Temper Me

Romey University #3

by Alexandria House, Jakobi Diem (Narrator), Adenrele Ojo (Narrator)

You’ll never forget this emotional, steamy, funny new romance by rising star Alexandria House - available in audio first!

Brooklyn Dembélé is still piecing her life together after her divorce and the loss of a lifestyle she’d dreamed of since childhood. The single mother’s time is filled with work at the prestigious Historically Black University Romey U. But despite her focus on rebuilding her life, she can’t seem to forget the mistakes of her past.

Vann London is recovering from a health scare that not only affected him physically, but mentally too. He’s not the same man who spent his life traveling the world, and now he’s returned to his alma mater to seek comfort in family. What he doesn’t expect is to be drawn back into a past love affair with his sister’s beautiful friend. Brooklyn is the one woman he’s never been able to forget - and she’s been harboring complicated feelings for him too.

Their attraction is undeniable, but can these two broken souls embrace their second chance and finally find lasting love?

Genres: Audiobook, Romance, Contemporary, Fiction, African American, Contemporary Romance, Adult

Audible Audio

Published February 3, 2022

About the author

About the author
A true southern girl, Alexandria House has an affinity for a good banana pudding, Neo Soul music, and tall black men in suits. When this music-loving fashionista is not shopping, she's writing steamy stories about real black love.

Verve Romance: @msalexhouse

Instagram: @msalexhouse

TikTok: @msalexhouse

Facebook: Alexandria House

Reviews

[Antonella · Rating 3 out of 5]

at this point, I see Jakobi Diem as narrator and I'm "yes, please and thank you"

[Annette Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. House has done it again! Temper Me was a phenomenal book about love, redemption, acceptance, growth, and forgiveness. But, I wasn't really here for the forgiveness portion of the story. My heart just broke for Van for the BS he had to go through with that funky azz daddy of his. The audacity to think Link can just walk back into Van's life after ignoring his existence for 43 years was offensive. And, Valley pissed me off. I don't care what none of y'all say, she was a horrible azz mama. Valley turned a blind eye and allowed Link to emotionally abuse Van then, she continually ambushed him by letting his dad randomly pop up on him without any kind of notice. That stunt she pulled at Van's graduation dinner had me ready to pull up and fight Valley. Then, she continued to befriend this man while he chose to act like Van didn't exist. Yeah, I didn't like Valley. I was extremely pissed off when Van agreed to allow Link to be a part of his son's life. I didn't understand that at all. If you chose not let him be in your life, why would you allow him to be in your child's life?!!! Make it make sense. I wasn't a fan of Brooklyn in the first two books so, I didn't really expect to empathize with her. But, we get a little more clarity and understanding about her and why she is the way she is. That mama of hers was trash too. I can't believe what Phoebe and Isaac did. That shyt was unforgivable and, the fact that she can't ban either of them from her life, annoys TF out me. The phucking nerve of them to ambush Brooklyn during that lunch and ask her for that "favor" just blew my mind. When I tell y'all Phoebe, Isaac, and Link was giving white privilege audacity because, they really tried it. It's always a good time when we get to revisit with Uncle Lee Chester. He did not disappoint with the mispronounced words and names. Alexandria House really delivered with Temper Me. It was beautifully written and the performance was A-1. Adenrele Ojo and Jakobi Diem did a phenomenal job narrating. I'm sad the end has come for these characters but, is it really the end?!!! I feel like Messiah has a story that needs to be told. I guess we'll have to wait and see.

[Kameel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Van & Brooklyn was a unique couple that I really wouldn’t expected….but, almost from the beginning I could feel the chemistry and the love they shared for one another. Brooklyn is a bright ray of sunshine compared to the self-serving almost hateful individual she appeared to be in the first book. I almost didn’t want Sharla to accept her apology in the second book…But, I really love the growth. I wish she would have knocked her mother out….That really would have made my night…but, I absolutely love the twist with the relationship she shared with her Aunt Brita. Loved lil’ boss lady Bailey….this was really a good story…and of course, A Romey U or A. House story wouldn’t be complete without an appearance from Uncle Lee Chester….outstanding narration from Jakobi & Adenrele.

[Dahyana · Rating 5 out of 5]

One thing about AH, she creates the most beautiful, flawed, raw, real, and loveable characters. Vann was a survivor and he was depressed. Brooklyn was a divorcee, attempting to rebuild her life as a single mother. She didn't leave a lasting impression in the previous installment, but after getting to know her, I can extend some grace to her. She and Vann met while she was in college and had a thing between them. Years later they reunited and it was a treat to see them finding their ways back, despite the hurt and trauma both endured. Their love was also healing to each other.
This book was a bit emotional and heavy. From parent abandonment, to love loss, to cancer, to betrayal, it was packed. But it came to a full circle with forgiveness, reconciliation, and a road to healing. 
This was a great read. Jakobi and Wesleigh…fantastic as always.
P.S. Brooklyn's mom and Vann's father… hot trash!!
4.7⭐️

[Rashawnda · Rating 4 out of 5]

What’s not to love about a second chance romance. Van (Sharla’s) brother and Brooklyn (Sharla’s ex-bff) had a college fling that didn’t quite blossom due to many different variables. It was definitely a right place wrong time situation and now years later the stars have aligned.

Brooklyn had no problems telling anyone that would listen that she wanted to be a kept woman that didn’t work and spent all her husband’s money… same sis same 🥴….🤣 well things were right until they weren’t and now she’s navigating life as a divorcee and single mother. It also didn’t help that her ex was a permanent fixture in her life after the new bride he chose. Chyyyyy triflin squared!!!! Both mama’s in this story were straight streets and sanitation residents 😒

Van is also adjusting to a life he didn’t see for himself. He went from traveling the world and jet setting to a health scare that left him disabled. To add, he suffered terrible trauma at the hands of his father and his mother feels the need to want him to just “get over it”…. Ma’am please have several seats!

Sharla came a looooong way in this book. Her growth was evident and we love us a redeemable character. I loved the chemistry between Van and Brooklyn both past and present and I’m glad they rekindled a love that was clearly always there. They needed each other and the healing that came from this relationship was beautiful to witness! Another great series by A. House but I mean do we really expect anything less.

[melanatedbookjunkie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want to start off my saying that Ms. House never misses!🗣 “Temper Me” is the third installment of the Romey U series! If you haven’t read the first two, I suggest you do so because they are 🔥🔥🔥 I would describe this a “Second Chance Romance” and it gave me all the feels! I loved this audible! Jakobi and Adenrele did an amazing job as usual. Brooklyn and Van were such an unexpected couple but they had genuine chemistry despite the age difference. I enjoyed the back and forth between the past and present. It made everything come around full circle. There was some unexpected twists that had my jaw to the floor! Ms. House wrote this so you know it was sexy, steamy 🥵🔥, and hilarious! You’ve gotta check this one out! The audible brings a whole different experience to reading! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾

[Bethany (Beautifully Bookish Bethany) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Temper Me is a steamy second chance romance following a divorced single mom struggling to make ends meet and the man who broke her heart when she was in college.

Brooklyn was the wife of a wealthy older man, the life she always thought she wanted. But now she's figuring out how to make it on her own and share custody of her daughter.

Vann never wanted to be tied down, but at 40 he's recovering from cancer and re-evaluating everything when he reconnects with the woman he let go years ago.

This book integrates flashbacks to their college days and it's a very solid romance with a good amount of steam. It's about a couple dealing with their baggage and finding love despite it all, which is beautiful. Definitely worth a read!

[Stacie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 1/2 Stars!

There was a lot of emotional unpacking in this one. I'm really happy for Van and Brooklyn. Mostly the narration was good, except the female narrator's southern accent is quite awful. Overall, it was good though. Happy reading!

[Shades N Pages · Rating 3 out of 5]

Temper Me” is the third book on the Romey U series and this story just didn’t hit like the others. I liked it but I just didn’t LOVE it. However, there are some parts of the book that resonated with me. I will admit that I didn’t care for Brooklyn in the previous book but this book was definitely a redemption story for her in my eyes. I was able to see the reasoning behind some of the decisions that she made and my heart broke for her. Sis really had it tough and spent the most part of her life in survival mode. Her decisions were have messed up, but I understood why she behaved the way she did. The theme of forgiveness was all though this book because Van and Brooklyn had to let go of their pass hurts to move forward with happiness. But Van is a good one, ain’t no damn way I would’ve forgiven dad for the shit that he did. Like are you mad? And you didn’t make an effort to try and restore a relationship with me until you felt your career wasn’t important or valid anymore? Yeah, he need his ass beat. I still can’t believe his mother even allowed the father back but to each it’s own. I ain’t THAT saved. I’m glad that Brooklyn made the decision to leave her mother and her audacity behind because, she need her ass beat too. The narrators are FIRE! I swear I could listen to them all day because they always do a great job. With that being said, with this being a second chance age gap story, it didn’t woo me. While I’m a fan of flash-backs in a story, I felt that the flashbacks in the story took away from the couple in present time.I really never got to see the couple together cultivating a relationship in the present because the story frequently went back to the past and stayed there A LOT! And to be honest, in the past they really didn’t cultivate much romance either. It was hooking up every homecoming and having hot sex. That was basically this gist of their situations hi. Yes, it’s needed for backstory but it wasn’t balanced. Seeing their romance in the present would’ve help me believe that ten years has pass and they still have the same chemistry or even love. Did they even see each other or hookup outside of homecoming? Also, I wanted a conversation to happen between Brooklyn and her witch of a mother because good lord I needed to know the reason why she betrayed her that way. Your child? I know the reason probably has something to do with her aunt and they relationship that they have but I wanted an on page conversation.Whew, there is a special place in the land below for that woman. Also they way they ambushed her?? Like I said previously, SHE NEEDED HER ASS BEAT!!! I also felt like Brooklyns dad storyline unfolding at the end wasn’t ideal. I felt that storyline should’ve been explored more since it was such a pertinent part of the decisions that she made due to her mother not accepting help. The ending in my opinion was also rushed. Overall, I’m sad to see this series go but would’ve appreciate a different ending. As usual, will be looking forward to more from Alex House

[aarya · Rating 3 out of 5]

2022 Spring Bingo (#SpringIntoLoveBingo🌷): Spring Fever (Some Like It Hot)

Content Notes: hero had cancer (backstory)

3.5 stars

Loved the narration but this isn't my favorite of the series. Not the book’s fault but I generally dislike prolonged flashbacks. Read via audio (narrated by Jakobi Diem and Adenrele Ojo).

Disclaimer: I received a free audiobook from the publisher (Audible) in exchange for an honest review.

[Katie ratherbereadinggg · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars I’m having a rough week so maybe it’s just where my mind is, but I couldn’t get invested in this couple.

[ReadingTilTheBreakOfDawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

My time in Romey University has come to end, but thank goodness I have a slew of Alexandria House to read or listen to since I just recently fell in love with her writing and her stories that are true to her and the characters.

Temper Me is Brooklyn and Vann's story. And I gotta say, I wasn't a huge fan of Brooklyn's in the previous books. I mean, she had great friends in Nadia and Sharla, but she made her grave and I honestly didn't know if she could pull herself out of it. Thank goodness we got more to her story and to see how she was brought up and the kind of woman her mother made her to be. I think Brooklyn had a lot more to offer than she even knew, but she had to find her worth and her calling first. But being a mother to her daughter was first and foremost, so I could feel her.

Vann definitely had a story to tell, but I wasn't sure what it was. He's Sharla's older brother that has been running around traveling and doing his thing. But when he had a serious bout with his health, that brought him closer to home and closer to his sister. They had always been close, but health puts life in perspective and he came back around to Sharla. But how do Brooklyn and Vann connect? Well, that's even more crazy. Cuz it's been a long time coming and I totally DID NOT see that one coming!!

Temper Me is a second chance romance between two people that had a connection from the first time they met. But when there's a large age gap and people are at two different places in their lives and are looking for different things, life doesn't always play fair. I enjoyed seeing Brooklyn when she was younger and what made her the woman she is now. She got some redemption in my eyes. Vann always had it goin on, but again, it was good to see how his family made him into the man he became.

While I did enjoy this story and am sad to see this series end, I didn't always love the back and forth with the time frame. I wanted to see their love being built in the present, but I had a lot of backstory between the characters to wade through. But I suppose we needed a foundation to build on for these two, and that's what you have to appreciate about their story.
I loved having Jakobi Diem and Adenrele Ojo back narrating the characters because, as always, they killed it. These two are amazing at what they do and they brought this Black Love Romance to life! And those sex scenes?! Gawd Damn can Jakobi get it!! He can read all my romance to me and I'd be fine with it.
This series is a great one and filled with family and friends and love at the root of everything. The women are strong and the men match up. Highly recommend Alexandria House.

[BOOKLOVER_81 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't like that his father denied parenthood. I did not like that it took him forever to want more with her. And I did not like that she allowed all the nonsense happening in her life... other than that, I enjoyed it.

**Slow burn
**Past hookup
**Betrayal
**Single mom
**Health struggles (Cancer)

Audible plus listen 🎶
Narrator: Jakobi Diem 🤤🤤🤤

[Evie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. House outdid herself with this one! I loved all the messages throughout this book and checking in with all the family members. The narration of course was top notch. I hope we continue to get glimpses in the Romey U universe. 5 ⭐️

[Taylor · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked how things ended but overall this book was so so. Brooklyn was borderline intolerable and very irritating. Her mom and her ex husbands audacity was insane!!

[Sunshine Summaries · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️ I enjoyed this one. Characters were fleshed out well I guess due to the time jumps. A House gonna add y’all fav uncle in every book so you get a quick giggle.

[Mika Verrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨Book Review✨

Alexandria, DON’T MISS!! We have another five-star read from her.

Going into Brooklyn's story, I was on the fence with her. But she completely redeemed herself in this book.

Brooklyn Dembélé is a single mother trying to piece her life back together after her divorce and losing the lifestyle she’s been dreaming of since she was a little girl. Now working and caring for her daughter is the only thing Brooklyn is focused on.

Vann London is recovering from a health scare that not only affected him physically but mentally too. He is forever changed, and he’s returned to his alma mater to see comfort and family.

Vann and Brooklyn weren’t expecting to be drawn back until a past love affair. She is the only woman that he’s never been able to forget. Their chemistry and attraction are undeniable, but will these two embrace their second chance and finally find that lasting love?

Vann’s father is TRASH!! That man has completely lost his mind if he thinks he can be a deadbeat for 43 years and then show up out of the blue, reveal the secret, and everything is fine, boy BFFR!!

And since we are talking about trash parents, I can’t leave Phoebe Brooklyn’s mama off the list. Isaac and Phoebe lost their whole minds. Inviting Brooklyn to that lunch and asking her for that “favor.” Brooklyn is better than me because I would have let them two HAVE IT!

I loved Vann and Brooklyn’s story so much; they had to do some real work on themselves to be ready for a love like the one they shared.

And that twist with Aunt Brita… I didn’t see that one coming. Still, don’t excuse Phoebe’s behavior. But this story was so good. I would highly recommend this series.

[Nina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Redemption. Story. So, Ms. House is going to make you rethink everything you thought of someone. And throw in some twists you didn't even see coming. I like that. I like that a lot. She got me. And apparently she ain't letting go.

[Lisette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alexandria House has done it again. This story and performance was phenomenal!!! I laughed, swooned, gasped, choked on the audacity and did it all over again. I wasn't sure I would have any kind of empathy for Brooklyn because prior to this, she just didn't seem very likeable, but when Ms. House decides to give you a story, she leaves no stone unturned. I loved flashing back on Van and Brooklyn and seeing the evolution of their relationship. And even though Chester Lee was only there for a quick minute, he still stole the show. He is HILARIOUS! I absolutely loved this installment of this brilliant series. Very well written and performed. Jakobi Diem's talent is unmatched. Adenrele Ojo is a riot and magnificent at bringing these characters to life. Job well done all around.

[Crystal (Melanatedreader) Forte' · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whewww does Alexandria ever not come with the heat? I enjoyed this so much but I think I’m biased because this is a House Stan account. Romance, old flames, contemporary issues, heat, banter galore. I absolutely loved this older man younger woman scenario. The story had me in a choke hold.

[JazzReads · Rating 2 out of 5]

I just want to say I read most of Alexandria House backlog and I should have listen to the audio of this book instead of reading the physical book. I did not like Brooklyn as a female main character because I felt like she was immature in her way of thinking throughout the book. The fact that her mother got married to her ex husband was wild and they had the nerve to ask her about being a surrogate for them. Her mother and her ex husband being married wild especially with Brooklyn having a six year old child by him. I understand that Brooklyn cheated with ex college boyfriend but to get with her mother was crazy. Brooklyn’s childhood was the reason she wanted to be with a rich husband but I thought she was going to take her singing serious and make her own money so she can let that rich man lifestyle go. The entire situation with her transgender parent was different because I felt like she had shame in letting Van know about her parents. Van back and forth situation with Brooklyn made me feel like he was childish even through he met her when he was 31 and traveling the world. I did read book 1 of this series and I liked that book.

[Mel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually liked this book the best of the series, the way these two started off having it just be a casual hookup to an all consuming love to figuring out their own paths and lives before reconnecting years later. Both of them have been through a lot of shit individually and it made their eventual HEA all the more earned. Also the twist with the reveals of both their fathers was really good, especially Brooklyn’s. Loved the epilogue at the end too.

CW: MMC has cancer (off page) and loses an eye because of it. FMC is divorced due to infidelity (she cheated on her husband) and now her ex is married to her mother.

[BetweentheCoversLiterary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this third install to the Romey U Series was good. I liked that Brooklyn was able to redeem herself and I love that her and Vann got their HEA but I feel like the read was too short. I felt like I missing some context clue. I really don’t know. Alexandria is one of my fav authors by far I have practically read everything she wrote because it one thing that she does the best and that’s black romance and spice. I liked the cameos from the other book characters and you know them villains were a hot mess aka Brooklyn mama and her ex. They had plenty audacity in the end. Overall it was good and I can’t wait for what’s next

[AllStar Hershey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was looking for spicy romance novels with Black characters and found this! Alexandria House provides an erotic story with depth and culture. The story includes themes like abandonment, isolation, generational trauma, and complex relationships.

This is Book 3 in The Romey University series. I didn't know this until I finished the book. I will read the other two as well.

[Kerry Kennedy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A swoony romance by talented author Alexandria House with deep characters and brilliant and fun side characters.
This was an audiobook and the narrator had me hooked with her voice and the different voices she used. Absolutely amazing and so talented.
The story follows our face who is divorced and bumps into an ex from her late teens who left to travel the world to seek his identity and come to terms with why his father didn't adopt his black heritage.
Definitely recommend you listen to this one
Kerry Kennedy Author

[Emaleigh Nichelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

When exactly did they fall in love? As far as I can tell it was just a few lustfull hookups. Also the situation with his father was strange….like what brought on the come to Jesus declaration on TV after 40 some odd years.

[Anita White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now this is how I want a second chance story to go 👏🏿👏🏿. It warmed up to them reunited with the spice of the past to keep us entertained. But wow I thought Nadia had a bomb dropped but Brooklyn takes the cake with her family because that is one crazy mess.

[Danielle Book Boss · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars but rating four cause I love this author.

[Sha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awww! Such a cute love story! 🥰

[Goddess’ Smut Library 🩷 · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was so funny, the author obviously has a dark sense of humor.