“We started something by mistake. Who would've thought that I would feel this way? This way about you” — Chloe x Halle
The first time Elliot ever stepped outside of her strict parents’ good graces was when she married Victor Spokes. Nevertheless, two years into her union and the newlywed doesn’t feel as secure in her relationship as she once did. When Elli’s lonely nights and her partner’s verbal abuse start to overshadow their love, she’s left in the cold and in the scope of a man who has no business watching her.
Duke Carbine is a man who craves control. It’s been three years, but just as he assumed, starting his own business proved to be a lucrative move. Although in his thirties, Duke isn't looking to invest in any relationship that doesn’t guarantee a profit. However, after becoming enthralled with a plus-size beauty who’s off limits, the businessman finds himself losing a battle between his head and his thirst.
Elliot and Duke are like night and day. Nevertheless, their differences don’t mean more than their attraction. Will their fear of failure override their desire to surrender?
Elliot, SIS!!! How were you married for two years and didn’t meet this man’s family?! 🚩🚩 I loved me some Duke!!!! When a man is sure about wanting you he will make it known and Duke did that! This was a really good story! I’m not a fan of the ending but when it was explained in the afterword why, it made sense. I really hope we get an update or something from Duke and Elli because their story feels unfinished to me at the moment. I read out of order so I need to go back and read about Preach and Finley! I loved little moss Eryn! She was a firecracker and gave the Carbine men a run for their money!
Alright now! I loved Elliot right from the beginning! Her soft spoken nature, and innocence was refreshing. She was smart as hell, but a bit naïve from being so sheltered. I have a feeling that she ran to Victor, as a way to get away from her dad. DUKE! Another Carbine man making his presence known with all the BDE! Whew Lawd! 😍 He was so bold, in your face and unapologetic about everything in his life! Duke didn't feel like commitment was in the cards for him, but there was something about Elliot that drew him in! She saw beyond the Carbine name, the money, his behaviors and saw "him"! Elliot was intimated with Duke at first. But, when he came to her rescue after the accident, the tides turned! She began to feel and see him differently! Duke gave her confidence to be her authentic self. To experience new things and live in a way she never had before! That damn Victor was a piece of work! My gut was telling me he was up to something, but chile you could not have told me he was out here foul like that!! 🤬 Poor Elliot! No matter, Duke was going to take this assist, and get his woman! I loved Duke and Elliot together! This read was everything ma'am! Pleeeaaassee let Jude be next! 👍👍👍
This was a really cute story. I'm glad I read the afterword from the author to know why she ended the book the way she did. I can appreciate it and I'm just glad Ellie and Duke got their HEA. (And Eryn)
I enjoyed this read from author Tucora Monique. Duke and Elliott's (love their names btw) journey to each other may have been unconventional but it was beautiful. I loved how their friendship naturally blossomed. Victor's secret was shocking to say the least. I knew it something about him but that plot twist! He was so wrong yet he served his purpose. No Victor, no Duke and Elliott. I can't wait to read an update on them in a future book. I'm also interested in reading about Blitz and his mystery woman and Jude definitely needs to settle down. This was a 5 star read and left me wanting more from the Carbines!
Loveddddd Elli and Duke’s story. I wish it had been longer and gone into more detail. I feel like there are half finished stories waiting to be told - what happens to Victor? Nicole? I would’ve loved an epilogue that was years in the future, because I loved what Tucora said about giving Elli time to heal and love what she inherited. Do they have another kid? Is Eryn their life? Do they get married? So many questions. But I did love their story, especially the forbidden parts and the - one man’s trash is another man’s treasure play.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Duke and Elliot were everything! I think I like them better than Preach and Finley... This book was such a perfect display of their flawed love. Life doesn't always go as planned, but it's nice to have someone in your corner that loves you. That's how I felt about Elli and Duke. I can't wait for the next book - I hope it's Jude!
Elliott has a distant, secretive husband, and she can't figure out how to make him open up, or stay home so they can work on their issues. Then there's her husband's associate... Duke. Duke is a playboy but he makes no pretense about wanting Elliott. And when the shit hit the fan with her husband, Elli needs a soft place to land. Is it Duke?
