Never Better... Thanks: Lennox Hills, Book 3

Lennox Hills #3

by Jahquel J.

When I envisioned the life that I wanted for myself, I pictured myself sitting in a rocking chair in the nursery me and my husband had spent months designing. I pictured looking down at a baby that resembled the both of us, and thanking God that he chose me to be their mother.

My reality was that I was staring down at another negative pregnancy test and realizing the possibility that I had failed another cycle of IVF, alone.

There was no husband here to comfort me, or a nursery that I could sit and sob in.

Each time that one line appeared, a small piece of me always died inside. It was like the plastic test was determining my future. My fate. Letting me know I wasn’t worthy of giving life. Becoming the one thing I had always wanted to a mother.

After taking this failed pregnancy test, I had to tie my scrubs, plaster a smile on my face and go out there and care for my patients. So, when someone smiled and asked me the dreaded question … How are you? I always smiled, though dying on the inside, and responded with, Never better … thanks.

Genres: Audiobook, African American, Romance, Contemporary Romance

Audible Audio

Published January 14, 2025

Reviews

[Jahda · Rating 4 out of 5]

In book 3 we follow Ember on her journey into motherhood the process was heartbreaking but worth it. With the help and support of Laurent her happy ending was possible. But chile not Alice WHITE 😬😬 wasn’t expecting that but it made sense. Not sure how I feel about the twist at the end but this was a good book and I enjoyed it.

[BlackBookVibes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emotional

This book hit every emotion! I have never read about a character that I wanted to hug in real life. Ember went through the storm for a family. God just needed her to find the right person, which was Laurent and Luna!! He was the perfect person for her! Now Alice was garbage 🗑... she didn't care about nobody, she deserved her ending. This was a great series, definitely would recommend. Now I wonder if June will get a story....

['The Book Queen' · Rating 4 out of 5]

She put her foot in this one

My my my, you all this story was everything and more. I don't think I've prayed as much for a character than I did for Ember and Laurent. I weeped for real, I wanted Ember to have a baby, she so desperately wanted. I wasn't feeling a cheating Laurent until the real Alice stopped her masquerade act. I did not like Alice at all. The connection between her and Laurent was superficial at best. However, the steam coming off the pages was nearly suffocating between Laurent and Ember. The story was long enough to tell a complete story. A very good read.

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this entire series! To follow these 3 ladies & the Willshire brothers journeys throughout their heartbreak & healing was an epic experience! I loved this story that followed Ember & Laurent and so glad she finally found love. She was an amazing woman, the glue for everyone so I was happy that this was her season. This entire series is a must read

[Latasha Yvette · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent read but repetitive chapters

Once we got past a good chunk of the first few chapters the read was easier. I almost quit, it was really a lot of the same thing over and over, Alice is a trash mom, Ember is depressed about infertility, Laurent is not happy with Alice and a single dad. There were also a lot of misplaced words. I love this author but I enjoyed Astoria’s story more than the others.

[Kyerra Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the book that got me into audiobooks this year in January so it kind of holds a special place in my heart…as corny as that sounds🤣. I had a goal to read more this year because I haven’t picked up books and read in years🤦🏾‍♀️. But it was harder to do being a busy stay at home mom so I wanted to try audiobooks again. I tried to listening to one last year and it was horrible but that’s because the narrator was awful. But then I found this book and it got me hooked on audiobooks. The narrators are great. The only thing that irritated me was how the male narrator says “Laurent”. It was a great book. I’m actually going to listen to it again soon. It made me laugh, smile, cry because I could relate some of her struggles, and the ending was great. I didn’t even know it was a series and not the first book in the series when I listened to it. Now I want to check out the rest of the series as well.

[Tazja Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally!!! One that didn’t piss me off lol. This was my favorite of the series 🤣🤣

[Danielle Marcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Baby, I was in tears 🥹 this was such a beautiful conclusion to the series.

[Staci Y · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. The entire series was so gut wrenching. I felt she did such a terrific job showcasing real life traumas that happen and the way we deal with them. She’s such realistic author I can always relate to the storylines.

[The Diva Den Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This last book in the series was freaking amazing. Jahquel J had me shed tears man like it was so profoundly deep and amazing.

I have to tell you if you haven’t read The Lennox Hill Series you definitely missing out.

[Alenda Simmons · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!! LOOK AT GOD!!

He may not come when u want him, BUT he will be there right ON TIME!!! Patience is a virtue.... JAH, JAH, JAH JAH... U have done it again! This is definitely one of my favorites written by you. I'm beyond happy for EM , HAR, and Stori and their men.. Thanks for writing this bc sometimes in life, the person that u start your journey with is not necessarily the one you finish with... I can relate to everyone in this book
Excluding ALICE trifling asprin... I so wanted her to get beat up sooo bad. However, I was pleasantly pleased that u took the high road with how she was handled... love does conquer all.

[Aziza · Rating 2 out of 5]

So, I enjoyed the plot line and loved getting to know the characters. I appreciated the inclusion of disability awareness, and the education involved in that. However, the writing killed me. There were words that were misused, words that were missing from sentences, Sentences that were written twice, and repetitive phrasing that should've been caught by an editor. Part of my reading experience is the art of the writing, I love the word choice and grammar, how an author uses language to paint a picture. This felt very messy and like it wasn't ready for Public consumption. As someone who has edited work, a lot of mistakes stood out and it took away from my enjoyment of the story.

[Kiki · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't love the narrators and while the storyline kept my interest, there were times where the transitions were super choppy! Ember was on a phone call, while waiting for her to go order and in the next sentence, she was at someone's house or something. No talk of her paying for the food, getting in the car, nothing! It was so abrupt, I had to rewind, thinking I missed something, but nope, that was literally the next sentence. It happened all throughout the book. I'm new to Jahquel J's writing, so maybe this is her style.

[Kim Eubanks · Rating 3 out of 5]

happy for them

I’m happy Ember got what her heart desired times three. I appreciate the author taking the time to give us that background and extra details as far as what Laurent and Ember each had going on separately in their lives, but I was truly ready for them to just be together about 34% into the book.

[Kyeatta H · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a better novel out of the series. I loved Em’s story. I’m so glad Alice got what she had coming. Laurent was coming for his woman and I was here for It. Messiah had me in the fence a little at first, but that letter…damn. I felt everything I need to feel with this book.

[Ashley Thomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good.

3.5 stars.
There were mistakes that became annoying but overall I enjoyed this story. I love me some Laurent even though it took him forever to finally grow a pair and get rid of the wife.

[Brisace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whew  😮‍💨 Never Better… Thanks by Jahquel  cracked me open in the most tender way.

Ember’s pain was quiet but heavy smiling through failed IVF cycles, showing up for patients while grieving the one thing her heart ached for: motherhood. And just when she thought love and family might not be in the cards… there was Laurent.

A man scarred by a failed marriage, raising his autistic daughter with care, and just as guarded as Ember. But the way she loved them both. Soft, Steady, and Unshakeable. She didn’t just love Laurent she chose him. And the space she held for his daughter? Beautiful.

This one had me closing my Kindle just to breathe.

If you’ve ever smiled through heartbreak or whispered “I’m fine” when you weren’t this story is for you. It’s emotional. It’s dramatic. It’s honest. And it’ll stay with you long after the last page.

[LexRead · Rating 5 out of 5]

♾️/5. ABSOLUTELY PHENOMENAL!!!! This book was soooooo good! It took me through it! The series was so well put together and all the characters had so many layers and depth to them. I love Ashton in book 2 but he made a GREAT side character in book 3! He was too funny. This story was heartbreakingly good I cannot recommend it enough!!

Jaquel is that girl!!

Note to author: Can June get a book please 🥺?

[Yolanda Knight- Palmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mommy Goals

This book touches on real life experiences and situations. Autism & Infertility. I really got into my feelings with this one.

All Ember ever wanted to be was a mom. She struggled with having miscarriages throughout her marriage and ended up getting divorced. She tried everything possible to become a mother. Sometimes it’s not in the cards but God will step in when the time is right.

[Tracy Parnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

🩵

All the feels! Ember definitely went through it. So glad Laurent stepped up to be there for her. I loved their chemistry. It’s crazy how things turned out for the different characters. Loved this book!

[Cheyenne Starner · Rating 5 out of 5]

TW: pregnancy loss.

This book was 100/10. One of the best books I’ve read this year. I am looking forward to more from this author. This was my favorite book of the trilogy but Bray is still my favorite brother.

[Janee Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

The emotion that this book made me feel was intense. I resonated with the infertility Jahquel J had the emotional rollercoaster spot on. Excellent read.

[Jaszmin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok the voice the narrator used for Laront almost made me DNF but im glad I stuck it out. About 47% through he stopped for a minute which was nice thats also where they finally got down to business and we didnt get any detail🤬 We barely got any spicy scenes in this book it was always fade to black or the characters talking about it afterwards which was a complete let down. With all that being said I think this was my favorite story in the series🤗😍 in loved Laront and Ember. The patience they had with each other and the friendship they cultivated throughout all books was perfect. This book really shows how God's time is always right on time!

[Tsholo · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a little too long and it felt like Oprah was in the back handing out pregnancies.

[Will · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I started this book I thought, okay now this will be about a man making stupid decisions in a horrible relationship like in the first two books were from the female perspective. And while I wasn’t wrong….I’m glad that it wasn’t the roller coaster ride that both Astoria and Harlym took us on.

**SPOILER ALERT - Because I’m about to get into it.

Why did Ember and Messiah think that it was a good idea to attempt parenthood after divorce when it was the driving factor in them divorcing? Make it make sense.

I was so pissed when Messiah sent Angel to Ember for help. That was overstepping boundaries at its finest.

I was pissed when Messiah asked Ember to be his child’s godmother. However, by the end of the book my heart overflowed with how truly meaningful his request was. I understood why Ember was angry it seemed so insensitive in the moment but what an honor he bestowed upon her. He couldn’t give her children in life but…😭

I don’t know what Miss Author Lady was trying to do when she wrote the scene about Messiah and Angel’s accident but it tore my heart apart! I was bawling! 😭 I felt the intensity and gravity of this scene so fully. Messiah wasn’t even a main character and I was crushed. Just as I was moving on with my life, much like Ember, here comes Mr. Carlos with this letter! Lord! 😭

The opening of the letter took me out! 🗣️😭 After reading it I really wondered why Ember and Messiah weren’t able to make it. It was clear that he still loved and admired this woman. Asking her to be his child’s godmother was definitely an act of love, not the asshole action that I initially thought it was. Even after their marriage was over he trusted no one more than Ember to care for his child in his absence. It was also a way of him finally giving her the child they so desperately wanted. Whew! Talk about love!

To go from no babies to three in a 7 month timeframe is wild. But Ember got double portion. 💕💕

Burning Questions:
* Why was there an introduction to trouble in June’s life that was never fully explored. Why bring it up? 🤷🏾‍♀️ Why not just explore what happened between her and Quan or leave them out all together.

* Why did it seem like it took forever for a rich billionaire lawyer with a prenup to get a divorce? It wasn’t final until the end of the book.

* Why go through all this hooting and hollering about Astoria and Bray’s wedding only for them to elope? They could’ve done that to begin with because this wasn’t their book. 🙄

* How was Harlym AFTER having the baby? She straight? 🤷🏾‍♀️

* Was Romeo’s situation important to the plot line at all? 🤔

* When is Ember and Laurent getting married! They said a wedding wasn’t needed and they have three children now.

Also, the nerve of Astoria casting judgement on anyone else’s shit when she was leaving her house at night to be with Bray and dragging her children across town to be in his face while she had a WHOLE ASS HUSBAND at home! Girl, don’t think we forgot! 😏

And another thing! Did any of us believe that Alice had EVER been a good person? Also, were we surprised by her attempt to destroy Laurent? I wasn’t and we know why. 😏

After reading the entire series

* I don’t understand why Astoria wasn’t divorced by the end of book 1.
* I don’t understand why Harlym and Astoria’s relationship was non existent in book 2. Even before she pissed Harlym off but it was back in book 3. 😏

This series was exhausting. It was definitely different from the authors other work. These characters and their terrible relationships took me through it. Book 3 was my favorite of the series. Aside from a few areas of repetitive writing I thought the author really did an amazing job of telling this story. Things that I didn’t understand in the beginning became clear and meaningful in the end. She dug deep for this one and I really appreciated the work. I’m hoping that some of the loose ends in the book will find themselves getting tied up in other books.

I gave this one a 5⭐️ because it was great storytelling.

[L. Boogie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Girl you sound crazy. That man can sleep with his girlfriend with or without protection and you most definitely should not be a consideration.

“I want you to be my baby’s god parent.” When I silent read this line Messiah said to Ember, out loud without much thought, I said - I wanna punch this mother fucker in the face. It’s bad enough he pulled strings to get his pregnant girlfriend as Em’s patient, you want her to be GM. I swear I’d she says yes I’ll be hella pissed. Bc FU.

If you don’t care about your marriage, get a divorce. Plain and simple. Don’t know why Laurent still dragging this. It’s been years.

Not Harlym calling someone stupid for how they are acting in a relationship when she gave Ashton the blues in the beginning of theirs.

Um Shanny didn’t make a mistake she intentionally slept with a married man. But I agree that action doesn’t fully define her as a person.

Laurent is pissing me off bc why is he still with Alice? Why is he going Mona fa,ily trip with her and her friends when i her he’ll never sniffing behind Em. Don’t have her looking like some shady side piece. Then he’s he’s gas lighting Alice when she tries to call him out. He’s actually annoying me bc he won’t man up

Damn Alice is shiesty. How is Tiphany still her friend.

Ok Alice doing the most. But that’s what Laurent gets for not reading it sooner

Not this nigga pissed with Em bc his selfish wife cheated. And though she did it first, his ass cheated too. Laurent stay passing me off.

Ok at least they got it together

So Shanny want to romanize her relationship with Carols husband. If they were so in love, why did he stay with his wife? So much for her saying it was a mistake to be with him.

Is June’s new man beating on her? That’s the vibes I’m getting.

No, not messiah😭

That letter from messiah got me like, who’s cutting onions

Um Em, don’t you plan to have a convo with Laurent before you agree? I’m pretty sure he’ll be cool, but still.

Ok he was for it

Poor June. I hope this isn’t the last of her.

Though I connected with this couple the least, bc it took so long for them to interact in their book, and Laurent indecisive ass pissed me off in the beginning, I eventually fell for them. Glad i stuck it out. Even happier that they got their HEA.

[Dahnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!!!

I just finished reading all three books and I just wanna say Jahquel, you gets down honey. I love the way you write and how everything keeps me interested until the very end. Every book I have read by you so far is so so good and always packed with details that never leave me confused at the end.

After reading all three books, I’ve come to the conclusion that all the FMC in the books are very judgmental towards one another despite being good friends. Like yea it’s cool to have that friend who calls you out on your bs and is honest, but its always good to have that friend that is down for whatever whenever as long as you’re happy. They support you in everything no matter their opinions on it and I just felt like Ember, Harlym, and Astoria were lacking that which explains why they all felt so comfortable keeping secrets from one another until they couldn’t. I wouldn’t want to tell my friends half of the things going on in my life if I knew it would turn into a lecture about the things they feel as if I’m doing wrong in my life either. Yea it may get annoying constantly hearing about the man that doesn’t do me right or the job that doesn’t deserve my work but at the end of the day, they’re my decisions and it doesn’t hurt to let me learn what I need to learn on my own time without constantly being judged for it. They all had a good friendship but went to far going tit for tat trying to hurt one another with their words when they all could have just looked at it like “if you like it, i tolerate it sis” and supported it as much as they could until they got it together like they all did in the end.

Despite that, this series was just what I needed. You did a great job on touching these sensitive topics so many people experience. I can’t wait to read the other series you have in your catalog cause at this point, I’m obsessed.

[Readaholic Running Realtor · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is book three, and it was an emotional read from start to finish.

The longing to not only have a child, but to truly become a mother, was written in a way that tugged at the heart. The story captures the pain of infertility, the strain it can place on marriages, and the quiet grief of watching a former partner move on while you’re left questioning your worth and even your womanhood or manhood.

I’ve always hated that women are defined by their wombs. You are not defined by your womb. Period.

What this book handled beautifully was that grief, the strength it takes to keep standing, and the reminder that God’s timing is always perfect.

Without any spoilers, while I was initially upset by the ex-husband’s request, I came to see it as an act of trust and respect. I also deeply admired the partner who honored that request with maturity and grace.

And kudos to that mama and daddy they saw the truth in that trifling ex and made sure their son walked away with his dignity intact. Another reminder that just because you can have a child doesn’t automatically make you a mother.

In the end, Ember stepped into her journey whole, fulfilled, and triple-fold blessed and I absolutely loved that for her.

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.

[Kerilè (Read.WithKeri) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let’s talk about Never Better… Thanks by Jahquel J — book three in the Lennox Hills series and honestly, my favorite one yet.

Ember had the career, the solid friendships, and the full life on paper. But deep down, all she really wanted was to be a mother — and no matter how much she tried, it just wasn’t happening for her. That kind of longing will have you questioning everything.

Then there’s Laurent. A full-time dad to his daughter, doing everything on his own. His wife checked out a long time ago — especially when it came to parenting their autistic child. She didn’t have time for motherhood, and Laurent didn’t have the luxury of falling apart. He had to step up, and he did. That man was running the show solo for so long, you’d forget he was even married.

Now enter Ember and Laurent’s undeniable connection. Their chemistry? Off the charts. But let’s be real — a woman actively trying to conceive and a man still legally tied to someone else? Whew. Right person, wrong time don’t even cover it all.

Jahquel gave us so much more than just a love story. This book is layered with real emotion — grief, hope, guilt, desire, and healing. You see Ember wrestling with feeling like her body is failing her, and Laurent navigating life as a present, protective father while feeling emotionally abandoned by the one person who should’ve been in it with him.

What I loved most? The way they became a soft place for each other to land, even when the timing was messy. It was raw. It was complicated. But it was real.

[Tisha · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dang this was disappointing, I read a few reviews raving about Laurent and Ember’s story. Overall, the hope of Ember finally get a baby was the only thing I enjoyed.

For one, there were two too many discrepancies in the story. At the beginning of the story, Laurent said Luna was 7. But midway through the story she was 6, so apparently she was aging backwards🤦🏾‍♀️. Also, in the beginning when giving us background on him and Alice, it’s mentioned while she was in Mexico he too hooked up with other people. But his argument towards the end was he was a good boy while Alice was for the streets.

I hated how things happened in Ibiza, Alice was awful. But this didn’t have the same vibe as book 1. When I was cheering for both of the MCs to get their lick back. Laurent was too flaky. Ember’s response to Messiah while understandable, also was irrational. So for there to be another tragedy, it felt like a trauma dump.

Was the one point of June’s storyline? It didn’t add to the story, just something that didn’t stick.

This had the ingredients, but the way it flowed was not for me. The race thing could’ve hit harder- had the author reduced the many plots and all the redundancy. This story could’ve been half the pages, if we didn’t read the same things over and over. I get it. Alice was horrible, but almost every other page- he was flaking on leaving her. It didn’t feel like the characters fell on page, but rather it was an expected in and we were told they loved each other.