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Exhilarated

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Five years. Half a decade. One Thousand eight hundred twenty-five days. Forty-three thousand eight hundred hours. Two million six hundred twenty-eight thousand minutes. Measuring the time, a lot can happen in five years.
Aphrodite Greer was born and raised in the bricks - projects in Jagoda Bay. She met the love of her life, Baguette, on that very soil. The ghetto goddess had her entire life mapped out for her, and just like most life plans, things took a turn for the worse. Infidelity, losing her baby girl Athena, and constant fights with her lover's mistress turned her from a rigid, dope boy’s Queen to a soft, put-up businesswoman. With five years between their failed relationship, Baguette and Aphrodite remain best friends, and since Baguette has moved on, his current girlfriend has also joined their circle of friendship.
Tuscany Payne is everything a reformed dope boy could want in a partner. She has beauty, personality, and brains. Not only is she the total package, but she also helped turn Playboy Baguette into a man. But as time passes, Tuscany feels helpless because she can not seem to help her man get over his grief of losing his only child.
In this exhilarating Novel, you’ll not only laugh with the characters, but you’ll love with them, cry with them and feel for them in the end. Some say three is a crowd. With secrets that go beyond Athena’s grave, the saying may be true.

196 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 25, 2023

292 people are currently reading
139 people want to read

About the author

Lisa Austin

74 books161 followers

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5 stars
636 (82%)
4 stars
95 (12%)
3 stars
31 (4%)
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7 (<1%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
Profile Image for Toya  Davis-Stokley.
2,549 reviews99 followers
April 30, 2023
Ma'am, you did that ish you hear me? 🔥 I wanted to reduce a star, because the editing/misspellings were so bad, but the story more than made up for it! We begin with Aphrodite, and learning of her strange relationship with her ex, and his new woman. At first, I thought it was going to be a wild threesome story or something! 😂 Aphrodite has to be a saint, because after learning of all that Baguette put her through, ain't no way that ninja would be able to breath the same air as me! 🤬 But no, this thing has layers, and slowly began to build into a story like no other! I tried not to feel for Baguette, cause he was truly a fboy while he was with Aphrodite. But, I could feel his hurt, pain and remorse for all that he had done. 💔 Quasie! Girl, yo man is certainly for the streets! Who could blame her for walking away from that ratchet mess he brought to her doorstep! 🤯 I want to see you move on and be happy, but tread lightly, cause Kilo seems to be a bit unbalanced! Goal! That man had BDE ozing out of every pore, and I loved his rough talking self! He is a good look for Aphrodite. Now, Tuscany what the hell ma? I hope that you didn't have anything to do with this ish, cause it won't end well for you! That ending took me out! What will Baguette do with this information about Tuscany? How will Aphrodite and Baguette move forward with this revelation? What is up with Gage? Whew! I need more! 👍👍👍👍
Profile Image for ReadnliftwithShar.
1,854 reviews
May 3, 2023
This book reads like I was watching a movie or tv show. While there are a lot of characters introduced, I found myself so intrigued with each characters' storyline. I am eagerly awaiting part two because that bombshell at the end was such a shock!! I adore the friendship between Tuscany, Aphrodite, and Baguette; they were super mature. I also think Goal is everything; he's such an alpha male but when he sees something he wants, he goes after it!! Good read for me.
Profile Image for Savoy.
Author 44 books313 followers
May 6, 2023
Loved the cover, character names and the storylines within the story.
51 reviews
May 16, 2023
this storyline is…bravo

For me this storyline was top tier. All of these characters have layers and the author did a great job of exposing them to the reader in a way that made the pages turn so effortlessly. And the way the characters are twisted into this big circle of connected mess is just so good. From the estranged dad to the nanny being someone close grandma. This story earned these 5 stars. I had to put the book down and call a friend when the big secret started coming out cuz I just couldn’t handle it…. Then we not even going to talk about my man my man my man; Goal baby that first dateeeee👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 he did his big one and he was so sure from the very beginning and he didn’t stop until he got what he wanted he’s the definition of a book bae!!! Bravo to the author for this, I can’t wait for the part 2 I hope it’s not far away. This book is for-sure a must read.
Profile Image for Jasmyne Fowler.
18 reviews1 follower
March 18, 2024
Oooh weee the storyline , this book was so good! The dramaaaa! A true page turner. I was hooked! It was like I was watching a movie , sitting on edge anticipating what was going to happen next! I had an idea or so I thought of the direction of this story but this went way past what I was thinking. Which literally left me jaw dropped a few times! I wasn’t expecting so many different POVs but surprisingly it still flowed and made you want to learn more about each character and their story even more. The way I romanticized the interactions amongst these characters that would be unacceptable/unrealistic in real life is not ok! Because baby between Goal and Eleven ? Whew! The ending had me shook! Starting on the second one now!
Profile Image for Jaleesa.
402 reviews53 followers
October 21, 2025
WHOA

This is just the beginning but that plot twist truly blew my mind. All of the characters are intriguing to me and I thought the Ditey/Baguette/Tuscany thing was weird but they really have a solid friendship. I do hope we see more of Quasie and Eleven because that sounds like it’ll be a good time. Headed over to book 2 immediately.
Profile Image for Lacie.
392 reviews
April 29, 2023
🔥🔥❤️❤️❤️

I’m not even about to play with you Lisa!!! When part 2 coming? Next week??? Tomorrow!!?? Lawd the messiness of the trifling daddy! Im praying they save Tuscany.
1 review
September 12, 2024
I am lost for words! This book was sooooo good! I did not want to put it down! Got me read to find a HRN! Lol! 10/10 highly recommend! Starting book 2 now and i’m so excited because the ending had me shook!!!
Profile Image for Dee.
86 reviews1 follower
April 26, 2023
yes

Yassss come in thru! Stop playing momma girl.. I think I’m in love with Goal! Lol he might be book bae! Wait don’t tell Doe tho .
Profile Image for Stacey.
22 reviews1 follower
April 29, 2023
Just Wow

This was it… The prequel was definitely good. But this right here ! Was on some another level good… Lot’s of surprises! But I’m definitely not giving out no spoilers. You have to read it for yourself, you will not be disappointed! Aphrodite is sooo cool…
Profile Image for Lisareadsromance.
629 reviews14 followers
May 27, 2025
well damn this was such a great read. I was literally captivated from the very first chapter. When I say this book had me crying my eyes out, so much pain, hurt, and trauma from all of these characters. Though Diety, Baguette, and Tuscany relationship is a little unorthodox it worked for them, however there were so many secrets that I think has made it a rocky foundation.

I love Goal and his HIGH-HANDED ASS behavior...I mean I would let that man run me too, all that to say he is in his own way sweet as well

Baguette I liked how he was really owning up to what he did to Diety throughout they relationship, but I feel that there is more to that shit than meets the eye...especially with how the end of part 1 unfolded.

Tuscany girl you got some splaining...to do cause WTF. I did peep that she didn't want to talk about a part of her life, and I assumed it had something to do with R*pe...but I sure the hell didn't expect that...girl idk but I am def worried about her.

Diety just seems to take on so much and hides her emotions, I really just want my girl to allow herself to be loved correctly and really let go of the pain. I also don't think she has properly delt with the shit that Baguette ass put her through and I think something is going to come out that is going to make those emotions come forward. (I am happy though, that something good has happened.)

Quasie girl is doing well for herself, but she is still very much hurt from everything Kymani did to her, and she won't be able to move on until she really truly deals with that. I think Eleven is def going to be good for her physically/emotionally. I think that she overcompensated with fashion and putting up a front for others, but i can't wait to see her work through all her mental wounds that she was left with.

Kymani really just pissing me off at this point by not understanding that he at fault for his marriage breaking. like n*gga you had 2 damn babies on your wife...meaning you didn't hit raw once but twice and with two fam members around the same damn time. Like bought them to her like it was her job to help raise his sneaky links kids...i think the fuck not. And for him to still be making excuses about what he did and saying Quasie didn't want for nothing...he is missing the fucking point, and I just don't have good wishes for him...all I want to happen is for him to suffer while she gets her happiness.

But there is so much still to uncover cause ethe end of this blew my mind .... all I know is that Goal daddy gots to die...pronto!!!
Profile Image for Gabbie.
321 reviews2 followers
April 26, 2023
FIRE‼️🔥 GOAT‼️🐐

Lissssaaaaaaaaaa! Omg you be coming crazyyy but I love it I swear. I can’t even lie though this book hurt me to read cause I wish somebody would’ve just kidnap my baby boy 🥹. I got through it and I love it. Most of the men nothing but BDE especially Mr. Navarro cause Lawd I’m in love okay. I really have mixed feelings about Brock, Tusc and AP relationship cause be a good man but not in my face okay 🤣. I’m thinking Quasia the sister though. I can’t wait to see how everything about to go with Litty and Bug Gator though cause auntie right I smell it too 🤣. Hopefully they go get Tusc back and Gilberto die cause he was dead wrong okay. I’m tooooo ready for part 2 Can’t wait
Profile Image for Tenika Glover.
789 reviews3 followers
July 17, 2023
WHAT THEE ENTIRE HELL!!

I think Daphne had something to do with the kidnapping. Remember when she walked in with Gilberto? Plus she was mad that Goal kicked her out of the house. And she probably did that to get back at Baguette and Aphrodite. Gilberto is piss at Goal for not letting him back in the cartel.Tuscany has got a lot of explaining to do with everyone. I started to feel sorry for Kilo but after hearing about how he took care of his baby mama's and not his wife I don't feel nothing for him because he brought that all on himself. Baguette gives Aphrodite because he guilty. I don't want Baguette and Tuscany to separate. I love Aphrodite and Goal to stay together. They don't have to be together to raise their daughter together. Quaise might be Aphrodite's sister.
57 reviews2 followers
April 26, 2023
Lisa play all day long

Listen here!!!! One thing about ypu are going to get some boss females that stay on top of their business and some bold crazy wild a** men that love those women. Throw in ratchet messy females and a whole slew of drama and you got a winner. Goal is definitely the man for me but Eleven came in like a thief in the night and i can't want to see more of him. Baguette is the man with his love for AP but this is about to get wild with Tuscucany past coming back.......lets go
Profile Image for Lisa Dukes.
900 reviews16 followers
April 26, 2023
WOW 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

That ending left me with my whole world turned upside down. Aphrodite is such an amazing person who went through so much pain because of the man she loved. I'm so glad that she has her baby back and a good man. I know Baguette has so many questions, and I pray that he will give Tuscany a chance to tell her story. She chose them over herself, I know it's much more to the story because Daphne got something to do with all this, too.
I can't wait for part two. Keep up the awesome job, Lisa.
918 reviews
May 2, 2023
My word this book was summin else.

Goal is that dude you hear me - lord be a fence (fans self).

This Daphne is for everybody IJS, and GF so in the trenches she threw away a good thing, but something about her is “fishy” (read between the lines).

Tuscany Tuscany what a secret to keep, but she all in everybody business! It’s sad when some grown men take advantage of teenagers!

Brock knew in his gut that something was not right and the ending was like I’m ready for book 2.

Bring the drama on yep because I’m here for it!
42 reviews2 followers
May 4, 2023
Lisssssaaaa

I don't know what in the entire fk is going on but i can't wait to find out what, why, and how, now i know Goal has nothing to do with this and i hope they find out that he didn't and i hope like hell that they get Tuscany back and Baguette and Goal goes to war against Goal's father Gilberto and not against each other cuz i really want Aphrodite and Goal together and Tuscany and Baguette together please cuz babbbbyyyy this another 🔥 a$$ banger u have but anyways i need part 2 NEOWWWW
Profile Image for Trina R. Craven.
32 reviews
July 15, 2023
a game changer

This book had me at the beginning. I was invested in these characters that I literally felt bad for Aphrodite and Baguette. Losing a child is very hard. The women characters in this story were some strong women that endure so much. Tuscany was a mystery to me because it seem like she was hiding something. Gilberto gave off snake like tendencies and I hope that Goal and Baguette team up to cut the snake’s head off! To know that Goal’s dad was so devious to deliberately to take Athena is unacceptable. I can’t wait until part 2 drops. Awesome work Lisa Austin!
280 reviews4 followers
May 8, 2025
Ummmmm. As I clutch my pearls and pick my jaw up off the floor, I’m going to attempt to express how absolutely great this book was. Lisa Austin, ma’am you wrote this story. The building of the plot, the execution was top tier. Lord Have Mercy, what is Ditey going to do since Athena’s been brought home and poor Baquette. The Spice 🌶️ Goal, honey. Lord. Tuscany got a whole baby with Gilberto. My mind is freaking Blown. Goal’s daddy is straight f’d up. I’m still trying to process it as I start book 2 now. Whewwww.
Profile Image for Tarro Stokes-Funches.
1,858 reviews
April 28, 2023
Exhilarating!!!
Of course this was a great read, Lisa Austin wrote it. All of the men in this book have nothing but BDE! Brock, Goal, Eleven, and even Kilo. I love the women in the book as well Aphrodite (Pretty Pretty AP), Tuscany, and Q are all on their boss ish. Brock's daddy is a POS! Brock knew what he knew from the first time he say Athena at Houston's. I just wish that Tuscany would have exposed all of her past to Brock before the BIG exposure. I highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Carla Green.
503 reviews9 followers
April 29, 2023
This book had all the makings of a true urban/hood book. Rich, fine, paid out the @$$ men with lots of BDE, classy independent bossed up chicks from the hood, stalking ex’s, messy bms, plot twists you didn’t see coming, and tons of secrets. What sealed the deal for me was the explosive cliffhanger! The kind of ending that will have you on pins & needles until part two is released. Definitely a 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 read!
Profile Image for jennifer williams.
1,699 reviews17 followers
May 4, 2023
Lisa Austin

Girlllll you never ever disappoint me with your work. I most definitely loved this book and I can’t wait for the next one. I so loved Aphrodite and Goal together. I knew that Baguette wasn’t tripping when he said that he saw his daughter. I hope that Tuscany can explain everything. I want them together though that is Aphrodite and Goal. I’m happy that they got their daughter back though. I can’t wait to the next book because baby you had me crying real tears.
34 reviews
May 20, 2023
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

This is one of my favorite reads! I love all the characters except Kilo. He works my nerves acting lie he didn't mess up as bad as he did. Chile I can't stand men like him. Anyway, I hope Tuscany is OK. I had a feeling Baguette and Diety daughter was alive. When he saw her in the restaurant I knew it was her. I think the nanny was Kilo mama. We shall see in part 2. I also hope Quasia find love with Eleven. Leave Kilo lame ass with his trifling baby mamas.
Profile Image for Samara Spencer.
5 reviews
May 27, 2023
Almost landed in my DNF pile. I’m glad it didn’t.

The book started incredibly slow and uninteresting to me. I’m a fan of Lisa Austin’s work so I pushed through, skipped some of the wordy parts. Quasie had the most interesting storyline until the end of the book. The book picked up and got good around the 70% mark where Eleven comes in the picture. I love Quasie’s character. The ending was very good. I’ll read part 2.
785 reviews3 followers
September 11, 2023
Aphrodite and Baguette

Aphrodite and Baguette had history since they were 14 years old. That history ended 5 years ago when they suffered a tragic loss. They now are the best of friends still grieving from that tragedy. Baguette has moved on with Tuscany and Aphrodite now has Goal, who will give her the world! What they thought they loss all those years ago is suddenly brought back into their lives, all hell is about to break loose. A great read!
Profile Image for LaChante Anderson.
507 reviews7 followers
August 31, 2025
Lisa Austin is going to keep you on your toes!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️|🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
I’m mad I didn’t read this story before the mob series, because it’s putting more things into perspective for me. This story has crazy character dynamics and the best plot twists. The spice is amazing and very hotttt! My favorite is definitely Goal but I love how this story has so many POV’s.

This story leaves on a cliffhanger as expected because it’s a 3 part series.

I would 100% recommend! 💖
25 reviews
April 28, 2023
🔥🔥🔥

All I can say is Wow wow wow did not see that spin coming at the end 😂 Definitely can’t wait to see how this goes , and Hopefully Tuscany makes it back Definitely want to see Aphrodite & Goal to make it as a couple…This is definitely a book that I would double back and read again..
Profile Image for Tamarah.
101 reviews
April 28, 2023
No Words!!! 🤬

Lisa, you definitely did your big one with this book, but you really did us like that! 😩 I’m so mad at Tuscany right now; cause we should’ve known this information, from the beginning now look at this mess!! Poor Pretty Pretty! 🥺 And Quasie, Chile I’m so torn, who are we supposed to love for her, Kilo or Eleven?? This just tew much!! 😭
Profile Image for Shaunphoo.
1,651 reviews13 followers
May 6, 2023
LOVEEEE!

I love that Tuscany decided to allow her man and bestie finally get to have their daughter. She knew what she was going to have to face but still risk her happiness. I love Goal for Dity she deserves all the happiness and love he gives her. Whew, I hope part 2 is already in the works bc this was so good.
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