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All In
Black love. A love built on something true. A love so pure. A God sent love, is what Kaivon Lewis and Harlee Rivers found within one another.Something worth fighting for. After two extremely beautiful years, the duo’s past starts to interlock with their future. Greed and bitterness from both sides, forces the hand of someone close. The domino effect it causes is one that neither, Kaivon nor Harlee, can shy away from.Kaivon Lewis is the definition of making something out of nothing. As the highest paid defensive back in the NFL, he was given the opportunity to create a better life and leave all he knew in his growing years. The streets. They are a way of life for some, but now an option for Kaivon. It was once how he survived and protected. It is still his to manage. His secret attachment is not one he can easily cut ties with. His natural instinct is to protect and provide. When duty calls, he answers, especially when the ones he love are a factor. Whatever Kaivon loves, he is All In for.Harlee Rivers is a successful nail artist, dominating in an industry that was never created for women that resemble her. Harlee is the backbone for everyone else around her, except herself. When tragedy struck, claiming the life of her Granny, her battle with anxiety doubled. Harlee quickly learns that what fills, spills. The battle to regain self-love and overcome anxiety is a struggle but fortunately, she’s both a lover and fighter. Harlee is All In and determined to conquer whatever comes her and her family’s way.The duo can only pray that love is enough. The struggle to disconnect from what is familiar, could be the same thing that destroys everything. Three things are the determining factors. All three can give them the highest of highs and lowest of lows. When combined, one or all three could lead to a tragic demise. Can Kaivon and Harlee juggle them all? Will the Big Three be the very thing to take them down?Love. The Streets. Football.
608 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 8, 2023
1745 people are currently reading
2967 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 214 reviews
February 14, 2024
“Deserved” 🥰
Now THIS is how you write a MF book!!! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 Zee where have you been all my life?!?!? Baby!!! LOVED!!!! Flowers 💐 🗣️GIVEN because this book had me missing out on crazy sleep and I’m not even mad about it!! Whatever you’ve seen or heard about this book (as long as it’s good 😂) believe 🗣️ALL OF IT!!! This is why I will forever be committed to giving NTMAs a chance because Zee has a real gift!
Kaivon was the highest paid cornerback in the league and wasn’t nobody seeing him on the field! As THEE top player for NOLA, he was giving these teams a run for their money! Kai was at the top of his game and had a good woman by his side and even better, no one was privy to the double life he was leading as the king pin of a drug organizations back in his hometown of Cleveland. Folks took advantage of the fact that football had his attention and thought they could get one over on Kai which forced him out of semi retirement. They must’ve forgotten that he was Big Kai not the little one because he lined em up!!!!!
Harlee was one of if not the most sought after nail technicians in the south! She found the cheat code when it came to her passion and the same way nobody was seeing her man on the field they were seeing even less when it came to her skills with gel and acrylic. Despite her successful career, Harlee suffered from severe anxiety and it was crippling at times. An unexpected, life altering event made her anxiety 10x’s worse and sis was down bad at times. Baby if it’s one thing Harlee gone do is cry!! Man I thought I was a cry baby but she had me beat by miles 😩😩. Regardless of what she was going through tho, Kai was with her every step of the way!
The love we want to experience after the usual 3rd act break up right before the authors give us the epilogue is what this entire book was made of! I meeannnnn!!!! 🥰🤎🥰 Swoon worthy!!! Now don’t get me wrong there was plenty of drama, snakes in the grass and suspense but the love, THE LOVE!!!! Overflowing!!!!! The romance was romancing and the BDE was big and energetic!!
I LOVE a “whatever you want” 🥷 and Kai was THAT 🥷!!! Lake Porter and Luca Eisenberg will forever be the standard FOR ME and now Kaivon Lewis is in the same category as them!! Like these three book baes will forever be pressure 😮💨
The top moments for me were:
▪️The Bora Bora massage!!! It was hands down THEE sexiest most erotic thing I’ve ever read about in a book!! 🥵🥵🥵🥵 where did your mind come up with that?!?!
▪️The envelopes at dinner?!?!! Queues Lady London 🎶 I love dealing with a rich 🥷 cuz he gone trick and I’m gone trick but he gone trick biiiiggggggeerrrr!!!!🎶🗣️AND DID!!!!! I meeeaaannnnnn!!!
▪️The scissors for the ribbon cutting!! 😭🥰🥺😭
▪️It was the tattoo affirmations during intimacy
▪️It was Nova and Ivory for me!!! It was Ken and Kylo Bean for me!!! 🤎🤎🤎🤎
▪️The Christmas Day football game 😭😭😭
I could and probably will talk about this book for hours on end. It was THAT good!! I’m not gone hold y’all any longer than I already have! Just know I ate these 741 pages UP and would have greedily devoured 700 more!
Where the rest of your books at Zee because you GOTZ TUH have more!! Ain’t no way you’re telling me this the first one!!!
Read the book y’all, read the book!! In the meantime, I’m impatiently waiting on Kyle’s book to be released in April but take your time sis because I know it’s going to be crazy!
Now before I go I wouldn’t be me if I didn’t mention that there were editing issues, grammatical, name and location mix ups etc and while noticeable they didn’t take away from my enjoy of the story! Ok I’m gone for real…. Until next time ✌🏽
Now THIS is how you write a MF book!!! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 Zee where have you been all my life?!?!? Baby!!! LOVED!!!! Flowers 💐 🗣️GIVEN because this book had me missing out on crazy sleep and I’m not even mad about it!! Whatever you’ve seen or heard about this book (as long as it’s good 😂) believe 🗣️ALL OF IT!!! This is why I will forever be committed to giving NTMAs a chance because Zee has a real gift!
Kaivon was the highest paid cornerback in the league and wasn’t nobody seeing him on the field! As THEE top player for NOLA, he was giving these teams a run for their money! Kai was at the top of his game and had a good woman by his side and even better, no one was privy to the double life he was leading as the king pin of a drug organizations back in his hometown of Cleveland. Folks took advantage of the fact that football had his attention and thought they could get one over on Kai which forced him out of semi retirement. They must’ve forgotten that he was Big Kai not the little one because he lined em up!!!!!
Harlee was one of if not the most sought after nail technicians in the south! She found the cheat code when it came to her passion and the same way nobody was seeing her man on the field they were seeing even less when it came to her skills with gel and acrylic. Despite her successful career, Harlee suffered from severe anxiety and it was crippling at times. An unexpected, life altering event made her anxiety 10x’s worse and sis was down bad at times. Baby if it’s one thing Harlee gone do is cry!! Man I thought I was a cry baby but she had me beat by miles 😩😩. Regardless of what she was going through tho, Kai was with her every step of the way!
The love we want to experience after the usual 3rd act break up right before the authors give us the epilogue is what this entire book was made of! I meeannnnn!!!! 🥰🤎🥰 Swoon worthy!!! Now don’t get me wrong there was plenty of drama, snakes in the grass and suspense but the love, THE LOVE!!!! Overflowing!!!!! The romance was romancing and the BDE was big and energetic!!
I LOVE a “whatever you want” 🥷 and Kai was THAT 🥷!!! Lake Porter and Luca Eisenberg will forever be the standard FOR ME and now Kaivon Lewis is in the same category as them!! Like these three book baes will forever be pressure 😮💨
The top moments for me were:
▪️The Bora Bora massage!!! It was hands down THEE sexiest most erotic thing I’ve ever read about in a book!! 🥵🥵🥵🥵 where did your mind come up with that?!?!
▪️The envelopes at dinner?!?!! Queues Lady London 🎶 I love dealing with a rich 🥷 cuz he gone trick and I’m gone trick but he gone trick biiiiggggggeerrrr!!!!🎶🗣️AND DID!!!!! I meeeaaannnnnn!!!
▪️The scissors for the ribbon cutting!! 😭🥰🥺😭
▪️It was the tattoo affirmations during intimacy
▪️It was Nova and Ivory for me!!! It was Ken and Kylo Bean for me!!! 🤎🤎🤎🤎
▪️The Christmas Day football game 😭😭😭
I could and probably will talk about this book for hours on end. It was THAT good!! I’m not gone hold y’all any longer than I already have! Just know I ate these 741 pages UP and would have greedily devoured 700 more!
Where the rest of your books at Zee because you GOTZ TUH have more!! Ain’t no way you’re telling me this the first one!!!
Read the book y’all, read the book!! In the meantime, I’m impatiently waiting on Kyle’s book to be released in April but take your time sis because I know it’s going to be crazy!
Now before I go I wouldn’t be me if I didn’t mention that there were editing issues, grammatical, name and location mix ups etc and while noticeable they didn’t take away from my enjoy of the story! Ok I’m gone for real…. Until next time ✌🏽
March 8, 2024
Whew I have officially found my book husband. Wow, this is the art of book writing! I had reservations about being overwhelmed by the 700+ pages, but now I really want more. Like 1000 pages I'm obsessed. I adored how Kaivon showered Harlee with his affection. 🤭 That man is the definition of applying pressure "DESERVED". I am utterly smitten with Kai, and it's true that women can develop great male characters. The affirmations during intimacy and Thorough Tuesdays . 😅 I really hope no one reads this book because I really want to keep this man to myself. Everything that happens: deceit, love, healing, drama, and action. Absolutely everything was wonderful to me. The story's pacing and the development of each character were two of my favorite aspects. As for Zee's future works, I'm looking forward to reading Kylo's book and whatever else she releases.
Easily one of my top five books to read in 2024.
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Easily one of my top five books to read in 2024.
.
August 31, 2024
3/5
- This story was a whirlwind! If you love a strong mmc, you’ll absolutely LOVE Kai. Harlee really found her strength as I got deeper into the story and I really loved that! Loved the unwavering loyalty that was in this story too! If you like an mmc that is literally touch her and you die, this is the book for you!
- If you’re looking for a dramatic and messy story, you’ll love this one! Definitely would have rated this one higher if there wasn’t as much gore and blood. The feeding alligators thing was wiiiild! Not sure why I thought this would be a chill basketball romance hahaha. I was in for a surprise! This was most likely wrong book, wrong time for me, especially with it being such a long book.
- This book is SPICYYYY and definitely felt like a movie from start to finish! If you’re looking for a wild ride, you’re in for one with this book!
- This story was a whirlwind! If you love a strong mmc, you’ll absolutely LOVE Kai. Harlee really found her strength as I got deeper into the story and I really loved that! Loved the unwavering loyalty that was in this story too! If you like an mmc that is literally touch her and you die, this is the book for you!
- If you’re looking for a dramatic and messy story, you’ll love this one! Definitely would have rated this one higher if there wasn’t as much gore and blood. The feeding alligators thing was wiiiild! Not sure why I thought this would be a chill basketball romance hahaha. I was in for a surprise! This was most likely wrong book, wrong time for me, especially with it being such a long book.
- This book is SPICYYYY and definitely felt like a movie from start to finish! If you’re looking for a wild ride, you’re in for one with this book!
March 2, 2024
Ratings 10/10⭐️ ‘s 🙌🏾🤎😊🥹
She def became my fave NTMA! Loved this book down!
Worth every 700 plus pages
Can’t wait for Kylos! 🥰
I want to say Thank youuu Rashawnda for the recommendation 🥰
She def became my fave NTMA! Loved this book down!
Worth every 700 plus pages
Can’t wait for Kylos! 🥰
I want to say Thank youuu Rashawnda for the recommendation 🥰
Read
March 12, 2024I have no thoughts to give but I DNF’d at the 50% mark tried doing a buddy read for it and we all walked away it just wasn’t our cup of tea!!!
January 19, 2024
❤️ Love
🏈 Football
💊🔫 The Streets
Kai is 27 yrs old, and living a double life as the highest paid defensive player in the NFL, and the head of a drug corporation. He tries to ease out of the street life, but things pop off that have him back in fully. Alongside his Mama "QueenPin" Nova and his brother Kylo, they are running ish, handling business, and bodies.
Harlee is 25 yrs old, and successful nail artist. She is a straight boss, but unfortunately doesn't recognize it. She's dealing with extreme anxiety and self-doubt, but we get to see her growth through therapy (she lowkey a crybaby lol). Kai and Harlee have been together for 2 years, and are so in love.
You could just feel the deep connection they have with each other. Kai, this Man here, the way he continuesly poured into his woman, and affirmed and spoiled her with no hesitation, was EVERYTHING!!! I was nervous because them being together from the beginning, I just knew they were about to go through it. However aside from one bump in the road, they remained connected and riders for each other. Chapter 23 😩🙏🏿😍❤️💍
I honestly had no clue what to expect when i went into this book. Without spoiling, the drama and secrets unfolding had me reeled in! Every time another snake was revealed I was shook, but every single one of them got what they deserved! I loved their mom's Nova and Ivory, Ken is a real one, Lana was a great therapist and i enjoyed the sessions in the story. Kylo was so entertaining and I can't wait for his book. Parker was a good friend. For this to be this Author first book, I thoroughly enjoyed the ride, and can't wait for more from her in the future!
🏈 Football
💊🔫 The Streets
Kai is 27 yrs old, and living a double life as the highest paid defensive player in the NFL, and the head of a drug corporation. He tries to ease out of the street life, but things pop off that have him back in fully. Alongside his Mama "QueenPin" Nova and his brother Kylo, they are running ish, handling business, and bodies.
Harlee is 25 yrs old, and successful nail artist. She is a straight boss, but unfortunately doesn't recognize it. She's dealing with extreme anxiety and self-doubt, but we get to see her growth through therapy (she lowkey a crybaby lol). Kai and Harlee have been together for 2 years, and are so in love.
You could just feel the deep connection they have with each other. Kai, this Man here, the way he continuesly poured into his woman, and affirmed and spoiled her with no hesitation, was EVERYTHING!!! I was nervous because them being together from the beginning, I just knew they were about to go through it. However aside from one bump in the road, they remained connected and riders for each other. Chapter 23 😩🙏🏿😍❤️💍
I honestly had no clue what to expect when i went into this book. Without spoiling, the drama and secrets unfolding had me reeled in! Every time another snake was revealed I was shook, but every single one of them got what they deserved! I loved their mom's Nova and Ivory, Ken is a real one, Lana was a great therapist and i enjoyed the sessions in the story. Kylo was so entertaining and I can't wait for his book. Parker was a good friend. For this to be this Author first book, I thoroughly enjoyed the ride, and can't wait for more from her in the future!
April 13, 2024
An affirmed deserved LOVE
Sigh....Deserved
This story was a hood fairy tale personified. Harlee and Kaivon were just everything together. I absolutely loved the way they loved each other. Kai ....lawd this young whipper snapper was a protector, a provider, a boss, a lover, a healer, an encourager, an affirmer. I mean his BDE was leaping off the pages. He carried the weight of his family on his shoulders ....with ease, all while pursuing his dream as a football star.
Harlee, sweet Harlee, was a giver, a provider, a boss, a lover, a supporter, a bomb cook, a creative, with the kindest heart. I love that she too was pursuing her dream as a Nail artist and was making it happen. Together they loved each other like a black fairy tale.
Kaivon took affirmations to another level. The WAY he poured into her was beyond anything I could even imagine. Harlee returned that energy, listening and supporting him. They did their best to make each other's lives easier...and to love each other the way they deserved to be loved.
I love BIG LOVE stories and this was one of them. All the girlies want to be loved the way Kaivon loved Harlee. I loved that we got to experience their growth as individuals and as a couple and later as parents, all those damn pages gave a complete story. Also the supporting characters were everything... especially Kylo's mannish azz, inspiring Lana, fine azz Papa Ken😏, Mama's Ivory and Nova❤️
On the flip side there was a lot of dark ish happening as Kai had another side to him. For me that part didn't seem believable. Like the amount of people...bloodlines that were impacted without a word from anyone didn't quite add up to me.
Overall, I recommend this book. You will be obsessed with these characters. If you are a stickler for grammar, this ain't the book for you. The editing needs work, but the story is worth it.
I get it book friends!!
Sigh....Deserved
This story was a hood fairy tale personified. Harlee and Kaivon were just everything together. I absolutely loved the way they loved each other. Kai ....lawd this young whipper snapper was a protector, a provider, a boss, a lover, a healer, an encourager, an affirmer. I mean his BDE was leaping off the pages. He carried the weight of his family on his shoulders ....with ease, all while pursuing his dream as a football star.
Harlee, sweet Harlee, was a giver, a provider, a boss, a lover, a supporter, a bomb cook, a creative, with the kindest heart. I love that she too was pursuing her dream as a Nail artist and was making it happen. Together they loved each other like a black fairy tale.
Kaivon took affirmations to another level. The WAY he poured into her was beyond anything I could even imagine. Harlee returned that energy, listening and supporting him. They did their best to make each other's lives easier...and to love each other the way they deserved to be loved.
I love BIG LOVE stories and this was one of them. All the girlies want to be loved the way Kaivon loved Harlee. I loved that we got to experience their growth as individuals and as a couple and later as parents, all those damn pages gave a complete story. Also the supporting characters were everything... especially Kylo's mannish azz, inspiring Lana, fine azz Papa Ken😏, Mama's Ivory and Nova❤️
On the flip side there was a lot of dark ish happening as Kai had another side to him. For me that part didn't seem believable. Like the amount of people...bloodlines that were impacted without a word from anyone didn't quite add up to me.
Overall, I recommend this book. You will be obsessed with these characters. If you are a stickler for grammar, this ain't the book for you. The editing needs work, but the story is worth it.
I get it book friends!!
March 18, 2024
Deserved …. 🙌🏽 I AM STRONG!! IT’s The affirmation for me!!
First off I took my time reading this book, I wanted to feel everything that I need to feel , & Man did I …. I know people are hesitant to read a book that’s 700 plus pages , but when I tell you it doesn’t even feel like it . & I could have read more that how much I was “All In” these characters Man where do I even start , I am simply Amazed . This story was incredible the layers . EVERYTHING !
KAI & KY something about brother love that gets me every time I’m so in love with them! How BB was with nugget MAN I get tears just the thought of it just beautiful both was so in touch with their emotions & that There had me hooked from the start with the prologue…
THEY STAND ON BUSINESS! NOVA ( the double life had me so intrigued I said oh yeaaa this about to be good I knew it ! & man I didn’t know to what extent though . Don’t play with them!!! & the Fact Kai was a football ⭐️!! That made it eveennnn better on soo many level you have no idea! A FREAKING BEAST!
HARLEE beautiful black queen , she touched me so many ways … Boss!! Something about when they add a therapist in the mix also it just does something to me soul and I appreciate that much more! S/o to Lana a real one.
You have to choose yourself and work on yourself . Unpack all of it !
Kai & Le relationship …. Catch my breath, Just omg !! The Communication , The love how attentive the affirming I can go on on on! These 2 are freaking so loving how can you not fall in love with them! ESPECIALLY KAI!! HE IS A KING NO QUESTION ! & he love her effortlessly. HE RIDING for her & I love it! I was happy he did what he did !! Lol oh well…. deserved!!!! CAUSE WHAT!!!!!
KEN & ivory I love them ! ESPECIALLY Ken another one just pays attention love you effortlessly without question just his actions spoke volumes ! & I love that him and le relationship started to flourish I was so ready for it! ( I knew KEN Had another side to him. Cause he didn’t play!
Okay I’m stop now cause I can just keep going !! I said all that to say!! READ THIS STORY NOW!!!! READ !!
Don’t be scared of the 740 pages embrace it live in the moment of this story!! ZEE DID HER THANG!!!
I fell in love with all of them!!! ( well the main ones y’all will get my drift when you read it !!!
Oh yeaaa Krue & Kan … ☺️ cause how can you be so stinky cute already!!!! & how the family treat them spoiled ! KY , KEN, Nova , Ivory !! ❤️🙌🏽
F the rest of the USERS that’s why I didn’t talk about them much cause SMFH!!!! pissed me off!
Mona blessing !! 🥰
READ !!! ASAP!!! They have left a lasting impression on me!
First off I took my time reading this book, I wanted to feel everything that I need to feel , & Man did I …. I know people are hesitant to read a book that’s 700 plus pages , but when I tell you it doesn’t even feel like it . & I could have read more that how much I was “All In” these characters Man where do I even start , I am simply Amazed . This story was incredible the layers . EVERYTHING !
