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2:06 AM
It happened at 2:06 a.m.Malachi Davis used to be a star, an MLB all-star with back-to-back World Series wins and the world at his feet. Then one drunk driver, one catastrophic crash, and everything he built his identity on was ripped away. The injury ended his career, but it was the anger that destroyed his marriage.
Five years after a divorce he thought he wanted, Malachi has done the work, between therapy, sobriety, and rebuilding his life from the ground up. He’s traded stadium lights for sugar and fire, becoming a Michelin-star pastry chef with a grand opening on the line. The only thing missing is the one woman he never stopped craving.
Myelle Davis is finally free, a quiet junior high principal who escaped the spotlight and healed in a small town where nobody knows her name. She’s also stepped into her truth, exploring her attraction to women and falling into a passionate, soul-deep relationship with the intoxicating Nyla Marks.
When Malachi, using a fake profile, stumbles across Myelle’s dating app post looking for a man to play with her and her girlfriend, he makes a reckless decision.
He swipes right.
But desire is the easy part. The hard part is earning trust from the woman he broke, and proving to both Myelle and Nyla that he isn’t chasing the past, he’s building something new.
Three hearts. One second chance. And a night that changes everything.
2:06 a.m. is a steamy, emotional second-chance romantic erotica novella about redemption, healing, and the kind of love that dares to expand.
second-chance romance, exes-to-lovers, MMF triad romance (F/F + M), bisexual awakening, high heat, emotional healing, and Black love with a delicious culinary twist.
Five years after a divorce he thought he wanted, Malachi has done the work, between therapy, sobriety, and rebuilding his life from the ground up. He’s traded stadium lights for sugar and fire, becoming a Michelin-star pastry chef with a grand opening on the line. The only thing missing is the one woman he never stopped craving.
Myelle Davis is finally free, a quiet junior high principal who escaped the spotlight and healed in a small town where nobody knows her name. She’s also stepped into her truth, exploring her attraction to women and falling into a passionate, soul-deep relationship with the intoxicating Nyla Marks.
When Malachi, using a fake profile, stumbles across Myelle’s dating app post looking for a man to play with her and her girlfriend, he makes a reckless decision.
He swipes right.
But desire is the easy part. The hard part is earning trust from the woman he broke, and proving to both Myelle and Nyla that he isn’t chasing the past, he’s building something new.
Three hearts. One second chance. And a night that changes everything.
2:06 a.m. is a steamy, emotional second-chance romantic erotica novella about redemption, healing, and the kind of love that dares to expand.
second-chance romance, exes-to-lovers, MMF triad romance (F/F + M), bisexual awakening, high heat, emotional healing, and Black love with a delicious culinary twist.
166 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 6, 2026
65 people are currently reading
162 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
February 11, 2026
ARC Review
“Give me what’s mine”
This is a story about what love can look like the second time around.
Malachi lost himself, which then led him to lose his wife, Myelle. He was a professional MLB player and lost it all after being in a life altering car accident. He allowed the pain and depression to overshadow his connection with the one person he valued the most. He pushed everyone away and sank into a dark place that Myelle could not save him from, so she left and saved herself.
After experiencing a heartbreak that she never fully recovered from Myelle moved on to a love that was warm, open, and welcoming. She found Nyla and embraced a side of herself that she kept hidden for so long. While she did deeply and truly love Malachi, she was not completely honest with herself. She desired the love of a woman too. She found that love in a small town where she went to escape the flashing lights of her past with Nyla.
Our story begins with one late night swipe and a small lie. Malachi comes across his opportunity to get back everything he lost and more when he lands on his ex-wife and her girlfriend’s dating profile. He has finally settled into a good place with his new career as a pastry chef and is now looking to settle his love life too. Myelle and Nyla are looking for a male companion to help bring their pleasure to new heights, and Malachi decides that he is the one for the job. Under the cover of an alias, at 2:06 AM he makes a move to heal his past and secure his future.
Malachi pretending to be someone named Jayden had Nyla and Myelle questioning his true intentions. They thought he was catfishing them and were ready to get Nev on the line. After a very awkward and very intense reunion, Myelle and Nyla welcome the new healed version of Malachi with their bodies and most importantly their lives.
From the very first chapter we get an introduction to the spice and connection between Myelle and Malachi. As the story progresses we are introduced to a different connection between Nyla and Myelle and then one that includes all three, and shows how each character has grown and changed throughout the years.
Malachi did not claim to know it all and made it his mission to learn Nyla and the new version of Myelle. The three of them poured love, support, and reassurance into the connection that they shared. The emotional intimacy between these characters was just as important as the physical. It was soft, sweet, intense and commanding. It felt like a love letter wrapped in spice.
4/5⭐️
“Give me what’s mine”
This is a story about what love can look like the second time around.
Malachi lost himself, which then led him to lose his wife, Myelle. He was a professional MLB player and lost it all after being in a life altering car accident. He allowed the pain and depression to overshadow his connection with the one person he valued the most. He pushed everyone away and sank into a dark place that Myelle could not save him from, so she left and saved herself.
After experiencing a heartbreak that she never fully recovered from Myelle moved on to a love that was warm, open, and welcoming. She found Nyla and embraced a side of herself that she kept hidden for so long. While she did deeply and truly love Malachi, she was not completely honest with herself. She desired the love of a woman too. She found that love in a small town where she went to escape the flashing lights of her past with Nyla.
Our story begins with one late night swipe and a small lie. Malachi comes across his opportunity to get back everything he lost and more when he lands on his ex-wife and her girlfriend’s dating profile. He has finally settled into a good place with his new career as a pastry chef and is now looking to settle his love life too. Myelle and Nyla are looking for a male companion to help bring their pleasure to new heights, and Malachi decides that he is the one for the job. Under the cover of an alias, at 2:06 AM he makes a move to heal his past and secure his future.
Malachi pretending to be someone named Jayden had Nyla and Myelle questioning his true intentions. They thought he was catfishing them and were ready to get Nev on the line. After a very awkward and very intense reunion, Myelle and Nyla welcome the new healed version of Malachi with their bodies and most importantly their lives.
From the very first chapter we get an introduction to the spice and connection between Myelle and Malachi. As the story progresses we are introduced to a different connection between Nyla and Myelle and then one that includes all three, and shows how each character has grown and changed throughout the years.
Malachi did not claim to know it all and made it his mission to learn Nyla and the new version of Myelle. The three of them poured love, support, and reassurance into the connection that they shared. The emotional intimacy between these characters was just as important as the physical. It was soft, sweet, intense and commanding. It felt like a love letter wrapped in spice.
4/5⭐️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 25, 2026
WHEW!!!! Honeyyy anyone else hot or just me? I was ready to pick up this phone and call my own girlfriend, cause baby let’s reenact the things in this book… IMMEDIATELY. It took me only a few hours to read this story, I was heavily locked in thirsty to see what the outcome of each page and each chapter would be. Spice level at a strong 5 and that’s my kinda book.
The pacing was slow however it’s the kind of slowness that was cohesive to the story. It kept you on edge just enough to want more, to wonder more, to crave more. Loved and admired Malachi’s growth, accountability, & lack of fear in being emotionally present & vulnerable. He opened a dating app with hopes of an escape, yet ended up with a goal…. though unconventional and messy. He had the best character development in the story, and brought the entire book together. Myelle surprised me- Because how do you maintain such softness and patience upon finding out your ex-husband catfished you? I adored Myelle’s level of submission but also the way she could switch up to be aggressive and in control. Nyla was my favorite, she turned me on. Her confidence, her reassurance, her soft and delicate ways to calm your nervous system. I also loved how Nyla made it clear, “I’m NOBODY’s plus one, I’m THE one.” Period!
There was such a pleasant mixture of emotional and physical intimacy. Saying too much will give the story and what occurs away, so to the new readers… Have some wine ready. And maybe an extra pair of underwear.
The pacing was slow however it’s the kind of slowness that was cohesive to the story. It kept you on edge just enough to want more, to wonder more, to crave more. Loved and admired Malachi’s growth, accountability, & lack of fear in being emotionally present & vulnerable. He opened a dating app with hopes of an escape, yet ended up with a goal…. though unconventional and messy. He had the best character development in the story, and brought the entire book together. Myelle surprised me- Because how do you maintain such softness and patience upon finding out your ex-husband catfished you? I adored Myelle’s level of submission but also the way she could switch up to be aggressive and in control. Nyla was my favorite, she turned me on. Her confidence, her reassurance, her soft and delicate ways to calm your nervous system. I also loved how Nyla made it clear, “I’m NOBODY’s plus one, I’m THE one.” Period!
There was such a pleasant mixture of emotional and physical intimacy. Saying too much will give the story and what occurs away, so to the new readers… Have some wine ready. And maybe an extra pair of underwear.
February 10, 2026
I love me a good second chance, spin the block story especially when you see the growth in the characters.
Yes, it was spicy… but it was also real. This book gave more than sex.. it gave emotion, healing, and growth. The first erotica that had me in my feelings and showed that second chances can be beautiful when you’re evolving separately and together.
Malachi being accountable of his actions, Myelle being her true self and Nyla realizing that it is okay to be vulnerable and that she’s not just a placeholder. Intimacy is so much more than the physical, it’s also mental and emotional and you definitely get all three in this book.. Wooo CM Barnes definitely gives you the real with a whole lot of scenes that have you wanting to reevaluate your sex life
Yes, it was spicy… but it was also real. This book gave more than sex.. it gave emotion, healing, and growth. The first erotica that had me in my feelings and showed that second chances can be beautiful when you’re evolving separately and together.
Malachi being accountable of his actions, Myelle being her true self and Nyla realizing that it is okay to be vulnerable and that she’s not just a placeholder. Intimacy is so much more than the physical, it’s also mental and emotional and you definitely get all three in this book.. Wooo CM Barnes definitely gives you the real with a whole lot of scenes that have you wanting to reevaluate your sex life
January 28, 2026
Thank you C.M. Barnes for the ARC review. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. What stood out to me the most was the character development of the MMC Malachi. Nothing beats a black man who's HEALING! After a tragic accident changes his life, he realizes what he wants his next chapter to be and focuses on achieving that while still in the process of growing professionally in a new field. Reconnecting with Myelle was the last thing in his healing journey that helped him to feel fulfilled. This included "new" version of her and not the ex-wife that shrunk herself to fit in his MLB world.
February 12, 2026
Oooo
I need a longer book. That growth from Malachi was grown man. I’m glad My got EVERYTHING that she wanted and deserved.
I need a longer book. That growth from Malachi was grown man. I’m glad My got EVERYTHING that she wanted and deserved.
Review of advance copy received from Author
📚ARC Review📚
Thank you sooooo much C.M. Barnes for providing this ARC🫶🏽📚❤️
Let’s start by saying that when C.M. Barnes gives you a story, there are going to be layers to it. This was more than just Erotica. This book gives us the importance of healing and taking accountability for not only our actions, but the way we act towards others. It gives us freedom of sexual expression and the reminder that it’s ok to be express our feelings and be vulnerable to our love ones.
Malachi, Myelle, and Nyla are truly the cutest trio. The way they navigated this storyline together showed true chemistry, companionship and maturity. I was really rooting for them through every obstacle or doubts they may have. Be sure to grab your tissues, because you just might tear up a little bit. Malachi was definitely pulling at my heart strings.
I absolutely loved this novel and it was just refreshing to see a take with this type of dynamic without all the extra drama. Just mature and understanding adults being in love and correcting their mistakes in order to love each other correctly. I love Black love😩
Thank you sooooo much C.M. Barnes for providing this ARC🫶🏽📚❤️
Let’s start by saying that when C.M. Barnes gives you a story, there are going to be layers to it. This was more than just Erotica. This book gives us the importance of healing and taking accountability for not only our actions, but the way we act towards others. It gives us freedom of sexual expression and the reminder that it’s ok to be express our feelings and be vulnerable to our love ones.
Malachi, Myelle, and Nyla are truly the cutest trio. The way they navigated this storyline together showed true chemistry, companionship and maturity. I was really rooting for them through every obstacle or doubts they may have. Be sure to grab your tissues, because you just might tear up a little bit. Malachi was definitely pulling at my heart strings.
I absolutely loved this novel and it was just refreshing to see a take with this type of dynamic without all the extra drama. Just mature and understanding adults being in love and correcting their mistakes in order to love each other correctly. I love Black love😩
February 9, 2026
Babbbbyyy!!!! I was wondering how Mrs. Barnes was gonna spin this story and baby what a story with so much intimacy, trust, love, honesty and great sex just like the other two books! The story of Malachi, Myelle and Nyla, shows a lot of healing, growth and taking accountability for your actions . Malachai had to be patient while the Myelle learns to trust him again. But now that Myelle is with Nyla and they wanted a man to be part of the relationship. Not only does Malachi have to earn back his wife’s trust but he has to get her now girlfriend to trust him as well!! The patience and reassurance of his true intentions for his relationships with them is everything. I love how he made sure Nyla did not feel like the third wheel. So much to say! But I’m gonna stop there! Loved every part of their story! One thing about Love you it does not just show in the traditional kind of way!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 13, 2026
A poly romance
Spicy 🌶️ Malachi was a baseball player whose career was shortened by a drunk driver.. which had him angry and pushing away everyone close to him, including his wife Myelle.. she, not being one to give up, attempted to support him thru this life altering change and urged therapy, but his depression at the time, got the best of him.. 5yrs post divorce, therapy and healing, and also a new career as a bakery chef, he was now living again.. in a new city, he was looking for fun and found his ex Myelle on a dating app looking for fun for her and her girlfriend of 2yrs Nyla.. Malachi using a fake name Jayden swiped on the intriguing couple and created dialogue.. which was the start of this unconventional romance 🥰 a poly story about second chances, therapy, healing and the unexpected
Spicy 🌶️ Malachi was a baseball player whose career was shortened by a drunk driver.. which had him angry and pushing away everyone close to him, including his wife Myelle.. she, not being one to give up, attempted to support him thru this life altering change and urged therapy, but his depression at the time, got the best of him.. 5yrs post divorce, therapy and healing, and also a new career as a bakery chef, he was now living again.. in a new city, he was looking for fun and found his ex Myelle on a dating app looking for fun for her and her girlfriend of 2yrs Nyla.. Malachi using a fake name Jayden swiped on the intriguing couple and created dialogue.. which was the start of this unconventional romance 🥰 a poly story about second chances, therapy, healing and the unexpected
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you CM Barnes for the ARC. ❤️ This book was everything I needed. Sensual, spicy, and beautifully grown, this book delivered on every level. The chemistry between the characters was undeniable, and the emotional depth added richness to the heat. We love characters that are healing and doing the work. I loved the exploration of love, desire, and healing within this second-chance romance. Loved the MMC & FMCs.
This was exactly what I expected from this author and a truly satisfying, perfect ending to the 2AM series. If you read 1:09 and 1:23, this is a great addition & ending but it can be read as a standalone too. Read it. You won’t regret it.
This was exactly what I expected from this author and a truly satisfying, perfect ending to the 2AM series. If you read 1:09 and 1:23, this is a great addition & ending but it can be read as a standalone too. Read it. You won’t regret it.
February 7, 2026
A great conclusion
I’m a 4.5 Stars. Im a sucker for a second chance romance, and 2:06am did not disappoint. This book follows Malachi, Myelle, and Nyla. Malachi and Myelle are divorce, and Nyla is Myelle’s current girlfriend. While you might would think this is where things get messy, they did not. A second chance at love blooms plus a new love. This book provided romance with a lot of spice. If you’re a fan of second chance romance and love a spicy book, this one is for you. While I wish we got more of Nyla, i had a great time reading.
I’m a 4.5 Stars. Im a sucker for a second chance romance, and 2:06am did not disappoint. This book follows Malachi, Myelle, and Nyla. Malachi and Myelle are divorce, and Nyla is Myelle’s current girlfriend. While you might would think this is where things get messy, they did not. A second chance at love blooms plus a new love. This book provided romance with a lot of spice. If you’re a fan of second chance romance and love a spicy book, this one is for you. While I wish we got more of Nyla, i had a great time reading.
February 7, 2026
Jayden, Baby Girl and Pretty Baby
Miss Barnes knows how to write about a healthy, healing, communicative poly relationship! Lord! This was a perfect ending to a series. I loved the connections with O and Lennox from the other two books. The way Malachi moved was so intentional. I’m so happy he healed and became the man he is now. The way he loved on both of them was top tier!!!! I’m mad the is the end, i want more!
Miss Barnes knows how to write about a healthy, healing, communicative poly relationship! Lord! This was a perfect ending to a series. I loved the connections with O and Lennox from the other two books. The way Malachi moved was so intentional. I’m so happy he healed and became the man he is now. The way he loved on both of them was top tier!!!! I’m mad the is the end, i want more!
February 6, 2026
Short, steamy, and spicy with some substance —2:06 a.m. delivers heat with purpose. This story isn’t just about desire, it’s about redemption, growth, and love that refuses to stay boxed in.
Malachi stumbles, grows, and earns every step he takes forward, Myelle’s healing feels intentional, and the connection with Nyla is impossible to ignore. Desire is easy, but trust is the real turn on here.
This is actually my first C. M. Barnes read, and I’d heard she brings the heat—and she did! 🥵🔥
If you haven’t already, be sure to read 1:09 a.m. by LBGaines and 1:23 a.m. by DHrenfroe. While this is a series, you don’t have to read them in order… but trust me, you’ll want to.
Malachi stumbles, grows, and earns every step he takes forward, Myelle’s healing feels intentional, and the connection with Nyla is impossible to ignore. Desire is easy, but trust is the real turn on here.
This is actually my first C. M. Barnes read, and I’d heard she brings the heat—and she did! 🥵🔥
If you haven’t already, be sure to read 1:09 a.m. by LBGaines and 1:23 a.m. by DHrenfroe. While this is a series, you don’t have to read them in order… but trust me, you’ll want to.
February 7, 2026
Tantalizing Love Story
I love everything about this story! I love how the scenes are so intentional and descriptive. Not hurried, not rushed. It pulls you in & makes you feel like you’re apart of it. This is now
my favorite from the series! I hope that we see more of the Trio in the future.
I love everything about this story! I love how the scenes are so intentional and descriptive. Not hurried, not rushed. It pulls you in & makes you feel like you’re apart of it. This is now
my favorite from the series! I hope that we see more of the Trio in the future.
February 8, 2026
this book was intentional
This book was intentional. The love felt like it jumped off the page and into the room with me. It made me smile and it made me root for what they were creating brick by brick. This book made me believe that second chances can be healing. I’m in awe of this book! Definitely going to be a favorite of 2026!
This book was intentional. The love felt like it jumped off the page and into the room with me. It made me smile and it made me root for what they were creating brick by brick. This book made me believe that second chances can be healing. I’m in awe of this book! Definitely going to be a favorite of 2026!
February 11, 2026
Amazing!!
Not to compare apples to apples, but this was the best one out of the series! I loved the dynamic of Chi & My after they both went through personal healing and growth. Adding Nyla was just the cherry on top. 🍒 the connection was magnificent and got me thinking about some things 🥵 10/10 highly recommend 5 ⭐️
Not to compare apples to apples, but this was the best one out of the series! I loved the dynamic of Chi & My after they both went through personal healing and growth. Adding Nyla was just the cherry on top. 🍒 the connection was magnificent and got me thinking about some things 🥵 10/10 highly recommend 5 ⭐️
February 8, 2026
I love the spice as always however what really got me was the healing of Malachi in this book. He did the work, he held himself accountable, he asked questions, he didn’t shy away from speaking his truth, whew! A black man committed to healing is everything. 5 stars highly recommend reading this.
February 9, 2026
Best series of 20:26
Shew!!! How bad is that I am ready for a 3AM , 4AM, 5AM….all of the A.M.’s and some PM too…bravo!! I don’t want to spoil anything, but it is a must read. All 3 books, no particular order, trust me, you will be throughly pleased.
Shew!!! How bad is that I am ready for a 3AM , 4AM, 5AM….all of the A.M.’s and some PM too…bravo!! I don’t want to spoil anything, but it is a must read. All 3 books, no particular order, trust me, you will be throughly pleased.
February 10, 2026
Perfection
I love this author!! Perfectly timed and written sex scenes. Not too much and not too little. Appropriate for the storyline. Quality.
This did not feel like a short story. I loved the storyline, characters, and quality writing. A-1!! Highly recommend.
I love this author!! Perfectly timed and written sex scenes. Not too much and not too little. Appropriate for the storyline. Quality.
This did not feel like a short story. I loved the storyline, characters, and quality writing. A-1!! Highly recommend.
February 10, 2026
I love unconventional love
Enjoyed another great read by C. M. Love the way healing unfolds in this book. It was hearting warming that both parties healed in their own way and more so that her partner was so understanding
Enjoyed another great read by C. M. Love the way healing unfolds in this book. It was hearting warming that both parties healed in their own way and more so that her partner was so understanding
February 11, 2026
3.5 ⭐️
Myelle, Nyla and Malachi knows how to have a good time.
This completes the series and I must say these books really opened up my eyes to new horizons lol
I loved how Malachi was intentional about doing the work to better himself and win over not only Myelle but Nyla.
Myelle, Nyla and Malachi knows how to have a good time.
This completes the series and I must say these books really opened up my eyes to new horizons lol
I loved how Malachi was intentional about doing the work to better himself and win over not only Myelle but Nyla.
February 8, 2026
💙💙💙
I am a junky for anything she writes. This was such a beautifully written novella. Read it; I definitely enjoyed every page.
I am a junky for anything she writes. This was such a beautifully written novella. Read it; I definitely enjoyed every page.
February 8, 2026
loved this book.
I love that it didn’t make second chances just look pretty, but it showed work, honesty, commitment and love. Really good book!
I love that it didn’t make second chances just look pretty, but it showed work, honesty, commitment and love. Really good book!
February 10, 2026
A time was had!!! DO YOU HEAR ME!!! I really enjoyed this book! It was too good! He got his wife back and her girlfriend too!! In my opinion, if “Enigma” was too much for you, this is a good alternative. It’s still spicy though. lol. It’s an erotica.
February 9, 2026
🔥🔥🔥🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️😮💨 lol that’s it
February 9, 2026
🥺🥵
What a beautiful ending to this beautiful series. I really enjoyed reading about the crew Malachi, Myelle & Nyla from the growth healing all the way the smut I loved it. 😊🤭
What a beautiful ending to this beautiful series. I really enjoyed reading about the crew Malachi, Myelle & Nyla from the growth healing all the way the smut I loved it. 😊🤭
February 11, 2026
second time around
Sometimes things truly are better the second time around this held true for Malachi. He owned up to his faults and fought for his lives. Great read 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
Sometimes things truly are better the second time around this held true for Malachi. He owned up to his faults and fought for his lives. Great read 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews