A Very Intimate Takeover

Devereaux Inc. #1

by LaQuette

She’s ruthless in business,
but vulnerable in his arms.

Trey Devereaux is out to prove her corporate mettle to her skeptical father. When she sees a chance to take control of Devereaux Inc. from her estranged grandfather, she pounces. But Jeremiah Benton, his second-in-command, is fiercely protective of the Devereaux patriarch…and absolutely enticing. The intensity of their attraction overwhelms her defenses, and Trey even finds herself warming to her grandfather under Jeremiah’s influence. Can Trey maintain her resolve—or is Jeremiah winning this high-stakes merger? The fate of a billion-dollar Brooklyn legacy lies in the balance…

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Fiction, African American Romance, Contemporary, Harlequin Desire, Workplace Romance

1 pages, Audio CD

First published September 28, 2021

About the author

LaQuette writes sexy, stylish, and sensational romance—the kind of sentimental-and-steamy stories that feel like Hallmark movies… if Hallmark suddenly ramped up the sexy and gave us the hawt love scenes we deserve. Expect big emotions, bold choices, and characters who strut through the pages like the book is their own personal runway. 

A proud Brooklyn native, she crafts unapologetically bold, character-driven Black and interracial romances where Black women are joy-filled, desired, and absolutely treasured. These women know they belong on the page—and dare you to try telling them otherwise.

When this current Ph.D. student isn’t writing, reading, or studying, she’s probably trying on (or hunting down) her next must-have makeup find. And honestly? No one would be surprised if it’s yet another shade of red or pink lipstick. At this point, it’s basically a personality trait. Contact her at https://dot.cards/laquette.

Reviews

[Steph's Romance Book Talk · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars / 3.5 Steam Fans

If you are looking for a Black Dynasty-type drama in book form, you NEED to read A Very Intimate Takeover. I loved every MOMENT of this book!! Jeremiah and Trey are fighting for the family business, and by any means necessary, the legacy will continue. I loved all of the insight that LaQuette provided as inspiration because as I read this story, I could envision everything she placed in the storyline. I cannot wait for the following books and the rest of the family.

Video review available in Week 42: Oct 17 – Oct 23, 2021, full weekly book reviews available on Steph's Romance Book Talk Patreon.

For other bookish content, check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk.

[Sophia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A shrewd, successful businesswoman finds herself caught between duty to a beloved parent and desire for a man in the rival company in this lush, sexy upscale work romance. I’ve loved each encounter with this author’s books from the engaging plots, to the well-drawn characters, and her sensual romances so it was with eagerness that I picked up this start to a new series set in her beloved Brooklyn, NY.

A Very Intimate Takeover introduces a strong, force of nature heroine who is not bashful to go big and do it with a flair, but Trey has one vulnerable spot- the need for a father’s approval. Her dad is a successful businessman, who started with nothing and climbed until his finance company only has one rival in the city, his own father. Trey followed in his footsteps and has earned her way into the second spot in the company. Her dad questions her business moxy and Trey impulsively promises to serve up his rival, Devereaux Inc. on a platter. Then things get complicated when her plan to smooze her granddad out of the company shares goes pear-shaped when she cops a conscience and feelings for her granddad’s second, Jeremiah.

It has been a while since I picked up a city-set, office romance, but I had no trouble slipping into this story. Trey’s predicament made for a complex situation I enjoy. She thought it was a clear-cut plan until she actually met her grandfather and spent time with him, her cousins, and gorgeous and charming Jeremiah who thinks the world of Ace like she does her dad.

Trey and Jeremiah have some obvious and early sizzle between them. They liven each other’s lives and start to fall in love even while she is keeping big secrets and he isn’t sure she can be trusted. I loved how they shared a love of specialty sneakers, their city, food dates, and both were open about what they enjoyed together. The tension of Trey’s takeover plans along with the aunt’s conniving for her share got it as exciting as wondering what would happen when the truth of Trey’s plan came out.

A Very Intimate Takeover read swiftly, but was not lacking. I love this author’s writing style. I am glad this is a series because I want more Devereaux family story, Brooklyn setting, confident women, suave men, and those dazzling, sexy romances. Definitely recommend.

I rec’d an eARC through NetGalley to read in exchange for an honest review.

[Bree Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

“She blended in to concrete sidewalks and the urban, understated magnificence of her surroundings the way most people on the street did.”

I loved Jordan and Jeremiah romance. It was an intense, dramatic exploration into family and business and was everything I needed. I couldn’t put it down! It’s messy and Madam LaQuette crafts a story that has you hooked on every word With the Desire to know how it all will come together in the end! Can’t wait for book two.

[M. K. French · Rating 3 out of 5]

Trey Devereaux wants to prove herself and tries to take control of Devereaux Inc. from her estranged grandfather. His second in command Jeremiah Benton is protective of her grandfather and just her type. They have an intense attraction and Trey even warms up to her grandfather. But to prove that she has what it takes to run a corporation, she might have to give up on romance.

A Very Intimate Takeover is the first Devereaux, Inc. novel of a planned series. We know from the start that Trey and her father Deuce are close and that Deuce can't forgive his father Ace for essentially cutting ties because he didn't love a woman Ace approved of. Deuce built his own company that is essentially a rival to his father's, hoping to someday enact revenge. With Ace having late-stage cancer, Trey jumps at the chance to manipulate her way into getting controlling interest in Devereaux, Inc. Jeremiah looks up to Ace as a mentor and father figure, and wants to honor that legacy not just by protecting the company, but taking on his last name as well. This puts Jeremiah and Trey at odds from the start, even if Jeremiah isn't aware of Trey's initial motives.

The characters live an upscale kind of life, but still carry the Brooklyn, New York flair in their speech and behavior. It felt like I was back in the area, making me feel a bit nostalgic. This is at heart a book about family and romantic love, and the scars left through generations when communication is lost. I appreciated seeing that, and that those who do wrong don't get a free pass. All of the characters in the book have to learn and grow to reach their happily ever after together, and I was cheering them on all the way through.

[Aly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Difficult for Trey Devereaux to believe that her estranged grandfather, the man who, decades ago, tossed his own son on the street for marrying the woman he loved, a woman the patriach didn't approve of, is the same man who pulled his now COO off the street and raised him like a son when Jeremiah Benton was sixteen. Learning all this, and meeting the two men herself while plotting to get revenge for her father and gain her grandfather's company suddenly become harder to do the more time she spend with them.

The author described this book as a Black Dynasty set in Brooklyn. A Very Intimate Take Over remind us that it's never too late to forgive the past, that sometimes, it takes more time to heal and that love will always taste better than revenge. Trey and Jeremiah mutual footwear addiction was a cute quirk. One of my favorite thing in the story was the men's interactions. Touching moments to witness between Jeremiah and Ace and Jeremiah with Trey's father too. Add to that a bold heroine with confidence and we're in business😉.

[Whit · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this captivating story of corporate, as well as, romantic espionage, deception and betrayal.

Both Trey and Jeremiah are super strong individuals but the irony is that Jeremiah Benton is more a Devereaux then those born with the Devereaux blood. And he is not about to let anyone, not even Trey Devereaux, hurt Ace, the man who rescued him from poverty, crime and living on the street.

What Jeremiah and Trey share is loyalty to Ace Devereaux, whose declining health is forcing him to choose a successor to his legacy. Someone that the rest of the family would HATE to see become the CEO of the company.

Awesome story!

[Leelynn (Sometimes Leelynn Reads) ❤ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to Harlequin Desire, Netgalley and LaQuette for this free copy. All quotes in this review are taken from the Advanced Reader Copy and may change in final publication.

A lot of the other corporate romances tropes that I’ve read in the past would usually have the male MC be the super rich one. So, it was such a great change to see that in this novel, our rich corporate character is our female MC, Trey Devereaux. Don’t let the name fool you, as I know that at first glance I thought Trey was possibly a guy, but nope! This is the granddaughter of the owner of Devereaux Inc., a billion dollar Brooklyn legacy. Shout out to Black generational wealth!


In this story, our male MC Jeremiah Benton happens to be second in command of Devereaux Inc., so he’s also up there in control but not related to the family. However, since he is second in command and has a fierce protective feeling over the company and the patriarch of the family, he isn’t sure about Trey, especially since it seems like her father isn’t as sure of her business savvy as we would like.

Despite the two being at odds, and their competition nature when it comes to the company, they have some pretty intense interactions that I adore in the office romance trope. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series and see if we get to take a peek into how Trey and Jeremiah are doing after this one.

[Richelle Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Harlequin Publicity Team for my review copy.


Trey was ruthless and took no mess in the board room. She checked anyone who tried to come for her crown. Jeremiah was secure as a man and didn’t want her to tone down and I loved the way he supported her throughout the story. The story is set in NYC which is refreshing as most of these kind of stories take place in a small town. This story has a theme about forgiveness and family. Letting go grudges and holding yourself accountable for your actions and words. I do look forward to reading the next book in this series.

[Amy Ingalls · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick, fun read. I loved that Trey was a strong, unapologetic woman unafraid to go after what she wanted. I also loved the relationship between Jeremiah and Ace, and the scenes in which Jeremiah and Deuce, let go of their anger for Ace. All in all, this book reminded me of why I used to love Harlequin Romances.

I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway.

[BossyLadi · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great book. It's a workplace romance but it's so much more. It was like watching a Black Dynasty with all the drama but also a beautifully written description of forgiveness and healing family wounds. I throughly enjoyed this read.

[Anita White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Right My Wrongs

From meeting the Devereaux I was hooked because of the lessons both father and son passed down to Trey. Then to see Ace even on his deathbed still be smarter than everyone in the room.

[Harlequin Books]

Categories
Contemporary Romance, African American & Black Romance
Miniseries
Devereaux Inc. (Book #1)

[Momma Says: To Read or Not to Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Very Intimate Takeover is such a great title for this book, but it's also a little bit deceiving. From the title and cover, which is also fabulous, I would've expected a sexy romance with chemistry and heat, but this is so much more than that. This first in the Devereaux Inc. series is a romance, but it's also a story about family and all the messy emotion that goes with it. Then it's a story about business and getting even for past wrongs, but you know what they say about the best laid plans. This is one of those books that once started, you may as well plan on finishing because you aren't putting it down willingly. At least I didn't. Now, I just have to hang in there and wait for book 2 because I really want more of these characters and this family, messy as they are.

[Happily Ever After Romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed at Happily Ever After Romance

If I had to pick just one word to describe the opening title in the Devereaux, Inc. series… it would be intense. Followed quickly by hot, sultry, sizzling, and full of choices that no one knows if they are the right or wrong ones being made… but that’s not going to stop anyone from going in full throttle on this romance or these decisions. A Very Intimate Takeover captivated me from the opening gambit and never let go until Jeremiah and Trey had their future (together) under wraps.

To start with that cover is delicious, and I cannot express strongly enough how relieved I am to finally begin seeing beautiful women who are not a size 0 shown as our heroine. Real women often have curves, and they can (and do) look hot and beautiful while showing off those curves. That’s a soapbox for another time. But the couple on that cover shout power, and those are the images of Trey and Jeremiah that I took with me throughout their story so never doubt that covers do have an influence on readers.

Family is the one thing in life that can draw us together or separate us across an unreachable divide. Trey knows this firsthand as her father, Deuce, has been estranged from his father, Ace, for her entire life. When Ace didn’t approve of the woman her father chose to love, to marry, to raise a child with… well, her father broke away from the family business and built his own empire. The only thing left for Deuce is the complete destruction of his father’s legacy – and that is within reach but not exactly the way he’d always planned it.

No, Trey has another plan, one that practically guarantees that her father’s desires will be wrapped up in one impulsive play on her part. Too bad that things got emotional along the way when she begins to see two sides to the story as her grandfather becomes a real person in her eyes, or the man she’s falling for so hard is everything she could ever want in a man but will he want her once he’s learned what she has in store for her grandfather’s company. I liked Trey so much. She’s stubborn, confident, and sure of her path until emotions get involved, and the people and their reactions get real, and she’s fighting for not only the right thing but her chance at the love of her life as well. She’s real, she’s never lost her sense of who she is – but right now that sense of security in self might be in question when faced with the possible loss of Jeremiah.

I adored Jeremiah. He was taken in by Ace and had his life turned around at an age when it would have been so easy for him to slip through the cracks. He’s a loyal, committed man and he will always have Ace’s back no matter what happens. He’s also sexy, stubborn, and down-to-earth. He’ll be faced with decisions, with troubles along the way, but once again family is going to be a deciding factor in everyone’s eventual happiness.

A Very Intimate Takeover is a rollercoaster of a story that will lift you up to the heights and crash you down to the depths as well before a happy ending can be found for this couple. Now the wait to see what comes at us next. If you love a good story full of family (in all of their exasperations), a believable couple, and a sizzling romance then you’ll want to get started on the Devereaux, Inc. series right now.

I own a Kindle edition of this title.

[Aisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trey grew up in the middle of a family war. Her father and grandfather had been separated for years when the patriarch decided to disinherit his son when he married a woman of humble origins (Trey’s mother). As an adult, Trey has done everything in her power to take over her grandfather’s company in revenge. Then something unexpected comes up: her grandfather, Ace, is seriously ill and the second in command at Deveraux Incorporated writes to Deuce, Trey’s father, to notify him about it. But it has another motive: to Deuce or his daughter take back their place in the family business. Trey seizes this opportunity to achieve the long-awaited revenge, but she encounters a great obstacle: the oh-so-sexy second in command, Jeremiah Benton, who will protect Ace and his legacy with all his powers, as well as the growing attraction that arises among them.

This book is LaQuette’s debut in Harlequin Desire; the first one I read about her, by the way. And I hope I could continue reading more (especially from this series), because she’s a natural storyteller. The touch of sarcasm that she brings to the dialogues and the high knowledge of the subject she talks about add huge points to the plot. Likewise, it’s always a pleasure to have well-described scenarios, emphasizing the setting. Also, I love LaQuette’s fashion sense. And pancakes.

FULL REVIEW HERE:
https://harlequinjunkie.com/review-a-...

Another review written for Harlequin Junkie. Thanks for your trust.

[Cheryl Jamai · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Very Intimate Takeover is book one in Laquette’s new series: Devereaux, Inc. Jordan Devereaux III, better known as Trey, is on a mission to take over her estranged Grandfather’s company before he knows what hit him. She’s a shrewd business woman. Jeremiah Benton was taken in by Jordan “Ace” Devereaux when he was sixteen. Now, he’s the second in command at Devereaux, Inc. His goal is to bring the Devereaux family together in order to save the company.

Jeremiah orchestrated the first meeting with Deuce to discuss business. He is shocked, and also pleasantly surprised to see the curvy and confident woman standing before him instead. After a lot of flirting, he realizes Trey is there on behalf of her father. He tries to keep it professional, but it is too late at that point. There is a spark between these two for sure. Trey is drawn to Jeremiah and his piercing brown eyes. She is only interested in getting physically involved with Jeremiah so things won’t get complicated. Beyond the physical, they have a connection that Jeremiah has not experienced before. They also have a lot in common, including their love of “Air Jordans”.

The more time Trey spends with Ace, the more she tries to make things right; but will things backfire? In the end, her Grandfather knows what’s best. A Very Intimate Takeover is a fitting title for the first book in the Devereaux, Inc. series, and I highly recommend it.

[Beyond the Pages with Eva K · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick Summary: A Love-is-Found Romance

My Review: A Very Intimate Takeover by LaQuette was an interesting read. It was like a soap opera in book form. You had an elderly patriarch who was on the outs with his offspring, a driven grand who needed to prove herself, a caregiver who wanted to protect the man who was his mentor, and a raving relative who wanted to stage a hostile takeover, no matter the cost.

The main characters in this story were Jeremiah and Trey. These two career focused individuals were loyal to those they loved. When they were brought together due to a family crisis, they took notice of each other. Savvy chic, yet down for real, these would be rivals crossed a line that led to forever.

Rating: 2.75/5
Recommend: +
Audience: A

#libraryfind

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trey Deveraux wanted to prove to her father Deuce that she was an exceptional leader and negotiator. Deuce was estranged from his father Ace and wanted Trey to find a way to take over his company. Ace was very close to his second in command Jeremiah Benton. Jeremiah thought of Ace as the father and family he never had. He sent a request to Deuce to meet this his father. Trey intercepted the letter and went to meet the grandfather she never knew. She found someone who she was immediately drawn to. Ace was not ogre her father made him out to be. It was interesting book about a powerful but dysfunctional family. I did enjoy the book.

[Latesha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Savvy Trey is going to make her absentee paternal grandfather Ace sorry he disowned his son and pregnant daughter-in-law by taking what he values most: his company. Dedicated foster son Jeremiah will do anything to make Ace's last days as smooth as possible. When he tries to reunite father and son, he gets Trey instead and sparks fly between them. Jeremiah introduces Trey to the family she has been long denied and her feelings start to change. Can she find a way to get revenge without sacrificing her new-found family and love? Or will she crash and burn? Loved how family was an important aspect to both Trey and Jeremiah in this story and what they were willing to do make things right.

[Kate Vale · Rating 4 out of 5]

First in the Devereaux Inc. series, in which Trey Devereaux engages in a scheme to take over the business currently run by her grandfather, in order to prove to her father that she deserves to be viewed as the rightful CEO of his company, too. But when she meets with her grandfather's 2nd in command, that particular COO changes Trey's focus from all-business to business plus romance, if not true love.

The question then becomes who--or what--will win out and can she ever get her father and grandfather back together before the elder gentleman dies of cancer?

[Felicia Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really authentic read. Unlike other Harlequins, I could really get a feel of the setting. I loved the fact that the heroine was a strong businesswoman, not some simpering assistant who was getting taken advantage of like too many in this genre. Her confidence didn't throw the hero off but drew him in the moment she walked into the bar. Oh and did I forget to say she's a plus-size sistah?!

I've already pre-ordered the next book in the series.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just love when the love interest is immediately smitten in a novel, instalove doesn't bother me at all! Their problems were never really how they felt about each other. The FMC wore white leggings and pink sneakers in one part and that really bothered me for some reason, just not what I would expect a beautiful woman to even want to wear but I also just hate white leggings so it's a "me" problem.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Takeover

I previously read this book and it is still an excellent read. Trey, a strong, confident, intelligent and loving woman (a boss). Jeremiah, intelligent, street and business savvy, that have a heart of gold. Ace, Deuce, strong family that works to overcome hate and return it to love. Excellent read.

[KAREN MCCRAW · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed it

I loved Trey and Jeremiah story with the Devereaux family dynamics. Laquette is a good story teller and I look forward to reading more. Already pre ordered the rest of the series.

[Erica · Rating 4 out of 5]

outstanding

This was such a great introduction to this new series. I absolutely loved the dynamic between Trey & Jeremiah and the relationship established between Trey and Ace. Can’t wait to read the rest of the series, I know Martha isn’t finished yet. #cillasbookmaniacs

[Yolanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book! Trey and Jeremiah’s chemistry was palatable and sizzling. I didn’t care for Aunt Martha but I was hoping to learn more about her issues with Ace. Maybe in the next book. I’m glad Ace and Deuce mended their relationship. Great read!

[Shaundra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hot and Fast Paced

I loved this book! It was like watching a season of Dynasty with a Black Brooklyn twist. The family revenge plot combined with a hot instant attraction made for soapy, passionate goodness. This was my first LaQuette book but definitely not my last.

[Keri · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy from a Goodreads giveaway.

I liked this book. It has a good storyline and plenty of story. Not too much sex like this genre would normally have.

The characters were likable and seemed very "real".

I'd read the sequel.

[Nylorac1984 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so taken with LaQuette's Devereaux family love story. LaQuette weaved a tale that speaks to the legacy of building something for your family,  the war of love and pride and the importance of cherishing those you love. A beautiful romance with hints of Romeo and Juliet and The Prodigal Son.

[Myrlita Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read