Thoma's books are always a good pick if you ask me. She has a great writing style and is not afraid of dealing with more controversial subjects. The writer seems to have a good understanding of how law enforcement work and this makes the plot of her book believable and thought provoking. In this third book in Serenity Prayer series (they can all be read as a stand alone) we follow Reggie and Sophia who are part of a group who work on a proposal about new drugs legislation. Reggie is correctional officer with a father who's in jail for corruption and Sophia is rising political star. Apart from their opposing views there also the fact that Reggie's surname is not one Sophia should be associated with, but never the less they feel the attraction and sparks fly.
I liked their banter, chemistry and discussions on the difficult subject of drug legislation, it was also nice to see some other characters again.
All in all a really nice romance with great characters and a plot that makes one think about your own ideas on the subject.

*** Thank you Netgalley and Bold Stroke Books for giving me the chance to read and review this book***

Wisdom is the third book in a series with Serenity and Courage. I like Jesse J. Thoma's writing style. The topic of drug addiction and health problems she addresses is an interesting and still an actual problem all over the world.

Reggie Northrup, a correction officer, has a heavy burden to carry as she is always associated with her father, a convicted felon and politician. As a result, she can't stand politicians. When she is called into the governor's community design team to make improvements regarding tackling substance use and mental health issues, she meets Sophia, who was chosen by her political party.

Sophie Lamont, a Black woman, and politician at heart is always expected to be performing on top, privately and professionally, at least her parents think so. But is that even possible? As the youngest State Representative, Sophie must first find her way. She also has to find out, sometimes the hard way, who is a friend and who is a foe. And she has been warned not to be associated with a Northrup.

Sparks quickly fly between the two, but not just of an erotic nature. On the one hand, Sophie can't stand being told who she should and shouldn't be seen with. On the other hand, should she jeopardize her career for someone who hates politicians? Or could it be, that Sophie is the politician who can convince Reggie that not everyone is like her father? Should they both risk their hearts as the attraction grows stronger?

I loved how Sophie and Reggie's relationship develops. From their first chance encounter, the two flirt for all they're worth, only to realize later that they probably shouldn't like each other at all. And that makes it a slow-burn romance. It may be too slow for some readers, but I loved that they get the obstacles out of the way first before they really get into a relationship. Also, the discussions and arguments they had within the design team as well as in private conversations were good. As well as how they deal with their own prejudices and fears. And I love their humor.

A story about a black woman who wants to make a difference in politics and improve the life of the community and Reggie, the handsome butch, who struggles to get out from her father's shadow and f find a way to live her own life and to finally chase her dream job.

We also meet some old acquaintances from the previous books like Kit, Frankie, and Zookeeper. All important characters for the story along with Sophie's brother and Reggie's best friend Ava. All the conversations, especially the ones with Zookeeper, the drug dealer with a soft heart for her flock, were interesting, insightful, and entertaining.

The design team and the meetings and discussions associated with them take up a large place in the story. Drug use, addiction, and in this context safety and health are perennial issues that every major city has to deal with. Obviously, this is an important topic for the author, and she writes it very well.

My rating 4 stars.
Thanks to Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley for receiving an ARC for an honest review

Sophia and Reggie come from different places. Sophia is a State Representative and Reggie is a Corrections Officer.. The plot centers around politics and love. Reggie's father is in prison and she lives with his shame. Sophia and Reggie are picked for a Community group focusing on drugs and how to get people access to help to get off drugs.
Sophia has to take a risk being with Reggie as people in government do not like her getting involved with Reggie. The story is very good and help my interest as it dealt with social problems and political drama.
Sophia and Reggie must choose love over all these situations or breakup.
I recommend this book for all romance loves with a political twist.
I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I loved that this book portrayed an interracial couple as the main characters. Reggie is such an interesting character, because at times she can be so awkward and insecure, but at other times she can be so strong and sexy that you just have to love her. Sophia was a nice compliment to Reggie, because she seemed really outgoing and went for what she wanted even though it could be damaging to her career as a politician. The relationship between these two was very flirty and hot at the same time. There's some drama throughout this book, but nothing that dragged it down. The conflicts in this story only seemed to make it better to me. I would definitely recommend this book to my friends and family, and I look forward to what this author writes next.

Every time I read a book by Jesse J. Thoma, I remember how much I enjoy the way she combines heavy topics and light writing. Despite being book 3 in a series (after Serenity and Courage), this book can be read as a standalone. That said, there are recurring characters, and since the other books are really good, I’d recommend reading in order.

A newly-minted State Representative, Sophia Lamont has been taught to always strive for perfection. An impossible task, both in politics and in life in general. As the youngest representative in her State and a Black woman, she’s used to extraordinary expectations and fear of failing is high. When the party leaders ask her to sit on a community committee tasked with drawing up recommendations on curbing substance use, she’s warned to stay away from Reggie Northrup. Reggie, a corrections officer, has her own very personal reasons to distrust politicians such as Sophia, but the attraction both women feel from the moment they meet makes it very difficult to keep their distance.

The story starts a little slow. Stick with it, it’s worth it. One of the things I love in this series is that it’s all about drugs and addiction but not in a dramatic way. Some parts are dark and the author doesn’t romanticize addiction, but the overall feeling is one of hope and possibilities. Thoma really cares about substance use (she wouldn’t have written this trilogy if she didn’t), so some readers might feel there’s a bit too much talk about policy. I can see why but I didn’t.

I love the relationship between Sophia and Reggie. I love the flirting and the way they talk to each other, even when it’s scary, or hard. They’re not perfect, they make mistakes, say things they shouldn’t. There’s something fascinating about Sophia, who is at once very assertive – both in her private life and in politics – and needs reassuring at times, probably because of the pressure her parents put on her and her brother growing up. Reggie is a more basic – but not less endearing – character, a big-hearted butch struggling to make her own path, away from her father’s reputation and influence.

As lovely as the MCs are, a big part of what makes the Serenity Prayer books so enjoyable is the secondary cast. The best friends, Sophia’s brother, as well as characters we’ve met in the previous books, such as Kit, and, above all, the Zookeeper, one of my favourite morally grey characters, complex and fascinating.

This book is an interesting blend of instalust and slow burn. Sophia and Reggie start flirting on their first meet and almost never stop. The sparks are everywhere and it’s all very exciting. Yet they take their time before getting to the first kiss, and they don’t jump in bed together immediately either. They let things happen in an organic manner (or at least they would if life didn’t get in the way). All the edging and sexy talk are pretty damn hot too.

Wisdom is a good conclusion to the Serenity Prayer books. If you haven’t started this series yet, add it to your TBR!

Thank you Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley for this free ARC.

A beautiful, honest black State legislator is newly elected and expected to be a rising star. She's tossed in a diverse group where she needs to address some issue and write a bill which might be passed. I found the book quite engaging . The plot was solid and the characters relatable. it was actually a great read. i recommend 4.5 stars

I think most readers pick up a book and after reading a few chapters realizes that he/she will never finish said book. I just didn’t care for the main character. Strange because usually Ms Thoma’s books grab me from the first. So if you want, read another reviewer to see what they thought of ‘Wisdom’.
Just looked at some now and apparently I missed something because many others found this a really good read. Again check what other reviewers thought.
ARC via NetGalley/ Bold Stroke Books

The Serenity series by Jesse Thoma is certainly not cookie-cutter. When I read Serenity with no preconceived notions, I was blown away by the MC being a drug user - I can't recall ever reading that before. This author certainly doesn't shy away from the tough subjects and then goes a step farther to invent stories that just kept me reading.

I'm sorry to see this series end, but I can't wait for whatever is next. I'm certain it will be fantastic.

This was an interesting read with interesting discussions around drugs policy. It was part of a series but could be read as a stand-alone. The main characters, Sophia and Reggie, had intriguing backgrounds and I enjoyed reading about their motivations for trying to make the world a better place in different ways. Their conversations and wider discussions in the design group were very interesting and you could clearly see the author is passionate about the subject but policy debates took up a lot of airtime and heavily dominated the book. It was a well written and interesting book but don’t go into it expecting a usual romance.

This was an interesting book set in the world of American State politics. A topic I know nothing about but I learned things and was entertained. Sophia is a newly elected young politician who dreams of changing her local environment and is full of vim and vigour. Her party have her earmarked for great things but she must toe the line. Reggie is a prison officer who has a politician father serving time in her prison for corruption. She, understandably, has little time for politicians but is still keen to change the world.

Sophia and Reggie end up as cochairs of a Committee to address the local drug problem and each have stakes in the game. The relationship between them develops organically as each address their own issues. The ancillary characters are well rounded and add drama to the plot. As a third part of Ms Thoma’s Serenity series, this is a good read and a well written, nicely plotted story.

Recommended if you’re looking for something politically engaging that isn’t too formulaic. I was given a copy of this book by Netgalley

Interesting book that included a lot about the US political process which I found engaging. The focus seemed to be more on one character, Sophia the politician, and less on the other character, Reggie the prison officer. This was a shame as Reggie had a more interesting back story. There was a lot less drama in this book than previous books written by the same author. Personally that meant I didn’t enjoy it as much as The Chase and Pedal to the Metal, but it still a good read and I love reading about the Zookeeper (sadly she’s loved up with the ParrotMaster and therefore unavailable for a female romance).

Sweet love story with a solid plot. I enjoyed the political intrigue and the slow burn between the main characters. Only cons - the side characters seemed one-dimensional. The best friends were under-developed, and even the committee members and politicians were a bit shallow. This could be the start of an amazing series, which would give the author an opportunity to add more depth to the other characters as well. Overall, an enjoyable read.

3.5 stars. This is the final book in the Serenity prayer series and it’s all about politics. I was really looking forward to reading this book and I think it makes a good closing book for the series, but it is not my favorite (that might be mostly on me though).

Let me start how much I like the concept of this series based on the serenity prayer.

Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
Courage to change things I can,
And wisdom to know the difference

All books (Serenity, Courage and Wisdom) have a common theme, substance use and mental health issues. It is clear that this topic is close to the author’s heart, all situations are carefully shown from several perspectives and there is a lot of underlying research in each book. I recommend reading them in order as some characters are recurring, it would be possible to read this as a standalone though, but why do that if you can read them all.

In this final book the legislative side is shown through the eyes of Reggie and Sophia. They are both selected to participate in a community design team that is tasked with tackling substance use and mental health issues. They both have different insights in the societal issues at hand, as Sophia is an up and coming representative and Reggie is a prison guard. This book is very well written, but I found that I did not always enjoy reading this book, which is largely due to my personal tastes. The book delves into policy and societal issues with many discussions and political maneuvering and this is exactly something that can frustrate me enormously in real life. It turns out that it can also frustrate me in books. Especially near the middle of the book I found the story a bit dragging because of it. If you like politics and the accompanying discussions, hidden agendas etc. you might enjoy this better than I did. I found the second half more interesting as there was more character development and focus on the romance.

I always appreciate it when characters are a bit flawed, and both Reggie and Sophia are, they are real and likeable. The romance between Reggie and Sophia was during a large part of the book rather in the background. The books starts with some insta-lust and flirting, but it quickly stagnates. They both have their reasons not to get involved with each other, and during the first half almost all attention was on the actions of the design team, so the romance is a very slow burn in the end. I would have liked to see more sparks between Reggie and Sophia earlier on as I actually doubted for quite a while if they were right for each other. The second half of the book does make up for it though, so keep on reading.

While this was not my favorite book of the series, it was a good closing book. It’s well written and especially if you like politics I think you can really enjoy this book. I’m a fan of the series as a whole, they all show a side of society that is often overlooked and I definitely recommend reading them!

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I really like Thoma’s Serenity series. The author doesn’t shy away from the heavier topics and the characters are all strong and opinionated women. Wisdom is no different, but I feel like it’s the lesser of the trilogy.

All the books in the Serenity series deal with substance abuse in a way. Wisdom is the political story of the series and I think this is where it doesn’t always click for me. It’s really heavy on the political side of things and it just isn’t something that hold my attention or interest. Also, the political landscape in the US is extremely confusing to me. Sophia is a newly elected state rep, she’s black and known as a moderate. She wants to get things done, feasible things is the only thing on her mind. Also, she never wanted to be anything other than a politician, even growing up. Strange…. ;)
Reggie is a corrections officer, not happy in her job, but sees it as her penance for her dad being an extremely crooked politician who is now behind bars. Both women are put on some sort of research committee for the governor. Their connection is immediate with lots of flirtatious banter, I loved their interactions. They also argue a lot, they see the world, and especially politics through different glasses.

The book is so much about the political aspects I thought they’d never get together. I think the first kiss was well over the 70% mark. We get lots of flirting before that, but not enough action in my opinion. I do like the banter, but I needed some more actions. Some more of them being a couple. They barely got together, by the end of the book they only went on 1,5 date. All the rest was either the committee or random run ins.

While I like that Thoma once again diens that away from this tough subject and yet again shows a deep understanding of it, I needed a bit more romance, bit more of a personal life for these characters.
It is very well written and interesting in ways. Loved catching up to some extent with my favourites in Zoo and Frankie. All the political talk still had me captivated and I wanted to keep reading. Thoma writes books I really enjoy. I think it’s because of the characters. Always strong and fleshed out, opinionated, diverse and it goes for mains and secondary characters.

Sophia Lamont is a newly elected politician hoping to make a difference in the lives of her constituents. She meets Reggie Northrup, daughter of a corrupt and imprisoned politician at a governor sponsored community design meeting focusing on ways to address and aid those with substance abuse issues. Reggie does not think highly of any politician as she believes they are all self serving like her father.
The attraction between Sophia and Reggie starts from their first meeting. The back and forth angst created by Reggie’s mistrust of all things political goes on until the very end of the book. It unfortunately became monotonous and repetitive by the halfway point. It is a good thing Sophia was given the patience of a saint. I wish I was that patient.
This is the third book in the Serenity series which deals with drugs, drug addiction and mental health from different angles. Thoma digs deep into what communities could offer to those needing immediate and long term help. This is quite obviously an issue near and dear to her heart. Although Wisdom is wrapped as a romance, it reads more as a social statement of what is lacking in the health care and correctional systems. I found this part of the story quite informative. If you approach this novel looking for less romance and more social commentary you will be entertained.

I received an advance review copy from NetGalley and Bold Stroke Books and I am leaving my review voluntarily.

I enjoyed the continuation of the series but I felt as though it didn’t have the emotion that the other two in the series did. Another review hit on the note that the author repeatedly references one of the MC’s hate of politics and I felt as though it was super noticeable too. I don’t think the notion needed to be revisited in almost every chapter of the book. It was well written and I did enjoy the dialogue but this book just didn’t click with me. I enjoy the author’s writing style so I’ll definitely buy another book by them but this one just fell flat for me.

Love story? Political story? Drug story? Distrust? I would say this is an education read about drug addition and treatment. Specifically, what is the best way to get treatment to those in need. Although I was hoping for more romance scene time for Sophia and Reggie, I did appreciate the drug treatment perspectives. Also, a very interesting character to me is the Zookeeper. What a different perspective she provides. Very authentic. Anyway, this is the read for you if you want to know about the politics of drug addiction, drug education, and drug treatment with a bit of flirting and romance on the side.

Newly elected State representative Sophia Lamont has been asked to join a newly formed design team organized by the Governor. The team’s objective is to find support options for substance users on the streets and in the prisons and make recommendations the Governor can pass into law to improve the current standards. Sophie is the only politician on the design team. Other members have been added who have first hand experience working with or dealing to the people the Governor is trying to help. Reggie Northrup is a corrections officer selected to the committee for her first hand knowledge of the drug problems in the prison system.

When Sophie and Reggie are chosen to be co-chairs for their group there is reluctance on the part of both women even though their first encounter at a nearby coffee shop was a flirtatious one. Reggie is the daughter of a corrupt politician serving time in the prison where she works. She distrusts and despises politicians. Sophie has been warned by others in her party to stay clear of anyone with the Northrup name or risk ruining her chances for reelection or any move up the party ladder.

This is a difficult book to rate using a star system. As much as I liked Sophie, who gives off an AOC vibe and Reggie, who is a butch in uniform I would love to get to know, their romance is overshadowed by the setup and discussions of the design team to which they are assigned. I know the author is trying to raise the issue of drug abuse and the need for street level support for addicts but the topic is discussed at length taking time away from the scenes I was hoping for between Sophie and Reggie. The story does improve after the halfway point as Reggie and Sophie try to deal with their differing viewpoints and trust issues. There is obvious attraction between the two but is Sophie willing to risk her dreams of a political career if she is seen in the company of a Northrup? Will Reggie ever be able to give up her distrust of anyone choosing a political life? These questions and the political intrigue hinted at throughout were the issues that kept me reading hoping these two brilliant women would find their HEA.

3.5 stars rounded up because the story is well written and those interested in public policy and the need for change should enjoy this read.

A copy of this book was given to me by the publisher via NetGalley for review.

Sophia Lamont is black and has wanted to be a politician all her life. As a new and youngest state legislator she is a rising star. She lands a spot on the governor's new committee to tackle ideas for substance abuse issues. Any thing from decriminalization to rehabilitation is on the table. Reggie Northrup is a corrections officer and sees how drugs are a part of the system from a different view point. Her father was once one of the most powerful and corrupt politicians in the state until he ended up in prison. Everyone is warning Sophia to stay away from Reggie.

As cochairs for the part of their committee they meet often. There is flirting and sparks but endless and I mean endless discussions about the main topic. The author gives attention to many sides of the arguments by having the two have differing views (along with others on the committee). The discussions are the focal point of the story but they drag attention away from the building romance. Also Reggie's resistance to anything related to politicians gets repetitive. This is a slow burn romance, meaning you're going to have to wait for things to heat up between the two. The combined effect was that it made the book feel longer than it was.

This is the third book in the Serenity series. You can read as a stand alone but it make more sense to read in order and it is nice to catch up with previous characters. Also the author through her books is bringing ideas for social change up for discussion. (Giving multiple sides of arguments.) If you're only interested in a romance this might not be the book for you. I liked the discussion more in Courage (Book #2). I should have been more invested in this discussion having lost a nephew to drugs, jail and relapses after rehabs but maybe I just wasn't in the mood. Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Wisdom is the third and final installment of Jesse J Thoma’s Serenity Prayer series. The other two are Serenity and Courage. Wisdom centers on a new main couple and while you will be able to understand the story without reading the first two, I recommend that you do. Characters from the previous books are in Wisdom, but their appearances are brief except for one character.

Sophia Lamont is a freshman state representative, and she plans to rise to the pinnacle of politics. She is an out, proud, Black woman who wants to help her community. She has known since she was a child that she was going to be a politician and is ready to fight the good fight. Her job means the world to her. She is a pragmatist and is willing to negotiate to write bills that have a chance to become laws. On the personal front, her best friend, Lily, and her brother, Davey keep her in check.

Regina (call her Reggie) Northrup is the scion of a political family. Her father was once a prominent figure in state politics before he was convicted of multiple crimes and is now in prison - the prison when she works as a guard. She has been sullied by her association with her father and his cronies and has been fighting to shed the damage that the Northrup name brings. She hates politicians and does not trust any of them. Fellow guard Ava is her best friend and is always ready to kick her butt.

Sophia and Reggie are drafted into the new Governor’s task force focusing on the drug crisis. They have very different ideas on the subject. Reggie is all for tearing the current policies up and starting from scratch, while Sophia thinks that it is too much to ask for. They both want to revamp current laws and provide help to those who need it to overcome their addictions. Sparks fly as they are thrown together. They are attracted to each other, and they would make a great couple if they could ever stop fighting and could work together. But powerful forces are working against them, and they must decide if a relationship is even possible without damaging each of them.

There is plenty of political backstabbing and glimpses inside the political world, but most of the story takes place outside of it but also is affected by it. All politics is personal politics. The relationship between Reggie and Sophia is fraught with obstacles and they make assumptions and mistakes while figuring everything out.

Some wonderful secondary characters add substance and color to the story. From a man with eclectic eyewear to a drug dealer who tends her flock. The Zookeeper is a character who is in the previous books and is a particular favorite of mine – a lawyer by training and a psychologist by intuition. I love how she keeps popping up and speaks the truth too few others are willing to do. It is also great to have a very diverse group of strong female characters – from a White butch to a Black Governor and plenty in between.

I do have one tiny criticism. The book kept going over and over Reggie’s issues with politics. I know that a big part of her personality was created by what her father did, but every chapter seemed to keep reinforcing it. I felt that it slowed down the story a bit, but all-in-all the book moved along at a good pace. I enjoyed all three books of the series, and recommend them all. I will leave you with this:
Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
The courage to change the things I can,
And the wisdom to know the difference.