Do Over

Brooks Family #1

by Delaney Diamond

She’s devoted to her daughters.Years ago, when her cheating husband left, Ella Brooks realized how much she’d changed and wasn’t sure how to get back to the woman she used to be. When she meets Tyrone Evers, the last thing she’s looking for is another relationship, but it turns out that the police detective is just too tempting to resist.He’s devoted to his job. Tyrone meets Ella when he’s investigating a break-in at her home, but ends up paying more attention to the wealthy socialite’s case, and her, than normal. After his wife cheated on him, he’s not looking for romance, he’s not looking for commitment, and he’s definitely not looking for love. But you don’t have to be looking for any of those things for them to find you.And when life gives you a second chance, do you take it or run for cover?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, African American Romance, African American

200 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 1, 2018

About the author

Delaney Diamond is the USA Today Bestselling Author of more than 60 contemporary romance and romantic suspense novels, and dozens of romance short stories. She reads romance novels, mysteries, thrillers, and a fair amount of nonfiction. When she’s not spinning tales of romantic fiction, she’s in the kitchen trying out new recipes, dining at one of her favorite restaurants, or traveling to an interesting locale.
She enjoys learning about time management and ways to increase productivity and shares her recommendations on her For Authors page at delaneydiamond.com. She also offers self-publishing consultations, leveraging her extensive experience to guide and support authors through the publishing process.



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Reviews

[LaShaun’s Literary Lounge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ella and Tyrone meet under less than ideal circumstances after she becomes the victim of a home invasion. The attraction between these two was instant from the moment they met. While they are polar opposites, that doesn’t deter their feelings for each other. After the emotional toll their previous marriages took on them, Ella and Tyrone are more than ready for a ‘do over’. They both have their own baggage to overcome before they can get to their HEA but, it’s all the sweeter for the work they have to put. Do Over was awesome! Ella and Tyrone have easily become my favorite couple of this series.

[Annette Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved, loved, loved Do Over! Ella and Tyrone were my faves. Both of them were long over do for their "do overs." They got their second chance at love and made sure they did it right this time. Unlike Cameron, Tyrone wasn't trippin' about Ella being a billionaire. He was like, "My new boo got money and if she wants to spend a little of it on me, who am I to complain?!!!" I am so happy Ella and Tyrone finally got their HEA. They definitely deserve it. I really enjoyed the Brooks Family. Delaney Diamond know she put her foot in this series. I highly recommend it.

[Coffee&Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great read... with a twist!

Thoroughly enjoyed this read by Delaney and I love love love the twist on the trope, here! Can I say that this ended a little differently, in a very small way, than I hoped for but is all good and satisfying overall. Grab this one, it’s awesome.

[Maria Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

The cover and synopsis of Delaney Diamond’s latest contemporary romance Do Over were what drew me to it; the execution of the plot and the sexy results are what will make me take a look at her extensive backlist. Ms. Diamond’s Brooks Family series is about an extremely wealthy African American extended family who run an assortment of businesses including a fashion house, a brewing company and a chain of restaurants. Do Over is the story of heiress Ella Brooks and a cop who meet under less than ideal circumstances. They have their own relationship baggage to overcome before they can get to their happy ending, but it’s all the sweeter for the work they put in to make sure that this time they’ve got the right partner.

Ella is the mother of two young girls, a daughter to a wealthy society couple, and single after the demise of her marriage two years earlier. Her mother had warned her about what might happen if she married someone from a different social and financial strata, but Ella had been convinced that true love would conquer all. Unfortunately, her ex-husband was unfaithful and made her wary of getting involved with someone again.

When Ella returns home from a holiday, she enters her penthouse suite in the middle of a robbery. Left tied up and somewhat bruised (though it could have been much worse if one of the perpetrators had gotten his way), she’s discovered by her housekeeper who calls the police immediately. Detective Tyrone Evers is the police officer assigned to the case. With Ella’s mother Sylvie being a friend of the Mayor, the pressure is on to solve the case. Tyrone and Ella have an immediate connection, an attraction they know they shouldn’t act upon while the case is being worked. But they both admit they would like to see each other in a social setting.

Ella spent her married life trying to please her husband by stifling her own desires, but she’s learned from her mistakes and won’t settle for someone who doesn’t treat her with respect. Tyrone’s marriage didn’t survive his long hours of work and dedication to his job, and his wife cheated on him with his best friend. They are both ready for a ‘do over’. Have they found the one worth risking their hearts for a second time?

Move over billionaire heroes, there’s a heroine ready to take your place! Ella is a wonderfully balanced character, a woman for whom the trappings of wealth are taken in stride (she has a nanny and a housekeeper, a chauffeured limo and a cook) but never in an arrogant or expectant fashion. She’d given up her job with her mother’s fashion company to make her ex-husband happy (so much for that) and is ready to be back at work full-time as well as pursuing her charitable interests. She loves being a full-time mom for her two daughters and while she is the custodial parent, the girls have plenty of visits with their father, a man she never badmouths in front of them. He might have been a lousy husband, but he’s a good father and she does nothing to impede their father/daughter relationships. I always appreciate romances where parents who’ve split up (for non-violent reasons) can get along as amicably as possible for the sake their children.

Ella is understandably shaken by the break-in at her home. She has trouble sleeping at first, and while Tyrone is working on her case professionally, he also has a personal interest. He keeps in touch with her by phone to update her on the case (and find out how she’s feeling) and encourages her to see a therapist to help get over the trauma of the event. Ella’s mother wants all her children to have extra protection until the case is solved and enlists the help of an agency recommended by her cousin, one that isn’t as constrained by the law. As the case gets closer to being solved, Tyrone finds reasons to spend time with Ella. Though I wouldn’t classify this as a romantic suspense story, the case is interesting and shows Tyrone’s work environment and dedication to his job.

When Tyrone isn’t working he’s volunteering with underprivileged kids, aiming to keep them off the streets and out of his precinct. He hasn’t dated in a while, and definitely has never gone out with someone of Ella’s status. He’s not ashamed of his upbringing or his somewhat meager apartment, though he does worry about being able to treat Ella to the luxury she is accustomed to. Here, his father has some very sage advice. He tells Tyrone that attention and respect will go a lot farther than money. I love that Tyrone has a comfortable relationship with his parents where he can share things with them and ask for advice and that his parents are examples of love and commitment that he can aspire to have in his own relationship.

Similarly, Ella has a great relationship with her parents (soon to be remarried after a long time separation) and her siblings. While her mother may be concerned that Ella is once again having feelings for a man not used to their wealth, she can also see that Tyrone is a kind and decent man who won’t use Ella’s wealth against her, or to his own advantage.

Ella and Tyrone have a sexual attraction to each other right from the start and it leads to some steamy love scenes between them. Though there is mention of a condom the first time they make love, it seems to disappear in future scenes leaving the reader not quite sure if protection is being used. But no worries, there is no secret baby plot on the side. Having had a less than stellar sex life with her husband, Ella feels free to express herself with Tyrone and he appreciates her willingness to try new things in the bedroom. Their sex life is definitely very satisfying, and a key component to the feelings they are developing for each other. Tyrone is wonderful with Ella’s daughters who are quite happy to accept a new man in their mom’s life and it’s not long before they both start thinking of the future.

But right when things seem to be going along so well, they remember what caused their first marriages to break up and have to deal with the insecurities remaining from those difficult times. With a little family advice, some soul searching, and the realization that they both have to admit mistakes in order to move forward, they get their happy ending. Do Over is a sexy second chance at love romance with characters who are definitely worth getting to know. I look forward to learning more about the Brooks family!

This review also appears at All About Romance: https://allaboutromance.com/book-revi...

A copy of this story was provided by the publisher for review.

[DeeReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loving the Brooks Family series! I've always enjoyed second chances or Do over-type stories and Ella's story with Tyrone made the heroine realized that there was no Brook's curse--- she just married the wrong guy but so too did Tyrone marry the wrong woman! Ella's girls were so precious but her mother, 'Queen' Sylvie was back and running things again! She's not as bossy and controlling as in Passion Rekindled but that's only because of Oscar!


5 Second Chances stars *****

[Honeyeater · Rating 1 out of 5]

dnf at about 35%. I'm sad this one didn't work out for me, unfortunately the romance just didn't work - My theory is there wasn't quite enough internal monologue to make the attraction feel legit.

Also, I know this is romantic fiction and not a police procedural but I really hated that Tyrone did some things that I don't think are correct or ethical with his policing. It turned me off him in a big way.

[Byron Washington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Stuff!!

This series of books are like the Hallmark Channel with JUST a little extra oomph. Smooth, sexy and just a bit of angst to stir the pot. An easy, yet enjoyable read.

Buy it, read it and enjoy!!👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥

[Kenya Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's DD. There's nothing else to say. :-)

[Deena · Rating 4 out of 5]

So good!

I'm here for this different spin Delaney Diamond put on this one! For once, the heroine is the billionaire and the hero is the average Joe. And his name is Tyrone, lol. I assumed that Tyrone would be intimidated by Ella's wealth, but nope. He was comfortable in his own skin and in his calling to help people. I loved that about him. Ella wasn't what I expected, either. She was matter-of-fact about her background and made no apologies for it, She also somewhat low-key about it. It was what it was. These two were perfect for each other. Ms. Delaney definitely brought the heat in this one.
I'm glad we didn't just hear about the exes, but got to see them in action. Nyla was a piece of work. And Wayne. He worked all my nerves. I read the scene where he calls himself confronting Ella about Tyrone while I was having lunch at my desk. Her response when he asked her what had gotten into her had me struggling not to holler, lol. Well done, Ms. Diamond.

These two were happy for so long, I was wondering where and when the fallout would occur. And when it did, I kinda wanted to smack Ella and Tyrone. But I was proud of Ella for not giving in and trying to be accommodating. And Tyrone for taking a long, hard look at himself and realizing what he was doing.

I think this is the third book Delaney Diamond has put out this year and I'm loving it. She's killing it with the covers, too. Keep doing your thing, ma'am! You are appreciated!

Merged review:

I'm here for this different spin Delaney Diamond put on this one! For once, the heroine is the billionaire and the hero is the average Joe. And his name is Tyrone, lol. I assumed that Tyrone would be intimidated by Ella's wealth, but nope. He was comfortable in his own skin and in his calling to help people. I loved that about him. Ella wasn't what I expected, either. She was matter-of-fact about her background and made no apologies for it, She also somewhat low-key about it. It was what it was. These two were perfect for each other. Ms. Delaney definitely brought the heat in this one.
I'm glad we didn't just hear about the exes, but got to see them in action. Nyla was a piece of work. And Wayne. He worked all my nerves. I read the scene where he calls himself confronting Ella about Tyrone while I was having lunch at my desk. Her response when he asked her what had gotten into her had me struggling not to holler, lol. Well done, Ms. Diamond.

These two were happy for so long, I was wondering where and when the fallout would occur. And when it did, I kinda wanted to smack Ella and Tyrone. But I was proud of Ella for not giving in and trying to be accommodating. And Tyrone for taking a long, hard look at himself and realizing what he was doing.

I think this is the third book Delaney Diamond has put out this year and I'm loving it. She's killing it with the covers, too. Keep doing your thing, ma'am! You are appreciated!

[Natalya | TheIslandReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ella Brooks is a member of the uber-wealthy Johnson/Brooks family. She is recently divorced and the mother of two little girls. Ella returns to her home earlier than anticipated from her vacation and is unfortunately met with an unwelcome surprise. She is robbed at gunpoint and taken of her possessions. The detective on the case is attractive Tyrone Evers. These two are drawn to each other but both are hesitant for different reasons. She is hurt by her ex-husband’s actions, isn’t sure if love is in the cards for her and still has her mother’s words in her ear about being with a man with a certain financial portfolio. Tyrone is also recently divorced. He’s consumed with his work and isn’t sure that he wants a long-term relationship, let alone one with a woman who comes from a family whose circumstances are different than his.

Nevertheless, the attraction can’t be denied and soon these two are spending nights on the phone getting to know each other. They both needed do-overs, not in the sense that they would go back to their exes but that they would use the lessons they learned from previous relationships to do a better job with someone else.

When they begin dating, both are made to face their own internal hangups from past relationships and learn to coexist in each other’s world. Tyrone had to learn work/life balance and Ella had to learn to accept Tyrone’s job and project her insecurities from her marriage onto him. I initially thought that the vast power and influence that Ella’s family had would play an integral part in this relationship. While it was very present, and we weren’t made to forget how wealthy Ella was, it wasn’t necessarily an obstacle these two had to overcome.

Admittedly, Ella’s mother, Sylvie, worked my nerves. I understood she meant well but at times came off as overbearing. There were a few times I yelled at the book, “Let these children breathe! They’re adults now.” LOL. She came around a bit in the end and I was able to see that she really was trying to look out for them, in the best way she knew how.

**I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

[Cheryl Jamai · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are certain Authors who just know how to write a good story. Delaney Diamond is one of those Authors. Do Over is the second book in the Brooks series, featuring Wealthy Socialite Ella Brooks and Detective Tyrone Evers. Unfortunately, Ella is the victim of a burglary and Detective Evers is assigned to the case. There is definitely a physical attraction between these two, but the Detective needs to keep it professional. The Author has good descriptions of the Characters so you get a good visual. Ella thinks Evers is attractive at first, just not her type. She described his walk “as if he owned the place and everything in it”. Detective Evers spends plenty of time thinking about Ella and some things he would Ike to do.

The Author makes it believable that they would be interested in each other, despite their different backgrounds. I like how the characters get to know each other under the pretense of sharing information about the case. They find reasons to contact each other and before you know it they become “Ella” and “Tyrone”, discover things in common; like unfortunately how their previous relationships ended and start sharing important memories. Because of this, it feels like things move at the right pace when they are finally able to make a deeper connection. Once they do, the slow burn becomes hot, hot, hot!

This latest offering by Delaney Diamond has substance and doesn’t feel rushed. I just wish it were a little longer. I wasn’t quite ready for it to end. This is part of my review from Romance in Color.

[Limecello]

[I'm writing this December 19, even though I finished the book more than 4 months ago, BECAUSE I AM AN IDIOT.]

Delaney Diamond books read FAST. And I think it says something that I like the audiobooks/HER books as much as I do, considering I don't really care for the narrator. :X I think it's Sean Crisden that reads ~all of hers? And he just ... :X has this ... attitude thing. Like - he reads the female characters really bitchy/valley girl. :|

Ella and Tyrone ...
She's the rich girl ... he's the [detective?]
And like he bends the rules a little bit for her a few times; returning evidence and stuff?
:X Is it bad that's kinda the biggest thing I remember?

:X I want to say some of the angst stuff annoyed me but I'm also not sure.

I DO know I'd listen to this book again.

But like I don't remember specifics enough, so it just wouldn't be right for me to rate/grade it.
I don't even remember if this was my favorite in the series but I think it might've been? :X

[JigsawGirl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Even with all of their individual baggage, I liked Ella and Tyrone together.With Ella being rich and Tyrone being a cop, it was nice to see that Tyrone had somewhat reasonable doubts about them being together.

Normally, I end up suffering through an entire book with the non rich person wallowing in their "I'm not good enough for the rich person " feelings. My issue with Tyrone was his difficulty in letting go of the guilt about his job that his ex heaped on him. He was nicer to her than he should have been. Ella had her "ex" baggage, but after her initial meltdown, she seemed to be ok.

This book started out strong for me, but started to drag as Ella and Tyrone got deeper into their romance. Of course they end up with their HEA, but I got kind of bored toward the end.

The narration was well done. I thought Sean Crisden did a great job. He does an excellent haughty rich woman's voice, lol.

I still was not feeling Ella's mother, Sylvie.

[Vondetta Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ella Brooks is Sylvie Johnson's oldest daughter. She is a divorcee that is gun shy of relationships. Upon returning home from a trip, she is terrorized in her own home. Tyrone Evers is a detective who has been burned in his marriage. Tyrone is assigned Ella's case but holds little hope to it ever being closed. However, when the two meet sparks like from the 4th of July explode between them. Neither knows why.
If you like suspense and drama, this is the story for you. Can two from the opposite side of the tracks see eye to eye?
Will the robbery be solved?
Read along as Ella unleashes the temptress inside of her and Tyrone introduces her to more of the wild side..
Great read..moving on to Book three in the series..Can't wait..

[Brittnie Becker · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked that ella is an independent woman and mother I read this book for a single parent trope and I saw detective I was like yes please. Ella is divorced from Wayne leaves a vacation with her ex early and is robbed by 4 men and one tries to take it further but tyrone is on the case and justice will be served.

But in my opinion it felt rushed to some degree. I do appreciate that tyrone and Ella didn't get further than flirting before the case closed. I loved tyrone's interaction to one of Ella's daughters upon meeting that was cute. And I see where he gets it .his parents were my favorite thing about this story.
At the end of the day I gave a new to me author a try and thought it was ok .

[Celeste · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing and endearing second chance

Delaney wrote the heck out of Do Over. Ella finds her voice and identity, after a traumatic experience. It is what leads her to Tyrone. Can I say, the use of the name Tyrone was on point. As the character embodies each characteristic of a man whose name is Tyrone.

Back to the overall review. Sylvie is one of my favorite motherly fierce characters. Straight no nonsense. It was good her and Oscar's story was entwined as a lesson for Ella to learn from.

The story has so many layers, you appreciate the character and story development. Do Over is worth a third and forth read. Get your book clubs to select this book. You'll be glad you did.

[Ruby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed It!!!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. In my opinion, Do Over is a book that has a different twist to the second chance at love theme. Ella and Tyrone meet when Ella was robbed and Tyrone is the detective assigned to the case. Ella and Tyrone had both been married and divorced and neither were interested in a relationship. Despite that, there was chemistry from the beginning and their relationship only heated up from there. As things progress, we see how they both overcome their pasts and how they work through their issues. I enjoyed this second book in the series and can't wait to read the next book. Great job Ms. Diamond!!!

[Sassha Reads❤️❤️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved It!!!

I enjoyed reading about Tyrone and Ella's love journey. They both had wounds from past relationships that threatened their current relationship together. They met under uncanny circumstances but developed a friendship that evolved into a loving relationship. They could be their true selves with one another. Even with them taking a break, time healed those old wounds allowing their love to bond them even closer together. I can't wait to read what happens next with them in the upcoming books.

[Vernell Renee Howard Griffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Story!

I'm glad Elle found herself, found her voice and courage to get back to who she were as an individual before marriage, motherhood and divorce. It is important to know and express what you want in a relationship. Elle had to do that to move forward because if she didn't the same baggage would've been transferred to the next relationship and that is definitely a no, no. I'm glad Elle got what she wanted as well as Tyrone because now the happily ever after starts. Great Read! ReneeG 👍

[SassyMama · Rating 4 out of 5]

ENJOYABLE little switch of the woman being wealthy and the man being an “Average Joe”...but I like that Tyrone wasn’t the least bit intimidated by Ella’s fortunes or her domineering mother. I like the fact they both had baggage to overcome and work through in order to move forward in their budding romance and I was intrigued by the mystery/suspense of the robberies. And Ella’s little girls were just adorable...love a romance w/little kids...looking forward to the next book in this series.

[PurpleLadi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Do Over was such an appropriate title for this book. Often, after a failed marriage or relationship, starting over is the last thing a hurt person wants to do. Ella and Tyrone had both been cheated on and made to feel like it was their fault for the breakdown in their marriages. With such emotional baggage, they both had good reasons to avoid relationships. Ms. Diamond's story, though fiction, was totally believable and entertaining.

[Amaka Azie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! This author makes her characters so beautifully flawed. You feel the emotional connection between the couple and root for them. Loved Ella and Tyrone together. A prim and proper heiress with a naughty side to her and a rough bad-boy police officer with a gentle side to him. A perfect combination. Well written and engaging. And ever so hot! Can’t wait for the rest in the series. 😀

[Selina Durio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great family

The Johnson family and now the Brooks extension are such a great group of people. The distinct personalities of each parent and sibling create such a wonderful dynamic. Tyrone and Ella have a lot of emotional baggage from their previous relationships that the odds are stacked against them, but it was evident they were meant to be.

[Tina Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed it

Two people with emotional scars from their previous marriages meet after a incident. She's the victim of a criminal act and he's in charge of solving the crime. They are from completely different worlds but the attraction is immediate and strong. Enjoyed reading Ella and Tyrone's journey to love.

[Tonya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally a strong heroine

Finally a story with a strong female lead that knows what she wants and isn't afraid to show it. The book moved a little in the beginning but I saw it through and I'm glad I did. The author did a great job of showing how people make current partners pay for crimes of past psrtners.

[Love Africa Book Club · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do Over is a story about second chances.

Ella walks into a home invasion and Tyrone is the detective investigating her case.

Both of them come with baggage. Neither of them want to get involved let alone fall in love. Can they let go of their pasts and trust each other?

Ms Diamond writes swoon-inducing romance that will make you sigh with pleasure.

An absolute must-read romance.

[Authoress Nikqua · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great

Tyrone & Ella needed a Do-Over not from their ex-spouses but also, they needed one for themselves and I’m happy they were able to get that do over. I loved the chemistry the two of them shared. I’m happy they got their second chance to get it right & they did!
Great read ! Can’t wait to read the next book in the series

[Pierrette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely worth the read!

Most probably the best couple/story of the series so far. Didn’t give 5 stars as I found the beginning was lagging abit, but after reading more and getting into the story, Tyrone and Ella’s journey is an interesting one. Realistic and down to earth, you really root for them to be together. Definitely recommend!

[Deserie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love to die for

Delaney this book was awsome or lots of laughter intence loves the two main characters in this story.
It was breathtaking loving Ella sticking to what she wants and gets what's she want
Can't wait for the other books coming soon.

[Sabrina Hamilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second Chances

Both Ella and Tyrone have been hurt during their previous relationships. That didn't stop them from falling in love and taking us on that journey with them as they navigated through life. Another great story from Delaney Diamond.