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Fifteen Years Delayed: Delayed Book 1
Fifteen Years Delayed is a love story. James Broadnax is sentenced to twenty-five years at age twenty-two, leaving behind his first love, Crea Flournoy. For fifteen years there are no visits or communication, twelve years of James being incarcerated and three years living in another city... If you need lots of drama and angst, this isn’t for you. Fifteen Years Delayed is about adults who have been through... and are ready to love and be loved... no gaming. James returns to the scene of the crime, so to speak and Crea is still there... Fifteen Years Delayed is their story... after reuniting. It is not a story of his incarceration nor is it a story of Crea’s life when they were apart. It’s a love story, not just about them but the people in their lives... it is about what happens when lovers are reunited after fifteen years of delay. Damn... there she is after fifteen years, still, even button-upped, a living breathing wet dream in the flesh. Feeling breath on her neck, Crea Flournoy turned to find James inching behind her. It had been years since she saw him but it was definitely James Broadnax, her first lover and love. Backing up, she nearly stumbled but he caught her, pulling her up the step. Lightheaded, she balanced herself, snatching away. “You’re on steps, and that concrete has no give.” He said in that lazy voice she once lived to hear. Unable to say anything, she felt as if caught in a time warp. Her belly churned with the anxiety of seeing him, the taste of bile on her tongue. Crea stared, more than fifteen years had passed but he looked mostly the tall, broad, with massive shoulders, slightly bowed legs causing him to stand almost awkwardly. But, those same legs had not hindered him from being a basketball phenom in high school and the one year he tried college but college wasn't his thing. He was dressed in baggy sweats, a t-shirt and denim jacket, gazing at her with fierce intensity. Jet black eyes beneath his heavy but perfect brows had always been startling. Watching her pull her sweater closer, he sensed Crea wanted to flee. Crea moved slightly, arranging her features. Her face was calm but her eyes weren’t. “You look good, real good.” James said. “Like you saw a ghost but I’m real.” Moving a step down, James was closer to Crea, so close, the scent of coconut oil wafted from her hair. “I been here about six months. I hear you’re doing great things. I thought about you often. You’re thirty-two and already a principal, that’s what’s up. I’m actually doing legitimate work. My sister opened a fresh food place and I’m running it.” James continued, his eyes never wavering from her, drinking her in, trying to feel her energy. The energy that fed him from afar for years. Watching her pull the sweater even closer, he bounced a bit on his toes, releasing energy. “That’s nice. That store changed the neighborhood. I hear it’s doing extremely well.” Crea said, her voice sounding strange to her own ears. Backing up a bit, she clenched and un-clenched her fingers, fighting the craving to touch him.
- GenresRomance
165 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 6, 2018
27 people are currently reading
71 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
May 14, 2018
What I like most about this author’s work is its unvarnished realism. In this one, the main character Crea runs into her first (and only) love James unexpectedly after he’s served 15 years in prison. When he was convicted, Crea dropped out of his life, and didn’t contact him at all while he was incarcerated, choosing instead to build a life for herself. That decision, though understood by James, was not accepted by his sister Janice, who despite James’ resolve to have Crea back in his life, refuses to make it easy for the woman who (in her opinion) abandoned him when he needed her most.
It would have been so easy for the author to spin us a yarn that made James blameless and innocent. Or to make Crea have pined for more than a decade in active regret over the decision to go on with her life. It would have been easy, and it would have been romantic, even. But she chose the more difficult path of having the two main characters and their extended families and friends work through the reverberations of having made some wrong choices, and some very tough ones and find their own path to peace.
As often happens in Angelia Vernon Menchan’s novels, the women are strong, and have a solid foundation of support from other women but also show their vulnerabilities, usually in their love for their family and the men in their lives. And this novel was no different. I also loved that as a recurring theme, this author shows that women who ‘do for themselves’ need not be afraid of opening up to the love of a good, equally strong, and caring partner. Another theme that I spotted in this one was the idea of a love ripening over time as two people who were ‘meant to be’ go through their separate journeys so that when they come together again, they can be more whole and complete for each other, and ready to go the distance.
Finally, the secondary characters in this author’s work are never “sidekicks”, transparently constructed for the sole purpose of exposing something about the main characters. They are always so fully fleshed out that you often find yourself wanting them to have as much ‘screen-time’ as the leads. This book was no exception. There are always entire communities built around the main couple, making you look forward to more. I haven’t kept up with reading this author as fast as she writes them, but this book pulled me in, and has me eager to backtrack, just to see what I’ve missed. Recommended for readers of ‘grown folks’ fiction’ looking for something low on contrived drama, and high on good, solid characters dealing with real-life issues.
It would have been so easy for the author to spin us a yarn that made James blameless and innocent. Or to make Crea have pined for more than a decade in active regret over the decision to go on with her life. It would have been easy, and it would have been romantic, even. But she chose the more difficult path of having the two main characters and their extended families and friends work through the reverberations of having made some wrong choices, and some very tough ones and find their own path to peace.
As often happens in Angelia Vernon Menchan’s novels, the women are strong, and have a solid foundation of support from other women but also show their vulnerabilities, usually in their love for their family and the men in their lives. And this novel was no different. I also loved that as a recurring theme, this author shows that women who ‘do for themselves’ need not be afraid of opening up to the love of a good, equally strong, and caring partner. Another theme that I spotted in this one was the idea of a love ripening over time as two people who were ‘meant to be’ go through their separate journeys so that when they come together again, they can be more whole and complete for each other, and ready to go the distance.
Finally, the secondary characters in this author’s work are never “sidekicks”, transparently constructed for the sole purpose of exposing something about the main characters. They are always so fully fleshed out that you often find yourself wanting them to have as much ‘screen-time’ as the leads. This book was no exception. There are always entire communities built around the main couple, making you look forward to more. I haven’t kept up with reading this author as fast as she writes them, but this book pulled me in, and has me eager to backtrack, just to see what I’ve missed. Recommended for readers of ‘grown folks’ fiction’ looking for something low on contrived drama, and high on good, solid characters dealing with real-life issues.
December 12, 2018
Loved it! When James, the love of her life, was locked up for 25 years, 19 year old Crea made a hard decision to walk away and pursue her career. And of course, friends, family and colleagues all had something to say. But as Miss Angelia stated," Opinion is often jealousy dressed up in judgment." So when James is released 13 years earlier, it should totally be up to James and Crea whether they want to spend the rest of their lives together or apart. Great story!
April 14, 2018
Wow!
This book was everything! I loved the storyline as well as the rich and diverse characters. Ms. Angelia always delivers on the plot and romance.
Barbara Joe Williams, author of Forgive Us This Day
This book was everything! I loved the storyline as well as the rich and diverse characters. Ms. Angelia always delivers on the plot and romance.
Barbara Joe Williams, author of Forgive Us This Day
April 6, 2018
Black 🖤 Love
I enjoyed this story! More so than Crea and James, I loved the way the relationship between Janice and Crea evolved over time.
It was like a story within a story. I loved that bond and that history was shared in order to understand each other's perspectives. James was so smart not to get in the way of that.
Great read with great lessons.
I enjoyed this story! More so than Crea and James, I loved the way the relationship between Janice and Crea evolved over time.
It was like a story within a story. I loved that bond and that history was shared in order to understand each other's perspectives. James was so smart not to get in the way of that.
Great read with great lessons.
April 23, 2018
A very beautiful and peaceful story. I adored James, Crea and there journey. I enjoyed this book!
May 4, 2018
Quick read, love flowing right out of the pages.
I loved this couple's story - a younger Cinnamon and Malcolm Black. Two driven characters separated by fate but joined at the heart after 15 years. As the saying goes - love conquers all. I am looking forward to a sequel.
I loved this couple's story - a younger Cinnamon and Malcolm Black. Two driven characters separated by fate but joined at the heart after 15 years. As the saying goes - love conquers all. I am looking forward to a sequel.
April 17, 2018
This is a sweet second chances love story, a story of 'lovers-with-a-history' reunited after no minor bump in the road, the story of the beautiful Crea Flournay and her first-love James Broadnax, who has unexpectedly re-entered her life having served twelve years in prison for money-laundering.
Having taken the rap for forces greater than himself, James ended-up losing the love of his life in the process. A high price to pay for being locked-up, something he is now determined to rectify.
Crea, young and totally smitten back then, found her strength to move on only after deciding she needed to make a clean break from James. She has grieved for years, but the man's hold on her heart has never truly lessened.
