Only for the Week by Natasha Bishop – Book Review

One week isn’t enough when it comes to love.

It’s that time of year again, the season when Cupid comes around pointing his arrow at single hearts everywhere. This year, Cupid completely missed his target on this single heart, and I wasn’t heartbroken about it… not until I finished reading Only for the Week by Natasha Bishop.

Now listen, I knew this book was going to be spicy. But I was not prepared. This book had me clutching my invisible pearls and blushing like I had never been kissed before. Lord, have mercy on my celibate soul.

Only for the Week is one of those stories you can easily finish in a single day with a bottle of wine, chocolate-covered strawberries, and a cozy blanket while you rub your feet together. It’s the perfect read whether you’ve been single for one year, six years, or if you’re happily in a solid relationship.

From the very beginning, this book starts off hot and heavy. The main characters, Janelle Cross (maid of honor) and Rome Martin (best man), bring a whole new meaning to “only for the week.” Because what they have? It’s not something that lasts just seven days. Their attraction leaps off the page, it feels like something that could last for years.

This is such a great read to celebrate Valentine’s Day. It’s short, intense, and filled with passionate moments that definitely had me flushed… but I enjoyed being flushed. There’s drama from the very start. Janelle is helping her older sister plan a destination wedding, and here’s the twist: her sister is marrying Janelle’s ex-boyfriend. And that’s just the beginning of the chaos.

On top of that, Janelle’s mother spends the entire trip gaslighting her about a relationship she has clearly moved on from, while openly playing favorites between her and her sister. Let’s talk about Amerie Cross the bride. A bridezilla from the beginning who honestly needed to be cussed out early on. And their mother? She irritated me to no end. I did not like her at all.

Janelle, on the other hand, is the good friend, the good sister, the good daughter, always putting everyone else’s needs and happiness before her own. I guess that’s what makes her such a good doctor. She’s incredibly relatable. She truly wants the people around her to feel their best, but that selflessness is slowly taking a toll on her. And it’s not fair,especially with the way her sister treats her leading up to the wedding. You can clearly see the jealousy, but Janelle desperately needs to start putting herself first.

Like Cookie said on Empire, “I got to put myself first, Luscious.” And that’s exactly the energy Janelle needed.

When Rome steps in and begins easing Janelle’s stress, it’s officially on. Rome admits that he’s had feelings for Janelle for a while, even when she was dating his friend Aaron (who is now marrying her sister, which is still wild to me). I don’t know… that whole situation is weird. But I guess when a connection is there, it’s there, and when it’s not, it’s not.

The first two chapters open with intense chemistry between Janelle and Rome. Their attraction is undeniable, and after their first night together, you just know that one week will never be enough for these two. The sneaking around. The stolen glances. The quiet, intimate moments. It all makes you smile while reading,especially toward the end. Oh, and there is this club scene between these two that is so steamy it will have you sweating.

I loved their connection. I loved how Rome consistently showed up for Janelle and protected her. Who doesn’t want that kind of chemistry? Rome is a dream, definitely my type of guy. I may not have had a Valentine this year, but he was the perfect book boyfriend.

And we cannot forget Evie , Janelle’s best friend and confidant on this trip. Evie is supportive, fun, and does not tolerate anyone’s nonsense, especially Amerie’s crazy behavior toward her sister or Chris, the arrogant flirt and one of Aaron’s best men. I would absolutely read a book centered around Evie. I’m already looking forward to the next installment in the series, The Art of Loving You by Natasha Bishop.

I truly believe love is a work of art, and Only for the Week beautifully expresses how love should feel and how a person should be treated. This story highlights choosing yourself, standing up for yourself, and following what feels right in your heart.

This is definitely a grown-and-sexy read. It’s funny, spicy, well-written, filled with drama, and so easy to fall in love with. I especially loved seeing Black romance centered around Black friendship, family dynamics, and passion. That representation matters.

Next year, if you’re hosting a Galentine’s celebration and you’re a book lover, I highly recommend making it a Galentine’s book club party , and be sure to include Only for the Week. You and your girlfriends will have plenty to discuss after this one.

Trust me. 💕