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The Spite #2
In Spite of it All
Love is not on the drink menu.
At least not for Tiana St. Patrick as she nurses the broken heart caused by her ex after their sudden, unexpected, yet incredibly necessary break-up.
But when a generous stranger offers to jumpstart her healing process, and doubles down with a chance encounter at her business, she can't help but wonder if his presence is worth something more than just a helping hand even though he seems to be exactly the type of guy she should be avoiding at all costs.
Kelvin Watson is a man on a mission. Between the lounge he co-owns with his big brother, and the ladies that frequent it, it's no secret that he has plenty to keep himself busy.
Still, when a particular patron catches his eye and then manages to ease her way into his heart with her easygoing vibe and natural charm, he can't help himself in pushing for something more. And when more turns into a discovery of past indiscretions, present reservations, and future obstacles, Tiana and Kelvin find themselves attempting to navigate their budding romance, in spite of it all.
(Note: This book is a spin-off of, Love at First Spite. While it can be read as a standalone, it does contain major spoilers for that title.)
At least not for Tiana St. Patrick as she nurses the broken heart caused by her ex after their sudden, unexpected, yet incredibly necessary break-up.
But when a generous stranger offers to jumpstart her healing process, and doubles down with a chance encounter at her business, she can't help but wonder if his presence is worth something more than just a helping hand even though he seems to be exactly the type of guy she should be avoiding at all costs.
Kelvin Watson is a man on a mission. Between the lounge he co-owns with his big brother, and the ladies that frequent it, it's no secret that he has plenty to keep himself busy.
Still, when a particular patron catches his eye and then manages to ease her way into his heart with her easygoing vibe and natural charm, he can't help himself in pushing for something more. And when more turns into a discovery of past indiscretions, present reservations, and future obstacles, Tiana and Kelvin find themselves attempting to navigate their budding romance, in spite of it all.
(Note: This book is a spin-off of, Love at First Spite. While it can be read as a standalone, it does contain major spoilers for that title.)
262 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 7, 2016
219 people are currently reading
154 people want to read
About the author
Alexandra Warren
47 books1,282 followersAlexandra Warren is a contemporary romance author with over thirty works to date, all of which intentionally center Black love. She is also the co-founder of Girl, Have You Read…, a digital platform dedicated to Black romance written by Black authors.
When she’s not in front of her computer, she enjoys traveling, spending time with family, watching sports, and clearing her DVR. Alexandra is a proud native of Omaha, Nebraska, but she currently calls Houston, Texas home.
Learn more about Alexandra by visiting her website www.actuallyitsalexandra.com.
When she’s not in front of her computer, she enjoys traveling, spending time with family, watching sports, and clearing her DVR. Alexandra is a proud native of Omaha, Nebraska, but she currently calls Houston, Texas home.
Learn more about Alexandra by visiting her website www.actuallyitsalexandra.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
November 14, 2022
I Love Their Dynamic
It took Tiana a minute to come around…but Kelvin knew exactly what he wanted…her, once he met her, he knew Tiana was the one for him….coming with a package and issues and all.
It took Tiana a minute to come around…but Kelvin knew exactly what he wanted…her, once he met her, he knew Tiana was the one for him….coming with a package and issues and all.
September 25, 2018
👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥
October 18, 2016
Love this couple.
Really enjoyable read. Love Kelvin and Tiana. Love the way interacted with each other and the chase. Alexandra Warren is becoming one of my favorites.
Really enjoyable read. Love Kelvin and Tiana. Love the way interacted with each other and the chase. Alexandra Warren is becoming one of my favorites.
May 10, 2021
He knew what he wanted and saw no need for patience.
This was a sweet story, with very little drama. Kelvin meets Tiana at his lounge and then again at her barbershop and is instantly smitten with her. Tiana fresh off of a terrible breakup isn’t so sure she’s read for a new relationship especially with someone like Kelvin who she thinks exhibits some of the qualities her ex had. Over time Kelvin proves he’s the real and deal and exhibits the patience of a saint in my opinion while breaking down the walls Tiana has built around her heart.
I enjoyed this story and loved Kelvin and little Ellie a lot. I liked Tiana although sometimes she drove me a little crazy.
The only thing I thought they made a bigger deal of than necessary was his age. If you want to use it as a plot device on if he is ready to date a single mom then sure that’s great, but the fact that Tiana regularly talked about how you g he was as if she was in here 30s or 40s was a bit much. They’re literally only 3 years apart in age.
Overall, fun and sweet story. Read it!
This was a sweet story, with very little drama. Kelvin meets Tiana at his lounge and then again at her barbershop and is instantly smitten with her. Tiana fresh off of a terrible breakup isn’t so sure she’s read for a new relationship especially with someone like Kelvin who she thinks exhibits some of the qualities her ex had. Over time Kelvin proves he’s the real and deal and exhibits the patience of a saint in my opinion while breaking down the walls Tiana has built around her heart.
I enjoyed this story and loved Kelvin and little Ellie a lot. I liked Tiana although sometimes she drove me a little crazy.
The only thing I thought they made a bigger deal of than necessary was his age. If you want to use it as a plot device on if he is ready to date a single mom then sure that’s great, but the fact that Tiana regularly talked about how you g he was as if she was in here 30s or 40s was a bit much. They’re literally only 3 years apart in age.
Overall, fun and sweet story. Read it!
September 9, 2021
Kelvin, Kelvin , Kelvin!
This was my first time reading something by this writer and I was not disappointed. At the beginning of this book,My heart went out
To Tianna and the depth of despair she found herself in because of Noah , who was a real piece of work I was truly relieved when he became her ex. And then came Kelvin😊. I loved their verbal exchange when they met for the first time. I liked Kelvin immediately. I chuckled when Tianna discovered there was an age difference and she felt like “Ummm this is a road leading no where real fast”. Fortunately for her Kelvin was persistent and was able to knock down and navigate through every obstacle she throw out in front of him. Which had me shaking my head smiling saying “Kelvin,Kelvin,Kelvin❤️❤️❤️
It was an enjoyable short read. Which is going to cause me to read book 1 of the Spite Series
This was my first time reading something by this writer and I was not disappointed. At the beginning of this book,My heart went out
To Tianna and the depth of despair she found herself in because of Noah , who was a real piece of work I was truly relieved when he became her ex. And then came Kelvin😊. I loved their verbal exchange when they met for the first time. I liked Kelvin immediately. I chuckled when Tianna discovered there was an age difference and she felt like “Ummm this is a road leading no where real fast”. Fortunately for her Kelvin was persistent and was able to knock down and navigate through every obstacle she throw out in front of him. Which had me shaking my head smiling saying “Kelvin,Kelvin,Kelvin❤️❤️❤️
It was an enjoyable short read. Which is going to cause me to read book 1 of the Spite Series
January 15, 2023
Tiana and Kelvin. Or should I say, Kelvin and his Princess...
Tiana is coming off a bad breakup when she meets what she assumes is a younger, flyer, version of the man she broke up with. But Kelvin didn't come to play. Can he convince her to give him a chance?
So I loved this sooo much. The push/pull of them didn't feel forced. Kelvin's excitement and thirst didn't go overboard. He owned his impatience, but learned how to slow down when it was needed. Tiana's hesitation wasn't too over the top, and as a mom she had a good reason. I loved that she knew when to draw a boundary with her practicality, and when to let herself be free. She stumbled, but they both did and it was sweet and heartfelt. The connection with her as a mother was a nice touch, and the daughter was super cute.
Tiana is coming off a bad breakup when she meets what she assumes is a younger, flyer, version of the man she broke up with. But Kelvin didn't come to play. Can he convince her to give him a chance?
So I loved this sooo much. The push/pull of them didn't feel forced. Kelvin's excitement and thirst didn't go overboard. He owned his impatience, but learned how to slow down when it was needed. Tiana's hesitation wasn't too over the top, and as a mom she had a good reason. I loved that she knew when to draw a boundary with her practicality, and when to let herself be free. She stumbled, but they both did and it was sweet and heartfelt. The connection with her as a mother was a nice touch, and the daughter was super cute.
June 29, 2025
This was a grown-folk romance with a side of healing, honesty, and just the right amount of tension. Tiana was guarded but soft. Kelvin? Patient, steady, and lowkey sexy. Their chemistry built slow—but it burned hot.
Tiana is emotionally layered, easy to root for. Didn’t irk me as much as Nori did in book #1.
Kelvin the kind of man who fixes your plate and your mindset. He shows that age means nothing when you are mature and know what you want.
If this book had a soundtrack…
🤎 Get to Know You – JOE
🤎 Hrs & Hrs – Muni Long
🤎 Teach Me - Musiq Soulchild
🤎 You – Jesse Powell
🤎 Steady Love - India.Arie
🤎 Bonus track: Made for Me – Muni Long (for that final chapter feeling)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Gave me all the feels.
Tiana is emotionally layered, easy to root for. Didn’t irk me as much as Nori did in book #1.
Kelvin the kind of man who fixes your plate and your mindset. He shows that age means nothing when you are mature and know what you want.
If this book had a soundtrack…
🤎 Get to Know You – JOE
🤎 Hrs & Hrs – Muni Long
🤎 Teach Me - Musiq Soulchild
🤎 You – Jesse Powell
🤎 Steady Love - India.Arie
🤎 Bonus track: Made for Me – Muni Long (for that final chapter feeling)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Gave me all the feels.
July 3, 2020
Honest attraction
Age is not an indicator of maturity. Kelvin while inpossesive at times, is a man after a woman's heart. He is one to wear it in his sleeves and but his words into action. They say you must kiss a few frogs before you find the one. Well Tiana did just that.
Go on the ride of two 20 somethings as they navigate what it's like to love hard, play hard and risk what it takes to be in a committed relationship once the guards are down and the games stop being played.
Age is not an indicator of maturity. Kelvin while inpossesive at times, is a man after a woman's heart. He is one to wear it in his sleeves and but his words into action. They say you must kiss a few frogs before you find the one. Well Tiana did just that.
Go on the ride of two 20 somethings as they navigate what it's like to love hard, play hard and risk what it takes to be in a committed relationship once the guards are down and the games stop being played.
June 4, 2017
Sweet Story
I enjoyed reading Kelvin & Tiana's story. Kelvin was such a great guy! He really looked out for and took good care of Tiana. Tiana was just coming off of a bad breakup so I understand why she wanted to take things slow with Kelvin, but I felt she took a little too long. But Kelvin hung in there and finally got what he wanted. Elliana was so cute as well. Great book.
I enjoyed reading Kelvin & Tiana's story. Kelvin was such a great guy! He really looked out for and took good care of Tiana. Tiana was just coming off of a bad breakup so I understand why she wanted to take things slow with Kelvin, but I felt she took a little too long. But Kelvin hung in there and finally got what he wanted. Elliana was so cute as well. Great book.
May 28, 2021
I knew from the beginning that I was going to love Kelvin. He was very mature and knew what he wanted and that was Tiana.
Tiana had just gone through a bad break up with her boyfriend as really wasn't looking to jump into another relationship and risk her and her baby girl getting hurt again.
Kelvin had to show her his worth more than tell her.
I really loved this book and even the other characters made this an enjoyable read.
Tiana had just gone through a bad break up with her boyfriend as really wasn't looking to jump into another relationship and risk her and her baby girl getting hurt again.
Kelvin had to show her his worth more than tell her.
I really loved this book and even the other characters made this an enjoyable read.
July 19, 2017
Great Read!
In spite of their ages they handled their relationship no different than any man or woman. Sometimes it can be very hard to find someone who knows what they want and what they need. Especially someone who's young in age. It's awesome when you can find young people who know what they want in their lives. This story was an awesome read.
In spite of their ages they handled their relationship no different than any man or woman. Sometimes it can be very hard to find someone who knows what they want and what they need. Especially someone who's young in age. It's awesome when you can find young people who know what they want in their lives. This story was an awesome read.
September 26, 2018
I love Kelvin back when he was introduced in the book about his brother. He is funny, kind sweet, all that and a bag of chips. I enjoyed Kelvin and Tiana's story. There were times I wanted to shake her but i get why she was hesitant to allow herself to fall in love with Kelvin or believe that it was really. I think Elliana was super cute and her relationship with Kelvin was so adorable
August 14, 2017
But love!
Kevin knew what he wanted and went while Tiana tried to keep her heart in tact after having it broken several times. But love! Love has a mind of its own and it's no way to fight it or get around it when it's real and meant to be.
Kevin knew what he wanted and went while Tiana tried to keep her heart in tact after having it broken several times. But love! Love has a mind of its own and it's no way to fight it or get around it when it's real and meant to be.
October 16, 2017
Loved It
I am so happy Kelvin found love with Tiana. After reading about him first in the book Love at First Spite I thought he Maxwell little brother was gonna hook up Layna. I am glad he found a woman like Tiana. Kelvin acted much older than his age. Very good book.
I am so happy Kelvin found love with Tiana. After reading about him first in the book Love at First Spite I thought he Maxwell little brother was gonna hook up Layna. I am glad he found a woman like Tiana. Kelvin acted much older than his age. Very good book.
November 26, 2017
This was a good and entertaining follow up to "Love at First Spite". I really liked Kelvin and Tiana and it was good to see how things with Maxwell and his fiance from the first book were progressing. I like how the author develops the characters so well
December 16, 2017
Awesome read
Awwww I enjoyed reading Kelvin and Tiana's story. Kelvin wasn't as much as a player as Tiana made him seem. He really was lowkey and kept to himself. I'm glad Kelvin proved her wrong.
Awwww I enjoyed reading Kelvin and Tiana's story. Kelvin wasn't as much as a player as Tiana made him seem. He really was lowkey and kept to himself. I'm glad Kelvin proved her wrong.
December 27, 2017
Single mom love
Cute read.... Kelvin is definitely right out of a romance book wooing and Living a Roman who simply isn’t ready but once the tales turn they turn out in his favor. Although a little slow at times and easy to put down, it was a cute, fun read.
Cute read.... Kelvin is definitely right out of a romance book wooing and Living a Roman who simply isn’t ready but once the tales turn they turn out in his favor. Although a little slow at times and easy to put down, it was a cute, fun read.
June 28, 2018
Irrelevant Age
I love this book because it shows just because someone is young, it doesn’t mean their immature and don’t know what they want. I love the relationship between Kelvin and Ellianna!
I love this book because it shows just because someone is young, it doesn’t mean their immature and don’t know what they want. I love the relationship between Kelvin and Ellianna!
August 31, 2019
Very good read
I loved the story line. It was as reAl as it gets. Not everyone has a boy meets girl and then get married. This spoke about how some relationships really are before getting married.
I loved the story line. It was as reAl as it gets. Not everyone has a boy meets girl and then get married. This spoke about how some relationships really are before getting married.
October 19, 2020
Princess and Kelvin!!
Watching Kelvin mature into such a fun loving and romantic partner was such a joy! I love that his nickname for Tiana is Princess, it makes me so giddy. Mr. Kelvin’s bond with Ellie is also the cutest! I love this series!!!
Watching Kelvin mature into such a fun loving and romantic partner was such a joy! I love that his nickname for Tiana is Princess, it makes me so giddy. Mr. Kelvin’s bond with Ellie is also the cutest! I love this series!!!
January 26, 2021
This was such a great love story
Those Watson brothers are some kind of patient. I liked that Tiana , though skeptical still went with Kelvins flow knowing it was what she needed. Ellie just added an extra bonus for Kelvin. Love makes you do some strange things.
Those Watson brothers are some kind of patient. I liked that Tiana , though skeptical still went with Kelvins flow knowing it was what she needed. Ellie just added an extra bonus for Kelvin. Love makes you do some strange things.
August 15, 2021
Great book
I loved this story just like I loved Max and Noir story. Great job glad they got over their little insecurities and made it work. Great job can't wait to read the next book by you.
I loved this story just like I loved Max and Noir story. Great job glad they got over their little insecurities and made it work. Great job can't wait to read the next book by you.
July 12, 2022
Cute Read
Taina knows she made Kelvin work for her love thanks to her relationship that just ended with her hurt and betrayed. Kelvin was persistent in getting what he wanted, not running even though Taina did constantly. His relationship with Ellie was touching.
Taina knows she made Kelvin work for her love thanks to her relationship that just ended with her hurt and betrayed. Kelvin was persistent in getting what he wanted, not running even though Taina did constantly. His relationship with Ellie was touching.
July 15, 2022
Another good one!
Tiana got on my nerves being so up and down with her feelings! Kelvin at one point was no better! Luckily they finally got on the same page! I loved how he love Elle and she instantly took to him. A good read.
Tiana got on my nerves being so up and down with her feelings! Kelvin at one point was no better! Luckily they finally got on the same page! I loved how he love Elle and she instantly took to him. A good read.
August 8, 2023
Meh. This was ok. The first book was way better and way spicier. This was super mid. And I didn’t agree with some of the relationship advice that was sprinkled in. I just can’t tell if this was the author’s opinion written in or this was just how she wrote the characters.
February 18, 2024
in spite of it all
Falling in love right after a failed relationship is hard to admit to yourself. Never mind let the other person know. You don't want a rebound relationship. When it is meant it is great just like this story.
Falling in love right after a failed relationship is hard to admit to yourself. Never mind let the other person know. You don't want a rebound relationship. When it is meant it is great just like this story.
November 12, 2016
Good Read
Funny light hearted and made up.of all good love story formulas..read it you will enjoy. Wish I had more details on baby's daddy.
Funny light hearted and made up.of all good love story formulas..read it you will enjoy. Wish I had more details on baby's daddy.
January 30, 2017
Cute story
This is the second book I have read by this author. It is another funny and cute read. Kelvin and Tianna's story was another winner by the author...on to the next!
This is the second book I have read by this author. It is another funny and cute read. Kelvin and Tianna's story was another winner by the author...on to the next!
May 18, 2017
In Spite of it All
Very good read, thoroughly enjoyed it. Kelvin was such a good guy! Very well written, I look forward to reading more from this author!
Very good read, thoroughly enjoyed it. Kelvin was such a good guy! Very well written, I look forward to reading more from this author!
August 13, 2018
Love me some Kelvin
Book 2 just as good as book 1. Loved Kelvin’s passion for life and maturity. He was the perfect mate for Tiana.
Book 2 just as good as book 1. Loved Kelvin’s passion for life and maturity. He was the perfect mate for Tiana.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews