How It Started

by T.L. Harris

409 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 4, 2026

Reviews

[Shannan Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book started off with a shock factor, and I was hooked. I couldn't put this down. It had my emotions all over the place. I also enjoyed and loved her best friend. I think we all need someone like that in our corner, especially for those of us who are the reserved type. And Brandon was the type of man she needed. It showed that it's ok to wait for what you want and to not settle. This was my type of read and i am excited to see what the author comes up with next

[Rachel McPherson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of How It Started, and this one is exactly the kind of slow burn I'm here for.

Ayanna is a CEO who rebuilt her life after betrayal and built walls to match. Brandon is a movie star quietly looking for something real behind the fame. When their worlds collide, T.L. Harris doesn't rush a single moment of it — and that's what makes it work. The slow burn isn't a marketing tag here, it's the whole point. You feel every bit of the hero-falls-first energy, and the dual POV lets you sit in both of their guards coming down at the same pace.

The characters are what carried this book for me. Ayanna and Brandon both feel fully lived-in — ambitious, guarded, and human — and their communication with each other is refreshingly healthy instead of manufactured drama. Add in the found family thread and you've got a book with real emotional depth underneath the celebrity-romance shine.

And that opening scene — genuinely one of the best hooks I've read this year. It sets the tone for everything that follows, and I found myself thinking back on it even after I finished the book.

T.L. Harris just earned a spot on my auto-read list. Already looking forward to whatever she writes next.

[Breana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is definitely a slow burn, but once it picks up, it’s worth the wait and it gets a little spicy!!

Ayanna (Z) is a successful business owner who’s built walls around her heart after being hurt by a man who cheated on her. Then there’s Brandon (J), a famous actor who knows exactly what he wants the moment he meets her and he definitely has a little jealous side that I wasn’t mad at!

From day one, Brandon is all in. He’s patient, intentional, and willing to move at Ayanna’s pace. Watching Ayanna work through her healing and learning how to trust herself again while Brandon consistently showed up for her, even though our girl is a runner, made their relationship feel so genuine. He never rushed her; he just kept showing her through his actions that he was there to stay.

When Ayanna finally let her guard down, Brandon slowly broke down every wall she’d built, and I enjoyed watching their relationship develop. Now, Ayanna may get on your nerves a little bit because GIRL… 😩 but honestly, it’s all worth it in the end!

If you love a celebrity romance with a patient MMC who falls first, is intentional about the woman he wants, and isn’t afraid to put in the work, How It Started is definitely one to pick up! Now I need the next one because MS. Harris that ending!!! Thank you PGDR and T.L. Harris for an ARC copy for my honest opinion.

[CHANREADSIT · Rating 4 out of 5]

How It Started is definitely a slow burn, but once it picks up, it’s worth the wait. Ayanna is a successful business owner who’s built walls around her heart after being hurt by a man who cheated on her. Enter Brandon, a famous actor who knows what he wants the moment he meets her. From day one, he’s all in patient, intentional, and willing to move at her pace. Watching Ayanna work through her healing while Brandon consistently showed up, even when she ran 😩, made their relationship feel so genuine. When she finally let her guard down, Brandon slowly broke down every wall she’d built. If you love a celebrity romance with a patient MMC who falls first, this one is definitely for you.

[BooksWithBelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

💫 ARC Reviews 🔥

Brandon and Ayanna were everything I didn’t know I needed!
Talk about a slow burn
Talk about yearning for somebody
Talk about healing
Brandon learning what Ayanna’s version of peace represented was beautiful. Ayanna learning to trust not only Brandon but herself when it came to him sticks with me, and Brandon standing on big business when it came to her didn’t hurt! Their journey of falling, healing, trusting, supporting, and loving each other is the icing on the cake.

If you haven’t yet, treat yourself and indulge in Brandon & Ayanna’s story of How It All Started. 💜

[Robyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did receive this as an advanced reader copy. I absolutely loved this book. Definitely a slow burn but the spice was worth it when it hit. This is my kind of love story. Emotional depth, letting go of fears, honest and healthy communication. There’s some drama I loved how driven Ayanna is. I’m so excited to see where these two go.

[Rodney Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book and eager for the next one

It's refreshing to read about professional black love but this story was captivating from beginning to end. I love the realism, the emotions and vulnerability, and the growth of Brandon & Ayanna. I cannot wait for the next book and experience the rest of Brandon & Ayanna's journey and the beginning of Atlas & Adiya's adventure.

[Tamar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a good read

This is a slow burn I couldn't put down! I fell in love with these characters and their journey! The spice is chef's kiss and worth the wait. If you like slow burns, emotionally intelligent MMCs and earned intimacy this book is for you.

[Chardonnay White · Rating 4 out of 5]

Between Covers BC ARC Review

Ayanna & Brandon 💕

Ayanna is the CEO of a successful business who has rebuilt her life after heartbreak. Brandon is an actor who has it all except someone real. What happens when they cross paths? An intentional, patient and healthy kind of love.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

How It Started by T.L. Harris - OUT NOW 💕
How It Started follows Ayanna, a business owner and Brandon, a famous actor, whose connection quickly turns into something much deeper.

Ayanna has her guard up and working on healing her heart to do her past relationship.

Brandon, is patient with her and willing to give her the time and reassurance she needs. I really liked seeing him pursue her without rushing

I gave this one 4 stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️The ending definitely leaves you wondering what happens next!

Thank you @prettygirlsdoread @loveinkedby_tlharris this ARC! I really enjoyed it 💕

[Jess (Jess.Keep.Reading) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author and Pretty Girls Do Read for the ARC for this beautiful debut romance.

[aisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book I was so interested in the characters I could not put in down I love a book like that

[Negleatta Davis]

OMG!!! I most definitely loved the way this story unfolded!! 10/10 RECOMMEND!!!!

[Jamie Richards · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing read . I love how Brandon came full force for our girl Ayanna. And I knew from jump D was a whole band Asher bowed out gracefully.

[Disa Chantel]

dnf @ 68%