Jarius Hutcherson is very well-acquainted with the inner pleasures of a woman. He isn’t too concerned with her mind or what her personal life is like. His focus is simply on how to elevate his career as a barber. But there comes a point where he thinks about settling down and having a family, especially at the persistence of his mother and sister. Seeing his best friend, Haji, achieve those things only makes him long for it more. When he meets Haji’s sister-in-law, he knows he has to have her. Because things accelerate so easily physically, he thought it would only be a matter of time before they did the same in other aspects of their lives. Despite their mere physical attraction, Jarius knows there’s more to what they feel for one another.
Daraja Nwachuku had a hard life. As a child, she lived in poverty with her parents but there was still a sense of family and security. However, when her sister leaves Lagos, Nigeria to go to school in America and her mother’s health takes a nose-dive, things become extremely difficult. The weight of taking care of her parents lands directly on her shoulders. Not being able to enjoy life as her peers did, Daraja leans on one thing to relieve her of her everyday stresses… sex. Love isn’t on the menu and hasn’t been for years thanks to a devastating heartbreak during her high school years. Once her sister gets them to America, Daraja meets Jarius. Although she insists that their relationship is strictly sexual, she can’t help but feel like there’s more.
Facing fears of failure and possibilities of losing herself plague Daraja and forces her to keep her heart guarded. Jarius wants to somehow penetrate the tough armor that surrounds her heart, getting her to trust him enough to give him a chance. Will Daraja be able to overcome her fears and trust Jarius to protect her heart? Will Jarius have the patience to accept and love the parts of Daraja that aren’t so loveable?
Starting with poetry, writing has always been a constant in Monica's life. The interest began in her teenage years, being in love for the first time. Her love for writing has only progressed. Song lyrics and poetry led to short stories, then one day in her down time, a short story became a 56k word novel. It has been non-stop since then. Being a wife and mother, has only added to the joys of Monica's life. Attaining a BS in Sociology, helping her better understand people and their behaviors, has only helped her become a better writer, understanding characters and their complex personalities. Romance of all types has been her passion, and she plans to continue honing her skills in that genre.
Girl! These two were something else...with their nasty selves. 😂 I thought I was going to get pregnant just by reading their sex scenes. Daraja was living proof of "it ain't what they call you, it's what you answer to." Her life wasn't easy by any means, but she made it look easy. I loved her character because she is an overcomer, and Jarius loved her through her pain. Great work as always, Monica Walters!
Round of applause 👏🏾 this is how you do a sequel! I loved everything about this book and I especially love seeing updates of Chinara and Hiji 🫶🏾
Meet Jarius and Daraja in "Marry Me Twice," where their exhilarating sneaky link saga unfolds! I was absolutely thrilled to discover they had a book, but I certainly didn't anticipate the rollercoaster ride of emotions this story would take me on!
Jarius Hutcherson is the ultimate playboy, laser-focused on skyrocketing his career as a barber while keeping his romantic exploits purely casual. But witnessing his best friend Hiji settle down sparks something in him—could it be that one woman might actually be worth his time?
On the flip side, we have Daraja Nwachuku, who’s faced immense challenges back in Nigeria, caring for her ill mother and aging father. After enduring a heart-wrenching breakup, she’s determined to guard her heart and find solace in her new life in the States. But life has other plans when she unexpectedly finds herself in the arms of a captivating man who challenges her to open up and let him in. Will she risk it all for her Last First Kiss?
Their chemistry? Off the charts! 🌟 After more than a year of secret rendezvous, Jarius is ready to go deeper—only to be met with the walls that Daraja’s past has built around her heart. But when she finally takes a leap of faith and gives him a chance, Jarius steps up in the most incredible way. He protects and cherishes her fiercely, proving he’s the man she deserves.
Daraja battles her own demons with incredible resilience, showing everyone just how strong she is. It’s a journey of healing and growth, and I couldn’t be happier to see her embrace a future with a man who values and respects her. Get ready for a story filled with passion, redemption, and the promise of love!
Some of my favorite parts: 1. Gangta Dee 😂 she had me cracking up 2. Jarius and Hiji brotherhood 🫶🏾 3. The spice, they were nasty & I loved every bit of it 🤭 4. Jarius and they way he showed up for Raja in every way 🥰
Book: Last First Kiss Author: Monica Walters Genre: Romance Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Spice: 🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵
This book lived up to all the hype. It is the epitome of what I look for in a spinoff! Jarius and Daraja were a match made in certified freak heaven. Jarius was ready to give up his playboy days but ran up on a snag when he met a girl that had everything he wanted, but only wanted to have a good time. When I think of Daraja, I think of the lines in Solange’s song Cranes in the Sky— I tried to keep myself busy/I ran around circles/Think I made myself dizzy/I slept it away/ I sexed it away. While Daraja was clearly running from something and trying to heal, this book highlights the age-old double standard in our society. The fact of the matter is if men can, women can too! Readers also got to catch up with Haji & Chinara. I loved Dee Ann (she needs her own book)! I hope Monica Walters keeps on blessing us with these fictional stories of real love!
Miss Monica, you just continue to step you game up sis! Whew! I am worn out! You have shredded my emotions and I felt empty, by the time they got to Aunt Aurelia's house. I love, love, love this couple! The push and pull, imperfections, and stubbornness made their love so beautiful to see blossom. Jarius was just everything! The time, patience, care and support that he provided for Daraja was amazing! He let nothing or no one speak ill on her name! Daraja, was complicated, but walked in her truth. She held her head up high and accepted the things that she had done, and made strives to become a better person. Amazing work! 👍👍👍
This book was well worth the wait. Monica Walters did not disappoint. I loved Jarius and Daraja as a couple. I also admired the man that Jarius was and how he handled learning about Raja’s past. She was strong and independent but having a man like him by her side was what she needed to let her guard down. I enjoyed catching up with Nara and Haji as well and are glad they are doing well. I definitely recommend this read but would also recommend reading Marry Me Twice first to get a little more background of the group.
Great follow up to Marry Me Twice. The chemistry between Daraja and Jarius was off the chain. There was no denying the attraction and sexual chemistry these two had. Jarius definitely met his match with Raja but he still loved her regardless to her past and the wall that she put up to avoid expressing her feelings for him. I loved that he was willing to go to great lengths to see that Raja was happy, content and knew that he had her back 100 percent. This was a story of letting go of the past, embracing a relationship and falling in love.
Wow! Daraja and Jarius were so sexy! I loved that he never gave up in her and never stopped trying to pursue her. His hard work paid off because he got his girl in the end. Daraja went through a lot of issues but with the help of her close family and family, she was able to make it through. This book was outstanding, I enjoyed every line and page of it.
It is not often that it’s the man that wants more than the woman in a relationship, but I’m glad Daraja decided to give love a chance with Jarius. I loved the way he catered to her when her mom died and especially after finding out about her past and the things she had done, the title of this book was perfect because he was truly her last first kiss ❤️💜
My My My . Jarius and Raja had that hot steamy sex my goodness. At first I thought that they were just going to have sex and then leave each other alone. But the connection that they had was just too powerful. Glad to see that Haji and Chinara were still going strong . Hate to see that the mom passed. Jarius mama aka gangsta dee she was something else. How dare Mr. Joseph that was totally inappropriate of him. Cant wait to see what's next.
I loved everything about this story. The best part of this book was how Daraja owned her sexuality. She was a freak with it and didn’t care. Jarius was the man. He knew what he wanted and didn’t stop until he got it. I loved how Jarius didn’t hold Daraja’s past against her. I’m normally a fan of happy all the time in my romance but Monica does such a great job of pulling out your emotions without completely drowning you in them. Once again another 5 star read! Also Jarius sister stole the show, loved her name 😉
This book had me in feelings from the beginning!! Raja was off the chain and jaruis was all for it!! She had some demons she had to fight and he was there even when she didn’t want him too I’m not say too much but me and (mo mo) Monica gonna have some choice words!!! Phenomenal book overall!!
Daraja and Jarius's was highly anticipated and Monica did not disappoint. I loved 💘the way Jarius embraced her and loved her in spite of the recklessness of her youth. They were a relatable and refreshing couple. It was good to check in on Chinara and Haji. This was another good read but I have come to expect nothing less from this author.🙌🙌🙌👌👌👏👏😍😍.
Daraja and Jarius. Talk about steamy! They had chemistry in spades. But Daraja had some unpacking of issues to do. She carried a lot of the weight of caring for her mother before they moved to the US and had unresolved feelings related to that and her past. Regarding her checkered past, I feel her dad and sister could have been more understanding considering they all were grieving but at least Jarius was her backbone and shield. The book was good and hot as heck!!
I love, love, LOVE Raja and how assured she was of herself. She said what she said and meant it to her core. Their love story was 1 for the books and I’m glad that even through grief, all parties was able to overcome. Now, when she told the family about her abuse, i was sad to see how that portion played out but overjoyed to see that her dad and sister finally came around to see the light. Amazing read!!!
These two characters right here didn’t care about nothing but being some good ole freaks.. Who in the world could Monica write something so darn good .. I’m so glad Jarius didn’t hold her past over her head and built something so good with her..Here really first kiss was her last they swept one another off their feel.. Gangster Dee finally came around but she really didn’t have a choice built it wonderful that she saw what Raja meant the world to her son!
Often times when a relationship starts out being sexual it tends to lack in the other areas, but with Daraja and Jarius it turned out different. It was different seeing the male pushing for a commitment and the female fighting against it. I felt like their father was a little judgmental at first but after their honest conversations finally admitted his faults. I was happy to get a glimpse of Haji and Chinara.
To find a man who still want you regardless of your past. And to be there for you when your family turns their back on you?! Man! If that not a love worth having I don’t know what to say.
Girl the way you just made my heart smile with Jarius and Daraja was everything. I’m over here all smiley and happy they got they shit together cause I was worried for a sec. I love your stories!
Monica didn’t again. These two are nasty nasty but I love their energy. But when Daraja stood up to ‘gangsta De’ I fell out. I love the energy between Jarius and Daraja. Haji is still my Boo the way he made sure his whole circle good.
Once again, another great book by you! It was entertaining to see how in relationships, both people need to compromise in order to maintain happiness. I love how you maintained cultural practices throughout the whole book and how you showed the contrast between America and Nigeria. Loved baby girl’s name too. Can’t wait to read your next project!
I was hook from beginning to end I laughed cried shouted for their love. This story was on fire 🔥🔥🔥 Monica Walters do her thang it just keeps getting better and better stories are amazing 💓💓💓🔥 I simply love it shes the best 🙂
Another fire filled book from M. Walters. I enjoyed the quick intense relationship that developed between Daraja and Jarius. Although Daraja had issues from her past, with the help of Jarius she was able to see her worth.
I really enjoyed reading this book. I was so happy for Raja. She had a troubled past but came out on top. I glade she found her happy ending ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The story was extra deep. Jarius and Daraja's story threw me all the way off-kilter. They met, had an excruciatingly tight connection, and gave no chucks about how others felt about their relationship. Her lifestyle was different, and Jarius was her match in every way. This story was unparalleled for me with a lot of angst. Nonetheless, it was an intriguing tale.
Daraja and Jarius were some humpin rabbits! The story was 🔥🔥🔥! It was such a good read! The story was truly awesome. Both had issues and the sexual chemistry kept things in perspective for them. I was Team Jairus from the start. I loved the playlist too!
Excellent! You've once again made me fall in love. Jarius and Daraja had a beautiful story. He loved her regardless of her past. He made her walls come tumbling down. Bravo 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
I loved Daraja and Jarius' love. From the very beginning, you felt their chemistry. Raja had a lot of baggage and hurt to overcome and she handled it to the best of her abilities