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Doc Exclusives #1
Respect Me, Part 1
My husband is the love of my life. Gorgeous. Powerful. And full of secrets.
I had one good year of marriage before it all went to hell.
Now, my husband smells like cheap perfume and beautiful lies.
But giving up when we’ve been through so much is unthinkable.
So when I learn of a mechanic who fixes broken relationships, I chase him down right away.
The only problem? Doc never meets with the wives.
But rules are meant to be broken and I’m desperate for help.
I need to convince the mechanic to make an exception. If not, I might lose my husband for good.
Will Doc accept me before my husband destroys our marriage completely? And even if he does, will his techniques work on a relationship this broken?
RESPECT ME PART I is a gritty, BWWM marriage reconciliation, love after cheating romance that dives deep into the gutter of betrayal, broken trust and affairs. This book is NOT for everyone.
I had one good year of marriage before it all went to hell.
Now, my husband smells like cheap perfume and beautiful lies.
But giving up when we’ve been through so much is unthinkable.
So when I learn of a mechanic who fixes broken relationships, I chase him down right away.
The only problem? Doc never meets with the wives.
But rules are meant to be broken and I’m desperate for help.
I need to convince the mechanic to make an exception. If not, I might lose my husband for good.
Will Doc accept me before my husband destroys our marriage completely? And even if he does, will his techniques work on a relationship this broken?
RESPECT ME PART I is a gritty, BWWM marriage reconciliation, love after cheating romance that dives deep into the gutter of betrayal, broken trust and affairs. This book is NOT for everyone.
- GenresRomanceSecond Chance
230 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 14, 2021
267 people are currently reading
170 people want to read
About the author
Nia Arthurs
166 books993 followersFrom an early age, Nia knew she wanted to be a writer and actively began chasing that dream when she was a teenager.
Nia writes interracial romance and contemporary romance with guaranteed happy endings. She loves strong heroines and swoon-worthy heroes, and just enough spice and drama to keep things interesting!
Look for the Taming Series (Taming Mr. Jerkface, Taming Mr. Charming, Taming Mr. Know-It-All, and Taming Mr. Darcy) in ebook format.
And catch up with Nia on Facebook @authorniaarthurs. Happy Reading!
Nia writes interracial romance and contemporary romance with guaranteed happy endings. She loves strong heroines and swoon-worthy heroes, and just enough spice and drama to keep things interesting!
Look for the Taming Series (Taming Mr. Jerkface, Taming Mr. Charming, Taming Mr. Know-It-All, and Taming Mr. Darcy) in ebook format.
And catch up with Nia on Facebook @authorniaarthurs. Happy Reading!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
December 22, 2024
Worst book ever.
Husband is a serial cheater and wife goes to some kind of mechanic therapist ( yeah I’m not joking, maybe he’s a psychologist turned sour who now is a mechanic lol) because she wants to save her marriage.
After she saw him with another woman.
And she knows he’s been cheating for years.
He has many mistresses and meets a new one he’s also has feelings for.
He has no feelings for his wife, he thinks she’s nagging.
He only wants to keep her because she’s good for his business.
The title is just that.
She doesn’t have any respect for herself.
She is an emotional codependent with fear of abandonment.
The man has nothing for himself.
He’s nothing.
He’s worthless.
He’s useless.
She’s the typical weak woman who, instead of packing her shit and leaving out of her shitty comfort zone, decides to stay and to win her husband back.
This is a shameful behavior.
A weak behavior.
They were unhappy.
He’s a cheater.
He’s worthless.
The book is sexist and wrong.
I couldn’t even feel any angst.
Why any woman should want to stay with such a disgusting pig?
I think the author went ott with a useless effort to show how even a desperate marriage can be saved.
Yes, it’s possible, if one of the spouses is desperate, hopeless and weak.
If one has the maturity of a toddler.
There are women who stay years in abusive relationships even if they could leave they don’t.
What does this say about them?
Do we have to pick them as example of strong and resilient women because they don’t give up?
Sometimes giving up is the best thing we can do to find happiness again.
Good men exist, and there are many, many, looking for good women.
I strongly recommend not to read this if you want to stay sane.
At the end I was only bored and annoyed.
There’s another installment, that of course I will never read even if I am threatened.
Because of course the heroine will go back to the hero.
I just can’t.
Husband is a serial cheater and wife goes to some kind of mechanic therapist ( yeah I’m not joking, maybe he’s a psychologist turned sour who now is a mechanic lol) because she wants to save her marriage.
After she saw him with another woman.
And she knows he’s been cheating for years.
He has many mistresses and meets a new one he’s also has feelings for.
He has no feelings for his wife, he thinks she’s nagging.
He only wants to keep her because she’s good for his business.
The title is just that.
She doesn’t have any respect for herself.
She is an emotional codependent with fear of abandonment.
The man has nothing for himself.
He’s nothing.
He’s worthless.
He’s useless.
She’s the typical weak woman who, instead of packing her shit and leaving out of her shitty comfort zone, decides to stay and to win her husband back.
This is a shameful behavior.
A weak behavior.
They were unhappy.
He’s a cheater.
He’s worthless.
The book is sexist and wrong.
I couldn’t even feel any angst.
Why any woman should want to stay with such a disgusting pig?
I think the author went ott with a useless effort to show how even a desperate marriage can be saved.
Yes, it’s possible, if one of the spouses is desperate, hopeless and weak.
If one has the maturity of a toddler.
There are women who stay years in abusive relationships even if they could leave they don’t.
What does this say about them?
Do we have to pick them as example of strong and resilient women because they don’t give up?
Sometimes giving up is the best thing we can do to find happiness again.
Good men exist, and there are many, many, looking for good women.
I strongly recommend not to read this if you want to stay sane.
At the end I was only bored and annoyed.
There’s another installment, that of course I will never read even if I am threatened.
Because of course the heroine will go back to the hero.
I just can’t.
nope-nope-nope
August 26, 2021I read a little of this because I simply could not believe the premise. It was disgusting how horrible the men are in this book, and you are expected to believe they will change in a few weeks by visiting a mechanic named Doc. The women are complete doormats who are dumb enough to believe a man who has numerous mistresses he brings into your house wih no regard to you will ever change. The author writes all about the husbands pleasure in having sex with these women (descriptively) while he rages thinking about his wife doing the same thing. Truly the dumbest thing I have read on here this year 🙄🙄 it's a shame an author willing to write charcters that are black women is giving them this shit characterization. The heroine was the most pathetic one I have ever read, and I barely got to 20%...
I'm also loling that the author says in her bio she loves strong heroines....you wouldnt be able to tell through her writing
Will be avoiding this author for eternity...
I'm also loling that the author says in her bio she loves strong heroines....you wouldnt be able to tell through her writing
Will be avoiding this author for eternity...
February 24, 2026
I've read several books by this author and I like her writing style, and I like second chance romance, but this couple...arrrghh, I'm so angry at them, especially the heroine, Harriet - I find her a such a stupid and weak character - yes, I get that she loves her husband, and it's difficult to just throw away years of marriage, but she has no self respect/love for herself, she just let him use her again and again - I just want to slap and scream at her - what the f**k is wrong with you woman?! And this "hero", why is he even with his wife, if he's enjoying being with other women so much? I want him to feel remorse and become a better husband, but he just keeps cheating on her - there's nothing good about his character. I'm guessing he'll somehow become a better person in the 2nd part, and of course I want a happy ending, but after reading this book I'm so torn - how can a self respected woman ever forgive and trust a guy like the hero of this story? And yeah, I'll probably read the 2nd part...sigh.
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August 7, 2021I only read this because I was absolutely fascinated by the synopsis. And this book did not disappoint. Well…it did disappoint but it also completely delivered on its premise. I was SMH the whole time.
This book had the audacity and, if nothing else, I commend it for that 😂😂😂
This book had the audacity and, if nothing else, I commend it for that 😂😂😂
Read
November 25, 2021Stabworthy serial cheater, it’s okay because, hey, everyone else does it. 🔪🔪🔪
I’m not rating this until I finish book 2.
I’m not rating this until I finish book 2.
April 30, 2022
I don’t think I can make it to the end. I am 31% in and I’m about to throw my kindle across the room. What a piece of 💩 this H is and the h is a spineless wimp. Seriously, I at least have to take a break, maybe I’ll come back to it, maybe not….
June 23, 2021
You guys, I am so, so, so embarrassed. I am embarrassed for Harriet because she is ridiculous. Her husband publicly cheats on her quite frequently and she puts up with it. I give her no credit for finally going to Doc because the situation had grown beyond what she could bury her head in the sand and ignore. It's not at all her fault but her husband is a philanderer but it is her fault that she puts up with it. I am 100% okay with judging in the situation because she is not financially dependent on him, they do not have children, and most damningly, he has absolutely no intention of changing how he is. He doesn't even lie and pretend that he's going to stop being the way he is because he has no interest in being anyway other than how he is. The fact that he only eventually considers getting better because it is affecting his financial bottom line and his professional reputation is pretty consistent with how he's been the whole book but also extra awful.
I'm also really embarrassed for myself, because I read this entire book. I couldn't put it down because I kept waiting for Harriet to get a clue and she never really did. Doc tried to help her figure out that she can't fix a marriage on her own and she can't fix a marriage where her husband is completely content to continue the way he is, but it didn't seem to sink in for her. The fact that Harriet ask yourself the same questions that I'm asking here doesn't make me want to give her any credit. This author has written other books with similar themes but who's heroines were not doormats but this book does not belong in that category.
Obviously, I am completely invested in the story because I have to understand how Jerrison is going to make the genuine change you'll need to change to be a better husband. Let's be clear, I have no doubt that Harriet would take him back regardless of where he ends up in this because she is pathetic where he is concerned, but how is he going to internalize that he needs to be a better husband? I have never read a book that contained such a remorseless cheater; his conversations with his friends, father, and various women were totally gross and I just can't wait to see how Ms. Arthurs goes from that being how he is to making him some sort of devoted husband. I, frankly, don't know how this can be accomplished in one book but I can't wait to see her try.
I'm also really embarrassed for myself, because I read this entire book. I couldn't put it down because I kept waiting for Harriet to get a clue and she never really did. Doc tried to help her figure out that she can't fix a marriage on her own and she can't fix a marriage where her husband is completely content to continue the way he is, but it didn't seem to sink in for her. The fact that Harriet ask yourself the same questions that I'm asking here doesn't make me want to give her any credit. This author has written other books with similar themes but who's heroines were not doormats but this book does not belong in that category.
Obviously, I am completely invested in the story because I have to understand how Jerrison is going to make the genuine change you'll need to change to be a better husband. Let's be clear, I have no doubt that Harriet would take him back regardless of where he ends up in this because she is pathetic where he is concerned, but how is he going to internalize that he needs to be a better husband? I have never read a book that contained such a remorseless cheater; his conversations with his friends, father, and various women were totally gross and I just can't wait to see how Ms. Arthurs goes from that being how he is to making him some sort of devoted husband. I, frankly, don't know how this can be accomplished in one book but I can't wait to see her try.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 21, 2021
Exhales
Jerrison , Jerrison, Jerrison... whew give me strength. You know the book is that good when you aren’t sure if you want him to change his ways or just crash and burn with his cheating selfish ways, so his wife can find someone who values and loves her. She is not perfect, but she is willing rekindle that flame of love and work on their relationship.
Hear me out, Harriet deserves happiness and a chance to reconnect with herself, a chance to overcome her insecurities fueled by a serial cheater. Jerrison has blown out her light, her energy and self worth is depleted, and yet instead of dealing with his “father’s” learned and cheating behaviors he ends up following in his cheating footsteps and his business partner and best friend is the same way. His foundation and inner circle mirror the same horrid behaviors and now that his bank account, reputation and business is in danger and he’s been warned to fix his marriage, he still cheats.
I can’t wait for book 2, the romantic in me wants Jer to overcome and change his ways, but the woman in me wants Harriet to heal and find someone to love and grow with.
I’m really torn over this one. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Jerrison , Jerrison, Jerrison... whew give me strength. You know the book is that good when you aren’t sure if you want him to change his ways or just crash and burn with his cheating selfish ways, so his wife can find someone who values and loves her. She is not perfect, but she is willing rekindle that flame of love and work on their relationship.
Hear me out, Harriet deserves happiness and a chance to reconnect with herself, a chance to overcome her insecurities fueled by a serial cheater. Jerrison has blown out her light, her energy and self worth is depleted, and yet instead of dealing with his “father’s” learned and cheating behaviors he ends up following in his cheating footsteps and his business partner and best friend is the same way. His foundation and inner circle mirror the same horrid behaviors and now that his bank account, reputation and business is in danger and he’s been warned to fix his marriage, he still cheats.
I can’t wait for book 2, the romantic in me wants Jer to overcome and change his ways, but the woman in me wants Harriet to heal and find someone to love and grow with.
I’m really torn over this one. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
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December 15, 2021yikes.
December 11, 2021
Is This Life?
I knew this was going to be a difficult read going into it. And it was. And I did not like it at all. The three stars are for the author’s efforts to make the female lead into a broken woman with no sense of self worth as far as relationships were concerned. Ms. Arthurs succeeded. I don’t know if she wanted Harriet to be likable, but I found very little to like about her. She had been married for years to her husband Jerrison who had been cheating on her since the very first year of wedded bliss ended. The bs that she puts up with is inconceivable, but unfortunately, it happens every single day. I just had no earthly idea why she wanted to stay and try to save her marriage when her husband was willing to sleep with anything in panties and spend their money on these chicks too. He bought one Betty In The Church House a whole brand new truck. SPOILER ALERT!!! Granted, Harriet did smash that ish to bits, but for real??!!??
I’m only reading the second one because I downloaded the sample to Cover Me thinking that I could skip Respect Me II cause I was so over it AND because I need to see how much time it takes him to redeem himself.
I knew this was going to be a difficult read going into it. And it was. And I did not like it at all. The three stars are for the author’s efforts to make the female lead into a broken woman with no sense of self worth as far as relationships were concerned. Ms. Arthurs succeeded. I don’t know if she wanted Harriet to be likable, but I found very little to like about her. She had been married for years to her husband Jerrison who had been cheating on her since the very first year of wedded bliss ended. The bs that she puts up with is inconceivable, but unfortunately, it happens every single day. I just had no earthly idea why she wanted to stay and try to save her marriage when her husband was willing to sleep with anything in panties and spend their money on these chicks too. He bought one Betty In The Church House a whole brand new truck. SPOILER ALERT!!! Granted, Harriet did smash that ish to bits, but for real??!!??
I’m only reading the second one because I downloaded the sample to Cover Me thinking that I could skip Respect Me II cause I was so over it AND because I need to see how much time it takes him to redeem himself.
June 16, 2021
Ms Arthurs stepped up to the challenge
This was a hard book to read. And that is saying a lot since I was one of the fans asking for Ms Arthurs to write a marriage repair book dealing with harder topics. Despite her distaste for cheating, and continual at that, she took up the gauntlet with her father and they delivered. I can easily say I hate Jerrison. He is a complete douche. Self absorbed and hypocritical. Very little to redeem him. So I'm looking forward to see how the Arthurs make him redeemable. In reading the first book, I wanted to comfort Harriet. The back and forth in emotions when the person you love does not love you as you deserve. To see her put in the effort and Jerrison just be blind to it. Yet at the same time, there were moments of consideration from Jerrison that she ignored. Life is messy and I want to see how they repair this type of marriage. Hopefully, they can convince me that this marriage is worth repairing as well.
This was a hard book to read. And that is saying a lot since I was one of the fans asking for Ms Arthurs to write a marriage repair book dealing with harder topics. Despite her distaste for cheating, and continual at that, she took up the gauntlet with her father and they delivered. I can easily say I hate Jerrison. He is a complete douche. Self absorbed and hypocritical. Very little to redeem him. So I'm looking forward to see how the Arthurs make him redeemable. In reading the first book, I wanted to comfort Harriet. The back and forth in emotions when the person you love does not love you as you deserve. To see her put in the effort and Jerrison just be blind to it. Yet at the same time, there were moments of consideration from Jerrison that she ignored. Life is messy and I want to see how they repair this type of marriage. Hopefully, they can convince me that this marriage is worth repairing as well.
June 18, 2021
It’s so good..but so bad.
Nia and Sylburn Arthurs have done it again with the absolute WORST husband ever. The plot, characters, and writing were excellent-as always. However, I was so pissed off at the end of the book, I didn’t know what to do. But this is real life, and how men and women think when a marriage is in a death spiral. Having gone through my own version of this book, it was good to see that they pulled no punches concerning how disrespectful a cheating spouse can be and how broken and angry the non-cheating spouse feels. Excellent book, but I am put out that I have to wait until the end of the month for the rest. If I had known that I would have waited so that I could binge read.
Nia and Sylburn Arthurs have done it again with the absolute WORST husband ever. The plot, characters, and writing were excellent-as always. However, I was so pissed off at the end of the book, I didn’t know what to do. But this is real life, and how men and women think when a marriage is in a death spiral. Having gone through my own version of this book, it was good to see that they pulled no punches concerning how disrespectful a cheating spouse can be and how broken and angry the non-cheating spouse feels. Excellent book, but I am put out that I have to wait until the end of the month for the rest. If I had known that I would have waited so that I could binge read.
June 21, 2021
Lost for words
I'm speechless. To be completely disrespected continuously and still love a person is mind boggling. I couldn't relate to Harriet because to me she's broken that's why she's allowed her husband to cheat continuously and accept it. It truly blows my mind.
Jerrison was a dick. And he never took responsibility for his actions. But they say that the fruit doesn't fall far from the tree. And he was truly his father's son.
The book is well written but it had me saying leave him there's some one that will love you completely because jerrison is not that person. Lastly he only wants to save the marriage because of his business. I hope he loses it all. Find a NEW LOVE HARRIET!!!
I'm speechless. To be completely disrespected continuously and still love a person is mind boggling. I couldn't relate to Harriet because to me she's broken that's why she's allowed her husband to cheat continuously and accept it. It truly blows my mind.
Jerrison was a dick. And he never took responsibility for his actions. But they say that the fruit doesn't fall far from the tree. And he was truly his father's son.
The book is well written but it had me saying leave him there's some one that will love you completely because jerrison is not that person. Lastly he only wants to save the marriage because of his business. I hope he loses it all. Find a NEW LOVE HARRIET!!!
June 21, 2021
To the left to the left everything you own in a Box to the left
Caution there might be some spoilers in this review!!! This book made me so angry. The story line was really good I just hope she never goes back to him. I can't help but hope that this doesn't work out for them. He is such a jerk. He is entitled and doesn't value his wife at all. If I were Harriet I would love myself too much to put up with that. I would give myself time to heal and find myself someone who's going to love me the way that I deserve. I really think that man needs more than Doc's help. That man needs Jesus!
Caution there might be some spoilers in this review!!! This book made me so angry. The story line was really good I just hope she never goes back to him. I can't help but hope that this doesn't work out for them. He is such a jerk. He is entitled and doesn't value his wife at all. If I were Harriet I would love myself too much to put up with that. I would give myself time to heal and find myself someone who's going to love me the way that I deserve. I really think that man needs more than Doc's help. That man needs Jesus!
June 16, 2021
Wow.. Definitely not for the weak
I am a huge fan of Nia Arthurs work and have read most of her work but this book right here....WOW. I am all for realism and Jerrison and Harriet do not fail. I found myself cursing Jerrison and pounding my fist at Harriet wanting to shake some sense into her. My heart breaks for them both and I hope Doc can help either heal them or help Harriet to move on. At this point I want her to leave, he doesnt deserve her but i digress. ...anxiously awaiting part 2...
I am a huge fan of Nia Arthurs work and have read most of her work but this book right here....WOW. I am all for realism and Jerrison and Harriet do not fail. I found myself cursing Jerrison and pounding my fist at Harriet wanting to shake some sense into her. My heart breaks for them both and I hope Doc can help either heal them or help Harriet to move on. At this point I want her to leave, he doesnt deserve her but i digress. ...anxiously awaiting part 2...
June 17, 2021
Shocked but couldn't put it down
I was appalled by the decision of the wife to try to hold on to her cheating husband. Appalled by husband don't give a damn I can have my cake and ice cream and anything I want. Shocked that he only wanted to change because he would lose his business not his wife. But the way the author wove the story I could not for the life of me put this book down until I read the last word. Just WOW...I can't wait for part two but if the husband doesn't get better I'm gonna just.....
I was appalled by the decision of the wife to try to hold on to her cheating husband. Appalled by husband don't give a damn I can have my cake and ice cream and anything I want. Shocked that he only wanted to change because he would lose his business not his wife. But the way the author wove the story I could not for the life of me put this book down until I read the last word. Just WOW...I can't wait for part two but if the husband doesn't get better I'm gonna just.....
August 8, 2021
Right now I'm like the gif of the cat filing it's claws. Claws I'd very much like to drag across Jerrison's hoeish face. This book pretty much had me steaming from beginning to end, but you know, as much as the main characters annoyed my soul- they made me feel something. I wasn't bored with the material, but I can't say I was happy with what I was reading either.
The characters:
Jerrison: Gaslighter, adulterer, liar, weak, a-hole, should be deleted from the census if he were an actual person. Okay, maybe that last one is going too far. He lacked self-awareness, had no shame or regret for being a habitual cheater. He's the worst kind of man who thinks that he should be waited on hand and foot by his wife while he also gets to have his fun on the side. There were no redeeming qualities to him. Nothing that sold me on the idea that being stuck in a marriage to him is worth fight for, worth putting any kind of effort into. He has the best of both worlds and suffered no consequences. Even fighting for his marriage is selfishly motivated.
Harriet: *deep sigh* *pinches bridge of nose* Harriet is the woman who writers into reddit seeking relationship advice, but only after wasting precious words expounding on how her husband is actually an amazing guy that she loves to death, its just this one tiny thing: he effs everything that moves and blatantly lies to her face about it even after catching him in the act. Instead of seeing the red flags for what they are and moving accordingly, Harriet is determined to stay in her marriage, to make it work and claw through the dirt to find the loving man she married. She is exasperating and sad. I couldn't help but at times feel pity for her, but at the same time want to knock some sense into her while screaming LEAVE HIM!
Doc: I hate to say this about Doc, but he kind of fulfills the role of the magical negro. That's the vibe I was getting and especially more so towards the end.
In fact, I picked up on a lot of racialized tones in this book that made me cringe. Harriet was described in words that made her feel masculine. Something that happens to dark skinned black women a lot, whereas the women her husband was cheating on her with, they were basically angelic, delicate, *feminine*. Don't get me wrong, Harriet's beauty was mentioned, but still. Some of the words used to describe her actions were jarring. Made even worse by the fact this was told in first person.
Despite that, the prose of this was very lyrical. It bordered on being too flowery at times, but the feelings and imagery it invoked, it was different and maybe even beautiful, which again was such a sharp contrast to how language was used when it came to Harriet's person.
This book shows how some people are determined to stick it out because they are either more in love with the idea of marriage rather than the person they're actually married to; don't want to throw away the years they've put into the relationship; fear of being alone. I'm sorry, but like the great late Dr. Maya Angelou said, when someone shows you who they are, believe them. Jerrison showed Harriet time and time again she wasn't a priority, that he only really pays her attention when he wants sex or when *she's* "treating him like a king" He loves no one but himself, that he walks on water, does no wrong, and that he's actually the victim here. The worst.
Needless to say, I'm not rooting for them to work it out. I haven't seen any evidence as to why Harriet should continue her farce of a marriage. But I'm curious to see how things play out.
The characters:
Jerrison: Gaslighter, adulterer, liar, weak, a-hole, should be deleted from the census if he were an actual person. Okay, maybe that last one is going too far. He lacked self-awareness, had no shame or regret for being a habitual cheater. He's the worst kind of man who thinks that he should be waited on hand and foot by his wife while he also gets to have his fun on the side. There were no redeeming qualities to him. Nothing that sold me on the idea that being stuck in a marriage to him is worth fight for, worth putting any kind of effort into. He has the best of both worlds and suffered no consequences. Even fighting for his marriage is selfishly motivated.
Harriet: *deep sigh* *pinches bridge of nose* Harriet is the woman who writers into reddit seeking relationship advice, but only after wasting precious words expounding on how her husband is actually an amazing guy that she loves to death, its just this one tiny thing: he effs everything that moves and blatantly lies to her face about it even after catching him in the act. Instead of seeing the red flags for what they are and moving accordingly, Harriet is determined to stay in her marriage, to make it work and claw through the dirt to find the loving man she married. She is exasperating and sad. I couldn't help but at times feel pity for her, but at the same time want to knock some sense into her while screaming LEAVE HIM!
Doc: I hate to say this about Doc, but he kind of fulfills the role of the magical negro. That's the vibe I was getting and especially more so towards the end.
In fact, I picked up on a lot of racialized tones in this book that made me cringe. Harriet was described in words that made her feel masculine. Something that happens to dark skinned black women a lot, whereas the women her husband was cheating on her with, they were basically angelic, delicate, *feminine*. Don't get me wrong, Harriet's beauty was mentioned, but still. Some of the words used to describe her actions were jarring. Made even worse by the fact this was told in first person.
Despite that, the prose of this was very lyrical. It bordered on being too flowery at times, but the feelings and imagery it invoked, it was different and maybe even beautiful, which again was such a sharp contrast to how language was used when it came to Harriet's person.
This book shows how some people are determined to stick it out because they are either more in love with the idea of marriage rather than the person they're actually married to; don't want to throw away the years they've put into the relationship; fear of being alone. I'm sorry, but like the great late Dr. Maya Angelou said, when someone shows you who they are, believe them. Jerrison showed Harriet time and time again she wasn't a priority, that he only really pays her attention when he wants sex or when *she's* "treating him like a king" He loves no one but himself, that he walks on water, does no wrong, and that he's actually the victim here. The worst.
Needless to say, I'm not rooting for them to work it out. I haven't seen any evidence as to why Harriet should continue her farce of a marriage. But I'm curious to see how things play out.
July 2, 2021
What is marriage without the basic amount of respect?
Jerrison and Harriet were destined to find out in this marriage repair novel that brought back so many memories that only someone who has had a cheating husband could possibly understand. For someone who pursued Harriet with reckless abandon, Jerrison did not waste any time allowing his eye that roved to propel him into the beds of several other women. How fickle is Jerrison that with all of the out loud and unapologetic cheating he does, he had the audacity to be upset by the idea that Harriet could be doing what he himself was doing even as he strove to get her back into their home. I have to admit I did not think that Harriet would be strong enough to leave Jerrison because she seemed to value him and his wants and needs above her own. I am glad that DOC finally helped her although it was not the kind of help she went to him seeking. I wonder what will happen when it comes out that Jerrison has no intention of quitting his cheating ways and is only agreeing to see DOC to keep from losing a client who could wreck him financially? I am also anxious to see if the freedom that Harriet finally is experiencing will be easily curtailed if and when Jerrison does get his act together for real! What Jerrison is sharing with this latest woman about his relationship with his wife is something he should be addressing with his wife and because he does not value his wife, he does not see any thing wrong with his behavior. He was under the mistaken impression that regardless of what he did, Harriet would always be there for him so he allowed his lustful ways to take complete control over his disrespectful actions. It is called intimacy - come into me and see! Men and women in marriages should not give any outside person that type of intimacy that should only be reserved for their spouse! As much as I respect the institution of marriage, I am almost rooting for Harriet to go on without Jerrison allowing herself to be loved by someone who will value her enough to be intimate with her and allow her to be intimate with him! Okay, enough of my venom towards Jerrison and his disrespectful behind, I am anxious to see what happens in part II so please Nia, bring on the conclusion. Thank you DOC for giving Harriet some much needed help, she truly needed to regain her sense of self! I guess you already know that to incur this kind of anger means you did an excellent job writing this novel Nia, thank you very much!
Jerrison and Harriet were destined to find out in this marriage repair novel that brought back so many memories that only someone who has had a cheating husband could possibly understand. For someone who pursued Harriet with reckless abandon, Jerrison did not waste any time allowing his eye that roved to propel him into the beds of several other women. How fickle is Jerrison that with all of the out loud and unapologetic cheating he does, he had the audacity to be upset by the idea that Harriet could be doing what he himself was doing even as he strove to get her back into their home. I have to admit I did not think that Harriet would be strong enough to leave Jerrison because she seemed to value him and his wants and needs above her own. I am glad that DOC finally helped her although it was not the kind of help she went to him seeking. I wonder what will happen when it comes out that Jerrison has no intention of quitting his cheating ways and is only agreeing to see DOC to keep from losing a client who could wreck him financially? I am also anxious to see if the freedom that Harriet finally is experiencing will be easily curtailed if and when Jerrison does get his act together for real! What Jerrison is sharing with this latest woman about his relationship with his wife is something he should be addressing with his wife and because he does not value his wife, he does not see any thing wrong with his behavior. He was under the mistaken impression that regardless of what he did, Harriet would always be there for him so he allowed his lustful ways to take complete control over his disrespectful actions. It is called intimacy - come into me and see! Men and women in marriages should not give any outside person that type of intimacy that should only be reserved for their spouse! As much as I respect the institution of marriage, I am almost rooting for Harriet to go on without Jerrison allowing herself to be loved by someone who will value her enough to be intimate with her and allow her to be intimate with him! Okay, enough of my venom towards Jerrison and his disrespectful behind, I am anxious to see what happens in part II so please Nia, bring on the conclusion. Thank you DOC for giving Harriet some much needed help, she truly needed to regain her sense of self! I guess you already know that to incur this kind of anger means you did an excellent job writing this novel Nia, thank you very much!
October 1, 2023
This book was definitely a disappointment I should’ve read the reviews before reading it and stayed away. I’m 50/50 on whether I like the fmc because she was a doormat continuously forgiving or overlooking his cheating. At one point she came home early and caught him with a woman in the house and still manages to move past it and instead of leaving she starts to be insecure calling him anytime he leaves the house, going through his trash cans, receipts, etc. She goes to a store as a way of “revenge” planning on buying expensive things and paying with his card the worker needs to verify the address and it’s an address she doesn’t recognize. Yet she still stays even after coming to the realization that he buys his mistresses expensive items and tells her his actual wife she’s overdoing it and needs to stop spending so much.
The last straw comes when they go to an event and she meets Ashley and mmc says he needs a drink and the mistress follows him. While they’re gone she gets a message with a picture of them attached on a date holding hands. She looks up and sees them holding hands by the bar so she FINALLY decides it’s time to leave. When they leave and get home she goes upstairs and he gets a call from the mistress and starts telling her “you know I love you” and “I want to be with you not her but it’s complicated”. He tells Harriet he’s going out with his friends when in reality he’s going to be with the mistress and when he gets home the next day Harriet is gone.
Finally, the mmc was worthless and unforgivable he’s been cheating on her throughout the entire marriage and most likely before then. He’s a terrible excuse for a man but wants to be treated like a “king” or the leader of the house but doesn’t deserve it. He wants to be able to show Harriet off in public and humiliate her in private which turns to humiliating her in public as well when he starts going on dates with the mistress and bringing her around his friends instead of Harriet. I can’t imagine the jokes and harsh words they probably were using behind her back. With the mmc just sitting laughing and feeding into it. Disgusting. He even tells his friend that also cheats on his wife that the mistress is nothing like the other women he cheated with and the friend basically says he’s in love with her and he doesn’t deny it. Just says he cares about her a lot.
The last straw comes when they go to an event and she meets Ashley and mmc says he needs a drink and the mistress follows him. While they’re gone she gets a message with a picture of them attached on a date holding hands. She looks up and sees them holding hands by the bar so she FINALLY decides it’s time to leave. When they leave and get home she goes upstairs and he gets a call from the mistress and starts telling her “you know I love you” and “I want to be with you not her but it’s complicated”. He tells Harriet he’s going out with his friends when in reality he’s going to be with the mistress and when he gets home the next day Harriet is gone.
Finally, the mmc was worthless and unforgivable he’s been cheating on her throughout the entire marriage and most likely before then. He’s a terrible excuse for a man but wants to be treated like a “king” or the leader of the house but doesn’t deserve it. He wants to be able to show Harriet off in public and humiliate her in private which turns to humiliating her in public as well when he starts going on dates with the mistress and bringing her around his friends instead of Harriet. I can’t imagine the jokes and harsh words they probably were using behind her back. With the mmc just sitting laughing and feeding into it. Disgusting. He even tells his friend that also cheats on his wife that the mistress is nothing like the other women he cheated with and the friend basically says he’s in love with her and he doesn’t deny it. Just says he cares about her a lot.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 13, 2023
D.I.S.R.E.S.P.E.C.T
It’s hard for me to review this book, the writing is great , but the disrespect coming from Jarrison towards his wife and for her to take is really making me sick. Harriet is not a weakling by any means except in her marriage 😡, NO SELF RESPECTED woman would stay in a childless marriage like that, where your husband is cheating with not once, but multiple over and over and over with all kind of women, spending your hard earned money on them!!!!??? NO WAY!!! Some woman stayed for the sake of their children, some for financial reasons but Harriet…???!!! Love? Loneliness?! appearances?! Girl, it’s worse when everyone knows that your husband is sleeping with everything that moves!! 🙄
I despised Jarrison with everything in me and Harriet is so pitiful to want to save a marriage that has been non existent for years! That marriage has too many women in it and Harriet is the least important of them all. Jarrison is a selfish-self-absorbed-man-child without any regards for anyone or anything that wasn’t beneficiary to him. And him and Patrick they belonged together, birds of the same feathers and all.
They do not deserved a second, third or any chance. 🤮 🤮
The Ashleys and Cindys of this world are really a disgrace for women’s kind.
And Harriet, girl you deserve so much better!!! Pax and Hazel’s cases weren’t the same,… Pax and Hazel would NEVER seat around and accept the crumbs Jerrison was handing out to you and expect you to be grateful… what a Joke! He even call himself a good husband!! 🙄🤣🤣🤣
Anyway, it was a hard book for me to read!
It’s hard for me to review this book, the writing is great , but the disrespect coming from Jarrison towards his wife and for her to take is really making me sick. Harriet is not a weakling by any means except in her marriage 😡, NO SELF RESPECTED woman would stay in a childless marriage like that, where your husband is cheating with not once, but multiple over and over and over with all kind of women, spending your hard earned money on them!!!!??? NO WAY!!! Some woman stayed for the sake of their children, some for financial reasons but Harriet…???!!! Love? Loneliness?! appearances?! Girl, it’s worse when everyone knows that your husband is sleeping with everything that moves!! 🙄
I despised Jarrison with everything in me and Harriet is so pitiful to want to save a marriage that has been non existent for years! That marriage has too many women in it and Harriet is the least important of them all. Jarrison is a selfish-self-absorbed-man-child without any regards for anyone or anything that wasn’t beneficiary to him. And him and Patrick they belonged together, birds of the same feathers and all.
They do not deserved a second, third or any chance. 🤮 🤮
The Ashleys and Cindys of this world are really a disgrace for women’s kind.
And Harriet, girl you deserve so much better!!! Pax and Hazel’s cases weren’t the same,… Pax and Hazel would NEVER seat around and accept the crumbs Jerrison was handing out to you and expect you to be grateful… what a Joke! He even call himself a good husband!! 🙄🤣🤣🤣
Anyway, it was a hard book for me to read!
February 5, 2023
It wasn’t a bad book, it was just so infuriating that someone like J exists. “I’m a good husband. A fair husband” he says. This guy keeps on cheating on his wife, treats her like sh*t let’s not lie. He acts so annoyed when she says things about his affairs like she shouldn’t be saying anything in the first place, like nothing's wrong with his behavior. He wants her to listen to him vent about work, to dress more feminine, when he doesn’t do sh*t, and even then she should be appreciated the way she is. I’ve never hated someone as I’ve hated him, overall he’s a piece of sh*t. I know he might have his reasons but I don’t think my opinion of him will change that much in the 2nd book. I still hope he isn’t this type of man in the 2nd part.
Concerning the heroine, I love her so much, and I would’ve hoped for her to leave him altogether and as fast as possible but I understand why she didn’t. She isn’t the weak innocent woman, she is strong for being willing to work on a marriage when she didn’t make that many mistakes whatsoever. Plus I Love Doc a lot and absolutely despise Patrick, dude is an adult but acts like women are inferior to men, a douche 🙄🙄
Concerning the heroine, I love her so much, and I would’ve hoped for her to leave him altogether and as fast as possible but I understand why she didn’t. She isn’t the weak innocent woman, she is strong for being willing to work on a marriage when she didn’t make that many mistakes whatsoever. Plus I Love Doc a lot and absolutely despise Patrick, dude is an adult but acts like women are inferior to men, a douche 🙄🙄
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
February 2, 2022Familiarity is an odd thing.
Comfort in exchange for excitement.
Avoidance hidden within reluctance.
I am not suggesting you become the leader over your husband but over your own destiny. I want you to be in control of what does and doesn't happen to you. i want you to be in control of what you will allow.
woman in a committed relationship is operating under this curse- that her desire will be for her husband and he will rule over her. This is not like a leader. A leader decides their own destiny. They are not submitted to any man. A man follows the leader.
(((There is a difference between a woman in leadership and a woman in a relationship.)))
Your task is to go back to dating. That means no sex. No petting. No touching.
Comfort in exchange for excitement.
Avoidance hidden within reluctance.
I am not suggesting you become the leader over your husband but over your own destiny. I want you to be in control of what does and doesn't happen to you. i want you to be in control of what you will allow.
woman in a committed relationship is operating under this curse- that her desire will be for her husband and he will rule over her. This is not like a leader. A leader decides their own destiny. They are not submitted to any man. A man follows the leader.
(((There is a difference between a woman in leadership and a woman in a relationship.)))
Your task is to go back to dating. That means no sex. No petting. No touching.
February 18, 2022
Cheating
Okay, I've read cheating books, and this is different because the H was absolutely unbothered when his wife found out. No remorse. Nothing. I was actually hoping that the h be open to dating someone else, too, since the H was only bothered when he thought she might have found someone else. But although my wish didn't happen, I am glad that by the end, she has started to realize that there's more to just being the wife of the H, and that she can try to move on with her life.
Cheating in books is satisfying only when there's an acceptable amount of grovel, and although we didn't see that in this one, I can see the potential in the next one, since this is a duet. I am hoping that the H gets what he deserves, and the h not fall right back into his arms.
Okay, I've read cheating books, and this is different because the H was absolutely unbothered when his wife found out. No remorse. Nothing. I was actually hoping that the h be open to dating someone else, too, since the H was only bothered when he thought she might have found someone else. But although my wish didn't happen, I am glad that by the end, she has started to realize that there's more to just being the wife of the H, and that she can try to move on with her life.
Cheating in books is satisfying only when there's an acceptable amount of grovel, and although we didn't see that in this one, I can see the potential in the next one, since this is a duet. I am hoping that the H gets what he deserves, and the h not fall right back into his arms.
June 18, 2021
Well written
I normally don’t read books end on a cliffhanger, but I love this author. The book is well written, but hard to swallow. I am never going to like Jerrison no matter how the story unfolds. He has no redeeming qualities other than he is human. He is self centered, selfish, has no integrity and is only in it for what is in it for him. Not only is he like that in his marriage he is like that I his business life. Harriet is harder for me, I hurt for her, but than I want to hit her upside the head and tell her you are worth more. All in all I do recommend, but understand this is not a feel good book, this is raw and emotional.
I normally don’t read books end on a cliffhanger, but I love this author. The book is well written, but hard to swallow. I am never going to like Jerrison no matter how the story unfolds. He has no redeeming qualities other than he is human. He is self centered, selfish, has no integrity and is only in it for what is in it for him. Not only is he like that in his marriage he is like that I his business life. Harriet is harder for me, I hurt for her, but than I want to hit her upside the head and tell her you are worth more. All in all I do recommend, but understand this is not a feel good book, this is raw and emotional.
June 21, 2021
Ugh 🤦🏾♀️
The book is a great read but, Harriette! I was angry at her for all of the book. She wants to fight Doc to be heard and treated like he would a man, but can’t do the same when it comes to the behavior of her husband. And it’s reality that many woman stay in bad marriages for less reason, but it did not stop me from wanting to slap some sense into her. And Jerrison 🤬. He was mad that she left him without warning, that she should put up with his infidelity, that she should submit to his will. It couldn’t be me! Doc has his work cut out to redeem him. I love this grittier topic. I love a story that understands that a wedding day doesn’t make a marriage.
The book is a great read but, Harriette! I was angry at her for all of the book. She wants to fight Doc to be heard and treated like he would a man, but can’t do the same when it comes to the behavior of her husband. And it’s reality that many woman stay in bad marriages for less reason, but it did not stop me from wanting to slap some sense into her. And Jerrison 🤬. He was mad that she left him without warning, that she should put up with his infidelity, that she should submit to his will. It couldn’t be me! Doc has his work cut out to redeem him. I love this grittier topic. I love a story that understands that a wedding day doesn’t make a marriage.
June 25, 2021
DUMP HIM!!!!
Respect seemed not to factor into Harriet and Jerrison's marriage, at least not on Jerrison's part. Jerrison is a serial cheater, an accomplished liar,and he still claims to love his wife. He had a woman in his wife's house wearing his wife's bathrobe and had the audacity to ask if SHE lied to HIM about going out of town when she caught him! I know Harriet wants to save her marriage, but a man who goes out and finds a new mistress DAYS after being caught with the old one does not love or respect his wife no matter what he says. DUMP HIM!!!!
Respect seemed not to factor into Harriet and Jerrison's marriage, at least not on Jerrison's part. Jerrison is a serial cheater, an accomplished liar,and he still claims to love his wife. He had a woman in his wife's house wearing his wife's bathrobe and had the audacity to ask if SHE lied to HIM about going out of town when she caught him! I know Harriet wants to save her marriage, but a man who goes out and finds a new mistress DAYS after being caught with the old one does not love or respect his wife no matter what he says. DUMP HIM!!!!
June 25, 2021
Awesome Read
This husband could win the award for worst husband ever. How could Harriet want to keep the dirt bag after all that he put her through. When he was introduced in the previous book he was cheating with no discretion, but his character in this book showed his true character, so appalling. The clip of book 2 shows he only wants to “try to” work on his marriage because of the risk of losing business. Regardless, I was not able to put this book down and can hardly wait for the next even though I don’t like cliffhangers. Love the book, great job to the authors..
This husband could win the award for worst husband ever. How could Harriet want to keep the dirt bag after all that he put her through. When he was introduced in the previous book he was cheating with no discretion, but his character in this book showed his true character, so appalling. The clip of book 2 shows he only wants to “try to” work on his marriage because of the risk of losing business. Regardless, I was not able to put this book down and can hardly wait for the next even though I don’t like cliffhangers. Love the book, great job to the authors..
July 18, 2021
Excellent!!!
I can not write an affective review until I read book 2, Harriet is strong smart beautiful and so deep in love with Jerrison that it’s heartbreaking and you want Doc to fix their marriage. Jerrison loves his wife but all I can say is he is his father’s son. He is so blind to the effect caused by his behavior that you want to shake, punch, slap and kick him. All I can say is DOC has his work cut out for him with these two😨.
That is all I am going write, on to book 2
I can not write an affective review until I read book 2, Harriet is strong smart beautiful and so deep in love with Jerrison that it’s heartbreaking and you want Doc to fix their marriage. Jerrison loves his wife but all I can say is he is his father’s son. He is so blind to the effect caused by his behavior that you want to shake, punch, slap and kick him. All I can say is DOC has his work cut out for him with these two😨.
That is all I am going write, on to book 2
August 3, 2021
Wow Alsome
Man I loved it, every other story before this one had the men asking Doc, I love the way this was flipped. She did need to rethink herself. Doc is good, I have enjoyed his wisdom. I already divorce my husband, did he cheat no, to me it was worse.
Yes there is worse, mental abuse, verbal abuse, and messing with your health.
Harriet & Jerrison glad this is a story, because he was a man whor€. I would have been scared I would catch something. Well can’t wait till part 2 comes out good read.
Man I loved it, every other story before this one had the men asking Doc, I love the way this was flipped. She did need to rethink herself. Doc is good, I have enjoyed his wisdom. I already divorce my husband, did he cheat no, to me it was worse.
Yes there is worse, mental abuse, verbal abuse, and messing with your health.
Harriet & Jerrison glad this is a story, because he was a man whor€. I would have been scared I would catch something. Well can’t wait till part 2 comes out good read.
July 7, 2021
Powerful
This book had me shooting fire from my eyes. I don’t know how Harriet did it. My blood was boiling just reading it. If it was on paperback it would have tossed it across the room. I was so happy she had the strength to do what she did in the end or noting what have changed. I know there is a second book but I need my blood pressure to go back down before I start it. Lol. Happy Reading!!
This book had me shooting fire from my eyes. I don’t know how Harriet did it. My blood was boiling just reading it. If it was on paperback it would have tossed it across the room. I was so happy she had the strength to do what she did in the end or noting what have changed. I know there is a second book but I need my blood pressure to go back down before I start it. Lol. Happy Reading!!
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