3.25⭐️

I struggled to read this book. It took me a LONG time to really get into. I was finding myself wanting the “build up” to be over with and get to the page turning good stuff. But it never really came. I expected more. The 3rd person threw me off most of the time. This was a story about finding love again while grieving loss. There were definitely some sad parts in the book. I enjoyed Somebody’s Wife more but overall an okay story. Dresden x Harper ❤️

Thank you NetGalley & Black Odyssey Media for the eARC.

Happy release day to this gem of a book! Thank you @iamblackodyssey and @netgalley the ARC!

I flew through this one in no time. I could not put it down. Definitely check the trigger warnings as this one handles subjects of spousal death and cancer.

I found the love between Dresden and Harper organic and it blossomed so beautifully. From figuring out how to move forward despite deep grief, caring for an ill ex to blending a family. I can’t stop smiling at this one. I’d highly recommend!

Make Somebody’s Husband your next read!

#BNJreads #BooksihReview #Bookstagram #bookish #blackodysseymedia #BlackRomance #DiverseSpines #SomebodysHusband #RobbiRenee

“Somebody’s Husband” is a profoundly touching story that weaves through the complex interplay of sorrow and joy. It immerses us in the worlds of Dr. Dresden and Dr. Harper, two souls each confronting personal bereavements, yet discovering comfort and unity as they forge a bond. This book is masterfully crafted, reminding us that it is possible for two truths to coexist and that life is a precious journey meant to be embraced.

I LOVED this book. I usually stick to books with characters around my age but I am starting to love reading books where the FMC & MMC are 35+. This book had all the feels, Harper and Dresden relationship was something I would love to read more about. They understood each other, especially when it came to the grief of losing a loved one, especially a partner they thought they would spend the rest of their lives with. I loved how they were both close to their children as well and how that relationship intertwined with their relationship. I feel that everyone who has lost someone whether a partner, friend, or family member but also loves romance will enjoy this book.

I had to sit with this one for a while.. This is such a heartwarming story.. What I am learning about Robbi Renee is she going to write a story that plays on every emotion you have! A beautiful story of love and grief, and a profound story of healing. I know this is fiction but these characters were real and went through real life. Check your triggers before reading but I highly recommend readying this book!
Thank you NetGalley and Black Odyssey Media for an Advance Copy

I like how we were fed little nibblets of why we would be rooting for her. I mean dealing with sickness of a loved one, is a hard feat, so the fact that both of them had first hand experience was a nice bonding piece.
I think some of the biggest issues with Somebody's Wife was that we were constantly reminded of that, and in thos one, there were zero references, and it was just very subtle and it was very tastefully done. It's hard when dealing with the memory of someone, because in death some folks are put on a pedestal, even in their illness, and it was very tastefully done to acknowledge that these folks had flaws even though there was that urgency in the way that those flaws get pushed aside because you're dealing either with the illness or the memory. It was really well done.

Content warnings for cancer and death of a spouse.

Thank you to Black Odyssey Media and Netgalley for an e-copy.

Content warnings for cancer, death and grief. I'm officially a Robbi Renee fan after this one. The build up took time and I appreciated that, there was doubt and yearning and this was a mature love story.

One this Robbi Renee is gonna do is write an amazing book. I've been waiting for this book since I finished somebody's wife. This book has me deep in my feelings, I love every minute of it! 5 stars!

Somebody’s Husband is an emotionally charged exploration of love, loyalty, and self-identity, weaving together the complexities of personal relationships with moments of deep reflection. Robbi Rene does a wonderful job of capturing the nuances of modern relationships, and the story unfolds with unexpected twists that keep you hooked from beginning to end.

The central character(s) navigate the trials of love, betrayal, and self-discovery, facing difficult choices that will resonate with anyone who's ever questioned their place in a relationship or within themselves. The author’s portrayal of the characters feels raw and authentic, and their emotional journeys are depicted with honesty and vulnerability.

What stood out to me the most was how the book addresses the intersection of personal identity and relational dynamics—how one’s sense of self can sometimes be lost or challenged when entangled with someone else's life.

While the pacing at times may feel slower, it’s clear that this is a book meant to make you reflect rather than rush you through its plot. The tension between the characters is palpable, and the emotional stakes are high, making it impossible to not get drawn into the dilemmas they face.

Final Thoughts: If you enjoy books that delve into the complexities of relationships, with emotional depth and a touch of realism, Somebody's Husband is definitely worth checking out. It’s a story about finding yourself amidst the complexities of love, and I think many readers will relate to the characters’ struggles and triumphs.

Robbi Renee has done it again! Somebody’s Husband is beautifully written and exceeded all my expectations.
It’s a departure from her previous two books, but in the best way. It feels fresh, unique, and deeply emotional. The story pulled at my heartstrings from start to finish, and I found myself completely immersed in the characters’ journeys. It was definitely worth the wait, and Robbi’s talent shines through every page. If you’re looking for a heartfelt, well-crafted story, this one is a must-read!

Thank you Black Odyssey for providing an advanced copy to review.

Thanks to NetGalley and Black Odyssey Media for this read. This book was quite easy to read as it was written well. The people in the boo were older which was good. The chapters were not to long and it make for easy page turning. I don’t want to give anything about the book. It is better to go in without any information.

This story deeply explores love, loss, and second chances with two mature protagonists. Dr. Dresden Xavier, a widower and father of twins, and Harper Kingsley, a professor caring for her ex-husband who has cancer, come together through a groundbreaking medical trial. Their shared experiences evolve into a tender connection filled with vulnerability and healing. The pacing slowed a little in the middle but then I was hit with an emotional moment in the story. Another mature heartfelt moment happened around Dresden’s 45th birthday. His actions felt the maturity and depth of their connection.
If you love Black romance and second-chance love, you should read this heartfelt story.

I do want to make a note of the audio narration. It was not my favorite. With some narrators, you can feel the emotion and feelings as they are narrating but I did not get this from this narrator. This really should have been a dual narration. I also had the ebook so I was able to read along and listen.

Thank you to NetGalley and Black Odyssey Media for the ARC. Happy Publication Day! This book was giving grown and sexy and BLACK. This was my first romance read with an older couple as the main characters. The relationship was giving I've been through things, here's how I can show up for you. Navigating love after grief, family dynamics, etc. Sprinkle in second chance romance in a small town too. I loved this read.

Robbi Renee is fabulous at writing love stories that tug at your heart while making you contemplate, and Somebody's Husband was no different. In this story we meet Dr. Dresden Xavier, a widower with two daughters who's still battling with the loss of his wife, and Professor Harper Kingsley, a mother of two who's struggling with caring for her ex-husband after his cancer diagnosis. Harper and Dresden immediately feel an attachment to one another, and the pull to be in each other's orbit is strong, but grief and guilt are heavy burdens that are constantly getting in the way of their budding relationship.

I really enjoyed this story. It's a slow burn because both Harper and Dresden are both dealing with so much, but in that time you really get to understand the grief and anguish they both are feeling. Dresden was really bae. He was so understanding, and even when he did something wrong, he took action to correct himself, and I loved that. Harper was so strong, and I truly loved the way she and Dresden communicated in this book. Robbie Renee did such an excellent job highlighting not only the couple's feelings but also how grief affects the children and how healing is a continuous journey. What a wonderful story.

Thank you to Netgalley and Black Odyssey Media for the advanced reader copy.

4/5 ⭐
2/5🌶️

Thanks Net Galley and Black Odyssey Media for the ARC.
This was a beautiful story about healing, grief, vulnerability and unforgettable love.

A grieving Dr. Dresden Xavier and Professor Harper Kingsley meet will working on a medical study. Their undeniable connection spirals well past the boundaries of their clinical research.

Though I don't usually love 3rd person, Robbi did it so well. It allowed us to see the character development of ALL the main and supporting personalities. This felt realistic and relatable. Rather you've felt their pain or not, you'll for sure empathize with these characters.

Tropes:
-Small Town
-Widower
-Single parents
-40+
-Slow Burn

Somebody's Husband by Robbi Renee is a captivating and emotional romance that explores themes of love, betrayal, and personal transformation. The story follows a woman who finds herself entangled in a complicated relationship, navigating the challenges of love, self-worth, and the consequences of her choices. Renee's writing is raw and thought-provoking, delving into the complexities of relationships with depth and authenticity. The characters are well-developed, each with their own struggles and growth, making the story both relatable and compelling. Somebody's Husband is a powerful read that will resonate with readers who enjoy emotional dramas centered around love, healing, and personal growth.

If we are so lucky in this life to find and marry our soul mate , do we think we could love again if we lost them? Somebody’s husband is about the loss of loved ones and the rejuvenation of love finding you again. Knowing that you’re not replacing the love that was lost ,but hopefully honoring that love while learning to love someone new. This story was so beautifully written and raw. Also I loved that Robbi involved HBCU’s and mentioned African American Greek sorority and fraternity life into the fabric of this story. You get to see black educated high level professionals, raising their children to be just as successful. This is an amazing story that I would recommend to anyone. Black love all around.

Thank you, Netgalley, Black Odyssey Media, and Robbi Renee for the ARC of this beautiful story of love in its truest form, losing it and finding it again. This book shattered me! There were parts that I could relate to from my personal experience and others simply because the characters were so well written that I could empathize with them.
I don't want to spoil it so I will refrain from saying more.

This book....whew!

I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.

Love in sickness and even after death.

Don't let the title deter you from reading 'Somebody’s Husband'; it is not a story about infidelity—far from it. I was glad to read the story of Dr. Dresden Xavier, a widower of two years, and Harper Kingsley, a loving mother, professor, and devoted friend. Dresden moved back to his hometown of Monroe City to conduct a medical research project that could yield life-changing results for patients and their families, but by the end of the story, his life took a different turn.

Harper's heartfelt kindness to help Terrance, her son's father after his diagnosis of colon cancer. I enjoyed reading all 320 pages of this book, which navigates the themes of loss, grief, healing, and second chances at love. It was a pleasure to read about two mature adults who, despite their commitments to their spouses, found an undeniable attraction to each other. Dresden and Harper’s story is one of real connection and chemistry, a journey of love that unfolds at a gentle pace and captured my full attention.

The book is beautifully written and addresses a multitude of real-life situations: cancer, death, grief, divorce, healing, and the complexities of having children who either understand or struggle with why a parent might choose to move on to new love. It reflects on past mistakes, emphasizing that while we cannot correct them, we can strive to do better and hopefully other will see our efforts. Terrance plays a smaller role in the story, yet he left an impression on me. He recognized where he went wrong in his marriage and continued to fight for Harper’s love, all while understanding that her heart had moved on. I appreciated that he was not bitter about it; he simply wanted to show Harper and their sons that he had tried his best and had not given up.

Dresden, on the other hand, struggled to let go of his deceased wife, Nina. His journey through grief was at times unsettling, and I cannot judge the duration of grief or when love for a spouse should end. Ultimately, I was happy that both Dresden and Harper recognized their second chance at love and were open to embracing it.

This story is well-written and an absolute joy to read. The characters are relatable—no one is perfect—but the family dynamics, close friendships, and mutual support they offer each other make for a heartfelt read.

I am new to this author but will definitely be seeking out more of her books in the future.

Thank you Black Odyssey Media for this ARC. This story was beautifully written. It was about Dr. Xavier and his journey to reclaiming life as a single dad after the loss of his wife. It was very refreshing to see a strong black man do everything he can to provide for his daughter's. I love how we even got their point of views throughout the story. Harper's story was very touching as well as she was going through her grief currently. She had already been easing out of her relationship so they had to start out slow but when the love started to bloom it was amazing. This story taught me a lot and the importance of waiting for the right person.