Only for the Week by Natasha Bishop | Rome Is A Real One

So, I think I’ve reached the stage where I only want to listen to audiobooks where the male leads are voiced by So I think I’ve reached the stage where I only want to listen to audiobooks where the male leads are voiced by Emmanuel Ingram and Winston James. They literally have me in a chokehold.

Anyway, this story follows sisters Janelle and Amerie. Amerie’s two week destination wedding trip in Tulum is the backdrop as she prepares to marry her baby sister’s ex, Arnold. Yes, chile. Yes. And their mother literally WANTS Janelle to be in her feelings about it, even though she isn’t. Dysfunctional and toxic AF. Janelle is a whole doctor, living her best life and happily single but yet her mother and sister feel like she has pent up feelings about the wedding. Not to mention Amerie is overbearing and manipulative AF.

Enter Rome. Rome is the fine ass best man and best friend of her ex who doesn’t try to hide his attraction to Janelle and while she feels it too, she convinces herself that it can’t happen because her mother and sister would be upset about it. She is so caught up in not stepping on their toes and bending to their will that she almost lets a good one get away.

Almost.

Things get really heated between the two of them and while she continues to pull away he comes up with a solution. Only for the week. He convinces her to allow him to serve at her pleasure as a “stress reliever” the first week and go back to business as usual thereafter. Now, I don’t know what made them think that would work considering the chemistry they clearly had prior to arriving at the airport, but their connection becomes so deep that they realize there is literally no going back. Between the quiet moments and deep conversations, Janelle and Rome have to navigate the dynamics of their respective families and friendships while trying to stay off the radar with their feelings for one another.

But one thing about Rome, he DOES NOT PLAY about Janelle. He forces her to not only prioritize her own needs and speak up for herself where her mother and sister are concerned but he also allows her to just be. He’s so emotionally intelligent and truly sees her, listens to her, supports her and respects her and her body. In the short time they spend together, Rome gives Janelle experiences she’s never had and lets her know she owes him nothing in return. Through Rome, Janelle finds self-worth, true loyalty, reciprocity and romance. It made me so happy, giddy even, listening to this connection unfold. The passion between the two of them was top tier.

I wasn’t sure what to expect since so many comments indicated they DNF this book but I fully enjoyed watching the story unfold.

TW: family toxicity, manipulation

Rating: Rome for the people.