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A Bennett Affair #1
Fearless Love
Sean B is an overly attractive man with a lot of pull, who’s able to navigate well in life. He’s an artist with several businesses under his belt, not to mention, that he was once a professional football player but an injury ended his career. He has the money, fame, and Chelsea, who he considers as one of his best friends. Though they’ve been platonic friends for six years, there’s something brewing in Sean that he can’t seem to tame.Chelsea is the definition of a strong-willed independent woman, who has everything under control as she steps out on new ventures in the entertainment business. She’s level-headed and stable but her past hurts from her notorious son’s father prevents her from fully giving LOVE a chance.As close as these two are, could Sean convince Chelsea to get over her fear of LOVE? If so, will she give him a try? Is it possible to become fearless in LOVE?A Bennett Affair is a series based on successful brothers delving into their own journey of life. Ironically, love comes for each one of them at different times with different experiences.Signed PAPERBACKS available on the www.donniamarie.com
212 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 8, 2018
613 people are currently reading
495 people want to read
About the author
Donnia Marie
14 books159 followersDonnia Marie is the author of the popular set of books in the Bennett Affair Series! She's quickly gaining momentum with her impeccable skills in weaving the complexity yet real love experienced by couples.
"I write to fill the heart, not with just joy of love but the beautifully imperfect love that we're capable of experiencing."
Donnia also emphasizes the need to have each reader form their own perspective and experience of a story.
"What good is a book if you can't picture yourself in it or feel the emotions? Every read should take you somewhere, whether it's to feel or learn."
With several books under her belt and most on audiobooks, it's hard to miss her work. If you don't run across her through books or audio, you may catch her performing. Donnia is very involved in the film industry as she's an actress and a serial entrepreneur. Go figure why she's such a travel fanatic. When taking a break, you can count on catching her with family and friends, enjoying the simplicity of life.
Anyone needing to contact her for business purposes can email her.
But for those wanting to comment or request certain reads, feel free to subscribe to her site or contact her via the site contact page.
Promo photos/videos are available for all books at www.DonniaMarie.com/Books
Text DONNIA to (678) 735-3400
for the latest updates and book releases
Twitter: AskDonnia
Facebook: AskDonnia
Instagram: AuthorDonniaMarie
Website: www.DonniaMarie.com/Books
More from DonniaMarie: www.linktr.ee/askdonnia
Email: Info@DonniaMarie.com
"I write to fill the heart, not with just joy of love but the beautifully imperfect love that we're capable of experiencing."
Donnia also emphasizes the need to have each reader form their own perspective and experience of a story.
"What good is a book if you can't picture yourself in it or feel the emotions? Every read should take you somewhere, whether it's to feel or learn."
With several books under her belt and most on audiobooks, it's hard to miss her work. If you don't run across her through books or audio, you may catch her performing. Donnia is very involved in the film industry as she's an actress and a serial entrepreneur. Go figure why she's such a travel fanatic. When taking a break, you can count on catching her with family and friends, enjoying the simplicity of life.
Anyone needing to contact her for business purposes can email her.
But for those wanting to comment or request certain reads, feel free to subscribe to her site or contact her via the site contact page.
Promo photos/videos are available for all books at www.DonniaMarie.com/Books
Text DONNIA to (678) 735-3400
for the latest updates and book releases
Twitter: AskDonnia
Facebook: AskDonnia
Instagram: AuthorDonniaMarie
Website: www.DonniaMarie.com/Books
More from DonniaMarie: www.linktr.ee/askdonnia
Email: Info@DonniaMarie.com
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews
May 19, 2020
I was on the fence about this book at least half way through it. It was good but, at times the dialogue was extremely corny. It was filled with unnecessary drama. I just don't understand why Millennials can't talk their problems out like real adults instead of making assumptions. But then, there would be nothing to entertain us without the drama. I'm a sucker for a friends to lovers story line so, I was rooting for Sean and Chelsea from chapter one. I'm just glad it didn't take them long to get to their happily ever after. As always, Jacobi Diem and Wesleigh Siobhan killed the narration. They really brought the characters to life. Overall, Fearless Love was a pretty good book and I enjoyed it. It was my first book by Donnia Marie and I look forward to reading more from her.
June 13, 2021
another reminder that friends to lovers is a hard sell for me
one second they are friends and the next sheets are on fire
definitely steamy read
one second they are friends and the next sheets are on fire
definitely steamy read
April 11, 2022
❤️❤️
I love Chelsea and Sean!! Friends before anything, these two took a chance on their feelings and made the right choice, IMO! These two endured plenty but they overcame it all and really had the fearless love that was needed. I liked the flow of the story, the tough but realistic conversations, and character development. I wanted to give Chelsea and Sean a hug when they finally got it together because they were truly a joy to read about. This was a great introduction to the Bennett brothers! I am eager to see how the other books go. Great job!
I love Chelsea and Sean!! Friends before anything, these two took a chance on their feelings and made the right choice, IMO! These two endured plenty but they overcame it all and really had the fearless love that was needed. I liked the flow of the story, the tough but realistic conversations, and character development. I wanted to give Chelsea and Sean a hug when they finally got it together because they were truly a joy to read about. This was a great introduction to the Bennett brothers! I am eager to see how the other books go. Great job!
May 21, 2022
I really wanted to like this book especially when it was narrated by my two favs but it was corny and a lot of unnecessary details. I don’t get the plot of the story and it seemed to be thrown together. I hope the other brothers have a better story.
April 22, 2021
TW: gun violence, drive by shooting, hospital stay
This book was filled with sooooooo much drama 🤣 I loved it! Even though friends to lovers isn’t my favorite romance trope, it was done well. There were some things that went down in this book that irked me like when rumors were flying around about them cheating on each other and Sean got another woman pregnant, instead of talking to each other, they literally blocked each other’s numbers on their phones and then Sean proceeds to go to a strip club and seriously considers banging his ex in the back.... like what?!?!?! I didn’t like that at all. It’s just my preference when our two live interests get together in a romance, they don’t cheat on each other (even just a little bit). Other than that, it was entertaining.
This book was filled with sooooooo much drama 🤣 I loved it! Even though friends to lovers isn’t my favorite romance trope, it was done well. There were some things that went down in this book that irked me like when rumors were flying around about them cheating on each other and Sean got another woman pregnant, instead of talking to each other, they literally blocked each other’s numbers on their phones and then Sean proceeds to go to a strip club and seriously considers banging his ex in the back.... like what?!?!?! I didn’t like that at all. It’s just my preference when our two live interests get together in a romance, they don’t cheat on each other (even just a little bit). Other than that, it was entertaining.
January 6, 2023
This was my first book by this author and her style and storytelling is pretty similar to some of my favorite authors but something about the writing is off. It's like different people were writing different parts of the book. The sudden change in the timing without a heads-up or chapter change had me going back a few times to make sure I didn't miss anything. A better editor was needed for this book. Then there were a lot of unnecessary, unrealistically written sex scenes. One minute she'd be described as facing away from him then all of a sudden he was looking into her eyes but there was no mention of them switching positions. As I said this was my introduction to this author so I'm going to check out the rest of the series before I decide how I feel.
February 17, 2023
This was just weird... First off, these two were never just friends. Granted, they were not sleeping together but I'm simply not buying the "friends who get tested for STDs together". Also, Sean was sleeping with women left and right when he was single but finds the audacity to call Lexi a thot for doing the same ?!?! Talking about "I don't put my mouth on just any and everything"... Sir, you slept with her. It's not the flex you think it is.... I'm not sure I want to read Riana and Benji's story. One second she's telling him he's too young to ride this ride, the other she's cheating on her bf with him then praising him in front of everybody. Did she forget about her dude?!
September 22, 2023
3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was just ok. It’s giving similar to Alexandria House’s McClain Brothers. I don’t know if it’s the story or the fact that Wesleigh and Jakobi narrated it
This was just ok. It’s giving similar to Alexandria House’s McClain Brothers. I don’t know if it’s the story or the fact that Wesleigh and Jakobi narrated it
December 13, 2018
This was my first time reading a Donnia Marie book and I enjoyed it.
Sean and Chelsea established their friendship first and then everything else came afterwards. They went through a lot to get to where they ended up. Chelsea had serious issues when it came to trust, but that is understood because of her past.
I want to know what happens with Benji & Ri tho. Those two were a trip and a half lol
Sean and Chelsea established their friendship first and then everything else came afterwards. They went through a lot to get to where they ended up. Chelsea had serious issues when it came to trust, but that is understood because of her past.
I want to know what happens with Benji & Ri tho. Those two were a trip and a half lol
February 7, 2023
3.75 ✨
I don’t like unnecessary drama for dramas sake, but aside from that I loved Sean & Chelsea’s friends to lovers romance. This was a spicy one too!🔥
I don’t like unnecessary drama for dramas sake, but aside from that I loved Sean & Chelsea’s friends to lovers romance. This was a spicy one too!🔥
January 2, 2022
First Read
SPOILERS!!!
This was my first read from this author. Book started out pretty good and then went downhill. The was she connected the characters was great. I felt that. But then once they got together it was more like soft core porn. They were ALWAYS having sex. Any and everywhere. The climax of the book was somewhat unbelievable. At some point in the book something very serious happened and it was as if the person healed in a week. Not even close. I was down for almost two weeks with just a simple surgery. Two weeks for a hernia etc so to have something so serious happen and wounds etc heal in a week if highly u likely. The boom moved very fast. A lot seemed to have happened in a years time. Seemed as if it was longer bc there so was so much drama. There was aldo another part where a pregnant woman was in a hot tub and soaking every night. Now I had a high risk pregnancy so maybe im wrong but I do not think thats supposed to be going on either. The author started good and the beginning really pulled me in but by the end i was sort of turning pages waiting for it to be over. I truly would try to give this author another chance. Good plot but just needs a little more specifics and better imagery and a little more research on topics we put in the book.
SPOILERS!!!
This was my first read from this author. Book started out pretty good and then went downhill. The was she connected the characters was great. I felt that. But then once they got together it was more like soft core porn. They were ALWAYS having sex. Any and everywhere. The climax of the book was somewhat unbelievable. At some point in the book something very serious happened and it was as if the person healed in a week. Not even close. I was down for almost two weeks with just a simple surgery. Two weeks for a hernia etc so to have something so serious happen and wounds etc heal in a week if highly u likely. The boom moved very fast. A lot seemed to have happened in a years time. Seemed as if it was longer bc there so was so much drama. There was aldo another part where a pregnant woman was in a hot tub and soaking every night. Now I had a high risk pregnancy so maybe im wrong but I do not think thats supposed to be going on either. The author started good and the beginning really pulled me in but by the end i was sort of turning pages waiting for it to be over. I truly would try to give this author another chance. Good plot but just needs a little more specifics and better imagery and a little more research on topics we put in the book.
June 22, 2023
3.5 stars This is my first book by the author and I listened to the audio, which was narrated by two of my favorites. The writing was…cheesy?…at times, and I never really came around on Sean. I’m definitely going to pick up more from the author, though!
Want to read
October 6, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (10/6/2019)! 🎁
April 5, 2020
This was a dramatic story but I found it quite difficult to like. I almost gave up on this because it was a little pretentious and a little too aspirationally self-conscious. There isn’t a pop culture reference that the author didn’t use. Rather than describe characters and use the descriptions to differentiate the different characters, characters are described as looking like RayJ or like Drake or like Alicia Keyes- current celebrities are used to create a visual picture.
There was pretty much no male character in this that was described as having anything other than muscles and tattoos.
Another thing that annoyed me with the descriptions was the descriptions of clothes and possessions. Someone can’t just wear a body con dress or a silk shirt, the designer label must be dropped. It’s always a Gucci shirt, a Dior dress, Fendi shoes, the specific Cartier bracelet with product description ID or the specific Cartier watch... and to me I don’t think it’s necessary. And it’s one thing if it was occasionally done but it’s like the only description needed for an outfit or anything is it’s designer label. There are wayyyyy too many of them in this book. It begins to sound too much like a shopping cart or a wish list and takes away from the story. For the plot, does it matter whether it’s a Dior dress or it’s just a dress??? It just got on my last nerve and it wasn’t at all appealing.
The actual story could have been cute without all the unnecessary poser-ing. The premise is that Sean B, a global superstar rapper, and Chelsea, and up-and-coming award-winning actress are long-time “tell each other everything” BFFs who are beginning to catch feelings for one another. Chelsea has been publicly broken-hearted before and so she’s wary of risking her friendship with man about town Sean. But celebrity and the entertainment business isn’t easy on relationships and Chelsea and Sean are hot commodities surrounded by other romantic distractions seeking their attention.
This was a little hard for me because people kind of were a little too conscious and obsessed with their own celebrity and appearance. It often felt like there was nothing else to the characters. The hero looks at himself and is like “wow I’m hot no wonder so many women like me” or something to that effect. The heroine’s friend says something like “even me with my fame and celebrity status...” and in the book, she is famous and a celebrity but it must be so tiring being so hyper conscious of your image all the time that you need to mention it ad nauseam. It just was really distracting for me. The characters made some really bad decisions at times but there was redemption for them. Also another thing that bothered me was the way the male characters viewed women. There was a general attitude of “I respect women but...” I was in particularly really bothered by the way a particularly female character was portrayed as being “loose” because she had slept with everyone and how this was done with a total lack of self-irony given that these men were sleeping with EVERYONE, sometimes without protection. It smacked of hypocrisy. This was an overall interesting urban romance, but there were too many things that bothered me for me to enjoy it.
There was pretty much no male character in this that was described as having anything other than muscles and tattoos.
Another thing that annoyed me with the descriptions was the descriptions of clothes and possessions. Someone can’t just wear a body con dress or a silk shirt, the designer label must be dropped. It’s always a Gucci shirt, a Dior dress, Fendi shoes, the specific Cartier bracelet with product description ID or the specific Cartier watch... and to me I don’t think it’s necessary. And it’s one thing if it was occasionally done but it’s like the only description needed for an outfit or anything is it’s designer label. There are wayyyyy too many of them in this book. It begins to sound too much like a shopping cart or a wish list and takes away from the story. For the plot, does it matter whether it’s a Dior dress or it’s just a dress??? It just got on my last nerve and it wasn’t at all appealing.
The actual story could have been cute without all the unnecessary poser-ing. The premise is that Sean B, a global superstar rapper, and Chelsea, and up-and-coming award-winning actress are long-time “tell each other everything” BFFs who are beginning to catch feelings for one another. Chelsea has been publicly broken-hearted before and so she’s wary of risking her friendship with man about town Sean. But celebrity and the entertainment business isn’t easy on relationships and Chelsea and Sean are hot commodities surrounded by other romantic distractions seeking their attention.
This was a little hard for me because people kind of were a little too conscious and obsessed with their own celebrity and appearance. It often felt like there was nothing else to the characters. The hero looks at himself and is like “wow I’m hot no wonder so many women like me” or something to that effect. The heroine’s friend says something like “even me with my fame and celebrity status...” and in the book, she is famous and a celebrity but it must be so tiring being so hyper conscious of your image all the time that you need to mention it ad nauseam. It just was really distracting for me. The characters made some really bad decisions at times but there was redemption for them. Also another thing that bothered me was the way the male characters viewed women. There was a general attitude of “I respect women but...” I was in particularly really bothered by the way a particularly female character was portrayed as being “loose” because she had slept with everyone and how this was done with a total lack of self-irony given that these men were sleeping with EVERYONE, sometimes without protection. It smacked of hypocrisy. This was an overall interesting urban romance, but there were too many things that bothered me for me to enjoy it.
August 2, 2019
(UPDATED REVIEW): 4.5 stars - This is what I love about reading.... the author took the advice of her readers and had the book edited and all I can say is... YASSSS! It's a much more polished product with a clearer story of love for Chelsea & Sean! I loved reading about them in a story that flowed easily and sucked you into their highs and lows.
(ORIGINAL REVIEW) 2.5 -stars. This books stressed me all the way out! It had so much potential but just didn’t live up to it.
OK, so here's the thing... I liked the characters, they were actually OK. This book just suffered greatly because the attention to detail was lost somewhere along the way. So many things needed to be fleshed out. The plot. The storyline. Their jobs. Their upbringing. The physical details of the characters.
I will say that the supporting characters were well liked and provided some much needed comedic relief throughout the book and I hope to hear from them in other books. if the author decides to go that route, I really hope investing in a developmental editor is part of the plan because they are solid characters, they just need better execution.
I didn't hate the story, I really didn't, but I just wanted it to make much more sense than it did. I'd be willing to give this author another try if future books were more fleshed out.
(ORIGINAL REVIEW) 2.5 -stars. This books stressed me all the way out! It had so much potential but just didn’t live up to it.
OK, so here's the thing... I liked the characters, they were actually OK. This book just suffered greatly because the attention to detail was lost somewhere along the way. So many things needed to be fleshed out. The plot. The storyline. Their jobs. Their upbringing. The physical details of the characters.
I will say that the supporting characters were well liked and provided some much needed comedic relief throughout the book and I hope to hear from them in other books. if the author decides to go that route, I really hope investing in a developmental editor is part of the plan because they are solid characters, they just need better execution.
I didn't hate the story, I really didn't, but I just wanted it to make much more sense than it did. I'd be willing to give this author another try if future books were more fleshed out.
January 19, 2019
WHAT?
I'm utterly confused by this book. The dialogue in this book made no sense. These "celebrities" we're speaking and acting in unrealistic ways. What world famous performer improvises a performance at an awards show and dances to other artist's songs with their best friend like they're 16 at a cook out? It was a painful read to say the least.
I'm utterly confused by this book. The dialogue in this book made no sense. These "celebrities" we're speaking and acting in unrealistic ways. What world famous performer improvises a performance at an awards show and dances to other artist's songs with their best friend like they're 16 at a cook out? It was a painful read to say the least.
February 7, 2021
Audio on Scribd. Fed 2 thru Feb 7th 2021
The story of Chelsea and Sean is a realistic story of the celebrity lifestyle. Its how I would imagine the love story of a rapper and actress...both were humble individuals and they have great morals. I enjoyed their love and sex filled story!
The story of Chelsea and Sean is a realistic story of the celebrity lifestyle. Its how I would imagine the love story of a rapper and actress...both were humble individuals and they have great morals. I enjoyed their love and sex filled story!
February 24, 2019
Good Read
I live everyday for Black Love stories... cant wait to see what else this Author can bring to life. This was definitely a good book.
I live everyday for Black Love stories... cant wait to see what else this Author can bring to life. This was definitely a good book.
September 5, 2025
Best friends to lovers! But whew… this one almost had me tapping out. Like others have said, it went left real quick and had me questioning if I should finish. The drama got messy, the decisions got questionable, and I was this close to putting it down.
But then the plot redemption! It came back around, smoothed out, and reminded me why I started reading in the first place. That emotional payoff at the end? Worth it. Sometimes the chaos makes the love story hit even harder. 💥📚
But then the plot redemption! It came back around, smoothed out, and reminded me why I started reading in the first place. That emotional payoff at the end? Worth it. Sometimes the chaos makes the love story hit even harder. 💥📚
November 15, 2018
Very Good Book
I like how Chelsea and Sean were friends for years before pursuing a relationship with each other. You had the exes trying to break them up. I am glad they had a happy ending. This is my first time reading a book by this author. Can't wait to read the next book in this series. Hopefully it is about Riana and Benji.
I like how Chelsea and Sean were friends for years before pursuing a relationship with each other. You had the exes trying to break them up. I am glad they had a happy ending. This is my first time reading a book by this author. Can't wait to read the next book in this series. Hopefully it is about Riana and Benji.
March 5, 2024
Audiobook &| Ebook
This is my first book by this author, and I will continue the series! I love how independent Chelsea and how she knew what she wanted in a man and didn't take no sh*t from anybody! Sean is now my favorite book boyfriend simply because he showed his emotions. Most male characters act like they don't have emotions, but not my man, Sean.
This is my first book by this author, and I will continue the series! I love how independent Chelsea and how she knew what she wanted in a man and didn't take no sh*t from anybody! Sean is now my favorite book boyfriend simply because he showed his emotions. Most male characters act like they don't have emotions, but not my man, Sean.
skim-or-dnf
February 21, 2023DNF at the end of chapter 2 because the hero literally threatened to beat up a woman who came on to him 😵💫😵💫😵💫
“I should beat your mothafuckin ass, but I’m better than that. But if you keep fucking around, I’ll get the right one to lay yo ass out!” I could see the fear in her eyes as she trembled but then she opened her mouth to speak.
“I should beat your mothafuckin ass, but I’m better than that. But if you keep fucking around, I’ll get the right one to lay yo ass out!” I could see the fear in her eyes as she trembled but then she opened her mouth to speak.
June 21, 2024
Audio - 3.75
Sean B and Chelsea were a good couple. Jakobi and Wes brought the book to life for me! Childhood friends to marriage does it for me everytime. Not erotic but some sweet moments.
I’ll read the next.
Sean B and Chelsea were a good couple. Jakobi and Wes brought the book to life for me! Childhood friends to marriage does it for me everytime. Not erotic but some sweet moments.
I’ll read the next.
January 30, 2019
That was so good can't wait for book 2
That was so good can't wait for book 2 please read now you will love this real love story trust that
That was so good can't wait for book 2 please read now you will love this real love story trust that
July 5, 2019
❤️
I love books about good friends becoming lovers. This was a cute story and I’m looking forward to part 2 with Benji and Riana.
I love books about good friends becoming lovers. This was a cute story and I’m looking forward to part 2 with Benji and Riana.
September 29, 2024
A perfect love story. I enjoyed the fact that the drama happened earlier on in the story and we got to spend more time with the couple being happy in the aftermath. Very swoon worthy story!
February 9, 2025
Chile….the dramaaaaaa. If only people would be adults and communicate like they passed 5th grade 😩. My favorite voice actors killed it as usual
August 14, 2019
Great!!!!
I am a new fan!!! The different levels of becoming friends to lovers and finding your happily ever after is definitely what Sean and Chelsea shared with us!!!
I am a new fan!!! The different levels of becoming friends to lovers and finding your happily ever after is definitely what Sean and Chelsea shared with us!!!
November 3, 2019
In reading other reviews before my purchased I really thought this book would be amazing. However it is just ok. Not alot of character development. One example is that we are to believe that Sean - the wealthy, pretty boy- all of sudden has a street back ground and is about that gun play???! Nope I don't believe you Sean. Aside from that the story was all over the place it was trying to be street lit with a romance and erotica. I did buy the second book but I don't think I will be keeping it.
May 7, 2021
A good read... I love friends to lovers it’s one of my favorite romance tropes so I’m all hear for falling in love with a bestie... I can relate. I loved Sean and Chelsea together they fit so well. J loved how Chelsea constantly stay focus on her own career and goals even though she had super successful friends and a celebrity baby daddy. The drama felt a little unnecessary but who doesn’t love a tiny bit of drama. This was my first time read from this author and I enjoyed it and I can’t wait to continue this series with the other brothers
Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews