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St. James Sisters #2
Slow Dancing in a Black Storm
WINNER EMMA AWARD 2022 - SWEET & CLEAN ROMANCE CATEGORY!
(Sweet and sassy small town romance with a hint of suspense)
She's running from her past. This case is the key to her future. Could one night change everything?
New to the island, Mila St. James is a law and order prosecutor who has spent the last few months prepping for the biggest hearing of her career. The one thing she doesn’t anticipate is the public opposition. She gets her first taste in court, leaving her in a state of humiliation as she storms out—right into the incredibly sexy Sergio Gomez—one of the staunchest opponents of the case that could make or break her.
Also known as the "Playboy Fisherman," the mysterious musician and former soccer star is actually a sensitive soul who keeps his family’s restaurant afloat by catching fish with his rooster friend. When Sergio and Mila are stuck together overnight riding out a treacherous storm, he glimpses the truth beneath her tough exterior. Now, he just wants to convince her to let him be the exception to all of her carefully crafted rules.
But when Sergio's named as the primary suspect in her case's criminal investigation, Mila must decide whether to follow her plans or her heart.
With the stunning Caribbean backdrop of St. Croix and the high stakes of a legal drama, Slow Dancing in a Black Storm is a heart-pumping enemies-to-lovers story that will leave you breathless. Don't miss out on Book Two in the St. James Sisters interracial, sweet romance beach series!
(Sweet and sassy small town romance with a hint of suspense)
She's running from her past. This case is the key to her future. Could one night change everything?
New to the island, Mila St. James is a law and order prosecutor who has spent the last few months prepping for the biggest hearing of her career. The one thing she doesn’t anticipate is the public opposition. She gets her first taste in court, leaving her in a state of humiliation as she storms out—right into the incredibly sexy Sergio Gomez—one of the staunchest opponents of the case that could make or break her.
Also known as the "Playboy Fisherman," the mysterious musician and former soccer star is actually a sensitive soul who keeps his family’s restaurant afloat by catching fish with his rooster friend. When Sergio and Mila are stuck together overnight riding out a treacherous storm, he glimpses the truth beneath her tough exterior. Now, he just wants to convince her to let him be the exception to all of her carefully crafted rules.
But when Sergio's named as the primary suspect in her case's criminal investigation, Mila must decide whether to follow her plans or her heart.
With the stunning Caribbean backdrop of St. Croix and the high stakes of a legal drama, Slow Dancing in a Black Storm is a heart-pumping enemies-to-lovers story that will leave you breathless. Don't miss out on Book Two in the St. James Sisters interracial, sweet romance beach series!
163 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 5, 2022
28 people are currently reading
145 people want to read
About the author
Tana Jenkins
24 books62 followersNamed Debut Author of the Year in 2022 by RSJ, former attorney Tana Jenkins is an EMMA Award-Winner for Sweet & Clean Romance and an OTFS Finalist for Paranormal Romance. Mensa's literary publication, Calliope also nominated her short story, Little Black Ugly, for the Pushcart.
Tana has always been passionate about the magic of love. Her storytelling brings this magic to life, using richly imagined plots featuring characters who are often as loveable as they are quirky. As a multi-racial/African American writer, Tana is particularly interested in writing diverse characters in interracial romances--a nod to the notion that love knows no boundaries.
After practicing law in several locales, including on the beautiful island of St. Croix, she writes from the Great Lakes region, which features in her beach romances. There, she lives her own HEA with her college sweetheart and their adorable rescue. When not penning the next novel or planning beach escapades, she can be found snuggled up with a good book and a bowl of ice cream.
**Tana is always looking for ARC readers, so if you're interested email her: tanajenkins@tanajenkins.com
Tana has always been passionate about the magic of love. Her storytelling brings this magic to life, using richly imagined plots featuring characters who are often as loveable as they are quirky. As a multi-racial/African American writer, Tana is particularly interested in writing diverse characters in interracial romances--a nod to the notion that love knows no boundaries.
After practicing law in several locales, including on the beautiful island of St. Croix, she writes from the Great Lakes region, which features in her beach romances. There, she lives her own HEA with her college sweetheart and their adorable rescue. When not penning the next novel or planning beach escapades, she can be found snuggled up with a good book and a bowl of ice cream.
**Tana is always looking for ARC readers, so if you're interested email her: tanajenkins@tanajenkins.com
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
November 19, 2021
A delightful romance set in gorgeous St Croix. I paced myself reading because I just wanted to spend more time there. Tana Jenkins paints the places her characters live in with such love--you end up in love and ready to hop on a plane.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 15, 2021
A Reluctant Plunge into Romance in a Caribbean Island Paradise
Slow Dancing in a Black Storm, an enemies-to-friends sweet romance by Tana Jenkins, is the second book in a series that follows the love lives of the three likable and relatable St. James sisters.
Mila is an attorney working for the government on St. Croix attempting to win a controversial eminent domain case which would allow the government to force a number of islanders to sell their land for use as a landfill. The case is important to Mila as a stepping stone to career advancement, especially as she's helping put her little sister through medical school.
But she failed to take into account the overwhelming opposition to the project among islanders, until forced to see the situation from a different point of view by sexy former pro-soccer player and native islander Sergio Gomez.
At first turned off by Sergio's arrogant attitude, Mila is challenged to consider his point of view on the issue, and to acknowledge her own admittedly inadvisable attraction to a guy who is batting for the opposition. Supporting Sergio could cost Mila her job. Is she willing to risk so much for a chance at love?
Jenkins skillfully crafts a story that pulls the reader into the lives of the islanders as they deal with everyday situations, as well as more serious island politics and a potentially deadly "black storm," or hurricane. The story is peppered with authentic island flavor and gives the reader a satisfying taste of a different way of life.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Slow Dancing in a Black Storm, an enemies-to-friends sweet romance by Tana Jenkins, is the second book in a series that follows the love lives of the three likable and relatable St. James sisters.
Mila is an attorney working for the government on St. Croix attempting to win a controversial eminent domain case which would allow the government to force a number of islanders to sell their land for use as a landfill. The case is important to Mila as a stepping stone to career advancement, especially as she's helping put her little sister through medical school.
But she failed to take into account the overwhelming opposition to the project among islanders, until forced to see the situation from a different point of view by sexy former pro-soccer player and native islander Sergio Gomez.
At first turned off by Sergio's arrogant attitude, Mila is challenged to consider his point of view on the issue, and to acknowledge her own admittedly inadvisable attraction to a guy who is batting for the opposition. Supporting Sergio could cost Mila her job. Is she willing to risk so much for a chance at love?
Jenkins skillfully crafts a story that pulls the reader into the lives of the islanders as they deal with everyday situations, as well as more serious island politics and a potentially deadly "black storm," or hurricane. The story is peppered with authentic island flavor and gives the reader a satisfying taste of a different way of life.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 18, 2024
3.5
very cute easy read but mila is so stubborn it pisses me off sometimes
very cute easy read but mila is so stubborn it pisses me off sometimes
November 22, 2021
Loyalties . . .
Mila St. James is a hard working prosecuting attorney working on an eminent domain case that could end up with the government forcing islanders to sell their land which will be turned into a landfill. Needless to say, this case will stir up a great deal of hostility. But for Mila, it is a path to her career advancement. She is so focused on that and never gave a thought to the anger she would face from the public. So on her first day, seeing the hostility, she storms out and runs into Sergio Gomez, a public figure and major opponent of the case.
Things get complicated as Mila and Sergio interact more, even trapped overnight due to the dangerous storm that came in. He challenges her point of view and makes her think. But changing her support could cost her the job that is so important to her. But Sergio is becoming very important to her as well. Will she take the risk? When he gets in trouble, will she put her career on the line to save him?
Mila St. James is a hard working prosecuting attorney working on an eminent domain case that could end up with the government forcing islanders to sell their land which will be turned into a landfill. Needless to say, this case will stir up a great deal of hostility. But for Mila, it is a path to her career advancement. She is so focused on that and never gave a thought to the anger she would face from the public. So on her first day, seeing the hostility, she storms out and runs into Sergio Gomez, a public figure and major opponent of the case.
Things get complicated as Mila and Sergio interact more, even trapped overnight due to the dangerous storm that came in. He challenges her point of view and makes her think. But changing her support could cost her the job that is so important to her. But Sergio is becoming very important to her as well. Will she take the risk? When he gets in trouble, will she put her career on the line to save him?
April 5, 2022
Mila moved to St. Croix to work as a lawyer for the government. Her first big case is to present the government's case for a new landfill. Sergio had been a football player till he was injured. Now he is a very vocal opponent of the landfill. This was such a fun book. Loved all the descriptions of the island and the 3rd of July celebration. Mila and Sergio are great together, but also loved Pig and Rudy. A sweet clean romance that is a delight to read.
I was given this advanced copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
I was given this advanced copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 31, 2025
Mila and Sergio
March 17, 2022
Sergio and Mila went through some disturbing circumstances during their childhood.
I enjoyed this entertaining story of enemies to lovers. Overall, I like the basis of the book development and the chemistry between the characters.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I enjoyed this entertaining story of enemies to lovers. Overall, I like the basis of the book development and the chemistry between the characters.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 6, 2022
The ex football player turned political activist and the aspiring lawyer. Sergio and Mila find themselves on opposing sides of an argument. Then Mila suddenly finds Sergio living in the same complex as herself. Is this a coincidence? The islanders seem set on throwing them together but will reputations and aspirations keep them on opposing sides forever? A good read.
March 21, 2025
4/5 stars
this was such a good book!! Mila and Sergio were able to learn from each other and also gave each other grace. They both made mistakes and in the end were able to face the fact that not everyone thinks the same about pivotal matters. this is an adult romance perfect for older sisters who feel like the world rests on their shoulders. such a good & heartwarming read. loved the island & culture of the books setting as well.
SPICE: 0/5 (clean read!!)
LANGUAGE: suggestive language, no strong uses of profanity from my remembrance!
TROPES: BIPOC female and male lead, enemies to lovers, forced proximity, extrovert adopts introvert
Mila & Sergio forever ☔️🤍
this was such a good book!! Mila and Sergio were able to learn from each other and also gave each other grace. They both made mistakes and in the end were able to face the fact that not everyone thinks the same about pivotal matters. this is an adult romance perfect for older sisters who feel like the world rests on their shoulders. such a good & heartwarming read. loved the island & culture of the books setting as well.
SPICE: 0/5 (clean read!!)
LANGUAGE: suggestive language, no strong uses of profanity from my remembrance!
TROPES: BIPOC female and male lead, enemies to lovers, forced proximity, extrovert adopts introvert
Mila & Sergio forever ☔️🤍
October 18, 2024
This is an interesting storyline of sisters helping sisters, falling in love and fish.
March 3, 2022
When the author first asked me to consider reading and reviewing this book, I balked since I’m not a fan of “spicy” romance. She assured me that her use of the term didn’t mean what I thought it meant… and she was right. This is a very sweet romance set on the beautiful island of St. Croix. It’s a feel-good story of two lonely people finding love, meaning, and the promise of a bright future. Both Mila and Sergio experienced traumatic events in their childhoods that lead them both to be extra cautious about relationships.
I love the symbolism of how water can destroy but also cleanse and renew. When Mila and Sergio are trapped together during a hurricane, the winds and water help wash away the walls they have each built up around their hearts. And when Sergio is in danger toward the end of the book (trying not to say a spoiler here), water is there to symbolize the complete washing away of those walls and their surrender to the deep feelings they have for one another. It’s a quick read in a beautiful tropical setting. I don’t read a lot of romance so I can’t compare it to the genre, but I enjoyed it. While it is book two of a series, I hadn’t read the first book and don’t feel like that was an issue at all.
I received a free copy of the ebook from the author through BookSirens. All opinions shared are 100% my own.
I love the symbolism of how water can destroy but also cleanse and renew. When Mila and Sergio are trapped together during a hurricane, the winds and water help wash away the walls they have each built up around their hearts. And when Sergio is in danger toward the end of the book (trying not to say a spoiler here), water is there to symbolize the complete washing away of those walls and their surrender to the deep feelings they have for one another. It’s a quick read in a beautiful tropical setting. I don’t read a lot of romance so I can’t compare it to the genre, but I enjoyed it. While it is book two of a series, I hadn’t read the first book and don’t feel like that was an issue at all.
I received a free copy of the ebook from the author through BookSirens. All opinions shared are 100% my own.
August 2, 2022
Set on the beautiful island of St. Croix a battle of epic proportions is brewing. The government trying to claim land under eminent domain uprooting locals from their land and homes. Tasked with representing the government attorney Mila St. James is determined and ambitious. Sergio Gomez like many other islanders is vehemently opposed to the government's proposed plans.
The story was enjoyable with a relationship that starts in acrimony and ends in love. Add to that the relationship depicted between Mila and her sisters, plus the descriptions of the island and its people.
The story was enjoyable with a relationship that starts in acrimony and ends in love. Add to that the relationship depicted between Mila and her sisters, plus the descriptions of the island and its people.
September 19, 2024
I can't wait to continue with this series!
There's the perfect amount of chemistry and friction between the two main characters, creating the perfect love story. I also love books where the setting is a character all its own. If this book didn't take place on the island of St. Croix, it wouldn't be the same story, and I love that fact.
It's just so well written, that it fully immerses you into the story in every way. Don't hesitate to pick this one up!!!
There's the perfect amount of chemistry and friction between the two main characters, creating the perfect love story. I also love books where the setting is a character all its own. If this book didn't take place on the island of St. Croix, it wouldn't be the same story, and I love that fact.
It's just so well written, that it fully immerses you into the story in every way. Don't hesitate to pick this one up!!!
November 25, 2021
A well written story that held my interest throughout. Career-focused prosecutor Mila St. James and "Playboy Fisherman," Sergio Gomez's story of enemies to lovers, there is suspense, drama, a rooster called Pig, twists, turns, and romance. This is a new Author to me. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 22, 2021
This book is a page turner I love the characters and the chemistry they share . The storyline is great you won't regret reading this book .
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 16, 2025
Overall, a cute short story. It was a little jumpy for me and some time frame issues that were a little hard to get past, but overall I thought it nice, diverse, gave me some insight into another kind of life (island life) so I could tell the author had extensive knowledge or did great research.
August 22, 2024
Milla and Sergio are chef’s kiss
I cant say that I enjoyed it cause I literally ate it up in half an hour !!
The sweetest couple on any island !!
Preciouso
I cant say that I enjoyed it cause I literally ate it up in half an hour !!
The sweetest couple on any island !!
Preciouso
January 26, 2026
Mila St James a newcomer to the Island from the States. She comes to get away; and works as a lawyer-currently defending a land takeover. Her honey-honey hot boy, Sergio Gomez, a town favorite son but on is on the opposite side regarding the government land grab to make a landfill. This honey-honey hot boy befriends her and his charm grows on her. How will she handle him bring accused of property damage to the landfill site? Can she navigate this hot situation and keep her much needed job?
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews