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Henderson Family #3
Making It Real
After five years in prison, Kareem Henderson is starting his life over. Though business is good at his barbershop, his goal is to open a high-end gentlemen’s salon. But the road back is rough, and he needs connections in the society he once snubbed to make his dream a reality. He just never expected his second chance to come from the sexy female barber he hired last year.
Patrice “Neecie” Baldwin escaped the pressure of being the perfect daughter in one of North Carolina’s most prestigious families to live life on her own. When family responsibilities call her home, she fears going back will expose her to the pressures that nearly ruined her. Neecie needs a shield, and tall, handsome, bad boy Kareem seems impenetrable. So she offers him a deal: If he’ll pretend to be her fiancé, she’ll introduce him to all of her well-connected relatives.
But the more time they spend together, the more the irresistible attraction between them builds. They’re from such different worlds, but can this fake relationship make the cut and become something very real?
Patrice “Neecie” Baldwin escaped the pressure of being the perfect daughter in one of North Carolina’s most prestigious families to live life on her own. When family responsibilities call her home, she fears going back will expose her to the pressures that nearly ruined her. Neecie needs a shield, and tall, handsome, bad boy Kareem seems impenetrable. So she offers him a deal: If he’ll pretend to be her fiancé, she’ll introduce him to all of her well-connected relatives.
But the more time they spend together, the more the irresistible attraction between them builds. They’re from such different worlds, but can this fake relationship make the cut and become something very real?
282 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2015
65 people are currently reading
150 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
December 18, 2015
I really enjoyed this book. Ms. Williams did not disappoint. It has been on my TBR list for a while. I hate that it took me so long to get to it. This is a sweet and steamy romance. Looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
February 22, 2016
MAKING IT REAL was a beautifully written story of second chances. It shows the importance of learning to forgive yourself for past indiscretions, and doing so will allow you to live your life to the fullest and be the best you can be. It had the perfect blend of drama and romance which made for a very entertaining read. -
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June 6, 2015
Hendersonville are back!
This is Kareem & Neecie's story. They agreed to a deal to "pretend" date each other, but during that time, they begin to have real feelings for each other. Kareem had to deal with issues that he suffered during his incarceration to be able to appreciate a loving relationship with Neecie. This is an enjoyable read.
This is Kareem & Neecie's story. They agreed to a deal to "pretend" date each other, but during that time, they begin to have real feelings for each other. Kareem had to deal with issues that he suffered during his incarceration to be able to appreciate a loving relationship with Neecie. This is an enjoyable read.
June 10, 2015
I've been waiting for Kareem's story since the series began. He's such an enigma, and so different from everyone else in the family, and I was really curious about what was up with him. While I didn't really know what to expect, I was surprised by what I learned about the family bad boy.
Most surprising was how unpolished he was in his dealings with women. His first experiences with sex with sex were so...crude, and that definitely carried over into adulthood. He put Neecie in some pretty compromising (and very hot, lol) situations; which made it hard to blame her brother for what he thought about Kareem. It seemed as if he was testing or pushing her to see how far she would go.
Neecie/Patrice was just what Kareem needed to shake off his ghosts and get his life back on track. She was such a sweetheart and supported Kareem and his endeavors wholeheartedly. She had a bit of a rocky past herself, and I liked that she was portrayed as taking control of her situation and taking the necessary steps to get healthy and be happy - especially when it would have been so easy to stay put and go with the flow.
On to Neecie's family. They were really a trip. Kareem was better than me, because after staying in that house one night, I would have told those folks to kick rocks. But he kept his eyes on the prize, and his temper in check, and toughed it out. Kudos to him. And that damn Roland! A hot mess. Neecie really dodged a bullet with that jackass.
Another good read from Synithia Williams. One more book to go. I'm going to be so sorry to see this series end!
Most surprising was how unpolished he was in his dealings with women. His first experiences with sex with sex were so...crude, and that definitely carried over into adulthood. He put Neecie in some pretty compromising (and very hot, lol) situations; which made it hard to blame her brother for what he thought about Kareem. It seemed as if he was testing or pushing her to see how far she would go.
Neecie/Patrice was just what Kareem needed to shake off his ghosts and get his life back on track. She was such a sweetheart and supported Kareem and his endeavors wholeheartedly. She had a bit of a rocky past herself, and I liked that she was portrayed as taking control of her situation and taking the necessary steps to get healthy and be happy - especially when it would have been so easy to stay put and go with the flow.
On to Neecie's family. They were really a trip. Kareem was better than me, because after staying in that house one night, I would have told those folks to kick rocks. But he kept his eyes on the prize, and his temper in check, and toughed it out. Kudos to him. And that damn Roland! A hot mess. Neecie really dodged a bullet with that jackass.
Another good read from Synithia Williams. One more book to go. I'm going to be so sorry to see this series end!
January 8, 2016
3.5 stars. My first by this author and pretty good read. It had just the right amount of chemistry, conflict, steamy pages, and depth. BUT... these two were among my least favorite couples! I simply did not like them! I don't know.... He's just not my type of guy (brooding, dark, and...kinda ass-holey), and she was a rich girl who denounced her heritage, moved to hood, and adopted this whole "street aesthetic" in order to turn her back on her wealthy family. Oh, and ps: he turned his back on his well-off family as well and ended up in prison because of it. I just...it was a turn off for me. But despite that, I was still able to appreciate a well told story and I finished it. I'd totally read another, but I was happy to say bye-bye to "Neecey" and Kareem.
January 16, 2025
This is a story of making the most of your second chance (Kareem) and finding yourself outside of your family's expectations (Neecie). Kareem is from a prominent family in his hometown but due to boredom as a teenager/young adult he got involved with Runners a local game and spent 5 years in jail. Patrice ask Neecie is from an even more prominent political family in Charlotte. These two only met due to their life circumstances, Neecie being a barber and Kareem owning the barbershop where she worked.
Kareem's family members are great. Neecie's family is a prime example of perfect without too much substance. Her brother Chad is an pompous, judgmental ass. Her sister Beth is borderline phony, her Mom is standoffish, her Dad is decent. Her nephew is a wimp. I would have ran away from these people. Throw in her ex-fiancée, Ronald and you see why she was bulimic and felt stifled. This man started a rumor that Kareem was going to run an high end escort service out of his high end men's lounge. Talk about being jealousy and trying to sabotage Neecie and Kareem's success. He got his in the end.
I got tired of her family thinking and voicing that Kareem was just some thug and at times I wish Neecie gave them more of the busy to shut them down especially her "perfect" sister. One of my favorite parts of the book was Kareem calling an brothers family meeting to finally let them in on what he went through in prison and him falling in love with Neecie. Nice to see men having real, emotional conversations.
In the end, both found their way back to each other after some miscommunication and misunderstandings. This was really good read.
Kareem's family members are great. Neecie's family is a prime example of perfect without too much substance. Her brother Chad is an pompous, judgmental ass. Her sister Beth is borderline phony, her Mom is standoffish, her Dad is decent. Her nephew is a wimp. I would have ran away from these people. Throw in her ex-fiancée, Ronald and you see why she was bulimic and felt stifled. This man started a rumor that Kareem was going to run an high end escort service out of his high end men's lounge. Talk about being jealousy and trying to sabotage Neecie and Kareem's success. He got his in the end.
I got tired of her family thinking and voicing that Kareem was just some thug and at times I wish Neecie gave them more of the busy to shut them down especially her "perfect" sister. One of my favorite parts of the book was Kareem calling an brothers family meeting to finally let them in on what he went through in prison and him falling in love with Neecie. Nice to see men having real, emotional conversations.
In the end, both found their way back to each other after some miscommunication and misunderstandings. This was really good read.
January 30, 2024
Making it real
I enjoyed the ending of this story, but it felt like it took forever to get there. This story seemed to drag on for me and didn’t start picking up between Neecie and Kareem until around the 70% mark of the book. Both Kareem and Neecie had some issues to deal with it seemed to take a while before they finally got to a climax in the book, which made it hard to read and made me want to stop. I’m glad I continued reading so that I was able to see Kareem’s growth and see Neecie’s family have to swallow their pretentiousness and prejudgment of Kareem.
I enjoyed the ending of this story, but it felt like it took forever to get there. This story seemed to drag on for me and didn’t start picking up between Neecie and Kareem until around the 70% mark of the book. Both Kareem and Neecie had some issues to deal with it seemed to take a while before they finally got to a climax in the book, which made it hard to read and made me want to stop. I’m glad I continued reading so that I was able to see Kareem’s growth and see Neecie’s family have to swallow their pretentiousness and prejudgment of Kareem.
August 4, 2021
Once again, Synithia did a beautiful job with character development. I loved the complexity of both Patricia and Kareem. This was a great chapter in the Henderson family saga. Synithia's books hardly ever feel rushed or too fanciful. They, along with the characters, feel tangible...like you could possibly know her leading lady/man...and you root for them fiercely. I'll definitely reread this one.
July 21, 2022
Kareem did it for me
Loved the Kareem character. Even though he had a past and several flaws, he was strong, alpha, unyielding (which could be good or bad, depending on the situation) and more importantly for me, he didn't do what I notice in a lot of stories now and lose his spine once he started having feelings for someone. I dug that.
Loved the Kareem character. Even though he had a past and several flaws, he was strong, alpha, unyielding (which could be good or bad, depending on the situation) and more importantly for me, he didn't do what I notice in a lot of stories now and lose his spine once he started having feelings for someone. I dug that.
June 18, 2017
Different=Good
I like how this author touched on topics I have never read in another romance (I have read over 100). I borrowed this book through prime and I like her approach to sensitive topics in a romance. I will definitely read the other books in this series.
I like how this author touched on topics I have never read in another romance (I have read over 100). I borrowed this book through prime and I like her approach to sensitive topics in a romance. I will definitely read the other books in this series.
August 28, 2017
My Favorite
Kareem's story has been my favorite thus far. So many black men walk around with a chip on their shoulders from past mistakes. It was refreshing to see a strong character like Kareem come to terms with his past and still hold on to love. This book was awesome!
Kareem's story has been my favorite thus far. So many black men walk around with a chip on their shoulders from past mistakes. It was refreshing to see a strong character like Kareem come to terms with his past and still hold on to love. This book was awesome!
September 3, 2017
Started off kind of shaky but redeemed itself in the end
I usually like her books, this one was not a favorite. The lead male character was not always likable or engaging
I usually like her books, this one was not a favorite. The lead male character was not always likable or engaging
December 13, 2017
Wow
This one was my fave. I loved this couple. Kareem and Patrice were a good couple. I enjoyed the ending mainly. I mean he cut his hair and you out of the black. Great read
This one was my fave. I loved this couple. Kareem and Patrice were a good couple. I enjoyed the ending mainly. I mean he cut his hair and you out of the black. Great read
February 10, 2018
I didn't like Kareem.
I did like Neecie. She is amazing.
I did like Neecie. She is amazing.
August 27, 2020
A M A Z I N G
May 1, 2022
Great knowing you can overcome anything. Finding love through all the problems and making it work.
January 12, 2020
Amazing
I enjoyed reading this book! Kareem needed a woman like Neecie in his life. I loved how patient she was with him. He had a lot to learn about relationships, & I’m happy Neecie showed him the way. Although they started as FAKE it turned into something real! & it was so beautiful! No matter what her family thought of Kareem, Neecie stayed by his side! Roland was wrong for what he did. I’m glad Neecie saw him for who he really was! This was an awesome read! I truly enjoyed reading it
I enjoyed reading this book! Kareem needed a woman like Neecie in his life. I loved how patient she was with him. He had a lot to learn about relationships, & I’m happy Neecie showed him the way. Although they started as FAKE it turned into something real! & it was so beautiful! No matter what her family thought of Kareem, Neecie stayed by his side! Roland was wrong for what he did. I’m glad Neecie saw him for who he really was! This was an awesome read! I truly enjoyed reading it
June 22, 2015
Making it Real is the latest installment Synithia Williams’s Henderson family series. In this installment Roger “Kareem” Henderson has been out of prison for the last five years and is on the road to starting life over. He has opened a barbershop and has bigger plans to open a high-end gentleman’s salon. With his prison record, he knows it will be difficult to realize his dream unless he makes connections with the society he rejected prior to prison. His chance comes in an unexpected source, his recently hired female barber, Patrice “Neecie” Baldwin. Neecie has her own secrets, but when she is called home for a family event, she asks Kareem to pose as her fiancé for the event and if he agrees she will introduce him to a few “well-connected relatives” to implement his business plan. Little do these two realize that the more time they spend together, their attraction comes to the forefront and they are unable to resist each other. Will Kareem and Neecie allow their relationship to become real or let outside forces keep them apart? Readers will need to pick up a copy of Making it Real to find out.
I really enjoyed Kareem and Neecie’s journey. Each had secrets they were afraid to reveal and were leery of trusting each other. Kareem believed he would never overcome his feelings of guilt, while Neecie battled family pressure and needed to find herself. When the duo showed up at Neecie’s parents’ home, her family is not very welcoming of their relationship and felt Kareem was a thug and up to no good. This made for an enlightening story and to see Kareem and Neecie’s growth was good. They both needed to forgive themselves before they could truly love each other.
Overall this was a good read.
-Reviewed by Deborah
I really enjoyed Kareem and Neecie’s journey. Each had secrets they were afraid to reveal and were leery of trusting each other. Kareem believed he would never overcome his feelings of guilt, while Neecie battled family pressure and needed to find herself. When the duo showed up at Neecie’s parents’ home, her family is not very welcoming of their relationship and felt Kareem was a thug and up to no good. This made for an enlightening story and to see Kareem and Neecie’s growth was good. They both needed to forgive themselves before they could truly love each other.
Overall this was a good read.
-Reviewed by Deborah
June 28, 2015
I liked this story of the Kareem Henderson and his friend and co-worker Neecie(aka Patrice) . Kareem wants to have an additional high-end barbershop. He goes to a local banker and is turned down. He thinks his dream is nearly over until Neecie makes him a proposition. She needs a fiancé for return to her hometown of Charlotte. She offers him help in getting his dream realized.
Neecie left Charlotte 5 years ago because she was "a square trying to fit in a round hole. Her elitist family didn't allow her to be herself. She had to leave for 5 years to heal herself an find herself. Kareem had been home from prison5 years, but felt like Neecie that he just didn't fit in. Neecie's family tried to change her into their dream for her within five minutes of her return to Charlotte. Kareem liked Neecie a lot but he didn't have an understanding or a desire for romance.
Read this novel to follow Kareem and Neecie as they discover themselves anew. Go along with them on this journey as they discover each of their dreams is linked to the other. Follow Kareem as he realizes he needs something his family wants to give but Neecie needs to make it clear ..
Great read...will now read more of the Henderson family..
Neecie left Charlotte 5 years ago because she was "a square trying to fit in a round hole. Her elitist family didn't allow her to be herself. She had to leave for 5 years to heal herself an find herself. Kareem had been home from prison5 years, but felt like Neecie that he just didn't fit in. Neecie's family tried to change her into their dream for her within five minutes of her return to Charlotte. Kareem liked Neecie a lot but he didn't have an understanding or a desire for romance.
Read this novel to follow Kareem and Neecie as they discover themselves anew. Go along with them on this journey as they discover each of their dreams is linked to the other. Follow Kareem as he realizes he needs something his family wants to give but Neecie needs to make it clear ..
Great read...will now read more of the Henderson family..
September 18, 2015
Hot Hot Hot!!!
I have read quite a few stories from this author and I can tell you she gets it right every time.This is a well written story about two people sreaching for love and acceptance.This is such a sensual and sexy romance.There are moments you just laugh out loud and some that you oh and an,and moments you are going to have to fan yourself.This is so.worthy of passing on to your girlfriends.A really good.story that gives you a peek inside to.what happens when to insecure people find love.Well done.
I have read quite a few stories from this author and I can tell you she gets it right every time.This is a well written story about two people sreaching for love and acceptance.This is such a sensual and sexy romance.There are moments you just laugh out loud and some that you oh and an,and moments you are going to have to fan yourself.This is so.worthy of passing on to your girlfriends.A really good.story that gives you a peek inside to.what happens when to insecure people find love.Well done.
June 8, 2015
Making It Real
This is my second book by Ms. Williams and it's another winner! The plot, scenes and characters kept me glued to the pages! Kareem and Patrice aka Neecie were oil & water but eventually both realized that they wanted the real thing!!! Loved the bad boy/sweet girl!!
This is my second book by Ms. Williams and it's another winner! The plot, scenes and characters kept me glued to the pages! Kareem and Patrice aka Neecie were oil & water but eventually both realized that they wanted the real thing!!! Loved the bad boy/sweet girl!!
June 14, 2015
Misfit romance
Kareem and Neecie are good together. All it took was a situation where they could help each other out for them to finally give in to their true feelings. The misfit lifestyle that they both led complemented their union as well as helped them to bridge the distance with their families. Good story.
Kareem and Neecie are good together. All it took was a situation where they could help each other out for them to finally give in to their true feelings. The misfit lifestyle that they both led complemented their union as well as helped them to bridge the distance with their families. Good story.
September 13, 2015
Neecie and Kareem pretend to be engaged, but what happens when that pretense turns into to a real love that neither of you are willing to admit. Neeice has gone through a lot with her snobbish family and Kareem has had his own troubles, but what they learn on their journey to love can only make their love stronger. This is my first read by this author and I continue to read her work.
March 18, 2016
This is the first book I've read by her and I truly enjoyed it. Relationships are hard anyway, but when you start then on a pretend it gets complicated.
I had a feeling who had started the rumors and I couldn't believe Roland was just being friendly.
I'm ready to read about the other family members.
I had a feeling who had started the rumors and I couldn't believe Roland was just being friendly.
I'm ready to read about the other family members.
June 14, 2016
3.5/5.0
The first scene of this third book in the series is characteristic: descriptive passages pull the reader in without being overbearing.
Read full review in the 2016 June issue of InD'tale Magazine.
The first scene of this third book in the series is characteristic: descriptive passages pull the reader in without being overbearing.
Read full review in the 2016 June issue of InD'tale Magazine.
July 6, 2015
I really enjoyed Kareem's story of past mistakes and his shift towards moving on. I hope the author writes another novel about the last Henderson brother so that I can catch up with the rest of the family.
July 7, 2015
Making it Real
I had no doubt in my mind that Kareem and Patricia would be as passionate, sizzling, and hot. I could not put this book down until I finished it from the beginning to the end. I would definitely recommend this book to read!. Great Job Synithia Williams!
I had no doubt in my mind that Kareem and Patricia would be as passionate, sizzling, and hot. I could not put this book down until I finished it from the beginning to the end. I would definitely recommend this book to read!. Great Job Synithia Williams!
July 8, 2015
I loved Kareem's tenacity. He absolutely refused to give up on his dream in the face of rejection, betrayal and his criminal past. Neecie should have been more supportive but her snooty family members were really disgraceful. I am just so sorry I didn't read Love's Replay first.
April 12, 2016
I liked the realistic characters in this story. While Kareem & Patrice experienced many difficulties in their lives, they were 2 people who belonged together. I was glad when Kareem let his guard down because Patrice truly loved him. Good storyline & content.
June 9, 2015
I really loved the dynamic between Kareem and Neecie: The bad boy and the good girl!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews