main male characters are supposed to be "big time" attorneys, yet the way they spoke and behaved was just crass and uneducated, seriously they could have been Dookie & Pookie from the trailer park or corner store. My mind is simply unable to digest the amount of contradictions and ignorance displayed in this book. I don't even to spend much time discussing the female character Alida...urgh, however attributes such as weak, immature and needing a good shaking come to mind.
October 26, 2015
Awful Grammar. Terrible Story Construction.
The only word I can use to describe the conversations between the characters is "crass". Everyone came across ill-mannered and extremely uneducated. I grew up in the hood also, but I would never allow men to speak to me in such a disrespectful manner. That is not sexy; it is just plain misogynistic. Also, I'm still trying to find out why the lead only has one ball. What happened to his other ball?! Did he lose it in a tragic accident or health related issue? Also, who meets at McDonald's to discuss their love life?! This book was definitely not for me.
The only word I can use to describe the conversations between the characters is "crass". Everyone came across ill-mannered and extremely uneducated. I grew up in the hood also, but I would never allow men to speak to me in such a disrespectful manner. That is not sexy; it is just plain misogynistic. Also, I'm still trying to find out why the lead only has one ball. What happened to his other ball?! Did he lose it in a tragic accident or health related issue? Also, who meets at McDonald's to discuss their love life?! This book was definitely not for me.
January 26, 2016
Great Read
This was an amazing read, I hate Darren and can't wait for him to get what he deserves. Can't wait to see what happens next.
This was an amazing read, I hate Darren and can't wait for him to get what he deserves. Can't wait to see what happens next.
March 22, 2023
wouldn’t read this again
I don’t like leaving negative reviews but this book was rushed! Great story plot but this should’ve been stated as instalove. We know they were attracted to each other but what made them fall in love with each other. She was still in a relationship eight year relationship, and he claimed to not do relationship so for them to instantly be in the didn’t make sense. I would have liked to see their connection grow your relationship grow, then just to date them talking laugh and having a good time. Also, she’s getting random letters and thinking nothing of it. Random underwear in the car and no flags are going off. She see her boyfriend secretary or assistant all over him and that’s just OK. It could’ve been way better but the plot was what is good
I don’t like leaving negative reviews but this book was rushed! Great story plot but this should’ve been stated as instalove. We know they were attracted to each other but what made them fall in love with each other. She was still in a relationship eight year relationship, and he claimed to not do relationship so for them to instantly be in the didn’t make sense. I would have liked to see their connection grow your relationship grow, then just to date them talking laugh and having a good time. Also, she’s getting random letters and thinking nothing of it. Random underwear in the car and no flags are going off. She see her boyfriend secretary or assistant all over him and that’s just OK. It could’ve been way better but the plot was what is good
September 28, 2017
Wonderful read
I loved the pairing of Merit and Alida. Chemistry from the word go and the side characters just added to the story.
I loved the pairing of Merit and Alida. Chemistry from the word go and the side characters just added to the story.
September 10, 2018
☺️😍😤
I hated cliff hangers,,, especially when there was no warning. The story is great the characters are great, the chemistry is off the charts. Definitely a worthy read...
I hated cliff hangers,,, especially when there was no warning. The story is great the characters are great, the chemistry is off the charts. Definitely a worthy read...
April 16, 2020
A love
A love like this by Stephanie James is a wonderful funny loving book. I love Merit and Ali together .
A love like this by Stephanie James is a wonderful funny loving book. I love Merit and Ali together .
October 8, 2020
Can't wait for book 2
Glad that I purchased the books together because this book right here! Truly was a must read and can't wait to gobble of the pages of book two!
Glad that I purchased the books together because this book right here! Truly was a must read and can't wait to gobble of the pages of book two!
June 23, 2023
3.5 Stars
October 16, 2023
This book was a pain in the ass. A bloody waste of my time. No one was likable. Every single character was such a dick head. I would not even want to associate with them in real life
May 14, 2024
Wow!
This book was so good, I was at the end before I knew it. Aidan, Merit and Darren these characters or something else.
Can't wait to read the 2nd book. Who kidnapped Alida?
This book was so good, I was at the end before I knew it. Aidan, Merit and Darren these characters or something else.
Can't wait to read the 2nd book. Who kidnapped Alida?
June 28, 2024
love like this ❤️
A good read. My first time reading this author books. Cheating, bullying and jealousy. I can’t wait for part 2
A good read. My first time reading this author books. Cheating, bullying and jealousy. I can’t wait for part 2
June 18, 2017
This was super basic. Everything was really common and cliche; the characters, premise, plot, and writing. Do not waste your time.
