Love Don't Change: Legend & Rose Marie

by Talena Tillman

When Legend was sent upstate to do a ten-year bid, he lost more than just his freedom. He lost his fiancé, Rose as well. Although Rose was willing to ride out the storm with him, Legend had no choice but to let her go. He knew he could no longer be the man she needed behind bars.
When Legend ended things between them, it devastated Rose, breaking her heart in two.
Years later, he’s back. Rose is an #1 New York Times best-selling author, and a lot has changed in her world since she’s last seen Legend.
After ten lengthy years, is the love still there between the two when they encounter one another again? Can they rekindle an old flame? Most importantly, do their hearts still beat as one?

181 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 1, 2022

About the author

Talena Tillman is a native of Houston, Texas. At thirty years young, she has already made her mark on the literary world. Notoriously known for her novellas, Talena has mastered the ability to give a full story within a hundred and something pages. Her series “Kane” is her reader’s favorite. She writes urban romance, penning imperfect black love beautifully.

Reviews

[Kameel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Legend & Rose

This is my first read from this author….Legend & Rose had to go through a few obstacles, but they were able to work through the issues and life’s problems. This was a decent enough story about a second chance romance. This Is my first title from this author and I enjoyed it.

[JMonique · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I tell you Legend & Rose Marie have my heart omg 🥺

This book was sooooooo good!!! It was truly an emotional rollercoaster!!! I laughed, damn near cried & just got all the feels from beginning to end!! This was a lot to unpack!! So many feelings & emotions between two ppl who loved each other beyond what words can explain!! You can literally feel the love between the two!! I found myself smiling from ear to ear so many times these two were EVERYTHING!! 🥰

Rose went through so much when Legend went away! He did what he felt was best for her at the time but he had no idea the pain she endured because of it! But when I tell you that man wasn’t stopping until he made things right!! I loved the fact that he knew that she was his soulmate even after so much time passed!! He knew they were made for each other!! “Love don’t change” was the PERFECT name for this book because with a span of 10 years passing the love that had for each other never died! 🥺

This book literally gave me allllll the feels!! I didn’t want it to end!! I literally couldn’t wait to write a review on this book!!!! Talena Tillman is quickly becoming one of my favs!! Such a good read!! If you haven’t already get into it!!!

[Ebony · Rating 4 out of 5]

the heart wants what the heart wants

I enjoyed Rose Marie and Legend. This was quick read.

I understood Legend’s decision of not wanting Rose to do a 10 year bid with him. I also understand only wanting to be with one man because that’s your person. At the end of the day, the heart wants what the heart wants.

[DeWanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Talena LaMonique Ashanti Tillman, man you had my eyes sweating and my heartbeat jumping. This book had me in a choke hold for a whole morning and I enjoyed the ride. That daggone Rose Marie took that hurt to the bone. Legends sister was the MVP. Legend came out stronger and on a mission for his second chance. Rose has to admit that after the ice melted, that she could feel again. These two were destined to be together. Look forward to more titles from this Author.

[Patrice S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal! Ms. Tillman I'm forever a fan. Rose and Legend took us on one beautiful and emotional journey.

[Toya Davis-Stokley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ma'am, you ain't have to step on my feelings like this? I mean teary eyed and heart racing feelings! My heart broke for Legend, as he was doing what he felt was the only option for Rose in their situation. You knew how much it hurt him to do it, but he wanted her to be free to live her life. I understand his rationale, but he just went about it all wrong! Why not give her the option of what was best for her, rather than you making a life changing decision for her? Poor Rose! I could feel her pain, as she begged and pleaded Legend to change his mind! She needed her man, in any way she could have him, no matter the circumstance! He didn't understand that she was strong, and would do anything for him, including this! Rose's momma was trash for how she treated her on that day! Ughhh...... When these two reconnected, Rose had every right to feel the anger she did toward Legend. However, the love she had for him was so strong, it would not allow her to stay mad for long. Legend knew that he hurt Rose, but he had no idea the severity of his actions, until she laid it all out at Drew's party. He was devastated and angry with himself! He was ready to do whatever was necessary to get his woman back, and to try to right all his wrongs! Sweet, but emotional story of love, redemption and second chances. Good job! 👍👍👍

[TrueBookJunkie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok let me just say Talena Tillman is one of my favorite authors hands down. But… the way she keeps me weak over these youngins😩🤦🏾‍♀️ just ain’t fair!
Legend and Rose Marie are another young couple that she has made me fall in love with. This story gave such a mature outlook for a couple in their early twenties. Of course, Legend is bae (later in the book) but that Rose… she had me in my feelings too much for me to say if I’m riding with her independently yet or not 😆
Although this was a novella it didn’t read like one. I was given everything I needed while reading this book and I was honestly feeling some type of way when I got to the end because I wanted more! Talena knows that I love everything she writes however this one may be in my top favorites because my boo tried some different techniques, and it came out gloriously! So… Who’s up next?!?!

[Jass Hines · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ooooo, I don’t how to feel about Legend’s decision he really thought he was doing the right thing. Rose girl gave him the blues when he came back and rightfully SO!! She went through so much without him and she deserved all the love Legend was trying to give her.

I’m just glad they got exactly what the two of them deserved.

My little rant: Gurlllllll her mama was a straight b word. I mean just freaking evil and I need to know if karma gets her!! Cause whaaaaaa? Baby just no. I would met her at her door stop afterwards cause absolutely NOT.


Fav Part🤎: The entire epilogue was just super cute and the perfect ending.

[Ayanna First of BourbonStreetBookers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Better the 2nd time around!

Legend and Rose had a genuine love, that was disrupted by poor decisions. Those decisions cost then 10 years apart. The beauty in their story was those 10 years allowed for growth, maturity, and life lessons that would truly bless them at the time it could be appreciated more. The way Legend loves on his woman, was rewarded with loyalty & peace. As always, Talena nailed this storyline! 🎊🎉

[Castina · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25⭐️

This was such a good second-chance romance. It made me so emotional learning about the love they shared and why it had to end. Even though circumstances held them back, I loved that the moment he was free, he went straight back to get his girl.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful story. This author did that. I can not stop crying. Whew! Bravo.

[TellsOfABibliophile · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was alil emotional. Legend & Rose fell in love young. Unfortunately their relationship came to halt when Legend got sent away to prison for ten years. Although his intentions was good Legend made a decision that he thought was best. I get it but he definitely went about it wrong. I felt bad for Rose. She went through so much. Their love was so potent tho. When they reconnected Rose felt anger which was very much understandable but once Legend broke that wall down it was like they never left each other side. They was too cute. I’m happy they finally got their HEA. I would love to hear about them in the near future.

[Simply_YoYo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Legend & Rose Marie .. beautiful, redemptive, second chance romance.
Legend thought he was doing the right thing, his actions cause major pain for Rose.
Her Mama PMO 😡🤬

Loved Legend’s relationship with his Mama and Sister.
Nephew Drew just stole my heart.
This was good; the couples trip, her books on his shelves, just so many moments that showed how intertwined they were with each other, love that they got their HEA❤️🥰🫶🏾

“ Love was a powerful drug. And like a drug, he relieved my pain. For me, just being in his arms was like a dose of the strongest narcotics” Rose Marie

[S]

TW//CW: miscarriage, cancer

I made it almost halfway through before stopping. They weren't together and she lied to him that she was seeing someone else. It was also way heavier than I expected. About a month after he let's her go (dumps her during the first visit), she miscarriages and her mom/parents disown her. Then at some point in that 10 years, she got breadt cancer. Too much for me right now.

[Monae Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes the second time is better

This was my first time reading this author and I was not disappointed. I understood why Legend did what he did but he could have handled it differently. I don't think I would have waited that long for him. Their story showed that no matter what, love will prevail. Overall I enjoyed the story and I will be checking out more this author's books.

[melaninbookjunkie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a second chance romance & that’s what Legend & Rose Marie gives. No matter how upset or how hard you may try to deny it the heart wants what the heart wants & Rose Marie could only hold out for so long before old sparks lit up at the sight of her true love. I’m not going to lie Legend had both me & Rose Marie f**k up for what he did but I guess it was done out of love. Together these two show us that you we can miss out on true love by holding on to anger & pride.

[LaChante Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good cute story!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️|🌶️🌶️🌶️

This was such a cute little story that had the urban aspect that I love! I still believe Rose should’ve made Legend grovel more and I wished the story had a little more depth. The character development was solid and Drew cute self was my absolute favorite!

I did wish the spicy scenes were longer and that some of them did not fade to black.

Overall I liked the story and would recommend as a quick cute story! 💖

[Zhane🤍 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this Story

Even though they started off rocky things eventually got better once Legend came home. Rose tried to act all hard and granted yes she was upset but she knew she still loved that man and wanted to be with him. z Legend didn’t give up pursuing her and I love that. z i’m happy they got their happy ending of being married and having a baby. It was needed because they went through so much together and separately. Especially Rose having been through so much.

[DeNae Sheree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story.

This was a truly beautiful well written story. I loved the connection between Legend and Rose Marie. Not even 10 years away from each other could break their bond. They definitely both deserved their HEA.

[Helen Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Feeling Emotional

I felt this story deep down in m soul. I could truly relate to this story. It was like playing out my life.

Real soulful love, never dies and the soul ties are forever until death do we part and beyond.

A wonderful and blessed story.

[Sunshine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

Really enjoyed this slow burn. It’s an easy read. Not a dull moment. Rose Marie waited ten years for her love and the way they loved on each other was beautiful. The book is well written with and good flow. I’m enjoying Talena’s writing style.

['The Book Queen' · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 aggravating stars...

[Rise · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first read by this author and it was enjoyable. Happy Rose Marie & Legend got their happy ending.

[Shameka Erby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Legend and Rose Marie fall so deeply in love, so very fast. But then he goes down for a ten-year bid and breaks it off, knowing Rose needs to move forward with her life. Rose doesn't see his decision as the practical solution that he does though, and she resents him for breaking her heart. But Legend is home now. Can Rose Marie control her anger, and hide her remaining love?

This was a sweet enough story. I hate that Rose had to fight through so many things without Legend, and that it affected her self-esteem because her body had changed. That broke my heart for her. I knew Legend was going to apply the pressure as soon as he touched down and he didn't disappoint. I hated that Rose couldn't tell him her whole story at first, but understood. I loved all the emotion she let loose on him, the way she let him know she felt abandoned. And I loved the Legend let her feel what she was feeling and didn't try to deny his part in their separation. I will say that Rose's insistence that she would have done that bid with him went over my head a bit. I thought Legend did the right thing giving her a chance to find a life. I agreed with his logic. Overall, I love the love. Good story.

[Kathy Jamerson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was about to fight Rose!

Now! True Love is a blessing. Rose was making me mad blocking hers. Glad it was a full circle moment and it all worked out!

[Moneka Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Don’t Change

This book had me in my emotions so HEAVY!!!!! But I’m not mad LOL it was worth all my emotions! I was so invested in this couple it was ridiculous lol…….True love will ALWAYS win.

[Ambra | ambreadbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 ⭐️
— This book was a beautiful love story. Second times a charm in their love story. I understood Legend’s stand point in the beginning, but my girl Rose was hurting. 10 years later, genuine love prevails like nothing has changed.
— The heart wants what the heart wants. That was Legend and Rose’ story. I love that Rose had Legends’ sister in her corner throughout that time even kept some secrets for her.
— Talena does it for me every time.

[Joy Boutwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautifully written second chance romance. The story flows and the characters are well developed.

Legend and Rose have been together three years and are engaged. When Legend goes to prison for ten years, he had to let her go even though she was willing to stand by his side. It devastated both of them.

Now ten years later he is back and wants to see if the love they shared is still there.

Follow Legend and Rose as they take you on an emotional journey full of love, heartbreak, growth and life lessons, that will have you glued to the book.

[Chardonnay B · Rating 5 out of 5]

After legend did a 10 year bid he came home to find out his rose has moved on per his request but he couldn’t stomach the feeling of her loving someone else so he was willing to move mountains with his bare hands to win her back but when you let somebody go and they come back that’s real love that’s legend and rose they story was heartbreaking and pure I loved everything about this book I highly recommend it