Celena Payne was heartbroken. Ghosted by her most recent ex, she was over the whole “romance thang”. Instead she was focused on her career, family and friends, until…
Karim Holt had recently moved back to his hometown to help his mother care for his ailing grandmother. Between family obligations and opening a new business, he was a busy man, with little time for socializing. A spontaneous night out led to…
A chance meeting. Sparks flying. Romance brewing. Celena and Karim’s undeniable chemistry alter their lives in ways neither could have imagined.
Nicole Falls is a contemporary Black romance writer who has taken entirely too long to complete her first project. She's also a ceramic mug and lapel pin enthusiast who cannot function without her AirPods constantly blaring music. When Nicole isn't writing, she spends her time trolling her friends and family while drinking coffee and/or cocktails or checking off yet another of these great United States visited in her quest to see some land! She currently resides in the suburbs of Chicago.
I Love Karim & Celena’s journey. She wasn’t looking for anything after her terrible heartbreak…Karim stepped in with his wit and charm and surprised her. I have to say that I wasn’t surprised at all by Karim’s family drama.
Can we normalize unnecessary romance conflict?!!! Shout out to Celena for not making her relationship with Karim unnecessarily complicated. Yes she was heartbroken because of the way JP ghosted her, yes she was hesitant and a little leery to start a new relationship fresh off her break-up with JP, and yes she was scared he was going break her heart as well. But, Celena realized Karim was not JP and gave him the benefit of the doubt. She put her fears to the side and let him show her how a real man treats a woman and handles her heart appropriately. The way they met pretty much guaranteed they would be together after Cadence sneakily set them up at the speed dating event. While we didn't have any relationship drama, we did have some of the familiar kind. Finding out who Karim's daddy and brother was blew my mind and Celena's mind. 🤯🤯🤯 Smitten was a fun read. It was quick, romantic, sexy, and fun. Now, let me hop on over to Then Came You. I already know Patricia is about to bring all the drama.
So I enjoyed this novella so much! Way better than Adore You, the first one. I completely loved Celena and adored her and Karim’s unexpected relationship! I liked the fact that when they discovered their “mutual acquaintance,” Celena and Karim didn’t totally freak out and create a rift in their relationship (I’ll use that terminology so that I won’t spill the beans on the story). I’m glad they did it without the dramatics and spoke it out quickly and continued to let their love flourish.
I loved all the black culture references, Fresh Prince show, Martin show, music with an emphasis on the part about J Cole going platinum with no features...heavy on that! I just loved everything about this novella!
Aaahhhhhhh!!! This was so cute. So wholesome, such a feel-good romance. I love that there was no conflict, no drama. Just two people who met, got to know one another and fell for one another. Looooved them.
Nicole Falls has done it again! "Smitten" has it all. Intrigue, laughs, steamy sex scenes, heart, and dialogue so real you think "are these MY friends?" I loved it and can't wait to read more from Ms. Falls.
I love finding new Black contemporary romance novels and authors. This one did not disappoint. It was quick, romantic and fun. I am looking forward to more from her.
Smitten is the second instalment in Nicole Falls accidentally in love series and features Celena and Kareem. Celena is struggling to come to terms with a recent break-up after her ex has ghosted her unexpectedly and without any explanation. She is set up on a speed dating event by her bestie where she meets Kareem. Kareem has recently moved back home to start his own business and to help out his mother and grandmother. Where will their instant chemistry lead them?
This is my third and favourite book so far by Nicole Falls. While I had been a fan of the author’s witty writing style before this one had me also fall in love with the love interest Kareem. I loved his corny lines and how thoughtful and considerate he was, knowing Celena had just experienced hurt. Where are the real life Kareems hiding? :) Sometimes I can get annoyed with “unnecessary romance novel conflict” which I often feel is just a plot device. I don’t know how you did it, Nicole Falls, but even without any such “romance novel conflict” Celena’s and Kareem’s story had me glued to my e-reader. A definite recommendation.
I was hoping that Celina would get a story. I loved her and Karim. They each had things in their past, yet I think over time, that will draw them even closer.
Given the way her ex Jake, or whatever he was, did her, I was sure Celina wouldn't give any guy a chance, yet I'm glad she eventually gave Karim his true chance. Even with her fears, she saw him for him. He let her know from jump 'I'm not your past dude and he sure ain't me'😏, so I liked him off the rip. Celina deserved loyalty and just a fun, happy vibe and Karim definitely delivered. I like that they were able to get a solid foundation before anything heavily intimate took place. This being his choice made me like him even more.
Given that they really have no extended family, I love the bond that Celina has with her sister Patricia and her son PJ. I love that PJ has a crush on Devorah. Hope we see more of how that plays out; so cute.
I hate to say it, yet Karim mom was super wrong. I hate that he missed out on a genuine relationship with his dad bc of her stubborn ways. Hope we get more on this whole situation.
This was a much better read than book 1 in this series, so I'm hoping that trend continues with book 3.
Sometimes a relationship might feel like it's too soon to move into after the other but some turn out to be the best version pf you and your partner, given time, patience and energy. I just love these two. It's emotional, and personal in exploring the intricacies of 'should I get to know the parent who was absent in my life but wants contact', to 'letting go of an ex who blindsided you and beleiving the best is out there and will come,' to learning to stand again and nurturing the wounded but growing you. Was a bit short but I loved it.
I felt at home reading this book. The author's references to pop culture, old and new, make the characters so believable. Nicole Falls' "makeupage" of words keeps me in stitches. I would have loved to see more exploration of certain characters' issues in the story, but it still was a very enjoyable read and created an appetite for me to read the next book in the series.
I love the story from beginning to end. I love the messages that I received from the story. One is that it's never to late to start a relationship as long as its a healthy a beneficial relationship. Two always be up front with your feelings. Third is I really loved the twist where Jacob is Kareem's half brother. I thought that was very interesting. Love the love that Celelena and Kareem expressed in the story. Awesome Read.
This book, like the first, is a novella but not one where you feel like story is rushed. We learn what went on with Celina (whom we met in book 1) and her ex and find her trying to navigate a new relationship with Kareem. She’s a little hesitant given the drama of her last boyfriend, but something about Kareem makes her want to try. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am looking forward to reading the next book!
I’m smitten with these characters. There’s something about Black romance that just fills your soul and warms you up. But, when that romance is modern, funny and just downright DOPE? nothing better!! I love these characters, this series, everything. Nothing really profound to say since I’m scouring Amazon for the next book. Actually, I will say that I hope this isn’t the end for these two. There’s so much more that I desperately need to know. Lol.
Celena didn’t know how to pick em. The ones she picked usually left or she left them and the last one was no exception. With Karim, she didn’t do the picking because it was Kismet.
“I wasn’t expecting you. And I damn sure wasn’t expecting to fall for you as hard as I have and…I gotta admit, I’m a little scared. But when I look at you, I see how you feel about me reflected in your eyes so clearly…I just…I don’t know, man. It’s crazy. I’m so used to wondering when the other shoe is gonna drop at this point. But right here? Right now…this feeling? I just wanna feel like this forever.”
Their connection was instant. Celena was definitely hesitant to take it there because of that fool Jacob. Karim was a good guy who wasn't afraid to express how he felt about her. The twist in the story was unexpected and I was looking for Celena to run, but she got it together. PJ and his crush was hilarious, his man talk with karim was funny.
Karim (Reem) Holt is a 35 year-old business owner who restores luxury cars. Celena Marie Payne aka Cel works as a consultant for Urban Current, an advertising agency. Both are smitten with the 💘bug after just a few months of dating. Fortunately, Keem is a good guy that restores Cel's faith in a committed relationship.
I still can't believe that ahole JP did my girl Celena like that. I'm so happy that she met Karim. I wish she wasn't so guarded with him because he has truly proved himself. I hope that Pat gets her own story next!! I need to know what's up with her and Coach D.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Watching Celena and Karim's romance unfold was much like watching my girlfriends fall in love. I loved the ease at which they took things. Nothing forced, or pretentious. Just two ordinary people living their lives who found each other. Fun, sweet, and ordinary people romantic. Loved.
This is the second book I've read by Nicole. I enjoyed the story between Karim and Celena. The flow of the story resembled part one in this series. I wish there was more of a conclusion with Karim and his dad. That part of the story didn't have a clear conclusion. I will read the next story as it pertains to a different set of characters.
I absolutely loved Karim and how he put it down on Celena!!!! She just recently got out of a horrible relationship. Well he just ghosted her and then she found out he had gotten married and the girl was pregnant.
Anyway, Karim came in an showed her what a man was and true love.
It was a twist at the end that I didn’t see coming!!
I really enjoy the way Ms Falls weaves her story. She talks about the friends and makes them familiar to you and you can't wait to hook up with your crew for drinks and life news. The intimate scenes are just enough to leave you wanting me! Great work!
I enjoyed reading Karim and Celena's story. It took Celena a while to come around to even consider going out with Karim but she finally did and she ended up with the perfect guy! Karim was a sweetheart, loved his attitude!
I thought this book would have been more romantic, and end with a happily ever after. In my mind her and Karim should have gotten married , I wanted more drama in this story. Smitten is an okay story
Really nice short story with likable characters. These are believable characters that have really good story lines. The romance is hot and I really enjoyed the personality of the female characters
Was in a similar situation with someone I thought was for me... This book reminded me there still are some great guys out there that will court a woman right. I am a fan!
I loved the fact that Karin did not change his mind because his brother messed over his girl first. I would recommend this book to my friends, certain family members, and some of my more mature students.
Karim and Celena are soo cute. They met cute, had cute dates, and a cute ending. While there was just enough drama to give the story texture and some steamy scenes, I must say this was sweet way read. A new favorite for sure.
Great book...Very well written.Great time reading this author and definitely will be reading more from her😁😁..Love the whole storylin..Glad they both gave love another try...Just beautiful💕💕
I chose the rating because it fits. The title fits. Loved the story. Friendship before the sex. Larimer made Celena feel special, worthy, and beautiful. Loved the book. Definitely will recommend. Thanks Nicole. On to the last book in the series.