Never Better... Thanks

Lennox Hills #3

by Jahquel J., Jay Pen Literary Services (editor)

When I envisioned the life that I wanted for myself, I pictured myself sitting in a rocking chair in the nursery me and my husband had spent months designing. I pictured looking down at a baby that resembled the both of us, and thanking God that he chose me to be their mother.
My reality was that I was staring down at another negative pregnancy test and realizing the possibility that I had failed another cycle of IVF, alone.
There was no husband here to comfort me, or a nursery that I could sit and sob in. Each time that one line appeared, a small piece of me always died inside. It was like the plastic test was determining my future. My fate. Letting me know I wasn’t worthy of giving life. Becoming the one thing I had always wanted to a mother.
After taking this failed pregnancy test, I had to tie my scrubs, plaster a smile on my face and go out there and care for my patients. So, when someone smiled and asked me the dreaded question… How are you? I always smiled, though dying on the inside, and responded with, Never better… thanks.

Genres: Audiobook, African American, Romance, Contemporary Romance

492 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 21, 2024

Reviews

[Jahda · Rating 4 out of 5]

In book 3 we follow Ember on her journey into motherhood the process was heartbreaking but worth it. With the help and support of Laurent her happy ending was possible. But chile not Alice WHITE 😬😬 wasn’t expecting that but it made sense. Not sure how I feel about the twist at the end but this was a good book and I enjoyed it.

[BlackBookVibes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emotional

This book hit every emotion! I have never read about a character that I wanted to hug in real life. Ember went through the storm for a family. God just needed her to find the right person, which was Laurent and Luna!! He was the perfect person for her! Now Alice was garbage 🗑... she didn't care about nobody, she deserved her ending. This was a great series, definitely would recommend. Now I wonder if June will get a story....

['The Book Queen' · Rating 4 out of 5]

She put her foot in this one

My my my, you all this story was everything and more. I don't think I've prayed as much for a character than I did for Ember and Laurent. I weeped for real, I wanted Ember to have a baby, she so desperately wanted. I wasn't feeling a cheating Laurent until the real Alice stopped her masquerade act. I did not like Alice at all. The connection between her and Laurent was superficial at best. However, the steam coming off the pages was nearly suffocating between Laurent and Ember. The story was long enough to tell a complete story. A very good read.

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this entire series! To follow these 3 ladies & the Willshire brothers journeys throughout their heartbreak & healing was an epic experience! I loved this story that followed Ember & Laurent and so glad she finally found love. She was an amazing woman, the glue for everyone so I was happy that this was her season. This entire series is a must read

[Latasha Yvette · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent read but repetitive chapters

Once we got past a good chunk of the first few chapters the read was easier. I almost quit, it was really a lot of the same thing over and over, Alice is a trash mom, Ember is depressed about infertility, Laurent is not happy with Alice and a single dad. There were also a lot of misplaced words. I love this author but I enjoyed Astoria’s story more than the others.

[Kyerra Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the book that got me into audiobooks this year in January so it kind of holds a special place in my heart…as corny as that sounds🤣. I had a goal to read more this year because I haven’t picked up books and read in years🤦🏾‍♀️. But it was harder to do being a busy stay at home mom so I wanted to try audiobooks again. I tried to listening to one last year and it was horrible but that’s because the narrator was awful. But then I found this book and it got me hooked on audiobooks. The narrators are great. The only thing that irritated me was how the male narrator says “Laurent”. It was a great book. I’m actually going to listen to it again soon. It made me laugh, smile, cry because I could relate some of her struggles, and the ending was great. I didn’t even know it was a series and not the first book in the series when I listened to it. Now I want to check out the rest of the series as well.

[Tazja Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally!!! One that didn’t piss me off lol. This was my favorite of the series 🤣🤣

[Danielle Marcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Baby, I was in tears 🥹 this was such a beautiful conclusion to the series.

[Staci Y · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. The entire series was so gut wrenching. I felt she did such a terrific job showcasing real life traumas that happen and the way we deal with them. She’s such realistic author I can always relate to the storylines.

[The Diva Den Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This last book in the series was freaking amazing. Jahquel J had me shed tears man like it was so profoundly deep and amazing.

I have to tell you if you haven’t read The Lennox Hill Series you definitely missing out.

[Jessica Neely · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite one out of the series. Go read all 3 NOW!

[Alenda Simmons · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!! LOOK AT GOD!!

He may not come when u want him, BUT he will be there right ON TIME!!! Patience is a virtue.... JAH, JAH, JAH JAH... U have done it again! This is definitely one of my favorites written by you. I'm beyond happy for EM , HAR, and Stori and their men.. Thanks for writing this bc sometimes in life, the person that u start your journey with is not necessarily the one you finish with... I can relate to everyone in this book
Excluding ALICE trifling asprin... I so wanted her to get beat up sooo bad. However, I was pleasantly pleased that u took the high road with how she was handled... love does conquer all.

[Aziza · Rating 2 out of 5]

So, I enjoyed the plot line and loved getting to know the characters. I appreciated the inclusion of disability awareness, and the education involved in that. However, the writing killed me. There were words that were misused, words that were missing from sentences, Sentences that were written twice, and repetitive phrasing that should've been caught by an editor. Part of my reading experience is the art of the writing, I love the word choice and grammar, how an author uses language to paint a picture. This felt very messy and like it wasn't ready for Public consumption. As someone who has edited work, a lot of mistakes stood out and it took away from my enjoyment of the story.

[Kiki · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't love the narrators and while the storyline kept my interest, there were times where the transitions were super choppy! Ember was on a phone call, while waiting for her to go order and in the next sentence, she was at someone's house or something. No talk of her paying for the food, getting in the car, nothing! It was so abrupt, I had to rewind, thinking I missed something, but nope, that was literally the next sentence. It happened all throughout the book. I'm new to Jahquel J's writing, so maybe this is her style.

[Kim Eubanks · Rating 3 out of 5]

happy for them

I’m happy Ember got what her heart desired times three. I appreciate the author taking the time to give us that background and extra details as far as what Laurent and Ember each had going on separately in their lives, but I was truly ready for them to just be together about 34% into the book.

[Kyeatta H · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a better novel out of the series. I loved Em’s story. I’m so glad Alice got what she had coming. Laurent was coming for his woman and I was here for It. Messiah had me in the fence a little at first, but that letter…damn. I felt everything I need to feel with this book.

[Ashley Thomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good.

3.5 stars.
There were mistakes that became annoying but overall I enjoyed this story. I love me some Laurent even though it took him forever to finally grow a pair and get rid of the wife.

[Tsholo · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a little too long and it felt like Oprah was in the back handing out pregnancies.

[Brisace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whew  😮‍💨 Never Better… Thanks by Jahquel  cracked me open in the most tender way.

Ember’s pain was quiet but heavy smiling through failed IVF cycles, showing up for patients while grieving the one thing her heart ached for: motherhood. And just when she thought love and family might not be in the cards… there was Laurent.

A man scarred by a failed marriage, raising his autistic daughter with care, and just as guarded as Ember. But the way she loved them both. Soft, Steady, and Unshakeable. She didn’t just love Laurent she chose him. And the space she held for his daughter? Beautiful.

This one had me closing my Kindle just to breathe.

If you’ve ever smiled through heartbreak or whispered “I’m fine” when you weren’t this story is for you. It’s emotional. It’s dramatic. It’s honest. And it’ll stay with you long after the last page.

[Shan J · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew Ember was going to end up with that baby the moment they said Angel and Messiah were in an accident. And I knew she’d eventually have one with Laurent too, it was written all over their connection.

Alex/Alice is absolute trash. People who treat their own child like that don’t deserve good things. And then to be sleeping with her friend’s husband on top of it? Wild. I guess growing up with parents who didn’t treat her like she mattered is why she acts out in such outrageous, destructive ways.

But I’m so glad Laurent and Ember found their way to each other. Their relationship started off chaotic, but it grew into something real, loving, and bigger than either of them expected.

[LexRead · Rating 5 out of 5]

♾️/5. ABSOLUTELY PHENOMENAL!!!! This book was soooooo good! It took me through it! The series was so well put together and all the characters had so many layers and depth to them. I love Ashton in book 2 but he made a GREAT side character in book 3! He was too funny. This story was heartbreakingly good I cannot recommend it enough!!

Jaquel is that girl!!

Note to author: Can June get a book please 🥺?

[Yolanda Knight- Palmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mommy Goals

This book touches on real life experiences and situations. Autism & Infertility. I really got into my feelings with this one.

All Ember ever wanted to be was a mom. She struggled with having miscarriages throughout her marriage and ended up getting divorced. She tried everything possible to become a mother. Sometimes it’s not in the cards but God will step in when the time is right.

[Tracy Parnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

🩵

All the feels! Ember definitely went through it. So glad Laurent stepped up to be there for her. I loved their chemistry. It’s crazy how things turned out for the different characters. Loved this book!

[Diane Fauth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jahquel got me crying 2 books in a row! This entire series was amazing. She touched upon 3 very challenging aspects of life in each book. Infidelity, eating disorders and infertility. I would love a book on June and Quan, guessing her intern physically abusive. Great series, I hope y’all enjoy it as much I did!

[Cheyenne Starner · Rating 5 out of 5]

TW: pregnancy loss.

This book was 100/10. One of the best books I’ve read this year. I am looking forward to more from this author. This was my favorite book of the trilogy but Bray is still my favorite brother.

[Arisza Hillman · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Best 👌🏿

I loved this series and I must say the author got it right 3/3.....this one was my favorite of the favorites.

[Janee Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

The emotion that this book made me feel was intense. I resonated with the infertility Jahquel J had the emotional rollercoaster spot on. Excellent read.

[L. Boogie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Girl you sound crazy. That man can sleep with his girlfriend with or without protection and you most definitely should not be a consideration.

“I want you to be my baby’s god parent.” When I silent read this line Messiah said to Ember, out loud without much thought, I said - I wanna punch this mother fucker in the face. It’s bad enough he pulled strings to get his pregnant girlfriend as Em’s patient, you want her to be GM. I swear I’d she says yes I’ll be hella pissed. Bc FU.

If you don’t care about your marriage, get a divorce. Plain and simple. Don’t know why Laurent still dragging this. It’s been years.

Not Harlym calling someone stupid for how they are acting in a relationship when she gave Ashton the blues in the beginning of theirs.

Um Shanny didn’t make a mistake she intentionally slept with a married man. But I agree that action doesn’t fully define her as a person.

Laurent is pissing me off bc why is he still with Alice? Why is he going Mona fa,ily trip with her and her friends when i her he’ll never sniffing behind Em. Don’t have her looking like some shady side piece. Then he’s he’s gas lighting Alice when she tries to call him out. He’s actually annoying me bc he won’t man up

Damn Alice is shiesty. How is Tiphany still her friend.

Ok Alice doing the most. But that’s what Laurent gets for not reading it sooner

Not this nigga pissed with Em bc his selfish wife cheated. And though she did it first, his ass cheated too. Laurent stay passing me off.

Ok at least they got it together

So Shanny want to romanize her relationship with Carols husband. If they were so in love, why did he stay with his wife? So much for her saying it was a mistake to be with him.

Is June’s new man beating on her? That’s the vibes I’m getting.

No, not messiah😭

That letter from messiah got me like, who’s cutting onions

Um Em, don’t you plan to have a convo with Laurent before you agree? I’m pretty sure he’ll be cool, but still.

Ok he was for it

Poor June. I hope this isn’t the last of her.

Though I connected with this couple the least, bc it took so long for them to interact in their book, and Laurent indecisive ass pissed me off in the beginning, I eventually fell for them. Glad i stuck it out. Even happier that they got their HEA.

[Jaszmin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok the voice the narrator used for Laront almost made me DNF but im glad I stuck it out. About 47% through he stopped for a minute which was nice thats also where they finally got down to business and we didnt get any detail🤬 We barely got any spicy scenes in this book it was always fade to black or the characters talking about it afterwards which was a complete let down. With all that being said I think this was my favorite story in the series🤗😍 in loved Laront and Ember. The patience they had with each other and the friendship they cultivated throughout all books was perfect. This book really shows how God's time is always right on time!

[Keeping.Volumes.Harris · Rating 2 out of 5]

unfortunately I'm so irritated by the narrators voice I couldn't finish this 🤷🏾 Sorry not sorry 😐.