Having lived a strictly PG-13 life, Kandace Alexander has vowed to get a little wild during her last summer as a college student. She has it all mapped out: dabbling with online dating, bestie beach outings, shopping until her feet ache, and late-night parties. But that all changes when a simple request from her mother puts her in temptingly close contact with her longtime crush.Real estate … estate entrepreneur and modern-day Lothario, Chadwick St. Clair, has known Kandace since the day she was born. No longer a little girl in pigtails, she’s grown into a woman with enticing attributes he can’t ignore. If her family knew of his growing attraction to the curly-haired beauty, they would be furious. Even so, there’s no denying the chemistry sizzling between them.
What begins as a casual summer of dating mishaps blooms into a string of addictive encounters that leave them both breathless. But when the real world pressures start to mount, the couple is left scrambling to decide just how much they’re willing to sacrifice for a chance at forever.
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I absolutely loved this story. Having been friends since they were much younger (Kandace’s mother worked in the Chadwick household in New Orleans), and growing up in much different circles, Chadwick and Kandace haven’t seen each other since she left for college in Florida three years prior. When she sees Chadwick while cleaning his home, she’s shocked to see a mature…and hot AF Chadwick. When he sees Kandace, there’s something primal he feels about her. Both are attracted to each other, but Kandace doesn’t think her mother will react positively about them being together. So, they decide to keep their budding romance a secret. But secrets have a way of getting discovered at the worst possible times. No spoilers, but this is where the story really gets good. There’s the perceived issue of race, status, past hurts that have to be addressed, and Michelle Karise tells a great and real story here. This was my first book by her, but certainly won’t be my last.
I had the pleasure of enjoying the audiobook of this story, narrated by Connor Crais and Lacy Laurel. When I tell you Connor nailed the Southern Chadwick, believe it! He’s so talented and well trained, we are all the better for it hearing ALL the accents he does flawlessly. Lacy’s Southern lady was spot on and she and Connor complemented each other beautifully. They just brought out the story in such vivid color.
This book held the perfect balance of sweet and steamy the entire time–and I loved it! The friends to lovers vibe Kandace and Chadwick had going on was so adorable. I’m actually not a huge fan of the friends to lovers trope, but absolutely adored it in this book. There were other topics tackled as well, from a bit of a star-crossed lovers/different background story, to player hero/more innocent heroine. Chadwick’s slide into love with Kandace was really well-written and I felt like I was in his head. Her inner dialogue was also really fantastic. It was nice to see them both grow and evolve as characters and the ending is so poignant and sweet. A fabulous romance!
This book kept me interested and engaged the entire time! I had anticipated a similar storyline to the rest of the contemporary romance genre we typically read nowadays. BUT, it did not! I was very pleasantly surprised by the sequence of events and I have to say, this book will stick with me for that reason alone, besides it was a great story. Well written, great MCs, secondary characters, atypical drama, all around great read!
This is first time I have ever read something from this author and it won’t be the last. She is Very talented, her story is realistic and believable. This story had all the required elements of a love story. I loved how well developed the family relationships and the true friendships were. There were some funny parts, an entertaining story that deepens and a sexy and charming hero. You won’t be disappointed.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Couple: Kandi and Chadwick
First Meeting: Childhood
Dramas: The usual insecurities when people don’t know how to admit they want someone and DRAMA MAMA ALEXANDER!
Setting: New Orleans
Kandi and Chadwick have known each other all their lives. Okay, Chadwick has known her longer because Kandi’s Mom used to be the “House Manager” for his family. Kandi was always the annoying girl that got in his way when it came to girls and his social life because she was a mischievous child. As she grew older, Kandi grew more beautiful and she began to evolve. This didn’t go unnoticed by Chadwick. Fast forward to adulthood (Kandi’s), Chadwick has moved home from Washington, D.C. and Kandi’s home on break from college in Florida. Our hero is an only child that is destined to be the CEO of his family’s company—except he’s more interested in Real Estate. Kandi’s home from break looking to enjoy the summer with her friends. As things work out, Kandi isn’t going to have a carefree summer and she’ll end up working for Chadwick. As you can imagine, Chadwick has quite the reputation with the Ladies around town. Which is a problem for certain characters in the book.
Overall, the book was an easy read with a fast-paced storyline. This is a new author for me, but she did a great job developing the characters. I look forward to reading more of her titles in the future.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Kandi’s crush is a very entertaining read. I liked this book a lot, from beginning to end, it kept me interested. I found myself laughing at the way Chadwick and Kandi interacted with each other. The chemistry between them could be felt right away and it just builds as the story progressed.
Chadwick has a bold personality, once he made his mind that Kandi was what he wanted, there was nothing that got in his way. I loved how he made it clear what he wanted from Kandi.
Kandi is shy and fun. I thought it was good that her character, knew how to own herself when Chadwick was making his advances. One of my favorite things about her is how determined she is. I always think that having a female lead that doesn’t easily gave up is always a plus.
I can’t wait to read more from author Michelle Karise and yes I recommend this book.
I enjoyed reading this story. The characters are well developed and engaging and plenty of chemistry from beginning to the end. Storyline flowed smoothly.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Y’all this was all the things! Real talk, I wanted to be someone’s Kandi. Just sayin’. LOL! Steamy, spicy, read! Enjoy!
First things first, this book is set in NOLA, which is an automatic win for me.
Next, the story! Friends to loves are a favorite trope of mine- longtime friends who beats around the bush about how they feel about each other, yes I’m sold!!
Such a sweet story from start to finish that definitely kept me entertained. I felt the realistic deal was with Celeste, Kandi’s mom and her controlling ways. I feel the author poured her all into that story line and it was told very well.
I didn’t eyeball read, I listened to the story and Lacy Laurel and Connor Crais did a phenomenal job at narrating, the accents were spot on and were held throught the entire story.
this was a first read/listen by this author and certainly won’t be the last!
Kandi and Chadwick have been lifelong friends who have lost touch until Kandi’s employment has Chadwick literally charging after her. A smoldering fire is lit and a whirlwind romance ensues. I loved reading about Kandi’s close-knit family and seeing her surrounded by a group of strong ladies. These interactions made her story more real and added to the fun. Overall, it is low angst with plenty of steamy sexy times and a great HEA.
I really enjoyed this friend to lovers audiobook. Michelle Karise is new to me, as was narrator Lacy Laurel, and I am definitely a fan. Connor Crais was all alpha and gave each character a distinct sound.