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Night Shift #1.5
Prior Affair: A Night Shift Novella
Hailey Freeman goes to Blackwood with a specific mission - at least on the surface. When a sudden tragedy thrusts her into chaos, she expects to find herself mired in confusion, bereft, while she figures out how to pick up the pieces.
Instead, she finds comfort, clarity, and --baffling— familiarity in the arms of Ellis Boyd.
A stranger.
A stranger who can’t help wondering if he knows Hailey somehow, met her somewhere, another time they just can’t remember — the only explanation for their swift, consuming connection.
At least… the only one that makes sense.
Right?
Instead, she finds comfort, clarity, and --baffling— familiarity in the arms of Ellis Boyd.
A stranger.
A stranger who can’t help wondering if he knows Hailey somehow, met her somewhere, another time they just can’t remember — the only explanation for their swift, consuming connection.
At least… the only one that makes sense.
Right?
172 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 26, 2021
144 people are currently reading
666 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 226 reviews
January 23, 2023
CCJ really outdid herself with this book. Prior Affair is an amazing story of déjà vu. If have we ever met before were two people, it would definitely be Hailey and Ellis. The universe was really working in their favor. These two were literally destined to be together. Hailey has moved to Blackwood to restore the Freeman ancestral home. Before renovations can get started, there's a fire that pretty much guts the house. During the fire, Ellis makes sure Hailey is removed safely from the house. This meeting, so to speak, is the beginning of something special between these two. Hailey and Ellis have this unusual pull towards one another that neither of them can explain nor do they fight it. Once Hailey starts researching her family history, dots start connecting and a lot things begin to make sense. I won't go into a lot of details because, this is a story you definitely want to read spoiler free. Prior Affair was a beautifully written book about history repeating itself but, in a good way. It's a tale of otherworldly connections and generations of family history with a little kismet thrown in. It was funny, sexy, and very romantic. I thoroughly enjoyed reading every minute of this book and I highly recommend it.
April 19, 2023
Hailey x Ellis
And Ms. Jones did it again. Great lovable characters, excellent dialogue and conversation, and a beautiful love story. Hailey has a pull from her ancestors that drew her to Blackwood. She moved into her great great grandmother's home in hopes of restoring and renovating it. But tragedy happened before she could even start. But it's also the same tragedy that allowed her a meet…not so cute with first responder firefighter, Ellis Boyd. They both had a sense of Déjà-vu that they'd met before that sort of left me a bit anxious of how it could've had happened. The author took us on this little history journey of Blackwood that made the fictional city more real. The author also found a way to merge the past and the present together beautifully. A+ for the story. The chemistry was strong, the romance was beautiful, and the sex was fire. Everything was just great with the story.
And Ms. Jones did it again. Great lovable characters, excellent dialogue and conversation, and a beautiful love story. Hailey has a pull from her ancestors that drew her to Blackwood. She moved into her great great grandmother's home in hopes of restoring and renovating it. But tragedy happened before she could even start. But it's also the same tragedy that allowed her a meet…not so cute with first responder firefighter, Ellis Boyd. They both had a sense of Déjà-vu that they'd met before that sort of left me a bit anxious of how it could've had happened. The author took us on this little history journey of Blackwood that made the fictional city more real. The author also found a way to merge the past and the present together beautifully. A+ for the story. The chemistry was strong, the romance was beautiful, and the sex was fire. Everything was just great with the story.
August 31, 2021
Beautiful Storytelling! This was everything I could ever want in a romance story. Love, bomb sex, chemistry, witty banter, some angst, some history and a little fate. It was perfect. I smiled the entire time. I loved the hero and heroine and I hope we get to revisit them again. CCJ was firmly in her bag and wrote the hell out of this. Fantastic read.
August 26, 2021
Prior Affair - words that come to mind
Swooning
Confidence
Funny
Love
Steamy
Kismet
Full Circle
History
This book was nothing short of great storytelling. I'm shocked that this novella could tell such a fulfilling story in only 164 pages! *Selfishly, I still want more!* Prior Affair is the second book, novella, in the Night Shift Series. The heroine Hailey is everything! Making her path in life as a freelance writer, to now wanting a change and taking a chance working an executive job with Sugar and Spice. Hailey is looking for more and hopes to find that as well as piecing together her family's history in Blackwood. Ellis is cocky with every right to be! He’s a brewer by day and fireman by night with the looks to match! Ellis is true to his passion for brewing and helping others through his job as a firefighter. Ellis and Hailey were magic on these pages, and the evolving of their love story was so sweet. I believe Ellis was not ready for Hailey because she is not your average girl, okay! I loved all the funny moments between them. It was refreshing. Not that I thought the book would all be serious, but I truly enjoyed the comical banter between them at times. Hailey and Ellis both have smart mouths!
It was great seeing cameos from prior characters! I loved the update on Bianca and Rashad. There are two characters I’m interested in hearing more from: Lark & Reva. I feel there is a story to tell with each of them.
If you are looking for a sweet "it’s meant to be" love story, this is it! I love this theme for the Night Shift Series, and can’t wait to read the next book in this series! *Speaking it into existence*
This book will be released EXCLUSIVELY on her site beingmrsjones.com 8/27/21, and will be available in e-book format and pre-order for paperback!! Yall this book needs to be on your shelves!! Highly recommend this book! :)
I received this book through an early digital copy from @beingmrsjones. I appreciate her opening the opportunity for ARCs and being my very first one and first review on this page!
#bookhaul #books #book #Blackromance #blackIndieRomance #reading #read #bookstagrammer #blackgirlsreadtoo #blackgirlsRead #Romance #Romancebooks #bookreivew #bookreviews #reviews #blackloveromace
#romancenovella #novella
Swooning
Confidence
Funny
Love
Steamy
Kismet
Full Circle
History
This book was nothing short of great storytelling. I'm shocked that this novella could tell such a fulfilling story in only 164 pages! *Selfishly, I still want more!* Prior Affair is the second book, novella, in the Night Shift Series. The heroine Hailey is everything! Making her path in life as a freelance writer, to now wanting a change and taking a chance working an executive job with Sugar and Spice. Hailey is looking for more and hopes to find that as well as piecing together her family's history in Blackwood. Ellis is cocky with every right to be! He’s a brewer by day and fireman by night with the looks to match! Ellis is true to his passion for brewing and helping others through his job as a firefighter. Ellis and Hailey were magic on these pages, and the evolving of their love story was so sweet. I believe Ellis was not ready for Hailey because she is not your average girl, okay! I loved all the funny moments between them. It was refreshing. Not that I thought the book would all be serious, but I truly enjoyed the comical banter between them at times. Hailey and Ellis both have smart mouths!
It was great seeing cameos from prior characters! I loved the update on Bianca and Rashad. There are two characters I’m interested in hearing more from: Lark & Reva. I feel there is a story to tell with each of them.
If you are looking for a sweet "it’s meant to be" love story, this is it! I love this theme for the Night Shift Series, and can’t wait to read the next book in this series! *Speaking it into existence*
This book will be released EXCLUSIVELY on her site beingmrsjones.com 8/27/21, and will be available in e-book format and pre-order for paperback!! Yall this book needs to be on your shelves!! Highly recommend this book! :)
I received this book through an early digital copy from @beingmrsjones. I appreciate her opening the opportunity for ARCs and being my very first one and first review on this page!
#bookhaul #books #book #Blackromance #blackIndieRomance #reading #read #bookstagrammer #blackgirlsreadtoo #blackgirlsRead #Romance #Romancebooks #bookreivew #bookreviews #reviews #blackloveromace
#romancenovella #novella
June 6, 2023
If soulmatism was a book it would be Prior Affair. I really enjoyed this book though not as much as Equivalent. This felt too short for me…I needed to know how the house came together, how her discovery would change/affect her mother & grandmother’s perspective, Ellis’ family meeting her…damn I need answers.
May 30, 2023
This was an absolutely beautiful and underrated gem of a romance.
Soul mates, reincarnated, not their time, fated love.
Ugh. I loooooved it.
If you want a short romance to make you FEEL the love, please pick this up.
Soul mates, reincarnated, not their time, fated love.
Ugh. I loooooved it.
If you want a short romance to make you FEEL the love, please pick this up.
