Serena is determined to build a good life for herself and her twin boys following a devastating breakup. Fiercely independent and prideful, she’s doing everything she can to keep them afloat and not ask for help. That plan works out fine until Mother Nature, crying kids, a car that breaks down, and a sexy Alpha male with enough cockiness to make her swoon, collide and force her to leave her comfort zone.
Khalil has two focuses: his career at the investment firm and enjoying single life. That would be a lot easier if his meddling parents would stop trying to fix him up with high-society locals. He just might get his wish when he stumbles upon an accident and meets the woman who can make him change his outlook and possibly get him to settle down.
Find out what happens when a feisty woman meets her match in the anti-prince charming! Will it lead to a happily ever after?
Until Serena is part of Aurora Rose Reynolds's Happily Ever Alpha World. If you loved Until December, then you will want to read Until Serena.
Chiquita Dennie Author, Filmmaker, Podcast host, and Entrepreneur. Born in Memphis, TN, and a Los Angeles, CA native. Nominated for 2021 Author of the Year, Best Black Romance "Mutual Agreement," and Best Interracial Romance for "She's All In Need". In 2022 nominated Author Queen of the Year, Best Black Romance "Nasir" Best Interracial Romance "Torn" and Best Romantic Comedy "Something Gained" by Black Girls Who Write. Plus, nominated in 2023 for best black sports romance "Scoring with Sadie". Her background started in film/TV, ranging from Tyra Banks, Dr. Phil, American Idol, and a host of other Emmy award-winning shows. Also, an award-winning filmmaker with her directing debut short film "Invisible." Chiquita transitioned to publishing in 2017 after turning her screenplay Struck In Love into the Dark Romance series Antonio and Sabrina, which fans have embraced. She writes contemporary steamy romance, romantic suspense, comedy, small town, sports, women's fiction, fantasy, and so much more.
Until Serena by Chaquita Dennie is part of Aurora Rose Reynolds Happily Ever Alpha world. Normally I love all things associated with ARR and the BOOM, but this one just didn’t do it for me. First of all, there was no mention of the BOOM. I kept waiting for it to be mentioned somewhere, but nope. Secondly, there was zero suspense!! There was some other woman/man drama and family drama, but it didn’t last long and I felt it all wrapped up way to quickly. This was strictly romance with a lot of filler. As much as it pains me to say this, I was very disappointed in this one🙁
So this was my first book by this author, and for the most part I enjoyed the story. The story was amazing. I loved Khalil and Serena 😊 ♥
Their first meeting did not go so well. Serena and her twin boys got stuck along the road in the rain. And Khalil stopped to lend a hand. Serena was an independent women and she didn’t know this stranger. But in the end her kids came first and she accepted the help from the gorgeous stranger. But Serena didn’t have time for Khalil. She was working as a waitress, baking in her spare time and trying to open her own bakery. And on top of it, she didn’t have the energy for Khalil’s family drama and an annoying ex who didn’t know when it was over.
I enjoyed the story, Khalil’s family was hectic and especially the annoying ex Lexi. I really wanted Serena to have a go at her. I liked the fact that Khalil made it so clear to her that he wasn’t interested in her, but she wasn’t getting the hint though. He also was very clear with his parents who he wanted in his life and I liked that. No run around no trying to make them feel better. The only issue I had with the story was that some parts seemed like it was missing (don’t know if it is because it’s an ARC) But their first fight after a fund raiser and when I thought they would hash it out the chapter ended and the next chapter they were having sex??? So maybe there should have been more explanation but yah, some parts of it seemed a bit ended abruptly but it doesn’t take away from the story. So a good addition to the Happily Ever After ARR Series 😊 ♥
Until Serena is part of the Happily Ever Alpha World. Serena is just a single mother trying to start over again. She loves her boys and is willing to do whatever is necessary to make their lives good. Khalil comes across the stranded family when their car breaks down. One meeting is all it takes for Khalil to know. Now it is just convincing Serena that they were each other’s BOOM.
This story was just a sweet ride the entire time. Little drama but lots of heat. Settle in for a read you won’t regret!
This is my first book by Chiquita Dennie and it was enjoyable. Serena and Kahlil were hit by the BOOM, but unless you already know going into the story about it, you won't understand. I liked the way in which the story played out with the family dramas and dynamics. However, there were a few plot holes that just do not allow the story to work. There are things in the story that do not make sense with the way in they play out in their timing. I never pass up a chance to read in the HEAWorld by ARR but this one was not what I wanted.
Khalil & Serena: triggers- domestic abuse, family discord. Ummm… what can I say about this book. It's a good story for a contemporary romance. Good but not great. I probably won't remember this book in about an hour. I'm wondering if any of the BOOM factory authors spent time actually reading the original series that they are going to be adding to. Because as a book it's a simple short read with family drama but as a book that is supposed to connect to the original “Until Him/Her” series and the “Happily Ever Alpha” world, it does not hit the mark. Not even close, which is disappointing. For one, I loved that this author gave us an African American couple but that both characters were very well educated and came from a loving two parent home. I've not read a lot of African American authors with like characters because most tend to use the negative undertones of our community. I.e. drugs, gang violence, single parent homes, lacking education and poor language skills and this is not all we are about. However, this book is supposed to connect so first and foremost it needed to have some type of dilemma that is a mystery throughout the story. Something that will keep the reader on the edge of their seat waiting to find out literally “whodunnit”, “where” and “why”. Second and probably the most important is the freaking “BOOM”. The centerpiece of the entire series is the “boom”. That moment when the character sees a person for the first time and BOOM they get that feeling in their stomach and flutters in their heart telling them that THIS person is THE ONE! The author not only did not give us that moment but it wasn't even mentioned in the story. That is what connects these books. WTH! the last thing for me… not really that serious… but for me, is the Alpha male. To me, Khalil wasn't much of an alpha. I mean yes he was successful and owned his own business but he could barely stand up to his parents about his life until almost towards the end of the book. He did protect Serena a couple of times but these moments weren't even necessary and Serena could've handled it herself. About the book itself, I felt like it was incomplete. There's a lot of holes in the story. The author jumped around in scenes without leading the reader into it, it just kind of switched to her next thought and I hate when books don't flow. If I have to read a paragraph or sentence over because it didn't make sense or I'm trying to find out if I missed something then that's a problem for me. Something that deters me from that particular author. Despite these issues, the story was okay. I just expected more for an addition to such an amazing series created by Aurora Rose Reynolds.
2.5 Stars This story is my introduction to this author, and while I loved the premise, I felt the writing needed some work. This is merely my observation and opinion of this story only, and in no way a representation of this author's entire work. I do admit that it was a bit rough to navigate through in the beginning because the writing style came off as juvenile or amateurish in its descriptions and dialogue.
Both Serena and Khalil were strong, independent, and confident in their abilities to make decisions based on their beliefs and rights as individuals, and I loved that. They didn't let anyone push them around. I didn't care much for their first meeting though because they both came off as a bit rude, aggressive, and snarky, and I didn't quite feel the chemistry come through just yet. I also never really got a sense of what these two looked like. There were details about their clothes, family background, and careers but nothing to conjure up a picture of them in my mind's eye. The cover to this story has a beautiful, black couple on it, but I would have appreciated some more descriptive details in the actual text.
As for the conflict, both of their parents and exes were over-the-top mean and ridiculous! Serena's parents actually thought it was best that she get back with her cheating--still attached to the other woman--dead-beat baby daddy ex all because they have twin boys together! Really?! And Khalil's parents and his ex--just ugh! Whew, chile! Those people were relentless and exhausting!🙄 I give Khalil and Serena props for standing strong in "fighting those forces of evil."✊🏾🤣 But then, all of sudden, the parents do an about-face! That was weird as heck! Had me thinking they was faking it to lull Khalil and Serena into a false sense of security and then--bam! Hit 'em with the okey-dokey! At least with Serena's ex, fear of Khalil kicking his arse and the seriousness of the custody battle with Serena was probably the reason for him getting his act together.
I would like to point out that I loved the strong sense of friendship and comraderie between both the main characters' group of friends. Inspite of the craziness with the parents, Khalil and Serena both had the best support system in Khalil's brother and all the friends. Overall, the story had some good bones to it, but it was just too choppy, and didn't flow well enough for me to truly fall in love with it.
When I started reading Until Serena by Chiquita Dennie I didn't know what to expect from this book as I have never read any of Chiquita's books before and I found I really enjoyed reading Until Serena. Until Serena is about single mom Serena, when she moved to Tennessee with her twin boys she did it to escape her cheating ex and her parent's disapproval for her not staying with him despite the cheating. Serena is lucky enough to have some good friends, December and Tasha, there to help her when she needs the help. But one day when her car breaks down on the side of the road and her phone has died, it's not her friends that are there to help her, it's a stranger in a sports car that comes to her rescue. When Khalil pulls his car over to help a poor woman with a broken down car in the rain he doesn't expect to feel the sparks between them. For his entire adult life he's focus has been his career but as soon as he starts to get to know Serena and her boys he starts to see beyond his career to the future they could have together. But unfortunately Serena was burned too much by her ex and isn't sure if she can trust everything that Khalil is offering is for real and that it doesn't come with strings. Will Khalil be able to break down the walls that Serena has erected around her heart?
Serena is a hard working single mom to twins. Financially they are struggling but rich in terms of love and relationships. Khalil is rich but is lacking in people who truly know him or care for him. A broken down car and lots of rain means that Serena and Khalil cross paths.
Khalil is sick and tired of people wanting to use him for his money and his name. Even his parents are pushing him into marriage and a career that he doesn't want to further their power in society. So meeting Serena is a breath of fresh air. She fights him on every penny that he wants to spend on her and her boys.
So as well as dealing with a new relationship, Serena starting up a new business and Khalil's family issues, there is also Serena's parents pushing her to go back to her ex, her ex wanting her back, his ex being stalkerish and not being able to take a hint.
There was a huge amount going on this book - it felt a little over-whelming at times and had my head spinning. That being said, it was fast paced and certainly kept me on my toes. I really enjoyed this book.
Serena is a single mother of twins that is determined to make her dreams come true and is not afraid of putting in the hard work to get there. But everyone can use help at some point in their life and sitting on the side of the exit ramp, in the rain, with a broke down car is one of those moments. When Serena gets the help in the form of Khalil, at first she is not wanting to accept the help, but he has a way of not taking no for an answer. He goes further to prove that when he asks her out and in the same fashion doesn't let her turn him down. Serena is understandably uneasy about putting herself out there again but Khalil is starting to prove that he may just be the type of man for her. Question is, will Serena give him that chance?
I'm not really sure how I want to rate this story. It was just an ok story; we got some drama that went way over the top and then it was just squashed and everything was ok? I also felt like either the writing was choppy or maybe some things were just "behind the scenes". With some ok drama and some ok naughty bits, I give this 3.5 stars.
Until Serena , was just Awesome, there is no other way to describe it .It’s full of drama , issues related to the family , falling in love , and so so much more .I quickly became so invested in both Khalil and Serena’s characters . Their were a lot of obstacles in their way , things definitely did not come easy . Everything from their family to exes , to past history caused so much tension . This really was such a wonderful single parent romance , being a so flat parent myself , I feel like it made it so easy for me to relate to certain situations. I was so hooked from the start . The world building was exceptional, CHIQUITA , knows just how to grab your attention and emotions in a way that you feel as if you are on a emotional roller coaster throughout the entire story . There were so many moments my heart truly ached for Serena , because being a single parent and trying to find your own happiness is not always a easy task . This is a book , full of wonderful characters , a beautiful story, Angst , drama , the importance of family and so much more . It absolutely is a must read
She was independent. She wanted her boys to see that and that she didn't need help. It might be nice sometimes but not necessary. When she was stranded with her boys on the side of the road, he stopped to help not accepting her refusal. She didn't have time or interest in dating, however, he sure was hot.
He was professional as well as the son of a prominent local politician. It didn't matter to him. Even though he was not looking for a family--something about this one drew him. The kids were feisty, like mom, and smart. She had a dream she was working hard to make happen.
With her responsibilities and family issues, his family issues, is there a chance for them? There are lots of reasons to read this book. The storyline is different, steam, adorable kids, a man who likes kids even if it wasn't in his life plans. Great characters, friends, and those met in earlier books, a story not to miss. Reviewed by Words Turn Me On
Until Serena by Chiquita Dennie is set in the Happily Ever Alpha World created by Aurora Rose Reynolds and Boom Factory Publishing and it ABSOLUTELY delivered on the BOOM!
Serena and Khalil are FIRE. Seriously, their chemistry is no laughing matter and absolutely required copious amounts of ice cold water to try and regulate my body temperature because each interaction sizzled with heat!
Their story started with a bang, and had me hooked from start to finish, falling in love with them individually, as a couple, and their world in general!
It is fast paced, it is action packed, and the romance is a delightful whirlwind!
Until Serena was an easy breezy read that packed a punch when it came to the FEELS and it was totally worth the read! I read it in one sitting it was so addictive! So, dive on in so you can get on the ride too!
Also, can I just take a moment to comment on how adorable Silas and Prince are?! Love them!
I was pulled right into this story. This is a standalone in the Happily Ever Alpha World brought to you by Aurora Rose Reynolds. The story has suspense, secrets, and heartbreak.
This is Serena and Khalil’s story. He is trying to work while his parents keep pushing woman at him to get him to settle down. He’s not ready and not wanting to anytime soon. She is trying to start over and take care of her boys when her car breaks down. He stumbles along the broken-down car. Her and her boys have his rethinking that he was not ready to settle down. When the pull her little family has on him, he is ready for a future with her and the boys.
I loved these characters and the side characters. I felt I could connect with the characters and the story was a great read.
This is the perfect addition to this amazing series and is Khalil and Serena’s story. Serena is fiercely independent and a single mom to twin boys, and when she is stranded at the side of the road with her boys Khalil stops to help her. Khalil is focused on his career, and enjoying his single status, which all would be perfect if his meddling parents kept out of his life. These two do not get off to the best of starts, and they both have in common family issues and responsibilities. This is a well written story which pulls at the heartstrings throughout, as well as having family, friendships, emotions, and love. I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
This book had me at single mom romance. I'm so glad that I read this one. I loved Serena and Khalil. They have a ton of chemistry, but also they are cute together. Khalil is going to make you swoon especially with the scenes with his niece and Serena's sons. Khalil is a playboy bachelor never settling down, but boy one rainy night changes all that. Serena deserves her luck to turn around. She's an awesome mom and can bake cupcakes like a dream. That's one of my favorite parts is she is a baker. The storm sucks you right in. There is plenty of family drama that made me shake my fist at a few characters. This book also shows you it's never too late, but you have to see the good in front of you. I would recommend this one because the characters are going to steal your heart.
Boy oh boy, was that good. Mild drama, family issues, loyal friends, a lot of love and much more. Author Chiquita Dennie is quickly becoming an author that I want to read more and more of her work.
To be quick, Khalil and Serena had a lot stacked against them with their own family and exes being pretty much horrible to them separately and, once they started dating, together as well.
I loved Serenas' twin boys. I liked Kayla too. I enjoy books with kids in them.
Khalils' ex, Lisa, was bat-crazy. Yikes🤦🏾♀️. Serenas' ex was pretty loopy too🥴.
I loved this story. It flowed very well. Once I got the email that this was coming out, I couldn't wait to read it and my waiting wasn't in vain. Highly recommend it.
This was a quick read with good characters. Serena is the single mother of twin boys trying to make her dream of opening a cupcake shop a reality. After a toxic relationship she has found her independence and is not accepting handouts. She is not a woman who gets walked on or disrespected. After her car breaks down she is rescued by Khalil. Right away Khalil takes control and wants to make things better for her and the kids. He is bossy, possessive and protective. The story has plenty of drama from family and messy exes. The drama ended abruptly but still was a sexy entertaining read. I like how both characters stood up for each other. No one or nothing got between them. Nice little epilogue at the end.
This was an enjoy story ,with a few good moments. I liked the fact that the hero doesn't waste time on taking control, and letting everyone know what he wants but I think there are few times when the writer should have made him work for it. While this coup!e found their nitch, I thin it was some missed opportunities on the writers part. For examp!e*** spoiler alert **When Khalil gifts Serena a car and not any old run of the mill car either. We are talking Range Rover. The writer gives us the impression, that this happens all the time.I was expecting a few omg's at least. They were just a tad bit too good and comfortable. Overall a good solid read,just need a little bit more revving uo.
Serena’s life is busy between being a single mother, working and trying to launch the career she really wants. She is determined to make it on her own so doesn’t need to be distracted by a sexy stranger even if he did come to her rescue when she found herself stranded due to car trouble.
Khahil had no interest in love or a relationship but after he meets Serena and her boys, he realizes that it wasn’t that he wanted to be single but that he hadn’t met the right woman yet.
Serena and Khahil give the other exactly what they need but before that can happen they need to realize what is truly important when it comes to life and love.
This is a sweet romance in the Happily Ever Alpha world.
Serena is a single mom trying to give herself and her twin sons a better life. Leaving her parents and ex behind, she’s determined to show them she can make it on her own.
Khalil is successful in his own right, having nothing to do with his power hungry family. All it takes is a blown out tire for his life to change course, and to start thinking about things he’s never thought about before.
I really liked Khalil and Serena. He treated her like a Queen. There’s some family drama for both of them, but love conquers all.
The only thing missing was the mention of the “BOOM,” otherwise this was a wonderful read.
I did enjoy this story..After all,what's not to like about a hard working and independent woman and mother?! She meets Khalil when a bad day leaves her with her car breaking down and in need of help. I really liked that the characters were both honest with exes and family about expectations and the fact that it's their lives to live, and it's a trait that is in every story of this series, and it makes me happy. The issue I keep having with this author, and I said it in my previous reviews of her books, is that I seem to either miss things or it's her style and she jumps from one thing to another so I feel like I miss things. I honestly don't know which is which.
Until Serena by Chaquita Dennie is part of Aurora Rose Reynolds Happily Ever Alpha world. Normally I love all things associated with ARR and the BOOM, but this one just didn’t do it for me. First of all, there was no mention of the BOOM. I kept waiting for it to be mentioned somewhere, but nope. Secondly, there was zero suspense!! There was some other woman/man drama and family drama, but it didn’t last long and I felt it all wrapped up way to quickly. This was strictly romance with a lot of filler. As much as it pains me to say this, I was very disappointed in this one🙁
Chiquita Dennie is a brand new author for me and what a way to be introduced- in one of my top favorite author's world. Until Serena was really, really good y'all and I was hooked after the first few pages.
Packed with all the heat and all of the feels, Dennie takes her readers on a journey they won't soon forget. Serena and Khalil will tug at your heart and have you racing through the pages of their story.
I love this world and I adore anything related to ARR.
Eh it was ok didn’t feel the BOOM with this book... single mom trying to do it on her own. Lack of support from baby daddy and her parents... but I guess that’s explained later on... I was expecting more action from either ex... his ex just kinda drove away into the sunset lol... and her ex that was kinda weird was he trying to have sister wives... he’s married and has kids but he’s still trying to get her to go back to Nashville... anyway moving on can’t wait for another book about the BOOM...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Very enjoyable story about friendship family and love There is some drama but not over the top Characters are relateable and the storyline believable The author did a good job in letting us look into hos parents want to control grown children lives and how they have to be strong and believe in their own self worth to fight back and live their own lives First time reading this author she did a great job pulling this story into an enjoyable read Will definitely read more from her catalogue
Another great book in the Happily Ever Alpha World.
Serena's love for her boys is evident. She is sweet, sassy, and devoted to being the best mom she can be. Khalil is smart, determined, and accomplished. Not to mention sexy. These two have such amazing chemistry. I loved every moment.
These two characters were such a treat to read about! Full of love, devotion, and determination. Absolute MUST READ!
Serena is a single mom with twin sons. Khalil is in investments and just wants to run his business without his parents constant influence. Khalil's parents wants him to marry a woman that will influence their family. He wants nothing to do with her. Serena is dealing with her ex. All she wants is her kids to be ok and open her cupcake business. Can Khalil break down her walls? Will she get everything she wants?