One Night... And A Surrogate Later

by Alecia J

791 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 10, 2026

Reviews

[JMonique]

Reading this book was literally like watching a Lifetime movie!!

I cannot begin to describe the way this book pulled me in from the very beginning & kept me on my toes from beginning to end!

Merge was so mean & closed off until he beginning towards Zonnique.. He kept her around because she was convenient & knew the lifestyle. The night he met Kynsleigh was one to remember! Merge needed a child & a wife to become the next Don & he had one year to get it done. Little did he know he already had both!

Haelyn really made the book for me!! This girl was so dam crazy my head is still spinning just thinking about it 😭! Unhinged doesn’t even begin to describe the level of crazy that this girl came with! Zonnique allowed her thirst for money & power to go to extreme lengths to please Merge! She literally brought a psycho into all of their lives trying to solve his problem only ended up creating an even bigger one for them all!

This book had so many twist, turns & unexpected things happening I could barely keep up! This was a long one at 791 pages but I read it in ONE day so that should tell you just how good it was!! If you haven’t already check it out!

[Coniqueluv2read]

WILD

A WILD RIDE!!! This was so good as usual. Alexis J your pen game is FIRE. Like watching a movie.

[clare]

this is definitely not the normal surrogate book. before i even got 20% in i already knew this was going to be a 5⭐️ book. it was like an urban romance suspense mystery thriller 😆 the way the plot kept twisting OMG. haelyn and her voices was low key the best part. the way her character was written was so good i wanted to feel bad for her !!! the way i was putting the pieces together about haelyn and kyns childhood had me feeling like a detective. merge is a boss in every way and crazy as hell 🤣 between von & merge i don’t knows who’s funnier ! highly recommend 🥰

[perfectlyamberb]

🤯

This might be the wildest surrogate book I have ever read. Merge and Kynsleigh's road to forever was definitely complicated but I loved how once they reconnected they stayed down for each other no matter what. The twist with Zonnique and Haelyn I didn't see coming. This is definitely a page turner please don't let the page count keep you from giving this book a chance.

[AJ]

You realize very quickly that this will be 5⭐️!! Literally a page turner & had me hooked from the very beginning. Alecia J really is a heavy hitter! All 791 pages & a little bit of sleep loss was well worth it.

[Yolanda Knight- Palmer]

Loved Every Page

Wow!! This was a lot to take in, every page kept pulling me in more & more. This book definitely is worth every page!! Alecia J did her Big one with this one! I Highly recommend this book.

[Tina]

4,5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Cre8tive Dreamz]

🔥🔥🔥🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 My Family Is Funnier Than Yours

Amazing!!!…Absolutely NOTHING short of AMAZING!!!…This book took me all over the place emotionally!!!…There were moments that I cried & laughed so hard!!!…There were moments I cheered harder than the characters themselves!!!…
The creativity that went into this book speaks volumes about the mind of this author!!!…A beautiful mind, a creative mind and full of humor!!!…
The development of these characters and their individual personalities definitely made the ride that much more enjoyable!!!…Although there were so many different points of view, there was no confusion and I respect that even more!!!…
I loved me some Von and his ability to live comfortably in his own skin, but step into protector for Kynsleigh and Mysun!!!…Their friendship was a beautiful one and although Kynsleigh felt like she had nothing to offer, he made sure to let her know she is worthy!!!…
Merge was a holy hot mess who needed a sprinkle of holy water!!!…
That baby book he wrote though, CHEFS KISS!!!…I listened to that part 4-5 times because, I laughed so hard!!!…
I am definitely going to miss these characters, but I have NOTHING but respect for this author and her craft!!!…

[Ebony]

This book was a 3 for me.

I’ve never read a story like this before and it kept me engaged most of the time. If you are expecting a romance based on this author’s previous works/title this is NOT it. If you enjoy suspense this is a book you should possibly put on your TBR.

A one night stand, a manipulative situationship, a surrogate, and a “feared billionaire” MMC. I like all of those components came together and created this story.

Von is my favorite character! I wish everyone had a friend like him!



Now, here’s where this story fell flat for me.

The author DID state she is very descriptive in her author’s note BUT there’s no reason a scene between Merge (MMC) and a lady he screwed confronting him and the FMC should have taken TEN pages. It was unnecessary and boring & ultimately didn’t add anything to the story.


Also, there were far too many similes, metaphors, and contrasting statements (“not this, not this, but this”) in this story.

Merge was a billionaire with all of these resources…….why didn’t her run a proper background check, check IDS….especially when he thought something wasn’t right. That just didn’t make sense to me and drug the story out.

[BookTalesTink]

Standalone, lengthy but good

Babyyyyy… Haelyn was absolutely certified crazy! Every time I thought she couldn’t take things any further, she proved me wrong. I wanted to dislike Zonnique at first, but by the end, she definitely grew on me.

One thing about me? I love a female main character who isn’t afraid to let a man cut that check! 😂

Kynsleigh had me stressed for a minute because I wasn’t sure how everything was going to play out, but I’m so glad she came out on top. I completely understood the hurt and frustration she carried toward her twin. She genuinely tried to love Haelyn, support her, and pull her out of that dark place, but sometimes you can’t save someone who refuses to be saved.

And Merge? Whew… that man really did everything he could. He handled situations the best way he knew how, but it seemed like everyone around him kept making decisions that complicated his life. He deserved a lot more grace than he received.

Overall, this was a drama-filled read with messy relationships, emotional twists, and characters who kept me invested from beginning to end.

[Lisa]

This is crazy! Haelyn is a nutcase as well as Zonnique! Merge really needs to make better decisions! Poor Talia, she met with a horrible ending trusting someone certifiable! Kynsleigh doesn't realize yet what her one night stand means! This is a great read! So mad it ended on a cliffhanger. Alecia J, I loved it and need the next book asap! That ending!!!!

8/3/26
I thought this book ended with a cliffhanger, but I found out the first book dropped and I downloaded it, it was removed and the whole 50+ chapters were dropped! I just finished the other 30+ chapters and I must say Alecia this was one of your best! What started off as a mandatory union that had to happen, ended with true love found between Kynsleigh and Merge! Von was hilarious too and I was so happy he got an independent start thanks to Khys and Merge. Haelyn was truly messed up mentally and in the end it was so sad for her! It was also discovered thanks to Merge that their mother was alive! Alecia dealt deeply in this book with mental health. So many people syffer and the sad part is it can be passed on thru the children. Haelyn and Khysleigh were twins but what a difference! It was a great read! I really enjoyed it! Zonnique and her newfound Boo Malachai got their HEA!

[Pamela]

A Wild Ride that hit Close to Home!

This was a 5-star wild ride! I’m so glad Alecia J. decided to turn this book into a standalone. Like most of her books, the 791 pages didn’t seem daunting at all. I was fully engaged from start to finish. There were so many twists and turns; some you absolutely didn't see coming, and others you could figure out.
Merge was hilarious, even when he wasn’t trying to be. His bluntness was perfectly softened by Kynsleigh, who was so soft yet strong (though there were a few points where her stalling made me roll my eyes!). Zonnique was definitely a character, and Haelyn’s character deserves a standing ovation.
What I love most about Alecia J.’s books is that she writes about real-life issues, like mental health in this case, but still finds a way to weave in humor. This book truly resonated with me on a personal level. RIP to my baby sister, who struggled with severe mental health just like Haelyn and their mom. Thank you, Alecia, for shedding light on mental health.

[EricaLenise]

This book had me feeling like I was watching a Lifetime movie with a billionaire twist. Every time I thought I had the story figured out, something else happened that sent me right back to the edge of my seat.

Merge and Kynsleigh's journey was anything but simple. Once they found their way back to each other, I loved how they stayed solid despite everything being thrown at them.

Now Haelyn? Baby... somebody should've checked on her. 😂 She brought a level of chaos I was not prepared for. And the twists involving her and Zonnique caught me completely off guard.

This book had all the ingredients for a page-turner. A one-night stand, surrogacy, family politics, power plays, and enough suspense to keep me reading. The only thing that kept this from being a higher rating was the pacing. Some scenes dragged longer than they needed to and didn't move the story forward.

Even at almost 800 pages, I kept turning the pages because I had to know how it all ended. If you enjoy messy, suspense-filled romances with plenty of drama, this one is worth adding to your TBR. (3.5/5)

[Tarsha G]

Gripping Masterpiece

What truly sets this book apart is how Alecia J. weaves together disparate emotional threads into a cohesive, gripping narrative.
The Psychological Depth: The portrayal of the voices in Haelyn's head is both chilling and deeply humanizing. It provides a unique lens through which we view her actions, making her one of the most compelling and unpredictable characters I've encountered recently.
Friendship and Loyalty: The bond between Kynsleigh and Von is an anchor of strength.
Unconditional Love: The connection between Merge, Myson, and Kynsleigh is profoundly touching. In a world full of chaos and ulterior motives, their love serves as a beacon of warmth that grounds the story.
The Pursuit of Power: Zonnique's descent into desperation is masterfully executed. Her hunger for power creates a perfect antagonist force, driving the plot forward and keeping stakes perilously high.

[Deyonna Henry]

I’m speechless in the best way

When you read a story and literally become hooked like when you start a new series on Netflix and realize you are too deep to stop and it’s 3 am . This is exactly what diving into this story felt like . My mouth dropped so many times from all the twist and wtw moments in this book. I’m just amazed at what I just read . When the story ends and you feel sorry for the so called villain even though you despised every decision they made throughout the whole story . And when the character you thought was going to piss you off the whole book you actually end up saying well she not that bad at the end of the story .

And who doesn’t love a mean don’t play about you MMC😮‍💨😮‍💨😮‍💨.

I will say the FMC does get her HEA but maaannnn does she have to go on a ride to get it 😭😭.

I will never just tell the book in my reviews, but in this one expect the unexpected and make sure not to blink while reading . You may just miss something 😉

[Rosetta Edwards-Ham]

Was waiting on this to re-drop 🥰🔥

Merge and Kynsleigh met by chance and ended up bonded for life. One night in the restroom led to a lifetime together. I wish she would’ve been went to Merge. Glad she had Von in her life though. It’s sad how things ended for her sister, Haelyn. I really was waiting to read that Merge and Jace were brothers or cousins or something lol. Glad Merge got the PI & went and found out the truth about her birth mom. Kyns wanted a family and ended up with one. His parents loved her like no other and Von did too. Sad things happened the way they did for Talia. She was so loving. Zonnique was a hot mess. Caused all this drama. She ended up with a man who truly wanted her though and a baby. Loved this book!

[Champella Brooks]

What a ride! I absolutely binged this book.

This book had me hooked from beginning to end. Every time I thought I knew where the story was going, it surprised me. The pacing kept me turning the pages, and I finished it much faster than I expected.

Von was my favorite character by far. If you read this book, you’ll understand why. He deserved the world.

Alecia did a great job balancing drama, humor, and emotional moments. I laughed, gasped, rolled my eyes, and couldn’t stop reading.

If you’re looking for a romance with plenty of twists, memorable characters, and a story that keeps you invested until the very last page, I definitely recommend giving this one a chance.

I won’t spoil anything, but trust me… just keep reading.

[Shy]

I wasn't ready...

I absolutely loved everything about Mayzen "Merge" Belvior Jr. His confidence, cockiness, arrogance, and especially his off-the-wall comments had me laughing out loud. It's been a long time since a book has made me laugh this much.

The story had just the right amount of drama. Even though Merge lives a wild lifestyle, the drama never felt over-the-top or unrealistic. It was balanced perfectly with humor, emotion, and character growth.

I also really enjoyed the relationship between Kynsleigh and Von. Watching Von slowly grow on Merge. Overall, One Night and a Surrogate Later was an entertaining, funny, and heartfelt read that kept me hooked from beginning to end.

[Jennifer Gardner]

A surrogate like No Other!

Alecia J, you executed that exceptionally well. This story is outstanding. Merge's struggle with his Belvior bloodline clause reveals the unexpected consequences of excessive alcohol consumption. The Belvior family is not to be underestimated. Zonnique, I appreciate your recognition of the need to establish boundaries. Haelyn is an individual who would benefit from significant life changes. Kynsleigh was my favorite character. This is a surrogate story unlike any I have encountered. I was thoroughly engaged throughout. I could not put my Kindle down. You will not be disappointed by this book choice.

[Alicia Sims]

Omg this was 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

Merge is a very specific kinda special😂 if he thinks it he says it. Kyns is a good girl dealt a bad hand. I think her parents treated her like they did because they didn't know her to love her which is weird after they raised her, but they seemed too consumed with their image to be loving parents. Haelyn had me on a rollercoaster you never know what she was doing next until she did it. Von was most definitely the star of every scene he was in 😂😂. Zonnique better be glad that Kynsleigh came along because Merge wanted to send her on a permanent vacation.

[Marquia C.]

I did NOT know what I was getting myself into...BUT BABBBBYYYYYYYY...the twists and turns will have your mind blown!

When I tell you Alecia J knows how to work out the intricacies of the mind. The depth of betrayal, trauma, and loyalty in this book is on another level.

I am a therapist and the way Haelyn is potrayed is TOP TIER. Mental health is no joke and Alecia highlighted every struggle PERFECTLY.

I loved me some VON! The best friend EVERYONE needs 😍🤗. Every time that man had a line, I just knew I was about to be CACKLING.

Once Kynsliegh and Merge got on the same page...I LOVED THEM. I LOVE THEM DOWN!!!!

[Renee]

Emotional ride

This was a great emotional book.It dealt with real life mental health and what people can go through when proper help isn't given. Now to kyn she did what most mama do when they get pregnant and decide to raise the baby alone get it by any means necessary taking on a job or jobs to make sure their child is good. I love von and how he stood ten toes down for them. Now merge is a whole character but II wouldn't have done with that girl did she was too desperate but each to they own.

[ChapterswithChance]

Woooooo

This book had so many plots but they were soooo good.. Kynsleigh girl was definitely giving strong independent woman until she had no choice to let Merge in. Merge is definitely my fav outside of Von cause Merge was an entire mess from the threats to the jokes.. i took him serious to a certain extent. Von thought Von was the funniest but the best friend that Kynsleigh could ever need. As for Zonnique and Haelyn wooo Zonnique was really delusional as ever and Haelyn baby Haelyn was definitely one of a kind. Definitely a thicky and a 5 star read for me

[Lanier]

We all need a Vom in our lives.

I swear he was the absolute best part of this story. I overly loved his antics.

Zonnique was definitely a a turtle in molasses. That's the nicest way to put it with getting hit with a community violation lol.

Baby Haelyn was written so well I almost felt sorry for her. Like baby was in the cosmos


Zonnique and her man need a new invoice cause they owe ever penny that Merge said they did.

Well worth the read.

[Stace Stay in Fiction]

She did it again!

You already know I love Alecia J, and once again, she did not miss! I love how she weaves mental health into her stories with so much care and depth. The characters were layered, the writing pulled me in, and the storyline kept me invested from beginning to end. Add in a great plot twist and two amazing main characters, and this was another winner for me. When it comes to Alecia J, I already know I’m in good hands!

[Tamika Frye]

Way Too Long

I gave it 3 stars because this was a good story but was very predictable before you even get barley half way. It really did not need to be 791 pages long. I think it could have been better and had a lot of unnecessary dialog. It starts off slow & by the time it seems to get good it becomes predictable and your basically just reading 300-400 more pages to get to the end.

[SincerlyMe]

It was alright. Very longggg but alright. Definitely gave lifetime movie but you knew what would happen before it happened. The connections between the characters was not there all around the board .. even the friendships. Kyns was annoying and Merge didn’t have an ounce of empathy. The scenes felt like a Tyler P. Show (drawn out & every conversation long winded) and as long as this was still felt like things was missing.

[Samon Mccain]

love love love Merge

Between the bedtime story to the invoice on his wedding day I don’t know which scene had me cracking up…. And everyone need a friend like Von… he is my book bestie ….I thought Giovanni “G” Greyson was my book bae but I think Merge got him beat… I swear every time Alecia drop a new book I inherit a new book bae…. Keep them coming LeLe lol

[Annie J]

yaaaaass

I love a plot twist but I love a well written and planned out plot twist. I hate when k read a story and the plot twist is just there for a wow factor. Nah do the work drop the Easter eggs lead up to those plot twists. This was Rey’s different spin on a surrogate story and I love that.

[KETIA STEPHENS]

somebody get Neeetfliiiixxxx da line!

This gave 10episode Netflix series …that there Mayzen had to grow on me yall cause who tf sir..listen go break ya thumb downloading this here foolery you won’t be able to put it down ya hear me…and enjoy the ride along with our fav Von ..I think he is giving spin off 👀👀