Higher Love

Love After #1

by Alexandria House

Popular travel blogger, Greer Kennedy, is living the good life with a successful career and equally as successful fiancé until one phone call from a friend opens her eyes to the truth of her relationship.Tall, handsome, and successful in his own right, Derek Hill is dealing with some serious relationship problems as well.When their paths cross, they mutually, but unofficially, decide to share a night—or three or four—of anonymous pleasure. Will they end up experiencing much more than either of them bargained for?

Genres: Romance, Audiobook, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, African American Romance, Fiction, African American

205 pages, Paperback

First published December 26, 2016

About the author

About the author
A true southern girl, Alexandria House has an affinity for a good banana pudding, Neo Soul music, and tall black men in suits. When this music-loving fashionista is not shopping, she's writing steamy stories about real black love.

Verve Romance: @msalexhouse

Instagram: @msalexhouse

TikTok: @msalexhouse

Facebook: Alexandria House

Reviews

[Danielle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not the best. Not the worst. 🤷🏼‍♀️

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

When this book started, I was loving it. Greer is a travel blogger and meets Derek at a festival right after her fiancée ghosts her and gets engaged to someone else. They spend a hot week together and then go their separate ways. Life brings them back together and they give a relationship a try. My problem was that they got together so early on in the book and I'm not a fan of books that do that. I want more angst and more of them getting to know each other and dancing around each other. When they're together and happy, I quickly lose interest. Then, this book had not one but TWO jealous exes that created the rest of the drama for the book. I'm really not a fan of dramatic exes and Derek's ex especially was vindictive and trying to sabotage their relationship. I was pretty annoyed by the end of this book, but I know it was definitely a personal preference of mine. The tropes chosen just weren't my thing. I still love Alexandria House and her writing and can't wait to pick up more of her books.

[Christy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars

Higher Love was my first book by Alexandria House and I loved her writing. I actually loved a lot about this book. It started out so strong with me and it was obvious Greer and Derek had a connection and insane chemistry. But there was SO MUCH ex drama. It came from all sides and with this book being fairly short it felt like it was so much of the book. I think if the book would have been longer and we would have had more with this couple or if there would have been less drama from both ex’s it would have been so much better for me.

Audio book source: Hoopla
Story Rating: 3 stars
Narrators: Mari & Jakobi Diem
Narration Rating: 4 stars
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Length: 4h 46m

[Shawnaci Schroeder · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5 ⭐️

- This was a cute read! My first book by Alexandria House and it won’t be my last. It had a good balance between the spice and storyline which I loved.
- The miscommunication trope was heavy in this book and would have been a little more enjoyable if it wasn’t such a big part of the story
- A quick read that still had so much depth to it! Loved the found family in this story and the deep love that the characters had for each other.

[Annette Williams · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not what I expected at all. If this had been my first book by Alexandria House, I wouldn't read another one. It just kind of fell flat for me. I initially liked Greer but, when all of the drama with Sasha came to a head, I very quickly disliked her. I thought her reaction to the situation was just stupid. Not only that, her BFFs were stupid as well. Especially Trevia so, I'm not looking forward to her and Denise's story at all. Even the sex scenes were blah. They weren't nearly as hot as her other books. The female narrator was horrible! Her narration was so monotoned and had no emotion what so ever. She brought absolutely no life to any of the characters. Although Jakobi Diem was the co-narrator, Null Mari narrated 90% of the book. For every 5 to 6 chapters she narrated, Jacobi Diem only narrated 1 or 2 chapters. Was Wesleigh Siobhan or Adenrele Ojo not available?!!! Higher Love definitely wasn't my favorite but, it was slightly entertaining. Which is why I gave it two stars instead of one.

[D.J. Walters · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice depiction of love and a positive male influence. Its refreshing to read about middle class, black professionals and the issues that come with finding love within that culture. As much as it was an entertaining read, Greer's reactions sometimes seemed a bit over the top and immature. I felt that both characters fell in "love" without the audience understanding the real connection between them other than sex and Dereck seemed a bit too ideal. I like flaw in characters as it makes them feel more real to me but it was nice to read about a man that was so persistent about what his heart wanted to pursue. Overall, it was a quick read and the short chapters kept me engaged. Greer's friends gave a healthy dimension to her story. I love the fact that this is part of a series and I'm interested to see where this goes in the other novels so I'm downloading the next book very soon.

[Sharon :) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am always down for a glamorous title! Black CEO of a jet company yes please!

[Malaika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alright Virginia Derek!

Listen! Derek is book bae, you hear me?! Alexandria knows how to create male characters that you want to be with and female characters you want to be. Greer and Derek are no exception. And the humor is always there. Denise is Comedy Central!

[Lacey (laceybooklovers) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Jerrika Rhone · Rating 4 out of 5]

STEAMY!

33% Done: THE TEA!

50% Done: I love all things Alexandria House. She writes funny and relatable characters that you cant help but enjoy. She also writes whirl wind romances and fantastic sex that I can only pray for.

75% Done: Swoooooooon! Where is he at!

HOLY EFFING SHISH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THAT BISH SASHA :(
4.5 stars

[Katrina (Catching up on Reviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Higher Love follows Greer, a successful travel blogger whose world shifts after uncovering some unexpected news about her fiancé. While processing it all, she meets Derek, and they share an unforgettable week together before parting ways. When fate brings them back into each other’s lives, they try to build something real—but their past relationships threaten to complicate everything.

[Amy | Foxy Blogs · Rating 3 out of 5]

HIGHER LOVE
● Greer & Derek
● travel blogger / business owner
● one-night-stand
● both had major ex drama
● both exes had baby drama

Audiobook source: Hoopla
Narrator: Jakobi Diem & Mari
Length: 4H 46M

[Antonella · Rating 3 out of 5]

his was quick and fun read from a new to me author...
I'm curious about reading more...

[Melanie (mells_view) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Higher Love definitely brought the drama, the heat, and the laughs if I’m honest. The voice actors knocked this one out of the park and truly brought the characters to life. I started at 1.5x speed, but then moved up to 2.0x listening speed, and it was perfection. Greer and Derek both had complicated endings to their most recent relationships, so when they meet each other at an out of town festival and there’s an undeniable attraction there, they act on it. Over and over again until they have to part ways and head home.

Of course this is romance, so you know how it goes. There are many things in their way. Distance. Past relationships. Insecurities, miscommunications, mistrust because of past hurts. Sigh. All in all I loved this one. I loved Greer and her friends. They have so much background drama that my head was spinning, but their friendship banter and connection was undeniable and relatable. Love when fictional friends call each other out, but support each other just as much.

I also enjoyed that Derek was down bad for Greer pretty quickly even with his past relationship being what it was. He was persistent and didn’t hesitate to move quickly since he knew how he felt about her.

Definitely recommend to anyone who loves reads where a ONS or a couple weeks stand, more accurately, turns into happily ever after!

*Hoopla

[Poetic Diva504 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an overall decent read. I didn’t love it, but it was interesting enough to finish almost 90%. I feel like none of the main characters moved on from their previous relationships before they got together. That would’ve made the tension good, but it made no sense. I found it hard to believe that mature professionals who need their coins would choose to be in a work environment around an ex smh. The writing style is what kept me reading, and I will check out more of her books.

[Ezi Chinny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another winner by Alexandria House

Greer seemed like she had a fun life as a travel blogger engaged to a successful man. But when Lloyd turned out to be the opposite of Prince Charming, Greer licked her wounds with a stranger on a business trip.
Imagine Greer’s surprise, just one month later, to find her 3 night stand at a business meeting.
Greer was forced to address what she was running from and what she hoped for her future.

I liked Greer, and I really liked Derek. I think Greer’s friends made her look less dumb as she should have seen some of the things with her ex. I liked how supportive they were and I loved how they encouraged her to be happy.

Derek was a winner, and I think Greer got lucky to meet a guy like that. Awesome chemistry and extremely generous. While I liked this one, I’m can’t wait to see what Trevia will do about her love life.

[BookBoo · Rating 2 out of 5]

♡ THIS BOOK WAS A MISS ♡

✩°｡⋆ 91st Review of 2024 ⋆｡°✩

♡ MY REVIEW:

Positives:
-This book went by fast and it was a nice short read!
-I liked how that man was trying to get her back by sending her copious amounts of flowers. I would want a garden too! 😂

Negatives:
-The pacing was too too quick. Her other novella have great pacing, but this one made me feel like the romance was unbelievable
-The smut description is different than her other books. I can see this was written in 2016, so it makes sense that she has gotten better at writing.

☆ Overall, I'd give this book a 2.5/5! ☆

[Sunshine Summaries · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is called higher love but love was very low/loose in my opinion. I find it hard to love a story where I don’t like the fmc when it’s clear the point is to like her. She was so annoying and handled situations like a child. I love a hea but this one I was hoping he would say you know what? If that’s all it takes for you to leave I’m good on you. Lol but whatever.

[Tyanna · Rating 2 out of 5]

Derek deserved better Greer is childish. Her friends are childish I want no part of any of the rest of this series. But I do love Alexandria House just not this mess.

When did they fall in love? This just fell flat for me.

[Deena · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my first read by Ms. Alexandria House and this was cute romance story. This story follows Greer Kennedy a travel blogger, who had just gotten dumped by her cheating fiancé via the internet. Greer is devastated but not devastated enough to not engage in a one night stand with a CEO of a line of jets (unbeknownst to her at first). Greer sort of irked my nerves because she was really about to allow Derek’s and her silly ex keep her from having her happily ever after! I personally didn’t feel like what she was upset about warranted her being that upset. But then again, I believe she was just a woman scorned and may just have had flashbacks from what her ex Lloyd did. The just goes to show that she wasn’t completely healed before jumping in the situation with Derek, although he was a good man for her. The plot was a bit watered down but I do believe this was one of Ms. House’s first books published and she has many more after (which I plan to indulge in). I do like that she included separate books for her best friends Trevia and Denise instead of including all the characters and their relationship problems in one novel. On to Trevia’s story!

[Tams Reading Nook · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, so Higher Love was givingggg grown and sexy from the jump. Greer Kennedy is a successful travel blogger who finds out her fiancé is trash in the worst way. I mean, I was ready to call the ancestors and ask for strength.

Then comes Derek Hill a successful businessman with a little mystery and a lot of presence. They link unexpectedly, thinking it’s a one night thing, but fate had other plans.

Now look their connection was fire, their situations were messy, but that’s what made it so real. I loved how Alexandria House didn’t give us a perfect romance she gave us two flawed, grown people figuring it out, sometimes badly, sometimes beautifully.

When that secret comes out (which I knew it would) all I could do was shake my head. I understood Greer being upset but I mean she shut my mans all the way out. Girl you gotta talk to your man! Because, what was that?????

This book was emotional, sexy, and so Black and beautiful. Definitely had that Love Jones energy moody, soulful, mature. If you’re into second chances, healing, and love that makes you do the work, don’t sleep on this one.

[The Book Chick · Rating 3 out of 5]

My first read by this author. I'd been seeing her work out there for some time and wanted to see what was up.
This storyline was simple. There weren't really any major twists. There was one I guess, but nothing jaw dropping.
When I read this genre I always look for something that will set it apart from every other story because this genre is flooded. I'm sorry to say that I didn't find anything unique however it was something that held my attention.
Another thing about love is that you have to write a fire love scene right ? I mean I honestly think that that may be a challenge because you can either really nail it or not. The love scenes were okay. There were quite a bit of them and I began to wonder how Greer would even physically be able to do what she did lol! But I guess.
The ending was no surprise and it was just okay. If you have time yeah... If not, you're not missing a whole lot. It wasn't horrible at all. It was just okay.

[The Book Junkie Reads . . . · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was more than just sex

Greer Kennedy was dumped without notice, without words, without a thought. She finds solace in a simple fling while at a festival. She finds a sexy dredlock wearing brother with charm and charisma. Derek Hill was on a short holiday from his reality. He returns home to find that he can't get the cholclate beauty out of his mind. To find that she comes to him. Greer had no idea who he was or if she would ever see him again.

This was a story that was a true story. The romance had time to grown. The couple had time to get to know each other. There was a feeling of friendship. The charcters were strong, real, and had layers. I enjoyed this read and devoured it all in one sitting. Thank you.

[JBucky · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ Imagine being an engaged travel influencer, when you go to a festival in Virginia & when you arrive you find out that you no longer have a fiancé! Not from your fiancé, but via a phone call from your bestfriend & Facebook 🥴👊🏾🫣👀! You’re having the absolute WORST time, but you end up meeting this attractive dread-headed CEO (who turns out to be the love of your life, you just didn’t know it in that moment.)! You didn’t know was a CEO, or his last name because ya’ll were so drawn to one another there was no talking necessary to tear up headboards.!!

Welp, that was Derek & Greer for you! The story was super cute! There was a lot of goofiness that went on of course, ESPECIALLY with that Sasha chick because what in the crazy 😳🧐 ….!

I was exhausted at certain points with Greer & felt like Derek was a tiny bit of a pushover at certain points, but the story was still enjoyable! The love was most certainly there!

I can say that out of Greer, Trevia, & Denise…… Denise was my favorite! She was funny AFFFFF & I’m the most excited to get to her story!

[Plus Size Bibliophile · Rating 3 out of 5]

I stay wanting to put hands on the FMC. She's stupid, selfish, annoying, ignorant, and doesn't deserve to find love. I HATE miscommunication tropes, but with her I'm not sure if that even applies because this chick doesn't even want to talk to her man.

The one she should have run up on, the one who I would have laid into she had too much "self-respect" to confront. But the man she should be putting her trust into and communicating with she ran away from then has the fking nerve to get in his face and put hands on him when he tries to talk to her. Nah, girl bye.

I agree with your pity party, it is you, and you should just stay single until you find some act right.
Thank GLOB for the supporting characters or I would have DNF'd this bitch so fast.

I also didn't like how narrow minded and unreasonable the FMC was when faced with adversity. Was it sweet that the MC did what he did to get her back?? YES. BUT he should not have had to do all that.

[hea booktubes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alexandria House’s first book, four years ago. I really enjoyed it. I can say she’s an even better writer currently, and that she’s really grown into her couples. But this book was really good and I loved the couple. Loved how crazy they were about each other. I wish they had handled all the side drama a little better, she made him wait for a month, which I can’t relate to, but they were still so sweet. And, as always, Alexandria’s writing sneaks humor in where you least expect it.

[Faree · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the kind of book that makes you believe in black love. Top tier black romance 👌. No struggle love for black women, just awesome babygirl treatment 😍😍The characters awesome, the men likeable and the MC perfection. Please read this book.🙈🙈

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Greer and Derek!! I would’ve liked a little more groveling on his part but I’ll let it slide this time because he literally sent her a bouquet of flowers every hour for days lol

[Izzy · Rating 4 out of 5]

If it’s one thing Alexandria House gonna do it’s write a fast paced, steamy romance with just the right amount of drama.

[Sherry Molock · Rating 3 out of 5]

Entertaining

Good, quick summer read but I didn't like this book as much as the other two series. I didn't like the fact that Greer had a personal as well as a professional relationship with Derek, I think they were both too smart and too professional for that. Also, I thought Greer was really unfair to Derek when one of Derek's exes spread lies about him, what happened to hearing both sides of the story, giving the brother the benefit of the doubt? The ending was too abrupt, it wasn't s cliffhanger but it kind of left the reader hanging in the middle of a pivotal scene. I will go on to read the next book, hope it's better than this one