Customer Reviews

When A Man Loves A Woman (Indigo)

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

LaConnie Taylor-Jones does it again. In her second release, When A Man Loves A Woman, the author continues to draw readers into the lives of the Baptiste men and their women. This time the story centers on Victoria Bennett, Caitlyn's best friend who is sour on love, and A.J. Baptiste, Marcel's younger brother. Will the pain from Victoria's past stop her from accepting the love A.J. Baptiste is ready, willing and able to give her?

I enjoyed the many layers of Victoria. Although she is quite educated and has reached the top of her game as a nursing administrator, what is important to her is having a heart for people; she genuinely cares about others. She exudes confidence at times and vulnerability at others. Her character is very believable. What I liked about A.J. Baptiste is the fact that despite his family wealth, he is still willing to work and give back to his community. He could probably have any woman he wants, but he is pursuing one woman, only. I was happy to see Victoria finally considering giving A.J. a chance. The story flowed well for me and while it is categorized a romance, the plot still offers a dramatic subplot that is sure to arouse reader suspense.

This book does stand alone for readers who have not yet read When I'm With You, the author's first novel; nonetheless, I was glad to be brought up to date with the courtship turned marriage between Caitlyn and Marcel Baptiste. I'm looking forward to more from this author.

In this follow up to "When I'm With You" , LaConnie Taylor-Jones unites us again with the Baptiste family. In "When A Man Loves A Woman", we find pediatrician Alcee "A.J." Baptiste and Victoria "Vic" Bennett still attracted to one another. A.J. is of the mind that a woman should not work outside of the home and of course headstrong and stubborn, Vic does not agree. This often leads to humorous interaction between the two.

Vic, looking for a serious relationship and wanting to start over has made up her mind to leave Oakland and move to Atlanta. A.J. is determined this will not happen and does what he can to put a stop to things; however, a motorcycle accident hinders his plans. Or does it?

The Baptiste provide close family relationships along with some humor, a hit-and-run accident and drug dealing provide the mystery while A.J. and Vic bring on the heat.

Ms Taylor Jones has introduced us to some interesting secondary characters that we look forward to reading about in the future.

A 5 star read, indeed.

LaConnie Taylor-Jones' sophomore novel, When A Man Loves A Woman, is a
story you have to read. Victoria Bennett, a hospital administrator,
was introduced to readers in her first novel, When I'm With You.
After a very painful divorce, Victoria has decided she will never
fall in love again. That is, until she meets Alcee Jules Baptist.
A. J., a very handsome pediatrician and single parent to twin
daughters, had already decided that Victoria was going to be his wife
and mother of his twins. He only has to win her heart. When Victoria
confronts A.J. about interfering in her decision to relocate from Los
Angeles to Atlanta, she storms from his house and is involved in an
accident. The accident is the beginning of a chain of events that
forces the two together and it forces Victoria to make some very
difficult decision.

When A Man Loves A Woman is a very fun and captivating story to
read. Jones raises issues of abuse and adultery as well as a bit of
mystery for readers to solve. Readers are sure to fall in love with
A.J. as he puts together his plan of romance to capture her heart. If
you are a fan of the first novel, you will definitely want to read
this one.

Reviewed by: Priscilla C. Johnson
APOOO BookClub

Ms Taylor-Jones presents a contemporary romance story wrapped within a tale of mystery & suspense. This beautifully crafted story will definitely leave its readers wanting to be loved just as Vic was by Baptiste.

The idea of loving again was so terrifying to Victoria who prefers to be called "Vic" that she decides to close her heart and never let love in. Which for a romance novel is quite the reverse, but it gave the book a sweet difference. Sometimes one person can have enough love to sustain the buddings beginnings and that's exactly what A.J. Baptiste has."When A Man Loves A Woman" opens your heart to understanding true love and endurance.

This was a wonderful story and all the characters quickly became alive in my life. I closed this book four days ago and I already miss them all.

Missy Reader's Paradise

I did not know what to expect when this book was sent to me for review. I am not normally a romance type novel reader but this book has a bit of everything along with lots of romance. The author spins a love tale that has it serious times and many humorous ones too.

Alcee Jules Baptiste (A J) wanted Victoria Bennett as his wife and he was not going to give up that quest. The problem is that Vic (Victoria) was just getting over her divorce from a man that she found with another man and had sworn to hate all men, never to marry again or date again. Needless to say Vic was BITTER! Vic's friends all tried to find out why she wouldn't go out with A J but her mind was made up and she fought any connection with him no matter what! Under threat of "murdering that man" she resisted all his attempts to get anywhere near her. But that didn't stop A J from still wanting her as his wife.

While driving with her mind on other matters, especially the thought of her former husband, Vic was stopped at a traffic light and allowed her mind to wander. Before she realized it, another car plowed into her car, pushing her into a human. She jumped out of the car and discovered it was A J she had hit because of this car slamming into her car. This would make anyone's mind rethink what they had formerly said and she wished her harsh words about A J had never been uttered.

Zach, A J's brother-in-law and detective, along with many members of A J's family gathered at the hospital. Zach approached Vic and told her he knew it wasn't her fault but rather another vehicle that had caused the entire situation and had been involved in another bad accident nearby with bad injuries. Vic felt so bad but still was leery of getting close to another man. No way. As time went on Vic did get closer to A J possibly because she was partly responsible for his injuries. A J still had a long road to ramble down to get Vic interested in him in the way he wished.

When A J was released from the hospital, Vic had changed her mind on a lot of things. She had been very close to him while he was in the hospital and now she accompanied him home to his house where she laid down the law telling him she would stay there and be in charge while he was incapacitated. So much for not wanting to be interested in another man forever! She enjoyed A J's two children too, having to mostly be mother and father for them. They loved Vic and she loved them.

As time went on Vic thought it time to get back to her own life, but she wasn't as rock solid now about not liking A J. A hospital run-in with her ex-husband caused her to think of her marriage and what Ron did to her. It wasn't easy to confront him but she did face the fact that it would be better for them if she were civilized around him.

You can see how this story is going but it does have more surprises with all of the above involved and more. It is a fast romance story mixed with law-breakers, doctors, police, and the many family members of both families that butted in sometimes when not wanted.

This is my first story by this author and I had was anxious to read but hesitant because I usually stick with my core favorites, but her stories got good reviews so I decided to take the chance.I purchased this book along with LaConnie's previous "When I'm with you" and I was not disappointed, both books were great. I loved the chemistry between A.J. and Vic. What I really loved about this book though was that the language was contemporary with the times. I know authors don't date books, but it was so refreshing reading a book with upwardly mobile 30 something professionals who don't sound like they are 60-70 years old, the language was very contemporary, hip even and you could truly imagine that they were real, IMO that makes a great story. There were no corn-ball lines you know people their age would not use. The story flowed so easily. I also like the way she incorporated the children in this story, they were very cute. Loved this story, can't wait for brother Ray's (Raphael's) story, he was funny in this book. Great work!

While I enjoyed Vic and Baptiste's story, I would have preferred more steamy and less suspense. The storyline was good, but not as emotionally gripping as her first book. I was amazed at the number of sets of twins in this story!

Vic could not move forward with her life bcz she hadn't learned that "forgiveness is the key to the recovery of the soul". Once she got that part, it was easier for her to love and accept love. Baptiste is the one of the most patient and determined romantic heroes I've ever read about. "No" was not an option when it came to whether they would be together.

It was so sweet how T1 & T2 interacted w/ each other and with Vic, especially when Baptiste shared his first encounter w/ the twins and how they held on to each other, literally.

Jones did a good job developing the characters and storyline, however, I would call this a good suspense tale with a little romance mixed in.

AJ loves Vic (aka Honey) and he is determined to win her over. First, he must convince her to tell him about her ex-husband and then show her that
she can trust him. An accident leads to drama and intrigue. Honey becomes the caregiver to AJ and his adorable twin daughter, T1 and T2, she is sunk already and keeps falling. The fallout from the accident is all around them and involves them. While trying to get answers on the hit and run driver the drama just keep on rolling in the midst of their love and family. Great read and good job Ms. Taylor-Jones.

While I enjoyed Vic and Baptiste's story, I would have preferred more steamy and less suspense. The storyline was good, but not as emotionally gripping as her first book. I was amazed at the number of sets of twins in this story!

Vic could not move forward with her life bcz she hadn't learned that "forgiveness is the key to the recovery of the soul". Once she got that part, it was easier for her to love and accept love. Baptiste is the one of the most patient and determined romantic heroes I've ever read about. "No" was not an option when it came to whether they would be together.

It was so sweet how T1 & T2 interacted w/ each other and with Vic, especially when Baptiste shared his first encounter w/ the twins and how they held on to each other, literally.

Jones did a good job developing the characters and storyline, however, I would call this a good suspense tale with a little romance mixed in.

Victoria "Vic" Louise Bennett has told Alcee Jules "AJ" Baptiste in no uncertain terms that she wants nothing to do with him. AJ hears her, but he is not listening. Vic has quit her job as a nursing administrator and is moving to Atlanta. AJ is a pediatrician with twin daughters who has set his mind on making Vic his woman. All of their family and friends are on the side of AJ. Vic has feelings for AJ but she just can't afford to give her heart to another man. After what her ex-husband did to her, she won't risk that kind of heartache again. AJ has a different plan, one where he'll love her past her hurt and pain.

When a Man Loves a Woman is one of the most romantic love stories I have read in awhile. LaConnie Taylor-Jones does a wonderful job with character chemistry. The way the author pulls all of the members of the Baptiste and Bennett family together along with the friends of the family is very well done. The entire focus of the story is on family. It is refreshing to read about a story that focuses on the men of a family openly showing their love and affection for their women. When a Man Loves a Woman is a must read.

Reviewed by Tenecia for Urban Reviews