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Lemon Pepper: Where Love & Grief Meet
How did you meet the love of your life? Your forever person.
Two people seemingly from different worlds with many connections find themselves intertwined in a whirlwind of emotional, chaotic, yet beautiful and healing bonding.
What one couldn't be for themselves, they found in each other.
Two people seemingly from different worlds with many connections find themselves intertwined in a whirlwind of emotional, chaotic, yet beautiful and healing bonding.
What one couldn't be for themselves, they found in each other.
483 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 22, 2023
703 people are currently reading
1224 people want to read
About the author
Nina.
8 books1,336 followerscreating my own version of love.
When entering the world of my books. Dive in with an open mind and heart. Leave your expectations at the cover and go on the journey with my characters. I hope it’s one you can enjoy.🤎
When entering the world of my books. Dive in with an open mind and heart. Leave your expectations at the cover and go on the journey with my characters. I hope it’s one you can enjoy.🤎
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 466 reviews
June 28, 2023
If there was ever any reason to doubt why Nina is officially known as BIG Nina and not the little one, this book with shut it down clear as day! If you’ve ever interacted with me on this app then you KNOW the Porter’s have my heart (Lake especially 🥰) so when I tell you that the Allen’s are up there with them, then you know I’m not fkn around!
The way I loved this book so damn much is ridiculous!! I don’t even think I can find enough words in the English language to describe how this book touched the depths of my soul.
The way these two families were bonded through grief and love was written so beautifully! My heart ached for Benz and Daun. These two experienced a tragic loss that broke them down to their lowest and while navigating this tremendous loss, they still had to show up daily for the little people and family left in their care! My GOODNESS my heart went out to them and their journey because their story is someone’s real life story that they are battling at this very moment.
The way these two bonded was a sight to behold. Nina’s pen game is NO JOKE!! She will ALWAY get an instant read from me. I’m going in blind with no synopsis and no warning because I know I’m in for a treat. Reading Lemon Pepper took me through all of the emotions. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry but most importantly you’ll appreciate that there can still be love and a full life to live while simultaneously carrying grief ❤️
P.S. Oak was everything 🥰
The way I loved this book so damn much is ridiculous!! I don’t even think I can find enough words in the English language to describe how this book touched the depths of my soul.
The way these two families were bonded through grief and love was written so beautifully! My heart ached for Benz and Daun. These two experienced a tragic loss that broke them down to their lowest and while navigating this tremendous loss, they still had to show up daily for the little people and family left in their care! My GOODNESS my heart went out to them and their journey because their story is someone’s real life story that they are battling at this very moment.
The way these two bonded was a sight to behold. Nina’s pen game is NO JOKE!! She will ALWAY get an instant read from me. I’m going in blind with no synopsis and no warning because I know I’m in for a treat. Reading Lemon Pepper took me through all of the emotions. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry but most importantly you’ll appreciate that there can still be love and a full life to live while simultaneously carrying grief ❤️
P.S. Oak was everything 🥰
July 1, 2023
Benz x Daun
This was such a good read. I was expecting toxic, dysfunctional characters, but I got broken, loveable ones who were dealing with grief the best way they knew how. The story gave everything. Heartache, laughter, community, fights, betrayal, love, and plot twist.
One thing this author does amazingly well is portray loyalty amongst family. Daun LOVED his family, and that's an understatement. Even through grief, he puts them first. Especially Tyler.
Benz was functioning, but it was evident her heart was so beautiful and pure but only put together with a band-aid. She loves hard and is so selfless.
She and Daun became each other's peace, strength, and comfort the moment they connected. It almost feels like their grief was meant to bring them together.
I loved getting to know these people.
Shout out to Oak, who was the real MVP of this story. Loved me some Oakie Pokey 🥰
I swear this book made me feel like I gained like 10 lb just reading about all the sweets, dessert, and cake.
This was such a good read. I was expecting toxic, dysfunctional characters, but I got broken, loveable ones who were dealing with grief the best way they knew how. The story gave everything. Heartache, laughter, community, fights, betrayal, love, and plot twist.
One thing this author does amazingly well is portray loyalty amongst family. Daun LOVED his family, and that's an understatement. Even through grief, he puts them first. Especially Tyler.
Benz was functioning, but it was evident her heart was so beautiful and pure but only put together with a band-aid. She loves hard and is so selfless.
She and Daun became each other's peace, strength, and comfort the moment they connected. It almost feels like their grief was meant to bring them together.
I loved getting to know these people.
Shout out to Oak, who was the real MVP of this story. Loved me some Oakie Pokey 🥰
I swear this book made me feel like I gained like 10 lb just reading about all the sweets, dessert, and cake.
June 29, 2023
I loved the twist on the title and how it relates to the story. The author came up with a good storyline that intertwines love and processing grief. Things that I loved in this book were the community aspect, emphasis on being your brother / sister keeper, and understanding that healing looks different for everyone. The characters are young with the weight of the world on their shoulders and the author executed that well. Daun and Benz grew on me; it was nice to see them act their age when they were together. At times it seemed repetitive, but I understand what the author was trying to convey about love and loss. I would say my favorite character, by far, was Oak. That's my homie. I am curious to see what the next storyline will be because I think there's a lot of ways the story can go. There were moments of happiness, betrayal, secrets, and laughter. I enjoyed the book.
May 22, 2025
Through grief, they found love.
Through grief, they created love.
I love these characters, and I’m going to miss them. 🥺
Through grief, they created love.
I love these characters, and I’m going to miss them. 🥺
June 29, 2023
I am an Oak STAN!!
Nina, Nina, Nina. I didn’t think I could love another set of boys as much as the Porter boys but here come the Allen boys ♥️ The way you portray brotherhood hits me in the heart every time. The open love, affection, support, protectiveness - it’s everything and I love to read it.
Grief was a huge part of this book but I took so much away from it. Community was a major piece of this story and it made me remember the community I was raised in. A place like Pepper is so real to many of us. My favorite was the importance of a Father. We as women give life and automatically jump into Mama Bear mode - making all the decisions. Daun had to school Benz a little bit. His opinions were just as important when it came to parenting- he was there and ready to share the load with her.
I don’t want to spoil anything about Oak for anyone who hasn’t read this yet but prepare to fall in love with him. He was so pure, so innocent, and so unintentionally funny. I loved how his family and his community loved on him and accommodated him. And shoutout to his mama Sunny for advocating for him. I wish all kids like Oak had a mama like Sunny. She didn’t play about him and neither did his brothers.
Nina, whatever you write - I’m reading it because I know it’s going to be amazing. Keep blessing us with these stories about these strong young Black men. We love them!
Nina, Nina, Nina. I didn’t think I could love another set of boys as much as the Porter boys but here come the Allen boys ♥️ The way you portray brotherhood hits me in the heart every time. The open love, affection, support, protectiveness - it’s everything and I love to read it.
Grief was a huge part of this book but I took so much away from it. Community was a major piece of this story and it made me remember the community I was raised in. A place like Pepper is so real to many of us. My favorite was the importance of a Father. We as women give life and automatically jump into Mama Bear mode - making all the decisions. Daun had to school Benz a little bit. His opinions were just as important when it came to parenting- he was there and ready to share the load with her.
I don’t want to spoil anything about Oak for anyone who hasn’t read this yet but prepare to fall in love with him. He was so pure, so innocent, and so unintentionally funny. I loved how his family and his community loved on him and accommodated him. And shoutout to his mama Sunny for advocating for him. I wish all kids like Oak had a mama like Sunny. She didn’t play about him and neither did his brothers.
Nina, whatever you write - I’m reading it because I know it’s going to be amazing. Keep blessing us with these stories about these strong young Black men. We love them!
June 29, 2023
A story of Love,Loss, and grief
I loved everything about this book. The Title, the characters, the storyline, the loyalty, the brotherhood and the sense of community. Two people with a common background that’s not revealed until later are both suffering from their very own loss. Once they meet they begin to bond over the grief and become each other’s safe place. Lies, untold truths and family drama threatens to tear them apart. In the end they get their HEA. Benz’s gets extended family and community, Daun gains love, a family of his own and a soft place to land. Even though Daun was the main male character and a dynamic one at that, it was Oak that stole the show. His innocence and positive energy was a ray of light throughout this entire book. I really hope this is not the end to the Allen boys, I really want Oak to have a HEA, I think he might surprise us. I also would like to get inside of Trucks head. He was fortunate enough to dodge not one but two bullets, I would like to see him grow and evolve in his own story.
I loved everything about this book. The Title, the characters, the storyline, the loyalty, the brotherhood and the sense of community. Two people with a common background that’s not revealed until later are both suffering from their very own loss. Once they meet they begin to bond over the grief and become each other’s safe place. Lies, untold truths and family drama threatens to tear them apart. In the end they get their HEA. Benz’s gets extended family and community, Daun gains love, a family of his own and a soft place to land. Even though Daun was the main male character and a dynamic one at that, it was Oak that stole the show. His innocence and positive energy was a ray of light throughout this entire book. I really hope this is not the end to the Allen boys, I really want Oak to have a HEA, I think he might surprise us. I also would like to get inside of Trucks head. He was fortunate enough to dodge not one but two bullets, I would like to see him grow and evolve in his own story.
June 30, 2023
Wow!
I’m still a bit in shock because this book was so heavy with grief and yet the blessings of community and having someone show you a way to better manage your grief. Benz and Daun were soo good and their parallels were spot on, and to me, their relationship was meant to be especially after realizing all the connections to their grief. The family betrayal and friendship betrayal were insane and honestly, a few people needed their asses beat a few more times! I say to read this book with caution because there is violence, DV, loss of a family member. Even with all that I loved this story and couldn’t put the book down! I felt like I was a part of their community. I wouldn’t be mad about this turning into a series. If we can continue to expand on the relationships with other members of the family and community I would be invested! I want more development from Oak because his story and journey were special. I definitely recommend this book because when you get to the root of it all Benz and Daun’s romance was destined once certain decisions were made that tragic night.
I’m still a bit in shock because this book was so heavy with grief and yet the blessings of community and having someone show you a way to better manage your grief. Benz and Daun were soo good and their parallels were spot on, and to me, their relationship was meant to be especially after realizing all the connections to their grief. The family betrayal and friendship betrayal were insane and honestly, a few people needed their asses beat a few more times! I say to read this book with caution because there is violence, DV, loss of a family member. Even with all that I loved this story and couldn’t put the book down! I felt like I was a part of their community. I wouldn’t be mad about this turning into a series. If we can continue to expand on the relationships with other members of the family and community I would be invested! I want more development from Oak because his story and journey were special. I definitely recommend this book because when you get to the root of it all Benz and Daun’s romance was destined once certain decisions were made that tragic night.
June 29, 2023
Free to Love
Lemon Pepper was a love story, not a romance. While the primary couple was Benz and Daun it felt like it was a love story from Daun's family and the people of Pepper who openly loved and embraced both Benz and Busy (Benz's niece).
Benz and Daun's love connection was so unexpected when it occurred. I didn't quite understand it at that moment, but the understanding they had for one another after battling grief alone for a year tied them together. Their love was quiet, sweet, but intense. They gave each other a sense of peace they couldn't get anywhere else. Both of them had been forced to cut their carefree young adult life short and instead carry on the role as the backbone of their families. They had so much in common despite living very different lives.
My favorite stories are when things aren't obvious. I love a good plot twist and the way the truth was revealed there was no way all of that could've been pieces together. The beginning to me was a little repetitive and some of those scenes could've been left out. Overall, the way I felt reading this story trumps all of that. I feel connected to the Allen boys, I'm rooting for Daun and Benz, I'd love to kick it in Pepper, I wanna tickle sweet Busy, love on baby Dawn, and of course hug sweet Oak.
Lemon Pepper was a love story, not a romance. While the primary couple was Benz and Daun it felt like it was a love story from Daun's family and the people of Pepper who openly loved and embraced both Benz and Busy (Benz's niece).
Benz and Daun's love connection was so unexpected when it occurred. I didn't quite understand it at that moment, but the understanding they had for one another after battling grief alone for a year tied them together. Their love was quiet, sweet, but intense. They gave each other a sense of peace they couldn't get anywhere else. Both of them had been forced to cut their carefree young adult life short and instead carry on the role as the backbone of their families. They had so much in common despite living very different lives.
My favorite stories are when things aren't obvious. I love a good plot twist and the way the truth was revealed there was no way all of that could've been pieces together. The beginning to me was a little repetitive and some of those scenes could've been left out. Overall, the way I felt reading this story trumps all of that. I feel connected to the Allen boys, I'm rooting for Daun and Benz, I'd love to kick it in Pepper, I wanna tickle sweet Busy, love on baby Dawn, and of course hug sweet Oak.
June 29, 2023
Nina, Nina, Nina Idk, I like this story about Daun and Benz and how they deal with grief when both of them lose their siblings on the same night. The way these two families were united and always stood by one other. I believe Daun and Benz were strong enough to become parents to their siblings' children while balancing the anguish they experience on a daily basis. Daun and Benz's love story was intriguing to watch unfold since, due to their link through death, they were able to provide one other peace and love. It all became a little complicated towards the end, but I'm happy they found their way back to one other. Oak was everything, Shamrock could kick rocks, and I was here for the disclosure of what occurred that night because, honestly, I wasn't expecting that to be the reason. I like reading about the Pepper community and would want to see more. I enjoyed the black representation with Nomel, as well as the history of the bakery. I wish we experienced more of Benz's eating problems and more of Lottie and Oak.
July 7, 2023
She did it again!!! This was such a good book. I didn’t want it to end!! I loved so much about it but Oak and the neighborhood Pepper were my favorites 😍😍
June 25, 2023
Perfect Eyes-view Of Something All-Consuming
I’ve never to date read a story that made grief a multi-faceted connector of emotions. It was also like watching it in live action as you traveled the many stages. It’s a simple—sometimes common—emotion, but when experienced individually can present very different outcomes. I loved how it was explored with each character and not in a way that daunted a readers emotions. Some key takeaways were:
-Black men/brothers can love each other openly and safely and I love the healthy view
-Community is not a myth
-Therapy isn’t a point of fear anymore
-Family is a place and not just bloodline
I’ve never to date read a story that made grief a multi-faceted connector of emotions. It was also like watching it in live action as you traveled the many stages. It’s a simple—sometimes common—emotion, but when experienced individually can present very different outcomes. I loved how it was explored with each character and not in a way that daunted a readers emotions. Some key takeaways were:
-Black men/brothers can love each other openly and safely and I love the healthy view
-Community is not a myth
-Therapy isn’t a point of fear anymore
-Family is a place and not just bloodline
June 24, 2023
Lemon Pepper
One thing this author is gone do is right the hell out of a trauma bond. Man I can not begin to describe the emotional, mental and physical pain these characters experienced loosing someone they loved. Loss is fckn hard. Daun and Benz navigated being parents to children who didn’t belong to them fuckn flawlessly. Oak is my favorite character by far, because even though the odds were stacked against him; HE DID NOT FCKN FOLD. Truck is a fckn fool, but he was entertaining to watch. The hood rats of Pepper gave me life!
One thing this author is gone do is right the hell out of a trauma bond. Man I can not begin to describe the emotional, mental and physical pain these characters experienced loosing someone they loved. Loss is fckn hard. Daun and Benz navigated being parents to children who didn’t belong to them fuckn flawlessly. Oak is my favorite character by far, because even though the odds were stacked against him; HE DID NOT FCKN FOLD. Truck is a fckn fool, but he was entertaining to watch. The hood rats of Pepper gave me life!
December 12, 2023
Benz and Dawn definitely blew my mind. This is now my favorite book from Nina!
The way they bonded in their grief and allowed the relationship to progress so organically was beautiful. Even when “secrets” are revealed, they did not allow that to bring them out of character. They realized they needed space and gave it to each other respectively.
Oak, Oak!! I loved me some Oak. He was also a beautifully written character.
Again, chefs kiss!!! 😘
The way they bonded in their grief and allowed the relationship to progress so organically was beautiful. Even when “secrets” are revealed, they did not allow that to bring them out of character. They realized they needed space and gave it to each other respectively.
Oak, Oak!! I loved me some Oak. He was also a beautifully written character.
Again, chefs kiss!!! 😘
August 28, 2025
Lemon Pepper is beautiful, funny, sexy, and heartbreaking.
Two heartbroken but lovable people find peace, comfort and happiness in each other during the most difficult time of their lives. Daun and Benz bond over grief but they eventually become each other’s safe space. She literally cures the pain in his chest. Their unconventional love story will give you all the feels.
I wanted to become part of the Allen family, move to Pepper, eat every dessert made at Nomel and hug Oakey Pokey every chance I got.
Two heartbroken but lovable people find peace, comfort and happiness in each other during the most difficult time of their lives. Daun and Benz bond over grief but they eventually become each other’s safe space. She literally cures the pain in his chest. Their unconventional love story will give you all the feels.
I wanted to become part of the Allen family, move to Pepper, eat every dessert made at Nomel and hug Oakey Pokey every chance I got.
September 9, 2024
Ms. Nina…Ms. Nina
This girl knows she can write a story. My goodness 😢. Parts were hard to read about grief but definitely necessary. I lost my only sister 3 years ago and Lord knows I miss her every single second of the day. I get it. I loved how Benz and Duan found true love after experiencing so much grief. That cousin of hers…trifling!! Oak was soooo cute.
