Blake Remington was my first kiss. It happened when we were eight-years-old. I proposed with a Ring Pop in her back yard.
I knew right then she was the one for me.
I had no idea what love meant back then But I knew once we got older, I was going to conquer my fears and tell her how I felt.
One mistake in college ruined it all. She hated me for betraying her. She cut me off And just like that… Blake Remington became my first heartbreak.
Eight years passed before our paths crossed again. Now, she was back in my life and I refused to let anything stand in our way. Not the lies. Not the rumors. And definitely not her boyfriend.
We had too much history to let everything go. She never stopped being mine And I’d do anything to get her back.
Danielle James is a wife and mother of two, who has written and published over twenty romance novels. Danielle’s work spans from sweet and romantic to dark and taboo. She prides herself on writing bold romance for bold readers. Her books are sexually charged with alpha female characters that leap off the pages. Each book sucks you into an entirely different world with steamy scenes, drama, and amazing plot twists along the way. Her goal is to hook you and keep you addicted so you'll come back for more.
Devante, a famous model and Blake a Marketing Director, have been friends since 3rd grade. A mean girl bullies and humiliates Blake and tricks Blake into thinking that Devante was a part of it. As a result, they don't see each other for 8 years.
I love the push and pull between them when they reconnect. But when the "mean girl" reappears, will Blake walk away this time, forever?
i really wanted to like it but i didn't, i give up on it on 30%. it's just that i really didn't like them being apart for 11 years, usually i don't mind since they weren't ever intimate or a couple, in this case they were best friends and i really felt like that separation for a simple misunderstanding was to much, made me think their friendship wasn't as strong if they both didn't even care to discuss things you know? leave it for 11 years without another word? after being best friends since they were little...just MEH , if it was like for a few months? i could've understand but they truly moved on like they never were anything for each others ... and if he didn't casually end up signing with her work place, they wouldn't even reconnect in the first place. 😩😣🤦♀️
So yes, i wished he would do anything at that time to show her his reasons, but at the same time, what tipe of friend she though he is if she believed some lies... seems like i love only the taboo's by this author lately :(
Oh my nerves went through it. I'm trying hard to accept the experiences from the characters perspective and I'm struggling to understand why Blake experienced so much from her mother. Friends to lovers is so traumatizing, they can communicate about everything but their attraction to each other. Uggghhh! AND then they both just give up!!!! WOW ... They made up to me and blessed me with some hot steamy passion. Blake STILL tolerated too much. When a book gets on my nerves its a Great read.
Devante and Blake have been best friends since they were 8 years old. Blake does her best to avoid everyone because she doesn't like people and their BS but also because she has self confidence issues. Devante is the exact opposite. He is outgoing, loves everyone and everyone loves him. But he has always stood by Blake through it all. They both realize that they have feelings for each other but Devante is too scared to act on it and Blake thinks that he would never fall for a girl like her. When Blake thinks that Devante betrayed her, she forces him out of her life. Eight years later they are forced to work together and this time Devante isn't walking away without a fight.
This is not what I am used to from Danielle James but I really loved this book. I loved how much Blake grew up and into her own, became the Queen that she new she was. I loved that she started getting healthy for herself and no one else. That she wanted to be healthy, not a size zero. Loved this so hard. Then we have Devante who adored every single thing about Blake right down to her love handles - even if they did shrink. I loved that he loved her so hard and wasn't going to let her push him away again. And their chemistry was on fire. Great book and I am glad that I picked this one up.
Devante was just too nice and laid backs. He sees the good in everyone. IMHO he did not handle the situation with Renee expeditiously as he should and that situation snow balled. Renee was a very disturbed individual and just an opportunist. Renee was one bold young lady.
Devante and Blake knew each other since the sand box. He had love for her at a young age, but did not know how to express that love. Blake on the other hand did not think she was good enough for Devante due to battling her own insecurities and demons. Plus her mother was no help at all, which made things worse with her insecurities.
A huge misunderstanding severed all ties with the best friends and them baaaam eight years passed. Blake hold a grudge like no other which again due to insecurities did not want to discuss with Devante.
The first half of the book was a slow read. Blake was a boss in her profession, but internally she was a little girl trying to battle her own demons. I also think her dad should have stepped in and addressed his wife on how she continued to belittle Blake. They all need counseling.
Well we have HEA. Devante needs to have more of a backbone since this is where folks will take advantage of his kind nature.
This book was SO GOOD! I love that Blake and Devante's story began as kids. It was sweet and kinda reminded me of Love and Basketball. Because they had such a solid friendship, I was surprised Blake thought the worst of Devante in someone else's word. But clearly those insecurities her mama dug into ran deep. I'm glad when Blake and Devante reconnected that Blake had healed and matured so she was confident in who she was. I'm extra glad Blake finally got a chance to tell her mama about herself! That lady was on my nerves.😑 I'm happy Blake and Devante ended up where they were always meant to be! Also, shout out to the Author for the perfect old school song references! They helped make this great story even better!
I loved this story from the first mentioning of Jill Scott and Anita Baker playing while cleaning. Blake and Devante were so fragile in regards to admitting how they truly felt towards one another for fear of rejection. But I loved how time passed but Devante’s determination never wavered in making her ultimately his.
I loved the added elements of YouTube influencers and reality shows and how they’ve grown to play a huge role in the dynamics of reaching success. Truly a great representation of current culture happenings.
I’d love a story on Molly & Noa, they had a little bdsm play going on.
Man thank you you are an amazing romance novel writer. I think it goes to say that I don’t know if enough people know about you yet or whatever the case may be but this has been the best or at least one of the best Romance novels that I have read in a long time and I read romance novels once or twice a day honestly. good job Sis keep up the excellent work and let me go and get another one of your books!!!
Wow! I loved this story, I loved the characters, I loved everything. It’s so refreshing to get a black romance with love that isn’t toxic. It also helps that Devanté had my panties wet wet!! Lol… I appreciate the ending, I appreciate the growth of all of the characters, my only complaint is that I wish there could be more!! Maybe a story after the fact where it just digs into the new career and family?? Wishful thinking…
Devante' and Blake had a long standing friendship until they parted ways suddenly as young adults. Then eight years later they reunited and grew stronger in their friendship and more. Blake's mom was a grade A witch with how she treated her daughter. Devante' loved Blake no matter how much she struggled with feeling worth of him. A good story.
I have been a fan of Ms. James for a while and have enjoyed all of the books I've read. But this one is by far the most poetic I have read. It held my attention from beginning to end, the characters, plot, twists and build up all worked well together. The book definitely deserves more than five stars. Keep up the good work Ms. James!
Such a beautiful friendship. Devanté is everything and the pop ring is the cutest thing ever. I’m so proud of my girl Blake for speaking love into herself and demanding her respect. This is my first read by Danielle James and I was disappointed. 5 stars I’m excited to read more.
This is my first read by this author and I am glad it was this book. I really enjoyed the story of Devante and Blake. Talk about a rollercoaster ride but it made the story authentic. Sometimes we get in our own way of our blessings. Yet love and kindness prevailed. Good read!
I started this book, but I couldn’t get into the first chapter. I put it down and read a few other books. I’m so glad that I went back to it. I really loved the bond between Devanté and Blake. Their love story felt magical, yet authentic.
Loved this childhood friendship turned romance story. I thought the feud would drag out longer so was glad to see that wasn’t the case. Really liked the Gabi moment as well as Blake’s come to Jesus moment with her mother. Good story!
Sweet beginnings and sweet endings although it drove me cray how long it took them to acknowledge their love...I love the idea that kindness returns to the giver.
Devanté is remarkably tamer than Danielle James’ forbidden/taboo romances. Although it may seem like it is geared to a more mainstream audience, don’t let this put you off.
It is obvious that Devanté is a Danielle James’ novel. It is chock full of those hallmarks which make her writing so great. The main characters have hearts of gold. The women are powerful. Love and passion are intense to the point of provoking chills.
Speaking of which: There is nothing tame about the love scenes in Devanté. They are smoking hot! There is no such thing as ‘just a kiss’ or ‘a quickie’ when it comes to Danielle James. Every moment where lovers collide is imbued with heart bursting emotion or panty soaking need.
The only negatives were ones that I knew about from the book description. The beginning is not a happy one and the main characters spent a decent amount of time apart from one another. It was a slower burner than I like. I still prefer slow burners to insta-love.
Notably awesome feature of Devanté: normal sized heroine. Blake is gorgeously curvy and unapologetic about her appetite for food and love alike.