January 20, 2015
A hot read
A must read very hot storyline.Alida is a career woman with a dull life with her boyfriend Darren of 8 years.Anonymous emails are sent to alida but she ignores them.Darren running for d.a. drags alida along to the fundraiser where things gets interesting. Merit and Darren have bad blood between the two and merit doesn't back down for a chance to belittle him. Alida and merit meet and sparks fly only to piss Darren off when he wins a date with her at the fundraiser. Merit plays with fire and be friends Alida only to have their relationship become more. Darren caught cheating alida moves in with merit and she finds love in merit. Alida learns why Darren and merit hate each other but when he shows up to a benefit with a pregnant woman, he and merit fight only to have drama hit the fan.can't wait for more that ending had me on edge
A must read very hot storyline.Alida is a career woman with a dull life with her boyfriend Darren of 8 years.Anonymous emails are sent to alida but she ignores them.Darren running for d.a. drags alida along to the fundraiser where things gets interesting. Merit and Darren have bad blood between the two and merit doesn't back down for a chance to belittle him. Alida and merit meet and sparks fly only to piss Darren off when he wins a date with her at the fundraiser. Merit plays with fire and be friends Alida only to have their relationship become more. Darren caught cheating alida moves in with merit and she finds love in merit. Alida learns why Darren and merit hate each other but when he shows up to a benefit with a pregnant woman, he and merit fight only to have drama hit the fan.can't wait for more that ending had me on edge
February 1, 2015
Wow!!!- BRAB ONLINE BOOK CLUB
This book had me on the edge of my seat during the entire book. This is the first book I've read by this author but it won't be the last.
Have you ever read a book where the characters just reel you in, making you laugh and cry at the same time. This is one of those books, Merritt and Alida had off the wall chemistry and hilarious dialogue.
From the minute Merritt met Alida, he was determined to forge a Conn; if only to piss off her live in boyfriend of eight years. Darren was an arrogant, selfish serial cheater that wanted it all, only caring about his own selfish needs.
The author does a great job of building up the characters and taking you on an emotional and hilarious journey. I am anxiously awaiting the sequel to see how the story ends. Love this story.
This book had me on the edge of my seat during the entire book. This is the first book I've read by this author but it won't be the last.
Have you ever read a book where the characters just reel you in, making you laugh and cry at the same time. This is one of those books, Merritt and Alida had off the wall chemistry and hilarious dialogue.
From the minute Merritt met Alida, he was determined to forge a Conn; if only to piss off her live in boyfriend of eight years. Darren was an arrogant, selfish serial cheater that wanted it all, only caring about his own selfish needs.
The author does a great job of building up the characters and taking you on an emotional and hilarious journey. I am anxiously awaiting the sequel to see how the story ends. Love this story.
January 25, 2015
Crazy Curves
This story starts off a little bit rushed and I grew a little frustrated.There is a moment when to many things are happening and there isn't a break in the events.This is an easy going story filled with drama but you get moments of really good story telling.The relationship between the two main characters is sexy and funny,that you like them and cheer for them and this relationship.One thing I could not agree with is the bashing of the friends looks,even though she turns out to be shank.Overall a very good solid story,that you hate to see end and can't wait for the next installment.
This story starts off a little bit rushed and I grew a little frustrated.There is a moment when to many things are happening and there isn't a break in the events.This is an easy going story filled with drama but you get moments of really good story telling.The relationship between the two main characters is sexy and funny,that you like them and cheer for them and this relationship.One thing I could not agree with is the bashing of the friends looks,even though she turns out to be shank.Overall a very good solid story,that you hate to see end and can't wait for the next installment.
August 22, 2015
Excitement
Wow ! What a way to start a romance. Alida Merit and Darren are characters that keep you hanging with their snide remarks secrets deceit and romance. Alida and Merit chemistry is off the charts.
I laughed out loud at some of the characters especially Alida mom, Jason , boy toy , and Melvin I found myself rereading a sentence because of what they was saying was hilarious. Ms James you have have good sense of humor and I loved this novel. Will most definitely read part two , Darrin better have anything to do with all the drama that's about to go down because is associated is gonna down LOL
Wow ! What a way to start a romance. Alida Merit and Darren are characters that keep you hanging with their snide remarks secrets deceit and romance. Alida and Merit chemistry is off the charts.
I laughed out loud at some of the characters especially Alida mom, Jason , boy toy , and Melvin I found myself rereading a sentence because of what they was saying was hilarious. Ms James you have have good sense of humor and I loved this novel. Will most definitely read part two , Darrin better have anything to do with all the drama that's about to go down because is associated is gonna down LOL
February 11, 2015
interesting
The book is okay, I know she is a new writer but she needs an editor or to read her own material, she uses plural on words not needed, missing words, it is not a bad book, so much potential, you want to get your money's worth, so I say good start, but the error rate needs to go lower, I love this couple already but when I am reading I don't want to have to reread to find the missing word, I apologize, but reread your book it's true lots of missing words.
The book is okay, I know she is a new writer but she needs an editor or to read her own material, she uses plural on words not needed, missing words, it is not a bad book, so much potential, you want to get your money's worth, so I say good start, but the error rate needs to go lower, I love this couple already but when I am reading I don't want to have to reread to find the missing word, I apologize, but reread your book it's true lots of missing words.
February 5, 2015
OMG so good
Ms James can write some drama. She can also be a writer for a comedy anytime. Linda's mom and boyfriend are hilarious.
Merit and Alida are a great couple. Just hate how the book leaves us with a cliffhanger.. I am hooked now I wait with abated breath for book II. It will be well with the wait though. Excellent book Ms James keep them coming!!!!!
Ms James can write some drama. She can also be a writer for a comedy anytime. Linda's mom and boyfriend are hilarious.
Merit and Alida are a great couple. Just hate how the book leaves us with a cliffhanger.. I am hooked now I wait with abated breath for book II. It will be well with the wait though. Excellent book Ms James keep them coming!!!!!
February 24, 2015
Really Good Read
Liked this book however I would've liked combined perspectives from the hero and heroine instead of reading the same scenes twice. I liked Alida. She seemed strong and sure of herself . Merit seemed arrogant but funny. This book shade laughing at page two. Keep up the good work!
Liked this book however I would've liked combined perspectives from the hero and heroine instead of reading the same scenes twice. I liked Alida. She seemed strong and sure of herself . Merit seemed arrogant but funny. This book shade laughing at page two. Keep up the good work!
January 1, 2017
So Good!
Stephanie James writes what I love to read. A good story, great characters and a juicy plot. I had this book in my library for a good minute, just kept looking over it. Tired of books using same tired templates just different names. This book is interesting, funny and sexy! Love you Ms. James!
Stephanie James writes what I love to read. A good story, great characters and a juicy plot. I had this book in my library for a good minute, just kept looking over it. Tired of books using same tired templates just different names. This book is interesting, funny and sexy! Love you Ms. James!
January 20, 2015
Why why
This is a great story. But you ruined by making it a two part. Why why! Merit and Ali those two specifying lovable funny was kickers. They realize the love each other and find they are to have twins. You make it a continuation really.
This is a great story. But you ruined by making it a two part. Why why! Merit and Ali those two specifying lovable funny was kickers. They realize the love each other and find they are to have twins. You make it a continuation really.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 24, 2015
Excellent book. It was kind of short but the storyline was great. It truly was a great book, but that cliffhanger ending got me on pins and needles waiting for part two....great debut novel Stephanie. Very well-written novel....
January 27, 2015
3.75 stars
Not an outstanding story or plot but I enjoyed this story, especially Merit and Alida's mother. They were hilarious! Merit and Alida burned up the sheets and there's a cliff hanger at the end.
Not an outstanding story or plot but I enjoyed this story, especially Merit and Alida's mother. They were hilarious! Merit and Alida burned up the sheets and there's a cliff hanger at the end.
February 22, 2015
Well well well
This is the kind of author and story I can get behind. This is how real people talk and act. I loved it. PLEASE.....don't be to long with part 2. I'm holding my breath
This is the kind of author and story I can get behind. This is how real people talk and act. I loved it. PLEASE.....don't be to long with part 2. I'm holding my breath
February 4, 2015
Great Read
I recommend this book to readers of romance fiction. It is not only romantic, but comical as well. The characters, four friends, will keep you laughing. I can't wait to read book two. Book one ends with a pregnancy and a kidnapping.
I recommend this book to readers of romance fiction. It is not only romantic, but comical as well. The characters, four friends, will keep you laughing. I can't wait to read book two. Book one ends with a pregnancy and a kidnapping.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 5, 2015
First off can I find a man like Merit??? A smart mouth thug white boy is what I need!! Alida is one crazy chick. She's goes 0-100 real quick!! I'm glad book 2 is releasing soon cause I need to know what happen.
April 14, 2015
The first 75% book was great. It was exciting and had laugh out loud moments. The last section was very rushed, with weeks flashing by in a single page. I would have liked 100 more pages so that the relationship could have been fleshed out.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews