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The Newton Family #2

Heated: A Strummed Spin-Off

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After stepping out on her own, ignoring the negative criticism of her past, Jennifer Newton has become a sought after chef. All seems to be going well until every choice she has made for her life comes into question.



Kadeem Harris found himself at a crossroads four years ago when Jen told him she was pregnant. It doesn’t help that she is two years younger than him and also his best friend’s sister. He is given two choices, either step up or get lost. Leaving isn’t an option, so Kadeem makes the needed changes in order to take care of his child.



Co-parenting is a breeze between Kadeem and Jennifer, until one day the family he was afraid to have is threatened. His heart is in the same predicament when the lines they’ve built become a little blurry. Will Jen and Kadeem be able to work through all the criticism and realize what’s best for them, or will they allow the opinions of others and self-doubt hinder their possibilities?

303 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 19, 2023

80 people are currently reading
121 people want to read

About the author

Iesha Bree

49 books211 followers
If you haven't read a novel by Iesha Bree, you can expect to read about bold independent women and Smooth, Charming Men ready to mend broken hearts. Each novel penned to heal and show each woman they're worthy of love.
 
I am an Indie Author! So be on the lookout for that!! Cover Designer, and reader. I have been reading all types of books by many different authors for years and I just love the idea of love so I decided I should share what I dream and hope to have someday! I'm also a military brat, so I always have this itch to travel to a new place that's another one of my passions.

I have a book club if you're interested in getting sneak peeks to my new books, as well as participate in deep book discussions, and my character introductions to new series! lookup

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5 stars
240 (71%)
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71 (21%)
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22 (6%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
Profile Image for ReadnliftwithShar.
1,857 reviews
July 6, 2023
loveeee!

Heated was good! I figured Jen & Kadeem would figure things out, though it took time and effort. The chemistry was overflowing on the pages. I loved that they had a healthy coparenting relationship and they were genuinely supportive of one another. The updates on the previous characters was appreciated. I love how the author shined the spotlight on fathers that are involved and postpartum depression in women. It was an overall great read for me. Tru, Rocko, and Deem were so protective and I loved that for the women. 🫶🏾
Profile Image for Lisette.
609 reviews42 followers
January 21, 2023
Loved it

Jennifer about wore me out for a little while, but she came along just fine.
Now Kadeem on the other hand?!?!?! That man! That man! I love him. He has been redeemed. I love the growth and maturity. The way he never denied his shortcomings and continued to strive to be better as a man and father. He deserves everything good.
This was a beautiful redemption story. I'm so glad to see the healing that took place on the pages. Very well written story.
Profile Image for TrueBookJunkie.
640 reviews16 followers
January 20, 2023
Well, I wasn’t sure if she could do it, but Iesha Bree gave an amazing redemption story because babbbby…. Kadeem had me skeptical! It’s hard to believe I actually fell in love with him, and although she is petty and childish at times, I’ve always loved Jen, so seeing them get it right the second time around was beautiful!
I honestly can’t express how much I loved this book. If this is how Iesha Bree is kicking off 2023, I need to go ahead and buckle up! This story gave everything, and the chance to reconnect with past characters made the read more enjoyable. Yes… Rocko is still bae, but unbelievably Kadeem is a close second🤷🏾‍♀️🤦🏾‍♀️
I’m always here for a second chance love story, but this book felt more like a best friend to lovers, which is even better because the way Jen and Kadeem loved each other was everything. I’m now looking forward to what’s next from this author because she has set the bar high!

Profile Image for Jada Wade.
132 reviews9 followers
January 23, 2023
Heated was 🔥🔥🔥🔥

This author knows how to write a story okayyyy!!! I mean storylines and the Apple Music playlists are always on point! I was glad that it was more to Jen and Kadeem story because I just knew it wasn’t over for them two during Strummed. I loved the follow up for Tru and Harlin and Rocko and Laine as well. These were my favorite characters to date that this author wrote about. I definitely know how to spoil a book 🤣 so before I do that I will end it here. Just know y’all need to go read Heated! If you haven’t read Strummed them read that one before this book.
Profile Image for Monae Nicole.
Author 76 books190 followers
September 21, 2023
Redemption

I loved the growth of Jen and Kadeem. They coparented well, and tried to date other people, but they were made for each other. They had a couple obstacles to get over, but they made it. Jen was crazy for what she did, lol. You have to read it see for yourself. I loved catching up with the other couples. I loved how Tru dealt with Harlin's postpartum depression. I also loved the bond between the group, and how protective the guys were over each girl. Can't wait to read Rocko's book.
Profile Image for Shahtia Gay-hairston.
3,433 reviews26 followers
January 21, 2023
Heated

Good read! I know this was about Kadeem’s redemption but I don’t remember him being so bad in Strummed so I don’t really know how far he came. I loved the man he was in Heated❤️ it’s funny how Jen is the female firecracker 🧨 version of Tru!
Profile Image for Synthia Littleton.
495 reviews16 followers
February 26, 2023
Really good

I loved the how the heroine and hero loved each other. I loved all of the relationships between the characters. 1 scene hit me unexpectedly the same between the hero and the herion's mom was so special. It really made my heart feel good. Great plot,good dialogue, just the right amount of drama. I enjoyed this series. This is a great read.
20 reviews1 follower
April 23, 2023
Great Read!!

Man this storyline will take you on a rollercoaster of emotions but so worth the read!! I love the way that it basically shows that sometimes we can get in our own way. From the beginning, you can tell that Kadeem and Jen felt strongly for each other but were willing to let each other be happy elsewhere initially. Now Carter had me ready to find his tail when Jen walked in on his mess! Then Mia with her insecurities got on my last nerve and I almost did a happy dance when Kadeem was just over it!

You can tell Kadeem was a good man at heart by the way he never left Angela even though she didn’t deserve to have him or his heart. I was proud of her turn around though. Jen had me ready to cuss her out with the stunt she pulled. Talk about a twist! She really was in her own head and in her own way.

It was great to see more from the rest of the gang. I so love Tru. He always gives it straight no chaser. Anyway, you’ve got to read it!! Enjoy!
235 reviews
September 25, 2025
Omg. Jen worked my nerves in this one. Baby girl if you grown, why are you behaving like this knowing you’re moving wrong?!! Kadeem grew up from the first novel and was giving grown man energy even when Miss Jen was acting up. I love how the two coparented and were just so perfect together without even trying. By the end, they are married and awaiting the arrival of baby #2.

We see more of Tru & Harlin. Tru who continues to be hilariously unhinged, but we also get Tru the father and husband. Harlin battles a bit of PPD which we see early on but with the support system and therapy she moves through it.

We find Laine and Rocko in this one too. The couple is trying to get pregnant and find the miracle of things happening at the right time. By the epilogue the couple has welcomed a set of twin girls who behave like their father (quiet but sneaky lol) We see a new Rocko or should I say a different side to Rocko as the Reaper. Excited to wrap up this family in book 3.

This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for DeShayla Denson.
16 reviews
April 14, 2025
Okayyy sis, let me tell you, this book right here? Whew, chile. Iesha Bree did NOT come to play with Heated! From the very first page, I was locked in like my bonnet on wash day. This book had me clutchin’ my imaginary pearls one minute and cheesin’ like a fool the next.

The drama? Real. The tension? Realer. And the way Iesha writes? She got a way with words that’s just smooth and raw at the same time. Like, she be mixin’ hood love with real emotion, not that fake fairytale stuff, but that “ride for you, cry for you, might pull up on somebody for you” kinda love. And I’m not mad at it at all.

If you love a good urban romance with heat, heart, and a lil hood spice, Heated is the one. Add it to the cart, sis. Matter fact, add the whole series, ’cause I already know Rocked is about to rock my world🤣
Profile Image for DOMINIQUE Davis.
497 reviews29 followers
January 23, 2023
Kadeem has been Redeemed

I came into this one not knowing what to expect but from the last book I knew I wanted more from Jen and Kadeem and this satisfied what I needed. I knew from they day Kadeem and Tru talked in that studio there was much more to Jen and Kadeem’s story. While Jen irked me because she was immature the growth from Kadeem was just what I hoped. That man was all about his family even his mother even though she showed nothing but hatred for him. This book also touched on postpartum depression which is a common issue that moms go through. I felt as though it was handled well and I loved the way Tru handled Harlin’s depression. He stepped up. Rocko was still solid. Definitely a new fan.
Profile Image for Tomorrow Mims.
67 reviews
October 20, 2025
This was good!

When I read the reviews, I was confused on why we were supposed to be mad at Jen. LOL. Her get cha back game is over the top that’s all! She was 22, she is still young and made some decisions she had to pay for in the end. I am happy even with all that, she had a great village behind her.
Kadeem! He is the newest book bae for me. What I appreciated from him was him knowing himself and being honest. He knew he wasn’t ready to be the man Jen deserved so he fell back. When the time was right, he became everything she needed and more. His story of his upbringing broke my heart but he never used that as an excuse to be crazy.
While I am glad to had heard their story, I am sad we won’t get anymore updates on them. 😩 Their story was wrapped up well though.
Profile Image for Tisha.
1,237 reviews
November 6, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️

Again, overall I enjoyed Kadeem and Jen. Kadeem was definitely redeemed from this appearance in book 1. If anything I felt sympathy for him. Which made the position Jen put him in worse and also how Tru treated him worse.

Grammatical errors were a lot less, but the closing of the loop still was an issue for me. For example, the Carter situation didn’t make sense. And also, the Mia thing. The author said within the past few months she started having an issue with him and Jen. But why? It just didn’t add up.

I know there’s another book, but I think I’m done with these characters. Tru will only get worse 🙄😂
Profile Image for Ashanti Burton.
646 reviews13 followers
October 2, 2025
Good read. Great character development for Khadeem cuz he was so annoying in book one. Second chance romance. Started off as a forbidden romance. Jen was his best friend’s little sister. At the time Khadeem had a lot of maturing to do, but after the birth of their son, co-parenting was the only goal. Years down the line both their relationships crumble. Add a lil forced proximity and the chemistry just can’t be denied. Overall I enjoyed this. I’m not sure how I feel with so many povs yet everyone gets their own book. One couple is just a lil more focal but it’s still 6 povs every book. I liked it so give it a try.
98 reviews1 follower
January 28, 2023
Enjoy the shenanigans

I was not sure how this would go given how immature Kadeem and Jen were in book one. But…Kadeem for sure showed himself hella improved from the beginning and Jen…took a little more time. Their turnaround was worth reading this book but when you add the continuation of that crazy team of Tru and Harlin, Rocko and Laine, it was just awesome. There were some out of nowhere moments that may give you whiplash but somehow it still fits into the shenanigans of the group. Good read.
Profile Image for LaChante Anderson.
509 reviews7 followers
July 10, 2024
Second Chance Romance!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️|🌶️🌶️🌶️.75
The series keeps getting better! 😩 this is now one of my top Iesha Bree’s books! Kadeem really redeemed himself and stepped up in ways I didn’t know he could do!

The story had love, action, and other things that can be triggering to other readers, but it’s written so well! I also loved the hints of the King series details in the story.

Everyone needs to read this story! It’s a quick read that’s really easy to follow, but have so many great moments and characters! 💖
Profile Image for Renada Boddie.
201 reviews15 followers
March 27, 2025
The Newton Family

The character growth in this book was incredible! All three couples had amazing development, but Tru’s transformation was especially striking—he did a complete 180, except when provoked. I was so glad to see Jen and Kadeem finally get things right. The mom was the most surprising to me. As for Rocko and Laine, their relationship almost seems too perfect—there has to be more to their story, and I can’t wait to see what’s next. I’m absolutely loving this series!”
Profile Image for 'The Book Queen'.
6,001 reviews108 followers
January 22, 2023
A second chance

Although I enjoyed this second chance love story, Jen was so childish and annoying with her antics. Tru was her brother who acted like her father most of the time, however, in most cases, Jen did not give him a choice. I was happy Kadeem did not let Jen's last act of lousy thinking pull him away from her and their son. Rocko, Tru, Harlin, and Laine's stories added the cool points in the story. Overall the story was a solid 3.85....
112 reviews
January 27, 2023
I Loved I Loved I Loved



I can't believe that I am at the end of this book. This story was so good I didn't want it to come to a end. It was a beautiful love story between Kareem and Jen. I also like to see the old characters from the first book Strummed, if you haven't read the first book you should read it first, Mrs. Bree you have done it again, I can't wait to read the next book you come out with.








Profile Image for Ondria  Bacon.
554 reviews3 followers
January 31, 2023
My, My, My

All I can say is Iesha put her heart and soul in these 2 books. I thought Tru and Harlin were more than I could take but Jen and Kadeem had me trying to stay awake and read the whole book without stopping.
Not to take anything from Rocko and Laine. Because they were the truth also.
I don’t do spoilers. If you like love, excitement and a bit of sadness the Newron Family books are awesome. They both deserve 5+ stars.

Happy Reading!
715 reviews
February 23, 2023
Vickie J

Ok this book was so goooood, Tru was off the chain always himself not going to change for no one.. Rocko quiet but deadly... Keem finally grew up and became the man he needed to be. Harlin, Laine and Jen helped them to become the men they became, I was glad Angela got herself together and poor Carter.. it is what it is. If you have not read a book by Iesha Bree please do.😍😍
Profile Image for Geri.
1,195 reviews6 followers
March 20, 2023
Didn’t hate it, but didn’t love it either

Heated: A Strummed Spin-Off was just alright. In the last book, Jen was a pregnant teen and this book we get to see her several years later as an adult. For me this agility just didn’t pull me in or make me believe Jen and Kadeem were meant for each other. Instead they just felt like two people who had an oops baby and then decided to be together for the sake of their kid.
Profile Image for Verlana Munn.
2,026 reviews40 followers
March 24, 2023
When You Know What Is Good For You, You Get It!

Iesha Bree, oh my such a great read. I love the Mature Kadeem. He really turned his whole life around. Kaden had such a great influence on his choices he made in life now. To see Tru still crazy but in such a good way. To see Jen realize before it was too late to learn to pick her battles. To see Angela open up was very emotional for me. Such A great read🤗🤗🤗🤗
Profile Image for Helen Clark.
1,056 reviews4 followers
April 1, 2023
Growing up

What a butt whooping and the birth of a child can do to you, to make you change your life.

Past traumas has a way of making you make bad decisions and betraying lifelong relationships. But with forgiveness, loyalty and love things can turn around.
.
This story had so much action, serious moments. I was in awe of Kadeem's mother's attitude towards him. I wanted to put hands in her, but in the end everything came together.

Magnificent read!
1,197 reviews10 followers
September 17, 2023
Awesome

The Newton saga continues and all of the couples were beautifully matched! More than happy that Kadeem was able to redeem himself, Kaden brought out the best in him and Tru and Rocko were the ultimate set of friends. The families grew and I knew that Kadeem's mama had to make a change and she did. Young love is hard, but doing grown folks stuff will cause you to grow up quickly, Jen grew up and was more than mature for her age! Loved the epilogue!
918 reviews
July 28, 2024
Kadeem came a long way from book one! It was awesome to see his growth! He did not have a great childhood for reasons unknown to him, so he acted how some people expected him to act.

Here’s Jen in her own way thinking she’s competing with her own brother, but she’s the only one he thought so! She had to learn the hard way based on some decisions she made that could have been detrimental to a loved one.

Rocko called him the grim Reaper LOL 😂. It’s the quiet ones.
Profile Image for Patrice Latimore.
619 reviews
July 31, 2025
When I thought that Kadeem was immature it became very apparent that they were both you g and immature. The growth that Kadeem went through was admirable but that Jen wanted so bad to be grown while still acting like a teenager. Tru treating her the way he did said a lot about his character. Those wives could have thrown her a bone and let her know she wasn’t the grown women she portrayed herself to be. All in all this was a good spin off. Can’t wait to read about my silent crush Rocko.
420 reviews1 follower
January 24, 2023
Love them

I'm beyond excited about this book and it definitely didn't disappoint. I read strummed again first just so I can flow into this one. I love me some of everybody especially Tru and Harlin and they kids. I really hope down the line more will come from them. Bravo on another great read.
Profile Image for Carolyn King.
2,443 reviews42 followers
January 31, 2023
So Good

I am so happy Kadeem finally got himself together. Jen will always be the woman for him. Jen grew up a whole lot also. Being parents made them really change. I am so happy they are together. It was good seeing Tru still being his crazy self. I hope we can get updates on these families. Very good book.
Profile Image for Chandra Shinholster.
338 reviews3 followers
July 20, 2023
Jen &Deem

It was nice to see grown up Jen and how she overcame teen pregnancy. She didn’t let it stop her goals and I really liked how her and Kadeem coparented first and tried other relationships. I don’t feel like they would have made it to that point had they been in a relationship when they were younger. It showed great character growth for both of them.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews

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