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The Zodiac Lovers #5
Taurus: Mr. Persistent
PLEASE NOTE: This book contains adult content.
Tristan Bellmore is a P.L.A, a professional landscape architect working and residing in Woodbury, Minnesota. One of the highest paid in his field, Tristan is attractive, confident, intelligent, and damn good at what he does. The former playboy has a full plate but his sister, and business partner at the landscape architecture firm, begs him to meet a client and seal the deal while she races out of town to help a friend in need.
Deciding to step out on faith, Dr. Carmen Kenley, an ob-gyn running a homeopathic based practice, wishes to beautify her office, not only for her staff but also for her patients. So, she elicits the help of the expert, Tristan Bellmore. Having grown up in a rural part of Minnesota on a farm with her siblings and parents, she sought to become a doctor, specifically for women. Striking, well-spoken, adaptable and self-aware, she always felt however that marriage was not for her. Besides, she lives vicariously through her patients, enjoying their milestones and family growth. In fact, she fancies herself living a life of freedom and without conventional ties — the exact opposite of Tristan.
Tristan is spellbound by her openness, her bohemian ways, and refuses to lose. His world is changed forever when she walks into his life, but nothing great goes unchallenged. Their initial first meeting allows them to get to know one another. Through finding out what she desires, Tristan is able to see deeper into all that is Carmen. It’s hard for him to keep her out of his thoughts, and he doesn’t try to resist the temptation. In fact, as he does with everything in his life, he takes the bull by the horns. While he creates a blueprint to land a signed contract, he also plans to win the heart of one of the most captivating women he’s ever met.
An unexpected hiccup in Tristan’s world sucks him into an ugly, twisted reality. The perfect world he has built around himself comes crumbling down when the ultimate injustice happens, rocking his world off its perfectly balanced axis. More than ever, he needs all the inner strength and resolve he can muster.
Tristan Bellmore is a P.L.A, a professional landscape architect working and residing in Woodbury, Minnesota. One of the highest paid in his field, Tristan is attractive, confident, intelligent, and damn good at what he does. The former playboy has a full plate but his sister, and business partner at the landscape architecture firm, begs him to meet a client and seal the deal while she races out of town to help a friend in need.
Deciding to step out on faith, Dr. Carmen Kenley, an ob-gyn running a homeopathic based practice, wishes to beautify her office, not only for her staff but also for her patients. So, she elicits the help of the expert, Tristan Bellmore. Having grown up in a rural part of Minnesota on a farm with her siblings and parents, she sought to become a doctor, specifically for women. Striking, well-spoken, adaptable and self-aware, she always felt however that marriage was not for her. Besides, she lives vicariously through her patients, enjoying their milestones and family growth. In fact, she fancies herself living a life of freedom and without conventional ties — the exact opposite of Tristan.
Tristan is spellbound by her openness, her bohemian ways, and refuses to lose. His world is changed forever when she walks into his life, but nothing great goes unchallenged. Their initial first meeting allows them to get to know one another. Through finding out what she desires, Tristan is able to see deeper into all that is Carmen. It’s hard for him to keep her out of his thoughts, and he doesn’t try to resist the temptation. In fact, as he does with everything in his life, he takes the bull by the horns. While he creates a blueprint to land a signed contract, he also plans to win the heart of one of the most captivating women he’s ever met.
An unexpected hiccup in Tristan’s world sucks him into an ugly, twisted reality. The perfect world he has built around himself comes crumbling down when the ultimate injustice happens, rocking his world off its perfectly balanced axis. More than ever, he needs all the inner strength and resolve he can muster.
- GenresRomance
252 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 23, 2018
47 people are currently reading
69 people want to read
About the author
Tiana Laveen
98 books510 followersTiana Laveen was born in Cincinnati, Ohio. She moved away, and now lives inside of her mind, but her heart is occupied with her husband, two children, and twisted imagination. She enjoys a fulfilling and enriching life that includes writing books, public speaking, drawing, painting, listening to music, cooking, and spending time with loved ones.
Tiana Laveen is a uniquely creative and innovative author whose romance fiction is geared towards those who not only want to temporarily escape from the daily routines of life, but also became pleasantly caught up in the twisted, well developed journeys of her unique characters. Tiana creates a painting with words as she guides her reader into the lives of each and every main character. Her dedication to detail and staying true to her characters is evident in each novel that she writes.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
May 27, 2018
Standing ovation!!!
Ms. Laveen you brought a sensitive subject in your story and it was powerful. I truly thank you!!! It's been a while since I last cried reading a story but you touched my heart on Darryl's situation and how it affected Tristan to witness what his friend had to endure. Carmen being Tristan's cheerleader through it all made their pairing stronger. I was marvelled by the strength in Tristan to fight for his friend to receive the justice he deserved for his mistreatment by Officer Benson. Now that's a loyal friend. I wasn't happy with Officer Benson sentence. Darryl and the others deserve compensation for their rights being violated. Love the quote: "They say blood is thicker than water, but water washes one's sins away." Beautifully said.
Towards the end, break out the tissues because they will have you in tears. I highly recommend this read. Ms. Laveen brought a very sensitive matter to the home front that will have you enthralled.
Ms. Laveen you brought a sensitive subject in your story and it was powerful. I truly thank you!!! It's been a while since I last cried reading a story but you touched my heart on Darryl's situation and how it affected Tristan to witness what his friend had to endure. Carmen being Tristan's cheerleader through it all made their pairing stronger. I was marvelled by the strength in Tristan to fight for his friend to receive the justice he deserved for his mistreatment by Officer Benson. Now that's a loyal friend. I wasn't happy with Officer Benson sentence. Darryl and the others deserve compensation for their rights being violated. Love the quote: "They say blood is thicker than water, but water washes one's sins away." Beautifully said.
Towards the end, break out the tissues because they will have you in tears. I highly recommend this read. Ms. Laveen brought a very sensitive matter to the home front that will have you enthralled.
June 15, 2018
The Bull!
Tristan an Carmen are an unlikely pair, she’s a feminist and he’s a bull, all man and sometimes speaks before he should.
Carmen is a Doctor and lives a life most don’t. Tristan is hired by her to remodel her business from top to bottom. While there the two hit it off. Tristan was sure of what he wanted from her. Carmen was attracted to him as well.
Soon the two are a couple and the ride getting there is filled with lust and witty moments.
At one point Tristan’s best friend Darryl faces and incident that wakes Tristan up and Tristan becomes consumed with Justice. The process and how he handles it was wonderful to see.
It was real.
The book ends with a happy ever after. It was an great heartfelt read for me.
Pros:
Tristan is a bull and sexy.
Carmen is a great heroine and not a pushover.
The chemistry is present.
The secondary characters with his sister and Darryl add to the story.
Cons:
None for me.
Tristan an Carmen are an unlikely pair, she’s a feminist and he’s a bull, all man and sometimes speaks before he should.
Carmen is a Doctor and lives a life most don’t. Tristan is hired by her to remodel her business from top to bottom. While there the two hit it off. Tristan was sure of what he wanted from her. Carmen was attracted to him as well.
Soon the two are a couple and the ride getting there is filled with lust and witty moments.
At one point Tristan’s best friend Darryl faces and incident that wakes Tristan up and Tristan becomes consumed with Justice. The process and how he handles it was wonderful to see.
It was real.
The book ends with a happy ever after. It was an great heartfelt read for me.
Pros:
Tristan is a bull and sexy.
Carmen is a great heroine and not a pushover.
The chemistry is present.
The secondary characters with his sister and Darryl add to the story.
Cons:
None for me.
November 25, 2024
Destul de plictisitoare. Mi-a placut descrierea de la inceput a personalitatii masculului din zodia Taur, in rest e destul de anosta. Subiectul principal al cartii este lupta impotriva discriminarii atat pe criterii de culoare cat si de sex. Tristan Bellmore, are 38 de ani, este arhitect peisagist profesionist si administreaza impreuna cu sora lui o firma de constructie si de peisagistica. Carmen Kenley, are 36 de ani si este ginecolog, si are o clinica dar si un cabinet homeopat. Carmen Kenley dorește să-și înfrumusețeze cabinetul, si apeleaza la Beverley, sora lui Tristan pentru a o ajuta. Coincidenta sau nu, Bev se sustrage intalnirii cu Carmen si il trimite pe Tristan. Intalnirea celor doi se face chiar intr-un cabinet de consultatii avand pe masa de consultatii o femeie insarcinata. Cartea face mare caz de relatiile dintre persoane de culoare dar si pe lupta pentru independenta femeii. Carmen Kenley, o feminista convinsa, care nu doreste o casatorie sub niciun motiv, va refuza o relatie profunda cu Tristan, un mascul arogant si obisnuit sa obtina totul. Tristan este fermecat de modurile ei boeme și refuză să cedeze in fata ei. De fapt, așa cum face cu tot în viața lui, ia taurul de coarne si ignora steagul rosu.
