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The Devious Date

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A Billionaire Baby Romance.

Follow the captivating tale of Ledisi Darden, a determined project manager who finds herself both hesitant and intrigued when her friend arranges a blind date. Little does she know, this unexpected encounter will lead her back to the very person who shattered her heart in the past.

Adalis Thomas, now a prominent figure in real estate development and the streets, is equally taken aback by this unforeseen reunion. Despite the awkwardness, they decide to embrace the moment and spend an evening filled with laughter, reminiscing, and a glimmer of hope.

As fate intricately weaves its threads, love rekindles between Ledisi and Adalis, pulling them into a passionate whirlwind. However, their renewed romance is far from a fairytale. Adalis's ties to the criminal underworld and complicated relationships threaten to dismantle the very love they're trying to rebuild.

Amid a storm of challenges, Ledisi and Adalis fight with unwavering determination to forge a path to happiness together. But as they soon learn, sometimes love alone is not enough. Can they conquer their inner demons, leave the past behind, and build a future where love triumphs over all?

186 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 4, 2023

258 people are currently reading
154 people want to read

About the author

C. Monet

64books215followers
I'm Author C. Monet of Clarksville TN. I write transparent creative romance with a splash of urban. My stories feature, smart, witty boss women and swoon-worthy, loving, flawed men all looking for one thing..... LOVE. Yes, you guessed it I write about love. My novels usually center around instalove, opposites attract, and redemptive love. However, I've been known to come up with love that cant be placed in a box. All in all, love is the motive no matter how it's reached. My books will leave you full; full of love, gems, and pieces of me.

Once life started to happen for and around me I grabbed the pen and decided to unmute my truth. I pen love unfiltered and undefined because rules can’t exist with creativity. The poetry in my words takes you to a place filled with dreams and aspirations of love and how it heals the soul.

Join me in my journey by subscribing to my mailing list at

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5 stars
185 (47%)
4 stars
92 (23%)
3 stars
78 (19%)
2 stars
34 (8%)
1 star
4 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
Profile Image for Nay .
444 reviews
Read
August 6, 2023
DNF
While it wasn’t for me..I’m sure somebody else may enjoy it.
Profile Image for C.M..
5,748 reviews101 followers
August 6, 2023
I don't know how I feel

I honestly don't know how I feel about this story. I really liked it- I did not love it. My mind drifted more than I wanted many times during the story. The title was uncertain as it did not pull the story into focus for me. See what you think. Shrugs...
Profile Image for ashley.
862 reviews17 followers
August 21, 2023
This was dry

This was a hard story to get into... it lacked zest and was just dry. Overwhelming wordy and the drag of the main characters got on my last nerve...
The concept of past lovers and meet again was a good one but this story just wasn't it. I normally vibe to CMs work but this was just not it.
Profile Image for JBucky.
361 reviews33 followers
August 21, 2023
2.5 ⭐️ Adalis was a cocky man, & with the way he was described he had every right to be! I loved that Adalis & Ledisi were a second chance romance & how they ended up being that! Throughout the story, it kind of seems like they picked up where they left off! I can say that throughout this love story Ledisi annoyed me a little! She seemed a little selfish with wanting Adalis to change a part of his life that he explained wouldn’t be easy to change in order to be in a relationship with her. Like girl, sit back!!!! Adalis and Ledisi had great chemistry and a great relationships (once all the doubt & questions stopped.) I just feel like this wasn’t delivered effectively to the readers.! Ledisi was just extremely EXHAUSTING to me!!! For that reason, & although very well written, this particular story didn’t grab and hold my attention like I thought it would.
Profile Image for Kay Shanee.
Author53 books434 followers
September 25, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This was a great start to the series. Billionaires and babies are always a vibe. This is a fun trope.
Profile Image for Q. Moore.
913 reviews34 followers
August 19, 2023
Everlasting love...

I was expecting a little more oomph with this read. I thought Adalis' street life was going to present itself more. But his ex-wife Amara was doing the absolute most at Aria's wedding. She thought she had the upper hand by being the ex-wife and mother of his child. However, the chemistry was palpable between Adalis and Ledisi, you can feel it as you read. Adalis had been in love with Ledisi his whole adult life. When he referred to his marriage to Amara as one of convenience he meant it. Amara did not have a valid argument when it came to Ledisi. Ledisi is the love of Adalis' life. Melody understood the assignment when she arranged the blind date for Adalis and Ledisi, they needed to be reunited. Although this story wasn't as urban as I expected it was still a fantastic love story. It is good to read about a heartfelt emotional bond between two loving people.

This is a 💨💨 series, get into it. Download or purchase your copy of this book today.
Profile Image for Shaunrick McGee.
246 reviews4 followers
August 25, 2023
This started off ok...but lost steam around the 40% mark. I kept putting it down and coming back because I was determined to finish it. Some things were glossed over and lacked clarity. Will Ledisi ever find out the role her father played in her and Adalis' relationship and how did her mother forgive her father? If he was out the game and made a show of passing the torch to Tony, when stuff got deep, why did Tony call and Adalis feel it ok to jump back in? This story was a situation that took BDE too far. Adalis may have been that dude but he was a bit too cocky. On the flip, I appreciate Ledisi working and not giving up her goals to let a man take care of her. Overall, this book had the makings of a great read, but it just didn't have the zest.
Profile Image for ReadnliftwithShar.
1,724 reviews
August 10, 2023
The Devious Date had potential but the story was a bit choppy for me. I liked that it was a second Chance romance and the characters were set-up on a blind date by their friends. I felt like Ledisi was sending mixed signals to Adalis. He was ready to show her that he changed but she was scorned between her parents� marriage and their past relationship, as well. Overall, glad the couple were able to get their happy ending.
920 reviews7 followers
August 23, 2023
Contains spoilers

I’m not sure exactly how I feel about this book. I can’t say I hated it, but I also can’t say I loved it or really liked it. Even though the book is less than 200 pages, it took me two days to finally finish and that is not normal for me at all. I wanted to stop reading this book so many times but I was determined to finish and hoped that it would get better.

I found it hard to connect with this couple as a whole but I loved the idea of them getting their second chance at love after being apart for so long. I loved that their friends set them up on a blind date with each other, but it was hard to feel the chemistry between this couple off page.

Adalis was a man about his business both legal and illegal and I felt he made moves to step away from the illegal life once he knew that was a requirement of him by Ledisi. I felt Ledisi was unrealistic in her ultimatums and sometimes expectations only because she seemed to want them done right away and seemed naive to the fact that him getting out of his illegal dealings would take time. It was like she refused to allow him the time to do so or come up with a plan to do so and when he asked for that time she had a fit. I did, however, like that Ledisi stood firm on what she wanted and needed from Adalis to make their relationship work, but I wished she had been more understanding to his dilemma.

I also found some inconsistencies with the story, which made it hard to follow along at times. In one instance, Adalis had just told Ledisi he had been previously married and had a child and that he was essentially a kingpin. Understandably, she asked for time to process that information, which was granted but the start of the next chapter, it mentioned the ex-wife and daughters name even though that was never said on page previously and this was not a part of dialogue between this couple but was presented as if Ledisi already had that info even though that chapter also started with saying they hadn’t spoken for days when she initially asked for space to process. Another example was when they were in the car on the way to a concert and Ledisi revealed she had talked to her father and Adalis said he would go talk to her father himself. Then 2 pages later, Adalis was leaving home to go confront her father but there was no mention of it being a new day or even after the concert. It was almost like the ride to the concert and concert never happened.

I got tired of Ledisi’s wishy washiness which created seemingly unnecessary drama between this couple. The constantly said and showed each other how much they loved each other and Adalis spoiled Ledisi with anything her heart desired, but when he didn’t immediately tell her what he wanted or move how she wanted, it seemed to negate all the love he showed her and that exhausting to read. I ultimately got tired of their back and forth and honestly wished they would have stayed broken up but they made it to their happily ever after.
Profile Image for Tracy - loves to read .
988 reviews
October 31, 2023
The scenic route

“Love can be a hot mess, but so is the traffic in town.�
Ledisi and Adlai’s have history going all the way back to high school. They were inseparable until they actually separated and it broke her heart. This experience and her parents divorcing when she was young, affected how she viewed love and relationships. Yet, he was still in her heart and on her mind.
Adalis was no longer the hood kid from high school with something to prove. He was a a grown man doing grown man things and making boss moves. He’d experienced life’s hardships and struggles first hand - loosing his moms so young and his dad was in the wind so he had to take care of his little sister and himself growing up. He did what was necessary to be a provider and protector which made him repress his feelings to put on a hard exterior. He always had Ledisi in his heart and on his mind.

This book was good and it showed the ups and downs of rekindling a relationship with someone who has your heart but you’re struggling to reconcile past and present life as well as emotions. Both of them had something to give up in order to move forward into their forever.

Strong characters and I appreciated the female lead didn’t back down, or rush into things even though there were times she was bratty. I loved how he bosses up on her and popped up on her as well!

Good read!
Profile Image for Antoinette Jones.
800 reviews7 followers
Read
April 26, 2025
It's an absolutely amazing read!!

I love second chance at love books. The thought of reconnecting with the love of your life that got away. A second chance to get it right. Well, that's what happens with Ledisi and Adalis in the way of a blind date they both never saw coming. God always puts people in your path for a reason or a season. Was this to be a season or a forever for Ledisi and Adalis?

I loved everything about this book! Ledisi is a woman who stands on business 24/7. She's never forgotten Adalis and how heartbroken she felt when they broke up years ago. Adalis is living his best life as well. But he never forgot his heart, his first love Ledisi. I LOVED how Ledisi and Adalis vibed with each other. Their chemistry, passion for life, their work, family, and each other was on point. But insecurities, like a nosy neighbor, like to pop up every now and then to stir up trouble. This couple goes through it all! Love is a great motivator. And Adalis and Ledisi had it in spades. One of the best parts of this book was Ledisi's twinship with Adalis's daughter Ava. Their interaction was such a fun read. This book is a definite must-read. I highly recommend it.
Profile Image for Geri.
1,028 reviews6 followers
September 15, 2023
One word to describe this story�. Boring

I could not make it to the end. I found myself shopping pages within the first couple of chapters. I should have known them 🤦🏽‍♀� Ledisi and Adalis meet again on a blind date and what should have been sparks flying instead felt unnecessarily drawn out and stale. I kept waiting for sparks, chemistry, something! But, nah, by chapter 14 they still hadn’t sexed, was talking to each other like senior citizens with they dry-ass conversations, ugh!! No kidding, heavy petting, dry-humping, nothing! I feel like I was reading a story about two people in their 70’s! At one point Adalis tells Ledisi that he needs her to be his lady, not his pastor or his headache and that’s when I realized, I was doing too much trying to finish this story! And where the baby at?! Ain’t not one baby made an appearance by chapter 22 (I skipped forward)! Like, what the whole hell!!!
Profile Image for Brittany.
300 reviews
July 14, 2024
Sooo this book wasn’t for me. I wasn’t particularly fond of the writing style, but I thought Adalis and Ledisi’s story was cute. I was fighting tooth and nail with myself after the halfway point to actually read this book but after a while, I just started skimming. I prefer romances to be told from dual POV, but alsooo I felt like the story was dragging.

Adalis and Ledisi’s love story follows the second chance romance trope where the initial break up happened during their teen years. I pretty much expected everything that happened to happen EXCEPT Adalis� second secret. That surprised the hell out of me. My mouth literally fell open.

If you don’t mind reading a love story told in third-person, I recommend this book. However, if you’re like me and need that dual POV, I don’t necessarily recommend it. I’m not too familiar with C. Monet’s catalog but I’m sure there’s something else in there that we’d enjoy reading.
Profile Image for Shanelle.
1,435 reviews21 followers
September 11, 2023
WORTH A SECOND CHANCE

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Who would've thought a blind date ends up being with a person from your past. Adalis and Ledisi had some unresolved issues that needed to be hashed out, but one thing that couldn't be forgotten was the love they still had for each other. Between Ledisi trying to figure out if she wanted to move forward with Adalis and Adalis wanting to leave the streets but still finding himself involved in that life, it seemed like these two were on the verge of giving up. I was happy they decided to give their relationship another try, and it didn't matter what anyone thought. They were living for themselves, and it truly worked in their favor with a beautiful ending.
Profile Image for Taija Thompson.
173 reviews
September 8, 2024
Too much and not enough

Okay so compared to three of the other Billionaire baby romances, this was my least favorite. Personally, i didn’t care much for the third person narrative. Also, the last few chapters were literally “omg i love you so much,� “i never knew i would love you this much,� “our journey was rocky but we made it. Oh i love you more than you’ll ever know.� over and over. They are so in love and never thought they’d get this far. Ok, we get it!! I hated that the truth was never revealed about the relationship between Adalis and Ledisi’s dad. But the storyline was good, it just wasn’t enough.
417 reviews5 followers
August 21, 2023
Second chance at love

This was a sweet read. I love reading about it couples that rediscover the love they once shared, especially if their ending wasn’t as cut and dry as it seemed. I will say that Ledi’s indecisiveness was starting to annoy me. I wanted her to really take time to think about whether she really wanted to be with Adalis. Also, I didn’t like that Adalis was going back and forth with leaving the game, but he seemed more sure than she did. Aside from this, I was happy they’d got their happy ending.
353 reviews1 follower
August 18, 2023
Good read

The book was basically about second chances. Ledisi got on my nerves because she was so up in the air. She really didn't give him time to transition into the new life she wanted everything now. I hate Adalis didn't tell her that her father played a part in the hurt that she felt from their first breakup. Adalis was a very sweet man he could be a trip but he tried everything to show her he was there. I'm glad they finally got it together.
Profile Image for Tasha Millner.
413 reviews4 followers
August 23, 2023
The Devious Date: A Billionaire Baby Romance

Ledesi had so many hang ups and insecurities that she almost lost the man who loved her. Adalis held firm to his love for Ledesi but refused to let her wallow in her fear of them being happy. With some wise words from her mother and growing up to realize this was real, Ledesi learned to really love and what a wonder it turned out to be.
Profile Image for ܲԴí .
1,659 reviews7 followers
August 29, 2023
Delusional..Annoying..Inconsistent

Hmmm🤨, I attempted to support/relate to the fictional characters Ledisi and Adalis in “The Devious Date: A Billionaire Baby Romance�. Unfortunately, the characters were delusional, annoying & inconsistent. Ledisi was naive, Adalis� role as a “kingpin� was implied yet never materialized, other characters had brief interactions with Ledisi and or Adalis but the storyline were eventually irrelevant to the main characters relationship. By the conclusion of this book, sadly I just didn’t care about the couple 🤷🏾‍♀️🤨‼️
Profile Image for Geri Evans.
630 reviews
March 2, 2024
The Devious Date Made Good!! 🤗

This was a great story! A couple, who thought they had it, only to lose it but find it again in a big way!! Amid all of the chaos, turbulence and disappointment, their love grew, in spite of themselves, and rose like the phoenix!!

I thoroughly enjoyed this story and I highly recommend it! Grab your copy today! You’ll be glad you did! Kudos, Ms. Monet!! 💜
Profile Image for Shahtia Gay-hairston.
3,289 reviews29 followers
August 5, 2023
Devious Date

Well written story all be it the story line that is my pet peeve😩 I absolutely hate when a woman puts her life on pause while the man lives and learns and then reunites with the man’s baggage in tow! Her moms speech to her about misplacing blame made me have more understanding for Ledisi and Adalis second chance💜
Profile Image for Camisha Crisp.
715 reviews17 followers
August 6, 2023
it’s never too late for a 2nd chance

The Devious Date is a great 2nd chance love story between Ledisi and Adalis. The passion between the two was apparent from their first meeting to the last page. Ledisi was a bit frustrating with her running. But Adalis wasn’t having it. C. Monet gave us a great love story that made me want to know more about their couple and their past.
694 reviews4 followers
August 10, 2023
Ledisi and Adalis

I really enjoyed this standalone.. Ledisi and Adalis are the definition of if it’s meant to be it will be! The storyline was great and the flow was good and I just loved how Adalis didn’t let anything stop him for having his one.. Ledisi put her foot down and made it known either you choose me or I’m out.. the author really did a good job on this book!
Profile Image for Ondria  Bacon.
552 reviews3 followers
August 14, 2023
Wow! Not what I expected. Dodn’t think Ledisi would give in to Adalis so quickly. I guess you love who you love. I do think she was good to have doubts though. Through trials their love kept them. Street life is hard and her dad was wrong in how he just made her struggle but wanted to run things after she was an adult. Good story just not how I expected it to go.

Happy Reading‼️
Profile Image for Meka.
249 reviews2 followers
September 5, 2023
Ledisi and Adalis

I enjoyed their love story. I enjoyed their chemistry together. I love that Ladessie had a strong character, but not overwhelming, or overpowering. I love that Adalis cater to her and not only listen to her, but he heard her. They created their own narrative, and I love the ending where everything was copacetic.
30 reviews
September 13, 2023
Determined Good Love

Determination Strong Resilient Loved Adore Sense of not to be played with. Promised to be made and kept. Grown up as date changes but willing for something old but new patience persistence. I adored the story both had to give something more fulfilling than before the outcome came out wonderful.
Profile Image for mrs_dash1027.
45 reviews3 followers
September 18, 2023
Story fell flat...

This story wasn't bad per se... but it also wasn't good. I struggled to get through it. The story felt rushed. I skipped paragraphs but was still able to follow the story. There were so many places where the story could've gone to add the moments it needed. Every time I expected some crescendo in the story it just stayed flat.
Profile Image for Starnekia.
147 reviews1 follower
November 7, 2023
Had potential

Honestly, I was not too fond of Ledisi or Adalis. He constantly broke his promises to her, and she kept falling for it without him proving himself to be a man of his word. He told her he left the street life alone, and when it called him back, she was upset; he acted like she was tripping for not knowing what it was, as he said.
Profile Image for Ieshia Shephard.
449 reviews
January 6, 2024
Devious Date

I can honestly say, as irritating as it was Ledisi wasn’t wrong when she left Adalis. It appeared he initially had no plans to leave the streets cause he could’ve paid out the first time. But she was being spoiled & Adalis could’ve walked away again but he fought for his family! Good read & I liked how both views played out constantly.
Profile Image for Jimette J..
582 reviews5 followers
February 12, 2024
Every Woman’s Dream

Adalis…street king turned businessman. He had a lot of layers to him but Ledisi re-enters his life and she has him thinking of his future. There was nothing he would not do for the love of his life. Now for Adalis to find a way out of the street life!

Very good story, just does not seem real he could get out without something in return.






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