This Time for Real

A widow for five years, Payton Sawyer is ready for a change. Off to the Big Apple she goes, where as a college professor she wants to teach, and share with her students, her love for giving back. Raised in an orphanage Malik Williams trusts very few people, he only wants to give children a better life than he had. Two lost souls spot each other in a crowded room, never expecting their lives to cross paths. THIS TIME FOR REAL is a superb story from start to finish. Peyton and Malik are both afraid to let go, but neither is willing to give up on giving back, their commitment to the community, nor on each other. Every character added to the story line, no matter how large or small their voice. The male characters were strong, but were not afraid to take the lesser role. This is the second book in the Orphan Series dealing with the heartfelt emotions of adults who were orphans as children. It is a very compelling story line, showing how the scars from childhood carry over to our adult lives. Influencing the decisions we make in our personal and professional lives. I am waiting on the next installment in the series. Reviewed by Toni Bonita of The RAWSISTAZ(tm) Reviewers

Peyton Sawyer has avoided relationships for nearly 5 years, since of the death of her husband. She's caught off guard when she meets the handsome and debonair Malik Williams, with the dreads and beautiful dimples at a restaurant. Could this be the time for her to let the past go, or will she avoid the attraction that they both have for each other? Ms. St. John introduces two complicated characters that are kindred spirits. Peyton is a professor at a college and she loves helping others. She goes out of her way to make a difference, yet she has baggage that she can't seem to overcome. Men find her attractive and want to get to know her, but she keeps her distance. Malik Williams, the director of a community center, is every woman's dream. He's drop dead gorgeous and has plenty of sex appeal; yet he could be considered damaged goods. Malik wants to give children a chance at a better life, so he is adamant about getting funding for his center to keep kids off the street. Growing up in an orphanage or the foster care system could be difficult; especially if you're biological parents didn't want to be bothered or your foster parents weren't very nice. Both Peyton and Malik are characters that you just want to come out on top. Their relationship goes through a lot of rollercoaster rides, but considering their past; it is not unusual when you have dealt with tragedy and abusiveness as a child. The plot is on point and connects very well with the main characters. Letting go of baggage is so hard to do sometimes. The secondary characters: Amber, Dante, Quentin, Sage and Theresa are a good support team for Peyton and Malik. Amber was a good shoulder to cry on for Peyton, although she could be negative at times. I found that after reading this book, I understand more clearly, why some people have issues that stem from their childhood. Bravo, Ms. St. John on an excellent read. You covered some issues that happen to a lot of people growing up. I definitely recommend reading this book. Review by Keren Childers for www.RomanceInColor.com

Yahrah St John never disappoints in her writing. "This Time For Real" is the second book in the Orphan series that focuses on four friends. This time, sexy philanthropist Malik William meets Professor Peyton Sawyer. Their union makes them both stronger as individuals. I know that is a pretty vague summary but I don't want to give anything away. I do recommend this book. It isn't the average romance book that offers a bit of cheese along with some sex. Yahrah's writing is a notch above what is normally found in this genre. The plots and characterizations are always a treat to delve into. I do recommend this book and look forward to the next installment of the Orphan Series.

Loved it. This is a great book with believable characters and a well thought out plot. It was a nice reminder of the other book in the series. I enjoyed the main characters and catching up on the old ones. I loved that Peyton and Malik switched off from being the alpha dogs in the relationships. Peyton was the one not sure of a relationship and Malik pursued her and won her over. Just when things started to look up, Malik became unsure and Peyton was not having it; she let Malik know we are going to fight for us. The secondary characters all add to the story line and make the story rich. I enjoyed the male vulnerability shown in a few of the characters and respected that the woman did not try and take advantage of the fact. Kids all growing up in foster care and staying very close friends in their adult life is wonderful departure from the stale story lines found in romance books today. Buy this book you will not be disappointed.

This story is about Peyton Sawyer a 5 year widowed college Professor that moves to New York to start her life over. She has lost the love of her life and has decided she needs a new start but not in the love department. She meets Malik Williams and is so attracted to him at first site that it frightens her. Malik can not get over the abuse he suffered in his past as a child nor the resentment that he feels for his Mom who he feels chose his step-father over him and didn't stop the abuse he suffered as a child. He doesn't believe in love because of this and fights his growing attraction for her. Until he can deal with his past with help from Peyton and his friends from the orphanage, he finds that he may lose the best thing that ever happened to him. This is a great story from the first page to the last.