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My Deepest Sympathy
Sometimes we convince ourselves we've got life all figured out. And, for the most part, we do—or at least we think we do. Follow the go to school, find your passion, build a career, collect a paycheck, rinse and repeat. The good old American Dream.
Charlotte Steele checked every box. She was a dedicated nine-to-five girlie with a career she genuinely loved—one that not only fulfilled her passion but allowed her to pour back into her community. Her life made sense. It was predictable, comfortable... safe.
Then there's Sympathy Jones.
He followed the blueprint too—at first. He went to school, found a career he excelled in, and built a life most people would envy. The only difference? His paycheck came with a little more adrenaline and a lot more danger. High risk. High reward.
And that's where Charlotte and Sympathy collide.
He's teaching her that staying inside the lines is overrated and that sometimes the sweetest victories come from breaking a few rules. After all, why admire the cake when you can have a slice too?
She's introducing him to something far more unfamiliar than consistency. Affection. Vulnerability. The kind of love that doesn't ask him to earn it—just accept it.
But what happens when the woman who lives by the rules falls for the man who's built his life breaking them?
When attraction meets authority... somebody's bound to lose control.
Charlotte Steele checked every box. She was a dedicated nine-to-five girlie with a career she genuinely loved—one that not only fulfilled her passion but allowed her to pour back into her community. Her life made sense. It was predictable, comfortable... safe.
Then there's Sympathy Jones.
He followed the blueprint too—at first. He went to school, found a career he excelled in, and built a life most people would envy. The only difference? His paycheck came with a little more adrenaline and a lot more danger. High risk. High reward.
And that's where Charlotte and Sympathy collide.
He's teaching her that staying inside the lines is overrated and that sometimes the sweetest victories come from breaking a few rules. After all, why admire the cake when you can have a slice too?
She's introducing him to something far more unfamiliar than consistency. Affection. Vulnerability. The kind of love that doesn't ask him to earn it—just accept it.
But what happens when the woman who lives by the rules falls for the man who's built his life breaking them?
When attraction meets authority... somebody's bound to lose control.
113 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 26, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
July 6, 2026
My Deepest Sympathy had all the ingredients to be a knockout story. A forbidden romance between a prisoner and his counselor? Say less!!! I was all in.
Unfortunately, the execution never lived up to the premise. The story moves at such a fast pace that it never gives the characters or their relationship room to breathe. Because of that, I struggled to buy into their connection, and when they finally got together, it felt more forced than earned. The plotting also felt underdeveloped. The situation with her boyfriend seemed to disappear for large stretches of the story, only to resurface later without much buildup. As a result, I felt disconnected. The ending didn’t feel satisfying, it felt unfinished. Whether there’s another book planned or not, I wanted more closure than what I got. Overall, My Deepest Sympathy had so much potential, but it never reached the heights I think it could have. The premise is strong; I just wish the characters, romance, and plot had been given more time to develop.
Unfortunately, the execution never lived up to the premise. The story moves at such a fast pace that it never gives the characters or their relationship room to breathe. Because of that, I struggled to buy into their connection, and when they finally got together, it felt more forced than earned. The plotting also felt underdeveloped. The situation with her boyfriend seemed to disappear for large stretches of the story, only to resurface later without much buildup. As a result, I felt disconnected. The ending didn’t feel satisfying, it felt unfinished. Whether there’s another book planned or not, I wanted more closure than what I got. Overall, My Deepest Sympathy had so much potential, but it never reached the heights I think it could have. The premise is strong; I just wish the characters, romance, and plot had been given more time to develop.
August 18, 2026
First read by this author and I absolutely loved it!
There was one detail at the very beginning that I was confused about. However, it was so simple and irrelevant to the story that it did not take away from the read.
Would I have loved more from this couple- ABSOLUTELY!
However, I think the author did a really good job writing their chemistry and time spent together.
Also, I loved how the author played on the title "My Deepest Sympathy" throughout the story. Especially with the roses after you know who went you know where...
Standalone novella that I would definitely recommend.
There was one detail at the very beginning that I was confused about. However, it was so simple and irrelevant to the story that it did not take away from the read.
Would I have loved more from this couple- ABSOLUTELY!
However, I think the author did a really good job writing their chemistry and time spent together.
Also, I loved how the author played on the title "My Deepest Sympathy" throughout the story. Especially with the roses after you know who went you know where...
Standalone novella that I would definitely recommend.
July 8, 2026
I truly enjoyed Big Sympathy & Charlotte love story. There’s nothing like love at first sight and that’s exactly how Sympathy was and making things happen from behind bars. I can’t wait to see what stems from this novella and Myesha I see the growth in your own game with each release. Keep going!
July 9, 2026
Charlotte and Sympathy
Love can be found in the most unconventional places, always have an open heart and an open mind! A great quick read! I would love a part 2.
Love can be found in the most unconventional places, always have an open heart and an open mind! A great quick read! I would love a part 2.
July 23, 2026
I needed more
I like the story but I just wanted to see more of the relationship. Hopefully we will get a part 2 cuz I need to see how things play out with her being part of his world
I like the story but I just wanted to see more of the relationship. Hopefully we will get a part 2 cuz I need to see how things play out with her being part of his world
July 21, 2026
Must Read.
This Novella was so good. Whew Sympathy was a something sexy. He came in and shook Charlotte up. Showed her he stood on business behind them walls and outside them. They balance each other perfectly. You know we need a follow up.
This Novella was so good. Whew Sympathy was a something sexy. He came in and shook Charlotte up. Showed her he stood on business behind them walls and outside them. They balance each other perfectly. You know we need a follow up.
June 30, 2026
This was a short novella that I did not want to end. I don’t know which character I loved more- Sympathy and his alpha personality or Charlotte and her ambitious mindset. Both characters were strong who made it feel like we were in that office with them every time because they had such great chemistry with one another. I enjoyed the banter between them and especially the spice because Ms. Charlotte did not stand on business at all when Sympathy said “comere” lol. I would love to see more of them especially with the connections Sympathy has with our favorite Hart family
July 4, 2026
3.5🌟 I enjoyed it but Sympathy and Charlotte were definitely left unfinished.
July 4, 2026
Yes
Listen Ma’am we need a part 2, update even if is in Cari’s book. I really enjoyed reading about Charlotte and Sympathy.
Listen Ma’am we need a part 2, update even if is in Cari’s book. I really enjoyed reading about Charlotte and Sympathy.
July 1, 2026
I want more!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5|🌶️🌶️
This is good and felt like a prequel story. It says the end but I really hope it’s not the end because I was hooked. The storyline is really good especially for the pace of the story to be intentionally quicker since it’s a novella.
I hope there’s more because I will be reading! 💖
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5|🌶️🌶️
This is good and felt like a prequel story. It says the end but I really hope it’s not the end because I was hooked. The storyline is really good especially for the pace of the story to be intentionally quicker since it’s a novella.
I hope there’s more because I will be reading! 💖
June 27, 2026
A must-read
I may be a little biased, because I had the pleasure of seeing you from your infancy to the present moment. 😁 Every new project gets better. and better. This book although it was short, did what it was supposed to do. It kept me entertained from beginning to end.
I loved how your characters are not one-dimensional. Sympathy was a man’s man he was not just a man to see in the streets. He made it happen regardless of his current circumstance. The only complaint I have is that I need more of these sisters.
I may be a little biased, because I had the pleasure of seeing you from your infancy to the present moment. 😁 Every new project gets better. and better. This book although it was short, did what it was supposed to do. It kept me entertained from beginning to end.
I loved how your characters are not one-dimensional. Sympathy was a man’s man he was not just a man to see in the streets. He made it happen regardless of his current circumstance. The only complaint I have is that I need more of these sisters.
June 28, 2026
okay!
Sympathy came and was not playing at all. If standing on business was a person! I loved them. I would love to read more about them or an update and Cary need her a new man.
Sympathy came and was not playing at all. If standing on business was a person! I loved them. I would love to read more about them or an update and Cary need her a new man.
October 25, 2026
My Deepest Sympathy is a forbidden romance following Charlotte, a social worker for inmates in a transition house. She meets Sympathy and sparks fly immediately.
I love a man who knows what he wants the moment he lays eyes on the woman of his dreams! Sympathy was definitely THAT man! However, their relationship moved FAST, and I really wish the author had taken a little more time to develop their connection a little more. The situation with Rico went left so quickly that it almost felt out of place or a little too extreme in the story. I genuinely enjoyed this read! but it also felt a bit unfinished. However, this was my first book by Myesha Smith, and I'm definitely looking forward to reading more of her work. 💕
I love a man who knows what he wants the moment he lays eyes on the woman of his dreams! Sympathy was definitely THAT man! However, their relationship moved FAST, and I really wish the author had taken a little more time to develop their connection a little more. The situation with Rico went left so quickly that it almost felt out of place or a little too extreme in the story. I genuinely enjoyed this read! but it also felt a bit unfinished. However, this was my first book by Myesha Smith, and I'm definitely looking forward to reading more of her work. 💕
October 27, 2026
A forbidden and unexpected love
I went into this read somewhat blind only knowing it was a forbidden romance. Sympathy and Charlotte were entertaining. I enjoyed reading about Sympathy staking his claim and applying pressure. Charlotte on the other hand tried to fight the attraction but she caught a big fish and there was no throwing it back. I also loved the tug of war we saw with Charlotte and her role as a social worker, even though everyone close to her hated her job I love that she knew her "why" and was dedicated to her purpose.
I went into this read somewhat blind only knowing it was a forbidden romance. Sympathy and Charlotte were entertaining. I enjoyed reading about Sympathy staking his claim and applying pressure. Charlotte on the other hand tried to fight the attraction but she caught a big fish and there was no throwing it back. I also loved the tug of war we saw with Charlotte and her role as a social worker, even though everyone close to her hated her job I love that she knew her "why" and was dedicated to her purpose.
November 1, 2026
Very Cute. I love an instant attraction, especially when it involves a "hard or rugged" character. When Sympathy donned her as "Cake", I was hooked. The female lead having a meaningful and realistic profession/career added to uplifting this strong female lead. Their staying on the phone all night...-i literally felt that old school receiver on my ear. You get a strong male character, Sympathy, with emotional intelligence and then the lost of said emotional intelligence when Cake was in danger. This book gave intimate love and healthy family love.
July 12, 2026
This was a nice introduction into the author.
However, this book needed to be edited. There were several missing or incorrect words used. Overall I liked the pressure that Sympathy put on Charlotte but we really never got to see them together outside of the rehabilitation center so hopefully there is a sequel.
However, this book needed to be edited. There were several missing or incorrect words used. Overall I liked the pressure that Sympathy put on Charlotte but we really never got to see them together outside of the rehabilitation center so hopefully there is a sequel.
July 15, 2026
OMGSHH!!! This book gave me all the feels !! I was cackling and in awe of these two . “I need that cake cake cake cake “ Rihanna voice . Symphony we not playing about my girl Cake . This story was so beautiful, it was the perfect novella and helped me get out of my book slump!! I loved her sisters banter and their closeness .
October 21, 2026
Sympathy that man that man
Omg I just loved the man Sympathy was. He was real and his actions outweighed his words. Cake was being scary at first but I’m glad she threw caution to the wind and let Sympathy show her a real man cause Rico wasn’t it and was never gone be the one either. I was glad she went to the house and he was there waiting on her I almost cried 😂🤣😂
Omg I just loved the man Sympathy was. He was real and his actions outweighed his words. Cake was being scary at first but I’m glad she threw caution to the wind and let Sympathy show her a real man cause Rico wasn’t it and was never gone be the one either. I was glad she went to the house and he was there waiting on her I almost cried 😂🤣😂
October 19, 2026
Cake and Sympathy’s relationship was complex but toooo cute!!! I knew eventually she would fold for a real one. Hopefully, there’s a follow up!! My only issue were the errors throughout the book- there were many missing, misused or misspelled words.
October 20, 2026
I honestly don’t know how I feel about this one because it felt unfinished. It started off strong and pulled me right into the story, but then it suddenly stopped. I was left wondering if I’d missed something because how did we get here.
October 23, 2026
Short and Sweet
This was a great Instalove story. I loved the banter between the sisters. My only complaint is that I wish it was longer. An epilogue giving a glimpse of love after lock up would have been perfect.
This was a great Instalove story. I loved the banter between the sisters. My only complaint is that I wish it was longer. An epilogue giving a glimpse of love after lock up would have been perfect.
Read
October 25, 2026I love a novella but I did feel like we could have used a bit more development in order for me to connect with Charlotte and Sympathy as a couple and as individuals. I did yell a couple of times, “You gon lose your job!”😂😂
November 2, 2026
I was locked in because of the instant connection but it was like Sympathy knew off rip that he wanted Charlotte and was going to do whatever to get her. I can understand Charlotte’s dilemma with the stigma of dating an inmate/felon but I’m glad she chose Sympathy in the end <3
July 17, 2026
This had so much potential but fail flat. The ending really pissed me off.
September 2, 2026
Quick read if he wanted to he would even behind bars!! No excuses. Rest in piss Rico‼️
September 10, 2026
Love it
Very good book to read didn't want to put it down ready for more books from this author she getting better and better
Very good book to read didn't want to put it down ready for more books from this author she getting better and better
October 15, 2026
I won't do any spoilers but ~swoon~. My new mantra is: 'if you aint cried taken the dick, you have no business crying because be left'
June 30, 2026
To have your Cake and EAT It Too!!!
Whew! This was probably the best novella I’ve read all year!!! Everything was right there!!!! That ending tho??? Yessss I got the funds ready drop an exclusive you know we want more CAKE!! That man ain’t play no games!!! His situation ain’t stop him not one bit!
Whew! This was probably the best novella I’ve read all year!!! Everything was right there!!!! That ending tho??? Yessss I got the funds ready drop an exclusive you know we want more CAKE!! That man ain’t play no games!!! His situation ain’t stop him not one bit!
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews