e-ALC, 07:51:07
Narrated by: Benjamin Charles, Jeanette Illidge, & Zakiya N. Jamal
Release Date: December 2, 2025
Published by: Books on Tape (Berkley)
Read from: December 2-3, 2025
Stand-alone
Source: PRH Audio App (I received this ALC free from the publisher and their app. I also received a physical ARC of this and used to do immersive reading. This did nothing to influence my review!)
Content Warning: Sexual Content, Death of a Parent, Biphobia
For Readers Interested In: 2sLGBTQ+ (Bi & Pan) , Adult, ARC, Audio, Contemporary Romance, Sparkly Covers, Most Anticipated, Own Voices, Racial/Ethnic Diversity, Realistic Fiction, RomanceA late bloomer thought a visit to a sex club might jump start her love life, but instead makes an instant connection that turns her whole world upside down, in this adult debut from author Zakiya N. Jamal.
When Stella Renee Johnson’s roommate invites her to a sex club party but bails at the last minute, Stella decides to use the opportunity to finally cash in her V-card. But just when things are heating up between Stella and a sexy stranger, they realize they don’t have protection and Stella, taking it as a sign this wasn’t meant to be, flees.
Frustrated in more ways than one, Stella is shocked to learn that the digital media website where she works is partnering with an AI company. She’s even more shocked when the alluring man from the previous night walks in. Max Williams is the CEO’s brother and the creator of the AI program now threatening her job.
Despite the conflict of interest, Stella and Max can’t resist their magnetic attraction toward each other, and agree to keep their personal lives separate from what’s happening at work. But the more similarities they discover at home—both Black, book smart, and bisexual—the more they butt heads at work. Stella and Max must decide whether to think with their heads and walk away from their budding relationship, or follow their hearts and take a chance on love, no matter the cost.
*MY THOUGHTS*
I feel like I’ve said this a lot lately, but this was so much fun! I knew it was going to be as soon as I heard where they met at lol But Lordt this was so much better than I thought it was going to be. And it had just the right blend of everything to make it a really great story.
Ok so the romance was my favorite part. I think it was because of Max. Max was literally everything. He stood up for her against everyone. And he was so smart and such a nerd. And he was so sweet to her. And then there was Stella. I liked her too, but in her own ways. And like I know this is weird, but the way he taught her things and some of those things were hot lol Oh AND they talked about bi-erasure in this and I loved that they talked about it. Definitely a topic that makes me happy to see that people are still acknowledging. They were so good together in so many ways. But the best part was that I also liked them individually.
Ok so Stella as a character was the sweetest. Btu that seemed to also be her downfall. She was so nice and basically a people pleaser and I understand that all too well. This really hit home for me. I also agreed with her out right refusal to using the AI thing. I’m pretty sure I would have tried to stay under the radar and just barely do the assignment too lol I was a bit worried when I saw that he worked for an AI company, but Jamal never makes us question the characters and their morals, and I loved that. Stella is a character that I saw so much of myself in.
I also really enjoyed the plot, or just the story itself. The almost one night stand was crazy, seeing who he was was shocking and hilarious, and watching them fall for each other immediately was so swoon-worthy! When I say I had such a good time reading this, I mean it. And if you’re worried this is going to be too sweet, please know this is not that. There is a terrible person in this book so don’t think there’s no bite. I was actually surprised at the ending tho. I was not expecting either of them to stand 10 toes down at EVERYTHING like they did. I loved this even more because of that.
I knew from where they met I was going to love this one, and I did. I really hope we bring this world back around. As much as I liked Stella and Max, I’m also nosey adn need to know more about the roommate and the rest of the friend group lol So please, keep this request in mind Jamal lolol
Overall, I give this
