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Jareau Family #2
Deep in My Soul
Cartel Jareau has always been the protector of his siblings. The handsome chef has a bit of a roughness to him. Aside from his family, very few people get to witness his sensitivity. When he met Adina Harold a year ago, he had no idea that intervening in an embarrassing exchange would lead to falling in love with a woman he could never truly have. She was spoken for. Forbidden, yet during turmoil brewing within her home, they somehow fell in love.
304 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 6, 2023
509 people are currently reading
633 people want to read
About the author
Kimberly Brown
52 books1,861 followersKimberly Brown is a South Carolina born and raised author of contemporary/urban romance. She strives to create stories that readers can visualize in their heads as the pages turn. Writing has been a part of her journey since a young age but really became a focal point during her high school years. With the support of her classmates, she began sharing her love of words with others. In 2019 she took her first step towards becoming a serious writer with self-publishing. August of 2021, she made her BLP debut with “Pretty Caged Bird” and is continuing to grow her catalog. With a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a pending masters in Mental Health Counseling, Kimberly loves to incorporate mental health into her writings as she feels it is not talked about or address enough within the African American community.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 266 reviews
March 10, 2023
This book stressed me all the way out!!! STRESSEDT!!! The story while beautiful is very triggering so if you’re sensitive to loss of pregnancy and domestic abuse, this is NOT the story for you. This book touched on real life issues that were not pretty. This is not your average love story but the love was very present. We were first introduced to Cartel and Adina in book 1 on the Jareau family and let me just say, a lot was happening in their world. After intervening in an argument one night between Adina and her husband, Cartel knew something was off and decided to be Adina’s peace and bring solace into her very chaotic world.
For an entire year they built a friendship off of phone conversations and text messages and during that time they fell deeply in love. This was actually one of the things I enjoyed most about the story, the foundation was already solid as a rock before they even journeyed into the romantic aspect of their relationship. They maintained a bond so strong that during that year Cartel committed himself to Adina prepared to wait for her no matter how long it took.
Adina endured some of the most brutal behavior from the man who vowed to love honor and protect her. The opening chapter took a lot out of me…. It was heavy…. Whew😰. After that Cartel and his family rallied around Adina and what a beautiful show of love this was!! I meaannnnnnn from Mama Jareau to Anais to granny they all poured so much into Adina! POURED!!! An OVERFLOW!!!! Cartel had no problem expressing his emotions either and I loved that his family provided him a safe space to be vulnerable. He would cry it out and be ready to shoot the shît outta you in his next breathe!
I completely understand why Adina’s family cut her off. If you’ve ever been in a situation like that you can very well end up putting yourself in danger only for the person to go back to their abuser. I mean look at all Cartel endured….I questioned many times the fact that he was so committed to Adina and willing to put his…..EVERYTHING on the line for her. Everyone isn’t built to endure that so kudos to him. It all paid off in the end! I love the slow build to Alaina’s story! I can’t wait for her book but please KB give us some toxic trigger free for the next book lol I need to see how things play out with Jorja and Walker next!
For an entire year they built a friendship off of phone conversations and text messages and during that time they fell deeply in love. This was actually one of the things I enjoyed most about the story, the foundation was already solid as a rock before they even journeyed into the romantic aspect of their relationship. They maintained a bond so strong that during that year Cartel committed himself to Adina prepared to wait for her no matter how long it took.
Adina endured some of the most brutal behavior from the man who vowed to love honor and protect her. The opening chapter took a lot out of me…. It was heavy…. Whew😰. After that Cartel and his family rallied around Adina and what a beautiful show of love this was!! I meaannnnnnn from Mama Jareau to Anais to granny they all poured so much into Adina! POURED!!! An OVERFLOW!!!! Cartel had no problem expressing his emotions either and I loved that his family provided him a safe space to be vulnerable. He would cry it out and be ready to shoot the shît outta you in his next breathe!
I completely understand why Adina’s family cut her off. If you’ve ever been in a situation like that you can very well end up putting yourself in danger only for the person to go back to their abuser. I mean look at all Cartel endured….I questioned many times the fact that he was so committed to Adina and willing to put his…..EVERYTHING on the line for her. Everyone isn’t built to endure that so kudos to him. It all paid off in the end! I love the slow build to Alaina’s story! I can’t wait for her book but please KB give us some toxic trigger free for the next book lol I need to see how things play out with Jorja and Walker next!
March 22, 2023
Deep In My Soul was a page turner from start to finish. My emotions were all over the place. Anger, stress, sadness, fear, and happiness are just a few of the emotions I went through while reading this book. My heart just broke for Adina. She’s stuck in a loveless and abusive marriage to the king of all narcissists who, basically, tricked her into marrying him. Dominic hoodwinked Adina by presenting his representative and, now, he’s isolated her from her family and friends with no way out of their hellish marriage. I’ve read several books with abusive MMC but, Dominic Harold is the top dog in this category. The things this man does to Adina and forces her to do will leave you absolutely speechless. Day by day, Adina’s spirit is dying and she would much rather leave this earth than have to deal with the continued physical and verbal abuse from Dominic. Fate stepped in and said, “Hold on sis. I got you.” When Dominic decides to show his azz on date night and becomes obnoxiously rude to the staff at Abundance of Soule, Cartel has to intervene. In that moment, Adina’s life changes in ways she could never imagine. A forbidden friendship is formed and, for an entire year, she and Cartel secretly converse and exchange text messages all the while building a bond and falling in love miles apart from each other. When he has to rescue her after enduring a brutal beating, Adina is finally free of Dominic and she’s able to start healing and learning to love herself again. The way the Jareau family rallied around her was such a beautiful display of support and family unit. The devotion they showed Adina was beyond admirable and out of this world. And, Cartel…… whew! I love a man who has no problems expressing his feelings and wearing his heart on his sleeve. This man loved him some Adina and he wasn’t above letting anyone know it. Including her trash azz husband. He was patient, he was kind, he was intentional, he never judged, and, most importantly, he became the peace Adina so desperately needed. Cartel was there every step of the way during her recovery and, when she faltered, he was there to build her up with words of affirmations, manifest their future, kept her bedroom filled with her favorite flowers, and became her personal chef. He wore her down in the best way until she opened that door. Cartel loved hard and I was here for it. Deep In My Soul was trauma heavy but, it was still an absolutely beautiful love story. KB balanced out the seriousness of the storyline with the perfect amount of suspense, romance, and humor. Get into this Jareau Family series. I promise, you will not be disappointed. But, be warned, there are a lot of triggers in this book so read with caution.
April 18, 2024
This book stretched me as a reader for sure. I haven’t read hardly any books that deal with domestic violence and this one bout did me in. But I trusted my good friend Stacie because she never steers me wrong and oh my heart this story!! Adina & Cartell make me feel some kind of way!! Like Stacie told me after I was DM’ing her gushing over the hero she said “Cartel IS that guy.” There was so much in this story and I thought the author did a great job developing it. I absolutely love all the South Carolina & Gullah mentions because that is where I live and it’s truly a magical place. This was an easy 5⭐️ read. I’m so in love with the Jareau family. Onto the next!!
April 2, 2023
I ignored the warning that this would be an emotional journey in favor of curiosity. Cartel and Adina were enduring a lot . I wanted Adina to leave but I understood that abuse can be mentally, physically, and occasionally financially debilitating. Cartel supported and shielded Adina in the greatest way he could, acting like an angel. I adore a man who isn't afraid to speak his mind and show his vulnerability. This man adored Adina, and he wasn't shy about telling everyone about it and I believe that the kind of love she needed. This was heavy to read but Cartels love made it worth it.
March 11, 2023
Adina x Cartel
***May Content Spoiler
Where do I begin? KB is probably one of maybe 3 authors who can make me disrupt my reading schedule and order. Had my nice little TBR list, in order…. as she mentioned in the book. And out of nowhere she came out with this book and got me to say, to hell with my list. Cause I had been waiting for Cartel's story since that one little scene in the first book.
Y'all, this book was EVERYTHING. Though this book was heavy, and I do mean HEAVY on the drama, and trauma, it was nonetheless beautiful. It had my heart in such a tight grip the entire time while on an emotional roller-coaster. One moment we're happy the next you just wanna scream. And there's another part where your entire heart was on the verge of falling out of your chest because we know something horrible is going to happen, we just don't know when and where.
We meet Adina. She's a broken, battered woman. She was alive, but she wasn't living. Through all that she endured, she has found solace in Cartel and the beautiful friendship they formed. Eventually, they fell head over heels in love.
It was soo easy for me to scream at Adina "Why didn't you leave?" But I know and I know and I know that it is not that simple or easy. Her abuser essentially paralyzed her emotionally, mentally, financially, and almost physically, and not without a lack of trying. So how could she leave?
The entire book I wanted to hug and love on Adina.
Cartel, oh sweet, sweet loving man. My heart broke for him. He wore his emotions and feelings on his sleeves. He emotes so beautifully and in such a healthy way, while still being a man, a friend, a lover and most importantly a protector.
Cartel loved Adina so hard, I felt it. I felt all his love for her. Especially in the beginning when he was trying to be there, but couldn’t be.
Ms. Brown one thing I will say that I wanted but you did not give me was a slow death. I know I sound like a psychopath, I promise I'm not. But I wanted…he who shall not be named…to have died a slow painful agonizing death that's all I wanted.
Although the story was super dark and heavy it was absolutely beautiful. The love and banter between the family and the siblings was a nice balance. I would 100% recommend this book. Just proceed with caution ⚠️
Now please tell me we get Jorja and Walker next cause I can smell the toxicity from here and I am all the way here for it.
Ms. Brown, well done 👏🏾 👏🏾👏🏾
***May Content Spoiler
Where do I begin? KB is probably one of maybe 3 authors who can make me disrupt my reading schedule and order. Had my nice little TBR list, in order…. as she mentioned in the book. And out of nowhere she came out with this book and got me to say, to hell with my list. Cause I had been waiting for Cartel's story since that one little scene in the first book.
Y'all, this book was EVERYTHING. Though this book was heavy, and I do mean HEAVY on the drama, and trauma, it was nonetheless beautiful. It had my heart in such a tight grip the entire time while on an emotional roller-coaster. One moment we're happy the next you just wanna scream. And there's another part where your entire heart was on the verge of falling out of your chest because we know something horrible is going to happen, we just don't know when and where.
We meet Adina. She's a broken, battered woman. She was alive, but she wasn't living. Through all that she endured, she has found solace in Cartel and the beautiful friendship they formed. Eventually, they fell head over heels in love.
It was soo easy for me to scream at Adina "Why didn't you leave?" But I know and I know and I know that it is not that simple or easy. Her abuser essentially paralyzed her emotionally, mentally, financially, and almost physically, and not without a lack of trying. So how could she leave?
The entire book I wanted to hug and love on Adina.
Cartel, oh sweet, sweet loving man. My heart broke for him. He wore his emotions and feelings on his sleeves. He emotes so beautifully and in such a healthy way, while still being a man, a friend, a lover and most importantly a protector.
Cartel loved Adina so hard, I felt it. I felt all his love for her. Especially in the beginning when he was trying to be there, but couldn’t be.
Ms. Brown one thing I will say that I wanted but you did not give me was a slow death. I know I sound like a psychopath, I promise I'm not. But I wanted…he who shall not be named…to have died a slow painful agonizing death that's all I wanted.
Although the story was super dark and heavy it was absolutely beautiful. The love and banter between the family and the siblings was a nice balance. I would 100% recommend this book. Just proceed with caution ⚠️
Now please tell me we get Jorja and Walker next cause I can smell the toxicity from here and I am all the way here for it.
Ms. Brown, well done 👏🏾 👏🏾👏🏾
April 4, 2023
The Freedom of Real Love
4.5 ⭐
Whew this was a lot!! KB does not disappoint. This story expands on the secret love Cartel has with Adina, who happens to be a married woman. I love when the man falls first. In this case Cartel is drawn to Adina and he desires to help her. Adina is in an abusive relationship and the only way she knows how to survive is to just comply with her crazy a$& husband's demands. Eventually, life causes her to reach out to Cartel, the one person showing her kindness. They establish a relationship over the phone that is healthy, supportive, and sweet, everything that she isn't receiving at home. While they don't cross any lines physically, emotionally they are locked in.
I felt so bad for Adina she was really married to a monster. The final straw was too much and she finally realized she had to choose herself. Cartel and his family embrace her. His parents are amazing and do a good job building her up. Unfortunately her bi#_hmade husband's ego is bruised and he is lurking in the shadows causing havoc constantly. He refuses to allow her to be or feel safe. I appreciated that she finally received her closure and was able to move forward. After 6 years of trauma she deserved her HEA, her freedom found in real love. I need a few more books starting with Jorja and Walker. Alaina also deserves a love story and then of course is baby boy going to get his cougar? I love this family and would love to see more.
4.5 ⭐
Whew this was a lot!! KB does not disappoint. This story expands on the secret love Cartel has with Adina, who happens to be a married woman. I love when the man falls first. In this case Cartel is drawn to Adina and he desires to help her. Adina is in an abusive relationship and the only way she knows how to survive is to just comply with her crazy a$& husband's demands. Eventually, life causes her to reach out to Cartel, the one person showing her kindness. They establish a relationship over the phone that is healthy, supportive, and sweet, everything that she isn't receiving at home. While they don't cross any lines physically, emotionally they are locked in.
I felt so bad for Adina she was really married to a monster. The final straw was too much and she finally realized she had to choose herself. Cartel and his family embrace her. His parents are amazing and do a good job building her up. Unfortunately her bi#_hmade husband's ego is bruised and he is lurking in the shadows causing havoc constantly. He refuses to allow her to be or feel safe. I appreciated that she finally received her closure and was able to move forward. After 6 years of trauma she deserved her HEA, her freedom found in real love. I need a few more books starting with Jorja and Walker. Alaina also deserves a love story and then of course is baby boy going to get his cougar? I love this family and would love to see more.
March 12, 2023
Cartel & Adina
This couple really went through it….Adina’s past was coming after the two of them with an avenging. Dominic was one evil crazy ass lunatic…I love that Cartel & Adina both had an entire support system in place…well, Adina’s mother actually redeemed herself…I was a little surprised, pissed & disappointed at her initial response…but, she got herself together to support the couple. I’m excited about which sibling is up next to tell their story.
This couple really went through it….Adina’s past was coming after the two of them with an avenging. Dominic was one evil crazy ass lunatic…I love that Cartel & Adina both had an entire support system in place…well, Adina’s mother actually redeemed herself…I was a little surprised, pissed & disappointed at her initial response…but, she got herself together to support the couple. I’m excited about which sibling is up next to tell their story.
March 10, 2023
What an emotional rollercoaster 😭🫣🤣
So this book right here from chapter 1 till the end had me all in my emotions. The way Cartel spoke love into Adina even when she wasn’t trying to accept it was amazing. This story was so well written and captures you from start. Kimberly Brown is truly becoming a fav of mine because I know I will get a book that will take me thru a journey!
Adina, I just felt so sorry for her character because she went thru it and that ex of hers was the devil. The conversation she had with her mother made me want to come thru that book and phone and put some hands on her momma 😡. I loved when Granny prayed over her and little Anais interaction was what Adina needed. That ex was crazy and I bet he got it from his daddy the way he acted at the hospital 🤦🏾♀️.
Cartel took a lot on for someone he really didn’t know, but he knew for sure Adina didn’t deserve to be treated that way. But after communicating for some time their forbidden friendship blossomed into a love stronger than anything. He was strong but when he needed to be weak his family was there for him and Adina and I loved that about this book. I am glad they got their HEA they deserved it for sure with everything they went through.
I don’t want to tell too much of the story, but say this book you have to read. Now I hope we get Cartel and Adina’s wedding within the next book and I am looking to Walker and Jorja is next 👀🤣👀.
So this book right here from chapter 1 till the end had me all in my emotions. The way Cartel spoke love into Adina even when she wasn’t trying to accept it was amazing. This story was so well written and captures you from start. Kimberly Brown is truly becoming a fav of mine because I know I will get a book that will take me thru a journey!
Adina, I just felt so sorry for her character because she went thru it and that ex of hers was the devil. The conversation she had with her mother made me want to come thru that book and phone and put some hands on her momma 😡. I loved when Granny prayed over her and little Anais interaction was what Adina needed. That ex was crazy and I bet he got it from his daddy the way he acted at the hospital 🤦🏾♀️.
Cartel took a lot on for someone he really didn’t know, but he knew for sure Adina didn’t deserve to be treated that way. But after communicating for some time their forbidden friendship blossomed into a love stronger than anything. He was strong but when he needed to be weak his family was there for him and Adina and I loved that about this book. I am glad they got their HEA they deserved it for sure with everything they went through.
I don’t want to tell too much of the story, but say this book you have to read. Now I hope we get Cartel and Adina’s wedding within the next book and I am looking to Walker and Jorja is next 👀🤣👀.
October 4, 2023
5 Phenomenal Stars!
This book had me rubbing the heel of my palm against heart. Like literally physically rubbing my palm to my chest. I was so anxious! I hadn't had a feeling like this since Long Shot. IYKYK. Though the stories are very different. I had no choice but to love Cartel because he loved Adina at and though her lowest points. This whole Jareau family has my whole heart. On to the next one! Happy reading!!
Do please check the CW/TW for this one. Or DM me.
This book had me rubbing the heel of my palm against heart. Like literally physically rubbing my palm to my chest. I was so anxious! I hadn't had a feeling like this since Long Shot. IYKYK. Though the stories are very different. I had no choice but to love Cartel because he loved Adina at and though her lowest points. This whole Jareau family has my whole heart. On to the next one! Happy reading!!
Do please check the CW/TW for this one. Or DM me.
March 11, 2023
Cartel! Cartel! Cartel!!! I love this entire family…. I love how they love…how EVERYONE is ALWAYS there! This book was stressful but good. Several TW including domestic violence and loss of a child.
March 8, 2024
I'm glad Dominic was handled.
Stupid dad needed a beating !
Stupid dad needed a beating !
April 5, 2023
Good, but not great
I gave this read a 3 star rating because the majority of book was a downer. Now, I don’t pretend to know the psychological, mental, and physical effects of an abusive relationship but what was portrayed in Deep In My Soul was more psychological thriller than romance. Both Adina and Cartel professed their love for each other without having spent any time together and also while Adina was stuck in her situation. For me, he was too pushy and she was a pushover. I found myself swiping through the pages for the inevitable confrontation with Dominic 🙄.
I gave this read a 3 star rating because the majority of book was a downer. Now, I don’t pretend to know the psychological, mental, and physical effects of an abusive relationship but what was portrayed in Deep In My Soul was more psychological thriller than romance. Both Adina and Cartel professed their love for each other without having spent any time together and also while Adina was stuck in her situation. For me, he was too pushy and she was a pushover. I found myself swiping through the pages for the inevitable confrontation with Dominic 🙄.
July 8, 2023
My heart was broken for all the trauma that Adina went through. Please check the trigger warnings if you decide to read this novel.
Adina fought her way through and Cartel? What a MAN! He was exactly what she needed and the way his family wrapped their arms around her? Priceless. Daddy Jareau set the example and raised some amazing sons. I love this family.
I am now very interested in reading about Alaina. I can’t imagine how the news of what she’s endured will affect her family.
Adina fought her way through and Cartel? What a MAN! He was exactly what she needed and the way his family wrapped their arms around her? Priceless. Daddy Jareau set the example and raised some amazing sons. I love this family.
I am now very interested in reading about Alaina. I can’t imagine how the news of what she’s endured will affect her family.
June 21, 2023
✨Book Review✨
KIMBERLY I need you to come to the front of the congregation NOW!!! Come get these flowers sis!!💐💐💐💐 You👏🏾Did👏🏾Your👏🏾Damn👏🏾Thing with this one.
Wooooo this one had me STRESSED TF out! I mean when I say I was on the edge of my seat, biting my nails and getting ready to toss my kindle to across the room I mean that. Lord my nerves were bad 😂 😂
This book touches on domestic abuse and loss of pregnancy so if you don’t like reading those things, this is not the book for you. This is a very unorthodox love story, but still beautiful nonetheless.
After witnessing and intervening in an argument, one night at his restaurant between Adina and her trash ass husband Dominic, Cartel could sense something wasn’t right between the two. Offering Adina some help that she refuses, these two become phone friends and for an entire year they build a friendship off the phone. During that year they fall in love with one another, Cartel is Adina’s peace but she is terrified to leave her husband. Cartel never lose his faith that one day she will be his so he commits herself to Adina, and is determined to wait for her no matter how long it takes.
Adina endured some horrific things at the hands of a man who was supposed to honor and cherish her. That first chapter almost took me out, but the way Cartel and his family showed up for Adina was amazing. I mean they really poured into so much love into her. She really had no one to turn to and if it wasn’t for the Jareau family who knows what would have happened to Adina, because her family surely didn’t give a care. I’m sorry but her family is TRASH as well and that whole ending with them really pissed me off, because now y’all wanna act concerned?!? Naw f**k y’all! Listen, I’m willing to die behind mines, and I don’t respect any parent who plays when it comes to their kids.
The last 10% of this book almost gave me a heart attack, when I say I wasn’t breathing while I was reading.. Oh my God!!
Go read this series NOW!!!!
KIMBERLY I need you to come to the front of the congregation NOW!!! Come get these flowers sis!!💐💐💐💐 You👏🏾Did👏🏾Your👏🏾Damn👏🏾Thing with this one.
Wooooo this one had me STRESSED TF out! I mean when I say I was on the edge of my seat, biting my nails and getting ready to toss my kindle to across the room I mean that. Lord my nerves were bad 😂 😂
This book touches on domestic abuse and loss of pregnancy so if you don’t like reading those things, this is not the book for you. This is a very unorthodox love story, but still beautiful nonetheless.
After witnessing and intervening in an argument, one night at his restaurant between Adina and her trash ass husband Dominic, Cartel could sense something wasn’t right between the two. Offering Adina some help that she refuses, these two become phone friends and for an entire year they build a friendship off the phone. During that year they fall in love with one another, Cartel is Adina’s peace but she is terrified to leave her husband. Cartel never lose his faith that one day she will be his so he commits herself to Adina, and is determined to wait for her no matter how long it takes.
Adina endured some horrific things at the hands of a man who was supposed to honor and cherish her. That first chapter almost took me out, but the way Cartel and his family showed up for Adina was amazing. I mean they really poured into so much love into her. She really had no one to turn to and if it wasn’t for the Jareau family who knows what would have happened to Adina, because her family surely didn’t give a care. I’m sorry but her family is TRASH as well and that whole ending with them really pissed me off, because now y’all wanna act concerned?!? Naw f**k y’all! Listen, I’m willing to die behind mines, and I don’t respect any parent who plays when it comes to their kids.
The last 10% of this book almost gave me a heart attack, when I say I wasn’t breathing while I was reading.. Oh my God!!
Go read this series NOW!!!!
June 29, 2023
Let me say this, I loved the plot of this book! I think the plot had a lot of potential, and it was very good until I got to the half way/ 60% point. The constant repetition of Adina not wanting to see Cartel and Cartel doing all these extravagant things for her to the repetition of Adina and Cartel being so in love and Cartel still going all out got old so quick. How many times do we need to read the same thing over and over? We get it. By that point, I was pleading for some action to occur bc I didn’t want to DNF this one. I just wish the author would’ve had the storyline progress a little faster, this book didn’t need to be 300+ pages.
April 30, 2023
Cartel and Adina was an emotional read. Adina had a piece of shit as a husband and found Cartel. We see first meet them briefly in his brothers book when Cartel goes to hospital after Adina is badly hurt. Despite the trauma Adina dealt it was nice seeing her give her heart to Cartel. Dominic bxtch ass got exactly what he deserved. I can’t wait fir Jorja & Walters story.
March 31, 2025
“Cartel why are you like this?” “Because mistreating you would be a slap to your creator.”
Audio via Libby.
4.5 - Kimberly Brown just doesn’t miss. This book is definitely heavy. So checking the triggers is a must to protect your peace if need be.
Adina was literally fighting for her life. She went through so much. I think Kim handled Adina with much care through this hard time. Even showcasing how one gets separated from their family at the hands of their abuser. It was healthy to see the Jareau Family love on her in many different forms. Helping her one step at a time as she goes through the journey to bounce back. That family was raised right and it reflects in their actions towards each other, their community and most important the people they love.
Cartel, Cartel, Cartel. I mean sign me up for someone like him. He never left her side. He was there. Consistent, patient and loving. That’s what she needed. She’d already been fooled once. Everything about this book was good. Even down to the security & restaurant staff, culture and reunion.
Quotes:
"No was not a luxury for me."
Love that Mr. Jareau stepped right in to help protect Adina.
“How do you take vows before God and then reveal yourself as the devil to your spouse?"
“Sometimes when you’ve gone through that much trauma it takes time to accept the love you deserve."
“Be careful of who you let put you in positions to lose your life.”
Audio via Libby.
4.5 - Kimberly Brown just doesn’t miss. This book is definitely heavy. So checking the triggers is a must to protect your peace if need be.
Adina was literally fighting for her life. She went through so much. I think Kim handled Adina with much care through this hard time. Even showcasing how one gets separated from their family at the hands of their abuser. It was healthy to see the Jareau Family love on her in many different forms. Helping her one step at a time as she goes through the journey to bounce back. That family was raised right and it reflects in their actions towards each other, their community and most important the people they love.
Cartel, Cartel, Cartel. I mean sign me up for someone like him. He never left her side. He was there. Consistent, patient and loving. That’s what she needed. She’d already been fooled once. Everything about this book was good. Even down to the security & restaurant staff, culture and reunion.
Quotes:
"No was not a luxury for me."
Love that Mr. Jareau stepped right in to help protect Adina.
“How do you take vows before God and then reveal yourself as the devil to your spouse?"
“Sometimes when you’ve gone through that much trauma it takes time to accept the love you deserve."
“Be careful of who you let put you in positions to lose your life.”
May 23, 2023
This book has some heavy themes. I’m just thankful that the author didn’t put all of the abuse on page but mentally and psychologically I could feel the wrath of Adina’s husband. The Jereau family came through for her in a big way and I’m thankful that she was able to feel that love she was missing from her parents. I loved how the women accepted her into the fold and made her one of them. Cartel was a patient man. I feel she needed that to finally believe that she was worthy of the love her wanted to give her. I would’ve loved to see Adina’s therapy on page. I knew she needed time, space and love but healing should’ve been heavy on page for me. It just came off as fluff in my opinion. Overall, this was my least favorite of the series but I appreciate the author telling this story with care. Check content warning for thoughts of suicide, gaslighting, manipulation, domestic violence not heavy on page
March 8, 2023
Deep in my soul!!
The way author Kimberly Brown does NOT miss!! If you haven't made your way through this author's catalog yet, start now! Cartel!! The way he adored, loved and protected Adina had me emotional while reading. He is a man's man!! *adds patience like Cartel to my love manifestation list* I loved Adina so much, her bravery was admirable. After Dominic, she deserved all of the good things and Cartel was definitely the man to replace ten fold everything she loss. 5+++++ stars! I can't wait for the rest of the fam. Alaina's background seems interesting and I know Walker and Jorja are a mess. P.S. Kimberly Brown should add suspense/mystery author to her resume because I could not stop turning the pages trying to figure out when and where Dominic was going to pop up!
The way author Kimberly Brown does NOT miss!! If you haven't made your way through this author's catalog yet, start now! Cartel!! The way he adored, loved and protected Adina had me emotional while reading. He is a man's man!! *adds patience like Cartel to my love manifestation list* I loved Adina so much, her bravery was admirable. After Dominic, she deserved all of the good things and Cartel was definitely the man to replace ten fold everything she loss. 5+++++ stars! I can't wait for the rest of the fam. Alaina's background seems interesting and I know Walker and Jorja are a mess. P.S. Kimberly Brown should add suspense/mystery author to her resume because I could not stop turning the pages trying to figure out when and where Dominic was going to pop up!
May 22, 2023
This book was HEAVY!!!
Kimberly Brown writes so good that I feel like I’m watching a movie while reading. I literally felt like I was in the room with these people.
Adina went through so much abuse and trauma at the hands of her husband. It made me sick to my stomach. And the fact that she didn’t have any family support while she was suffering.
I commend Cartel for being the man that he was to her. Because I know it couldn’t have been easy but at the end it was worth it.
The Jareau family is my family at this point. The way they welcomed Adina into their life like it was nothing. That’s love right there.
It was refreshing to see her make amends with her family as well. Because deep down, the love never left.
I hope the next book isn’t this heavy because I can’t take another panic attack Kimberly!
Kimberly Brown writes so good that I feel like I’m watching a movie while reading. I literally felt like I was in the room with these people.
Adina went through so much abuse and trauma at the hands of her husband. It made me sick to my stomach. And the fact that she didn’t have any family support while she was suffering.
I commend Cartel for being the man that he was to her. Because I know it couldn’t have been easy but at the end it was worth it.
The Jareau family is my family at this point. The way they welcomed Adina into their life like it was nothing. That’s love right there.
It was refreshing to see her make amends with her family as well. Because deep down, the love never left.
I hope the next book isn’t this heavy because I can’t take another panic attack Kimberly!
August 30, 2024
I just want to say I love Kimberly Brown pen game because she writes about heavy topics. I never hated a character as much as a I hated Adina ex-husband Dominic. I wanted to jump in the book and hurt him myself. Adina and Cartel was the definition of I am going to be with you no matter what. I was so happy that Dominic finally got what he deserved. I was so happy that Adina and Cartel finally got a happy ending. Please check your trigger warnings because the DV/SA was in this book however, I feel like Kimberly Brown really gave readers a great love story. I cannot wait to read about the wedding.
March 10, 2023
Cartel Cartel 😍😍😍
I loved Cartel throughout this whole book. He loved Adina through her whole process. Although it was hard for him at first to work on her timetable he learned the little things he could do to show how much he loved her. The three knocks on the door was so emotional to me and it was everything that Cartel needed to keep him motivated to keep showing his love to Adina. The sunflowers the cooked meals just the overall effort Cartel put forward in this book made him book Bae material. Each of these first two books have been emotional and great. Can’t wait for the next book.
I loved Cartel throughout this whole book. He loved Adina through her whole process. Although it was hard for him at first to work on her timetable he learned the little things he could do to show how much he loved her. The three knocks on the door was so emotional to me and it was everything that Cartel needed to keep him motivated to keep showing his love to Adina. The sunflowers the cooked meals just the overall effort Cartel put forward in this book made him book Bae material. Each of these first two books have been emotional and great. Can’t wait for the next book.
March 10, 2023
Goodness
I liked the storyline and the basic plot, it took longer to get into this story than the previous story. The abuse and the craziness by the husband was bad. I did not have any feelings for his plight in the end. I wish this edition had more love and less feared moments for Adina. Cartel was the right one, I wish their connected souls had a quicker synergy. Overall, this was a great story.
I liked the storyline and the basic plot, it took longer to get into this story than the previous story. The abuse and the craziness by the husband was bad. I did not have any feelings for his plight in the end. I wish this edition had more love and less feared moments for Adina. Cartel was the right one, I wish their connected souls had a quicker synergy. Overall, this was a great story.
April 9, 2023
Awesome read
Loved the growth in her. I love that she finally fought back and turned his money into something good. And Lawd!! The love from a Jareau man is something else!! The love from the Jareau family is amazing.
Loved the growth in her. I love that she finally fought back and turned his money into something good. And Lawd!! The love from a Jareau man is something else!! The love from the Jareau family is amazing.
February 4, 2024
Cartel knew he needed to save Adina, and that he did. Her husband was an abusive jerk & got everything he deserved! I loved how Cartel’s family took Adina in and also respected her boundaries, basically a stranger to them but they still showed her so much love. Heavy, but such a good read & love story.
January 17, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Having been introduced to this characters in book 1, I knew this would be another heavy story. And while on the one hand it was, I also found it to be mundane around the midway portion. Just felt as if some of it was repetitive. For example: how many times did we need to be reminded they fell in love over the phone or that they hadn’t slept together within the first year?
Also, I understood what the author was doing with having Cartel demonstrate how his actions differed from Dominic. But his willfulness regarding her wishes to have distance was annoying. He was engaging in similar behaviors, she was leaving. Someone who disregarded her requests.
I hated the storyline involving her parents. They left her for dead and yet she’s been coerced into forgiving them. It was sick. And again, who was pushing this narrative? Cartel.
Her parents should’ve been reaching out to her. Asking her for forgiveness. Especially if the DV was as publicized as the story said after the incident at the beginning of the story.
Overall, it was okay. Can’t wait to read Walker and Jan’s story.
Having been introduced to this characters in book 1, I knew this would be another heavy story. And while on the one hand it was, I also found it to be mundane around the midway portion. Just felt as if some of it was repetitive. For example: how many times did we need to be reminded they fell in love over the phone or that they hadn’t slept together within the first year?
Also, I understood what the author was doing with having Cartel demonstrate how his actions differed from Dominic. But his willfulness regarding her wishes to have distance was annoying. He was engaging in similar behaviors, she was leaving. Someone who disregarded her requests.
I hated the storyline involving her parents. They left her for dead and yet she’s been coerced into forgiving them. It was sick. And again, who was pushing this narrative? Cartel.
Her parents should’ve been reaching out to her. Asking her for forgiveness. Especially if the DV was as publicized as the story said after the incident at the beginning of the story.
Overall, it was okay. Can’t wait to read Walker and Jan’s story.
August 12, 2025
My gracious! 🙏 This story truly encompassed a little bit of everything—romance, suspense, mystery, and crime. I appreciate how the humorous moments were woven in to lighten the mood during those intense times. It’s heartening to see it turn out even better than expected!
June 13, 2023
ok
Very slow with a lot of repeats in storylines. She has a trigger but she use the trigger on someone else ,with no problem. A lot of crying over and over again
Very slow with a lot of repeats in storylines. She has a trigger but she use the trigger on someone else ,with no problem. A lot of crying over and over again
dnf
December 14, 2024DNF @ 20%
I could not get past the narrators. Maybe I'll try a different format in the new year.
I could not get past the narrators. Maybe I'll try a different format in the new year.
October 27, 2023
the healing power of love™️ vibes.
This was a deeply emotional, somewhat dark romance about Adina’s journey healing from an incredibly abusive marriage. In that sense, it’s not an easy story to read because while the majority of the abuse happens before the story starts, she relives a large amount of it as part of her healing journey. Meanwhile, chef Cartel, for reasons that were never quite clear to me as a reader, is heavily invested in Adina and loves her unconditionally. The two have to work their way through a lot of baggage- and there’s always the threat that Adina’s security expert husband will get to them.
I for the most part liked this or at least thought it told an important story and showed that healing can be possible even after terrible abuse. There were a few plot elements that to me didn’t make sense or gave me pause - e.g. Cartel distancing himself from her when things got hairy at his restaurant, or him not listening when she wanted to be left alone at the beginning… But these were minor things. Obviously, this heavily features reliving domestic abuse in every form so consider if you’ll be okay reading that.
This was a deeply emotional, somewhat dark romance about Adina’s journey healing from an incredibly abusive marriage. In that sense, it’s not an easy story to read because while the majority of the abuse happens before the story starts, she relives a large amount of it as part of her healing journey. Meanwhile, chef Cartel, for reasons that were never quite clear to me as a reader, is heavily invested in Adina and loves her unconditionally. The two have to work their way through a lot of baggage- and there’s always the threat that Adina’s security expert husband will get to them.
I for the most part liked this or at least thought it told an important story and showed that healing can be possible even after terrible abuse. There were a few plot elements that to me didn’t make sense or gave me pause - e.g. Cartel distancing himself from her when things got hairy at his restaurant, or him not listening when she wanted to be left alone at the beginning… But these were minor things. Obviously, this heavily features reliving domestic abuse in every form so consider if you’ll be okay reading that.
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