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The Gentlemen of Queen City #1
This Tender Melody
Rivals—in perfect harmony…
The only thing standing between Eve Franklin and her dream is over six feet of pure, arrogant alpha male. Eve has spent years preparing to take the reins of her family's software business. Now that her father is stepping down, he's putting someone else in charge—a gorgeous tech magnate who's not content with just taking Eve's place in the boardroom. He plans to woo her into his bedroom, as well!
Software genius, talented musician and independently wealthy at thirty-six—Darius Winstead has always known how to get what he wants. And he wants Eve. But she is a challenge unlike any other. She's sophisticated, smart and not the least bit intimidated by his success. So Darius starts to reveal all aspects of his life and invites Eve to see the man behind the millionaire. Will it be enough to make Eve listen to her heart and trust her former enemy?
The only thing standing between Eve Franklin and her dream is over six feet of pure, arrogant alpha male. Eve has spent years preparing to take the reins of her family's software business. Now that her father is stepping down, he's putting someone else in charge—a gorgeous tech magnate who's not content with just taking Eve's place in the boardroom. He plans to woo her into his bedroom, as well!
Software genius, talented musician and independently wealthy at thirty-six—Darius Winstead has always known how to get what he wants. And he wants Eve. But she is a challenge unlike any other. She's sophisticated, smart and not the least bit intimidated by his success. So Darius starts to reveal all aspects of his life and invites Eve to see the man behind the millionaire. Will it be enough to make Eve listen to her heart and trust her former enemy?
224 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published September 15, 2015
16 people are currently reading
114 people want to read
About the author
Kianna Alexander
108 books557 followersI've always loved the written word. For as long as I can remember, I read as much as I could, as often as I could. Cereal boxes, newspapers, product packaging. Ebony, Essence, and Jet Magazine. Billboards. I loved it all. I read the entire Fear Street series, as well as the Sweet Valley Books, from Twins and Friends through Sweet Valley High. Each week I'd bring 15 or 20 books home from the library, and read them all before the due date.
Now, my mother owned a pristine, barely touched collection of Harlequin romance novels, and I was not to touch them under any circumstances. Well, as a teenager, you know what that meant. I read some of them, and got my first introduction to romance.
When I was sixteen, I picked up my stepmother's copy of Night Song, by Beverly Jenkins. The cover showed an obviously historical image of a black couple, against a beautiful backdrop, locked in a passionate embrace. With my love of history, I had to crack this book. What I read inside literally blew my mind. I was exposed to a wonderful, touching love story involving people who looked like me! What a thrill. To this day Night Song remains my favorite book, and I credit it with planting the seed of desire to write romance. I didn't get serious until many years later, but that's where it all began.
Now, my mother owned a pristine, barely touched collection of Harlequin romance novels, and I was not to touch them under any circumstances. Well, as a teenager, you know what that meant. I read some of them, and got my first introduction to romance.
When I was sixteen, I picked up my stepmother's copy of Night Song, by Beverly Jenkins. The cover showed an obviously historical image of a black couple, against a beautiful backdrop, locked in a passionate embrace. With my love of history, I had to crack this book. What I read inside literally blew my mind. I was exposed to a wonderful, touching love story involving people who looked like me! What a thrill. To this day Night Song remains my favorite book, and I credit it with planting the seed of desire to write romance. I didn't get serious until many years later, but that's where it all began.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
November 1, 2015
Kianna Alexander has taken Kimani Romance to a new level with the release of This Tender Melody, the first book in her Gentlemen of Queen City Series. Joseph Franklin has finally accepted that it is time for him to retire as CEO for Franklin Technologies Incorporation. Before he could do that, he wanted to make sure that he lives the company in good hands. Eve, his daughter, knows everything there to know about FTI. Even though she hates to see her father retire, she is ready to continue his legacy as CEO. At an unexpected board meeting, her world is turned upside down when her father announces that, Darius Winstead, a former employee and software genius, will be taking his place. Not only is Darius smart and talented, but he also has his desire set on having Eve as more than an employee.
Alexander has really stepped up her game with this novel. It is fun, sexy and it encourages readers to turn each page in anticipation of something more. After reading this story, I can hardly wait to read about the other gents in the series and her fans are going to enjoy it. Congratulations Kianna.
This book was provided by the author for an honest review.
Alexander has really stepped up her game with this novel. It is fun, sexy and it encourages readers to turn each page in anticipation of something more. After reading this story, I can hardly wait to read about the other gents in the series and her fans are going to enjoy it. Congratulations Kianna.
This book was provided by the author for an honest review.
October 4, 2015
This was my first book read by Kianna Alexander and I must say it was excellent. I loved Darius and Eve from the start. I read this book in one day due to the fact I couldn't put it down for a long period of time. This is a loving book that will touch your heart in so many ways, you will laugh and cry. I can't wait to read the next one Kianna.
September 8, 2015
Can love conquer years of mistrust, vulnerability and deep hurt? Can an Alpha Male and Alpha Female get out their baggage and make love work? Can soulful Jazz break down walls out up? This book was so good I couldn't stop until I had finished it!
June 28, 2016
Great read!!!!
I loved Darius and Eve's story. This book brought out a lot of emotions in me. The author did a great job of describing every scene and made me feel like I was right there with the characters going through the hard times and the good ones, with them. Excited to read the next book in the series!
I loved Darius and Eve's story. This book brought out a lot of emotions in me. The author did a great job of describing every scene and made me feel like I was right there with the characters going through the hard times and the good ones, with them. Excited to read the next book in the series!
October 8, 2015
Loved this book! Can't wait for Book 2
November 17, 2015
Nice
I enjoyed Kianna's first Kamani book. But like all her books it was a nice read. I look forward to reading more and I hope Darius and Eve's friends get their own books.
I enjoyed Kianna's first Kamani book. But like all her books it was a nice read. I look forward to reading more and I hope Darius and Eve's friends get their own books.
September 16, 2015
I received this book in exchange for an honest review. However, this does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
In this romantic title the reader is introduced to Eve Franklin, a highly successful in the parents business and the sole heir to the Franklin empire. She has everything that any woman will like independence, money and power but one thing she has not been successful in and that is love. Everything is going smoothly with Eve until a family crisis that shakes the Franklin family to its core.
Darius Winstead enters the picture and complicate things even more for Eve because there is a strong physical and mental chemistry between the two but there is one huge issue, they work together. Keeping pleasure out of business is a constant battle between the two and all eyes are on them because Darius has been named the CEO of the company. So what do the two do? Follow their heart or no company fraternizing.
The author has written a story in which we see a couple learn more about themselves when it comes to relationships and is it possible to have it all. We see relationship issues unfold such as trust, honesty and integrity throughout the book. This was a quick read and I enjoyed the character development.
Karen
In this romantic title the reader is introduced to Eve Franklin, a highly successful in the parents business and the sole heir to the Franklin empire. She has everything that any woman will like independence, money and power but one thing she has not been successful in and that is love. Everything is going smoothly with Eve until a family crisis that shakes the Franklin family to its core.
Darius Winstead enters the picture and complicate things even more for Eve because there is a strong physical and mental chemistry between the two but there is one huge issue, they work together. Keeping pleasure out of business is a constant battle between the two and all eyes are on them because Darius has been named the CEO of the company. So what do the two do? Follow their heart or no company fraternizing.
The author has written a story in which we see a couple learn more about themselves when it comes to relationships and is it possible to have it all. We see relationship issues unfold such as trust, honesty and integrity throughout the book. This was a quick read and I enjoyed the character development.
Karen
March 25, 2016
Well written, easy to read and a slant of humour. A sweet and cleanish romance.
So this is about pampered boring Eve who is overlooked for promotion in her family business for sexy hot outsider Darius Winstead. A lot happens in this book, some of which I thought was overkill. Darius seemed a little desperate as if he was walking around with a perma-erection in his pants. Yes, because he wants a taste that.
A family tragedy happens to Eve so Darius moves in on his goal to get a piece of that. Finally he succeeds but it takes a very very very long time. I'm surprised Ms Alexander didn't keep up to count with how many cold showers he had to take.
The only thing I had issue with was Lina's integrity as a lawyer in the end. It's not cool. I would have jus paid the dude off since they were all wrong in the way the issues was handled. Then again this is fiction so no biggie.
There is nothing really much to say about it, only it is one of the better Kimani romances out there.
So this is about pampered boring Eve who is overlooked for promotion in her family business for sexy hot outsider Darius Winstead. A lot happens in this book, some of which I thought was overkill. Darius seemed a little desperate as if he was walking around with a perma-erection in his pants. Yes, because he wants a taste that.
A family tragedy happens to Eve so Darius moves in on his goal to get a piece of that. Finally he succeeds but it takes a very very very long time. I'm surprised Ms Alexander didn't keep up to count with how many cold showers he had to take.
The only thing I had issue with was Lina's integrity as a lawyer in the end. It's not cool. I would have jus paid the dude off since they were all wrong in the way the issues was handled. Then again this is fiction so no biggie.
There is nothing really much to say about it, only it is one of the better Kimani romances out there.
February 20, 2020
The cover is an issue, the lead, Darius, plays the bass, there shouldn’t be a sax on the cover. This book let me know in the first three pages it was going to be a hard sell. The leads were so stilted, it was hard to root for them.
The main characters, Darius and Eve asked of themselves maybe two questions of doubt before they fell into each other. Their resistance was non existent, there was very little angst to get excited over.
And if you’re into adjectives, this story is for you, it’s loaded with them. Also the scenes are very descriptive, where a thought could have been set with six words but it gets fifteen.
I don’t recommend.
The main characters, Darius and Eve asked of themselves maybe two questions of doubt before they fell into each other. Their resistance was non existent, there was very little angst to get excited over.
And if you’re into adjectives, this story is for you, it’s loaded with them. Also the scenes are very descriptive, where a thought could have been set with six words but it gets fifteen.
I don’t recommend.
September 9, 2015
This Tender Melody was a book that I couldn't put down !!! The chemistry between Eve and Darius was so real it made you feel as if you were friends of theirs and had a front row seat to their growing romance , This is the 1st Kimani Romance book that I have read by Kianna Alexander not only has she made me love jazz music with The GentleMen of Queen City she also has me sitting on the edge of my seat waiting on her next book!!
September 9, 2015
This Tender Melody was an awesome read!! I finished it in one day! I loved the storyline. I experienced every emotion possible while reading this book!! If you're looking for a book about true love this is it!!
October 7, 2015
Eve's reaction when her Father announced Darius as head of the company was well deserved! Her reaction to Darius has to be dealt with! The journey between these two, both professionally and personally is heartwarming, fun, HOT and intriguing! Kudos, Kianna Alexander!
Read
August 3, 2019A bit tired.
I'm sure this book will leave someone anxious to read the series. I on the other hand am not interested. The story seemed to drag, I am sure that back ground info is important but this background took to long to develop. The next couple in the series met early in this book, their story had time to be explored while the main characters interact. I couldn't wait to the end, it too long for the storyline to develop.
I'm sure this book will leave someone anxious to read the series. I on the other hand am not interested. The story seemed to drag, I am sure that back ground info is important but this background took to long to develop. The next couple in the series met early in this book, their story had time to be explored while the main characters interact. I couldn't wait to the end, it too long for the storyline to develop.
May 15, 2017
First time reading this author and thoroughly enjoyed this story. Great start to this series.
November 9, 2017
This book was so good. Although, Eve got on my nerves, I’m happy her and Darius got their happily ever after.
February 21, 2018
Great story!
I really enjoyed this book. I can't wait to see how the other 'Gents' stories unfold. Really Great Read!!😘😘😘
Kianna, you rock.
I really enjoyed this book. I can't wait to see how the other 'Gents' stories unfold. Really Great Read!!😘😘😘
Kianna, you rock.
December 26, 2018
The Music Man
I absolutely got all twisted up in Darius and Eve's romance. What woman doesn't fantasize about falling for a guy in the band? A jazz musician at that.
I absolutely got all twisted up in Darius and Eve's romance. What woman doesn't fantasize about falling for a guy in the band? A jazz musician at that.
October 25, 2020
Easy to read
Simple plot with a lack of depth but nice to read about a wealthy heroine even if she is does not display aspirational characteristics.
Simple plot with a lack of depth but nice to read about a wealthy heroine even if she is does not display aspirational characteristics.
November 9, 2021
Love At Work
A great story of love between unexpected rivals than progressed into something much more. Eve and Darius found a way to support the company and then each other.
A great story of love between unexpected rivals than progressed into something much more. Eve and Darius found a way to support the company and then each other.
December 27, 2016
Loved it! This was a relaxing book for the holidays.
January 4, 2017
Sexual harassment on the job is a serious issue in the 20th and 21st centuries. Any competent job manual (or dating guidebook) strongly advises against office romances. Romantic hijinks in the workplace can engender ugly whispers, scandal-mongering, implications that so-and-so is sleeping his or her way to the top or that someone more competent was passed over for promotion because the new CEO slept with the boss. It’s best to avoid all that, right?
That’s what Eve Franklin tells herself. It’s good advice too. So why does she let the new CEO put his hands on her and kiss her? In the first 50 pages? And this after he asks her if they can keep this professional?! It smacks of stupidity and bad romance writing, the kind I’ve abhorred in other books, and my temper was immediately riled.
I wondered why Eve didn’t ask her father pertinent questions. He’s the one who hires Darius Winstead for the coveted position instead of her. I would have suspected patriarchal feeling—he decides a man was better at the helm of the company instead of a woman. But I reluctantly put that misogynistic bias aside. Eve has been training at her daddy’s knee to work in the company since she was a little girl and her father evidently has a great deal of faith in her.
But Darius Winstead admits that he came out of retirement to handle the company even though he thinks Eve can handle the business aspect of the company better than he. Then he starts putting the moves on her the second time they meet. Now I’m wondering if her father set this up as an elaborate scheme to get his workaholic daughter a man.
No, that didn’t turn out to be the case either. Although I thought the office romance was a bad idea, I had to concede that the author handled it more or less skillfully. There is no torrid rolling around on the desks behind closed office doors; Darius and Eve are more discreet than that.
The burgeoning romance gets the brakes put on by a scheming colleague and illness in the family. So it’s not as rushed and heated as I initially feared. It grows into an acceptable love affair with very hot sex scenes and an expected happy ending.
Incredibly, Eve gets everything she wants—Darius appreciates her worth and knows his own limits. I actually breathed a sigh of relief at knowing she remains a woman of business instead of chucking it all to become a wife.
A happy ending with love, work andrespect. Not bad, not bad at all.
That’s what Eve Franklin tells herself. It’s good advice too. So why does she let the new CEO put his hands on her and kiss her? In the first 50 pages? And this after he asks her if they can keep this professional?! It smacks of stupidity and bad romance writing, the kind I’ve abhorred in other books, and my temper was immediately riled.
I wondered why Eve didn’t ask her father pertinent questions. He’s the one who hires Darius Winstead for the coveted position instead of her. I would have suspected patriarchal feeling—he decides a man was better at the helm of the company instead of a woman. But I reluctantly put that misogynistic bias aside. Eve has been training at her daddy’s knee to work in the company since she was a little girl and her father evidently has a great deal of faith in her.
But Darius Winstead admits that he came out of retirement to handle the company even though he thinks Eve can handle the business aspect of the company better than he. Then he starts putting the moves on her the second time they meet. Now I’m wondering if her father set this up as an elaborate scheme to get his workaholic daughter a man.
No, that didn’t turn out to be the case either. Although I thought the office romance was a bad idea, I had to concede that the author handled it more or less skillfully. There is no torrid rolling around on the desks behind closed office doors; Darius and Eve are more discreet than that.
The burgeoning romance gets the brakes put on by a scheming colleague and illness in the family. So it’s not as rushed and heated as I initially feared. It grows into an acceptable love affair with very hot sex scenes and an expected happy ending.
Incredibly, Eve gets everything she wants—Darius appreciates her worth and knows his own limits. I actually breathed a sigh of relief at knowing she remains a woman of business instead of chucking it all to become a wife.
A happy ending with love, work andrespect. Not bad, not bad at all.
February 8, 2017
Accidentally deleted this book from my list. Repost
Ever since I discovered the Kimani imprint at Harlequin Romance a few years ago, I have delighted in finding talented black authors writing OUR love stories. I found Farrah Rochon there and now that I have read Kianna Alexander, I have another author to stalk. Errr. Follow.
This was SUCH a great read. I was really looking forward to it, from the moment that Kianna announced that this book would be her Kimani debut. From front cover (I mean, GIRL, look at it! If Kimani does ANYTHING right, it’s that they take such great care with their covers) to back, this book was engaging, easy to read and entertaining.
The heroine, Eve is so relatable. As the daughter of the owner/CEO of a software design firm, she’s worked her entire life for the position that’s being virtually given away to Darius Winstead. On sight, he is handsome and so sexy… but since he’s trying to take her job, he’s the enemy. He doesn’t even look old enough to be a CEO and her father has brought him in to run the company instead of her? And though there is that animal magnetism between them, attraction be damned!
Darius was enjoying early retirement, independent wealth from the sale of his technology firm and his weekly gig with his Jazz band, The Gents. When his mentor asks him a small favor- step in as CEO of his software firm until his daughter, Eve, is able to take the reins- he only agrees because of their relationship. But once he’s on board and he meets the gorgeous, captivating Eve Franklin, Darius has quite another goal in mind.
First, he needs to chip through her icy exterior. They need to be able to work together, to run the company in tandem until Eve has garnered enough experience that her father feels comfortable with her at the helm.
And then he intends to woo her.
And woo her he does! With live music, light, simple romance and proving that he IS who he says he is, especially when it matters. This is my favorite kind of love story! Easy, simple, romantic.. a fast fall but not too fast and a man that knows how to go get what he wants.
I truly enjoyed this story of two headstrong alpha characters finding out where each of them fit together and making it work. And since this appears to be a series, I am already looking forward to the Gents book two!
As I mentioned, this novel is Kianna’s Kimani debut, so I hope readers of black romance will snap it up!
Ever since I discovered the Kimani imprint at Harlequin Romance a few years ago, I have delighted in finding talented black authors writing OUR love stories. I found Farrah Rochon there and now that I have read Kianna Alexander, I have another author to stalk. Errr. Follow.
This was SUCH a great read. I was really looking forward to it, from the moment that Kianna announced that this book would be her Kimani debut. From front cover (I mean, GIRL, look at it! If Kimani does ANYTHING right, it’s that they take such great care with their covers) to back, this book was engaging, easy to read and entertaining.
The heroine, Eve is so relatable. As the daughter of the owner/CEO of a software design firm, she’s worked her entire life for the position that’s being virtually given away to Darius Winstead. On sight, he is handsome and so sexy… but since he’s trying to take her job, he’s the enemy. He doesn’t even look old enough to be a CEO and her father has brought him in to run the company instead of her? And though there is that animal magnetism between them, attraction be damned!
Darius was enjoying early retirement, independent wealth from the sale of his technology firm and his weekly gig with his Jazz band, The Gents. When his mentor asks him a small favor- step in as CEO of his software firm until his daughter, Eve, is able to take the reins- he only agrees because of their relationship. But once he’s on board and he meets the gorgeous, captivating Eve Franklin, Darius has quite another goal in mind.
First, he needs to chip through her icy exterior. They need to be able to work together, to run the company in tandem until Eve has garnered enough experience that her father feels comfortable with her at the helm.
And then he intends to woo her.
And woo her he does! With live music, light, simple romance and proving that he IS who he says he is, especially when it matters. This is my favorite kind of love story! Easy, simple, romantic.. a fast fall but not too fast and a man that knows how to go get what he wants.
I truly enjoyed this story of two headstrong alpha characters finding out where each of them fit together and making it work. And since this appears to be a series, I am already looking forward to the Gents book two!
As I mentioned, this novel is Kianna’s Kimani debut, so I hope readers of black romance will snap it up!
October 28, 2015
I loved this novel. Eve Franklin and only child adores her father. Mr. Joseph Franklin built the multi-millon dollar empire of Franklin Technological Institute and must give up his CEO title because of health issues. Reluctantly Mr. Franklin brings in a former mentee to run the organization until his daughter can be brought up to speed with investors and the board of trustees's. Eve Franklin is not having it and launches into Darius Winstead until their attraction for one another get's in the way. Kianna included the most least likely character a COO who doesn't like this Darius character whom is later dismissed because of insubordination. Kianna Alexander wrote this story from the viewpoint of the Queen City. Her descriptive characterization places you in each scene with her vivid words. This novel flowed and was steady and a definite page turner.
August 24, 2016
Darius Winsted has it all, he's rich, handsome, and alpha male and retired before the age of 40, can life get any better? Only child Eve Franklin has been the perfect daughter, giving up week end trips with her girls, dating all so she can be ready to take over her fathers company when he retires. There is always a twist in life read book 1 in The Gentlemen if Queen City series be ready to get angry, cry and laugh. Awesome Kianna!
November 6, 2016
Book one in the Gentlemen of Queen city series. Eve Franklin feels she's ready to take over her father's software business, but Dad think otherwise. He ends up choosing an old friend Darius Winstead, and let's just say a lot of drama, ego and sexual tension is involved. I really liked this story, and I'll be on the lookout for the rest of the series.
October 6, 2015
Eve Franklin is not happy that her father gave the CEO position to Darius Winstead, a tech magnate. Eve feels she is more than qualified. As much as she thinks Darius is arrogant, he's more than qualified and her heart is softening if she's willing to trust.
October 19, 2015
I love how Kianna Alexander gives us readers a new way to show us that love and sorrow can happen when you least expect it. But it's the way you have faith and strength that helps shape our actions and decision-making Ion the way we deal with it.
November 2, 2015
Good Read
I enjoyed this love story of Eve and Darius. I loved the cast of characters and the introduction to their personalities. Interested in getting to know more about them and reading their stories.
I enjoyed this love story of Eve and Darius. I loved the cast of characters and the introduction to their personalities. Interested in getting to know more about them and reading their stories.
Read
January 12, 2016Miniseries: The Gentlemen of Queen City
April 19, 2017
Looking forward to the rest of the series!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews