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Family Ties #2

The Prodigy 2: Rise of a Queen

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Secrets don't keep long in Georgia heat...

The Windermeres are in shambles, and Jakari is doing everything he can to keep it all from unraveling. His biggest concern? Malika. He's carrying a secret that could destroy the life he's building with her.

Malika's thriving, or so she believes, but there's someone out there who has it out for her. As she slips further and further into her role in the Windermere family, she doesn't realize how much power she has...or how much danger she's in.

Can their relationship survive when the secrets come to light?

***This is book 2 of the Family Ties series. You should read book 1 first. This book does not end on a cliffhanger, but the story will continue...

167 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 30, 2022

133 people are currently reading
142 people want to read

About the author

Shae Sanders

51 books591 followers
Just a girl who loves black love. Reading it, writing it, and living it.

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5 stars
369 (55%)
4 stars
183 (27%)
3 stars
90 (13%)
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17 (2%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
Profile Image for Warda.
1,318 reviews23.3k followers
September 11, 2023
Such a wild journey this duology took me on! I wish this particular instalment was a little longer because I became addicted to Malika and Jakari and wanted a bit more things hashed out.

Fell head over heels for them over the course of this story and I can’t wait to read the next two books. 😍
Profile Image for Annette Williams.
1,204 reviews436 followers
September 7, 2022
3.75 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️
**SPOILERS**

Book two was a lot less dramatic than its predecessor. Malika really came into her own in this book. Not only is she falling in love with her husband, whom she was forced to marry under the craziest of circumstances, but she learns her hateful azz MIL is the one who killed her mama. Jakari gets major cool points for telling the truth before his spiteful azz mama spilled the tea. The confrontation (if you can even call it that) between Malika and Gab was rather anticlimactic. When the truth finally came out, I was expecting way more drama between the two of them. I didn’t like that Jakari let Prez go and we never really got a real explanation on why he betrayed Jakari other than, “It’s just business.” When it came out he was sleeping with Gab, that information was kind of glossed over. Jakari never even said anything to his mama about it. I really wish I could’ve seen more boss behavior from Malika. The title leads you to believe she’s going to reign supreme beside her husband and they were going to be the forceful power couple but, she really doesn’t. She called herself checkin’ Gab but, that scene kind of fell flat because, in the end, Gab got the last word. So, the title is very misleading. Malika was still very much a wallflower. I can appreciate Dionne having an opinion but, she really pissed me off when she turned her back on Malika because, she chose to stay with Jakari. After everything she gave up and did for this ungrateful chic?!!! How dare she! That goes for Malika’s sorry azz daddy too. He proved he couldn’t be there for his child unless someone is greasing his palms with cash. The only reason they showed up to the wedding is because of Jakari so, both of them are on my shyt list permanently. The one thing I really loved about this book was the evolution of Malika and Jakari’s relationship and how they fell in love so organically. These two fought hard for their HEA and they deserved it. While book two didn’t really give what I thought it would, it was still a good read. I’m hoping we finally get the drama between Jaz and Gab that's been building since book one in the next installment.
Profile Image for Nay .
449 reviews
August 7, 2022
Gab needs her ass beat 🤬🤬😡😡
Profile Image for Lindaisa.
545 reviews61 followers
July 4, 2022
Ahhhh that's unfortunate. I didn't dislike this book at all....but after reading the last page, I feel like it wasn't necessary and definitely wasn't as entertaining as the first book.

Nothing really HAPPENED that I feel like warranted a second, separate book. If it were up to me, which I know it's not, I would have just cut some of the fluff scenes from this book and tacked another 50-100 pages onto the first book and wrapped it all up in one nice little bow.
Profile Image for 'The Book Queen'.
6,053 reviews118 followers
July 20, 2022
The second installment

Readers, the second installation was raw. A rotten Mom with a dark spirit is difficult to enjoy. Gab is likely the worst kind of being in this story. I felt terrible for Jakari and Jaz, saddled with such an evil-spirited lady whose supposed to be their mother. And Malika caught heat from every angle. She endured a forced marriage to a hottie Windermere. And man, did she suffer under his gorgeousness. Jakari and Malika's relationship evolution was the best part of this story.
Profile Image for martha fountain.
838 reviews18 followers
July 7, 2022
I will start that Gab is evil and Uncle Prez is trash. I wanted more justice related to Brett Hightower...like why is he still breathing? While I was happy for Jakari and Mal to grow closer, I felt like the HFN (happy for now) felt empty as Gab was still being messy (no remorse), Mal's dad was still collecting money (trash dad), and the kinfolks don't feel trustworthy (Nay and his dealings with Hightower). Maybe we will know more in the next book in the series.
Profile Image for *Ebony I*.
1,424 reviews161 followers
July 8, 2022
Approaching Queen status

Malika came into her own this story. She made a choice to stand by Jakari when her family was firmly against it and when she found out the heart breaking truth. She realized the power she had over Kari and flexed as she saw fit, but also supported him. Gab, Kari's mother, was way too disrespectful and Mal made sure to let her know to pipe down because she had Mari's back. To be honest I wanted her to boss up even more than she did, I wanted her to be on some Queen ish. However, she did progress. Oh and her father, so disappointing he definitely needed a reality check.

Jakari was childish to me. His emotions were rung dry and he just did not handle the pressure well. He was supposed to be the King, but he was literally all over the place. He was also inconsistent with the way he treated Mal and I was low key tired of him. It was clear he was in love with her and he couldn't handle the pull she had on him. He did eventually make some grand gestures, but he didn't earn book bae status.

Overall, this book was anti climatic for me. 3.5 stars because it felt like so much more depth could have been added. I definitely like the characters though.
Profile Image for readingsprints_and_chaisips.
486 reviews11 followers
August 8, 2024
3.5/5 Stars

I am enjoying this series. The mess and the drama, the blackmailing and backstabbing, the cheating and lying. SECRETS and unhealed trauma... I'm here for all of it. My take away with every passing book is Gab need her ass whooped, Jaz is playing dumb, Dionne is a smart cookie, and I can't wait for Eris's book. Oh and Jakari needs to wake UP. He created a monster when he married Malika...
Profile Image for Mia Morgan.
1,144 reviews34 followers
August 21, 2023
Disappointed

I'm kind of disappointed in part 2. It was like the author rushed this. It was a very fast read. It seemed like I didn't get all the answers I needed. I need Malika to get more of a backbone. One thing about Jakari is that he does not keep a secret.
Profile Image for Jasmine.
93 reviews
October 2, 2022
I didn’t dislike this book but not much happened. Actually, most of this was fluff. All the significant parts could’ve been added on to book 1.
Profile Image for Toya  Davis-Stokley.
2,586 reviews105 followers
September 7, 2022
Well...... I can let out my breath now! After the ending of book 1, I just didn't know what to expect here! I commend Jakari for being a man, and telling Malika all the dirty details of the past himself! Because I know if he didn't Gab's ole hatin' ass, would have conveniently spilled the beans! I felt for both Malika and Jakari both, as they held intense feelings about the situation, for different reasons of course! Jakari allowed Malika time to process her feelings, work things out in her head, all while giving her alone time. That's a real man for you! Jakari was able to release a bit of his guilt, and make things right for the woman he was falling for! Prez got off too easy for me! Hope karma come looking for him! But, glad he had the good sense to tell Jakari of what was being planned, before the ish hit the fan! Now, that damn Gab is just a trifflin', evil heffa! What the hell happened to her in the past? I certainly hope we get some insight, cause she is f'd up, for real for real!! 🤬🤬 I was cheering when Malika bossed up on that ass, but we all know Gab always has to one up everyone! So, watch out Malika girl! Loved seeing the queen rise along side her king, as they spooked Hightower! This power couple is bout to own and rule Midling! NOW, here comes more of the bull ish! Why is Gab all in Malika's daddy's face skinnin' and grinnin'? I need more of these crazy characters, but I'll settle for Jaz's story next! 👍👍👍
Profile Image for THEVIBE_BRARIAN (Britny).
20 reviews1 follower
August 25, 2024
Whew! There were two ways Jakari and Malika could’ve went in this sequel and I’m happy with where they landed.

I would say this one had less action, but it was replaced with emotion. It was short, but still drew out feelings.

I was so proud of Malika for finding her voice even more and for choosing what is best for her given her current situation.

Uncle Prez and Gab both disgust me! To be that selfish, manipulative and evil in two completely different ways, yet equally repulsive is wild!

What’s next with this rollercoaster of a family?!
5 reviews
July 4, 2022
This book was a strong 4.5 stars for me. I loved continuing in Jakari and Malika’s story but I felt the ending was a little abrupt. Hopefully we will get more from this couple in the future books in this series.
Profile Image for Msstiletto .
78 reviews20 followers
September 11, 2022
I was not impressed by this book, the plot was good but the details around it was surface level. The book left me wanting more details, felt very rushed
Profile Image for dovesnook.
671 reviews217 followers
March 21, 2024
I wasn’t expecting this to continue to follow Jakari (he pissed me off less in this one) and Malika again in this series, but they have a big grip on me so I was pleasantly surprised!
Profile Image for Milan.
221 reviews6 followers
September 16, 2022
3.5/5⭐️3/5🌶
- I know what y'all thinking why tf would you read the second part if you didn't even like the first book😭😭😭. Listen the first book ended on a cliffhanger and I thought this is gonna be the redemption book. It wasn't but I enjoyed it more than the first book.

- Its still about Malika and Jakari. But it also gets into Jakaris sister Jazyln. I fw Jaz fr she added to both books honestly. Anywho I enjoyed Malika alot more in this book. I really appreciated that she didn't overreact on my guy Jakari but she could have healed without using my guy. It didn't matter anyway because everything worked out and I did enjoy the ending fr. Thats the thing I enjoyed like the last two chapters and the epilogue....

- Although I liked it more it was still missing a lot. I wasn't smiling and laughing the entire time. I didn't get that feeling that I never wanted it to end. Idk it just didn't give me life. I would have wanted to see some growth in Jakaris mom but thats life.

- Again it wasn't bad but it wasn't great. Get into it if you please 😘
Profile Image for Alvina.
747 reviews22 followers
July 3, 2022
I'll Rise

Man, as much as I liked this, I was hoping for more; of what I'm not sure, yet I was.

I can't say that I like Malika more in this book, yet I definitely have empathy for her. Not only is she falling in love with her husband whom she married under the craziest circumstances, but she's learned her hateful mother-in-law, Gab, has taken what she's always hoped would come back to her. Even with all that happens, Malika holds on tight to the marriage and continues to fall head first for Jakari, whom treats her so good and loves her just right.

While I respect her sister Dionne's opinion, I hate that she's upset and basically abandons Malika. I love that Jaz sees that Malika needs her family and I'm sure she had a hand in them being at the wedding. Even with her not fully agreeing with their union, I'm glad Dionne goes and brings her son. Their dad showing up was sad, given that he was probably paid by Jakari to be there, yet Jakari is always going out of his way to ease the stress of Malika anyway he can.

Jakari really won me over, again, in this book. Even when he's messing up, he's doing his best to not hurt Malika. He proved that he loved her way before either of them spoke on it. I love that he wanted to put her mother, Kenya, to rest properly. He needed it just as much as Malika did and I hope he's able to be at peace too.

What I'm hoping for in future books is for him to put his foot down with his mom. She's manipulative and evil. I'm eager to see how her story wraps up bc she's a bit too much for me 😒.

I liked the continuation of the Windermere crew and can't wait for the next story.

Good read.
Profile Image for jakeyvia.
33 reviews27 followers
February 18, 2023
i...liked it. can't say i loved it, can't say it blew me away, but i did like it. it wasn't bad by any means, and for the most part we did get the loose ends pertaining to malika and jakari wrapped up. i don't know y'all, it just feels like there's SOMETHING missing. maybe the fact that gab's still living is throwing me off. need her gone IMMEDIATELY!

in book two we get to see the consequences of what we learned at the end of book one. malika is scarily level headed about the entire situation, but the more i think about it, the more it makes sense for her character. throughout this book we see her become stronger, bolder and step into her role as mrs.windermere. the conflict with her family and past play a large role in who she becomes, but there are times feels they felt like they were glossed over.

i would've loved to see jakari take on more of the king role this book. he's still the prodigy of course, but with his father gone and everything happening it would've been interesting to see him lock into that character arc. it felt like he was just chasing malika for the majority of the book. as a romance lover, i'm never going to complain about that, but i would've loved to see some balance.

overall, i enjoyed it! 4 ⭐️s!
Profile Image for Beverly.
774 reviews7 followers
July 20, 2022
I Got You Baby ! ❤️

I was very pleased with the outcome of book two of this series. Things were not looking so good for Jakari and
Maleeka. It seem that they were catching it from family members on both sides , random folk that didn’t man them any good on top of the dark secret Jakari was from Maliki. Who knew their family ties were so complexed😳 Yet these two definitely had each other’s back

I may have to reread one chapter to see if I missed Perez’s true motivation for going against his nephew😡. I’m still looking at Maleeka’s dad with side eye, I can’t help but feel he is definitely foul, especially the way he and Gabby were carrying on at the wedding 🤦🏽‍♀️

Well I guess I’ll have to wait for the next few weeks until the next book in the series is released sometime in August I can’t help but believe everyone has definitely underestimated Jazlyn, looking forward to reading her story and the youngest brother’s story as well
887 reviews5 followers
July 5, 2022
The Queen

I wasn't expecting they way this went but I can't say that I am mad about it. As long as at every turn someone go off on Gab it makes my day. Like Auntie said something happened to her but she can't take it out on everyone else. The person that needs to get her the most is Jaz. She does her wrong and for no reason but I can't wait until she get her. Now I don't want my girl competing with Gab though because honestly she needs to let tot go. Now I can see Dionne and their dad point but i still think support should be given. I think Kari and Mal needed each other in ways they didn't think they did. I know they have their reservations but it wasn't Kari who did it plus as everyone family says.. he is the sane one. I can't wait to see what happens next.
Profile Image for Verlana Munn.
2,042 reviews40 followers
January 16, 2023
Life Will Have You Make Choices You Never Thought You Would Make

Shea Sanders, can I tell you, I am a new reader that's I believe will ride with you now. I love this love story between Jakari and Malika. From a miserable start to a new found respect, loyalty, and a surprise love.
The Windermere's were a group of strange folk. Gab, the mom I believe is a manipulator and has no heart. Jakari, has the family on his shoulders but he's ready to live his own life.
This love story in my opinion is one of the best because it really makes them realize how much it takes to have a strong unit. And every situation that's brought to them together they gel and overcome all things.🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗
Profile Image for Tracy - loves to read .
1,022 reviews
July 3, 2022
what a turn of events

This book started off with a bomb being dropped! Kari’s mom just let it loose with no remorse, apology, regrets. Now Kari is left holding the truth and how it directly affects Malika. His mom couldn’t be happier. She thinks this will tear them a part but she underestimated Malika. Kari is reeling from what his mother has confessed. He distanced himself from Malika, while still trying to finalize how to deal with the rat within the family. He doesn’t feel safe and worries about Malika.
So much is happening and Malika doesn’t know or understand why Kari is pulling away after they move into their first place together. She finds out why, and decides to still be his rider.
Long held secrets are revealed, the disloyal are dealt with, and a threat is averted.
Good read!
Profile Image for Weekend Reader_.
1,092 reviews92 followers
July 10, 2022
💍

Ok this book was less gritty than book one but I liked a lot better. I think its bc Jakari and Malaki are working through their pasts together. We also find out who was trying to kill Jakari but honestly that part fell flat since we spent the most of the book on the cliffhanger from book 1. Needless to say the situation is really messed up but they figured it oit. I think therapy is really necessary 👀 and I'm talking about Gab. Like ma'am are you really competing with your daughter in law in books 1 and 2. It's very strange.

CN: murder, blackmail, kidnapping, money laundering, complicated family dynamics
Profile Image for Roxy Reads.
666 reviews1 follower
July 25, 2022
oh hell naw

Ok I loved read the follow up of Jakari and Malika…..her dad was a coward always taking a a dollar and not protecting his girls and Jakaris mom Gab is heartless from the way she treat Jaz to the way she forced her son to cover up her dirt an he living with the aftermath but I must say Malika was really easy on Gab because she would be eating a bullet……I understand Dionne’s point but Malika gave up a lot for her so she could at least support her instead of having her visit on her terms but again malika put her feelings to the back just as jakari does for his family this was a great read
892 reviews8 followers
August 2, 2022
The drama continues...

After the cliffhanger in book 1, I was looking forward to getting all my questions answered as shocking secrets were exposed. However, there were even more loose ends to tie up, rather than the closure I was expecting. I should have known that book 2 wasn't the end. But once I was finished, I felt like everything was still up in the air! It could have been on purpose, and if so I can't wait for the culmination. The only thing I'm sure of at this point is Jakari and Malika!
1,635 reviews4 followers
August 11, 2022
Queen

Jakari is proving to be the man for the job and he's bringing his Queen along with him. It just seems right that they made it official. Jakari has won me over with his honesty and empathy. Some may call it weakness but Malika needed to know why Gab had so much against her. And what maturity to recognize the sins of the parents weren't her and Jakari's debt to pay. Really loving Jaz; call her the dumb one but I believe she's gonna show out in the finale, which I'll be downloading this weekend for sure.
1,225 reviews10 followers
August 2, 2022
Loved It

Wow, I love how Malika brought out so many emotions from Jakari! Jakari was finally free of the demons that his mother placed upon him as a kid in essence! Family will and can you in predicaments that can be a detriment to your future! They were able to get a do over, sad that Malone sacrificed everything for her sister, but she couldn't support her! Kudos to Jakari & Malika! I can't wait for Jaz story!
372 reviews
September 20, 2022
Excellent

Fantastic….Part 2 was all that and more for a love story. I know I needed info from Part 1 to appreciate Part 2 but Part 2 was the icing on the cake. Jaz is funny and indifferent. Gab is truly a self centered woman. The author has made Kari and Mal sound like the best looking couple ever. I could picture myself being in the presence of a lot of the scenes. Which means to me the author descriptions was on point. I loved this story. Going to read Part 3 too.
Profile Image for Whitney.
556 reviews81 followers
February 3, 2023
love and marriage (and therapy)

I need all these characters to go ahead and grab a therapist because WHEW the trauma and the drama. I’m glad we were able to resolve everything from book one. I’m not happy that Gab is still in the picture showing her behind though. I know book 3 is about a different set of characters, but I’m hoping we get to still see these two because it feels like there’s still more to their story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews

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