This was a nice addition to the Dillinger Chronicles. I absolutely love the emotional intelligence Senior displays and how he doesn’t make excuses for his past actions. He takes accountability for his part in why things didn’t work out between him and Stephanie over the years, and I really appreciated that. That man was so tender about his Stephanie, and I loved that for both of them.
I also appreciated the author showing how love can be nuanced and that even if you have a soulmate, your heart can still have the capacity to love someone else. I believe Stephanie truly loved Aaron, just like I believe Senior loved all of his “baby mamas,” but the love they held for each other was soul-deep. And after being invested across so many books I was glad to see them finally get together.
I will say the story did get a little repetitive. “Y’all are in love. Been in love your whole life. Lament about why y’all didn’t work. Deuce is gonna be mad when he finds out. Rinse and repeat.” 🤣 I found myself wanting the conflict to hurry up and happen because it started to drag a bit. Once things finally came to a head, the explosion was pretty much what I expected, but I appreciated Senior not allowing his child to bully him or dictate his life.
There are two characters introduced who will now play a monumental role in the family, and I wish their integration into the family had been explored a little more. It wasn’t rushed, but I would have loved to see more of their interactions and how everyone processed these new dynamics. Their storyline isn’t necessarily incomplete, but it does leave just enough room for a possible novella or update story—which, in a perfect world, I would absolutely read.👀
At the end of the day, this story wasn’t as heavy on drama and action as the previous books, which felt appropriate given that our MCs are in their mid-50s and entering a new chapter of their lives. It still had the elements we’ve come to love from this series: the banter, the softness toward their women, and the strong blood and chosen-family dynamics. It was a fitting story for Senior and Stephanie, a nice addition to the Chronicles, and I could definitely see this being a feel-good comfort read for readers who enjoy mature romance and strong family dynamics.
I love a grown and sexy book. We all knew that Senior and Stephanie story was going to be just that or hoped at least. Kimberly delivered and the feelings of other individuals who their journey impacts was addressed perfectly. To me I agreed with both Senior and Stephanie on them acknowledging but not letting it define them as a couple. They had their own hurdles.
Duece though... my grown teddy bear hit them nails on the head with precision. I just knew him and Senior were going to go blow for blow but maturity prevailed. My boo had Senior seeing things through the eyes of a child not the feelings of a man. Although they scarred him, he will definitely know going forward.
Stephanie and Duece... as a boy mom, I got it. Their protection goes further than our eyes can see. We have to be mindful of what we don't think they see and what they actually see.
Stephanie and Maddie... Women take notes. Disrespect can be countered with respect and ownership. The claws were out for sure but the apology was sincere and heard. Together those women and the other sister are dangerous. I loved every minute of it.
Now let's get to the 70% mark that had their misunderstanding coming full circle. The tears I cried. I can't wait for the aftermath because this family is not done. I am here for every healing moment.
This book is the reason why The Dillingers are one of my favorite families.
We have witnessed Stephanie & Stanley’s relationship/friendship through 6 books and this was the book I think I loved the most in the series because of their love. Although they could not get it right the first time (or 6 other proposals) & Stephanie had to go through heart break to finally get her happy ending, I love the way Stanley was always there for her no matter what. They finally got it right with proposal #7! Of course I love the family dynamic although Deuce gave me a headache being so hard on his dad(his reasoning was partially understandable), but I was glad he came around to the idea of his parents being one because Stanley Sr wasnt having it any other way. The writing was beautiful because we knew Papa Stanley was that guy but he was really giving BDE bout his baby! Stephanie was that girl, she was definitely everyones favorite Titi Grandma(lol) and I love how she brought the idea of expanding their family & he was on board with it. Now I loved the adoption/found family trope because those babies gained so much love & they were what Steph and Stan needed to be complete. Although this was the series finale, it was a beautiful and peaceful wrap to the family. 4.7 stars!
YES YES YES 🙌🏾 Kimberly has done it again! This book was the perfect way to end the series, and what a clever way to end it with whom it all started with.
I definitely shed a few tears, but I laughed my ass off as well. I can’t express how much I enjoyed this book. It’s the first time I read a book about a central character without getting a full backstory, but somehow it worked out perfectly for this story. I’m going to miss this family. I’m happy Senior and Stephanie Dillinger got their happy ending 🥹👏🏾🫶🏾🧡❤️
I know Kimberly Brown said this was the last one but I need more!! I was ok with this series ending on a high note with senior…but she done sucked me back in and I need more!! ********************SPOILER!******************************* * * *
The way she introduced the new kids, I feel like there could be a potential spinoff bc Sevyn would def fit right into the family business and we need an update on the people who Senior was suppose to handle
Once again Kimberly Brown has written a beautiful story!! I absolutely love this family and they have become one of my favorites!! You get comedy, love, growth, accountability, and spice all in one . I'm glad I stayed up and finished this one!! Again I really enjoyed this book!!
This book was everything!!! How it all came to be!! I’m so happy that Stanley finally got what his heart always wanted!! Deuce was funny as always! And then the extra!!! Beautiful!!! I’m hoping to see more of this series because it just can’t stop!!! Pick this up!! You won’t be disappointed!! Ms. Author Kimberly you did it again!!! 🤗🤗
I was waiting for this and it did not disappoint. The Dillingers have always been a fav and seeing the cultivation of Senior and the love he and Stephanie had for each other just brought everything full circle. I can’t wait to see how Dax and Sevyn grow into the family cause I just have a feeling this isn’t the end. I’ll wait patiently until then. Great read!!
I love a 2nd chance romance. Deuce know he need to leave his mama alone!! This was such a feel good book! Mama Steph deserves her happiness. Senior raised good men bc he's a good man. Love this family real bad!
Senior was meant to have Mama Stephanie. Their love story through the years was real and beautiful to see play out. These grandparents were playing no games.
I know Kimberly is not done since we've added Dax and Sevyn and I can't wait.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This is how you end a series! Omg! I throughly enjoyed this book. I’ve always loved Senior and this book absolutely did it for me! Him and Mama Steph…..about time!! I just love, love!! I think this is my favorite book in the series.
This book was everything. Gave me all the feels while reading their love story. It really was full circle and exemplary written. I couldn’t put it down and highly recommend.
Oh how happy this made me! Senior needed love too. Not to give too much away, but uh, why do I feel like there are a couple more stories that can be birthed from this book? One can only hope! I've oved every minute of the Dillinger Series.
This was the story I was waiting for. I probably advocated along with my sis Shabria in the patty the hardest from the beginning. Senior loved hard, but loved momma Steph the hardest. Watching this story unfold makes my heart happy. Outstanding job KB!
Ms. Brown wrote the heck out of this book! Stanley Sr. finally got the love of his life, Mama Stephanie, to say yes. This story is heartwarming, funny, sexy, and just a feel good, second chance romance. You will love it here. Enjoy!
I am so glad Senior got his book. This was truly a romance book. I cried in the end it was so beautiful. Kimberly you did your thing. I am sure there will be another book in the series. I believe it will be Syven. Congratulations on another good book.
I already had a soft spot for Stanley but now!!!!!! OMG Im so happy Stanley got his forever!!! Deuce did exactly what I thought he would but got it together!!! Love love this book!!
It's patient & kind & sexy and loving and everything you need it to be when you need it! Senior & Step were beautiful! And I loved everything about this story.