| Title | : | In Covenant with Ezra (Love Unaccounted, #1) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | - |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | ebook |
| Number of Pages | : | - |
| Publication | : | First published August 31, 2015 |
Description:
He’s an Oxonian, licensed therapist, and man of faith, preparing to take over the largest Pentecostal church in New York.
She’s an around-the-way girl from Harlem, struggling with three jobs and school to make ends meet for so many.
So, what could they possibly have in common? Find out how Ezra Carmichael and Lex Grier make a covenant, creating a sphere for both their worlds to harmonize.
In Covenant with Ezra (Love Unaccounted, #1) Reviews
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A pastor that’s into BDSM….. let the church say amen 🙏🏽!! 😩😩😩 Y’all the way I’m obsessing over a man that doesn’t even exist in real life is unnatural! I’m so glad I have two more books in this series because Ezra is about to turn me and Lexi’s life upsized down 🫠😮💨🤤.
Lexi is a young educated woman that resides in Harlem. She’s your typical around the way homegirl that has the most nurturing spirit. Her love language is definitely acts of service because that’s what she is for those that go without. She hasn’t had the best life dealing with a mother that suffered from mental illness and a father who has made a second home at Rikers but she still cares about people and wants to see everyone win. She smokes weed, she likes cuss a lot but she loves the lord and when she can, she makes it a point to go to church. Well who would’ve guessed that after one fateful night at church she’s capture the eye of the illustrious Ezra Carmichael.
Ezra is a layered individual and I’m sure we haven’t even scratched the surface of what he has in store. He’s a well traveled, well educated, well built alpha male with BDE so loud you need some airport headphones to quiet the energy. He commands the presence of everyone around him and when he speaks you damn well better be listening. With his eyes set on Lexi, he has made it clear that he wants to court and marry her and things move pretty quickly for them. All red flags tell Lexi to run for the hills but the chemistry is undeniable and she couldn’t walk away even if she wanted to. Things get hot and heavy the last 5% of book 1 and I cannot wait to see what Love has in store the rest of the series. I have to mention that Nyree is a hatin aśś heaux and Precious is a desperate aśś heaux and I’m ready to snatch them both up!! -
I've enjoyed all of Love Belvin's books so far, but had zero interest in reading about Ezra Carmichael. I wanted him to remain the all-seeing, all-knowing mystical man that we met in earlier books by Love Belvin. Besides, he’s a preacher, and who wants to read a preacher’s love story? Not me. I'm a faithful church-goer who often finds myself defending the fact that I attend church, since so many people see pastors as hustlers and pimps. I was hesitant about reading a book that may have shown a pastor in a less than favorable light, especially since I knew there was going to be sex involved. However, the ladies in one of my FB groups, were so excited about Ezra having a story, that I couldn’t help but get excited as well. Still, I had questions. Given what I’d seen of Ezra, he seemed to be pretty intense. Is he going to be too stiff, straight-laced and holy for me to be able to enjoy, or is he going to be promiscuous, sleeping with any and everybody? How is Love going to handle the sex angle (and there better be sex!), especially when she writes the bomb sex scenes? Oh, and don’t forget, we learned earlier that Ezra…has particular needs – how is that going to be handled? What are you thinking, Beloved?
Well, I needn't have worried, because Love Belvin handled all of that! I read a LOT, and I’ve never met a character like Ezra. He has a calling, and it is serious. Apparently, he’s been trying to outrun it, and he is finally ready to submit. He is relatively straight-laced, and conscious of his role as soon-to-be pastor of a large congregation, but he is also human and has some of the same struggles as everybody else, which is something I think a lot of people forget about those involved in the ministry. Knowing that the work he has been called to do is going to be heavy, he has boldly petitioned for a helpmate…’the right one for him’. Enter Alexis Grier.
On the surface, Lex is all wrong for Ezra: she cusses like a sailor, likes her weed, and doesn’t see much for her future beyond her beloved Harlem World. But Alexis has a heart of gold, and will do whatever, for whoever. She’s had a rough upbringing, and doesn’t trust or love easily, but she’s strong, hard-working, and fiercely independent.
I don't want to give the story away, so I'm going to stop here, but just know that this book is EVERYTHING!!! Please read it. It gave me a lot to think about regarding spirituality, submission and human nature. It's a really good read.
The book ends with a BANG! I've got so many questions and can't articulate how ready I am for Book 2. I strongly urge you to get this book and read it! You can thank me later! ;-) -
Lex & Ezra
This story is extremely engaging….Ezra is extremely appealing and I’m totally committed to watching this relationship develop. I also would love to learn more about the relationship between Alexis and her father Rasul. -
Okay, Pastor!
Ezra is…something. Wow. The ending caught me off guard. The Harlem jumped out of Lex 😂 I can’t wait to see how these two come together as one. Will Alexis finally FULLY SUBMIT?! -
Don't be afraid to read this book. I will admit, I was truly afraid to read it. I was just like there is no way...no way, anyone can write a book about an unmarried man of the cloth, throw in an unmarried, sexily charged and vibrant woman without one or both of them losing their way...... I was just on pins and needles the entire time... Especially after reading Love Belvin's other work, NO WAY, NO HOW....
Well Love Belvin did it..... I won't tell you how (because I hate spoilers) but that girl did that...
Ezra, a very dominant alpha-male with a strong belief system. He believes in GOD first.
Lexi, a witty, independent, say what she feels type of woman is just sexy out of the box. Lexi has her eyes on Ezra from the start..... But he's a sexy Pastor for God's sake....
You will enjoy reading about how Ezra has so much control over all situations....except Lexi's MOUTH..... LOLOLOLOL -
After reading about Ezra in StentRo story I had to reread his story again. Ezra was all BDE…he knew he wanted Lex & made sure she got the message. I loved Lex relationship with Ms.Remah. I throughly enjoyed this book the second time.
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This is my first Love Belvin book and I can say that it was something different. It came highly recommended to me and I have quite a few opinions on this that many would find interesting.
I came into this series with very high expectations considering the moment I mentioned that I was going to read it (on my bookstagram: @theurbanhotspot_) I got a bunch of people telling me that I was going to love it, that Ezra was the best, and so much more. So I was hype as hell to read this series, and then I read it and found myself quite disappointed.
I was expecting to find this strong female protagonist and the swoon-worthy antagonist that was going to have me falling for him in an instant....but instead I found myself extremely frustrated with both!
I felt that Lex was super sweet (to those she cared about), passionate, and relatable. I also thought that she was strong and feisty in the beginning of her "relationship" with Ezra, but as the book went on, I found her to be quite weak and that irked the hell out of me because she had so much potential to be more than what Ezra was trying to make her to be. And I don't think that there was anything wrong with what he was trying to change about her, they agreed on that to a certain degree. But I felt that Lex should have been more firm with Ezra on what she needed from him as well, even if it was answers about past relationships and things like that, but she never PUSHED and I just couldn't get down with that. So she really disappointed me when it came to that. Oh, and that also applied to the relationships with Nylee (that bitch!) and even her father. She claimed to be so strong, but she let so many people walk all over her and it really made my heart hurt for her.
Now Ezra...Oh this man here. I had VERY high expectations for this man and as I read this, I just kept thinking, "He's a lame." Like how the hell are you upset that the girl you are trying to court doesn't want you sir? It's not her fault that you ain't got no game! And as the story continued I realized that dude had mad control issues, was this horny ass pastor that needed some coochie in his life, and had some things he really needs to work on. I just was not feeling him at all. Even once he got married to Lex, he did not win any cool points with me because he was just being an asshole and wanted to fulfill his own needs. Any time he did something for her, it was basically to keep her happy and willing to do what he wanted her to and I hated that. But again, that was something that the two of them decided to covenant about so I guess I can't complain too much about it.
I gave this book three stars because I just found so much of what was going on messy, unstable, and rather aggravating. I am hoping that book two will be better and that some of the questions that I have will be answered. I also felt that this book was long and drawn out to basically set up for book two. Though it may be necessary, I guess it was just disappointing because people built up so much hype around this series and I see nothing of what they are talking about in this book, so I will have to wait and see what book two is like before I make a final decision about the series.
I am hoping that things turn around because I want to like these two, and I want things to work out for them, but I don't think it will at this point. -
Reading makes you fall in love with things that you wouldn't normally think twice about, now here I am in love with a pastor! Unconventional love stories have been my trend for 2020 and this story couldn't possibly get any more unconventional. In this book you meet Ezra Carmicheal, a man who takes on many different roles and I'm not sure which one I love the most. "You wear a mask. A veil. To a few you're a scientist. But to me, you're simply dominant."
This story starts off introducing Alexis "Lex" Grier, she's a lovable around the way girl, a caregiver, a nurturer and a highly unlikely candidate to be Ezra's love interest. For the first few chapters we only get to experience Ezra through Lex's vantage point, which leaves us thinking "He was a weird, arrogant, controlling and - now clearly freaky-ass". In chapter 4 we get to meet Ezra for ourselves and he is the complete opposite of what Lex thinks. He's strong, mysterious, captivating and a man of God fulfilling his destiny.
Ezra's isn't really the courting type, in fact he and Alexis's courtship is terrible. No one but he can understand his need for Alexis. He needs her so much so he proposes marriage. "Marriage is an institution of binding two people together for eternity to pursue the world together within the parameters set by God but using whatever tools, props and or coping mechanisms needed so long as He is used as our arsenal and shield. You and I, together, can bind and create whatever world needed to be happy. I can provide this to you. Don't think about traditionalism. Don't consider what you've been taught marriage should be; create a new definition of it and chase it with me." And that is precisely what they did.
Ezra and Lex may not have been struck by Cupid's arrow, but the attraction they shared for each other definitely helped their marriage along, well that and their bomb sex life. I'm not sure if it was Lex's inexperience or the fact that Ezra was celibate for 7 years, but their were definitely sparks in their bedroom. "Bombs and firecrackers exploding in my belly. White flashes of lightening appearing behind my lids. My lungs filled to capacity and sloughed air roughly to empty. Delicious zings of pleasure shot from the tip of my prickled scalp to the ends of my arched feet. This was bliss like nothing else before." They don't start out having sex, with him being a pastor and all, but when they do, it's orgasm after mind blowing orgasm. But wait... There's more. Ezra is in to BDSM! The readers don't discover this until the very end, but that tid-bit will definitely keep me tuned in for book 2. -
This book left me cold. Or rather, Ezra did and since the book banks so hard on his allure...*sound of deflating balloon*. No, there wasn't a thing I liked about him, and I suspect that he may be nothing more than a raspy voice and a beard. His mustache and beard were mentioned entirely too much. His diction made me roll my eyes. He lacked skill in the bedroom (after all of that build up I was expecting a bit more than I got). Dude was extra.
P.S. Was suuuuuper reminiscent of FSOG -
I'm a born n raised Anglican church girlie who's finding her own way to Christ n God so I really appreciated this book besides the hot priest but the way he lives his life struck a chord with me in terms of living in a way that pleases God. God never said live a perfect life but one that He agrees with instead.
Now the love story between those two is really fun to read, and Ezra with his weird ways that I absolutely adore 😂.
I'm already a quarter into book 2 as I write this y'all 💀 -
Good read
I kept hearing so much about this book, and I'm mad it took me so long to read it. I can't wait to see how everything turns out with the two of them being so different from each other. -
These endings though! You would think I would have learned my lesson after already reading two series' by LB. I thought I was going to finish this book and then be able to take a little break, watch a few Disney movies, chillax, max out, relax, all cool and all...But no, after that ending...a very unexpected ending—I just want to write this review so I can start the next book. Because BAAABYYY. Lex!!! What happened!?!
I picked up In Covenant with Ezra because I wanted to read a book that I knew was going to be totally engrossing, have me all up in my feelings, and put a little bit of spice in my life. Right now with all of us quarantining, I'm feeling a little bit...lonely lol. From previous experience with LBs books, I knew I could get the first two things I wanted by picking up any of her books...but I knew for the SPICE, I had to specifically come to Ezra and Lex, and they did NOT disappoint!
I was previously introduced to Ezra and Lex from reading the Sadik series, so I already know where their story ends—the spoilers of it all—but I am DEFINITELY enjoying seeing where their story began. Ezra Carmichael is a multi-hyphenate enigma of a man, on a spiritual (maybe?) journey, unknown to everyone but him and Him—a journey that for some reason involves Alexis Grier. A woman born and raised in Harlem; smart, resilient, generous, sassy, and open to new experiences—groomed by both her parents to survive and make her own way by any means necessary. So when Ezra comes to her with a proposal to care for and lead her, her initial inclination is the resist as she's not used to being cared for...she's always the one doing the caring. But her openness and "survive by any means necessary" mentality outweighs the former proclivity, sending them both on a journey full of surprises.
I love it when I read a book and in reading it, something prevously unknown, is revealed about myself. If I had read this book even just as short as 3 years ago...I likely would have HATED it. Everything that Ezra is and stands for, his dominant personality, base beliefs, perception of acceptable gender dynamics, style; all of it, in the past, would have pissed me off while reading. But now?! Can I find me an Ezra?! I don't need all of the pressure that comes with dating a man of the cloth, but everything else? BRING IT HERE! His swag, demeanor, patience, discipline, and conviction, while he was courting Lex, was so alluring, all things, that I know, if read previously would have been a complete turnoff for me. But reading it now, I was just entertained, invested, and a little bit jealous if i'm being honest.
What I loved most about this story was the dichotomy between who Ezra and Lex are. He's this worldly, clean-cut, mysterious, intelligent, controlled, structured, and extremely spiritual and faithful man. While Lex is, rough around the edges, street and book smart, generous, loyal, motivated, slightly abrasive, and a real around the way girl. On the outside looking in, you could have a really hard time seeing how these two puzzle pieces are supposed to fit. Especially given the fact that their coupling doesn't happen in the typical way and for the typical reasons. But when they come together and start getting to know one another, it's like they are perfect for each other and it was very interesting and endearing to witness their feelings slowly start to evolve.
Ezra has this calling and purpose that none of us are privy to and Lex has a past and history that Ezra is unaware of—which for me is exciting and a little bit terrifying to experience, considering the dynamics of their relationship and the interests that Ezra has. Its like reading and waiting for a bomb to go off from boths sides. But even so, I'm anxious to follow them on their journey and see how things will play out.
On to the next book, so I can figure out what the hell happened to make Lex react the way she did at the end of this book and how Ezra is going to respond... -
Totally AMAZING, as a matter of fact I'm about to re-read!!!! Ezra Carmichael a very powerful man of God who is in line to take over his father ministry, but before he can move forward he wants to be inline with God's word and a wife is a major factor. Alexis Grier strong hardworking woman from the hood; she is loving, caring and always putting others needs before her own. Ezra sees her and instantly know that she is the one, the one for him to groom and make is life long partner. Lex is struggling and need a partner herself so when they connect she agrees to his proposal.
I absolutely loved this book by far my FAVORITE work by Love Belvin.
To me it pointed out some things that alot of people (Christian people) sweep under the rug and deny.
Must READ! -
I love this story!
This is my sixth or seventh time reading this book by Love and I realized I never left a review. This series is amazing! Growing up in church I can relate to the pretentiousness and hypocrisy when it comes to relationships. Ezra shows that you can live a sanctified life and still have the desires of your heart. He was good for Alexis but most importantly she is good for him. -
Intense yet soothing read as I was introduced to Ezra & Lexi's world..Ezra is unlike any other character I've ever read! Once I began this soul stirring book, it was difficult to put down which helped me complete in 1 day! This is a definite 5 star read that all readers should take the time to sit back & enjoy!
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This was such a great book. I loved it. I was a little disappointed with the ending but I would definitely recommend this book.
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🥵❤️💦🔥
Chiiilllleeeee! I’m so ashamed that it took this long for me to read this book! I Don’t even think I have the appropriate words to describe Ezra and how he made me feel! His presence is definitely commands attention and submission but his spiritual connection and strengthen was wildly attractive. I can’t wait to read more -
LITERARY FOOTPRINT MADE IN STONE......
In Covenant with Ezra.... to me, the prologue is the skeleton for the entire body of work, this one and the ones to come.... What is covenant... an agreement (legal or formal) and undertaking (a Pledge), a bond (a Fulfilled Promise) a Guarantee........ I will just leave this here for you to ponder....
I totally loved this book... I was not a huge fan of Azmir... I was in awe of StentRo... I mean who does that...... (you will have to read it to know what I mean.. Lol)... and well every Love fan knows how I feel about Jax....... but this one here..... This powerful character that was birthed from the belly of Love is like none other she has written, and, I will yes dare to say, that will be written. This read took me to a different head space... a spiritual head space and I was extremely pleased in Love’s delivery of the Pastor, the Servant and the Man. I love that we see the initial layers of these two characters open and bare. Ezra strength in his knowledge of God and his promise to him and his weakness to his Eve.. The ruff around the edges Lex in contrast to the benevolent heart that beats inside her, with no real clue as to the destined journey she is about to take. I am excited to see just how far down this rabbit hole this must be told work of Loves’ is going to take us. You will not be disappointed if you are already a Love fan girl... and if you are new to her Stupefying work... get ready and hold on... Love Belvin I have said this to you now makes 3 times.. Confirmation.... Your gifting has made room.... I hope you are ready for the size of the offering..... Great job looking forward to the rest of this body of work. -
*This series is gonna "go there" ....Just not yet.*
Love tends to have a pattern when she's writing a series: The first one is usually a set up and ends right when it really gets going. And this first installment of the "Love Unaccounted" series is no different. As soon as we got to the meat of the story--BAM. Done. Judging from the the other reviews, I know I'm not the only one feeling bereft.
On the other hand, I had a fun time getting to know these characters and I am so confused on how to feel about The Preacher. I think that's what's so great about her characters. They are SO FLAWED, which is a-typical for this genre, and yet it ends up working somehow. It's like a dash of humanity in what's supposed to be an enjoyable escape of a read. But that conflict right there is exactly how I felt about Azmir at the end of
Love Uncharted, so I'm in. -
2/18/23
I just started re-reading this series and I am enjoying it even more! I forgot about all of Ezra and Lexi's ups and downs in the beginning! Lexi need to distance herself from Rasul he's a bad influence, parent or not and he's very inmature and street! A user for real! Once again I am reminded pastors are human too and Ezra surely has a wild fetish!
Oh Wow a really different one !
Wow! I was really shocked at this one! Ezra a kinky side that I never saw coming! Alexis adjust, huh! Her father a loser, sorry! Ms Remah she's a real warrior/protector. I think some things are going to be addressed real soon with these two. I can't believe the dominance! This novel dealt with some stuff that I couldn't believe coming from preacher man and his other roles in the other stories I've read. I must keep reading to know how it ends! -
Belvin's got me caught
Honestly, this isn't my favorite from Belvin. But as she weaves her magical, intriguing web, my metacognition is in overdrive. How can I toss out a negative review on an author and work that keeps my wheels spinning at an insanely accelerated pace?
Where Azmir and Rayna put you in a sensual tailspin, Ezra and "Kitten" fix you in an analytical cypher. I look forward to In Love with Ezra to relocate these characters and myself from this emotional desert In Convenant with Ezra has locked us into. -
OMG! I was a little skeptical about the book since Ezra was a pastor, but I love Love's books so I couldn't not read it (as if) it took me a little time to get into it..... But Girllllll once I did I was hooked, Ezra is hotttt and I love Alexis. The ending OMG! wasn't expecting that, but Girlll I cant wait for the next book, I'm on the edge of my seat waiting. BTW: can we get a picture of Ezra from somewhere PLEASE! LOL Awesome Love, u never dissapoint!!!
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I didn't like Ezra. I can't really explain it but he just rubbed me the wrong way. I didn't like.....it seemed to me like he made her feel less than at times. And for majority of this book I felt like love had nothing to do with this. Lust played a part but not love, not even instant love. I always felt like he was using her. I don't like that it feels like he wants to change her and mold her into someone else. Yes that's exactly what I don't like about him.
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Men of the cloth are just that Men
Ezra Carmichael made a covenant with God. Send him the right woman to be his wife and he would serve. God gave him what he asked for in Alexis Grier, who has her own baggage to carry. It will be interesting to see how they make their marriage work and how Lexi will learn to let someone take care of her -
Ezra is on intense man!!!
I ABSOLUTELY love this story. I must say the storyline was a bit different for me. I didn't think a man like Ezra could be so erotic and intense but O my goodness he was that and much much more. This was a very good book and I look forward to reading the next installment... -
Intense
Lex and Ezra lived up to the old saying that opposites attract. Lex was a smart hustler from the hood; a survivor without a family unit. Ezra was anointed with a special gift of discernment with a secret kinky side. Together they navigated their covenant as they grow closer each day. This is far from a typical love story and I loved all of the nuances that were revealed. -
All I can say is mmmmmmOHMYGAWD!!! What a story and I can't wait for part 2.
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WOW!
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Not my type of book, but I was warned. Should've followed my gut. Oh well.
