"Because sometimes all it takes is the first date..." For Malinda Woods, growing her business is a top priority. And in her opinion, that's only possible if she eliminates all distractions.
That means no going out, no getting caught up in the daily hype of social media, and of course, no dating. Until she's set up on a blind date with the perfect man who's equipped with everything necessary to change her mind.
Whoa.
Note: This novella takes place during the same time frame as Oops! and does contain major spoilers for that title. It is highly recommended that you read Oops! first before going on Malinda's journey.
Alexandra Warren is a contemporary romance author with over thirty works to date, all of which intentionally center Black love. She is also the co-founder of Girl, Have You Read…, a digital platform dedicated to Black romance written by Black authors.
When she’s not in front of her computer, she enjoys traveling, spending time with family, watching sports, and clearing her DVR. Alexandra is a proud native of Omaha, Nebraska, but she currently calls Houston, Texas home.
Walter was definitely on his grown man ish in Whoa. The chemistry between him and Malinda was sizzling! Their mutual love and knowledge of music was a unique interest they both shared. He let it be known up front how he felt about Mali and played no games. Malinda was a different story. She was very hesitant to get involved because, she was trying to get her business off the ground and didn’t feel like she had the time to devote to a relationship. Finding a balance between love and life was a hard concept for her. But, Walter proved himself to be a patient man and gave Mali her space to decide what she wanted. I loved that there was not a lot of drama and no game playing. You want to see Mali and Walter fall in love and be together forever. There were so many swoon worthy moments in this book that had me saying, “Awwwww!” Mali and Walter were the epitome of black love. You just love to see it!
Another Cute Story....Malinda and Walter (DJ Whoa) was introduced on a blind date and they connected quickly, which led to their first night of passion. After their first night, Walter was hooked. But, let's be clear...so was Malinda; but she was hesitant because she felt the relationship would interfere with the continued growth of her business. In this short, Malinda eventually realized she could have them both. Malinda & Walter finally got their HEA.....I loved how Oops & Whoa worked simultaneously to give us two (2) warm loving stories from the Woods Twins.
It’s been a minute since I’ve laughed out loud while reading a book 🤣 This was so funny and charming! Looking forward to diving more into this authors work.
This book. THIS BOOK. I seriously have never a love a book more than this one right here. Mali and Walt gave me all the cute vibes and the romance was of epic proportions. If you want something very low on the angst with two very busy people who are so into each other, get this.
Whoa is a spinoff novella of Oops, not really a companion novel because it happens at the same time as Oops. Though you can really read one or the other, the plot doesn't give a lot away from the other book, only what you already know from the synopsis! I highly recommend reading both tbh, they are so much fun and the characters give you life.
In Whoa, Mav's little sister, Mali, gets her own spotlight. One of her interns arranges a blind date for her! And who is the man waiting for her at the restaurant? Dj Whoa aka Walter, her brother's friend. He's so adorable, sexy and knows which words are going to hit. Mali is a very busy person, she wants to get her fashion business into something bigger so she has to work harder than ever. But meeting Walt changes a few things, but she still isn't sure if she can let something unknown, or someone, come into her busy life.
These two made my day. I seriously think this book is going to be a constant reread for me. It's such a feel-good romance where you just want to read the next chapter and the next. You want to see these two fall in love and be together forever. There is a lot of swooning happening in this novella and I hope you are prepared to lose your heart to Mali and Walt's story. Because it's going to happen, yall. Mali and Walt are magic together and you cannot see them apart after they meet. They are just so good together, you know?
This was the pick for book club this month and a new to me author. Malinda is pulled into going on a blind date by her friend and coworker Jamie. Malinda is quite devoted to her work but she indulges her friend and goes on the date. She ends up being pleasantly surprised by Walter. He was very much a gentleman the entire night and he ends up getting lucky with Malinda. After the date it became a juggle between work priorities and personal tendencies while these two navigated their relationship.
