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W.I.P Work In Progress

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Vanity Keys takes pride in her job as an editor. As hard as she works, she plays even harder. But one drunken night of pole dancing, lands her lips on a sexy random man. Mystic Preston is a bestselling author. His writing covers a multitude of genres including his secret identity as an erotica writer. However, a chance meeting with a clumsy kisser causes him to slow down and show her his technique, all the while falling under her spell. Will Mystic and Vanity be each other’s greatest works in progress? Or will they fan out the flames and focus on their careers?

116 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 2, 2020

78 people are currently reading
125 people want to read

About the author

Ashantay Keys

44 books309 followers

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5 stars
181 (70%)
4 stars
53 (20%)
3 stars
22 (8%)
2 stars
2 (<1%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
Profile Image for Kameel.
1,052 reviews289 followers
December 29, 2022
I loved the way Mystic and Vanity’s relationship developed…the two initially met at a club one night and was instantly attracted…However, Mystic used sound judge and gave her his number….who knew the two would meet in a business capacity….The two did their very best to separate business from their personal attraction.
Profile Image for Torri (BlackRomanceConnoisseur).
176 reviews309 followers
June 15, 2022
this gave me the biggest smile

What you want is attainable, you’re just asking the wrong person.

I love the timeline of these two getting together. It’s so attractive when lovers support their partner’s career & dreams—& not just when it’s fun, but also when it requires long hours & a lot of effort. I also loveeee a couple that will put up a healthy fight for their relationship and talk through their feelings both positive and negative. I would loveeeee to see this couple again😍

I wanted to cuss Bri out but it’s cool lol my girl Vanity got the last & loudest laugh 💅🏾
Profile Image for Bree Hill.
1,026 reviews575 followers
February 24, 2021
Mystic and Vanity have my heart right now. Ashantay Keys gets right to it! Mystic walks in on something he shouldn't see literally on page 1. He is a writer so the hurt he experiences really begins to effect his writing. Then the tone switches up a bit and becomes fun..Mystic and Vanity meet, go their separate ways but as fate would have it in the world of romance..he has a new editor and BAM! It's Vanity. okay, NERDGIRL MOMENT here..I love romances where we follow writers and I loved the spin that the writer in this one was the hero and that his editor is the heroine.Vanity hasn't had a lot of experience with men, so while she is critiquing Mystic's work to help him get back on his game and put-out content his fans will love, as their relationship takes off, he teaches her things in the intimacy department. SO.DAMN.GOOD! So happy I discovered Ashantay Keys! I am so excited to read more from her.
Profile Image for Annette Williams.
1,180 reviews410 followers
September 15, 2020
**SPOILERS**

I’m very conflicted about Work In Progress. Parts of the book were good but, other parts, the dialogue was bad. Certain conversations between the characters just didn’t flow well. They were over the top, ridiculous, and corny. Like the conflict between Brie and Vanity. It seemed to come out of nowhere and I couldn’t understand why she disliked Vanity so much. It came across as forced drama because there was no background between the two characters. And, the scene that played out between Mystic, Vanity, and Melody was a little too unrealistic for me. Vanity ended up looking like a simp. But, I did enjoy Mystic and Vanity as a couple. He was definitely giving off big d*ck energy in this book. Their attraction to each other was intense and genuine. The relationship just flowed together naturally. I absolutely loved when she found out he was Magnum. The timing of the reveal was perfect. Work In Progress was my first book by Ashantay Keys. While I enjoyed it, I wouldn’t say I loved it. I'd give it a solid 3.5 stars
860 reviews7 followers
October 5, 2020
Loved the premise!

This book started out with so much potential! And while I absolutely loved the dynamic and chemistry between Mystic and Vanity, there were a few things that happened in the story that just didn't quite sit right with me. Overall, it was an enjoyable read, and my first from this author. But I will definitely read more. I would also give it 3.5 stars!
Profile Image for OhhSlimmm.
506 reviews31 followers
October 25, 2020
Progress

My first book by this author and she did amazing! I felt each emotion throughout this book and the book Mystic was working on. I loved how the author went in detail how Mystic came up with his storyline and what caused his emotions to seek through the pages. I felt like I was in this book writing the story with the author. I highly recommend this book
Profile Image for Lizzy Clark.
799 reviews29 followers
March 16, 2022
I hated it ended...

It's been awhile since I've read a book by Queen Ashantay Keys and she definitely gave us something different.
From chapter one I was like😳😡. Melody was blessed that all Mystic did was use his words, cause somebody else's son would've did some damage. What she did just said she only loved herself. Then to try and force him back with you cause you weren't sorry, just sorry you got caught. Mystic was too damn passive with her cause her a** shouldn't have made it in the door.
I read just about all the reviews and the one that stood out the most spoke on the "beef" between Bria and Vanity. I agree their lil catty banter didn't flow properly, but I have to disagree with it as will, because Bria explained that she pretty much despised Vanity because of all the recognition she received, etc. She was sad and the lengths she was willing to go to ruin another woman's reputation was pathetic.
Posh just had a dope spirit💕
Kyle gave off controlling vibes. It was the popping up out of no where, trying to make her be with you. IDGAF what he was saying, his a** wasn't laying in wait for no damn 3 years, especially not living in another state, gtfoh🤔🙄.
Mystic & Vanity were both a work in progress and they helped each other heal parts of them that had been broken. Their chemistry was strong from the moment they met. I'm glad Vanity let her guard down and allowed him to teach her some things that opened her to accepting love. I truly enjoyed their story💕
Profile Image for Kema B..
Author 10 books227 followers
September 13, 2020
Loved this story! I enjoyed this book so much. Vanity was a beast in her work life, her personal and dating life however not so much. Mystic suffered a heartbreak that affected him so deeply it was reflecting on his otherwise stellar work. I loved how they met and then met again lol. I loved how cute their interactions were and you could feel the chemistry through the pages. The best part was a although it’s a novella it never felt that way. It gave me everything I needed with this couple. Really, really good read.
Profile Image for Qiana Groves.
350 reviews64 followers
September 4, 2020
If you're looking for a cute romance story, look no further. This book is urban romance with just the right sprinkling of drama! In this story we are introduced to Vanity and Mystic. Vanity is an editor known as "The Dark Horse", she's the best editor in the literary world, but the cost has been the sacrificing of her love live. Then we meet Mystic, he's a bestselling author and damn near perfect boyfriend, but sometimes perfect isn't good enough. When these two characters worlds collide, it's nothing short of entertaining.

This story captured my attention from the beginning with the opening scene. It had just enough drama to keep my interest piqued from the beginning to the end. It also shed some light on the behind the scenes in the literary world and I absolutely love stories that have that. This author also gave shout-outs to some of her favorite authors, which is also a favorite of mine. I hope you enjoy this story as much as I did!
Profile Image for Jorie B.
66 reviews7 followers
September 9, 2020
“Love should be effortless.....”
Well dayum!!! This is my first read from this author and I was pleasantly surprised and intrigued throughout the whole book. Mystic and Vanity’s characters jump off the pages within the storyline and their chemistry is written and developed perfectly. There was a mixture of laughs, fan yourself and highlighter moments along with a plot twist that’ll have you clutching your literal and figurative pearls sprinkled throughout this book. Cover to cover pat yourself on the back girl. Sis you’ve definitely got a hit with this one!!!
Profile Image for Bella Jay.
Author 22 books556 followers
January 16, 2021
My first read by Ashantay and I'm looking forward to checking out more of her work. I thought this was a cute read and loved the dynamic between editor and writer! My favorite part was definitely him revealing he was Magnum and performing her favorite scene on her. 😜. I'd recommend it!
Profile Image for Nikki Figgs.
48 reviews5 followers
September 9, 2020
Sweet

I’m a sucker for sweet, romance novels that don’t include “struggle” love. This book touched on a little bit of everything: forgiveness, true love, learning yourself, and more. The way the couple came to be was a very organic process I enjoyed reading about.
Profile Image for Sharon.
797 reviews48 followers
March 10, 2022
Soooo Good

I love the working relationship and the romantic relationship these 2 had. The truly built each other up and their love was pure
Profile Image for Anniscia Montanez.
77 reviews6 followers
July 5, 2022
This book was everything!! Vanity came in and was everything Mystic didn’t know he needed or even what she needed! After late nights of writing and constantly being in each other’s presence a bond was formed. I loved everything about this book. Great read!!
Profile Image for A.L. Norton.
Author 33 books120 followers
September 6, 2020
Yet again, another great read from this wonderful author. Mystic walks into something devastating and he becomes heartbroken (not going to give anything away). He is a bestselling author that is struggling until he meets and falls in love with Vanity, his new editor, that plays no games. This was a great and cute romance that will keep you turning the pages!
Profile Image for Telia Teanna.
Author 5 books19 followers
September 23, 2020
Ashantay Keys is quickly becoming a force to be reckoned with. This woman has been creating a buzz for herself and I am loving it. My library is full of a bunch of her books because I have been hearing so many good things about her work.

So, when I started reading this book, I had high expectations, and boy did it not disappoint!

This story was short, sweet, and well rounded.

At first I thought that I wasn't going to like Vanity. She seemed overly confident, stuck up, and boring. Maybe that would have been the case had she not met Mystic. Mystic ended up making her better, and softening her up. She was known as the "dark horse," but I didn't see any of that between them.

My heart really went out to Mystic because his ex really did him wrong, but he had me frustrated because he let that fuck with his career. I'm glad that he was able to get it together and get inspired.

All in all, this was a story of two people who were both lacking something, and when they came together, things just fell in place, and love was quickly able to blossom. I really enjoyed this.

Looking for an easy read that's light on the heart, quick to read, and still of quality? This book is for you.

Profile Image for ReadnliftwithShar.
1,839 reviews
September 7, 2020
💕

Very good read!! When Mystic is struggling with meeting the deadline for his new book, he’s assigned a new editor, Vanity. Only thing is, the two had met under questionable circumstances lol! I thought the two meeting prior to the assignment was a cute plot twist. Even though Mystic tried to act annoyed in the beginning— he couldn’t deny the attraction that he had to Vanity. I think both characters were alike in many ways which helped solidify their relationship. Both came from humble beginnings and that helped with their desire to be the best at their jobs. Vanity was my girl crush- she had this cute innocence to her but she was also cutthroat in her work ethic. The best part of this book was when Mystic professed his love and adoration for Vanity in front of everyone. My heart was swooning at that part because throughout the book I wanted them to stop playing and be together and it finally happened! 😉I so enjoyed reading this one. 🥰
Profile Image for Samyra Alexander.
Author 11 books149 followers
January 31, 2021
Page Turner

This story is about a no nonsense editor who finally let's her hair down and meets a mysterious man who turns out to be a client at her agency. This novellas is a page Turner that didn't disappoint as all the characters are relatable. I love how the author successfully brought me into the editing world, into the individual psyches of both Vanity and Mystique, and into their world as a couple. Job well done.
Profile Image for Monica Walters.
214 reviews24 followers
September 20, 2020
Perfection!

This story was perfect! The chemistry between Mystic and Vanity could be felt through the pages. Had me swooning as I read! I’ve never read so fast in my life! 🤣 I was anxious to see what would happen when the complications of Brie, Melody, and Kyle arose. 🙄 Ashantay, you did your thing with this one! I thoroughly enjoyed it! ❤️
Profile Image for martha fountain.
834 reviews18 followers
October 16, 2020
First read by this author...looking forward to more

This book gives you all the feels! Great character development, intimate and authentic relationship and of course hot sex scenes. All of these made for an amazing story. I borrowed this book on KU and now it is a purchase because it's that good! Vanity and Mystic are one of my favorite couples. Great read!
Profile Image for Toya  Davis-Stokley.
2,523 reviews97 followers
September 8, 2020
First time read from this author, and I loved this story! I was completely drawn in by Mystic, and his love for his woman, But, was devastated for him, on the scene he walked in on. Vanity, I wondered why she was so hard, and seemed unfeeling with people. She was great at her job, but had nothing outside of it. The meeting of Mystic and Vanity, was sexy as hell! To find out that their careers were so closely linked, and they would need each other was a bonus. Vanity and Mystic had so many fears, apprehensions and doubts about love, due to their absent mothers; and the betrayal that Mystic had to endure. However, bonding over Mystic's book, and talking, made them both open up about all that they felt. Mystic breaking down Vanity's walls and teaching her that she was worthy of love, and showing her how to love and accept love was so beautiful! Vanity's real talk, allowed Mystic to realize that he could forgive the betrayal, without forgetting it. Thus allowing his heart to open once again to love. These two were so damn cute together, and both deserved the love that was beginning to bloom. Really great read! 👍👍👍
239 reviews4 followers
March 21, 2022
SMH up and down as a yasss!

This was my first read of an Ashantay Keys book and I absolutely LOVED it. Ms. keys points out the importance of Love…loosing it, never receiving it and ultimately finding it with the right person who’s perfect for you.

The plot, theme and narrative gave a different look at how the people in your life can distract and destroy you or help make you focus and become the best version of you so when the handsome author Mystic and tall beautiful editor Vanity both from troublesome upbringings find one another in a night club, the chemistry I’d on fire from the time their eyes meet and they discover something unique and special in each other that they’ve never found in anyone else.

Mystics wants to teach and Vanity is a willing student ready to learn the art of love. Well 1+1=2 and the fun begins. Truths are admitted, lesson are taught, sexual tension is overflowing and desires are delivered and full filled in the best possible way. Chile that first lick of the cl*t made me shutter like it was happening to me. I was excited for Vanity and you’ll understand why when you read this story.

Great writing, refreshing storyline that was wonderfully depicted in this sweet story that has me wondering if there is a part two for Posh😉

This is a story you’ll definitely enjoy. Buy it, read it and rate it❤️
Profile Image for Jite.
1,298 reviews74 followers
September 19, 2020
Okay.

This is the first book I’m reading from this new-to-me author and overall I liked it. I loved the premise of Vanity, a straight-laced book editor being called in to help romance author, Mystic, when he gets writer’s block and chemistry flowing between them in spite of their hang ups. I enjoyed their back story and their journey together even within the short timeline of this story. The character names were interesting to say the least but their characterization sometimes was a little odd to me- I was frequently wondering “why would x do that or say that!” Sometimes, characterization felt a little inconsistent, which made it difficult to feel like I knew the characters. But reading it out of the context of relating to the character motivations, I thought this was fine. I felt nitpicky about some things like Melody’s sense of entitlement and Mystic’s complacency, and the lack of closure with Brie, and wanting more of the friendship with Posh to feature to round out Vanity’s character a bit. But ultimately, this wasn’t a long book and I think the author did a lot in a shorter novel. It was nice.
71 reviews5 followers
October 12, 2020
Love on the brain ...

Vanity, being a hard-working editor forgot how to enjoy life and let hair down. After getting accolades at work her friend Posh invited out to celebrate. Little did Vanity know, her life would change drastically.

Mystic, a best-selling author rushes home to surprise his love with a proposal. Little did he know, his love had a surprise of her own.

One night out on the town Mystic wandered into a local bar to clear his head. While enjoying a beer his eyes lands on a chocolate beauty caressing a pole with her slow wind.

Drawn like a moth to a flame. Their bodies collide on the dance floor. After one drunken dance that soon leads to a drunken kiss. Mystic is never the same.

Vanity on the other hand, after a few shots of Patron and few dances couldn't recall her night as she woke the next morning.

With Mystic having writer's block and Vanity being the best editor in the industry. They have no idea that their world's are about to collide and create harmony.

7 reviews3 followers
September 4, 2020
First of all, lets be clear...Mystic is bae!!!! The visual I had of him was one of Sammie the singer cause bruh done growed up! The way that man carried himself and treated me, I mean Vanity...lol...was everything! I loved their chemistry from the very beginning and I knew that it was going to be an amazing read. And when he revealed his secret and acted it out I was done for!! This is by far my favorite book by Ashantay. She captured the love story between Sammie and I...dang, I mean Mystic and Vanity so well and I can't wait for her next romance book!
Profile Image for BetweentheCoversLiterary .
1,511 reviews32 followers
September 17, 2020
Truly freaking amazing!!!

Oh my goodness I loved this book... It was so
amazing from beginning to end and I couldn’t put it down for a second. I wanna high five my girl Vanity because she was a bawse and she was hella good at her job... I loved when she checked both Brie and Melody. Mystic was amazing. I felt like he was truly an author and a glimpse of his works was amazing. Mystic and Vanity together just pure couplegoals bossgoals perfection. This was my first time reading this author and I truly enjoyed this read and definitely will be reading other works
2,046 reviews14 followers
January 2, 2022
Cute romantic story!

First, I’ll start out by saying that this was the first book that I’ve read by Ashantay Keys and I’m definitely looking forward to reading more of her work. The book started out with a little drama, but didn’t focus on it throughout the book. Mystic met Vanity in a bar but learned the next day that she was the best editor in the business and was now his new editor. They worked very well in their business and personal lives. I would love to read more about this growing relationship. Well written, flowed well and definitely kept my attention.
Profile Image for Shanelle.
1,478 reviews21 followers
September 9, 2020
GREAT READ

Another great read by this author that I thoroughly enjoyed. This author can tell a story that will have you wanting to know how things will play out. Finding romance again while overcoming writers block is what Mystic is faced with until he meets the feisty editor named Vanity who not only lights a fire in him to write his best work but also gets inside his heart. I loved their work chemistry which made for a better romantic chemistry that neither could deny and that ending sealed the deal for the future of Mystic and Vanity. Highly recommend reading.
Profile Image for LaTosha Webber.
1,137 reviews70 followers
February 25, 2023
Freaking Cute

This was absolutely adorable. I smiled for almost the entirety of the book. It has rough spots writing wise and some very cheesy moments. But it is overall a really good contemporary work place romance. This is the way I prefer this trope, more about the dynamics of a working relationship than then it being against policy or whatever. It’s relatively fast paced and steamy!
Profile Image for Erika Coleman.
76 reviews8 followers
September 5, 2020
Loved by the right one

What a beautiful quick read. I think this is my first read by this author and I truly enjoyed the story. I love the relationship and the vulnerability that is sold from both characters.

Definitely will be reading more of this author, the book was well put together.
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