Review by Booklist Review
At a Miami white party, Hendrix Barry meets newly minted Black billionaire Maverick Bell, but he's in a relationship with Hendrix's potential producing partner, so he's off-limits no matter how their attraction crackles. Except Mav is more available than he seems, and once the dust settles, he pursues Hendrix with laser focus. But Hendrix's busy life is made even more complicated by her mother's Alzheimer's diagnosis, and Hendrix is spending time in small-town North Carolina helping to care for her. She's never been able to trust a man to accept her child-free-by-choice status and her big-time ambitions, but Mav may be the exception. Then her fund for Black businesswomen is threatened by a discrimination lawsuit that has unexpected ties to Mav. Ryan's third Skyland romance (after This Could Be Us, 2024) finally gives Hendrix her HEA. It's hard won, which makes it all that much sweeter. And it's steamy, as befits the sex-positive, confident heroine. The way Hendrix talks to her friends is frank and hilarious, and Ryan deftly mixes that lightness with serious issues. All that plus a funny secondary romance and an exuberant epilogue add up to a perfect contemporary romance. HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: Readers can't get enough of Ryan's sizzling, emotionally searing romances, and they have been waiting for Hendrix's story since Before I Let Go (2022).
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Raw emotion and unfettered sensuality animate bestseller Ryan's intoxicating third Skyland romance (after This Could Be Us). Ambitious, fiercely independent businesswoman Hendrix Barry's star is on the rise: she has a successful career as a talent manager, she's passionate about her new venture capital firm that supports Black women--owned businesses, and she's about to embark on a new adventure as a television producer. In the midst of all this success, however, comes hardship when her mother is diagnosed with Alzheimer's. Caring for her leaves little time for romance. Besides, the only man Hendrix is interested in is Maverick Bell, a member of the "tiny exclusive club of Black billionaires"--and he's strictly off-limits. The pair feel a mutual spark from their very first meeting at a party, but Maverick is "practically engaged" to Hendrix's new producing partner, and she's not about to go after someone else's man. Maverick, however, lives for the thrill of the chase and has no such qualms about pursuing Hendrix. The pair bond as he helps her navigate her mother's care and supports her through a devastating threat to her venture capital firm. Ryan's ability to blend steamy forbidden romance, complicated family dynamics, strong female friendships, and frank explorations of misogynoir remains unparalleled. This is an author at the very top of her game. (May)
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
A blossoming romance infringes on a successful businesswoman's professional aspirations, making her reevaluate her priorities. At an exclusive party, talent manager Hendrix Barry has an instant connection with billionaire tech mogul Maverick Bell. When he learns that she's navigating her mother's Alzheimer's diagnosis, he relates to what she's going through, having had similar experiences with his grandfather. Maverick makes Hendrix feel seen and understood like no one else, but he's the recent ex-boyfriend of a woman Hendrix is going into business with as she works toward her goal of executive producing a television show. She tries to set boundaries that would keep him as a friend despite their obvious mutual attraction, but when he expresses interest in her venture capital fund focusing on Black women--led businesses, it leads to spending more time together, and the lines of friendship, business, and pleasure become tangled and blurred. Ryan excels at crafting thoughtful, mature characters who have to manage complicated situations with care and grace. Maverick's dogged pursuit of Hendrix and the delicious ways he woos her using his wealth and persistence frame him as a determined, headstrong hero. Paired with a weaker heroine, he could have been overbearing, but Hendrix is his perfect match, equally as strong-willed and tenacious. They bring out each other's softer, more vulnerable sides as well, and both have compassionate hearts. The spicy romance is the core of this satisfying story, but the novel doesn't shy away from--and is made richer for the inclusion of--hardships like caring for an aging parent and confronting racism in the world of business. The tale also highlights the importance of community and the value of supportive, platonic love through the wonderful cast of side characters. This captivating, deeply emotional, and incredibly sexy romance is a balm for the soul. Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
