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Night Shift #1
Equivalent Exchange
Keris Bradford is a woman on the brink.
Of what?
She doesn’t quite know.
Her life is shifting, rapidly, and the sudden, captivating intrusion of Laken Kimble isn’t exactly… reassuring.
For Keris, Laken is comfort and risk wrapped in one very appealing package.
For Laken, Keris is barrier and providence all at once.
For both, there arises a need to navigate those contrasts to a conclusion neither was looking for… a need to answer a simple question.
If you want this… what are you willing to offer in exchange?
Of what?
She doesn’t quite know.
Her life is shifting, rapidly, and the sudden, captivating intrusion of Laken Kimble isn’t exactly… reassuring.
For Keris, Laken is comfort and risk wrapped in one very appealing package.
For Laken, Keris is barrier and providence all at once.
For both, there arises a need to navigate those contrasts to a conclusion neither was looking for… a need to answer a simple question.
If you want this… what are you willing to offer in exchange?
242 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 2, 2019
779 people are currently reading
2191 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 436 reviews
April 19, 2022
Ok Laken!!! Tell us you’re a grown man without telling us you’re a grown man! He did not come to play! I loved soooo much about this story. Laken and Keris were exactly what each other needed! What a refreshing story on loving someone despite their fears and flaws. I will say that the storyline about the beer fell flat at times but the meaning behind it and the sentimental moments gave those flat moments in the story a pass. Natalie!!!! Girl you didn’t have to do Walter like that….. but I’m glad you did!! 🤣🤣 Christina is effortlessly giving what needs to be gave in these stories…. Whew Chile! 🔥❤️
April 16, 2023
Baaaaaabbbbyyyyy, when I tell you this book was life! It exemplified real grown up love. Laken and Keris were the definition of black love. They each had their own personal demons but, they didn't let them stop the love they so clearly had for one another. I loved how they blossomed into a healthy and passionate relationship. The narration was on point as always. Wesleigh Siobhan killed it! Emmanuel Ingram did an awesome job as well. This was my first book narrated by him and, hopefully, it will not be the last. Equivalent Exchange was everything you would expect from CCJ. 👍🏾👍🏾
April 18, 2023
Keris x Laken
I am sooo overwhelmed by how GREAT this book was. Although, I never doubted how good it was going to be. But my goodness, this was absolutely amazing. This book left me on a high, and I don't want to get down. Laken and Keris were probably 2 of the most lovable duos I've ever read about. They were grown and so mature. They both had some trauma they were dealing with. But it was just so admirable how they dealt with them. That's what I love about CCJ books. We get a level of maturity that is so refreshing. Two grown adults dealing with life in real adult-like ways. That's what Laken and Keris did. No games. Laken told her what it was. Although a bit apprehensive and understandably so, Keris stuck around. CCJ took us on a deep journey to love with those two, and we also got to see how real and powerful their love grew before they even realized it. And the dialogues…chef's kiss. Last thing I'll say…Nathalie a real one. Get you a friend like her.
I am sooo overwhelmed by how GREAT this book was. Although, I never doubted how good it was going to be. But my goodness, this was absolutely amazing. This book left me on a high, and I don't want to get down. Laken and Keris were probably 2 of the most lovable duos I've ever read about. They were grown and so mature. They both had some trauma they were dealing with. But it was just so admirable how they dealt with them. That's what I love about CCJ books. We get a level of maturity that is so refreshing. Two grown adults dealing with life in real adult-like ways. That's what Laken and Keris did. No games. Laken told her what it was. Although a bit apprehensive and understandably so, Keris stuck around. CCJ took us on a deep journey to love with those two, and we also got to see how real and powerful their love grew before they even realized it. And the dialogues…chef's kiss. Last thing I'll say…Nathalie a real one. Get you a friend like her.
May 29, 2023
I'm so impressed with this author. The way she blends so many aspects that I love in romances so perfectly just gets me every time.
Soul mates, but one of them is at first reluctant. What started as a obe night stand ends up being the love of a lifetime.
This feels like a romance for grown ups. Mature characters (he's 40, she's 36 or 37) who have some baggage that comes with living past 20. And the way that maturity allowed them to sink into their love more fully was a beautiful thing.
Another protective hero done to perfection, and a strong woman not afraid to be vulnerable.
I adored this.
And yes...I internally screamed at the on page reference to Full Metal Alchemist lol.
CW: domestic violence, death of a parent, infertility, overdose
Soul mates, but one of them is at first reluctant. What started as a obe night stand ends up being the love of a lifetime.
This feels like a romance for grown ups. Mature characters (he's 40, she's 36 or 37) who have some baggage that comes with living past 20. And the way that maturity allowed them to sink into their love more fully was a beautiful thing.
Another protective hero done to perfection, and a strong woman not afraid to be vulnerable.
I adored this.
And yes...I internally screamed at the on page reference to Full Metal Alchemist lol.
CW: domestic violence, death of a parent, infertility, overdose
May 4, 2022
CW: Alzheimer’s, loss of loved ones, miscarriage
Y’all know Ms Jones can write a damn romance. Just know this is not a romcom because I didn’t read the synopsis and was crying 😭😂
But per usual: characters and dialogue that feel real, delicious steamy times, and a couple you want to root for.
Y’all know Ms Jones can write a damn romance. Just know this is not a romcom because I didn’t read the synopsis and was crying 😭😂
But per usual: characters and dialogue that feel real, delicious steamy times, and a couple you want to root for.
November 2, 2020
I loved this book. It was so real and relatable in many ways. The personalities of Laken and Keris' characters blended so well together. Their energy was electrifying. I loved the story within the story of brewing beer. This book was good enough to read a second time! I'd love to read more from this author. She wrote a very nice story filled with every emotion known to man. And don't let me get started on the sex scenes. Very, very nice naughty....READ THE BOOK!
October 9, 2022
This book was just everything!
It is a love story that was far from a fairy tale, but definitely meant to be.
Keris had been running from a terrible previous relationship and a home that wasn't....her home. She runs into a beautiful man whom she hopes will temporarily help her forget her dreadful situation.
Unbeknownst to her, this man, Laken has other plans for her. Immediately he is taken by Keris and carefully persues her.
They both were damaged from their past, but even when one was being stubborn they managed to progress together. I felt their love before they even considered love. It was in their actions. The WAY they showed up for each other, the WAY they protected each other.
I also love that they were older 36 and 40 respectively and they were much wiser for it. Love can happen at all ages it's not meant just for the young.
To close, their physical connection was off the charts, and I like how intentional Laken was by ensuring they built beyond it.
Excellent read!
It is a love story that was far from a fairy tale, but definitely meant to be.
Keris had been running from a terrible previous relationship and a home that wasn't....her home. She runs into a beautiful man whom she hopes will temporarily help her forget her dreadful situation.
Unbeknownst to her, this man, Laken has other plans for her. Immediately he is taken by Keris and carefully persues her.
They both were damaged from their past, but even when one was being stubborn they managed to progress together. I felt their love before they even considered love. It was in their actions. The WAY they showed up for each other, the WAY they protected each other.
I also love that they were older 36 and 40 respectively and they were much wiser for it. Love can happen at all ages it's not meant just for the young.
To close, their physical connection was off the charts, and I like how intentional Laken was by ensuring they built beyond it.
Excellent read!
February 16, 2022
Initial reaction: That was a great story. I don't know if it hit home with me as much as "Behind the Scenes" but I still really enjoyed watching Keris and Laken's relationship develop over time. And I felt Jones's exploration of the trauma and grief the characters went through resonated with me. Plus the DBZ and Fullmetal Alchemist references? And the excellent audio narration? Probably overall rating will be 4.5 to 5 stars from me.
Full review:
"Equivalent Exchange" is the 2nd of Christina C. Jones's books I've read in the past month (3rd overall). This hit home in a way that I wasn't expecting it to. I wouldn't say I connected to it as closely as "Behind the Scenes", but I still greatly enjoyed the experience. I mentioned in my review for "Behind the Scenes" that I don't typically gravitate towards workplace romances. I would also argue there's a little more overlap in terms of the boss/supervisor role for this first book in the "Night Shift" series.
When the book starts, we're meeting Keris taking a familiar escape route to alcohol despite her best friend's scolding. Keris ends up at Night Shift, the only bar near her place that hasn't turned her away for drinks (yet). She meets Laken and the two end up hitting it off relatively quickly. (Err...hitting it off would be putting it mildly with the level of steaminess between these two.) Yet just when she thinks she won't see Laken again anytime soon, Keris learns that Laken's the boss of the bar that interviews her for her next, desperately needed job. That's not the only mess she walks into as a very familiar, very former ex-boss and lover ends up crossing paths with both her and Laken in the same building.
So my first thought upon learning all this was "Yeah, this is a hot mess and a half waiting to happen." (I'm glad that I had much the same thoughts as Keris's friend as well, lol.) But this book showcases the relationships within with much more heart than I would have expected for the level of potential conflicts. You get to know the characters in a way that makes it easy to empathize with them. When I learned how Keris managed to escape a toxic situation and the way she grapples after a series of traumatic events, I felt more connected to what she was going through. Likewise, Laken's a fully developed character going through his own hardships, between navigating running Night Shift and dealing with family matters as well. I enjoyed getting to know both Keris and Laken as well as the collective cast of characters here. (Save for Keris's ex; he can rot as far as I'm concerned.)
The anime references in here are small, but are significant in how they relate to the characters and their interactions with each other. I definitely appreciated the reference to Fullmetal Alchemist, one of my favorite anime/manga series, and the link to the title of the work. It's established in here a little more towards the last bit of the book, but when you think about the events and themes the book carries with it relative to Keris and Laken's experiences, it makes sense. I'll admit that I laughed at the way they bonded over the bit and appreciated the conversation there.
I also found it refreshing that we follow a heroine who's 36 and a hero who's 40, which is definitely different than many peer contemporary romances that typically trend younger. Combining the piping hot steam of the intimate scenes, I really enjoyed the collective experience of this book. Definitely plan on picking up the next book in the Night Shift series as I can do so. Another fine performance for the audiobook reading by both Emmanuel Ingram and Wesleigh Siobhan.
Overall score: 4.5/5 stars.
Full review:
"Equivalent Exchange" is the 2nd of Christina C. Jones's books I've read in the past month (3rd overall). This hit home in a way that I wasn't expecting it to. I wouldn't say I connected to it as closely as "Behind the Scenes", but I still greatly enjoyed the experience. I mentioned in my review for "Behind the Scenes" that I don't typically gravitate towards workplace romances. I would also argue there's a little more overlap in terms of the boss/supervisor role for this first book in the "Night Shift" series.
When the book starts, we're meeting Keris taking a familiar escape route to alcohol despite her best friend's scolding. Keris ends up at Night Shift, the only bar near her place that hasn't turned her away for drinks (yet). She meets Laken and the two end up hitting it off relatively quickly. (Err...hitting it off would be putting it mildly with the level of steaminess between these two.) Yet just when she thinks she won't see Laken again anytime soon, Keris learns that Laken's the boss of the bar that interviews her for her next, desperately needed job. That's not the only mess she walks into as a very familiar, very former ex-boss and lover ends up crossing paths with both her and Laken in the same building.
So my first thought upon learning all this was "Yeah, this is a hot mess and a half waiting to happen." (I'm glad that I had much the same thoughts as Keris's friend as well, lol.) But this book showcases the relationships within with much more heart than I would have expected for the level of potential conflicts. You get to know the characters in a way that makes it easy to empathize with them. When I learned how Keris managed to escape a toxic situation and the way she grapples after a series of traumatic events, I felt more connected to what she was going through. Likewise, Laken's a fully developed character going through his own hardships, between navigating running Night Shift and dealing with family matters as well. I enjoyed getting to know both Keris and Laken as well as the collective cast of characters here. (Save for Keris's ex; he can rot as far as I'm concerned.)
The anime references in here are small, but are significant in how they relate to the characters and their interactions with each other. I definitely appreciated the reference to Fullmetal Alchemist, one of my favorite anime/manga series, and the link to the title of the work. It's established in here a little more towards the last bit of the book, but when you think about the events and themes the book carries with it relative to Keris and Laken's experiences, it makes sense. I'll admit that I laughed at the way they bonded over the bit and appreciated the conversation there.
I also found it refreshing that we follow a heroine who's 36 and a hero who's 40, which is definitely different than many peer contemporary romances that typically trend younger. Combining the piping hot steam of the intimate scenes, I really enjoyed the collective experience of this book. Definitely plan on picking up the next book in the Night Shift series as I can do so. Another fine performance for the audiobook reading by both Emmanuel Ingram and Wesleigh Siobhan.
Overall score: 4.5/5 stars.
August 12, 2023
Laken believes he and Keris are destined to be together. I hope he's right because they are perfect for each other. Their personal and painful journey requires that they heal one another and they did just that.
Great story! (Although the book cover is too dark and the bottom half a tad bit confusing.)
February 3, 2020
Maybe soulmates are real
cw: mentions of past child abuse, miscarriages, domestic violence and sexual assault
cw: mentions of past child abuse, miscarriages, domestic violence and sexual assault
December 30, 2022
5 stars. Review coming soon! This audiobook hit the SPOT! CCJ can truly do no wrong!
February 25, 2025
Christina NEVER MISS !!!
January 18, 2025
“Someone reviled you enough for violence to be their chosen communication method.”
“Tell me what i have to do to get inside of you instead?”
Full series i found on hoopla.
CCJ is definitely becoming one of my favorite authors. I’ve listened to three of her books so far and like the others this gets a 5 🌟 from me. CCJ just knows how to write black love. Knows how to develop the characters and story. She sets a beautiful scene. Don’t know what took me so long to read her catalog but I’m here now.
Absolutely loved Laken and Keris. Pulled me right in from the jump. These two just had that flaming hot connection in the best way where you can tell they were meant. When he smacked that cat i damn near choked 😂. It was nice to see them grown and communicate with one another. They both experienced some hard moments in their past and even in the present there are difficult matters at play. No matter what they are each other’s safe place. I also enjoyed their careers. Laken being a beer crafter with the family having roots in bourbon. Then Keris a social media/marketing designer for businesses.
Walter is a sucker and sour puss. Natalie is my girl!! I love when authors write a really good friend(s) to the MCs.
“Tell me what i have to do to get inside of you instead?”
Full series i found on hoopla.
CCJ is definitely becoming one of my favorite authors. I’ve listened to three of her books so far and like the others this gets a 5 🌟 from me. CCJ just knows how to write black love. Knows how to develop the characters and story. She sets a beautiful scene. Don’t know what took me so long to read her catalog but I’m here now.
Absolutely loved Laken and Keris. Pulled me right in from the jump. These two just had that flaming hot connection in the best way where you can tell they were meant. When he smacked that cat i damn near choked 😂. It was nice to see them grown and communicate with one another. They both experienced some hard moments in their past and even in the present there are difficult matters at play. No matter what they are each other’s safe place. I also enjoyed their careers. Laken being a beer crafter with the family having roots in bourbon. Then Keris a social media/marketing designer for businesses.
Walter is a sucker and sour puss. Natalie is my girl!! I love when authors write a really good friend(s) to the MCs.
November 11, 2021
I think I've never read a soulmates trope romance book, but I'm into it!!!!! Equivalent Exchange has my heart and soul. I was invested in Keris and Laken's story from beginning to end.
Christina's writing is beautiful and I always love reading her books. This one is powerful and sweet and emotional. But also steamy and funny and just perfect. I loved every second I spent reading this book.
Christina's writing is beautiful and I always love reading her books. This one is powerful and sweet and emotional. But also steamy and funny and just perfect. I loved every second I spent reading this book.
August 30, 2021
Written with lot of sensibility & maturity, this is the definition of kismet love. This is my first book by this author and I must say I'm impressed with her drama free plot and engaging narration.
She creates a world around a beer brew-pub Night Shift and the handsome owner Laken. Keris visits the pub one night and gets involved with him. Laken sees it as divine intervention, his brother Phoenix has sent as a message in his dream about her.
"I had a very clear plan forming in my mind, one that would put – and hopefully keep – Keris Bradford in my orbit until I changed her mind. She had to believe in kismet, if this was going to work. "
I have to point out something here. It's NOT cheesy, doesn't waste time and space with inane dialogues or one liners. She gets right to business with straight forward approach which was novel and fresh. I'm liking this author already!!!.
"Equivalent exchange. If you want something… you have to give something else up.”"
There's background story of Keris and her abusive boyfriend, there's hints of miscarriage, so if you have those triggers you need to be aware.
All the characters are super smart, sex is dripping with hotness and dialogues are very brisk and to the point.
I'll go check out more of her books
4 stars for Rebirth
Follow me on:
Email🌻 Bookbub 🌻 Twitter🌻 Instagram🌻 Blog🌻 Facebook🌻 Amazon 🌻
She creates a world around a beer brew-pub Night Shift and the handsome owner Laken. Keris visits the pub one night and gets involved with him. Laken sees it as divine intervention, his brother Phoenix has sent as a message in his dream about her.
"I had a very clear plan forming in my mind, one that would put – and hopefully keep – Keris Bradford in my orbit until I changed her mind. She had to believe in kismet, if this was going to work. "
I have to point out something here. It's NOT cheesy, doesn't waste time and space with inane dialogues or one liners. She gets right to business with straight forward approach which was novel and fresh. I'm liking this author already!!!.
"Equivalent exchange. If you want something… you have to give something else up.”"
There's background story of Keris and her abusive boyfriend, there's hints of miscarriage, so if you have those triggers you need to be aware.
All the characters are super smart, sex is dripping with hotness and dialogues are very brisk and to the point.
I'll go check out more of her books
4 stars for Rebirth
Follow me on:
Email🌻 Bookbub 🌻 Twitter🌻 Instagram🌻 Blog🌻 Facebook🌻 Amazon 🌻
August 3, 2025
Do you believe in soulmates? Laken had a dream that Keris is the one. Will his dream come true? You know in true CCJ fashion his dream will definitely come true but not without some bumps here and there. Both Keris and Laken went through some trauma and grief but they made sure to be there for each other.
I loved this story. I read it in one sitting.
I loved this story. I read it in one sitting.
December 29, 2021
tw: assault, abuse, infertility, miscarriage
okay and steamy soulmate type of romance
okay and steamy soulmate type of romance
Read
January 24, 2024TW: parental death, cancer, pregnancy loss, divorce, physical abuse, sexual abuse, verbal abuse, stalking, sibling loss
knowing those triggers really would've been helpful before i picked this up, so i'm gonna pass the word along :)
knowing those triggers really would've been helpful before i picked this up, so i'm gonna pass the word along :)
July 15, 2024
I really enjoyed the story. It is very sex forward which sometimes bothers me but the guy is committed right away, so that made it work for me.
They meet at his bar and he immediately seduces her. She runs out afterwards and he finds her and offers her a job and himself. He believes his brother told him that's she's the one for him so he's in it to win it right away. And I liked that. It's a very sexy story.
What brought it down is that there's a little bit too much of "love of the right person just fixes me". I like that therapy is in the story but I wish that the guy was going to therapy and not just the woman. He definitely has a lot to deal with but he is able to snap out of it and "learn" when she tells him that she needs him.
People will be really upset how his ex features in the story. His family still loves his ex-wife and she comes around. And he obviously really likes her too. She's moved on with another man. When they were together he wouldn't put her first. And now, supposedly, he can put the heroine first? That's where it felt a little unbelievable that he could grow and change without much work on himself.
Her ex is also in the story quite a bit but he is abusive so there's no other man trauma. I don't think her ex got enough comeuppance for his actions though.
They meet at his bar and he immediately seduces her. She runs out afterwards and he finds her and offers her a job and himself. He believes his brother told him that's she's the one for him so he's in it to win it right away. And I liked that. It's a very sexy story.
What brought it down is that there's a little bit too much of "love of the right person just fixes me". I like that therapy is in the story but I wish that the guy was going to therapy and not just the woman. He definitely has a lot to deal with but he is able to snap out of it and "learn" when she tells him that she needs him.
People will be really upset how his ex features in the story. His family still loves his ex-wife and she comes around. And he obviously really likes her too. She's moved on with another man. When they were together he wouldn't put her first. And now, supposedly, he can put the heroine first? That's where it felt a little unbelievable that he could grow and change without much work on himself.
Her ex is also in the story quite a bit but he is abusive so there's no other man trauma. I don't think her ex got enough comeuppance for his actions though.
December 20, 2020
Romance : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Brilliant. Lovely. Some amazing practically drama free true love kinda shit. Though there was drama on the page it was dealt with well and in a way that had you seeing growth in our leads.
Some CW/TW: Mentions of previous child abuse, death of parent(s), infertility/talk of previous miscarriages, and physical/mental abuse by significant other.
Brilliant. Lovely. Some amazing practically drama free true love kinda shit. Though there was drama on the page it was dealt with well and in a way that had you seeing growth in our leads.
Some CW/TW: Mentions of previous child abuse, death of parent(s), infertility/talk of previous miscarriages, and physical/mental abuse by significant other.
October 29, 2019
Looooooong story
This was a ok read, boring and overly explained read. I feel like this dirty lasted way too long by the writer giving out more than a a page of details of each thing that happen. Idk this story was a drag. Really didn’t get anything out of reading this.
This was a ok read, boring and overly explained read. I feel like this dirty lasted way too long by the writer giving out more than a a page of details of each thing that happen. Idk this story was a drag. Really didn’t get anything out of reading this.
April 8, 2023
This wasn’t really my favorite, Laken and Keris are definitely soulmates. But the story itself wasn’t that interesting to me
September 19, 2025
Good story but I’m not a fan of characters with no personality, it makes the story unmemorable. Literally their problems, work and love are their personalities.
August 15, 2023
(laken + keris) were destined to be from the beginning, even if Keris didn’t think so. I started with the audiobook before switching to my Kindle … but the narration by Wesleigh & Emmanuel was *chef’s kiss*. These two characters both had a past, but it didn’t deter them from growing and loving each other. Fears of the past and future didn’t stand a chance in this love story! Keris didn’t let Laken do what he always does when tragic strikes, and Keris decided to be brave and take chance. We all need a friend like Natalie, seriously!
August 12, 2022
Black love is so beautiful. Laken & Keris are too adorable. Walter needed his ass beat some more & should be in jail 🤬….aside from him it was a beautiful story many women could relate to. Loved they got their HEA
August 11, 2023
Phenomenal
CCJ has a gift for crafting vivid stories that I can visualize in my mind while reading; Laken and Keris’ story was no exception. If you’re looking for a grown, sexy, well written, layered read. Check this one out. You won’t be disappointed.
CCJ has a gift for crafting vivid stories that I can visualize in my mind while reading; Laken and Keris’ story was no exception. If you’re looking for a grown, sexy, well written, layered read. Check this one out. You won’t be disappointed.
November 14, 2023
🥹
Beautiful story!! Loved Keris & Laken together. Their chemistry was everything and the way they protected each other was a huge ordeal for me.❤️
Beautiful story!! Loved Keris & Laken together. Their chemistry was everything and the way they protected each other was a huge ordeal for me.❤️
June 17, 2020
This is my favorite Christina C. Jones book so far! Keris and Laken were such compelling characters. They felt so real to me, in part because they’re dealing with real issues (domestic violence and ectopic pregnancy for her, the death of his brother years ago and his dad’s health issues for him) and trying to figure out what they are to each other. I loved that Keris is 36 and Laken is 40. They’ve both gone through some things and bring experience and wisdom into the relationship.
Laken is focused on starting the nano-brewery component of his brewhouse. I really wish I could try his beers because they all sounded amazing. Keris meets him while he’s bartending at Night Shift, they have a one night stand, he realizes she’s a talented graphic designer and hires her. She’s looking for a fresh start after breaking things off with her long-time boyfriend, who is a real piece of work. They worked together and so she loses her job once she breaks up with him. She does not want to get involved with someone else that she’s working for but Laken proves he’s nothing like her ex. I thought the power dynamics were handled really well.
There’s some great symbolism and discussion around the idea of fate and soul mates. I really like how this came about through Laken’s grief and feeling as if his brother was still talking to him and guiding his life.
There are some truly heartbreaking moments (see content warnings) but I felt like the story was well balanced on the whole. While Keris in particular has experienced abuse and trauma throughout her life, it’s not exploited on the page and we even get to see her in therapy, which was wonderful. I loved her therapist. Laken also has hardships of his own and this resulted in a really moving arc. As sad as the story could be in places, it also made me laugh out loud. There’s a great sense of humor and I loved the way Keris and Laken interacted with one another. They were so good together! Such a completely satisfying contemporary romance.
CW: domestic violence, heroine’s boyfriend raped her, past ectopic pregnancy, past death of hero’s brother (overdose), grief, past child abuse, hero divorced 5 years ago, hero and his ex-wife dealt with infertility, hero’s left leg has a metal rod and he has a facial scar from a car accident, HIPAA violation (heroine’s doctor disclosed her medical information to her boyfriend without her consent or knowledge), slut-shaming (countered), heroine was adopted and her adoptive parents died when she was young, ableist language (“spazzing”), pregnant ex, concern of Alzheimer’s,
Laken is focused on starting the nano-brewery component of his brewhouse. I really wish I could try his beers because they all sounded amazing. Keris meets him while he’s bartending at Night Shift, they have a one night stand, he realizes she’s a talented graphic designer and hires her. She’s looking for a fresh start after breaking things off with her long-time boyfriend, who is a real piece of work. They worked together and so she loses her job once she breaks up with him. She does not want to get involved with someone else that she’s working for but Laken proves he’s nothing like her ex. I thought the power dynamics were handled really well.
There’s some great symbolism and discussion around the idea of fate and soul mates. I really like how this came about through Laken’s grief and feeling as if his brother was still talking to him and guiding his life.
There are some truly heartbreaking moments (see content warnings) but I felt like the story was well balanced on the whole. While Keris in particular has experienced abuse and trauma throughout her life, it’s not exploited on the page and we even get to see her in therapy, which was wonderful. I loved her therapist. Laken also has hardships of his own and this resulted in a really moving arc. As sad as the story could be in places, it also made me laugh out loud. There’s a great sense of humor and I loved the way Keris and Laken interacted with one another. They were so good together! Such a completely satisfying contemporary romance.
CW: domestic violence, heroine’s boyfriend raped her, past ectopic pregnancy, past death of hero’s brother (overdose), grief, past child abuse, hero divorced 5 years ago, hero and his ex-wife dealt with infertility, hero’s left leg has a metal rod and he has a facial scar from a car accident, HIPAA violation (heroine’s doctor disclosed her medical information to her boyfriend without her consent or knowledge), slut-shaming (countered), heroine was adopted and her adoptive parents died when she was young, ableist language (“spazzing”), pregnant ex, concern of Alzheimer’s,
March 18, 2022
Grown Folks Romance
I really enjoyed this book. I loved how mature the characters were and from the very beginning they never played around. They both knew what it was so we got to spend majority of the story watching their relationship develop instead of watching them decide if they actually wanted each other. I loved that Keris was in therapy and the scenes where she was talking to her therapist were GOLD. Laken was everything; I’m holding on to faith that a man like that will come into my life lol. But I loved their story and I loved the incorporation of the story of Night Shift and the family history. This story was it ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Thank you for your review.
I really enjoyed this book. I loved how mature the characters were and from the very beginning they never played around. They both knew what it was so we got to spend majority of the story watching their relationship develop instead of watching them decide if they actually wanted each other. I loved that Keris was in therapy and the scenes where she was talking to her therapist were GOLD. Laken was everything; I’m holding on to faith that a man like that will come into my life lol. But I loved their story and I loved the incorporation of the story of Night Shift and the family history. This story was it ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Thank you for your review.
September 18, 2021
These two were meant for each other but I found nothing about this book that stands out.
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