What do you think?
Rate this book
Black People Don't Ski
Brandi was looking forward to her winter baecation. She was traveling to a resort in Tennessee with her boyfriend of five years. She and Terrence were going to dispel the myth that Black people don’t ski. A few days before the trip, Terrence proposed.
Her best friend Alonda urged her to travel alone and clear her head. Now Brandi was heading to Gatlinburg, TN for a winter vacation for one. “I guess I’ll find out if Black people really don’t ski alone.” Jerome recently moved back to Tennessee from New York. Covid change his priorities in life and running the rat race was no longer one of them. He developed a ski app to encourage Black people to consider skiing as a vacation option. Life was good! The only thing missing was someone to share it with.
Her best friend Alonda urged her to travel alone and clear her head. Now Brandi was heading to Gatlinburg, TN for a winter vacation for one. “I guess I’ll find out if Black people really don’t ski alone.” Jerome recently moved back to Tennessee from New York. Covid change his priorities in life and running the rat race was no longer one of them. He developed a ski app to encourage Black people to consider skiing as a vacation option. Life was good! The only thing missing was someone to share it with.
210 pages, Paperback
Published June 10, 2023
40 people are currently reading
151 people want to read
About the author
Darlene Cunningham
17 books54 followersDarlene Cunningham is an Indie author that writes beautifully flawed characters who challenge the traditional ways of living and loving.
She is a graduate of Thee Illustrious Howard University where she completed coursework in Creative Writing, Poetry and Scriptwriting.
She currently lives in Atlanta.
She is a graduate of Thee Illustrious Howard University where she completed coursework in Creative Writing, Poetry and Scriptwriting.
She currently lives in Atlanta.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
August 31, 2023
eh
I REALLLLLY wanted to enjoy this but it was ridiculously cringey. Between the pop culture references that never ended and the pacing , getting through this was a struggle. Parts felt as if they should have not been included at all or should have followed events that hadn’t happened yet. I skimmed through the second half of the book because after Brandi got convinced to let a COMPLETE STRANGER raw dog her with no proof of ANYTHING I was done.
I REALLLLLY wanted to enjoy this but it was ridiculously cringey. Between the pop culture references that never ended and the pacing , getting through this was a struggle. Parts felt as if they should have not been included at all or should have followed events that hadn’t happened yet. I skimmed through the second half of the book because after Brandi got convinced to let a COMPLETE STRANGER raw dog her with no proof of ANYTHING I was done.
July 27, 2023
4.5 Stars
Darlene did not come to play when she wrote this. I loved this book so much. It's rare for me to fall in love with one character let alone the entire cast but that's what happened.
I adored every single character introduced in this book. Even Terrance's nerdy bish ass. Even when he was acting a fool and popping off at the mouth, I still was curious about how he lays pipe and if he will get an HEA.
But I digress... This story follows two 30-year-olds Brandi and Jerome who are individually focusing on personal growth. I loved that journey for them. I loved that each was making changes and moving towards embracing their most authentic self and life.
The chemistry between them was SMOOTH AF. I like spice, and there was a lot of it. However, the spice between these two was a slow jam. Every touch, kiss, and spoken word was deliberate af and I was here for it!!!!
I can't wait for all the future stories in this book and highly recommend reading this one because these fictional characters demonstrate healthy and open love, support, and communication all all aspects of life. Be it with parents, friends, or romantic partners.
Darlene did not come to play when she wrote this. I loved this book so much. It's rare for me to fall in love with one character let alone the entire cast but that's what happened.
I adored every single character introduced in this book. Even Terrance's nerdy bish ass. Even when he was acting a fool and popping off at the mouth, I still was curious about how he lays pipe and if he will get an HEA.
But I digress... This story follows two 30-year-olds Brandi and Jerome who are individually focusing on personal growth. I loved that journey for them. I loved that each was making changes and moving towards embracing their most authentic self and life.
The chemistry between them was SMOOTH AF. I like spice, and there was a lot of it. However, the spice between these two was a slow jam. Every touch, kiss, and spoken word was deliberate af and I was here for it!!!!
I can't wait for all the future stories in this book and highly recommend reading this one because these fictional characters demonstrate healthy and open love, support, and communication all all aspects of life. Be it with parents, friends, or romantic partners.
October 9, 2023
Listen, run, don’t walk to get this book! I’m an avid reader and on a couple ARC teams. I get those books for free and read time is sometimes 2-3 days. This book was the complete opposite. I couldn’t put it down. These characters become your friends. Many things are relatable, but a few definitely aren’t. The relationship between Brandi and Alonda is so loving and nonjudgmental. Parents always have to add their two cents. Grief comes in waves. Breakups can be debilitating and drive you to strange things. Now, unprotected sex, in this day and age is a stretch for most. It happens though. Also, black men, go to therapy! This is a lesson to step out of your comfort zone, and be true to yourself always. There were a few typo but not enough to put it down. Great first read from this author. I will be purchasing Alonda’s story. I need to know what happens next with the 2 couples.
January 7, 2024
worth the read
Brandi declines her boyfriend of 5 year proposal after realising she isn’t in love with him but rather made him her father’s replace after he passed away. They had a cute winter getaway booked but instead of going as a couple, Brandi takes this trip by herself as a rediscovery trip. She meets Jerome the ski instructor at the lobby whilst checking in, they both feel a pull towards each other. Jerome makes it his mission to get to know Brandi and Brandi is mesmerised by the breath of fresh air Jerome’s offers her.
To find out how the story goes kindly purchase the book.
A tiny observation : I feel The spice was over compensating for the under developed story. In the sense of the dynamic between brandi and her mom could’ve been developed more , same with Jerome’s story about his battle with mental health. They were cut short in my opinion
Brandi declines her boyfriend of 5 year proposal after realising she isn’t in love with him but rather made him her father’s replace after he passed away. They had a cute winter getaway booked but instead of going as a couple, Brandi takes this trip by herself as a rediscovery trip. She meets Jerome the ski instructor at the lobby whilst checking in, they both feel a pull towards each other. Jerome makes it his mission to get to know Brandi and Brandi is mesmerised by the breath of fresh air Jerome’s offers her.
To find out how the story goes kindly purchase the book.
A tiny observation : I feel The spice was over compensating for the under developed story. In the sense of the dynamic between brandi and her mom could’ve been developed more , same with Jerome’s story about his battle with mental health. They were cut short in my opinion
July 23, 2023
Super Sweet Romantic Read with a bit of drama. Author Darlene Cunningham gives us a taste of her pen range from erotic suspense to contemporary romance. If you are looking for something along those lines, then look no further you. You found it here. This is book one of an almost completed series, so be sure to look out for the other releases!!!! Hope you enjoy! #readandreportback
-Bih_IReadBooks
-Bih_IReadBooks
November 17, 2023
I was thoroughly enjoying this book for the first half, but in my opinion it took a sharp turn fast. I was enjoying the story that was laid out for Brandi and watching her navigate her heartbreak while getting all of the snowy, Christmas feels. In the second half once she met Jerome it did take a crazy turn and the story was very fast paced and almost a little unrealistic. Overall I enjoyed the story and was glad Brandi got her happy ending.
July 18, 2023
🤍🤍🤍
I loved every minute of it. Arnold made me laugh out loud! This story was the true meaning of a vacay baes, soul mates, friendships, and growth! I can't wait for Alonda's book. And can we even get Terrance and Mandi's story? I'm proud of his growth, because believe me I wanted to tussle a couple of times lol.
I loved every minute of it. Arnold made me laugh out loud! This story was the true meaning of a vacay baes, soul mates, friendships, and growth! I can't wait for Alonda's book. And can we even get Terrance and Mandi's story? I'm proud of his growth, because believe me I wanted to tussle a couple of times lol.
January 11, 2025
Sometimes, you can find your true love quickly after a long-term relationship. When you stop & really look at your relationship & notice the real reason why you stayed with the person & realize it was for all the wrong reasons. But when you find the one that makes your heart & soul pitter patter, then you know this is the relationship for you.
January 26, 2024
loved it
This book shows that divine timing is the key to to finding your person! You can be in a relationship with the wrong person and still find the one after the relationship ends.
This book shows that divine timing is the key to to finding your person! You can be in a relationship with the wrong person and still find the one after the relationship ends.
February 27, 2025
All I have to say is this book would have been better as a slow burn. Through the book I made comments in my physical copy but when I finished it had to realize the author's intention was to "challenge the traditional ways of living and loving" so I took a step back and realized the book was the way she wanted.
My only dislikes were Terrence was constantly blamed when Brandi didn't want the life he wanted. She did not consider how he felt not one time, even when they had the situation down after him and Jerome fought.
As FMC, I disliked her, she was cringey and self centered ASF and not that I disagreed with her way of living but literally what Terrence wanted, that she did not want, she is going to do it with Jerome. She could have just said she wanted to see other people. I would've respected her more.
Overall the book was way too fast paced, the build up was okay, and character development was low. I feel Brandi would've benefited more from actually focusing on herself.
It was a short, fast, sweet, winter romance with spice 🌶️🔥
My only dislikes were Terrence was constantly blamed when Brandi didn't want the life he wanted. She did not consider how he felt not one time, even when they had the situation down after him and Jerome fought.
As FMC, I disliked her, she was cringey and self centered ASF and not that I disagreed with her way of living but literally what Terrence wanted, that she did not want, she is going to do it with Jerome. She could have just said she wanted to see other people. I would've respected her more.
Overall the book was way too fast paced, the build up was okay, and character development was low. I feel Brandi would've benefited more from actually focusing on herself.
It was a short, fast, sweet, winter romance with spice 🌶️🔥
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 11, 2023
Super sweet sorry. Needed some editing.
July 12, 2023
Great read!
At first I was not into but as I kept reading it for better. No spoilers but definitely a good book to add to your book collection.
At first I was not into but as I kept reading it for better. No spoilers but definitely a good book to add to your book collection.
August 31, 2023
3.5 stars
December 6, 2023
Definitely reading more from her!!!!!! Loved the characters. A passionate black man in a novel is everything I need in more. Very funny and spicy. I enjoyed this read.
January 3, 2026
DNF bc I wasn’t feeling the plot or the characters.
July 31, 2023
I laughed, clutched my imaginary pearls, and lived for this story. I love the all the characters. My favorite character is Jerome himself. This was definitely a sweet & funny holiday romance.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews