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Lethal Competence
All Reminisce has ever known is being in motion, money, family, and late nights—never any attachment—until the one thing he never planned forces him to stay put. Stillness traps him and fatherhood transcends him.
Karim Ortega is the sister of the infamous Aroyal Ortega, a woman who isn’t looking to be saved or claimed. She’s already paid the cost of having the wrong people in her life, so she’s guarded, limiting her attention and space only to those with whom she shares blood. Avoiding what watches from the shadows, she convinces herself she doesn’t want what she craves. HIM.
Reminisce already carries his own demons—mistrust, abandonment, childhood trauma—so he has no intention of picking hers up until it’s impossible. Fatherhood has Reminisce seeing things in new lenses. Things being Karim Ortega, but can he stay still long enough to be what she needs? Not only her, but his new responsibility? Or will he aid in the perpetuation of old cycles? Can Karim let go of her trauma and allow herself to be saved for once? Or will even Superman have lost his cape this time?
Karim Ortega is the sister of the infamous Aroyal Ortega, a woman who isn’t looking to be saved or claimed. She’s already paid the cost of having the wrong people in her life, so she’s guarded, limiting her attention and space only to those with whom she shares blood. Avoiding what watches from the shadows, she convinces herself she doesn’t want what she craves. HIM.
Reminisce already carries his own demons—mistrust, abandonment, childhood trauma—so he has no intention of picking hers up until it’s impossible. Fatherhood has Reminisce seeing things in new lenses. Things being Karim Ortega, but can he stay still long enough to be what she needs? Not only her, but his new responsibility? Or will he aid in the perpetuation of old cycles? Can Karim let go of her trauma and allow herself to be saved for once? Or will even Superman have lost his cape this time?
185 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 8, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
January 15, 2026
Rem and Rim😍
This was a really sweet, low-angst romance. Reminisce and Karim were two nonchalant people who happened to fall for one another, and suddenly nonchalance was out the window. The banter between them was so A1. But what I loved the most was Reminsce being a daddy to Romance. It was beyond cute watching him stumble his way through his new fatherhood. Ro gave him a run for his money, but he stepped in and showed out for her.
This was a really sweet, low-angst romance. Reminisce and Karim were two nonchalant people who happened to fall for one another, and suddenly nonchalance was out the window. The banter between them was so A1. But what I loved the most was Reminsce being a daddy to Romance. It was beyond cute watching him stumble his way through his new fatherhood. Ro gave him a run for his money, but he stepped in and showed out for her.
March 17, 2026
This is the story I was waiting on. Leave it to Kennedy to interconnect families. It was funny to see Reminisce jump into fatherhood the way that he did. He took that and never looked back. He did the same with Karim. He never stayed in the same place long but this made him want to play roots. Rem and Rim where two peas in the same pod and they completed each other in a way that was unimaginable.
February 21, 2026
A phone call. You need to get here. Arrives. You have a daughter. Not just you have a daughter she’s also 3. He wasn’t one who stayed in one place for long. Now he needed to be rooted. Rooted meant he needed HER. Her is Karim. Her is the place where he felt the most comfortable. The most peace. The most stillness. They danced and tip toed around each other for some time. Now, well now things were about to change and maybe become lethal.
Him! He was just like me and that’s what scared me the most. After my last situation I didn’t want to be tied to another. Yet, I wanted to be tied to HIM. Him is Reminisce. He’s dark. He’s moody. He’s closed off. We’re just friends. Maybe! He’s now a dad. Ro is changing him. Softening him. Or so I thought, because now he’s changing things and well, now he’s making me feel. Now, he’s making plans and laying roots.
Rem and Karim take a chance with each other and the final outcome just may be lethal in the best way possible.
Stamped,
The Urban Fiction Librarian
Him! He was just like me and that’s what scared me the most. After my last situation I didn’t want to be tied to another. Yet, I wanted to be tied to HIM. Him is Reminisce. He’s dark. He’s moody. He’s closed off. We’re just friends. Maybe! He’s now a dad. Ro is changing him. Softening him. Or so I thought, because now he’s changing things and well, now he’s making me feel. Now, he’s making plans and laying roots.
Rem and Karim take a chance with each other and the final outcome just may be lethal in the best way possible.
Stamped,
The Urban Fiction Librarian
January 20, 2026
Love this universe
Reminisce and Karim were both certified grinches in their own way. Rem was open, honest, and sure about what he felt and he didn’t hesitate to act on it. Karim, on the other hand, was guarded, still questioning whether she was truly ready to give herself to him. What I loved most was their communication; grown, intentional, and drama-free. No unnecessary arguing, just two people learning each other. Seeing Karim love on his daughter Romance was beautiful and added so much depth to his character. And the family dynamics on both sides? Chef’s kiss. Yes, everybody was nosey, but it came from a place of love and support, which made the story feel real and full of warmth.
Reminisce and Karim were both certified grinches in their own way. Rem was open, honest, and sure about what he felt and he didn’t hesitate to act on it. Karim, on the other hand, was guarded, still questioning whether she was truly ready to give herself to him. What I loved most was their communication; grown, intentional, and drama-free. No unnecessary arguing, just two people learning each other. Seeing Karim love on his daughter Romance was beautiful and added so much depth to his character. And the family dynamics on both sides? Chef’s kiss. Yes, everybody was nosey, but it came from a place of love and support, which made the story feel real and full of warmth.
April 7, 2026
Match made
Match made in mean heaven! Everybody crazy. But omg Romance?!!! That opening was crazy. And Kasim playing in the background but having all of this going on is wild. Whewwww. Also am I pregnant??!!
Match made in mean heaven! Everybody crazy. But omg Romance?!!! That opening was crazy. And Kasim playing in the background but having all of this going on is wild. Whewwww. Also am I pregnant??!!
March 5, 2026
I loved Rim and Rem, but Rem with a daughter… lawd have mercy. That man definitely needed a filter around that baby. I cracked up when he found out he had a daughter though.
One thing that threw me off was how they were so deep into their relationship, rich, married, and clearly in love, but had not even said “I love you” yet. They eventually said it later, but it still caught me off guard that their first time saying it to each other was well after they were married…?
Now here are some things that stood out to me. Of course the overuse of interrupted dialogue drove me crazy. There is a part where Jade brings up the vacation and G mentions her pregnancy, and then someone else starts talking but the dialogue gets cut off again. You cannot even tell who is speaking. With all the interruptions, it becomes hard to follow the conversations.
Romance was a cutie, but it sometimes felt like the author forgot she was three. At times she talked like a toddler and other times she sounded much older. For example, she holds up her hand to show her age and says “I’m this many,” which makes sense for a three year old. But then in another moment she says something like “That’s not true, Daddy.” A child who still talks like “No Daddy, I three” usually would not switch to full sentences like that. There were others, but this example was most recent and close to the back. The way she spoke kept changing and at times I didn’t know it was her speaking because she’s only 3, saying stuff a 3 year old wouldn’t. Good read though.
One thing that threw me off was how they were so deep into their relationship, rich, married, and clearly in love, but had not even said “I love you” yet. They eventually said it later, but it still caught me off guard that their first time saying it to each other was well after they were married…?
Now here are some things that stood out to me. Of course the overuse of interrupted dialogue drove me crazy. There is a part where Jade brings up the vacation and G mentions her pregnancy, and then someone else starts talking but the dialogue gets cut off again. You cannot even tell who is speaking. With all the interruptions, it becomes hard to follow the conversations.
Romance was a cutie, but it sometimes felt like the author forgot she was three. At times she talked like a toddler and other times she sounded much older. For example, she holds up her hand to show her age and says “I’m this many,” which makes sense for a three year old. But then in another moment she says something like “That’s not true, Daddy.” A child who still talks like “No Daddy, I three” usually would not switch to full sentences like that. There were others, but this example was most recent and close to the back. The way she spoke kept changing and at times I didn’t know it was her speaking because she’s only 3, saying stuff a 3 year old wouldn’t. Good read though.
April 17, 2026
Just my thoughts...
Reminisce??? Absolutely hilarious. As the older twin and big brother, he really stepped into his role and I loved how intentional he was about being a present, active father. His daughter, Romance, definitely runs that house though… she be bullying him and I loved every second of it.
The things that come out of Reminisce’s mouth (and his mind) are truly next level. He kept me laughing the entire book. But beyond the humor, what stood out most is that he understood love. Even after not receiving the love he deserved from his ex, he still showed up fully and correctly.
Karim had every reason to be guarded. After the situation with her ex-fiancé and best friend, her protecting her heart made complete sense. But I loved that this relationship unfolded on their time, no pressure and no excuses.
Reminisce and Karim’s love felt equal, intentional, and genuine. The way they showed up for each other and especially their shared love for Romance, was beautiful to see. Their banter? Top tier. It balanced the emotional depth with humor perfectly.
And what I really appreciated was how their union brought everything full circle. It didn’t just feel like a relationship...it felt like the blending of both real family and community.
Hands down, my favorite so far.
Reminisce??? Absolutely hilarious. As the older twin and big brother, he really stepped into his role and I loved how intentional he was about being a present, active father. His daughter, Romance, definitely runs that house though… she be bullying him and I loved every second of it.
The things that come out of Reminisce’s mouth (and his mind) are truly next level. He kept me laughing the entire book. But beyond the humor, what stood out most is that he understood love. Even after not receiving the love he deserved from his ex, he still showed up fully and correctly.
Karim had every reason to be guarded. After the situation with her ex-fiancé and best friend, her protecting her heart made complete sense. But I loved that this relationship unfolded on their time, no pressure and no excuses.
Reminisce and Karim’s love felt equal, intentional, and genuine. The way they showed up for each other and especially their shared love for Romance, was beautiful to see. Their banter? Top tier. It balanced the emotional depth with humor perfectly.
And what I really appreciated was how their union brought everything full circle. It didn’t just feel like a relationship...it felt like the blending of both real family and community.
Hands down, my favorite so far.
February 24, 2026
Daddy Remenisce
Dare I say it? Yes, I absolutely must. I have been a huge fan of Kennedy B ever since I picked up Interference, and I’ve been hooked ever since. In my opinion, nobody writes a truly mean, intimidating MMC quite like she does. Her men are ruthless, unapologetic, and downright scary when they need to be yet somehow turn soft as cotton for the women they love. And Reminisce Blac did NOT disappoint.
Reminisce and Karim together? Absolute chef’s kiss 💋 Their chemistry felt natural, intense, and long overdue in the best way. What I loved most is that this story wasn’t weighed down with unnecessary mess or over-the-top drama (at least none they couldn’t handle real quick 🤣). It was simply about them their history, their love, and finally acting on feelings that had been simmering all along. Oh and him as a Daddy was the absolute best! He love him some Romance Blac! Her little feisty 3 year old self know she run her Daddy!!!!
I enjoyed every single moment of their journey. If you love a dangerously mean hero who melts only for his woman and a romance that feels both powerful and tender, this one will hit the spot perfectly. 💯📚
Dare I say it? Yes, I absolutely must. I have been a huge fan of Kennedy B ever since I picked up Interference, and I’ve been hooked ever since. In my opinion, nobody writes a truly mean, intimidating MMC quite like she does. Her men are ruthless, unapologetic, and downright scary when they need to be yet somehow turn soft as cotton for the women they love. And Reminisce Blac did NOT disappoint.
Reminisce and Karim together? Absolute chef’s kiss 💋 Their chemistry felt natural, intense, and long overdue in the best way. What I loved most is that this story wasn’t weighed down with unnecessary mess or over-the-top drama (at least none they couldn’t handle real quick 🤣). It was simply about them their history, their love, and finally acting on feelings that had been simmering all along. Oh and him as a Daddy was the absolute best! He love him some Romance Blac! Her little feisty 3 year old self know she run her Daddy!!!!
I enjoyed every single moment of their journey. If you love a dangerously mean hero who melts only for his woman and a romance that feels both powerful and tender, this one will hit the spot perfectly. 💯📚
January 13, 2026
I was waiting on Reminisce's story & Kennedy B did not disappoint! I think what I love most about him is that he is so self aware. He knew he was emotionally unavailable, he knew he wasn't the best at being romantic. Still he was able to present his fully authentic self to Karim & love her in HIS way. And she was so perfect and understanding because she seemed to be the type of woman who cared more about action vs words. What Reminisce wasn't able to say, he was definitely able to show. Him as a parent was so funny, he went from calling baby girl "it" to being jealous when she wanted to spend time with his siblings. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I can't wait for Indiri's story.
January 10, 2026
I loved Karim & Reminisce as a couple. They both were ignorant as hell and stayed ready for shenanigans🤣My favorite couples are the ones who are clearly homies as well. Reminisce had new responsibilities fall into his lap and despite not knowing how to navigate it, he slid into his role seamlessly. I loved watching them move from the push/pull and fear of being “more” into just a sweet and solid relationship. There was no drama between them which I appreciated it. I also loved watching the sibling relationships on both sides as well and I’m anxious for it all to wrap up in Indiri’s story.
January 11, 2026
Rock, paper, scissors
I am so happy Kennedy finally gave me Reminisce story. He needed to settle down in not jump around all the time. What made me even happier was him and Karim spinning the block and never getting out the car. IFYKY, they are one in the same.
I loved how much the family loved on Romance and that stress Rem out because dude was low key jealous of the fact his siblings were not letting her come home. As the only girl she is definitely going to be just as spoiled as Jade.
All in all a time was had and the laughs were flowing.
I am so happy Kennedy finally gave me Reminisce story. He needed to settle down in not jump around all the time. What made me even happier was him and Karim spinning the block and never getting out the car. IFYKY, they are one in the same.
I loved how much the family loved on Romance and that stress Rem out because dude was low key jealous of the fact his siblings were not letting her come home. As the only girl she is definitely going to be just as spoiled as Jade.
All in all a time was had and the laughs were flowing.
January 31, 2026
Remmy, Rim, and Ro!
Another hit in this Universe! Lethal Competence really delivered on the emotional front. I loved seeing Rim and Remmy move past their trauma to find each other. Remmy’s growth from the other series was a highlight—he’s still a jokester, but the way his daughter helped him heal was so moving.
The banter between the leads was refreshing, and Ro was written so well I could see her perfectly. My only complaint? I need more pages! Like the other books in the series, it ended a bit abruptly for me. I just wasn't ready to leave these characters yet!
Another hit in this Universe! Lethal Competence really delivered on the emotional front. I loved seeing Rim and Remmy move past their trauma to find each other. Remmy’s growth from the other series was a highlight—he’s still a jokester, but the way his daughter helped him heal was so moving.
The banter between the leads was refreshing, and Ro was written so well I could see her perfectly. My only complaint? I need more pages! Like the other books in the series, it ended a bit abruptly for me. I just wasn't ready to leave these characters yet!
March 13, 2026
Reminisce truly exceeded my expectations! Remi captured my heart entirely, showing remarkable intention and determination. He poured his love into his child while building and filling in the missing pieces. Ensuring she experienced the happiness he missed in his own childhood. It was wonderful to see Karim finally achieve her happily ever after, especially after watching her brothers find theirs. This was a great read and definitely recommend to anyone looking for second chance love, and or found family.
January 10, 2026
love when men are men
Reminisce is the definition of a man of his word. From the moment he received the 911 call and hopped on the flight back to Chicago , there’s no hesitation, no excuses, no half-stepping. He shows up, protects, provides, and most importantly…he stays. Watching him step fully into fatherhood while still being intentional, patient, and solid with Karim was everything.
Reminisce is the definition of a man of his word. From the moment he received the 911 call and hopped on the flight back to Chicago , there’s no hesitation, no excuses, no half-stepping. He shows up, protects, provides, and most importantly…he stays. Watching him step fully into fatherhood while still being intentional, patient, and solid with Karim was everything.
February 4, 2026
nice very nice
Omg my boy was so lit with this one. I was laughing so hard through this book cause Ren was like Rem was in his book. And sweet li Ro had everybody ahh nevermind read it and see for urself. Now I gotta backtrack cause I didn’t know about the big brother and kinga. U did on yet another book and I’m looking forward to reading more of them. Sitting here patting my feet while sipping on Pepsi and while eating popcorn while waiting on the next book to read
Omg my boy was so lit with this one. I was laughing so hard through this book cause Ren was like Rem was in his book. And sweet li Ro had everybody ahh nevermind read it and see for urself. Now I gotta backtrack cause I didn’t know about the big brother and kinga. U did on yet another book and I’m looking forward to reading more of them. Sitting here patting my feet while sipping on Pepsi and while eating popcorn while waiting on the next book to read
May 18, 2026
I love seeing a characters growth while also still keeping the best parts of their personality. I have been waitingggg on Reminiscence’s book & I was not disappointed at all. The way a curve ball was thrown his way & handled that shit with no hesitation & handled it well 🥰🥰 I loved Karim as well, something about an FMC thats unapologetically her is something that I love in books. These two was sooo cute & good.
January 14, 2026
Loved This!!!
I’m always up for a drama filled love story but to see a healthy love story just gives me all the feelz!!! I liked the fact that they came together in their own time and did things in their own way!! The rock, paper, scissors was funny too!!! 😂😂😂 Kennedy B. Is another one who just doesn’t miss!!!!
I’m always up for a drama filled love story but to see a healthy love story just gives me all the feelz!!! I liked the fact that they came together in their own time and did things in their own way!! The rock, paper, scissors was funny too!!! 😂😂😂 Kennedy B. Is another one who just doesn’t miss!!!!
January 15, 2026
Rem & Rim
Who let this man procreate? I had a great time reading this story. Both Rem & Rim didn’t want to bet on love even tho their want for each other was strong. But once they did? Fireworks and as always, straight laughs. This was such a good story about letting go of your fears from a previous situation to allow the proper love flourish.
Who let this man procreate? I had a great time reading this story. Both Rem & Rim didn’t want to bet on love even tho their want for each other was strong. But once they did? Fireworks and as always, straight laughs. This was such a good story about letting go of your fears from a previous situation to allow the proper love flourish.
January 17, 2026
In Theory it’s good
I keep coming back to read the author but this one was good up until 95% in. The last chapter + epilogue felt more like a “yep I’m over this, let’s just close it out”. Now I do understand there will be pieces of the couple/characters in the final installment but sometimes they deserve to have a fully fleshed epilogue. But I’m the creator so what do I know.
I keep coming back to read the author but this one was good up until 95% in. The last chapter + epilogue felt more like a “yep I’m over this, let’s just close it out”. Now I do understand there will be pieces of the couple/characters in the final installment but sometimes they deserve to have a fully fleshed epilogue. But I’m the creator so what do I know.
January 21, 2026
Another Good one
For Reminise to be so mean and in everybody’s business in his siblings stories he was quite the opposite in his own. He was funny and tried to keep things low-key. Just like with his brothers he was totally infatuated with Karin when he got her and stood on business when it came to making her happy. I am excited to read about the wedding and Indiri’s story.
For Reminise to be so mean and in everybody’s business in his siblings stories he was quite the opposite in his own. He was funny and tried to keep things low-key. Just like with his brothers he was totally infatuated with Karin when he got her and stood on business when it came to making her happy. I am excited to read about the wedding and Indiri’s story.
February 11, 2026
Mr. Blac ❤️
K. B. has done it again! Love this group for SURE! Wanted to punch a couple females but all in all a great story! We all wanted Rem and Rim together from the last book. I was curious to know how Ro would fit into their dynamic but it was definitely a good look.
I can’t wait to see what happens on the family trip!!!
K. B. has done it again! Love this group for SURE! Wanted to punch a couple females but all in all a great story! We all wanted Rem and Rim together from the last book. I was curious to know how Ro would fit into their dynamic but it was definitely a good look.
I can’t wait to see what happens on the family trip!!!
March 31, 2026
Lethal Competence
Rem and Karim were the definition of playing it safe while they explored their situationship Rem stopped running when he leavened he had a daughter and stepped up his actions around his feelings towards Karim. Karim knew she wanted him and when she told him to prove it, Rem did exactly that and more.
Rem and Karim were the definition of playing it safe while they explored their situationship Rem stopped running when he leavened he had a daughter and stepped up his actions around his feelings towards Karim. Karim knew she wanted him and when she told him to prove it, Rem did exactly that and more.
April 9, 2026
Lethal Competence
It's all about Reminisce (Rem) Blac, Karim (Rim) Ortega, and Romance (Ro) page after page. The Blac siblings are so funny together. Karim's family was rough and ready to fight anytime. It is an entertaining story about relationships, family, and ❤️, love, love.
Read 4/9/2026.
It's all about Reminisce (Rem) Blac, Karim (Rim) Ortega, and Romance (Ro) page after page. The Blac siblings are so funny together. Karim's family was rough and ready to fight anytime. It is an entertaining story about relationships, family, and ❤️, love, love.
Read 4/9/2026.
April 29, 2026
Loved It
Enjoyed this story and how Reminisce and Karim were finally able to be together without hesitation! Reminisce having Romance definitely caused him to settle down! I can't wait for the next part, siblings on both sides love one another deep, except for Karim older sister, oh girl has issues for sure
Enjoyed this story and how Reminisce and Karim were finally able to be together without hesitation! Reminisce having Romance definitely caused him to settle down! I can't wait for the next part, siblings on both sides love one another deep, except for Karim older sister, oh girl has issues for sure
January 10, 2026
Rem and Karim
Match made in heaven!
Rem met his match with Karim.
Romance was exactly what REM needed to change his view on life and caused him to mature.
Can’t wait for the next installment to see this wedding and get indiri’s story.
Match made in heaven!
Rem met his match with Karim.
Romance was exactly what REM needed to change his view on life and caused him to mature.
Can’t wait for the next installment to see this wedding and get indiri’s story.
January 12, 2026
Great read
Such a great read. Loved the banter between the two main characters at the beginning. Reminisce is a hot head with a short tolerance but very soft for the FMC. Loved to read about his growth even with his sassy surprise.
Such a great read. Loved the banter between the two main characters at the beginning. Reminisce is a hot head with a short tolerance but very soft for the FMC. Loved to read about his growth even with his sassy surprise.
January 13, 2026
🥰🥰🥰
So so good!!! My girl didn’t even do Pynk how I know she could’ve. This was such a great read. I loved everything about Reminisce and Karim. Little Romance too. I cannot wait for Indiri’s book!!!
So so good!!! My girl didn’t even do Pynk how I know she could’ve. This was such a great read. I loved everything about Reminisce and Karim. Little Romance too. I cannot wait for Indiri’s book!!!
January 18, 2026
I'm addicted to this series.
I started this book 24 hours ago, and I finished it. I'm now debating if I should reread the entire series until you drop the next book. I absolutely love every single character, their storyline, and their ability to show growth through chaos.
I started this book 24 hours ago, and I finished it. I'm now debating if I should reread the entire series until you drop the next book. I absolutely love every single character, their storyline, and their ability to show growth through chaos.
January 24, 2026
Not my favorite, it felt rushed. I did really like that she didn’t focused too much on their sexual relationship but still gave us a lil something. I wanted more of her building a relationship with Ro and there was just a lot missing about Karim for me.
January 24, 2026
Loved Rem and Rim!
Couldn't put this down. Rem is definitely the funniest brother. I loved seeing everyone and getting those updates on some of my favorite characters. I wish we saw more of DaVinci and Aria. I still need Roe's story from the 🦈s.
Couldn't put this down. Rem is definitely the funniest brother. I loved seeing everyone and getting those updates on some of my favorite characters. I wish we saw more of DaVinci and Aria. I still need Roe's story from the 🦈s.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews