RULES OF ENGAGEMENT - Stephanie Nicole Norris
In the Heart of a Valentine (Book #17)
Love Is A Drug Ink
BUY
Brenda Larnell (A)
CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE
REVIEW: The Valentines are back! Talented writer, Stephanie Nicole Norris has introduced another branch of the Valentines (Chicago), and this time we are in St. Louis, a city that I am familiar with. Believe me, the St. Louis Valentines are just as debonair, handsome, and accomplished as their Chicago cousins. Allow me to introduce you to Christian Valentine, a successful and well-known entertainment lawyer who needs a date. How is that possible? As you read the story, that question will be answered. Enter, Naomi Blackford, owner of a “discreet, expensive, exclusive” high-end escort service.
Naomi made such an amazing impression on Christian after their “date,” so they decided to enter an arrangement. The rules are simple: “no explanations, expectations, or complications.” That “arrangement” becomes the heart and soul of this entertaining story. I enjoyed reading about this dynamic couple and the way their “arrangement” slowly morphed into something more serious, and complicated. You will get to know this couple, their hobbies, their friends, and families, as you read their story.
Speaking of families, the Valentines of St. Louis includes Christian’s brothers, Dr. Elijah Valentine, and Xander Valentine, their divorced parents, mother, Ella Mackleberry, and Ron, their rolling stone father, and comedian, professionally known as Ron Valentino. I like how both families (Naomi and Christian’s) were introduced in the story during family gatherings.
I also like how Ms. Norris nailed the various references related to St. Louis that are made throughout the story from the eclectic Central West End area of the city, the Cardinals baseball team, the #1 grocery store chain, Schnucks to the beautiful Forest Park. They gave authenticity to the story’s setting.
The “rules of engagement” become null and void as Naomi and Christian spend time together, and Naomi lets go of past trauma. You will get that when you read the story. Their HFN signals that a loving future is in store for our couple. However, the Epilogue also signals that something is brewing in the Valentine family. No spoilers, I’ll let you discover what is going on with the brothers Valentine.
I enjoyed this engaging story that drew me in from the first chapter. The Valentines are one of the great Contemporary African American book families. I recommend that you get know the St. Louis Valentines, and the best way to do that is to read RULES OF ENGAGEMENT.
11th October 2025 | romcol@caribsurf.com
Naomi made such an amazing impression on Christian after their “date,” so they decided to enter an arrangement. The rules are simple: “no explanations, expectations, or complications.” That “arrangement” becomes the heart and soul of this entertaining story. I enjoyed reading about this dynamic couple and the way their “arrangement” slowly morphed into something more serious, and complicated. You will get to know this couple, their hobbies, their friends, and families, as you read their story.
Speaking of families, the Valentines of St. Louis includes Christian’s brothers, Dr. Elijah Valentine, and Xander Valentine, their divorced parents, mother, Ella Mackleberry, and Ron, their rolling stone father, and comedian, professionally known as Ron Valentino. I like how both families (Naomi and Christian’s) were introduced in the story during family gatherings.
I also like how Ms. Norris nailed the various references related to St. Louis that are made throughout the story from the eclectic Central West End area of the city, the Cardinals baseball team, the #1 grocery store chain, Schnucks to the beautiful Forest Park. They gave authenticity to the story’s setting.
The “rules of engagement” become null and void as Naomi and Christian spend time together, and Naomi lets go of past trauma. You will get that when you read the story. Their HFN signals that a loving future is in store for our couple. However, the Epilogue also signals that something is brewing in the Valentine family. No spoilers, I’ll let you discover what is going on with the brothers Valentine.
I enjoyed this engaging story that drew me in from the first chapter. The Valentines are one of the great Contemporary African American book families. I recommend that you get know the St. Louis Valentines, and the best way to do that is to read RULES OF ENGAGEMENT.
11th October 2025 | romcol@caribsurf.com
