I let Tempo go the moment I realized her heart belonged somewhere else, because no matter how much I cared, I was never going to hold on to a woman who wanted another man. It wasn’t the loss that unraveled me so much as what it said about my judgment. For the first time, I had to question how a man as calculated, polished, and disciplined as me could misread love so badly. So I did what I knew best. I buried myself in business, legacy, and control, convincing myself that love was just another distraction I could live without until one unexpected woman stepped into my life and challenged everything I thought I knew. She wasn’t looking to be saved, and I wasn’t looking to fall, but the more our worlds collided, the harder it became to ignore the pull between us. What starts as an unexpected chemistry becomes something deeper and more healing than I ever saw coming.
Author of Urban Chick Lit, Erotica, and Contemporary Urban Fiction... Jessica N. Watkins was born April 1st in Chicago, Illinois. She obtained a Bachelors of Arts with Focus in Psychology from DePaul University and Masters of Applied Professional Studies with focus in Business Administration from the like institution. Working in Hospital Administration for the majority of her career, Watkins has also been an author of fiction literature since the young age of nine. Eventually she used writing as an outlet during her freshmen year of high school as a single parent: “In the third grade I entered a short story contest with a fiction tale of an apple tree that refused to grow despite the efforts of the darling main character. My writing evolved from apple trees to my seventh and eighth grade classmates paying me to read novels I had written about kids our age living the lives our parents wouldn’t dare let us”. At the age of twenty-eight, Watkins’ chronicles have matured into steamy, humorous, and realistic tales of women's literature. She hopes that The Epitome of Femistry series will successfully emulate ideal femininity while tackling stereotypes, familiar heartache, and relatable distress in a humorous, sophisticated, and erotic fashion.
Jessica N. Watkins is available for talks, workshops or book signings. Email her for more information at Jessica@femistrypress.net.
I think this was my favorite book in the series. I loved Sincere so much and I wanted him to find love, after Tempo and Big A. Rhythm was the perfect muse and was so deserving of love because Kodi was CRAZY!😭I feel like I read through this book so fast; one minute my heart was aching and the next I was swooning so bad! 😩😭🥹These Cartier men are something else, but Sincere was a different level of bae. Let me see what Reek & Ava got going Chile…
I couldn't wait to get to Sincere's book because after he handled everything with Tempo he deserved a Happily Ever After. Sincere was smitten from the moment he met Rhythm. Rhythm was an undiscovered artist and mother of 2 kids who deserved to be loved properly. Sincere and Rhythm were perfect for each other. I love that even though Sincere got his heart broken it didn't stop him from loving the next woman so freely. Once he locked in with Rhythm he was not letting up. He may not have been a Cartier but when it came to Rhythm's ex he moved like one!
4⭐️ After the way Tempo did Sincere I wanted to see how this book was going to go. Sincere was such a standup guy in the way he handled The embarrassment from Tempo. We fast forward to him still being the lead on project 83. He’s handling business & not searching for love.
Rhythm is a single mother with 2 kids with a pathetic BD name kodi . During the day she works as a medical coder & at night she focuses on her Art. I loved Rhythm the moment she was on my pages because she deserved everything that was given to her. Sincere was the perfect man for her & vice versa.
She pissed me off not telling Sincere about her crazy BD . Especially the first time he hit her. That man was crazy & spiraling & for some reason she thought she could handle that. Until she couldn’t. .
Watching Rhythm & Sincere fall in love pleased my soul . They both allowed themselves to fall for each other naturally. Sincere showed Rhythm all of things she never got from her BD. Support, consistency, patient & effort. The scene where sincere checked his mom about the way she was coming for rhythm was my favorite. I also understood the mother why.. she literally watched the way Tempo played with his heart .
Kai Richardson was a smart but dumb politician at the same time. & why this nigga never fought back against the crowns ? Every scene you get beat up Jesus lol.
The ending was beautiful I was glad sincere finally got his HEA . .
Saint is still my favorite. Sincere deserved happiness more than anybody else. Honestly so does Rhythm. Legend needs a vasectomy. Did I mention that Saint is my favorite? I am ready for book 6 because babyyyyyy Reek
I loved this series from the beginning. Ms. Watkins has a way of writing these intentional men that you just can’t be ignored. The MMC is always someone who is sure of who he is and what he wants, standing in business each time and I. Sincere’s story she did not disappoint. I enjoyed how she made love the focus of his story while showing his strength and loyalty in a the Cartier world. She also introduced some folk who I’m sure is going to shake the table and I can’t wait. With each book she solidifies my love for interconnected standalone stories!
This read was emotional. Kodi not realizing he was no longer what Rhythm needed. Sincere seeing her the first time and wanting her. He and Ava knew they could never act on their attraction so one kiss was all they shared. Now new pregnancies, some very unexpected, others going to be a hard discovery when Dada finds out. I was so glad Ava reached out and changed life for Rhythm and her babies. As usual the Cartier's have to get active because people try them! In the end, Sincere and Rhythm got their HEA. Now Ava and Reek will have to navigate this big hidden secret. Can not wait to dive in!!! Great series Jessica Watkins!
Jessica N. Watkins has a way of making me fall in love with characters I wasn't expecting, and Cartier Cartel 5 was no exception.
I was really looking forward to Sincere's story, and Jessica did not disappoint. One thing I appreciated most was that Sincere never tried to be someone he wasn't. He wasn't a gangster, and he never pretended to be one. Instead, he proved that strength comes in different forms. While everyone else was focused on what happened in the streets, Sincere showed that loyalty, intelligence, and integrity are just as valuable. He became a vital part of the Cartier family and the cartel without ever compromising who he was, and I loved that for him.
I also loved the way he loved Rhythm. He didn't just fall in love with her—he believed in her. Watching him encourage Rhythm, help her find her footing, and support her as she established herself as an artist was one of my favorite parts of the book. He never tried to outshine her or change her dreams. Instead, he quietly stood beside her, giving her the confidence and support she needed to chase them. Acts of service will get me every single time, and Sincere delivered.
As always, Jessica balanced the romance with plenty of action, family drama, and twists that kept me turning the pages. Every time I thought things were finally settling down, something happened that had me saying, "Now Jessica..."
One thing I continue to love about this series is the family dynamic. The Cartiers aren't perfect, but their loyalty to one another is unmatched. No matter what they're facing, they show up for each other, and that's one of the things that keeps me invested from book to book.
Overall, Cartier Cartel 5 was another fantastic addition to the series. Sincere proved that you don't have to be the loudest person in the room—or the one carrying the biggest weapon—to make the biggest impact. His quiet strength, unwavering loyalty, and the way he poured into Rhythm without expecting anything in return made him one of my favorite men in the series. Jessica continues to give me everything I look for in a family saga: romance, action, unforgettable characters, and plenty of moments that leave me excited for the next installment.
Things happen for a reason. Sometimes things happens, so something better can come about. It takes the right person to change a person heart and way of thinking. What’s meant to be will be.
Sincere is that guy hands down. He can handle business without being violent. Oh but don’t underestimate him. Rhythm didn’t deserve what happened to her or her kids. Kodi was a mark for how he acted with and toward Rhythm. Like how you do your kids that way. Sincere mother was disrespectful. Like he’s a grown man. The way Sincere step to his mother was everything. Momma need led to know her place. The life Sincere spoke into Rhythm is what any woman would want from their man. The step he took when things went bad with Rhythm and Kodi. He didn’t care about what may happen to him, the concern was Rhythm and her kids. That brief moment with Sincere & KJ had me teary eyed. The village Rhythm had was real. My girl leveled up. Ava, I respected her and what she was feeling regarding herself and her life. Reek, yeah he done bit off more than he can chew. I honestly hope Ava can humble him. Sienna, yeah can’t wait for her secrets to drop. She don’t know who she’s playing with and ole girl about to get burned.
Sincere was that guy from the previous book with the situation between him and Tempo. I’m so happy he found his person. Oh the way he was coming behind Rhythm, you would’ve thought he was a Cartier by blood. I still stand by the way she wrote Sincere character was it for me. Now as for Reek, yeah he has me side eyeing him. Can’t wait to see what happens once Ava gets back home.
Another great addition to the Cartier family! Sincere and Rhythm were meant to be together! Sincere deserved to be loved after what Tempo did to him, Rhythm needed Sincere, he made her see all of what she could be with Aria support. Kodi was a deadbeat and didn't have a clue how important Rhythm craft was to her besides the kids they had! I like ghat Sincere was very intentional with his feeling about Rhythm and after time she reciprocated those emotions! Sincere and Rhythm relationship faced some challenges relationship wise and business wise! In the end they both came out better than ever! The epilogue was great and I can't wait to read more about them along with Reek and Ava!
Sincere, Sincere, Sincere. Jessica, I will take Sincere for $200.00. I love all the Cartier men down, but Sincere is my favorite! Not only is he a stand up guy, he is sexy, smart, calculating, honest, honorable, and gangsta. He thought finding love was over when he let Tempo go, but it wasn't. Rhythm is his one, and I love that for him.
I also love how the stories intertwine. You get to see what's going on with the crew as the book progresses. If Aria gets pregnant one more time, she is going to kill Legend.
4.25 stars. This installment of the Cartier Cartel series describes crew accountant Sincere getting over the loss of his relationship with Tempo (FMC in book 4) to fall in love with single mom and budding artist Rhythm. The book describes the way past relationships—especially Rhythm’s—shape their new family.
It was a nice, well-written book, but it lacked some of the depth of the previous two because it is the main point of introduction for a whole new character whereas the previous books were able to build on our knowledge of the Cartier’s family history. However, I am excited to see how Reek’s bad-boy energy is handled in book 6!
Yesss Sincere he coming behind his checking whoever gotta problem in the most gentleman like way! Glad he found who he found and it’s genuine no games. Sis was wrong doeeeee and when you read it you’ll know why. Omission is lying ma’am
Reek doeee 👀👀👀🫣
Saint 🍻🥂 my dawg!!!
Legend still my boo doe! Bc why my brand new baby out this door!!!!
Not much of Icon but vital when he was around. Happy his wife ain’t working his nerves yet bc she shollll working mines.
Unmatched pen game!! Jessica A. Watkins, pen game is unmatched! Sis, you wrote the heck out of Sincere and Rhythm was just spectacular. Her ex was crazy as all get out and got just what he deserved. I am really not liking Reek too much. Yes, he told Ava he didn't want a relationship, but yet you slept with her knowing how she felt about him. Now, that Sienna is going to get some ish started and folks are going to come out of retirement!
I really enjoyed this book!! Ready for Ava and Reek's story!
Do you know what i thought about when I was almost finished with this book? Suncere mama! Did i miss a part where she apologized to rhythm because if not what was the purpose of her being in the story. Rhythm single mom with a baby daddy who hustles and the little he does he thinks he should get king treatment because they been together so long but they she meets aria who believes in her are and then sincere who treats her like a queen and in between it all you got action, love, relationships and more
Sincere is definitely that guy. Although things didnt work out with him and Tempo, he walked away without an ounce of malice or revenge. I knew then, that I like him. Meeting Rhythm was his second chance at finding true love and I love how their story began. From instant attraction to guarded hearts, Rhythm was definitely the woman for Sincere. Sincere is a solid dude and he showed how loyal he was not only to the Cartier crew but also with his support for Rhythm. Well deserved happy ending for these two.
Sincere is book husband! That man deserves the love Rhyhm gives him after what he went through. He had so much love to give and the right person was placed in his life at the right time. That darn Saint is too much but funny at the same time. Poor Reek! Sienna is dirty but her and her daddy playing with the wrong people. Ava is going to get her love. I waited patiently for Sincere story and it was everything I knew it wouldn't be.
I’m almost certain that Sincere’s book might be my favorite thus far! Sincere and Rhythm had me swooning throughout the entire story. From start to finish you get a clear visual of the love between the two. The growth of the rest of the group is significantly noticeable too. There were several instances that had me tearing up at the way the love between all of the main characters was so pure.
In this well written story, Jessica introduced us to the relationship between Sincere and Rhythm. He loved her out loud and protected her from any and everything. I’m glad that he didn’t allow his past relationship to ruin him. I’m loving this Cartier gang and can’t wait to see what happens between Reek, Ava and Sienna. I can’t wait for Sienna to get busted as well.
This book was really good. I’m glad that we got Sincere’s story not just because of what happened with Tempo but because he brings something different to the group. He’s bout that shit when it comes to those he loves but you wouldn’t think he bout that shit. He’s a businessman that focuses on legalities & logistics but he can & will make shit shake when it come to his woman & the people he care about.
Not my favorite of the series but it was sooo good!!! Sincere is such a standup guy - he deserved Rhythm! Ava… in what world would your best friend’s man be your top pick?😒 I wanted more of Tempo & Big A and was quite disappointed they were not included much. Also wanted more Icon & Livia instead of Aria & Legend. Overall I give it 4/5! Sincere earned his way into this family, well deserved!!
Jessica, okay now I tip my hat to you with book 5. Not that this series isn't the bomb its just Sincere is such the man, Rhythm is everything that a woman should be. This dang gone Reek is gonna blow his top. Can I say watching Saint calm down is the best. I.just love these folk! We still got snakes though Lawd have mercy when this comes out it's not gonna be pretty. Hopefully, nobody will lose too much🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗
I already had so much respect for Sincere because of how he handled Tempo and Big A. That man is now my favorite! I love him real bad. The love match was perfect! True definition of when you know, you know. The Ava plot twist? Chef's kiss. Looking forward to reading her side of the story. Great book!
Sincere is my new honey. I just love the quiet strength. He deserved Rhythm, and she deserved the goodness, stability, and worship that was his love. I love it when the love part of a couple is easy. This was an easy read. Insta love....... This was a good read.
The 5th installment to the Cartier Cartel Was EVERYTHING!!! If you’ve been following trust me when I say Sincere is going to blow you away. Jessica did her thing with his character development. I’m fanning myself still thinking about Sincere. You will not be disappointed. That ending already has me impatient for the next book. I will defined be circling back for a reread very soon!
I loved everything about this book. Jessica N Watkins is a master storyteller! The emotion she pulls out of the reader. The way she makes the characters feel so real. This book has drama, love, humor and plenty of spice. I cannot wait to read Ava and Reek’s story. I highly recommend this book and all the other books in her catalog.
What an amazing man to have falling in love with you!!! I didn't even remember Big A & Tempo getting married, but I remember him being hurt and letting her go!!! Then he finds that love with an unknown and lifted her to star status!!! Ava and Reek are next, can't wait to see how that one turns out!!!
Sincere, calm cool and collected, with a good heart. Loved the flow of the story and plot. One thing that annoys me is why the author chooses to prolong Icon and Liv' s pain. They are UBERNAIRES!! Why not hire a surrogate or several. I roll my eyes every time their missy comes up...ugh. Anyway ready for Reek and Ava.
Sincere played chess not checkers. Even after having is heart broken 💔 the wall came down for Rhythm. Love how Rhythm was about her business and kids. Glad she was able to recognize a real man and get rid Kodi. Sincere truly earned his spot with the Cartier❤️🔥🥳❤️🔥🥰