Moments before Rumor Finley is set to board a plane and fly across the country for her baby sister's wedding, her quick temper lands her in a rental car with a man she loved to annoy, the groom’s cousin, West Vaughn.West didn’t get Rumor. At all. True, he’d engaged with her in insult battles for the last five years, but the woman was still an enigma he wasn’t sure he wanted to solve. But the close proximity to her weakens his resolve and reveals feelings he thought he'd buried, causing him to look at Rumor with more than feigned annoyance. To their surprise, during the road trips, sparks fly and feelings they’d suppressed after a night of passion years ago resurface for the sworn enemies.Could these opposites discover that what they find in each other is everything they need and more?
K. Lashaun is an adult contemporary author born and raised in the great state of Alabama. Her start in writing followed the typical blueprint for most authors - consuming an insane amount of books at an early age before turning that love of reading into a knack for story telling.
She enjoys crafting imperfect - unapologetically black - love stories.
West & Rumor was a slow burn....this was a enemies to lovers storyline...Ironically, both West & Rumor come from a damaged past...both experienced issues with their abusive fathers that really went unaddressed...However, they were able to be one another's safe space and talk about their issues with each other....After they finally put the bickering behind them, they crawled to their HEA....
Ok, I'm convinced. K. Lashaun just doesn't miss. This story was absolutely beautiful. Rumor had so much personality, while fighting her insecurities and kicking ass in her career. That's right. DOCTOR Ru. She doesn't take crap from anyone. If you can dish out, you had better be able to take it, cause she's not the one. If you knew her past, you'd understand. West…quiet, BDE exuding West. His past also did a number on him, but the peace and comfort he finds in Ru is absolutely breathtaking. The love, the banter and the brokenness in these pages were super loud. I loved every part of it. K. Lashaun wrote 2 of my favorite stories and this one was absolutely amazing. I will say I wish the family stuff were a bit more developed, but since this was a love story, it was great and it did not disappoint. I love how the author creates broken characters who are so deserving of love and she always gives them this sweet HEA. She's definitely gonna be in my 1-click author. No questions.
This was absolutely beautiful. It checked all my favorite boxes. Plus size, strong, funny, black fmc who is in need of someone to be her safety and comfort. Strong, protective, giving mmc who’s a little bit broken and in need of comfort and safety to be at peace. This nailed that and then added, great smex and good banter. I think I can officially say K. LaShaun in on my immediate buy list! She has a writing style that is effortless to read, character who have incredible depth, and a version of soft and strong black love that is all her own!
Rumor and West’s love story also cute and powerful!! These two have been at each other’s throat for years after a drunken night together. Now that his cousin and her sister are getting married, they are on the same flight. However, an altercation at the gate leads to Rumor and West being booted from the flight, forced to make a three day drive to the wedding.
The best thing about forced proximity is that it always leads to true colors being revealed. Rumor and West both have their reasons for being afraid of love, with painful insecurities stemming from their youth. However, I think the best part of their romance was the unconditional love they showed for each other! They both deserved to be taken care of in a way that they’d never had before. West might’ve held his emotions close to his chest with others but when it came to Rumor?! Once they laid it out there, I was swooning.
These two were on FIRE for each other, both physically and emotionally. I loved the way their HEA wrapped up! I’ll definitely be reading more from this author!
TROPES: black romance/BIPOC/OWN voices; forced proximity; road trip; hero/heroine with emotional trauma
rating 4.5 He is definitely grumpy sunshine lol. You got these two people who have for some reason become sworn enemies but you can just feel the tension between them. The attitude, the road trip, the sweet moments. I enjoyed this read. The author did a great job developing these characters in less than 209 pages.
This was such a sweet, well written novel. I enjoyed the characters, the road trip, and the conventions. Rumor was funny with a short temper and no time for fools (you could definitely catch those hands). West was stoic, moody, thoughtful and a true gentleman. This was an enemies (not really enemies) to lovers story that I know I'll revisit again. I highly recommend this book. Bravo.
The story, characters, and theme of this book were so so good. It was refreshing to have a straightforward tale about love and conflict with minimal drama. Rumor was aptly named. She was not about foolishness. She was happy in her skin finally. Fat-shaming phased her less and less. The guy she secretly liked named West was a part of her circle because of family relationships. They were always rude to some another. We all knew that was their cover....The events leading up to them being together are epically good, laugh-out-loud funny. The getting-together parts are so good. The backstory ties the loose ends we wondered about in the tale, and the writing was pearl-clutching delicious. See what you think, you all...
K. Lashaun’ s voice really just does it for me. I adored this friendly enemies to lovers, road trip, forced proximity romance a whole heck of a lot. Rumor and West are heading to L.A. for a family wedding - her sister is marrying his cousin. They’ve known each other a while and 4 years ago, had a scorching one night stand but for whatever reason, they seem to always react to each other like oil and water. West, an army vet is stoic and reserved, keeping his emotions in brutal check. Rumor, an anesthesiologist, doesn’t know what the word reserved means and has never met an emotion she didn’t immediately express, much to West’s dismay. Watching these two bicker and banter their way to L.A. is so fun but also deeply emotional. I loved the end - therapy plays a role in their relationship and it just felt like a very healthy way to move forward for them.
Triggers: Both of these characters have tough backstories, filled with a lot of toxic parental issues and pain - emotional and physical abuse plays a role (in the past, off page). West has what can only be described as panic attacks and Rumor has anger issues and self-esteem issues related to her body. There is some fat shaming (not from West) and brief mention of diets and exercising and weight loss. And Rumor’s mom has depression.
This such a sweet read, full of interesting characters and emotion. Rumor was my girl! I loved how she was loud, bold, quick tempered and did not hesitate to throw them hands! All while being a doctor no less! 😂 West, was an enigma for a good part of the book, until he opened up to Rumor. These two always sparred whenever they were together, but there was an intense attraction there, that neither acted on. They were more alike than they realized. Both having traumatizing childhood experiences with their fathers, that shaped their current behaviors. The road trip was the catalyst for the two of them to “really” learn the other person. To get past the jokes and snide comments, and find out who the other person was at their core. My heart broke for West when he revealed why he was so withdrawn, quiet, calm and seemed to not feel or care about anything. Their individual flaws and personalities, although polar opposites, made them perfect for each other. So glad that West allowed himself to feel the love that he so deserved. Miss Rumor found herself a man who was not intimidated by her size and found her to be beautiful, just as she is. Great read! 👍👍👍
Rumor and West were just what I needed to read about. I absolutely adored both characters; they overcame so many obstacles throughout their lives. I was especially excited because both were successful in the medical field, with Rumor being an Anesthesiologist and West being a Physicians Assistant. Come on representation! 👏🏾
The two were headed to a wedding when Rumor’s bad temper gets them kicked off their flight. And they are forced to make a three day drive together. I loved how the two were forced to confront their feelings for one another. There was an undeniable chemistry between them. I thought it was really comical how West tried to act like he couldn’t stand Rumor and she made it a point to annoy him. The banter was cute but I knew in my spirit it was all a front.
Something about Rumor’s carefree personality did something to West. He couldn’t stand what was happening but it was definitely what he needed. Both characters had their flaws and moments of vulnerability. I appreciated how gentle Rumor was with West. My poor baby was going through it, I just wanted to give him the biggest hug!! 💔I think with Rumor, West was finally able to experience what it felt like to have someone that cares. And Rumor was finally able to have a man that truly loves her. With his military background, West wasted no time protecting Rumor, as well. It was a perfect love story. In true K. Lashaun fashion, those sex scenes left very little to the imagination-whew chile! 🤭🔥
I truly enjoyed this story and these characters so much. I loved the Character development and the progression of the characters going from enemies to lovers. And when West’s brother came onto the scene I was hollering, I hope we get a story on him. Awesome job!! 👏🏾❤️. Five star ⭐️.
West and Rumors enemies to lovers, forced proximity romance was so well done and had me swooning (and I NEVER use that word lols). With both our main characters dealing and healing from childhood/adult traumas, this author handled both with care and I loved that. But mainly, these characters on page were probably two of the best I've read in a while becasue both West and Rumor knew their issues and didn't haved this wall up about them. I will say West character really resonated and moved me, I was so happy for him to have a HEA.
All and all, this is great read and I highly recommend it. And K Lashaun has a new fan here.
It's a yes for me. This story was written very well and tugged at my heart. West and Rumor have been through so much and just resting their stories made me want to tear up a little. This was an enemies to lovers trope and i loved the flow of it. The fact that both West and Rumor had to live through an abusive childhood and environment but still found love is beautiful.
LISSEN! This novella was EVERYTHING AND MORE 🥰 • Short, sweet and to the point. I loved this enemies to lovers story and very quickly started rooting for Rumor & West! They both went through so much in their childhoods and beyond. They each deserved the amazingly intense and beautiful love they found within each other • 🤓📚🐛
"I trusted her with my truth. I trusted her to see past the facade I showed to the world. Rumor had me wide open, ready to lay myself bare to her."
K. Lashaun has did it again! I just loveee enemies to lovers and K. Lashaun did this trope justice. West & Rumour were literal goals!! The chemistry between them 🔥 I loved how much of a strong & independent woman Rumor was and oh god West that man will be the death of me I was in love with him from the beginning. This book was definitely worth the wait and i love that im starting November with 5 star read.
It's something about a grumpy man & an outgoing woman that does something for me. I knew that I was going to like Rumor when she saw West in the airport & PURPOSEFULLY sat by him to annoy him 😂😂 Rumor was truly a breath a fresh air and she was going to stand her ground. She ain't care about nothing nobody else had to say, she refused to be associated with anything passive. I laughed at West reserved personality & his ability to ice everyone out. It was refreshing to see that he didn't just reserve it for Rumor lol. The chemistry between these two was so enticing. West said no to almost everything that Rumor wanted but still ended up doing it. It was hilarious when Kalvin knew they were doing the horizontal dance 😂 Both West & Rumor were miserable without each other, but just too stubborn to admit it. & East was such a breath of fresh air, soooooo opposite of West lol. When he thought he was going to get close to Rumor & she shut that down, it was hilarious. Alsooooo HUGE s/o to Miss. K for the body diversity/inclusion. I loved how she didn't harp on Rumor being a BBW. Sis was a fine ass stallion who lost weight for her health & not because some man. So many books make women to be these petite coke bottles & men these towering statues. West had no problem handling Rumor 👏🏿👏🏿
This was the last book I read in K. Lashun catalogue & I'm sincerely sad because I need more. She had quickly become one of my faves 🥰❤️
Enemies to lovers is one of my favorite tropes because usually the couple has underlying feelings for each other that they are hiding for whatever reason and this book did not disappoint. I found myself laughing out loud and smiling throughout this book and wanting to cry when learning about their past family experiences. Once they got to a point where they could no longer shove their feelings aside their connection was beautiful but the jokes and jabs at each other before this time were hilarious. West and Rumor went through similar experiences in childhood and those experiences caused them to be the complete opposite of each other around others but together it worked. They both deserved to find happiness within each other and to be each other’s safe space. This was my first book by this author and I will be looking further into her catalogue.
Everything and More gave exactly what the title promised—and then some! K. LaShaun delivered a romance that was tender, grown, and packed with all the feels. From the very first chapter, I was hooked. The chemistry between the West and Rumor was undeniable—soft in the right places, fiery when needed, and built on something real. What I loved most was how they chose each other again and again. No perfect love story here, but a beautifully flawed one with communication, growth, and intentionality at the center. The emotional intimacy? Top tier. The way they showed up for each other, healed out loud, and loved with their whole chest—chef’s kiss. This was the kind of Black love story that wraps around you like a warm hug and whispers, “you deserve this.” A story that affirms softness, vulnerability, and knowing you are worthy of not just love, but everything and more.
This was such a good book! Rumor was a hot head and West was cold but they were both conditioned that way from abusive fathers. Both became parents to siblings and had to grow up too early. They're perfect for each other because they have an understanding of each other's experience that others do not have. They can open themselves up and be vulnerable to each other. They also brought a form of healing to each other. I was cheering when I read they had started therapy! I enjoyed this story so much! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
THIS WAS AMAZING!! This was such a lovely book to read. I enjoyed Ru and West's banter. They had more in common than they knew. Both had traumatic childhood experiences with their fathers, which influenced their current behaviour. The road trip helped for them to move past the jokes and remarks and discover who the other person really was. During the scene between Ru and her mother, I cried. Their flaws and personalities were polar opposites, but they were built for each other. I'm so glad Ru and West found someone who truly loved them the way they deserved.
The fact that West has twin was something and no one knew. The relationship between them is so delicate and sad how their childhood shaped their life. I loved their bond and care for each other, plus his twin's clown behaviour now and then.
What West didn't see coming was the walls Rumour would climb and find his wounded and battered self and help him heal. I loved their story, it's real, raw and wholesome. We all deserve love and learning how it feels to be loved and to love unconditionally.
I'm so happy that I've got to read this book! This has the right amount of hate to love and road trip aspect that I liked reading. It also showed a lot of characterizations and growth despite being a short book. I liked how Rumor and West came to start caring for each other and just their interactions together. Both of them have gone through a lot of things since childhood and I'm just so happy that they got to somehow settle part of those in here and them having the HEA they deserve.
OMG!!! I loved this book!!!! Enemies to lovers story that wasn’t really enemies they were just two people who needed each other beyond the typical mean banter. West was 😍 maybe I like them a little curt/straight forward because my goodness!!!! I also loved how they didn’t let their past and child hoods determined whether or not they are worthy of love. EVERYONE is worthy of a soul stirring knees weakening, I was made for loving you type of love. 😘🤌🏾❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥
This was a great story. Even though Rumor kinda annoyed me, I still enjoyed her caring and compassion and protectiveness of her loved ones. And I rather liked West's broodiness, and it was cool how he gradually opened up to Rumor as the story progressed. There were a couple of times I felt the dialogue teetered on the corny-ish side (i.e. "Be the beacon of light..."), overall, I didn't even care. I thoroughly enjoyed love story and will be looking for more from this author.
Some of my favorite tropes: enemies to lovers, opposites attract, forced proximity! Even though they were opposites, they had more in common than they realized. Especially when it comes to insecurities and daddy issues. I do wish there was actually some type of resolution regarding the daddy issues for both of them though, those storylines felt incomplete. Overall, I enjoyed watching them discover one another after they began to peel back their layers. This was a quick read, that definitely left me wanting more.
I enjoyed Rumor and West's story. In the beginning I wasn't feeling either of the main characters, but as I continued reading I got a better understanding of their background and what made them turn into the people they are. Normally if find the characters to be unlikeable in the first few pages I close the book and move on, but I'm glad I stuck with this book because it turned out to be a great story.
My introductory to K. Lashaun and I really enjoyed this book. Initially, Rumor annoyed me lol. She just came across immature for a thirty-something. However, her upbringing definitely explains why she is the way she is. She def grew on me by the end of the book. I love a good, broody man, so I loved West. Their love for one another was beautiful to read about and i’m glad that both put their reservations aside to explore the possibilities. Very sweet book.
No but really… she saw what no one else saw. She ventured where no one else dared to go. She found the light so deep inside that man that she has to be the one to claim it. No one else deserves that because no one else cared to search for it.
I always love a grump and technically they were both grumpy but they really did somehow balance each other.
This is my first time reading K. Lashaun’s work and I wasn’t disappointed at all. I loved the way Rumor and West were so combative with each other but as the story progressed the two began to peel back layers that identified why they acted in such manners. It was fun reading them fall in love with each other. Enemy to lovers is one of my favorite tropes anyway. This is the third book I’ve read so so far this year and it has definitely been my favorite one.