'Fifteen Years Delayed' is a mature love story, with real fleshed-out characters, detailed settings and lovely flourishes which add both well thought-out context and weight to an important theme - life after incarceration, both for the ex-con and the surrounding network of ties, the hurdles of re-connection, and the strength of the love needed to overcome judgment and so much lost time.
As Crea and James reconnect, the reader not only is able to understand both protagonists' passionate yearning for each other, but the troubles of the past and present are also more than descriptively compelling. To this end, the author uses her strong secondary character involvement well, to further illustrate the difficulties Crea and James face within the context of a closely-knit community. The judgment involved. The stereotypes. The hopes, fears and opinions of those they hold close. This is a really enjoyable read, laced with life lessons, from an author whose writing remains as textured and refined, as it is unapologetically forthright, never shy of 'telling it like it is'.
Having taken the rap for forces greater than himself, James ended-up losing the love of his life in the process. A high price to pay for being locked-up, something he is now determined to rectify.
Crea, young and totally smitten back then, found her strength to move on only after deciding she needed to make a clean break from James. She has grieved for years, but the man's hold on her heart has never truly lessened.
'Fifteen Years Delayed' is a mature love story, with real fleshed-out characters, detailed settings and lovely flourishes which add both well thought-out context and weight to an important theme - life after incarceration, both for the ex-con and the surrounding network of ties, the hurdles of re-connection, and the strength of the love needed to overcome judgment and so much lost time.
As Crea and James reconnect, the reader not only is able to understand both protagonists' passionate yearning for each other, but the troubles of the past and present are also more than descriptively compelling. To this end, the author uses her strong secondary character involvement well, to further illustrate the difficulties Crea and James face within the context of a closely-knit community. The judgment involved. The stereotypes. The hopes, fears and opinions of those they hold close. This is a really enjoyable read, laced with life lessons, from an author whose writing remains as textured and refined, as it is unapologetically forthright, never shy of 'telling it like it is'.
April 9, 2018
Crea and James like all of Ms. Menchan's characters are amazingly authentic. It is inherent in each of the main character's here to see both the yin and yang of life: good and bad, sweet and spicy, hard and soft, or smart and foolish. Their flawed but redeeming humanity makes you feel like you know them already or could meet them someday for real but no matter what it makes you wish them the best kind of life.
What I like most about this couple though is how honest they are with each other from the jump about what brought them together, then tore them apart, and what could bring them together again. Their attraction, their history, their families, even their acquaintances all will come into play in how James and Crea do or don't take a chance on love. But ultimately the decision will always be in their own hands, the way its always been, and they know it. I love that about this couple.
The layered secondary characters especially Suk, Franklin, Alicia, Janice, David, and Madea also brought an interesting texture and warmth overall to this love story. A tight and thoroughly enjoyable read.
What I like most about this couple though is how honest they are with each other from the jump about what brought them together, then tore them apart, and what could bring them together again. Their attraction, their history, their families, even their acquaintances all will come into play in how James and Crea do or don't take a chance on love. But ultimately the decision will always be in their own hands, the way its always been, and they know it. I love that about this couple.
The layered secondary characters especially Suk, Franklin, Alicia, Janice, David, and Madea also brought an interesting texture and warmth overall to this love story. A tight and thoroughly enjoyable read.
April 20, 2018
Fifteen Years Delayed
What can I say about this book? Angelia Vernon Menchan writes stories that are relatable and healing. I call her stories life stories. The characters are not perfect, but are flawed, lovable, likable, and sometimes downright hateful; but that is life. I love the way that Janice stepped in and used natural medicine to help Crea during her pregnancy. I liked the honest and open conversation James had with Crea about Janice. Would it be amazing if we could all be honest and open, not hide behind pretense? That conversation let Crea know that Janice had deep scars, but it was even more refreshing to see Janice come to the revelation that she needed to heal. Most women would not look at James twice because he served time, but I liked that he did not allow his time in prison to destroy him. I actually think Crea was broken and James helped her to heal.