March 14, 2022
Hailey Freeman & Ellis Boyd had a one night stand that actually turned into an organic relationship unbeknownst to them. Hailey & Ellis met after his engine company put out the fire on her historical home. Ellis felt compelled to help Hailey get back on her feet in Blackwood after the fire. After a few hours of drinking away her grief at night shift....Hailey decides to boldly give Ellis the key card to her hotel room, which he ultimately continues to use during her stay at the boutique hotel. These two had chemistry from the very beginning.... This beautifully written story takes us through a bit of history which connects Hailey's great-grandmother & Ellis' great-grandfather in a failed engagement. I absolutely love CCJ's clean and concise writing style. I never come across an author that has the ability to weave such a clean multi-dimensional story....She is by far one of my VERY FAVORITE AUTHORS. CCJ ALWAYS contracts the very best narrators for her stories....Wesleigh & Emmanuel are phenomenal conveying this story.
February 16, 2023
Maybe in another lifetime…his heart will find mine. And what should have always been, will always be.
This was a beautiful novella! I’ve never read a romance that explored the idea of modern day reincarnation, but leave it to CCJ to be the one to do it!
Hailey Freeman has recently moved to Blackwood after buying a house that used to belong to her ancestors. Due to faulty wiring, there’s a fire and she’s rescued by the local fire department. Ellis Boyd is one of the firefighters, and quickly becomes a friend and lover to Hailey in a town where she has no one else.
I loved how the soulmate connection between them was evident not only to the reader, but to Hailey and Ellis as well. CCJ is one of those authors who can give you a well-rounded story in just a few pages. Watching the depth of Hailey and Ellis’ connection unfold was so sweet to watch.
It was fun seeing Laken/Keris and the rest of the Night Shift crew from Equivalent Exchange (the full length novel that came before Prior Shift in this series). Love how CCJ does character cameos!
TROPES: black romance/OWN voices/BIPOC; fated lovers/reincarnation; firefighter hero; second chance-ish
This was a beautiful novella! I’ve never read a romance that explored the idea of modern day reincarnation, but leave it to CCJ to be the one to do it!
Hailey Freeman has recently moved to Blackwood after buying a house that used to belong to her ancestors. Due to faulty wiring, there’s a fire and she’s rescued by the local fire department. Ellis Boyd is one of the firefighters, and quickly becomes a friend and lover to Hailey in a town where she has no one else.
I loved how the soulmate connection between them was evident not only to the reader, but to Hailey and Ellis as well. CCJ is one of those authors who can give you a well-rounded story in just a few pages. Watching the depth of Hailey and Ellis’ connection unfold was so sweet to watch.
It was fun seeing Laken/Keris and the rest of the Night Shift crew from Equivalent Exchange (the full length novel that came before Prior Shift in this series). Love how CCJ does character cameos!
TROPES: black romance/OWN voices/BIPOC; fated lovers/reincarnation; firefighter hero; second chance-ish
September 2, 2024
The connection, history and all the signs of Ellis and Hailey being destined made for a fascinating read. 4.5⭐️
May 29, 2022
If you believe in soulmates or even love at first sight then you’ll love this story! I really enjoyed Ellis and Hailey’s story. It was a good follow up to the first book and I absolutely loved how Wesleigh and Emmanuel performed the audio. It was more engaging the way they had the back and forth dialogue instead of chapter for chapter. Love wins! Even 100 years later…. 🥰
May 14, 2022
My first read by CCJ and I absolutely loved it!
January 13, 2023
5 "Do I know you?" Stars!
Loved!!! My brain is fried so I can't write a review right now. Maybe I'll come back to it. For now, I loved this meant to be, fated, reincarnation story! Happy reading!
Loved!!! My brain is fried so I can't write a review right now. Maybe I'll come back to it. For now, I loved this meant to be, fated, reincarnation story! Happy reading!
November 11, 2023
🫶🏾❤️
One time for the dynamic duo bodying the audiobook! Ellis and Hailey’s relationship was super sweet. Though the story was short it packed a punch and felt complete.
One time for the dynamic duo bodying the audiobook! Ellis and Hailey’s relationship was super sweet. Though the story was short it packed a punch and felt complete.
January 25, 2022
Thank you Christina C. Jones for the advanced digital copy of Prior Affair for review. This is my first time receiving an eARC and I am beyond grateful to receive one from one of my favorite authors 🥰
On to the review…
This book is absolute 🔥! I was completely sucked in from the beginning and inhaled this story. Reading the first few chapters of the book, I felt an immediate sense of warmth and connection being back in Blackwood.
In this story we are introduced to Hailey Freeman, a journalist, who leads a very bohemian nomad lifestyle of traveling the world and living wherever a good story takes her. Her inquisitive nature and wanting to learn her family history has led her to Blackwood. Ellis Boyd comes from a long line of firefighters and service leaders in the Blackwood community. After a traumatic introduction, Hailey and Ellis continue to be drawn to each other through some sense of immediate familiarity and instead of fighting that feeling they continue to indulge in each other's company.
CCJ's neighborhoods are my absolute favorite thing about her universe. It felt so good being back in Blackwood. CCJ always embeds a message of importance to our community in telling the stories of black love. What this story affirmed for me is that inquisitive minds should be celebrated. I loved how Hailey never gave up in searching for the answers she was looking for no matter who did not approve of the path she embarked on. I highly recommend this book...Definitely 5 ⭐️!
On to the review…
This book is absolute 🔥! I was completely sucked in from the beginning and inhaled this story. Reading the first few chapters of the book, I felt an immediate sense of warmth and connection being back in Blackwood.
In this story we are introduced to Hailey Freeman, a journalist, who leads a very bohemian nomad lifestyle of traveling the world and living wherever a good story takes her. Her inquisitive nature and wanting to learn her family history has led her to Blackwood. Ellis Boyd comes from a long line of firefighters and service leaders in the Blackwood community. After a traumatic introduction, Hailey and Ellis continue to be drawn to each other through some sense of immediate familiarity and instead of fighting that feeling they continue to indulge in each other's company.
CCJ's neighborhoods are my absolute favorite thing about her universe. It felt so good being back in Blackwood. CCJ always embeds a message of importance to our community in telling the stories of black love. What this story affirmed for me is that inquisitive minds should be celebrated. I loved how Hailey never gave up in searching for the answers she was looking for no matter who did not approve of the path she embarked on. I highly recommend this book...Definitely 5 ⭐️!
August 28, 2021
OMG... I don't think I've ever read "The End" and was still hoping there was more. This story was so beautiful. This author always writes with passion and realistic views of Black people in a community that uplifts their own. But this story here gave so much more! Even laced in history, it gave promise to better for generations to come. The connection by these characters was so explosive! I am absolutely certain this marks at the top of my favorite reads by CCJ! Night Shift was a favorite with Laken & Keris but, Ellis & Haliey gave something so deep! Their souls touched before they did! This is a highly recommend read & I thoroughly enjoyed every minute reading it!
February 25, 2025
The plot twist in this was CRAZY, I wasn’t expecting that at all. Now that ending ? PMO 😒
December 10, 2025
Im noticing CCJ books always make you think. Theres always an undertone of something that I can never put my finger on. Her writing is so sophisticated and this book was no exception!
September 9, 2025
This was a beautiful story of love and history and fate!!! Christina c jones always gone do right by you.
August 13, 2022
Quick review for a quick read. "Prior Affair" is a stand-alone novella follow-up to Christina C. Jones's "Equivalent Exchange." You do not have to read the former to get into this story, though it is a part of the "Night Shift" series. At first I wasn't sure if this novella would feature some of the characters that were a part of the former story, but I was pleasantly surprised to see them as the story unfolded a bit further down the line.
"Prior Affair" showcases Hailey Freeman, a journalist who goes to Blackwood in order to trace her family history, though admittedly in ways that go against the wishes of her mother. An unexpected emergency has her meeting Ellis Boyd, a firefighter who carries his own expected weights and has ties to Blackwood. The two end up having an unanticipated, and steamy connection in the midst of events, but neither one of them anticipate just how deep that connection goes, especially as Hailey puts the pieces together of her family history with respect to the career and relationships of her family roots. I really liked how full this story felt as a novella. It comes full circle with developing the characters and their emotional connections, their respective conflicts between, the piping hot love scenes, the tracing and connection to family, and ultimately centering on the theme of "kismet" that ties it hand in hand with the experience of "Equivalent Exchange." I continue to be in awe of Jones's writing and the way she deals so well with getting into the heads and hearts of the couples she showcases. This was a favorite novella for me and I loved the audio narration done by both Wesleigh Siobhan and Emmanuel Ingram.
Overall score: 5/5 stars.
"Prior Affair" showcases Hailey Freeman, a journalist who goes to Blackwood in order to trace her family history, though admittedly in ways that go against the wishes of her mother. An unexpected emergency has her meeting Ellis Boyd, a firefighter who carries his own expected weights and has ties to Blackwood. The two end up having an unanticipated, and steamy connection in the midst of events, but neither one of them anticipate just how deep that connection goes, especially as Hailey puts the pieces together of her family history with respect to the career and relationships of her family roots. I really liked how full this story felt as a novella. It comes full circle with developing the characters and their emotional connections, their respective conflicts between, the piping hot love scenes, the tracing and connection to family, and ultimately centering on the theme of "kismet" that ties it hand in hand with the experience of "Equivalent Exchange." I continue to be in awe of Jones's writing and the way she deals so well with getting into the heads and hearts of the couples she showcases. This was a favorite novella for me and I loved the audio narration done by both Wesleigh Siobhan and Emmanuel Ingram.
Overall score: 5/5 stars.
August 28, 2021
My goodness what a beautiful story! From the very beginning, CCJ pulled me into this telling of such an amazing journey of love through generations of trauma, heartache, disappointment, but also survival! The Freeman family of women are survivors. They made the best out of their circumstances and continued living life on their terms. From the first Hailey to the last. Even though I am craving for more of this incredible journey, it is a complete story that left me full of hope and possibilities. I love the way Christina C Jones uses spirit, kismet and fate as a catalyst in her stories about love. I laughed, gasped, cried and more all in the span of the day it took to complete this book.
This story was beautiful and beautifully written.
This story was beautiful and beautifully written.
April 16, 2024
Do you believe in kismet?
Deja Vu?
Hailey Freeman and Ellis Boyd were the perfect illustration of what happens when we get out of our own way and let the Universe do it's business.
Their love story is a God thing. A beautiful connection to watch unfold on each page.
It was so refreshing to see them openly & honestly navigate those "familiar" feelings, no matter how "weird" they seemed to them in the moment.
Highly recommend!
Deja Vu?
Hailey Freeman and Ellis Boyd were the perfect illustration of what happens when we get out of our own way and let the Universe do it's business.
Their love story is a God thing. A beautiful connection to watch unfold on each page.
It was so refreshing to see them openly & honestly navigate those "familiar" feelings, no matter how "weird" they seemed to them in the moment.
Highly recommend!
April 19, 2023
This was so so so so good. I have tears. Resigning myself to believe love like this does not exist makes being single so much easier ... because if it ain't this deep I don't even want it.
March 31, 2024
I enjoyed this one a lot more than the first. It gave more background to the first but the historical aspects I just loved. The “Next Lifetime” “Deja vu” vibes I loved. I loved Ellis& Hailey’s ❤️ story. To know that their great grandparents were once lovers that lived without getting to love each other but never loved again. 🥲🥹
And the audiobook was 🤩 good. I enjoyed the 2 voices in the chapter. 😁
And the audiobook was 🤩 good. I enjoyed the 2 voices in the chapter. 😁
February 1, 2025
Listened on audio via hoopla. I loved how they recorded this.
4.5 - Honey, when Hailey told her mom she would rather face death again than deal with her i said 😲. That mother was something else. Anyways, I liked Hailey and Ellis for each other and that first spicy scene was 🥵. Baby they were NOT hunching but making LOVE. I said “well damn.” You could feel like they’ve known each other. Even the people on their lives could tell something more was there. Hailey was standing on business about herself and didn’t give a damn. Ellis was a sweetheart especially given what Hailey just went through. They were balance, funny and hot. Now my favorite part was learning of Hailey’s family history. I wouldn’t mind reading more about them. The shock on my face when the reveal came was everything. Something’s are meant to be and will keep happening until the task is completed.
“Do you want to be mad or do you want my face in your pussy?” - Ellis
4.5 - Honey, when Hailey told her mom she would rather face death again than deal with her i said 😲. That mother was something else. Anyways, I liked Hailey and Ellis for each other and that first spicy scene was 🥵. Baby they were NOT hunching but making LOVE. I said “well damn.” You could feel like they’ve known each other. Even the people on their lives could tell something more was there. Hailey was standing on business about herself and didn’t give a damn. Ellis was a sweetheart especially given what Hailey just went through. They were balance, funny and hot. Now my favorite part was learning of Hailey’s family history. I wouldn’t mind reading more about them. The shock on my face when the reveal came was everything. Something’s are meant to be and will keep happening until the task is completed.
“Do you want to be mad or do you want my face in your pussy?” - Ellis
January 7, 2023
This was without a doubt one of the most beautiful kismet romances I have ever read. Beautiful because Hailey is driven, funny, self assure, and unapologetic. Beautiful because Ellis is protective, sweet, and appreciative of all that she is. The writing and the characters made this an effortless read. The historical additions made it compelling. The conversation between Hailey and her mom was powerful. All combine to make an amazing second in this series. I do think I’ll ever start a new year off wrong if I continue to start it with a CCJ book.
February 21, 2025
I LOOOOOVED this book omg. Hailey III moves ti Blackwood to try to restore her family’s inheritance, and in the process finds much more in the Deja Vu love story. I kinda of suspected the big reveal, but I wasn’t sure how it would all come together. Even still, I enjoyed getting to know and love Hailey & Ellis!
August 25, 2021
Thank you, thank you, thank you to Christina C. Jones for the opportunity to read this eARC in exchange for an honest review. I am in…awe. I’ve officially made it ya’ll because if you know me, you know I’m a CCJ STAN.
Hailey and Ellis meet under the absolute worst circumstances: Hailey’s ancestral home catches fire in the middle of the night leaving her left to fight for the very thing her family wanted her to stay away from. Ellis appears, not necessarily as a knight in shining armor, but as a fireman doing his job. After seeing Hailey essentially devastated and broken over the fire, he does what any self-respecting gentleman would do: offers to buy her a drink to take her mind off of everything…..and gives her some bomb ass dick.
Okay okay so initially the dick was NOT on the table, but after a few drinks and some effortless conversation, Hailey makes a bold move and slips her room key into Ellis’s hand taking him up on his offer to “let him know if she needs anything”. When I say sis played no games, she played no games. It works out for her though because homeboy gave her the best dick of her life. Their connection was so beautiful and so instant that not even a condom came into play even though that went against both of their casual hookup sensibilities. Then again, what Ellis and Hailey have is anything but casual, and it’s clear to both them and anyone who picks up this book (you…you’re picking up this book because I’m telling you so right now).
This otherworldly connection doesn’t make sense, especially to Hailey and Ellis who both have a “casual relationships only” motto and yet reading about their interactions felt all types of wholesome, soft, anything but casual and just downright heaven sent. I can honestly say that I’m jealous because Lord knows I’ve never experienced anything quite like this or even close and I’m not just talking about the sex, even though the heat of those scenes absolutely leaps off the page.
I can’t go into too much detail because this is a spoiler free review, but I can tell you that I loved both of these characters and their journeys. I’ve always had a thing for firefighters (to the point where my own WIP involves two of them), but Ellis upped the ante. He’s passionate about his job and takes every loss and every rescue to heart. At no point does he come off as someone in it simply for the glory or someone who is simply going through the motions just because firefighting is the family legacy. We get introduced to a bit of that legacy and I’m really hoping that future books in this series explore his family even further, especially his cousin and the tumultuous relationships she has with her father.
As for Hailey, homegirl is a handful okay, but she’s definitely someone I would want in my life. She’s on a mission to finally put down roots for the first time, but also dig into her family history. Her mother and grandmother are super resistant to her digging into the past, but Hailey’s passion for writing and history are unmatched. Watching her discover underlying connections between her and her family members and come into herself was a beautiful thing. Did I mention that both of these characters are grown as hell? At 40 years old, they don’t have time for games and I loved that we got to see them find their happiness, especially when so many romances focus in on people in their 20s. It was also very refreshing to see a romance MC set so firmly in her decision not to have children or feel the need to be married or a mother to be complete. That’s not to say she can’t change her mind, but it was great to know that she wasn’t placing her worth in those things even if other people were.
Listen, if you don’t take anything else from this review, take this: the journey that Mrs. Jones takes you on with this read is not one you will be expecting but it’s beautifully poetic. This was a truly spiritual experience.
Hailey and Ellis meet under the absolute worst circumstances: Hailey’s ancestral home catches fire in the middle of the night leaving her left to fight for the very thing her family wanted her to stay away from. Ellis appears, not necessarily as a knight in shining armor, but as a fireman doing his job. After seeing Hailey essentially devastated and broken over the fire, he does what any self-respecting gentleman would do: offers to buy her a drink to take her mind off of everything…..and gives her some bomb ass dick.
Okay okay so initially the dick was NOT on the table, but after a few drinks and some effortless conversation, Hailey makes a bold move and slips her room key into Ellis’s hand taking him up on his offer to “let him know if she needs anything”. When I say sis played no games, she played no games. It works out for her though because homeboy gave her the best dick of her life. Their connection was so beautiful and so instant that not even a condom came into play even though that went against both of their casual hookup sensibilities. Then again, what Ellis and Hailey have is anything but casual, and it’s clear to both them and anyone who picks up this book (you…you’re picking up this book because I’m telling you so right now).
This otherworldly connection doesn’t make sense, especially to Hailey and Ellis who both have a “casual relationships only” motto and yet reading about their interactions felt all types of wholesome, soft, anything but casual and just downright heaven sent. I can honestly say that I’m jealous because Lord knows I’ve never experienced anything quite like this or even close and I’m not just talking about the sex, even though the heat of those scenes absolutely leaps off the page.
I can’t go into too much detail because this is a spoiler free review, but I can tell you that I loved both of these characters and their journeys. I’ve always had a thing for firefighters (to the point where my own WIP involves two of them), but Ellis upped the ante. He’s passionate about his job and takes every loss and every rescue to heart. At no point does he come off as someone in it simply for the glory or someone who is simply going through the motions just because firefighting is the family legacy. We get introduced to a bit of that legacy and I’m really hoping that future books in this series explore his family even further, especially his cousin and the tumultuous relationships she has with her father.
As for Hailey, homegirl is a handful okay, but she’s definitely someone I would want in my life. She’s on a mission to finally put down roots for the first time, but also dig into her family history. Her mother and grandmother are super resistant to her digging into the past, but Hailey’s passion for writing and history are unmatched. Watching her discover underlying connections between her and her family members and come into herself was a beautiful thing. Did I mention that both of these characters are grown as hell? At 40 years old, they don’t have time for games and I loved that we got to see them find their happiness, especially when so many romances focus in on people in their 20s. It was also very refreshing to see a romance MC set so firmly in her decision not to have children or feel the need to be married or a mother to be complete. That’s not to say she can’t change her mind, but it was great to know that she wasn’t placing her worth in those things even if other people were.
Listen, if you don’t take anything else from this review, take this: the journey that Mrs. Jones takes you on with this read is not one you will be expecting but it’s beautifully poetic. This was a truly spiritual experience.
August 15, 2023
(ellis + hailey) … I don’t think I have the right words for their love story. I’m good at foreshadowing and realized the possible connection before it was revealed. But, I was still SHOCKED when it came about! I loved the look into Hailey’s and Ellis’ family history in this story. I enjoyed the conversation Hailey had with her mother, it was good to see the truth come out on different life choices. Go Hailey for choosing to no longer go down that toxic path!
Seriously, love prevailed through time on this one. I loved it!
Seriously, love prevailed through time on this one. I loved it!
March 14, 2024
this is one of the most beautiful books i have ever read. hailey being the reincarnated soul of her great great grandmother and ellis being that of his great great grandfather who were in love but never got to get married and finish their story was just beautiful. they found their way to one another a hundred years later and it’s just the pure love and romance of it all. i definitely shed some tears reading this
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 27, 2023
What if that’s what all “fast friends” and “love at first sight” situations were? Just a reconnection of past kindred spirits?
Mmmmh really what if? Talk about instant connection that's beyond both parties understanding and yet they go with the flow and try to see where this thing between leads to. Ellis & Hailey were the epitome of cuteness overload.
Mmmmh really what if? Talk about instant connection that's beyond both parties understanding and yet they go with the flow and try to see where this thing between leads to. Ellis & Hailey were the epitome of cuteness overload.
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