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The Gentleman
Leo Lincoln has expertly divided his life into two illegitimate and legitimate. With both sides balanced perfectly, he is finally poised to take over his city… until Indira Young crashes back into town and throws liquor all over his carefully laid plans.
Indira Young came back to Atlanta for one redemption. After running from her past, she has no interest in love, relationships, or men like Leo Lincoln. But Leo forces his way into her life, and it quickly becomes clear that he has no intention of letting her go.
As tempers flare and attraction grows, two stubborn people who are more alike than either wants to admit find themselves locked in a battle of wills. The question is whether they’re willing to stop fighting long enough to let love win.
The Gentlemen is an enemies-to-lovers urban romance about a man who is far more dangerous—and vulnerable—than he seems, and the woman he can’t get out of his head.
Indira Young came back to Atlanta for one redemption. After running from her past, she has no interest in love, relationships, or men like Leo Lincoln. But Leo forces his way into her life, and it quickly becomes clear that he has no intention of letting her go.
As tempers flare and attraction grows, two stubborn people who are more alike than either wants to admit find themselves locked in a battle of wills. The question is whether they’re willing to stop fighting long enough to let love win.
The Gentlemen is an enemies-to-lovers urban romance about a man who is far more dangerous—and vulnerable—than he seems, and the woman he can’t get out of his head.
313 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 6, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
May 10, 2026
Oh, Leo...
Leo met his match. Indira would not be bowed or cowed and as much as it frustrated him, it also enthralled him. I loved this book and all the hints of what's coming next!
Leo met his match. Indira would not be bowed or cowed and as much as it frustrated him, it also enthralled him. I loved this book and all the hints of what's coming next!
May 6, 2026
The Gentleman is giving dangerous love, emotional chaos, soft moments wrapped in violence, and one of the most intense opposites-attract pairings I’ve read in a while.
Indira is not your typical heroine. She’s fiery, stubborn, survival-driven, and refuses to shrink herself to make anyone comfortable. Leo Lincoln, on the other hand, walks into the story looking like the definition of a polished corporate businessman tailored suits, controlled emotions, and a personality so stiff it almost makes you roll your eyes right alongside Indira. Their first meeting? Pure tension. Pure irritation. Pure sparks.
What makes this story addictive is how much these two challenge each other. Indira sees Leo as a sellout who’s disconnected from his people, while Leo sees Indira as reckless, loud, and impossible to control. Yet beneath all that friction is attraction so intense it practically bleeds off the page.
The party scene was one of the first moments that really locked me into the story. Watching Indira throw a drink in a man’s face after he crossed the line? ICONIC. And the aftermath her injured, angry, embarrassed, calling Leo out while he tries to help her—was messy in the best possible way. Their dialogue feels raw and real. Nobody is sugarcoating anything.
Then the story shifts from romance drama to full-on unhinged chaos once the nightclub enters the picture. The rundown club becoming the center of their relationship was such a smart move because it gave them a space where both of their personalities collided constantly. Leo renovating the club just because he saw Indira in it? That man was already gone for her and didn’t even realize it yet.
And just when you think this is going to stay a spicy enemies-to-lovers romance… BOOM. The reveal that Leo is actually a ruthless kingpin and killer changes everything. The scene where Indira witnesses the murder had me STRESSED. The tension afterward with Leo debating whether to kill her while she’s terrified and begging to get to her niece and nephew was dark, intense, and emotional all at once.
But one of the most emotional parts of the story was everything involving Danicka. After suddenly disappearing and leaving her children behind without warning, Indira is forced to step into the role of protector and caregiver overnight. While trying to navigate her chaotic feelings for Leo and survive everything happening around her, she’s also carrying the weight of worrying about her cousin and raising those kids like they were her own.
So when Danicka suddenly comes running out of a back room screaming for someone to stop, the moment hits HARD. Indira is shocked, confused, and deeply hurt because Leo is treating Danicka the same dangerous way he once treated her. The entire scene changes the emotional temperature of the story. And when the truth about why Danicka disappeared finally comes out, it honestly feels frustrating, heartbreaking, and messy all at the same time. But at that point, Indira is emotionally exhausted and completely over the drama, the chaos, and everybody involved. Her leaving with Leo after all of it felt less like forgiveness and more like two broken people realizing they were still choosing each other despite everything.