KAI & KY something about brother love that gets me every time I’m so in love with them! How BB was with nugget MAN I get tears just the thought of it just beautiful both was so in touch with their emotions & that There had me hooked from the start with the prologue…
THEY STAND ON BUSINESS! NOVA ( the double life had me so intrigued I said oh yeaaa this about to be good I knew it ! & man I didn’t know to what extent though . Don’t play with them!!! & the Fact Kai was a football ⭐️!! That made it eveennnn better on soo many level you have no idea! A FREAKING BEAST!
HARLEE beautiful black queen , she touched me so many ways … Boss!! Something about when they add a therapist in the mix also it just does something to me soul and I appreciate that much more! S/o to Lana a real one.
You have to choose yourself and work on yourself . Unpack all of it !
Kai & Le relationship …. Catch my breath, Just omg !! The Communication , The love how attentive the affirming I can go on on on! These 2 are freaking so loving how can you not fall in love with them! ESPECIALLY KAI!! HE IS A KING NO QUESTION ! & he love her effortlessly. HE RIDING for her & I love it! I was happy he did what he did !! Lol oh well…. deserved!!!! CAUSE WHAT!!!!!
KEN & ivory I love them ! ESPECIALLY Ken another one just pays attention love you effortlessly without question just his actions spoke volumes ! & I love that him and le relationship started to flourish I was so ready for it! ( I knew KEN Had another side to him. Cause he didn’t play!
Okay I’m stop now cause I can just keep going !! I said all that to say!! READ THIS STORY NOW!!!! READ !!
Don’t be scared of the 740 pages embrace it live in the moment of this story!! ZEE DID HER THANG!!!
I fell in love with all of them!!! ( well the main ones y’all will get my drift when you read it !!!
Oh yeaaa Krue & Kan … ☺️ cause how can you be so stinky cute already!!!! & how the family treat them spoiled ! KY , KEN, Nova , Ivory !! ❤️🙌🏽
F the rest of the USERS that’s why I didn’t talk about them much cause SMFH!!!! pissed me off!
Mona blessing !! 🥰
READ !!! ASAP!!! They have left a lasting impression on me!
March 3, 2024
I ate this book right on up! So so good! All In follows Harlee & Kaivon. Now usually when a book starts with the couple already together, I usually hate it but listen this book right here said “just wait.” BABYYYYYYY!!!! Love is supposed to be enough but is it ever enough? Harlee and Kaivon are tested time and time again. Will love be enough? I literally loved EVERYTHING in this book, from the characters, to the scenes, to the damn plot. Reading this book honestly felt like I was watching a movie!!!! I could visualize every scene in my head and that’s what i love!!! Even when I was not reading the book i was thinking bout Kylo, Kai, and Harlee and the gangggggg, and when a book has me like that it has me in a chokehold okay!!!!!! This was an amazing urban romance story, and was this author debut novel and listen she already has a date for her next novel and it just happens to be my about my favorite from this book, Kylo, SO I AM READY.
January 19, 2024
Bravo! Bravo!
This book was a slow burn and it burned so well!!! This was a movie on pages!!! I thoroughly enjoyed the love story between Kai and Navy! This man loved his woman so dang good phew! Just read the book and enjoy the ride. You will not regret it!
This book was a slow burn and it burned so well!!! This was a movie on pages!!! I thoroughly enjoyed the love story between Kai and Navy! This man loved his woman so dang good phew! Just read the book and enjoy the ride. You will not regret it!
July 29, 2024
My first “big girl book” lol this book all 700 pages is definitely worth the read. It will have you laughing, crying, nervous, happy, etc. you feel all the feels with this one. One of the best books I read in a long time.
April 9, 2024
Dnf I Can't!
February 29, 2024
So I just found out there’s a playlist for this book. Now I gotta reread it 🤣🤣
Y’all know I love a good book playlist !!
this book was very good. Kai & Harlee’s relationship was so sweet & affirming. He stood all toes and elbows down for his lady. I love that. Kylo.. my brother in Christ 🤣 I can’t wait for his book, that man ain’t wrapped too tight & im living for the foolishness
Y’all know I love a good book playlist !!
this book was very good. Kai & Harlee’s relationship was so sweet & affirming. He stood all toes and elbows down for his lady. I love that. Kylo.. my brother in Christ 🤣 I can’t wait for his book, that man ain’t wrapped too tight & im living for the foolishness
August 24, 2025
All In by Zee Reneé gave me a love story that felt raw, layered, and deeply rooted in passion. Kaivon and Harlee’s relationship isn’t just romance, it’s a testament to what it means to truly be “all in” for someone you love.
Kaivon’s world of football and the streets created such a powerful backdrop for his character. He’s protective, flawed, and carrying a past that refuses to let go. Harlee, on the other hand, stole my heart with her strength. A Black woman thriving in her lane, battling anxiety, and still showing up as the backbone for everyone around her, she felt real in a way that sticks with you.
What I appreciated most is how Zee Reneé captured Black love with tenderness and grit. It wasn’t picture perfect. It was heavy with secrets, pain, and choices that test the very foundation of their bond. But through it all, the devotion between Kaivon and Harlee burned steady.
This story was emotional, sometimes heartbreaking, but it showed the resilience of two people fighting for something true. Love, the streets, and football, the Big Three that could either make them or break them, kept me turning pages, hoping they’d come out stronger together.
Kaivon’s world of football and the streets created such a powerful backdrop for his character. He’s protective, flawed, and carrying a past that refuses to let go. Harlee, on the other hand, stole my heart with her strength. A Black woman thriving in her lane, battling anxiety, and still showing up as the backbone for everyone around her, she felt real in a way that sticks with you.
What I appreciated most is how Zee Reneé captured Black love with tenderness and grit. It wasn’t picture perfect. It was heavy with secrets, pain, and choices that test the very foundation of their bond. But through it all, the devotion between Kaivon and Harlee burned steady.
This story was emotional, sometimes heartbreaking, but it showed the resilience of two people fighting for something true. Love, the streets, and football, the Big Three that could either make them or break them, kept me turning pages, hoping they’d come out stronger together.
April 29, 2024
14 hours of my life that I can’t get back
I listened to this book and I wanted to end it at the first chapter but I said I would see it through. I don’t know what I just listened to it was all over the place I’m still trying to figure out the storyline. Football player slash drug king slash killer? I don’t know what was going on!! It should have been an erotica because all they did was have sex. I wanted something to happen to Kavon since he just killed anyone who upset Harlee’s weird behind. Like the ups driver for no reason. Very corny!
I listened to this book and I wanted to end it at the first chapter but I said I would see it through. I don’t know what I just listened to it was all over the place I’m still trying to figure out the storyline. Football player slash drug king slash killer? I don’t know what was going on!! It should have been an erotica because all they did was have sex. I wanted something to happen to Kavon since he just killed anyone who upset Harlee’s weird behind. Like the ups driver for no reason. Very corny!
March 18, 2024
Kai and Harlee are book couple goals. What wasn’t there to love about Kai. This man spoke words of affirmations to her while intimate and every day into her life. I’m glad Harlee was able to see her family was nothing but snakes. I loved Nugget and BB relationship as brothers. I loved the bond of Ivy, Nova, and Ken. I can’t wait for Kylos book
March 25, 2024
Let me just say don’t be deterred by the 700+ pages because when I tell you this book is *chefs kiss*…Black Love, Compassion, Black Excellence, and God.
Kaivon August Lewis 👏🏽 👏🏽 👏🏽 a man, a man, a man I just love how he loved my girl Harlee from jump and I honestly do think he hit her on purpose 🤣🤣🤣 iykyk but their whole relationship really was a test especially when Mona died like that was the ultimate test because Harlee was definitely at her lowest then. But he was right there everytime and vice versa Because my girl Harlee does not play about her August nih 😂 Loved Harlee’s growth with her anxiety and I loved the affirmations (almost make me wanna go get my favorite ones tatted)
Mama Ivy, Mama Nova, and Kenneth 💪🏽 real parents and a true testament of a support system…I love their relationships with each other as well as with Harlee and Kai
Kylo 🤦🏽♀️ 😂 that’s all I can say about him cause that boy ain’t got a lick of the sense God gave him 🤣🤣🤣so funny I swear but I loved his growth as well especially from a child to an adult it’s amazing what can happen when somebody loves you enough to not only pour into you but show you how to pour into yourself…so ready for his book to come
Krue and Kannon sweet little babies but they are their daddy’s sons 😂 especially Krue…Kannon definitely is a smaller version of Kylo 😂😂 I love it though I hope we get more of everybody in Kylo book because I know it’s gone eat down 💛
Overall ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Kaivon August Lewis 👏🏽 👏🏽 👏🏽 a man, a man, a man I just love how he loved my girl Harlee from jump and I honestly do think he hit her on purpose 🤣🤣🤣 iykyk but their whole relationship really was a test especially when Mona died like that was the ultimate test because Harlee was definitely at her lowest then. But he was right there everytime and vice versa Because my girl Harlee does not play about her August nih 😂 Loved Harlee’s growth with her anxiety and I loved the affirmations (almost make me wanna go get my favorite ones tatted)
Mama Ivy, Mama Nova, and Kenneth 💪🏽 real parents and a true testament of a support system…I love their relationships with each other as well as with Harlee and Kai
Kylo 🤦🏽♀️ 😂 that’s all I can say about him cause that boy ain’t got a lick of the sense God gave him 🤣🤣🤣so funny I swear but I loved his growth as well especially from a child to an adult it’s amazing what can happen when somebody loves you enough to not only pour into you but show you how to pour into yourself…so ready for his book to come
Krue and Kannon sweet little babies but they are their daddy’s sons 😂 especially Krue…Kannon definitely is a smaller version of Kylo 😂😂 I love it though I hope we get more of everybody in Kylo book because I know it’s gone eat down 💛
Overall ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 16, 2024
I’m just going to get straight into it…..
Ok first the names Harlee Navy and Kaivon August (pronounced Kai-Vee-on) which is crazy to me but ok. The name combos are ugly to me. 🥴 like hunh? They don’t flow at all. I also disliked how one minute she was being referred to as Harlee and then the next Navy. The same with Kaivon. Like ma’am choose the name they’re going to go by and stick with it. We don’t need to know every nickname they go by.
This book was ridiculously long for no reason. It could have been finished in 300-350 pages. There was way too much fluff. The week long trip in Bora Bora. Ummm ma’am we don’t need to know what they did every single day and every excursion they went on each day. This would have saved a large chunk of the book. The story also started to get a bit predictable.
I strongly dislike the overuse of the N word in this book. It was unnecessarily used. I can’t stand when a male refer to a woman as such and I can’t stand when women use it with each other and when parents and their children use it with each other. Very weird to me for mother and daughter to say it to each other. That’s just me though.
I’m usually not a stickler for typos however there were way too many for it to not be a tad bit irritating.
The story itself was cool. Reminded me of the book ‘On Us’ with Avery and Lake’s relationship. There were also names used that reminded me of On Us as well. (Ivory and River(s)) They also did the pinkie thing like they did in On Us too. A few important topics touched on were childhood trauma and going to therapy. I loved how both Harlee and Kaivon families got along and they were close.
Ok first the names Harlee Navy and Kaivon August (pronounced Kai-Vee-on) which is crazy to me but ok. The name combos are ugly to me. 🥴 like hunh? They don’t flow at all. I also disliked how one minute she was being referred to as Harlee and then the next Navy. The same with Kaivon. Like ma’am choose the name they’re going to go by and stick with it. We don’t need to know every nickname they go by.
This book was ridiculously long for no reason. It could have been finished in 300-350 pages. There was way too much fluff. The week long trip in Bora Bora. Ummm ma’am we don’t need to know what they did every single day and every excursion they went on each day. This would have saved a large chunk of the book. The story also started to get a bit predictable.
I strongly dislike the overuse of the N word in this book. It was unnecessarily used. I can’t stand when a male refer to a woman as such and I can’t stand when women use it with each other and when parents and their children use it with each other. Very weird to me for mother and daughter to say it to each other. That’s just me though.
I’m usually not a stickler for typos however there were way too many for it to not be a tad bit irritating.
The story itself was cool. Reminded me of the book ‘On Us’ with Avery and Lake’s relationship. There were also names used that reminded me of On Us as well. (Ivory and River(s)) They also did the pinkie thing like they did in On Us too. A few important topics touched on were childhood trauma and going to therapy. I loved how both Harlee and Kaivon families got along and they were close.
January 15, 2024
This book brings out several emotions. I laughed, I cried, and I cringed, the love and loyalty this family exemplifies was amazing. Kai is the highest paid football player in the league and his girlfriend Harlee is one of the best nail tech in Houston, TX. When their worlds collide they create an unbreakable bond. Kai struggles to keep his old life separate from his new one but betrayal and jealousy lands him back in Cleveland, Oh where it all started. With the passing of Harlee grandmother her anxiety makes it hard for her to breathe most days and depending on Kai is no longer a choice but a necessity.
Although this book was long and detailed I enjoyed everything about it, it reads like a movie to me. You will be on an emotional roller coaster.
Although this book was long and detailed I enjoyed everything about it, it reads like a movie to me. You will be on an emotional roller coaster.
January 21, 2024
This book was a mixture of emotions. There were times when I cried and laughed out loud. The spelling errors were off putting but didn’t take away from the storyline. I loved the characters. I loved how the author didn’t make Harlee completely weak or a gold digger. It was a romantic love story with football, family and hood activities, lol. I only rated 4 stars because I thought some aspects of the story needed to be developed more and the spelling errors because there were a lot of them. I would definitely recommend this book.
April 12, 2024
This book is horrible! The characters were flat, their decisions made no sense and the cursing just felt forced. Even the spice was weak! There were words missing and often misspelled and I MIGHT have given it two stars if it wasn’t so long! The author literally could have cut this book in half and it would have been a better read. This drug dealing, professional football playing, murderer meets nail artist with daddy issues trope is just…bad! I don’t know what else to call it. I ask again, WHY does it have almost 5 stars? I am clearly not the intended audience. I need proper sentences and words used and spelled correctly.
March 27, 2024
It's black so that's always a plus. However, after reading J.L Seegers, Kennedy Ryan, Natasha Bishop, and Kristina Forest, this author was not for me. For me, reading this book was like going to Walmart. Very rachet, a lot of typos and run on sentences, all over the place, and not a great story line for me. It was a very hard read for me. I normally would knock a book out in a day or two, but this took me two weeks to finish, but I did finish it. I will always support us, but this book was not it for me.
September 1, 2024
Two and a half stars
45% in and this book is getting more and more difficult to finish. The characters actions and the authors own words are beginning to clash more and more. The story is teetering so far off course I've become disinterested. The time Kai spends working his side occupation and his full time job are far too contrived to be believable. I liked Harlee but strongly disliked how needy she was, regardless of the reason. Lastly, there were far too many religious mentions for the characters to behave and live the way they do. It was very contradicting.
45% in and this book is getting more and more difficult to finish. The characters actions and the authors own words are beginning to clash more and more. The story is teetering so far off course I've become disinterested. The time Kai spends working his side occupation and his full time job are far too contrived to be believable. I liked Harlee but strongly disliked how needy she was, regardless of the reason. Lastly, there were far too many religious mentions for the characters to behave and live the way they do. It was very contradicting.
March 18, 2024
I would rate this a 3.5. This book was cool but I think it was very drawn out & a bit too unrealistic. I was locked in with the mess and the drama but some of the other parts just fell flat for me. While I enjoyed the story I just don't think it needed to be 741 pages. Kylo was one of my favorite characters & i'm interested to read his story that comes out in a few months.
Read
May 17, 2025I struggled to engage with this book, ultimately unable to get past Chapter 4. Throughout that early section, I found myself questioning the direction of the story. The plot felt vague and unformed, leaving me without a sense of suspense or anticipation. Unfortunately, I didn’t feel compelled to keep reading, as I wasn’t invested in discovering what might happen next.
October 16, 2024
Man I attempted to read this book a couple months but I wasn’t really in the mood for it however this was a Bookclub read for a live discussion with Books and Bonnets . I am so happy that I picked this book back up because I absolutely loved this book ! I can’t wait to read the next book 🥰 ! Omg it was so much healing going on in this book 🥰 Loved it ❤️ Kai & Harlee , Loved them to death 🥰 such a beautiful story
December 21, 2024
worth it ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
As I read this, it didn’t feel like 741 pages. Everything flowed well together and fit perfectly. Kai irked me a few times but I knew he just wanted to what he thought was best for Harlee. The love was very apparent and real with them. I’m glad they had each other plus Kai’s family, especially my favorite Kylo 🤭
As I read this, it didn’t feel like 741 pages. Everything flowed well together and fit perfectly. Kai irked me a few times but I knew he just wanted to what he thought was best for Harlee. The love was very apparent and real with them. I’m glad they had each other plus Kai’s family, especially my favorite Kylo 🤭
July 12, 2024
must read
I absolutely enjoyed every.single.page. This has easily climbed to one of my top books this year and I’ve read over 100 so far!
The imagery, the passion, the love, the drama. I soaked it all up. I fell in love with the characters from the beginning and I was able to relate to Harlee so much, especially with the anxiety. So happy that both her and Kaivon went to therapy. They were all in for each other every step on the way and I loved it! I hate I put this read off for as long as I did!! I’m so excited to read Kylo story next!
I absolutely enjoyed every.single.page. This has easily climbed to one of my top books this year and I’ve read over 100 so far!
The imagery, the passion, the love, the drama. I soaked it all up. I fell in love with the characters from the beginning and I was able to relate to Harlee so much, especially with the anxiety. So happy that both her and Kaivon went to therapy. They were all in for each other every step on the way and I loved it! I hate I put this read off for as long as I did!! I’m so excited to read Kylo story next!
April 26, 2024
My initial rating was 3.5 🌟 BUT all the typos and grammatical errors brought this down to 3 🌟 for me.
I thought the book was a good read, however, it could've been half the length. 741 pages that consisted of mostly drawn out scenes to make us understand Harlee and Kaivon can't live or breathe without each other was a little overkill for me. While I enjoyed their connection and their growth, most of the scenes could've been scrapped or shortened.
I was conflicted with Kaivon. He's a God-loving, family over everything, professional football playing, cold-blooded killer, drug empire running, protector, and lover extraordinaire. Don't get me wrong, he's definitely book Bae material from the way he loves Harlee. But I didn't understand his undeniable love for God but would kill anyone who looked at Harlee wrong with no remorse and not even a second thought.
I thought Harlee would get on my nerves as she appeared to be a weakling, but I will admit I enjoyed her development. It took her losing what she loved the most to find her strength. She was determined to succeed and didn't really like help from others, even the ones she loved.
I loved the family dynamics. Both Mama Ivy and Nova were supportive of their kids no matter what. Kylo and Harlee's relationship was really cute. Kylo and Kaivon's bond was strong. There was laughter, sadness, romance, action, suspense, and betrayal. Although some stuff was completely unrealistic and unnecessarily over the top, I did enjoy the book.
I thought the book was a good read, however, it could've been half the length. 741 pages that consisted of mostly drawn out scenes to make us understand Harlee and Kaivon can't live or breathe without each other was a little overkill for me. While I enjoyed their connection and their growth, most of the scenes could've been scrapped or shortened.
I was conflicted with Kaivon. He's a God-loving, family over everything, professional football playing, cold-blooded killer, drug empire running, protector, and lover extraordinaire. Don't get me wrong, he's definitely book Bae material from the way he loves Harlee. But I didn't understand his undeniable love for God but would kill anyone who looked at Harlee wrong with no remorse and not even a second thought.
I thought Harlee would get on my nerves as she appeared to be a weakling, but I will admit I enjoyed her development. It took her losing what she loved the most to find her strength. She was determined to succeed and didn't really like help from others, even the ones she loved.
I loved the family dynamics. Both Mama Ivy and Nova were supportive of their kids no matter what. Kylo and Harlee's relationship was really cute. Kylo and Kaivon's bond was strong. There was laughter, sadness, romance, action, suspense, and betrayal. Although some stuff was completely unrealistic and unnecessarily over the top, I did enjoy the book.
September 19, 2024
The violence against women was too much. The characters lacked any morals and it was disturbing. kyro’s constant talk about killing the woman carrying your child and wanting your unborn child dead is insane and disgusting. I don’t know how anyone would enjoy that or want to write that. Who hurt you?? Overall if you forget about the unnecessary violence (because it really was overkill) and look past the overly descriptive & repetitive pages, you can enjoy the actual story. The book would have been better 200 less pages. I was looking forward to reading Kyro’s book but after this it’s going to be a no from me dawg. There’s enough domestic violence stories against women and children in real life, I’m not trying to read about it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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