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Protect the Seed: Secret Billionaire Romance
Former Marketing Executive Imani Randall moved back home to avoid going to jail. After a painful divorce two-years ago, her ex refuses to believe they’re done and fights for a reconciliation he’s convinced she wants no matter what she says. When he arrives unexpectantly at her job, she latches on to a stranger and pretends he’s the new man in her life to get her ex to leave. Entrepreneur Theodore Barnes recently learned that his mother was murdered 19 years ago and is searching for the truth. Imani’s name comes up during the investigation and he chooses to meet the beautiful woman personally to ask questions. When she uses him to escape her ex, he’s more than willing to go along with the ruse. Theo enlists Imani’s help to uncover the truth about his mother’s murder. Their search reveals things Theo wishes he never knew. When another person ends up dead, the pair learns quickly, knowledge without wisdom is deadly, and there are nuances and degrees to truth. Theo thinks he's got things under control but has no idea how out of his control everything really is. There are those who would stop at nothing to Protect the Seed.
228 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 5, 2018
269 people are currently reading
125 people want to read
About the author
Erosa Knowles
58 books191 followers"Hello,I'm a self-proclaimed read-a-holic. I love most genres and would rather read than do most things. Stands to reason, that I'd have this inexplicable love affair with the written word!
Reading was the balm that soothed me during tough times as a single mother, working two jobs. As things leveled out, I found I enjoyed the places books took me, there was a certain solace learning about various times and cultures. When I began traveling, many of the places I visited felt like old friends. I could envision the characters from the books walking the cobbled streets, or running along the swift moving streams.
After twenty years of reading and collecting my favorite authors, I decided to indulge my passion for storytelling. I took classes, invested in seminars and sat nervously across the table from editors. It was a lengthy process, Finally, I got the courage to allow the market to judge my work. The market can be a brutal, but I think fair, mistress. Hard work is rewarded and appreciated. Slackers don't stand a chance. :-)."
Reading was the balm that soothed me during tough times as a single mother, working two jobs. As things leveled out, I found I enjoyed the places books took me, there was a certain solace learning about various times and cultures. When I began traveling, many of the places I visited felt like old friends. I could envision the characters from the books walking the cobbled streets, or running along the swift moving streams.
After twenty years of reading and collecting my favorite authors, I decided to indulge my passion for storytelling. I took classes, invested in seminars and sat nervously across the table from editors. It was a lengthy process, Finally, I got the courage to allow the market to judge my work. The market can be a brutal, but I think fair, mistress. Hard work is rewarded and appreciated. Slackers don't stand a chance. :-)."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
April 12, 2018
This story has an intriguing story line that revolves around the confession of Theo's grandmother about the death of his mother when he was 13 years old. Theo is not your typical hero with washboard abs, which I found refreshing. Theo has struggled with his weight all his life and is committed to living a more healthful lifestyle. The hero is very down to earth and so is his best friend Gavin, who he considers to be his brother. I found the heroine Imani annoying at times as there was a big emphasis on the food she puts in her mouth and why. I got it the first several times it was mentioned. All in all, a good story though the book has some unanswered questions. I look forward to finding out more about the clandestine group that was introduced.
It's nice to see Erosa Knowles again, she'd been MIA which she explains why at the end of the book.
It's nice to see Erosa Knowles again, she'd been MIA which she explains why at the end of the book.
April 27, 2018
It's great that Erosa Knowles is back and she talks about her absence at the end of the book. Honestly, I think this book would have been more successful without all the side plots and mystery. I can't even describe the plot because it's a lot more than a man trying to solve the murder of his mother. The plot is actually quite ridiculous.
What made me keep reading the book is the development of the relationship of Theo and Imani. Theo is described as a White version of Gerald Levert. A man who has struggled with his weight his whole life. Imani is super health conscience due to her family's history with diabetes and heart disease. I enjoyed the characters and I thought the author did a good job of addressing Imani's concern about Theo's health. While she's used to dating a certain type of guy, she falls for Theo. The story should have just revolved around stepping out of your comfort zone, raising your standards and most of all becoming friends with your partner.
There is so much potential with this couple and I hope the author doesn't dive too deep into how the story is developing but focuses more on Imani and Theo's relationship.
What made me keep reading the book is the development of the relationship of Theo and Imani. Theo is described as a White version of Gerald Levert. A man who has struggled with his weight his whole life. Imani is super health conscience due to her family's history with diabetes and heart disease. I enjoyed the characters and I thought the author did a good job of addressing Imani's concern about Theo's health. While she's used to dating a certain type of guy, she falls for Theo. The story should have just revolved around stepping out of your comfort zone, raising your standards and most of all becoming friends with your partner.
There is so much potential with this couple and I hope the author doesn't dive too deep into how the story is developing but focuses more on Imani and Theo's relationship.
April 29, 2018
It's been a while since we've heard from Erosa Knowles and I have to say , she returned with a winner. Protect the Seed is not your usual love story. Imani and Theo are kind of thrown together unexpectedly and from there things move pretty fast as far as the story line goes. What kept me intrigued is how these two are connected indirectly by their family's pasts. There is a mystery that needs to be solved and a romance that's blooming. While trying to solve the mystery Theo and Imani grow closer, and hope that the secrets which are revealed are not stronger than the connection that they've built between each other. This is the beginning of a series so although some questions are answered in this one, be advised that new issues will probably be on the horizon for this couple. I look forward to seeing what's of next for the new happy couple and their family and friends.
August 20, 2018
Cold.
Very empty emotional read. The sex seems so scripted and boring, absolutely no warmth. The love between the characters were unbelievable and boring. The author and character obsessive mentions of diets, health eating, fat shaming and food shaming was over the top. Imagine requesting a steak baked potato was an opportunity to look askance another person. Really? Add insult to injury, it is also a cliffhanger. The only saving grace about this book was the "whodoneit" and the author even manage to make that a convoluted confusing mess. Not worth it.
Very empty emotional read. The sex seems so scripted and boring, absolutely no warmth. The love between the characters were unbelievable and boring. The author and character obsessive mentions of diets, health eating, fat shaming and food shaming was over the top. Imagine requesting a steak baked potato was an opportunity to look askance another person. Really? Add insult to injury, it is also a cliffhanger. The only saving grace about this book was the "whodoneit" and the author even manage to make that a convoluted confusing mess. Not worth it.
April 10, 2018
AWESOME❤️
What a great story from the very first pages the storyline pulls in. The characters were well developed and I can’t wait to read the other two books in the series
What a great story from the very first pages the storyline pulls in. The characters were well developed and I can’t wait to read the other two books in the series
October 21, 2021
10/20 I have to read this book a 2nd time only because it was a favorite of mine. I still enjoyed the characters in the book.
I enjoyed this book and hope to read the next book to see what happens with Theo's seed.
I enjoyed this book and hope to read the next book to see what happens with Theo's seed.
April 13, 2018
Great Read
This book hooked me from the beginning. I really like how it was fleshed out to continue with book two. I'm super excited for that. I enjoyed the story and I want more.
This book hooked me from the beginning. I really like how it was fleshed out to continue with book two. I'm super excited for that. I enjoyed the story and I want more.
May 12, 2021
Great story full of secrets, drama, and suspense. The romance, however, felt minor to the storyline. Still, a wonderful and entertaining read.
April 30, 2018
Slow...confusing...A waste of my time
When I got this book, the cover had sold me. The title was weird but then being a sucker for interracial romance, again the cover sold me, that said, this story was so confusing, a little bit awful and boring.
For starters, there were no visual description of both Imani and Theo, such as color of Theo's eyes or complexion, or how Imani looked since she is biracial herself, yet they were able to describe Gavin ( being black) and Susan (being Indian descent). Then, all of these "players" we're not properly introduced, except brief encounter yet you still have Theo falling hard for Imani while she is in the like area but at the end it's like overnight, she is in love. In the meantime, everything is boring until Theo's uncle explains what is going on but the information is shaded, but somewhat explained at the end. So the end is what made the book bearable but I believe if the author had started with the end, it would have made such a better story and at least not being cheated by thinking that this was a standalone but it is actually a serie.
Now, the good part is how the author was able to touch on obesity, and all health issues surrounding obesity. I also think it was nice the tight bond between Theo and Gavin, yet no one know anything about Gavin in terms of family history for him to have such dedication to Theo.
Last but not least, this book has so many holes that I think it should be revised, reedited, and republished or insert an explanation column in the beginning. Also start warning people that it has a cliffhanger and other part to fully understand it...
I am a little bit disappointed in myself to have wasted my time on this one.
When I got this book, the cover had sold me. The title was weird but then being a sucker for interracial romance, again the cover sold me, that said, this story was so confusing, a little bit awful and boring.
For starters, there were no visual description of both Imani and Theo, such as color of Theo's eyes or complexion, or how Imani looked since she is biracial herself, yet they were able to describe Gavin ( being black) and Susan (being Indian descent). Then, all of these "players" we're not properly introduced, except brief encounter yet you still have Theo falling hard for Imani while she is in the like area but at the end it's like overnight, she is in love. In the meantime, everything is boring until Theo's uncle explains what is going on but the information is shaded, but somewhat explained at the end. So the end is what made the book bearable but I believe if the author had started with the end, it would have made such a better story and at least not being cheated by thinking that this was a standalone but it is actually a serie.
Now, the good part is how the author was able to touch on obesity, and all health issues surrounding obesity. I also think it was nice the tight bond between Theo and Gavin, yet no one know anything about Gavin in terms of family history for him to have such dedication to Theo.
Last but not least, this book has so many holes that I think it should be revised, reedited, and republished or insert an explanation column in the beginning. Also start warning people that it has a cliffhanger and other part to fully understand it...
I am a little bit disappointed in myself to have wasted my time on this one.
March 17, 2019
Interracial Romance A to Z Challenge: P
I think I would have enjoyed this more if the characters (all of them) had even an ounce of personality. Everyone was so cookie-cutter/one dimensional that even the main characters were boring. And the writing was both too expository and descriptive for the suspense elements of the story. It was actually too descriptive overall because there were entire paragraphs that had nothing to do with the story. We don't need to see every part of the character's every day lives. We only need that information if it furthers the plot or the character's growth. And there wasn't any character growth because everyone was Gary Stu and Mary Sue.
Despite the bland characters, I will probably check out the rest of the trilogy because I want to see what happens next. Don't hold me to that, though.
I think I would have enjoyed this more if the characters (all of them) had even an ounce of personality. Everyone was so cookie-cutter/one dimensional that even the main characters were boring. And the writing was both too expository and descriptive for the suspense elements of the story. It was actually too descriptive overall because there were entire paragraphs that had nothing to do with the story. We don't need to see every part of the character's every day lives. We only need that information if it furthers the plot or the character's growth. And there wasn't any character growth because everyone was Gary Stu and Mary Sue.
Despite the bland characters, I will probably check out the rest of the trilogy because I want to see what happens next. Don't hold me to that, though.
May 12, 2018
Boring and confusing
I really tried to get into this book but I couldn't. Imani and Theo were boring as a couple and the story was quite confusing. Imani wasn't likable and I got tired of her being judgmental and so focused on food. It felt like the reader was being lectured throughout the book. The storyline hopped all over the place, there were too many subplots and characters and this just wasn't enjoyable to read.
I really tried to get into this book but I couldn't. Imani and Theo were boring as a couple and the story was quite confusing. Imani wasn't likable and I got tired of her being judgmental and so focused on food. It felt like the reader was being lectured throughout the book. The storyline hopped all over the place, there were too many subplots and characters and this just wasn't enjoyable to read.
April 28, 2018
Uhhh...yeah...Say What?!?😦
This is one convoluted tale with plots and sub-plots over lapping and intersecting all over the map leaving one confused and slack- jawed.
Wish I had known it was a cliffhanger ahead of time. I didn't see until I finished that it's spread over 3 books. Well I hope it's just three!😒
Theo, Imani, Susan and Gavin are adorable. But the overall concept of that fanatical "Protect The Seed" carp is infuriating & nauseating. It cast a dark foreboding cloud over the whole story and the sadness & ugliness left a bitter taste. Not even the few romantic interludes could cut through the muck.
I'll read the rest in the hopes that all loose ends are tied up and that there will be a reckoning for the evil that was done.
This is one convoluted tale with plots and sub-plots over lapping and intersecting all over the map leaving one confused and slack- jawed.
Wish I had known it was a cliffhanger ahead of time. I didn't see until I finished that it's spread over 3 books. Well I hope it's just three!😒
Theo, Imani, Susan and Gavin are adorable. But the overall concept of that fanatical "Protect The Seed" carp is infuriating & nauseating. It cast a dark foreboding cloud over the whole story and the sadness & ugliness left a bitter taste. Not even the few romantic interludes could cut through the muck.
I'll read the rest in the hopes that all loose ends are tied up and that there will be a reckoning for the evil that was done.
April 15, 2018
Theodore and Imani
This novel was very intriguing, and I had a hard time putting it down. The characters were mature adults who behaved as such. No childish whining or temper tantrums that you see in many romance novel characters. The mystery behind Theodore’s mother’s death was a little convoluted, but it wasn’t too far out in left field. Overall, I enjoyed the story. It was well-developed. The minor characters had a surprising level of depth to them. I will definitely read the next installment.
This novel was very intriguing, and I had a hard time putting it down. The characters were mature adults who behaved as such. No childish whining or temper tantrums that you see in many romance novel characters. The mystery behind Theodore’s mother’s death was a little convoluted, but it wasn’t too far out in left field. Overall, I enjoyed the story. It was well-developed. The minor characters had a surprising level of depth to them. I will definitely read the next installment.
April 22, 2018
Fantastic
I'm not usually a fan of romantic suspense; but this book had everything. I read it straight through and I'm eagerly awaiting the rest of the series. I've always been a huge fan of Ms. Knowles and I think that I have read the majority of her books and with this new series; I will continue to be one. I really enjoyed that make lead was unique physically and not the romantic standard. There was just so much to enjoy. First five star rating that I have given in a long time.
I'm not usually a fan of romantic suspense; but this book had everything. I read it straight through and I'm eagerly awaiting the rest of the series. I've always been a huge fan of Ms. Knowles and I think that I have read the majority of her books and with this new series; I will continue to be one. I really enjoyed that make lead was unique physically and not the romantic standard. There was just so much to enjoy. First five star rating that I have given in a long time.
April 24, 2018
Great start to a series
This is my first book from this author, and I am very intrigued. In this first installment we meet Imani and Theo. Imani is still bitter about her divorce from her cheating ex, and Theo is trying to figure out what happened to his mom. Their paths cross and they fall for each other while investigating Thea’s mother’s past.
There are some very interesting plot twist and turns, and I super hype to find out what happens. Just hope the author doesn’t take too long with other books in the series
This is my first book from this author, and I am very intrigued. In this first installment we meet Imani and Theo. Imani is still bitter about her divorce from her cheating ex, and Theo is trying to figure out what happened to his mom. Their paths cross and they fall for each other while investigating Thea’s mother’s past.
There are some very interesting plot twist and turns, and I super hype to find out what happens. Just hope the author doesn’t take too long with other books in the series
May 5, 2018
The Seeds Story
Omg 😯. Welcome back Mrs. Knowles. Let's just say, this is a must read. I couldn't out this kindle down.
This is a story about a young man who finds out from his grandma that someone murder his mother. Can't give away this plot. 😉
In the serch to find out what happens the Theo meets Imani ☺. There story starts out from there . The help her get her ex husband out of her life for good.
This story has drama, sadness and craziness. All in all this is a must read story. Waiting on part two!!!!!!!!
Omg 😯. Welcome back Mrs. Knowles. Let's just say, this is a must read. I couldn't out this kindle down.
This is a story about a young man who finds out from his grandma that someone murder his mother. Can't give away this plot. 😉
In the serch to find out what happens the Theo meets Imani ☺. There story starts out from there . The help her get her ex husband out of her life for good.
This story has drama, sadness and craziness. All in all this is a must read story. Waiting on part two!!!!!!!!
June 18, 2018
Freaking Awesome nail biter
Protect the seed had me second guessing myself . Theo trying to find the answers to the questions his Nana brought up regarding his mothers death. I was truly stumped when Benson was reviled to be his Uncle and his Aunt, and Mrs Peterson knew. And the stocking thing about this book, his mothers own Mom killed her and blocked it out. Spectacular, spellbound, Who done it, awesome book. Can't wait to read book 2 and see what Andreas has in store for Theo.
Protect the seed had me second guessing myself . Theo trying to find the answers to the questions his Nana brought up regarding his mothers death. I was truly stumped when Benson was reviled to be his Uncle and his Aunt, and Mrs Peterson knew. And the stocking thing about this book, his mothers own Mom killed her and blocked it out. Spectacular, spellbound, Who done it, awesome book. Can't wait to read book 2 and see what Andreas has in store for Theo.
March 29, 2020
That was interesting.
It felt like Protect the Seed was incomplete. There are books in a series, and then there are series ' that combined make a book. This reads like an incomplete book that has to be purchased in pieces. It started out way too slow. Just as it finally seemed to warm up....It fell flat. In my honest opinion.Then it felt like it was rushed skipping over too much in a hurry to get to the ending that read like neither a conclusion nor a cliffhanger. The book just stopped. What a rip off! ! ! Really disappointing 😒
It felt like Protect the Seed was incomplete. There are books in a series, and then there are series ' that combined make a book. This reads like an incomplete book that has to be purchased in pieces. It started out way too slow. Just as it finally seemed to warm up....It fell flat. In my honest opinion.Then it felt like it was rushed skipping over too much in a hurry to get to the ending that read like neither a conclusion nor a cliffhanger. The book just stopped. What a rip off! ! ! Really disappointing 😒
April 12, 2018
Different kind of love story
I have always enjoyed Erosa's books and this one joins that list. A mystery love story for sure. I like Theo almost from the start, and Imani is a strong and supportive woman by his side. I am actually very glad this book isn't over. I want to know how all the characters play out. Very well written, not weighed down with sex, but hot still. It's been years waiting on a book, but well worth the wait.
I have always enjoyed Erosa's books and this one joins that list. A mystery love story for sure. I like Theo almost from the start, and Imani is a strong and supportive woman by his side. I am actually very glad this book isn't over. I want to know how all the characters play out. Very well written, not weighed down with sex, but hot still. It's been years waiting on a book, but well worth the wait.
April 21, 2018
Intense Read...
This author is a first for me, I really am glad I read this book. Well developed and written. Kept me entertained throughout.
An amazing storyline that is intriguing and flows easily, descriptive and to the point. The characters are so real and honest with their emotions, more than anything it felt real. Interwoven and beautifully done,I could not put it down. I would definitely recommend this book. Thank you EK 😁
This author is a first for me, I really am glad I read this book. Well developed and written. Kept me entertained throughout.
An amazing storyline that is intriguing and flows easily, descriptive and to the point. The characters are so real and honest with their emotions, more than anything it felt real. Interwoven and beautifully done,I could not put it down. I would definitely recommend this book. Thank you EK 😁
September 2, 2018
Suspenseful and Enticing
You fall for Theo and Imani. The family loyalty is amazing. The extent Imani ex goes to keep his mistress pleased at the expense of Imani livelihood is astounding. Theo grandmother's secret is so shocking!!! Imani love for Theo is precious and mature. Theo friend, Gavin, is faithful and loyal. Theo fortune is unbelievable. Can't wait to read the next book to see how the secret society is plotting tho manipulate his life.
You fall for Theo and Imani. The family loyalty is amazing. The extent Imani ex goes to keep his mistress pleased at the expense of Imani livelihood is astounding. Theo grandmother's secret is so shocking!!! Imani love for Theo is precious and mature. Theo friend, Gavin, is faithful and loyal. Theo fortune is unbelievable. Can't wait to read the next book to see how the secret society is plotting tho manipulate his life.
April 13, 2018
This was 👍
This book is awesome! It isn't your typical boy meets girl. It's an onion of well crafted characters, intriguing plot twists and odd circumstances that keep you guessing from one page to the next while possibly asking yourself, "But what if..."
You will not be disappointed.
This book is awesome! It isn't your typical boy meets girl. It's an onion of well crafted characters, intriguing plot twists and odd circumstances that keep you guessing from one page to the next while possibly asking yourself, "But what if..."
You will not be disappointed.
April 14, 2018
Great read!
I was hesitant to get this book based on the synopsis. I am so glad that I read it and I wait (im)patiently for the next book in the series. It started a little slow with some random things thrown in but the story line is great. The hero is so endearing and the heroine is a capable, likable, lady. Welcome back Ms. Knowles.
I was hesitant to get this book based on the synopsis. I am so glad that I read it and I wait (im)patiently for the next book in the series. It started a little slow with some random things thrown in but the story line is great. The hero is so endearing and the heroine is a capable, likable, lady. Welcome back Ms. Knowles.
April 14, 2018
Sowing seeds😋
It's been awhile since I've read an Erosa Knowles story....the seed is planted and eagerness to see where this goes will keep me looking for the upcoming sequels..who's is Dom's boss,...is Sasha carrying Theo's samples...is Imani carrying Theo's seed...who's the mole....Gavin or Susan....or maybe the butler...so many questions...😤
It's been awhile since I've read an Erosa Knowles story....the seed is planted and eagerness to see where this goes will keep me looking for the upcoming sequels..who's is Dom's boss,...is Sasha carrying Theo's samples...is Imani carrying Theo's seed...who's the mole....Gavin or Susan....or maybe the butler...so many questions...😤
April 15, 2018
The seed is sewn
Good read! This is a book I could not stop reading. The more I read, the more I wanted to read. I enjoyed the players and their interaction with each other. Love Theo, pleased his character is not the standard romance novel of drop dead handsome. He is somewhat flawed and working on changing; and the blooming relationship between.
Good read! This is a book I could not stop reading. The more I read, the more I wanted to read. I enjoyed the players and their interaction with each other. Love Theo, pleased his character is not the standard romance novel of drop dead handsome. He is somewhat flawed and working on changing; and the blooming relationship between.
April 19, 2018
The seed series book one
I gave 4 stars because I liked the plot and characters but thought the back story on Theo's and Imani's romance dragged a little. I wanted more action and less suspense. There are two different groups working at cross purposes under the same banner. I will read the rest of the series.
I gave 4 stars because I liked the plot and characters but thought the back story on Theo's and Imani's romance dragged a little. I wanted more action and less suspense. There are two different groups working at cross purposes under the same banner. I will read the rest of the series.
April 21, 2018
Very intriguing!!
Wow, so much intrigue in this book, I love the characters... Even douchebag Craig has his merit... Theo and Imani are beautiful and Gavin and susan...
Please don't let Grayson die!! He is so likable, now Sasha the dumb and goldigging birch can go😀
Can't wait for book 2!!
Great read🌟🌟
Wow, so much intrigue in this book, I love the characters... Even douchebag Craig has his merit... Theo and Imani are beautiful and Gavin and susan...
Please don't let Grayson die!! He is so likable, now Sasha the dumb and goldigging birch can go😀
Can't wait for book 2!!
Great read🌟🌟
May 11, 2018
Yes, read please!
It started off a little slow, with a lot of moving parts. However, once it got going it all fit. Ms. Knowles, kept me guessing, literally, until the last chapter.
This book has it all. Romance, intrigue, thrills and good old fashioned sex. With scenes written hot enough to scorch the face of my Kindle! 😍
It started off a little slow, with a lot of moving parts. However, once it got going it all fit. Ms. Knowles, kept me guessing, literally, until the last chapter.
This book has it all. Romance, intrigue, thrills and good old fashioned sex. With scenes written hot enough to scorch the face of my Kindle! 😍
Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews