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Perfect #1
Perfect Timing
Maxine Chandler and Mya Rivers were once the best of friends, sisters by choice. But distance and a series of misunderstandings came between them. Now, a fifteen-year class reunion cruise to the Caribbean could renew their powerful bond--just when they need it most.
After heartbreak and tragedy, Maxi doesn't expect her shipboard romance with former high school rebel Christopher Chandler to be more than a sizzling distraction, but then he offers her a gift so profound she can't refuse it--even when it leaves her vulnerable to crushing loss. Mya, on the other hand, seems blessed with a perfect marriage, home, and beautiful twins. But Mya's work is taking over her life and another woman might be taking husband. . .
As each couple struggles with the limits of love, loyalty, and trust, Mya and Maxi reclaim a deep and abiding friendship. . .one that will inspire them with courage to face the future, whatever it may bring. . .
After heartbreak and tragedy, Maxi doesn't expect her shipboard romance with former high school rebel Christopher Chandler to be more than a sizzling distraction, but then he offers her a gift so profound she can't refuse it--even when it leaves her vulnerable to crushing loss. Mya, on the other hand, seems blessed with a perfect marriage, home, and beautiful twins. But Mya's work is taking over her life and another woman might be taking husband. . .
As each couple struggles with the limits of love, loyalty, and trust, Mya and Maxi reclaim a deep and abiding friendship. . .one that will inspire them with courage to face the future, whatever it may bring. . .
304 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published March 1, 2004
132 people are currently reading
615 people want to read
About the author
Brenda Jackson
895 books3,588 followersIn 1994, Brenda Jackson’s first novel, Tonight and Forever, was released. Since then she has had more than 100 novels and novellas published (the first African-American author to accomplish such a feat) and has over 3 million books in print.
A native of Jacksonville, Florida, Brenda is the first African-American author to have a book published by Harlequin Desire and the first African-American romance author to make the New York Times and USA TODAY bestseller lists within the series romance genre.
In 2012, Brenda received the Romance Writers of America’s Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award—one of the highest literary awards a romance author can receive. In 2013, she was recognized by the mayor and the city of Jacksonville as being a Trailblazer in the literary field.
In 2010, she collaborated with Five Alive Films to turn her Truly Everlasting title into a feature film. Brenda’s 2011 novel A Silken Thread is scheduled to be filmed with Debbie Allen attached as director in 2015.
Email Brenda at authorbrendajackson@gmail.com or visit her on her website at brendajackson.net.
A native of Jacksonville, Florida, Brenda is the first African-American author to have a book published by Harlequin Desire and the first African-American romance author to make the New York Times and USA TODAY bestseller lists within the series romance genre.
In 2012, Brenda received the Romance Writers of America’s Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award—one of the highest literary awards a romance author can receive. In 2013, she was recognized by the mayor and the city of Jacksonville as being a Trailblazer in the literary field.
In 2010, she collaborated with Five Alive Films to turn her Truly Everlasting title into a feature film. Brenda’s 2011 novel A Silken Thread is scheduled to be filmed with Debbie Allen attached as director in 2015.
Email Brenda at authorbrendajackson@gmail.com or visit her on her website at brendajackson.net.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
November 1, 2007
Timing is Everything
Mya and Maxi forged their friendship in grade school. Along the way came Christopher and Mya's love, Garrett. Mya is a finance executive married to the professional athlete Garrett. Maxi is the college professor who was Christopher's only friend during their school years. Because of a secret that Mya chose to keep right after high school graduation, her relationship with Maxi is strained. Feeling like the town pariah, Christopher leaves Savannah vowing never to return. Ten years later, these four adults meet up at their class reunion cruise carrying their issues on board.~~~~~~~Timing was a major topic in this book. Hence the title "Perfect Timing". Seems things always happened at the wrong times. Mya got a wonderful job opportunity just when she is trying to keep her marriage together. In addition she feels her husband is cheating on her with a cheerleader. Maxi finds out about her health situation and has to decide if she should have a child right away. What I always enjoy about Brenda Jackson is she makes the characters interesting, and you feel like you can relate to the characters. As they go through their emotions, you are right there with them experiencing the same emotions.~~~~~~~I thought Mya and Garrett's story was okay, but I really enjoyed Christopher and Maxi's story. I always enjoy Brenda Jackson's books. She is such an AWESOME writer!
Mya and Maxi forged their friendship in grade school. Along the way came Christopher and Mya's love, Garrett. Mya is a finance executive married to the professional athlete Garrett. Maxi is the college professor who was Christopher's only friend during their school years. Because of a secret that Mya chose to keep right after high school graduation, her relationship with Maxi is strained. Feeling like the town pariah, Christopher leaves Savannah vowing never to return. Ten years later, these four adults meet up at their class reunion cruise carrying their issues on board.~~~~~~~Timing was a major topic in this book. Hence the title "Perfect Timing". Seems things always happened at the wrong times. Mya got a wonderful job opportunity just when she is trying to keep her marriage together. In addition she feels her husband is cheating on her with a cheerleader. Maxi finds out about her health situation and has to decide if she should have a child right away. What I always enjoy about Brenda Jackson is she makes the characters interesting, and you feel like you can relate to the characters. As they go through their emotions, you are right there with them experiencing the same emotions.~~~~~~~I thought Mya and Garrett's story was okay, but I really enjoyed Christopher and Maxi's story. I always enjoy Brenda Jackson's books. She is such an AWESOME writer!
February 19, 2017
Very good book. Told in 3 perspectives, it was nice to see the stories progress from all their point of views. There is the main love story as well as a side story that made this book engaging, as it didn't just tell the one romance. The characters were beleivable and realistic. I will definitely read more of her books.
August 14, 2023
They don’t write like this anymore. This was SO good.
August 4, 2022
This was a genuinely interesting romance novel which, after a slow middle, dealt with some serious issues in the latter part of the story. The book is nominally about two best friends, Maxi and Maya, who drifted apart after high school, leading the reader to think that getting the two back together will be a major subplot of the story. (It wasn’t. It took one chapter and probably wasn’t worth mentioning in the blurb.) What was more interesting is that Maxi’s life has fallen apart after the death of her fiancé while Maya’s marriage to her high-school-sweetheart-turned-NFL-player is threatening to hit the rocks. Their troubles seem to be reaching a crescendo when they both agree to go on a high school reunion cruise.
That cruise was the weakest part of the story and takes up most of the first half of the book. Maxi is accidentally put in the same cabin as her high school crush, Christopher, who happens to have the same last name as her. This happened because they both, separately, ordered single cabins and the cruise line decided on its own that they must be married because they have the same last name so they would put them together. Then the cruise line refused to fix the problem arguing that since they had been in high school together it must be okay. For the record, this is totally unbelievable and was equally unnecessary to the story. The only thing it accomplished was to make it easier for the author to continually thrust these two together. Unsurprisingly in a novel with so much sex in it, there is a lot of thrusting in that cabin.
The only other thing the cruise accomplishes is to bring Maxi and Maya back together—something a phone call should have accomplished ten years earlier—and to drive home the fact (made before the cruise started) that Christopher was not respected in high school (and of course no one knows he is now super successful and super wealthy). It also leads Christopher, who has extraordinary commitment issues, to offer to father the child Maxi desperately wants before she has to get a hysterectomy.
Okay, so the book has a lot in common with some of the crazier soap operas, but stick with it because there’s a lot of good too. When Maya and Maxi get back to their lives, things continue to fall apart for them—and it’s in dealing with these problems that Jackson shows her strength as an author.
In the first plot, Maxi wants Christopher’s child, but she’s frustrated that he’s not part of the deal—as in marriage. Of course, he’s around for making the baby. (And yes, the sex is too good for them to seriously consider invitro fertilization.) Christopher clearly wants her too, but there are those very profound commitment issues.
In the second plot, Maya’s husband has strayed—not completely, but enough that any self-respecting person would be hugely upset by his actions. This is really the strongest storyline in the novel because it is the easiest for readers to imagine themselves having to deal with similar problems. There is a lot of pressure on Maya to simply forgive her husband including from her minister, but she’s upset enough that I couldn’t predict how the story would end.
The minister brings up another subtle strength of this story. These are people for whom religion and prayer is an important part of their lives. They are not preachy in your face zealots. They are everyday Americans who believe that God and religion have a place in their families. I thought this was a very well-done aspect of the story.
The narration was also very well done. Leon Nixon reads a good book, but I must admit to being surprised that a man was chosen as narrator when two of the three POVs were female. It makes me wonder if for the author, the Christopher storyline was the most important.
And I think that’s the key to why I liked this book so much, even though I have poked a bit of fun at it in this review. As I listened, it made me think—not deep profound thoughts—but about what was going to happen and whether I could imagine my high school class doing things like this. And when I am wondering that much about what a character should do, it tells me I’m really enjoying the book. I think you will too.
If you liked this review, you can find more at www.gilbertstack.com/reviews.
That cruise was the weakest part of the story and takes up most of the first half of the book. Maxi is accidentally put in the same cabin as her high school crush, Christopher, who happens to have the same last name as her. This happened because they both, separately, ordered single cabins and the cruise line decided on its own that they must be married because they have the same last name so they would put them together. Then the cruise line refused to fix the problem arguing that since they had been in high school together it must be okay. For the record, this is totally unbelievable and was equally unnecessary to the story. The only thing it accomplished was to make it easier for the author to continually thrust these two together. Unsurprisingly in a novel with so much sex in it, there is a lot of thrusting in that cabin.
The only other thing the cruise accomplishes is to bring Maxi and Maya back together—something a phone call should have accomplished ten years earlier—and to drive home the fact (made before the cruise started) that Christopher was not respected in high school (and of course no one knows he is now super successful and super wealthy). It also leads Christopher, who has extraordinary commitment issues, to offer to father the child Maxi desperately wants before she has to get a hysterectomy.
Okay, so the book has a lot in common with some of the crazier soap operas, but stick with it because there’s a lot of good too. When Maya and Maxi get back to their lives, things continue to fall apart for them—and it’s in dealing with these problems that Jackson shows her strength as an author.
In the first plot, Maxi wants Christopher’s child, but she’s frustrated that he’s not part of the deal—as in marriage. Of course, he’s around for making the baby. (And yes, the sex is too good for them to seriously consider invitro fertilization.) Christopher clearly wants her too, but there are those very profound commitment issues.
In the second plot, Maya’s husband has strayed—not completely, but enough that any self-respecting person would be hugely upset by his actions. This is really the strongest storyline in the novel because it is the easiest for readers to imagine themselves having to deal with similar problems. There is a lot of pressure on Maya to simply forgive her husband including from her minister, but she’s upset enough that I couldn’t predict how the story would end.
The minister brings up another subtle strength of this story. These are people for whom religion and prayer is an important part of their lives. They are not preachy in your face zealots. They are everyday Americans who believe that God and religion have a place in their families. I thought this was a very well-done aspect of the story.
The narration was also very well done. Leon Nixon reads a good book, but I must admit to being surprised that a man was chosen as narrator when two of the three POVs were female. It makes me wonder if for the author, the Christopher storyline was the most important.
And I think that’s the key to why I liked this book so much, even though I have poked a bit of fun at it in this review. As I listened, it made me think—not deep profound thoughts—but about what was going to happen and whether I could imagine my high school class doing things like this. And when I am wondering that much about what a character should do, it tells me I’m really enjoying the book. I think you will too.
If you liked this review, you can find more at www.gilbertstack.com/reviews.
April 9, 2011
I thought the love that Maxi and Christopher shared was really beautiful. Christopher had a lot of struggles to deal with and to over come them was great. I only wish that Brenda would have built on there relationship more it was to many distractions going on in the story. I was glad that Mya didn't let a kiss destroy there marriage, especially knowing that she was married to a NFL Football player and how women will come on to your man. Garrett really loved her deep in his soul. Also think that Brenda dragged the ending out she really could have ended it when Christopher decided that he still did love Maxi and that she was the only woman that he would ever really love.
August 14, 2025
This was a cute little read, but man, I hate when miscommunication is one of the major plot points
October 28, 2015
Loved it! Maxi and Mya have been friends since grade school. A secret tore them apart but a tenth year anniversary high school reunion cruise reunites them along with the men that love them. Forgiveness is a huge theme in this book. So glad that Maxi and Christopher and Mya and Garrett believe in second chances!
April 15, 2022
What a wonderful listen! Leon Nixon sealed the deal with his narration. Leave it to Brenda Jackson to tie two couples into one book and manage to give them both the attention the readers needed. Bravo per usual!
August 9, 2023
Perfect Timing by Brenda Jackson
Perfect #1
8h 50m narrated by Leon Nixon, 320 pages
Genre: African-American Romance, Contemporary Romance
Featuring: Savannah, Georgia; Life Long Friends, Widows, Infertility, High School Reunion, Western Caribbean Cruise, Vicenarians, Second Chance Trope, Sex - Detailed, Dallas, Texas; Dallas Cowboys, Marital Issues, Dramatics
Rating as a movie: NC-17 for strong sexual content
Songs for the soundtrack: "The Only One for Me" by Brian McKnight
My rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🛳
My thoughts: 📱20% 1:46:08 Ch. 9 - This is so good I'm no longer mad I accidentally pick up book 4 in a series. I sampled this book last year and passed on it. I didn't realize it had a cruise in it.
📱47% 4:07:12 Ch. 22 - Brenda is doing too much teasing at this point.
I sampled this book last year and passed it over, it was a female narrator, and because of the cover and prologue I knew it would be about longtime girlfriends but I knew nothing of the cruise. Shout out to the narrator, Leon, I forgot it was a guy, most male narrators are terrible with women's voices. Anyway, this story had some flaws, but I loved it, and people are illogical so are they really flaws or just proper characters? I enjoyed the story, it wasn't the most amazing thing I've read but it felt good and I would read it again so that's 5 stars for me. I want to dive into book 2 right away (I have all 4) but I can't keep putting off She Started It, so I'm going to start that and keep this series as sugar for my breaks with Jane Eyre.
Recommend to others: Yes! This was a fantastic story and I'm looking forward to the rest of the series.
Perfect
✔︎ 1. Perfect Timing (2002)
2. Perfect Fit (2003)
3. Perfect Moments (2021)
4. Perfect Makeover (2022)
Perfect #1
8h 50m narrated by Leon Nixon, 320 pages
Genre: African-American Romance, Contemporary Romance
Featuring: Savannah, Georgia; Life Long Friends, Widows, Infertility, High School Reunion, Western Caribbean Cruise, Vicenarians, Second Chance Trope, Sex - Detailed, Dallas, Texas; Dallas Cowboys, Marital Issues, Dramatics
Rating as a movie: NC-17 for strong sexual content
Songs for the soundtrack: "The Only One for Me" by Brian McKnight
My rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🛳
My thoughts: 📱20% 1:46:08 Ch. 9 - This is so good I'm no longer mad I accidentally pick up book 4 in a series. I sampled this book last year and passed on it. I didn't realize it had a cruise in it.
📱47% 4:07:12 Ch. 22 - Brenda is doing too much teasing at this point.
I sampled this book last year and passed it over, it was a female narrator, and because of the cover and prologue I knew it would be about longtime girlfriends but I knew nothing of the cruise. Shout out to the narrator, Leon, I forgot it was a guy, most male narrators are terrible with women's voices. Anyway, this story had some flaws, but I loved it, and people are illogical so are they really flaws or just proper characters? I enjoyed the story, it wasn't the most amazing thing I've read but it felt good and I would read it again so that's 5 stars for me. I want to dive into book 2 right away (I have all 4) but I can't keep putting off She Started It, so I'm going to start that and keep this series as sugar for my breaks with Jane Eyre.
Recommend to others: Yes! This was a fantastic story and I'm looking forward to the rest of the series.
Perfect
✔︎ 1. Perfect Timing (2002)
2. Perfect Fit (2003)
3. Perfect Moments (2021)
4. Perfect Makeover (2022)
February 5, 2019
Bewitching Bibliophile
I went into this one not knowing the premise (which is a popular refrain around here so you guys know autobuy author means no need to check synopsis). I originally started Perfect Fit then discovered it was actually a second book, so I put it on the back burner and went into this one. Let me tell you, I wasn't ready for the mess, the drama and the steamy down to earth love story we got, but I was all for it.
We went into this meeting Mya and Maxi on the playground forming a friendship that will be the basis of this novel and the reason they both go on the class reunion cruise. Years later Maxi is facing a daunting diagnosis and for her the cruise will be a chance to stop taking the knocks the world seems to be handing her and have a chance to relax, for Mya it's a chance for her and her husband to have fun without their little ones around & also to break up the cycle of their lives which is hectic right now.
I loved the characters, the story and just about everything about the story. I loved that everyone was so casually successful. I was saddened to realize that for Maxi her goals outside the home had been accomplished but her deepest desire wasn't and not because she hadn't tried but because fate kept stepping in. Once we got deeper into the story and we met the Paige I knew it was going to be some drama, and when homegirl stated her intentions??? Yeah no ma'am you a problem!!
I did love the fact that the characters were relatable, that each of them had grown out of their stupidity from childhood, as many of them had made life hell from Christopher during school over something he didn't have a choice in. I loved that Maxi was his friend from the beginning and even though he had left without a goodbye she still was such a good person that she only had the best intentions for him.
Chris and Maxi getting to know each other again and realizing that they had more in common than they thought was beautiful to watch. I loved the story unfolding between them and how they come to the solution they did. I loved that Chris was open and honest about his feeling with Maxi as far as he knew. I loved that they were honest with each other, even if Chris was slow on the uptake about the change in his feelings for Maxi. I loved how despite everything he thought when faced with having to make a change to their plans, his immediate actions weren't to just call her but actually seek her out and discuss the changes. I also gotta say I loved that Brenda wrote them as real people. I loved that while she shared how sexual Chris was, she never wrote his other partners like they were whores for enjoying sex with him. I loved that they were allowed to enjoy their sexuality the same way he was and not be denounced for it because of a sudden he's met "the one and she's perfect and virginal" which is a sad plot device I see a lot in other romances.
Now the chemistry that Mya and Garrett had??! Whew chile, all those years together and they never faded, took each other for granted or had any real issues. They did, however, have two very different philosophies in life and for many that would have been the end of their relationship. I don't like the way it was resolved, I thought she should have stuck to her guns, but far be if for me to judge how another woman lives her life. Mya should have known going into the relationship that this is how he was raised, how all the men in his family are currently with their families and this for him goes deeper than their surface. Garrett failed to take into consideration that Mya wasn't the kind of woman he wanted her to be. He should have had to learn to accept that and their family would have been stronger for it I believe. Now I get what his dad was talking about speaking to someone who had been there so he would be the best to concousil them, however, I call B.S. on that, you are supposed to be a shepherd, I don't need you leading a double life being my counselor. You willingly lied, cheated and broke not just the trust your partner had in you but the church had in you?? Bruh fail!!
I will say I felt all the emotions, from Maxi's fear about her situation to Mya's heartbreak, to Chris's contempt of the town and it's people. Brenda writes in a way that draws you in and you can't help but become invested in the story and the characters.
I loved the friendships here and the fact that the family was the backbone of the story. Even though Chris didn't have a conventional family, they still supported him and loved him like one. I loved the great relationship that Maxi had with her mother, that Mya had with her in-laws. It's just great to see amazing healthy relationships being shared. The only part I wasn't a fan of was the throw-away line at the end of Mya's decision, but I get she did it for her family. I was going to make this a 4.75 stars, taking off points for that small dislike but I realize the overall story and the overall romance makes this a full 5 so yeah I'm changing it back to five stars.
★★★★★
Have you read this one?? Can you recommend some more amazing romance stories?? Share in the comments down below and as always Happy Reading my loves,
I went into this one not knowing the premise (which is a popular refrain around here so you guys know autobuy author means no need to check synopsis). I originally started Perfect Fit then discovered it was actually a second book, so I put it on the back burner and went into this one. Let me tell you, I wasn't ready for the mess, the drama and the steamy down to earth love story we got, but I was all for it.
We went into this meeting Mya and Maxi on the playground forming a friendship that will be the basis of this novel and the reason they both go on the class reunion cruise. Years later Maxi is facing a daunting diagnosis and for her the cruise will be a chance to stop taking the knocks the world seems to be handing her and have a chance to relax, for Mya it's a chance for her and her husband to have fun without their little ones around & also to break up the cycle of their lives which is hectic right now.
I loved the characters, the story and just about everything about the story. I loved that everyone was so casually successful. I was saddened to realize that for Maxi her goals outside the home had been accomplished but her deepest desire wasn't and not because she hadn't tried but because fate kept stepping in. Once we got deeper into the story and we met the Paige I knew it was going to be some drama, and when homegirl stated her intentions??? Yeah no ma'am you a problem!!
I did love the fact that the characters were relatable, that each of them had grown out of their stupidity from childhood, as many of them had made life hell from Christopher during school over something he didn't have a choice in. I loved that Maxi was his friend from the beginning and even though he had left without a goodbye she still was such a good person that she only had the best intentions for him.
Chris and Maxi getting to know each other again and realizing that they had more in common than they thought was beautiful to watch. I loved the story unfolding between them and how they come to the solution they did. I loved that Chris was open and honest about his feeling with Maxi as far as he knew. I loved that they were honest with each other, even if Chris was slow on the uptake about the change in his feelings for Maxi. I loved how despite everything he thought when faced with having to make a change to their plans, his immediate actions weren't to just call her but actually seek her out and discuss the changes. I also gotta say I loved that Brenda wrote them as real people. I loved that while she shared how sexual Chris was, she never wrote his other partners like they were whores for enjoying sex with him. I loved that they were allowed to enjoy their sexuality the same way he was and not be denounced for it because of a sudden he's met "the one and she's perfect and virginal" which is a sad plot device I see a lot in other romances.
Now the chemistry that Mya and Garrett had??! Whew chile, all those years together and they never faded, took each other for granted or had any real issues. They did, however, have two very different philosophies in life and for many that would have been the end of their relationship. I don't like the way it was resolved, I thought she should have stuck to her guns, but far be if for me to judge how another woman lives her life. Mya should have known going into the relationship that this is how he was raised, how all the men in his family are currently with their families and this for him goes deeper than their surface. Garrett failed to take into consideration that Mya wasn't the kind of woman he wanted her to be. He should have had to learn to accept that and their family would have been stronger for it I believe. Now I get what his dad was talking about speaking to someone who had been there so he would be the best to concousil them, however, I call B.S. on that, you are supposed to be a shepherd, I don't need you leading a double life being my counselor. You willingly lied, cheated and broke not just the trust your partner had in you but the church had in you?? Bruh fail!!
I will say I felt all the emotions, from Maxi's fear about her situation to Mya's heartbreak, to Chris's contempt of the town and it's people. Brenda writes in a way that draws you in and you can't help but become invested in the story and the characters.
I loved the friendships here and the fact that the family was the backbone of the story. Even though Chris didn't have a conventional family, they still supported him and loved him like one. I loved the great relationship that Maxi had with her mother, that Mya had with her in-laws. It's just great to see amazing healthy relationships being shared. The only part I wasn't a fan of was the throw-away line at the end of Mya's decision, but I get she did it for her family. I was going to make this a 4.75 stars, taking off points for that small dislike but I realize the overall story and the overall romance makes this a full 5 so yeah I'm changing it back to five stars.
★★★★★
Have you read this one?? Can you recommend some more amazing romance stories?? Share in the comments down below and as always Happy Reading my loves,
July 27, 2024
I really liked this book even though I anticipated the ending and it had me all teary-eyed. I read it in just a few days which just proves the great story-telling. Love always wins! ❤️
This was my first book by this author and will not be the last.
This was my first book by this author and will not be the last.
April 14, 2024
This book was spicy, and yet it hit on so many different levels. I was moved by the topic of infertility. You would be surprised at how many women struggle with this issue and even approaching the struggle, how one goes about dealing with it and the options available.
I loved Maxine's character and I loved Christopher's tenacity. I loved their honesty with themselves even though at times I did not agree with their execution. I could also identify and feel Christopher's pain from his childhood trauma.
Garrett and Mya's relationship was realistic to a degree. I have seen couples that clicked from early life and endure. Established roles in relationships is a constantly evolving thing. And let's not even talk about being married to a professional athlete and all that it involves.
Ronald Swindel...do I even need to tell you how much I disliked his character? I have a few choices names for him and love tucket ain't one of them.
This was such a good read for me. It made me think about how we view marriage and roles in this day and age. Some people are more forward thinking in regards to marriage while the older generations still prefer a more dated system of marriage.
Brenda Jackson is a veteran at writing. I always enjoy her stories as they make me think about current trends vs old school love.
I loved Maxine's character and I loved Christopher's tenacity. I loved their honesty with themselves even though at times I did not agree with their execution. I could also identify and feel Christopher's pain from his childhood trauma.
Garrett and Mya's relationship was realistic to a degree. I have seen couples that clicked from early life and endure. Established roles in relationships is a constantly evolving thing. And let's not even talk about being married to a professional athlete and all that it involves.
Ronald Swindel...do I even need to tell you how much I disliked his character? I have a few choices names for him and love tucket ain't one of them.
This was such a good read for me. It made me think about how we view marriage and roles in this day and age. Some people are more forward thinking in regards to marriage while the older generations still prefer a more dated system of marriage.
Brenda Jackson is a veteran at writing. I always enjoy her stories as they make me think about current trends vs old school love.
May 10, 2022
A story about second chances and realizing that when you meet the one no matter what else that is the one you will be with. Two relationships both going through trials. Christopher and Maxi loved each other since first grade and then for over 12 years after but thought their feelings were one sided. A chance meeting at their high school reunion cruise had them bound together due to a computer glitch. Christopher went through trials and tribulations as a child and was treated less than human by others in their town but Maxi always made him feel special. Maxi has a dilemma she needs help with and Christopher is a willing participant but with stipulations due to his past and scandals. Garrett and Mya. High school sweethearts who have always been each other’s first and only are now starting to have problems due to Mya wanting to work and the work requires travel. This means less attention for Garrett and their sons. This drives a wedge between them and Garrett has a moment of weakness which hurt Mya to the core. It was an okay read but at times the love scenes seem to drag and they were pretty boring. Book did not really give closure with Maxi and Christopher regarding Maxi’s medical situation and where they ended up living.
June 30, 2022
This was not about second chance romance, but more about second chances and forgiveness. If you like over the top drama, you will probably like this book. I listened to the audiobook that was approximately 8.5 hours long. The narration was ok.
Maxi and Christopher's story went on forever with the back and forth. I did like the way Garrett felt about and treated Mya. There was a lot of stupid going on in both cases that I felt like could have been alleviated with some additional communication. Even with Garrett, I never felt like he was being deliberately disingenuous because he came clean too fast.
I don't know if I could have accepted Christopher's offer under his conditions. Seeing how Maxi did, I wondered about how justified she was in her anger. I understood how she felt, but Christopher never lied to her.
There is too much drama irl. This book had more drama than I wanted to deal with. It felt to me like reactions were over the top. I could go into more detail, but I don't want to have to do spoiler alerts. Not a bad listen, just a really, really long listen that I felt could have been shorter. All of that hanging on to anger and resentment, the scheming women, etc. was exhausting.
Maxi and Christopher's story went on forever with the back and forth. I did like the way Garrett felt about and treated Mya. There was a lot of stupid going on in both cases that I felt like could have been alleviated with some additional communication. Even with Garrett, I never felt like he was being deliberately disingenuous because he came clean too fast.
I don't know if I could have accepted Christopher's offer under his conditions. Seeing how Maxi did, I wondered about how justified she was in her anger. I understood how she felt, but Christopher never lied to her.
There is too much drama irl. This book had more drama than I wanted to deal with. It felt to me like reactions were over the top. I could go into more detail, but I don't want to have to do spoiler alerts. Not a bad listen, just a really, really long listen that I felt could have been shorter. All of that hanging on to anger and resentment, the scheming women, etc. was exhausting.
October 20, 2023
this is my favorite of the five i did read. look like a heaven here in earth. a nice getaway. brain thought getaway. (i guess Brenda's book are done over and over ... changing up the book cover multiple times over?! doesn't it make you curious why? is that a Brenda thing or publisher or what?? curious.) this is the cover i did read ...so i am going there. lots of editions to pick from. read it through my local library leaning program. i explain last time i read a bunch of Brenda's book through the same platform ... i did have to pick of the ones i did read. so i read this one ... Claimed for Destiny (why do i wanna write Dinner ... Claimed for Dinner. there authors that is title for ya!! lol.) as well as ... Bane #27 in series, Perfect Timing, Bachelor Undone #3, and Bachelor Unclaimed #4. now you might wonder why i did pick these ... well on the platform they were recommended and i was curious by the cover and title of the books. so my fave: "Perfect Timing" was a bit higher for me ... gosh ...that was a tough decision. gotta run ...books and life to be working on ... laters.
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January 25, 2022This is the fifth book I've read by this author who comes highly recommended. Although not my favorite so far, I did enjoy this. I appreciated the dynamic between the various pairs - Maxi and Mya, and their romantic partners. I was glad that the bully did not play a larger role here, although I was worried he might.
Possible spoilers:
I struggled with the gender roles, however. While understandable, given his background and family, Garrett really didn't seem to become much more flexible in his thinking. While Mya's solution at the end may indeed have been the very best for her, it felt a bit like she was making a huge concession. Her total intransigence also felt ever so slightly over the top - so very many months to start forgiving...
Despite these hesitations which could also be more a question of the time this was written, I did find this an entertaining read.
Possible spoilers:
I struggled with the gender roles, however. While understandable, given his background and family, Garrett really didn't seem to become much more flexible in his thinking. While Mya's solution at the end may indeed have been the very best for her, it felt a bit like she was making a huge concession. Her total intransigence also felt ever so slightly over the top - so very many months to start forgiving...
Despite these hesitations which could also be more a question of the time this was written, I did find this an entertaining read.
January 15, 2024
It took me a little bit of time to get into this one but it did pick up. There are a few different stories in this book and each was different and special. I think many can relate to the story of Maxi and Mya where one gets a boyfriend and slowly the friendship changes for reasons untold and misunderstandings. Then there is the grade school crush that left you wondering what if. Then there are the high school sweethearts that seem perfect but how is that possible? Through stubbornness and pride there are conflicts that could otherwise easily have been resolved. But the love stories are beautiful! The love you have for a friend through all the things life throws, the lost love you will occasionally think upon and the current love of your life. Good read that will make you think twice about your high school reunion and a cruise!
August 2, 2024
Max and Mya who were best friends who grew apart because of a decision Mya made to attend a different college than planned. The two reunited on a class reunion cruise and settled what happened years before.
Through a mix-up, Max and her old friend Christopher ended up sharing a cabin. Back in the day they both had a crush on the other but neither knew about it. The attraction was still there. After some time together, he offers to help her out with something major. Love quickly comes into play even though it takes him longer to figure it out than her.
Mya and Garrett have been together since high school. There is a bit of trouble in their marriage. Mya has to decide if she can forgive him.
I really enjoyed this book.
Through a mix-up, Max and her old friend Christopher ended up sharing a cabin. Back in the day they both had a crush on the other but neither knew about it. The attraction was still there. After some time together, he offers to help her out with something major. Love quickly comes into play even though it takes him longer to figure it out than her.
Mya and Garrett have been together since high school. There is a bit of trouble in their marriage. Mya has to decide if she can forgive him.
I really enjoyed this book.
November 18, 2017
A classy romance filled with second chances, renewed friendships, and believable situations. To me, this novel served as a reminder that time is not a factor of how much you love someone, whether it is a childhood friend or someone you deeply cared about in high school. No matter how much time has passed, the love is still there and it is not too late to let them know that. I love reading about affluent African Americans and there were some Christian elements of the story that I highly admired as well.
"He's an on time God, yes he is!".
"He's an on time God, yes he is!".
January 13, 2025
I love a romantic read but i can say the back and forth between max and Chris was getting on my nerves, yall to straight forward to not be telling the other yall real true feelings lol like come on get married already and im glad they finally did and maxi got her happy ending. & i just knew Garret & Mya was going to be the ones having issues, Garret made me so mad thinking she was suppose to forgive him for his weakness, b/c one how you mad your teammate got cut and wanna decide to cheat like be fr but im glad they figured it out and came back to each other.
September 4, 2023
Ahhhh! Christopher and Maxi were meant to be! Kindness goes a long way, and for these too, it showed that it deepens their love for each other. This story was written in such a lovely way. We were able to see the main characters develop and those around them. Garrett and Mya had their marriage tested in ways that most people could relate too. Most importantly, Mya learned that forgiving allowed her to heal and love Garrett even more. A very lovely story.
June 10, 2019
I expected motherless from Mrs Jackson and I wasn't disappointed at all. Like getting two books for the price of one. Forgiveness and the power of love, a lethal combination
Really loved this book. Two sides of love, one hurt and the power of forgiveness. And love forgotten, rekindled and accepted
Really loved this book. Two sides of love, one hurt and the power of forgiveness. And love forgotten, rekindled and accepted
December 23, 2021
More than I could have imagined
I haven’t read a romance novel in a very long time. Brenda Jackson has brought this back to me. Her stories make you believe and dream of beautiful black love between beautiful black couples. I am her new avid reader! Can’t wait to read the next one! Hope to find my love to write my own love story like this!
I haven’t read a romance novel in a very long time. Brenda Jackson has brought this back to me. Her stories make you believe and dream of beautiful black love between beautiful black couples. I am her new avid reader! Can’t wait to read the next one! Hope to find my love to write my own love story like this!
August 4, 2022
Brenda Jackson had lost her #1 spot an just reclaimed it in the sickest way possible This book was so freaking amazing She made you fall in love with every character The love Between Maxine and Christopher Was chef's kiss an the love between Maya and Garrett is undeniable Best book of the year hands down And I highly recommend It
February 17, 2025
Well written for the most part and some lovely aspects to the story, but I felt like there was some underdeveloped dialog. Also, the sex parts of the story could have been either toned down or expanded as they seemed distracting and shallow especially in the beginning.
I recommend it though - I really liked Maxine and Mya.
I recommend it though - I really liked Maxine and Mya.
April 20, 2025
A great, romantic page-turner! I am never disappointed when I read a Brenda Jackson novel! Written from each of the characters' perspectives, evoking so many different emotions. From childhood friendships to first loves to broken hearts to learning trust and forgiveness, this contemporary is a definite read!
May 15, 2018
Perfect timing is right
Outstanding read. Brenda have done it again. You will not regret buying this book. Jackson will never disappoint you. If you like a live story this is the one. Now go get it .
Outstanding read. Brenda have done it again. You will not regret buying this book. Jackson will never disappoint you. If you like a live story this is the one. Now go get it .
April 17, 2020
Although I enjoy reading about the Madaris and Westmoreland families, I appreciate stories like this and A Silken Thread even more. The characters and plot are better developed. It is just about the sex, and you aren’t quite sure if they will make it in the end. Excellent!
March 9, 2022
Well done!! Amazing reading. Love suspense and text of forgiveness. Faults weakness and guilt. Don't
Your foundational upbringing and where you're going in life and what's important.
What marriage and commitment involves and how hard it is to remain faithful.
Your foundational upbringing and where you're going in life and what's important.
What marriage and commitment involves and how hard it is to remain faithful.
May 30, 2022
A Real Story…
This is probably the first story I’ve read that has involves real problems and situations people really have finally not all fantasy! I love you Brenda and I read the second one first 🌹
This is probably the first story I’ve read that has involves real problems and situations people really have finally not all fantasy! I love you Brenda and I read the second one first 🌹
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