This girl knows she can write a story. My goodness 😢. Parts were hard to read about grief but definitely necessary. I lost my only sister 3 years ago and Lord knows I miss her every single second of the day. I get it. I loved how Benz and Duan found true love after experiencing so much grief. That cousin of hers…trifling!! Oak was soooo cute.
November 18, 2024
One thing Nina gon do is make us cry, laugh, and feel everything in between. This was no different. Lemon Pepper was a beautifully complex love story about learning to live after loss and tragedy. Recreating yourself if you feel like it’s impossible to find your way back to the old you. Lots of gems on grief and the process.
Nina’s uncanny ability to showcase the duality of sibling relationships with words and even better, into a story is wild! She did it with them Porter boys and AGAIN with the Allen boys. Whew! Nina you alright with me baby girl.
Favorites: Oaklen ‘hold your feet to the fire’ Tahir Allen. What an amazing character.
Heavy themes of grief but this book did not feel like too much. It was just enough sadness.
Two young souls battling to survive the day while trying to move through the many faces of grief.
We got a Dr. Pie cameo.
We got laughs.
We got brotherhood.
We got twin flames.
We got a 5 star!
Nina’s uncanny ability to showcase the duality of sibling relationships with words and even better, into a story is wild! She did it with them Porter boys and AGAIN with the Allen boys. Whew! Nina you alright with me baby girl.
Favorites: Oaklen ‘hold your feet to the fire’ Tahir Allen. What an amazing character.
Heavy themes of grief but this book did not feel like too much. It was just enough sadness.
Two young souls battling to survive the day while trying to move through the many faces of grief.
We got a Dr. Pie cameo.
We got laughs.
We got brotherhood.
We got twin flames.
We got a 5 star!
July 14, 2023
First time coming across this author and baby, I'm highly impressed. It just gave, character, story line, history, thrill and culture I enjoyed from start to finish. I did not want to put it down, I was determined to finish because it just was that good.
Truly where love and grief met, I love how vivid the neighbourhood were described, I felt transported right to the hood.
Truly where love and grief met, I love how vivid the neighbourhood were described, I felt transported right to the hood.
December 20, 2023
This book took me a while to get into for the first 40% of the book, however when the half way mark hit, Nina pumped up the volume!
A tale of fated mates in a way (Benzari & Daun) brought together by lemon cakes & roberry. Little did they know, they both shared the same loss of losing a sibling. We got to see their journey through healing their grief and them finding healing through each other. We got to see somewhat a slow-burn romance grow between them & see them develop a raw connection in the midst of all the chaos of which is Pepper. Pepper residents were such a family, they had each others back, giving womb to the tomb vibes.
I loved how both had parallel lives, taking on responsibilities for their late-siblings, their parents growing up together & both living next to each other when they were kids.
The themes of this book were loyalty, loss, grief, death & rebirth and family.
A very special mention to Oakey Pokey, he was suchhh a sweetheart & I really enjoyed the addition of Oak. He is probably one of my favourite side characters everrrrr. I loved everything about him. His friendship with Benzari & the relationship with his brothers, wholesome.
Another mention to Dr Kat lol, every scene was hilarious!
Fave character: OAK
Least Fave Character: SHAMARA (F this b!tch)
Fluff rating: 💕💕💕
Smut rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
Emotional rating: 😢😢😢
A tale of fated mates in a way (Benzari & Daun) brought together by lemon cakes & roberry. Little did they know, they both shared the same loss of losing a sibling. We got to see their journey through healing their grief and them finding healing through each other. We got to see somewhat a slow-burn romance grow between them & see them develop a raw connection in the midst of all the chaos of which is Pepper. Pepper residents were such a family, they had each others back, giving womb to the tomb vibes.
I loved how both had parallel lives, taking on responsibilities for their late-siblings, their parents growing up together & both living next to each other when they were kids.
The themes of this book were loyalty, loss, grief, death & rebirth and family.
A very special mention to Oakey Pokey, he was suchhh a sweetheart & I really enjoyed the addition of Oak. He is probably one of my favourite side characters everrrrr. I loved everything about him. His friendship with Benzari & the relationship with his brothers, wholesome.
Another mention to Dr Kat lol, every scene was hilarious!
Fave character: OAK
Least Fave Character: SHAMARA (F this b!tch)
Fluff rating: 💕💕💕
Smut rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
Emotional rating: 😢😢😢
November 23, 2025
5/5 ⭐️
This is honestly the first romance I’ve truly liked. From the 5% mark, I was hooked onto this story. I felt a sense of familiarity and understanding to the lifestyle and grief the characters displayed. Later, the slang and the way Daun spoke, I immediately knew it was centered around being from the same city. This book felt like home. The grief, the laughs, the quirks and mannerisms. Nina executed the streets well and having the weight of the world on your shoulders and it taking a village.
This is honestly the first romance I’ve truly liked. From the 5% mark, I was hooked onto this story. I felt a sense of familiarity and understanding to the lifestyle and grief the characters displayed. Later, the slang and the way Daun spoke, I immediately knew it was centered around being from the same city. This book felt like home. The grief, the laughs, the quirks and mannerisms. Nina executed the streets well and having the weight of the world on your shoulders and it taking a village.
June 27, 2023
“How can one grieve what we never wanted to lose?”
Babyyyyyyyyy this book had me crying and laughing and smiling.
Whew, Nina sure does know how to write some trauma huh?
March 29th Daun and Benz both lost someone near a dear to their hearts. For Daun, his brother. For Benz, her sister.
Somehow, someway life and grief connected the two giving them a bond that even the tragic truth couldn’t keep apart for too long.
Read this book! It starts off slow and the love takes a while to kick in. But it’s necessary to full understand the complexity of everything.
Side note:
I wish I could experience Oak in real life because he was so sweet and innocent. The light of the book! Reading about the love and care his family gave him then Benz giving him that safe space. MY HEART!
Honestly, I enjoyed all the characters except the villains of the story, of course. They just UGH!
Everybody in Pepper was so funny. I wanna live in Pepper fasho. I wanna be at the block parties.
Babyyyyyyyyy this book had me crying and laughing and smiling.
Whew, Nina sure does know how to write some trauma huh?
March 29th Daun and Benz both lost someone near a dear to their hearts. For Daun, his brother. For Benz, her sister.
Somehow, someway life and grief connected the two giving them a bond that even the tragic truth couldn’t keep apart for too long.
Read this book! It starts off slow and the love takes a while to kick in. But it’s necessary to full understand the complexity of everything.
Side note:
I wish I could experience Oak in real life because he was so sweet and innocent. The light of the book! Reading about the love and care his family gave him then Benz giving him that safe space. MY HEART!
Honestly, I enjoyed all the characters except the villains of the story, of course. They just UGH!
Everybody in Pepper was so funny. I wanna live in Pepper fasho. I wanna be at the block parties.
July 2, 2023
I stayed up literally all night reading this book. I don’t remember the last time I read a book that pulled this many emotions out of me - I laughed out loud, I teared up and I wanted to fight more than one character. The last 10-20% of the book had a *lot* happening and I’m not sure if the ending felt rushed or just not resolved enough for me. But I still enjoyed it and plan to go back and read through the author’s catalog.
September 19, 2024
Nina!!!! Girl this book here was like watching a movie that I could watch over and over again. Daun X Benz finding each other not knowing that their lives were so connected and why. The plot twists had me calling and texting my Sissy like giiiirrrrrrrlllllll!!!! Truly a great read and I will say that I would reread this like I haven’t read it before.
July 6, 2023
🔥 Benz & Daun 🔥
I f*ckin love OAK!!!
Man I truly have to take my time with this review because this story will take you through some emotions 😱😩🤣. Now I truly be waiting to see a new release post from Author Nina 👀 because I know she bringing something amazing, and Lemon Pepper: Where Love & Grief Meet was just that. I wished I could give this book a thousand stars its just that good.
Benz and Daun was so amazing together and the way their story was bonded together is on another level. When secrets started coming out I wish they could have been able to communicate better. Because of the way Benz and Daun handled grief so differently they almost forgot they were each others peace. But they got it right 🤦🏾♀️. I hope this isn’t the last time we see the Allen family because I need more of Momma Sunny 🤣. Benz mom still don’t get how her actions still affect her children and she better get it together before she miss out. But the glue to keeping them together was that darn Oak 🥰, from the first time you read about his character you know he is going to be your favorite. Oak didn’t play no games with his brothers or anyone and if you weren’t on your game he was putting you back in check.
I just loved this book everything about it…Now Daun that man but he can never touch Lake that’s all I am saying 🤣. Start this book ASAP, it will have you understanding to never judge a book by its cover, protect your neighborhood/family, stay loyal, and to always remember handling grief can be done in many ways just remember to work on getting better not by yourself but with the ones that love you.
I f*ckin love OAK!!!
Man I truly have to take my time with this review because this story will take you through some emotions 😱😩🤣. Now I truly be waiting to see a new release post from Author Nina 👀 because I know she bringing something amazing, and Lemon Pepper: Where Love & Grief Meet was just that. I wished I could give this book a thousand stars its just that good.
Benz and Daun was so amazing together and the way their story was bonded together is on another level. When secrets started coming out I wish they could have been able to communicate better. Because of the way Benz and Daun handled grief so differently they almost forgot they were each others peace. But they got it right 🤦🏾♀️. I hope this isn’t the last time we see the Allen family because I need more of Momma Sunny 🤣. Benz mom still don’t get how her actions still affect her children and she better get it together before she miss out. But the glue to keeping them together was that darn Oak 🥰, from the first time you read about his character you know he is going to be your favorite. Oak didn’t play no games with his brothers or anyone and if you weren’t on your game he was putting you back in check.
I just loved this book everything about it…Now Daun that man but he can never touch Lake that’s all I am saying 🤣. Start this book ASAP, it will have you understanding to never judge a book by its cover, protect your neighborhood/family, stay loyal, and to always remember handling grief can be done in many ways just remember to work on getting better not by yourself but with the ones that love you.
August 19, 2023
A Pleasant Surprise!
4.75 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.💫💫💫
Read this book. Alexa can’t do this book justice, so I suggest you sit down and immerse yourself into the pages of this poetic prose. After starting and putting down the book because I couldn’t get into it, I’m very glad I came back and experienced this gem.
As a psychology major, I am drawn to books that allow the reader to explore the psyche of each character. It’s easy to draw assumptions based on the circumstances each character finds themselves; however, don’t judge a book by its cover. The juxtaposition of grief and love was aptly unpacked in a way that made Daun, Benz, Say Say, Truck, and even Oakey Pokey so relatable. I wanted to cry at times, and at other times, I laughed out loud (especially at Dr. Kat 🤣) The messages and gems throughout the book were subtle yet impactful…
“The most painful kind of love is grief. The most powerful kind of love is grief because it is absent. Continuing to love beyond physical presence was extraordinarily potent. It is the duel between moving on and remaining.”
Definitely one of the best books I’ve read this year. I hope we get more from these characters in the future! 🤞🏾
*Note: points deducted due to grammatical and editing issues that while noticeable, did not seriously distract from the overall story.
4.75 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.💫💫💫
Read this book. Alexa can’t do this book justice, so I suggest you sit down and immerse yourself into the pages of this poetic prose. After starting and putting down the book because I couldn’t get into it, I’m very glad I came back and experienced this gem.
As a psychology major, I am drawn to books that allow the reader to explore the psyche of each character. It’s easy to draw assumptions based on the circumstances each character finds themselves; however, don’t judge a book by its cover. The juxtaposition of grief and love was aptly unpacked in a way that made Daun, Benz, Say Say, Truck, and even Oakey Pokey so relatable. I wanted to cry at times, and at other times, I laughed out loud (especially at Dr. Kat 🤣) The messages and gems throughout the book were subtle yet impactful…
“The most painful kind of love is grief. The most powerful kind of love is grief because it is absent. Continuing to love beyond physical presence was extraordinarily potent. It is the duel between moving on and remaining.”
Definitely one of the best books I’ve read this year. I hope we get more from these characters in the future! 🤞🏾
*Note: points deducted due to grammatical and editing issues that while noticeable, did not seriously distract from the overall story.
September 1, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
One thing the universe gone do in a Nina book, is play tricks! The way she writes these books and have us clutching our pearls is crazzyyy!
This book was amazing! It took me on an emotional journey for sure. The way she had me crying from just 3% in is wild lol. Benz and Daun are both suffering from losses of loved ones in their own way. But when they find each other they realize how the other is helping them heal in a way they didn’t know they needed. Even when the secrets and betrayal of others try to keep them apart, their love for one another prevails.
This book will have you smiling, laughing, and crying probably all in the same chapter lol.
It would have been a 5 star read for me but there were a few contradictions in the story though. For one, how did Sunny name Benz because she said she wasn’t having more kids after the twins but Benz is older than the twins 🤔🤔. And how you surprise someone with a headstone at the gravesite after a funeral when it takes a while for a headstone to be made?
Other than that I loved it!
One thing the universe gone do in a Nina book, is play tricks! The way she writes these books and have us clutching our pearls is crazzyyy!
This book was amazing! It took me on an emotional journey for sure. The way she had me crying from just 3% in is wild lol. Benz and Daun are both suffering from losses of loved ones in their own way. But when they find each other they realize how the other is helping them heal in a way they didn’t know they needed. Even when the secrets and betrayal of others try to keep them apart, their love for one another prevails.
This book will have you smiling, laughing, and crying probably all in the same chapter lol.
It would have been a 5 star read for me but there were a few contradictions in the story though. For one, how did Sunny name Benz because she said she wasn’t having more kids after the twins but Benz is older than the twins 🤔🤔. And how you surprise someone with a headstone at the gravesite after a funeral when it takes a while for a headstone to be made?
Other than that I loved it!
May 31, 2025
Wow! Daun and Benz individually were struggling to cope after suffering such a huge loss. Doing all they could to push forward for the children they were raising, while dealing with their grief was crippling at times. But when they met... they found peace in their sorrow together and eventually love.
Then cracks began to form as details began to emerge of what happened that fateful night. 💔 I was stunned when I learned of what happened! That damn Shamara was a whole bih, and deserved them ass whoopings! 🤬 I was fearful that this revelation would upend this beautiful relationship for good.
I loved the community that they had in Pepper, and how everyone was family. Oak! My God did I love him! 🤩 That surprise with Benz!!! 👀 All she wrote to put things back on the right path. What a powerful read of how love can be found in the midst of loss! 👍🏿👍🏿
Then cracks began to form as details began to emerge of what happened that fateful night. 💔 I was stunned when I learned of what happened! That damn Shamara was a whole bih, and deserved them ass whoopings! 🤬 I was fearful that this revelation would upend this beautiful relationship for good.
I loved the community that they had in Pepper, and how everyone was family. Oak! My God did I love him! 🤩 That surprise with Benz!!! 👀 All she wrote to put things back on the right path. What a powerful read of how love can be found in the midst of loss! 👍🏿👍🏿
June 27, 2023
She never misses
What do you call an author that pens perfection every time? Like she’s Beyoncé of creating brothers we love frfr. To take us through this journey off grief by giving us glimpses of Arli and Trav even though it was short lived took us there. I mourned with Benz and Daun. The stages of grief were on full display and it was penned perfectly. Losing a sibling is a pain that will never end. Mourning them is remembering them even if it’s every day. The pain of not having them never ends but the memories you have of them eases some of it. I loved this book and I can’t wait for the next one.
What do you call an author that pens perfection every time? Like she’s Beyoncé of creating brothers we love frfr. To take us through this journey off grief by giving us glimpses of Arli and Trav even though it was short lived took us there. I mourned with Benz and Daun. The stages of grief were on full display and it was penned perfectly. Losing a sibling is a pain that will never end. Mourning them is remembering them even if it’s every day. The pain of not having them never ends but the memories you have of them eases some of it. I loved this book and I can’t wait for the next one.
June 25, 2023
overly enjoyed
This book was amazing the way this story came together and broke everything down and put it back together again I didn’t think it was possible. This story was life and love. I enjoyed each character every page . Nina constantly raises the bar for me each release I can’t wait to get more from Nina I need it
This book was amazing the way this story came together and broke everything down and put it back together again I didn’t think it was possible. This story was life and love. I enjoyed each character every page . Nina constantly raises the bar for me each release I can’t wait to get more from Nina I need it
June 12, 2025
This was such a sweet, well-written story. I swear, every time my baby Oak appeared, my heart ached—I love him so much. He was the best part of the book! 😫❣️
How am I supposed to live knowing I’ve finished all of Nina’s books?! I really hope she’s still putting pen to paper and fingers to keyboard, because I need more of her work ASAP.
How am I supposed to live knowing I’ve finished all of Nina’s books?! I really hope she’s still putting pen to paper and fingers to keyboard, because I need more of her work ASAP.
July 10, 2023
Once again…
Nina does it again. With this story, Nina proved how diverse her pen is while still giving us a bit of the humor we’re used to receiving from her.
What a Plot
What a Theme
What a Twist
Flowers… I’m throwing flowers 💐 💐
Nina does it again. With this story, Nina proved how diverse her pen is while still giving us a bit of the humor we’re used to receiving from her.
What a Plot
What a Theme
What a Twist
Flowers… I’m throwing flowers 💐 💐
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