*****THIS IS BOOK 1 IN THE SERIES. THIS BOOK ENDS ON A CLIFFHANGER***** Chanel Xavier Grant was everything a woman could want. He was a successful restaurateur and club owner and has the looks of a God with the sex appeal to back it all up. I’d had a crush on him since my early teenage years. Now, here I am thirty years old, after having just moved back to my hometown of Houston and finding myself still lusting over this man. So how did I handle this growing attraction? Like any self-respecting, professional woman who’d had her heart broken numerous times by the men in her life, I ran. I tried to ignore the sparks that flew whenever we were in the same room as one another. I have my reasons. Xavier was one of the most eligible bachelors in the city with women clamoring for his attention. Aside from that, he was my brother’s best friend, practically family—certainly treated more like family than I was. No, I didn’t need those types of problems. My best bet was to steer clear of Xavier Grant. Xavier Chanel had grown into a beautiful woman. Any man with eyes could see that. But, she was my best friend’s little sister. I had no intentions of taking it past looking until she walked into one of my restaurants one night looking a little distraught. There was something pulling me to her. Something was telling me she needed me. Usually, I’m not into being needed by a woman. I do my thing and don’t bother getting too serious, but I couldn’t ignore this pull I had to her. And when I see the danger she puts herself into helping one of her clients, my protective instincts come out. I want her. And no one, not my friendship with her brother or her father is going to stop that. Except, maybe her.
This is another of the authors I love to read and have enjoy all her stories.
This is a black/black romance which is an engaging story. However, right at the end of the book when I thought the couple where gonna get they happy ever after the leading man walks out on a our girl and does not give her a chance to explain why she did not tell him something that happened in her past. I agree she should have told him but he did not have to be so harsh with her because he knew she had been hurt in the past.
The story ended on a horrible cliff hanger which I did not enjoy and I have never experienced this with this author previously. I won't lie about it I was totally disappointed by this and now we are left hanging waiting for the author to bring out part 2 so we can see what happens in the end!
I really tried to like this book but Chanel just destroyed this book for me!
After reading the Townsend series I was liking this author and her writing style.
Any form of Domestic abuse is a HUGE NO NO and I will sympathize and support any woman or child but damn, Chanel just needed a slap upside her head!!!!!!!
In Chanel we have a smart, intelligent and beautiful woman who puts herself in situations that are really dangerous and then has the audacity to blame her dad for all that has happened to her – past and present included.
Chanel’s daddy issues was too much for me to handle.
Why would she not tell anyone what happened between her 1st boyfriend and Ethan? How are the people around you supposed to help you if you do not speak up?. Chanel was just plain angry all the time and she put all her blame onto her dad, which is a bit unfair.
I do not like a female lead that plays the victim when she could have done something about her situation.
Now Gabby is my girl!!!!!
I LOVED this girl, I loved the way she broke up with Chanel as she refused to be around Chanel when she did not want to take her help out of her situation.
Chanel made herself a victim, she had lots of opportunities to clear the air and move on with her life but she digs herself into a deeper hole destroying healthy relationships around her.
I really did not understand why she was not honest with Xavier and why she did not fight to have him in her life. If she really did love him she should have opened up to him and she should have fought for him.
I know many readers are angry that Xavier walked out on her but Chanel deserved it. Xavier told her numerous times that she was playing games with him and I did agree.
Another thing that was bugging me was why was Chanel and her brother not close?. He had her followed when she moved away – why????
After reading this book, I am so NOT reading book 2 as I really can’t take anymore of Chanel and her Daddy issues.
I loved everything about this book, it was such a refreshing read for me especially to read about black love. *chef kisses* I don’t wanna give too much away but I felt that Chanel and Xavier‘s relationship resonated with me and felt so relatable. I loved being able to see the relationship grow and develop. All of the awkward conversations and self doubt that you have when you start out in a relationship. It was only frustrating to see Chanel have so many opportunities to clear the air about her past with Xavier and her failing to do so just really frustrated me. Xavier is an absolute king - I loved his energy, I loved how open he was with her it was just so refreshing I can’t even put into words. My only reason for not giving this the full five stars was that I ran into a few typos and parts of the book where there was spice, it was explained in such an odd way some times that it was hard for me to get into. Please don’t let that detour you, though it was an overall great read for me I can’t wait to continue book 2. This was the first ever book that I’ve read by Tiffany Patterson and I hope to continue to read a lot more of her work
I enjoyed reading the development and the awkwardness of Chanel and Xavier relationship. I understood Chanel choices sometimes but I felt like if she loved Xavier she should have been truthful. Gabby was more appealing to read than Chanel. I loved Xavier he was what Chanel needed especially with the past men she’s been with. He was very open I think he reflected how to love properly.
… Now the cliffhanger wasn’t needed I feel like it could have been resolve.
I had high expectations because I'm an avid fan of Tiffany Paterson and this book has lived up to it once again....so I'm going to go on to part two then leave a full review....loving Xavier and Chanel and hoping they get it together👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
3.5 ⭐ I read this book because I wanted to read a spicy book this week and yes it delivered in certain ways with the smut. Could be a teensy bit corny (not a bad thing) or awkwardly written at points for me but pretty good. Apart from that, I am very unhappy with Xavier and that ending because I do not know why he is blaming her like that if he truly loves her. Lying aside ( I totally understand him being upset for that,) I did not like the fact he threw her abuse in her face like that all because she met up with you know who but y'all know a males pride is easily bruised. Like connect the dots sir. Have an adult conversation. Make it make sense. Like please sense my annoyance. And on that note, I found it weird the type of character he was in terms of their relationship dynamic. In this book, the FMC, Chanel, suffered within an abusive and controlling relationship in the past, and then she ends up with Xavier who is genuinely sweet and a caring man but could be overly domineering sometimes which I found contradictory I guess. She never reacted in an adverse way to some of his actions due to her past trauma, even if it was not abusive or truly meant to threaten her. Like she left one controlling man to end up with a semi-controlling one? Like he is good man I just don't see the point of having his character holding those qualities you know???? I don't know that bothered me alot through out the book, and I was trying to understand the authors reasoning for this the whole time especially if she wasn't going to explore the trauma within Chanel. Like women in abusive relationships played a big part in the book and her own story but I don't feel we navigated enough. Also, Chanel is something else. I'm not sure I really really liked her, but I understand and respect her. I want to read a story on Gabby more. Anywho, I'm not sure I want to continue this series because I found his reasoning for leaving her bs, and I hate the unnecessary rahrahrah. I might just read to see if she ends up with a pickney tho. All that raw sex have to bare fruit lol.
This book had me from the start, I was captivated throughout and loved the story even though it was difficult to read at times, the story was well written and the characters were well developed. I absolutely fell in love with Xavier he is just the bomb, an alpha male without a doubt, he is also so very caring, and didn't let Chanel get away with anything no matter how much he likes/ loves her. I'm looking forward to the next instalment as I want them to have their happy ever after, I also want Chanel to answer all the questions posed by Xavier...brilliant story.
Chanel character destroy the book for me. She made herself a naive victim...she had several opportunities to clear the air and move on with her life but she digs herself into a deeper hole and unnecessarily damage but will be look forgiveness and how Xavier should understand where she coming from.
I usually like this Author book but weak female leads playing "I'm not the scorn woman" by playing the independent woman but lying, insecure, hateful and selfish is hell. Like the book but give me Gabby anyday
I like both the H & H. I honestly feel bad for Chanel shes been through alot. The abuse was a serious trigger for me. One scene in particular mad me cry. That ending was something I knew that meeting would come back to haunt Chanel. I'm curious about Jamal and Gabby now. I'm heading to read book 2 now because the has me shook and Xavier and Chanel can't go out like that.
it wasn’t objectively terrible as far as writing but it was basically one violent trauma after another. i’m just not a huge fan of books that should have been a therapist’s billable hours — especially when it ends on a stupid cliffhanger. miscommunication is a terrible trope. also the way the MMC constantly ignores the FMC’s request to use a condom or pull out repeatedly? just…awful.
This was a reread prior to reading the sequel. Original post below. Still great the second time around. :)
Yes, it ends on a cliffhanger but it is a super satisfying read. I HIGHLY recommend. This is the first book I've read by this author and I'll be waiting like a crackhead for the next one!
I'm giving this a four stars because the action doesn't really pick up until 3/4 of the book. I'm going to reserve my final judgement for the last book.
Wow! This was an amazing storyline, the girl had so much baggage my only complaint is I hate cliffhanger. I hope it's not a long wait but would recommend reading.
I’ve read several books by this author and enjoyed all of them I have been in a mafia romance binge the last two years, but lately all the books I’ve read can be summed up in three words “rinse and repeat”. I am so glad that I decided to take a break from that genre and I stumbled on this book. This book is everything!!!!
There is nothing more I love than reading a book where I can experience a gamut of emotions. One minute I was empathizing with the h and the next I wanted to shake her and tell her to snap out of her pity party.
And the H. Hot damn! Xavier, Xavier, Xavier...what a man! Swooning!!!!
Another thing that have been working my nerves lately— authors unnecessarily making a one book story into two or three. It was refreshing to read a book that definitely needed a second book. I was definitely not expecting that ending and I loved it!
I am so grateful/glad that after posting this review, I will be able to read the second book.
This is define the type of book I can see my reading again on a few years.
... no matter how hard one tries to bury them. That's the hard lesson Chanel is learning. She is ashamed of the woman she allowed herself to become with her ex Ethan, but she has failed to realize that she is no longer that woman. The minute she walked out on her ex was the minute she gained control in her life and started the process of healing and becoming stronger. But what she has not learned the lesson that the shame she feels is interfering with her present relationship with Xavier, until it is too late. The truth will set her free, but Xavier needs to understand the state of mind of battered women. Not only that, but I believe he understands the problems and resentment she has with her Daddy issues, but needs to come to terms with her past and how it affects her present actions.
Tiffany wrote a story that is definitely attention grabbing and attention holding. The characters are complicated and developing with their own secrets to hide. With that said, I hate cliffhangers but I was forewarned. This book was worth reading and going through the angst of awaiting for the next installment.
I liked that the author brought so much life to so many character's and it allowed the reader the opportunity to become fully emerged into the story.
What was not to like about Xavier.. smart, mature, hard worker, self-made, and respectful. I was sort of hoping his conclusion at the end, came a bit earlier in the story. Chanel didn't put an ounce of effort into him.
Chanel.. Chanel..Chanel.. I kept waiting for the character development that never happened. She did everything to chase away a great person. Mostly because of the past hurts from childhood and former relationships stunted her emotional growth evolving to become angry and petty. In addition to other undesirable traits, and she refused to listen to warnings.. despite being hurt by this behavior before.
I honestly didn't like the character.
The introduction of a social issue such as Domestic Violence was important, and I'm glad the author explained how the abuse is perceived from the victims perspective.
Tiffany Patterson never disappoints when it comes to writing. She knows exactly what she’s doing. The plot, depth of the characters?! It is perfect and worthwhile, I had to finish this book in one sitting🙌🏾.
But it wasn’t a five stars because at some point Xavier and Chanel were just a happy couple and all I wanted to do was sort Chanel’s issues with her family out. At some point the x-rated scenes were just too much (back to back chapters) and that made it redundant. Like okay? Can we move on please?!
And to be honest, Xavier is overreacting (y’all can hate me) because if he has just found out his love was in a domestic violence relationship, but she didn’t tell you (hid it from you) why not sit down and find out why she lied?! Why did he have to walk away? And for someone who just said he is ‘falling for her’? Boy, please!
And I don’t know if I misunderstood what was written on the blurb in the back because I had a whole different idea as to how the book would go after reading the blurb, but could be just me.
This is my review and how I see it. Author Tiffany Patterson in her first AA novel Safe Space is a well-developed story that hits on some very real life situations from the very beginning to the end. If it wasn't for my mind telling my body that it needed rest I would have finished this book a lot earlier than I did. This story was not what I expected...it was better. To feel the emotions of the characters in this book made it come to life for me and really took me places that I did not want to venture too again.
I can understand why Chanel did what she did and I can also feel and see why Xavier felt how he did. Ms. Patterson made the character Chanel very relatable and all the characters were well developed.
I can't wait to see what happens in Book 2! I look forward to the rest of this story.
This was my first time reading this author's work and I truly enjoyed this book. So many emotions were expressed while reading. I laughed, cried, got scared, and upset. I have to say that Xavier is my new book bae. Those heated scenes with him and Chanel omg I had to fan myself! Chanel has some deep rooted issues that she has to deal with before she looses out on something she wants, something she is fighting. She has been through so much. I'm mad at Xavier for his reaction, but I understand it. He loves her, wants to keep her from harms way. He wants to be her protector. I can definitely relate with her daddy issues. We truly don't realize how how relationships with our parents affect our personal relationships. I'm rooting for chanel.
I don’t even know where to begin. You would think knowing all the spoilers- would somehow diminish something about the book. And maybe normally that would be the case, but this is Tiffany Patterson. So with that being said- there’s always more to the story. And this was definitely more. My heart broke- reading about Michele and Noah. I literally gasped reading Chanel’s reaction in the hospital. Yet, the love and attention she received from X. 🥰🥰🥰*swooning*. I love them together. The way he handled Elliott- had me screaming “yesssss read him for filth Xavier.” This was just gloriously delicious. And I highly recommend it. Now I gotta hop over and read this conclusion.
This book was filled with a lot of mind blowing spice!!! HooTttt🌶️🌶️🌶️🔥🔥🔥 as well as trauma with family and trauma dealing with domestic abuse/violence. Chanel has been through a lot but have grown and loving herself more and more each day. Her relationship with Xavier is the best! He’s such a loving, caring, sweet gentleman. Xavier is everything opposite of what she ran away from but everything she’s deserving off! Chanel just have to realize that she’s worthy of Xavier and that Xavier loves her past all her trauma, hurt, and pain. She has to be willing to open up to him about all her fears and most importantly her past. They are sooo perfect for one another! A must read!
Xavier and Chanel are complicated. Xavier is best friends with her brother and determined not to get involved with Chanel. Chanel needed help and Ethan happened to be her knight and shining ........ Chanel has been hiding a damaging secret. Ethan and Robert are two disgruntled individuals that are out to ....... Xavier has only asked for honesty and Chanel ........ What cost will Chanel pay for deceiving Xavier? Will Robert decide to make good on his threats for his client losing his case? Will Ethan schmooze his way back into Chanel graces with perceived change in actions? Will Chanel ever receive the love she desires from her father?
Didnt love it. It felt like too much/too long with no real plot. Like, they kept repeating the same issues with no progress towards solving any of them. Chanel was annoying as hell and there were waaaaaaaay too many spicy scenes that were kind of unnecessary cause they had shit to talk about and trauma to get through instead. I didn't like the stereotype that black women are jaded, bitter and bad communicators... instead, She was supposed to be a badass with her law degree but all the decisions the writer took to her character were dumb as hell. I hated that it ends in a miscommunication exchange and now I'll probably have to read the second to see how it ends 😭 wasting my time
This is honestly one of Tiffany’s best work! Full transparency, I originally DNF’d this book due to the heavy themes of DV. As a victim of DV it takes time to read these stories for me personally, but this was tastefully done. Of course there was one scene in the book that I barely could stomach but it’s the truth happening in our society. I loved this book the characters were so real and true, especially in the ways they needed each other. This ends on a cliffhanger so be warned. It also has heavy theme dealing with DV, and death. Please take care while reading.
I so fell all the way in love with this story,This was a well written,thought out story that not only kept your interest but you so willingly fell down the rabbit hole.I love the fact that you get two well rounded characters you can relate to and cheer for a happy ending.The writer keeps you on the edge not only with the sexiness between the two main characters but with the mystery that's underneath.This is the first part because the story ends on a cliffhanger,but you won't be disappointed about,just that the story has to end.Overall a job well done.
A beautifully written story about choices, family loyalty and sacrificing happiness. Xavier is a strong, dominant protective male. Chanel is independent and feisty with a lot of sass. Their relationship is chemistry charged and steamy! A well developed storyline of Chanel dealing with traumatic events in her past and how keeping secrets threaten her and Xavier's relationship. Family secrets and secrets revealed make this first book an exciting read! I look forward to the next book!
What a great love story. Chanel and Xavier. What more can one say, but Great, well written and emotion laden. This is a story with real world issues. It is not one that's superficial. Tiffany delves into domestic violence, lies, shame and betrayal in this book. And as you read, you the reader find yourself going through the same emotions as the characters in the book. For me, this is a sign of a good writing. Tiffany, thumbs up on this one. Looking forward to the continuation.
I'm an avid reader. Reading is my passion. I love when I stumble upon a good book. This is my first time reading this author's work. I'm pleasantly surprised. I love when you finish a book and it still resonates with you. Chanel is a successful lawyer that is well put together on the outside, but broken inside. Along comes her childhood crush Xavier. He's a manly man and sexy as hell. Their chemistry is fire. Can't wait to see how this ends. Great read. Can't wait for the next installment.