She hates secrets. He despises gray areas. But his sent her away without answers.
Will Wynter’s rhythm of blues keep her from experiencing the relationship budding between the two? Or will Ragee cleanse himself of the demons and teach her the rhyme of love?
Find out in the spellbinding conclusion of the “Love in Rhythm & Blues” series.
Love Belvin is a native of the Tri-State area and now lives in the Delaware Valley. She's an avid reader and enjoys dinner parties with her closest girlfriends. While she enjoys many things, nothing excites her more than curling up with a glass of wine and a good romance novel.
Love has been given the moniker "adult contemporary series queen." She is the author of the "Love's Improbable Possibility," "Wayward Love," and "Love Unaccounted" serials. Her two standalones, “Love's Inconvenient Truth” and "Low Love, Low Fidelity" are available. Love Belvin is also the co-author of the "Connecticut Kings" series. She's currently penning the journey of her latest captivating clients.
“For the first time in my life, I held my heart in my hands.” 🥰🥰🥰 Ragee forever the wordsmith ❤️❤️ Now THIS is how you write a series!!! Y’all I think I may have a new LB couple! Ragee and Wynter were giving what they were supposed to!! All of the blood sweat and literal tears they poured into each other was felt on each page. When their heartbeats quickened, so did mines! I don’t think I’ve ever wanted a couple to win more. I was truly rooting for them!
We know from the way that book 1 ended that things are not going well for these two! Just when they’ve finally found their footing, people that they thought could be trusted were actually snakes that wrapped themselves around Ragee and Wynter trying to squeeze the life from them like an anaconda! Poor Ragee is dealing with so much! He battles the residuals of childhood trauma daily and while he desperately wants to let Wynter in, it’s difficult for him. The weight he’s carrying doesn’t make it easy to trust, especially after he was rejected by his childhood love. Not to mention his long time manager and cousin are both blackmailing him to keep him and Wynter apart. Wynter was never a threat to either one of them so the lengths they went through to tarnish her reputation and control Ragee was insane! In the end both Mike and My got what they deserved!
Teke 🙄😒😐🫤 you really were the fk boy of the century in this book. I get that your beef was with Ragee but the way you pulled Wynter into the foolishness was totally unnecessary and you definitely got what you deserved!! Too bad the rest of B City also had to suffer!
Pastor McKinnon you’re not exempt from scrutiny because how were you allowing all of these children to suffer abuse 🗣️right under your nose!! You can’t minister to other without making sure your own house is in order FIRST!!! Shame on you!!
What I would’ve given to be a fly on the wall during the BS that went down in MaMa’s and Pastor McKinnon’s living rooms!! When I tell you my mouth was wide open!!! 🤯😱🤯😱 I was shocked by the turn of events! I was not expecting the tea on Wynter at all and the way Heather and My turned on each other quicker than you could blink was comical. And speaking of Heather, she was really delusional during this series. She thought her lil connection to Ragee kept him in her back pocket but sis there’s a new sheriff in town. I was so happy with the way Ragee consistently rode for Wynter in Heather’s presence because what you’re not gonna do is hang me in a closet like last winters wardrobe until you’re ready to use me! Also, let’s not forget to mention how she stayed playing in her husbands face…. Poor tink tink.
I can’t end this review without mentioning how I absolutely adored Arnie and Asia! These two were crazy about their sister in love and bestie 🥰🥰! I wanted more of them in the series! If you don’t have all of LB on your TBR are you even existing at this point?! Do yourself a favor and get with the program!
I Absolutely Love This Couple….This couple had a lot to overcome….both experienced an extreme amount of trauma and the issue was learning how to deal with it and thrive. This was an amazingly written story of leaning into the trauma in order to learn to overcome and thrive.
Listen! Let me tell you something about the power of words..... they have the ability to teach, breathe life, cause grief and one of their most important powers is the power to provide understanding and forgiveness.
Let’s think about some of the words that were frequent throughout ‘The Rhyme of Love:’ trauma, cleansing, faith, broken, abuse, passion and love! These words are a testament to all that Raj and Wynter McKinnon had to navigate through to find their happily ever after.
Now let’s talk about the artist behind the words, Author Love Belvin is not only a master storyteller, she aims and succeeds at bringing facts, tidbits and just an overall sense of knowledge to her books. One of the things I love best is that she doesn’t “dumb it down,” her completed works are anything but “simple” or a “quick, easy read.” She pushes the the envelope and as a reader, I can’t begin to describe how much that means to me.
In LB’s books there are often religious undertones, lessons, and/or connections from or through the characters. This book felt different because it was about spirituality. It was about Raj stripping himself bare (no pun intended) and rebuilding his spiritual connection with God and then with his wife. It was also about Wynter learning to form a spiritual bond with God through her husband.
From the moment we met Raj way back when, I knew his story was going to be different and special and that he’d need a unique partner, he got that and so much more in Wynter Haile Blue. They were soooooo special and I don’t think I’ve ever rooted so much for two people to figure it out like I did these two. If it didn’t work out between them, then no one else would have been able to love either of them in the way that they deserved!
The supporting cast of this series was just as interesting, we met so many people who impacted (directly or indirectly) the journey of The McKinnon’s that I almost feel like I need closure on some of the key players, not because what happens to them will affect my view of Raj and Wynter, but because a few of them were also as equally or even more so, broken.
Raj and a Wynter have what it takes to fight and keep their HEA. They have the trifecta going on: mental, physical, and emotional ties to each other. Their bond is almost indescribable and their sexual chemistry just adds to what makes them special. At the end, I just want Raj to sing, “It is Well With My Soul” at the top of his lungs! LOL.... The McKinnon’s will be ok!
May be the best enemies to lovers book I've ever read. Love Belvin wrote her azz off for this book. I was always interested in the Ragee backstory, and the story of his life far exceeded my expectations.
Poignant and heartbreaking, but life affirming as the two protagonists fight through their past trauma and insecurities together. I know it's a cliche`, but true love can conquer all.🙂🙂🙂
I absolutely loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee Ragee and Wynter!! What an amazing conclusion for an extraordinary couple.
When Book 1 ended we see Ragee sending Wynter off without an explanation, although they were growing closer even with their walls still up, they were beginning to make progress, and as Wynter prepared to head to the LIT Music Boot camp Ragee did a 360 turn on her and she leaves with her head held high.
Ragee is really conflicted about Wynter and his fake marriage, because what started off as not being real but for publicity purposes only, has changed for him and being he is still battling his own personal demons, he makes the decision and begins his strategy of getting Wynter back and for good this time. It's not going to be easy for Ragee because this means putting himself out there at this point he doesn't care, he is willing to face being rejected by Wynter instead of being in a perpetual holding pattern.
Wynter is trying to figure out what went wrong between her and Ragee, they were making headway and then the big turn around, well if Ragee thinks Wynter is going to be waiting for him then he is dead right LOL!! Wynter has found herself falling in love with her fake husband but damn it if he is battling those demons and his secrets, not as if she doesn't have her own secrets because she does and although Ragee has let her in on his, Wynter hasn't even begun to open up to him about the those of her past. But she has to get through this boot camp and as a novice she is determined to learn all that she can, about to go out of her mind, Ragee shows up at the camp, as much as she hates him at this moment her heart squeezes for him.
Where does Ragee and Wynter go from here, they will both go into the Rhyme of Love, with all secrets being bared, the walls being torn down within and without, learning to trust each other and being internally healed from the darkness and eternally set free, yes this is Ragee and Wynter and their beautiful story of love and redemption created from God's plan. Out of what we see as Chaos is really God working something incredible behind the scenes. I do hope when we get to see Ragee and Wynter in future stories of other characters, we will see them as parents to those three beautiful boys.
I always know when I read author Love Belvin's books that I am going on an incredible journey with her main characters and her secondary and tertiary characters. It amazes me how the author being a Woman of God can write these flawed characters and bring them all the way through to victory, oftentimes we don't even know how these people are going to get there but if you know the Word of God, He does the same thing with the people of the bible. These incredible flawed and broken individuals and works miracles, victories, defeats, triumphs and most importantly love. When you read the last word of one of the author's books, you leave knowing that love defeated hate and light destroyed the darkness.
For me, this book was a bit different from other Love Belvin series’. Don’t want to give spoilers so I’ll just speak generally. For one, from start to finish, this relationship struck me as the strongest and most solid out of all the fictional couples in the Love Belvin universe (although the Beckwiths are still my favorites and I still can’t explain why). The McKinnons as a couple just seem most settled to me though, with not as many outside forces that would pose real threats; it was like the mutual feelings between them just came off much stronger than any competition. Also, the sex scenes: X-rated!!!! Like yassss! I clutched my pearls in a couple spots and I’m not new to steamy scenes. Lol but they were still so tastefully done because there was an equal (and probably greater) amount of love and depth between these two written into the book. Third, I love the way that Love Belvin brings so much wisdom about relationships and faith into her books, but it’s done in a way that doesn’t feel distracting or overshadowing to the story. I don’t feel bored like I want to skip through it lol. Low key, I even take mental notes and highlight in some spots. Lastly, for a few reasons (won’t spoil though), it felt like this was the end of an era. But I’m hoping its not because I have come to enjoy this fictional universe so much, with all the cameos and stories woven into each other. Can’t say much more because I don’t wanna risk spoilers. But this is definitely one I will come back and read often.
I am truly running out of words to adequately convey my response and reaction to the genius that is Love Belvin. Just like a diamond, with each new angle or in her case, book, the brilliance is magnified more and more. Just when you think that the benchmark is set, she raises the bar yet again. SMH. This book is one that should be savored but you will find yourself hard pressed not to devour it--it's just that insatiable. Raj and Wynter are both in the eye of the storm. The subterfuge that is their marriage was the catalyst for their individual and joint breakthrough.
It was great to see Ragee man up, he owed it to Wynter to get his act together and begin the process of handling the dysfunction in his life. Now what I didn't expect was Wynter's equally dire need to do the same. Raj finally realized that he owed it to her to be her refuge and covering. He knew it wouldn't be easy but his desperation for her was able to override his pride and ego.
The secondary characters added the necessary drama to challenge this couple even more. I was happy to see past characters present and moving forward. I never can get enough of Issy and Kenny! So much more happened but I will leave with this, I so appreciate that the villains were dealt with and out of the way early on in this book. I was glad that Love allowed the main thing to be the main thing, which was Ragee and Wynter finding redemption and refuge through their individual truth and in their collective love. This book is another certifiable banger and Love Belvin much like P Diddy, can't stop, won't stop--take that, take that!
This was an amazing series! Love Belvin touched on so much. I was floored at all the revelations and in love with the love Ragee has for Wynter. This is a series I could definitely read again.
There was so much here in this sequel! Ragee and Wynter were so broken but irrevocably made for each other. I’m glad so many questions were answered this time around, especially around the abuse and other parts of Raj’s past. I also got my Elle and Jackson wedding I’ve been waiting on since forever. I still have some questions about Heather but I know Love may never address them since she is not a major character.
I must say this was the most complex couple and storylines of LB’s to date. I will have to go back and re read very soon.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Wow I read this story years ago, this was actually my introduction to Ms Love Belvin books and this story was just so beautiful and wonderfully written. I can’t believe I did not leave a review
This is the second series that I have read by Love Belvin and I will say that she has completely won me over with this one. I am officially on the Love Belvin Train and I will forever and always be a fan and read all of her work.
I have been on a spiritual journey of my own seriously since November of last year. I have completely and utterly fallen in love with that fact that I can read Love Belvin's book and actually get lessons that will help me in my own faith and look forward. I also just love that her male leads are really into God and strengthening their relationship with Him, and that just makes me swoon harder for these men!
Ragee and Wynter's journey has to be my second favorite couple that I have read about this year (didn't quite top Cam and Tillar from Thickerella, but it came pretty close).
Let's talk about Ragee for a second. I despised this man so damn much because of how he treated Wynter initially. He was just rude and the definition of "no new friends." I get that it was mainly because his manager dude got him into some shit, but he could have been more considerate. But it was all good, because his ass was not ready for the storm that was Wynter Haile okay! Baby girl came through and got him all the way together and got him hooked not only with the coochie, but with her big ass understanding heart too. He became obsessed and knew (and admitted to it) that he was. Like whaaat? Just imagine a man that you're lowkey (highkey but we're in denial) feeling admitting that you and ya cooch is all he can think about? Lmao chile I am obsessed!
Wynter is another of my favorite characters that I have read about this year. She is a very strong, loving, compassionate, and understanding woman. Even when she is down herself she is always there for others and just being a good ass person and I loved her for it so much! Love, love, love her. She got Ragee all the way together and not only saved his life, but saved her own as well and found true happiness, love, and God.
There were so many characters that I loved, and there were few I hated too. Myisha and Heather are garbaaaage. Okay? Throw them hoes away please and thank you.
Anyway, I gave this book (and series as a whole) 5 star's because it was an amazing story of with love, drama, laughs, lovable characters, amazing character development, and (my favorite) some fire sex. When I tell y'all that this series is amazing, it's amazing! So make sure y'all check it out. So worth it.
10/10 recommend.
*I would also suggest reading the Love Unaccounted series before you read this one because it contains some spoilers regarding the couple from that series.*
I waited so long for this sequel. Love Belton remains at the top of my list of "must read" authors. The long awaited conclusion of this series had me all up in my feelings. I wanted it to surpass the first book. In my opinion, it did not. The first book was better.
I still loved the characters who were well-developed. The last book had a lot of loose ends to tie. She tied them well, maybe without a bow. I anticipated more drama and didn't get it. I wanted more angst from misunderstandings and unrequited love. I read the book twice in order to post a fair review. I understood her focus on Wynter and Ragee. She wanted a mature love and wanted to make them equal partners in their relationship. She dealt with their very real issues and resolved them while keeping it real.
The Wynter in this story was different than the one in the first book. She was emotional and weaker, in my opinion. She was a far cry from what I imagined her to be. I realize that love can change a person. This change from ironclad to emotional was drastic. It made me like her less.
Ragee, on the other hand took charge of his life. I liked him more. I thought that maybe that was what Love Belvin intended. I felt like this could have been a three series book (hint). It left me unsettled, thus the four stars instead of five. I wanted the second book to blow my mind. With the long wait that nearly killed me with angst, it fell short of my high expectations.
I am not writing this to turn readers off. I am giving a good and honest review. It is a good book. The writing is solid. I wanted to be blown away. I was deeply touched by the very real issues at the forefront, just not blown away. It is, however, worth the hours I put in reading it twice over a two-day period. I recommend it as I sing Etta James' version of "At Last".
I’ve been intrigued by Raj since he waltzed onto the scene. He’s mysterious, complicated and incredibly tortured. Then along comes Wynter. Who is as complicated as he is. She has some stuff with her too.
In my mind I had one million scenarios of how this would play out. Since I’m an Uber fan of Love’s, I knew they’d have a happily ever after, I just couldn’t imagine how they’d get there. They had so much stuff with them. All thrust upon them by other people.
Their reckoning is definitely something to see. Their love is raw, honest and inspiring. I don’t think that there’s ever been so many supporting characters in a book of Love’s, but they don’t dominate. They drift in and out perfectly, with the focus always being on Raj and Wynter.
Like their issues, the love that they share is so real. It goes there. I didn’t think it would, but it did. I laughed and cried reading this book. I clutched my proverbial pearls and had mini heart attacks throughout. I stayed up late and awoke early to finish this book. It was amazing and I’m sad that it’s over.
Under 24-hours... that is how long it took me to finish reading this book. I couldn’t put it down! Part 2 was all about showing the “whys” behind Raj and Wynter’s characters and the experiences that shaped them. One of which being the reason they were both closed off to each other in their own ways. A lot of revelations, heartbreak, and frustrating moments were weaved throughout these pages, especially when Raj and Wynter were not speaking. I was like, damn can y’all at least call each other and just sit on the phone listening to each other breathe, please?! Sheesh lol. These two were totally different from when i first read about them in part 1 which was soooo good because it gave me a chance to watch their relationship and their thinking of each other evolve. I definitely recommend this book! There were some heavy and sad moments but the payoff when you get to the sweet end, in my opinion, made it all worth it!
This series now my second favorite from Love Belvin, barely being hedged down by the Love Unaccounted Series. This series had me all in my feelings throughout the two books. I cried for Ragee. I cried for Wynter. I laughed out loud with a lot scenes and yelled out loud at many characters. All of the characters are so relatable. You feel like you know all of characters, as if they are someone in your family. This is the first time that I have read about these situations involving the male perspective, even though we all know it happens. In typical fashion, I finished this book with a few new words added to my vocabulary and a desire for closer relationship with God. This book is totally worth price and then some. Read this series and tell your friends to read it, too!
These two took me THROUGH IT! Ragee..I just wanted to hug him. His pain, his trauma- it was deep and I was heartbroken for him. I understood completely why he presented himself the way he did and I was insanely proud of how much he opened himself up to Wynter. When Wynter allowed Ragee to truly SEE her- it was a beautiful thing. She presented herself as this strong Woman who could take anything but she had been battling so much pain and rejection inside. After the party with her family, it was Ragee’s turn to take care of her and he did a wonderful job. I really enjoyed this couple and honestly, they went through so much to get to their happily ever after I wouldn’t mind another look into their relationship. I also want to know what they decided to do about the 3 boys.
Wow!!!! This series took me through so many emotions! I absolutely loved this book!!! If anyone is looking for a great romance series then this is it! Love Belvin don’t be play no games!! Her romance books are on a whole other level and I’m loving them♥️
Wow.. this was probably my favorite couple from LB. An amazing story of two people learning to how to love through the trauma and pain of their past. I loved their character development as the books progressed, they learned to trust each other, communicate, and fought to get to their HEA.
The conclusion to Ragee and Winter's story had me going through all the emotions. I loved it ,didn't want it to end but I did want them to get to happy
I read The Rhythm of Blues several times. I made highlights and notes trying to imagine where the The Rhyme of Love was going to take me. Nevertheless, I should know by now to wait on Love Belvin to tell me her characters' stories. I don't possess the creativity that she does. Ragee and Wynter's story really touched me. Please, Love bring them back in your next books. I would rate this book all the stars, because it was closer to my heart. LOL
2nd read: 4/19/20. I stand by original review. Loved every moment of re-reading these two and their journey to real love!
Original review: So here’s the deal with Love Belvin’s books. They are like the last glass/bottle of your favorite wine. You know you should sip and savor what you have left, but it’s too good to just sip. You have to devour it...and when it’s gone, you are looking around trying to figure out what to do next. Well at least with the wine, you can find a store and pick up another bottle. But the vintage “bottle” of Love Belvin is not that easy to acquire. You have to wait a while for the grapes to grow and the wine process to finish and for her to deliver that next bottle that you know will not let you down!
I tried my damnest to “sip” book 2. I really did, but it was just too good! So good, I almost missed some of my bday celebrations on the day this book was released. So yeah, I took a big gulp of my last glass of “wine” and then tried to savor that last sip at the end. I dragged out the last 15% as long as I could because I truly didn’t want Ragee and Wynter’s story to end. The journey that both of them were on was heartbreakingly beautiful. I always say I’m going to miss her characters, but I’m really going to miss these two AND Arnie (I absolutely loved him).
Love has a gift of writing that allows you to get completely lost in her world. I have a few other authors I enjoy with this gift as well. I absolutely enjoyed getting lost in her world with two more couples added to the family and look forward to the next project she decides to tackle.
PS: feel free to tackle that next project ASAP....I’m just saying!!! *smile*
Well it's been so long since delving into a Love Belvin journey and I am always glad I do. I always learn something. This installment was tougher to get through than the first which is not a bad thing. It was just heavier than the first installment. I always expect an emotional challenge from Love. I didn't give it a perfect score because I think some of the intimate scenes were sort of cringeworthy rather than sexy... I'm no prude, but I think Wynter was as Gee Gee said, "nasty". It wasn't every love scene, but a couple left me feeling... Idk a good word... As if the goal wasn't really accomplished. I'm very critical of the connection between characters in love scenes. Believe me- they have it , it's just a couple of them weren't for me is all. This installment led to a lot of self introspection. At one point I just lifted my voice in worship because this one did connect on so many levels. I did have to walk away a few times to process what I'd read and I appreciate that. I love Love's heroines. They are so complex and so strong, yet tender when the layers are removed. One thing about her work is its always like conversing with family or familiar friends. I grow attached to the characters quickly. Love has a way of making the average and mundane intriguing and engaging. I think I have an order of my favorites from Love and while this one isn't number one, it's definitely a memorable offering. I'll sit with the effects of this one for a minute. Thanks Love.
Wow! This was an excellent read! So many issues, so many ugly truths that we as a race label taboo but happening all around us. I felt so many emotions. This one being my favorite from Ms Belvin to date. The stories just keep getting better and better for me. All I can say is it took a real one in Wynter to deal with Ragee and a real one in Ragee to deal with Wynter. They had a lot of demons to work out of their system but in the end it was true blue love, the true Rhythm and Ryhme of Blues and Love. Let's not forget Grandma McKinnon, Myisha, Van, Wanda, Reign and MaMa, all had issues, Mike, Heather, issues all refusing to deal with but it all came together in the end for some, others, hmmmm.... Glad for the cameo appearances of The Baileys, Isaak and Kennedi, and so many others. I'm loving the novels Love!
1/23/19 I just completed this book for the second time and I must say it was even better the second time! Wynter and Ragee really had a lot to overcome to get to their happily ever after! I loved the fire, the passion! They were both complex in what they went through and their healing was all consuming to me. I loved it and truly thank Love Belvin for such a raw and moving story of hurt and healing! Keep on writing, I will keep on reading Ms Belvin!
I just wow. When I say I felt these characters, I felt them. This book was very different from the first book because it was so revealing. Normally the first book sets the stage, but Ms. Belvin allowed us to get to know and love the characters first. As their relationships progressed she revealed their layers. We got to see why they handled things the way they did. This went beyond the main characters. The ties to the sub characters were important to really understand their psyche. This story was on a whole different level of vulnerability. Wynter went from being a G in the first story to being a wife. Sis was extremely hurt and I felt it through the pages. Ragee went from being rude and barely communicative to wanting to be with Wynter forever. His standoffish nature was a little much for me, but he got better. What also stood out to me was how giving both of them were. They both literally took care of so many of their family members. As their love developed we got to see more of their similarities, and it started to make sense why they were compatible. I loved this story and would have continued to read about this beautiful couple.
This may be my third or fourth read of this journey. That's right this isn't even my favorite couple in the LB universe but I keep coming back. It is as gritty as the first time but each time the journey appeals to me for different reasons. The steady peeling back of all of the layers is just next level. It is clearly unmatched, I could not put this book down. They way they both fell into the rhythm of love! The wisdom of her former supervisor was so valuable! So many gems. So sexy.... so complicated.....So much love.....this journey is everything.
I have to be honest here.... This wasn’t my favorite book by Love. She is absolutely my favorite author. I tell people about her all the time. I’m not sure what it was, but I didn’t absolutely love this book. I truly enjoyed the first book.l however, this one just seemed so dark and depressing at times. I think I just miss Issy and Kennedi. Never the less, I will continue to support her work in the near future and tell any and everyone about her work!
I enjoyed this series. The unspoken bond these two had was captured in book 2. I love this couple, Raj and Wyn are goals!! The adoration they had for each other was broken down so well in this book. Raj did not play about his Wyn…anybody could get it, even his cousin. I loved, loved, loved this series down. Can’t wait for the update on them.