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When It's Us

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When it’s us, nothing else matters —Day
Except this —Katori

The first time Lamont Day ever felt love was hen he saw her.
Katori Nichols has loved him since before either of them understood what love truly was.

With a love so perfect and all consuming, Lamont and Katori never expected things to fall apart, however they learned the harsh lesson that sometimes love is not enough.

Five years later, fate provides a second time for them to get it right. Their lives have progressed but their hearts have been in limbo, but buried secrets may threaten to ruin their last chance at getting it right.

This time around, Lamont and Katori will have to work hard to prove that when it is them, not even secrets can get in the way of the love they both deserve.

222 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 18, 2023

185 people are currently reading
247 people want to read

About the author

Charity Shane

36 books517 followers

Charity Shane’ holds a Bachelor degree and a Juris Doctor degree. Author. Higher Education Leader. Expert.

Writing stories that create feelings through her words is her true passion. Her soul sings AA romance and urban romance fiction.

To date, she has published over twenty books and is currently writing her next great story. Charity Shane’ is dedicated to giving readers robust and diverse stories centered around love.

Love is the passion behind each of her stories. By crafting characters that are relatable, Charity Shane’ has a little something for everyone.

Her official website is authorcharityshane.com

She can be found on social media platforms as AuthorCharityShane

Join her private Facebook group (Charity Shane’ Reading Group) for book discussions, exclusives, and sneak peeks of upcoming books.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
Profile Image for Rashawnda.
1,391 reviews1,074 followers
November 21, 2023
After finding the love of your life, there’s a natural progression to want to accomplish your goals, secure the bag together, get married and ultimately start a family. Well for Day and Katori, they were on the same page with everything except the family part. He was content with a family of two while she wanted to have all of his babies. Unfortunately due to childhood trauma, being a father wasn’t in the card for Day. It wasn’t something he was willing to compromise on and since neither of them was willing to bend, they ultimately broke.

Fast forwarding a few months later, what was intended to be a moment of easing her grief, turned into a surprise for her and a secret she planned to take to the grave! Katori had no idea that 5 years later she would cross paths with her former lover and her biggest kept secret would come crashing into them like a tidal wave!

Secret babies is one of my top three favorite tropes so I was excited going into this read. I understood why Katori did what she did because let’s face it, Day made it crystal clear that he did not want kids AT ALL. Katori went into mama bear mode and protected her baby from potential heartbreak but she was extremely selfish because it was more about her own rejection and not the baby’s. Knowing him since the age of 14 I’m certain that if she’d taken her emotions out of the situation and put logic into it, there would have been no doubt in her mind that Day would’ve stepped up!

I loved that despite her stupid decisions, she made sure that Keilen knew about his father. While physically absent, she made sure Day’s presence was visible so that when he was made aware that he was a father, his son was overjoyed knowing that the hero he only knew from pictures actually existed and I loved that for this father and son duo.

My only issues with the story was the lack of romance and healing behind what Katori did. Because Day spent so much time angry with her and rightfully so, by the time they were on the same page, the book was over. It was also weird for them to go from a heated argument about him serving her to fkn 🤣😩. I get emotions were high all the way around but I would’ve rather them focus on what was happening at the time because Katori did not deserve his forgiveness. She should’ve had to put in some WORK! All in all it was a good read and I’m always looking forward to what Charity has up her sleeve!
Profile Image for Jahda.
1,027 reviews296 followers
November 21, 2023
3.5 ⭐️ Despite my dislike of books with hidden pregnancies, I can't get enough of Charity Shane's stories. As childhood sweethearts, Lamont, and Katori end their relationship because Katori desires children and Lamont, who endured an awful experience at the hands of his parents, does not wish to pass that on. Over their separation, they developed into their full potential and achieved professional success. I find it refreshing that Lamont was a successful chef. Its a bit different. Where I don't like it is when they cross paths. Katori has kept a kid concealed from Lamont for almost five years. Regardless, I think the father should have a choice. He will never get that time back. After seeing how Lamont handled the situation with Katori, I was clearly on his side. Keilen bond with his parents was one of my favorite parts. It seems like there wasn't enough romance towards the end, in my opinion. We got a taste of it due to their past, but seeing them out on dates would have been great. If they had taken the time to get to know each other better, Lamont could have been more willing to forgive her. But, Katori felt terrible guilt and realized that her selfish behavior had an impact on her son and Lamont. I didnt care for Bryan he had so much audacity for a person that got kids in the streets. Even though it wasn't my favorite Charity novel, I still thought it was good.
Profile Image for ReadnliftwithShar.
1,808 reviews
November 19, 2023
Run to this book🏃🏾‍♀️💨

When I think of a second-chance romance, this is what I imagine it will be. When It’s Us was a fantastic story that tugged on my heartstrings. Lamont and Katori were soulmates. However, they couldn’t agree on one thing that essentially ended their relationship. It was intriguing to see both characters step into their respective careers and overcome obstacles. I truly believe being together would have been best for them, but that time apart helped them grow and mature into themselves. Granted, they were in dead-end relationships, but it made them appreciate true love when it was all said and done. The author gave us a leading FMC that is successful in every way. She’s a dope mother and on her “grown-woman-ish.” And Lamont was everything! He is a successful chef and businessman who is confident in his abilities. Again, this is a second-chance romance, so the story is about them reconnecting, and when they connect, it is not what I expected. The author executed the trope perfectly. She made me feel so many emotions because I knew things would come to a head. I wholeheartedly agree with Lamont’s response toward Katori because she knew better and still chose to think with her feelings, instead of logically. I think she was remorseful, and I appreciate her efforts to apologize. Keilen was so perfect; how could she keep him a secret?! 😩😭I am glad her family didn’t sugarcoat their feelings toward the situation because she needed to hear the truth. Overall, this story is a must-read! It had me squealing and giggling so much. Fatherhood looked good on Lamont; he was his mini-me’s hero, and it helped him to heal his inner child. Ughhh! I couldn’t get enough of this story!!! ❤️

Arc copy from the author/ all thoughts are my own.
Profile Image for Lette Reads.
244 reviews70 followers
March 4, 2024
Y’all already know that I LOVE Crescent Falls so of course I liked this book!!

Audiobook review— still loved the story. The narrators were just okay. The male narrator is fairly new so hopefully he grows.
Profile Image for Whit.
3,596 reviews49 followers
March 8, 2024
i absolutely love secret baby romance stories. Usually can't wait to see why the mom hid it in the first place and when and how it will be revealed. And as usual Miss Charity rocked this bad boy!!!

Although I liked Lamont, my heart broke for how he suffered under his abusive and psycho father. Nevertheless, he SAID, he BARKED, he YELLED, he BELLOWED, and he TOLD Katori in myriad ways that HE DID NOT WANT CHILDREN. He can't have it both ways. Day even told her to her face, he wouldn't have his two restaurants if he had kids. As if children would block his success. And Katori listened to him. Many of us hear what we want to hear, instead of what is really being said. And then become upset because things do not work out the way we wanted.

As an awesome mom, Katori put her child first. She refused to let anyone, even his own father, reject him and break his little heart! Katori is an African American mom and black moms have to do what ever is necessary to get our sons safely from birth to manhood. And if we have to block people that would hurt them in any way, so be it!
Profile Image for Crimson.
587 reviews4 followers
December 16, 2023
Charity Shane’!!!! I love it!!!🥰

This was another great read! 🤓 This is the second book that I've read by this author, and I'm about to look for another one. This year has been a discovery year for me. I set out to find the best of the best authors and I think I've found another one. This book out the gate was great. I was reading and screaming at the same time. I had to keep reading because I wanted to know how it ended. There were no skipped passages in this book. I feel like she hit and explained every avenue available. I've never been one to throw names or even tell scenes from the book. I'm definitely not going to do it now. This book will keep you on your toes and involved. You will be pissed off, but in the end you'll love it all. Do yourself a favor and just read the damn book.
Profile Image for Tam Heart.
367 reviews6 followers
October 8, 2025
Lamont & Katori

My least favorite trope… (insert eye roll) Still, I loved this story. At this point, Charity can do no wrong in my eyes! I love Crescent Falls and I want to move there!

I always base my rating on how bad the book stressed me out & I was stressed thanks to Katori. She handled that situation all wrong. Katori was a boss. She didn't let Bryan play in her face too too much. He tried it though. She would have been the perfect FMC if she didn't handle the situation with Lamont like she did.

Day (Lamont) was the sweetest, kindest man (besides Dom & Wale) that I’ve read from the author. I must be drawn to men with Daddy issues. He loved Katori so much that he had no love left over for anyone else. Also, I need one of those Po Boys!

4.5 Stars
Profile Image for Tasha.
629 reviews16 followers
January 13, 2024
Omg 🔥

I loved Katori but she was dead ass wrong for keeping that secret from Day. I loved the love between the two of them. I’m so glad they found their way back to them 🫶🏾

Charity is another one who doesn’t miss 🔥 🖊️ 📚 The ladies at KMP are constantly bringing the heat 👏🏾
Profile Image for Mrs..
5,911 reviews103 followers
November 20, 2023
Pleasure meeting this couple

Although Lamont and Katori grated on my very last nerves, I was so happy they worked through their differences. Lamont had a brutal childhood- and for eight years he declared he did not want children. So..... I did not fault Katori for not telling Lamont about the baby. But..... after their encounter the first time, she should have told him. I expected Lamont to be upset, and I hoped he would love his son, even with his misgivings. After the cat was out of the bag, I wanted them to get back to being Kat and her man... I had a good time with this one...4.25 stars.
Profile Image for DeWanna.
298 reviews9 followers
November 22, 2023
Such an awesome well written story! This book definitely made me smile and held my attention from beginning to end. Katori and Day definitely have a once in a lifetime type of love. But unfortunately, they were not on the same page about their future. They definitely grow together and put me in the mind of one of my favorite songs, "Boys to Men" by New Edition.

I am convinced that Mother Nichols had Jesus on speed dial. She and Mazee kept Katori clear on their opinions for her decision. I believe in her heart Katori thought she was doing wants best and protecting her heart.

Day kept a respect and endearing love towards Katori although they went their separate ways. It was awesome to revisit with all the other couples in the Falls.

Poor Dana couldn't see the forest for the trees. The ball player needs to be left way out in the outfield for his lack of self control and narcissism.

They joy of it all was Keilen.

Now I want to revisit more of Charity Shane's other books I have enjoyed.
Profile Image for Bug.
287 reviews25 followers
November 22, 2023
Second chance romance

Second chance romance with the boy you've loved since you were 15. Katori and Day have differnet desire for family life causing a rift between the soul mates. But if something leaves and it comes back to you, its yours. 1+1=3 and now they have to navigate their new normal. this stories gives us glimpse s of how these lovers came to be. How They grew up different and how they grew apart in certain aspects. Charity Shane has a way of pulling you Into the story. I loved how Katori gave Day his space to jump back into her life (not that he gave her a choice lol) and how he instantly knew he would not be like his parents. We know Katori should not have kept her secrets but she asked that man 1000x did he want a family lol. 5 star read. Perfect pace passion and entertainment.
Profile Image for tayara tate.
921 reviews1 follower
February 20, 2024
Loved

Very great read and i loved how the story came together for the two. They both had their faults on why the situation happened but it all worked it self it t in the end.
Profile Image for Breeee Ranae⚜️.
270 reviews69 followers
December 6, 2023
Ms. Charity really be coming with the heat !! I think second chance romance is my favorite trope right now & this was soooo good. Now accidental/hidden pregnancy is NOT but she wrote this so well.

Katori & Day have been in love since they were 15. After college they go their separate ways because Day doesn’t want to have kids.(childhood trauma) After having post break up sex she gets pregnant & doesn’t tell that man. Lordd I was so mad with sis.

Meanwhile Day living all his career dreams stringing along another woman knowing he still in love with Katori!!!! When he finds out about their child IT WAS ON. He did not let up on Katori but that looooveee never left.

This is such a beautiful story besides the deceit the passion was there between these characters.

Justice for Dana Niece deserved better 🥲🤣
71 reviews1 follower
February 25, 2024
Together Again

This book is a great read and shows the beauty of second chances and fate, against the backdrop of a realistic situation for the lead characters. Lamont’s vulnerability throughout the book was really touching and I loved how the couple vibed together even through the hard times. Really enjoyed this book - well written and a great story.
977 reviews4 followers
December 23, 2023
Nothing Else Matters

I loved everything about “When It’s Us!” Lamont Day and Katori Nichols had loved each other strongly and fiercely since they were teens. Lamont, however, was the product of an extremely abusive father. As a result, despite his love for Katori, he did not want children. Unfortunately, after ten years into their relationship, this was the dealbreaker for Katori. But life has a way of leading you back to where you were truly meant to be…
Profile Image for Kameel.
1,040 reviews283 followers
June 12, 2025
2nd read was the audiobook narrated by new to me narrators Christy Clark & Redd Vines
Profile Image for LaDonna B.
1,423 reviews15 followers
November 26, 2023
Sigh 🥰

Such a great read. My G was not letting up on her, but it all came together in the end. I loved their story and it all came together!!
31 reviews
December 17, 2023
Perfection!

I LOVED this book! I rarely give 5 stars but this book deserves it. Charity Shane is fast becoming one of my favorite authors. She’s definitely on my automatic buy list now. I loved the journey of Lamont and Katori. The love was always there and I like how we get to meet them young and see their love as teenagers, young adults and then in adulthood. Keep doing your thing Charity. You definitely have a gift, thank you for sharing it with all of us.
754 reviews1 follower
January 18, 2024
Great 1st read

This book was great 1st read by this author. I enjoyed it from start to finish. I love how Katori and Lamont were able to go their separate ways and become successful and how fate bought them back together. Great job Charity
664 reviews3 followers
January 26, 2024
Loved It!

Lamont Day! Every woman’s dream! Katori made some mistakes but the love she and Lamont have is special. This was well written with good progression from their beginning to their final chapter.
Profile Image for Mia Morgan.
1,144 reviews31 followers
November 23, 2023
Oh my

Oh, how I loved this story. A second chance at true love. Love me some Day. Katori did irk me, but she redeemed herself. Good read.
Profile Image for DOMINIQUE Davis.
494 reviews30 followers
December 12, 2023
When it’s Us nothing else matters

Katori Nichols and Lamont Day found love in each other early. But after traumatic events happened in Lamont’s life he is very apprehensive about one thing in the progression of their relationship. Naturally Katori wants to build a family with the one she loves but Lamont is strongly against it. The two break up due to this. When a tragedy brings Katori and Day back together and they share one night together.

Fast Forward 5 years, they find themselves in Crescent Falls where they both become very successful in their careers and have new love interests. Katori never expected to run into Day again but that thing called fate is always around. Will Katori’s secret threaten any chance of reconnecting or is love enough?

I really enjoyed this one. Katori and Day really did need the time separate. Katori felt like what she did at the time was the right thing to do. Although I don’t agree I can absolutely see why she did it. Day was so hung up on what she did that he was reacting off emotion when Katori wasn’t trying to block him. I wish there was more of Kat and Day together on page after they finally got things together but I still enjoyed their story.
Profile Image for Cindy LouWhooo.
38 reviews
October 21, 2025
lovedddd the story line

The author writes so well in a way that makes the story line realistic and the dialogue was awesome!

This book is one of my favs as far as secret baby tropes.
Profile Image for MARQUETTA.
1,167 reviews139 followers
November 28, 2023
I love a secret baby , second chance romance trope. But this book lost me the moment Day found out he had a son. His anger was over the top for someone who never ever wanted kids. Something that he and Katori broke up over. Something that he said repeatedly. I had to DNF at 67% when Katori confronts him and she’s the one that ends up apologizing and they end up kissing. Girl stand up! I have a feeling Day will never apologize for making Katori feel insecure so yeah 1 star for this one.

Update. I skimmed the rest and I was right. No apology from Day about his whack ass feelings about being a father playing a part in Katori keeping it a secret. Trash.
Profile Image for Mary Mimi Brown.
113 reviews9 followers
December 5, 2023
When it’s Us
⭐️Day & Katori

I felt the love Day & Katori had for each other from the first page at even a young age. When you find your soulmate at a young age you think that they would grow together build a life together have a family etc. but for these two one wanted the family the other didn’t due to childhood trauma Day felt as tho he was not built to be a father. Something neither of the two would compromise.

Few months after the break up the two are brought back together due to a family tragedy and dealing with grief they are vulnerable and things happen and a gift is given that is kept a secret.

5 years ahead and they are brought back into each others world again. The love is still there its evident. He has become Chef and business owner and she is a Sports lawyer. Only thing is she came with more than her career. But I’m so glad Day did not just cave when he found out what happened that man as mad mad which he had every right to be.

One thing I was happy to see was when the person Day is in a relationship with found out about everything there was no drama she left the situation with respect and the focus was on the situation in hand we did not have to read about her being upset trying to do things to keep him etc. cause he is man you would want to keep.

This second chance was done well and I love Kielen! I’m so glas Katori made sure he knew who his dad was regardless of her selfish decisions and 👏🏽 to her family for telling her what she did was wrong.!

P.S I was so tickled when my girl was trying to get back in good with my boo and she try to cook for him and do a dance for him my girl can not cook and she’s off beat 😂

I’ve recently dove into Charity catalogue and loving it.
Profile Image for Jerrica (Mrsmar10Reads) Martin .
1,608 reviews9 followers
September 22, 2024
Loved.❤❤

Katori and Day literally drove me crazy, but I loved it and them. I'm going to try to review this without giving much away. These two were teenage sweethearts and everything was better when it was them. He supported her through law school and she supported him in kind...until he wouldn't budge on the thing she wanted most - children. Coming from a truly dysfunctional home, he didn't think he could be a father a child would need and Katori wanted what she wanted.

Their split lasted for several years, but one emotional, life - altering event months after their initial split leads Day back to his forever and it changes the course of their lives. After that day about 5 years pass and she has everything she could think she wants in life and moves from Florida to Crescent Falls for the perfect job not knowing that Day has also made CF his home and she's harbouring this huge secret.

The reconnecting, the revelation, and the healing is both bitter and sweet. These two were destined from their formative years and nothing, even that heartbreaking secret would keep them apart.

S/N: I felt sorry for Dana because she was sweet and more understanding than most women would be. I think she realized that competition with someone who never stopped loving someone else wasn't an option and I applaud her for being sensible enough to not act out.

Bryan...I just didn't like him. He was for the streets and Katori didn't need that drama, even though he tried it. GTFOHWTBS!

AGAIN, Charity bought it all with another great read!💋💋
Profile Image for Jacquie.
578 reviews13 followers
March 10, 2024
A Charity Shané book and its second chance romance? It’s a guaranteed good time! Now before I get to the actual story let me say one of the reasons I’m gonna always read a CA book is because I adore the crossovers! I always love when other characters from the charityverse (I’m making that a thing) or other KMP authors pop back up! I will always love a cameo from the Kincaids and JV!

Now the story had me on pins and needles waiting for the Keilen bomb to drop. I fully understand where Katori was coming from when she ended things but she did my man dirty and I loved angry Lamont! It was giving angry but I love you anyway. Give me a minute but don’t leave me bae. The side drama from Bryan kept things going with just the right amount of angst without dragging any part of the storyline for my taste!

You get second chance with a side of fated mates. Like Katori and Lamont being a part was a disservice to themselves and everyone who loved them. I was rooting for then the whole time and can’t wait to see where they pop up in the Crescent Falls world next!
Profile Image for Brittany.
338 reviews
December 17, 2023
This was my first read by this author, and I didn’t hate it; but I also didn’t love it. It just felt like something to read to let time pass by.

There weren’t any characters that I absolutely adored, but there also weren’t any that I absolutely despised. I mean Bryan was pretty terrible, but I think if I liked Katori more I would’ve *despised* Bryan.

Katori and Day’s relationship was adorable enough, and I liked that Katori’s mom and cousin held her accountable for her actions. I think we can all agree that what Katori did was messed up. I could understand if she did it because Day was an asshole and would bring harm but other than that, girl 😒

Like I mentioned before, it’s not a trash book, so I’ll be checking out more of the author’s catalog.
Profile Image for TellsOfABibliophile.
497 reviews14 followers
November 27, 2023
Second Chance Romance 😍💕

I love me a good second chance romance. Katori and Lamont was everything to eachother until their differences got in the way but the love never faltered. I get Katori stance but keeping a big secret like that was a no no. She should’ve told Lamont & let it play out from there because she basically she made a decision for him. Once they got it right I was happy for them. I love their little family. Ngl I thought Dana and Bryan would be a problem but I was wrong. This book will hold your attention and have you wanting more. Before I knew it I was 91%. I’ll definitely recommend.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews

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