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Involuntary
Stephanie Barker is making her way through life just fine. She’s a successful business owner and devoted mother to the niece she adopted. She fills her days with the things she loves and the people who bring her joy. At least that’s what she thinks until traumatic circumstances bring Dr. Jian Anderson into her orbit. Stephanie has held everything around her together for so long, what happens when she meets someone who wants to hold, support and protect her? Does she have room for a romantic love, or will she continue to take on the world alone?
Jian Anderson has a thriving career as the top Cardiothoracic Surgeon at Talbot Memorial Hospital. He’s not looking for a relationship. He’s quite happy with his bachelor lifestyle. That is until the night a horrific event brings Stephanie into his hospital and his skills are needed to help someone she loves.
Terrible conditions bring them together, but the fire that ignites between them is undeniable. When the danger they thought was over threatens their cocoon of happiness, can they navigate the threat? Can they trust in what they’ve built together or will tragedy tear them apart?
Jian Anderson has a thriving career as the top Cardiothoracic Surgeon at Talbot Memorial Hospital. He’s not looking for a relationship. He’s quite happy with his bachelor lifestyle. That is until the night a horrific event brings Stephanie into his hospital and his skills are needed to help someone she loves.
Terrible conditions bring them together, but the fire that ignites between them is undeniable. When the danger they thought was over threatens their cocoon of happiness, can they navigate the threat? Can they trust in what they’ve built together or will tragedy tear them apart?
- GenresInterracial Romance
336 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 2, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
November 10, 2022
In the midst of tragedy Stephanie and Jian’s hearts recognized each other as soulmates. The path to love was not quick or easy, but it was worthwhile.
I loved the fact that Stephanie was intelligent, accomplished, successful, and rich, not just beautiful in the eyes of the hero. I also loved that Juan was alpha without being an assh@le.
Great writing and wonderful storyline. My only critique is that certain important scenes were more narrated then experienced. That bothered me because I wanted to be in the moment. Overall, 4.5 stars.
I loved the fact that Stephanie was intelligent, accomplished, successful, and rich, not just beautiful in the eyes of the hero. I also loved that Juan was alpha without being an assh@le.
Great writing and wonderful storyline. My only critique is that certain important scenes were more narrated then experienced. That bothered me because I wanted to be in the moment. Overall, 4.5 stars.
November 29, 2022
5.0⭐️ Totally engrossing! An amazing read and high on my list of re-reads.
September 11, 2022
Disappointed
When I said the cover and read the blurb...I thought it was going to be awesome...not even close, the story was all over the place. There was really no connection between the characters, there was no connection between me and this book and I’m annoyed that I spent 6.00 bucks to be this disappointed.
When I said the cover and read the blurb...I thought it was going to be awesome...not even close, the story was all over the place. There was really no connection between the characters, there was no connection between me and this book and I’m annoyed that I spent 6.00 bucks to be this disappointed.
Read
September 2, 2022Dr Jian comes into Stephanie’s life to at the right time. After a senseless crime he aids her and a loved one with proper care. From there the sparks begin, no denying the chemistry between them.
This book tackles serious issues along the way, can these two get beyond the issues and evil lurking at every turn between them and get there HEA?
Five stars ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
November 6, 2022
Their lives were changed one horrible fateful night
Stephanie Barker and her adoptive niece's lives took another course because Dr. Jian Anderson was the attending cardiothoracic surgeon on duty the night Saffi was attacked. From the moment their eyes made contact Jian knew that Stephanie was the one for him. In a short period of time, he considered them his family and had won his heart. Stephanie became his "Sweets" and Saffi became his "Princess." When the cruel world of a pedophilic sex trafficker slithered into the family, his vow and pledge to "do no harm" fell out of the window. For him, it was like a switch was flipped and he made sure his little Princess was safe and never had to worry about being safe again.
I just love how everyone that knew Steph and Jian came together to do whatever was necessary to help during the family crisis. This story covered a myriad of topics from sibling rivalry/jealousy, adoption of an ethnic child other than oneself, parental abandonment, police not doing their jobs when a minority is involved, sexualization of young Black girls, sex trafficking, and pedophilia. Even though Steph did not give birth to Saffi, she was still her daughter by her heart. She did everything she knew how to do to keep her safe and that still was not enough. Steph's sister Danielle was a self-absorbed woman always seeking attention. Unfortunately, she got it from the wrong man which ultimately caused her own demise.
I can see a future book written on Asher and Nikki. Their long-awaited meeting had just the effect I thought it would. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this drama-filled story.
Stephanie Barker and her adoptive niece's lives took another course because Dr. Jian Anderson was the attending cardiothoracic surgeon on duty the night Saffi was attacked. From the moment their eyes made contact Jian knew that Stephanie was the one for him. In a short period of time, he considered them his family and had won his heart. Stephanie became his "Sweets" and Saffi became his "Princess." When the cruel world of a pedophilic sex trafficker slithered into the family, his vow and pledge to "do no harm" fell out of the window. For him, it was like a switch was flipped and he made sure his little Princess was safe and never had to worry about being safe again.
I just love how everyone that knew Steph and Jian came together to do whatever was necessary to help during the family crisis. This story covered a myriad of topics from sibling rivalry/jealousy, adoption of an ethnic child other than oneself, parental abandonment, police not doing their jobs when a minority is involved, sexualization of young Black girls, sex trafficking, and pedophilia. Even though Steph did not give birth to Saffi, she was still her daughter by her heart. She did everything she knew how to do to keep her safe and that still was not enough. Steph's sister Danielle was a self-absorbed woman always seeking attention. Unfortunately, she got it from the wrong man which ultimately caused her own demise.
I can see a future book written on Asher and Nikki. Their long-awaited meeting had just the effect I thought it would. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this drama-filled story.
November 8, 2022
Darie's a pretty darn good little writer.
June 27, 2025
Its all the love
Bad things happen. Blood doesn't make you a family, love does. This story is amazing. It is well written. Juan and Stephanie are connected in the way only the universe and our creator can bring.
The real danger and devastation in this story had me in tears. It also had me in a true place of gratitude that there are men like Jian and Asher who would mud stomp someone and walk it back dry. You'll have to read it to understand the saying. It is so worth it.
If you're curious about the deep attraction seen between Nikki and Asher, pick up Ever after you read this story.
Bad things happen. Blood doesn't make you a family, love does. This story is amazing. It is well written. Juan and Stephanie are connected in the way only the universe and our creator can bring.
The real danger and devastation in this story had me in tears. It also had me in a true place of gratitude that there are men like Jian and Asher who would mud stomp someone and walk it back dry. You'll have to read it to understand the saying. It is so worth it.
If you're curious about the deep attraction seen between Nikki and Asher, pick up Ever after you read this story.
June 12, 2026
A 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Read-Far Exceeded Expectations😍
Involuntary is a top tier 5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐read that far exceeded my expectations
.😄The blurb def. undersold this amazing , high impact emotional story. Part of the story arc is a scourge on society - the abject evil, misery & heartbreak that is human trafficking😪. The ✍️ handled it with skill, resilience, the power of collective good & hope for better days to come. Jian is a king among men, and I cheered so hard for him, Stephanie & sweet little Saffi to have their happy ending- You will too😍Enjoy this absolute💎🍷
Involuntary is a top tier 5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐read that far exceeded my expectations
.😄The blurb def. undersold this amazing , high impact emotional story. Part of the story arc is a scourge on society - the abject evil, misery & heartbreak that is human trafficking😪. The ✍️ handled it with skill, resilience, the power of collective good & hope for better days to come. Jian is a king among men, and I cheered so hard for him, Stephanie & sweet little Saffi to have their happy ending- You will too😍Enjoy this absolute💎🍷
August 23, 2022
This story check all the boxes. Dr. Jian Anderson comes into Stephanie's at the most inconvenient of times. From the moment they meet, their spark draws you. I love how I got drawn into the story and how it unfolds. My emotions ran high in this book and I am here for it all. At the heart of it is the love this amazing couple have for it each other. Their chemistry is fire. Can't wait to see these two again, and see how the chemistry of some of the side characters play out.
October 24, 2022
Jian and Stephanie
Stephanie met Dr Jian Anderson when her daughter was brought in the ER for an emergency. He immediately took a liking to Stephanie as she thought he was handsome. He started showing up at follow-up appointments for her daughter and at the barbershop next to her hair salon. However, they reconnected at a charity event where she was honored. He stayed by her side through thick and thin. A great read!
Stephanie met Dr Jian Anderson when her daughter was brought in the ER for an emergency. He immediately took a liking to Stephanie as she thought he was handsome. He started showing up at follow-up appointments for her daughter and at the barbershop next to her hair salon. However, they reconnected at a charity event where she was honored. He stayed by her side through thick and thin. A great read!
November 24, 2022
Outstanding
I enjoyed reading this book. The writing flows easily and effortlessly and the characters are well developed, strong and brave. This is a page turner and keep you involved and excited to see where the story goes. The love making is intense and passionate. Although this author explored current social issues the method used in presenting them were done well. I was happy to see that good conquer evil. Overall an interesting and exciting read.
I enjoyed reading this book. The writing flows easily and effortlessly and the characters are well developed, strong and brave. This is a page turner and keep you involved and excited to see where the story goes. The love making is intense and passionate. Although this author explored current social issues the method used in presenting them were done well. I was happy to see that good conquer evil. Overall an interesting and exciting read.
March 31, 2023
Too much unnecessary information and inner dialogue I dont know how many pages i flipped before actually finding out what was wrong with the niece. The main character was over the top and melodramatic. Got on my damn nerves. Snoozefest. Also the fact the main hero thinks he is good looking cause he looks like Byron Mann and that every single woman at his workplace wanted him had me in stitches. I had to look up who this was and by God is this Byron fella unfortunate looking .Barf
July 2, 2023
MIA
Children go missing every day but not your child. When these emergencies are so close to home it feels so very different. Little black, brown and red girls go missing at triple the rate as other little white girls. The all need to be loved and looked for. McCoy handles this subject so tactfully and weaves in the love story of Sweets and Dr.J with joy and grace. Everyone should read this.
Children go missing every day but not your child. When these emergencies are so close to home it feels so very different. Little black, brown and red girls go missing at triple the rate as other little white girls. The all need to be loved and looked for. McCoy handles this subject so tactfully and weaves in the love story of Sweets and Dr.J with joy and grace. Everyone should read this.
August 22, 2023
awww the feels
This one gave all the feels ( happy , anger, love, , disgust). It was well written with some very tough topics to discuss . Although I am surprised there wasn't a marriage proposal at the end , am happy for HEA for both Stephanie and Jian. I hoping to see another story with Nikki and Asher , I hope I don't have to wait too long .
This one gave all the feels ( happy , anger, love, , disgust). It was well written with some very tough topics to discuss . Although I am surprised there wasn't a marriage proposal at the end , am happy for HEA for both Stephanie and Jian. I hoping to see another story with Nikki and Asher , I hope I don't have to wait too long .
April 27, 2024
Love Jian and Sweets !
I enjoyed this book so much! At times I was on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen. I love how Jian does not play about his family. Glad the sick people who attacked Saffi got what they deserved and especially happy with the ending. One of the best books I’ve read from Darie. Loved it!
I enjoyed this book so much! At times I was on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen. I love how Jian does not play about his family. Glad the sick people who attacked Saffi got what they deserved and especially happy with the ending. One of the best books I’ve read from Darie. Loved it!
April 13, 2025
I ❤ everything about this book!!!🔥😍❤💥
Involuntary by Darie McCoy is truly awesome. The characters Stephanie/Sweets, Jian, Saffi, Nikki and Ash made this me crave more. The romance, action, and suspense had me totally engaged!! I had to reread Involuntary before reading, EVER.👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
Involuntary by Darie McCoy is truly awesome. The characters Stephanie/Sweets, Jian, Saffi, Nikki and Ash made this me crave more. The romance, action, and suspense had me totally engaged!! I had to reread Involuntary before reading, EVER.👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
September 28, 2022
Excellent
A very well written story. I enjoyed this book so much, full rich characters with storytelling treating a hard subject with great truth and sensitivity. I recommend you will not be disappointed. I can't wait for the next book.
A very well written story. I enjoyed this book so much, full rich characters with storytelling treating a hard subject with great truth and sensitivity. I recommend you will not be disappointed. I can't wait for the next book.
January 20, 2023
RL - Real Life
This story hit like a hurricane, it felt so real. I just wish every little black girl had the kind of support Saffi & her family had. I wish there was a superhero to bring all the lost little black girls home.
This story hit like a hurricane, it felt so real. I just wish every little black girl had the kind of support Saffi & her family had. I wish there was a superhero to bring all the lost little black girls home.
October 30, 2022
Dr. J found love
Timing and fate gave these two things they didn’t realize was needed. They formed an unbreakable bond of Love and friendship.
Timing and fate gave these two things they didn’t realize was needed. They formed an unbreakable bond of Love and friendship.
April 30, 2023
Finding The Words....
Loved it! Simply loved this book - it captured the imagination and took you on a journey and wouldn't let go until the journey was complete. Loved it!
Loved it! Simply loved this book - it captured the imagination and took you on a journey and wouldn't let go until the journey was complete. Loved it!
June 24, 2023
Really fell into this book, didn’t have any expectations since I’ve never read anything by this author but I loved it. It flowed really well and made sense.
May 31, 2024
Family can be anything you want it
I loved the whole story Jian he was the ultimate men je was awesome. He took care of his 2 women
I loved the whole story Jian he was the ultimate men je was awesome. He took care of his 2 women
August 14, 2026
one of her best
Although it deals with some difficult topics, this is a must read. It was well written and the characters were well developed.
Although it deals with some difficult topics, this is a must read. It was well written and the characters were well developed.
February 14, 2023
Jian is a man of action
Stephanie and Jian’s story was my final marathon of reading by Darie McCoy. Jian is what the doctor ordered for Stephanie and Chloe. I loved how Jian backed up his words with his actions. It's an all-star cast crossover from 𝔽𝕠𝕣 ℝ𝕖𝕒𝕝 and ℂ𝕙𝕣𝕚𝕤𝕥𝕞𝕒𝕤 ℂ𝕒𝕟𝕕𝕪. The story has serious overtones. The storyline is solid and the characters well-developed. Loved Jian's parents and I am hoping for a story between Nikki and Asher.
Stephanie and Jian’s story was my final marathon of reading by Darie McCoy. Jian is what the doctor ordered for Stephanie and Chloe. I loved how Jian backed up his words with his actions. It's an all-star cast crossover from 𝔽𝕠𝕣 ℝ𝕖𝕒𝕝 and ℂ𝕙𝕣𝕚𝕤𝕥𝕞𝕒𝕤 ℂ𝕒𝕟𝕕𝕪. The story has serious overtones. The storyline is solid and the characters well-developed. Loved Jian's parents and I am hoping for a story between Nikki and Asher.
November 18, 2022
Darie McCoy uses previous secondary characters to flesh out her new books. I am always excited when someone pops up! The Frost family is a reoccurring family and we often meet relatives and friends from their orbit. Involuntary brings us Dr. Jian Anderson and Stephanie Barker. They meet when Stephanie's adopted daughter is taken to the hospital. Their attraction is immediate and as they embark on a relationship outside forces within Stephanie's own family cause her to face the unthinkable. Driscoll from For Real is on hand to lend support and Asher and Nikki might be the next power couple. I really enjoyed this story and Ms. McCoy is an excellent writer.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews