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Plus One: Interracial Romance
Will their plus one arrangement become the romance of a lifetime?
Gerald Harrison doesn’t believe in love and romance, which is why he hires a woman to pretend to be his girlfriend. He’s prepared to meet a woman that fits his taste exactly. He expected her to be tall, with a killer rack and long blond hair. That’s not who showed up. His date is attractive, but she is short, curvy with short kinky hair. She ends up saving his pitch with little effort. She offers to extend the fake date to continue helping him, in exchange for a piece of his company when the investors agree to give him the seed money.
Gerald finds himself becoming more attracted to the curvy, Black woman who is unlike any woman he has ever known. She is selfless, sweet, and smart. Though he’s never been in an interracial relationship, he likes Asia enough to try it.
Asia Gates has a big heart and loves her family, which is why she agrees to take her sister’s place on a blind date for hire when Lisa breaks her leg on the day of the date. She’s prepared to meet a White man who apparently can’t get a date without paying for one. He is not what she was expecting. Her pretend boyfriend is tall, dark, and handsome. He surprises her by being romantic and flirty even when they aren’t around his potential investors. Asia surprises herself when she volunteers to continue their romance charade in exchange for a piece of his future business.
As Asia gets to know Gerald better, he steals a bit of her heart with each confession about his childhood. She wants to give him what he’s never had, unconditional love, and acceptance.
Just as their romance begins to bloom, they are faced with obstacles, including a world pandemic that will change both their lives and their romance in unmeasurable ways.
Gerald Harrison doesn’t believe in love and romance, which is why he hires a woman to pretend to be his girlfriend. He’s prepared to meet a woman that fits his taste exactly. He expected her to be tall, with a killer rack and long blond hair. That’s not who showed up. His date is attractive, but she is short, curvy with short kinky hair. She ends up saving his pitch with little effort. She offers to extend the fake date to continue helping him, in exchange for a piece of his company when the investors agree to give him the seed money.
Gerald finds himself becoming more attracted to the curvy, Black woman who is unlike any woman he has ever known. She is selfless, sweet, and smart. Though he’s never been in an interracial relationship, he likes Asia enough to try it.
Asia Gates has a big heart and loves her family, which is why she agrees to take her sister’s place on a blind date for hire when Lisa breaks her leg on the day of the date. She’s prepared to meet a White man who apparently can’t get a date without paying for one. He is not what she was expecting. Her pretend boyfriend is tall, dark, and handsome. He surprises her by being romantic and flirty even when they aren’t around his potential investors. Asia surprises herself when she volunteers to continue their romance charade in exchange for a piece of his future business.
As Asia gets to know Gerald better, he steals a bit of her heart with each confession about his childhood. She wants to give him what he’s never had, unconditional love, and acceptance.
Just as their romance begins to bloom, they are faced with obstacles, including a world pandemic that will change both their lives and their romance in unmeasurable ways.
346 pages, Paperback
Published October 25, 2020
122 people are currently reading
32 people want to read
About the author
Kimberly Smith
53 books35 followersKimberly Smith was born in Aurora, Colorado, and raised in Dallas, Texas. Nothing about her life has ever been simple or easy. She was raised by a single parent who was visually impaired. Kimberly always had an active imagination.
Keep up to date on what she is working on at https://www.creativeKRS.com/bookstore
Keep up to date on what she is working on at https://www.creativeKRS.com/bookstore
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
December 4, 2020
My opinion doesn't count because I wrote it, but I love this story and I'm hoping that Gerald will whisper in my ear again soon to tell me more of what is happening in their lives.
March 23, 2021
Things jumped off pretty quickly for this couple and their stance on dating, marriage and children got pretty repetitive. I enjoyed reading about the heroine's business savvy and liked her business ideas for the hero's business. This book had some of everything thrown into it and went in direction I was not expecting. I rooted for this couple and I enjoyed meeting most of the family members. After everything, I thought that the final unresolved storyline should have been wrapped up in this book. Fingers crossed that we'll catch up with this couple (and the matter resolved) when the sister of the heroine gets her own story.
Recommended: Read It!
Recommended: Read It!
December 31, 2020
Must read
I am so glad that Lisa sprained her ankle because this led to Gerald and Lisa getting together. There journey was a hard and long one but the made. In spite of everything they stuck together. I hate the life the Gerald has but that life lead him to be the man he is. Thank God for Asia’s family for accepting Gerald.
I am so glad that Lisa sprained her ankle because this led to Gerald and Lisa getting together. There journey was a hard and long one but the made. In spite of everything they stuck together. I hate the life the Gerald has but that life lead him to be the man he is. Thank God for Asia’s family for accepting Gerald.
December 27, 2020
Against All Odds
This fake becomes real romance has great elements like the star crossed meet cute, opposites attract chemistry, guarding the heart, and a plot twist of contemporary proportions!
This fake becomes real romance has great elements like the star crossed meet cute, opposites attract chemistry, guarding the heart, and a plot twist of contemporary proportions!
December 13, 2020
Brilliant
I loved this book, the characters had their issues but not so much that your lost interest...loved the journey. I like this author.
I loved this book, the characters had their issues but not so much that your lost interest...loved the journey. I like this author.
December 3, 2020
Mixed Baggage
I have read books by this author before. I totally looked forward to reading this book based on just the description. In the description, the book appeared rather light hearted. Spoiler....it was anything but. The book contained some rather heavy themes...child abandonment, COVID-19, cancer, death of a parent....
The book at some points in time was all over the place. However, the main characters and supporting characters were likable (the Christmas gifts Gerald received from his mother in law were very odd). The book had a sweet ending. It was just a bit overly long and toooooooo packed.
I have read books by this author before. I totally looked forward to reading this book based on just the description. In the description, the book appeared rather light hearted. Spoiler....it was anything but. The book contained some rather heavy themes...child abandonment, COVID-19, cancer, death of a parent....
The book at some points in time was all over the place. However, the main characters and supporting characters were likable (the Christmas gifts Gerald received from his mother in law were very odd). The book had a sweet ending. It was just a bit overly long and toooooooo packed.
January 13, 2021
Always a fan of a BBW heroine
I was surprised when I started reading this story. It was the first time I read a book by this author. It was a good read, decent in length. The characters were well developed but annoying at times. Gerald and Asia lacked communication with each other. Because of their lack of communication, there were lots of missed opportunities. Their romance was rather quick but due to their lack of communication, it was drawn out.
Asia was not a typical female. She was well established and had her own. She actually had more than Gerald. She was able to help him. I thought that was a good twist. So often reading romance stories, the woman is the one in trouble.
Gerald and Asia had similar interests but wanted more once they met each other. Sadly, they were unable to tell each other what they wanted. They listened to the outside world.
Mel aka Melvin was Gerald's best friend. In some instances, Melvin's pronoun was wrong. It confused me because I wasn't sure if Melvin was supposed to be a male or female.
I enjoyed the read. I would recommend the story to anyone and everyone. Read it and see if we agree. Happy Reading!
I was surprised when I started reading this story. It was the first time I read a book by this author. It was a good read, decent in length. The characters were well developed but annoying at times. Gerald and Asia lacked communication with each other. Because of their lack of communication, there were lots of missed opportunities. Their romance was rather quick but due to their lack of communication, it was drawn out.
Asia was not a typical female. She was well established and had her own. She actually had more than Gerald. She was able to help him. I thought that was a good twist. So often reading romance stories, the woman is the one in trouble.
Gerald and Asia had similar interests but wanted more once they met each other. Sadly, they were unable to tell each other what they wanted. They listened to the outside world.
Mel aka Melvin was Gerald's best friend. In some instances, Melvin's pronoun was wrong. It confused me because I wasn't sure if Melvin was supposed to be a male or female.
I enjoyed the read. I would recommend the story to anyone and everyone. Read it and see if we agree. Happy Reading!
May 9, 2021
Asia and Gerald - His plus one forever
This is a great book. Gerald basically was abandoned by his parents and raised by his grandmother, whom he didn’t know was his grandmother until after she died. He never received anything for Christmas or birthdays. He was made to work and work hard. He was an outcast, hated in both families, because of his mixed race, Native American and Caucasian.
Asia helped Gerald get his app off the ground although his absent mother Claire stopped the investors he was scouting. But Asia had resources and she was a millionaire herself with other influencers would would like to buy stock in Gerald’s business...and did. He was very success.
Asia got sick during her pregnancy and had to have chemo. But baby, Joy, and Asia pulled through. You must read to get the full benefit and understanding. Be advised you will cry, be angry, happy.
This is a great book. Gerald basically was abandoned by his parents and raised by his grandmother, whom he didn’t know was his grandmother until after she died. He never received anything for Christmas or birthdays. He was made to work and work hard. He was an outcast, hated in both families, because of his mixed race, Native American and Caucasian.
Asia helped Gerald get his app off the ground although his absent mother Claire stopped the investors he was scouting. But Asia had resources and she was a millionaire herself with other influencers would would like to buy stock in Gerald’s business...and did. He was very success.
Asia got sick during her pregnancy and had to have chemo. But baby, Joy, and Asia pulled through. You must read to get the full benefit and understanding. Be advised you will cry, be angry, happy.
December 4, 2020
Lov e d this book
Loved Asia. Loved the relationship between the girls and the moyhers. Loved the fact that the father was in all their lives. Felt for Gerald and what he went through. Clair grew up i n a kindergarten felt I n wanted and with a father who was racist, so her views was not a surprise. Whose to say that had she styerd that the marriage would have worked out. I was glad that Gerald got some closure. I hope that there will be a short follow up when he finds his father or that it is woven through Lisa and Daiyu story. Can't wait to read Lisa's story. I always enjoyed the authors story and looked out for her books. I really enjoyed the Wreight Series and the Love Thy Neghbour series.
Welcome back Kimberley
Loved Asia. Loved the relationship between the girls and the moyhers. Loved the fact that the father was in all their lives. Felt for Gerald and what he went through. Clair grew up i n a kindergarten felt I n wanted and with a father who was racist, so her views was not a surprise. Whose to say that had she styerd that the marriage would have worked out. I was glad that Gerald got some closure. I hope that there will be a short follow up when he finds his father or that it is woven through Lisa and Daiyu story. Can't wait to read Lisa's story. I always enjoyed the authors story and looked out for her books. I really enjoyed the Wreight Series and the Love Thy Neghbour series.
Welcome back Kimberley
January 2, 2021
The best definition of the phrase plus one is this story
Gerald needs a date to convince some investors to get on board with his business, Asia takes her sister's place and the hilarity, and romance, begins. Through a series of miscommunication, cultural differences and a large group of friends and family, Gerald begins to have a different view of not only his past but also his future and how Asia can be his real plus one.
Gerald needs a date to convince some investors to get on board with his business, Asia takes her sister's place and the hilarity, and romance, begins. Through a series of miscommunication, cultural differences and a large group of friends and family, Gerald begins to have a different view of not only his past but also his future and how Asia can be his real plus one.
February 16, 2021
This book takes you for a ride
This was quite a story. Every person has a story or is comprised of a culmination of many stories. These two characters have past pains that have taken pieces from their lives yet when they come together they become whole. Beautiful families complete the picture. They persevere through adversity and triumphs. They meet on a fake date that goes from a few hours, to a weekend date, to a business proposition, to a relationship. It was quite a ride
This was quite a story. Every person has a story or is comprised of a culmination of many stories. These two characters have past pains that have taken pieces from their lives yet when they come together they become whole. Beautiful families complete the picture. They persevere through adversity and triumphs. They meet on a fake date that goes from a few hours, to a weekend date, to a business proposition, to a relationship. It was quite a ride
August 10, 2022
Finally, honesty
First interracial novel that seems to address what it may be like to date outside of your race in America for the first time. It was done so in a realistic way and with a touch of humor. I do think the relationship moved way to fast, aside from that I loved each character. I kept thinking, yea!, then something else went wrong. Glad I bought this book. I liked that most of the focus seemed to be on Gerald and from his perspective.
First interracial novel that seems to address what it may be like to date outside of your race in America for the first time. It was done so in a realistic way and with a touch of humor. I do think the relationship moved way to fast, aside from that I loved each character. I kept thinking, yea!, then something else went wrong. Glad I bought this book. I liked that most of the focus seemed to be on Gerald and from his perspective.
August 7, 2025
Great Book
I really enjoyed this book. This is my first book by K. Smith. I love the character development. Gerald and Asia were destined by God to meet, fall in love and to endure the many trials they were thrown. I really love the fact that this author didn’t allow misunderstandings between the main characters to go on for to long. Gerald and Asia could have missed out on true love had they not chosen communication. Good job KS!
I really enjoyed this book. This is my first book by K. Smith. I love the character development. Gerald and Asia were destined by God to meet, fall in love and to endure the many trials they were thrown. I really love the fact that this author didn’t allow misunderstandings between the main characters to go on for to long. Gerald and Asia could have missed out on true love had they not chosen communication. Good job KS!
October 1, 2025
What started off as an arrangement ends up a beautiful love story. Although I love a good black romance I find this interracial relationship a good romance as well. I didn't think they would ever be together with both of them always feeling a certain way. I was starting to get bored with the story but after their characters developed more I begin to love their reationship But overall this was a beautiful story from start to end.
December 31, 2020
Excellent story
Asia and Gerald story. The author takes us on a journey . The story grips you from the beginning to end. The characters are well written with depth. The heroine is strong yet allows herself to be vulnerable when needed. The hero is strong yet sensitive.The story includes today events in a good but realistic way.
The synopsis does not do the story justice.
Asia and Gerald story. The author takes us on a journey . The story grips you from the beginning to end. The characters are well written with depth. The heroine is strong yet allows herself to be vulnerable when needed. The hero is strong yet sensitive.The story includes today events in a good but realistic way.
The synopsis does not do the story justice.
December 2, 2021
It was lovely
It's a beautiful story about love, faith & forgiveness. It was a little heavy halfway through the book. I need a trigger warning when cancer is gonna be a part of the story. I read books for escapism. Everything was so sad. It's still a beautiful story but that was a lot.
It's a beautiful story about love, faith & forgiveness. It was a little heavy halfway through the book. I need a trigger warning when cancer is gonna be a part of the story. I read books for escapism. Everything was so sad. It's still a beautiful story but that was a lot.
October 21, 2023
Tissue and a good drink will go really well with this one.
This story will take you through a wide spectrum of emotions. The characters will grab you with their wit and charm one minute, then make you want to shake sense into them the next.
Loved the story progression and the author's other series as well.
This story will take you through a wide spectrum of emotions. The characters will grab you with their wit and charm one minute, then make you want to shake sense into them the next.
Loved the story progression and the author's other series as well.
June 24, 2025
When pretend becomes all too real
She's filling in for her sister but she was the perfect fit. I really liked that this sista already was successful and her guy was not so intimidated by that he couldn't accept her help. Things move very quickly but the dialogue helps with explaining the rush. Good story. I would read this author again.
She's filling in for her sister but she was the perfect fit. I really liked that this sista already was successful and her guy was not so intimidated by that he couldn't accept her help. Things move very quickly but the dialogue helps with explaining the rush. Good story. I would read this author again.
September 18, 2025
Plus one
I enjoyed reading the love story of Gerald and Asia. It began from a Blind date and developed into true love. This book contains intrigue, drama, dreams, hope, secrets, abandonment issues, child neglect, Faith, beliefs, friendship, and allowing true love to prevail. I will be recommending this novel to everyone I know!!!!!!
I enjoyed reading the love story of Gerald and Asia. It began from a Blind date and developed into true love. This book contains intrigue, drama, dreams, hope, secrets, abandonment issues, child neglect, Faith, beliefs, friendship, and allowing true love to prevail. I will be recommending this novel to everyone I know!!!!!!
December 9, 2020
Amazing
This is a well written and heartwarming book. I was enthralled from page 1 until the end and I look forward to reading about the other sisters. Thank you for sharing your wonderful gift with us I have laughed and cried while reading this adventure in life.
This is a well written and heartwarming book. I was enthralled from page 1 until the end and I look forward to reading about the other sisters. Thank you for sharing your wonderful gift with us I have laughed and cried while reading this adventure in life.
December 13, 2020
Exceptional Story!
This story is so good, both Asia and Gregory are intelligent, warm individuals meant for each other. Their story engages all your emotions throughout as you desperately want their journey to end positively, - this book is a must read.
This story is so good, both Asia and Gregory are intelligent, warm individuals meant for each other. Their story engages all your emotions throughout as you desperately want their journey to end positively, - this book is a must read.
January 18, 2021
Awesome Story Teller
The story was so captivating. I could not put it down. It was so true to life it rains on the just and the unjust. It is how we respond to the rain that makes us a survivor.
The story was so captivating. I could not put it down. It was so true to life it rains on the just and the unjust. It is how we respond to the rain that makes us a survivor.
February 12, 2021
A gambit of emotions!
Thoroughly enjoyed this story of physical and spiritual strength. I felt as though I knew the characters. Their love and respect for each other made overcoming life's obstacles bearable. A very good read; extremely encouraging.
Thoroughly enjoyed this story of physical and spiritual strength. I felt as though I knew the characters. Their love and respect for each other made overcoming life's obstacles bearable. A very good read; extremely encouraging.
November 29, 2021
Surprised and loved
I was pleasantly surprised! In the beginning I thought it was going to be another pretend story..who knew.. I laughed, shared a tear, and smiled alot. A loving and forgiving story.
I was pleasantly surprised! In the beginning I thought it was going to be another pretend story..who knew.. I laughed, shared a tear, and smiled alot. A loving and forgiving story.
May 15, 2022
Awesome!
I very seldom give 5 star reviews but this book reads more like a diary instead of a fictional writing. There was so much life in this piece of art that it made me laugh and it made me cry, sometimes both at the same time. Thank you Mz. Smith, for a job well done.
I very seldom give 5 star reviews but this book reads more like a diary instead of a fictional writing. There was so much life in this piece of art that it made me laugh and it made me cry, sometimes both at the same time. Thank you Mz. Smith, for a job well done.
September 30, 2022
Lovely heartwarming story
I thoroughly enjoyed all the highs and lows. I liked this couple and shed a tear at their woes. Glad I bought the series. I'm looking forward to the other sisters tales!
I thoroughly enjoyed all the highs and lows. I liked this couple and shed a tear at their woes. Glad I bought the series. I'm looking forward to the other sisters tales!
December 6, 2020
Good Read
Didn’t know what to expect from this book, but I must say it was a good book. Full of love, tragedy, and triumph.
Didn’t know what to expect from this book, but I must say it was a good book. Full of love, tragedy, and triumph.
January 23, 2021
Sad
Two f'ed up emotional unavailable people getting together. That's all. I don't know I read romance novels to escape not to deal with one said situation after another
Two f'ed up emotional unavailable people getting together. That's all. I don't know I read romance novels to escape not to deal with one said situation after another
January 28, 2021
Unexpected Love ❤️
The author weaved this story through faith, disappointments, radical health situations, racism/bigotry and loneliness. Yet, it ends with a HEA!🦋
The author weaved this story through faith, disappointments, radical health situations, racism/bigotry and loneliness. Yet, it ends with a HEA!🦋
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews