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Respectfully, Kennedy
Larenn.
The Queen.
She came. She saw. She conquered the one man whose heart seemed impenetrable—Relic Blaise.
The Queen.
She came. She saw. She conquered the one man whose heart seemed impenetrable—Relic Blaise.
- GenresRomanceAfrican American
435 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 9, 2026
314 people are currently reading
339 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 154 reviews
January 11, 2026
THAT FUCKING ENDING. THE MIND OF ANTOINETTE SHERELL !!!!
LISTEN, here is an author who takes the time to develop these complex characters while also addressing our questions and offering us more. Like, OMG, have me side-eyeing Kennedy toward the end with her choices. We all knew what Relics ending, but it was still amazing to witness how it unfolded in the last chapters. I mean, it was literally reveal after reveal. Relic is such a morally conflicted guy, and seeing him gradually crack for people he loves is always fascinating. To be honest, I still don't get Kennedy; she's just as mysterious and complex. I thought I had her figured out, and then she did something entirely different. Relic is always testing those close to him as a result of his trauma, but I'm beginning to understand him because it appears that he can only trust his lawyer at this time. I'm anxious about how intricate these characters are, but I adore them.
UGH, why would I torture myself and read this book at the beginning of the year? Now what am I to do?
LISTEN, here is an author who takes the time to develop these complex characters while also addressing our questions and offering us more. Like, OMG, have me side-eyeing Kennedy toward the end with her choices. We all knew what Relics ending, but it was still amazing to witness how it unfolded in the last chapters. I mean, it was literally reveal after reveal. Relic is such a morally conflicted guy, and seeing him gradually crack for people he loves is always fascinating. To be honest, I still don't get Kennedy; she's just as mysterious and complex. I thought I had her figured out, and then she did something entirely different. Relic is always testing those close to him as a result of his trauma, but I'm beginning to understand him because it appears that he can only trust his lawyer at this time. I'm anxious about how intricate these characters are, but I adore them.
UGH, why would I torture myself and read this book at the beginning of the year? Now what am I to do?
January 10, 2026
THIS. THIS RIGHT HERE. 😈🔥
“Slow burn?” No—this is a controlled demolition that starts with a match strike and ends with the whole damn city on fire. The fact that it picked up like “oh you thought you were safe?” is criminal behavior. No recap, no hand-holding—just immediate emotional violence. Respect. 👊
Kennedy is absolutely CEO of Don’t-Try-Me Industries 👑💅. Sunglasses on, spine unbreakable, tears weaponized into silence? That’s not weakness—that’s strategy. She doesn’t need to scream. Walking away is her mic drop, and Relic felt that shit in his soul.
And RELIC—whew. 😤♟️
Man is a walking red flag factory with a PhD in psychological warfare. Those chess lectures aren’t philosophy; they’re threats in a tuxedo. He really said “people are pawns” and expected her to kneel? Sir. She flipped the board, pocketed the king, and left him spiraling like Wi-Fi with no signal.
Their dynamic is NOT romance.
It’s mutually assured destruction.
Every glance = a dare.
Every word = a loaded gun.
Every silence = a countdown. 💣
The best part? Kennedy doesn’t win by out-scheming him—she wins by not playing. And that drives a chaos-addicted ego like Relic absolutely feral. He needs reactions. She gives him absence. That’s a war crime. 😎🔥
Dark? Yes.
Toxic? Extremely.
Addictive? Like licking batteries. ⚡
Satisfying? In the most unholy way possible.
Two morally gray monsters colliding isn’t a love story—it’s a crime scene. And you don’t read it to feel good. You read it to feel something sharp.
10/10 emotional damage.
Would absolutely let it ruin me again. 😈🩸🔥
“Slow burn?” No—this is a controlled demolition that starts with a match strike and ends with the whole damn city on fire. The fact that it picked up like “oh you thought you were safe?” is criminal behavior. No recap, no hand-holding—just immediate emotional violence. Respect. 👊
Kennedy is absolutely CEO of Don’t-Try-Me Industries 👑💅. Sunglasses on, spine unbreakable, tears weaponized into silence? That’s not weakness—that’s strategy. She doesn’t need to scream. Walking away is her mic drop, and Relic felt that shit in his soul.
And RELIC—whew. 😤♟️
Man is a walking red flag factory with a PhD in psychological warfare. Those chess lectures aren’t philosophy; they’re threats in a tuxedo. He really said “people are pawns” and expected her to kneel? Sir. She flipped the board, pocketed the king, and left him spiraling like Wi-Fi with no signal.
Their dynamic is NOT romance.
It’s mutually assured destruction.
Every glance = a dare.
Every word = a loaded gun.
Every silence = a countdown. 💣
The best part? Kennedy doesn’t win by out-scheming him—she wins by not playing. And that drives a chaos-addicted ego like Relic absolutely feral. He needs reactions. She gives him absence. That’s a war crime. 😎🔥
Dark? Yes.
Toxic? Extremely.
Addictive? Like licking batteries. ⚡
Satisfying? In the most unholy way possible.
Two morally gray monsters colliding isn’t a love story—it’s a crime scene. And you don’t read it to feel good. You read it to feel something sharp.
10/10 emotional damage.
Would absolutely let it ruin me again. 😈🩸🔥
January 15, 2026
Ayooooooo!!!! This is my first read of 2026 and it was a fucking MOVIEEEE!!!!! 🫨🫨🫨🫨🤯
January 25, 2026
Disrespectfully in a lull 😭
Ms. Sherrell count yo mf days because ain't no way I should still be thinking about this book weeks later. I finished this book weeks ago and I haven't been right since. It was soooooo good.
