Sizzling Black Romance: ‘Only for the Week’ Book Review

Title: Only for the Week

Author: Natasha Bishop

Published:  May 24, 2023

Genre: Romance

Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Wine Level: 🍷🍷🍷🍷

I have been trying to read this book for a while; I saw it in a Facebook group I belong to, and it was like Weddings, Spicy Encounters, and Successful Black People. I am 100% in because I like reading books that are not heavy in trauma.   I always want to support local authors.  When I saw this book, I was like, YES!  I am reading this book. Then, life and I only go through chapter 3.  I finally had time around Memorial Day to sit, read, and sip, and it was worth the wait.

The book opens with us meeting Janelle, preparing to go to Mexico for her sister’s wedding. The author does a fantastic job setting the scene, where Janelle has a history with her sister’s future Husband (spice level 1).  At the Airport, we meet a crew of successful Black People, Young and ready for the time of their life. Usually, this is when things go left, and luckily, it doesn’t. During the first two chapters, you understand the friend group’s pecking order and Amerie and Janelle’s relationship dynamic.  Which, in all honesty, is not great. If you have sisters, you know sister dynamics are either ‘Ride or Die’ (extremely close and supportive) or ‘Enemies of the State’ (constantly at odds). Sometimes, there and in between.  By chapter two, Janelle takes a risk, giving us the Reader Spice level 5.

I haven’t entered the Groomsmen, Rome, Christian, and Micah for the wedding. All the epitome of Black Gods walking the earth. Tall, Muscular, Smart, and trouble incarnate.  We only have to focus on Rome.  Rome is the perfect Book Boyfriend.  He is described as sexy, tall, chocolate, intelligent, and wealthy.  Rome becomes Janelle’s stress relief very quickly.  From there, I want Rome to be my Book Boyfriend. As the story unfolds, we find out that Rome and Janelle are a perfect fit.  They understand each other and click like soulmates.  Now, this story can’t just be spicy moments and romantic encounters.

There are other subplots in the book, some that need to be explored. We have Micah and Dani, one of the bridesmaids, looking longingly at each other.  We always need a resolution about their connection, and we would love a second book about their love story or a redemption story for reconciliation. We also find out that Janelle has issues not only with her sister but also with her mother.  I love having light resolution with the family but nothing over the top. It’s enough to know Janelle stood her ground and found peace with her next decision.   We get a bit of Rome’s backstory and family dynamic, which is lovely and supportive.

If you want a story where a Man openly courts a woman he wants with everything in his arsenal and also delivers pleasure on a level beyond expectations, this is the book for you.  It just has enough tension to keep you intrigued. Passion to keep you hot and bothered and pleasant drama to make you gasp.  This is the book for you! The book has spicy moments and romantic encounters, from intense arguments to steamy love scenes. Usually, you should drink wine with this wine, but in a previous review, I suggested tequila since Janelle and the Crew were in Tulum. I found this lovely Mezcalita recipe from https://thefancypantskitchen.com/recipe/the-spicy-mezcalita/. It’s refreshing, sweet, and spicy, complimenting Janelle’s character.  If you are a wine connoisseur, go for the 2021 Carmen Gran Reserve Pinot Noir. Its fruit, but seductive notes of blackberries and strawberries, with soft spices. Another choice is that if you want an all-natural, easy-to-drink beverage, grab a 4-pack of Betty Booze Sparkling Tequila. You can get a Lime Shiso sparkling tequila drink.  While reading this hot, spicy book, this drink is refreshing and perfect for a hot summer day.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this review and are ready to embark on a spicy journey with ‘Only for the Week. ‘ As we eagerly await the resolution of Micah and Danni’s connection, I can’t help but wonder what other captivating stories Natasha Bishop might have in store for us. Perhaps a sequel, ‘Snowed in… ‘, could be on the horizon?

Until Next Time,

Che Michelle