Book Review Alert: This Time Around
Author: Kay Shanee
Kindle Edition
Published: March 2024
Publisher: Black Odyssey Media
ASIN: B0DZP9S445
ISBN-13: B0CPTP1ZJ1
Rating: 4 out of 5 pens 🖊️🖊️🖊️🖊️
Kay Shanee delivers a heartfelt and mature love story in This Time Around, where the past meets the present in unexpected ways. This is more than a second-chance romance—it’s a story about emotional growth, choosing joy, and facing the truth with courage.
💫 Story Summary
Dr. Tessa Howard appears to have it all together: she’s a tenured African American Studies professor, the proud mother of a grown daughter, and engaged to a stable—if uninspiring—man. But beneath the surface, Tessa is weary. 😩 She’s tired of living according to others’ expectations, especially those of her traditional mother. A decision to call off her engagement sets her on a new path—one she didn’t know she needed.
Meanwhile, Dr. Cypress Boone, newly hired at Black Elm University and fresh out of a broken engagement, is looking for a fresh start. 🧳 A blind date set up by his goddaughter takes an unexpected turn when he finds himself face-to-face with Tessa—the woman he never forgot from a fleeting, passionate encounter over two decades ago. 💥
Their reunion stirs up old emotions and buried truths. Tessa holds a secret 🤐 that could change everything, and as the two reconnect, they must decide if love after all these years is worth the risk. ❤️🔥
💕 Why It Works
A Mature Take on Love
This isn’t a fairytale romance. 👑 Tessa and Cypress are in their 40s, carrying the weight of life experiences, heartbreak, and lessons learned. Their bond is tender yet powerful, rooted in emotional vulnerability as much as physical attraction. Shanee portrays their rekindled love with authenticity and care. 💏
A Realistic, Relatable Heroine
Tessa is a deeply layered character. 🎓 She’s accomplished, loving, and worn down by the silent sacrifices she’s made over the years. Her story reflects the complexity of being a Black woman expected to “hold it all together.” Watching her reclaim her voice and rediscover herself is both inspiring and relatable. 💪🏾👑
Family Ties That Matter
One of the most touching aspects of the novel is the bond between Tessa and her daughter, Cyrah. 💕 Their relationship is honest, affectionate, and at times hilariously candid. 😂 Cyrah isn’t just background—she plays a crucial role in both the emotional and narrative progression. The generational contrasts between Tessa, Cyrah, and Tessa’s mother also add depth to the story. 👩🏾👧🏾👵🏾
Emotional Depth and Redemption
The novel doesn’t shy away from difficult emotions. 😔 Tessa and Cypress both wrestle with regret, unresolved feelings, and what it means to forgive—not just others, but themselves. The emotional journey is compelling and resonates long after the last page. 🧠💔➡️💖
A Celebration of Black Culture and Excellence
Set against the backdrop of academia, the story proudly highlights Black excellence, professional achievement, and cultural pride. ✊🏾📚 The university setting isn’t just decorative—it supports the novel’s themes of identity, legacy, and personal growth.
🌀 Where It Slows Down
• Mid-Book Lull: While the emotional introspection is necessary, the pace lags in the middle as both characters spend a lot of time in their heads. 💤
• Delayed Reveal: Tessa’s long-held secret remains hidden for much of the story. Some readers may find the wait a bit drawn out, but the emotional payoff is worth it. 🎭
🎯 Final Verdict
This Time Around is a beautifully told love story about what it means to grow up, grow wiser, and still believe in love. 💘 With relatable characters, touching family moments, and a culturally rich backdrop, Kay Shanee crafts a romance that is both grounded and heartwarming. 🥰📖
If you’re looking for a story that honors second chances, emotional healing, and mature Black love, this novel deserves a place on your bookshelf. 📚💞 It’s a powerful reminder that sometimes the love we thought we lost was just waiting for the right time to return. ⏳❤️
Reviewed by Patrice for MUBC Reviews
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