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A Tale of Two Cities: A Valentine's Novella
When people think of a holiday for love, they automatically come up with Valentine's Day. But for Brooklyn and Austin, the day after is when the real fun begins thanks to a dare of a DM on Instagram that leads to the two of them spending a hot weekend in Miami together. ;) A Tale of Two Cities Cute & Sweet Millennial Meets Over a Holiday, All With One Thing In Common; Cities. This is a short novella with a happy-for-now ending. If you prefer your stories longer, I'd recommend checking out another Alexandra Warren project. :)
103 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 1, 2019
89 people are currently reading
209 people want to read
About the author
Alexandra Warren
50 books1,315 followersAlexandra Warren is a contemporary romance author with over thirty works to date, all of which intentionally center Black love. She is also the co-founder of Girl, Have You Read…, a digital platform dedicated to Black romance written by Black authors.
When she’s not in front of her computer, she enjoys traveling, spending time with family, watching sports, and clearing her DVR. Alexandra is a proud native of Omaha, Nebraska, but she currently calls Houston, Texas home.
Learn more about Alexandra by visiting her website www.actuallyitsalexandra.com.
When she’s not in front of her computer, she enjoys traveling, spending time with family, watching sports, and clearing her DVR. Alexandra is a proud native of Omaha, Nebraska, but she currently calls Houston, Texas home.
Learn more about Alexandra by visiting her website www.actuallyitsalexandra.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
February 15, 2023
This was just joyful from the beginning till the very end.
4.5 ⭐️
4.5 ⭐️
February 18, 2024
This was too cute
February 11, 2023
Brooklyn x Austin
Super cute. I wasn't expecting the adventures I got in this little short, but I welcomed and loved it. Austin and Brooklyn were laying it on thick. Although this is a HFN kinda story, in my head they're riding off to the sunset with each other to live HEA, being sarcastic and exchanging silly banter.
Super cute. I wasn't expecting the adventures I got in this little short, but I welcomed and loved it. Austin and Brooklyn were laying it on thick. Although this is a HFN kinda story, in my head they're riding off to the sunset with each other to live HEA, being sarcastic and exchanging silly banter.
November 30, 2022
Austin & Brooklyn
Sliding into someone’s DM on a dare allows these two to meet and have fun for the weekend…which ultimately turns into something a little bit more.
Sliding into someone’s DM on a dare allows these two to meet and have fun for the weekend…which ultimately turns into something a little bit more.
February 4, 2021
My favorite novella in this series!
February 8, 2021
This is the SWEETEST freaking novella. If you only have time for one Valentine’s Day read this year, I recommend this one. 😍♥️💕
February 9, 2023
This series is so fantastic. I feel like the short time frames shouldn't work, but I'm left completely swooning for the couples every time 🥹❤️
February 15, 2023
Loved It!
This was the perfect Valentine’s Day read. It was so fun and flirty. Brooklyn was such a dope leading lady. I loved her laid back, cool girl aesthetic. Her R&B inspired Instagram posts were such a cute touch. Austin was THE book bae. He was so charming and witty. He just came across as a really good dude. I’m a sucker for a sports romance, so Mr. Basketball Player Dude was perfect for me. Their chemistry was **chef’s kiss**. It made for a really good love story. Now I want to read If Only for the Summer again!
This was the perfect Valentine’s Day read. It was so fun and flirty. Brooklyn was such a dope leading lady. I loved her laid back, cool girl aesthetic. Her R&B inspired Instagram posts were such a cute touch. Austin was THE book bae. He was so charming and witty. He just came across as a really good dude. I’m a sucker for a sports romance, so Mr. Basketball Player Dude was perfect for me. Their chemistry was **chef’s kiss**. It made for a really good love story. Now I want to read If Only for the Summer again!
February 11, 2023
I absolutely loved this. When sliding in the DMs goes extremely right. Brooklyn and Austin were both cute and funny from jump and I loved the instant connection that shared.
February 9, 2022
I really enjoyed this funny, steamy, well developed story of instalust that turns into more. I would love to read more about Austin & Brooklyn. It’s a perfect Valentine’s Day read.
June 12, 2023
Love it!
I’m reading this and saying to myself, ‘I know Austin from somewhere’. Once Lamar was mentioned, I put it all together. I’m so glad he found his one, even if in a non traditional way. And I’m glad he curved Dehydrated Estelle. She was annoying and she barely had any page time.
I’m reading this and saying to myself, ‘I know Austin from somewhere’. Once Lamar was mentioned, I put it all together. I’m so glad he found his one, even if in a non traditional way. And I’m glad he curved Dehydrated Estelle. She was annoying and she barely had any page time.
February 16, 2026
Who would have thought that a DM based on a drunken dare would lead to finding your person.
Brooklyn and Austin met in under circumstances that were definitely not normal; however, what she said in her DM to him led to a conversation through Instagram and an eventual invitation for her Brooklyn to spend Valentine's weekend with her. I thought it was cute how they were so bold in the DMs but then when they met in person they were nervous about meeting the other one. It was nice that even though Austin was a celebrity he was still humble and didn't want to show off too much of what he had. I liked how Austin had such confidence in her when she told him what she wanted to do for her career, so much so that he was her guinea pig in a sense (couldn't be me)..lol.
Overall, I just enjoyed the chemistry between the two and how it seemed so effortless. I was happy that she opened her mind to having more with him than just the weekend because it was clear they could not get enough of each other.
Brooklyn and Austin met in under circumstances that were definitely not normal; however, what she said in her DM to him led to a conversation through Instagram and an eventual invitation for her Brooklyn to spend Valentine's weekend with her. I thought it was cute how they were so bold in the DMs but then when they met in person they were nervous about meeting the other one. It was nice that even though Austin was a celebrity he was still humble and didn't want to show off too much of what he had. I liked how Austin had such confidence in her when she told him what she wanted to do for her career, so much so that he was her guinea pig in a sense (couldn't be me)..lol.
Overall, I just enjoyed the chemistry between the two and how it seemed so effortless. I was happy that she opened her mind to having more with him than just the weekend because it was clear they could not get enough of each other.
February 16, 2022
Rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ /🌶️🌶️
Tropes: stangers to lovers
TW/CW: x
Representation: black romance / sports romance
Favorite quote: “You have a way of bringing that out of me, Austin. Pushing me just enough. Really, I should be thanking you. Let me… thank you.”
Thoughts: Austin and Brooklyn met after she slide into his DMs on a drunken dare. I loved these two so much and the chemistry they had. I also loved that he was a basketball player and how normal he seemed to be. so many times we see players who think they are hot shit, but he was normal. we also love a man who can cook and a man who likes to push his woman out of her comfort zone.
Tropes: stangers to lovers
TW/CW: x
Representation: black romance / sports romance
Favorite quote: “You have a way of bringing that out of me, Austin. Pushing me just enough. Really, I should be thanking you. Let me… thank you.”
Thoughts: Austin and Brooklyn met after she slide into his DMs on a drunken dare. I loved these two so much and the chemistry they had. I also loved that he was a basketball player and how normal he seemed to be. so many times we see players who think they are hot shit, but he was normal. we also love a man who can cook and a man who likes to push his woman out of her comfort zone.
June 6, 2023
Nahhhh. This book had me cheesing, grinning, and everything in between!! This was super short, but something about this I loved.
I don’t think I’ve felt like this over a book in a while (maybe even ever lol). This took me by surprise. It was kind of insta-lovey, but the banter between the two was good.
I’m feeling some type of way about this. I need a part 2 or something. lmao
This was bomb!!!! 💕
I don’t think I’ve felt like this over a book in a while (maybe even ever lol). This took me by surprise. It was kind of insta-lovey, but the banter between the two was good.
I’m feeling some type of way about this. I need a part 2 or something. lmao
This was bomb!!!! 💕
February 16, 2023
I really enjoyed the romance in this spicy novella. I could see how some people might find it instalove-y, but I found the relationship between Brooklyn and Austin to be believable and quite cute. There were one or two things that I thought were a bit extra, hence the four star rating. That being said, the tension and spice were great and it made me laugh a few times, too.
March 5, 2019
My favorite
Hands down this was my favorite of all the Tale of Two Cities!!! I’m so glad it was released last even though it was really the first. This one was just as witty and just as exciting as the others. I liked this one a bit more because of the way they met, being completely random on a whim. I loved the weekend he planned as well as the faith they both had in one another. Hate to see them end but I’ll def be rereading this one a few times a year along with the others. As usual Alexandra Warren comes thru with another W
Hands down this was my favorite of all the Tale of Two Cities!!! I’m so glad it was released last even though it was really the first. This one was just as witty and just as exciting as the others. I liked this one a bit more because of the way they met, being completely random on a whim. I loved the weekend he planned as well as the faith they both had in one another. Hate to see them end but I’ll def be rereading this one a few times a year along with the others. As usual Alexandra Warren comes thru with another W
February 15, 2021
highkey, this is my new Valentine’s Day tradition.
February 15, 2021
This was super cute!! Loved the energy! I don’t usually like short reads because I get too invested, but this was damn near perfect.
February 3, 2025
Another hit 😩 I truly love theses shorts, Austin and Brooklyn were so cute. Lawddddd the chemistry was just right
February 16, 2025
Well this was a delightfully hot and steamy good time. I thought the premise was great and enjoyed just how flirty and fun this novella was. I'll definitely be reading the rest of the series.
March 3, 2019
Loved It!
It was awesome seeing Austin find the beginnings of love. I love how real and honest they both are. Is there a book for Cousin Calvin coming?
It was awesome seeing Austin find the beginnings of love. I love how real and honest they both are. Is there a book for Cousin Calvin coming?
November 17, 2025
This was the perfect, cute, and steamy story to kick off my Valentine's-themed reading! I started reading the author Alexandra Warren's holiday romance series last year, beginning with Halloween, and I've been looking forward to reading each story in its designated month since!
Austin and Brooklyn are the cutest couple! Usually, I cringe at the thought of sliding into someone's DMs. Still, sometimes the stars align, and something magical happens—like when a smooth baller (literally) like Austin engages in conversation with an equally smooth and witty woman like Brooklyn.
Although this story was short, I could feel the strong connection between Austin and Brooklyn, and I would love to see a full-length story featuring them. Their banter through DMs was hilarious, adorable, and spicy. I appreciated how they encouraged each other to let go and experience new things.
Brooklyn is my spirit sister! As someone who loves and is involved with music, I enjoyed how she incorporated song lyrics into her social media posts. While this story is low on angst, the author still includes a touch of drama, well-developed characters, and delightful steamy scenes within its brief pages.
Austin and Brooklyn are the cutest couple! Usually, I cringe at the thought of sliding into someone's DMs. Still, sometimes the stars align, and something magical happens—like when a smooth baller (literally) like Austin engages in conversation with an equally smooth and witty woman like Brooklyn.
Although this story was short, I could feel the strong connection between Austin and Brooklyn, and I would love to see a full-length story featuring them. Their banter through DMs was hilarious, adorable, and spicy. I appreciated how they encouraged each other to let go and experience new things.
Brooklyn is my spirit sister! As someone who loves and is involved with music, I enjoyed how she incorporated song lyrics into her social media posts. While this story is low on angst, the author still includes a touch of drama, well-developed characters, and delightful steamy scenes within its brief pages.
February 3, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌶🌶🌶/5
Tropes - Valentine's romance, novella, aspiring tattoo artist, famous basketball player
I don't give novellas 5⭐️ ratings but here we are. I loved this. Brooklyn and Austin were so cute and genuine; it was a really refreshing read. I also appreciate that there were no ily declarations because I feel like insta-love would've spoiled this novella - the characters still got their HEA though and I was rooting for them the whole time!!
Scale:
⭐️ - would've DNF'ed / continued out of spite
⭐️⭐️ - shit, but whatever
⭐️⭐️⭐️ - meh, could've been better
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - lit 👅
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - loved it, inject this shit into my veins 🤪
🫑 - no smut
🌶 - no point
🌶🌶 - mediocre at best
🌶🌶🌶 - standard smut, hot
🌶🌶🌶🌶 - 🥵 okay, some CW
🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶 - fuck me 🥵🥵 CWs / filthy with a side of filth - see Poison / Room Twenty-Two: Hide and Seek
Tropes - Valentine's romance, novella, aspiring tattoo artist, famous basketball player
I don't give novellas 5⭐️ ratings but here we are. I loved this. Brooklyn and Austin were so cute and genuine; it was a really refreshing read. I also appreciate that there were no ily declarations because I feel like insta-love would've spoiled this novella - the characters still got their HEA though and I was rooting for them the whole time!!
Scale:
⭐️ - would've DNF'ed / continued out of spite
⭐️⭐️ - shit, but whatever
⭐️⭐️⭐️ - meh, could've been better
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - lit 👅
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - loved it, inject this shit into my veins 🤪
🫑 - no smut
🌶 - no point
🌶🌶 - mediocre at best
🌶🌶🌶 - standard smut, hot
🌶🌶🌶🌶 - 🥵 okay, some CW
🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶 - fuck me 🥵🥵 CWs / filthy with a side of filth - see Poison / Room Twenty-Two: Hide and Seek
February 17, 2020
Have you ever wondered what might happen if you slid into that hot guy’s DMs? I swear Brooklyn has all the luck. This wasn’t super about Valentine’s Day but I really enjoyed the whole premise. It ends on a very promising HFB after a weekend together. I’m not sure if this story is continued elsewhere because it seemed like there was the possible introduction of an unfortunate evil ex thread and one weekend together does not a relationship make. I’d definitely be up for reading more about Brooklyn and Austin.
My only real critique is they’re in the middle of having unprotected sex and decide to forgo the condom. They’ve only known each other for this weekend, Brooklyn hasn’t disclosed being on birth control, and Austin is a wealthy basketball player. No part of this decision made sense to me. There needs to be a conversation, plus disclosure of STD tests, before skipping the condom.
CW: jokes about getting pregnant and baby daddies
My only real critique is they’re in the middle of having unprotected sex and decide to forgo the condom. They’ve only known each other for this weekend, Brooklyn hasn’t disclosed being on birth control, and Austin is a wealthy basketball player. No part of this decision made sense to me. There needs to be a conversation, plus disclosure of STD tests, before skipping the condom.
CW: jokes about getting pregnant and baby daddies
February 10, 2023
Now THIS is how you do a novella. In just over 100 pages Alexandra Warren gives us full characters with personality and dreams. The build is an excellent pace and allows you to really fall for and root for Austin and Brooklyn as a couple.
I was immediately obsessed with Brooklyn and her best friendship with Raina felt so relatable and familiar. B's smart mouth and witty banter made her the kinda girl I'd want to be besties with too. Austin fell hard and fast, understandably, for our girl and it was the perfect blend of sxy, sweet and funny.
It didn't read like a novella and whilst I would LOVE more of Austin and Brooklyn, I don't feel short changed like I sometimes do with novellas. Will definitely be picking up the others in the series.
I was immediately obsessed with Brooklyn and her best friendship with Raina felt so relatable and familiar. B's smart mouth and witty banter made her the kinda girl I'd want to be besties with too. Austin fell hard and fast, understandably, for our girl and it was the perfect blend of sxy, sweet and funny.
It didn't read like a novella and whilst I would LOVE more of Austin and Brooklyn, I don't feel short changed like I sometimes do with novellas. Will definitely be picking up the others in the series.
March 7, 2019
This was a perfect read for VDay, even if it was a little late lol
I loved how Brooklyn did something different by sliding in the DMs and it worked in her favor. Their chemistry was crazy and honestly, Austin sounds like the perfect guy for any female honestly. I loved how they brought out something in each other that was hidden yet complimented each other in just one weekend. The most swoon worthy parts was their date at his restaurant and of course near the end. This story was smooth from beginning to end and left me very satisfied!! I think we all have taken a dare and hopefully it works out in our favor as it did for Brooklyn!!
I loved how Brooklyn did something different by sliding in the DMs and it worked in her favor. Their chemistry was crazy and honestly, Austin sounds like the perfect guy for any female honestly. I loved how they brought out something in each other that was hidden yet complimented each other in just one weekend. The most swoon worthy parts was their date at his restaurant and of course near the end. This story was smooth from beginning to end and left me very satisfied!! I think we all have taken a dare and hopefully it works out in our favor as it did for Brooklyn!!
March 6, 2019
wow! Wow! WOW!
I absolutely loved this series! The concept, the names, the execution were all on point. Such a cute idea! And it was especially nice to catch up with other couples.
Brooklyn and Austin may have been my favorite couple, although I feel like I've said that about every couple, lol. I loved their whole vibe. I thought Estelle was gonna be a problem, but I like how her drama was kept to a minimum and didn't mess up Lovers Weekend.
Kudos, Ms. Warren on another great story!
I absolutely loved this series! The concept, the names, the execution were all on point. Such a cute idea! And it was especially nice to catch up with other couples.
Brooklyn and Austin may have been my favorite couple, although I feel like I've said that about every couple, lol. I loved their whole vibe. I thought Estelle was gonna be a problem, but I like how her drama was kept to a minimum and didn't mess up Lovers Weekend.
Kudos, Ms. Warren on another great story!
February 7, 2022
I’m so mad at myself for waiting this long to read this book. I could’ve experience this sweetness long time ago. When Yo Gotti sang “It goes down in the DMs”, im convinced he was talking about this book. Don’t you just LOVE when sliding in someone’s DMs just WORK? I swear Brooklyn is one lucky woman because that drunk DM to Austin aka “basketball dude” leads to her getting flewed out to Miami and having the best time. I loved everything about this novella. It’s spontaneous, adorable and humorous. I found myself smiling while reading because the chemistry between the couple is unmatched. I didn’t want to let go of Brooklyn and Austin, but I’m 100% satisfied with the ending. Kuddoes to the author for a short and sweet story.
January 4, 2026
DM Dare
One dare leads to a direct message that changes everything. I love the instant chemistry that forms immediately between Brooklyn and Austin. After Brooklyn sends Austin a message on Instagram after liking what she saw, she never expected a response nor a trip to meet him in person.
A gut feeling resulted in the weekend of a lifetime after Austin sent Brooklyn an airline ticket to visit him. Both mesmerized by appearances, Valentine’s Day weekend begins the love connection of a lifetime between Austin and Brooklyn.
One dare leads to a direct message that changes everything. I love the instant chemistry that forms immediately between Brooklyn and Austin. After Brooklyn sends Austin a message on Instagram after liking what she saw, she never expected a response nor a trip to meet him in person.
A gut feeling resulted in the weekend of a lifetime after Austin sent Brooklyn an airline ticket to visit him. Both mesmerized by appearances, Valentine’s Day weekend begins the love connection of a lifetime between Austin and Brooklyn.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews