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Only You
Symone Floyd has always had big dreams. When her family faces hardship, she is roped into a plan to help her mother, potentially threatening everything she’s worked for.
Yarah McRae is transitioning from a life of luxury to survival when she and her mother move in with her grandmother. One decision changes Yarah’s life when she realizes everything isn’t what it seems.
Yarah isn’t the only one in transition. Royal Rivers is rocked by tragedy and forced to live with his estranged father. He reconnects with childhood friends to help him navigate, but a connection with an unlikely girl keeps him afloat.
Vanity Reese has experienced more pain and disappointment than a teenager should. It’s caused her to lose faith in humanity and trust the only person who’s never let her down- herself.
Impulsive. Troublemaker. Selfish. Demir Lyon has been labeled them all, but one thing you can’t take from him is his love for his people. When he becomes a slave to his loyalty, he’s in jeopardy of losing the most important thing in his life.
Take a journey with these childhood friends as they navigate growing pains.
Yarah McRae is transitioning from a life of luxury to survival when she and her mother move in with her grandmother. One decision changes Yarah’s life when she realizes everything isn’t what it seems.
Yarah isn’t the only one in transition. Royal Rivers is rocked by tragedy and forced to live with his estranged father. He reconnects with childhood friends to help him navigate, but a connection with an unlikely girl keeps him afloat.
Vanity Reese has experienced more pain and disappointment than a teenager should. It’s caused her to lose faith in humanity and trust the only person who’s never let her down- herself.
Impulsive. Troublemaker. Selfish. Demir Lyon has been labeled them all, but one thing you can’t take from him is his love for his people. When he becomes a slave to his loyalty, he’s in jeopardy of losing the most important thing in his life.
Take a journey with these childhood friends as they navigate growing pains.
352 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 19, 2023
287 people are currently reading
117 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
July 23, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2 Stars
Damn….A Cliffhanger…..There’s a lot going on in this story
Damn….A Cliffhanger…..There’s a lot going on in this story
July 23, 2023
Teenage growing pains 😩😩 whew these kids stressed me out and broke my heart at the same time!!! Childhood friends Symone, Yarah, Vanity, Damir and Royal are all doing their best to navigate their 16/17 year old lives! They each face challenges from the sudden loss of a parent due to death and or the prison system to navigating life in foster care and even trying to stay away from the usual hardships growing up in the hood! Despite everything they go through their bond is solid af and when they can’t rely on anyone else it’s always them against the world! Royal and Demir broke my heart toward the end of this book and I’m anxious to see how this crew is navigating adulthood since book 2 immediately jumps 10 years forward! I can’t wait to see what the last 10 years have been like for them, how they’ve grown and what their journey to HEA will be like!
November 25, 2024
Great read! Now... was I like this as a teenager? The back and forth. Baby I'm stuck. I can't help but reading the next book cause this one has a grip on my neck.
May 21, 2023
only you can make me feel.. 💕
“Only Us” kept me on my toes for the entire book, and this is just the beginning. The story separates into five parts, each part representing a different character. The overall theme, to me, of the story is creating new friendships and meeting people where they are in life. Judgment is not allowed. I loved how diverse the friend group was and how quickly they formed a genuine bond. Now these are teenagers, so there is a lot of teen drama; however, there were a lot of intense home and family dynamics that were detailed. Kaylyn penned a series of short introductions for each character that left me wanting more. She was very accurate in illustrating the things teenagers go through. There were also a lot of gems and thought-provoking moments in the story.
I saw myself in Symone’s character. She seems to be the mother hen of the group. She is book-smart and street savvy. She is the definition of “get you a girl that can do both.” She’s my fave, for now. Lol!
Yahrah and Vanity are the new kids on the block, but they are night and day. While Yahrah meshed well with Symone, Vanity did not. But once the story showed their home life, it was eye-opening and self-explanatory as to why they were able to become friends. I wanted to hug Vanity a few times because it didn’t seem fair for her to endure such pain. Yahrah dealt with her new situation as best as she could.
Royal and Demir were brothers, not literally, but they had a strong friendship. They were both protective and loyal. They are “home” to Yahrah and Vanity and created a safe space for them. Both had to mature quickly; they were wiser than their age.
The way the story presents itself, I am eager to see how things turn out for the group. With them being young but dealing with grown-up issues, their bond will be stronger, but it will take time. Kaylyn is onto something with this group. I don’t know how the stars will align, but I am intrigued by this group.
“Only Us” kept me on my toes for the entire book, and this is just the beginning. The story separates into five parts, each part representing a different character. The overall theme, to me, of the story is creating new friendships and meeting people where they are in life. Judgment is not allowed. I loved how diverse the friend group was and how quickly they formed a genuine bond. Now these are teenagers, so there is a lot of teen drama; however, there were a lot of intense home and family dynamics that were detailed. Kaylyn penned a series of short introductions for each character that left me wanting more. She was very accurate in illustrating the things teenagers go through. There were also a lot of gems and thought-provoking moments in the story.
I saw myself in Symone’s character. She seems to be the mother hen of the group. She is book-smart and street savvy. She is the definition of “get you a girl that can do both.” She’s my fave, for now. Lol!
Yahrah and Vanity are the new kids on the block, but they are night and day. While Yahrah meshed well with Symone, Vanity did not. But once the story showed their home life, it was eye-opening and self-explanatory as to why they were able to become friends. I wanted to hug Vanity a few times because it didn’t seem fair for her to endure such pain. Yahrah dealt with her new situation as best as she could.
Royal and Demir were brothers, not literally, but they had a strong friendship. They were both protective and loyal. They are “home” to Yahrah and Vanity and created a safe space for them. Both had to mature quickly; they were wiser than their age.
The way the story presents itself, I am eager to see how things turn out for the group. With them being young but dealing with grown-up issues, their bond will be stronger, but it will take time. Kaylyn is onto something with this group. I don’t know how the stars will align, but I am intrigued by this group.
August 9, 2024
friends!
I was so invested in this complex group of friends. All from different backgrounds, some facing some super heavy personal things but I loved how they came together and cared about each other. The way Kaylyn wrote this book it honestly felt like you were there sitting on the porch watching this group of people. You honestly never can go wrong with one of her books. On to book 2!
I was so invested in this complex group of friends. All from different backgrounds, some facing some super heavy personal things but I loved how they came together and cared about each other. The way Kaylyn wrote this book it honestly felt like you were there sitting on the porch watching this group of people. You honestly never can go wrong with one of her books. On to book 2!
May 24, 2023
Maybe everything will come full circle
I am a fan of all Kaylyn’s books but this one gave me mixed feelings. I loved the friendship dynamics of the group, everyone definitely grew up differently but still created a bond with one another. Royal and Demir are truly amazing when it comes to the people they love. Vanity has not had it easy at all but Royal got her to open up and show that true love exists but she won’t get out of her own way to truly be there for him. Royal is broken-hearted and living with a “parent” that doesn’t care and is truly disgusting smh. I don’t agree with how he left but I do understand it. Ya rag to me is a true cry baby. Her world was turned upside down but her spoiled rich girl attitude didn’t make it better, she definitely grew with her surroundings but but that better than everyone attitude still lingered in the background. Her and Demir situation was unique considering the secrets between the two but I felt like she was kicking D while he was down. And lastly with Symone I felt as if we didn’t know much about her. She spent the whole book be there for others but who was there for her or what is going on with her and Bijon? Like I said I enjoyed the read but it was a lot of missing parts that left me confused or wanting more information. I will read part 2 and then maybe things will come together
I am a fan of all Kaylyn’s books but this one gave me mixed feelings. I loved the friendship dynamics of the group, everyone definitely grew up differently but still created a bond with one another. Royal and Demir are truly amazing when it comes to the people they love. Vanity has not had it easy at all but Royal got her to open up and show that true love exists but she won’t get out of her own way to truly be there for him. Royal is broken-hearted and living with a “parent” that doesn’t care and is truly disgusting smh. I don’t agree with how he left but I do understand it. Ya rag to me is a true cry baby. Her world was turned upside down but her spoiled rich girl attitude didn’t make it better, she definitely grew with her surroundings but but that better than everyone attitude still lingered in the background. Her and Demir situation was unique considering the secrets between the two but I felt like she was kicking D while he was down. And lastly with Symone I felt as if we didn’t know much about her. She spent the whole book be there for others but who was there for her or what is going on with her and Bijon? Like I said I enjoyed the read but it was a lot of missing parts that left me confused or wanting more information. I will read part 2 and then maybe things will come together
June 25, 2023
kinda liked it
Overall, I liked it. Usually I don't like reading about teens but this was done ok. I liked reading about their developing friendships. Now, what I didn't like is that there are many places where there is missing information in a sentence or passage and I had to go back and read to make sure I didn't miss something, but it actually was never there and also a lot of errors that should have been caught by the editor. This was written in a different style. Each persons story was told individually instead of collectively. I think I like the anthology style, it was like a book of intertwined short stories however I would have liked to have more details about some of the characters stories, like what happened next???? But I'm guessing that's what part 2 will be.
