Takerra Allen was born in Jersey City, NJ and resides in Somerset, NJ. In addition to being an author, the 25 year old is the CEO of an all female Entertainment Company entitled Heaven Inc., and the half sister to the late renowned Tupac Shakur (sharing the same biological father, former Black Panther, William Garland). Takerra and her business partner of Heaven Inc., have launched Angelic Script Publishing to give new edgy writers a chance to demonstrate their talent and to give readers and lovers of Contemporary Fiction, new and exciting books to fall in love with. Writing continues to be Takerra's first love however, and her work has been appraised by many veteran African-American writers. Her first novel, Thicker Than Water, has become an underground success making it's way into mainstream recognition. Look forward to more works and projects from Takerra!
I can't believe what I just read. I really can not believe what I just read. First, let me start off by acknowledging the magnificent storytelling of Takerra Allen. My goodness, her pen is unmatched. Each and every book is so unique and fresh. The characters become people that I root for, that I spend time getting to know. Their hopes, their dreams their fears...all of the things. Dorian and Noor are two of the most complicated characters I've ever read. They are more alike, than different and they honestly made me love them and accept them for who and what they are. This story was so compelling, romantic, suspenseful, and more. I could not put it down. I did NOT see the story going where it did and for just a few minutes I was TORN. Was I going to walk away from this story satisfied with the ending? Was I going to accept that THIS is the story that Noor and Dorian wanted told? Well, I am satisfied...am I happy? I honestly don't know. This book is INCREDIBLE. I'm afraid to give anything away because that would ruin the vibe of this masterpiece. I'm all over the place, but just know you will be thoroughly entertained and enamored with this story and these characters.
This author's reentry to the literary world is phenomenal. She came out swinging giving the readers this...whew...meganovel that withheld nothing! Every emotion, character development, suspense, drama, romance, BDE, sexual chemistry....chef's kiss. I am not going to give out any spoilers...NONE but I will STRONGLY recommend this five star read. Yes, it is lengthy but the journey is worth it. Bravo!!!
Another set of characters penned by Takerra that you have to have an open mind for..no judgement. I can’t even write about Noor and Dorian’s journey without spoiling it. What I will say is Dorian was the needy one and Noor? Well, she was a survivor (& some other things I won’t say 😉). Did I think this book needed to be 840 pages? Yes, we needed the depth- we needed to feel those two.
“My heart bleeds for the forgotten. For the overlooked. For the survivors. For the ones holding in so much internal turmoil and memories with spikes on them…….it is okay to fight for the life you deserve. The happiness you deserve. Yes, we are all worthy of a smile, and love, and gratification and adoration. Yes, it is okay to be needy of those things.” Takerra Allen
Takerra Allen has a brilliant mind which she generously poured into her pen to craft this beautiful, deeply layered story about complex, flawed, yet resilient, individuals who at the end of the day, need and deserve, LOVE.
Noor and Dorian are seemingly different, but uniquely similar. I consider them twin flames, drawn to each other and ultimately bonded by trauma(s)that have forever impacted the trajectory of their lives. Their love and union are complicated, at times abhorrent, but also …. beautiful. I had to take breaks to ingest and digest the many layers I unpacked. I had to cast aside my judgement and allow myself to tap into the emotions and psyche of Noor and Dorian in order to understand (not condone) them and their bond.
I encourage you to buckle up ( literally) and delve into their journey. It was worth all 840 pages and I still could have read more. Bravo! 👏🏾
I really enjoyed this book… this mental movie. I had to take a minute to contemplate life before I wrote this review because what!? I literally was there, I felt what Noor felt. I wanted so much for the “villain” to win this one. But the curve ball I was thrown, I was NOT ready. Dorian! My Dorian, my heart bleeds for him, him and the babies…but I’m not even sure it should. I’m all confused. Noor really does NEED him after all.. She does love him in her capacity of love…her trauma was very real so am I excusing her and her choices? Uggghhh … I’m torn and I love it! I Definitely recommend this read so someone can be as pissed and have their heart swell at the same dang on time too! Lol Whew!
This was a ride like no other, whew! Takerra, Chile, your pen? Chef’s kiss! The last 4 percent of this book is absolutely unbelievable and has me questioning every instinct I’ve ever had in life! To Noor and Dorian, lock the damned door!
Let me start by saying… I Luv a Takerra Allen book. She writes masterpieces, so as one of her fans I’ve come to expect a certain experience while reading her stories. I usually get the warm and fuzzies, and accelerated heart rate, cry, laugh out loud at all the feels from her books. Needful Noor just didn’t take me there.
I usually read a TA novel in 2 days, 3 max. It has taken me 2 weeks to finish this book because I kept putting it down, falling asleep while reading, etc. I wasn’t fascinated with characters, and even though it’s supposed to be modern day, something made me feel like it was based in earlier years, and that the characters were not in their 30s, but a lot older.
Needful Noor didn’t spark my interest til around 67% through, and I felt a lot of the intimate (not just sex) scenes were repetitive. Then to give us the real plot twist around 90% then have what felt like an abrupt ending just took my rating from an almost 4 star to a definite 3 star. It’s not totally terrible, but I’ve been setup to expect more from Takerra, and this book just didn’t feel like her work. I understand artist evolve and styles change, but it didn’t feel like home as all her other books have. Unfortunately, Noor and Dorian don’t feel like a part of the clan of characters that we’ve come to love in TA land.
Final rating 6/10. A reluctant recommend. I still love TA though, and waiting on whatever comes next!
I wasn’t expecting this storyline from this author at all! I know this author is a storyteller because I couldn’t stand these characters but she wrote it so well I loved every page of this book. It’s hard not getting your emotions involved but Dorian and Noor did the unthinkable! Every page I was seething and cursing like I was in the book. These characters have got to go down in the most hated in the TA characters. When an author can make you smile and blush writing characters you dislike they’ve done their job. Noor ain’t shyt never gon be shyt and I hope she fall in shyt! Dorian and Noor deserve each other two big azz losers. But overall they took me through the mud and I’m overwhelmed I can’t wait til this author release more!
As unconventional as Dorian and Noor's pairing may have seemed, Takerra Allen was able to pen a slow burn journey that overcame any obstacle that I as the reader may have originally forecasted. And while it was truly an emotional, gut-wrenching progression at times, the end result made it all worthwhile for not only Dorian and Noor, but anyone willing to embark on this at times tragic, but beautifully well-written story. If something is worth having, it usually doesn't come easy. And theirs was no hearts and flowers love story, but instead it was an angst-filled path of discovery, growth and manifestation...or was it??? Who wants that perfect love story anyway?
If understanding the assignment was a person this author would be the textbook definition. This story flowed well. It gave us a first hand look of how marriages need the love aspect to truly survive. Watching the development through childhood trauma and survival both Noor and Dorian went through had my attention from the start. Sometimes you have to put a plan in motion and I’m glad it worked for the both of them. This book was well written, the story flowed, the build up was worth it and the plot twist was unexpected. I loved it.
Exceptional story that is masterfully written and brilliantly and creatively depicted showing a women’s determination, strength, intentness, and unwavering commitment to getting the man and the life she wanted.
This book had me captivate from beginning to end. The characters are incredibly written, the plot is masterfully depicted and Takerra Allen is a cerebral wordsmith beast with her meticulous thought process, vision, and imaginary storytelling abilities.
Noor was the protagonist, villain and heroin who exhibited sociopathic traits. With her beautifully alluring and heavenly irresistible aroma. This temptress enchanted, enticed and captivated anyone who were graced in her presence with charm and self proposed naivety, but make no mistake, she was also a calculative schemer who manipulated people and situations around her to fit her narrative. You see Noor was writing her own story and no one was going to stop her from having her life, her way.
Reading the complexity of Noor’s choices and decisions stole my mind, hijacted my emotions and left me questioning the authenticity of sanity and I loved every word of it. This women has been throw the bowels of hell and did what she had to do to attain her goal so never say what you would or wouldn’t do until you would or wouldn’t have to do it.
“Know that if the life you’ve dreamed about since as far back as you could remember comes even in a farsighted distance as a mirage, you take off your shoes and sprint headfirst into that motherfucker. Knocking over anything and anyone that gets in your way. That’s destiny. Because destiny only gets you to the vision. Determination gets you to the goal.”
Listennnnn... if eva there was a real wig & edge snatchin book, dis is it! Chileee ian even see it coming! Talk about, "I'll take yo man!" Lol Noor gave this song a whole new meaning! My girl said, "The manifestation is in full effect!" If I want it, ima come fa it!
Takerra takes you on a ride honey, and ima suggest you buckle up and stay seated til the ride is ova; keep ya hands & feet inside at all times, cuz babyyy ya stick anythang out, you are likely to have it ripped off! The way Noor had to go through life was much like a really wild ride, this sista could not get the ride to slow down; until she did! And babbyyy ain't nobody gonna put her back on it! She is done! There were so many warm moments and points we thought we knew, but ummmmm... we had no idea! 🤣😂 Y'all betta get into this one right here!
One thing about a Takerra Allen novel is you are guaranteed to have a jaw dropping experience while reading. As usual, the book is filled with addictive, multi-layers characters who you either Love or Love to Hate. This story is, at its very core, a beautiful untraditional Love story...yet in true Takerra Allen fashion, the ride it takes to get there is ABSOLUTELY INSANE!!! If you are a fan, then none of this is a surprise as we are used to the floor falling from beneath our feet. If you are new to the author's work, please get aboard the Takerra Allen express and become "Needfully" and "Devoted " fan.
Warning: May not want to read before reading the book. Will try my best not to include spoilers.
Now, to everyone that said "Wow the plot twist". How old are you/your parents. Quickly. I need to know because clearly you all did not grow up watching Lifetime. There was no plot twist. I will give you all the grace of being distracted by "rooting for the underdog".
However, to me, it was predictable. In fact, I am personally shocked that was All they did. This was low level unhinged from what I was preparing for.
I dont very much like Noor or Dorian. Not that they were bad characters but there was nothing that endeared me to either of them. A few of Em's or Carm's POVs may have made this 4 stars. There were numerous characters that added nothing to the story but pages. Accountant. Louie. Mel. Tara. Alicia. Shane.
I am used to Takerra ripping my heart out, juggling it a bit, and having me on the edge of my seat up at 4am wondering if shes going to drop it or catch it safely. This book, while a decent read, just didnt move me in any way. Perhaps Im the Toxic one.
This book with a lot of things, the first thing being… Too long. It was way too long. It could stand to lose about 300 pages. After the second part, I just was uninterested and it sucks because this book was $10. I just hate when characters do the whole back-and-forth for several 100 pages. Either you’re going to be with him or you’re not. It felt like so much filler and so many reietitive scenes. Also dislike how the dudes wife DIED and he felt the need to be with Noor. I did not feel convinced of their love at all. Also found it totally irresponsible for him to bring her around his kids right after she died lkke that. And noor needed intense therapy.
Takerra always takes us on a ride with each turn of the page and this book was no different. Her penmanship, and brilliance bleeds into the souls of her readers leaving you amazed by her constant artistry. Noor and Dorian story take us on a complicated roller coaster filled with drive, treachery, and triumph! Noor is the true definition of your past doesn’t define who you are, if you want it you have to go after it with a determination that surpasses all. Dorian hard knock life built a man of character, drive and undeniable loyalty and wealth. The twin flames Noor and Dorian roads may not have been ethical but in my eyes respected. Their uncharted love leads them to a soulful connection with only needs their understanding.
I wondered how Takerra Allen was going to top Last Stop From Innocence almost 3 years ago and boyyyyy did she!
All 840 pages took me on a mental rollercoaster to the point I had to question myself and who I was really rooting for out of the main characters.
I knew Noor knew what she was doing and Dorian did too. I just know he knows more than he lets on. He's definitely not innocent either. No adult in this book is.
I'm just going to say that this book is amazing. From seamlessly going from the present to the past to the description of the chemistry between Noor and Dorian to the edge of your seat "twist," this story was amazing!!! Takerra did her THANG as usual!!
Nothing but amazing from this author. I love her work, and this story here definitely takes you on a ride of emotions. It is very well written, with a great storyline and character development. Noor was that character you wanted to finally get a chance at a better life. I give it to her. She had a way of putting people in a trance with her alluring nature. A temptress in disguise. But she knew her story was going to end differently and better.
The complexities in Noor's story are what draw you in wanting to know more about this young girl. Noor and Dorian's love affair was full of passion, and Dorian's need for Noor.
The flashbacks definitely set the tone for the plot twist at the end to who the real Noor was. I highly recommend this book.
There are words that express what I have just experienced. I don’t even want to describe what I read as a “story “ it was so much more than that. Noor will live in my mind for awhile. I never have experience. I still don’t know how I feel about her, it i know I will never forget her or Dorian.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 🌟Book Review: "Needful Noor: The Collector’s Edition" by Takerra Allen 🌟
I don’t even know where to begin with this one except to say—WOW. "Needful Noor" was an emotional, poetic, and morally conflicting masterpiece that pulled me in from the very first line and did not let go, not even after the final page.
From the prologue, Noor Ebanks' voice mesmerized me. The narration—whether on page or in audio—feels like spoken word poetry. There’s a softness and resilience to Noor that makes you want to protect her, root for her, and scream at the world for not doing the same.
Takerra Allen doesn’t shy away from the raw and uncomfortable. Noor’s childhood was a brutal mix of neglect and psychological abuse, particularly from her mother, Lita, who used food as both punishment and control. This trauma shapes Noor’s present-day meekness and her complicated relationship with nourishment—both physical and emotional.
Living with a controlling and chauvinistic boyfriend, Mitch, Noor is clearly surviving, not living. When she gets a shot at a better life—thanks to a connection with Roz and a high-stakes job interview with the poised and mysterious Emmelyn Hill—you can’t help but cheer her on. But what starts as a job quickly spins into something far more entangling, especially once Dorian (aka Duke), Emmelyn’s husband, steps into the picture.
Let’s talk about Dorian. His voice. His presence. The way he walks into a scene and dominates it. He's torn, magnetic, flawed, and so very human. The tension between him and Noor simmers and scorches, toeing a line between devotion and desire, loyalty and longing. The moral dilemma this love triangle presents? Chef’s kiss—but also soul-wrenching.
And Noor? She gives Halle Berry in "Strictly Business" meets Nia Long in her 90s prime. Everyone is drawn to her because of her quiet strength, her innocence, her depth. She’s not street-smart or scheming; she’s just... needful. And that need, that yearning, seeps off the page.
Takerra Allen is a master at emotional tension. She gives us rich, multidimensional characters—flawed but real—and scenes that feel like déjà vu or a memory you forgot you lived. The flashbacks to Noor’s past broke me. The present-day decisions frustrated me. But never once did I stop caring.
I kept thinking, “The only way this will make sense is if somebody dies.” (Yes, I said it. My morals were spiraling 😭). And that ending… I’m not okay. I get now why people say they loved the book but was mad at Noor. It’s not that it wasn’t good—it was that it wasn’t what you hoped for. It hits like a betrayal. But isn’t that the mark of a great story? When you feel that deeply?
This would of been my first 5-star urban fiction read of 2025… until the ending pulled me to a 4.5. Still, whether you read it or listen to it, "Needful Noor" will linger with you. It challenges you to sit with your discomfort. It dares you to love someone messy and pure. And it proves that Takerra Allen is one of the most emotionally intelligent storytellers in the game.
✨ Highly recommended—but prepare to scream, cry, and possibly chuck the book across the room. ✨
Wow, this book blew me away! I was not expecting none of that! Roz put the pieces together in the very end and I just knew she was going to blow Noor’s cover! Then again I thought Emmelyn’s sister was going shut it down too! After all Noor had been through she finally won in the end. My eyes popped out of my head when it was revealed what was really left in that box at Mitch house! Wow, Takerra! You wrote this story and kept me entrapped for days! The length, the mystery, the transparency, the realness, the pain…it was all too real! I did not want this to end. The creativity of this book seriously knocked out. The way Takerra kept me on my toes with this one is crazy. The minute I thought I had Noor figured out, you knocked my thoughts out of the park! From her mother and brother demise to her aunt spilling the real beans. Seems like Dorian’s shady past had nothing on Noor’s, she even outsmarted him. Easily the best book I’ve read this year!
It’s widely understood that when a reader begins any TA novel that they are about to embark on a slow but enticing rollercoaster ride of emotions. The journey into Needful Noor, jumps right out the gate with gut wrenching combos that keeps the reader engaged. But doing it while expertly introducing additional characters into the fold who all are quite complex but fit just the same. Whether they are all liked or not is up for discussion. Yet in reality most are just trying to figure out this thing called life; despite the many traumas, disappointments, mistakes, obstacles, or pitfalls faced. As expected, there will be moments when Kleenex are required. But, I promise no disappointment as you’ll find yourself feeling similar to that final dip of the rollercoaster and racing back in line to do it all over again. It’ll be the same way with certain passages…wink wink “Surfboard” It is definitely a highly recommended read!!
Excellent read. 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥The story could not have been told without less than the 800 plus pages. Noor crazy but just what her environment made her. She went about the wrong way to ensure she got what she wanted. She did. Dorian loved ‘Em but fell in love with Noor. He was just needing a love instead of a partner. ‘‘Em only knew how to be strong. Wonder if she ever let her feminine side show would she had her happy ending. Definitely Happy that he’s finally Happy.
Well, well, well! Dramatical, but thrilling. I kind of couldn’t put this book down. Honestly, I had to brace myself with this one because I didn’t know if my heart could take it. Needy Noor and Dorian. This was a compelling story though. You wanted both to win or get a happy ending or whatever is they wanted. BUT that twist. The many twists kept me reading past my allotted time though lol. The content warning was much needed and I was glad for it. TA told a story. She’s such a great writer and storyteller. Can’t wait for more. 🖤
This book was… exhausting…. It took me a month to read this book. I absolutely love TA and her writing but this one…. Idk…. I was just determined to finish it…