Aristotle once said the only thing constant in life is change. Or was that Confucius? Whatever. People are fluid—they come into your life for a while, and when it’s time for them to float on, Leah has no qualms waving goodbye. The only exception is her neighbor and best friend, Trevor. When all else fails in her crazy world, Trevor is always there, reliable, steady… real. But what happens when friendship blossoms into something more? Can Leah and Trevor's relationship survive the change? Or will the weight of blind expectations cause them to lose the one thing they love—each other?
Jacinta Howard is an Atlanta-based culture journalist, editor and author with more than a decade of experience across genres of media. Her bylined articles have appeared at Eater, Atlanta magazine, Shondaland, Denver Westword, BET, and Rock The Bells, LL Cool J’s media company, where she served as managing editor. Jacinta’s 2022 article about the chicken wings served at Magic City, Atlanta’s world-famous strip club, was nominated for an American Society of Magazine Editors Award, and her novels have been featured in USA Today, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Book Riot and OkayAfrica. She digs summertime, flip flops, old fashioneds, deep bass lines, good lyrics, goofy jokes, and kind people. She also believes there’s an Andre 3000 lyric to fit any situation. Her happy place is hanging on the beach somewhere with her family, preferably with a good book and a dope playlist.
One word to describe this story: FANFREAKINGTASTIC!
I have had book boyfriends in my time, but never have I actually fallen in love with a fictional character. I mean, holy shit! Trevor Carmichael is the prototype!
If you’ve never read the Friends to Lovers anthology, featuring Blind Expectations, then this will be new to you. If you have read the anthology, then this is the expanded, “life after” version. Either way, you need to read this story! This is real life situations told in a fictional account, and I was glued to my Kindle from beginning to end. Deadass…
Leah Black is one of the most relatable chicks I’ve read about in a good while. She’s a little bit flighty and a tad bit granola, but that only adds to her appeal. She’s an introvert in nature but enjoys the occasional good time together with friends and is hella artistic. If only she would make better choices in men…Enter her neighbor and best friend Trevor Carmichael.
To say Trevor got it going on is an understatement. He’s not a billionaire or a famous anything, but he is a man among men: honorable, forthright, confident, driven, and helplessly in love with Leah Black. If only she could see that instead of messing with all these knuckleheads who only care about hittin’ it and using her for their own personal conveniences. Their relationship is complicated and messy, but it’s real and reading how these two go from friends to lovers feels like watching it all go down in real time.
This story is an emotional rollercoaster from beginning to end. In Part I, we read how these two go from friends to lovers, and Part II deals with life after… This story shows that falling in love is relatively easy. It’s the staying in love and working through all the challenges, from exes to unresolved personal issues, that come your way that’s the hard part. Leah and Trevor are supported throughout their journey by a tight circle of friends, who only enrich the story without overshadowing the main characters. This is black love at its finest. I did not want this story to end because I know there is more to Leah and Trevor’s journey. Five very enthusiastic stars.
Jacinta Howard just keeps getting better and better. I think with this book she has solidified her place as one of my top three favorite writers of AA romance. With Trevor and Leah, she captures perfectly the lives of young Black creatives living in one of the most exciting and vibrant cities in the country for that demographic. Their voices are authentic, their concerns are real, and the conflicts they face in their relationships never feel contrived just for the sake of creating drama to move the plot along. And underlying the romance, there are always deeper social issues, with the suggestion of a point of view, but never a preachy moment. Trevor and Leah's story may be my new favorite because just about the time relationships get less interesting in your average romance (because 'the chase' is over), their relationship becomes more interesting. Still, I think what I like best about this, and all her books is that they have a mood and feel that are immediately identifiable as part of the "Jacinta Howard" brand. Her voice just keeps getting stronger and more distinct with each release. I look forward to each one because I know it'll be better than the last. But 'Blind Expectations is so good that it's going to be really tough to beat. Highly recommended.
I love a good friends to lovers book and that's exactly what this story was about. Best friends that lived down the hall from one another. He was always coming to her rescue, especially after dealing with no good men....such a cute story.
There are a few things I like about the author, the stories she writes are always well written in my opinion. She has the ability to capture your attention and capture your emotions in the story right from the outset. The other thing I like which I will call it the authors signature style is the use of nicknames in the stories she writes. Blind Expectations definitely deals with some challenging issues. It's a good story, very nicely developed. The only thing I could have done without is some of the language.
I have only ever connected with one other literary couple the way I connected with Trevor and Leah. Jacinta Howard, made me root for them. I cried with them. I could see myself in them. This novel is written not with purple prose but the stark reality of relationships. Jacinta Howard writes each and every word and it is palpable. Through Trevor and Leah's, I thought about my own feelings about love. I immersed myself in this book. Trevor and Leah loves each other but is love ever enough. Leah's past continues to haunt her as well as Trevor's singularly focused expectations of what they should be. Will they be able to find common ground? With the turn of each page, I was on the edge. There were moments where I had to take a break because things were too heavy and hit home. Will Trevor and Leah triumph over the obstacles both externally and internally? Take the plunge and pick up the book, you won't regret it.
Blind Expectations is the full length novel from the friend to lovers collection. I had to read Jacinta's story first because I fell in love with Trevor during that novella. Part I of this novel is actually the novella that was featured in Because My Heart Said So. I was pleased that this was included because I did not have to go back to the original novel to read this. Part II starts months after Part I ends and deals with married life between Trevor and Leah. Trevor thinks that because he has married Leah and made her his, everything else will fall in place. However, Leah has will dealt with heartbreak most of her life and has trouble dealing with Trevor's expectations of her. She has a protective wall built up and this causes problems during the marriage. This was a great novel. The love making scenes were sensual and well written. The novel was emotional as well and I felt as if I could see it happening as I was reading.
APB Perspective Review: Four authors got together and wrote a book of Novellas with a tag line written in each story " Because My Heart Said So. " I call their writing style Neo ,Sexy and Soulful. Jacinta Howard has grown so much as an author and I read her growth as I read this book. Art and music and writers are the stories she tells the best. Trevor The music writer and Leah the hip hop artist decide that they have more than friendship , the chemistry between these two is undeniable , I got really warm just reading their passionate love scenes . The author tells a realistic story of love after the HFN. Leah and Trevor's journey to learn how to be happy together is full of passion , and anger that will keep you turning the pages , and wanting more after you've reached the end of the book.
Trevor and Leah are so real life! Felt like I was inside the story! Trevor makes you want to have a man just like him.... Jacinta Howard never disappoints! Have read All her books and this is the best yet!
I have not read a book from this author in a while and I see I've obviously been sleeping on her. Trevor and Leah's story was a pleasant surprise. I usually shy away from the friends to lovers story but I'm so glad I gave this book a chance.
This tale is so well written, so emotionally draining, but also life and love affirming. It kinda reminds me of Nia Forrester's Mistress Trilogy, so different, yet similar. Just a truly EXCEPTIONAL exhibition of storytelling.👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
Nicely written story as Trevor genuinely cared for Leah & his actions showed how much love he had for her. Relaxing read that held my attention. Good ending
This full length novel which was recently featured in the collaboration, "Because My Heart Said So" details the martial journey of Trevor and Leah. So they're married, ..now what? Trevor and Leah find that marriage isn't all pancakes and morning sex; it takes a lot of work. But are they both willing to work through their marital issues for better or worse?
I must say, I've been hooked on Jacinta Howard's work from I first read Happiness in Jersey (read.that.book). Though her first, I would have never guessed. So in reading Blind Expectations, can you imagine the growth seeing that the first book was so seasoned! ?
I throughly enjoyed this plot; the friends to lovers theme maybe portrayed in many books, but I have to give it to Howard and her unique ability of turning words into emotions. Trevor and Leah faced trails and tribulations that was relatable and quite plausible. I find that their issues are what many young married couples would face today: hell I could see myself very much so in Leah's shoes. I loved that their love wasn't a bed of roses: it shows though marriage can be a beautiful thing, it takes work.
Additionally, I have to highlight these characters: OHHHHHUUUUuu that Trevor when he bit his lip..omg where are the young Black men like him..WHERE!??? His love and passion for Leah was like a wet coat stuck to your skin on a rainy night. I couldn't get enough of the intimacy these two exuded. In comparison to other books by Howard, I must say her detailing of characters' sexual intimacy has been more expressive though she has never had any issue in that department: It's just gotten even better like fine wine. The secondary characters were well detailed and some ..too much so..ugh, I just wanted to punch Paris in her stoopid face..read it..and you will want to too!
The conclusion was well suited to Trevor and Leah, especially as a young Black married couple. I liked that certain things didn't happen which raises great awareness..I'll stop there on that as to not give anything away. All conflicts were resolved and all my questions were answered.
Seriously enjoyed this book. Absolutely loved Trevor and Leah, which I found shocking. Usually I prefer one or the other. The perfect example of opposites attract. There were a few points I didn't enjoy. One being their lack of communication, something I'm sure the majority of us can't handle. They had some major issues I felt were left unsolved. I was hoping for some sort of dialogue about it, but it was all about I love you. Which is great, but when there are so many other factors going against them for example: trust, being honest with themselves and each other, lying, ex-significant others, insecurities, and etc.
Two, he was so in tune with her before they became a couple, he became blind to her flaws. However once they were married he believed they would go away knowing how she was. This reminded me of women that get with a man believing they can change his ways and get upset when he doesn't fall into line. I was glad to see the shoe on the other foot for once. Ha, take that men!
Three, Leah needed to check Janelle! I don't care who walked away and never stayed. Janelle showed her true colors at the girls' lunch and Leah should have let her know then. The no jealousy thing, I don't know anyone that isn't a little jealous when their spouse is fawned over by someone else. Her, "what was I going to do get in their face? YES! Inform those dehydrated women that they will have to remain thirsty for a little while because that tall drink of water is mine!
Great friends to lovers story another than the last few mentions of what wasn't my cup of tea. Everything else was golden. I will admit after reading the afterward it put some things into perspective for me and I understood. However I still would've checked Janelle!
Loved Part 1 of this book, and the love fest continued in Part 2. I was a little surprised that Leah and Trevor got married so quickly, although I have no idea why. I thought the author did a great job of realistically portraying the issues faced by young, struggling couples.
I loved how much Trevor loved and took care of Leah in the novella. But he worked my nerves a little in this one. I couldn't help but feel like he put Leah in a very awkward position regarding the Brandon situation. He said he was mad that she lied, but he would have been ever more mad if she had told the truth. He claimed her past wasn't an issue, but I felt like it bothered him that she had been with ANYbody else. And don't get me started on the name change issue. I wish he would have listened to her and taken her feelings into serious consideration, because maybe it was just me, but I don't think her reluctance had anything to do with him or her feelings for him.
Having said all this, I really did love me some Trevor. He was just a good guy and he loved Leah. I did wanna smack him upside his head for entertaining Paris and her BS. Speaking of Paris, why would Melody invite her to a holiday dinner? So out of order.
Loved, loved, loved that scene between Leah and Paris. Paris really thought she was hurting Leah, lol. But Leah got her mind right and let her have it. Never raised her voice or uttered a curse word. Then excused herself to get back to her husband. Loved it!
Another good read from Jacinta Howard. Keep up the great work!
They say love conquers all, but does it really? Leah and Trevor met when he helps his new neighbor move into the building, and they develop a close, platonic friendship. Over the years, their friendship involves into something more, and the love they share for another is tangible, passionate thing. They have cross the line from friends to lovers, and must navigate the ups and downs and high and lows of what it means to be in a committed relationship. Now that the dynamics of the relationship have changed, are the expectations the same of your friend, turned lover, turned spouse? Blind Expectations examines the “now what?” of relationships, offering a realistic view of what happens after you fall in love and the honeymoon is over. Jacinta Howard is a MASTER at examining the inner workings of relationships, forcing you to think about the things we do in the name of love. Her characters have a depth and sincerity about them, and they keep you wanting more and more.
I understood that there was supposed to be blind expectations in the book. But somehow I felt the confrontations when finally approached and dialogue fell short. I felt that the H was jealous, and hypocritical in his wants and needs. ***some spoilers*** He would get super angry about things that never happened and her past. So when she lied about apart of her past he's understandably upset but it makes sense why she lied because he never handled his issue with jealousy. He had lunch with his ex, and hugged and kissed her and listed after her yet, had the audacity to get upset with his girl bc her coworker who has a crush on her but they never pursued anything calls to tell her happy holidays? There is more but for me this love story was a mess. I love human flaw but I like it better when it's not wrapped up in a neat bow. There should have been an more in depth conversation once him going to lunch with his ex was revealed. The same as why she lied about having a past with one of his friends.
Am I the only person who thinks Jacinta's pic makes her look like Alicia Keys.. Okay nevermind. Anywhooo I love Jacinta's book and this one is fabulous. Leah and Trevor decide to take their friendship to the next stratosphere and Lord these two are out of this world with their madness and insecurities and issues. I love their thick, rich love story. One filled with bumps, bruises and nail bighting moments. This is one of those things you have to experience for yourself. Leah had the bad habit of picking the wrong guys. And Trevor was in love with his best friend, but he knew if he came at her that way she would turn tail and run. Trevor had to slow walk her into their relationship. But one time I thought ... never mind, read it yourself. Great book if you love the friends to lovers theme.
I had very high expectations after reading the novella this summer. And my did she deliver! Ms. Howard delivered a solid story that allowed readers to relive the relationship between Trevor and Leah. Leah was a tough nut to crack for Trevor. Because of her upbringing and her constant need to protect her heart; Leah was the small prickly thorn in Trevor's side. Trevor deserved an award for his tenacity to hang on to the roller coaster ride named Leah Liftoff, and having the passion and fortitude to finally get Leah to believe in their unfailing love. Bravo Ms Howard for this excellent holiday present!
This truly was a blind expectation. Jacinta allowed us to get a more in-depth look into Trevor and Leeah's marital journey. Marriages are not all peaches and cream, roses and candy. There will be trials and triumphs. It's not always a fairytale. This book also delved into the importance of communication and keeping oneself from being caught up and destroying what you have. Great read! Now...can I get a Prototype book 3 please and thank you!
I loved the follow up to Leah and Trevor's story. This story was not a fairytale, it was about real life. Marriage takes work and couples have their ups and downs. This story was relatable. I absolutely love positive stories about black love and this story did not disappoint.
I have read all of Jacinta Howard's stories and I'm looking forward to what she has in store for us next.
This is an engaging, thoughtful, enjoyable look into a couple as they transition from friends to lovers to married life and the real life challenges they face on their love journey. I really loved Leah and Trevor's story. I just love how the author writes her male lead characters. I love how they Love their women while still being a little alpha. Another great read by Jacinta Howard.
My expectations are high whenever I start a Jacinta Howard book and as usual, this did not disappoint! Trevor and Leah are funny, serious, sexy and real. Their story touches on the fundamental reason people marry and stay married. I don't know but this couple is giving my all time favorites, Dorian and Raven, a run for the money!!
I loved the realness of this story! How realistic and the journey it takes you on is so true I form! I loveeeedddd it! Leah and Trevor are your classic friends to lovers story wrapped in a complicated situation. Thing after thing came and they attacked it in their own little way! Great emotional read.
Jacinta Howard has written so many of my favorite book boyfriends. Finding her work has been one of the highlights of my reading life, but Trevor has a special place in my heart and so does Leah. I loved every bit of their love story and now I'm just semi-patiently waiting for Ms. Howard's next work.
This book truly exceeded my expectations only because I couldn't see how much more I needed to know about Trevor & Leah. Their story was amazing and I'm glad that cracked the pages to find out more. Ms. Howard is a gifted and talented writer and I plan to read more of her work.
I have been waiting on a this full instalment of Leah and Trevor. This story shows that even women with promiscuous past needs love too. Trevor and Leah relationship has a lot of growing pains but their journey makes you believe it's worth it.
Excellent read! Feels like real love on the pages. A thoughtful perfectly sexy and often funny story featuring creative/artistic leading characters who are community focused, message driven and best of all not self absorbed. Bravo Jacinta! If you're writing, I'm reading.