Overall, I liked it. Usually I don't like reading about teens but this was done ok. I liked reading about their developing friendships. Now, what I didn't like is that there are many places where there is missing information in a sentence or passage and I had to go back and read to make sure I didn't miss something, but it actually was never there and also a lot of errors that should have been caught by the editor. This was written in a different style. Each persons story was told individually instead of collectively. I think I like the anthology style, it was like a book of intertwined short stories however I would have liked to have more details about some of the characters stories, like what happened next???? But I'm guessing that's what part 2 will be.
July 6, 2023
Loved it
I Can't wait to read Always US! I love friendships and relationships. Symone, Yarah, and Vanity, they have a true friendship and sisterhood. While Demir and Royalty have a brotherhood and friendship, though Demir have other family.
Hopefully, all of the couples and friendships survive as they become older adults and face challenges in their relationship. Royalty made me so sad along with Vanity, I know they will be together again, I just lo e how the relationship was formed, as well as Yarah and Demir, he has to grow up. Bijon and Symone, I'm still waiting to see how their relationship blossoms.
I Can't wait to read Always US! I love friendships and relationships. Symone, Yarah, and Vanity, they have a true friendship and sisterhood. While Demir and Royalty have a brotherhood and friendship, though Demir have other family.
Hopefully, all of the couples and friendships survive as they become older adults and face challenges in their relationship. Royalty made me so sad along with Vanity, I know they will be together again, I just lo e how the relationship was formed, as well as Yarah and Demir, he has to grow up. Bijon and Symone, I'm still waiting to see how their relationship blossoms.
July 23, 2023
Good read!
I don’t necessarily like reading about teenagers but Kalyn is one of my favorite authors who often writes about teenagers. Because she’s one of my favorites and I’m late to this release I knew I was gonna read it once I stumbled across it anyway.
I feel like a lot was missing but it was a good read! I think everything will come full circle in book 2 which would make this one make more sense.
Royal is my favorite but my God he and Vanity got on my nerves with the constant back and forth. The bring there for each other but hesitant to be there. Idk their dynamic was a bit weird I just wanted them to be together already.
I don’t necessarily like reading about teenagers but Kalyn is one of my favorite authors who often writes about teenagers. Because she’s one of my favorites and I’m late to this release I knew I was gonna read it once I stumbled across it anyway.
I feel like a lot was missing but it was a good read! I think everything will come full circle in book 2 which would make this one make more sense.
Royal is my favorite but my God he and Vanity got on my nerves with the constant back and forth. The bring there for each other but hesitant to be there. Idk their dynamic was a bit weird I just wanted them to be together already.
May 23, 2023
Royal 😍 and Demir 🥴 are my favs
I really liked Demir. Although he had some anger issues I was not mad at him at all surprisingly. He didn’t respond well to anyone disrespecting those he was loyal to. I was so cute how he reached out to Yarah and their friendship/relationship developed. He definitely stood ten toes down for Yarah. I instantly loved Royal’s character. He was able to pull Vanity, who was greatly misunderstood, out of her shell. He provided a safe space for her to be her true self and I loved that. Out of the female characters I was left wanting more from symone’s story because we pretty see throughout the story that she was the one that everyone could turn to in their time of need. I can’t wait for the next book because these friends got me in a chokehold.
I really liked Demir. Although he had some anger issues I was not mad at him at all surprisingly. He didn’t respond well to anyone disrespecting those he was loyal to. I was so cute how he reached out to Yarah and their friendship/relationship developed. He definitely stood ten toes down for Yarah. I instantly loved Royal’s character. He was able to pull Vanity, who was greatly misunderstood, out of her shell. He provided a safe space for her to be her true self and I loved that. Out of the female characters I was left wanting more from symone’s story because we pretty see throughout the story that she was the one that everyone could turn to in their time of need. I can’t wait for the next book because these friends got me in a chokehold.
June 19, 2023
Perfect Song - Danger
Whewwww... the lyrics to Mystical's Danger played in my head the minute I got to the last words of this book. Like wowwww... Mir & Rah, Royal & Van, Mo.... Friendship and loyalty that knew no bounds. They way these young people cared for one another, even Tequila's wild self, brought some wisdom from her unfortunate experiences. The pain expelled some real danger, even for those inside their circle. I am soooo looking forward to the follow up to this story! Great job!
Whewwww... the lyrics to Mystical's Danger played in my head the minute I got to the last words of this book. Like wowwww... Mir & Rah, Royal & Van, Mo.... Friendship and loyalty that knew no bounds. They way these young people cared for one another, even Tequila's wild self, brought some wisdom from her unfortunate experiences. The pain expelled some real danger, even for those inside their circle. I am soooo looking forward to the follow up to this story! Great job!
July 16, 2023
Great Read
This book is full of people that have faced some difficult obstacles. Demir and Yahra crossed paths because of their similar backgrounds and became close friends that stuck things out. The same happened with Royal and Vanity. Their situations were similar and they could easily read one another. It made them love one another fast. Symone felt a responsibility for Tequila's son because she didn't have any family. All these friends were suffering. Can't wait to read part two!
This book is full of people that have faced some difficult obstacles. Demir and Yahra crossed paths because of their similar backgrounds and became close friends that stuck things out. The same happened with Royal and Vanity. Their situations were similar and they could easily read one another. It made them love one another fast. Symone felt a responsibility for Tequila's son because she didn't have any family. All these friends were suffering. Can't wait to read part two!
May 25, 2023
Impatiently waiting on Part 2
This book had me hooked from the beginning…Here are these young teenagers trying to navigate thru home life, school life, and real life all while just trying to survive on a daily basis…Although life had beat some of them down…They eventually picked themselves up…Between Royal leaving, Demir going to jail, Tequilla and her pending jail time…What are Vanity, Yarah and Symone going to do?? So I guess I’ll be impatiently waiting for Part 2
This book had me hooked from the beginning…Here are these young teenagers trying to navigate thru home life, school life, and real life all while just trying to survive on a daily basis…Although life had beat some of them down…They eventually picked themselves up…Between Royal leaving, Demir going to jail, Tequilla and her pending jail time…What are Vanity, Yarah and Symone going to do?? So I guess I’ll be impatiently waiting for Part 2
July 8, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Kaylyn is a writer writer.
I really enjoyed this story. With so many pieces, you would think this would been a cluttered story. But nope, it flowed very well. Some storylines were more interesting to me than others. But most importantly I loved the friendships in this book. The sisterhood, brotherhood, and interconnectedness of all of them.
Jumping into book 2.
I feel like she’s about to put me through it with the finale.
Kaylyn is a writer writer.
I really enjoyed this story. With so many pieces, you would think this would been a cluttered story. But nope, it flowed very well. Some storylines were more interesting to me than others. But most importantly I loved the friendships in this book. The sisterhood, brotherhood, and interconnectedness of all of them.
Jumping into book 2.
I feel like she’s about to put me through it with the finale.
September 25, 2023
Only Them..
This was interesting. I wasn't sure what I had gotten into when I started reading about these teens.
I am glad I pushed through. It was a lil messy keeping up with the many characters and POVs.
However, starting from the bottom with them and watching them grow made this journey worth while.
The downside of managing so many characters is that some storylines/ characters felt incomplete.
Can't wait to see what else is I store for these guys.
This was interesting. I wasn't sure what I had gotten into when I started reading about these teens.
I am glad I pushed through. It was a lil messy keeping up with the many characters and POVs.
However, starting from the bottom with them and watching them grow made this journey worth while.
The downside of managing so many characters is that some storylines/ characters felt incomplete.
Can't wait to see what else is I store for these guys.
May 22, 2023
Baby listen
Where is part 2! She owes me nothing! This book had the perfect mix of everything I wanted and didn’t know I needed! Mir and Royal are everything do you here me! The way they love these women! Big Royal that one right there whew chile! I was trying to read this one slow because I didn’t want it to end. Sensational
Where is part 2! She owes me nothing! This book had the perfect mix of everything I wanted and didn’t know I needed! Mir and Royal are everything do you here me! The way they love these women! Big Royal that one right there whew chile! I was trying to read this one slow because I didn’t want it to end. Sensational
May 28, 2023
More
U can't wait for more of this goid read. The drama continues and D hasn't learned yet. His temper and rash decisions are going to be his downfall. Royal did what was best for him to get his life back in track. Van didn't understand, but maybe with time she will. Simone is caught between a rock and a hard place and I can't wait to see what her future holds.
U can't wait for more of this goid read. The drama continues and D hasn't learned yet. His temper and rash decisions are going to be his downfall. Royal did what was best for him to get his life back in track. Van didn't understand, but maybe with time she will. Simone is caught between a rock and a hard place and I can't wait to see what her future holds.
May 25, 2023
BIG ROYAL
Sis. I wanna slap you!!! Ooooooo where do I start!?!? I don't know, just give me more of Royal and Vanity. Least favorite of the crew is Yarah not sure I just couldn't connect with her. Don't take all day with the follow up nah!!
Sis. I wanna slap you!!! Ooooooo where do I start!?!? I don't know, just give me more of Royal and Vanity. Least favorite of the crew is Yarah not sure I just couldn't connect with her. Don't take all day with the follow up nah!!
May 26, 2023
Friends turned family
This wasn't what I expected
This book was a great example of young folks building a friendship with loyalty, respect, and being there for each other when life is crippling them
They uplift each other more than family do
This wasn't what I expected
This book was a great example of young folks building a friendship with loyalty, respect, and being there for each other when life is crippling them
They uplift each other more than family do
May 30, 2023
So this book had a lot going on and it took a lot for me to get into but I loved Royal and Vanity. Vanity’s story hurt me to my heart made me cry and Royal leaving made me cry. I wanted so much more from Royal and Vanity. I also wanted more from Symone. I can’t want for part 2.
May 31, 2023
Crew
From beginning to the end I was glued to the pages. I loved the multiple point of views and storylines. Each character had a story and I loved how no matter what they came together for each other. Symone being the glue. This book was so good!
From beginning to the end I was glued to the pages. I loved the multiple point of views and storylines. Each character had a story and I loved how no matter what they came together for each other. Symone being the glue. This book was so good!
June 2, 2023
Great Read
This was a great read about teenagers/soon-to-be young adults navigating life and learning hard lessons while doing so. Kaylyn did an amazing job telling the stories and leaving us anticipating learning more about these characters as they grow and mature.
This was a great read about teenagers/soon-to-be young adults navigating life and learning hard lessons while doing so. Kaylyn did an amazing job telling the stories and leaving us anticipating learning more about these characters as they grow and mature.
June 8, 2023
So good
I didn't see that ending coming poor yah. Royal broke van van down I don't know how she's going to recover. I wonder what Tripp has going on that he's getting shot at. Quilla has gotten caught up now mon is about to be a foster parent poor zad.
I didn't see that ending coming poor yah. Royal broke van van down I don't know how she's going to recover. I wonder what Tripp has going on that he's getting shot at. Quilla has gotten caught up now mon is about to be a foster parent poor zad.
June 14, 2023
I enjoyed this book. I assumed it was a full book so I was disappointed by the cliffhanger. I loved all the characters but I didn’t like how there was enough about symone. Everybody grew up but we got no growth from her and she was my favorite character.
June 19, 2023
This a great start
This crew is already got me in a chokehold. I love Rah and D story hope it all works out. Royal and Van I think is the storyline that going make me cry. I wonder what going to happen inthe next one
This crew is already got me in a chokehold. I love Rah and D story hope it all works out. Royal and Van I think is the storyline that going make me cry. I wonder what going to happen inthe next one
June 25, 2023
amazing
Omg where do i start this book was definitely a page turner and also had so much pain and it with them dealing with there parents md trying to love each other the right way
Omg where do i start this book was definitely a page turner and also had so much pain and it with them dealing with there parents md trying to love each other the right way
June 7, 2025
Wow!
This was good, I’m rooting for everyone. I hope Mo finds someone for her. Quila lost her mind. She dropped Gems to the girlies but couldn’t help herself. Yarah been having a battle with herself to leave Demir for the sake of her parents. I hope they get through it
This was good, I’m rooting for everyone. I hope Mo finds someone for her. Quila lost her mind. She dropped Gems to the girlies but couldn’t help herself. Yarah been having a battle with herself to leave Demir for the sake of her parents. I hope they get through it
May 20, 2023
Great story
I really loved this story. The storyline was great! I can't wait unto part 2. The suspense is killing me!
I really loved this story. The storyline was great! I can't wait unto part 2. The suspense is killing me!
May 21, 2023
Netflix Presents..
I loved this storyline. I felt like I was reading a Netflix script for an upcoming series. I can’t wait to read part two!
I loved this storyline. I felt like I was reading a Netflix script for an upcoming series. I can’t wait to read part two!
May 21, 2023
Whewww
The trials!!!! You turned these poor kids every way but loose Kaylyn 😩😩. I need the next book Noire because whewww!!!
The trials!!!! You turned these poor kids every way but loose Kaylyn 😩😩. I need the next book Noire because whewww!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews