It started with a little white lie... Lindsay Winthrop’s weekly podcast on sex and dating has garnered thousands of listeners across the country, thanks to experience with a loving fiancé she’s been with for years. Except, her husband-to-be doesn’t exist, and now she’s in a bind. With a book deal on the line, she has to find a man fast, and Malik Brooks might be just the man she’s looking for.
If he knows what’s good for him, he’ll stay away from her... A few years ago Malik gave up sex and now works hard as a metal sculptor. In doing so, he’s created enough pieces to fill a gallery, and his vow of celibacy has kept him focused. When a major deal falls through, Lindsay makes him an offer he can’t refuse, and all he has to do is pretend to be her fiancé. Sounds easy at first, but after one kiss, he wants more. Then things really get interesting.
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.
Wild Thoughts by Delaney Diamond is a sexy fake relationship trope romance and part of her Brooks family series featuring successful black men and women who are ready to find their perfect partner.
Lindsay Winthrop has got herself in a bit of bind. As the voice of a weekly podcast about dating, sex and relationships, she’s ready for the next level in her career – writing a book on the same topics. There’s only one problem: she’s invented for herself a fiance (to give a boost to her authenticity) when one doesn’t really exist. Now the publishing company wants to do a photo shoot with her and her mystery man, and she’s under pressure to produce him. She’s just got to find the perfect man who’d be willing to pretend for the right price.
Malik Brooks is an up and coming metal sculpture artist. He’s looking to expand his connections and when his cousin Stephen contacts Lindsay for a favor, Lindsay figures out a way to make it a win-win situation for them both, despite having been turned down by Malik at a party of Stephen’s three years ago that left a bruise on her ego. In return for passing on Malik’s information to her half sister who is running the family hotel empire (and knows who might be looking for unique installations for their businesses), she’ll ask Malik to be her pretend fiance. Malik reluctantly agrees since he’s in a bind financially, but what starts as a simple photo shoot soon turns into something else. Their surface animosity towards each other is just a facade for the sexual attraction that simmers between them. Soon Malik has agreed to be Lindsay’s fake fiancee for a few months and their close proximity leads to a hot and heavy affair, despite Malik’s vow to remain celibate and focus on his art. But can their temporary arrangement lead to something more permanent?
About damn time! It feels like I've been waiting forever for this book to be released on Audible! But, it was worth the wait. Wild Thoughts did not disappoint. Lindsey finds herself in a bit of a conundrum. She needs to introduce her fake fiancée to her publisher. Who better to pretend to be her fake fiancée than the man who rebuffed her advances three years ago. Enter Malik Brooks. Malik was not with the shyts. He is a private man who prefers to stay on his secluded property and create his art than deal with people. Including Lindsey. But, seeing as how he was a low on cash and needed to sale some of his art, he begrudgingly agreed to help her. Let the fireworks and intense attraction begin. These two fought hard NOT to be attracted to each other but, they lost big time. Lindsey and Malik were perfect for each other. Her wild personality mellowed out his brooding personality. Just when they start to accept their attraction to one another, Malik lets it be known that he's celibate and been celibate for three years. Oh, and then there's the secret Lindsey is keeping about her dad. Whew chile, the drama! Wild Thoughts was a great read. The romance was well done and the sex scenes were steamy. As always, Sean Crisden did the damn thang. His narration was on point. I hope we don't have to wait as long as we did for the last two books to be released on Audible. I'm ready for Reese and Stephan's story.
This was a really cute story...it had been a while since I'd listened to the first three (3) stories and I didn't remember all of the characters....I really only remembered Sylvie (You Can't Forget Her)....I loved the alpha male bravado of Malik...I also thought that when he and Lindsey finally got together...he was a nice influence on her...they actually changed each other and brought out better traits in one another.
This series is getting better and better! Malik and Lindsay's story was exciting although it started off fake! Delaney Diamond's " Wild Thoughts" was truly an steamy read!
4.5 stars. Oh, I enjoyed this book a lot. A hilarious and light read about Lindsay an author who needs a fake fiancé for a photo shoot for her upcoming book because she lied about being engaged (She writes about relationships) So, she asks Malik an artist who agrees to fill in for her for money and publicity of his art work. They are different in character, he is laid back and chill, she is aggressive and boisterous. What I enjoyed mostly was the hilarious dialogue. They were very realistic. And the first sex scene was so real, I laughed hard! After all that talk... lol. Men and “I’m going to tear that ass up!” SMH 🤦🏾♀️😩😂😂😂 This author is one of my favourite romance authors because of her realistic approach to writing about romance with ethnic characters. I definitely recommend this book and the entire Johnsons’ family books, too.
Delaney girl you did not disappoint. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟. I must say, I am thoroughly pleased with how Malik and Lindsey's story was written. I also think key advice was given. The truth of the matter is withholding information from someone you love is just as worst as lying to them.
Lindsey no matter how bad ass she was, still was vulnerable to her past. She still faced the same insecurities most face. It took tender love and internal reflection to reconcile her demons.
Who would have thought the shared story of pain and loss would bind Malik and Lindsey.
Malik, who doesn't love a supportive confident man. Gentle and yet passionate. He wore his heart of his sleeves and it was important to see he knew when to step up and when to fall back.
It's funny when people reveal such devastating news on how they anticipate it being received. Lindsey's mom revealing to her the complete reason for her father's death and how Lindsey internalize that news.
Shawn revealing to Malik , Lindsey's past and how Malik reacted to the news.
Both had consequences with a desired impact. One thing we know you either tell your truth or someone else will.
I hope everyone enjoys this story because at the end the results are mind opening.
From the start, I knew I was in for a fun ride! A fake-relationship is one thing, but these two have a whole lot of…work ahead if they’re going to make this work!
This is the first book by Delaney Diamond I’ve read, and while it’s part of a ‘series’ it read easy enough as a standalone. I enjoyed this Contemporary Romance more than many others I’ve read, so that’s an extra plus, I’ll have to remember to read more of her books in the future.
I loved the main characters Lindsey and Malik early on, and enjoyed watching their relationship, and individual personalities and lifestyles change as they adjusted to the changes happening in their lives. The romance was well done, and definitely steamy, but it was made more intimate by how well her personalities were developed, and the dialogue between them was spot-on!
I highly recommend this one who enjoys caring and fun loving characters, fake-romances, or spicy romances!
This was a really good book that shows you how to love despite of. Malik and Lindsay attraction and love made this book a real page turner. They started out pretending and ended up actually falling in love. Her ex-boyfriend Shawn told Malik about her father to turn Malik from Lindsay and they had a big blow up about it because Lindsay's father affected Malik's mom health in a major way causing her to die. I'm glad that with help from Stephan and Reese talking to Malik that he forgave Lindsay and they got back on track. I can't wait to see what happens next with Reese and Nina when he finds out that she's dating someone else.
Lindsay was a young woman nearing a pinnacle in her life and career. However, as a dating guru she was lacking . As her career is taking an upward turn, she realizes she needs to finally produce the fiancé she has been bragging on. Who can she find? Malik Brooks is a sexy, handsome sculptor who needs a buyer for a piece he needs sold. Lindsay has a sister who can help Malik and the two strike a deal. Malik will pose in a few pictures as her fiancé. However, he has never forgotten the sexy diva he met two years ago. Lindsay thinks Malik is sexy, but because she thought he rejected her two years ago, she is unsure about the strong attraction they seem to have for each other. One kiss let's them both know there is volcano about to erupt if they get to close for too long. Malik has a secret that could shatter any ideas Lindsay has for them. Malik is fighting the urge to make her his because he is driven to be all he can. Will the two be able to fight the heat or will it fizzle out? Will Lindsay's past ruin her again and break her heart? Will Malik achieve his dreams for his life? Will Lindsay find out "still waters run deep'? This is a great read with other of the Brooks/Johnson clan showing their sexiness along the way? Take the journey to see what "Wild Thoughts" will make you do..
Another great installment of the Brooks Family series. Loved Lindsay's spirit and her style; she had pretty cool job, too. And Malik,Malik, Malik! Too sexy for words! He was cool as a cucumber and determined not to fall in love, but when he did, he fell hard. And wasn't shy about letting Lindsay know it. Oh, and his 'job' was pretty cool, too.
These two were great together. And was it just me, or did Delaney Diamond turn the heat up to scorching on this one? I had to have ice cold water and a fan after reading their sexy time scenes. You did your thing, ma'am!
If you haven't done so already, go ahead and One Click this one. I've read all of this author's books and have yet to be disappointed. Can't imagine you will be either.
Really enjoyed this story. It played like a BET movie in my head while I was reading it (and that's a compliment). There were moments when I wanted to scream at Lindsay, or when I tried to imagine one of Malik's sculptures. The connection Lindsay and Malik had was fun to read about with an almost voyeuristic quality, because the rawness and heat of their attraction to each other almost radiated from the page. And I'm always a sucker for a good love story.
I surely look forward to reading more from this series.
I was excited to find another new to me Delaney Diamond book but ... :|
I tweeted about this one - the heroine is ... not my cuppa but I was willing to try to give her a chance - like you go on and be sexually free and live your life and such - but her whole like "you owe me" etc whatever - or "all debts paid"
...
but look - her whole "I hate dogs" and being mad the hero named his rottweiler Daisy or whatever - something cute and whatever - just ... WTF. No. [And freaking out until he's like "um ... I can chain the dog up?" and she's all "YES. THAT."
It is amazing how the sins of the father can set the course of a persons life. Malik has chosen a life of celibacy so that he is free of distractions to pursue his passion as an artist. Lindsay is following her new passion as an author and podcaster. When the situation calls for her to need a fiancée and him to need help selling his art, things fall into place. Their lives intersect more than either of them expected.
Out of all the Brooks family books, I love this one the most. Lindsay really was wearing a mask to cover up all the hurt she had inside and Malik was isolating himself for the same reason. Although unconventional, their coming together was meant to be. Now Shawn was a straight jerk and I wish he would have gotten his but Lindsay and Malik being happy was the greatest revenge.
I took my time reading this book and I completely enjoyed reading Malik and Lindsey story. Lindsey is headstrong but yet vulnerable. Malik is introvert but yet straight forward and alpha in every way. Love Malik, take charge and possessive attitude. Lindsey supportive nature is what made this couple a gem. Malik handle Lindsey connection with his mother with maturity.
I really enjoyed this book because the author had characters in platonic relationships. They were strong relationships and she showed what happens with miscommunication, fear and deceit. I enjoyed the journey of Leslie and Malik. I would recommend this book to women who are struggling with self esteem issues. She also showed how a man will change for the woman Who interest him.
This book was soooooooo good!Lindsay and Malik's story really resonated with me. Neither were looking for love but didn't back away when it found them. Both had to learn how to be transparent in a relationship and trust again. Trusting in another person's unconditional love for you is not an easy thing to have faith in, especially when you've been repeatedly let down and disappointed by loved ones and your parents. Loving and trusting that another person's love for you is genuine takes courage.
Shawn is a douche. He was wrong for what he did. But if Lindsay trusted Malik, she should have told him about their parents connection. Whatever happen with Shawn shouldn't have sent her fear mode. Because in the end he wasn't going to let her go. Love the epilogue.
I am hoping it will be Reese and Nina story. Crossing my fingers!
Lindsay and Malik are the perfect example of the impossible made possible. How would they know 3 years in the future they would meet again and over come obstacles to find love. I enjoyed their story and hearing from other f family members that I have read about in other books. Reese must have his own book soon. Good read.
Wild thoughts is the third book of the Brooks family series. Malik has been celibate for years but on an encounter with Lindsey has him rethinking his decision. This book was amazing. As usual Delaney has written a book that was a page turner. Lindsay and Malik's chemistry was great. Cant wait for the next book.
Loving this so story so much,it's fun and serious,especially with the handsome Malik and Lindsay. They both went through so much but theorize is so strong. And daisy he was missing is dear friend,then Malik call him a traitor And he was missing her badly,daisy knows his master.
This story was smoking hot. The chemistry between Lindsay and Malik seemed to leap off the pages. The underlying mystery and connection from their pasts added depth to the story. I hope to read more from The Brooks family, hopefully Stephan and Reese will get stories also.
Wild Thoughts was funny, irritating, sad and sexy ! Malik and Lindsay are the H/ h who are different as night and day. They're looking for the same thing but don't know it. Find out how their secrets are connected. Awesome read! Delaney Diamond is always on point!! 💗 Ty👏👏👏
Love never fails, you have to add trust to really make a relationship work . Malik had to work through his personal problems . And Lindsey also had something to prove about her life. She out going and Malik was an introvert. Bringing their lives together was a great ending I enjoyed this book ,will read it again.
Laugh out loud good! How ironic that sex and dating expert, Lindsay, has to hire Malik to be her fake fiance so she can keep her job. I loved how Lindsay thought she was putting something over on Malik and he kept calling her out on her sh, er, stuff! What a shock to discover the actual connection between them. Great story!
“Wild Thoughts” was an ok read. This Brooks series feels convoluted and frequently disjointed. ..Thereafter, Sean Crisden is listed as the narrator. Unfortunately, I’m only reading this series from Scribd because I’m familiar with his raspy/whiskey/distinguishing voice. The voice isn’t Mr Crisden, which this deception is frustrating & definitely influenced my rating.
Malik and Lindsay were made to be together. They fit each other so well. Every relationship has obstacles at some point but you have to evaluate is it worth it to fight. Love wins. I’ve loved this series and I can’t believe I’m just writing a review. READ THE SERIES! You won’t be disappointed.
Delaney Diamond is the "King" not "Queen" of romance! This book is sexy, romantic, entertaining and heartfelt. You will be captivated when reading this book and will not be finished until you are absorbed the last word.