November 15, 2018
Tiana Laveen did it again!
Mr. Persistent was another great book by this author I loved how both of the main characters were able to communicate and understand each other. One part that really ached my heart is the brutality black people face because of bigots, I felt that to my bones. I was happy that Ms Laveen was able to show that it just takes one to stand up and things can be different. It wouldn’t be fully so but it’s better than nothing at all. Nevertheless, Tristian is one romantic, lol sigh.... “But I can love you with my soul forever, Carmen. In this lifetime, and beyond. My soul will always know you –even when my body is long gone, for it led me to you.” Boy oh boy was that sooooooooo sweet. All I can continue to say is that I’m never disappointed when I read books by this author
Mr. Persistent was another great book by this author I loved how both of the main characters were able to communicate and understand each other. One part that really ached my heart is the brutality black people face because of bigots, I felt that to my bones. I was happy that Ms Laveen was able to show that it just takes one to stand up and things can be different. It wouldn’t be fully so but it’s better than nothing at all. Nevertheless, Tristian is one romantic, lol sigh.... “But I can love you with my soul forever, Carmen. In this lifetime, and beyond. My soul will always know you –even when my body is long gone, for it led me to you.” Boy oh boy was that sooooooooo sweet. All I can continue to say is that I’m never disappointed when I read books by this author
August 1, 2018
Wow loved this story and more so because I am married to a Mr. Taurus for the last 33 years. I would say I am an expert on all things Taurus because my Mom and 2 of her not to mention a bunch of cousins and in-laws are Taurus. I loved Tristan’s and Carmen’s story. Ironically enough, my husband’s name starts with a T. I love that Tristan stood up for his friend when he was in need and loved his bluntness. Same as my husband. I am opposite of my husband more of a tomboy, computer nerd and gamer. It works just as it does for Tristan and Carmen. Opposites attract and live happily ever after. Must read for fans of this zodiac series.
August 21, 2018
A Very Good and Sensual Interracial Romantic Comedy
Taurus- Mr. Persistence: The 12 Signs of Love (The Zodiac Lovers Series Book 5) is a very good and sensual interracial romantic comedy that earned a rating of five stars.. Tristan Bellmore was attracted to Dr. Carmen Kinsley when he met her. He is a Landscape Architect, with a sense of humor who worked on her medical building. They had to overcome a lot of obstacles to find their happy ever after. I enjoyed reading this book and found it to be inspirational as it touched on relevant issues of today. I would recommend it to everyone who enjoys reading very good romantic comedies.
Taurus- Mr. Persistence: The 12 Signs of Love (The Zodiac Lovers Series Book 5) is a very good and sensual interracial romantic comedy that earned a rating of five stars.. Tristan Bellmore was attracted to Dr. Carmen Kinsley when he met her. He is a Landscape Architect, with a sense of humor who worked on her medical building. They had to overcome a lot of obstacles to find their happy ever after. I enjoyed reading this book and found it to be inspirational as it touched on relevant issues of today. I would recommend it to everyone who enjoys reading very good romantic comedies.
May 29, 2018
Bullish in love!
Tiana Laveen has done it again! Taurus - Mr. Persistent is a sexy, funny and thought provoking book of requited passion, love, amenableness and evolution!
Tristan Bellmore and Carmen Kinley are soulmates with calcified beliefs from different backgrounds, that realize they don’t have to give up those beliefs to be open to love and submission to change. When they do, they find the love they both denied themselves but yearned for! A love that will transcend life and time!
Tiana Laveen has done it again! Taurus - Mr. Persistent is a sexy, funny and thought provoking book of requited passion, love, amenableness and evolution!
Tristan Bellmore and Carmen Kinley are soulmates with calcified beliefs from different backgrounds, that realize they don’t have to give up those beliefs to be open to love and submission to change. When they do, they find the love they both denied themselves but yearned for! A love that will transcend life and time!
May 20, 2021
Loved it!
Tristian! A man’s man! An Alpha! Go getter, hard worker and ladies man looking to find his one. He found her and she wasn’t what he thought or saw she was! Their love story was rich, sexy and full! Ms. Laveen has never disappointed me! Every book is filled with real, relatable people. Relatable situations! She brings it home and leaves something with the reader!
Tristian! A man’s man! An Alpha! Go getter, hard worker and ladies man looking to find his one. He found her and she wasn’t what he thought or saw she was! Their love story was rich, sexy and full! Ms. Laveen has never disappointed me! Every book is filled with real, relatable people. Relatable situations! She brings it home and leaves something with the reader!
May 27, 2018
Water washed away sin
This book is so needed.....people tend to live in bubbles. Things don't pertain to them if it doesn't affect them. Carmen was\is Tristan anchor in a world where ugliest is at the surface. Tristan came full circle with the ugliest and knew it was time to stand up and do something and the bulk was let loose. This is an awesome read.
This book is so needed.....people tend to live in bubbles. Things don't pertain to them if it doesn't affect them. Carmen was\is Tristan anchor in a world where ugliest is at the surface. Tristan came full circle with the ugliest and knew it was time to stand up and do something and the bulk was let loose. This is an awesome read.
May 28, 2018
Loved it! Another hit!
I loved it this was a good story although some parts were a bit hard to read through, but it is dealing with the reality of the times that we live in. In Taurus - Mr. Persistent, author Tiana Lavern captured the true essence of a Taurus. We are loyal, truthfully blunt and persistence (like a dog with a bone) giving up is not in our nature.
I loved it this was a good story although some parts were a bit hard to read through, but it is dealing with the reality of the times that we live in. In Taurus - Mr. Persistent, author Tiana Lavern captured the true essence of a Taurus. We are loyal, truthfully blunt and persistence (like a dog with a bone) giving up is not in our nature.
May 29, 2018
I'm Gonna Love You Through It
This phrase kept going around in my head as I read this book. Tristan opened Carmen's eyes to love. She opened his heart to humanity! They both relied on the others strength to get through some very tough times. I recommend this book to everyone. Never underestimate the power of love!
This phrase kept going around in my head as I read this book. Tristan opened Carmen's eyes to love. She opened his heart to humanity! They both relied on the others strength to get through some very tough times. I recommend this book to everyone. Never underestimate the power of love!
May 30, 2018
Persistent indeed!!)!)
I am a huge fan of this author and I have been enjoying this series; however these two characters and the storyline did not move me as much as the others. Having said that, it is a good read.
Tristan and Carmen has tremendous chemistry which is obvious throughout the story. Anxiously awaiting the next book in the series.
I am a huge fan of this author and I have been enjoying this series; however these two characters and the storyline did not move me as much as the others. Having said that, it is a good read.
Tristan and Carmen has tremendous chemistry which is obvious throughout the story. Anxiously awaiting the next book in the series.
January 27, 2019
Taking my time
I got the the police brutality portion of the book and put it down for months. I finally decided to finish it because I love all her books, and not to say the other books have not but this brought about a current reality, that it hurt and sacred me. I enjoyed it and love it.
I got the the police brutality portion of the book and put it down for months. I finally decided to finish it because I love all her books, and not to say the other books have not but this brought about a current reality, that it hurt and sacred me. I enjoyed it and love it.
September 16, 2020
Contrived
I have read a great many of Ms. Laveen’s books. I look forward to her unique brand of story telling. However, the hero in this story was unlikable and his road to “wokeness” contrived. He couldn’t see the inequality and dichotomy of justice until his black friend was a victim of racial profiling and bias. Sorry....not buying it.
I have read a great many of Ms. Laveen’s books. I look forward to her unique brand of story telling. However, the hero in this story was unlikable and his road to “wokeness” contrived. He couldn’t see the inequality and dichotomy of justice until his black friend was a victim of racial profiling and bias. Sorry....not buying it.
May 28, 2018
Definitely relatable with what’s going on right now. I really enjoyed Carmen and Tristan’s story.
EDIT...I was confused about Beverly. Why was she traveling so much? I was under the impression that her travels were not work related. That was an unresolved issue in the story.
EDIT...I was confused about Beverly. Why was she traveling so much? I was under the impression that her travels were not work related. That was an unresolved issue in the story.
May 30, 2018
3 1\2 Stars
Could have be 5 star rating, but the typo's, the misspelled words, added words and such took points away. But other than that this was a very powerful and riviting storyline.
Could have be 5 star rating, but the typo's, the misspelled words, added words and such took points away. But other than that this was a very powerful and riviting storyline.
June 3, 2018
Oh yeah, loved Tristan!!!
Yep, loved this book. Loving this series too! Carmen and Tristan taught each other so much during journey to love. Can't wait for the next book in the series!
Yep, loved this book. Loving this series too! Carmen and Tristan taught each other so much during journey to love. Can't wait for the next book in the series!
June 8, 2018
Great realistic read
I loved Taurus Mr Persistant, this book was so realistic I felt like I was watching someone's life!!!!
I would have lijed to learn more about Tristans family but not knowing did not take away from the story. I would highly recommend this book !!!!
I loved Taurus Mr Persistant, this book was so realistic I felt like I was watching someone's life!!!!
I would have lijed to learn more about Tristans family but not knowing did not take away from the story. I would highly recommend this book !!!!
June 10, 2018
I love this series!
I wasn’t sure that I would like Tristan, because he was so pushy. But like Carmen, he wore me down and I came to love this character. This series is amazing and I can’t wait to meet the next couple.
I wasn’t sure that I would like Tristan, because he was so pushy. But like Carmen, he wore me down and I came to love this character. This series is amazing and I can’t wait to meet the next couple.
June 12, 2018
Linda Christiani
I think this series gets better and better the way this author gives you insight into their personalities gets you invested in the love they have great read highly recommended!!
I think this series gets better and better the way this author gives you insight into their personalities gets you invested in the love they have great read highly recommended!!
September 18, 2018
Loved it
Another great story from Tiana, I love her characters, Tristan was intense and Carmen was the right woman for him. All the situations that occur in the book make their love stronger.
Another great story from Tiana, I love her characters, Tristan was intense and Carmen was the right woman for him. All the situations that occur in the book make their love stronger.
July 14, 2018
Another masterpiece
This author gives and keeps on giving i wear! She has quickly become my favorite. You will this book it is another great addition to the zodiac series
This author gives and keeps on giving i wear! She has quickly become my favorite. You will this book it is another great addition to the zodiac series
July 16, 2018
Fun
This was an excellent read. This author never disappoints one of my faves. The lead man was so sexy and so Taurus. LOL.
This was an excellent read. This author never disappoints one of my faves. The lead man was so sexy and so Taurus. LOL.
December 22, 2022
Thought I was getting a cute romance about my zodiac sign and turned into mostly politics with a splash of romance.
May 30, 2018
I loved this story and felt it from the heart!
Tristan Bellmore knew what he wanted when he saw Dr. Carmen Finley. He said his soul recognized her and that was why he never gave up on her. He broke her feminist walls down. She said that he was her bucking bull who smashed up her China shop and rebuilt her into something beautiful with in her. He was the architect of all her desires. She had no choice but to lay her red flag down and submit to him. He surrendered to Carmen because she surrendered to him. He loved her with his soul because his soul would always know her forever, even after his body is long gone.
OMG....I just loved their wedding vows. It was so soul stirring. The things he said to Carmen had me dreaming of why can't I have a man to love me with all of the romantic conviction that Tristan Bellmore showed to Carmen. It was so soul baring for him to reveal himself like that in front of any audience.
With all of this said, Tristan learned a lot from Carmen. He became awake and ever vigilant when his best friend Daryl was wrongfully arrested. He was stubbornly determined to fight the wrongs, even at the expense of family relations. I like how Tiana was able to incorporate current events in her story as well when Carmen was educating Tristan on life as an African American in this country. Well done Tiana, I loved this story!
Tristan Bellmore knew what he wanted when he saw Dr. Carmen Finley. He said his soul recognized her and that was why he never gave up on her. He broke her feminist walls down. She said that he was her bucking bull who smashed up her China shop and rebuilt her into something beautiful with in her. He was the architect of all her desires. She had no choice but to lay her red flag down and submit to him. He surrendered to Carmen because she surrendered to him. He loved her with his soul because his soul would always know her forever, even after his body is long gone.
OMG....I just loved their wedding vows. It was so soul stirring. The things he said to Carmen had me dreaming of why can't I have a man to love me with all of the romantic conviction that Tristan Bellmore showed to Carmen. It was so soul baring for him to reveal himself like that in front of any audience.
With all of this said, Tristan learned a lot from Carmen. He became awake and ever vigilant when his best friend Daryl was wrongfully arrested. He was stubbornly determined to fight the wrongs, even at the expense of family relations. I like how Tiana was able to incorporate current events in her story as well when Carmen was educating Tristan on life as an African American in this country. Well done Tiana, I loved this story!
July 27, 2019
2.5 stars
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews