10,000 Hours With A Rich Menace (Caselli Family Book 1)
Menace and Stevie’s love story begins when Stevie’s best friend invites her on an all-expenses-paid trip. Luxury at its finest. A five-star resort, designer shopping sprees, fine dining, and balling out like there’s no tomorrow. Her best friend swears her new man is head over heels for her and doesn’t mind spending big. While she’s out on a date, Stevie decides to unwind with a bubble bath. The warmth relaxes her, lulling her into comfort. You dip your head beneath the water, and when you resurface, the silence is shattered.
A man is standing there. Watching you.
You’re knocked out, blindfolded, tied up, and on a jet—your paradise suddenly replaced with the cold reality of Staten Island, New York. That’s when you learn the truth. Your best friend stole a lot of money from a very powerful man. A man with ties to an even more powerful family. And to save herself, she didn’t run.
She offered you up instead.
You’ve been handed over to Menace Caselli.
Not as a prisoner.
As his wife.
10,000 Hours With a Rich Menace
Review
The series that introduced me to Jahquel J. was through Quasim’s story (which I think everyone should read). Books such as hers are a rare find. Books where the story keeps you on the edge of your seat, biting your nails, but falling in love all the same.
A book of black love where there is no struggle love, and Stevie does not have to fight for Menance’s attention (or should I say Mitchell). His intentions are clear from the beginning. Despite a couple of small hiccups, there’s no doubt that Stevie is who he wants.
To the rest of the world, these two are seen as weird and unlovable, but their dynamic of love defies all those misconstrued expectations.
“Always good. I wanted to give you something to show you that I hear you, I love you, and I’m going to do better. I’m not always going to get it right, but when it comes to you, I am damn sure going to try, Wonder.” – Menace
Stevie is a lost woman and chooses to occupy space in her mind and allow those around her to overstep her boundaries to have a human connection. She exemplifies the complete opposite of Menance, who thrives on structure, order, and control by having a plan for every step in his life. He despises chaos, but in this case, opposites attract in the best way. It is an instant attraction and chemistry; some might even call it love at first sight.
“Our paths were supposed to cross for a reason. You’re used to doing what is controlled, and I am used doing what is chaotic… I wanna be controlled chaos with you, Mitchell.” – Stevie
An agreement that begins as a business deal transforms into a relationship where they learn to not only choose each other but to choose themselves.
Though Jahquel does an amazing job at portraying a loving relationship between the two, her audience also understands the self-development that occurs separately. Their relationship being a main character in itself; however, that does not mean that Stevie and Menance automatically become side characters. We see their own stories, dreams, and secrets displayed through vivid flashbacks and self-reflections.
“I learned early on that being different in that school was bad. They might as well have branded me with a scarlet letter.” – Menace
We also see these complexities in their friendships and familial relationships. Zoya and Landon are true younger siblings, not understanding the sacrifices and trauma Menace has endured for them. Jeffie’s disconnection to Menance by blood, but that does not deter their relationship from being strong and unbreakable and being a true representation of a platonic friendship between women and men.
In the future, I cannot wait to see the relationship between Jeffie, Skyler, and Corleon as they make a couple of appearances in Quasim’s story, but it seems their development needs to be fleshed out a bit more. I am excited for their story to see if Skyler will be able to release herself from being Superwoman.
SMALL SPOILER/CRITICISM!!!!!!!!
I will say my one critique of this book is of how Jaqhuel wrote about Menance’s and Stevie’s mental disorders. I think it was done in a way that was a bit stereotypical and lacked a bit of nuance. For context, Menance has OCD and ADHD, and Stevie has ADHD, where, as a reader, I appreciate her attempt in providing representation in her stories. I cannot help but wish it was done in a way that showcases the less common symptoms of these mental disorders. As these can sometimes lead to harmful biases against those with these mental disorders.
“Dawg, I’m not trying to get to that point. I don’t know if you know this or not, but Mitchell, yo’ ass be tripping.”
“Wanda, yo’ ass be talking.”
“See!” – Menace and Stevie
Overall, I rate this book 4.75 stars out of 5. I am completely in love with Jaqhuel’s writing style, storytelling, and the characters she produces. They are realistic, hilarious, and continuously growing throughout the entire story, portraying true love that is willing to fight and encourage positive change.
I did not want to put the book down and, quite frankly, had tons of sleepless nights. This story is gripping, detailed, and phenomenally written, and I cannot recommend it enough. Leave a comment and tell me, Would you read this?
Find the book here: https://a.co/d/2nPip9z
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