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Rambo
Rashaud- I had one mission in life, get money and keep people out of my life. It was that simple. Being a hired assassin, I took pride in my job and the way I handled business, never detouring off the path I was on. I knew what I wanted, and I went and got it. People came and went everyday, and I learned quickly that I couldn't create relationships that wouldn't last.
That is until she came into my life, bringing havoc and confusion. She was more than I ever bargained for, and somehow she created a lane for herself in my heart before I knew what was happening. Mckenzie became the one person that I couldn't walk away from. I was hooked. I couldn't let go.
Mckenzie- Life had never been easy for me. Not with two parents that were more dedicated to the crack pipe than their own child, and not with the streets being my home. I was destined to struggle. It was all I knew, and I had accepted that. I dealt with the losses that I was given, never wanting or expecting more. I had to depend on myself to make things happen, and so I did whatever was necessary to survive each day.
That is until he came into my life. Him with his rude mouth, mean exterior and closed off emotions. He was harder than anyone I had ever met, and kept me at arms length, never allowing me to get too close. Until I did.
Rashaud took my heart, mind and soul the first night he allowed me into his space, and never let them go. I was hooked. I couldn't let go.
That is until she came into my life, bringing havoc and confusion. She was more than I ever bargained for, and somehow she created a lane for herself in my heart before I knew what was happening. Mckenzie became the one person that I couldn't walk away from. I was hooked. I couldn't let go.
Mckenzie- Life had never been easy for me. Not with two parents that were more dedicated to the crack pipe than their own child, and not with the streets being my home. I was destined to struggle. It was all I knew, and I had accepted that. I dealt with the losses that I was given, never wanting or expecting more. I had to depend on myself to make things happen, and so I did whatever was necessary to survive each day.
That is until he came into my life. Him with his rude mouth, mean exterior and closed off emotions. He was harder than anyone I had ever met, and kept me at arms length, never allowing me to get too close. Until I did.
Rashaud took my heart, mind and soul the first night he allowed me into his space, and never let them go. I was hooked. I couldn't let go.
- GenresAfrican American Romance
205 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 15, 2022
112 people are currently reading
143 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews
October 20, 2023
I just stayed up until 4:15 in the MORNING to finish this book… so, you know this was tewww good to me. Love me a hard ass who really soft for the right one. This book gave me all the feels.
April 3, 2024
I really liked this book. Shanel writes unique characters and storylines. I love that about her.
Rambo and Kenzie don’t owe me a thing. Whew! I'm glad they found each other even through McKenzie’s unfortunate living circumstances.
My favorite part is getting all the details on what he did for a living. I love it when authors give us the nitty gritty.
Rambo and Kenzie don’t owe me a thing. Whew! I'm glad they found each other even through McKenzie’s unfortunate living circumstances.
My favorite part is getting all the details on what he did for a living. I love it when authors give us the nitty gritty.
October 2, 2022
Beautiful
Started with a good deed, ended with a love they didn’t know they were looking for.
This is one of those books that I wish I could read again for the first time. This is a slow burn but the material is PREMIUM. I couldn’t get enough of Rashaud & McKenzie!
Started with a good deed, ended with a love they didn’t know they were looking for.
This is one of those books that I wish I could read again for the first time. This is a slow burn but the material is PREMIUM. I couldn’t get enough of Rashaud & McKenzie!
October 3, 2022
This was different and I loved the display of McKenzie homelessness it showed the strength she had and I loved that she accepted her circumstances. Rambo and McKenzie are definitely the definition of opposites attract but they made it work. I wish we knew more of Rambo’s background like how did he get into his profession. Both were lonely in their own way so it was great to see them lean on each other.
September 24, 2022
😢
I liked the storyline, the representation of the homeless population. I liked that McKenzie was strong minded and didn’t tolerate disrespect. Rambo surprised me with his gentleness but baby at 78% I was ready to throw my phone because how dare he talk to McKenzie like that. Whew lord. Overall, the story was solid, I think that love looked great on both characters.
I liked the storyline, the representation of the homeless population. I liked that McKenzie was strong minded and didn’t tolerate disrespect. Rambo surprised me with his gentleness but baby at 78% I was ready to throw my phone because how dare he talk to McKenzie like that. Whew lord. Overall, the story was solid, I think that love looked great on both characters.
January 25, 2024
✨Book Review✨
Wow! This was my 2nd book by Shanel and again I’m left in awe! This story was so unique and original. I have never read anything like it, and I wish that I could read it again for the first time.
Let me say that I absolutely LOVE McKenzie! She is definitely one of my favorite FMC’s of all time. Shanel penned a strong, confident, loving and grateful FMC, it was a fact that McKenzie did not allow her circumstances to dictate her worth, and that she was incredibly grateful for the little she did have, she knew what she lacked in monetary value, she more than made up for it with dignity, and self respect.
Rambo aka Rashud was hard on the exterior and didn’t allow people to get close to him. Being a hired assassin he didn’t see the point in creating tight bonds just for someone to walk away. He had his momma and his cousin, Gillian and that was enough for him until it wasn’t.
I was so intrigued with how this Love story was going to occur. Their meet-cute was very unique. I was lowkey scared for Kenzie because I didn’t know what Rambo was going to do that second time around but he surprised me and was actually very thoughtful and kind.
Rashud PISSED me off with that “back to the tents it is, sweetie.” All over some miscommunication. My pride would’ve had me just like Kenzie and getting out of that truck before I forgot this man was an assassin and go across his head. But he cleaned it up but I still say McKenzie was too forgiving 😂.
I will definitely be rereading this book for sure
Book: Rambo
Author: Shanel
Genre: Romance
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🥵🥵🥵
Wow! This was my 2nd book by Shanel and again I’m left in awe! This story was so unique and original. I have never read anything like it, and I wish that I could read it again for the first time.
Let me say that I absolutely LOVE McKenzie! She is definitely one of my favorite FMC’s of all time. Shanel penned a strong, confident, loving and grateful FMC, it was a fact that McKenzie did not allow her circumstances to dictate her worth, and that she was incredibly grateful for the little she did have, she knew what she lacked in monetary value, she more than made up for it with dignity, and self respect.
Rambo aka Rashud was hard on the exterior and didn’t allow people to get close to him. Being a hired assassin he didn’t see the point in creating tight bonds just for someone to walk away. He had his momma and his cousin, Gillian and that was enough for him until it wasn’t.
I was so intrigued with how this Love story was going to occur. Their meet-cute was very unique. I was lowkey scared for Kenzie because I didn’t know what Rambo was going to do that second time around but he surprised me and was actually very thoughtful and kind.
Rashud PISSED me off with that “back to the tents it is, sweetie.” All over some miscommunication. My pride would’ve had me just like Kenzie and getting out of that truck before I forgot this man was an assassin and go across his head. But he cleaned it up but I still say McKenzie was too forgiving 😂.
I will definitely be rereading this book for sure
Book: Rambo
Author: Shanel
Genre: Romance
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🥵🥵🥵
October 6, 2022
It's complicated...🤷🏾♀️🤷🏾♀️🤷🏾♀️
Yes, it's complicated...
My relationship with mean, bossy, a**hole MLCs is really complicated and Shanel brought me another one that I hate to love- Rambo😍😍😍
This was a great read about two broken people finding each other in the most unique way. The character development was good, the storyline was interesting, funny, emotional and heartwarming...
I especially liked MacKenzie's strength. It was great having someone in her circumstances be strong, not let her life determined her level of positivity and find her way...
It was an unusual storyline but the Urban Fiction/HEA was just the right balance.
4.50⭐️s Highly Recommend. Shanel is one of my fave NTMAs for 2022. Looking forward to getting more into her catalogue.
#BeachReadsTCI #AvidReader #BlackRomance #BlackLove #BlackLoveStories #BlackLoveStoriesMatter #BlackAuthors #AllBlackEverything #BeautifulByNature
#TCIStrong
Yes, it's complicated...
My relationship with mean, bossy, a**hole MLCs is really complicated and Shanel brought me another one that I hate to love- Rambo😍😍😍
This was a great read about two broken people finding each other in the most unique way. The character development was good, the storyline was interesting, funny, emotional and heartwarming...
I especially liked MacKenzie's strength. It was great having someone in her circumstances be strong, not let her life determined her level of positivity and find her way...
It was an unusual storyline but the Urban Fiction/HEA was just the right balance.
4.50⭐️s Highly Recommend. Shanel is one of my fave NTMAs for 2022. Looking forward to getting more into her catalogue.
#BeachReadsTCI #AvidReader #BlackRomance #BlackLove #BlackLoveStories #BlackLoveStoriesMatter #BlackAuthors #AllBlackEverything #BeautifulByNature
#TCIStrong
September 20, 2022
Heartwarming
Just goes to show, no matter how far down your life may seem, love will find you in the most unexpected place.
I really enjoyed this story. Rambo had all the physical and employment qualities that I abhor, but he made it to my book bae list. His heart was genuine and for the most part, pure.
Just goes to show, no matter how far down your life may seem, love will find you in the most unexpected place.
I really enjoyed this story. Rambo had all the physical and employment qualities that I abhor, but he made it to my book bae list. His heart was genuine and for the most part, pure.
April 4, 2024
Rambo & McKenzie 🤎
All 4 of these stars go to McKenzie! I really enjoyed her and I loved how she wouldn’t allow herself to be treated just any kind of way because of her circumstances. Her and Rambo were an unlikely pair but they just worked. They both saw each other for exactly who they were- no judgement.
Rambo upset me twice - I know he’s used to being alone and not dealing with a Woman romantically but come on, sir.
All 4 of these stars go to McKenzie! I really enjoyed her and I loved how she wouldn’t allow herself to be treated just any kind of way because of her circumstances. Her and Rambo were an unlikely pair but they just worked. They both saw each other for exactly who they were- no judgement.
Rambo upset me twice - I know he’s used to being alone and not dealing with a Woman romantically but come on, sir.
September 19, 2022
First thing.
The first thing I noticed was Rambo was really Rocky. You know the guy who was once the underdog and rose in power, but deep down his heart was golden. I know, I know. His chosen career made him a deadly weapon. So could you explain to me how this man allowed a slip of a woman to slit his heart with her tiny machete and wrap him in her clutches? I'm just saying; that a homeless young lady falls in love with a dangerous man with no fear. As far out there as that sounds, this story worked for me. I liked the rude man, the gentle lady who changed his persona, and the way this story idea developed right before my eyes.
The first thing I noticed was Rambo was really Rocky. You know the guy who was once the underdog and rose in power, but deep down his heart was golden. I know, I know. His chosen career made him a deadly weapon. So could you explain to me how this man allowed a slip of a woman to slit his heart with her tiny machete and wrap him in her clutches? I'm just saying; that a homeless young lady falls in love with a dangerous man with no fear. As far out there as that sounds, this story worked for me. I liked the rude man, the gentle lady who changed his persona, and the way this story idea developed right before my eyes.
October 25, 2022
While the story itself wasn't bad. The reason I couldn't give it 4 stars is because 1. We never got any backstory on how Rashaud got into the assassin business. 2. This book was too short. It's 205 pages. Which ordinarily would a good length if not for how long it took for the couple to get together. We don't see Rashaud and Mckenzie's relationship shift from platonic to romantic til page 136. Halfway through with the book and this is when the transition happens. Not to mention even the way it came about was random and seemed to come out of nowhere. Literally, she finds out what he does by catching him in the act of killing. She reacts, they somewhat argue and then sex.....what?? Where these feeling come from?! I feel like the book should've been longer so we could not only get the backstory of him choosing this career but also see his romantic relationship with Mckenzie develop better and not randomly. I also wasn't a fan of the last act break up(as I never am. It's never written well). We're almost at the end of the book so it made no sense. Him also quitting killing for a reason at the end. Yeah....it could've been written better. This book wasn't horrible. It was a solid read actually but these issues are what stopped it from being a great read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 30, 2022
One thing I’ve come to love about Shanel’s books is her ability to write stories that are very unique and original. When you read her books you’re going to get a story that’s full of emotion and nothing like other storylines out there. Rambo was no different! I absolutely loved Rashaud and McKenzie’s story! It was unconventional to say the least but filled with so much desire and passion. I loved that McKenzie’s character was written with strength and grace and dignity despite her circumstances. She was the true definition of being thankful for what you have even when you have nothing worth being thankful for. Rambo was so rough on the outside but like Gillian said, he was soft as cotton on the inside. While the story would lead you to believe that Rambo saved McKenzie, it was truly her that’s did the saving!
November 28, 2022
Well this was not what I expected at all! McKenzie and Rambo were definitely opposites attract in the best way! McKenzie’s upbringing was heartbreaking but she dealt with each day as a fighting chance to live. Rambo is grim reaper and never seemed to let anyone in until he met McKenzie and the way he met her still shocks me because it’s a reality for a lot of people. The struggle McKenzie goes through is real and one Rambo could relate to. They honestly needed each other to fight the demons they were both dealing with. The special moments with McKenzie and Rambo’s mom and dog I really enjoyed. Also that first time for them in the Maldives?! Whew! I will say some of Rambo’s decision making wasn’t believable and idk if it was because he was too cocky or the set up of how he did his job always left me feeling he was going to get caught. Nonetheless an enjoyable read and I’d recommend!
October 22, 2023
Added to my reread list! This story had me hooked from the beginning to the end. Shanel know she can make me love a slow-burn, and when the match was lit? straight fire 🔥 I enjoyed witnessing Rashaud & McKenzie fall in love, it wasn’t rushed and felt authentic. I felt the emotions from these characters, their cute moments had me blushing & giggling and heated moments had me mad and shedding tears
January 1, 2024
What happens when a hired assassin does a his one good deed for the year.? This story line was not what I expected, but love. I never read a story where the homeless population is represented, and it was done well in this story. The FMC McKenzie has had a bad hand dealt to her, but even being homeless at 23, but one thing about my girl she was still strong minded and no one can take her independence from her, but lawd my girl was far from being domesticated she needs some mama loving on that area. Rambo our MMC was rough around the edges but he did have a heart cause his good deed of the year turned into more than he bargained for. This was a slow burn but I loved the flow of the book and the couples relationship. My boy said you gotta pull your weight and whatever you want to do I will support, my boo said “dog trainer “. That’s right do what you want to do! Now I got some simple question let me go jump in my boo DM and ask her so I don’t spoil for those that are doing to read. I know she’s tired of me LOL. Another banger from boo!
September 17, 2022
Unique storyline
This was a unique storyline. Rambo and McKenzie were an interesting match. Rambo was very complicated. Not a likable guy. Maybe his character needed to be explained more. Like the scar on his face and how he got into his profession. I was thinking the military because of his behaviors, discipline and OCD. That was left open. The author was on point with homelessness and the behaviors displayed by those experiencing homelessness. It really tapped in emotionally. McKenzie was very kindhearted and resilient. Rambo and McKenzie were definitely a unique match up.
I’d say less sex ( there was a lot) and more character development.
Overall I enjoyed the read. It was interesting and kept me enthralled from start to finish.
This was a unique storyline. Rambo and McKenzie were an interesting match. Rambo was very complicated. Not a likable guy. Maybe his character needed to be explained more. Like the scar on his face and how he got into his profession. I was thinking the military because of his behaviors, discipline and OCD. That was left open. The author was on point with homelessness and the behaviors displayed by those experiencing homelessness. It really tapped in emotionally. McKenzie was very kindhearted and resilient. Rambo and McKenzie were definitely a unique match up.
I’d say less sex ( there was a lot) and more character development.
Overall I enjoyed the read. It was interesting and kept me enthralled from start to finish.
September 15, 2025
☆☆☆☆
——-
I flew through this read and was able to finish it in one sentence. I definitely wouldn’t have minded if this one was a little bit longer. This was my first read by this author and it will not be my last!
Rambo was blunt af and was closed off to love but once he found McKenzie that all changed. Now he did piss me off with what he did after the Maldives but I loved the way he took care of my girl. McKenzie didn’t have much but I loved how she never played when it came to herself. Her story was so sad but she never let it keep her down and I loved how she carried herself through everything she had been through.
——-
✷ Assassin MMC
✷ Damsel in Distress
✷ Dual POV
——-
I flew through this read and was able to finish it in one sentence. I definitely wouldn’t have minded if this one was a little bit longer. This was my first read by this author and it will not be my last!
Rambo was blunt af and was closed off to love but once he found McKenzie that all changed. Now he did piss me off with what he did after the Maldives but I loved the way he took care of my girl. McKenzie didn’t have much but I loved how she never played when it came to herself. Her story was so sad but she never let it keep her down and I loved how she carried herself through everything she had been through.
——-
✷ Assassin MMC
✷ Damsel in Distress
✷ Dual POV
July 30, 2024
Rashuad & McKenzie , this story. 🥹
This was different I didn’t think I would like it as much as I did but boy was I wrong , Shanel did really great at crafting this story , the two although you thought was so different was much alike it many ways and needed one another for very different reasons and it was inspiring I must say and I actually think everyone should read this story because the story that told it’s really make you that much grateful for your own life & circumstances regardless what they are .
I loved every sec of reading this creation .
Thank you for that!
This was different I didn’t think I would like it as much as I did but boy was I wrong , Shanel did really great at crafting this story , the two although you thought was so different was much alike it many ways and needed one another for very different reasons and it was inspiring I must say and I actually think everyone should read this story because the story that told it’s really make you that much grateful for your own life & circumstances regardless what they are .
I loved every sec of reading this creation .
Thank you for that!
September 20, 2022
One of a kind plot!!! Never read anything remotely close to this before!!! Really enjoyed the plot, the characters and their path to ❤️ love! Great read, grab it, you’ll definitely enjoy it!!!!
September 28, 2022
Great Read
I truly enjoying reading this book. It was beautifully written. Shanel you did a fantastic job and can't wait to see what you have coming next.
I truly enjoying reading this book. It was beautifully written. Shanel you did a fantastic job and can't wait to see what you have coming next.
July 14, 2023
Rashaud and McKenzie
I wanted to like this one more than I did, but I couldn't connect with either of the main characters.
Shanel isn't a NTM author. However, I'm just really getting into her catalog because I liked Kindred Spirits, and I like her writing style overall. She gets many elements right. The one thing I noticed with the last two books that I read by this author is that there isn't enough character development to support how extreme and intense the characters are.
For example, besides having two drug addicted parents, what else could have led to MK experiencing chronic homelessness and being so absolutely destitute as an able-bodied, kinda bright 23 year old. Why was there no connection to *anyone* in her life? She was too well spoken to not have completed at least high school. Did no one notice that she was homeless, and if so, how did she manage to fly under the radar and why? Having worked with the homeless population, the only time I've seen it be that chronic is when coupled with more complex trauma and mental disorders. Not saying it's impossible, but she seemed to be too resilient, and there just wasn't enough background to make it make sense. Rambo also lacked depth to be believable, and the end was too tidy.
I think Shanel has the potential to be a superior author in her genre simply by developing the characters more. It wouldn't take a lot, maybe a few well-placed flashbacks, or start with some intense scenes from their past. (Anything other than a brief mention during internal dialogue.) Not to copy, but Rae Lyse has mastered character development and is the perfect example of what I mean if I didn't explain it well enough.
I wanted to like this one more than I did, but I couldn't connect with either of the main characters.
Shanel isn't a NTM author. However, I'm just really getting into her catalog because I liked Kindred Spirits, and I like her writing style overall. She gets many elements right. The one thing I noticed with the last two books that I read by this author is that there isn't enough character development to support how extreme and intense the characters are.
For example, besides having two drug addicted parents, what else could have led to MK experiencing chronic homelessness and being so absolutely destitute as an able-bodied, kinda bright 23 year old. Why was there no connection to *anyone* in her life? She was too well spoken to not have completed at least high school. Did no one notice that she was homeless, and if so, how did she manage to fly under the radar and why? Having worked with the homeless population, the only time I've seen it be that chronic is when coupled with more complex trauma and mental disorders. Not saying it's impossible, but she seemed to be too resilient, and there just wasn't enough background to make it make sense. Rambo also lacked depth to be believable, and the end was too tidy.
I think Shanel has the potential to be a superior author in her genre simply by developing the characters more. It wouldn't take a lot, maybe a few well-placed flashbacks, or start with some intense scenes from their past. (Anything other than a brief mention during internal dialogue.) Not to copy, but Rae Lyse has mastered character development and is the perfect example of what I mean if I didn't explain it well enough.
October 22, 2022
This is the first time I’ve read a book by this author and I was invested. Rambo is a no nonsense hit man who has no guilt when it comes to killing people. Once a year he does one good deed to atone for his sins. This year he decides to help the homeless woman whose been stealing food from his trash cans.
Mackenzie has lived on the streets most of her life, she’s a proud woman who refuses to take a handout. When Rambo helps her she’s not quite sure if she should trust him.
I really liked how the author develops a friendship between the two characters, it’s a slow burn romance that works. Rambo is very disciplined and doesn’t want to cross the line with Mackenzie he just wants to do his good deed of the year and move on.
My only issue is that I actually wanted to see more of Rambo in action and see if there was any blowback to his last job. Hopefully the author does a part 2 because it would be great to see more of Rambo in action and to see Mackenzie grow as a working adult with a home and family. The first book really focused on her homelessness but not her dreams. Highly recommend 5 star read for me.
Mackenzie has lived on the streets most of her life, she’s a proud woman who refuses to take a handout. When Rambo helps her she’s not quite sure if she should trust him.
I really liked how the author develops a friendship between the two characters, it’s a slow burn romance that works. Rambo is very disciplined and doesn’t want to cross the line with Mackenzie he just wants to do his good deed of the year and move on.
My only issue is that I actually wanted to see more of Rambo in action and see if there was any blowback to his last job. Hopefully the author does a part 2 because it would be great to see more of Rambo in action and to see Mackenzie grow as a working adult with a home and family. The first book really focused on her homelessness but not her dreams. Highly recommend 5 star read for me.
September 18, 2022
A Hodge Podge!
This story was sufficient , simply put.
It wasn’t groundbreaking or thought provoking. If i’m being honest it was kinda just like watching a “filler” episode of a TV series. Nothing really stood out to me. I honestly felt like i’ve read
different variations of this story before. Let’s be real…Rashaud could of been a dope boy or a barber. While Mckenzie could of been a naive college student or a struggling single mom.
The emotionally unavailable thug with the heart of gold has been used to no end. To the point where you know how the story is going to unfold even before you finish.And, I won’t even touch on the BDSM component.
I even think the author was bored writing this herself. Writing the similar dialogue as Landon in “His Peace His Storm”. When Rashaud and Mckenzie were first intimate. Made me roll my eyes. That and the fact that this story was kinda giving off vibes of her prior book, Currency!
I think the writer needs to challenge herself and step outside of using the same ole tropes, as it could stunt your writing.
This story was sufficient , simply put.
It wasn’t groundbreaking or thought provoking. If i’m being honest it was kinda just like watching a “filler” episode of a TV series. Nothing really stood out to me. I honestly felt like i’ve read
different variations of this story before. Let’s be real…Rashaud could of been a dope boy or a barber. While Mckenzie could of been a naive college student or a struggling single mom.
The emotionally unavailable thug with the heart of gold has been used to no end. To the point where you know how the story is going to unfold even before you finish.And, I won’t even touch on the BDSM component.
I even think the author was bored writing this herself. Writing the similar dialogue as Landon in “His Peace His Storm”. When Rashaud and Mckenzie were first intimate. Made me roll my eyes. That and the fact that this story was kinda giving off vibes of her prior book, Currency!
I think the writer needs to challenge herself and step outside of using the same ole tropes, as it could stunt your writing.
September 27, 2022
I will admit that “Rambo” has a very different storyline and I was super excited to read it. I felt the author did a fantastic job representing the homeless in this book. I liked how McKenzie stood her ground and didn’t tolerate any disrespect even though she is at the lowest point of her life. I really enjoyed the development that occurred from the moment Rambo found her eating out of his trash to him inviting her in his home to help her. That allowed me to see a more vulnerable side of him because it reminded him of what he went though in his younger days. However, as whole, this book missed the mark for me. With the main character being a paid assassin, I wanted a deeper look into his career. Outside of the incident in the Maldives, there really wasn’t any action or excitement concerning his job. Plus, I wanted to see their transition to lovers on page. There were opportunities to flesh out details in this book that the author missed. I feel more pages would’ve given us more backstory on the characters to understand them a little more. Also, the ending left so mush more to be desired. Overall, this wasn’t my favorite story by the author but imma stick beside her anyway.
March 17, 2023
This was definitely a fairytale romance and I loved it. This story reminds me of “Christmas with a Maniac”, it was an unconventional love story as well.
Rashaud “Rambo” Graham, a hired assassin, lived a simple life. He took care of business, made money and went home. That is until he meets McKenzie Jackson. McKenzie, homeless and living on the streets from a very young age is just trying to survive, that is until she met Rambo. The unlikely pair meet and form an unlikely friendship and inadvertently fall in love. I enjoy storylines where the male characters are closed off and unreachable with the exception of that one. Rambo’s mother nor his cousin Gillian could get through to him however, McKenzie chipped away at that ice one chunk at a time. I loved Rambo’s character and even though he didn’t make it to book bae, he gets an honorable mention.
Rashaud “Rambo” Graham, a hired assassin, lived a simple life. He took care of business, made money and went home. That is until he meets McKenzie Jackson. McKenzie, homeless and living on the streets from a very young age is just trying to survive, that is until she met Rambo. The unlikely pair meet and form an unlikely friendship and inadvertently fall in love. I enjoy storylines where the male characters are closed off and unreachable with the exception of that one. Rambo’s mother nor his cousin Gillian could get through to him however, McKenzie chipped away at that ice one chunk at a time. I loved Rambo’s character and even though he didn’t make it to book bae, he gets an honorable mention.
January 22, 2025
This was a 4.5 for me.
This was a different kind of romance with McKenzie being homeless when she first met Rashaud aka Rambo. Although he didn’t have to let her come in his house, it was nice that he considered helping her his “good deed” which was a little ironic that he would have a side of him that did such a thing considering he was an assassin.
Once they got together and even before they did I felt Ike McKenzie was good for him because she helped him to open up more and kind of tap into his feelings more although it would have been nice had he communicated better once they first got together but he got better at it. I also liked that even though McKenzie was homeless she still commanded respect from anyone she dealt with including Rashaud.
I would have liked to get a better picture as to how Rashaud became an assassin but I was happy with the decisions he made towards the end of the book. Overall, I enjoyed the book and the two of them together.
This was a different kind of romance with McKenzie being homeless when she first met Rashaud aka Rambo. Although he didn’t have to let her come in his house, it was nice that he considered helping her his “good deed” which was a little ironic that he would have a side of him that did such a thing considering he was an assassin.
Once they got together and even before they did I felt Ike McKenzie was good for him because she helped him to open up more and kind of tap into his feelings more although it would have been nice had he communicated better once they first got together but he got better at it. I also liked that even though McKenzie was homeless she still commanded respect from anyone she dealt with including Rashaud.
I would have liked to get a better picture as to how Rashaud became an assassin but I was happy with the decisions he made towards the end of the book. Overall, I enjoyed the book and the two of them together.
April 1, 2023
Rashaud is a hitman. A man about his money, emotionally detached from his work and only concerned getting the job done and getting paid. But then he meets McKenzie, a homeless woman who hasn't let her circumstance break her spirit, and he suddenly wants a connection to someone else for the first time.
Okay, so this had me lowkey emotional. Rashaud's story and his life was written so well. The energy around him, the darkness he lived in, it was palpable. The author made you feel it. The fact that McKenzie knocked him off his axis was introduced perfectly. I love how feisty she was. She knew her worth, and never forgot, even with her circumstances. She gave as good as she got and you rooted for her instead of pitying her situation. That's masterful writing. McKenzie's introduction into Rashaud's profession and his attempt to soothe her was an opening for him to finally work out the emotion he was shocked to even be feeling and they were hot. I loved that. So, so hot. And the fallout? So emotional. I was yelling at my Kindle, and pushing them with my mind to resolve their stubbornness, lol.
I loved the book. Loved.
Okay, so this had me lowkey emotional. Rashaud's story and his life was written so well. The energy around him, the darkness he lived in, it was palpable. The author made you feel it. The fact that McKenzie knocked him off his axis was introduced perfectly. I love how feisty she was. She knew her worth, and never forgot, even with her circumstances. She gave as good as she got and you rooted for her instead of pitying her situation. That's masterful writing. McKenzie's introduction into Rashaud's profession and his attempt to soothe her was an opening for him to finally work out the emotion he was shocked to even be feeling and they were hot. I loved that. So, so hot. And the fallout? So emotional. I was yelling at my Kindle, and pushing them with my mind to resolve their stubbornness, lol.
I loved the book. Loved.
August 13, 2024
I was torn between giving this book a 5 star rating or 4. I went with 4. Now, don't get me wrong. Shanel is an excellent writer and is incredible at storytelling. It's her gift. I just wished there was more character development. There's so much I'd like to know about Rambo and McKenzie. i.e. what caused Rambo to choose his occupation, some childhood flashbacks of McKenzie's childhood to flesh out their backstories, how he got close to Gillian etc. That's what held me back from giving it a 5. But it was a great read. Gillian reminded me of Chastity from the TV show called Rap Sh!t. That's who I envisioned lol Shanel did a great job with this deep tale of two broken souls with enough in common to heal each other. Great read.
September 19, 2022
IM NOT CRYING! YOU ARE 😭
I loved it! I freaking LOVED IT! Shanel always come through with a banger and Rashaud is MINE HEFFAS! Lbvs. I wasn’t sure where this was going, but I was along for the ride with my helmet on and my motorcycle boots 😝 Who dosnt loce a grumpy, Sexy, handsome, tough, moody man that turns into mush with the right woman? Say you don’t and you lying! Makenzie was so sweet! I loved her whole outlook on life, and she was absolutely perfect for Rambo. They complimented one another and I liked that they were able to relate. This was def a unique story and a unique start to a love story. This is why Shanel is the GOAT. Keep ‘em coming!
I loved it! I freaking LOVED IT! Shanel always come through with a banger and Rashaud is MINE HEFFAS! Lbvs. I wasn’t sure where this was going, but I was along for the ride with my helmet on and my motorcycle boots 😝 Who dosnt loce a grumpy, Sexy, handsome, tough, moody man that turns into mush with the right woman? Say you don’t and you lying! Makenzie was so sweet! I loved her whole outlook on life, and she was absolutely perfect for Rambo. They complimented one another and I liked that they were able to relate. This was def a unique story and a unique start to a love story. This is why Shanel is the GOAT. Keep ‘em coming!
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