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Make It Marriage #3
Be My Darling
A BWWM Romance
Falling for your fake-boyfriend? Bad idea.
Matt’s a giant hunk. A total stranger.
My new boyfriend.
At least until my jerk of an ex gets the hint.
It’s a great idea.
Until I start looking forward to our staged dates. And craving his touch. And picturing him sans the flannel shirt and jeans—
I keep forgetting we’re just pretend.
And Matt’s powerful kisses aren’t helping my case.
I can’t give in to these feelings.
We’re too different.
I always pictured myself falling for someone who looked like me.
And if my friends find out I’m dating a white guy…
It’s not a risk I’m willing to take.
Even if Matt is the man who might finally heal my heart.
Be My Darling is a standalone fake-relationship romance featuring a hot lumberjack hero and the strong, sassy black woman who drives him wild.
***More Books About the Women of Make It Marriage Available Now***
Be My Always
Be My Forever
Be My Darling
*More coming soon*
288 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 12, 2020
437 people are currently reading
165 people want to read
About the author
Nia Arthurs
165 books983 followersFrom an early age, Nia knew she wanted to be a writer and actively began chasing that dream when she was a teenager.
Nia writes interracial romance and contemporary romance with guaranteed happy endings. She loves strong heroines and swoon-worthy heroes, and just enough spice and drama to keep things interesting!
Look for the Taming Series (Taming Mr. Jerkface, Taming Mr. Charming, Taming Mr. Know-It-All, and Taming Mr. Darcy) in ebook format.
And catch up with Nia on Facebook @authorniaarthurs. Happy Reading!
Nia writes interracial romance and contemporary romance with guaranteed happy endings. She loves strong heroines and swoon-worthy heroes, and just enough spice and drama to keep things interesting!
Look for the Taming Series (Taming Mr. Jerkface, Taming Mr. Charming, Taming Mr. Know-It-All, and Taming Mr. Darcy) in ebook format.
And catch up with Nia on Facebook @authorniaarthurs. Happy Reading!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
September 27, 2020
I actually loved this story! I mean I was in from Page 1! However I didnt like the ending. It was so quick and opened. Please, author, tell me you are going to make Ella fall deep for a non-black man. Please I beg you! It would be very interesting and definitely something I would read now. I'll be reading more books from you. I LOVE the way the Hero and heroine interact (these conversations mmmm) but I missed the sex parts. I mean I dont want every freaking detail but just a little bit more!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 17, 2020
Ok
I really liked Matt hence the 3 stars. However I disliked Amina, although she did get a back bone at the end making her more palatable. The author didn’t mention her age so maybe it is because she was young, but her almost terror at telling Ella the truth was ridiculous to me. I gave her the benefit of the doubt because she was abused by Gavin and therefore insecure but it was inconceivable to me for her to accept mental abuse by her friend for weeks. Between the podcasts and having to move rooms she should have been out of there immediately. Worse for her to still want to patch up their friendship was just crazy. To me being sensitive to and aware of race issues doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t treat everyone with respect. Your default setting shouldn’t be defensive. The whole he didn’t warn his mother about being black therefore I’m not going was silly. He knows his mother better than her. People sometimes surprise you but wait for it rather than anticipate. I liked that both her parents checked her on that. Her whole flip out at his birthday party was over the top. Some of his friends were rude but she could have put them in their place with humor and if really she couldn’t stand it she didn’t have to throw Andy under the bus and could have at least told Matt she was leaving. She went there expecting the worse and of course it happened. Matt put up with Sav nonsense when he barely knew her and she couldn’t reciprocate while supposedly loving him? Let’s not forget about him being followed and accosted in his shop by Gavin. What I really disliked about the book is that Matt seemed more into her all along and she never stood up for him and their relationship without prompting.
I really liked Matt hence the 3 stars. However I disliked Amina, although she did get a back bone at the end making her more palatable. The author didn’t mention her age so maybe it is because she was young, but her almost terror at telling Ella the truth was ridiculous to me. I gave her the benefit of the doubt because she was abused by Gavin and therefore insecure but it was inconceivable to me for her to accept mental abuse by her friend for weeks. Between the podcasts and having to move rooms she should have been out of there immediately. Worse for her to still want to patch up their friendship was just crazy. To me being sensitive to and aware of race issues doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t treat everyone with respect. Your default setting shouldn’t be defensive. The whole he didn’t warn his mother about being black therefore I’m not going was silly. He knows his mother better than her. People sometimes surprise you but wait for it rather than anticipate. I liked that both her parents checked her on that. Her whole flip out at his birthday party was over the top. Some of his friends were rude but she could have put them in their place with humor and if really she couldn’t stand it she didn’t have to throw Andy under the bus and could have at least told Matt she was leaving. She went there expecting the worse and of course it happened. Matt put up with Sav nonsense when he barely knew her and she couldn’t reciprocate while supposedly loving him? Let’s not forget about him being followed and accosted in his shop by Gavin. What I really disliked about the book is that Matt seemed more into her all along and she never stood up for him and their relationship without prompting.
September 17, 2022
I think this novel comes from Nia Arthurs's very personal inner thoughts. The whole black man getting jealous of black woman dating white guy seems very personal. But what really annoys me is that Nia Arthurs seemingly skims over the underlying racial microaggression that Matt's friends display. Whereas Amina gets affronted with her friends, this novel never shows that Matt's friends get the rightful consequences - Dustin and the white girl.
To Nia Arthurs sincerely, it's not a good look when you whitewashed white people's microaggression on black people. Loving a white guy doesn't mean you should tolerate and accept their friends' racial microaggression.
For those who live in real world but also wants nice interracial romance, this book is not for you. It's absolutely trash, from the prose, grammar, etc.
To Nia Arthurs sincerely, it's not a good look when you whitewashed white people's microaggression on black people. Loving a white guy doesn't mean you should tolerate and accept their friends' racial microaggression.
For those who live in real world but also wants nice interracial romance, this book is not for you. It's absolutely trash, from the prose, grammar, etc.
February 18, 2020
Interracial couple playlist
This book had SO much promise but somehow spun off into an interracial couple’s playlist of racial issues. I spotted the clues—black lives matter, black women whatever—but kept reading.
I was correct and disappointed. I just think it is poor development that you have a strong character that’s scared to defend themselves. She puts together couples but has terrible taste in friends and ex-boyfriend? She’s so torn up about lying to her friend about dating a white guy that she pushes him away. *side EYE*
I just think it’s enough ish couples go through to write about. These stereotypical racial issues are just a cope out and bad plot structure. The racial element wasn’t needed. She;s running from an abusive ex and he doesn’t have a clue his best friend is in love with him—that right there is more than enough to create tension.
This book had SO much promise but somehow spun off into an interracial couple’s playlist of racial issues. I spotted the clues—black lives matter, black women whatever—but kept reading.
I was correct and disappointed. I just think it is poor development that you have a strong character that’s scared to defend themselves. She puts together couples but has terrible taste in friends and ex-boyfriend? She’s so torn up about lying to her friend about dating a white guy that she pushes him away. *side EYE*
I just think it’s enough ish couples go through to write about. These stereotypical racial issues are just a cope out and bad plot structure. The racial element wasn’t needed. She;s running from an abusive ex and he doesn’t have a clue his best friend is in love with him—that right there is more than enough to create tension.
August 8, 2020
I LOVED this story. This story was a perfect representation of what it is to be in an interracial relationship. As a white woman (married to a black man) I am always trying to understand better. And Nia explained things so well. This love story was so real. The hero, Matt, was such a great man, so patient and understanding. (Clueless sometimes) and Amina was so strong, and just a gorgeous character. Seriously wish I could give this book more stars!
The only thing I wanted more of, was some detailed intimate scenes 😉 but even without them, this story kept me enthralled and now I’m going to read the next!
The only thing I wanted more of, was some detailed intimate scenes 😉 but even without them, this story kept me enthralled and now I’m going to read the next!
January 31, 2023
1.5 stars
Insta love and the cloudiest message about interracial dating that I’ve ever seen.
There’s a lot going on here and if I was to start with the positives… I don’t really have any? The only part of this book where I wasn’t questioning the author’s intent was the scene where Amina explained her past with Gavin to Matt. That was the only moment where I wasn’t fighting a migraine dealing with the clusterfuck discussion of racial differences.
Nothing was handled well or clearly, in my opinion. Ella was cartoonishly ridiculous. I’ve never met anyone like her in my life and her dialogue read like a parody or an SNL sketch. Making such a mockery of a black woman concerned with the self esteem of other black women seriously made me question Arthurs’ intent and her perception of black women. Ella having serious misconceptions about white people makes sense, so why she was turned into such a ridiculous villain that hates Matt on principle and supported Gavin without even knowing him was a writing choice. Not one I understand, though.
Why mention Gavin suffering racial inequality only to have Amina say seconds later that she didn’t sympathize with him? Using an abusive ex boyfriend for this discussion clouded the issue horribly and again, I questioned the intent.
Three characters in this story side with Gavin without knowing what a monster he was and those characters are all demonized for focusing too much on race. Specifically, being unfair to the white guy. What the hell was the intent?
Add to this the book makes it look like Amina was silly for being scared Matt’s mother might be racist? Why? I would’ve worried it was going to say the black characters cared more about Matt’s race than the white characters, but then we have that horrible bit with Matt’s racist friends so, I don’t understand the point. And I also don’t think enough was done to tackle the fact that Matt was friends with them because he shouldn’t have been.
Andy confused me because I assumed she must’ve been much younger than everyone else. She acted like a jealous teenage girl and I didn’t understand why Matt was determined to keep her friendship.
Also, Matt beating Gavin up served no purpose and was never mentioned again. What was the point of that?
So, in the end, Ella was cartoonishly evil and I think turning a character like that into a monster was a poor choice. Black women have legitimate concerns about dating white people and this book belittling them left a really bad taste in my mouth. This book also ignored that black men have also belittled and denigrated black women. Ella being blindly in favor of all black men, including a man that beat her friend, just seemed like a really strange oversight. I am extremely disappointed to find such a character was written by a woman.
Insta love and the cloudiest message about interracial dating that I’ve ever seen.
There’s a lot going on here and if I was to start with the positives… I don’t really have any? The only part of this book where I wasn’t questioning the author’s intent was the scene where Amina explained her past with Gavin to Matt. That was the only moment where I wasn’t fighting a migraine dealing with the clusterfuck discussion of racial differences.
Nothing was handled well or clearly, in my opinion. Ella was cartoonishly ridiculous. I’ve never met anyone like her in my life and her dialogue read like a parody or an SNL sketch. Making such a mockery of a black woman concerned with the self esteem of other black women seriously made me question Arthurs’ intent and her perception of black women. Ella having serious misconceptions about white people makes sense, so why she was turned into such a ridiculous villain that hates Matt on principle and supported Gavin without even knowing him was a writing choice. Not one I understand, though.
Why mention Gavin suffering racial inequality only to have Amina say seconds later that she didn’t sympathize with him? Using an abusive ex boyfriend for this discussion clouded the issue horribly and again, I questioned the intent.
Three characters in this story side with Gavin without knowing what a monster he was and those characters are all demonized for focusing too much on race. Specifically, being unfair to the white guy. What the hell was the intent?
Add to this the book makes it look like Amina was silly for being scared Matt’s mother might be racist? Why? I would’ve worried it was going to say the black characters cared more about Matt’s race than the white characters, but then we have that horrible bit with Matt’s racist friends so, I don’t understand the point. And I also don’t think enough was done to tackle the fact that Matt was friends with them because he shouldn’t have been.
Andy confused me because I assumed she must’ve been much younger than everyone else. She acted like a jealous teenage girl and I didn’t understand why Matt was determined to keep her friendship.
Also, Matt beating Gavin up served no purpose and was never mentioned again. What was the point of that?
So, in the end, Ella was cartoonishly evil and I think turning a character like that into a monster was a poor choice. Black women have legitimate concerns about dating white people and this book belittling them left a really bad taste in my mouth. This book also ignored that black men have also belittled and denigrated black women. Ella being blindly in favor of all black men, including a man that beat her friend, just seemed like a really strange oversight. I am extremely disappointed to find such a character was written by a woman.
January 20, 2020
Love Conquers All?
Amina is very interesting character. Not only is she dealing with an obsessive ex,but also struggling with her newly discovered feelings for Matt. This is her first experience dating outside of her race & she has to face a lot. What would her parents think, her friends think,but most importantly how does she feel? She also struggles with what does it mean for her identity as a Black Woman. However, Matt is understanding, but not giving up easily. He has own set of issues including his childhood best friend "Andy" wanting to be more than friends unknown to him at first. I won't spoil the book ,but I will say some of the characters( i.e Amina's friends & ex) were rooting for the couple to fail before they even truly began. Although, their actions irked me to a degree,sadly that's truly how some people are. I think the author did address the issues some interracial couples realistically. Best of all Amina had Kayla & Venus who were much more understanding being in similar interracial relationship themselves. Drama aside I still enjoyed this story & that the couple did make it work. Looking to hear more of Ina's story next.
Amina is very interesting character. Not only is she dealing with an obsessive ex,but also struggling with her newly discovered feelings for Matt. This is her first experience dating outside of her race & she has to face a lot. What would her parents think, her friends think,but most importantly how does she feel? She also struggles with what does it mean for her identity as a Black Woman. However, Matt is understanding, but not giving up easily. He has own set of issues including his childhood best friend "Andy" wanting to be more than friends unknown to him at first. I won't spoil the book ,but I will say some of the characters( i.e Amina's friends & ex) were rooting for the couple to fail before they even truly began. Although, their actions irked me to a degree,sadly that's truly how some people are. I think the author did address the issues some interracial couples realistically. Best of all Amina had Kayla & Venus who were much more understanding being in similar interracial relationship themselves. Drama aside I still enjoyed this story & that the couple did make it work. Looking to hear more of Ina's story next.
September 2, 2020
Current and Deeply Relevant
I thought I read these books all in order so how I managed to miss this treasure is beyond me. Amina and Matt's story is so powerful and important. We all were brought up with values and beliefs. Some are core, universal, and valuable, but some are toxic traditions thaf need to be challenged.
We should not try and separate ourselves from those that are different but try to reach a mutual understanding of each other because we do not habe the same history but we can share. Amina even with her history was open to love. She just had to get out of her own way.
Matt was patient and understanding. He was willing to learn how to get past his own history and learn how his queen needed to be loved. Amina was lucky enough to find not only a man worthy to love the queen in her, but also one who qas willing to punch the lights out of a few peasants who would dare to disrespect her. He was fair. He told her from the beginning he was not letting go. We should all be so lucky as to be open to this kind of love.
I thought I read these books all in order so how I managed to miss this treasure is beyond me. Amina and Matt's story is so powerful and important. We all were brought up with values and beliefs. Some are core, universal, and valuable, but some are toxic traditions thaf need to be challenged.
We should not try and separate ourselves from those that are different but try to reach a mutual understanding of each other because we do not habe the same history but we can share. Amina even with her history was open to love. She just had to get out of her own way.
Matt was patient and understanding. He was willing to learn how to get past his own history and learn how his queen needed to be loved. Amina was lucky enough to find not only a man worthy to love the queen in her, but also one who qas willing to punch the lights out of a few peasants who would dare to disrespect her. He was fair. He told her from the beginning he was not letting go. We should all be so lucky as to be open to this kind of love.
March 6, 2022
Amina and Matt showed that not all interracial romances are easy. I was invested in them after the first few pages. I wanted to know how their story turned out.
A few times, I thought Amina wasn't going to fight for them. I thought she was going to allow her friends and family to dictate her feelings towards others. I was worried that she would go back to her ex. However, she stood her ground. It was shaky ground, but she stood it nonetheless. I loved her character. At times, I wanted to yell at her. However, I was on her side. I felt bad for her. Other times, I beamed with pride. Amina was a strong black woman.
Matt's attitude and personality made him attractive. The beard, muscles, and protectiveness didn't hurt. I enjoyed the back and forth between him and Amina. There is nothing more attractive than getting a nickname.
I loved their story! It was entertaining. It made you think about the things that interracial couples go through from friends, family, and the public. Give it a try. I'm sure you won't be disappointed.
Happy Reading! :)
A few times, I thought Amina wasn't going to fight for them. I thought she was going to allow her friends and family to dictate her feelings towards others. I was worried that she would go back to her ex. However, she stood her ground. It was shaky ground, but she stood it nonetheless. I loved her character. At times, I wanted to yell at her. However, I was on her side. I felt bad for her. Other times, I beamed with pride. Amina was a strong black woman.
Matt's attitude and personality made him attractive. The beard, muscles, and protectiveness didn't hurt. I enjoyed the back and forth between him and Amina. There is nothing more attractive than getting a nickname.
I loved their story! It was entertaining. It made you think about the things that interracial couples go through from friends, family, and the public. Give it a try. I'm sure you won't be disappointed.
Happy Reading! :)
July 2, 2023
Love this story
I have not read any of the Make it Marriage books in a while or any of her other stories; however, it did not disappoint. I truly love Matt and Mina's story. The author was accurate when it comes to many of the feelings and actions of victims/survivors of domestic abuse/violence and in her depiction of some people's reaction to interracial romance. Matt was patient, protective, kind, understanding, honest, loving, and so much more. Mina had suffered greatly at the hands of her abusive ex-boyfriend. She also suffered emotionally and mentally because she did not share the extreme and misplaced ideas of her roommate when it came to dating outside of her race. I love that she learned to stand up for herself and to truly trust Matt and to let love in. She chose love. We cannot allow anyone to dictate who we love and accept in our lives. Love is colorless yet colorful; it is beautiful, sweet, and flowing.
I have not read any of the Make it Marriage books in a while or any of her other stories; however, it did not disappoint. I truly love Matt and Mina's story. The author was accurate when it comes to many of the feelings and actions of victims/survivors of domestic abuse/violence and in her depiction of some people's reaction to interracial romance. Matt was patient, protective, kind, understanding, honest, loving, and so much more. Mina had suffered greatly at the hands of her abusive ex-boyfriend. She also suffered emotionally and mentally because she did not share the extreme and misplaced ideas of her roommate when it came to dating outside of her race. I love that she learned to stand up for herself and to truly trust Matt and to let love in. She chose love. We cannot allow anyone to dictate who we love and accept in our lives. Love is colorless yet colorful; it is beautiful, sweet, and flowing.
January 20, 2020
Awesome book!
Awesome book I could not out it down. It was one of those books that you wanted to jump in the pages and smack somebody. I loved the chemistry of Mina and Matt it was charming from the beginning. The shoreline was very believable cause you can help who you love. The heart wants who it wants and you have to except it if you want happiness. Ella was just as bad as Gavin to a point, she wanted her friends to except her beliefs and nothing else. But it was a great story. Andy was a mess, she felt like ok sooner or later Matt would realize I am here love me. I wish it would have given more of Matt and Mina in the future. But over all its one I would read again! Loved it!
Awesome book I could not out it down. It was one of those books that you wanted to jump in the pages and smack somebody. I loved the chemistry of Mina and Matt it was charming from the beginning. The shoreline was very believable cause you can help who you love. The heart wants who it wants and you have to except it if you want happiness. Ella was just as bad as Gavin to a point, she wanted her friends to except her beliefs and nothing else. But it was a great story. Andy was a mess, she felt like ok sooner or later Matt would realize I am here love me. I wish it would have given more of Matt and Mina in the future. But over all its one I would read again! Loved it!
November 28, 2020
Wow
Matt and Anemia, I'm speechless. It's so funny how racism is alive and well. It's reverse racism. And I really appreciated the view. I appreciated how the story opened. I liked the angst between Anemia and her ex, Gavin.
I liked how everyone Black was rooting for Gavin because of his image, rich, attractive and community oriented. But no one could see his secret.
Andy and Matt seemed like the ideal couple who was only friends.
And I liked that Matt knew from the first encounter that Amenia would be his forever.
And I really loved that he said that she glowed.
And I really liked that Kayla, Brendan, Troy and Venus, Ina, Mrs. G, Teale, and the gang keeps threading through the series.
Matt and Anemia, I'm speechless. It's so funny how racism is alive and well. It's reverse racism. And I really appreciated the view. I appreciated how the story opened. I liked the angst between Anemia and her ex, Gavin.
I liked how everyone Black was rooting for Gavin because of his image, rich, attractive and community oriented. But no one could see his secret.
Andy and Matt seemed like the ideal couple who was only friends.
And I liked that Matt knew from the first encounter that Amenia would be his forever.
And I really loved that he said that she glowed.
And I really liked that Kayla, Brendan, Troy and Venus, Ina, Mrs. G, Teale, and the gang keeps threading through the series.
February 14, 2021
This book was pretty good, the romance developed from a fake boyfriend situation. There was a lot of angst caused by the ex-boyfriend. It took forever for true story to come out. The ending wasn't completely as happy as I would have liked, but Amina and Matt overcame a lot to be together.
My sole complaint about the author is that her editing isn't the best. I've noticed over several books of hers that she uses the wrong name for a character, has several typos, and may use the wrong word or tense of verb. They don't take away from the stories, but I'm a stickler for those kind of things. It annoys me because if I like a book, I'll read it over a over again. I don't understand why it is that authors don't do the same before they put they're work out.
My sole complaint about the author is that her editing isn't the best. I've noticed over several books of hers that she uses the wrong name for a character, has several typos, and may use the wrong word or tense of verb. They don't take away from the stories, but I'm a stickler for those kind of things. It annoys me because if I like a book, I'll read it over a over again. I don't understand why it is that authors don't do the same before they put they're work out.
February 9, 2022
Fabulous
WOW this is quite a story! It's definitely enjoyable with a fantastic and awesome set of characters, that have such great chemistry. This is a lesson in being different, sometimes it's sad but it's always exciting, thrilling with such unusual passion! There is a lot that it will teach you but it will definitely bring a smile to your heart with such a unique romantic element, but the one thing I always wish for is granted. There is more to the ending. You can't help but to blossom under the time spent on their relationship because its such a delight to read. You will even enjoy the secondary characters which by the way they are absolutely amazing. Overall this is a five star romance which l greatly enjoyed.
WOW this is quite a story! It's definitely enjoyable with a fantastic and awesome set of characters, that have such great chemistry. This is a lesson in being different, sometimes it's sad but it's always exciting, thrilling with such unusual passion! There is a lot that it will teach you but it will definitely bring a smile to your heart with such a unique romantic element, but the one thing I always wish for is granted. There is more to the ending. You can't help but to blossom under the time spent on their relationship because its such a delight to read. You will even enjoy the secondary characters which by the way they are absolutely amazing. Overall this is a five star romance which l greatly enjoyed.
January 20, 2020
Overcoming
It is hard to tackle the sensitive issue of black pride and interracial romance. On one hand, we want so hard to build up our community's self worth and not look to other groups for validation. At the same time, we're can't control who we love. Though sometimes it seems to contradict. I like Nia's attempt to convey that. I hated Amina's hiding of their relationship and the rationale was hard for me to swallow. Also the birthday celebration was hard as well to be happy with. I understand it is challenging to describe implicit racism and are we being sensitive or do they just not get it? Still a great romance but though topics to adequately describe.
It is hard to tackle the sensitive issue of black pride and interracial romance. On one hand, we want so hard to build up our community's self worth and not look to other groups for validation. At the same time, we're can't control who we love. Though sometimes it seems to contradict. I like Nia's attempt to convey that. I hated Amina's hiding of their relationship and the rationale was hard for me to swallow. Also the birthday celebration was hard as well to be happy with. I understand it is challenging to describe implicit racism and are we being sensitive or do they just not get it? Still a great romance but though topics to adequately describe.
April 15, 2020
Another Great Read
This book at times made me laugh and smile and get upset especially when people after stupid and ignorant too . I think it's nice to have friends and family who cares about your well being but sometimes you have to draw the line when it comes to how you p!an to live your life and who you choose to fall in love with. We all make choices and it's up to us to live up to it good or bad and gave whatever consequences we end up with. No one can make us happy if we're not happy with ourselves first. So these two went through a lot and allowed the chips to fall where they did. Really enjoyed reading about these two on to the next one. Thanks for sharing!
This book at times made me laugh and smile and get upset especially when people after stupid and ignorant too . I think it's nice to have friends and family who cares about your well being but sometimes you have to draw the line when it comes to how you p!an to live your life and who you choose to fall in love with. We all make choices and it's up to us to live up to it good or bad and gave whatever consequences we end up with. No one can make us happy if we're not happy with ourselves first. So these two went through a lot and allowed the chips to fall where they did. Really enjoyed reading about these two on to the next one. Thanks for sharing!
January 30, 2022
Amiga and Matt Fake Rom 2Marriage Tryst! 3.25***** Spoiler !
Emerging from an abusive, gaslight relationship to powerful bro Gavin, Amina, a matchmaker/ Queen, met Matt a wealthy carpenter/ business owner and the two fake dated to get rid of stalking Gavin. Their romance bloomed into reality as they encounter racial disparities and social family/friends issues. Yes HEA as Matt lost his bestie /girl Friday Andy and Mins lost Ella.
Fairly developed characters with Matt's being too perfect, the writing style and dialogues were too middle grad-ish. The theme of love conquering all was present. Meh & a quick read!
01/29/22- 01/30/22 COVID-19
Emerging from an abusive, gaslight relationship to powerful bro Gavin, Amina, a matchmaker/ Queen, met Matt a wealthy carpenter/ business owner and the two fake dated to get rid of stalking Gavin. Their romance bloomed into reality as they encounter racial disparities and social family/friends issues. Yes HEA as Matt lost his bestie /girl Friday Andy and Mins lost Ella.
Fairly developed characters with Matt's being too perfect, the writing style and dialogues were too middle grad-ish. The theme of love conquering all was present. Meh & a quick read!
01/29/22- 01/30/22 COVID-19
October 23, 2023
Okish!
Matt and Amina are not sure why they worked. Obviously, she is coming from an abusive relationship, which has made her cautious. Matt has sn instant attraction to her from the weddthey were attending. Why was Matt at the wedding? He didn't say which side he was attending bride or groom? Anyway, they make a pretend couple to keep Mina's ex away to show she has moved on. He doesn't get the message, so he spies on her(creepy stalking). She should have called cops.
Okish story, I can understand her friends wish to keep all relationship one race, but if the heart wants you listen and observe. Sorry, they broke up over Mina choice.
Matt and Amina are not sure why they worked. Obviously, she is coming from an abusive relationship, which has made her cautious. Matt has sn instant attraction to her from the weddthey were attending. Why was Matt at the wedding? He didn't say which side he was attending bride or groom? Anyway, they make a pretend couple to keep Mina's ex away to show she has moved on. He doesn't get the message, so he spies on her(creepy stalking). She should have called cops.
Okish story, I can understand her friends wish to keep all relationship one race, but if the heart wants you listen and observe. Sorry, they broke up over Mina choice.
January 19, 2020
Good story that is honest about interracial relationships
I'll keep this brief. I thought it was a really good book that took an honest and objective look at interracial relationships. The prejudices people have. The only complaint I have about the book is that Matt absolutely abandons the woman who has been his best friend for decades for his woman. I understand that his woman has to come 1st but to just drop your best friend completely seams harsh when she really didn't do anything wrong. I felt terrible for her.
I'll keep this brief. I thought it was a really good book that took an honest and objective look at interracial relationships. The prejudices people have. The only complaint I have about the book is that Matt absolutely abandons the woman who has been his best friend for decades for his woman. I understand that his woman has to come 1st but to just drop your best friend completely seams harsh when she really didn't do anything wrong. I felt terrible for her.
February 18, 2020
Good read!!
I really liked this book. The relationship between Amina and Matt was very sweet. I liked the way their relationship slowly evolved in spite of how they met. Amina 's doubts and fears were realistic in the face of her "pro black" roommates, family and an abusive ex. I would had given this a higher rating is felt Amina having two bosses involved with white men Amina should have at least gone to one of them for some advice. Besides more of Venus is never a bad thing. ..I Love Her Character! !
I really liked this book. The relationship between Amina and Matt was very sweet. I liked the way their relationship slowly evolved in spite of how they met. Amina 's doubts and fears were realistic in the face of her "pro black" roommates, family and an abusive ex. I would had given this a higher rating is felt Amina having two bosses involved with white men Amina should have at least gone to one of them for some advice. Besides more of Venus is never a bad thing. ..I Love Her Character! !
March 2, 2020
Story derailed.
Enjoyed the story until it was derailed. I read this genre because at the end of the day, in the game of love, color does not matter. That said, society, on both sides of the fence, believe that it does matters. A good story in this genre should be " us against the world". The h was trifling and allowed others to tell her that it was wrong to love someone that was different. Eventually, she figured it out but it was tiresome. Of course, the H was perfect. Really?
Enjoyed the story until it was derailed. I read this genre because at the end of the day, in the game of love, color does not matter. That said, society, on both sides of the fence, believe that it does matters. A good story in this genre should be " us against the world". The h was trifling and allowed others to tell her that it was wrong to love someone that was different. Eventually, she figured it out but it was tiresome. Of course, the H was perfect. Really?
May 2, 2020
Loving this series
I also love this couple. Large rugged, make who loves solidly but gently. A woman who came through the fire, found her strength again. The scenario of the friends can be so true. Although we care for and about other people who may have helped us regain strength, we can't live for other people. It's like they saying that people come into your lives for a reason, a season or a lifetime.... That's not the exact saying but Ellie's friendship was for a reason and it lasted a season. Now she is with someone who will build her up for a lifetime.
I also love this couple. Large rugged, make who loves solidly but gently. A woman who came through the fire, found her strength again. The scenario of the friends can be so true. Although we care for and about other people who may have helped us regain strength, we can't live for other people. It's like they saying that people come into your lives for a reason, a season or a lifetime.... That's not the exact saying but Ellie's friendship was for a reason and it lasted a season. Now she is with someone who will build her up for a lifetime.
May 29, 2024
Very nearly didn't finish this book because it got ridiculous half way. At some point I was wondering if I was reading a book in the slave era. The FC got so irritating at a point with all her worries about interracial dating, and this is coming from me who is an African woman. It didn't make sense that she cared what others thought after getting her parents onboard their relationship. Didn't make sense that she lied to her friends about it too. The plot was unnecessary. What/who saved the book was Matt and their relationship dynamic.
January 26, 2020
Loved this book
I absolutely loved this book. Everything about it was amazing. Every character was fully fleshed out. There were no people that were mentioned that left me wondering why they were even in the story. The main characters were so so so amazing. I just can’t say enough about how much I love this story and she has been added to my favorite writers. Thank you for doing such a great job on this book. I will read it again!
I absolutely loved this book. Everything about it was amazing. Every character was fully fleshed out. There were no people that were mentioned that left me wondering why they were even in the story. The main characters were so so so amazing. I just can’t say enough about how much I love this story and she has been added to my favorite writers. Thank you for doing such a great job on this book. I will read it again!
February 2, 2020
Great story but......
I would loved to have given this book a 4 or a 5, but I didn't like how wek the main character was. Since when does a strong black woman allow herself to be treated so poorly by a supposed female friend? Harping on all the strong, black, female strength characteristics only to be subjugated to the basement, and then to tolerate it? Bull****! The story should have been one way or the other.
I would loved to have given this book a 4 or a 5, but I didn't like how wek the main character was. Since when does a strong black woman allow herself to be treated so poorly by a supposed female friend? Harping on all the strong, black, female strength characteristics only to be subjugated to the basement, and then to tolerate it? Bull****! The story should have been one way or the other.
January 19, 2020
Real Life Romance
Can I just say: this book is giving me life! I laughed out loud, cringed, nodded, swooned, sighed. Nia Arthurs’ work is a tour de force! Race relations, domestic abuse, unrequited love, and love at first sight are all themes this author deftly weaves together for a satisfying marathon read. Well done!
Can I just say: this book is giving me life! I laughed out loud, cringed, nodded, swooned, sighed. Nia Arthurs’ work is a tour de force! Race relations, domestic abuse, unrequited love, and love at first sight are all themes this author deftly weaves together for a satisfying marathon read. Well done!
January 29, 2020
A True Love Story.
Amazing story of an interracial couple. Aminah has faced problems in a past relationship. Matt loved her regardless and always wanted to protect her from anything or anyone that brought sadness into her life. Matt knew he would be there for her for the rest of his life.
Amazing story of an interracial couple. Aminah has faced problems in a past relationship. Matt loved her regardless and always wanted to protect her from anything or anyone that brought sadness into her life. Matt knew he would be there for her for the rest of his life.
February 29, 2020
DNF - 24%
Listen, there are real pitfalls to dating interracially and real conversations people have to have with themselves and their SOs, but her friends's militant ways being painted this way sat so wrong with me. There are real reasons—historical and present reasons—why someone would be leery about who they date. This depiction is so flat and not nuanced enough for 200 pages.
Listen, there are real pitfalls to dating interracially and real conversations people have to have with themselves and their SOs, but her friends's militant ways being painted this way sat so wrong with me. There are real reasons—historical and present reasons—why someone would be leery about who they date. This depiction is so flat and not nuanced enough for 200 pages.
March 23, 2020
Admins and Matt
It was hard to get into at first. But by the third chapter it was great. Was not a fan of Armina's friend Ella. We all have our own beliefs. But until you know get to know a person and really talk to them never judge a book by it's cover. I'm glad Matt was a supportive person.
It was hard to get into at first. But by the third chapter it was great. Was not a fan of Armina's friend Ella. We all have our own beliefs. But until you know get to know a person and really talk to them never judge a book by it's cover. I'm glad Matt was a supportive person.
December 13, 2020
A great quick read
I loved how the author skillfully addressed some of the main complexities of an inter racial relationship yet didn’t bog the storyline down too much with them but kept the story moving . I could feel the genuine, romantic feelings as well as the hesitancy. The love story draws you in and takes you on the journey right along with the characters.
I loved how the author skillfully addressed some of the main complexities of an inter racial relationship yet didn’t bog the storyline down too much with them but kept the story moving . I could feel the genuine, romantic feelings as well as the hesitancy. The love story draws you in and takes you on the journey right along with the characters.
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