What I loved most about Leo is that underneath all the coldness and violence, he slowly learns how to love out loud. He isn’t naturally affectionate or emotionally available, so watching him struggle to express himself made his softer moments hit harder. And once he decides Indira is his? Oh, he becomes terrifyingly protective.
Indira never loses herself either. Even when she falls for Leo, she still checks him constantly. She doesn’t excuse his behavior, and she definitely doesn’t let him walk all over her. That balance made their chemistry even stronger because she was one of the few people who wasn’t afraid of him.
The final act was absolutely wild. The club drama, Leo betraying her trust, her toxic ex returning, the violence, the obsession, the possessiveness it all spiraled beautifully into pure dark romance madness. By the end, Leo fully embracing both his ruthless side and his role as protector for Indira and the kids made the ending feel earned.
This book is:
✨ Spicy
✨ Toxic in the most entertaining way
✨ Emotional
✨ Tension-filled
✨ Violent
✨ Romantic
✨ Completely unhinged
If you love:
* enemies to lovers
* soft-for-her kingpins
* morally gray men
* feisty heroines
* emotional tension mixed with chaos
…then The Gentleman is absolutely your type of read.
Indira is not your typical heroine. She’s fiery, stubborn, survival-driven, and refuses to shrink herself to make anyone comfortable. Leo Lincoln, on the other hand, walks into the story looking like the definition of a polished corporate businessman tailored suits, controlled emotions, and a personality so stiff it almost makes you roll your eyes right alongside Indira. Their first meeting? Pure tension. Pure irritation. Pure sparks.
What makes this story addictive is how much these two challenge each other. Indira sees Leo as a sellout who’s disconnected from his people, while Leo sees Indira as reckless, loud, and impossible to control. Yet beneath all that friction is attraction so intense it practically bleeds off the page.
The party scene was one of the first moments that really locked me into the story. Watching Indira throw a drink in a man’s face after he crossed the line? ICONIC. And the aftermath her injured, angry, embarrassed, calling Leo out while he tries to help her—was messy in the best possible way. Their dialogue feels raw and real. Nobody is sugarcoating anything.
Then the story shifts from romance drama to full-on unhinged chaos once the nightclub enters the picture. The rundown club becoming the center of their relationship was such a smart move because it gave them a space where both of their personalities collided constantly. Leo renovating the club just because he saw Indira in it? That man was already gone for her and didn’t even realize it yet.
And just when you think this is going to stay a spicy enemies-to-lovers romance… BOOM. The reveal that Leo is actually a ruthless kingpin and killer changes everything. The scene where Indira witnesses the murder had me STRESSED. The tension afterward with Leo debating whether to kill her while she’s terrified and begging to get to her niece and nephew was dark, intense, and emotional all at once.
But one of the most emotional parts of the story was everything involving Danicka. After suddenly disappearing and leaving her children behind without warning, Indira is forced to step into the role of protector and caregiver overnight. While trying to navigate her chaotic feelings for Leo and survive everything happening around her, she’s also carrying the weight of worrying about her cousin and raising those kids like they were her own.
So when Danicka suddenly comes running out of a back room screaming for someone to stop, the moment hits HARD. Indira is shocked, confused, and deeply hurt because Leo is treating Danicka the same dangerous way he once treated her. The entire scene changes the emotional temperature of the story. And when the truth about why Danicka disappeared finally comes out, it honestly feels frustrating, heartbreaking, and messy all at the same time. But at that point, Indira is emotionally exhausted and completely over the drama, the chaos, and everybody involved. Her leaving with Leo after all of it felt less like forgiveness and more like two broken people realizing they were still choosing each other despite everything.
What I loved most about Leo is that underneath all the coldness and violence, he slowly learns how to love out loud. He isn’t naturally affectionate or emotionally available, so watching him struggle to express himself made his softer moments hit harder. And once he decides Indira is his? Oh, he becomes terrifyingly protective.
Indira never loses herself either. Even when she falls for Leo, she still checks him constantly. She doesn’t excuse his behavior, and she definitely doesn’t let him walk all over her. That balance made their chemistry even stronger because she was one of the few people who wasn’t afraid of him.
The final act was absolutely wild. The club drama, Leo betraying her trust, her toxic ex returning, the violence, the obsession, the possessiveness it all spiraled beautifully into pure dark romance madness. By the end, Leo fully embracing both his ruthless side and his role as protector for Indira and the kids made the ending feel earned.
This book is:
✨ Spicy
✨ Toxic in the most entertaining way
✨ Emotional
✨ Tension-filled
✨ Violent
✨ Romantic
✨ Completely unhinged
If you love:
* enemies to lovers
* soft-for-her kingpins
* morally gray men
* feisty heroines
* emotional tension mixed with chaos
…then The Gentleman is absolutely your type of read.
May 7, 2026
🔥 Fire Story 🔥
Indira was loud and proud. Leo was a gentleman when needed and a beast when necessary. This story had just enough spice and drama to keep you turning the pages. Can't wait for Roc's story!
Indira was loud and proud. Leo was a gentleman when needed and a beast when necessary. This story had just enough spice and drama to keep you turning the pages. Can't wait for Roc's story!
May 10, 2026
This was a really good read. The attraction between Leo and Indira is clear almost immediately, and the chemistry between them is palpable from the start. What kept me especially invested, though, was the constant push and pull between them. They’re both headstrong, stubborn, and used to having their way, so their relationship carries that ongoing battle of wills through most of the book.
Leo has a quiet strength and commanding presence. Serious Daddy Dom energy. He’s used to people bending to his will, but Indira is more than capable of meeting him head-on. She’s feisty, passionate, and anything but submissive. Deep down, she wants to be loved and cared for, but because she’s never truly had that, she’s learned to move through life defensively. Her guarded nature makes sense once you learn about what she’s been through.
I loved watching Leo fall hard and fast for his “Minx.” Indira challenged him in ways no other woman had, and that forced him to re-evaluate his priorities, his choices, and the way he moved through life. That added another layer to their dynamic and made his feelings for her even more satisfying to watch unfold.
There was a lot happening in this book. Murder, underworld shenanigans, business drama, and Indira juggling school, caregiving, family betrayals, and running from her past. It definitely kept the story moving, but at times the writing felt a little choppy in its flow. There were also a few editing inconsistencies that pulled me out of the story. And at time I was a little confused with some of the references involving Indira and the kids, (spoiler-ish) I found myself wondering if they were hers biologically because she kept saying “my kids” but they were her cousins kids. It threw me every time. Also at the end it felt like a lot of major plot points were being squeezed into a pretty short stretch.
Even with those issues, I still had a really good time with this one. The chemistry between Leo and Indira kept me invested, and their dynamic had the right mix of tension, heat, and emotional growth. Definitely a 4⭐️ read for me, and I’ll absolutely be back for Roc’s story.
Leo has a quiet strength and commanding presence. Serious Daddy Dom energy. He’s used to people bending to his will, but Indira is more than capable of meeting him head-on. She’s feisty, passionate, and anything but submissive. Deep down, she wants to be loved and cared for, but because she’s never truly had that, she’s learned to move through life defensively. Her guarded nature makes sense once you learn about what she’s been through.
I loved watching Leo fall hard and fast for his “Minx.” Indira challenged him in ways no other woman had, and that forced him to re-evaluate his priorities, his choices, and the way he moved through life. That added another layer to their dynamic and made his feelings for her even more satisfying to watch unfold.
There was a lot happening in this book. Murder, underworld shenanigans, business drama, and Indira juggling school, caregiving, family betrayals, and running from her past. It definitely kept the story moving, but at times the writing felt a little choppy in its flow. There were also a few editing inconsistencies that pulled me out of the story. And at time I was a little confused with some of the references involving Indira and the kids, (spoiler-ish) I found myself wondering if they were hers biologically because she kept saying “my kids” but they were her cousins kids. It threw me every time. Also at the end it felt like a lot of major plot points were being squeezed into a pretty short stretch.
Even with those issues, I still had a really good time with this one. The chemistry between Leo and Indira kept me invested, and their dynamic had the right mix of tension, heat, and emotional growth. Definitely a 4⭐️ read for me, and I’ll absolutely be back for Roc’s story.
May 7, 2026
When I first started this book I just wanted to let the stories and characters unfold in front of me. Leo seemed odd to me at first because why does a man of his status and looks need to buy a girlfriend? But as I dived deeper into the story realized that Leo had very few people in this world that he could trust so dating casually or not, he needed to be careful.
Indira was a young woman who ended up on the streets raising herself at a young age. After a terrible relationship, she ran to start a new life. I understood why she was so skeptical of Leo and everything associated with him; how do you go from a pretend date to that same man wanting to kill you to now actually dating and trusting him? But she needed someone in her life that show her that she deserved love and someone who wouldn't betray her.
I could on and on about this book but I don't want to spoil it. Bottom line is this story is one about trust, betrayal, legacy, creating generational wealth and most of all love! Oh, and that cousin of hers…man you just gotta read it!
Indira was a young woman who ended up on the streets raising herself at a young age. After a terrible relationship, she ran to start a new life. I understood why she was so skeptical of Leo and everything associated with him; how do you go from a pretend date to that same man wanting to kill you to now actually dating and trusting him? But she needed someone in her life that show her that she deserved love and someone who wouldn't betray her.
I could on and on about this book but I don't want to spoil it. Bottom line is this story is one about trust, betrayal, legacy, creating generational wealth and most of all love! Oh, and that cousin of hers…man you just gotta read it!
May 10, 2026
The Gentleman was the first book I’ve read by Keisha Freedman, and it definitely won’t be my last.
The MMC expects to find a quiet, submissive woman to accompany him on a date in hopes of winning over a major real estate investor. Instead, he gets an FMC who is feisty, sassy, outspoken, and anything but low-key. Even with thousands of dollars on the line, she simply cannot keep it together long enough to play the role he wants her to play.
As much as her behavior irritates the MMC, it only seems to deepen his attraction to her. Their chemistry is undeniable, and the constant push-and-pull between them makes for an entertaining roller coaster ride as they try to figure out whether love can overcome their differences.
What neither of them realizes is that their lives are already more intertwined than they think. Those unexpected connections continue to test the strength of the foundation they’re trying to build together.
Overall, this was a fun, drama-filled romance with plenty of sass, tension, and chemistry to keep the pages turning.
The MMC expects to find a quiet, submissive woman to accompany him on a date in hopes of winning over a major real estate investor. Instead, he gets an FMC who is feisty, sassy, outspoken, and anything but low-key. Even with thousands of dollars on the line, she simply cannot keep it together long enough to play the role he wants her to play.
As much as her behavior irritates the MMC, it only seems to deepen his attraction to her. Their chemistry is undeniable, and the constant push-and-pull between them makes for an entertaining roller coaster ride as they try to figure out whether love can overcome their differences.
What neither of them realizes is that their lives are already more intertwined than they think. Those unexpected connections continue to test the strength of the foundation they’re trying to build together.
Overall, this was a fun, drama-filled romance with plenty of sass, tension, and chemistry to keep the pages turning.
May 8, 2026
⭐️⭐️
Ugh!!!!!
Where do I begin?
This is my first read by this author, but I’m definitely interested in reading more of this series.
Overall- I loved the concept. And had there been more editing to address the cracks in the flow and inconsistencies I would’ve loved it more.
Now let’s talk language. Some of the verbiage used was interesting for an urban romance. It’s not often I here black FMC referred to as “minx.” And why was Indira who is on the one hand intelligent, street smarty and saavy. Also written to be stereotypically aggressive? I hated the way she written to respond to his calm nature with “mf” or the n-word.
Some of the plot didn’t make sense to me. What was the point of the DuPonts? Were they playing him the whole time? Why make that a race thing? What happened with Eric? Is Eric, Roc’s dad? How is Jas related but not related to Roc?
There was a lot of potential here.
Ugh!!!!!
Where do I begin?
This is my first read by this author, but I’m definitely interested in reading more of this series.
Overall- I loved the concept. And had there been more editing to address the cracks in the flow and inconsistencies I would’ve loved it more.
Now let’s talk language. Some of the verbiage used was interesting for an urban romance. It’s not often I here black FMC referred to as “minx.” And why was Indira who is on the one hand intelligent, street smarty and saavy. Also written to be stereotypically aggressive? I hated the way she written to respond to his calm nature with “mf” or the n-word.
Some of the plot didn’t make sense to me. What was the point of the DuPonts? Were they playing him the whole time? Why make that a race thing? What happened with Eric? Is Eric, Roc’s dad? How is Jas related but not related to Roc?
There was a lot of potential here.
May 8, 2026
This journey starts with Leo, an Atlanta native born into the life, balancing legal and illegal businesses with a gentleman’s touch. But the real heat starts when he meets Indira.
Indira is a beautiful, resilient woman who refuses to let her past struggles stop her. She wasn’t looking for a companion—especially one as dominant as Leo—but the chemistry between them was undeniable. Through shared meals and raw vulnerability, their tension transformed into a fierce, "out-weighs everything" kind of love.
The dynamics here are top-tier. It’s a slow burn that satisfies, blending a gritty underworld vibe with a deeply passionate romance.
Favorite tropes:
*Enemies to Lovers
*"He’s a chef" (in and out of the bedroom)
*Cartel/Organized Crime flare Strong
*Community-focused Heroine
Indira is a beautiful, resilient woman who refuses to let her past struggles stop her. She wasn’t looking for a companion—especially one as dominant as Leo—but the chemistry between them was undeniable. Through shared meals and raw vulnerability, their tension transformed into a fierce, "out-weighs everything" kind of love.
The dynamics here are top-tier. It’s a slow burn that satisfies, blending a gritty underworld vibe with a deeply passionate romance.
Favorite tropes:
*Enemies to Lovers
*"He’s a chef" (in and out of the bedroom)
*Cartel/Organized Crime flare Strong
*Community-focused Heroine
May 17, 2026
This book had me hooked from the first chapter!!
The story follows Indira Young, who is trying to rebuild her life after moving back to Atlanta, and Leo Lincoln, a polished businessman on the outside but a much more dangerous man underneath it all.
Leo was definitely giving Ghost from Power vibes all the way!!
When Leo and Indira cross paths, life changes for the both of them forever. This story is messy, bold, romantic, suspenseful, and little spicy 🌶️.
One thing I really loved was that the story had multiple storylines happening outside of all the romance. It really kept me fully invested the entire time.
Indira is really THAT girl. She stressed me out but she was still that girl lol. I love a FMC who stands on business and means what she says.That is exactly why Leo was so drawn to her. She was the complete opposite of the type of woman he thought he wanted.
I do wish the ending was different because I still have so many questions!!! I hope there is a part 2!!
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5
*Thanks to Keisha Freedman & Elle Kay Gee Publications for the ARC*
The story follows Indira Young, who is trying to rebuild her life after moving back to Atlanta, and Leo Lincoln, a polished businessman on the outside but a much more dangerous man underneath it all.
Leo was definitely giving Ghost from Power vibes all the way!!
When Leo and Indira cross paths, life changes for the both of them forever. This story is messy, bold, romantic, suspenseful, and little spicy 🌶️.
One thing I really loved was that the story had multiple storylines happening outside of all the romance. It really kept me fully invested the entire time.
Indira is really THAT girl. She stressed me out but she was still that girl lol. I love a FMC who stands on business and means what she says.That is exactly why Leo was so drawn to her. She was the complete opposite of the type of woman he thought he wanted.
I do wish the ending was different because I still have so many questions!!! I hope there is a part 2!!
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5
*Thanks to Keisha Freedman & Elle Kay Gee Publications for the ARC*
May 23, 2026
I really enjoyed the development of the characters. I hated Leo in the beginning but by the end he became the perfect “gentleman”. I am looking to hearing the other stories of the characters involved. I definitely binged this book!
May 7, 2026
DNF
This book was hard to read. It was choppy. It needs a lot of editing. There was no real backstory which made it hard to follow.
This book was hard to read. It was choppy. It needs a lot of editing. There was no real backstory which made it hard to follow.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews