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Billionaire Dads; Single Dads #5
Prickly Romance
Billionaire. Single dad. My sworn enemy.
Ryotaro Sazuki is the Japanese music legend who embarrassed me on the biggest stage of my life.
Cold. Ruthless. Eyes of pure steel.
He’s the last person I ever want to see again.
So why is he the one running to me after I save an adorable little girl from bullies?
Turns out, the sweet kid with the tawny-brown skin is Sazuki’s daughter.
She’s deaf and reminds me so much of my sister that I instantly connect with her.
But spending time with her means I must go through Sazuki.
And I hate that man with the passion of a thousand suns even if he’s the hottest guy I’ve ever seen.
Anger and attraction. Ice and fire. All we do is trade barbs at each other.
Until he slowly starts to unveil the kind-hearted man beneath the mask of ruthless emperor.
Suddenly, the feelings I’m having for Sazuki aren’t murderous anymore.
But falling for him is a huge no-no.
He’s older, famous, and from a strict, traditional family.
Can I keep my hands to myself while working at his foundation? And will our age gap romance stand the test when his family finds out?
Enjoy fierce, determined heroines and flawed, alpha heroes with kids? Then dive in! PRICKLY ROMANCE is a slowburn, AMBW enemies-to-lovers, office romance with deaf characters, tender moments and sizzling chemistry!
Ryotaro Sazuki is the Japanese music legend who embarrassed me on the biggest stage of my life.
Cold. Ruthless. Eyes of pure steel.
He’s the last person I ever want to see again.
So why is he the one running to me after I save an adorable little girl from bullies?
Turns out, the sweet kid with the tawny-brown skin is Sazuki’s daughter.
She’s deaf and reminds me so much of my sister that I instantly connect with her.
But spending time with her means I must go through Sazuki.
And I hate that man with the passion of a thousand suns even if he’s the hottest guy I’ve ever seen.
Anger and attraction. Ice and fire. All we do is trade barbs at each other.
Until he slowly starts to unveil the kind-hearted man beneath the mask of ruthless emperor.
Suddenly, the feelings I’m having for Sazuki aren’t murderous anymore.
But falling for him is a huge no-no.
He’s older, famous, and from a strict, traditional family.
Can I keep my hands to myself while working at his foundation? And will our age gap romance stand the test when his family finds out?
Enjoy fierce, determined heroines and flawed, alpha heroes with kids? Then dive in! PRICKLY ROMANCE is a slowburn, AMBW enemies-to-lovers, office romance with deaf characters, tender moments and sizzling chemistry!
449 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 6, 2022
2187 people are currently reading
10488 people want to read
About the author
Nia Arthurs
165 books980 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 365 reviews
December 11, 2022
DNF. Why are there so many racist side characters?
July 14, 2022
Where’s the Romance
They spent 60 percent of the book arguing back and forth, denying what they truly felt. By the time they got together I really didn’t care anymore.
The author just dragged this story out.
They spent 60 percent of the book arguing back and forth, denying what they truly felt. By the time they got together I really didn’t care anymore.
The author just dragged this story out.
February 3, 2023
Y’all I’m actually stupid cause I didn’t know that AMBW = Asian man black woman. And every single side character was just saying something racist. I did not like a single character in this book.
This book was unbelievably long for what it was.
Rating: not slay
This book was unbelievably long for what it was.
Rating: not slay
July 15, 2022
Long book
I think a lot that went on in this book could have been shorter, I enjoyed both characters in the book but it was long and it was kind of boring.
I think a lot that went on in this book could have been shorter, I enjoyed both characters in the book but it was long and it was kind of boring.
January 16, 2023
The way that every Japanese character beside the ML is racist is frankly disturbing. Plus he supposed to be this man who went against everything he knew for the move, and he loves, but never speak out against his family his employees or his ex-wife when they talk trash about FL. The bodyguard is also hell a racist for no reason she should know better and the way she asked is just excuse by the fact that she supposedly grew up in Japan she’s a grown woman.
I’m sorry if my review is not clear, English is not my first language
I’m sorry if my review is not clear, English is not my first language
September 17, 2022
It's a 3.5/5 for me
Let me start with the positives and hope I do not spoil
1- diverse multicultural characters
2- highlighting a physical disabilty ASL
3- Smart FL with morals and values
4- Alpha Male with issues
5- adorable kids
6- some drama
The first half of the book was 5/5 for me but what brought it down was:
1- the immediate jump from (I wont have her) to (I cannot live without her)
2- the OW issue. I dont mind this in romance, but Ryo practically stood by and let his ex control the scene
3- Deej forgave him too quickly. She broke up with her ex bec he kept connecting with his ex but forgave Ryo for doing the same? Well duh he is a handsome billionair!!
4- but what I hated the most is how he used her education to manipulate her. Even if its for a good cause
One final minor note
I love diversity and representation in books but just dont try to cram everything 😁
Black FL
Asian ML
Mixed race Kid
Being deaf
But all in all I enjoyed reading it and would recommend it
Let me start with the positives and hope I do not spoil
1- diverse multicultural characters
2- highlighting a physical disabilty ASL
3- Smart FL with morals and values
4- Alpha Male with issues
5- adorable kids
6- some drama
The first half of the book was 5/5 for me but what brought it down was:
1- the immediate jump from (I wont have her) to (I cannot live without her)
2- the OW issue. I dont mind this in romance, but Ryo practically stood by and let his ex control the scene
3- Deej forgave him too quickly. She broke up with her ex bec he kept connecting with his ex but forgave Ryo for doing the same? Well duh he is a handsome billionair!!
4- but what I hated the most is how he used her education to manipulate her. Even if its for a good cause
One final minor note
I love diversity and representation in books but just dont try to cram everything 😁
Black FL
Asian ML
Mixed race Kid
Being deaf
But all in all I enjoyed reading it and would recommend it
September 2, 2022
4.75 stars. I think I may have found a new favorite author! At least I hope so. This book had me in a chokehold. I absolutely adored it so much! The only thing that brought it down was that this woman did not trust and it felt like they broke up for no reason because of that. Otherwise, this was golden. I love the interaction with the daughter. I love their blooming relationship.
And the context within a music school for deaf and hard of hearing kids was really cool.
There is some weird OW drama because of his ex-wife coming back into his life. But he does not encourage it.
And the context within a music school for deaf and hard of hearing kids was really cool.
There is some weird OW drama because of his ex-wife coming back into his life. But he does not encourage it.
July 8, 2023
first 60% was a perfect angsty slow-burn. then it kinda went to shit.
October 8, 2022
The beginning of this book was too fucking much. I almost stopped. Glad i didn’t cause the ending was cute but like wtf… Roy definitely needs to choose his words wisely because he was teetering in the line of needing lessons in consent. His actions showed clearly he’s a gentleman romantically but that one comment in the beginning was questionable. Also… the author and writing those racist undertones/comments from characters… like whoa. Sometimes i felt like it was a middle schooler writing it and they really had to spell out for us that a comment was racist. Please let us come to those realizations/conclusions on our own without you feeling like it’s necessary to fill that gap (it’s not). I feel like i have more to say but eh. Looooved the mixed couple, and exposure to Japanese culture a little bit. It was great
January 10, 2023
The first half of this review will be a little spoil free, but then the second half will definitely be spoilers. I really liked the diverse characters, and I like the representation of disability in the book. However, I think that the MFC was very immature, and the side characters were way too out of pocket, and I wasn’t expecting the amount of micro aggressions and racism from the characters. Obviously that’s real life but the amount of times that it went unchecked was a little ridiculous, and there was so much of it, that it kind of made my eyebrows raise.
SPOILERSSSS!!!!
I dislike third act break ups with a passion, but I especially hate it when it’s stupid and it’s the MFC’s fault and she doesn’t take any responsibility. Also, they’re somewhat predictable and that cause them to be less effective. Her relationship ends because she wants him to chase after her. It definitely shows her lack of maturity. It was extremely self sabotaging, especially when it seems that the MMC made it very clear that he did not want his ex-wife.
I also don’t like that the main female characters from previous books seem to enable the MFC’s behavior even though their break up was really her fault. Don’t get me wrong. They were both too stubborn to get back together but ultimately it was a dumb reason. I just feel that if you’re going to break up the characters, I think it needs to be a legitimate reason rather than just for drama.
SPOILERSSSS!!!!
I dislike third act break ups with a passion, but I especially hate it when it’s stupid and it’s the MFC’s fault and she doesn’t take any responsibility. Also, they’re somewhat predictable and that cause them to be less effective. Her relationship ends because she wants him to chase after her. It definitely shows her lack of maturity. It was extremely self sabotaging, especially when it seems that the MMC made it very clear that he did not want his ex-wife.
I also don’t like that the main female characters from previous books seem to enable the MFC’s behavior even though their break up was really her fault. Don’t get me wrong. They were both too stubborn to get back together but ultimately it was a dumb reason. I just feel that if you’re going to break up the characters, I think it needs to be a legitimate reason rather than just for drama.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 28, 2023
Frustrating
Out of the 73 books that I have read this past 4 months, I believe this one is the worst. It took so much mental energy for me to finish it. So far I am not a fan of the previous 4 books in this series but this one was the most frustrating. Sadly it had an interesting storyline with characters that could have also been interesting. Unfortunately so much pages was devoted to repetitive descriptions of everything the characters are thinking. It became tedious very quickly. The inability for the characters to communicate even the most basic things led me to agree that they do not belong together.
There were so many waste of time and ridiculous scenes. Such as the fight in the bathroom. The villainous ex wife who they allowed to manipulate their feelings and their relationship. Throwing in that a character from an earlier book was not “doing well” but never letting us (the reader) know what was going on and why one hangout with the girls cured her. Then there is the writing style. It’s cringe worthy for me. Unusual expressions and phrasing, almost as if the book was translated into English. The female character’s pension for violence is concerning (frequent thoughts of violence)
On a positive note, the children are adorable. Little Niko stole my heart. The ending was sweet.
Out of the 73 books that I have read this past 4 months, I believe this one is the worst. It took so much mental energy for me to finish it. So far I am not a fan of the previous 4 books in this series but this one was the most frustrating. Sadly it had an interesting storyline with characters that could have also been interesting. Unfortunately so much pages was devoted to repetitive descriptions of everything the characters are thinking. It became tedious very quickly. The inability for the characters to communicate even the most basic things led me to agree that they do not belong together.
There were so many waste of time and ridiculous scenes. Such as the fight in the bathroom. The villainous ex wife who they allowed to manipulate their feelings and their relationship. Throwing in that a character from an earlier book was not “doing well” but never letting us (the reader) know what was going on and why one hangout with the girls cured her. Then there is the writing style. It’s cringe worthy for me. Unusual expressions and phrasing, almost as if the book was translated into English. The female character’s pension for violence is concerning (frequent thoughts of violence)
On a positive note, the children are adorable. Little Niko stole my heart. The ending was sweet.
March 5, 2023
This book is only getting two stars because quite frankly i enjoyed niko and i enjoyed dejonae and her family everyone else were just absolutely TERRIBLE
like everyone was racist? i have never seen a book use so much racism to further a plot, and racism built on stereotypes at that. Every single person that dej came into contact with immediately had something shady and racist to say about her.
I wanted to love the romance in this but sazuki never took up for her like he should, instead of telling people to not be racist he had a “i get where you’re coming from but don’t say it out loud” persona especially with akira who was. just so blatantly racist and disrespectful it was sick. Especially because she was a nanny to sazuki’s daughter who was biracial with a black mother.
I just feel like romances should be enjoyable and continuously using racism as a plot point and isn’t enjoyable. I also feel like this book had so much potential to be wholesome and sweet but the consistent negativity from so many characters made this such a painful read.
like everyone was racist? i have never seen a book use so much racism to further a plot, and racism built on stereotypes at that. Every single person that dej came into contact with immediately had something shady and racist to say about her.
I wanted to love the romance in this but sazuki never took up for her like he should, instead of telling people to not be racist he had a “i get where you’re coming from but don’t say it out loud” persona especially with akira who was. just so blatantly racist and disrespectful it was sick. Especially because she was a nanny to sazuki’s daughter who was biracial with a black mother.
I just feel like romances should be enjoyable and continuously using racism as a plot point and isn’t enjoyable. I also feel like this book had so much potential to be wholesome and sweet but the consistent negativity from so many characters made this such a painful read.
July 29, 2023
4.25 Stars / 2.5 Steam Fans
I think we are getting back on track with these couples. I enjoyed getting to know Dejonae, Ryotaro, and Niko. Some repetitive topics could have been solved with more communication but overall I enjoyed the flow.
CW: Deaf Characters, Classism, Family Dynamics, OW Issues
Video review available in Week 30: Jul 23 – Jul 29, 2023, weekly book reviews on Steph's Romance Book Talk (https://www.youtube.com/@stephsromanc...)
I think we are getting back on track with these couples. I enjoyed getting to know Dejonae, Ryotaro, and Niko. Some repetitive topics could have been solved with more communication but overall I enjoyed the flow.
CW: Deaf Characters, Classism, Family Dynamics, OW Issues
Video review available in Week 30: Jul 23 – Jul 29, 2023, weekly book reviews on Steph's Romance Book Talk (https://www.youtube.com/@stephsromanc...)
March 28, 2024
L'idea secondo me c'era ma è stata sviluppata un po' col culo. Mi ha rotto le balle e dopo essere arrivata a mezzo capitolo spicy dopo 350 pagine di tensione sessuale che si conclude con "tieniti forte, gattina 🤪🤪🤪" mi son rifiutata. Tutta la questione con l'ex moglie sinc superflua ed evitabile ma una stella perché mi è piaciuta la relazione creatasi fra i due protagonisti e la figlia di lui. Il razzismo in questo libro verso la protagonista comunque PESANTE: non so se fosse fatto di proposito per rappresentare una società familiare giapponese chiusa e ottusa ma TUTTI i personaggi secondari avevano qualcosa da dire su Dejonae che poraccia viveva la sua vita sciallissima ed essendo slay.
Non lo consiglio sincera, bruttino e insignificante E OLTRETUTTO troppo lungo ma che mi devi dire in 450 pagineeeeeeee taglia corto Nia eddai
Non lo consiglio sincera, bruttino e insignificante E OLTRETUTTO troppo lungo ma che mi devi dire in 450 pagineeeeeeee taglia corto Nia eddai
October 2, 2022
Ashanti is a bitch. I’m not sorry she is just..like WHAT THE FUCK WAS SHE DOING. Girl… the amount of times I wanted to slap her face off was astronomical😒 She could not put it to rest Jesus, I’m glad Dejonae was able to put up with that. She so much more composed than I would have been. Moving on Deej was AMAZING, I loved her. She was EVERYTHING I could have imagined. Her whole family is great. But I really fucking hated Sazuki in the beginning, the man had me SEETHING. I was so frustrated AKA I WANTED TO PUNCH HIM IN THE DICK. Yet his daughter was the best thing ☺️ Her relationship with Deej was my favorite thing out of this whole book. Sazuki was alright after awhile (a good 300pages) ig🙄 We love a man who can’t live without his women. ✨WE LOVE A BLACK WOMEN TO INFINITY AND INFINITY ✨
“Dejonae Williams is anmitsu.
Savory, satisfying, and addictive.
My hands cup her cheeks.
I have not allowed myself to want someone in so long.
Yet, I long for her.
Everything about her.
Everything that she is willing to give.
And even that which she would rather keep hidden.
She is my light in a dark, chaotic world”
“Dejonae has become a distraction to me.
If she is pleased, I am pleased.
If she is angry, it is all I think about.
To keep the foundation from sure ruin, Dejonae’s happiness must be preserved”
“Dejonae Williams is anmitsu.
Savory, satisfying, and addictive.
My hands cup her cheeks.
I have not allowed myself to want someone in so long.
Yet, I long for her.
Everything about her.
Everything that she is willing to give.
And even that which she would rather keep hidden.
She is my light in a dark, chaotic world”
“Dejonae has become a distraction to me.
If she is pleased, I am pleased.
If she is angry, it is all I think about.
To keep the foundation from sure ruin, Dejonae’s happiness must be preserved”
January 30, 2023
*Spoilers* Eh….meh….
I’ve enjoyed this series so far but this one (as well as Vanya & Hadyn’s story) was a little silly.
-Akira was extremely meddlesome & it was NEVER addressed. Why didn’t Deej or Ryo address the fact that she told his ex-wife where the girlfriend lives?!
-Just how old was Ryo? And why wasn’t this ever clarified since it seemed to be so important
-Deej WAS immature in how she handled her relationship as soon as it became a relationship with Ryo, which made zero sense to me. But back up to the ex, Jordan. You saw him sexting his ex & that was soooo horrible that you never trust any man again with an ex? Why were you going through is phone in the first place? Yes he was wrong but that says more about Deej IMO. Ryo has a whole ex-WIFE he’s been divorced from for YEARS & has successfully coparented with, he’s telling you that you have his heart but you are literally taking his ex-wife’s word over his AND his actions align with his words?! Silly. Very immature & insecure; she really thought he should chased her after she requested a “pause” & put him out her house. I think her “chasing him” would have been more appropriate because she was the one who allowed his ex to consistently interfere without having an adult conversation with her man about it. He kept showing her & she refused to believe it. That was on her.
I’ve enjoyed this series so far but this one (as well as Vanya & Hadyn’s story) was a little silly.
-Akira was extremely meddlesome & it was NEVER addressed. Why didn’t Deej or Ryo address the fact that she told his ex-wife where the girlfriend lives?!
-Just how old was Ryo? And why wasn’t this ever clarified since it seemed to be so important
-Deej WAS immature in how she handled her relationship as soon as it became a relationship with Ryo, which made zero sense to me. But back up to the ex, Jordan. You saw him sexting his ex & that was soooo horrible that you never trust any man again with an ex? Why were you going through is phone in the first place? Yes he was wrong but that says more about Deej IMO. Ryo has a whole ex-WIFE he’s been divorced from for YEARS & has successfully coparented with, he’s telling you that you have his heart but you are literally taking his ex-wife’s word over his AND his actions align with his words?! Silly. Very immature & insecure; she really thought he should chased her after she requested a “pause” & put him out her house. I think her “chasing him” would have been more appropriate because she was the one who allowed his ex to consistently interfere without having an adult conversation with her man about it. He kept showing her & she refused to believe it. That was on her.
September 28, 2022
The story is a build up of a relationship based on the enemies to lover troupe. If you're not into slow burning fiery build up of a relationship than you probably won't like this story. Since that's one of my favorite plots to read it was an amazing laugh and to read it all unfold. As the story centered on the love aspect in the plot it also brought in the racial discrimination in society and interracial relationships when cultures are different, but at the same time accepting each others differences. There was a lot of micro aggression and plan out racism towards both Deej (as a black woman/person) and Kyotaro Sazuki (Asian man). The impact of Kyotaro having a biracial deaf child in the story brought up how society sees race and disabilities plus the bullying of those that are different. The villain the ex-wife I can't say she was the villain perse more like entitled, petty, and selfish woman. The sexual tension was very nice to read especially when it brought Kyotaro out of his composed rich shell and pushed him to give into his hearts desires. Now the sexual tension wasn't as graphic as I'm used to, but the way it was written was implied and good for my imagination...so very satisfying. I really like this book and it was written very well.
July 27, 2025
#3-STARS#
I sort of forgot to do any chapter updates for this one, so I'll just give a whole review. It wasn't really that special or that unique, though I did love the inclusion of the deaf community!
Deej, Sazuki and Niko’s story. This was a little bit confusing to me but I guess I should have read the other books to fully understand, but I just didn’t feel like it. I liked the fact that the deaf community was a strong point in this story! And how their strengths were brought out, but the overall story between the main cast was a little haphazard and lacking, I needed more for it to be a story I could truly enjoy.
Might at some point read the series if I feel like it, but for now I think I'll leave it at this...
I sort of forgot to do any chapter updates for this one, so I'll just give a whole review. It wasn't really that special or that unique, though I did love the inclusion of the deaf community!
Deej, Sazuki and Niko’s story. This was a little bit confusing to me but I guess I should have read the other books to fully understand, but I just didn’t feel like it. I liked the fact that the deaf community was a strong point in this story! And how their strengths were brought out, but the overall story between the main cast was a little haphazard and lacking, I needed more for it to be a story I could truly enjoy.
Might at some point read the series if I feel like it, but for now I think I'll leave it at this...
February 8, 2023
Someone told me to read it. The cover isn’t the cutest but the premise of it was wholesome. It focuses on a father-daughter duo, in which the daughter is deaf. I feel that this book highlights important topics that are often missed out in the romcom genre such as disability, diversity & disadvantaged backgrounds.
October 1, 2025
Fun read and interesting characters, but there were a lot of racism and it was repeated and annoying..
December 5, 2024
1.5 for Niko and Niko alone.
This book singlehandledy killed my ability to read age gap romance. How dominant and strong is your ML if he’s dating a child? I don’t care what you tell me, 23 and still in college is way too young to just sign on to being some kid’s mommy. Especially when you start convos about being a step mom before even going on a date.
Dejonae is not just 23, she has the attitude and mannerisms of an 8 year old. No impulse control, utterly unprofessional in professional settings, and she pouts and whines like a baby. That Sazuki is attracted to her despite this gives me the ick. Why did she have to be a college student? The university angle is so tenuous. At least graduate school if this was going to be the storyline. Even so, she was so immature. That convo she had with Yaya was so disgustingly childish.
The fight was annoying and no, I did not think Dejonae handled it well. The reporter was despicable but for Dejonae to just go after her privately without a camera or her phone to record was just stupid. Tell us it was her being emotional, doesn’t change how stupid that was.
Also, Vanya’s going through something this entire book. The first time Dejonae meets up with her after learning about these issues, everyone’s comforting Dejonae. She’s a shitty friend. Vanya and Sunny exist to help others.
Sazuki is a character that could’ve been hot if the FL wasn’t a college student and if he wasn’t constantly lusting after her in the blandest of settings. Guy was on 10 at all times and it didn’t convey desire to me; it was giving sexually repressed. The “no woman says no to me” bit and his refusal to leave Dejonae alone coupled with her age just gave me the ick and it never went away.
Why was every single person aside from Niko and Yaya a racist, an ableist, or both? I mean even random fans Sazuki runs into are making racist comments. The ex wife was cartoonishly annoying. The ex bf Jordan was like an NPC with how he only spawned near Dejonae to talk about their past relationship. And why? Why did the ex wife and Jordan have to drag out their attempts to get their exes back SO much?
Akira was meant to show that there’s some anti blackness in the Asian community, even towards their own mixed relatives, which I think is a necessary thing. However, coupled with SO many other randos being racist, it lost any weight as a possible conversation about the topic. The professor making the BBQ comment? The coworkers saying “don’t bring your ghetto here”? (I laughed ngl. It’s so cartoonishly horrible).
Niko says Dejonae being in the house felt like her mom being there. I get she’s a kid but Dejonae is 23 going on 8 personality wise. Way too early to jump to stepmother status. This entire series consisted of women leaping into the role of mother for children they just met. Aside from Vanya and Dawn, none of them are blood related. Sazuki’s thinking marriage and they’ve barely been dating.
This was an overall unpleasant reading experience. I don’t understand the age gap being necessary, they’re surrounded by cartoon villains, the “romance” gave me the ick, and I just wanted it to be over. I liked Niko and that was it. Give me more of her and Beth.
This book singlehandledy killed my ability to read age gap romance. How dominant and strong is your ML if he’s dating a child? I don’t care what you tell me, 23 and still in college is way too young to just sign on to being some kid’s mommy. Especially when you start convos about being a step mom before even going on a date.
Dejonae is not just 23, she has the attitude and mannerisms of an 8 year old. No impulse control, utterly unprofessional in professional settings, and she pouts and whines like a baby. That Sazuki is attracted to her despite this gives me the ick. Why did she have to be a college student? The university angle is so tenuous. At least graduate school if this was going to be the storyline. Even so, she was so immature. That convo she had with Yaya was so disgustingly childish.
The fight was annoying and no, I did not think Dejonae handled it well. The reporter was despicable but for Dejonae to just go after her privately without a camera or her phone to record was just stupid. Tell us it was her being emotional, doesn’t change how stupid that was.
Also, Vanya’s going through something this entire book. The first time Dejonae meets up with her after learning about these issues, everyone’s comforting Dejonae. She’s a shitty friend. Vanya and Sunny exist to help others.
Sazuki is a character that could’ve been hot if the FL wasn’t a college student and if he wasn’t constantly lusting after her in the blandest of settings. Guy was on 10 at all times and it didn’t convey desire to me; it was giving sexually repressed. The “no woman says no to me” bit and his refusal to leave Dejonae alone coupled with her age just gave me the ick and it never went away.
Why was every single person aside from Niko and Yaya a racist, an ableist, or both? I mean even random fans Sazuki runs into are making racist comments. The ex wife was cartoonishly annoying. The ex bf Jordan was like an NPC with how he only spawned near Dejonae to talk about their past relationship. And why? Why did the ex wife and Jordan have to drag out their attempts to get their exes back SO much?
Akira was meant to show that there’s some anti blackness in the Asian community, even towards their own mixed relatives, which I think is a necessary thing. However, coupled with SO many other randos being racist, it lost any weight as a possible conversation about the topic. The professor making the BBQ comment? The coworkers saying “don’t bring your ghetto here”? (I laughed ngl. It’s so cartoonishly horrible).
Niko says Dejonae being in the house felt like her mom being there. I get she’s a kid but Dejonae is 23 going on 8 personality wise. Way too early to jump to stepmother status. This entire series consisted of women leaping into the role of mother for children they just met. Aside from Vanya and Dawn, none of them are blood related. Sazuki’s thinking marriage and they’ve barely been dating.
This was an overall unpleasant reading experience. I don’t understand the age gap being necessary, they’re surrounded by cartoon villains, the “romance” gave me the ick, and I just wanted it to be over. I liked Niko and that was it. Give me more of her and Beth.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 17, 2024
Even though I was hooked from the first page and hated to see it end, it ended too abruptly for me. After 400+ pages, Miss Nia could have ended it with everyone happy!!!!
I was 100% Team Sazuki until he allowed Ashanti, his devious ex-wife, to play him and break up his relationship with Dejonae. How could he punk out like that? This is the same man who makes his employees tremble in their cubicles and super rich CEO's fear for their companies. Really?
Guess I am now signing up for the Bonus ending!!!!!
I was 100% Team Sazuki until he allowed Ashanti, his devious ex-wife, to play him and break up his relationship with Dejonae. How could he punk out like that? This is the same man who makes his employees tremble in their cubicles and super rich CEO's fear for their companies. Really?
Guess I am now signing up for the Bonus ending!!!!!
July 8, 2022
disappointed
These last two in the series have been disappointing. The MFC complained the entire book that just because she was young, it didn’t mean she was immature. Then spent the entire book being immature. I had such high hopes when she appeared in Vanya’s book, but this seemed to be an entirely different character. MFC dumped MMC so that he would chase her? Throwing tantrums? Is that not childish behavior?
These last two in the series have been disappointing. The MFC complained the entire book that just because she was young, it didn’t mean she was immature. Then spent the entire book being immature. I had such high hopes when she appeared in Vanya’s book, but this seemed to be an entirely different character. MFC dumped MMC so that he would chase her? Throwing tantrums? Is that not childish behavior?
July 22, 2022
Sazuki & Dejonae/ Age gap romance..
Prickly Romance: Single Dad AMBW has a great storyline and a sexy slowburn that keeps you reading. The characters from previous books kept us engaged with what's happening in their lives. What started as enemies with nothing in common ended with lovers who would do anything for each others. Great read!!👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾🙋🏾♀️
Prickly Romance: Single Dad AMBW has a great storyline and a sexy slowburn that keeps you reading. The characters from previous books kept us engaged with what's happening in their lives. What started as enemies with nothing in common ended with lovers who would do anything for each others. Great read!!👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾🙋🏾♀️
July 28, 2022
Delicious Romance Treat
This book was my first experience with Ms Arthurs' writing and I was very pleased. She writes with wit and sassy charm. Her characters are well developed and intriguing. The plot is fascinating and the storytelling is well done. I definitely want to dive into the author's other works. I highly recommend this book.
This book was my first experience with Ms Arthurs' writing and I was very pleased. She writes with wit and sassy charm. Her characters are well developed and intriguing. The plot is fascinating and the storytelling is well done. I definitely want to dive into the author's other works. I highly recommend this book.
dnf
April 6, 2023I really tried y’all
August 30, 2025
★★★
it's probably the first book i've read that addresses racial prejudices and stereotypes, deafness and asl representation, and co-parenting as a whole. it was very refreshing to have a romance novel dwelve into deeper topics and not just the physicial and emotional part of a relationship. niko and deej's (the mmc's daughter and fmc) interactions were so cute i was throwing up rainbows while reading, but i do feel they were cut short :(
on to the bad: page 3 and he was already calling her kitten ☠️ the nickname doesn't even make sense considering his age, personality and status. weird choice from the author. i must say i didn't love the combination of so many power dynamics (young/old, poor/rich, employee/employer). one is nice, two is okay, three is reaching. not to mention he has a meddling mother who sides with his obsessed and incredibly annoying ex-wife.
aside from that, his scenes at the beginning were giving «entitled ten year old who has never been told no». him parading his twenty-something bodyguards every chance he got wasn't hot—it was ridiculous. the dialogues also seemed slightly unrealistic from time to time. nobody is that damn perfect or has such long monologues so.fucking.often.
this one's my fault for reading the fifth book within a series, but there were SO MANY characters and barely any of them were properly introduced?????? it would have obviously made more sense had i read the previous books, but a one sentence introduction—or even just a "friend/colleague/sister"—would've done wonders.
it's probably the first book i've read that addresses racial prejudices and stereotypes, deafness and asl representation, and co-parenting as a whole. it was very refreshing to have a romance novel dwelve into deeper topics and not just the physicial and emotional part of a relationship. niko and deej's (the mmc's daughter and fmc) interactions were so cute i was throwing up rainbows while reading, but i do feel they were cut short :(
“Since you were determined to ignore me, I am here. Determined to follow you until your anger is sated.”
“Following me around? Isn’t that stalking?”
“I don’t have time to stalk anyone.”
“Then why are you here? In my class? Next to me?”
“Because you are not just anyone.”
on to the bad: page 3 and he was already calling her kitten ☠️ the nickname doesn't even make sense considering his age, personality and status. weird choice from the author. i must say i didn't love the combination of so many power dynamics (young/old, poor/rich, employee/employer). one is nice, two is okay, three is reaching. not to mention he has a meddling mother who sides with his obsessed and incredibly annoying ex-wife.
aside from that, his scenes at the beginning were giving «entitled ten year old who has never been told no». him parading his twenty-something bodyguards every chance he got wasn't hot—it was ridiculous. the dialogues also seemed slightly unrealistic from time to time. nobody is that damn perfect or has such long monologues so.fucking.often.
this one's my fault for reading the fifth book within a series, but there were SO MANY characters and barely any of them were properly introduced?????? it would have obviously made more sense had i read the previous books, but a one sentence introduction—or even just a "friend/colleague/sister"—would've done wonders.
Read
February 2, 2023I honestly don't know what to rate this. I didn't hate it, but there were quite a few times where certain things bugged me. 1. Why is every damn side character racist. 2. I got no smut 😐 3. I feel like there wasn't really a build-up of romance. For it to be almost 500 pages, I expected more angst or anything that gave me that longing feeling. But it was just one moment their not together, then one moment their together. I hateeeeee baby mama drama, and boy, did this have it. I was singing in my head "he chose me, he don't want you." Like I understand the cultural aspect of the mmc not standing up to his mother, but lordy did it piss me off. Niko is the only character I actually give a damn about at this point. I feel like there were some plot holes too a bit. Like I wanted the fmc to open up to him about her past and them work through her concerns and worries but all that happened was a quick little "grand gesture" (if I would even call it that) and then bam they were back together. Also Nikos mom is so fucking toxic like I don't get how the mmc let's her near his daughter. I was hoping that in the end, he would fight for custody, but following the disappointment train this book had going for me, ofc that didn't happen. Don't get me wrong, there were cute moments, and I liked the diversity (and realism that followed it), but major plot points just urked my soul. Overall I didn't connect with the main characters, so booktok disappointed me with this one.
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