Flagrant: St. Louis Cyclones, Book 1

I don’t know why it took me so long to continue with this series after reading about Leland. This first book about Polo was really good. I will say check those trigger warnings though. This was really more of a self awareness and list should finding each other than a sports romance. The amount of trauma these characters went through was disheartening but it really worked out in the end and I’m glad to see that Polo took all accountability for his actions and even stepped up when he needed too.

I don't know where to begin. The tenderness I felt reading this story still has my eyes stinging a little bit. The love between Polo and Kendra was tangible. I could feel the devotion. They both overcame such tragic and traumatic childhoods but still found a way to love one another so purely. Even when I was disappointed with Polo, I was never angry with him. I believe he really wanted to be better and I am always fist pumping when authors introduce therapy and mental health in books. Especially books about Black Love. Alexandria House has outdone herself with this. She told this story so incredibly well, there was not a stone left unturned. Even if I never read about Polo and Kendra again, I'm satisfied with how this story ended. I'm proud and elated at both of their individual and collective growth. This was beautifully written. I would give it 10,000 stars if I could!

Polo and Kendra both endured a terrible upbringing. It was difficult to read the hurt and pain Kendra experienced with a “holier than thou” type of mother who believed in corporal punishment. Polo witnessed his mother going through dramatic experiences when his father cheated or to catch him cheating.The two really didn’t know how to love based on the way they were raised. They learned how to love each other the best way they knew how.I enjoyed reading the story because it clearly shows that anyone can love regardless of their past. It also shows where anyone can change. I questioned why it took so long for Kendra to leave to find herself after all the scandals and other women. She realized she must love herself before she could love Polo. Polo also realized he must change and love himself as well before being able to give Kendra what she truly needed.I didn’t like the twist at the end, but understand why A. House included it. As always great job Alexandria House for writing such an interesting real life book!!

This book is extremely HEAVY and trigger! But I have to say this is definitely my new favorite book by Alexandria House. This ending was EVERYTHING I needed and wanted in this book.

Let’s Set the Mood Right Quick: Flagrant by Alexandria HouseDrink: The Alley-OopMusic: They Don’t Know by Jon B, It Kills Me by Melanie FionaAudible: Jakobi Diem, Wesleigh Siobhan: Wesleigh brought Kendra to life. Kendra being a softer and more reserved character this was our first time hearing her read this type of role and she did not disappoint. Jakobi did his thing as well. He sounded like a man that was almost 7 feet tall. He took us on the roller coaster that was Polo very well. The audible is a must listen for sure. It took the story to another level.This book was a true joy to read. Having already met the couple in another story we went into it feeling like we knew how it was going to end. We’ve never been so happy to be wrong. This second chance romance forced you to view relationships differently and not to be so quick to judge other’s situations. You will be angry and disappointed at moments, but you will fall in love with Polo and Kendra and their unconventional love story. It was nice to see some of our favorite characters from previous series pop up and to learn about some new ones. By this point we’re obsessed with the world Ms. House has created so when characters overlap it truly brings the tale to life. This is like nothing we’ve read before. Ms. House out did herself with this one.Paul (Polo): If, “it’s not what you think,” was a person it would be Paul Logan. Polo was such a complex personality that he was the first character to divide the sisters. One couldn’t decide if she hated him or not and the other just pitied him. By the end of the story however he had the love of both. Him refusing to be put in a box is a large part of his charm and we promise he isn’t what anyone thinks.Kendra: If, “loyal to a fault,” was a person it would be Kendra Doll. She teaches the importance of learning to love and value yourself at a young age. She shows us all the importance of learning to let go and move on to find your peace. Kendra Doll was beautifully broken, but stronger than she knew.Drink can be found foodsided.com

This book is truly about loving someone through their pain, bad judgment and confusion.Kendra and Paul (Ken and Polo) are two broken people but their connection with each other was a true soul connection.One thing I never doubted as I listened to this book was their love for one another. I wasn’t sure they would stay together but I know they genuinely cared for the other.Kendra reminds me of adult female friends that are increasingly coming to terms with childhood trauma. It’s heartbreaking but I just love Alexandria House for really discussing how therapy is vital for both women and men in healing.I also love how both Ken and Polo had to truly find themselves in order forgive. There were some painful actions and consequences, but they were able to weather the storm and come out even stronger.I also applaud the author for showing some healing has to be “on your own”. What an awesome story about growth and love.

I haven’t read a book this fast in a long time! Wow this book was everything I wanted and more. I’ve been waiting to read Polo’s book since we were first introduced to him in Leland’s story and I was so scared I was going to be disappointed. But I should have known the great Ms. House would not disappoint me. This story was so emotionally driven and at times hard to read, I felt so much for these characters and just wanted them to be happy. The growth of Kendra and Polo is so vast and beautiful to read about. They both overcame so much and I was so happy to see them heal. Flagrant was definitely worth the wait. Just perfect!That ending though omg! I was not expecting that turn of events!

This book is a little different but is still a good read. It takes on a journey with Kendra and Paul, against the backdrop of some difficult issues - showing the complexity of what it takes to let love flourish. However, the last few chapters were disappointing for me and moved this from being a 4 star review to a 3.

This book was very meh. It did not flow because of all the back and forth between past and present. The storyline was interesting however the execution was bad. It was not able to capture the depth of the character’s trauma. It was meh