Kennedy and Relic are some complex azz characters. Both of them fighting hard to stay ahead of the other to be the one to reach a checkmate and avoid a heart break. Relic set the stage for Kennedy to avoid her feelings, and when things shifted between them they both seemed to be falling hard. There was so much going on...so much deception, so much unspoken love. The pushes the pulls. Breadcrumbs to the next part of the storylines...I have been left in a lull since. I would have appreciated a long book, because the way my heart was racing as the pages kept getting smaller and we were no where close to a resolution 😭😭😭
I am still shooketh.
NEXT BOOK ME ASAP PLEASE
Ms. Sherrell count yo mf days because ain't no way I should still be thinking about this book weeks later. I finished this book weeks ago and I haven't been right since. It was soooooo good.
Kennedy and Relic are some complex azz characters. Both of them fighting hard to stay ahead of the other to be the one to reach a checkmate and avoid a heart break. Relic set the stage for Kennedy to avoid her feelings, and when things shifted between them they both seemed to be falling hard. There was so much going on...so much deception, so much unspoken love. The pushes the pulls. Breadcrumbs to the next part of the storylines...I have been left in a lull since. I would have appreciated a long book, because the way my heart was racing as the pages kept getting smaller and we were no where close to a resolution 😭😭😭
I am still shooketh.
NEXT BOOK ME ASAP PLEASE
January 10, 2026
❤️
What can I say besides Antoinette Sherell has done it again. I love me some Kennedy. This book was well worth the wait. That ending left me speechless. Everytime I felt myself liking Relic a little he goes and remind me why I hate him. Can’t wait for the next book!!!
What can I say besides Antoinette Sherell has done it again. I love me some Kennedy. This book was well worth the wait. That ending left me speechless. Everytime I felt myself liking Relic a little he goes and remind me why I hate him. Can’t wait for the next book!!!
January 12, 2026
I'm sitting on pins and needles at that ending!
This may have been the absolute best book in the series. Action packed from the very beginning. So many breadcrumbs and I have a sneaky suspicion that while everyone is in their feelings about Kenn Dogg, my girl is playing the long game. I already know she knows how to get down. I trust her just the same as Relic. I can not wait for the follow up. And I have a sneaky suspicion that we all know and hate the random baby mama of Kennedys brother. And who his daughter is.
This may have been the absolute best book in the series. Action packed from the very beginning. So many breadcrumbs and I have a sneaky suspicion that while everyone is in their feelings about Kenn Dogg, my girl is playing the long game. I already know she knows how to get down. I trust her just the same as Relic. I can not wait for the follow up. And I have a sneaky suspicion that we all know and hate the random baby mama of Kennedys brother. And who his daughter is.
January 12, 2026
I knew it
Man I ain’t never wanted to throw my device so bad in my life. Kennedy and Relic worked my nerves to the 10th power. However, Relics character development was top tier. I was really rooting for Kennedy to stay but the icing on the cake was Jahleel. I am an emotional wreck because I may have finally found a series that doesn’t end in a happy ending and honestly if anyone deserved a happy ending it was Relic. I’m so sad!
Man I ain’t never wanted to throw my device so bad in my life. Kennedy and Relic worked my nerves to the 10th power. However, Relics character development was top tier. I was really rooting for Kennedy to stay but the icing on the cake was Jahleel. I am an emotional wreck because I may have finally found a series that doesn’t end in a happy ending and honestly if anyone deserved a happy ending it was Relic. I’m so sad!
January 11, 2026
Antoinette Sherell! The pen game is cold! I really love Kennedy and hope she gets her happy ending, even if it’s with Relic. I went from hating Relic to feeling sorry for him, even though I probably shouldn't. This book was well worth the wait. That ending left me speechless. I can’t even tell who’s the villain anymore. Can’t wait for the next book!
January 11, 2026
Cliffhanger ending
January 13, 2026
This story was good, the pacing was so tense. It was like being on a rollercoaster Waiting for the drop! Kennedy and Relic are truly a match made in Heaven, two Alpha dogs trying to submit but also keeping their walls up. Whew! The ending - like final 10% had my chest tight!! I cannot wait for the next one.
February 12, 2026
Relic definitely met his match 🤭
Relic and Kennedy are both insane and toxic. The fact that they both had secrets was wild. Relic thinking he’s ahead of Kennedy was also crazy. They kept one-upping each other. Kennedy, aka “Big Kenn Dog,” was out of this world! I don’t know what I expected from Kennedy, but she was more than I could have imagined. She really is a mastermind like Relic. I hate that we ended book 2 the way we did because we finally got to a happy place, and now we are back at one. With the funeral coming up, the cases, the family soon to be at odds, and now this key situation, I’m expecting all hell to break loose in the next book for sure! I can’t wait to see how this concludes!!
Relic and Kennedy are both insane and toxic. The fact that they both had secrets was wild. Relic thinking he’s ahead of Kennedy was also crazy. They kept one-upping each other. Kennedy, aka “Big Kenn Dog,” was out of this world! I don’t know what I expected from Kennedy, but she was more than I could have imagined. She really is a mastermind like Relic. I hate that we ended book 2 the way we did because we finally got to a happy place, and now we are back at one. With the funeral coming up, the cases, the family soon to be at odds, and now this key situation, I’m expecting all hell to break loose in the next book for sure! I can’t wait to see how this concludes!!
January 24, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ // 50 MILLION STARS // NOTHING LESS
Okay… what can I even say about this phenomenal ass book besides the fact that Nett has once again written a straight-up BANGER?!
Listen… Respectfully, Kennedy is book TWO in the Checkmate: Dyab Je Ble vs. Lorenn series, and baybee, the way Antoinette Sherell continues to outdo herself is insane. This book was layered like an onion wrapped in metaphor wrapped in a chessboard wrapped in trauma and topped with Black love. I was stressed and blessed reading it.
This is iron sharpening iron in the purest form. Kennedy and Relic are in a game of chess—with each other, with their hearts, with their pasts—and they are constantly questioning if they’re leading with logic or love. It’s brain vs. heart, and the lines are blurring every damn page.
And that’s what I love most: Antoinette didn’t spoon-feed the plot. She peeled it back slowly and intentionally. The metaphors? Mind-blowing. The tension? Unmatched. The storytelling? Intricate and mature. It gave grown, it gave healing, it gave “think while you read.”
The character development this man went through… let’s talk about it. THIS is how you write a redemption arc. Not cheesy. Not watered down. Just honest growth. Relic is still flawed, still intense, but now (y’all) understand him. That cold exterior is rooted in a childhood that forced him to be his own protector. But now, he wants to be chosen. Loved out loud. And Kennedy? She sees him.
And no, I don’t care what the girlies are saying about Kennedy’s choice in the end. She told us what it was from the jump, told Relic too, and stood ten toes in her boundaries. I respect the hell out of her for that. That final scene? 10/10. That’s how you leave a reader craving book 3.
One of Nett’s greatest gifts as an author is her ability to make everyone feel real—not just the leads. The whole crew feels like family. And yeah, some of them work my last nerve (I’m looking at YOU, Shabu & Savvy), but that’s what makes this series so damn good—it’s lived in, it’s full-bodied, it’s personal.
I highlighted damn near the whole book, but here are a few moments that live rent-free in my head:
🖤 Favorite Moments:
1. That fight in the rain – Whewwww! Tension? Passion? Vulnerability? ALL DELIVERED.
2. The vacation scene – Relic on his “buckle list” had me giggling and sweating at the same time. That man said put me on the itinerary, ma’am.
3. The fishing trip with the brothers – Black boy joy + a lil’ chaos = chef’s kiss.
4. Jaheel & Kennedy’s bond – He tho he stays dry snitching on both Relic and Kenn, 😂 his love is loud.
5. Relic meeting Kennedy’s parents – AND then Butch dropping that bomb, aftermath. yeaaa, Gold.
6. That damn show scene – Relic vs. Zeke had me clutching imaginary pearls.
🧠 Final Thoughts:
This book slumped me. I’m still in a chokehold. Respectfully, Kennedy is hands down one of the BEST books I’ve read this year. It’s smart, it’s sexy, it’s gut-wrenching and soul-soothing at the same damn time. If you’re not reading this series IN ORDER, you’re doing yourself a disservice.
Start with The Art of Hood Love (3 books), then read Lessons From My Hidden Treasure, and then come back to this masterpiece. Don’t skip around, don’t cheat yourself. Experience it how it was meant to be experienced.
Nett, you did your big one. AGAIN.
Okay… what can I even say about this phenomenal ass book besides the fact that Nett has once again written a straight-up BANGER?!
Listen… Respectfully, Kennedy is book TWO in the Checkmate: Dyab Je Ble vs. Lorenn series, and baybee, the way Antoinette Sherell continues to outdo herself is insane. This book was layered like an onion wrapped in metaphor wrapped in a chessboard wrapped in trauma and topped with Black love. I was stressed and blessed reading it.
This is iron sharpening iron in the purest form. Kennedy and Relic are in a game of chess—with each other, with their hearts, with their pasts—and they are constantly questioning if they’re leading with logic or love. It’s brain vs. heart, and the lines are blurring every damn page.
And that’s what I love most: Antoinette didn’t spoon-feed the plot. She peeled it back slowly and intentionally. The metaphors? Mind-blowing. The tension? Unmatched. The storytelling? Intricate and mature. It gave grown, it gave healing, it gave “think while you read.”
The character development this man went through… let’s talk about it. THIS is how you write a redemption arc. Not cheesy. Not watered down. Just honest growth. Relic is still flawed, still intense, but now (y’all) understand him. That cold exterior is rooted in a childhood that forced him to be his own protector. But now, he wants to be chosen. Loved out loud. And Kennedy? She sees him.
And no, I don’t care what the girlies are saying about Kennedy’s choice in the end. She told us what it was from the jump, told Relic too, and stood ten toes in her boundaries. I respect the hell out of her for that. That final scene? 10/10. That’s how you leave a reader craving book 3.
One of Nett’s greatest gifts as an author is her ability to make everyone feel real—not just the leads. The whole crew feels like family. And yeah, some of them work my last nerve (I’m looking at YOU, Shabu & Savvy), but that’s what makes this series so damn good—it’s lived in, it’s full-bodied, it’s personal.
I highlighted damn near the whole book, but here are a few moments that live rent-free in my head:
🖤 Favorite Moments:
1. That fight in the rain – Whewwww! Tension? Passion? Vulnerability? ALL DELIVERED.
2. The vacation scene – Relic on his “buckle list” had me giggling and sweating at the same time. That man said put me on the itinerary, ma’am.
3. The fishing trip with the brothers – Black boy joy + a lil’ chaos = chef’s kiss.
4. Jaheel & Kennedy’s bond – He tho he stays dry snitching on both Relic and Kenn, 😂 his love is loud.
5. Relic meeting Kennedy’s parents – AND then Butch dropping that bomb, aftermath. yeaaa, Gold.
6. That damn show scene – Relic vs. Zeke had me clutching imaginary pearls.
🧠 Final Thoughts:
This book slumped me. I’m still in a chokehold. Respectfully, Kennedy is hands down one of the BEST books I’ve read this year. It’s smart, it’s sexy, it’s gut-wrenching and soul-soothing at the same damn time. If you’re not reading this series IN ORDER, you’re doing yourself a disservice.
Start with The Art of Hood Love (3 books), then read Lessons From My Hidden Treasure, and then come back to this masterpiece. Don’t skip around, don’t cheat yourself. Experience it how it was meant to be experienced.
Nett, you did your big one. AGAIN.
January 26, 2026
I really enjoyed this book and the complexities of Relic and Kennedy. While I did expect Kennedy to play her hand like that in the end, it kinda hurt to read it all play out. So much to unpack!
Shabu and P will always be my fav lol
Loved to see some growth is Lexi
Savvy has came a long way and I love that for her.
Shabu and P will always be my fav lol
Loved to see some growth is Lexi
Savvy has came a long way and I love that for her.
January 19, 2026
These twoooo!!!!!! omfggg stressing me tf out. The push and pull between them is like a damn riptide and we're all trapped in it, getting pulled under over and over and over and over again. Just drown me at this point bruh cause im TIEEED!
These Are My Observations | This Is Not A Review
You know...after reading these books for all these years (since 2023) and getting to "know" Relic, through the glimpses we got of him from Savvy and Shabu's perspective; the small peaks we got through Pierre and Treasure...When we finally got to see who he is from HIM, I really thought, oh yea this man is crazy, Kennedy needs to leave him alone. Completely understood the allure and the pull to ALL that BDE that could 1,000,000% be backed up, but I was like girl RUN.
After reading this book though. BOTH these motherfuckers are crazy! There were certain parts of the book where I was hoping and praying that they would work it out. That Kennedy could find it in her heart of hearts to somehow forgive Relic and continue to see the good in him that everyone besides Savvy overlooked. That she would show him that he was deserving of love and people that cared for him and looked out for him. But after reading that ending, I realized that Relic is unfairly getting all the bad rep, because Kennedy is just as sociopathic as he is. Relic is the one diagnosed with a dissociative disorder so what the hell is Kennedy's excuse for being ABLE to play in that mans face like that?!
These two irk my nerves soooo bad. They're both so busy playing this game of chess with everyone around them AND each other, that they haven't sat their asses down to realize that they both are hurt, guarded, damaged, and damaging everything that COULD be good between and around them. They're BOTH villains in their own story but keep projecting their own shortcomings onto each other and trying to predict and plan for every sing wrongdoing that the other is going to do to them before they do anything or are even thinking about doing anything. Its like, JUST STOP! and talk to each other and be HONEST like grown adults, jfc!
I'm DYING to see what Kennedy's next "move" is going to be...because despite it all...I really do want to see THEM come out on top but IDK if that's going to happen and honestly if it SHOULD happen, because as much as they are equally yoked and made for eachother in that they can both go tit for tat...that's not exactly HEALTHY. See...they got me all over the place with my feelings just like they are! UGGGGGHGHGHHGHGHGH!
These Are My Observations | This Is Not A Review
You know...after reading these books for all these years (since 2023) and getting to "know" Relic, through the glimpses we got of him from Savvy and Shabu's perspective; the small peaks we got through Pierre and Treasure...When we finally got to see who he is from HIM, I really thought, oh yea this man is crazy, Kennedy needs to leave him alone. Completely understood the allure and the pull to ALL that BDE that could 1,000,000% be backed up, but I was like girl RUN.
After reading this book though. BOTH these motherfuckers are crazy! There were certain parts of the book where I was hoping and praying that they would work it out. That Kennedy could find it in her heart of hearts to somehow forgive Relic and continue to see the good in him that everyone besides Savvy overlooked. That she would show him that he was deserving of love and people that cared for him and looked out for him. But after reading that ending, I realized that Relic is unfairly getting all the bad rep, because Kennedy is just as sociopathic as he is. Relic is the one diagnosed with a dissociative disorder so what the hell is Kennedy's excuse for being ABLE to play in that mans face like that?!
These two irk my nerves soooo bad. They're both so busy playing this game of chess with everyone around them AND each other, that they haven't sat their asses down to realize that they both are hurt, guarded, damaged, and damaging everything that COULD be good between and around them. They're BOTH villains in their own story but keep projecting their own shortcomings onto each other and trying to predict and plan for every sing wrongdoing that the other is going to do to them before they do anything or are even thinking about doing anything. Its like, JUST STOP! and talk to each other and be HONEST like grown adults, jfc!
I'm DYING to see what Kennedy's next "move" is going to be...because despite it all...I really do want to see THEM come out on top but IDK if that's going to happen and honestly if it SHOULD happen, because as much as they are equally yoked and made for eachother in that they can both go tit for tat...that's not exactly HEALTHY. See...they got me all over the place with my feelings just like they are! UGGGGGHGHGHHGHGHGH!
February 1, 2026
That ending has me ready for book 3 to drop now!!
January 14, 2026
4.5 ✨
Bruh this shit was sooo good! The way Antionette built this story, the layers of each character the game of chess being the undertone to every move they made, and yet the board is still full of potential plays! Relic went from the most hated MMC of all time to me rooting for him to beat this thing, be a more active father and finally experience his version of unconditional love!
That damn ending tho??????? I really hope we don’t have to wait for long bc the game of Big Dog Ken and Relic has me sitting on the edge of my seat! And I want to know will the king or queen be the last one standing on the board?
Bruh this shit was sooo good! The way Antionette built this story, the layers of each character the game of chess being the undertone to every move they made, and yet the board is still full of potential plays! Relic went from the most hated MMC of all time to me rooting for him to beat this thing, be a more active father and finally experience his version of unconditional love!
That damn ending tho??????? I really hope we don’t have to wait for long bc the game of Big Dog Ken and Relic has me sitting on the edge of my seat! And I want to know will the king or queen be the last one standing on the board?
January 12, 2026
So worth the read!
10/10 my girl Kennedy came to win and she did that!!
This book picks up right where the first one left off and dives right back into the fold.
10/10 my girl Kennedy came to win and she did that!!
This book picks up right where the first one left off and dives right back into the fold.
January 21, 2026
This was a 5 star rating before I even read the book. I was tempted to rate it before reading because I knew the standard of writing Antoinette is on. I'm slowly creating my top 5 authors that I already expect greatness from and Ladii Nesha and Antoinette Sherell are on that list for me.
I want to be deeply invested in fictional characters. I want to be buried into their world as if I'm living it with them. And only skilled authors can produce that quality of work. I'm on the look out for that. As I'm starting to see it's a rarity.
I did not want to put this book down and I was so sad when it ended. I hate that 😩 a book that you find boring will take you ages to finish but you'll speed through a +400page book in a few days because you're invested and a lack of sleep is the sacrifice.
I knew I was in for a treat when I saw this book was released. And I made sure I cleared my schedule to complete it because Relik and Kennedy are a puzzle and I absolutely love puzzles 😍! A complete mind f*ck.
Please, don't even attempt to figure them out as you'll get a headache🤣. Just enjoy the ride and allow things to slowly unfold🤷🏾♀️. That was my takeaway. That's the greatness of her gift. That's the magic of Antoinette's pen game.
I strongly believe it's written for us to be deeply confused. I started to realise that. The omissions, the lies, hiding their hand in this twisted poker game, the riddles etc. It's like being in an escape room lol and I loved it😍
So on that note, here are my thoughts and opinions lol
Kennedy:
In my opinion I think she is way out of her field with Relik. It's painfully obvious that this man is like 20 million steps ahead.
I love that she took on the challenge of dealing with him. I absolutely love that about her.
But girl, you're in his 🌎!!!!. You're like his hamster on a wheel. Unawares. That's my opinion.
I strongly think Relik is a mastermind/genius and she's a pawn in his game. I also think Kennedy is more emotional than she leads us and him to believe.
She is driven by her grief and trauma.
For example, her shop being burnt down and escaping a near death situation and picking up the pieces of her life when her brother died etc.
Yet, Relik calmly and slowly pulls her into his web by absorbing her into his worries/concerns.
For example, she forms a tight bond with his son and moves in with Relic all while fighting to prove her independence? Like girl please lol ...
I mean, the way Relik is described lol it's giving zaddy energy & any lady would happily live in his web of lust and deceit.😍😉 🥵🌶️🔥 so I'm not judging Kennedy at all lol I'm just saying. She fell hook, line and sinker 😉.
Relik:
I think he is a total nutcase lol But I love unhinged MMC's😍. They make great fictional characters. But when he flipped and switched at her parents house. I was like "oh sh*t🫣"
I have no idea how Kennedy calms the beast in him. Like I'd be 🏃🏾♀️🏃🏾♀️ out of there!!!...I'd be scared sh*tless, shaking in my boots lol.
Especially when he started referring to, his father Joseph being in his head? Yeah, I'd be like ✌🏾. Don't care how fine that man is lol
He's scary when he's in a fit of rage because it's like he's a loose canon and he loses all sense of reason.
Especially the kidnapping scene when she witnessed him handle the gun with a perfect aim and how cold and detached he was while she could barely keep the food in her stomach from coming out her mouth? Yeah, Kennedy needs an award or a psychiatrist lol
The ending:
I just knew we wouldn't get any closure. I knew it. But I'm not mad. I promise. I enjoyed every second of this book and I'll happily wait for the next installment because there better be one....😡🤬 Or me and Antoinette will be fighting🥊.😚
Because you cannot end it like that. I refuse to accept it😌. So I'll wait. I'm patient 😉 Because there are waaay too many unanswered questions.
I don't believe Kennedy truly walked away because their agreement was so confusing and their relationship made my head hurt to the point where I didn't understand the betrayal Relik felt.
And I think she's pregnant. I don't think she's on any contraception with that man with the way he is blowing her back out😉. Like I said earlier I think he checkmated her. But that's MY opinion. (love how Antoinette has successfully confused us all lol)
In conclusion (cause I can be here all day)
I think they're both equally unpredictable and both play mind games with each other so it's stressful to figure what's actually truly happening lol But it's expected.
Relik can and will find her. Shabu, the safe and the chain Relik gifted Kennedy???.... Listen, Relik is a motherf*ckin genius, I'm calling it!!!
A well deserved 5 stars⭐! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED !! read it right now lol gooo! It's discussion-worthy. So much happens I've barely scratched the surface because I don't want to ruin it with spoilers!!!
One of the best books of the year for me. Nice way to start the year!
I want to be deeply invested in fictional characters. I want to be buried into their world as if I'm living it with them. And only skilled authors can produce that quality of work. I'm on the look out for that. As I'm starting to see it's a rarity.
I did not want to put this book down and I was so sad when it ended. I hate that 😩 a book that you find boring will take you ages to finish but you'll speed through a +400page book in a few days because you're invested and a lack of sleep is the sacrifice.
I knew I was in for a treat when I saw this book was released. And I made sure I cleared my schedule to complete it because Relik and Kennedy are a puzzle and I absolutely love puzzles 😍! A complete mind f*ck.
Please, don't even attempt to figure them out as you'll get a headache🤣. Just enjoy the ride and allow things to slowly unfold🤷🏾♀️. That was my takeaway. That's the greatness of her gift. That's the magic of Antoinette's pen game.
I strongly believe it's written for us to be deeply confused. I started to realise that. The omissions, the lies, hiding their hand in this twisted poker game, the riddles etc. It's like being in an escape room lol and I loved it😍
So on that note, here are my thoughts and opinions lol
Kennedy:
In my opinion I think she is way out of her field with Relik. It's painfully obvious that this man is like 20 million steps ahead.
I love that she took on the challenge of dealing with him. I absolutely love that about her.
But girl, you're in his 🌎!!!!. You're like his hamster on a wheel. Unawares. That's my opinion.
I strongly think Relik is a mastermind/genius and she's a pawn in his game. I also think Kennedy is more emotional than she leads us and him to believe.
She is driven by her grief and trauma.
For example, her shop being burnt down and escaping a near death situation and picking up the pieces of her life when her brother died etc.
Yet, Relik calmly and slowly pulls her into his web by absorbing her into his worries/concerns.
For example, she forms a tight bond with his son and moves in with Relic all while fighting to prove her independence? Like girl please lol ...
I mean, the way Relik is described lol it's giving zaddy energy & any lady would happily live in his web of lust and deceit.😍😉 🥵🌶️🔥 so I'm not judging Kennedy at all lol I'm just saying. She fell hook, line and sinker 😉.
Relik:
I think he is a total nutcase lol But I love unhinged MMC's😍. They make great fictional characters. But when he flipped and switched at her parents house. I was like "oh sh*t🫣"
I have no idea how Kennedy calms the beast in him. Like I'd be 🏃🏾♀️🏃🏾♀️ out of there!!!...I'd be scared sh*tless, shaking in my boots lol.
Especially when he started referring to, his father Joseph being in his head? Yeah, I'd be like ✌🏾. Don't care how fine that man is lol
He's scary when he's in a fit of rage because it's like he's a loose canon and he loses all sense of reason.
Especially the kidnapping scene when she witnessed him handle the gun with a perfect aim and how cold and detached he was while she could barely keep the food in her stomach from coming out her mouth? Yeah, Kennedy needs an award or a psychiatrist lol
The ending:
I just knew we wouldn't get any closure. I knew it. But I'm not mad. I promise. I enjoyed every second of this book and I'll happily wait for the next installment because there better be one....😡🤬 Or me and Antoinette will be fighting🥊.😚
Because you cannot end it like that. I refuse to accept it😌. So I'll wait. I'm patient 😉 Because there are waaay too many unanswered questions.
I don't believe Kennedy truly walked away because their agreement was so confusing and their relationship made my head hurt to the point where I didn't understand the betrayal Relik felt.
And I think she's pregnant. I don't think she's on any contraception with that man with the way he is blowing her back out😉. Like I said earlier I think he checkmated her. But that's MY opinion. (love how Antoinette has successfully confused us all lol)
In conclusion (cause I can be here all day)
I think they're both equally unpredictable and both play mind games with each other so it's stressful to figure what's actually truly happening lol But it's expected.
Relik can and will find her. Shabu, the safe and the chain Relik gifted Kennedy???.... Listen, Relik is a motherf*ckin genius, I'm calling it!!!
A well deserved 5 stars⭐! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED !! read it right now lol gooo! It's discussion-worthy. So much happens I've barely scratched the surface because I don't want to ruin it with spoilers!!!
One of the best books of the year for me. Nice way to start the year!
January 27, 2026
Disappointed!
I really wanted to love this book. I truly loved how Relic’s and Kennedy‘s relationship grew over time in Book 1, and I was looking forward to seeing how they navigated their issues and figured it out together in Book 2. That didn’t happen. While I loved Relic’s growth in this book, I honestly…truly disliked Kennedy from the first few chapters and it never changed. I feel like Kennedy was excessively and unnecessarily a horrible person in this book, and tried to justify her actions because ot what she went through. While I understand her pain finding out Relic was the cause of the fire, Relic really showed her he was willing to figure out his issues for her and give her whatever she needed. She was so stuck on her pain and issues that she didn’t try to heal and instead focused on payback. Too many games played and “chess” moves that felt redundant and pointless. Now, as an avid reader, I do feel like this could be corrected in book three and everything Kennedy did was for Relic’s freedom that we just didn’t know. But right now, I can’t stand her. Lol.
I really wanted to love this book. I truly loved how Relic’s and Kennedy‘s relationship grew over time in Book 1, and I was looking forward to seeing how they navigated their issues and figured it out together in Book 2. That didn’t happen. While I loved Relic’s growth in this book, I honestly…truly disliked Kennedy from the first few chapters and it never changed. I feel like Kennedy was excessively and unnecessarily a horrible person in this book, and tried to justify her actions because ot what she went through. While I understand her pain finding out Relic was the cause of the fire, Relic really showed her he was willing to figure out his issues for her and give her whatever she needed. She was so stuck on her pain and issues that she didn’t try to heal and instead focused on payback. Too many games played and “chess” moves that felt redundant and pointless. Now, as an avid reader, I do feel like this could be corrected in book three and everything Kennedy did was for Relic’s freedom that we just didn’t know. But right now, I can’t stand her. Lol.
January 13, 2026
This was a long wait
Ok so I love me some Relic. Out of everyone he is the one character who grew the most. He is so complex and someone who literally lives in the gray. Umm Kennedy was cool but it was like girl get it together…..
Yes she was cunning… Butttt idk she was too emotional at times. Her slip was showing a little too much.
Now the back and forth between him and Kennedy got old I won’t lie. And you can definitely tell the author was doing everything she could to stretch this story to another book. Because a lot of scenes were repetitive. Also them getting married was predictable and not shocking at all. But overall the story was good and had some really funny moments. I love when the entire group gets together because here will definitely be some laughs.
I knew Kennedy would end up turning on him and his family was right Relic allowed himself to be blind because he caught feelings and those feelings were outside of his realm. If Relic was paying attention he would have seen Kennedy showed her hand every time she got mad and spewed the hateful things she would say but Relic was too blinded by his feelings and for once he felt like he finally found his person. Yes, Relic was sneaky too but everything he did had a purpose.
Anyway I definitely recommend. As stated before the book had its repetitive moments and you can definitely tell the story is being dragged out a bit. But it was a good read.
Also this book had entirely too many grammatical errors. It took at least 6 months to be released during that time a good editor should have combed this. I had to deduct a star because the errors are a bit distracting,
Ok so I love me some Relic. Out of everyone he is the one character who grew the most. He is so complex and someone who literally lives in the gray. Umm Kennedy was cool but it was like girl get it together…..
Yes she was cunning… Butttt idk she was too emotional at times. Her slip was showing a little too much.
Now the back and forth between him and Kennedy got old I won’t lie. And you can definitely tell the author was doing everything she could to stretch this story to another book. Because a lot of scenes were repetitive. Also them getting married was predictable and not shocking at all. But overall the story was good and had some really funny moments. I love when the entire group gets together because here will definitely be some laughs.
I knew Kennedy would end up turning on him and his family was right Relic allowed himself to be blind because he caught feelings and those feelings were outside of his realm. If Relic was paying attention he would have seen Kennedy showed her hand every time she got mad and spewed the hateful things she would say but Relic was too blinded by his feelings and for once he felt like he finally found his person. Yes, Relic was sneaky too but everything he did had a purpose.
Anyway I definitely recommend. As stated before the book had its repetitive moments and you can definitely tell the story is being dragged out a bit. But it was a good read.
Also this book had entirely too many grammatical errors. It took at least 6 months to be released during that time a good editor should have combed this. I had to deduct a star because the errors are a bit distracting,
January 11, 2026
It was good!
Enjoyed this book, just hated that also ended in a cliff hanger. I thought it would been a two book series.
Enjoyed this book, just hated that also ended in a cliff hanger. I thought it would been a two book series.
February 12, 2026
Big Dog Ken
OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG! To be honest I love and hate this game they playing. They love each other and can't express it with words but their actions toward each other speak so much louder. King Relic 🤴 Big Dawg I understand, she the cause and the cure. Part 2 me now!!!!!! So excited for their story.
OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG! To be honest I love and hate this game they playing. They love each other and can't express it with words but their actions toward each other speak so much louder. King Relic 🤴 Big Dawg I understand, she the cause and the cure. Part 2 me now!!!!!! So excited for their story.
February 4, 2026
My Girl Kennedy Is 1 Of Them 1s. My Good Sis Played The Game With Relic Good If Not Better. She In Some Ways Was 10 Steps Ahead Of Him. Relic Had Her Mind Gone, But When I Say She Never Let Him Get 1 Up On Her. She Was In Her Feelings About Certain Things, But Never Let Relic See Or Get Over. They Saw Each Other In Each Other. Had Relic Doing & Saying Things He Hadn’t Said Since His 1st Love(Jessica)
From The Previous Book I Knew That Relic Had Plans For Kennedy, But Did I Expect His Plans To Go As Far As They Did. Hell Noooooooo. He Played With Her Feeling, & So Did She. But For Me When Kennedy Came Back To What They Actually Were It Somewhat Fed My Own Ego.
He Showed Up For Her Even Though It Was Hard For Her To Admit It. She Matched His Sex Drive If Not Fed It More Honestly. Matched His Banter & Shit Talk. Was Just As Smart As Him When Came To Business Because Of Her Brother.
So Much Happened In This Book, & It’s Not Done. Cliffhanger Much😖 From Her Going Home Where Old Things & Flings Reach The Surface, To Tekken Career Making Noise, To Kennedy & Jahlil Relationship Blossoming, To Kennedy, Finding Out About The Fire, To Beacation, To The Spice🌶️🌶️🌶️(Which Wasn’t Overly Done), Things Of Her Brother. Ugggggh I Enjoyed Every Bit Of It.
Really Good Just Go Read
From The Previous Book I Knew That Relic Had Plans For Kennedy, But Did I Expect His Plans To Go As Far As They Did. Hell Noooooooo. He Played With Her Feeling, & So Did She. But For Me When Kennedy Came Back To What They Actually Were It Somewhat Fed My Own Ego.
He Showed Up For Her Even Though It Was Hard For Her To Admit It. She Matched His Sex Drive If Not Fed It More Honestly. Matched His Banter & Shit Talk. Was Just As Smart As Him When Came To Business Because Of Her Brother.
So Much Happened In This Book, & It’s Not Done. Cliffhanger Much😖 From Her Going Home Where Old Things & Flings Reach The Surface, To Tekken Career Making Noise, To Kennedy & Jahlil Relationship Blossoming, To Kennedy, Finding Out About The Fire, To Beacation, To The Spice🌶️🌶️🌶️(Which Wasn’t Overly Done), Things Of Her Brother. Ugggggh I Enjoyed Every Bit Of It.
Really Good Just Go Read
February 12, 2026
That ending 🤯
Kennedy & Relic are the same. C R A Z Y!
Relic putting belt to a** in the dressing room had me so tickled.
I’m not understanding if they’re supposed to be these street 🥷🏾 why would Shabu allow Savvy to be involved at all. She was the accountant, what did they think would happen if the feds came knocking.
If more of Relic & Kennedy series continues, I’ll be back.
Kennedy & Relic are the same. C R A Z Y!
Relic putting belt to a** in the dressing room had me so tickled.
I’m not understanding if they’re supposed to be these street 🥷🏾 why would Shabu allow Savvy to be involved at all. She was the accountant, what did they think would happen if the feds came knocking.
If more of Relic & Kennedy series continues, I’ll be back.
February 23, 2026
I am still stuck and thinking I may have an old lady crush on the blue eyed devil himself, ugh, no notes.
February 6, 2026
This book is big D Energy, that will have you feigning like a crack head because you can’t find one bigger to fill you up!
It’s not good it’s great!! So much, but so good! The only warning I have is if you struggle will cliffhangers DO NOT READ THIS BOOK YET!! It will leave you emotionally exhausted, damaged, and feigning for what’s next! It will have you rereading this book because you don’t have a follow that that will fill that hunger! I’m hurt, but oh so excited! If you thought you loved bad boys, this one will have you pulling out your hair and begging him to glue it back on in the same breath! Okay I’m done!
It’s not good it’s great!! So much, but so good! The only warning I have is if you struggle will cliffhangers DO NOT READ THIS BOOK YET!! It will leave you emotionally exhausted, damaged, and feigning for what’s next! It will have you rereading this book because you don’t have a follow that that will fill that hunger! I’m hurt, but oh so excited! If you thought you loved bad boys, this one will have you pulling out your hair and begging him to glue it back on in the same breath! Okay I’m done!
February 8, 2026
♟️
Man, that cliffhanger is crazy, and now I’m wondering how long I gotta wait for the next book 😂.
Kennedy and Relic are so alike. Calculated, strategic, and always thinking three steps ahead. I really wanna see how this turns out because the tension is high as hell. These mind games that they play? Mental chess ♟️.
Overall, this was a solid read and did exactly what it was supposed to do. Pull me in and leave me begging
for the next book.
SN - I think I know whose Koda baby mother and daughter is, and if I’m right? Messyyy!!!
Man, that cliffhanger is crazy, and now I’m wondering how long I gotta wait for the next book 😂.
Kennedy and Relic are so alike. Calculated, strategic, and always thinking three steps ahead. I really wanna see how this turns out because the tension is high as hell. These mind games that they play? Mental chess ♟️.
Overall, this was a solid read and did exactly what it was supposed to do. Pull me in and leave me begging
for the next book.
SN - I think I know whose Koda baby mother and daughter is, and if I’m right? Messyyy!!!
February 10, 2026
chess not checkers
Oh Big Dog Kenn took the win and Antoinette didn’t miss a step while continuing the storyline. I enjoyed how you prepared us for a not so happy ending I’ll wait for book 3
Oh Big Dog Kenn took the win and Antoinette didn’t miss a step while continuing the storyline. I enjoyed how you prepared us for a not so happy ending I’ll wait for book 3
February 2, 2026
Very good read
This book was chef kiss, it was a 10. I was captivated from beginning to end. I would stop reading because I didn’t want it to end. Was Relic messed up absolutely, but Ms. Author you made me fall in love with him. Him and Kennedy were both master manipulators. She should have known Relic knew that she knew his secret because he was always playing chess. He should have also known she would want revenge she was him in a dress. I wasn’t mad at her for wanting revenge. I was mad at her for playing with his child’s feelings. If she knew she was going to leave why let his son fall in love with her. Shabu was losing it just that quick so how was Relic supposed to leave him in charge. I need that next book.
This book was chef kiss, it was a 10. I was captivated from beginning to end. I would stop reading because I didn’t want it to end. Was Relic messed up absolutely, but Ms. Author you made me fall in love with him. Him and Kennedy were both master manipulators. She should have known Relic knew that she knew his secret because he was always playing chess. He should have also known she would want revenge she was him in a dress. I wasn’t mad at her for wanting revenge. I was mad at her for playing with his child’s feelings. If she knew she was going to leave why let his son fall in love with her. Shabu was losing it just that quick so how was Relic supposed to leave him in charge. I need that next book.
February 4, 2026
I’m devastated honestly
I’ll keep it brief without spoilers… I hope she’s pregnant and doesn’t leave Jah hanging and the rest of the family doesn’t put a bounty on her head. I’m devastated I got this deep in the fold (iykyk) lol and gotta wait on the next part.
I’ll keep it brief without spoilers… I hope she’s pregnant and doesn’t leave Jah hanging and the rest of the family doesn’t put a bounty on her head. I’m devastated I got this deep in the fold (iykyk) lol and gotta wait on the next part.
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