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The Build Up: A Black Romance Novel
"Plenty of sexy chemistry and sensual sizzle in a story line that celebrates family, friends, and food." Booklist, starred review
A truly unfortunate first day of work leads to unexpected love in this sparkling debut from Romance in Colour podcast cohost Tati Richardson .
Rumpled and ragged was not how architect Ari James envisioned kicking off her first day at a new firm. And few things can top the horror of her new—and extremely hot—colleague walking in on her at the worst moment ever. Learning that she’ll be working with him on the project that’s supposed to get her career back on top makes it harder than ever to focus on her big comeback.
With a partnership at his firm on the line, nothing is going to stand in the way of Porter Harrison absolutely killing it on his new not his obnoxious rival, not his unpredictable brother and definitely not his new coworker whose gorgeous curves he accidentally saw and now can’t get out of his head.
Though neither of them is looking for love, once their creative juices get flowing, Ari and Porter’s connection is obvious. But when their shared goal has always been winning at work, building a solid foundation for a relationship might end up costing them everything…
A truly unfortunate first day of work leads to unexpected love in this sparkling debut from Romance in Colour podcast cohost Tati Richardson .
Rumpled and ragged was not how architect Ari James envisioned kicking off her first day at a new firm. And few things can top the horror of her new—and extremely hot—colleague walking in on her at the worst moment ever. Learning that she’ll be working with him on the project that’s supposed to get her career back on top makes it harder than ever to focus on her big comeback.
With a partnership at his firm on the line, nothing is going to stand in the way of Porter Harrison absolutely killing it on his new not his obnoxious rival, not his unpredictable brother and definitely not his new coworker whose gorgeous curves he accidentally saw and now can’t get out of his head.
Though neither of them is looking for love, once their creative juices get flowing, Ari and Porter’s connection is obvious. But when their shared goal has always been winning at work, building a solid foundation for a relationship might end up costing them everything…
368 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 28, 2023
163 people are currently reading
6307 people want to read
About the author
Tati Richardson
3 books264 followersTATI RICHARDSON (she/her) is the author of The Build Up, named one of Amazon's Best Books of 2023 and a BookList Top Romances of 2023, co-founder of the Romance in Colour Podcast, and an Apple Books Writer to Watch. Under the name TM Richardson she writes steamy indie-published works such as the USA Today Bestseller The Oath. A native of Atlanta, Tati lives in the suburbs with her husband and daughter. She collects red lipstick, Wonder Woman memorabilia, and unique eyewear. Tati is represented by Keisha Mennefee of Honey Magnolia Media.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 348 reviews
April 5, 2023
What a debut novel!! James Brown’s song, “This is a man’s world” kept playing in my head for the first 1/3 of the book. I’m so proud of Tati and all that she accomplished releasing her first book! She understood the assignment! She managed to tackle so many important pertinent issues of today ( sexism, colorism, fat shaming), but still managed to give us a heroine that slayed the fashion game all while being confident in her talent & knowledge in the architectural world. Porter was adorable with his “instaLUST” self. Ari had him in a choke hold and didn’t even know what she was doing! As the story went on I feel like Ari could have at least acknowledged Porter as more than a friend instead of constantly throwing up the “friend” card, but I can see why she did this. I just felt bad for my guy 😉.
This was a slow burn, but worth the wait and all the things these two went through for that Hea. Bravo, Tati!!
This was a slow burn, but worth the wait and all the things these two went through for that Hea. Bravo, Tati!!
March 20, 2023
What a fun debut novel! We really enjoyed this romance between two Black architects in Atlanta. Tati Richardson takes on colorism, sexism, sizeism, and more, and still manages to make the book fun, funny, and super sexy. Our favorite parts? We absolutely loved how gone Porter was on Ari, from beginning to end. We also really appreciated the sense of place - we may never have been to Atlanta but we understood why Ari and Porter loved it. The workplace setting was also really well-done: even though Porter has been at the firm longer, the relationship between them never felt unequal or problematic. Also, that ending?! Absolutely loved it.
We can't wait to read what Richardson comes up with next!
8-Word Summaries:
Laine [in the style of Ginuwine's "Pony"]: 🎵If you're horny & undervalued/ Ride him, Porter🎵
Meg: Ari’s in town and Porter is already GONE.
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
We can't wait to read what Richardson comes up with next!
8-Word Summaries:
Laine [in the style of Ginuwine's "Pony"]: 🎵If you're horny & undervalued/ Ride him, Porter🎵
Meg: Ari’s in town and Porter is already GONE.
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
April 6, 2023
2.5 stars
As much as I tried I couldn’t connect with the characters. It could be a me problem and not the book though
As much as I tried I couldn’t connect with the characters. It could be a me problem and not the book though
March 13, 2023
A debut novel that tackles starting over after being pushed out of the job you love. Ari has to deal with the anxiety of whether she will bounce back or if this incident will follow her. In the background, we also see how being a fat Black woman impacts her life. I think at times the depictions of Ari's body made me wonder if it was hyperfocused on, same with her food choices. But I think it was done in a way to further the point that people can be cruel, and even if a character has a solid self-esteem, comments can rattle them. Though I wonder if Ari's self-esteem was wrapped up in her perceived desirability??? The choice to say she had a roster, and she wasn't lonely. I couldn't tell if she actually liked any of these men that she kept around, just a thought!
Overall, The Build Up was a solid read (I wonder why the title wasn't Partners in Design) but had some pacing issues for me coupled with the on again off again situationship with Porter made me question whether there was actual chemistry between these two. It definitely felt like she was using him, but towards the end, she came clean and said she was scared. I get that.
There's a side plot of being the right kind of Black and oh it so reminded me of the imaginary but very real social pecking order in Atlanta. On the bright side, there were lots of nods to actual places in Atlanta and HBCU comradery, I loved that. I think if you enjoy Jasmine Guillory, you might enjoy this book. Porter connected with Ari over food. His love language was definitely acts of service with a side of gifts.
Btw Greer and the partners can go kick rocks.
Thank you to Carina Press for providing an e-arc in exchange for an honest review. I will also have an opportunity to interview the author during her social media tour.
CN: fatphobia, misogynoir, dating anxiety, alcoholism, drunk driving, depression, classism, colorism, sexual harassment, IVF treatment
Overall, The Build Up was a solid read (I wonder why the title wasn't Partners in Design) but had some pacing issues for me coupled with the on again off again situationship with Porter made me question whether there was actual chemistry between these two. It definitely felt like she was using him, but towards the end, she came clean and said she was scared. I get that.
There's a side plot of being the right kind of Black and oh it so reminded me of the imaginary but very real social pecking order in Atlanta. On the bright side, there were lots of nods to actual places in Atlanta and HBCU comradery, I loved that. I think if you enjoy Jasmine Guillory, you might enjoy this book. Porter connected with Ari over food. His love language was definitely acts of service with a side of gifts.
Btw Greer and the partners can go kick rocks.
Thank you to Carina Press for providing an e-arc in exchange for an honest review. I will also have an opportunity to interview the author during her social media tour.
CN: fatphobia, misogynoir, dating anxiety, alcoholism, drunk driving, depression, classism, colorism, sexual harassment, IVF treatment
April 28, 2023
A slow burn romance centered around love between two people even though the odds are against them.
This was a fun debut! I loved seeing the love between two Black characters. I loved seeing a Black woman be loved and catered to. The relationship between Porter and Ari was authentic and didn’t hold any animosity because of the work place. I really enjoyed the push pull banter between the two. It made the story more enjoyable.
This was a fun debut! I loved seeing the love between two Black characters. I loved seeing a Black woman be loved and catered to. The relationship between Porter and Ari was authentic and didn’t hold any animosity because of the work place. I really enjoyed the push pull banter between the two. It made the story more enjoyable.
March 18, 2023
Received this ARC via NetGalley…
Finally a love story with characters in their 40s! Not everyone finds love in their 20s or 30s.
I loved Ari so much! She’s confident, intelligent and fierce. She doesn’t settle and forges her own path.
Porter was so patient and adored Ari. My favorite romances are when the guy falls first!
Finally a love story with characters in their 40s! Not everyone finds love in their 20s or 30s.
I loved Ari so much! She’s confident, intelligent and fierce. She doesn’t settle and forges her own path.
Porter was so patient and adored Ari. My favorite romances are when the guy falls first!
March 24, 2023
Thank you to the Netgalley and the publisher, Carina Press, and Harlequin , for the opportunity to read this advanced reader copy. This honest review was based off my experience reading this eARC, which in no way biased me. All opinions are my own.
When I heard there was going to be a book with plus sized, POC, female architect lead, I was sold. That’s literally all I needed to know to want to request this ARC.
I wanted to love this book I really did, and I tried hard. Unfortunately this book fell flat to me more than not. It had some really great elements, that got bogged down by a lot of other not so great elements.
I’ll start with the things I think could have used some more work.
- the pacing, it felt both all over the place and dragging at a snails pace.
- overall the writing TELLS me more than actually SHOWS me. By telling me you’re forced to repeat yourself and that gets into the repetition in this story.
- Ari and Porter’s relationship was basically insta-love to friends to friends with benefits
- While Ari has a very valid reason to not date Porter because of previous instances, I think she had not fully healed from the previous instances and her choosing to get into a casual relationship with Porter knowing he wanted more than casual was a selfish and irresponsible of her.
- there aren’t many tropes going on for Ari and Porter other than they’re coworkers and they’re friends. And the hint of we shouldn’t date because we are coworkers but the dynamic of not dating differs in severity. And by that I mean Ari is risking much more than just her reputation by getting into a relationship with a coworker by the sheer fact she’s a woman in a very male dominated field. Especially since she’s the only female architect in that office. The amount of misogyny that is in male dominated fields, if she was to date a coworker her reputation, respect, and overall professionalism is at risk. Porter has much less to risk. This should have been a conversation rather than her just assuming that he knew this was the reason for the casual nature of their situationship.
- the way she treats the people around her, (especially her best friend Bella, and Porter) when she’s angry she lashes out to those nearest her and we do not see any accountability for her actions. Her best friend brushes it off as Ari being mad and taking it out on her.
- I am not a fan of how she treats Porter at all. I am very happy that Porter does bring it up but nothing seems to get resolved because the same issue keeps arising several times.
- Some of the intimate moments they have read a bit like rehearsed and clinical, it definitely takes you out of the story.
- While this book feels both character and plot driven it also feels like it’s going nowhere either way. The plot is driving the characters but the characters don’t seem to be having any sort of substancial development. From the beginning to right before the conflict the only thing that has changed is that they’re in love.
- I haven’t read many romances with main characters that are both 40+ years old, but weirdly until their ages are dropped on page I would have believed you of you told me they were in their twenties or in their forties which I imagine isn’t what one would hope to go for.
- they fall victims of the “we talk a lot but we cannot communicate”, unless there’s a problem then we have the “will ignore to avoid confrontation” vs “we are adults who need to talk about things so we are on the same page”. This is more frustrating when they are “mature grown adults” this doesn’t work so much after the characters are in their early thirties.
- Maybe it’s just me but this is marketed as a romance but it reads much more of like women’s fiction with a pretty heavy emphasis on the romance but it also doesn’t read like that’s the main point. Ari is dealing with a lot, the loss of a parent, previous circumstances that I am keeping vague to avoid spoilers, and other things. Her career and how she manages being a double minority (POC and a woman) in a field that is male dominated (specifically white) is an example.
- Following the previous point, I think the addition to some heavy topics (check content warnings and the note at the beginning of the book for more info) made this read more like women’s fiction than only romance. This is not a complaint about the use of heavy themes it’s more of a comment on the marketing of this book, could be potentially misleading.
- While they both kept saying that they had their eyes on the prize (the design of the soccer stadium) they definitely let it take the back seat very many times. Which goes back to the telling and not showing point but it’s frustrating when a character keeps saying on thing but does the opposite.
Now on to the things I did enjoy:
-the representation: the POC rep, the plus size rep, the woman in a male dominated field rep all of it.
-Porter’s character definitely had some complexity and depth into it.
-Dual POV was CRUCIAL here.
-the foundation of the romance. The forced proximity, the coworkers, partners on the same project.
Overall, I believe this had the potential but unfortunately the execution just wasn’t there for me. This was not my cup of tea but it will be someone else’s. This review is not meant to be taken as negative, it is a constructive criticism of the book itself.
When I heard there was going to be a book with plus sized, POC, female architect lead, I was sold. That’s literally all I needed to know to want to request this ARC.
I wanted to love this book I really did, and I tried hard. Unfortunately this book fell flat to me more than not. It had some really great elements, that got bogged down by a lot of other not so great elements.
I’ll start with the things I think could have used some more work.
- the pacing, it felt both all over the place and dragging at a snails pace.
- overall the writing TELLS me more than actually SHOWS me. By telling me you’re forced to repeat yourself and that gets into the repetition in this story.
- Ari and Porter’s relationship was basically insta-love to friends to friends with benefits
- While Ari has a very valid reason to not date Porter because of previous instances, I think she had not fully healed from the previous instances and her choosing to get into a casual relationship with Porter knowing he wanted more than casual was a selfish and irresponsible of her.
- there aren’t many tropes going on for Ari and Porter other than they’re coworkers and they’re friends. And the hint of we shouldn’t date because we are coworkers but the dynamic of not dating differs in severity. And by that I mean Ari is risking much more than just her reputation by getting into a relationship with a coworker by the sheer fact she’s a woman in a very male dominated field. Especially since she’s the only female architect in that office. The amount of misogyny that is in male dominated fields, if she was to date a coworker her reputation, respect, and overall professionalism is at risk. Porter has much less to risk. This should have been a conversation rather than her just assuming that he knew this was the reason for the casual nature of their situationship.
- the way she treats the people around her, (especially her best friend Bella, and Porter) when she’s angry she lashes out to those nearest her and we do not see any accountability for her actions. Her best friend brushes it off as Ari being mad and taking it out on her.
- I am not a fan of how she treats Porter at all. I am very happy that Porter does bring it up but nothing seems to get resolved because the same issue keeps arising several times.
- Some of the intimate moments they have read a bit like rehearsed and clinical, it definitely takes you out of the story.
- While this book feels both character and plot driven it also feels like it’s going nowhere either way. The plot is driving the characters but the characters don’t seem to be having any sort of substancial development. From the beginning to right before the conflict the only thing that has changed is that they’re in love.
- I haven’t read many romances with main characters that are both 40+ years old, but weirdly until their ages are dropped on page I would have believed you of you told me they were in their twenties or in their forties which I imagine isn’t what one would hope to go for.
- they fall victims of the “we talk a lot but we cannot communicate”, unless there’s a problem then we have the “will ignore to avoid confrontation” vs “we are adults who need to talk about things so we are on the same page”. This is more frustrating when they are “mature grown adults” this doesn’t work so much after the characters are in their early thirties.
- Maybe it’s just me but this is marketed as a romance but it reads much more of like women’s fiction with a pretty heavy emphasis on the romance but it also doesn’t read like that’s the main point. Ari is dealing with a lot, the loss of a parent, previous circumstances that I am keeping vague to avoid spoilers, and other things. Her career and how she manages being a double minority (POC and a woman) in a field that is male dominated (specifically white) is an example.
- Following the previous point, I think the addition to some heavy topics (check content warnings and the note at the beginning of the book for more info) made this read more like women’s fiction than only romance. This is not a complaint about the use of heavy themes it’s more of a comment on the marketing of this book, could be potentially misleading.
- While they both kept saying that they had their eyes on the prize (the design of the soccer stadium) they definitely let it take the back seat very many times. Which goes back to the telling and not showing point but it’s frustrating when a character keeps saying on thing but does the opposite.
Now on to the things I did enjoy:
-the representation: the POC rep, the plus size rep, the woman in a male dominated field rep all of it.
-Porter’s character definitely had some complexity and depth into it.
-Dual POV was CRUCIAL here.
-the foundation of the romance. The forced proximity, the coworkers, partners on the same project.
Overall, I believe this had the potential but unfortunately the execution just wasn’t there for me. This was not my cup of tea but it will be someone else’s. This review is not meant to be taken as negative, it is a constructive criticism of the book itself.
April 5, 2023
I really, really, really wanted to love this. The storyline sounded so promising, a Black woman succeeding in the very male dominated field of architecture falling in love! Unfortunately, I really didn't like it and ended up not finishing the book (which barely ever happens).
I really wanted to love Ari but instead found her annoying and not very nice to the people close to her. Porter I liked better but one of the issues of the novel to me was that their was barely any distinction between their voices. In those cases where I stopped reading mid chapter, it took me a little while to figure out whose chapter I was in because their voices were so similar. Does a straight man in their 40s really think "be still my beating heart" when seeing a beautiful woman? I know it's possible but I'm using this as an example... Also, I only knew they were in their 40s from reading some raving reviews before starting this book, which I thought was great, unfortunately the way they were portrayed, they might as well have been in their 20s and I (mid-30s) wanted to tell them to grow up.
Also, a lot of the dialogues felt very unrealistic, like the one where Porter speaks to his brother in the restaurant. Instead of us learning about their background, their grandfather and their youth through the narrative or through Porter thinking about it, his brother tells their story. But they have both lived it, it's not something that would be explained to someone who was part of it, making it feel fake. Almost as if the author was trying to set the scene but not being able to find a way to do so in a way that feels natural.
Another issue was the timeline, in some places it's extremely slow and in other places it skips a few weeks, taking away all that would have happened in-between but assuming that the relationship has progressed in a certain way.
It's almost like the ideas were all great, which is why I am giving it two stars rather than one, but its execution didn't work out. Or maybe it could have done with a good editor, I don't know.
I really wanted to love Ari but instead found her annoying and not very nice to the people close to her. Porter I liked better but one of the issues of the novel to me was that their was barely any distinction between their voices. In those cases where I stopped reading mid chapter, it took me a little while to figure out whose chapter I was in because their voices were so similar. Does a straight man in their 40s really think "be still my beating heart" when seeing a beautiful woman? I know it's possible but I'm using this as an example... Also, I only knew they were in their 40s from reading some raving reviews before starting this book, which I thought was great, unfortunately the way they were portrayed, they might as well have been in their 20s and I (mid-30s) wanted to tell them to grow up.
Also, a lot of the dialogues felt very unrealistic, like the one where Porter speaks to his brother in the restaurant. Instead of us learning about their background, their grandfather and their youth through the narrative or through Porter thinking about it, his brother tells their story. But they have both lived it, it's not something that would be explained to someone who was part of it, making it feel fake. Almost as if the author was trying to set the scene but not being able to find a way to do so in a way that feels natural.
Another issue was the timeline, in some places it's extremely slow and in other places it skips a few weeks, taking away all that would have happened in-between but assuming that the relationship has progressed in a certain way.
It's almost like the ideas were all great, which is why I am giving it two stars rather than one, but its execution didn't work out. Or maybe it could have done with a good editor, I don't know.
January 10, 2023
I really enjoyed this debut from Tati Richardson, featuring two super likeable protagonists whose relationship is actually fairly low-angst (which I love!). They're clearly into each other, and as much as this is a workplace romance, they do spend the majority of their time together and mostly away from work. Black love, great fat rep (that digs into the swings in confidence that come with being in a fat body), and Atlanta vibes are all highlights of the story. However, I think the stakes felt underwhelming--there's a lot of push-pull on Ari's side because of the stakes, but they do jump into a relationship despite them, and the consequences aren't felt until the very end. The stakes don't hang over them enough. Also wasn't sure what the point of Porter's brother's issues were in relation to Ari and Porter's relationship, unless it's for a future book? But I'm looking forward to reading more from Tati Richardson in the future. 3.5 stars.
Thanks to Carina Press and NetGalley for the ARC.
Thanks to Carina Press and NetGalley for the ARC.
February 24, 2023
Oh my goodness. Tati Richardson's debut novel, The Build Up, will have you cracking up, crying, and going “Oh my!” The humor! The steam! The sweetness! Every good person deserves their own Porter Harrison.
The story follows a Black architect, Ari James, as she works to design a soccer stadium in Atlanta, GA alongside her irresistible colleague, Porter. Sparks fly from the start and don’t stop until they’re setting off fireworks. I loved Ari and how competent and confident she was in herself. The poor woman had to deal with SO MUCH BS from her various male colleagues (and some “well-meaning” ladies along the way, too), but she never lets it get to her, and ultimately achieves both love and success thanks to her own two hands. I love that she doesn’t *need* Porter—she chooses him, and vice versa. I wish I had half the confidence Ari has. And both characters are hilarious!
Thanks to Tati and NetGalley for the ARC.
The story follows a Black architect, Ari James, as she works to design a soccer stadium in Atlanta, GA alongside her irresistible colleague, Porter. Sparks fly from the start and don’t stop until they’re setting off fireworks. I loved Ari and how competent and confident she was in herself. The poor woman had to deal with SO MUCH BS from her various male colleagues (and some “well-meaning” ladies along the way, too), but she never lets it get to her, and ultimately achieves both love and success thanks to her own two hands. I love that she doesn’t *need* Porter—she chooses him, and vice versa. I wish I had half the confidence Ari has. And both characters are hilarious!
Thanks to Tati and NetGalley for the ARC.
February 13, 2024
4.5 stars
I really enjoyed this love story!
Ari was relatable & her character was pretty believable. Even though she had her flaws, the inner dialogue really gave you better insight to her choices. I felt like her & Porter's story was super cute and if you haven't been like Ari, then you know someone like her!
This book has just the right amount of steam, good plot & social topics for book club! And let's have a round of applause for a plus-sized MC!
I really enjoyed this love story!
Ari was relatable & her character was pretty believable. Even though she had her flaws, the inner dialogue really gave you better insight to her choices. I felt like her & Porter's story was super cute and if you haven't been like Ari, then you know someone like her!
This book has just the right amount of steam, good plot & social topics for book club! And let's have a round of applause for a plus-sized MC!
October 5, 2024
The Build Up by Tati Richardson
329-page Kindle Ebook ends on 319
Genre: African-American Romance
Featuring: Content Warning - Fatphobia, Colorism, Sexual Harassment, Alcoholism, Death of a Parent (Off-Page), Architectural Firm, Plus-Sized MC, Architects, Michael Ealy/Jesse Williams Lookalike, Workplace Setting, Hampton University Alumni, Atlanta, Georgia; Dual POVs, Chicago, Virginia, New Orleans, Louisiana; Military Brat, Trust Fund Baby, Food, Quadragenarians, Bacchanalia Restaurant, Sex - Detailed, Thanksgiving, Co-workers-to-Lovers Trope, Baseball, Drama, Excerpt from In Tune by JN Welsh
Rating as a movie: XX for strong sexual content
Songs for the soundtrack: "Afro Puffs" by The Lady of Rage, "Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem)" by Jay-Z, "Ether" by Nas, "Gimme All Your Lovin’" by ZZ Top, "Alive" by Pearl Jam, "I Belong to You (Rollerskate Radio Mix)" by Toni Braxton, "Come as You Are" by Nirvana, "So Anxious" by Ginuwine, "My Heart Belongs To U" by Jodeci, "Lady" by D'Angelo, "Ascension (Don't Ever Wonder)" by Maxwell, "Freek’n You" by Jodeci, "Meeting in My Bedroom" by Silk, "Before I Let You Go" by Blackstreet, "Big and Rough" by Cutty Ranks, "Boombastic" or "Mr. Boombastic" by Shaggy, "Welcome To Jamrock" by Damian Marley, "I'm Still in Love With You" by Sean Paul featuring Sasha, "Beautiful Day" by U2, "Partition" by Beyoncé, "Stardust" by Lionel Hampton, "Mad About the Boy" by Dinah Washington, "Lover Man" by Sarah Vaughan, "I Apologize" by Billy Eckstine, "How Long Has This Been Going On" by Carmen McRae, "It Came Upon A Midnight Clear" by Ella Fitzgerald, "Knockin' Boots For Christmas" by Luke with H-Town, "Save Room" by John Legend, "Be Here" by Boney James, "Cruisin’" by D'Angelo, "Good Vibrations" by Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch featuring Loleatta Holloway, "Keep Risin’ to the Top" by Doug E. Fresh, "Sweet Child O' Mine" by Guns N' Roses, "Being With You" by Smokey Robinson, "The Point of It All" by Anthony Hamilton, "Wobble" by V.I.C.
Books and Authors mentioned: Henry Louis Gates Jr., The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway, Sex and the City by Candace Bushnell, Still I Rise by Maya Angelou
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🖼🏗🏟
My thoughts: 🔖Page 90 of 329 Chapter Ten Ari - Girl what!? That's going to be awkward tomorrow. Hopefully, I can get to bed without thinking about it all night. Cute story so far.
🔖There was an o missing in Mr. Boombastic, not sure if that was intentional so I looked up Bombastic and it still works but I think it means the opposite in bed. 😆
This story was kinda fun, although 2 of the songs were used twice. I will be reading more from this author in the new year.
Recommend to others: Sure, it's not bad overall and has some good moments.
329-page Kindle Ebook ends on 319
Genre: African-American Romance
Featuring: Content Warning - Fatphobia, Colorism, Sexual Harassment, Alcoholism, Death of a Parent (Off-Page), Architectural Firm, Plus-Sized MC, Architects, Michael Ealy/Jesse Williams Lookalike, Workplace Setting, Hampton University Alumni, Atlanta, Georgia; Dual POVs, Chicago, Virginia, New Orleans, Louisiana; Military Brat, Trust Fund Baby, Food, Quadragenarians, Bacchanalia Restaurant, Sex - Detailed, Thanksgiving, Co-workers-to-Lovers Trope, Baseball, Drama, Excerpt from In Tune by JN Welsh
Rating as a movie: XX for strong sexual content
Songs for the soundtrack: "Afro Puffs" by The Lady of Rage, "Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem)" by Jay-Z, "Ether" by Nas, "Gimme All Your Lovin’" by ZZ Top, "Alive" by Pearl Jam, "I Belong to You (Rollerskate Radio Mix)" by Toni Braxton, "Come as You Are" by Nirvana, "So Anxious" by Ginuwine, "My Heart Belongs To U" by Jodeci, "Lady" by D'Angelo, "Ascension (Don't Ever Wonder)" by Maxwell, "Freek’n You" by Jodeci, "Meeting in My Bedroom" by Silk, "Before I Let You Go" by Blackstreet, "Big and Rough" by Cutty Ranks, "Boombastic" or "Mr. Boombastic" by Shaggy, "Welcome To Jamrock" by Damian Marley, "I'm Still in Love With You" by Sean Paul featuring Sasha, "Beautiful Day" by U2, "Partition" by Beyoncé, "Stardust" by Lionel Hampton, "Mad About the Boy" by Dinah Washington, "Lover Man" by Sarah Vaughan, "I Apologize" by Billy Eckstine, "How Long Has This Been Going On" by Carmen McRae, "It Came Upon A Midnight Clear" by Ella Fitzgerald, "Knockin' Boots For Christmas" by Luke with H-Town, "Save Room" by John Legend, "Be Here" by Boney James, "Cruisin’" by D'Angelo, "Good Vibrations" by Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch featuring Loleatta Holloway, "Keep Risin’ to the Top" by Doug E. Fresh, "Sweet Child O' Mine" by Guns N' Roses, "Being With You" by Smokey Robinson, "The Point of It All" by Anthony Hamilton, "Wobble" by V.I.C.
Books and Authors mentioned: Henry Louis Gates Jr., The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway, Sex and the City by Candace Bushnell, Still I Rise by Maya Angelou
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🖼🏗🏟
My thoughts: 🔖Page 90 of 329 Chapter Ten Ari - Girl what!? That's going to be awkward tomorrow. Hopefully, I can get to bed without thinking about it all night. Cute story so far.
🔖There was an o missing in Mr. Boombastic, not sure if that was intentional so I looked up Bombastic and it still works but I think it means the opposite in bed. 😆
This story was kinda fun, although 2 of the songs were used twice. I will be reading more from this author in the new year.
Recommend to others: Sure, it's not bad overall and has some good moments.
November 10, 2024
3.5 ⭐️
This story gave me 90s black love vibes. Ari making her way into a male dominated career meets the southern gentleman Porter. Although I enjoyed the story, the dialogue was sometime cringey. Still a solid read. I look forward to reading more by this author.
This story gave me 90s black love vibes. Ari making her way into a male dominated career meets the southern gentleman Porter. Although I enjoyed the story, the dialogue was sometime cringey. Still a solid read. I look forward to reading more by this author.
March 21, 2023
I saw this book talked about by a friend on Instagram who I look to for recommendations and decided to request to read it. I was not disappointed. It didn’t feel like a debut at all.
This book is sweet, really steamy, and super low angst. I loved the plus sized rep and that she was completely confident in her own skin. I also loved that the MCs were 40+, so I felt more connected to the characters. I’m a sports fan, so it was also fun to see both soccer and baseball represented.
Ari is a badass. I love seeing strong, confident, women in romance novels. Porter is swoony. He’s into her from the get go and will do anything for her and anything to be with her. He’s also what we like to call a gentleman in the streets and a freak in the sheets.
I love a good support system and both of their moms were a hoot, especially when Ari’s mom unexpectedly drops by unannounced. (IYKYK)
One character will bug the heck out of you, but they do get their comeuppance in the end.
The only thing that slightly left me wanting more was that it was instalove for both of them and I would have liked to see a little more build up to the relationship, but thought the book was great, overall.
Thank you to Carina Press and NetGalley. I voluntarily read an early copy for this book.
4.5 Stars
This book is sweet, really steamy, and super low angst. I loved the plus sized rep and that she was completely confident in her own skin. I also loved that the MCs were 40+, so I felt more connected to the characters. I’m a sports fan, so it was also fun to see both soccer and baseball represented.
Ari is a badass. I love seeing strong, confident, women in romance novels. Porter is swoony. He’s into her from the get go and will do anything for her and anything to be with her. He’s also what we like to call a gentleman in the streets and a freak in the sheets.
I love a good support system and both of their moms were a hoot, especially when Ari’s mom unexpectedly drops by unannounced. (IYKYK)
One character will bug the heck out of you, but they do get their comeuppance in the end.
The only thing that slightly left me wanting more was that it was instalove for both of them and I would have liked to see a little more build up to the relationship, but thought the book was great, overall.
Thank you to Carina Press and NetGalley. I voluntarily read an early copy for this book.
4.5 Stars
September 18, 2023
The Build Up was an incredibly cute, fast-paced romcom that centers a later-in-life love between a compassionate, intelligent hero and plus-sized, brilliant heroine, without making these intersections of their identities feel like overkill. I also love how the topic of workplace SA—or even the perception of such—written from this POV, because it is often times not slanted this way.
Tati Richardson masterfully writes about issues that plague the Black community without writing it in a way that centers coddling the oppressor and breaking things down for them that often serves as browbeating for Black readers from other authors whose books cover the same topics. I really loved this one and would love to see more from these two! Even the supporting characters were dynamic, fun, and hilarious.
4.25 ⭐️’s
2 🌶️
Tati Richardson masterfully writes about issues that plague the Black community without writing it in a way that centers coddling the oppressor and breaking things down for them that often serves as browbeating for Black readers from other authors whose books cover the same topics. I really loved this one and would love to see more from these two! Even the supporting characters were dynamic, fun, and hilarious.
4.25 ⭐️’s
2 🌶️
February 15, 2023
Honestly, truly in my very biased but correct opinion, I ate this book up.
One thing about me - I will never shut up about Hampton and I am a HBCU stan, through and through.
This BOOK? Baby. I ate it UP. The alumni love, the tension, the will they won’t they- had me on the floor.
Porter could get the big piece of chicken and I want y’all to hear me when I say that.
This is a 4.75 - the -2.5 is that I wished they had boom boomed earlier. I am impatient I fear 🫠
Anyways, this is a Porter stan account. I will be sending this to all the Hampton girlies I know. Immediately.
One thing about me - I will never shut up about Hampton and I am a HBCU stan, through and through.
This BOOK? Baby. I ate it UP. The alumni love, the tension, the will they won’t they- had me on the floor.
Porter could get the big piece of chicken and I want y’all to hear me when I say that.
This is a 4.75 - the -2.5 is that I wished they had boom boomed earlier. I am impatient I fear 🫠
Anyways, this is a Porter stan account. I will be sending this to all the Hampton girlies I know. Immediately.
September 15, 2023
Way too heavy on the insta-lust, "can't keep our hands off each other". I wanted to see their relationship building, but felt like that was tossed aside in favor of them behaving like horny teenagers. I did not buy them as people in their 40s, at all, both MCs, and many of the side characters, acted ridiculously immaturely.
December 21, 2023
The dialogue was so cringey that I physically recoiled at some points
March 19, 2023
I really enjoyed this read and was very much looking forward to it. It's so down to earth, funny, romantic, sensual. Richardson has a story teller style and her prose is tinged with humor and relatability. Some characters made me swoon, some made me steam. Creating emotion from words is an art, and Richardson does this well.
Often in a romance, the external plot is stifled by the need to make it clear that the book is a ROMANCE- I found myself equally interested in the project that Ari and Porter were working on, the inside office track and the politics in moving up and ahead and the chemistry between Ari and Preston. STEAMY is a word. Her intimate scenes are vivid and well-written and the balance between plot and intimate scenes is well-done. I love a happy ending and the ending to this book gave me so much joy.
There are some laugh out loud moments in this book but I appreciate that the characters are funny without being zany or wacky. Romcoms aren't all about characters falling on their faces and humiliating themselves to seem relatable. Richardson does a great job of making Ari a real woman that we can all see ourselves in- including her real life, real woman body and the thoughts and reactions, discussions and thoughts that go with that. I appreciated Ari wasn't a tall, leggy, thin supermodel and Porter was just as in love with her as if she'd been a supermodel clone.
I just want to meet Greer in the street. Just to talk.
Often in a romance, the external plot is stifled by the need to make it clear that the book is a ROMANCE- I found myself equally interested in the project that Ari and Porter were working on, the inside office track and the politics in moving up and ahead and the chemistry between Ari and Preston. STEAMY is a word. Her intimate scenes are vivid and well-written and the balance between plot and intimate scenes is well-done. I love a happy ending and the ending to this book gave me so much joy.
There are some laugh out loud moments in this book but I appreciate that the characters are funny without being zany or wacky. Romcoms aren't all about characters falling on their faces and humiliating themselves to seem relatable. Richardson does a great job of making Ari a real woman that we can all see ourselves in- including her real life, real woman body and the thoughts and reactions, discussions and thoughts that go with that. I appreciated Ari wasn't a tall, leggy, thin supermodel and Porter was just as in love with her as if she'd been a supermodel clone.
I just want to meet Greer in the street. Just to talk.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 2, 2023
Thank you to Netgalley and Carina Press & Carina Adores for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review
Ari James has moved back home and is ready to be a girl boss with an amazing new project at a new architecture firm. She had to leave her last workplace under bad circumstances and is ready to be professional and fix her reputation. Porter Harrison has worked at the first for many years and is partnered with Ari for a big project. On her first day Porter walks in on her in a less than ideal moment, and they are both instantly attracted to each other. They are determined to be professional, but chemistry may interfere in their plans.
I was very excited to read about a plus sized, elder millennial, independent woman get everything she deserves in life and be loved for who she is, but the execution on this story was lacking. The writing needs work, a lot of the dialogue felt forced and the prose did not flow as well. It all felt very clunky but there is so much promise in this novel.
Ari James has moved back home and is ready to be a girl boss with an amazing new project at a new architecture firm. She had to leave her last workplace under bad circumstances and is ready to be professional and fix her reputation. Porter Harrison has worked at the first for many years and is partnered with Ari for a big project. On her first day Porter walks in on her in a less than ideal moment, and they are both instantly attracted to each other. They are determined to be professional, but chemistry may interfere in their plans.
I was very excited to read about a plus sized, elder millennial, independent woman get everything she deserves in life and be loved for who she is, but the execution on this story was lacking. The writing needs work, a lot of the dialogue felt forced and the prose did not flow as well. It all felt very clunky but there is so much promise in this novel.
August 18, 2023
Aw! I love Ari and Porter! And I’m a sucker for an office romance. It’s the thrill of nobody knowing 🫠🥰😂 I laughed, cried and related so well with this book! Great debut for Tati! This book was light and quick and I would recommend if you’re in need of a palette cleanser
4.5⭐️
4.5⭐️
August 2, 2023
Well let me just tell you I'm a thriller/mystery reader. I recently joined a bookclub and they where reading this RomCom for there monthly read. So I had to read it after there discussion on it!. And I'm glad I did I absolutely loved it!
April 6, 2023
3 1/2 Stars!
April 17, 2023
(Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
TW: fatphobia, harassment, colorism, sexism
The Build Up is a dual POV romance book which sweeps you away. My instant favorite has to be Ari who is being an excellent architect in such a male dominated field. The scenes of the sexism and fatphobia against her made my blood boil from the beginning. And Porter was a delight, the ways he has to digest what he wants to do. We love some truly career focused and ambitious main characters!
full review: https://utopia-state-of-mind.com/revi...
TW: fatphobia, harassment, colorism, sexism
The Build Up is a dual POV romance book which sweeps you away. My instant favorite has to be Ari who is being an excellent architect in such a male dominated field. The scenes of the sexism and fatphobia against her made my blood boil from the beginning. And Porter was a delight, the ways he has to digest what he wants to do. We love some truly career focused and ambitious main characters!
full review: https://utopia-state-of-mind.com/revi...
March 27, 2023
4.5 stars
This was such a great debut novel!
I cannot stress enough how much I LOVE glamorous female leads. This FMC loves fashion, makeup, shoes, all of it and STILL manages to kill it at work as well.
That is usually so rare in romance books. She is either really good at her job and dresses sloppy, or if she dresses well, she is usually a diva and most likely the villian in a book.
But the readability of this book made it a fresh and breezy read. The chemistry and attraction of the two MC's is what kept me captivated the whole time.
The ONLY thing keeping me from giving it a full 5 stars, I think Tati Richardson could have taken the fat rep further by not pointing it out as much. I think that half of the the self hate talk(which she would empower herself out of a negative state and that was awesome!) or half of the insults from others in the book like the other coworker, restaurant staff, etc could be cut out and the reader would still get the extra layer of fight plus size FMCs go through.
BUT it was not so bad to take away from her self confidence as I stated already, I think it enhanced the sexy scenes which were AMAZING!
I will most def be recommending this book to everyone!
This was such a great debut novel!
I cannot stress enough how much I LOVE glamorous female leads. This FMC loves fashion, makeup, shoes, all of it and STILL manages to kill it at work as well.
That is usually so rare in romance books. She is either really good at her job and dresses sloppy, or if she dresses well, she is usually a diva and most likely the villian in a book.
But the readability of this book made it a fresh and breezy read. The chemistry and attraction of the two MC's is what kept me captivated the whole time.
The ONLY thing keeping me from giving it a full 5 stars, I think Tati Richardson could have taken the fat rep further by not pointing it out as much. I think that half of the the self hate talk(which she would empower herself out of a negative state and that was awesome!) or half of the insults from others in the book like the other coworker, restaurant staff, etc could be cut out and the reader would still get the extra layer of fight plus size FMCs go through.
BUT it was not so bad to take away from her self confidence as I stated already, I think it enhanced the sexy scenes which were AMAZING!
I will most def be recommending this book to everyone!
March 29, 2023
The Build Up 🤎😍
This debut book by Tati Richardson had me in my feels from beginning to end. This story of Black Love flowed like a scene from the 90’s. A story for hopeless romantics, a reader’s dream.🖤
Ari James’ encounter with Porter Harrison was more than she bargained for. Both alumni of Hampton University, these two find interesting common ground inside and outside of architectural projects despite the embarrassing first impressions. Can these two work side by side peacefully or will drama arise in the corporate sphere?
This book made me squeal and giggle, the attraction between Ari and Porter was palpable and I couldn’t get enough of their journey from page to page. Lessons of workplace discrimination, overcoming insecurity, and finding friendship in love surrounded The Build Up. A must read!!!
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
This debut book by Tati Richardson had me in my feels from beginning to end. This story of Black Love flowed like a scene from the 90’s. A story for hopeless romantics, a reader’s dream.🖤
Ari James’ encounter with Porter Harrison was more than she bargained for. Both alumni of Hampton University, these two find interesting common ground inside and outside of architectural projects despite the embarrassing first impressions. Can these two work side by side peacefully or will drama arise in the corporate sphere?
This book made me squeal and giggle, the attraction between Ari and Porter was palpable and I couldn’t get enough of their journey from page to page. Lessons of workplace discrimination, overcoming insecurity, and finding friendship in love surrounded The Build Up. A must read!!!
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
March 29, 2023
I did enjoy this debut from Tati Richardson. Loved the fact that our heroine was a black architect! Porter and Ari also had the chemistry like whoa! The heat was brought.
BUT i must say there were times I felt Ari was being pretty unreasonable like closer to the end of the book where she overhears a thing being said about her...and instead of communicating what was wrong to Porter she just took it out on him. How you gonna get upset at him for something he didn't even do??? Like, no meh girl get it together please.
Inspite of that I think the author was able to wrap everything up nicely cuz I was seriously side eyeing Ari for how she was acting >.>
side note: Greer can choke that guy was the wooorst!
BUT i must say there were times I felt Ari was being pretty unreasonable like closer to the end of the book where she overhears a thing being said about her...and instead of communicating what was wrong to Porter she just took it out on him. How you gonna get upset at him for something he didn't even do??? Like, no meh girl get it together please.
Inspite of that I think the author was able to wrap everything up nicely cuz I was seriously side eyeing Ari for how she was acting >.>
side note: Greer can choke that guy was the wooorst!
December 22, 2022
What a STRONG debut!
When I say a book is “for the culture” this is exactly what I mean. That fat and Black rep was beautiful. The Black love, was beautiful. And I truly can not wait for the world to get their hands on The Build Up next year!!
When I say a book is “for the culture” this is exactly what I mean. That fat and Black rep was beautiful. The Black love, was beautiful. And I truly can not wait for the world to get their hands on The Build Up next year!!
October 2, 2023
I absolutely loved this book and was impressed to learn it was Richardson’s debut novel. It is so rare to find a plus sized character that isn’t “woe is me” and I loved Richardson’s approach to Ari and her love life. 5 stars for the plot, storyline, and representation ♥️
April 6, 2023
Rating: 3.5⭐
Thank you to Netgalley and Carina Press & Carina Adores (Harlequin) for providing me an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Workplace romance and Black Love for the win.
Who doesn't love an office romance with spice?
Ari James envisioned kicking off her first day at a new firm....
With a partnership at his firm on the line, nothing is going to stand in the way of Porter Harrison absolutely killing it on his new project....
Learning that she’ll be working with extremely hot—colleague on the project that’s supposed to get her career back on top makes it harder than ever to focus on her big comeback.
Though neither of them is looking for love, once their creative juices get flowing, Ari and Porter’s connection is obvious.
Though this was a slow burn and dragged a little I still enjoyed this book.
Porter was the sweetest. He's so likable and swoon-worthy.
Though i found Ari a bit annoying, i liked that she was a smart, fiece and talented architect.
The 'we're just friends' line was tiresome.
Deep & Difficult and relatable topics like colorism, sexism, sizeism etc was took on in this book but the author still made the book fun to read.
TW:
Alcoholism
Workplace sexism
Fatphobia
Colorism
Death of a parent
Discrimination
Thank you to Netgalley and Carina Press & Carina Adores (Harlequin) for providing me an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Workplace romance and Black Love for the win.
Who doesn't love an office romance with spice?
Ari James envisioned kicking off her first day at a new firm....
With a partnership at his firm on the line, nothing is going to stand in the way of Porter Harrison absolutely killing it on his new project....
Learning that she’ll be working with extremely hot—colleague on the project that’s supposed to get her career back on top makes it harder than ever to focus on her big comeback.
Though neither of them is looking for love, once their creative juices get flowing, Ari and Porter’s connection is obvious.
Though this was a slow burn and dragged a little I still enjoyed this book.
Porter was the sweetest. He's so likable and swoon-worthy.
Though i found Ari a bit annoying, i liked that she was a smart, fiece and talented architect.
The 'we're just friends' line was tiresome.
Deep & Difficult and relatable topics like colorism, sexism, sizeism etc was took on in this book but the author still made the book fun to read.
TW:
Alcoholism
Workplace sexism
Fatphobia
Colorism
Death of a parent
Discrimination
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