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Countdown

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Tatum Parker is struggling to get his business off the ground and dropping the ball when it comes to being present with his wife, Ayala, and their three year-old daughter Sunni. When work starts to take precedence over everything else, Ayala withdraws from him. What will it take to make Tatum focus on his family? Find out in Countdown.

128 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 31, 2021

17 people are currently reading
49 people want to read

About the author

J. Chary

16 books103 followers
J. Chary is a Miami native who currently resides in North Florida. Her love for reading comes from her mother and the bookshelf she keeps in her home office. Her passion for writing developed while in high school under the tutelage of her newspaper and yearbook advisor and was further fueled by her Creative Writing teacher thus J. Chary was born. In her free time she enjoys reading, writing and spending time with her family. J. Chary hopes to bring life to her characters by putting them in real and relatable situations while teaching life lessons.

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5 stars
93 (68%)
4 stars
30 (22%)
3 stars
12 (8%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
Profile Image for Kameel.
1,066 reviews296 followers
January 5, 2022
This was my first actually e-read of 2022...Everyone know that I'd much rather listen to an audiobook...Because I really wanted to be introduced to new authors and not everyone does audio format. Boy-O-Boy did I start out with a homerun...This was my first read of J. Chary....This was such a cute story about a married couple with 1 daughter that hits a rough patch in their otherwise happy marriage. Teddy is trying to get a new business of the ground and he's starting to neglect his wife Sire and daughter Sunni....and on top of all of that it's his wife's favorite time of the year Christmas....The couple hit some bumps along the way and the silent treatment is in full effect. Teddy later takes some sound advice from a few people and takes his wife away for a New Year/Second Honeymoon Trip to try and rekindle what they had....This was niiiice and steamy...But, Teddy got his wife back....I love HEAs! I'm going to J. Chary's catalog now to see what's next.
Profile Image for Annette Williams.
1,196 reviews422 followers
January 5, 2022
Well, hey Ayala and Tatum! Where y’all been?!!! Countdown was everything from beginning to end. A few years into their marriage, Ayala and Tatum find themselves going through a small rough patch. While working on opening his architectural firm, Tatum is having a problem balancing his home and work life. He’s spending less time at home, breaking date nights, and missing bath time with Sunni. This does not go over well with Ayala. When she starts shutting down on Tatum, he realizes he has to do some serious damage control to get back in his wife’s good graces. Tatum is determined to get their marriage back on track so, he surprises Ayala with a trip to the mountains for a second honeymoon. I loved that Tatum took accountability for the breakdown, the lack of communication, and was committed to fixing their marriage. Y’all know I love to revisit couples and I was excited to see that Ayala and Tatum were doing great even though they were going through it. Countdown was so good and so relatable. It just goes to show you the happiest of marriages can easily be knocked off their pedestal.
Profile Image for Ayanna First of BourbonStreetBookers.
495 reviews21 followers
January 15, 2022
This book was soooo great! Their MCs issues are addressed in a way that is so key to a successful marriage. I love it! The sex was bonus...and a lot, but the message was everything for me! I really thought we were getting drama... messy... but it was refreshing to read reality-based situations that can be a great resource of resolution for a healthy relationship! Great job! 🥳🎊🎉
Profile Image for ariana.
240 reviews127 followers
January 8, 2022
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️/🌶🌶

Tropes: marriage in trouble

TW/CW: n/a

Representation: black romance

Favorite quote: “Look at yourself, baby. You are beautiful. You are worthy. You are more than enough. You deserve happiness,” I affirmed while delivering powerful strokes to her center. “Say it, Siren,” I demanded, then smacked her ass twice.

Thoughts: This is book two about this couple, and i wont even lie i kind of missed them! I really liked Ayala in book 1 so i was happy to see her again. But this book did reaffirm a fear i feel like most people have and thats not being a priority in someones life. From book 1 to now these two have been through alot together so Tatum’s lack of communication was mindboggling to me. And the fact that he didn’t even just put his wife to the back burner, he put his daughter there to?? Absolutely not. I will say i’m glad they worked through the issues, but damn they better than me cuz i would’ve been on the first flight to where my man was and be on his head about missing family night lol
Profile Image for Tia.
Author 35 books74 followers
January 19, 2022
started sweet and then TOOK OFF

I don’t know why I thought this would be a sweet, loving story about a couple reconnecting when J. Chary is the one who wrote it. Sis gave me drama, love, romance, and orgasms…. Lots! This one is a ride you will enjoy from start to finish.
266 reviews
June 10, 2022
It was okay

My main issues with this book were him calling her Siren and the grammar. The nickname was corny and annoying to keep reading. The grammar was bad throughout the book. For instance using "sumn" instead of "something" or "somethin" and "is you done" instead of "are you done". I understand characters speaking some slang but the way it was written and the overuse of it was annoying to read. You can't think about it as you would hear it out loud; reading something you would say versus on paper is much different. One of the worst examples was using the name "Nathan" as "nothing" and "lettuce" as "let us"; the slang version is "nothin" and "let us" should have been written the regular way. First, "lettuce" is a good and there's no arguing that. Two, it didn't change the way the word is read. That's like writing "tho" instead of "though". There's no need to misspell it because it sounds the same. The worst had to be "deflee" as "definitely". I don't think that needs further explanation as to why it's inexcusable. The editor should of picked all of this up. At the end of the day, I just want to see my people be great and putting out there best work.
Profile Image for Crystal Luckey.
752 reviews31 followers
January 3, 2022
Perfect...

Tatum and Ayala are back. While trying to build his business Tatum , he forgot the most important people in his life, his wife and daughter. When Ayala pulls away Tatum is determined to get them back to where they used to be. Tatum decides toSpend quality time with Ayala and their daughter but it wasn't enough. Whisking Ayala away on a vacation Tatum and Ayala took the time to talk and get back to where they used to be.  I love when we revisit couples and I was excited to see that Ayala and Tatum were doing great even though they had their hiccups.  I loved that they worked on getting back to themselves and still showing the love that they really had for each other. This was a great quick read and I was sad for it to end I don't know maybe she will revisit them again but definitely check this book out it was excellent, perfect, perfection...
Profile Image for Camisha Crisp.
745 reviews18 followers
January 1, 2022
Countdown to love

This story is so relatable. I spent the first half of this book with tears in my eyes. Marriage is full of ups and downs. When it’s up, it’s stuck , but when it’s down, you can be easily be pulled into the vortex of sadness and despair. Tatum and Ayala both saw the direction their marriage was going on, both afraid to address it. I loved that Tatum was committed to fixing his marriage and taking accountability for the breakdown. What beautiful love story of what it takes to keep a marriage intact and happy. And it certainly ain’t a Jae Chary story with a hint of nastiness to it!
Profile Image for Denishia.
223 reviews15 followers
January 2, 2022
Redemption is key

This book was everything from beginning to end I was rooting for Tatum(Teddy) and Siren the little twist I was thinking was going to happen didn’t and I was over the moon happy it didn’t!! I love Cal and Elaine they were both great friends that will ride for their friends!! Overall the things he did to get back to his relationship back on track was everything!! I loved it!! Amazon job J. Chary
Profile Image for D'Evolution.
996 reviews11 followers
January 4, 2022
This definitely had me in my feelings lol

I loved the relationships between the two couples and how accountability and communication was important and key to all of them. Seeing Teddy and Siren fight to make it work and work past their rough patch made me wish that other couples, married or not, did the same. This showed the important of making things work as long as both communicate, show respect for and to one another, and are willing to work together.
Profile Image for Kami Holt.
797 reviews54 followers
January 13, 2022
❤️❤️

Nothing sexier to me than a man who values his woman. No relationship is perfect but when you can humble yourself and admit your faults, it truly makes the difference. As women, we want effort. Show me that I matter to you and that I’m worth the work. Teddy started off rocky but I loved the fact that he wasn’t willing to give up. Beautiful story and of course it wouldn’t be J without a lil extra nastiness 💦🔥❤️
2,075 reviews14 followers
January 22, 2022
Communication is key!

I’ll start by saying that this is the first book that I’ve read by J. Chary and I really enjoyed it. This book was well written and focused on the problems that almost every married couple faces sometimes: communication and taking each other for granted. Alayah and Tatum finally faced their problems, corrected them and lived happily ever after. I’ll definitely be reading more of this author’s work.
137 reviews1 follower
January 8, 2022
First book I have read by this author and I enjoyed it. Love the chemistry between the characters and the love they have for each other. This couple reaches a rough patch in their marriage. The husband is neglecting the home front and now must do what it takes to get that old thing back. I would recommend this book. Will be read more of this authors work.
Profile Image for Marcia.
667 reviews4 followers
December 28, 2022
I was cheering for them.

This second book was a mini rollercoaster ride for real. I understood Ayala in the beginning with her disappointment with Tatum but she held on to that grudge to long for me. Tatum communication was horrible but he realized he needed to get his act together.
727 reviews15 followers
January 2, 2022
counting

okay this started out with me side eyeing Teddy. I was about to go in and 👋 him. but then he won me over. The important of communication in a relationship is a huge topic in this book. And i loved the “company shout outs”
Profile Image for Michelle.
304 reviews5 followers
January 3, 2022
❤❤❤

I love that the everyday pressures cause descent and not extra marital affairs. This was a really good book. I enjoyed it immensely. Marriage can be complicated but also sexy even with kids.
272 reviews5 followers
January 17, 2022
Tatum and Ayala are the epitome of black love and marriage done right.
But when Tatum takes his marriage and wife for granted, their life becomes rocky.

I love Countdown and the characters but I wanted to punch Tatum in his throat.

Well done J. Chary.
Profile Image for Kimberley (pennedbykdb).
87 reviews6 followers
June 8, 2022
J. Chary writes marriage in trouble so we!!

Countdown had me feeling everything!! I was hurting with both Tatum and Siren and I just wanted them to cut the bs and work on reconnecting.

I loved seeing them finding their way back to each other and working on their relationship.
377 reviews3 followers
June 19, 2022
Teddy and Siren

I love reading about black love. So nice to read about a couple experiencing normal relationship problems and how they were able to make it work because they both wanted it to. Loved that the children were woven into the storyline. Really enjoyable read.
Profile Image for Sierra.
144 reviews
January 3, 2022
Countdown

Loved reading this update on one of my favorite couples Teddy and Siren! I enjoyed reading the plot and it flowed very smoothly. What a way to bring in the new year!
Profile Image for tanessia ford.
3,999 reviews
January 3, 2022
Banger

She has done it yet again! Not surprised at all! She has another banger on her hands! This is a definite must read l!
Profile Image for Jacklin.
331 reviews1 follower
January 5, 2022
I loved it!!!

It's the BLACK LOVE for ME!!! I was elated that Siren and Teddy found their way back to the love they once shared..
883 reviews9 followers
January 9, 2022
enjoyed

I enjoy all your books, I always want more and nothing has changed about that so give me more and soon
307 reviews5 followers
January 11, 2022
Must read

Ayala and Tatum never disappoint! Tatum had me worried for a minute but he redeemed himself. Can't wait to see what's next .
Profile Image for Jibria.
301 reviews6 followers
May 3, 2022
Great Update

I loved the update on Ayla and Tatum. However Ayla was acting like she was queen of communication and she wasn't. But it was still a good update.
Profile Image for Stephanie.
287 reviews
January 19, 2022
Countdown 🎆

Marriage and relationships need the number one thing and that’s effective communication! Feeling single in a relationship is never what we want to feel and sadly that’s what Ayala felt. Tatum isn’t perfect but I’m glad he listened to his inner circle and tightened the hell and I’m glad Ayala didn’t make it too easy lol.

This author came through with the nasty as usual lol and I enjoyed it immensely! Quick catch up which I highly enjoyed!
Profile Image for Dee LoLo.
33 reviews
June 23, 2022
No ms ma’am why you had to give me a heart attack like this? This is one of my fav couples and i almost cried when they weren’t at their best. But when they came back together it caused all the warmth in me to rise up and bubble out of my heart. Thank you for giving them real issues and i appreciate that but damn it if you ain’t make me hurt in the process. I love your writing.
Profile Image for Helen Clark.
1,061 reviews4 followers
January 27, 2022
Never get to busy

I loved this story. It came along with life lessons. Never lose sight of showing the ones you love, how important and significant they are in your life.

I thought my friend had loss his marriage, but he quickly, so the light after some knowledge and some actions taken by his wife.

I happy they were able to get back to their happy place and the love and respect was stronger than before.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews

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