Royce: The Handler

by Grey Huffington

The Grey List, Book Six.

Genres: African American Romance

462 pages, Paperback

Published December 28, 2025

About the author

Riveting Romance Reads with Hot Heroines and Even Hotter Heroes Who Adore Them in a Collective Effort to Bring You Sheer Pleasure and Spice Up Your Life.


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Reviews

[Jahda · Rating 5 out of 5]

One thing about Grey she will write a beautiful black romance story. I enjoyed every moment. Royce had a different form of vulnerability, particularly when in comparison to her sisters. I enjoyed the connection between Ishmael and Royce. I really like how Grey switched up the location in this one. Ishmael has a fascinating energy. His being the oldest of three contributed to the way he moved and acted. I notice the similarities between him and Chemistry. I will add that Royce and Ishmael were a great complement to one another. However, I really wanted to see more of Ishmael. I was curious as to how he became a killer. He remains mysterious. We seem to have breadcrumbs, but there's no doubt that he's a dangerous man. I liked seeing Royce be "The Handler" but also graceful. Mercer being mentioned just made me miss him… I will be rereading.

[*Ebony I* · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's Handled!

I loved it!! 

Royce was a handler, a fixer, giving Olivia Pope vibes if you will and I loved it. She was called in to fix a problem for future Mayor Ishmael Grayson. What she didn't know was she had interacted with him briefly, but that one interaction has left an imprint on her mind, body, and soul. 

Grey did such a good job with Royce's character, she was a gun shooting, hard headed, stubborn, and fearless woman while also being a girly girl desiring to be taken care of and to live a soft life. Her balance was everything. She found herself ready for companionship and Ishmael seemed to be her one.

Chillld Grey knows how to make you fall in love with a man and she took me there with Ishmael. I love a protector and the way he was trying to protect her without even knowing her was everything. He too was a walking contradiction. A politician fighting for the people of Berkeley by day, but a hood boss by night with a very sketchy past. And he cooks, yes ma'am I was there for it. 

I loved that we finally got to see the sisters in action. Royce was a fixer and she did just that leveraging the strengths of her sisters along the way. She handled the threats to the campaign and Ishmael's heart.
There were some political moments, but dare I say I wanted a little more. They had the whole breast cancer event that wasn't on page, but recapped, I think that would have been a great opportunity to show him doing work in the community and connecting. It would've made the story more cohesive.

Definitely would recommend! Royce is my fave "R" so far. Oh and why did I swoon at the cameo!!!

[Castina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so good!!! I love this family so much, and each book just keeps getting better and better. I completely devoured their story. Royce was exactly who she thought she was, and Ish was the perfect man. I cannot wait for the next book.

Highly recommend this series!

[Jaleesa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Take me to Berkeley!!

Royce met her match and I ate it up. Grey writes FMC’s that I course me to treat myself better and MMC’s that I pray find me in the real world. I will say I wished we leaned in a little more to the political campaign bc I would have liked to see more of their dynamic in those spaces but that’s it. Another banger from Grey Huffington

[Savannah R · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay this was a redemption for me😂 I was a lil hesitant at first bc of Rome's story, but I loved Royce. I also loved Ish, baby that's a man right there!! And of course the cameos from her siblings were great, especially my girl Roulette!

[Bathabile Ralitsela · Rating 5 out of 5]

GREY HUFFINGTON!!! 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

Royce "Consider It Handled" Childers 🤝🏽 Ishmael's Baby 🥺🥺🥺🥺 (Whew Ishmael!!!)


Side Note: I Miss Makai So Much 🤣🤣 So Glad Milo, Lawe, Laike And Ofcourse Mercer Popped Up. FAMILY 🥺🤍🤝🏽

Range Baby, You Got Next Fr, You Already Know, I WILL BE DEYA!!!

Deciding To Share My Final Rankings When The Series Is Complete, But This One Is Lowkey Giving Top 3 So Far.

[Unique Renee · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️ Not gone hold you, I almost didn’t read this one after Rome’s story 🌚 THIS is what I was expecting from Rome.

This was very unique bc it’s essentially fake dating trope but it’s also not that obvious. I enjoyed Royce and Ish’s story. I always love that GH writes a girls girl for the FMC. She knows she’s that girl but doesn’t mind recognizing other ‘that’ girls. And she always writes a MANNNN.

The only reason I give the half star is because sometimes the poetic style of writing gives me a disconnect between the characters & the love story. I wish we got more “natural” interactions between them. Literally a normal conversation without all the extra pretty words from their internal dialogue or extensive vocabulary in dialogue.
There was a part where they were about to eat and it said something like “time to consume” and it’s like girl 💀 you can just say it’s time to eat lol. While I understand that GH wants to communicate that these characters are of a high caliber, financially, intellectually etc., it sometimes becomes too much & it throws me off.

I say this every time but it’s been amazing to see GH’s growth from Luca to now, it’s so amazing!

[Nhikki M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Royce and Ishmael, my second favorite couple of Grey List!!

Of all the Grey list books, this is a good one. I loved the story. If Grey does nothing else, she creates a story that's believable, making sure you read and witness black women being loved and handled with care. Royce and Ish are made for each other. Go read the book. You won't regret it.

[Taishia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ballots, Scandals & Love

Royce is a gripping romance layered with political drama, moral gray areas, and the undeniable pull of love that refuses to stay pretend. What begins as a coincidence quickly evolves into something far more dangerous and far more intimate.

Ishmael, a Black man running for mayor of Berkeley, first enters Royce’s life as a stranger—literally. A near accident, a brief interaction, and then they go their separate ways… or so it seems. Later, Royce is drawn into the high-stakes world of a mayoral campaign, where lines blur between professionalism and fate, and a familiar presence forces her to reckon with how one small moment can quietly reshape everything.

When scandal threatens Ishmael’s campaign, Royce finds herself tied to it as well—her name suddenly part of the narrative she’s meant to control. She steps in with a strategic solution to steady the fallout, intending to keep things contained and professional. But emotions slip through even the most careful plans, and what begins as calculation turns unexpectedly personal. The chemistry is undeniable, deepening in ways neither of them anticipated.

As the election intensifies, Ishmael’s opponent plays dirty, willing to do whatever it takes to win. Royce responds decisively—sharp, resourceful, and fiercely loyal, even when the cost is high.

The turning point comes when a devastating secret is revealed, forcing both Royce and Ishmael to confront how far lines may have been crossed. Trust fractures, intentions are questioned, and love is tested under the weight of power and consequence.

[Chanel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yasss Grey!!! Never seen to disappoint me!

I truly love a black love story and this one was so good!
I couldn’t put it down.
I love this family and this series!
Royce is definitely up there as a favorite!
Ishmael was my type of man.. honeyyyy he is the one!

I could go on and on but if you know anything about Grey books then you already know it’s going to be an amazing book!
So go read it!
Can’t wait for the next one!

[Ebony · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved Royce and Ish! This was refreshing to read, Especially the appearances from the fam

[Shonika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Royce, my Royce‼️ She has to be one of my favorite FMC's this far. This read felt like reading a affirmation Bible for women. Grey never misses with story telling.

Royce never let a man forget his role in her life. Either fulfill the role you were hired for or get out the way. Never one to second guess who she is and why, until a chance encounter changes everything she knew. Ishmael is exactly who he thinks he his. I love their dynamic and how hard they both fought for what they want. Self accountability, no egos or pride, and big hearts was everything the dynamic duo displayed. Such a sweet read. Can't wait to dive into Ishmael's story for the update.

[Joreen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book!
No complaints from me!
I loved Royce and Ish together, they just made sense. I liked how the story unfolded, it had me giggling, smiling, shaking my head and cheering. That’s what reading should be like. I picked it up and couldn’t put it down. There’s always that element of being a girl’s girl in Grey’s FMCs and I love it. Royce knew her worth, and Ishmael recognised it too

[Abia Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me locked in. A girl hired to help a politician… and then slowly catching feelings? Yeah the tension, the stakes, the mess all of it was eating. What I loved most was how the story balanced career, power, and vulnerability. It wasn’t just romance for vibes it showed how complicated it is to love someone whose whole life is public and political.

The chemistry was intense, but what really sold it for me was the way the characters fought for each other. They weren’t perfect they argued, said the wrong things, doubted each other but they kept choosing to show up. The writing felt raw, emotional, and sometimes a little chaotic in a way that made the relationship feel real.

And these quotes? Yeah… they hit:

Favorite quotes

“Unless you want Janis cleaning your shit bag for the rest of your life, then I suggest you come home… get it through your skull that I’m for you. I’m in your corner… be home before the street lights come on or I’m coming to find you. I won’t be empty-handed.”

This one was crazy protective, dramatic, and lowkey unhinged… but you feel the love underneath it.

“I’m not used to feeling this way… I don’t want to fight, Ishmael. I just want you next to me… We’re not perfect people. Things will arise. But I’m here. I want this. I want you.”

That’s the heart of the whole book choosing love even when it’s scary.

And then that prayer scene (you know the one 😭) intense, possessive, emotional, spiritual AND physical all at once. It really showed how deep his feelings went, even when it came off a little extreme.

[Joelisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cold Hearts Melt Eventually!

Ever since I started reading this particular series, I have been curious to get to know each sister. So far, Royce has been my favorite sister! She is the example of cold hearts do melt eventually ONLY if the right person comes along! She is the walking definition of a woman who knows how to get stuff done and look good doing it. Royce did not come to play, okay! I loved Royce and Ishmael’s love story. They always had each other’s backs no matter the circumstances. When a man knows who and what he wants, absolutely NOTHING can stop him from getting what he wants (swoon, sigh, etc.). It was so great to get a glimpse of the previous Berkley Bred originals! It makes my heart happy to know that all is well in their world! I’m excited to read about the last two remaining Childers sisters: Range and Roaman. I can’t wait for the next book to drop!

[Adeshola · Rating 5 out of 5]

Those Childers women are Black excellence

Royce is tired of men but she wants love. When you put your wants out into the world things begin to happen. Royce goes on a crappy date and she tells him to drop her off at the hotel and that didn't work for him. He puts her out of his car and she walks and is almost hit by a tall drink of water. She drives him to the hotel because he is clearly lost but the hotel is where she is heading. She does what she went to the hotel to do, and she sees the man who she rode with. He is drunk and needs to sleep it off, so she lets him use her hotel room to do that.

Royce is a fixer that meets Ish and she fixes his life.

Trust me when I say this series never disappoints.if this is your first read, go back and Start with Chemistry. I can't wait for the seventh book☺️.

[LaChante Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fake Dating Trope

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️|🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Oh this was great! Royce really surprised me in so many good ways. I loved the pacing of the story and how the characters personalities were introduced to us. I loved the groveling scenes and the make up scenes. The fake dating between these characters did not last long at all because they knew that each other was end game.

The MMC Ishmael really showed that he could handle the handler. He showed her respect, care, and comfort that she could trust. He came correct and she accepted nothing less because she’s not in the business to beg.

Overall I really enjoyed Royce story and loved that she’s a fellow Scorpio! I would definitely recommend and I wouldn’t mind getting a story for Ishmael brothers because they left a lasting impression! 💖

[Raven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Royce: The Handler

This was a great story as always from MS Grey! Royce was so smooth, smart and just wanted to give and receive love. In the beginning I thought when she first came across Ishmael that she might have been in danger and that he was faking being drunk, however boy was aI wrong. Ishmael mentions how he wonders if the situation was meant to happen with meeting Royce, because they were meant to find each other and fall in love. I for whatever reason, thought that reasoning was brilliant and beautiful. I could relate to Ms Royce with trying to try out dating apps to run into her person, however just like her the dating apps suck. So glad Royce and Ish found one another because they are the perfect match, crazy and all. Now I can’t wait to get the hangover book…Ishmael book!

[A Joseph · Rating 5 out of 5]

Handled

Royce is THAT girl. Once she says she is going to handle something, just know she is going to handle it and she is never going to lose. We always or rather we tend to think we KNOW what we want but life has a funny way of showing you that things change. Never one to mince words, Royce has taken the city of Berkeley by storm to ensure things are handled. "While most preferred visibility, it wasn’t on my list of priorities. I’d much rather be felt than seen. Valued than viewed.” Grey has dropped so many gems from the lips of Roye and I can’t help but feel emboldened. "I hate flowers. Don’t bring them again unless you don’t want me in your company. And, make this your last time mentioning what another man has done for me. Because then we’d have to talk about how you aren’t touching their gifts with a ten-foot pole. Let’s try a bouquet of checks next time. Flowers don’t do shit but die.”

[Shamoya Radcliffe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Royce- the handler (book 6 in the greylist series)

Royce was definitely giving Olivia Pope it is handled. Royce is the person who keeps people in check, find dirt when needed and handle different situations. Royce after seeing so many of her siblings find their happy ever after is ready for partnership and love. While she is ready, she is very much not desperate she knows it is going to take a special kind of man to handle her.

When Royce meets Ishmael, he is running to be the next mayor of Berkeley. He is very much Berkeley Bred and knows he is the perfect person with the passion to do something good for his city. When he is caught in the middle of a scandal of lies, Royce is brought (at an expensive price) to fix things. Royce said if the mayor job is what you want it is yours.

I really enjoyed Royce she was the perfect mix of Rather, Rugger & Roulette. I loved the fake dating trope, and while Ish for gone for Royce he was also possessive and protective. Grey always gives a few nuggets for the girls and this one delivered as well.

If you love a strong FMC, that is independent, submissive, when necessary, but also dominant you will love Royce

[Tonetta Whitmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

Royce and Ish... this was so good. And finding out my girl is a fire sign made all the sense in the world.

No such thing is a coincidence. They were star-crossed for a reason, and that reason was love and their quest for their happily ever after.

Grey knows she can write a man. The was Ish had me blushing like my name was Royce tickled me.

I appreciate how these strong independent women find men who are just as strong, come in, and allow them to rest in their femininity. Being put at ease. Loved, protected, carried for, cherished, and honored while being spoiled. But its reciprocated because they fall in line and take care of their men without hesitation. It's a beautiful thing.

[Shawberry Likes To Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think each Grey List release gives us another pairing to love. Each page allows us a more in depth glimpse into their true personality. I enjoyed getting to see a much more softer and vulnerable side of Royce. make no mistake, The Handler was still present. Ishmael was the perfect companion to her personality. What I love most is how like all of the partners to Grey List, Ishmael recognized what she needed and complimented those needed versus attempting to force her to change.

I can't wait to read his Hangover when it releases. Hope to see more of his dynamic with his brothers. And what's next regarding his father.

[Kersha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grey never disappoints AUTOMATIC READER!

Simply put beautifully executed! No one can write a MMC like Grey her love stories are curated perfectly to display black love that not toxic but the most beautiful love on planet earth you can experience. Ish is added to my fav MMC’s as is Royce to my fav FMC’s. Never stop giving us the pleasure of experiencing your writing.
Plot- flowed beautifully, engaging, easy to follow and well taught out.
Spice-5/5 classy but nasty definitely will have your lady parts thumping 🤭.
Novel length- Just enough where you don’t need more totally fulfilled as a reader

No complaints 10/10 MUST READ!

[Shobdia Elder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Consistently surpasses expectations!

The Grey List series consistently surpasses expectations with each new book. Upon completing book 6, I have developed a strong affinity for Ishmael and Royce. Despite Royce's reputation as "The Handler," Ishmael demonstrates a remarkable ability to navigate their relationship, coaxing out a softer side from Royce. Through her interactions with Ishmael, Royce comes to realize that she desires the very things she had previously dismissed. Their relationship serves as a compelling example of a romance that many aspire to experience in their own lives. I am eagerly anticipating the release of the next book in the Grey List series.

[Latricia Wray · Rating 5 out of 5]

“My Baby” the Handler

Royce gave the perfect mix of Rugger and Roulette while letting it be known where falls she in the Childers Crew. She demanded control until she was able to effortlessly relinquish it and be the vulnerable big baby or better yet “my baby” to Ishmeal that all women desire to be with their man. There’s nothing like a man that respects your ability to handle a situation, but can also handle you. Ishmael is the perfect example of Jill Scott’s “If you can tell me what to do…” The cameo appearances in Berkeley were also a nice touch. Grey, babe you have done it again🤎

[L. Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️’s for a magnificent book

Grey’s ability to write in such a poetic way is a skill. This is truly art in the best sense. The character development was excellent. The pace of the story was perfect. The reappearance of characters was enough to get us caught up on them, but didn’t overshadow the love story of Royce and Ishmael. I loved everything about this book other than the cliche ending that almost every romance novel has. I feel like there is no creativity in how most romance books end and unfortunately Royce: The Handler falls into that same trap for me. Even with that being said, I would highly recommend reading this book and the entire series.

[gordy · Rating 4 out of 5]

royce and ishmael come get yall baddies chains!!!! i loved their love story, it sometimes feels like grey’s words are like poetic but also supernatural in the same breath but i love it

her books really make the hopeless romantic in me yearn more and more for the day a man treats me the way these men been treating these girls!!!! royce story was oh so good and it was nice basically watching her step into her soft girl era.

it’s always nice to see my man chemistryyy and all the to her sisters! cannot wait gift range next but also i can wait because i don’t wanna say goodbye to my family 🙂‍↕️

[Delia Simon · Rating 5 out of 5]

MUST READ

I’m incredibly sad that I finished this book. Royce and Ish—Royce and Ish!!!!! were truly made for one another. The timing, the plot, everything about this story was perfect. We already know Grey doesn’t miss, but this might honestly be top two of her writing for me. I loved the woman empowerment Royce embodied, she was a true girls’ girl. Confident, bold, and unapologetic, yet soft. She craved softness and knew how to let a man lead, creating the very relationship she longed for.

[AMBER · Rating 4 out of 5]

December Read: Royce by Grey Huffington Book 6 of The Grey Day ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. A chance encounter pulls Royce into Ishmael’s mayoral campaign—and back into his orbit. What starts as strategy turns personal when scandal hits and her name gets dragged into it. The chemistry is real. The stakes are higher. As the race intensifies and opponents play dirty, Royce proves sharp, loyal, and unflinching. Then a buried secret explodes, forcing both of them to face blurred lines, broken trust, and the cost of love tied to power.

[Mrs Tee Booktique · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh what a way to begin the new year!!! The Childers family keeps me locked in. Every book fills my heart with the love of a strong MMC and the fierceness and sensitivity of a FMC. I did not know what to expect with Royce she has always been silent. Her voice was loud and clear and she handled business. I love Ishmael for her. The Childers sisters all require the same type of man and I love to experience when their man finds them. It felt good to be in Clark and Berkeley. The cameos were an added bonus!