One thing that stood out to me that was cause for a lower rating was time. There was no sense of a timeline in the book. For example, after the first date a month goes by before they see each other again but it's mentioned on passing so a lot of times I thought things were happening a lot sooner. Second, after talking with the club, it was pointed out that Malinda used work as an excuse a lot for not really committing in the relationship but then would contradict that by doing exactly what she said she wouldn't do and even got a bit peeved with Walter for suggesting such a thing.
Walter was great. Very honest and mature throughout and I just enjoyed the way he was written.
If you're not up to date with the current generation's slang you may find yourself googling what some words mean like I did but overall it was a decent enough novella and I definitely plan to read a full length novel by this author in the future.
I loved grown man Walter. He was upfront and made his intentions known. He didn’t play games. He went after what he wanted and left no doubts about his feelings. He was the opposite of Maverick and I was here for it. I thought this was a fun read. It’s almost impossible to compete with the vibe of Oops, but this was a good spinoff.
Whoa by Alexandra Warren is about Malinda Woods and Walter aka DJ Whoa. Mali is busy running her online clothing boutique Mali’s Closet when her assistant sets her up on a blind date. Her blind date is DJ Whoa a friend of her brothers. This is the best blind date I’ve ever read about. The chemistry between Mali and Walt is unmatched! Their love/knowledge of music always set the mood! Mali and Walt are hot hot hot 🥵 they get it poppin! I like that Walt gave her space to decide what she wanted but also never played any silly games. I love this book and all the characters in it! P.s. I hope some of these secondary characters get their own stories! P.s.s. I need this in paperback.
This novella was so cute! Walter (also known as Whoa) and Malinda (also known as Mali) were the cutest and had me grinning from beginning to end. This was a love story with just the right amount of steaminess and humor. I loved the chemistry between these two characters as well as their love of music. The ending definitely had me tearing up a little bit. Needless to say, I loved this book!
At first, I was feeling like this story read a little young for me. And call me a square but I despise so much use of the N-word, anywhere.
But I found myself enjoying Malinda and Walter's progression more than I was bothered by that. I loved Walter's certainty when it came to them (that's hot) and I also dug Malinda's relationship with her mother. One thing that makes a romance good for me is wishing I had something about it for myself, and this fit the bill for that. So...thumbs up. :)
I really enjoyed this short but still amazing read. In this one we follow the relationship of Walter (Whoa) and Malinda (Mali).
The chemistry between these two could be felt from the moment she sat down at the table for their first date. I was drawn in immediately because of the love that both of them shared for music. The mention of songs that peppered my early 20s brought back some amazing memories for me.
Walter had a confidence that he could back up with not only words but action. He didn’t have a problem with laying it all out there. I love that he had an understanding that you make time for what you find important.
I saw so much of myself in Mali and how she was living her life - late to bed, early to raise chasing the dollar because you have responsibilities and people (customers) counting on you. Not realizing that you may be neglecting a part of life that could be that missing piece of your puzzle.
I really love these characters and the easy feel of how their love came to be. As an added bonus the spicy levels are on ghost pepper! Lol I did listen to some of this read via the audiobook which provide great vocal performance for these characters. 5 Stars
Ugh, these two were so smitten with each other- it was so cute to read about Mali and Walter! ❤️😭Mali is all about her boutique business and Walter is the ever booked and busy, DJ Whoa. These two bonded very quickly after their blind date and really never let up. I felt like Mali had every reason why she couldn’t have both- a relationship and build her business but she could and Walter was willing to meet her halfway. These two supported each other, they loved each other hard, and in the end they were paid with a love that was everlasting. I so enjoyed this novella; it moved very fast but everything flowed just right. I loved this series, it was truly captivating. Good work!
Constantly consuming herself with work, Malinda agrees to a blind date. Once arriving to her destination, she notices it’s her brother’s friend, Walter. One thing leads to another-they basically become inseparable and fall in love. That is after she realizes her love-work life could be balanced. It was such a cute novella to The Woods Twins.
This was a really good spinoff. I liked Malinda aka Mali, from 'Opps!', so I was sure I'd like this, and it didn't disappoint.
If a man is so fine that your mother has to do a double take to give him props (in a very platonic way), then I'm here for it😏. Walter aka Whoa, was apparently just that fine, yet it was the love of music and his DJ persona that I thought was super dope. It didn't hurt that he was a charmer and all around good man.
I'm all for one doing what they need to run and have a successful business, yet work-life balance is a must, so to know Mali was so set on JUST having a work-work balance didn't seem right. I like how Walter tried to give her advice, seeing that he'd had that same mind frame and didn't want her to miss out on life. Again, very good man.
Even if you hadn't read 'Oops!', this didn't give too much away, yet I wouldn't advise anyone to NOT read that first; just makes sense🤷🏾♀️.
Alexandra Warren has become one of my favs in the romance world. This super cute novella was just right after “oops”. I loved everything about Molly and Walter’s relationship it’s super important to have someone that understands you and your passion. Alexandra always have a good sense of humor writing, she mentioned on of my favorite series from Christina C Jones “the love sisters” that I picked up on I thought that was super dope. This book will definitely be added to my paperback collection.
This was a short and steamy unexpected novella that was apart of the audiobook for OOPS. So in Audio Melinda and Walter were liquid chemistry on fire and then some.
Following the independent Melinda who got set up on a blind date she wasn't expecting to become anything with the divine looking no strings attach DJ! Unexpected love and fire chemistry. That was the tale of Melinda and Walter also known as DJ Whoa! The rest can be found in between the pages.
I am here for the banter and love between Warren's characters. This was the second book in the OOPs series and I loved that her style of writing was consistent. :) #blacklove :)
I just going to start off by saying add this to your library to read preferably sooner than later. Ms. Warren has done it again. This novella was perfect it told the whole story without leaving you hanging for more. Mali and Walter's love for each other was sizzling.
Mali was a straight "girl boss" who was determined to build her empire without using the fame of her brother or mother. She was so focused on building it she was not thinking or entertaining anyone in the love department. The irony is when you are not looking for love it will bite you hard leaving a sting. I love Walter and Mali together as a couple they were each other better half. I also like Walter being a boss while helping Mali make boss moves.
This was a great read and I enjoyed how it coincides with Camyrn and Maverick's story. It makes both stories more realistic. If you have not indulged in this novella you should but start with 'Oops' and it will all make sense.
All work & no play makes Mali exceptionally no fun. She's so focused on being a boss that there is nothing that can distract. Not even this blind date that her intern is setting her up can steer her away from her goals. But I mean, its just one night, right ?
Walter has been there & done that with the work thing. He is at the point in his career where he's not turning down any money, but he's relaxing just as much as he works. He's down for a blind date because he's not expecting anything. But have you seen the material ?
I was toooo invested in this story & I loved that it was happening the same time as "Oops". Especially because iI didn't understand what was going on with Mali & Whoa, but but now I know 😏 I don't even blame Mali for checking Walter the way she did. I would too after the way he was breaking her off 🫠
I would love a followup on the Woods Twins & their spouses because this was toooo damn good.
Mini Review: Malinda Woods is all about her business—literally. Running Mali’s Closet keeps her busy, and dating? Not on the agenda. But when her assistant sets her up on a blind date with Walter, aka DJ Whoa, let’s just say… whew. The chemistry? Instant. The vibe? Undeniable. And suddenly, Malinda’s got a lot more to think about than just her boutique.
Verdict: A fun, flirty novella that proves sometimes, all it takes is one date. I was glad to see Mali allow herself the opportunity for love instead of using her business as an excuse. Success is nothing without someone to share it with. Alexandra Warren always delivers on Black love, and this one was no exception.
Favorite Quote: You’re a badass woman who deserves abundance in every facet of life, love included.
(P.S. If you haven’t read ‘Oops!’, you might want to start there—this one runs alongside it and has a few spoilers!)
This novella was so freaking good. Malinda is doing her thing in her business. Taking no shortcuts and stepping out the shadows of her famous mother. In walks Walter a man who knows what he wants and is not afraid of letting her know it. Malinda and Walter are so freaking cute. Alexandra has become one of my go to author's because she doesn't disappoint. She makes you fall in love with the characters and she tells a complete story and she makes sure you feel the chemistry of the hero and herione.
You want this book and the novella before this one "Oops". Clearly enjoyed her books and you won't be disappointed in this one. Bravo Alexandra Bravo.
OMG YALL THIS WAS EVERYTHING! THE LOVE I HAVE FOR MALI & WALTER 🥺✨💓✨💓✨
This couple met during a blind date which Malida's employee set up and pressured her to go last minute. Music is the main topic of this novella especially R&B which couldn't have gone better for me. And by the way, I also peeped Jamie mentioning Joia Love who is the MC of Christina C. Jones' Love Sisters series. I see you. 👀 That was a nice surprise! Other than that, I really appreciate the fact that there wasn't any brotherly territorial behaviour from Maverick, THANK GOD, which always seems to happen with -little sister falls in love with big brother's best friend- trope.
A beautiful romance between a DJ and a fashion business owner. <3 highly highly recommend!
I like that this was a spinoff that dived into how Walter and Malinda came to be and that Maverick was cool with them being together. Jamie chose correctly hooking Walter and Malinda up for a blind date that progressed to a marriage proposal with tears and a yes at the end. I'm glad that Maverick, Camryn, and Keily are still going strong as a happy family. I hope we get a book about Jamie now because she seems to have some secrets going on with that statement of, "OnlyFans is the only reason I can afford to work here anyway.” I want to see what she has going on.
I finished the spin-off to Oops quick. I really enjoyed the characters in this series. Malinda was a independent women who had her mind focus on reaching her goals and didn’t want anything to come between them. At one point she believed that dating could be a distraction and put Walter on ice. What started out as a blind date ended up being more and Mali didn’t know if she could juggle being a business woman and dating Walter. I loved that even though Walter wasn’t feeling her decision he respected it only for her to eventually come back to him. Their journey was cute. I wish there was more😭.
Mali and Walt find out how fun it is when two busy people find time to unwind with each other. I understand her hesitancy about getting into a relationship while operating her business. But he shows her that she can have just as much pleasure while uplifting, encouraging, and cheering for her and her business. Mali was fighting having it all but learns that she can balance love, relationship, and work when you have the right person to be in the trenches with, and Walt proves that he is the man for the job. Her and her twin, Mav, just keep twinning as they find love around the same time too.
As usual AW never disappoints. It was a cute story and I loved how the situations were reversed. But also loved how they worked through it. The relatable stories that AW comes up with always touch a special place in my soul. Her writing development is A1 on all accounts. Nothing is ever lacking from the story. The fact this was a spin off happening at the same time as Oops was cool because we were able to see how it all came together. As always I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next!!
A beautiful love story! Once again Alexandra does not disappoint. The book may have been short but nothing was missing. There was a beginning, middle and end. Watching Malinda and Walter's love unfold was beautiful to read and kept a smile on my face and had me laughing at several scenes. Walter knew what he wanted from the beginning and put in that effort. I highly recommend this book if you're looking for something cute and sweet with a lot of love. Oh and the music had me reminiscing like crazy.
I love, love, loved Mali and Walter's story!!! Let me say, great job on the breadcrumbs dropped in "Oops" because I was already intrigued from those small glimpses. I loved that despite the person they shared in common, it was an old-fashioned blind date how they met. That whole first date was definitely 90s Black film worthy! Mali and Walter were so cute, even in their awkward moments. I love music, so the musical references of some of my favorite songs🙌🏾 just added to how great this story was. This was a fun book to read, definitely 5 ⭐️Stars!
Love the spin-off it was amazing I couldn't stop reading Walter and Melinda love story was epic no other words can put together to show how crazy they are for each other it was an instant love affair. Girl you have me side she I'm my husband on his proposal lol. This book was a glass of wine !love and cozy fuzzy love making story line. I can't wait for your next story home you have a good one about Jamie or her brother javonte. Thanks Alexandria Warren really awesome writer.