The Outside Child follows the courtship and marriage of make-up artist Chenille and NFL star Brayden Carpenter. Chenille is "once bitten, twice shy" when it comes to dating, but Brayden is convinced nearly from the start that he's destined to spend his life with her. Their relationships has normal ups and downs, but is rocked by trauma that would rattle the foundation of any relationship.

I can say that I enjoyed The Outside Child as a book; it was filled with drama, usually as a result of their inability to find a compromise that allowed Brayden to pursue his career in a way that allowed Chenille the stability to do the same. But the title was a misnomer, if only because of how the plot actually played out. The driving tension that's presented does not come into play until a point where most books would be leading to a resolution, not introducing a key conflict. As a result, the ending felt rushed and unrealistic given how things took place throughout the rest of the book.

What I do commend is Warren's ability to write complicated heroines. Chenille was a thorny character and my feelings toward her, her choices, and her approach to relationships vacillated throughout the book. She is incredibly driven but isn't quick to compromise. She's emotion-driven, but doesn't always consider the long-term effects of her words or actions. Put bluntly, she was unlikeable, and even when terrible things happened to her, I often struggled to find sympathy for her. She was borderline villainous and my sympathies laid with Brayden most of the time.

Despite the title not matching up to the title and description, The Outside Child is an interesting story. While the focus is less on infidelity, it gives a close-up view of the ups and downs of a relationship that's faced with obstacles, from both internal and external causes. It's an interesting read that I recommend, but I do so with the qualification that the description isn't as quite a fit for the reality of the book.

This is the first book I have read by this author. I loved the story. It was captivating from beginning to end. Never a dull moment.

Chenille Abrams, Makeup Artist Extraordinaire is in Jamaica for a music festival. Her reservations at the hotel, and that's when she meets NFL football player, Brayden Carpenter. Brayden not only helps her out, he steals her heart. When a tragedy happens it threatens to tear them apart. Will love win or will they move on.

This is a wonderful story that speaks to commitment, married life and most of all love. Ms. Warren is an excellent writer that had me in tears at the end of this story. The characters are well-developed, the writing is strong. I really hope this is one of those books that get picked up and turned into a movie.

I highly recommend and have tissues on standby. Just saying. (Linda)

If I could describe this book in one word, it'd be: meh.

Brayden is a budding NFL player at the time he meets Chenille. She's this chocolate sista, with sass, attitude and a growing business.

Brayden is the kind of guy that doesn't fit what one would expect an NFL player to be. He's not described as being very large. I get the impression he's kind of regular, degular-- just fit. He's not running around with a bunch of women. He's kind and seems personable.

He meets Chenille and falls in love with her ebony skin--and her drive.

They fall together--and love and all the rest ensues.

This book is...boring. I can't think of a better way to describe it. It's not poorly written at all. It reaches it's climax far too late to make a difference for the story--we're talking about 91-100% for the drama. Far too late to matter.

Man, I wanted to like this one so much more than I did. But like I said the conflict happens way later in the story. It was a perfect portrait that someone spilled juice on.

I don't have many words or much thought on this novel, just that I was bored.

I want to see more of what this author can do, but I won't be rushing into it.

Read at your own risk, slow-moving, some romance--and not much else.

Tiffany Warren’s The Outside Child is an inspirational book that will force readers to ask themselves if they are truly willing to stick with their spouse through life’s ups and downs.

The quick rundown: Chenille and Brayden have a fairy tale relationship. Brayden is a baller making lots of money and Chenille has her own paper as a make up artist. Of course their lives are perfect, right? As we all know, even the best of us experience hardships, and this couple’s fairy tale life turns into a parent’s worst nightmare. Will Chenille and Brayden come together and heal or will the couple allow the pain to push them apart?

I enjoyed reading this book! I read this book quickly, as the writing is entertaining and easy to follow. I admit, based on the title, I expected a Love and Hip Hop or Housewives franchise type of drama. I was pleasantly surprised with this mature story. Be sure to check out this book if you like receiving inspirational messages in your books.



I received an ARC from NetGalley to read and review.

I was made aware of the author because she wrote Christian Fiction. When I heard she was starting to transition to Women's fiction, I was excited and a bit nervous, wondering if was going to be so far off I wouldn't be able to read and support her future works. I am glad to say, this was not the case. Even though it's not Christian Fiction, this book was wonderfully executed and well read. As you're reading, You will experience just about every emotion available,and then some. There were several times I wanted to curse her out and call her every name but a child of God. I would have thrown the book, but I couldn't since I was reading it on my kindle. There will be some characters that you will just hate throughout the story (Jerod for example who I feel is still an a hole) , as some that you can see the growth and change as the story progresses. One of the major themes throughout the book is love and forgiveness. And that ending was one of the best ever. I can't wait to see whats In store next year for the next new release.

Chenille Abrams on her way to becoming a very successful makeup artist meets NFL Star Brayden Carpenter and falls head over heels in love. Chenille has no desire to become one of those ballers wives who does not work and just lives off her husband, she is determined to balance her career, being a wife and a mother.

This story really deals with a lot of family issues, even though this book is not identified as Christian Fiction it showed a lot about faith and forgiveness. I cried several time while reading this book. I enjoyed Chenille and Brayden’s story, i would have never guessed that ending.

When Chenille meets Brayden, a professional high profile athlete I totally understood her hesitation in getting involved with him. Brayden knows what the wants and he wants Chenille. Chenille is not so sure because her main focus is to growing her business. She doesn't want to lose her independence or deal with the "anything goes" groupies.

Chenille was very alpha and controlled the relationship. Brayden catered to her. It really bothered me on the number of compromises he had to make within his marriage to keep the peace. Chenille felt like she was giving up a lot and that marrying and having kids would hinder the strides she'd made in her career as a make-up artist.

There were expectations of Chenille that she flat out refused to do as the wife of a star player, ie, charity work. At times, Chenille acted as a single person within her marriage. She was always saying what she wasn't going to do but never saying what she would do in regard to supporting Brayden. When it's mentioned about Chenille's lack of participation in fundraisers, I was embarrassed for Brayden given his the face of the team. Sometimes, we have to do what we don't want to do in order to support our spouse. Chenille did not think as a partner, as a unit, as one. She was wholly concerned about her career and how marriage and motherhood would interfere with her goals.

When a tragedy happens that could have been prevented instead of blaming herself, she blames her husband. But it was HER actions that caused the tragedy. Brayden was very put upon. When the dust settled Chenille refused to talk to her husband for months. A lesser man would have filed for divorce. When he asked if that what she wanted ,she didn't say yes, she chose to keep him in limbo. I'm sure living average might have something to do with that although Brayden would have given her a nice settlement.

I felt for Brayden because Brayden gave up a lot to be with her over the years. Chenille didn't make nearly as many sacrifices. When she wants to leave on tour and leave her sick child at home he questions the timing and the reasons why. She asks him why doesn't he take time off. Remember, he's a professional athlete playing mandatory games every week so it's not conducive to his career to take time off. He is not working a 9 to 5 job. When kids get sick, they are not calling for daddy, they are calling for mama.

Given Braydon's character throughout the book what happened felt contrived to advance the plot. I forgave him and that's big for me. Chenille did surprise me in how she handled the situation and it didn't feel authentic to her character. Braydon, once again makes a major concession in order to keep his wife happy. Loved him! Barely tolerated her. Read It!

ARC received via Netgalley.

The Outside Child is an emotionally moving book, I fell in love with Brayden and Chenille's marriage and interactions, but wanted to strangle them at times. The storyline is relate-able, believeable, and the characters are well-developed. It has the right pinch of "oh no he didn't" mixed with "Girl, yes he did" and "Lord, what's going to happen next?" I'm a long time fan of Tiffany Warren, and once again, she didn't come to play with us. Old and new readers alike will love this book, I'm sure, as much as I did. . Can't wait to see what she brings us next!

This book captivated me, as it is about the betrayal and forgiveness in a marriage that is struck by tragedy. As I was reading, I was wondering if I would have been as forgiving. This is one that will definitely make your think.

I really enjoyed the beginning of this book and the slow build up of the love story between Chenille and Brayden, but the second half had me wondering if I was reading to different books. The author needed more of a build up to Chenille's resentment of their new life.

Awesome book it took you through a lot of emotions. We are all born with a purpose and never know why things happen but God has a plan.

This is a wonderful, serious story of married life between two strong-willed people. There is much love, but also struggle and strain.
Driven apart by a disastrous accident, one partner at some point assumes the task of trying for reconciliation. The tension that can build between two people is well described as is the importance of trying to be sensitive to each other. This couple who truly care for each other, will find harmony in a way they never could have imagined.
A great an interesting novel that offers so much to learn! Well written!

This book turned out different than I imagined.
Reading this took me on an emotional rollercoaster, right along with the characters.
Highly recommend to fans of Victoria Christopher Murray.

Where do I start? The Outside Child is one of Tiffany L. Warren's most emotional books ever. Chenille Abram's and Brayden Carpenter are the two least likely people to be attracted to one another. Chenille and Brayden meet on a work trip for her and a leisure trip for him.

Brayden is a stand up guy who will go through great lengths to get Chenille to notice him. What started as a friendship eventually escalates into a relationship. Chenille is a low key person, but Brayden has "obligations" to his fans. How will these two make a relationship work when they do not always see eye to eye about things. It takes a special woman to be the wife of Brayden Carpenter when challenges are presented in their marriage. Chenille and Brayden were created for each other.

Will these two make it until death to us part? This book will test your water ducts time and time again. I had to take about 5 breaks from reading this book. It was just that emotional, but oh so that good. This book would make a great movie (it will take about 3 hours to watch)!

This was a great read. I loved the characters in this and I was able to relate to both of them at different times. We live in a world where women have opportunities to be successful but we also live in a world where men still want their wives barefoot and pregnant. Chenille wanted to do both, kinda. She wanted her career and at times it seemed as if she wanted her career over everything else. This would be ok if she were single.

This book discusses marriage, personal career goals, forgiveness and raw emotions that people feel during hard times.

You will find yourself talking to the book and think what!, no she didn't or no he didn't. This book will truly make you think about your own life and what areas you need to be better in and how we need to love a little harder and a little longer.

Add this to your book club.

If I could sum up this book in one word, it would be Wow. Tiffany Warren has navigated outside the Christian fiction genre with a very different and entertaining tale of marriage, love and forgiveness. The Outside Child is a slow build with strong, relatable, if not always likeable, lol, characters with a genuine love for each other. All I can say is that The Outside Child was not what I expected but it had some powerful elements and themes that had me gobbling up this read in hours.

Compelling Quote: "Being in love like this meant giving away all power. It meant putting your heart in the palm of another person's hand and hoping they didn't squeeze too tightly."

Thank you, Netgalley.