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A Bennett Affair #3
Unexpected Love
Sebastien Bennett is a man that is focused on two things. His career and his family. He isn’t configured to add any stumbling blocks into his already perfectly crafted routine.
That is… until love comes unexpectedly.
Imani Barasa doesn’t care about the fanfare surrounding her work life. Her only concern is making sure that her clients stay out of trouble and out of the media for all the wrong reasons. Growing her company while working on her inner self, is her top priority. She’s doing her best to stay on track with these specific goals and will stop at nothing to make sure that no one or nothing interrupts.
She stuck to the rules, until… The eldest of the Bennett Brothers make an appearance attempting to disrupt everything she’s worked hard to achieve.
Profound family drama continues to plague Sebastien and Imani in this heart-wrenching story of secrets, lies, and forgiveness.
A Bennett Affair is a series based on successful brothers delving into their own journey of life. Ironically, love comes for each one of them at different times with different experiences.
That is… until love comes unexpectedly.
Imani Barasa doesn’t care about the fanfare surrounding her work life. Her only concern is making sure that her clients stay out of trouble and out of the media for all the wrong reasons. Growing her company while working on her inner self, is her top priority. She’s doing her best to stay on track with these specific goals and will stop at nothing to make sure that no one or nothing interrupts.
She stuck to the rules, until… The eldest of the Bennett Brothers make an appearance attempting to disrupt everything she’s worked hard to achieve.
Profound family drama continues to plague Sebastien and Imani in this heart-wrenching story of secrets, lies, and forgiveness.
A Bennett Affair is a series based on successful brothers delving into their own journey of life. Ironically, love comes for each one of them at different times with different experiences.
272 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 15, 2020
151 people are currently reading
139 people want to read
About the author
Donnia Marie
14 books159 followersDonnia Marie is the author of the popular set of books in the Bennett Affair Series! She's quickly gaining momentum with her impeccable skills in weaving the complexity yet real love experienced by couples.
"I write to fill the heart, not with just joy of love but the beautifully imperfect love that we're capable of experiencing."
Donnia also emphasizes the need to have each reader form their own perspective and experience of a story.
"What good is a book if you can't picture yourself in it or feel the emotions? Every read should take you somewhere, whether it's to feel or learn."
With several books under her belt and most on audiobooks, it's hard to miss her work. If you don't run across her through books or audio, you may catch her performing. Donnia is very involved in the film industry as she's an actress and a serial entrepreneur. Go figure why she's such a travel fanatic. When taking a break, you can count on catching her with family and friends, enjoying the simplicity of life.
Anyone needing to contact her for business purposes can email her.
But for those wanting to comment or request certain reads, feel free to subscribe to her site or contact her via the site contact page.
Promo photos/videos are available for all books at www.DonniaMarie.com/Books
Text DONNIA to (678) 735-3400
for the latest updates and book releases
Twitter: AskDonnia
Facebook: AskDonnia
Instagram: AuthorDonniaMarie
Website: www.DonniaMarie.com/Books
More from DonniaMarie: www.linktr.ee/askdonnia
Email: Info@DonniaMarie.com
"I write to fill the heart, not with just joy of love but the beautifully imperfect love that we're capable of experiencing."
Donnia also emphasizes the need to have each reader form their own perspective and experience of a story.
"What good is a book if you can't picture yourself in it or feel the emotions? Every read should take you somewhere, whether it's to feel or learn."
With several books under her belt and most on audiobooks, it's hard to miss her work. If you don't run across her through books or audio, you may catch her performing. Donnia is very involved in the film industry as she's an actress and a serial entrepreneur. Go figure why she's such a travel fanatic. When taking a break, you can count on catching her with family and friends, enjoying the simplicity of life.
Anyone needing to contact her for business purposes can email her.
But for those wanting to comment or request certain reads, feel free to subscribe to her site or contact her via the site contact page.
Promo photos/videos are available for all books at www.DonniaMarie.com/Books
Text DONNIA to (678) 735-3400
for the latest updates and book releases
Twitter: AskDonnia
Facebook: AskDonnia
Instagram: AuthorDonniaMarie
Website: www.DonniaMarie.com/Books
More from DonniaMarie: www.linktr.ee/askdonnia
Email: Info@DonniaMarie.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
November 28, 2023
There was entirely too much useless dialogue in this book. While I can appreciate the backstory on Sebastian and Rain to get to the plot twist, it took too long to get there. Unexpected Love consisted of a maze and mixture of different plots which, made for a very disorganized storyline. These storylines seemed to drag on endlessly and there were way too many secondary characters. Even the romance between Sebastian and Imani took too long to get to. They barely had any interaction with one another on page until chapter 8. When you let that much time go by with no romance between the main characters, it just seems forced when it finally does happen. But, with all of my complaints, Unexpected Love was a really good book. It was full of drama, drama, drama! Whew chile, I wanted to whoop Rain's azz. I kept trying to understand why she was so important that she got her own POV. Well, I quickly figured that out when the plot twist was revealed. Once you get through all of the useless dialogue, the storyline really comes together. I was happy that Imani and Bash were able to get past the miscommunications, lies by omission, and the bitter ex to find their HEA. Unexpected Love started off with a slow burn but, the ending was definitely fire.
November 18, 2020
I think of all of the book about the Bennett Brothers...I think this story was my favorite...this book had a great backstory....I still love my Benji...LOL....This developing relationship was perfect between Bash & Imani and what brought them together....of course Shooter is one of their common denominators..... but, his brothers wives are also a connection for the couple....I also enjoyed the backstories for both of them and the things going on in their lives that could be considered obstacles.... Sebastian finally opened his heart and was ready for love....I enjoyed how be doted on his new niece and the apparent relationship between the two....There was a lot of information in this story to keep straight....this was a truly life adult relationship in the making....I absolutely loved this story!
June 1, 2022
It took me way too long to finish this book and I listened on audio. There was so much unnecessary dialogue and information that served no purpose to the storyline so I stopped and started more than I care to recall. The overall story was good and that’s what made me rate the book a 4. These brothers and their women are a trip! This is a rounded up 3.5 stars.
September 21, 2020
Life
Sebastien and Imani was fire from the first meeting. I could not put this book down. But between life’s ups and downs and adjusting to new norms, they are both going through and learning more about themselves. Great read.
Sebastien and Imani was fire from the first meeting. I could not put this book down. But between life’s ups and downs and adjusting to new norms, they are both going through and learning more about themselves. Great read.
June 11, 2024
Rain irked my fucking soul and spirit! She just blah, nvm!!!! Just know I would have punched her in the face and moved on.
June 11, 2025
3.5⭐️ (but not enough to round it up)
Unexpected Love had me hopeful. Bash and Imani have been on my radar since their first introduction, and I was genuinely excited to see their story unfold. They aren’t the kind of leads we often get in contemporary romance—especially not in stories heavy with drama. They’re more introspective, emotionally contained, and for the most part, they navigate life with something that resembles impulse control. It was refreshing. Even when they *did* give in to their desires, the hesitation that came before felt earned and true to character. There was maturity to their dynamic… at first....
But somewhere along the way, that promise started slipping.
The plot twist that anchored the conflict had all the ingredients to land a real emotional gut punch. It could have been a powerful turning point. But Donnia Marie makes a crucial misstep by laying it on far too thick. The decision to add a third POV, made it so obvious that by the time the twist hits, you’re not devastated—you’re just waiting for the inevitable fallout like a slow-moving car crash. There was no tension, no real surprise. It deflated the moment before it had the chance to fully expand.
The secondary characters—Rain and her husband—completely overshadowed the main romance. Their drama took up so much space that it began to eat into the moments Bash and Imani needed. This wasn’t just about screen time; it was about emotional focus. Instead of diving into Bash and Imani’s growing emotional bond (not the smut), their inner struggles, their push and pull, we got detours and distractions. And in a book that hinges on a deeply personal love story, that kind of narrative drift is difficult to come back from.
Then came the climax. Another dramatic upheaval, another whirlwind of emotion, another moment that almost worked. The characters’ reactions felt raw, even a little reckless—but I could live with that. People don't always handle heartbreak well, so I appreciated that the author didn't sugarcoat Imani's feelings. But where she did lose me—again—was in the resolution.
The denouement just didn’t deliver.
Instead of reckoning with the pain and doing the hard, intimate work of rebuilding trust, the characters either ran away or resigned themselves to what was. One accepted the new reality without much push, the other walked away, only to circle back later as if they’d just needed a breather. When they finally came together again, it didn’t feel hard-earned—it felt reluctant. I needed to feel them claw their way back to each other, to see them choose love, deliberately and with conviction. But what I got instead was something that felt like a quiet compromise.
Here’s the thing: when your characters go through “hell”, the reunion has to match the fallout. I want tears. I want grovelling. I want the kind of fight that shows they’d rather break than live without each other. Not a shrug and an epilogue that tries to gloss over the very real fractures that were never properly addressed.
It feels, once again, like Donnia Marie has a tendency to dig into the drama of romance—the betrayals, the breakdowns, the miscommunication—but shies away from truly exploring the emotional aftermath. She stops at the doorstep of the ugly but won’t step inside. The result is a story that brushes up against greatness, but never quite sinks its teeth into the depth it needs.
Unexpected Love was not a bad book. Bash and Imani had chemistry. Their potential was palpable. And in moments, I did root for them. But the imbalance of emotional focus, the predictable plot twist, and the underwhelming resolution made this a story that felt unfinished—just one chapter shy of being powerful.
Unexpected Love had me hopeful. Bash and Imani have been on my radar since their first introduction, and I was genuinely excited to see their story unfold. They aren’t the kind of leads we often get in contemporary romance—especially not in stories heavy with drama. They’re more introspective, emotionally contained, and for the most part, they navigate life with something that resembles impulse control. It was refreshing. Even when they *did* give in to their desires, the hesitation that came before felt earned and true to character. There was maturity to their dynamic… at first....
But somewhere along the way, that promise started slipping.
The plot twist that anchored the conflict had all the ingredients to land a real emotional gut punch. It could have been a powerful turning point. But Donnia Marie makes a crucial misstep by laying it on far too thick. The decision to add a third POV, made it so obvious that by the time the twist hits, you’re not devastated—you’re just waiting for the inevitable fallout like a slow-moving car crash. There was no tension, no real surprise. It deflated the moment before it had the chance to fully expand.
The secondary characters—Rain and her husband—completely overshadowed the main romance. Their drama took up so much space that it began to eat into the moments Bash and Imani needed. This wasn’t just about screen time; it was about emotional focus. Instead of diving into Bash and Imani’s growing emotional bond (not the smut), their inner struggles, their push and pull, we got detours and distractions. And in a book that hinges on a deeply personal love story, that kind of narrative drift is difficult to come back from.
Then came the climax. Another dramatic upheaval, another whirlwind of emotion, another moment that almost worked. The characters’ reactions felt raw, even a little reckless—but I could live with that. People don't always handle heartbreak well, so I appreciated that the author didn't sugarcoat Imani's feelings. But where she did lose me—again—was in the resolution.
The denouement just didn’t deliver.
Instead of reckoning with the pain and doing the hard, intimate work of rebuilding trust, the characters either ran away or resigned themselves to what was. One accepted the new reality without much push, the other walked away, only to circle back later as if they’d just needed a breather. When they finally came together again, it didn’t feel hard-earned—it felt reluctant. I needed to feel them claw their way back to each other, to see them choose love, deliberately and with conviction. But what I got instead was something that felt like a quiet compromise.
Here’s the thing: when your characters go through “hell”, the reunion has to match the fallout. I want tears. I want grovelling. I want the kind of fight that shows they’d rather break than live without each other. Not a shrug and an epilogue that tries to gloss over the very real fractures that were never properly addressed.
It feels, once again, like Donnia Marie has a tendency to dig into the drama of romance—the betrayals, the breakdowns, the miscommunication—but shies away from truly exploring the emotional aftermath. She stops at the doorstep of the ugly but won’t step inside. The result is a story that brushes up against greatness, but never quite sinks its teeth into the depth it needs.
Unexpected Love was not a bad book. Bash and Imani had chemistry. Their potential was palpable. And in moments, I did root for them. But the imbalance of emotional focus, the predictable plot twist, and the underwhelming resolution made this a story that felt unfinished—just one chapter shy of being powerful.
September 16, 2025
I started out just listening, but time got away from me. Somewhere in the middle of trying to read, I lost track of things. I must’ve missed a few pieces, but I kept going anyway. I’m glad Imani finally came to her senses and reunited with Sebastian. Overall it was a good read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 2, 2022
Just when....
This was a long time coming, I had been anticipating the last brother finding his forever. Sebastien and Imani's story was just as much an emotional rollercoaster as Benji and Sean. I enjoyed it, I just did not care for Rain and how she did not tell Sebastien about the kids. The good thing is that kids are resilient and adapt well to a changing situation. I thought it was ironic Rain trusted Sebastien enough to help her study for the bar but not tell him about the pregnancy. The kids did have a great father in their life so for that I applaud Rain.
I enjoyed this book from start to finish. I love how Sebastien romance Imani even when they were miles apart. I also like how Summer and Savion became so attached to her. I am looking forward to the novella to see if Imani is having a set of twins since they seem to run in the family. It would be a hilarious surprise if Riana would deliver twins her mouth would be slicker than an oil pan.
It was a great read I would recommend starting with the first brother Sean's story and just trinkle on down the line.
This was a long time coming, I had been anticipating the last brother finding his forever. Sebastien and Imani's story was just as much an emotional rollercoaster as Benji and Sean. I enjoyed it, I just did not care for Rain and how she did not tell Sebastien about the kids. The good thing is that kids are resilient and adapt well to a changing situation. I thought it was ironic Rain trusted Sebastien enough to help her study for the bar but not tell him about the pregnancy. The kids did have a great father in their life so for that I applaud Rain.
I enjoyed this book from start to finish. I love how Sebastien romance Imani even when they were miles apart. I also like how Summer and Savion became so attached to her. I am looking forward to the novella to see if Imani is having a set of twins since they seem to run in the family. It would be a hilarious surprise if Riana would deliver twins her mouth would be slicker than an oil pan.
It was a great read I would recommend starting with the first brother Sean's story and just trinkle on down the line.
November 13, 2024
3.5⭐️ This book ended okay. From the beginning I didn’t like Rain and I found out why. I wanted to fight her. I was mad that it took Imani so long to come around. I thought Bash and Nelson were both good guys.
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December 31, 2020welp. https://twitter.com/Limecello/status/...
I've only tried 2 Donnia Marie books - I think I liked the first, I DNF'd the second.
This one was going ok but I was thinking "gonna have to re-listen to make sure I didn't miss anything" but *points to above* if I finish it this is gonna be a one and done ...
T_T and I was so excited there was a new Wesleigh Siobhan and Jakobi Diem audiobook.
Also - the scene/+ after it happens ... the author's wife - clearly an emerging major secondary character...
Another major problem - ethical violations. She, a lawyer, goes barging in to meet with her husband's lawyer. Despite divorce proceedings.
I just ... you .. you can't ...
It's ...
WTAF.
ok - it's 12/30 ... I DNF'd the book last night.
I listened to ~5.5 hours of the book - it's 8:50 in total so ... definitely more than half.
So the secondary character saying the heroine had "chinky" eyes was obviously a Big Fucking Problem.
The constant ... so it doesn't have a quippy name [or fancy Latin term] - but it's a definitely violation of the MRPC. And for like TWO - TWO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ... !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
[And yes I typed out each exclamation point instead of just holding it down ... ]
TWO "super lawyers" to KEEP DOING IT ...
omfg.
Sure some of it is "social situation" - but THE FIRST; when the author's wife- herself some lawyer, going to see Sebastian. Like... AYFKM. Especially when she gets into the building by basically trickery.
[Then also Sebastian like ... doing all sort of "not in his field" work ... >.> like ... that's ... not how a good lawyer actually works...] => I was trying to suspend alll that disbelief.
BUT!
... from the start. The words. The odd writing ... the purple prose... she reminded me a bit of SNN's writing/stories; other than the men being ... not a smitten, not as charming, a bit grittier, but I was rolling with it.
But there's SO MUCH of it. Just odd/wrong word choices; and by 5:20 hours in, I was realizing over and over the WRONG word choice was used - not just like "oh this is off" but based on context, literally the antonym of what should've been used.
Literally the opposite word.
And I was like "why am I doing this to myself."
F
honestly ... F.
I've only tried 2 Donnia Marie books - I think I liked the first, I DNF'd the second.
This one was going ok but I was thinking "gonna have to re-listen to make sure I didn't miss anything" but *points to above* if I finish it this is gonna be a one and done ...
T_T and I was so excited there was a new Wesleigh Siobhan and Jakobi Diem audiobook.
Also - the scene/+ after it happens ... the author's wife - clearly an emerging major secondary character...
Another major problem - ethical violations. She, a lawyer, goes barging in to meet with her husband's lawyer. Despite divorce proceedings.
I just ... you .. you can't ...
It's ...
WTAF.
ok - it's 12/30 ... I DNF'd the book last night.
I listened to ~5.5 hours of the book - it's 8:50 in total so ... definitely more than half.
So the secondary character saying the heroine had "chinky" eyes was obviously a Big Fucking Problem.
The constant ... so it doesn't have a quippy name [or fancy Latin term] - but it's a definitely violation of the MRPC. And for like TWO - TWO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ... !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
[And yes I typed out each exclamation point instead of just holding it down ... ]
TWO "super lawyers" to KEEP DOING IT ...
omfg.
Sure some of it is "social situation" - but THE FIRST; when the author's wife- herself some lawyer, going to see Sebastian. Like... AYFKM. Especially when she gets into the building by basically trickery.
[Then also Sebastian like ... doing all sort of "not in his field" work ... >.> like ... that's ... not how a good lawyer actually works...] => I was trying to suspend alll that disbelief.
BUT!
... from the start. The words. The odd writing ... the purple prose... she reminded me a bit of SNN's writing/stories; other than the men being ... not a smitten, not as charming, a bit grittier, but I was rolling with it.
But there's SO MUCH of it. Just odd/wrong word choices; and by 5:20 hours in, I was realizing over and over the WRONG word choice was used - not just like "oh this is off" but based on context, literally the antonym of what should've been used.
Literally the opposite word.
And I was like "why am I doing this to myself."
F
honestly ... F.
November 29, 2020
Where do I start with Sebastien!
He has to be my favorite Bennett brother by far!
The chemistry between him and Imani from jump was just flames!!
I honestly thought I was able to predict the outcome of this story, but I DID NOT SEE THAT COMING!!
Just wow!!
I listened to the narrated version of this book, Wesleigh and Jakobi-that's all that needs to be said!
Another great one by Donnia Marie
He has to be my favorite Bennett brother by far!
The chemistry between him and Imani from jump was just flames!!
I honestly thought I was able to predict the outcome of this story, but I DID NOT SEE THAT COMING!!
Just wow!!
I listened to the narrated version of this book, Wesleigh and Jakobi-that's all that needs to be said!
Another great one by Donnia Marie
April 3, 2020
I’ve read book 1 Sean’s story, and book 2 Benji’s story and both where 5 star. Which had me anxiously waiting for Bash’s story. Disappointed and frustrated is how I feel about book 3. I’m really generous with my 4 star rating because about 65% into is when it it “got good”. After reading the authors note in the end when she mentions she had some personal issues when writing this book it excused why this book did not meet the expectation set by the previous books. Clearly she was distracted and the editor didn’t help her deliver a better product. Because this is the first of her books like this I rated her on a curve. There are editing errors and the story did not flow. Some of the scenes of the past were unnecessary and didn’t have any context to where it was placed. Then Imani snags the man of her dreams that treats her like a Queen, he shares a part of his childhood that was very traumatic to him and she leaves him because he didn’t tell her he slept with someone that she was insecure of without justification????? Really??!!! Then Rain and her deceptive, hateful, jealous...self almost destroy two men with her lies!!!! It was too much because I hate women like that. They get good men and ruin them! WooooSaaaaaaaaa!!!!! Neither one of them deserved a second chance with those men. This book really deserves a 2-3 rating but I enjoyed the first two books in the series and the last quarter of this book. Hopefully someone will enjoy it more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 7, 2021
This book was my least favorite in the series. I felt that it took a while to get to the plot twist. I also felt that Imani was real insecure. She didn't pay attention to Sebastian's genuine and loving actions during their relationship. He told her things about himself that he did not share with others. He could have told her a little more about Raine, but he only was intimate with Raine one time. So he probably felt that the information was insignificant. I really don't think he lied by omission. He told Imani that Raine was from his past. It didn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that he and Raine were sexually involved, especially with the way Raine would stare at Imani on different occasions. I felt that she was really hard on him considering the fact that he found out about the children pretty much the same time that she did. It was almost as if Imani was trying to sabotage the relationship because she felt it was too good to be true. It seemed as if she was looking for something to be wrong with Sebastian. I loved how he worked to build a relationship with them rather than focusing on Imani. I believe that time apart gave Imani time to heal and to see what she was missing after ending her relationship with Sebastian.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 6, 2021
This book saved the series for me. Book 2 had me not wanting to finish. Benji was ok but I couldn't and still cant take Riana. But back to Sebastein and Imani B. What hooked me in this book was their maturity and how they approached thier relationship. It felt realistic and grown. Sebastein and Imani were career driven and clear about what and who they wanted once they decided to be together. It was refreshing to see a couple like this. As usual life gets in the way and it takes more than love to get to the other side. The path towards reconciliation was not easily won but it was realistic and stuck a cord with me. I'm looking forward to book 4 .
January 2, 2024
Ch. 21 🥵😑🥴🤦🏽♀️❤️
February 21, 2021
Unexpected Love
I listened to the audiobook via Hoopla. The books in this series do get progressively better with each brother. The narrators did an excellent job as usual, and I think the transitions just weren't as smooth as they could have been. I did have a few things that bothered me.
First, the transitions in this book are mad confusing. I thought they are talking about one thing, and realized they were off on a totally different subject. I'm not sure if this would be the same with the book/ebook, or if this was only an issue with the audio version. They were talking about football and next thing I knew, they were at a basketball game.
Speaking of transitions, I wonder if I was the only person who took issue with Imani's response to Sebastian's situation. I thought she was over the top, and more than a little self-righteous. She wanted to berate him for a past sexual relationship that obviously meant so little to him it wasn't worth mentioning. Also, the fact that she supposedly loved Sebastian meant little when she walked away from him after he received the shock of his life. Something he was totally unaware of, yet Imani wanted to go off on him about her not being able to trust him.
Yeah, he could have mentioned he had a sexual relationship with the girl FIVE years ago, but did she mention it to Sebastian that she had seen her ex, someone she had been with for 8 years at a family party. Or that btw, he had previously wanted her back. No she did not!
It became obvious that girlfriend from his past thought there was more to the relationship than Sebastian did. Sebastian never once copped to feeling anything for her. He hadn't even seen her in the last 5 years. When Sebastian felt strongly for someone, he had no problem admitting Imani was the one for him.
No one thought Rain's behavior was a bit unstable, and while she was whining about Nelson's behavior, the fact that she continued to physically attack people didn't bother ANYONE? Her tendency toward violence was NEVER brought up in her divorce and custody hearings. Or the fact that she was always working and never spent time with her children.
I also though it was interesting that Nelson was a decent man and a great father, but I never heard anything from Rain suggesting he get some counseling for his son's death. It was all about her. Sebastian was cool the way he and Nelson worked together to provide stability.
I was dumbfounded when the first question Imani asked Sebastian on their reunion was "How many women have you been with since me? REALLY????!!!! That's all she could come up with after all that time.
As LONG as they have been apart there is NO discussion of his current situation, how he was handling it, or even how she felt when she found out, or what caused her to step away, or what relationship he had with the people involved in his situation?
I also thought Imani's meeting with Rain was highly questionable given the way Sebastian felt about her. Too bad we didn't get to read about his reaction to that meeting. I thought Rain was trash, but my opinion of Imani wasn't highly elevated either.
I am glad that he and Imani worked out their issues and got their HEA. It did make me wonder how she would react to the next big issue in their relationship. If nothing else, this book does bring forth a lot of emotions.
I listened to the audiobook via Hoopla. The books in this series do get progressively better with each brother. The narrators did an excellent job as usual, and I think the transitions just weren't as smooth as they could have been. I did have a few things that bothered me.
First, the transitions in this book are mad confusing. I thought they are talking about one thing, and realized they were off on a totally different subject. I'm not sure if this would be the same with the book/ebook, or if this was only an issue with the audio version. They were talking about football and next thing I knew, they were at a basketball game.
Speaking of transitions, I wonder if I was the only person who took issue with Imani's response to Sebastian's situation. I thought she was over the top, and more than a little self-righteous. She wanted to berate him for a past sexual relationship that obviously meant so little to him it wasn't worth mentioning. Also, the fact that she supposedly loved Sebastian meant little when she walked away from him after he received the shock of his life. Something he was totally unaware of, yet Imani wanted to go off on him about her not being able to trust him.
Yeah, he could have mentioned he had a sexual relationship with the girl FIVE years ago, but did she mention it to Sebastian that she had seen her ex, someone she had been with for 8 years at a family party. Or that btw, he had previously wanted her back. No she did not!
It became obvious that girlfriend from his past thought there was more to the relationship than Sebastian did. Sebastian never once copped to feeling anything for her. He hadn't even seen her in the last 5 years. When Sebastian felt strongly for someone, he had no problem admitting Imani was the one for him.
No one thought Rain's behavior was a bit unstable, and while she was whining about Nelson's behavior, the fact that she continued to physically attack people didn't bother ANYONE? Her tendency toward violence was NEVER brought up in her divorce and custody hearings. Or the fact that she was always working and never spent time with her children.
I also though it was interesting that Nelson was a decent man and a great father, but I never heard anything from Rain suggesting he get some counseling for his son's death. It was all about her. Sebastian was cool the way he and Nelson worked together to provide stability.
I was dumbfounded when the first question Imani asked Sebastian on their reunion was "How many women have you been with since me? REALLY????!!!! That's all she could come up with after all that time.
As LONG as they have been apart there is NO discussion of his current situation, how he was handling it, or even how she felt when she found out, or what caused her to step away, or what relationship he had with the people involved in his situation?
I also thought Imani's meeting with Rain was highly questionable given the way Sebastian felt about her. Too bad we didn't get to read about his reaction to that meeting. I thought Rain was trash, but my opinion of Imani wasn't highly elevated either.
I am glad that he and Imani worked out their issues and got their HEA. It did make me wonder how she would react to the next big issue in their relationship. If nothing else, this book does bring forth a lot of emotions.
March 30, 2023
Okay, I LIKED THIS ONE BETTER THAN THE FIRST TWO BOOKS, & I LIKED SEBASTIEN BETTER THAN I HAD HIS BROTHERS SEAN B & BENJI, & I FELT THAT WESLEIGH SIOBHAN & JAKOBI DIEM WERE RIGHT ON THE MONEY & BACK ON TRACK READING/NARRATING FOR MATURE CHARACTERS : IMANI BARASA & SEBASTIAN BENNETT (,UNLIKE IN THE PREVIOUS BOOKS WHERE THE CHARACTERS WERE YOUNGER THAN THE VOICES THAT NARRATED FOR THEM)!
From Book 2, I felt that SEBASTIAN BENNETT was A GROWN MAN & ABOUT THE BUSINESS THAT PAID HIM, AS WAS IMANI BARASA FOR HER PUBLIC RELATIONS BUSINESS!
I LIKED IMANI & SEBASHIAN TOGETHER; FELT NO WAYS ABOUT RAIN, NOR DID I YHINK ANYTHING OF IMANI DISTANCING HERSELF FROM SEBASTIAN WHEN HE FIRST FOUND OUT THAT HE WAS A DADDY TO 2 KIDS. In MY opinion, I reasoned that Imani MAY HAVE FELT THAT IF BASH could HAVE FATHERED THESE TWO KIDS WITH A WOMAN WHO HE NEVER OUTRIGHT MENTIONED THAT HE HAD SEX WITH, THEN HE PROBABLY HAD NUMEROUS KIDS OUT THERE BY OTHER FEMALES HE SCREWED & MOVED ON FROM!
WHAT READERS FAIL TO REALIZE IS THAT SEBASTIAN DIDN'T SHOW ANY LOVE OR LIKE TOWARDS RAIN TO IMANI, WHO MAY HAVE ASSUMED THAT HE & RAIN HAD SEX ONCE UPON A TIME, BUT BY WATCHING HIS MANNERISMS & LACK OF FEELINGS FOR/TOWARDS RAIN-IMANI MIGHT HAVE FELT THAT HE WOULD SAY ANYTHING TO FEMALES JUST TO GET WHAT HE WANTS FROM THEM, THEN HE LEAVES THEM TO DEAL WITH THE AFTERMATH & THEY ARE AN AFTERTHOUGHT FOR HIM (Like FOR MOST GUYS). THUS, IMANI CHOOSING TO DISTANCE HERSELF FROM HIM TO KEEP FROM EXPERIENCING WHAT OTHER WOMEN WHO SHE FELT SEBASTIAN MAY HAVE WRONGED IN THE PAST HAD EXPERIENCED WHEN THEY REALIZED THEY WERN'T GOING TO BE TO HIM WHAT THEY THOUGHT THAT THEY WOULD BEFORE THEY/HE SCREWED!
The ONLY NEGATIVE THAT I CAN THINK OF FOR THIS BOOK IS THAT IT WAS NEARLY 9 HOURS OF LISTENING, WHICH ALMOST MADE ME SKIP LISTENING TO IT ALTOGETHER!
From Book 2, I felt that SEBASTIAN BENNETT was A GROWN MAN & ABOUT THE BUSINESS THAT PAID HIM, AS WAS IMANI BARASA FOR HER PUBLIC RELATIONS BUSINESS!
I LIKED IMANI & SEBASHIAN TOGETHER; FELT NO WAYS ABOUT RAIN, NOR DID I YHINK ANYTHING OF IMANI DISTANCING HERSELF FROM SEBASTIAN WHEN HE FIRST FOUND OUT THAT HE WAS A DADDY TO 2 KIDS. In MY opinion, I reasoned that Imani MAY HAVE FELT THAT IF BASH could HAVE FATHERED THESE TWO KIDS WITH A WOMAN WHO HE NEVER OUTRIGHT MENTIONED THAT HE HAD SEX WITH, THEN HE PROBABLY HAD NUMEROUS KIDS OUT THERE BY OTHER FEMALES HE SCREWED & MOVED ON FROM!
WHAT READERS FAIL TO REALIZE IS THAT SEBASTIAN DIDN'T SHOW ANY LOVE OR LIKE TOWARDS RAIN TO IMANI, WHO MAY HAVE ASSUMED THAT HE & RAIN HAD SEX ONCE UPON A TIME, BUT BY WATCHING HIS MANNERISMS & LACK OF FEELINGS FOR/TOWARDS RAIN-IMANI MIGHT HAVE FELT THAT HE WOULD SAY ANYTHING TO FEMALES JUST TO GET WHAT HE WANTS FROM THEM, THEN HE LEAVES THEM TO DEAL WITH THE AFTERMATH & THEY ARE AN AFTERTHOUGHT FOR HIM (Like FOR MOST GUYS). THUS, IMANI CHOOSING TO DISTANCE HERSELF FROM HIM TO KEEP FROM EXPERIENCING WHAT OTHER WOMEN WHO SHE FELT SEBASTIAN MAY HAVE WRONGED IN THE PAST HAD EXPERIENCED WHEN THEY REALIZED THEY WERN'T GOING TO BE TO HIM WHAT THEY THOUGHT THAT THEY WOULD BEFORE THEY/HE SCREWED!
The ONLY NEGATIVE THAT I CAN THINK OF FOR THIS BOOK IS THAT IT WAS NEARLY 9 HOURS OF LISTENING, WHICH ALMOST MADE ME SKIP LISTENING TO IT ALTOGETHER!
December 14, 2020
This story had so much story to it that fed from the previous books. Sebastien, the oldest of the Bennett brothers, is crazy busy working in his father's law firm. Trying hard to make partner, Sebastien tends to miss a lot of life around him. He sets his goals, and his focus is laser sharp. Once he attains his goals, then he'll find the future Mrs. Bennett. Everything according to his schedule.
Having Riana's brother, Shooter as a client, Sebastien meets his new PR person, Imani. He's immediately drawn to her, and doesn't know exactly why. Imani isn't blind, and she appreciates the look of her best friend's brother-in-law. She's got her own past relationship issues, while trying to build her PR company. Like Sebastien, her focus is laser sharp, and downtime comes at a price. Since they move in some of the same work/social circles, they see each other quite frequently. After they give in to their obvious attraction, things seem to move pretty quickly. But, Sebastien is dealing with decades-long family issues he hasn't truly dealt with. And, to his surprise, he's got some new issues heading his way. Things aren't going the way he planned, and he's not sure how to adjust.
This story had my emotions--and libido all over the place. I love how both Sebastien and Imani had their family and friends as their strongest support. People who they trust to not blow smoke up their butts, and tell them when they're going about things the wrong way. Like the previous books in this series, there's plenty of smokin' hot action in this one. Sebastien knows what he's doing, and Imani's no slouch.
Donnia is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. Jakobi and Wesleigh are absolutely owning this series.
Having Riana's brother, Shooter as a client, Sebastien meets his new PR person, Imani. He's immediately drawn to her, and doesn't know exactly why. Imani isn't blind, and she appreciates the look of her best friend's brother-in-law. She's got her own past relationship issues, while trying to build her PR company. Like Sebastien, her focus is laser sharp, and downtime comes at a price. Since they move in some of the same work/social circles, they see each other quite frequently. After they give in to their obvious attraction, things seem to move pretty quickly. But, Sebastien is dealing with decades-long family issues he hasn't truly dealt with. And, to his surprise, he's got some new issues heading his way. Things aren't going the way he planned, and he's not sure how to adjust.
This story had my emotions--and libido all over the place. I love how both Sebastien and Imani had their family and friends as their strongest support. People who they trust to not blow smoke up their butts, and tell them when they're going about things the wrong way. Like the previous books in this series, there's plenty of smokin' hot action in this one. Sebastien knows what he's doing, and Imani's no slouch.
Donnia is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. Jakobi and Wesleigh are absolutely owning this series.
April 13, 2025
Sebastian and Imani, Loving You Is An Open Book
This book was so good!!!...I was getting so frustrated with Imani and her accusatory behavior!!!...The very thing ahe couldn't take from her ex, was the very thing she did to Sabastien!!!...
The fact that she ended their relationship because he had children she didn't know about, but missed the part about him not knowing either was crazy to me!!!...She said it was because he didn't tell her about his past with Rain, but that wasn't her business because that wad his past!!!...ain was playing games and playing with people lives!!!...
Riana is THAT FRIEND and I love the energy and truth she brought to the story!!!...
I was glad Sabastien gave Imani the the time and space to grow, while he did the same and bond with his children!!!...
Sebastian was a man of so much character and I loved how he and Nelson handled things with the children, because they needed to adjust to the news of who their biological father was!!!...
I can't wait to see what is next for these families and friends!!!...
Lexiana stressed every nerve in my body trying to get under Sh**terms skin because he didn't wanna be in a relationship with him, but was present and account for where his daughter was concerned!!!...I hope they soon find a solution to their parenting issue!!!...
This book was so good!!!...I was getting so frustrated with Imani and her accusatory behavior!!!...The very thing ahe couldn't take from her ex, was the very thing she did to Sabastien!!!...
The fact that she ended their relationship because he had children she didn't know about, but missed the part about him not knowing either was crazy to me!!!...She said it was because he didn't tell her about his past with Rain, but that wasn't her business because that wad his past!!!...ain was playing games and playing with people lives!!!...
Riana is THAT FRIEND and I love the energy and truth she brought to the story!!!...
I was glad Sabastien gave Imani the the time and space to grow, while he did the same and bond with his children!!!...
Sebastian was a man of so much character and I loved how he and Nelson handled things with the children, because they needed to adjust to the news of who their biological father was!!!...
I can't wait to see what is next for these families and friends!!!...
Lexiana stressed every nerve in my body trying to get under Sh**terms skin because he didn't wanna be in a relationship with him, but was present and account for where his daughter was concerned!!!...I hope they soon find a solution to their parenting issue!!!...
May 13, 2025
I’m so confused by all the 5 star reviews because this book was a mess! The overall story line and plot twists were good, but the story was also very rushed (the pacing of events), I listened to the audiobook and Wesleigh and Jakobi saved the book with their narration but there were grammatical errors!!! How is that possible?? Example, towards the end Imani says “his mother’s child” instead of his child’s mother there were a few other errors like this I caught but thought I was tripping! Maybe the book read better than it sounded but I struggled with the flashback tangents, and so many holes in the story line, it was intriguing and engaging but not well written. What I mean is, there were great ideas and the overall story was good but the execution from point a to b was somewhat nonsensical. However I would still recommend it because it was good overall but it might be a hard read/listen for some, many times I wanted to stop and give up but just wanted to see where it was going
July 1, 2023
Sebastien and Imani had me rooting for them throughout this whole book. He is the oldest brother of the Bennett crew and the last one we see fall in love. Now Sean may be my favorite Bennett brother, but Sebastian is definitely my second favorite. This man's pours his love into his faith and family. Now I'm not going to lie. When they were at the Gala, I didn't like either of their attitudes or his father's attitude. Imani was quick to get upset and Sebastien was pissed because she was getting upset. His worry was that she would make a scene instead of addressing the issue. Now his father didn't seem to care for Imani by complaining about his son taking a vacation. All in all, I loved the book and the Bennett brothers.
February 27, 2025
Unexpected Love is the third book in the A Bennett Affair series. It follows Sebastian, a successful attorney in Atlanta with an impressive 98% win rate. His career has consumed him to the point where love has always taken a backseat. That is, until he meets Imani, a PR rep for a rapper who also happens to be one of his clients. Their first encounter is nothing short of electrifying, and sparks fly between them. This steamy and passionate story will keep you hooked as the couple navigates their undeniable connection. But an unexpected secret threatens to tear them apart. Can they overcome the challenges and find their way back to each other, or will they remain just friends? This is a must-read!
December 1, 2024
Sebastien Bennett was that dude!! About his business and his family at all times. Imani was right up his alley and the chemistry was on point from the beginning. I was not sure how or if I was ok with two squares to have a romantic story. The way the are connected is by friends and family with Imani being on the outside. Imani will piss you off a little. So much is unpacked in this story and getting different prospective. Unexpected love was the perfect title for this story line. I’m loving the series thus far. It still goes into all of the rest of the characters with how things have developed. Going right over to the next book.
May 25, 2021
Who cannot love the caliber of man that is Sebastian Bennett. Bash is everything every woman wants wrapped in dark chocolate. I loved him all by himself and I definitely appreciated the steam he made with Imani. But that damn Imani almost made us miss out on our husband and I was not happy about that...It was unwanted and unnecessary drama especially having to already deal with a mess name Raine. Nevertheless love always win so I got my #bookhusband in the end. Definitely can’t wait for the baby of the bunch.
April 19, 2022
Sebastian and Imani took me on an emotional whirlwind. Wow. I didn’t expect this book to take the turn that it did but I appreciated how the story came together in the end. I liked how Bash was with Imani and how he was beside himself when they were at odds. I liked how Bash and Imani took a much needed break because it was needed for both of their growth and for Bash to adjust as a father. I knew something was up with Rain and Nelson. She was out of line and I was so upset at her antics and reasonings. I’m glad to see a different side of Sebastian. Good read.
September 6, 2024
Rain was messy asf, I enjoyed this story but there was a lot of time jumping from past to present catching up on what was not covered in the other books. It was a little annoying, Rain was very vindictive, she only exposed her hand to have control and it backfired. When I read stories where the fmc and the male lead fall for each other. I like to see them in love and navigating but not mess. Lol its my escape of reality. For a minute she kinda succeeded in breaking up the main couple. But overall I enjoyed the story and it ends in a happily ever after
September 17, 2025
DO NOT READ THIS BOOK. Everybody in this review section is lying. This is the worst book I have ever read. The book has no proper structure, it has too much unnecessary details. For a romance novel, I don’t understand why the main characters love life was the shortest part of the book. The person that gave this book a yes is not okay. I read to the end because I already started but do yourself a favor and don’t waste your time on reading this book. Even the quote on quote sex scenes are ass. Omg!!!! 0/10 DO NOT READ
August 2, 2020
I was grateful to read this book
But with that being say, I was not pleased with the beginning of the story there was alot of grammatical errors and the story was a bit confusing, first we were talking about a football team then it when into a basketball team by the middle it's started to make sense even though I didn't like the direction it was going i went along with it I just wish the storyline could've went a bit smoother that why it only gets 4 stars
But with that being say, I was not pleased with the beginning of the story there was alot of grammatical errors and the story was a bit confusing, first we were talking about a football team then it when into a basketball team by the middle it's started to make sense even though I didn't like the direction it was going i went along with it I just wish the storyline could've went a bit smoother that why it only gets 4 stars
January 4, 2021
WOW! That twist had my mouth wide open! But Sebastien was a man about it, just like he should and like I expected him to. I could understand how Imani felt, yet I wish she would've given in sooner. That dang Rain would've gotten straight slapped; she was so wrong for her actions; just horrible. Although this was filled with much drama, it was laced with Love, Humor and heartfelt moments and I enjoyed them all. This was so great. Now on to book 4, which should be very interesting.
February 18, 2021
Audio via Scribd Feb 12 thru Feb 18, 2021
The story of Sebastian and Imani was my favorite story of the Bennett brothers. I dont know why I liked their story so much, but it was more relatable than Sean and Benji's stories. The complications that Reign brought into their relationship, in addition to Sebastian and Imani trying to balance the demands of their careers proved that love can sustain in hectic situations. I really enjoyed this story.
The story of Sebastian and Imani was my favorite story of the Bennett brothers. I dont know why I liked their story so much, but it was more relatable than Sean and Benji's stories. The complications that Reign brought into their relationship, in addition to Sebastian and Imani trying to balance the demands of their careers proved that love can sustain in hectic situations. I really enjoyed this story.
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