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What She Left on My Tongue: Pleasure Has a Memory
Some desires don’t fade… they wait.
She doesn’t chase men.
She controls outcomes.
Alina Graves is a powerhouse attorney—calculated, disciplined, untouchable.
In a world built on contracts, leverage, and precision… she never loses control.
Until him.
Kade Mercer is New York’s franchise player—focused, dominant, and used to getting what he wants.
But Alina isn’t impressed by fame.
She isn’t moved by money.
And she definitely doesn’t bend.
That’s what makes her dangerous.
What starts as a professional boundary…
quickly turns into something neither of them can control.
Because this isn’t just attraction.
It’s power meeting power.
Control meeting temptation.
Discipline meeting desire.
And when two people refuse to break…
something else has to.
She doesn’t chase men.
She controls outcomes.
Alina Graves is a powerhouse attorney—calculated, disciplined, untouchable.
In a world built on contracts, leverage, and precision… she never loses control.
Until him.
Kade Mercer is New York’s franchise player—focused, dominant, and used to getting what he wants.
But Alina isn’t impressed by fame.
She isn’t moved by money.
And she definitely doesn’t bend.
That’s what makes her dangerous.
What starts as a professional boundary…
quickly turns into something neither of them can control.
Because this isn’t just attraction.
It’s power meeting power.
Control meeting temptation.
Discipline meeting desire.
And when two people refuse to break…
something else has to.
410 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 9, 2026
About the author
Derek Chatman
5 books42 followersDerek Chatman writes stories about power, loyalty, desire, and the price people pay to get what they want.
Raised between South Jamaica Queens and Roosevelt, Long Island, Derek draws inspiration from the environments that shaped him—places where respect is earned, ambition is dangerous, and loyalty can mean the difference between survival and destruction.
He is the creator of the Southside Kings Series, a gritty urban crime saga set in South Jamaica Queens, where power is taken, alliances are fragile, and betrayal can change everything overnight. The series pulls readers into a world of brotherhood, ambition, and the constant battle to control the streets before they control you.
Derek also explores the darker side of passion in What She Left on My Tongue: Pleasure Has a Memory, an intense romance about attraction, control, temptation, and the kind of connection that leaves a lasting mark long after the moment is over.
Known for cinematic storytelling, intense characters, and emotionally charged tension, Derek blends urban crime, romance, suspense, and psychological drama into stories that feel raw, powerful, and unforgettable.
His characters live in worlds where power is seductive, loyalty is tested, and every decision carries consequences.
Books by Derek Chatman
• Southside Kings
• Southside Kings II: The Outside War
• What She Left on My Tongue: Pleasure Has a Memory
More stories from the Southside Kings universe are on the way.
Raised between South Jamaica Queens and Roosevelt, Long Island, Derek draws inspiration from the environments that shaped him—places where respect is earned, ambition is dangerous, and loyalty can mean the difference between survival and destruction.
He is the creator of the Southside Kings Series, a gritty urban crime saga set in South Jamaica Queens, where power is taken, alliances are fragile, and betrayal can change everything overnight. The series pulls readers into a world of brotherhood, ambition, and the constant battle to control the streets before they control you.
Derek also explores the darker side of passion in What She Left on My Tongue: Pleasure Has a Memory, an intense romance about attraction, control, temptation, and the kind of connection that leaves a lasting mark long after the moment is over.
Known for cinematic storytelling, intense characters, and emotionally charged tension, Derek blends urban crime, romance, suspense, and psychological drama into stories that feel raw, powerful, and unforgettable.
His characters live in worlds where power is seductive, loyalty is tested, and every decision carries consequences.
Books by Derek Chatman
• Southside Kings
• Southside Kings II: The Outside War
• What She Left on My Tongue: Pleasure Has a Memory
More stories from the Southside Kings universe are on the way.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
May 7, 2026
New Approach to Sports Romance
This book was a good read. I’m not a fan of sports romances, but it changed my mind completely. Not only did the cover match the tone of the book, but it kept me reading from page one.
This book was a good read. I’m not a fan of sports romances, but it changed my mind completely. Not only did the cover match the tone of the book, but it kept me reading from page one.
March 22, 2026
What She Left on My Tongue was certainly an interesting read.
I was really drawn in by the premise of this book. The idea of a slow-burn romance (my favorite trope) between two driven, high-achieving individuals balancing ambition and attraction had a lot of appeal, and it felt like it had the potential to deliver a compelling and emotional story.
For me, the execution didn’t fully come together. The story begins very quickly, introducing the main characters in a way that felt somewhat abrupt, which made it a little difficult to immediately connect with their dynamic. As the story progressed, I found myself wanting more context and development to better understand their relationship.
While this is described as a slow-burn romance, I personally didn’t feel a strong sense of chemistry between the characters. Much of the story is told through dialogue, and at times the exchanges felt somewhat repetitive, which made it harder for me to stay fully engaged.
I also would have enjoyed more detail in terms of setting and character depth, as those elements help create a more immersive reading experience. With additional development, I think the emotional impact of the story could have been stronger.
Overall, the concept is interesting and has clear potential, but this one didn’t quite work for me. Other readers who enjoy dialogue-focused storytelling and understated relationship dynamics may have a different experience.
I was really drawn in by the premise of this book. The idea of a slow-burn romance (my favorite trope) between two driven, high-achieving individuals balancing ambition and attraction had a lot of appeal, and it felt like it had the potential to deliver a compelling and emotional story.
For me, the execution didn’t fully come together. The story begins very quickly, introducing the main characters in a way that felt somewhat abrupt, which made it a little difficult to immediately connect with their dynamic. As the story progressed, I found myself wanting more context and development to better understand their relationship.
While this is described as a slow-burn romance, I personally didn’t feel a strong sense of chemistry between the characters. Much of the story is told through dialogue, and at times the exchanges felt somewhat repetitive, which made it harder for me to stay fully engaged.
I also would have enjoyed more detail in terms of setting and character depth, as those elements help create a more immersive reading experience. With additional development, I think the emotional impact of the story could have been stronger.
Overall, the concept is interesting and has clear potential, but this one didn’t quite work for me. Other readers who enjoy dialogue-focused storytelling and understated relationship dynamics may have a different experience.
April 21, 2026
I almost scrolled past this one. The cover caught me, the description intrigued me, but I've been burned by "powerful woman meets powerful man" stories before. Too often they follow the same tired formula. This one doesn't.
Alina Graves is everything I want in a female lead. She's not just described as strong she actually is. Derek Chatman writes her with a sharpness and self-possession that feels earned, not performative. She's a woman who has built her entire life around control, and watching that control slowly, reluctantly slip was absolutely fascinating to read.
And Kade. Listen. I was not prepared for Kade. He's not the arrogant athlete I expected. He's focused, yes dominant, sure but there's a depth to him that sneaks up on you. The way he sees Alina, really sees her, without trying to fix or soften her, is what makes their dynamic so electric.
The tension in this book is immaculate. Chatman knows exactly how long to hold a moment before releasing it. Every scene they share crackles. I read the second half in one sitting because I physically could not stop.
What really stayed with me though is the title. What She Left on My Tongue. Once you finish the book, you'll understand why those words hit differently. Pleasure really does have a memory and this story will linger.
A debut that reads like a seasoned author. I need book two immediately.
Alina Graves is everything I want in a female lead. She's not just described as strong she actually is. Derek Chatman writes her with a sharpness and self-possession that feels earned, not performative. She's a woman who has built her entire life around control, and watching that control slowly, reluctantly slip was absolutely fascinating to read.
And Kade. Listen. I was not prepared for Kade. He's not the arrogant athlete I expected. He's focused, yes dominant, sure but there's a depth to him that sneaks up on you. The way he sees Alina, really sees her, without trying to fix or soften her, is what makes their dynamic so electric.
The tension in this book is immaculate. Chatman knows exactly how long to hold a moment before releasing it. Every scene they share crackles. I read the second half in one sitting because I physically could not stop.
What really stayed with me though is the title. What She Left on My Tongue. Once you finish the book, you'll understand why those words hit differently. Pleasure really does have a memory and this story will linger.
A debut that reads like a seasoned author. I need book two immediately.
May 18, 2026
Where do I even begin with this glorified mood board masquerading as a novel?
Let's start with Alina our supposedly "disciplined and guarded" protagonist who shatters like cheap IKEA furniture the moment a brooding man glances her way. Her entire character arc is: wall up, wall down, wall up, wall down, wall gone. Congratulations, that's not character development, that's a garage door.
The writing style deserves its own eulogy. Chatman apparently discovered the ellipsis key and never recovered. Every. Single. Thought. Is. Fragmented. For. Drama. It reads like someone texting their situationship at 2am after two glasses of wine and calling it literature.
The "slow burn" is so slow it flatlines. These two characters exchange loaded glances and charged silences for chapters on end without anything actually happening. That's not tension that's two people being awkward in a room. I've seen more compelling chemistry in a high school science class.
And the villain of the story? The cliffhanger ending. After investing in 200+ pages of longing stares and internal monologues about surrender, the book simply... stops. No resolution. Just a hand outstretched toward your wallet for book two.
"Some memories fade. Some stay on your tongue forever." This one, unfortunately, tastes like disappointment.
Do not recommend. Do not purchase the sequel. Do not make my mistakes.
Let's start with Alina our supposedly "disciplined and guarded" protagonist who shatters like cheap IKEA furniture the moment a brooding man glances her way. Her entire character arc is: wall up, wall down, wall up, wall down, wall gone. Congratulations, that's not character development, that's a garage door.
The writing style deserves its own eulogy. Chatman apparently discovered the ellipsis key and never recovered. Every. Single. Thought. Is. Fragmented. For. Drama. It reads like someone texting their situationship at 2am after two glasses of wine and calling it literature.
The "slow burn" is so slow it flatlines. These two characters exchange loaded glances and charged silences for chapters on end without anything actually happening. That's not tension that's two people being awkward in a room. I've seen more compelling chemistry in a high school science class.
And the villain of the story? The cliffhanger ending. After investing in 200+ pages of longing stares and internal monologues about surrender, the book simply... stops. No resolution. Just a hand outstretched toward your wallet for book two.
"Some memories fade. Some stay on your tongue forever." This one, unfortunately, tastes like disappointment.
Do not recommend. Do not purchase the sequel. Do not make my mistakes.
June 12, 2026
Based on the description, What She Left on My Tongue: Pleasure Has a Memory promises an emotionally intense romance driven by tension, temptation, and character dynamics rather than instant gratification. The premise of a controlled, guarded heroine facing a connection she can't easily resist creates an intriguing emotional conflict.
What stands out most is the focus on psychological attraction and slow-burn chemistry. The themes of control, vulnerability, obsession, and self-discovery suggest a story that explores more than just romance, delving into the emotional barriers people build around themselves.
For readers who enjoy dark romance, forbidden attraction, and strong emotional tension between complex characters, this appears to be a compelling start to a series. The description does an excellent job of creating intrigue while leaving enough mystery to make readers want to discover what happens next.
What stands out most is the focus on psychological attraction and slow-burn chemistry. The themes of control, vulnerability, obsession, and self-discovery suggest a story that explores more than just romance, delving into the emotional barriers people build around themselves.
For readers who enjoy dark romance, forbidden attraction, and strong emotional tension between complex characters, this appears to be a compelling start to a series. The description does an excellent job of creating intrigue while leaving enough mystery to make readers want to discover what happens next.
June 13, 2026
What She Left on My Tongue is an intense, emotionally engaging slow-burn romance that really pulls you in without trying too hard. I loved the tension between Alina and the male lead, the way everything builds quietly but steadily makes their connection feel very real and addictive. Alina’s character stands out because of how controlled and guarded she is, and watching her slowly open up is one of the most interesting parts of the story.
What I enjoyed most is the emotional atmosphere; even the smallest moments feel meaningful. By the end, I honestly didn’t want it to stop, it feels like there’s still more to explore with these characters. I’d genuinely love a Book 2 because this story leaves you wanting more in a good way.
What I enjoyed most is the emotional atmosphere; even the smallest moments feel meaningful. By the end, I honestly didn’t want it to stop, it feels like there’s still more to explore with these characters. I’d genuinely love a Book 2 because this story leaves you wanting more in a good way.
June 13, 2026
This book surprised me in a really good way. The emotional tension is consistent throughout, and it keeps you curious about what will happen next without relying on big dramatic moments. The connection between the characters feels layered and a bit unpredictable, which made it more engaging to read.
I also liked how the story focuses on internal emotions as much as the relationship itself. It gives the romance a deeper feel, especially with how both characters respond to each other in very subtle ways.
Overall, it’s a compelling read that holds your attention, and I found myself finishing it quicker than expected. I’d definitely be interested in continuing the series if there’s more to come.
I also liked how the story focuses on internal emotions as much as the relationship itself. It gives the romance a deeper feel, especially with how both characters respond to each other in very subtle ways.
Overall, it’s a compelling read that holds your attention, and I found myself finishing it quicker than expected. I’d definitely be interested in continuing the series if there’s more to come.
March 30, 2026
In What She Left on My Tongue, Derek Chatman delivers a high-octane romance where professional boundaries are pushed to their breaking point. The intellectual and physical sparring between the untouchable Alina Graves and the focused Kade Mercer is electric, it's a fascinating study of what happens when two people who refuse to lose control finally meet their match. It is a sleek, sophisticated, and deeply sensual story that proves when power meets power, the resulting explosion is impossible to ignore.
June 6, 2026
What She Left on My Tongue is an emotionally intense romance that kept me hooked from beginning to end. The slow-burn chemistry between the characters is captivating, and the emotional tension is handled beautifully. Alina is a strong, complex heroine whose journey feels authentic and compelling. The author creates a powerful blend of passion, vulnerability, and heartfelt emotion that makes this story difficult to put down. A memorable romance that leaves a lasting impression.
May 14, 2026
I honestly didn’t expect this book to pull me in the way it did. What She Left on My Tongue is emotional, passionate, and deeply atmospheric. The chemistry between the characters felt natural, and the emotional tension kept me turning the pages late into the night. Derek Chatman created a story that feels intimate and emotionally layered rather than surface-level romance.
May 14, 2026
This book was such an engaging read. The writing style flowed smoothly, and the emotional depth between the characters made the story feel real. I appreciated how vulnerable and human the characters were. Their connection felt authentic, and several scenes stayed in my mind long after I finished reading.
June 13, 2026
I went into this expecting a typical romance, but it turned out to be much more emotionally layered. The push and pull between the characters feels very intentional, almost like a psychological game at times. What stood out most was how control and vulnerability constantly switch places between them, making the relationship unpredictable and engaging
June 28, 2026
A good storyline and I appreciated both characters. However, the title doesn’t match the story…a better title would be “Fracture.” The current title almost scared me away from the story and is very misleading. The story needs some editing for spelling and chapter errors. The story structure is good and was an interesting read.
March 23, 2026
A very engaging and emotionally driven story. The chemistry between the characters was strong, and the writing had a smooth flow that made it easy to keep reading. There were moments that really stood out and hit deep. Looking forward to seeing how this story continues.
May 14, 2026
What She Left on My Tongue is beautifully written and emotionally immersive. The pacing was steady, the dialogue felt natural, and the emotional tension was handled very well. I loved the atmosphere of the story and how every interaction carried emotional weight.
May 14, 2026
I really enjoyed the emotional honesty in this novel. The chemistry between the characters was intense without feeling forced, and the writing had a cinematic quality to it. It’s one of those books that slowly pulls you deeper into the emotional world of the story.
May 14, 2026
From the title to the final chapter, this story carried a unique emotional atmosphere that made it stand out. I appreciated the balance between vulnerability, tension, and romance. The author clearly understands how to build emotional connection through dialogue and character development.
May 14, 2026
What She Left on My Tongue is the kind of romance that stays with you after you finish reading. The emotional tone of the book was beautifully done, and the chemistry between the characters felt believable and intense at the same time.
May 14, 2026
The writing style in this book was one of my favorite aspects. Smooth, emotional, and descriptive without being overwhelming. The story had depth, and the emotional pacing allowed the characters to develop naturally throughout the book.
May 15, 2026
This book touched me emotionally in ways I didn’t expect. What She Left on My Tongue isn’t just a romance , it’s a story about emotional scars, longing, memory, and the way certain people leave permanent marks on your soul. I felt connected to the characters from the very beginning.
May 15, 2026
There were moments in this book that genuinely made me pause and reflect. The emotional vulnerability between the characters felt painfully real, and the chemistry between them carried so much tension and unspoken emotion.
June 13, 2026
This book doesn’t rush anything, and that’s what makes it work. The slow burn actually feels meaningful because every interaction carries weight. Alina’s guarded nature and the way it slowly starts to crack creates a strong emotional tension that stays consistent throughout the story.
June 13, 2026
What I appreciated most was how the romance is built around emotional intensity rather than just physical attraction. There’s always something unspoken happening between the characters, and that silence often says more than dialogue. It made the reading experience feel more immersive.
June 13, 2026
The story has a very addictive rhythm to it. Even when nothing dramatic is happening on the surface, there’s always something brewing underneath. I found myself constantly reading between the lines, trying to understand what each character was really thinking or hiding.
June 13, 2026
This book explores obsession and emotional dependency in a way that feels unsettling but intriguing. It doesn’t glamorize the intensity, it shows how consuming it can become. That balance between attraction and discomfort is what kept me engaged.
May 8, 2026
It was alright, personally as much as it sounded like something I wanted to read i in the end dnf it.
June 1, 2026
One thing I loved about this book was how emotionally immersive it felt. The characters weren’t perfect, and that made them feel real. Their emotional struggles, chemistry, and growth throughout the story kept me fully invested.
May 14, 2026
I really connected with the emotional themes in this story. It explored desire, memory, vulnerability, and emotional attachment in a way that felt thoughtful and authentic. The chemistry between the characters was strong from beginning to end.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews