His Chosen Wife

by C. Monet

Genres: African American

238 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 8, 2026

About the author

I'm Author C. Monet of Clarksville TN. I write transparent creative romance with a splash of urban. My stories feature, smart, witty boss women and swoon-worthy, loving, flawed men all looking for one thing..... LOVE. Yes, you guessed it I write about love. My novels usually center around instalove, opposites attract, and redemptive love. However, I've been known to come up with love that cant be placed in a box. All in all, love is the motive no matter how it's reached. My books will leave you full; full of love, gems, and pieces of me.

Once life started to happen for and around me I grabbed the pen and decided to unmute my truth. I pen love unfiltered and undefined because rules can’t exist with creativity. The poetry in my words takes you to a place filled with dreams and aspirations of love and how it heals the soul.

Join me in my journey by subscribing to my mailing list at www.authorcmonet.com

Reviews

[ReadnliftwithShar]

😌😌😌

4.5✨I loved me some Grim and Coco! From the first encounter until the end, Grim was intrigued by Coco. They met when Grim had an event to make his reign as head of the Grimson Empire official and Coco served as the event planner. Coco witnessed a gruesome incident that night and to keep her from talking Grim gave her an opportunity - marry him or else. His Chosen Wife was a good spin on the marriage of convenience trope. There were just enough bloodshed, intense dynamics between old blood vs new blood but the romance was at the forefront! Grim was passionate and protected Coco with his entire being. I loved seeing their love blossom.. Coco deserved everything! 🥰

[Toya Davis-Stokley]

I went into this knowing that it would be a marriage of convenience, however, it was so much more!

Lesley was stepping into his new role in the family organization, that he had been preparing for his entire life. He thought that was the end all be all, until he laid eyes on Colecion.

Colecion, walked into that room of powerful and dangerous men like a boss! Head held high, giving direction while not missing a beat. Lesley wondered who is this woman? He was immediately smitten and intrigued. When Colecion witnesses something she should not have, Lesley goes against the grain with his family and the organization, by sparing her. This action causes tension, and he needs to protect Colecion, as well as himself. Marriage is the answer. 🤯

Colecion doesn’t know how to handle this situation that she has found herself in with Lesley, but she refuses to back down. She steps into it like she has done with everything else in her life, hoping for the best and preparing for the worst. With all the losses she has experienced in life, she doesn’t expect a man of Lesley’s caliber to keep her around. She will play her part, save her life, and keep it moving. She will be no one’s consolation prize, she wants to be chosen or nothing at all.

Lesley is the man around town, with his name ringing bells everywhere he goes. But underneath is a man who has never experienced love who also wants to be chosen by a woman who can love him for him, not because he is Lesley Grimson. The connection and chemistry between these two was always there. However, experiencing them taking the time to get to know one another, and becoming vulnerable while baring their souls was beautiful. 🥰

The organization beef falls to the background, as this read was really about two people learning that love doesn’t always hurt, it heals.

[Wind]

I love a marriage of convenience / forced marriage storyline and this was one hit the right spot. From the moment Lesley laid his eyes on Coco he knew she was special and after she saw something she wasn’t supposed to, Lesley had no choice but to propose marriage for spousal privilege. This was a cute read.

[WellReadRuby]

I love a forced marriage 🤭

Lesley and Coco reminded me why I love forced or arranged marriages. The build-up before they fall, especially the man, is always so rewarding. Both characters found themselves in their forced marriage. Coco, it was family, and for Lesley, it was stepping into his full potential with a partner. Neither one played about the other, and I loved that. I will also say the drama was good, but I could've handled a bit more. I enjoyed this book by C Monet and would recommend it. Definitely check the trigger warnings because this book does have some violence on the page.

[Quiantra]

This book delivers a compelling mix of intensity, emotion, and slow-burn connection that keeps you hooked from the first page. Colecion aka Coco is a strong, guarded heroine whose independence and survival instincts feel real and well earned. Watching her navigate vulnerability,especially in a situation she never truly chose adds depth to her character.

Lesley ( Mr. Grimm himself)brings a different kind of tension to the story. His calculated, almost clinical approach to marriage contrasts nicely with the emotional undercurrents that build between them. What makes the story work is how that initial arrangement gradually shifts into something more layered and genuine.

The pacing is solid, especially in how it balances suspense with character development. The chemistry builds in a way that feels natural rather than rushed, and the emotional payoff is satisfying.

There are moments where the dynamic leans a bit too heavily on familiar tropes, and some readers might want more exploration of certain side elements or backstory. But it doesn’t take away much from the story.

['The Book Queen']

Enjoyed this one

The story was typical for the genre 🙄 I still enjoyed it anyway.

[JazzReads]

3.5/5 this book is a BOOKCLUB pick and this book took me on a wild ride. Coco and Lesley really had me on the edge of my sit. I will be reading more books by this author.

[Ashanti Burton]

Marriage of convenience. Coco seen something she wasn’t suppose to. Grim had his eye on her from day one. Soon as he got the opportunity to make her his, he took his chance. It was a lil rough but they got it together. Strong fmc. Even when she was scared she held her chin high and talked her iish. They were just what eachother needed to live the soft life. I would recommend.

[Dominique Love]

It was cool

The storyline is what I like, but the buildup lasted way too long, for the sex scene not be the best shit ever. Book was too repetitive. I like the FMC didn’t take no BS tho and I will recommend to a new Urban Fiction reader

[Shermaine Watson]

Great storyline, but it was too slow for me way too slow for my liking. I had to skip through to make it to the end. I’m just not my cup of tea.

[Daphne]

2.5

The story felt kind of choppy for me. I felt like they were in limbo with their feelings then progressed but back in limbo again. There were parts that felt repetitive as well.

[Monique]

“We’d both been broken in different ways when we met. Him, by a life that demanded hardness over heart. Me, by loss that had taught me independence was the only safety. But somehow, we’d learned to be soft with each other. To trust. To build a love neither of us had known we needed.”

From the beginning I loved both Colecion and Lesley. She was a boss who commanded and demanded respect, and I loved that Lesley recognized from the very start that there was something different about her. Everyone feared him, but she saw the man beneath the power. While this started as a marriage of convenience, it was clear early on that their connection was real and things were bound to turn genuine quickly. Watching them both lean into softness with each other was really heartwarming.

I initially thought there would be more underworld shenanigans based on how the story opened, but ultimately this was more about two broken people learning that love doesn’t always leave. I appreciated the pacing and the way we saw their relationship develop (going on dates, spending time together, and sharing those quieter, everyday moments.)

There were a few things that felt glossed over and a couple of minor inconsistencies, but they didn’t distract too much from the story because Coco and Lessy remained the heart of it.

[Kniah]

The romance was cute but we focused too much on their arrangement and not enough on other details so it became repetitive. I understand the romance is the major plot in the book but giving us snippets of Lesley’s life as Grim and never getting real answers was annoying. Who told the police Coco was in the basement? What actually happened to the foxes in the hen house? What was the resolution of the investigation into Grimson Enterprise. Without these answer it felt kind of unfinished and like we were left in the unknown along with Coco despite reading from Lesley’s POV.

Overall I enjoyed the story but if we got more answers instead of romance I think it would’ve been better and not as repetitive.

[Ko MAC]

this wasn’t my type of arrangement 🫤

This book wasn’t bad but it was missing details. Like for example we knew the uncle was up to something but it didn’t say exactly what or Legend’s girlfriend. Also, Like who really leaked information to the police. It focused more on Coco and Lesley their arrangement. It kind of became boring repeating their feelings over and over again. Could have been better.

[Jai]

Don’t bother

At 54% in I was over it and skipping paragraphs. Their was NO character buildup or background. I honestly felt like I missed part of the story and more should have been explained. It was really repetitive with the emotions. The plot had potential to be great if it done properly

[Gwendolyn Smith]

It was okay

The book was okay. It wasn't well written. The author didn't give developed explanations on some of the important issues. Karen's death was not explained well at all. I suspected her and the uncle was giving information to the police but the author did not break what they did or why. The author left us hanging.

[Tina Bell]

love

It’s was a cute love story with a lot of love. He started off on the wrong foot, but then they both chose each other and it was beautiful to see. Light drama, but the main focus is about their love.

[Maryam]

Bleeeeh. So disappointed

The premise seemed interesting, but the repetition and tone really resemble AI writing. The dialogue and narration are very very stilted and there are plenty of phrases that only make sense to a machine trying to copy human logic.

[Q. Moore]

Spontaneous impulses....

Impulse decisions lead to fulfilled hearts. Lesley had to think quickly and fast about Coercion, but his solution changed the trajectory of his life. She filled a void in his life that he didn't know he needed. She taught him how to be an outstanding individual. He had a short fuse, but he cared about the people who were closest to him. He did not play about his wife and made everyone in the family know it. Coercion didn’t exactly have a morning stroll in the park with her upbringing. She had to learn how to be strong and independent at her early age. Her strength created her road to success. She built her from the ground up. When you can finally check ✔️ off the tasks on your to-do list with a husband on your arm, it's like releasing a breath you didn't know you were holding.

This book is good, ya'll, Mrs. Monet put her penmanship on the paper. Once again, she has written a book that I want to highlight every word. When you get the opportunity, grab your copy today. You will be intrigued by Lesley and Coercion. Their relationship take you on a journey.

[Shonta]

Right Time Right Place!

I loved loved loved it! Even with it being an arranged marriage trope lots of things were relatable. There were hidden gems and reminders regarding love, keeping your word, honesty, and trust with the one you’re committed to. Sometimes being in the right place at the wrong time pays off! That was definitely the case with CoCo and Lesley! Their communication was EVERYTHING! To open up and let somebody in knowing you’ve always only been able to rely on self was nice to see and relatable. Trusting and leaning on each other, having a person…your person was new for them but it worked. What started out as a situational convenience turned into black boy and black girl joy for their inner child that needed assurance and kept promises. The grown them got best friends, secret keepers, confidants, partnership, somebody to take care of them, have their back, support, and real love within each other. There were those conspiring against them and not believing in them but they soon learned Lessy didn’t play about The Wife He’d Chosen 10/10

[TheReaderVert]

Ok

I grabbed this book with high hopes and for myself it missed the mark but the writing was indeed solid and strong. As a Mafia Romance it fell short for me, I'm expecting blood, violence, organized crime rules and ritualized actions adding to the conflict and angst but really this was a typical CEO Ultra Millionaire Contemporary with a slight Mafia varnish. A dangerous bad boy MMC, Grim who forces our boss lady FMC into a coerced marriage due to her witnessing a crime. This is one of my fav tropes so I was glued in and giddy the first 20% but the more the book went on the more I realized that was all we were going to get when it comes to the dubious situations, morally gray characters and action. It read as a contemporary read with date after date. Some of the arguments felt like arguments a woman would have with her workaholic CEO man and not a crime boss kingpin. The pacing was slow. It was a slow burn and unfortunately the overall trope remained the major unyielding conflict for majority of the book.

[Carolyn Norman]

Two people who grew up independently find each other and fall in love. This book starts as an arranged marriage.

Coco is the event planner for a dinner that Lesley’s father has planned for his ascension as head of their crime family. At the end of the event Coco sees something that puts her life in danger. Lesley’s family says she has to be dealt with. Instead of eliminating her, Lesley decides to marry her so she can’t testify against him.

The book is about how their arranged marriage becomes a real one. As well as attempts to undermine Lesley’s new control of the family. It was a smooth read, with an unexpected twist that was quite satisfying since the character was working my nerves. Also because the character set Coco up and initially put her in harm’s way.

Borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited.

[DrPsychMama]

Marriage of convenience/forced marriage for spousal privilege was a new twist to the trope that I hadn’t read before.

It was sweet seeing them transition from I’m here for the arrangement to I’m choosing you for the rest of my life.

Lesley as the MMC was frustrating at times because of his struggle to initially prioritize her basic needs for communication. He had never been in a real relationship at his big age of 35, so there were some growing pains.

I loved how assertive Coco was as the FMC. She had to raise herself from her teen years and she learned to not take crap from anyone.

The motives of one of the villains was never explained and the treatment of the second was glossed over.

I would’ve loved to see a more extended epilogue, one with the children they planned on having.

[Mayas]

His Forever

Let's talk about how Legend changed his tune after meeting CoCo and seeing things from Lesley's point of view. My girl was a boss in her own right and proved that she was there partly because she wanted to be. Money doesn't move everyone it is moved by people showing up and seeing you.

CoCo had Lesley sweating and making moves to show her he was locked it. Had him moving things around and fully getting to know the woman that caught his attention before the basement incident. Her fire was not going to be dimmed.

This book gets deep and have you reflecting on your personal grieve and trauma. So many aspects that will have you bossing up or wanting to live in your soft era. Either way C. Monet wrote the hell out of their story.

[Sassha Reads❤️❤️]

I enjoyed reading about Lesley and CoCo’s arranged marriage to them falling madly in love with each other. I think Karyn was trying to set CoCo up when she sent her downstairs while she knew the men were conducting business. At first Grim was married to CoCo but he fell back so she could be chosen by and actually feel love coming from Leslie. The streets got Grim but CoCo got to be experience Lesley. I know Tommy’s motive was envy and jealousy but I wonder what was Karyn’s motive because Legend allowed her to have everything she wanted except his hand in marriage. I like how the book was gangsta but not street hood but also had a romantic feel to it as well.

[Stacie H]

💍 From Arrangement to Real Love 💖

Colecion & Lesley’s story was good—and definitely different 💫. Their marriage started as an arrangement 💍 to save Colecion’s life ❤️‍🩹 and give Lesley the opportunity to marry someone he saw already had a boss-like attitude .

They were naturally drawn to each other 🧲💞, and the arrangement quickly turned into something more 💖✨. Lesley was already possessive and protective 🛡️💪🏽, which added to their dynamic 😌.

There was some minor drama brought on by Lesley’s father’s girlfriend and his brother 😒, but through it all, they remained strong 💪🏽 and in love 💕.

[Ruby]

Lesley and Coco!!

Lesley was attracted to Coco boss persona when he first saw her. After Coco sees something that she shouldn't have, Lesley comes up with the idea of marrying Coco to protect her. Even though it started out as an arrangement, Lesley and Coco fell hard for each other. I loved their honest communication and how they treated one another. Their love scenes were sensual and spicy. I was glad when they found out who the traitors were and handled them expeditiously. As Lesley said, "And then there were no foxes in the henhouse." I loved this book from beginning to end and highly recommend it.

[Ally]

This was everything 🥹

When I first started it, I was a little apprehensive because books written in a very descriptive manner can sometimes miss the mark by having too many words that aren’t necessary to the story, but this was not that! Coco and Lesley were both strong and independent bosses who had a hard time trusting and even harder time loving. What started off as a marriage of convenience and protection quickly morphed into something much more 🥹. There was slight drama yet it didn’t take away from the romance, in fact I feel like it enhanced it because Coco was able to see just how much Lesley loved her. I enjoyed this so much.

[Beverly]

This was heavy on love and lessons! Grim and Coco taught a master class on vunerability and growth from broken places. I appreciated the slow burn. For a book that started with violence and chaos, it moved quickly to a love story. I appreciated the backstories on their brokeness.

My only note is that there was no real follow up on explanation for the tretchory that drew them closer. What was the story on the betrayal? We saw glimpses of the retribution, with no details. I'd love to read a follow up on their love story, with a view of Grim's Dad journey to love.

Definately recommend.

[Kierra Hayes]

3⭐️ Cute Read

His Chosen Wife was a solid 3⭐️ read. It was a cute marriage-of-convenience romance with likable characters and an easy-to-follow storyline.

I liked that Lesley put in the effort from the very beginning with Colecion because he genuinely wanted her before proposing the marriage arrangement. It made his feelings feel more sincere and gave the relationship a stronger foundation. I also appreciated that Colecion established boundaries early on but was willing to compromise once she realized Lesley was serious about making the marriage work.

Overall, it was a cute, fast-paced read that delivered an enjoyable marriage-of-convenience romance.