Member Reviews

Thank you NetGalley and RBmedia for the ARC of this audiobook for my honest review

At first I thought I was going to hate this, it felt like it was getting really messy. But it was really good and I feel like it had some important messages in it, the tension was also great and it worked out in such a mature and respectful way. It was really realistic in a good way and I love it !

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4.25 stars! This story follows Harper, a divorced mom of two boys, who still lives with her ex-husband, Terrance, due to his illness. Dresden, a widowed father of twin girls working in the medical field, is still healing from the loss of his wife to cancer.

Their paths cross when Dresden oversees a special research project, and Harper becomes part of his team. As they work together, their connection deepens, offering them both a second chance at love while navigating the weight of grief.

If you enjoy heartfelt romances with open-door spice and themes of healing, this story is a must-read. It’s a beautiful tale of two people rediscovering love amidst their pain. I absolutely loved it!

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Where Somebody’s Wife was about finding love after being wronged, Somebody’s Husband explores love, grief, and the journey of healing together. Dresden and Harper were absolutely perfect for each other—he gave her everything she needed without hesitation, and she understood him deeply, often before he even voiced his needs. Their connection felt natural, healing, and beautifully written.

While I would have loved to see more of Dresden and Harper’s love story in the present, I understand why their pasts were so important to the overall narrative. The last 30 minutes or so of the audiobook truly focused on their love, and I appreciated seeing their bond fully bloom.

It’s important to note that this book comes with heavy triggers—grief, parental loss, and cancer—so readers should be prepared for some deeply emotional moments. One thing I did miss compared to Somebody’s Wife was the dual POV, which I think would have added even more depth to the story.

That being said, Robbi Renee did not disappoint. This was another beautifully written book that I would absolutely recommend, especially for readers who appreciate love stories that navigate both heartbreak and healing.

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Whew, Somebody’s Husband by Robbi Renee took me through it! This book isn’t just about romance… it’s about healing, about picking up the broken pieces of yourself after loss, and finding love when you least expect it.

Robbi Renee captured grief in such a real way. I felt every ounce of heartache, every moment of doubt, and every small step toward healing. The emotions in this book are heavy, but in the best way… it makes you feel. And the love story? Whew, chile. It’s not just about falling for someone new; it’s about learning to open your heart again when you thought it wasn’t possible. The chemistry was so deep, so real, and the way the characters connected? Beautiful.

This book is a reminder that love can find you even in your darkest moments, and that healing doesn’t mean forgetting… it means making space for joy again. If you’ve ever been through loss, if you’ve ever had to rebuild yourself, this story will touch your soul. Robbi Renee did that!

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Somebody’s Husband by Robbi Renee is an emotionally charged, deeply layered novel that explores love, loss, and the complexities of healing. From the first page, I was drawn into the world of Dr. Dresden Xavier, a man drowning in grief but determined to find purpose in his work. His unexpected connection with Harper Kingsley, a dedicated nursing professor, felt raw and authentic, making this more than just a love story—it’s a journey of rediscovery.

What stood out to me most was how Renee captures the weight of unspoken emotions. Dresden isn’t your typical romantic lead; he’s flawed, grieving, and hesitant, yet his depth makes him compelling. Harper, on the other hand, is strong yet vulnerable in her own way. Their relationship builds organically, without rushed or forced moments, making every interaction between them feel real and meaningful.

Beyond the romance, the book also tackles professional ambition, the weight of past pain, and the courage it takes to embrace happiness again. Renee’s writing is smooth and evocative, pulling readers into each emotional beat without being overly sentimental.

If you’re looking for a novel that balances heartache and hope with beautifully developed characters, Somebody’s Husband is a must-read. It’s not just about finding love again—it’s about learning to live again.

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I was truly captivated by this poignant tale of heartbreak and sorrow, exploring the journey of healing and the incredible resilience it takes to open one’s heart to love once more.

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I loved this book down.

Dresden lost his wife and was relocating back to his home town with his two twin girls. Harper is tending to her sick ex husband. Dr. Dresden Xavier is conducting a research project that Harper was invited to work on. Harper invited her ex husband to be apart of the study.

I loved Dresden relationship with his girls and his parents. Harper and her boys had an interesting relationship. I did take off one star because I feel like Harper and Terrence relationship wasn't explained until about half way through the book. The Book made you think that they were married but just having a rough patch not that they had been divorced for years. But I loved the way that Dresden went to his deceased wife mother to ask permission to date again.

Overall Dresden and Harper's relationship and the book as a whole was great.

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This book was good and the voices of the characters were good as well and played very well. I definitely would listen to it again and also even purchase the hard copy

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Omggg robbi has done it again! Im just so in love with her writing. I
This book & the characters helped me out of a 5 month reading slump! So thank you so much to NetGalley for this arc !

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Rating: 4.5 stars

I started listening to this novel on audiobook, especially since I received it from Netgalley. However, I did not concentrate on the story, and the voice felt/sounded slightly off, so I switched to the ebook and enjoyed reading the story so much better.

This is also my second read from Robbi Renee, and I found her books to be well-written. This story flows effortlessly, taking the reader from Dresden's grief of losing his wife and how he has to navigate what feels like a new life with his daughters. The glimpses of her last days alive and how she was with her family showed how much love they all had for each other. Dresden's grief feels as though it comes off the pages. How will he navigate a new interest?

Then there is Harper. Her grief is laid out in such a way that one feels her pain. Her backstory involves dealing with her ex-husband and taking care of him now that he is sick. Harper is finally trying to take care of herself for the first time, and how does that look? Why does she feel guilty?

Somebody's Husband is an emotional, heart-wrenching read, but the laughs and the love it contains make it an absolute joy to read.

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Robbi Renee’s writing is evocative and heartfelt, capturing the emotional nuances of her characters in a way that feels raw and authentic. The pacing of the story is deliberate, moving neither too fast nor too slow. Instead, it unfolds organically, allowing readers to fully absorb the intricacies of Dresden and Harper’s lives. Every twist and turn feels both realistic and impactful, avoiding the melodrama that can sometimes overshadow stories of this nature.

The characters are where this novel truly shines. Dresden is a man haunted by loss, yet his resilience and dedication make him a compelling protagonist. Harper, on the other hand, is equally captivating—a woman striving to hold her family together while quietly unraveling inside. Their emotional journeys are richly explored, and Robbi Renee does an excellent job of crafting multi-dimensional characters who feel like real people. The chemistry between Dresden and Harper is palpable yet complex, as they grapple with the moral and emotional ramifications of their evolving relationship.

This is more than just a love story—it’s a tale of redemption, healing, and the search for meaning after loss. The themes of grief, family, and self-discovery are interwoven seamlessly, adding layers of depth to the narrative. The emotions are tangible, and as a reader, it’s hard not to be moved by the struggles and triumphs of both Dresden and Harper.

One of the greatest strengths of Somebody’s Husband is its ability to handle sensitive topics with grace and realism. Grief, infidelity, and the complexities of human relationships are not sugar-coated, making the story feel all the more genuine. The dialogue is sharp, the stakes are high, and the moments of intimacy and vulnerability between the characters are beautifully written.

If there’s a potential critique, it might be that some readers could find the subject matter emotionally heavy at times. However, for those who enjoy stories that delve into the messiness of life and love, this depth is a strength rather than a drawback.

Somebody’s Husband is a deeply moving and expertly written novel that offers a fresh and unconventional take on the romance genre. Robbi Renee doesn’t shy away from exploring the darker corners of her characters’ lives, but she also gives readers moments of light and hope. The result is a story that feels both raw and redemptive—a testament to the healing power of love in its many forms.

I highly recommend this book to fans of emotionally charged romance fiction, especially those who enjoyed Robbi Renee’s Somebody’s Wife or are looking for stories that tackle complex relationships with honesty and heart.

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I read the book and I loved it! So than I had to listen to the audiobook as well and its also great. I highly recommend this story it’s definitely a page turner.

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Robbi Renee’s Somebody's Husband is a captivating drama packed with passion, secrets, and emotional intensity. The novel dives into the complexities of forbidden love, trust, and betrayal, unraveling a tangled web of relationships that will leave readers hooked. Renee’s skillful storytelling and deeply layered characters create a raw, unapologetic narrative that challenges moral boundaries. A compelling read for those who enjoy juicy, thought-provoking tales of love and consequence.

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Happy release day
First of all, I’d love to thank #NetGalley & @robbierenee for an advance readers copy of this delicious audiobook! This book follows Dr. Dresden Xavier & Professor Harper Kingsley, 2 40+ year olds…(How refreshing to read a love story about grown folks!!!) I went into this book, expecting a similar story to Somebody’s Wife . Imagine my surprise when the vibe was completely different. This story shows how 2 people navigate through their personal journeys of grief.
I felt like I was watching a black love story from the 90’s (i.e Love Jones, Boomerang, Brown sugar) or a version of the iconic Living Single, or Girlfriends. There was a palpable sexiness that came across between Dre & Harper from their first encounter. And, it’s a SEXY SLOW BURN!!! Please pick up “Somebody’s Husband” you definitely won’t regret it! Ohhhh, and there’s NO 3rd act breakup!!! Okay-byyyyye

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I really enjoyed this book. When I read the description of the book, I knew I had to get it. I love the idea of finding love again after dealing with a life changing
experience. I would definitely read it again.

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I have read several titles from Robbi Renee, and this one brings us back to Monroe University, the campus that we first encountered in 2023's Somebody's Wife. I loved that this story gives another nod to a Black culture staple, HBCUs. Robbi does a good job of helping us to understand the MMC and FMC, and how their life's journey has brought them to the same place.

While I enjoy the overall flow and pacing of Renee's work, there are times when I think the narrative gets more wordy than it should be. Certain adjectives and descriptors become overused (ex: "muted" and "orbs"), and it can distract from what is otherwise good writing. However, I think a strong editor can help to make progress in that area. I can tell that Robbi poured her heart into Husband, and I found myself getting emotional when Harper comes to terms with the literal end of her and Terrence's relationship.

Dylan Ford narrated for the entirety of the title, and while his performance was not quite as strong as some of Robbi's previous audio partners, I felt that he did a beautiful job with the emotional scenes and solid work with the dialogue. His narrative delivery needs a little more polishing, but it didn't keep me from enjoying the story. I think the audio for this title would have been more dynamic if Ford had been paired with a female co-narrator, perhaps just until he can sharpen his own skill set.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing my with an ALC of this title.

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Dresden and Harper’s romance story explores relationships after the loss of a spouse. I enjoyed the character development as Xavier dealt with his developing feelings for a woman who isn’t his wife (she died from cancer). Although he is still deeply in love with his wife, she told him before she died that she wanted him to find love after her death. Harper is dealing with trust issues after her disappointment in her first marriage. Things that I like about this book were: Dresden’s love for his wife and how he treated Harper, Harper’s dedication to being her ex-husband’s caretaker, how the Dresden and Harper’s children grow to accept their relationship

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**Review of *Somebody’s Husband* by Robbi Renee**

*Somebody’s Husband* by Robbi Renee is a gripping and emotionally charged novel that explores the complexities of love, identity, and the choices we make in the pursuit of happiness. The story follows a woman, whose life is turned upside down when she learns that her husband has been hiding a dark secret. As she navigates the shock of betrayal and the unraveling of her seemingly perfect life, she is forced to confront her own insecurities and what it means to truly know someone.

At its core, *Somebody’s Husband* is a story about self-discovery and resilience. The narrative is centered around the protagonist’s journey to reclaim her life and find her voice in the aftermath of betrayal. Robbi Renee skillfully captures the emotional turmoil and conflict of the main character, making her both relatable and empathetic. The plot is carefully paced, keeping the tension high as each new revelation brings the protagonist closer to understanding the truth about her marriage and herself.

While the premise is intriguing, there are moments where the pacing feels slow, and the internal struggles of the protagonist could have been explored in greater depth. However, Renee’s writing shines when it comes to the emotional scenes, delivering a raw and heartfelt experience for readers.

In terms of content warnings, readers should be aware that *Somebody’s Husband* deals with themes of infidelity, betrayal, and the psychological toll these events can have on a person. For some, these themes may hit particularly close to home, so it's important to approach the book with caution if you're sensitive to these topics.

The book is particularly well-suited for readers who enjoy contemporary fiction focused on personal growth, emotional resilience, and complex relationships. If you're a fan of novels that dive deep into the intricacies of human connection, *Somebody’s Husband* may be a compelling read for you. However, if you prefer faster-paced plots or action-driven narratives, this may not be the best fit.

Overall, I would rate this book **3.5 out of 5 stars**. While the emotional depth and character-driven storytelling are strong, some parts of the book might feel drawn out, and a deeper exploration of certain themes could have added more substance to the plot. However, it is still a thought-provoking and poignant read for those who appreciate contemporary fiction with a focus on personal journeys and self-realization.

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I LOVED Somebody's Wife, so I was really excited for this book. It definitely didn't disappoint. I went into this one blind, and it went in a different direction from what I was expecting. While sweet and heartwarming, this book packs a punch with the real life topics that it address, such as grief, death, and the emotions surrounding losing a spouse. The author did a great job displaying the emotions of the main characters. I felt I was right in the story living life with them. The emotions were deep and the spice was spicy. Great listen!

While I would've preferred dual narration, Dylan Ford did a decent job narrating. I pushed through due to how beautiful the story was.

Thank you NetGalley and RB Media for the ALC in exchange for my honest review.

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I am not a romance reader but the title, cover, and description intrigued me.
Also being a first time reader of the author, I gave the book a 3.75-4. I am reviewing the audiobook. The narrators voice worked for some of the characters (mostly male), but was not as believable as a women. Felt “ too animated” and what I would describe as being mocked. Beyond that it is:

A beautiful story about second chances at friendship and love; how grief is love with no where to go, until you make space for it.

I enjoyed the brief invite into both Harper and Dresden’s lives ( family, work, health, love and legacy, grief, intimacy and friendships). There was a lot to dissect , which monopolized 75% of the story, rushing the last 25%. Overall good read. I would recommend for hopeless romantics with a bit of naughty 🫣😜💕

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