Kamal’s an ex-football player. Jayda’s a single mother uninterested in another relationship until she sees Kamal with her daughter.
Every rejection will only make his victory sweeter. He plans to lick, taste, and devour her like the delicacy she is until the world, her ex, and Jayda recognizes his name tatted on every inch of her curvy body.
Kamal never plays by halves, and Jayda has a thing or two to show this deviously handsome player. But when the past runs an interference, they’ll learn in matters of the heart there are no rules.
Ja’Nese Dixon pens tales of romance in various subgenres. But her favorites are the ones that manage to keep readers sitting on the edge of their seats lying to themselves about reading “just one more chapter”.
She is an avid reader and coffee drinker, who also loves to run, cook, and craft. Her ultimate goal as a writer is to give you a little “staycation” with every story.
Ja’Nese calls Houston home with her husband, three kiddos, and a four-legged diva dog. Visit her website at http://www.janesedixon.com if you enjoy romance, suspense, and good stories.
Kamal came home to deal with family business. Jayda came to Houston for what she believed were business opportunities. She finds a few things more. One a sizzling attraction for a restaurant owner and his family. She finds that her life was not what she wanted but what she was willing to settle for. For her daughter to have a family and a life she did not. Kamal was stubborn but determined at the same time.
I enjoyed meeting a new family, friends, and their test and trials of life. This was one gentleman down on to the next one.
Reasons I enjoyed this book: Entertaining Easy-to-read Wonderful characters Romantic
This is a hard one to rate because I overall liked the story and the plot idea but I felt like there were some inconsistencies with the execution. The premise is that Jayda is an up-and-coming beauty influencer trapped in a toxic relationship with a cheating boyfriend. Though she claims she’s staying for her daughter, she’s actually staying because of her trauma associated with growing up with her terrible single mother and also the discomfort of no longer being kept by a wealthy man. However, with the help of her friend, she exits the toxic relationship and meets Kamal, a retired professional athlete who is now some sort of venture capitalist. Kamal has his own family trauma linked with being the oldest sibling being left to pick up the pieces after his father abandoned the family. With both Kamal and Jayda suffering from trust issues and relationship trauma, it’s possible that the sparks that fly when they first meet could be dead on arrival.
One main issue with this is some continuity issues with the plot. Jayda’s feelings towards her love rat ex are inconsistent and her degree of accepting culpability vary chapter to chapter. Perhaps this is true to real life, but to read it was quite jarring. Secondly, there were lots of unresolved issues that were built up and never satisfactorily dealt with for me as a reader to be reconciled to the transformation. For example, Kamal’s relationship with his father is more or less healed in one sentence but doesn’t address the fact that Kamal’s father was a deadbeat to his 5 children and left his 13-year-old son to play father to his younger siblings. It doesn’t address the issue that the break up of a relationship is not equivalent to the break up of a father-child relationship and that dynamic is really poorly dealt with and it didn’t sit well. Jayda’s willingness to go back to a living relationship with her toxic ex also made absolutely no sense.
There were things I liked. I loved the secondary characters and cared about their relationships enough that even though I didn’t love every part of this, I would still check those books out because this author created a world where I care about Kamal’s siblings and am interested in their healing and I adore Jayda’s BFF Catrina and want to see her happy ending with Rashaad.
I didn’t love this but I loved the world the author built and this is my first read by her so I definitely want to try something else.
I thoroughly enjoyed this full length novel from Ja'nese. I hope we get story with Jayda's best friend, front and center.
I love straight shooters and no truer words have ever been spoken!
“Jayda, I want to be your friend and your man. The only way we can truly hurt each other is with dishonesty. You said one hundred. Let’s do one hundred.”
-Kamal
Comic Relief
“Thug 1 and Thug 2 we need to bounce.” Emmitt yells.
This was a good read....just frustrating. I could definitely empathize with Jayda, but she was so FRUSTRATING. She'd been in relationship with a F-boy for over 5 years, knew he was cheating, and did nothing to prepare for the moment she had to leave him.
She made, what I assume to be, decent money on YouTube, but allowed him to "manage" her and then had a joint account with him. For WHAT? She didn't pay any of the household bills and he didn't have to be on/have actual access to the account to deposit the money for their daughter's daycare so why?
She FINALLY leaves him just to go back? For what? He didn't change his ways, he didn't become super father. Why? For Reese?
And that's another thing I hate. Women who "stay for the kids" when they're truly giving THEMSELVES the excuse to stay because they think they can't find another man, or they're willing to deal with the disrespect for a lifestyle. There's no other reason, because why would you want your child to see you in an unhealthy relationship?
Brett cheats so much he had a whole PUBLIC second woman and household. A woman he spent MORE time with than he did the household with his child. You have a whole other man doing the goodnight spiel from states away, but you're staying with this man for the kid???
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This is another first for me, I have read at least 3 new authors between September and October. Mrs. Dixon, you surely did not disappoint. I have thoroughly enjoyed this read, when I say Kamal is book Bae I mean that. I loved his personality, ambition, and love for his family. He was the big brother turned father figure for his siblings. He was a man that knew how to be a daddy. He became that to Reese.
Reese wasn't the only one that desires Kamal as a father figure but her mother Jayda had to have him as well. Jayda needed a man like Kamal in her life. She deserved to be loved unconditionally and to find her independence. Her being with a man like Brett he was just going to string her along like a puppet. Jayda's meeting Kamal was the best thing she could have done for her and Reese. The scene where Jayda walked in on Kamal holding a sleeping Reese while on the phone was priceless.
I am looking forward to the next installment in this series. I want to see how Miya and Dean's story unfolds. I know it is going to be some hurdles along the way. I am also hoping that there is an update on Jayda and Kamal with their growing family. I would love to read Rashaad and Catrina's story after Dean and Miya.
There was lots of drama in this one and just when you thought the drama was done, more came.
I really loved Jayda, thought she was doing the best that she could at the start. She knew something was wrong with her relationship, but wanted a stable house for her daughter. I hated how she found out what she suspected, but I also think she needed to be slapped in the face like that before she made a change. While I was glad that Kamal was there for her, I didn't entirely trust him, he came off as a total player, but when Jayda's life went to shit, he was the calm force she needed.
Kamal had his own family drama and it was easy to understand his bitterness to his father. I was very surprised with what we learned at the end, very surprised at what he learned and how both adults let things play out in the past.
The present was where things were going to change for everyone, if only they take the chance. It was hard for them all, they had to put everything they were out there and risk the big hurt, but it was so worth it! So glad to see how this ended for everyone!
Although Jayda’s relationship with her boyfriend wasn’t perfect, she wanted to see it succeed for the sake of her daughter until she realized that if only one person is invested in a relationship it will never thrive. It was on one of the most devastating nights that she met Kamal never expecting to see him again.
Kamal is a successful businessman who isn’t looking for love or a relationship. When destiny brings Jayda back into his life he is drawn to both mother and daughter but if they are going to have a future together they must first overcome the past.
Kamal is everything you could want in a man and more while with his support Jayda showed how strong and resilient she really is.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and it was a really great storyline. I really liked Kamal and he was perfect for Jayda and Reese. My only dislike was the way the timeline jumped ahead. Sometimes it was confusing.
It was crazy the way that Kamal and Jayda first met not knowing it wouldn't be the last time that they saw each other. Jayda rushes home trying to repair her relationship with Brett by popping up to surprise him at a house warming party that ends up being for Brett and his side chick but Kamal steps up and rescues Jayda and Reese in more ways than one. Kamal ended up being the man and father that Jayda and Reese needed in their lives because Brett was just a grown selfish boy. I love how tight the Montgomery clan is with Jackie and Kenneth remarrying after being divorced for twenty years and Kamal forgiving Kenneth when he found out the truth on why they divorced. I don't feel as though Rashaad deserves Catrina after overlooking her for so many years especially when his siblings brought her feelings for him to his attention and he brings a date to the family's business function. I can't wait to see what happens next with Ebony, Emmitt, and Quan. Emmitt played Ebony to the left after her slept with her but he feels some kind of way about Quan flirting openly with Ebony. Miya and Dean trying to be lowkey with their relationship and I'm surprised that Kamal, Rashaad, Quan, and Demetrius haven't went ballistic about them dating yet. I guess we'll find out what Kamal and Jayda are having in the next book. ***Suggestion*** It would help readers to know who's talking if you labeled each character with who's point of view it was from.
Ja'Nese Dixon is a new to me author so Play to Win is my very first time experiencing her talent, but it won't be my last. Jayda has been with a man who was a dog, but she tried to work it out because of the daughter they had, but it all comes to a head with a bang as she witnesses something that puts that final nail in their relationship coffin, so she's off to stay with her bestie. She starts getting to know Kamal at his point since he kind of rescues her while she's in such pain. Of course it's not quite their time because she's so upset about everything that went wrong in her life, and he doesn't date single mothers. However, when fate is involved it doesn't matter what they want because they're meant to be. Of course, the past tends to not stay in the past, and her ex is back. Can they get through it all together for a chance at something amazing?! Hit those one click buttons to find out! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO ALL!
I think the author is great but what I don’t like is the negative reference to Black Girl Magic I honestly feel it could have been left out and was randomly mentioned. Kamals mom said she hated the Black Girl Magic movement and that’s a NO FOR ME . Black girl magic doesn’t mean that we can’t be vulnerable or that we don’t hurt and don’t have emotions. To me Black Girl Magic just means we can do whatever we put our minds to. Which ironically is the same thing that Kamal preaches to Jayda the whole book. Black Girl Magic is meant to celebrate us and I simply can’t get with someone speaking negative on it.
Jayda is locked in a horrible relationship with Brett, a liar and a cheat. She's hanging in there for Reese, the daughter they share together. Until one night when she stumbles into a housewarming that Brett is having with his side-chick.
Fortunately, Kamal Montgomery, rescues Jayda, from that nightmare, and she is then embraced by his entire supportive family. Yet somehow, Jayda ends up back in Brett's house. I must have missed a few pages, because I can't figure out how that happened.
“But you said you want me to keep it one hundred. I’m about to keep it a mil because I want you, Jayda, in every way a man wants a woman.”
I wanted to get this review written the same day I finished it because I wanted my thoughts to be fresh so hopefully I won't forget anything. In Play to Win, we are following Jayda. She's in a terrible relationship with the father (Brett) of her daughter (Reese). Jayda has found panties in Brett's car, he's out all night...things are just suspish. On a business trip to Houston, she meets Kamal Montgomery who is part owner of the Montgomery family restaurant, Southern Soul. But after returning back home to surprise Brett, Jayda gets a huge shock that finally helps her make the decision to leave Brett. In swoops Kamal to save the day and help Jayda out, and the story really takes off from there.
"Stop trying to save the world overnight. I say, let that man love on you from the top to the bottom and from the front to the back, then from side to side. And if he offers seconds, take it!"
Let me preface my thoughts with this: do not go into this book if you want a romance full of sexy times because you will be disappointed. Yes there is some smut towards the end and yes the chemistry is fire but this book is so much more than that. Play to Win is about both a mom and a woman making the decision to leave a relationship where she and her daughter are not appreciated, and deciding that they both deserve more and better. This is about the scary and stressful ride of becoming a single mom. It's about learning to trust again and opening yourself up again to love. It's about learning to be ok to ask for help and learning to lean on others. It's about finding a new and better support group full of friends and found family. It's about a little girl building a relationship with a better father figure. It's about very old wounds being ripped open and healing finally. It is more than a romance. This is a story about true friendships and deep family love. Honestly I'm crying just thinking about some of the scenes. There were so many relationships being formed in this book and it also set up possible future relationships as well. It is safe to say that I loved this book and I absolutely will be continuing on in the series.
Also be prepared to get hungry while reading. I was craving chicken and waffles pretty much the entire time.
My one and only complaint would be that of course I could go for more smut, and maybe book two will deliver but that's just a personal preference of mine.
This book was such an awesome beginning to the Southern Gentlemen Series. The one thing I remember growing up was that good down home soul food can always brings a family together. But a family's strength starts with a sound foundation. Without that cracks may start and lead to crumbling and the downfall of any structure. Jayda was in a relationship that had a shaky foundation from the start. But she CHOSE to ignore the signs because she was "doing it for Reese". She meets Kamal while visiting her friend Catrina while on business. And wow was the chemistry between these two HOT!! But Jayda had her baby daddy issues with Brett to deal with back in LA. Kamal had family drama going on in Houston. Now I'm not going to spoil this book because it was truly a rollercoaster of excitement all throughout this storyline. And I admit I was all in my feelings with the Montgomery family drama surrounding Kamal's parents. Their story begins with the family restaurant Southern Soul Houston. Kamal went home to help bring the restaurant out of the red. But he was unprepared for what he saw when he got there. During his effort to try and help he is confronted by his parents. And that's where things got crazy. When things popped off I was straight stunned. I was like uh uh no that man didn't just... wait did his mother just side with? Yes chile in was all in my feeling's thinking one way without reading the rest of the story. And let me tell you it got so dang goooood. I had to keep going until I finished it.
The drama and the chemistry between Jayda and Kamal was sooo deep and multi-faceted. Kamal and Jayda's journey was amazing and a crazy at the same time. Sometimes we can be the reason for our own failures. And Jayda fell right into that pot hole eyes wide open. Falling back on familiar shenanigans. But the heart wants what it wants! Kamal had his own share of pot hole moment too. But in the end their HEA was well earned and so much deserved. The blessing they received in the end was just the first step in solidifying their family's solid foundation along with the grand reopening of "Southern Soul Houston". If you haven't read this book and are thinking about it, then let me say you need to add it to your TBR list. It will not disappoint. It's that fantastic. Trust me! Ja'Nese Dixon did that!!
OK, y'all. This is not a perfect book, but it sucked me in. I COULD. NOT. PUT. IT. DOWN! Yes, I stayed up later than I should to finish it. No, I do not regret a moment of that time.
Jayda is in WAY over her head with Brett, her cheating boyfriend / baby daddy / possible manager. It's a sticky situation, to say the least. Brett's a dog and a d*ck (not the good kind) - and that's being nice. Sadly, Jayda doesn't always make the best decisions, but I do love that she tries her best to put her pocketful of sunshine, a.k.a. Reese, first with everything she does.
And then there is Kamal. That man.... Mm hmm.... He earns the respect and ire of those around him. I like that he isn't afraid to step into a situation that he's uninvolved with and takes action to put things as right as he reasonably can. He is occasionally short-sighted, but usually figures it out.
Each kiss sends a shock wave through my body. Each kiss communicates a promise of more to come and I’m falling. -- Jayda Dallas
The chemistry burns so bright that Jayda tells him they can't be friends because of it. Yeah, that's not a plan she sticks to. 😂🔥💥
Please note that a Bugatti is harmed in the telling of this story. 😉 (I love Emmitt's reaction to this!)
I read this as part of the Southern Gentlemen Romance Box Set Volume 1 collection. I'm looking forward to the other books and spending more time with the Montgomery family!
What a wonderful story and it makes awesome start for the series which will easily steal your heart. It's a powerful combination of secrets and excitement that's full humor and romance plus fun. I know this will be a unique series! With stories that will bring a smile to your face with lots of emotions. The characters are awesome and their emotions burns up the pages with it's chemistry. There are plenty feisty women who is so independent and some who are not but it makes you cheer them on anyway. Reading this story was a pleasurable experience that you will keep you on the edge of your seat with this family its so amazing and they makes you want to read the other stories in the series.The stories are about family and this is what makes them binge worthy that will be amazing to read. If each one is like this they will make you turn every page until the end. I really enjoyed these characters they are so amazing and great together. When you add in the drama along with tons of emotions plus some intriguing twists and turns then you have a story that's full of feelings and so awesome. The couples aren't searching for forever, but the chemistry is so fantastic that it turns into a great love that's strong with each other. These relationships are loads of romance and heartache that all works out for good! Even the secondary characters are so extraordinary that it takes such imagination to make this book a beautiful story to read. This story is truly delightful and amazing with it's being humorous and exciting in nature I Highly Recommend Reading it. This is a five stars story that I know I will read more than once!
Always enjoy books by this author and this new series is no different. Kamal is a man who grew up to fast and now feels he needs to fix the family's problems. He forgets though family means asking them to help too. Issues with his dad are first and center, but life isn't always what it seems. He is also a man who is a straight shooter. Jayda just wants to give her baby, the precious Reese, the home and family she never had, but at what cost? These two together are explosive but for them to be together means they both need to let their past go and tryst each other. So much easier said than done. This story flows so well. Love a strong alpha male that knows what he wants, is loyal and protective of his family, and can show emotion. And swoon great with kids. Jayda wants to be loved but more importantly she wants her baby to know she is loved and to gave self confidence. She is strong but life keeps getting her down. I love what she teaches her daughter. These are wonderful characters, except Brett. Can't wait to read the rest of the Montgomery books. This is an honest voluntary review
Jayda & Kamal 's first meeting was the beginning of their HEA. Although they didn't know it. Jayda was in a relationship with her daughters father. He had given her a promise ring only and was engaging in other relationships. She had suspected it for a while but knew for sure when she found a pair of pink panties in his car. When she went to Houston to seek contracts for her beauty brand video's she found out that Brett (boyfriend, manager) had not done anything to solidify a real contract. When she return home to surprise Brett she gets the surprise of her life. When things get to be to much for her Kamal comes to her aid. She leaves Los Angeles with her daughter to return to Houston to stay with her best friend and here is when her and Kamal's love flourish. Kamal has some family issues he need to fix/ resolve. This story is intense but a love story you will never forget. Ja'Nese Dixon has written a very warm and happy story. Once you begin you will not want to stop!!!! Thoroughly enjoyed part 1 of Southern Gentlemen Series.🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
The reader is left floundering. - One issue with the lack of continuity with the plot. Jayda’s feelings towards her sperm donor jump back and forth. Paired with the lack of labels telling whose POV the chapter is from and the random time jumps, the reading experience was quite jarring. - Another issue is the mound of unresolved issues that were built up and never properly resolved. For example, Kamal was 100% justified in his feelings toward his father. You abandoned your children because you got cheated on?!?!?!? Kamal lost his childhood because of his father’s selfishness and then to have his family blame him was ridiculous. He really should’ve abandoned them and let the restaurant fail. The resolution was rushed and seemed uncharacteristic for Kamal. No accountability from Kenneth or Mother Jackie was disappointing. She placed the responsibility on Kamal’s shoulders and the act as if he has no right to feel that way about his deadbeat dad was appalling. Adding in his siblings’ disregard for his feelings made me dislike his entire family.
This is my first book by this author and I really enjoyed it. I loved the sense of family with the Montgomery's. It wasn't always smooth sailing, but there was always love. I really don't think Kamal ever considered bringing Jayda into his world completely, but after their first chance meeting he couldn't get her off his mind. Then with their second completely unexpected encounter, he knew he had to fight for her and her little girl Reese. The part that stood out to me the most was how Jayda became her own woman as the book progressed. Thinking that she didn't deserve to be anything more than a mans arm candy, with her current situation and also with the help of Kamal, she realised that she was worth so much more. Fantastically written with superb characters I will definitely be reading more from this author in the future. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book
"This is my first book by this author and I really enjoyed it. I loved the sense of family with the Montgomery's. It wasn't always smooth sailing, but there was always love. I really don't think Kamal ever considered bringing Jayda into his world completely, but after their first chance meeting he couldn't get her off his mind. Then with their second completely unexpected encounter, he knew he had to fight for her and her little girl Reese. The part that stood out to me the most was how Jayda became her own woman as the book progressed. Thinking that she didn't deserve to be anything more than a mans arm candy, with her current situation and also with the help of Kamal, she realised that she was worth so much more. Fantastically written with superb characters I will definitely be reading more from this author in the future. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book"
Kamal was content with his life and had no desire for a family. He was a retired football player that had great businesses and had made strategic investments. There was no need to settle down and endure all that headache. So he thought...until he met Jada. When Kamal meets Jada, she is at a crossroad in her life. Trying to figure out her next steps personally and professionally. The only sure things she had was her sweet, smart daughter Reese and the love of her friend Catrina. Kamal helps her to realize she can have more, and deserves more in a relationship. Jada helps Kamal realize that a family is possible. This book reinforces the importance of family. As well as reminds us that not all family is blood. The people that stand by you and lift you up become your family!
Let the games begin.....Memorable characters, absolutely love Kamal, he's an alpha male who knows what he wants and is upfront about it, what you see is what you get. He's portrayed as the type of person who always has your back and wants what's best for you, well sometimes it's more like what he thinks is best for you, lol. Great father-figure, his family dynamics are a little intense but they all have big hearts and much love for one another. Jayda is a piece of work, very naive. Very fast paced, enjoyed the ride and looking forward to reading more about the Montgomery family and would especially love to read about how Catrina moves on and am already coaching her.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Jayda is trying to keep her family together but the unexpected happens and she turns to her best friend for help. Kamal is a successful business man who has no interest in settling down. The two lives come together within a series of events but the past doesn’t stay in the past.
Ja’Nese does it again! She delivers an emotional and understanding romance that you can’t put down. She expresses what any strong single mother would do for her child and the struggle to decide whether to be in another relationship. She also touches on the impact divorce has on children. Loved the storyline and the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I started this book with a little trepidation because Jayda was tap dancing on my nerves. She was in a completely loveless relationship and she kept saying that she was in it for her daughter. Brett had absolutely no relationship with their daughter and the cringe worthy scene when Jayda was eating pizza in the kitchen with Reese and she said she could feel Reese shrink into her side, but she was still willing to maintain that nightmarish life calling it a family. It just showed that we can become comfortable in completely uncomfortable situations. I liked the characters in Houston and I did like the story as a whole because it showed people who have flaws and it’s okay. I recommend this book.
OK, that just about knocked me off my feet with how good it was. I absolutely loved it.
To be an honest man and upfront about what your intentions are with a women is one thing I admire, and I was very impressed with Mr. Kamal Montgomery. The way he swooped in to save and protect Jayda without even knowing her... Love Love Love. When you know, you know😏.
I felt incredibly sorry for Jayda. I get that she wanted to try to be a family with that punk Brett, yet the way he did her was pretty despicable. The way Jayda, then Brett did him towards the end🤭... I wasn't even mad about it; he deserves that and much more😏.
I like the Montgomery Crew. I'm looking forward to reading more about them all.
Oh my goodness this book had me talking to it from the page 1! Jayda, loved the growth of her character and Reese was a cutie pie! Loved the sisterhood between Catrina and Jayda! I am in love with the Montgomery Brothers and the entire family! I was laughing, crying and experiencing all kinds of other emotions!
Kamal is so lovable even with his stubbornness! I love the way he handles his business and takes care of his family! Mama's Boy, till the day he dies but still a man's man! Ms. Dixon your story made me stay up all night reading because I had to know what happened!
So, onto to Book 2! I am in love with this series and it is just what I needed to leave my reality, if not just for a couple of hours! BRAVO!!!
Kamal and Jada wow what can I say. Jayda has ben with Brett for a while and when she gets pregnant he begs her to have his child. Everything is fine until it isn't. It takes someone taking her to a party hosted by her boyfriend to open her eyes now Jayda she has had enough. She moves to another state to be with her best friend and it is also here that she and Kamal embarks on a journey that will change both of their lives but her ex hasn't given up. Will he bring an end to Jayda and Kamal's budding relationship? This thrilling story captures you from page one and will keep you caught up in its dram until the last page.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.