This contemporary romance delivers a compelling mix of charm, emotional depth, and undeniable chemistry. Aaliyah Montgomery, a preacher’s daughter and runaway bride, is determined to break free from the confines of her small-town upbringing and her family’s rigid expectations. Escaping to Chicago, she dreams of independence and self-discovery—but landing a job that fits her schedule proves to be a challenge. Enter Von Howard, a brooding, gruff tattoo artist with a beautiful seven-year-old daughter and a desperate need for a live-in nanny.

The pairing of these two opposites sparks a dynamic and captivating story. Aaliyah may lack nanny experience and culinary skills, but her genuine care for Von’s daughter and her unexpected knack for tattoo art quickly endear her to the family. Von, reeling from the aftermath of a divorce, struggles to keep his attraction to Aaliyah at bay, torn between his need for stability and the magnetic pull of her innocence and sensuality.

The narrative dives deeper than a standard romance, tackling themes of self-discovery, independence, and the courage it takes to embrace a love that defies expectations. Aaliyah’s journey is particularly relatable, as she learns to shed her family’s rigid control and rediscover her own identity. Her character development is a highlight, showcasing her transformation from a sheltered young woman to a confident, empowered individual.

Von’s arc is equally compelling. Beneath his tough exterior lies a man carrying emotional scars, yet his interactions with Aaliyah reveal a vulnerability that adds depth to his character. The connection between them is palpable, with moments of tension, humour, and genuine tenderness woven throughout the story.

This novel excels in its character development, rich emotional layers, and fast-paced narrative. Aaliyah and Von’s chemistry is electric, and the inclusion of Von’s daughter adds a heartwarming touch to the story. While light-hearted and fun, the book also offers poignant reflections on personal growth and the courage it takes to follow your heart.

A quick yet memorable read, this romance is perfect for fans of grumpy/sunshine dynamics, heartfelt storytelling, and strong, independent heroines. Aaliyah’s journey of empowerment and self-acceptance is as inspiring as it is entertaining.

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This was such a lovely read. I loved that there was such distinction between the voice for each character, even if the chapters didn’t start with their names, you’d know whose pov it was. I think it really helped with solidifying who they were as characters and their motivations. There was great character development, especially for Aaliyah, the tension between her and Von was spectacular. I also adored their relationships with Gia, that she always came first for both of them, even when Aaliyah had only just met her.
4.5*

Aaliyah runs from her wedding and small-town life to Chicago and all that a big city offers. Aaliyah is a young, naive woman who wants to own her life but is unsure how to do so. When she gets a job as a nanny to a high profile and worldly tattoo artist, she bonds with his daughter, but remaining professional with her boss proves challenging because of their compelling attraction. Told from Aaliyah and Von's viewpoints, it is a passionate battlefield, fighting each other and their needs. Aaliyah's youth and lack of worldliness don't detract from her courage and determination. There are control issues, but she has already experienced these from her parents and ex-fiance in her former life. Von constantly questions his motives and actions but still manages to hurt her. The dialogue is unfiltered, but this story's verbal sparring is enjoyable. I like the flawed characters, their development, and their undeniable attraction. I struggled with the boss-employee dynamic and the age gap, which seems significant because of their differing life experience.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

Thank you to Naima Simone, Mills & Boon, Afterglow Books, and Netgalley for access to the Advanced Reader Copy of this novel. Here is what I thought about the book…

Well, I must say, Mills and Boon have come a long way. Still the same old cheese, although far less of the romance. At the onset, I was glad to note the cultural shake up, some language modernization, and bolder covers. I have not picked up a Miils & Boon novel since the days of color coding. I remember being a huge fan of the lilac books because they always had a medical theme, but I was fond of the marriage of conveniences and boast a vintage collection of purple, orange, and dark green covers. Thus, armed with feelings of nostalgia, I reached out to those listed above and sought a copy of the latest M&B offering. My enjoyment was short-lived, and I was bitterly disappointed by the time I reached the end of the novel. Truth be told, I was a little offended.

Aaliyah jilts her almost-husband at the altar and propels herself into a future she hasn’t quite figured out. Bringing a whole new meaning to runaway bride by not just running from the wedding but also from the state, pastor’s daughter, Aaliyah, sets up home with her wayward, stripper cousin in Texas. With designs on going to school when most students are graduating, Aaliyah needs to grow up fast and find a job to fund her path. Is nannying for the infamous Von Howard the key to her fresh start? Despite his first impressions of the strait-laced, out-of-place, girl from outta town, can Aaliyah change his mind and thaw his heart?

The novel was not what I expected from this publisher. There were steamy scenes that left the reader feeling flushed in more ways than one, a cat and mouse game of chase between the leading characters, and a tussle for them to be together or stay apart. All this came with a healthy dose of drama. This would have been all well and good, but it was less the romance I had hoped for and would be more at home in the erotica category.

Where I took offence was in the stereotyping. The male lead, an older guy, in some ways bullies the female lead into submission both in and out of sexual contexts. As a tattoo artist, heavily inked himself, he is given rather thuggish characteristics. Then we have the female lead, daughter of a pastor, innocent, largely passive, and accepting of her boss’s bad behavior. Then we have the Black, upstanding church abiding parents and ex-fiancé treating Aaliyah like she is possessed by the devil and exhibiting their own signs of manipulative behavior. With so few books out there that have a Black cast, particularly within the romance genre, it would have been great to have a decent romantic lead. When it comes to affairs of the heart, Black girls want the same as white girls in many respects; a charming, charismatic gentleman that is going to treat her well. There is nothing wrong with taking the typical Mr. Darcy, Jack Dawson, or Jamie Fraser and instilling their best qualities in a man of a global majority background. Instead, the author has written about another disrespectful brute, thrown in a stripper cousin, and a cheating ex-wife for the sake of dramatization. So, as I said, I was disappointed at the lack of progression. Thus, for me, this book is lucky to scrape 2 out of 5 stars.

Overall, this book is a little escapism. There is overt erotica that provides a thrill at your fingertips. Is it literary? No. Cleverly written? No. Hard to decipher? Not at all. It’s a dollop of smut that lets you know that the least visible parts of your body still work. The swearing could be toned down a little. It made the main characters appear vulgar and over the top, but I guess that’s modernization, stereotyping, and racial bias for you. In terms of plot, the story was basic and made sense. If you are looking for a quick-read, maybe something steamy for the plane journey, a day at the beach, a commute across town, or just to escape hum-drum life, you could do worse than this book. Think Kinsella’s, The Undomesticated Goddess meets James’s Fifty Shades of Grey with marginally better writing than the latter. However, I think it will be a long time before I forgive the publisher for launching this title. Tut tut and a lot of shaking of the head ensues!

I absolutely loved the characters and exploring their differences and similarities, I really did not want it to end.

I knew that third act break-up was coming and I'm very satisfied with how it went (I'm a picky person).

Content Warnings: religious fanaticism/bigotry, purity culture, shaming of sex work and body autonomy, brief discussion of attempted childhood SA, bad divorce and parties involved in constant fights, emotional abuse, cheating.

When Aaliyah runs out on her fiance at her wedding, it's because she's escaping from her domineering father and the rules he has set in place.

But soon she's in Chicago, about to join college to study art and live the freedom she always wanted. But when she needs to earn money as a nanny, it isn't long before she meets Von, the sexy tattoo artist, also father to an adorable seven-year-old, Gia. 

But when sparks fly can the two keep it professional or maybe they need the lines to blur to find the trust they previously lost from past relationships?

I didn't like Von at first. I found him too rough and didn't like how he spoke to Aaliyah, but he grew on me and towards the end, you can see that he was hurting and protecting himself. 

I loved that Aaliyah found her true self and was so pleased when she stood up for herself to her parents. 
It showed how much she had grown. 

Simone writes another spicy novel, which will have you crossing your legs as you read, an author that will bring the perfect recipe to any novel they write.

I loved this book and can’t wait for the next one. I found the age difference a little disturbing because even though the protagonist was 24, this was her first time truly away from home and making adult decisions, creating a power/maturity imbalance.

Either way, that’s probably just me other thinking things. I enjoyed the characters, the story and the writing.

This is the perfect mix of sweetness and naivety alongside toughness and coldheartedness. The shy and yet incredibly sassy Liyah squirrels her way into the hearts of those around her by helping out by caring and by putting their needs first. The fight at the school is a great moment and one of many as the Church girl weaves her magic uses her backbone and makes the lives of those around her better.

Aaliyah is a preachers daughter and is about to marry her fathers second-hand man. However, she becomes a runaway bride, searching for her own independence and a journey to find who she is. While on her journey of discovery, she meets Von Howard, a tattoo artist and business owner.
Read as their relationship starts out rocky but will become more.

I absolutely enjoyed this book, I loved the plot and fell for the characters straight away, seeing Von the grumpy tattoo shop owner with the tough image but it was lovely seeing the vulnerable side of Von seeing him going situations with his ex wife.

I liked the ending of being a family, Aaliyah, Von, and Gia it would have been nice for a clear view of what the future held for them, but I still enjoyed this, so it didn't disappoint me not having that.

First time reading Naima Simone. I did enjoy this book and felt the concept was great! I feel that the romance aspect felt slightly rushed, I'd have liked to have seen a different build up I.e the kiss in the shop before the kitchen scene but that just a personal thing for me! I loved Aaliyah and her journey in finding herself. Von is such a great human and Dad. Will definitely be checking pit some more of the authors stuff.

Firstly, that cover is absolutely BANGING and I adore it. Church Girl was a really hard one for me to rate because I swung back and forth between really enjoying it and then finding that it was dragging a little. I did love Aaliyah’s character and her sweet friendships with Tamara and Von’s daughter but quite honestly I would have enjoyed her story a lot more if she hadn’t ended up with Von. I actually would have loved it if she had found herself, her confidence and love for life and then gone out on her own to explore her new found freedom.

In terms of the romance I thought it felt very surface level and the way that Von spoke to and treated Aaliyah at some points just didn’t sit right with me. I also thought the third act conflict felt a bit forced and could have been much more easily resolved than it was. However, it was very sexy, the family and friend dynamics were interesting and the actual premise of the story is great.

Thank you to Mills & Boon/Afterglow Books for the ARC ❤️

I would recommend it if you like a MMC that has alpha male vibes, scenes that will make you want to fan yourself and an opposites attract romance.

Church Girl is a spicy romance novel by Naima Simone.
This was such a fun read. I read it in one sitting. It was easy to follow and had a good mix of characters. It was a little slow in places but when I got past these parts I enjoyed the story more. Overall a good read that I would recommend to other people.
💝 Thank you to netgalley, the author and publisher for my arc ebook copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

I requested Church Girl because the cover is absolutely gorgeous 😍 - it has Disney romance vibes, and I should have remembered that sometimes the sweetest covers are for the spiciest books. If spicy romance is what you're looking for, then this absolutely delivers. The writing style is full of energy and spark, and I was rooting for this couple to reach their happily-ever-after.

I should have read the description more carefully though (my bad), as I realised early on that I'm not the ideal reader for this story. Most of the romance books I read are a lot tamer - and Church Girl is more Jessa Kane than Catherine Tinley. There's a lot of swearing & a lot of spice 🌶️ The feminist in me was a bit uncertain about Von's language/behaviour at times - but perhaps I just prefer cinnamon-roll heroes in romance, and he was very much the alpha-male boss (which will be catnip to many romance readers.... ).

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance copy.