And Then Came You

Black Love Series (Book 2) (Ryan Family Series)

Romance - Contemporary
256 Pages
Reviewed on 11/12/2024
Buy on Amazon

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    Book Review

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

And Then Came You by Dorothy Elizabeth Love is an emotionally rich contemporary romance exploring the delicate interplay between past trauma and new beginnings. The story centers on Parker Ryan, a man still haunted by previous heartbreak, who finds himself unexpectedly drawn to the magnetic Dr. Chi Addams. Their connection challenges everything Parker thought he knew about love and healing, as Chi's fierce independence and undeniable allure begin to crack the walls around his heart. Part of the Black Love Series, this novel delves deep into the complexity of second chances and the courage required to trust again. Through their evolving relationship, the story explores how past wounds shape our present choices, and the transformative power of allowing oneself to be vulnerable enough to love again, even when every instinct screams to stay safe.

Author Dorothy Elizabeth Love demonstrates an exceptional talent for crafting authentic, emotionally resonant relationships that feel both intimate and universal at the same time, touching our hearts and teaching valuable life lessons. The chemistry between Parker and Chi practically sizzles off the pages, and I found myself completely invested in their journey from their very first encounter. The writing style has a soulful quality that perfectly captures the nuances of desire, vulnerability, and personal growth, making every scene genuine and deeply felt, and this is also enhanced by the realistic dialogue that conveys so much emotion. What particularly moved me was the sensitive portrayal of Parker's grief and healing journey, which the author handles with remarkable insight and compassion, showing how past pain can both initially hinder and ultimately enhance our capacity for love. Her celebration of Black love feels refreshingly authentic, creating characters whose experiences and emotions transcend stereotypes while remaining culturally rich and specific, and also educational along the way. Overall, And Then Came You is a masterfully crafted romance that will resonate with anyone who believes in the possibility of love after loss, and I'd certainly recommend it.

Pikasho Deka

And Then Came You is the second book in the Ryan Family Series by Dorothy Elizabeth Love. Parker Ryan's life turned upside down the day his beloved fiancée, Cynthia, died in a horrific car accident right in front of his eyes. One year later, Parker runs into Dr. Chi Addams, who is treating Parker's mother, Harriett. Since they first laid eyes on each other, Parker and Chi have felt an intense mutual attraction. Soon, a blossoming romance develops between the two. However, Chi has a four-year-old son with sickle cell disease, whose father, Douglas, makes an unexpected appearance in her life once again. Meanwhile, Parker has a premonition about Chi possibly suffering the same fate as Cynthia. Can Parker and Chi leave their pasts behind and start anew? Or will Parker's premonition come true?

And Then Came You is a sizzling romance drama that keeps you guessing until the end with twists and turns galore. Author Dorothy Elizabeth Love has written a captivating tale of love, family, and romance featuring compelling characters who are easy to like and have amazing story arcs. The two main characters, Chi and Parker, are very well-developed, and their backstories make you invested in their romance, and as a result, you want to see them end up together. Even the secondary characters have vibrant personalities and key roles in the story, especially Parker's and Chi's family members. The plot is nicely paced and has quite a few surprises in store for the reader. I thoroughly enjoyed the book. Chi and Parker complement each other, and the story is very immersive. It's a book tailor-made for contemporary romance lovers.

Frank Mutuma

Things are not the same for Parker since losing Cynthia. The pain is too much, and his subsequent romantic encounters do not last. Parker’s mother is at the hospital for a surgical procedure, and this is where he meets Dr. Addams. Her love life has also not been easy. She had been with Douglas, but after her pregnancy, Douglas abandoned her. Another thing that has been troubling Dr. Addams is the fact that her son has the same condition that her father had. Spending time with her son is also a challenge due to her medical residency, which means a very busy schedule. After the encounter with Parker at the hospital, things progress rapidly despite all the things that seem to separate them. How will things turn out between Parker and Dr. Addams in And Then Came You by Dorothy Elizabeth Love?

And Then Came You by Dorothy Elizabeth Love is wonderfully written, and despite being the second book in the series, it can easily be read as a standalone. I loved the vivid descriptions of events and places that captured my imagination. The passion leaves one yearning for more, and the excellent use of suspense kept me looking forward to the events of subsequent chapters. The plot flowed seamlessly, which left no room for confusion for the reader, and the themes covered on issues such as abortion and genetic conditions will leave readers contemplating the complex nature of some choices and their consequences. This thought-provoking work also got me thinking about the importance of services like genetic counseling. I look forward to reading something else by this author.