I enjoyed this very much. The push/ pull of Elliott not wanting to cross a line, and seeing her get stronger, and more brave. Duke was focused and I loved his honesty and willingness to stand on the things he said and wanted. I do love a self-aware man. These two were also very hot together and I liked that part very much too. Duke's transition into fatherhood was so smooth and I loved that. His family was funny and it was good for him to have that support system. Elliott leaning into him was as hesitant as I knew it would be, although her last move rubbed me the wrong way a bit. But their little family was a good one, and I rooted for them. Great job.
Duke Carbine made the cut, he is my"bae" category not just a "book bae." I loved how he handled his life, career, family, and eventually his lady. He had a few speed bumps along the way but he managed to turn his lemons into lemonade. The way he pursued Elli was quite smooth. He knew that Victor was "shady" he just didn't know ALL he was involved in. Victor practically pushed Elli into Duke's arms. It's not too many men that will suggest another man see about his "wife" period, especially after a car accident. Victor actually did Elli a solid because she deserved all the love that Duke was dishing out. A man that admired her external and internal beauty. They both fell hard for each other.
Mrs. Monique, I am all in with the Carbine crew, I will be anticipating whoever comes next in your catalog. I will say I am a sucker for engagements, marriages, and babies but I have to agree Elli needs a moment to heal. She went through a lifetime of pain within two years of marriage to Victor. You did give her a taste of motherhood by adding Renny to her life. Renny's spirit recognized a sweet, loving soul and attached itself to Elli quickly. She needed that motherly love because Nicole wasn't exactly the mothering type. I will be looking forward to an update on these two. I get the feeling they have more to share. If you haven't had the pleasure to experience the Carbine crew start with "Feel Me in the Dark," and then indulge in this masterpiece. You will enjoy the ride the crew takes you on.
Loved the book. Vic was mad shady. Duke showed up and showed out. Didn’t expect the ending but the author’s note explained it all. I hope to read an update for this couple.
What do you do when you know your homeboy’s wife deserves better? You take her from him! 🤣🤣🤣 Ok so that’s not exactly what happened in the story, but that’s what happened.
Duke - aka Mr. Steal Your Girl - has recently left his family’s business to become an entrepreneur and reconnects with a high school acquaintance, Victor, who’s married to Elliot. Victor ain’t shit, and everybody seems to know Victor is trash, except Elliot. Eventually, Victor writes a check his ass can’t cash, and Elliot is left heartbroken and confused. Fortunately for her, Duke is there to help her pick up the pieces & show her that she deserved better than Victor anyway.
Now, my messy self would have loved to see Duke take Victor out in the very beginning of the story and spare Elliot some time and hurt feelings (because to be clear, Duke had the resources), but that’s not how things played out 🤣. Instead, Duke let his and Elliot’s relationship develop organically and steadily. And baby when I got to the yacht party scene, and Elliot gave everybody a show, I smiled the whole time because I didn’t know my girl had that in her. Given the way she acted at her cousin’s bachelorette party, I was doubting her. But she f*cked it up on that boat. Pretty sure Duke fell in love at that very moment 😍🙌🏾 Loved that for them.
We got to see a lot of Duke and Elliot’s friendship and situationship, but I would have like to see more of their relationship (post Elliot realizing her feelings for him) in the story. Hopefully we’ll get an update because I really like them for each other.
**I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own**
4/5⭐️3/5🌶 - Chile when I tell yall I devoured this book lol. It was so good though. The classic I can love you past your "baggage". I've been waiting for this one and @authortucoramonique you did not disappoint.
- Duke is this street man turned business man. He owns his own dispensary and has his hands in a lot of other business as well. He also finds out he has a daughter lol but read the book to get into that. Then there is Elliot, She is a young black female professor with body for days. She married the wrong man lets just say that. Anyway she is a loving soul who understands the beauty of everything has a time and place. Love me some Duke Ellington!🥵🥰
- Now the only reason its not five stars is because I needed more. I got to the end of the book and hit a wall. You'll see what I mean when you read it. Elli just got home to finally try a real relationship with Duke and then it ends..... absolutely not😂😂. But no it gave in every other way. Like Elli done took it all the way to church had me screaming preach preacher 😭. Duke commentary was also really funny. Oh also I love my girl Elli but she was drawling going to that club and she was still married mhmmm🤫. Then she didn't wanna give Duke a real chance till the end chile pleaseeeee.
- I would definitely read. Its the perfect book with the right amount of swooning. #friendstolovers #digitalreader #romancereader
This was a lot packed into less than 200 pages and I enjoyed each moment.
What a journey!
There’s a few gems dropped in this story, specifically regarding healing.
I have to say just reading the name of the main characters grabbed my attention. I love a unisex name on a female and mostly masculine name on a female… I gag! So lets just say- Elliot was a winner automatically.
Then add the name Duke, a very strong name. I knew I would the characters.
Again- there was a lot here. Victor and his ish. Victor and Elli. Duke and his new news. Duke and Vic’s friendship, Duke and Elli.
The storytelling was well done, but the way it ended sealed the deal. While things were revealed and there is a HEA. It’s still open ended. Like we can continue the story in our head.
I assumed a certain thing could happen and the author’s decision to not do an obvious thing, which some would’ve done. Was a great decision- the most cliché ending wasn’t needed. Her way was much better!!
This book was a waste of time. It started out pretty good, but then it just fell flat. The author kept the MFC with her flawed husband for too long, and with so much evidence that he wasn’t “ish”. SHE NEVER EVEN MET THE MAN’S FAMILY. Like really? Then when he’s finally exposed it already almost the end of the book. I got to 85% and saw that after all that and her having sex with Duke she was about to start playin games and doing back and forth. I’m not for it, if they haven’t established some kind of relationship at 85% in it’s either going to end on a cliff hanger or the ending is going to be rushed. I thugged it out thinking ok any minute now she’s gone leave dude and we’re going to go on the new journey with Duke and it never happened. Instead of describing every outfit they changed into, that space could’ve been used to get to the point. I’m not finishing this.
I loved this book and I want more from Duke and his Dr. Honey. Duke saw a gem and made it known that she was what he wanted. Their love story had an unconventional start hence the title of this review but their love was real and their connection was unmatched once they finally made it to that point. Victor was a fraud and he will deserve whatever comes from his fraudulence. Elliot’s cousins and the Carbine crews brought another element to the story and showed what it looks like to have people in your corner that have your back and aren’t afraid to call you on your stuff and tell you what you need to hear even when you don’t want to hear it. And let me just say I love Elliot’s name. There is just something about a female having a traditionally masculine name that I love and usually endears me to their character even more.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Duke is a playboy who no one thinks can surrender to a real relationship. But Duke has depth to him that I can appreciate. Elliot is in a lackluster marriage, everyone can see her husband is full of it but she continuously tries to make it work. Duke is her husband's friend and he gets a front row seat to the downfall, but don't worry he's gonna be her safe place. This is definitely a beautiful love story, but Tucora Monique throws some major curve balls at us. Had me screaming out loud "what the hell" and "ohhh you really tried it!" Shoutout to touching on the mental healing process and that little church scene (as a church kid I was like yesss Amen. And lastly the chemistry between Duke & Elliot magic, they delivered with spice! highly recommend.
This is the second book in the Carbine series and it is just as good as the first one. Elli went from a bad family home to a worse relationship. Duke was a love them and leave them type of man but that all changed when he developed feelings for Elli. Duke made sure that Elli knew that she had a safe place with him. Despite all that Elli went through, she came out feeling a little stronger in the end but still needing time to heal. Duke knew this and had to eventually accept this. This book had a different HEA that made this an enjoyable read despite this difference.
3.5 ⭐️ I was captivated by this book from the very beginning! Victor, I could NOT stand! I maintained this opinion until the very end. I LOVED Duke and Elliot and the way their relationships grew throughout the story. Duke YEARNED for Elliot, & that was felt through the pages! There were no notes, in my opinion, up until the sex scene! I thought that scene was really underwhelming, & after that scene, the connection between Duke & Elliot fell flat! As well, everything that followed seemed rushed! Not just their story, but the book as a whole seems incomplete to me.
I wasn’t expecting the storyline but I loved it all the same. Elli was so dope and I loved her confidence but Victor was such a piece of sh*t. I’m glad she was able to able to experience such a man like Duke. This author always knows to how to turn the most taboo storyline into something that just keeps you engrossed and love.
The carbine family is becoming my favorite family and I can’t wait for Jude to meet his match and for Blitz to experience love.
Oh my goodness thus book was pure perfection not that I am surprised because Tucora puts pen to paper and delivers exellence. I love me some Duke. He has me sweating and didn't even breath good on Elli before she was surrendering and didn't even know it. I'm felt bad for Elli I had a feeling Victor was trash. Distance brings concise clarification through evaluation and Elli needed that she been through a lot and dealing with Duke and all his Alpha-male, BDE was whew!! Definitely can't wait yo read what's next
I started to put this book down a few minutes in..The obvious was Victor..The unnecessary Pam..The confusing dinner with the couples where Victor comes late..It was all over the place..On top of a kid and Ratchet Baby Mama..The scene at the Club had me ready to tap out for real..Then Elliot and Duke clicked..I thought we’d be given more of them transitioning into a couple..All the fertility issues..bogus doctor..Her disappearing..The ending fell short..Disappointing..
Duke & Elli were everything and more. The energy emitting from these characters is a whole vibe. They are flawed and vulnerable all while flirting with the possibilities of what ifs and becoming better, stronger versions of themselves. This book had great chemistry, humor, intrigue and family. It provided a brief "check-in" with Preach (insert swoon) and Finley too.
Love how throughout the entire book there was focus on quiet people badge feelings, and need love and understanding as much as the next person. It was a great perspective to share that story line. This man in this book was amazing. The connection was super firey! I loved the extra aspect thrown in towards the end. Just goes to show how different things go when you’re older and wiser.
This story really pulled me in from the first page. Elliott has been married to a man that lately she is starting to second guess. With her "husband" increase traveling for work. It leaves the door open for Duke who happens to be friends with the husband Victor. Although this couples start was unconventional it didn't take away from the story and once it starts to unfold you see why Duke is the better fit.
I actually enjoyed the fact that Elliot and Duke story wasn’t the typical HEA. Elliot took the time to start the process of healing, because how could she love someone when she doesn’t really know what having REAL love feels like??? *Sighs* Mental health awareness is such a beautiful thing….the fact she understands that self care is important will also help Eryn. Ugh this book was so good….that’s all I’m done ✅
It really works my nerves when authors have women staying in bad relationships for wayyyyyy to long. Like come one. Elliot's husband was never home and always saying he was at work. She hears a mysterious ringing in her house and when she finally goes to see what it is she finds a cell phone and a locked safe. But she still stays.
All to find out her husband is a con artist, married, and lied about your infertility issues. Why couldn't she leave and find out all of this after she leaves?
Ok I hate books that are written like this and this made realize I must stop suffering through for nostalgias sake.
“Her eyes fluttered in a way that caused my soul to ignite with passion”
“I turned as if I was going to glide across the room in my $800 Prada loafers, but the look in her eye triggered me to stand still like I had just encountered Medusa”
I made both of those lines up as examples but you get it lol. that clunky ass aspirational writer style of writing is a plague.
I loved this book. I loved the way Duke changed for Ellie… I loved how he would always joke and pick at her.. and I loved that he called her Honey 🍯.. I’m glad that they worked it out.. she just needed a little time for herself.. Jail was too good for Victor.. he out here stealing money and playing with people’s lives and his real wife is dumb as hell.
Loved it!!! Can't wait for the next Carbine family book.
I loved Elliot but she had to know something was not right with her hubby. Duke was soooo patient with her and their little cat and mouse was hot 🔥 and off the chain. The relationship between Eliot and his daughter was cute. Duke and Elliot were soooo good together so I am glad she got it together to get her HEA with that man👏🏼👏🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼😘
Good story. Would be even better if reviewed by someone who could have pointed out the overuse of "triggered" and "caused." Not everything is caused; try made, prompted, resulted, or starting a whole new sentence. Some words were misused and some tones didn't seem realistic. Other than that, loved the plot and Duke!
Duke was full of BDE and baby I was here for it. "If I come in that house, there's a chance I'm c*mming in you." I would have stepped aside and let him come all the way in. I felt for Elli and the mess she went through with Victor. Duke showed her that she was capable of being treated right and loved properly. I can't wait until the next story.