What can I say about this book? Angelia Vernon Menchan writes stories that are relatable and healing. I call her stories life stories. The characters are not perfect, but are flawed, lovable, likable, and sometimes downright hateful; but that is life. I love the way that Janice stepped in and used natural medicine to help Crea during her pregnancy. I liked the honest and open conversation James had with Crea about Janice. Would it be amazing if we could all be honest and open, not hide behind pretense? That conversation let Crea know that Janice had deep scars, but it was even more refreshing to see Janice come to the revelation that she needed to heal. Most women would not look at James twice because he served time, but I liked that he did not allow his time in prison to destroy him. I actually think Crea was broken and James helped her to heal.
June 8, 2018
Ms. Menchan Always Delivers
I can't say that I was surprised by how much I liked this book because the author always delivers a compelling story with compelling issues and this book was no different but the chemistry of the characters had me reading this book in one sitting. I loved that James had a checkered past and that Crea 'seemingly' had so much to lose by associating with him--but the uptight educator was unapologetic in her love for James and he was unwavering in his love/determination for her.
I really dug their history and the great promise of their future. The secondary characters were equally captivating and I can easily see three spin offs e.g. Janice and her husband, Alicia and Franklin, and even Ms. Brenda! Lol. This book offers so much in the forms of various themes and phenomena, I feel more refined after having read it. Read this book today!
I can't say that I was surprised by how much I liked this book because the author always delivers a compelling story with compelling issues and this book was no different but the chemistry of the characters had me reading this book in one sitting. I loved that James had a checkered past and that Crea 'seemingly' had so much to lose by associating with him--but the uptight educator was unapologetic in her love for James and he was unwavering in his love/determination for her.
I really dug their history and the great promise of their future. The secondary characters were equally captivating and I can easily see three spin offs e.g. Janice and her husband, Alicia and Franklin, and even Ms. Brenda! Lol. This book offers so much in the forms of various themes and phenomena, I feel more refined after having read it. Read this book today!
July 13, 2018
What do you do when you have been an over achiever all of your life? What do you do when you see the only man you have loved after 15 years?
What do you do when you have to face a situation from your past unresolved?
Inside the pages of this book, these questions are answered. Inside these pages is pain, love and joy for two people who are destined to love as long as the other has breath. Inside these pages are strength and endurance given a chance to prove the people who have their own agendas wrong on countless levels. Inside these pages an old love becomes new again on two fronts...
Fabulous read..
What do you do when you have to face a situation from your past unresolved?
Inside the pages of this book, these questions are answered. Inside these pages is pain, love and joy for two people who are destined to love as long as the other has breath. Inside these pages are strength and endurance given a chance to prove the people who have their own agendas wrong on countless levels. Inside these pages an old love becomes new again on two fronts...
Fabulous read..
May 14, 2018
Fifteen Years Delayed
Crea and James fifteen years apart was a long time but perfect maturing time for a true soul mate type of love. It came naturally but not without some ups and down.
My favorite part was the sisterhood bond that formed with Crea and Janice. It was a enemy to friend relationship but it was freaking awesome.
This was story of love from two different sides of the fence that blossomed into a testament of Black love.
I loved the storyline and can’t wait to read the rest of the series.
Crea and James fifteen years apart was a long time but perfect maturing time for a true soul mate type of love. It came naturally but not without some ups and down.
My favorite part was the sisterhood bond that formed with Crea and Janice. It was a enemy to friend relationship but it was freaking awesome.
This was story of love from two different sides of the fence that blossomed into a testament of Black love.
I loved the storyline and can’t wait to read the rest of the series.
December 13, 2018
I thought the relationship between James and Crea was cute, and I loved how the author integrated various stereotypes that are often believed about people on the “wrong” side of the tracks, versus those who had a “good” upbringing. I also appreciated that the author created multidimensional characters, which allowed the reader to understand the motives behind each person’s actions. I did feel like the story dragged in a few places, but overall, great storyline, and powerful concepts explored.
April 24, 2018
This was my first time reading anything by Ms. Menchan and I thoroughly enjoyed it. What I liked most about this story was the maturity and sincerity of both the hero and heroine. They treated each other with honesty and respect; they didn't play games like many couples. I loved how James "claimed" his woman and treated his sister. Kudos to the author...great story.
June 2, 2018
As teenage lovers they thought they would be together as adults but James goes to jail for 25 years and Crea moves on with her life. After 15 years James is released and still loves Crea and she still loves him but they were stubborn. They went through life changed and found their love still existed for one another,
June 25, 2018
I love this author writing because they make me think about things from a different perspective. I love James and Crea's story because it was an adult story about love and two people who weren't into playing games and telling lies. Thier no-nonsense approach to their relationship made this book refreshing. Go check it out for yourself.
April 16, 2018
Mature, wonderful sexy intense book
Thumbs up with three couples featured
During this emotionally intense storyline. Don't miss this experience for your next read. You won't regret it
Thumbs up with three couples featured
During this emotionally intense storyline. Don't miss this experience for your next read. You won't regret it
June 17, 2018
Love knows no bounds
Years after being separated from her lover, Crea runs into him by chance. Will the passion they shared be rejuvenated or has too much time passed. I enjoyed this story there are tests and triumphs in love and life and James and Crea are up to the challenge
Years after being separated from her lover, Crea runs into him by chance. Will the passion they shared be rejuvenated or has too much time passed. I enjoyed this story there are tests and triumphs in love and life and James and Crea are up to the challenge
July 29, 2018
A good romance
I enjoyed this story very much. I loved james and crea together they were so in love With each other I'm glad Janice ended up liking crea and her mom and dad got back together. Loved it
I enjoyed this story very much. I loved james and crea together they were so in love With each other I'm glad Janice ended up liking crea and her mom and dad got back together. Loved it
August 17, 2018
Really good
Fifteen years delayed was simply amazing. Having a second chance to be together was well worth the wait for this couple. I liked the feelings of joy I felt from their relationship. It was believable.
Fifteen years delayed was simply amazing. Having a second chance to be together was well worth the wait for this couple. I liked the feelings of joy I felt from their relationship. It was believable.
December 6, 2018
Very sexy and realistic! Enjoyed every chapter.
I gave this read five stars because I continued to look forward to reading it every chance I got! My sister would enjoy reading this book.
I gave this read five stars because I continued to look forward to reading it every chance I got! My sister would enjoy reading this book.
March 2, 2019
Delayed No More
This was my first time with this author. The characters were well developed and complex. The couples, especially james and crea were amazing. This was a great waiting for love and family story.
This was my first time with this author. The characters were well developed and complex. The couples, especially james and crea were amazing. This was a great waiting for love and family story.
September 1, 2021
Good Read
Crea and James together for two years, fifteen years apart. Their love for one another never died. Now they are building a future and a legacy. Great supporting characters too. Worth it!
Crea and James together for two years, fifteen years apart. Their love for one another never died. Now they are building a future and a legacy. Great supporting characters too. Worth it!
April 26, 2018
Excellent
This book was awesome. It was honest. They shared their truths, open and honest about everything. Read and enjoy. Great book
This book was awesome. It was honest. They shared their truths, open and honest about everything. Read and enjoy. Great book
May 25, 2018
Beautiful romance story!!!!!!
Check out my review here:
https://bibliophileonabudget.wordpres...
Check out my review here:
https://bibliophileonabudget.wordpres...
July 11, 2018
Outstanding read filled with characters Rich with humor and sass. A quick read that invites you to want book 2 Janice story. Great job full review on Amazon
July 24, 2018
Great read. Couldn't put it down
It was realistic and relatable. Love happens when you least expected it but so does Fate.. I can't wait for book 2
It was realistic and relatable. Love happens when you least expected it but so does Fate.. I can't wait for book 2
January 25, 2020
So so beautiful
Wow this was my first book by this awesome writer...so delighted I clicked on this book, I love love this story and I totally enjoyed reading it. Great work!
Wow this was my first book by this awesome writer...so delighted I clicked on this book, I love love this story and I totally enjoyed reading it. Great work!
September 4, 2018
Together Again
Crea and James had a fifteen year delay in their relationship. This allowed them to grow and mature. Although they were from socially different backgrounds, the one thing that remained constant in their relationship was...love.
In Fifteen Years Delayed, Angelia Vernon Mencken writes about forgiveness, love and acceptance. Can’t wait to read Janice’s book next. Another amazing read.
Crea and James had a fifteen year delay in their relationship. This allowed them to grow and mature. Although they were from socially different backgrounds, the one thing that remained constant in their relationship was...love.
In Fifteen Years Delayed, Angelia Vernon Mencken writes about forgiveness, love and acceptance. Can’t wait to read Janice’s book next. Another amazing read.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews