Desmend is enjoying his newfound legitimacy, as well as reaping residual benefits of his former fast life.
Money and women.
Living by the motto ‘It ain’t tricking if you got it,’ he’s known for splurging on beautiful women. Fly by flings were all he needed until Leila gave him a glimpse of something he’s never had.
Leila is looking for a love like the one her best friend Harper found, but she’s in no rush to find it. She’s heard of Desmend’s salacious reputation and is curious, but tucks those desires away when he needs her professionally.
Leila comes to help Desmend with his daughter, but she ends up becoming so much more, and it changes his idea of what he thought he wanted and needed. When the fear of losing control and ghosts from the past intervene, he must decide what matters most. Control or companionship?
**Desmend and Leila were introduced in I Thought I Knew.
I wasn’t going to leave a review for this book but, that damn Desmend wouldn’t let me stay silent. Desmend Wise was the the biggest heaux out here in these literary streets! As Mama Braxton said, “He was laying it low and spreading it wide!” Desmend is the toxic male character you hate to love but, you gotta give him his cool points. Desmend knew exactly who he was and he didn’t hide it nor did he lie about it. He may have had major f*ckboy tendencies but, he had a huge heart. Along with bedding as many women possible, taking care of his family was top priority until Leila came on the scene. Desmend was already feelin’ her but, once she moved in as his daughter’s nanny, his attraction to her intensified. Leila already knew about Desmend’s heauxish ways but, she didn’t know just how bad his reputation preceded him. Falling for a man with community peen was not on the agenda but, try as she might, Leila could not fight her attraction either. When Des finally decides to give this love thing a try, his past just won’t let him be great. He had women crawling out of every corner like cock roaches testing Leila’s gangsta. Whew! Those heffas were mad disrespectful. On top of fighting their attraction to each other, Desmend has to figure out who’s trying to blackmail him and Leila has to figure out how her crazy azz ex keeps finding her. Never Knew I Needed You was a really good read. The dialogue was great, it was funny as hell, and the sex was hot! It was the perfect romantic suspense.
What a satisfying story. This grabbed my attention from the first page until it was over. Desmend had swag, he had a business and clean money, he exuded BDE, he was caring, he was a great dad, and he was definitely a f-boy. He kept women on rotation for one purpose and one purpose only. Layla was beautiful, she had a body on her, she got business on the brain, and she's always had eyes for Desmend. Things happen and they got it in. But, Desmend had the audacity to try to do my girl like these other ones. She said bet, and hit him with the same energy. Except that he could not handle it. I love it when these men think every girl is the same and think they can play "that one girl". Leila was that one girl. She had him eating his words though. This was a really good story. It had a little mystery drama that kept me on edge for a bit. Leila and Desmend had a sweet thing going on and they were nastyyy together. I'd recommend this book. Very few errors, but overall good. 4.7 ⭐️
4.5⭐️ Nanny- Thug and Reformed Street dude/businessman/Hoe? sign me up! lol
Leila was a nanny for her best friend and on a break from being her nanny, she picks up a job for her best friend's husband best friend Desmond. Desmond is a businessman and the king of for the streets! His hiring Leila and moving her in was so interesting because I just knew he would break first in wanting her lol. Leila wanted that and got it but whew were there a ton of drama that came with a man who was trying to be a one-woman man! Let’s not even get started with the backstory of his trauma with his family, the side story of him being blackmailed, and all his hoes and baby mama trying it! It was a lot going on! I will say once he realized Leila was it he was on it! Leila had her share of drama too including a psycho ex, overbearing parents, and a sad traumatic secret from her childhood. I will say I didn’t see the twist coming or the blackmail situation ending the way it did! I wasn’t mad at it! Also before I forget the sex scenes were great but Leila was snatching that man's soul, especially that first time! Lol, overall this was a good urban romance adjacent book and a good close proximity romance! Look forward to reading more from Chassilyn Hamilton!
Desmond was a whole heaux out here in these streets! Good lawd! No shame and didn't hide it from a soul! Great businessman, and took great care of his family and his daughter. I loved how he was with Destiney! Leila loved the kids! 😂 She took great pride in taking care of children, and giving them the love and attention they deserve. I just knew that fireworks, pipe bombs and grenades were going to off, when Des and Leila began to cohabitate! The longing and lust that they held for each other from afar, was about to ignite! They did try to suppress the feelings, but to no avail. However, Des' past did not want to stay there. Between the women popping up out of the woodwork giving Leila the blues, the mysterious e-mails/texts and dealing with his mother's demons; Des was running on empty! I really felt for Des when he revealed to Leila his past where his mother was concerned. It really helped drive home why he was so against love and commitment. But, Leila was changing his mind about it all! I was ready to slap Des when he jumped to conclusions, without allowing Leila to explain the information he saw. Then to find out what happened to Leila, and what she had gone through was heartbreaking! 💔 Glad that Des was vulnerable enough to tell Leila how he felt, and was able to save their relationship from a sure death! Really enjoyed this read! 👍👍👍
You had me at heaux! One of my favorite tropes is a reformed MALE heaux so this was right up my alley. I loved Desmend although there were a few times he pissed me off and I loved Leila even more. She was so dope and a well rounded character. This story was a great follow-up to Kai and Harper. I loved that the author explored the depth and pain behind what drove Desmend’s actions as well. That first shower together brought all of the emotion out of the couple and me reading it. I hope we see them again soon.
This is my first read from this author and I wasn’t disappointed. I laughed out loud several times and even cried. Desmond had me ready to fight several times. History has made him hard on love until his best friends wife’s best friend changes all that.
I truly enjoy this book and I can’t wait to read more from this author.
Leila and Desmond are both friends of friends. The connection is there, but due to their friendships, they silently vow to leave each other alone. That is until Des needs a nanny. Nannying is what Leila does, but she’s unsure if she wants to tempt fate by being in such a close vicinity to Des, her forbidden fruit.
This story was really good! 2021 was this author’s debut year and she’s doing an amazing job. You could feel these characters energy jumping from the pages. The sex scenes were dope. And even though this is a love story, there’s Gangsta shit along with a few punch lines. Loved loved loved it!!!
You can always count on Chassilyn to have a trick up her sleeve or should I say on her pen when writing these captivating stories. Desmend is that charming, non resisting, toxic male character you hate to love. While Leila is that beautiful soul who can easily match your energy. I loved Leila for Desmend it was their intimate moments that drew me in. Once again Chass came through delivering and hitting on all cylinders with this one. You’re going to get emotional, laugh a while, and be ready to get some batteries because it gets steamy for sure. Job well done!!!!
NTMA delivered with this toxic BDE laying down ladies man. With the right woman Desmend Wise was able to heal and love himself as well as someone else for a chance. His baby girl helped him become a good man, but his SuperNanny Leila helped him to become a better man. Matching his crazy was the best connection that solidified this unique bond. They both quickly realized past trauma didn't have to keep them from their HEA! GREAT JOB CH! 🥰💯🎊🎉
I loved everything about Leila and Des story. Des and Lei were hilarious I loved how Leila always match Des energy rather it was good or bad. If you want something sweet, funny with a little razzle dazzle read this book.
We got to know Desmend in "I Thought I Knew," as Kai's businessman and right hand goon. Des was there for him every step of the way as he went legit and saved his future wife.
I wasn't prepared to love Desmend so much, especially since he was a certified fboy. However, we really got to know him. He was a loving, caring, doting father. He was loyal and he showed that consistently with Kai, his daughter, and his family.
Desmend was content slanging the peen all over the town because he was low key afraid of love. He saw what heartbreak left...the broken state it left his mother in and he wanted no parts of it. He fought to steer clear of it until he met Leila. She was slowly knocking down the fence around his heart and he didn't even realize it.
Leila always thought Desmend was fine af and when he made her an offer she jumped at the chance. She realized the offer was to work for him to take care of his most prized possession his daughter sweet Destiney. She had to boss up really quick and try to squelch those feelings she had for him.
However, neither of them could deny what they were feeling. It was like a slow burn...a war with their eyes burning through each other, a kiss here and there, and the support they showed each other. It all boiled over into something beautiful it seemed. Desmend was scared out of his mind. The connection...was off the chain something he had never experienced and his first instinct was to run. Leila was hurt but she refused to show her cards.
Desmend was borderline aggy but I loved him all the same. Something about a man realizing what he wants (in a reasonable timeframe), what he needs that sits right with me. I appreciated the way he finally bossed up and claimed Leila as his. I also appreciated the laughs, the tears, and the up and down emotions throughout.
I wanted more of Leila's story. A little about her background was uncovered, but I wanted more from her point of view. There were also some spelling and grammatical errors, but I know it's a new release and that happens. Overall excellent read. These books were a great introduction to Ms. Hamilton for me.
This man!!! Rude, handsome, protective, funny, smart, rich,whew lawd the list goes on. Chassilyn definitely kept me on my toes with plot twist that made sense. Just when I thought I knew I didn't. The character development 🤌🏾. Great job on this one lady.
This was my first read by this author and I look forward to reading more of her work! I loved that Lei and Des already was feeling each other and neither one of them really knew until they were basically 'stuck' together and their feelings couldn't be denied. Destiney gave me all the feels though!
Wow. This story was a lot. But a good follow up from Kai and Harper's story. Desmend is a good guy but his upbringing definitely played a big part in how he treated woman until he got close with Leila. Leila turned his life around and gave him hope but his past ways are making it difficult to move forward. This story was good.
Desmond was a piece of work I wanted to beat his ahhhh 😩 I love these two together and I’m so glad they got their happy ending. This was a really good story and I was so happy my baby Kai made his appearance…I just love him 🥰. Please get into this book!
This was so freaking delightful. I enjoyed these two immensely. Sometimes community dick can be reformed. No really they was so sweet. I love when the plot of romance leads to the hero unexpectedly falling in love.....then going balls to the wall. Great dialogue, good pacing of the story, and the sex was hot! This was a awesome quick read.
In Never Knew I Needed You, Chassilyn Hamilton delivers a steamy, emotionally charged romance with two unforgettable characters, Desmend and Leila, at its heart. Desmend is a man reveling in the spoils of his former fast life, enjoying his money, women, and his newfound legitimacy. His motto, "It ain't tricking if you got it," defines his carefree approach to relationships. That is until Leila enters the picture.
Leila is practical, ambitious, and looking for a genuine connection, but she’s not in any rush. She’s heard of Desmend's playboy reputation and is curious, but she keeps things professional when she begins working for him as his daughter’s nanny. The dynamic between the two shifts as Leila unexpectedly becomes more to Desmend than just a nanny. What unfolds is a complex push-and-pull romance where both characters must confront their deepest desires and fears.
Desmend is refreshingly funny, a caring father with a rough exterior that makes his struggle to handle his feelings for Leila both endearing and frustrating. His moments of vulnerability, particularly in dealing with the ghosts of his past, add depth to his character. The tension between him and Leila feels authentic, and their chemistry is undeniable.
Leila is the true standout of the story. Her self-assurance, independence, and refusal to be swayed by Desmend's charm make her a strong, relatable heroine. Even when she stumbles by giving into her attraction to Desmend, she continues to prioritize her self-respect and career. Her relationship with Desmend’s daughter is heartwarming and adds another layer to the story.
The plot moves at a good pace, with well-executed twists, steamy moments, and emotional turns. While Desmend’s mishandling of Leila’s feelings can be frustrating (especially during an embarrassing restaurant scene), it only serves to highlight the character growth both experience.
Overall, Hamilton crafts a captivating romance that explores themes of control, companionship, and personal growth, making Never Knew I Needed You a must-read for fans of contemporary romance.
Desmend was a challenge‼️Unfortunately, I was frustrated, bored & disinterested halfway through the book. (I even fell asleep 😴). Maybe if there was more substance and or focus on plot better development 🤷🏾♀️. …because I didn’t care much for “Never Knew I Needed You”. …honestly, I despised Desmend’s character. I expected more maturity (from him) especially with such a young daughter in his personal environment. (Random women should have never occupied the same space as his daughter). Consequently, he was too cavalier, juvenile, irresponsible and condescending. More so, how he discards women was demoralizing & offensive. ..which isn’t entirely his fault, expecting & or requesting financial compensation after sex 😤🤬..oldest profession‼️These women share culpability. Nevertheless, the book far too long & Leila was just another compatible conquest with great references.
Never Knew I Needed You. Author: Chassilyn Hamilton
LaDesmend and Leila"s story.
This book started off hot and remained that way throughout. Desmend (aka LaDesmend) was the epitome of a hoe..more like Rick James in Fire and Desire...cold as ice, love them and leave them, use and abuse them....Until HER... Already acquainted due to close mutual friends, Desmend and Leila got to know each other better when he needed her services. Thus begins their love story. I really enjoyed this story, and I'm so glad that the author eluded that she may revisit them. I would love to see it... some of the character's stories seemed incomplete at the close of the story.
If you’re reading this review trying to figure out if this book is worth reading… IT IS! SO STOP RIGHT HERE AND GET THE BOOK!!! I’m going to try not to write a long review and sun this up by say… we never know we need someone until that someone is there and then gone…. This was a quick read, however while reading it, you laughed, cried, laughed some more, and said WTF about a dozen times throughout. Can’t wait to see what’s in store for us next with Chassilyn. I hope Des and Kai continue to speak to you and you write a little more about them… maybe about them kids they having every year 🤔(jp).
I enjoyed this book so much! The characters were rich and believable but Kai was frustrating with the hoard of women. Meeting Leilani was the best thing that could happen to him. It was great how his daughter became the focal point of them falling in love.. I was happy that it didn't take most of the book for the main characters to develop and it was paced very well. My favorite part was how Ms. Hamilton was able to introduce the reasons why both characters initially had a hard time connecting. The truth of the experiences that were hurtful for Lei and Kai became an integral part of their relationship which added to the beauty of their story.
LaDesmond got me in a chokehold and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I love a man who will pop in a grill, pull out a piece and don’t play about his woman. Desmond had me cracking up from page one and as soon as I met Lei, I knew she was not one to play with. Watching them overcome Des’s hoeness and Lei’s reservations was a beautiful thing. And little baby Destiney??? Oh she is the CUTEST. Listen, this journey wasn’t always easy, especially not with his past running after them, but it certainly showcased what it’s like once you find a rider who will knock you square in your behind and teach you about love.
This book was EVERYTHING I didn't know I needed the name was so fitting!
I truly loved this book. From start to finish! It was so cute.. sexy, and just a overall refreshing love story to me. 😊 It's one of those books you can finish and always go back to. One of those you could always crack open to relive your favorite parts. I LOVED Leila's character all around & of course I loved Des too! Lol but seriously I highly recommend this one! Reading this book you'll laugh, smile, and be drawn in throughout the whole story. It's definitely a great book 💙
I forced myself to finish the book, but it wasn’t bad. I get it Desmond was a hoe. Everybody got a past but the way this man slept with every woman he laid eyes on I don’t think I could do it. I do feel like the focus was on him sleeping with so many women that the ending was rushed. I wasn’t expecting Lei ex to pop up. Just a bunch of random secrets placed throughout the book. 3.5 for me
I read this story because it followed the friends of the book "I Thought I Knew". It is a companion story to that book, but can be read as a standalone. This story basically follows a male heaux that falls for his nanny. The male MC had some questionable acts that made him less favorable.
I just stumbled upon this book which based on the story led me to stalking Chassilyn Hamilton IG lmao 😜. Really funny read with a great amount of spice and interesting story. This was the first book of Chassilyn that I read but now I have to go back and read Kai’s story and look into the others!
Okay, I have some new boos. My first read by this author and I like. Desmend with his rude fine tail. Lei-Lei sis I see why you want to buss it open for a reap ninja. Man oh man!!
My first time reading anything from this author, and I really enjoyed the book. I love how the men vulnerable when it came to the women that they loved. I hope we see more of Leila and LeDesmand🥰