"Look me in my eyes. If you really think I did this shit, then leave. Don’t walk down that aisle. I’ll handle this on my own." Dom
“I’m doing this for my family and our reputation not for you.” Zoree
At a young age, Dom Kincaid thought he had met the girl of his dreams, Zoree Boudreaux. However, fate had other plans. Forced apart, their lives travel down different path until those paths cross years later.
Forced together out of necessity, the two have to perpetuate the ultimate commitment, marriage.
Will the arrangement give the two a second chance at love? Or will the past that separated them keep them apart?
To protect their families, the arrangement began but the true question is how will it end…
Charity Shane’ is a USA Today Best-selling author. She holds a Bachelor degree and a Juris Doctor degree. She’s an Author, Higher Education Leader, Legal Expert., and Creative.
Writing stories that create feelings through her words is her true passion. To date, she has published many books, traditional and indie, including a USA Today Best Seller and a number of Amazon best sellers. She has been featured in Entertainment Weekly and Woman’s World Magazine for her traditionally published book, A Novel Christmas.
Her soul sings Black romance and Black Women’s fiction.
Why did I wait so long to read this book?!!! I love me a drama filled marriage of convivence, and Spousal Privilege did not disappoint. Zoree and Dom are no strangers to each other. These two have history. They fell in love at the tender age of 15 and 17 and had their entire future mapped out then, one day, Zoree was just gone with no explanation. Heartbroken, Dom is forced to move on with life without the love of his life. Fast forward eleven years later and, events that transpired at her 21st birthday party have come back to bite them in the azz. In order to save Dom from possibly going to jail and both their family's reputation he and Zoree, begrudgingly, agree to marry each other. Even with the secrets from their past and the mistrust, the love and attraction are still there. 24 hours after their fake I dos, Dom was blowin’ Zoree’s back out and she quickly agrees to give their marriage a real chance. Everything is going great for the love birds but, their relationship with their parents not so much. Both Zoree and Dom have horrible fathers. Richard and Big Dom are tied for Trash Azz Father of the Year but, if I had to pick and choose, Big Dom is definitely comin’ out on top. Listen, anyone who’s bold enough to pull up to their wife’s repast with his side bytch then, parade the side bytch around his wife’s house in front of his sons with no shame is a winner in my eyes. You got it Big Dom. Spousal Privilege was such a good book. It was overflowing with love, sisterhood and brotherhood. I just loved how Zoree and Dom fell back in love with each other so organically and they were finally able to get the HEA that was stolen from them. If you haven’t read this book, I highly recommend you add it to your end of the year TBR.
The LOVE was in abundance in this book! My goodness!! 🥰🥰 The love Marjorie had for her boys, the love these brothers had for each other, the love Zoree and Kya had for each other and MOST IMPORTANTLY the love Dom and Zoree had for each other. I absolutely love the way Charity writes the love connection between her characters. This was pure magic.
This was an arranged marriage with a twist that I absolutely enjoyed. Usually the two are strangers and learn to love each other along the way. This was not the case for Dom and Zoree. These two were in love from the ages of 15 and 17. They would spend countless hours telling their dreams, goals and aspirations to each other and nothing was going to stand in their way. Unfortunately Zoree’s father had other plans. After Zoree seemingly up and disappeared without a trace Dom has vowed that no one else was deserving of his heart.
Fast forwarding a few years later and their paths cross in a way they never imagined. In an effort to allegedly save their family’s reputations, Zoree and Dom are forced to get married. It was rocky in the beginning because emotions were high surrounding their initial split as well as the terms of the marriage but once the love overpowered everything else, nothing else mattered. These two were EVERYTHING!! Do you hear me?! EV👏🏽ERY👏🏽THING. The way they loved and nurtured and catered to and spoiled each other was so refreshing to read about. I could have read their story FOREVER!
Zoree and Dom had two of the worst fathers I’ve read about. I mean straight TRASH! they really should’ve been blown up in a building lol. I hope they grow up old and lonely with no one to care for them and they rot away in a basement 😒.
I loved the developing love between Kya and Blaise and would love more depth from them in a spin off maybe 🤞🏽 also I’d love to see something happen with Monae and Just as well. It seems like they both have their lives in order so the only thing left is for the love to continue to flow! I HIGHLY recommend this book!
I Absolutely loved the development of this story…..there were a few timeline inconsistencies with Zoree….BUT, it didn’t take from the story…This story was packed with so much. The relationship between the brothers Just, Blaise & Dom was amazing….I loved how the younger brothers encouraged their older brother to get himself together and the two of the also helped with his prison transition. Blaise met the person he wanted to change and be a better person for…Blaise & Kya’s relationship was the comic relief for the story….although it was still filled with love. The main couple’s connect was experienced from the start of the book. Although, both of their fathers were trash, both Dom & Zoree had beautiful spirits The love these two had for one another really made this story for me. This is my second book from Charity, and I must say….I am pleased…I love that there’s not a tremendous amount of drama…just enough….I’m definitely going to make my way through her catalog.
5⭐️ This book was BEAUTIFUL 😍 A second chance at Love /arranged marriage trope about Dom and Zoree, who first met & fell in love as teenagers. Due to unforeseen and unknown circumstances Zoree abruptly left town, leaving a seventeen year old Dom hurt & angry. Almost 16 years later, after a previous murder that they are both presumed witness to,they are practically forced into marriage.
➡️While neither had plans to be in this predicament (well, sort of🤭); the love they shared was undeniable, which carried them through this marriage 💕 (and written all throughout this book😊) Truly, they could NOT get enough of each other & Dom gave THEE BEST book Husband vibes (his wife came before any & everybody) 🥰
🫶🏽Not only do we witness the love between Dom & Zoree, we are also introduced to love between best friends, and brothers- which was so beautifully displayed.
🎯This story was so well written, not full of fluff and unnecessary dialogue. ✨Love, grief, forgiveness, and triumphs are what this book stands on.
I most definitely look forward to reading the next book in this series & would love a follow up book on Dom & Zoree❤️
Ma'am this is the one! I enjoyed the teenage love between Dom and Zoree, then she was gone with no explanation! What happened and why did her father ban her from coming back? Poor Dom was heartbroken, but his love for Zoree remained! When these two are in each other's orbit again years later, although awkward, you knew that the love was still strong between them! Then here comes the ish, and they are pushed together as their only option, to save their families! However, this was just the blessing that Dom was looking for to have his woman back! Dom loved Zoree something serious, and he showed and proved it to her, as often as possible! Zoree tried to resist, but she had no will power against BDE Dom! These two were just adorable! ❤ I'm so glad that they were able to get their second chance at love. Kya was a damn mess! But, would love to have a bestie down for me like her! She put it on Blaise and turned him all the way out! Would love to see them have their own story. Now Richard and Mr. Kincaid were trash! I mean no remorse for any of the bull ish they did to their families! Ughh..... Especially that Richard! He needs to be handled!🤬 Can Just find someone to love, now that he has gotten himself together? I can see him being a big teddy bear! I really enjoyed this read! Great job! 👍👍👍
Zoree and Dom have been in love with each other since they were teenagers. Do to an unfortunate event Zoree is sent to NY and away from Dom. Zoree comes back for her 21st birthday due to a incident they are apart once again. Dom is accused of murder in order to help him him and Zoree have to get married. Even though it was an arranged marriage Zoree and Dom stated they was going we’re going to marry since young. I loved them realizing the time apart was just that and the love was still there.
CHARITY SHANE What is a fake marriage trope without forced proximity. Zoree and Dom's romance was strengthened by their shared past. Dom assured Zoree of his devotion whenever he could, and he definitely knew what he wanted. They were good together, but I thought they needed to connect more. In some circumstances, Zoree did presume the worst. They both, I believe, needed to improve their communication. I adored the interaction between Just, Blaise and Dom alone. I thought the family drama and dysfunction struck a good balance. I didn't like the mother's attempts to make the children accept what their father had done to her just because she had. I thought the Blaise and Kya relationship was adorable, and I secretly want to see more of them. Just needs a book about himself, his release from confinement, and his mental adjustment back into society. Zoree crying during that family dinner I’m like girl…. you knew it wouldn’t go right idk why she tried. The fathers were TRASH and I felt like they got off too easily.
The story itself was very good...predictable at certain places but flowed and read well. Dom was a real book bae he loved her from years back and it showed from the moment he got her back... the dads in this book are trash and as a representative of team daddy's girl they needed they butts kicked!! Sweet with a hint of emotions and finally finding love. Good read.
When I first saw the title, “Spousal Privilege”, I was intrigued. It doesn’t give much insight as to what the story is about. Dom & Zoree have history as teens but an unexpected departure left them both heartbroken. When the story begins, both characters have grown into their respective careers and crossing paths wasn’t on their radar. But a blast from the past threatens both characters and their families.
I liked the story a lot, it took me through the motions and at one point I cried big tears. The fake marriage trope has me in a chokehold and I thought the way it was portrayed in this story, was unique. It was very clear to me that Zoree & Dom had unresolved feelings for one another. The forced proximity and need to portray a happy married couple was spot on. It forced them to face their feelings and admit they were still in love. And in the end, I believed in their love, as well.
The story is heavy at times, lots of deep secrets, and dysfunctional family dynamics are sprinkled throughout. It definitely captured my attention and had me on the edge wanting to see how things would turn out. I liked Zoree & Dom together, the way that they held each other down throughout the hard times. There was a few times that their communication lacked but they always came back to each other and I respect that. I loved Blaise & Kya!! They brought a good balance to the story, as well. I want to see Just find love; he deserves it. The brothers were each others keepers, their bond was everything! Both fathers had me heated the entire story!! I can’t even pinpoint who was worse, but I think Zoree’s dad wrote himself out of her life due to his actions. Overall, this was a good read for me, it was a little wordy at times and I did get lost in the time line- prior to the present day. I would recommend, it is not predictable and the author has some curveballs that I didn’t see coming.
** I received an unedited arc copy of this book for review. All thoughts are mine.
This was a good book, in the beginning I was like Zoree you are getting on my nerves with Dom and how she thought bad about him. Everyone needs a best friend like Kya because she called BS from the start. Dom and Zoree definitely had a lot of obstacles fighting for them not to be together but they stood strong with a great support system.
I definitely almost let a tear drop for momma Majorie and the reason Zoree was mad at Dom was dumb , he tried to come and talk and you didn’t want to 🤦🏾♀️🤦🏾♀️. Them daddies won’t shiddd 🤬 on so many levels. I believe they got off easy, I wanted more to happen to them. Maybe we will find out in the other books 👀👀👀👀. These twists and turns had my mouth dropping the whole book for sure.
Now Kya and Blaise I am here for their story 🥰. I’m even here to get Just story because I think he has a lot of emotions to get out! This is definitely a book that you will not want to put down.
4.5 ⭐️ So I took a lil longer to finish this one just because of time but I loved it. I love a book that has me invested. It’s a second chance romance with marriage of convenience. I love Dom down. Zoree was stressing me out at times lol. Why you let that DR tell him you were pregnant before. You should’ve done that. My heart broke for Dom but he still handled it by choosing to love up on her. My heart broke for 15 year old Zoree. I was so angry. You go to Texas to meet an unconfirmed aunt then faint and end up in the hospital. That dinner was a bad idea lol but I can kind of understand wanting to be family oriented. Their fathers were so toxic especially Dom’s. How your wife die and you bring your mistress to her house right after the funeral. Where her grieving children are. Like sir make it make sense. I hate that Zoree’s relationship with her unc is strained because he was always good to her. Now Kya and Blaise. They were super cute. I love when the man changes for her and stands on business cuz that waitress needed to catch these hands. They are too cute. I loved it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Charity Shane, This story was everything! It was suspenseful , heartwarming and full of twists and turns. 😂One while as I was about 85% through the book I started praying ..”please don’t let this end in a cliff hanger, I don’t think I can take it”😂😂😂. Ms.Shane, you knew exactly what you were doing as you wrapped Dom and Zorees Story up so perfectly.Those two had history that was deeper and longer than most knew about . In the beginning It seemed that each time they encountered each other something they had no control over caused them to be apart. And than from out of what seemed like nowhere their lives were brought together never to be the same again thanks to matters that were totally out of their control😮. Thank you for another very enjoyable read….I am hoping that Blasé and Just will get to share their stories as well ❤️❤️❤️
A second chance romance and arranged marriage? I’m always here for it! Zoree and Dom have a lot of history prior to the tragic night of Dom’s club opening. Little do both old them know that that night will forever tie them together. A lot of push and pull with the couple but when they were locked in nothing was coming between them. I’m not going to lie I wish Kia and Blaze book was separate because I felt it took away from the main characters story. Still moving on to the next book because Just was a lot in book 1!
What a roller coaster ride. Best ride I’ve ever taken. Ms. Shane put her all in this one. I fell in love with Dom and Zoree immediately. Had to cry a few tears but all in all this was EXCELLENT. NOPE, no,spoilers. Just know it is an awesome story with lots of twists and turns as you ride this coaster.
Arraigned marriage & second chance romance? I loved this down. Dom & Zoree were cute af from the beginning omg. & the spice ? Girlllll I just need 5 mins with that man 😭😭😭🤣
I don’t know who is sleeping on this writer because her books are made for TV. I could sit down on a Saturday and watch them like I did Bridgerton!!! The characters are just so plausible that I can just imagine each one.
UPDATE/AND A SEMI-SPOILER ALERT: It seems like October was the month of new authors at least according to Hoopla! 😅
I’m a little iffy on this one, though. I can’t tell if it was the narrator or the storyline that was aggravating me, but something just didn’t click.
Now, since I read this one, I went ahead and picked up Book Two, and I’ll be honest, I enjoyed that one a lot more.
But I totally forgot to mention one big thing: both of their fathers weren’t worth a damn. They got so caught up in their privileged lifestyles and were so far removed from their emotions that they completely detached from their families. And then Dom Sr. other woman 😡 (she had zero respect for herself—let alone for his wife and kids. The disrespect was wild).
I was so glad when the boys finally chose themselves and walked away from their fathers’ business and their drama. As for Zoree’s dad pure scum. Period.
I will be adding Charity to my author list.
SIDENOTE (aka “Don’t come for my stars!”): Just a quick heads-up my ratings are based on whether I’d reread the book or add it to my personal collection, not the quality of the story itself. So here’s how I roll:
5 🤩 = I’m obsessed with everything the storyline, the author, and the narrators! I read it yearly and own ALL the copies: physical, digital, and Audible. I can basically recite this book. It lives in my private library. 4 🌟 = Loved the story, the author, and the narrator (if it’s audio). I’d happily reread it when I need a solid comfort read. 3 ✨ = Enjoyed the story, the author, and definitely the narrators. A great addition to my yearly reading challenge likely to revisit if it’s part of a series I need to refresh.
Dom and Zoree had a real life true love story. They were teenage loves and due to unforeseen circumstances that her dad and uncle place Zoree and Dom they came back together. You could always tell her father was up go no good for how he treated her, shipped her off and still tried to run her life. Dom escaped what his father life because he knew what type of person he was. I'm glad Zoree and Dom cut both of their fathers from their life after all of their mess came to light. Zoree and Dom worked through the fake marriage and made into a real thing because they really did love each other. I felt so bad for Dom, Blasie and Just when their mother passed away. Blasie found love with Kya after running from relationships and same for Kya to really give this relationship a try. Just had so much resentment and anger built because of his father who treated him as trash basically. I'm glad the brothers sat down with Just to help get him on the straight and arrow so he doesn't return to jail. All of the family secrets exposed on both sides,but Dom and Zoree still came out on top. Now, we need a Blasie and Kya book because she did tell her mom she would meet her new man. Good read and a great way to knock it out for the start of the year.
This was my first Charity Shane’ read and it did not disappoint! Spousal Privilege follows the story of Dom and Zoree. Dom and Zoree met through their fathers when she was 15 and he was 17. She disappears from his life and they don’t reconnect until 11 years later. Secrets are exposed and alliances are made in the form of love. This book was action packed soon as I think the drama has died down she’s dropping another bomb on me. I also enjoyed the added story with Blaise, Dom’s brother and Kya, Zoree’s best friend.
Some tropes to be enjoyed in this book are arranged marriage and second chance romance. If you are looking for a new author to enjoy I highly suggest Charity Shane’. I’m headed to read Justified Privilege about oldest brother of the Kincaid clan, Just. ☺️
You know how you savor a read… I savored this read! I didn’t want to get to the end. I absolutely LOVED Dom & Zoree and their love standing the test of time! It may have begun as a marriage of convenience but as Dom stated, it is real for him! His love never died! Although both struggled with communication at times, they were able to get back right. The love, the love, THE LOVE!! I want a Dom! I also enjoyed seeing Blaise open up, and him and Kya’s relationship blossom! I’d like to say.. both Zoree and Dom’s Fathers needed a touching! I couldn’t believe the audacity of Zoree’s father.. and then NO REMORSE!? Sirrrrr! What a ride! I experienced so many emotions!!!
Wonderful storyline! Spousal privilege was really good. Zoree and Dom should have been together a long time ago, I knew her father was overbearing and had a warped of showing that he loved her. Dom father was another whole mess, he received exactly what he deserved! I understood Dom during the loss of his mother, Zoree did as well, but she was annoying me like crazy! Now Kya and Blaise I enjoyed them as well. Kya was that ride or die bestie. Blaise was his brothers keeper. I enjoyed the epilogue and at the end of the day, Dom and Zoree had their own family and everything came to fruition for them.
This was an excellent full circle read! I am going to be stalking your catalog for the next goings on in Crescent Falls. Dom has that ole school endearing For you I Will love for Zoree. It was a beautiful thing to read. Richard thought he was smarter than everyone else but ended up pushing his daughter in the direction of the love her heart needed. Mama Marjorie gave out all the love her heart could hold to her family. Zoree got a brief chance to experience the love of a mother. Kya is an awesome friend and soon is the main target on Blaise radar. Would love to see a new title and Just adjusting to his new career and life. He was time enough for Mr. Kincaid. Monae hang in there girl.
Wow. This is my 2nd book that I have read and I am addicted
I am so proud of Zoree. She finally grew up and realized that just because they are family doesn’t mean they should be apart of your life. After the way her father treated her when he found out she was pregnant at 15 and made her up and move to New York, she should have know that he wasn’t a good person. I love the fact that Dom has always loved Zoree. She had me looking at her crazy when she wanted to plan a Christmas dinner and to invite their family. That was a big lesson she learned that day. Overall I’m glad everybody had a happy ending and I hope to read more about Blaise and Kya.
Dom and Zoree we're friends growing up. Then they took their relationship further. Zoree ups and leaves and it leaves Dom with a broken heart. On Zoree's 21st birthday the two reunite but things don't go as planned and more time goes by. The incident that happened her birthday night is what draws the two back together and they need to be married to invoke spousal privilege and not testify against Dom. Feelings don't disappear over time. I like Blaise and Kya together. Intrigued by Just. Would love more from both brothers.