Zander

by Tina Martin

A Friends-to-Lovers and Firefighter RomanceZander St. Claire, a firefighter, is settled and content with his South Carolina life. He has his family and his sweet best friend, Alyssa Scott. She’s his ace. His everything. Since twelve, they’ve always been there for each other – through the good times and bad ones. Now, at twenty-eight, nothing’s changed – well at least in those respects.Alyssa fell in love with Zander a long time ago, hoping Zander would see it somehow, but he never did. Zander only wants friendship, she realizes. Anything more could ruin their friendship. Finally accepting this, Alyssa decides to move on and start dating to take her mind off of him. That doesn’t sit well with Zander.When another man moves in on his best friend, stealing her time and attention away from him, it forces Zander to take a long, hard look at their relationship. His interference in her dating life almost ruins their friendship. But it was the fire that changed everything.St. Claire Series 1 - ROYAL (Royal and Gemma)Book 2 - RAMSEY (Ramsey and Gianna)Book 3 - ROMULUS (Romulus and Siderra)Book 4 - REGAL (Regal and Felicity)Book 5 - MAGNUS (Magnus and Shiloh)Book 6 - MONTY (Monty and Cherish)Book 6a - Honeymoon With a St. ClaireBook 7 - MAJOR (Major and Selah)Book 7a - Just Being Us (A Prequel to Zander)Book 8 - ZANDER (Zander and Alyssa)

Genres: Friends To Lovers, African American Romance, Contemporary

363 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 6, 2021

About the author

TINA MARTIN is a talented, romantic suspense fiction writer and the author of over 95 titles. She enjoys Hallmark movies, running and traveling. (PLEASE NOTE: There are multiple authors with this name on Goodreads. If you're following me, look for my logo!)

Amazon: amazon.com/author/tinamartin
Instagram: instagram.com/tinamartinauthor
Facebook: facebook.com/tinamartinauthor

Her books are listed below:

An Unlikely Love Series
When I Needed You
When You Needed Me
Flicker: An Ahmalee + Cain Update
-
Back to Love Series
Marriage Quarrel in Quarantine
Countdown to You
Offsides: A Superbowl Party Romance
Crushed
-
A St. Claire Novel Series:
Royal
Ramsey
Romulus
Regal
Magnus
Honeymoon With A St. Claire
Major
Zander
Zavier
-
St. Claire Life Series
Honeymoon With A St. Claire
Just Being Us (Prequel to Zander)
Keep That Same Energy (Zander & Alyssa Update
-
St. Claire Women Series
Gemma
-
Season of Love Novelettes:
Hot Chocolate
Spring Break
-
The Marriage Chronicles:
Life's A Beach
Falling Out
War Then Love
-
The Boardwalk Bakery Romance:
Baked With Love
Baked With Love 2
Baked With Love 3
-
A Lennox in Love Series:
Claiming You
Making You My Business
Wishing That I Was Yours
Caught in the Storm with a Lennox
Before You Say I Do
Winter Wonder
Winter Wedding
The Weekend
-
The Love of Elias Series:
Been In Love With You
When Hearts Cry
You Belong To Me
When I Call You Mine
Who Do You Love
Forever Mine
-
The Blackstone Family Series:
Evenings With Bryson
Leaving Barringer
Forever Us
The Things Everson Lost
Candy's Corporate Crush
-
The Champion Brothers Series:
His Paradise Wife
When A Champion Wants You
The Best Thing He Never Knew He Needed
Wives And Champions
The Way Champions Love
His By Spring (A Champion Sister Novel)
A Champion's Proposal
The Convenient Husband
At The Right Time
-
The Alexander Series:
The Millionaire's Arranged Marriage
Watch Me Take Your Girl
Her Premarital Ex
The Object of His Obsession
Dilvan's Redemption
His Charity Challenge
Different Tastes
As Long As We Got Love
-
The Accidental Series:
Accidental Deception
Accidental Heartbreak
Accidental Lovers
Accidental Vows
-
The Dying to Love Her Series:
Dying To Love Her
Dying To Love Her 2
Dying To Love Her 3
-
The Dare and Deja Chronicles
Reception Romance
Long Distance Troubles
Back to the Valley
Into Forever
-
Standalone Titles:
Secrets On Lake Drive
Can't Just Be His Friend
The Baby Daddy Interviews
Just Like New to the Next Man
Falling Again
The Crush
Vacation Interrupted
Wasn't Supposed to Love Her
What Wifey Wants
Man of Her Dreams
Bae Watch
How To Love Me
Weekend Fiance: A Jared and KeShana InstaLove Story
For Ruby: A Micah & Georgiana Short Story
Snowed in at Shenandoah Valley

Reviews

[Tazja Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another cute love story. I will say that it is annoying for a “friend” to start acting out because the other friend starts dating when all they needed to do was open their mouth.

[Beverly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Friends Forever

Zander’s story was interesting and I enjoyed it. He definitely displayed some of those controlling , stubborn characteristics of the other St.Clair men. The love he had for “Lizzie “ was almost more than he could bear. I was so annoyed that it took him so long to admit how deeply he really loved her ..although I enjoyed the story, I felt there was something missing unless I missed something the story ended with some unanswered questions. I didn’t find out if Zander ever addressed the nightmares he was having after the explosion with a professional. Did he decided to change careers etc. I am also hoping there will be a book to address his twin brother and their sister Zimaya.

[Casha Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zander and Alyssa, such a sweet, young couple. Who have loved each other since the age of 12. That love just grew and got stronger as they got older. Alyssa has always known how deep her affection ran for Zander, however it took a turn of events to happen before Zander came to terms with it. And realized the connection and chemistry is beyond friendly. The best kind of relationship is where friends become lovers! Enjoyed their story so so much!

What’s not to love about these St. Claire men?! With each story I love them more and more. The love, commitment and dedication to their women and families. The St. Claire series is so worth the read.
Looking forward to more to come, Zavier and Zimyra’s stories!

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Love Story ❤️

I just love the St. Claire Novel! Zander did not disappoint. The best love stories are friends to lovers. I love how Zander and Allissa's relationship just blossomed and flowed organically. They were truly meant for each other. It nearly broke me when the fire happened but I'm so happy they were able to recover and finish nurturing their relationship. It may have took a near tragedy for Zander to realize the depth of his love for Allissa but baby when he did it was magical!
I also loved the scene when all the St. Claire siblings met for the first time. I can't wait to see more interactions with them.
As always, Mrs. Martin did not disappoint with this novel! Can't wait to see how their relationship grows!

[Yvonne Daniels · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great

WOW this is a nice series with characters that you can enjoy. There is some emotional drama with a nice ending. There are parts that's funny and will make you smile. It's intriguing enough for you to keep turning the pages until the end. If you are in the mood for light hearted friends to lovers reading. But in all this is a nice story it may be little surprising but with these characters you will be entertained.The part that's sad involves highs and lows of relationships and very emotional too. If you are in the mood for light hearted reading then again you will enjoy this story in the series.

[L. Boogie · Rating 3 out of 5]

It took me a while,e to really get into this. I really wasn’t feeling Zander and Lizzie as a potential couple. I thought everything was too one sided. Then Zander was annoying when she started dating. And of course Emmanuel was turned into some loser bad guy type to justify Lizzie not giving him a chance.

It was nice to see the siblings connect with Magnus, Monty and my boy major.

I liked the proposal and wedding. Wish we saw Zander get help for the nightmares. Maybe that will come in zavier or Zimyra’s story. Can’t wait to read another installment to the st Claire clan

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

😍

A truly heartwarming story. It is one of the best best-friend romance stories I've read, ever. There was so much to love about this book. I laughed, sympathized, and cheered through it all. Loved that hospital scene though; and nurse Keyshia had me going as well. I also enjoyed catching up with Zander's St. Claire half-brothers, Magnus, Monty, and Major, and their families. So of course I'm ready for Zander's brother Zavier's, and his sister Zimyra's stories...and, knowing if anything is to come of those nightmares.

[BeLinda P. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Friends First

Zander and Alyssa are the epitome of the saying, “everything is staring you right in your face”. I believe it’s hard for a woman and man to be just friends. But is does happen occasionally. However; navigating that relationship long term can be challenging. Zander was blind to the fact and it took a near death experience to open his eyes to the fact the the love had for Alyssa was more than friendship. Many times those on the outside can see it before those on the inside of the relationship. Being friends first builds a solid marriage.

[TJ Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zander and Alyssa live for each other was wonderful! They started out as friends and remained that the entire time. I feel this marriage will work and can’t wait to read about the beautiful babies they have. I also love the interaction with the other siblings and this should be explored more (I’m sure). Them men have my heart pumping with those eyes I’m not able to see but are definitely a catch! Xavier is next in my list to read! Can’t wait to see what he gets into with his all work no play self🤣🤣🤣🤣

['The Book Queen' · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another St Claire's Love Story.

Zander sounds like a stone-cold cutie grown man style. His swag as a fireman already sold me; his personality and love for Alyssa sealed the deal. The two were friends since childhood trying not to be in love and failed. Alyssa and Zander took the scenic route to their final destination. I loved watching them meander to the finish line. It was a beautiful slow-burn love story.

[Zoekea McCall · Rating 4 out of 5]

I Very Much Enjoyed this Book

Friends to lovers what can I say. Zander and Lizzie relationship turned out to be in both of their favors. How long could you go being friends ,as close as they were, and not notice the connection, but people around you know instantly before you do? It took something tragic for Zander to realize that it has someone special to overcome his fears of what if's.

[Shaquida Booker · Rating 5 out of 5]

So happy I read this for myself!

I have read every one of the St Claire books in this series and this was just as great as the others. I am so happy to see how the brothers and their sister finally came together. His attitude about fighting his feeling for Lizzie reminds me a Monty fighting his feeling for Cherish. I am hoping that the meeting with the cousins happen in the next installment. Read in one day and loved every page of it. Can't wait for the next installment!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very touching story!

Lizzie has loved Zander since they were 12 years old but felt like he didn't see her in the same way but only as his best friend. Things happen and when it seems like another man may swoop in, it all becomes clear to Zander. Meeting their half brothers was a great touch to this story, loved it! I really enjoyed reading this novel and look forward to Zavier and Zimyra finding there HEA! Great job Ms. Martin, I love the St. Claires!

[Books Read · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was Romulus' Story

This was Romulus' story with different names. It was the exact plot. Why? And why wasn't Zimyra spending any time with the brothers? That was her opportunity to get to know her half-brothers, but they made it seem like she couldn't be around because she wasn't a man. She barely spent any time with them it seems like. I don't think she should have been segregated based on gender. Maybe that will be explained more in her story.

[Gail Singleton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hook And Sink Her....

Another great Tina Martin book. Zander and Alyssa. Very enjoyable read. Funny, romantic and emotional. Best friends to husband and wife. I like that they weren't friends with benefits but they were friends who loved each other before they realized they were in love with each other. They had their ups and downs as friends do but were still mindful of each others feelings.

[valerie graves · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love scene was awful

I liked the story line and that Alyssa waited for her wedding night to be intimate, but the writing of the love scene was awful. I don't need it to be pornographic but I had to read the pages a couple of times before I realized the couple had been intimate. Come on we grown people here.

[chernice collins · Rating 2 out of 5]

Same story

I only follow this author because I like to read follow-ups of previous characters. But all her characters get married before sex which is not reality for most. Not relatable characters at all. I don't like books that have the men sleeping around while the women spend their lives waiting for a "friend" to notice them. L

[Tammy Chaney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good

Another great read. I love that this friends to lovers book wasn’t a duplication of others. The characters were fully developed and believable and I did like that I was able to hear from my other favorite St. Claire men, Zander’s half brothers! Love that starts with friendship is pretty amazing

[Tameka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

I couldn’t wait for Zander and Alissa store to come out an during the wait I read the prequel twice lol. This was a great read although Zander was crazy not to know how Alissa loves him all those years ago. I always enjoy a friends to lovers romance and I enjoyed this book a lot. Keep up the great work Tina Martin.

[Pamelon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the St. Claire Series 😍👏🏾

Zander by Tina Martin. When I started reading this book, I couldn't put it down. Zander, Alyssa, the entire St. Claire family contributed to this amazing story. It rocked. Zander and Alyssa were each other's destiny.. Read it, you'll love it. Be sure to read Just Being Us, first. It's an intro to Zander and Alyssa. Truly enjoyable storyline.

[Darlene D. Bullock · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story line with Zander & Alyssa is simply sweet! I think you should be the best of friends first and yes, that friendship can grow into a romantic relationship! I got tickled with Zander, it took him a minute to see the truth! This is such a delightful read, all the characters are lively and interesting! Can you please write Zavier's story next?!

[Shondalon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Married to my best friend

I didn't know if I would love this book as much as Tina's other book. But I live how Tina tries all her series together and I loved the playfulness and the seriousness of the storyline. Because this story is someone's real life story. Yes Love now there is only one brother left unattached cannot wait

[E. Shead · Rating 5 out of 5]

Refreshing

I've read other friends to lovers stories and they feel rushed. This was refreshing and it was nice to get an update on the St. Claires. Hopefully there are more updates to come when the stories of Zander's siblings are told. I will try to be patient.

[KAREN MCCRAW · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great St. Clair story

Sometimes men can be so clueless until something wakes them up. Everybody could see the love Alyssa had for Zander but him. It was good seeing Monty, Major and Magnus again with their growing families.

[T G · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice read

This was a nice read. I'm glad that Zander and Alyssa finally realized that they were more than friends. I like the fact that the brothers and only sister met up for the first time.

[Lee Holden, E. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read

Good read, I liked the characters and storyline. Zander and Alyssa are friends and soulmates. It took awhile for them to reconcile their feelings, and realize they are meant for each other. It was great catching with Magnus, Monty, Major and their family.

[Alencia Bossett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whew chile!!! This series was ALL THAT! I love how the brothers and Zimyra all found each other. And the hopes of them building relationships with Mason's sons is awesome. Now I need to know what's going to happen with Zavier and Zimyra...super excited find out!

[Deborah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too many incompletes stories Line

areaderdelight@hotmail.com
Weak, too many stories lines. The siblings didn't talk and become one. What happened to the uncle visit.
The couple has too many opening and repeat action

[Kia · Rating 5 out of 5]

❤️❤️❤️❤️

I just love a friends to lovers story. It’s like having that ride or die friend that is also your lover just makes the relationship that much better. Can’t wait to see the rest of the St Claire’s get their hea.

[Honor R. Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worth the wait..

I really enjoyed Alyssa and Zander journey to there HEA. It took a near tragedy for Zander to acknowledge the love he always had for Alyssa. Friends who became lovers.