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Always Been Mine
College junior Dezirae Lakes just wants to enjoy life. Being tied down in a relationship at the young, ripe age of twenty was not on her to-do list. However, her connection with a particular man makes it hard to remain single. He manages to win her heart, but she resists total commitment.
As Chance Hall, Jr., known to most as CJ, prepares to graduate from graduate school and enter the workforce full-time, he realizes he’s fallen for Dezirae Lakes. She is a few years younger and finishing her undergraduate degree, so a long-distance relationship is their only option. The only issue is convincing Dezirae.
When Chance asks Dezirae for a full commitment, she turns him down, breaking his heart. Ceasing all communication with her for the next two and a half years did nothing to lessen his feelings for her. When she accepts a job at the company where he’s employed, he seeks her out immediately, and they fall into bed like no time has passed.
However, there is something Chance fails to mention before their rendezvous, and it causes quite a stir after their reunion. Another roadblock appears with every promise made, but this duo is determined to make it work. Will they succeed, or will the drama surrounding them tear them apart?
As Chance Hall, Jr., known to most as CJ, prepares to graduate from graduate school and enter the workforce full-time, he realizes he’s fallen for Dezirae Lakes. She is a few years younger and finishing her undergraduate degree, so a long-distance relationship is their only option. The only issue is convincing Dezirae.
When Chance asks Dezirae for a full commitment, she turns him down, breaking his heart. Ceasing all communication with her for the next two and a half years did nothing to lessen his feelings for her. When she accepts a job at the company where he’s employed, he seeks her out immediately, and they fall into bed like no time has passed.
However, there is something Chance fails to mention before their rendezvous, and it causes quite a stir after their reunion. Another roadblock appears with every promise made, but this duo is determined to make it work. Will they succeed, or will the drama surrounding them tear them apart?
248 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 12, 2023
250 people are currently reading
164 people want to read
About the author
Kay Shanee
68 books490 followersWelcome to Kay Shanee's Reading Korner
Kay is forty something wife and mother, born and raised in the Midwest. During the day, she is a high school teacher. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends. Her favorite pastime is reading and writing romance novels about the dopeness of BLACK LOVE.
Kay is forty something wife and mother, born and raised in the Midwest. During the day, she is a high school teacher. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends. Her favorite pastime is reading and writing romance novels about the dopeness of BLACK LOVE.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
March 21, 2024
Dezirae and Chance are hot and heavy in a situationship they refuse to put a title on. He’s head over heels in love but, knows Rae is not ready for a real commitment so, Chance plays his role and keeps his feelings to himself. When he lands his dream job in Chicago, Rae refuses to entertain a long distance relationship so she breaks things off and leaves a heartbroken Chance in the Windy City. Fast forward two years later and, coincidentally, Dezirae manages to land her first job right out of grad school in the same city and at the same company where Chance works. When they run into each other at the company meet and greet, it’s like no time has passed. They, literally, pick up right where they left off. Unfortunantely for Rae, she and Chance’s reunion almost ended before it could begin.
All money ain’t good money and Chance is learning that the hard way when he finds himself in bed with the devil. The Brickyard family is a hot dysfunctional azz mess with a closet full of skeletons and they’ll do anything to keep them from falling out. And, I do mean ANYTHING! Daddy Brickyard said, “I ain’t a killa but, don’t test me.” Always Been Mine was a drama filled rollercoaster and I so enjoyed the ride. The secrets and jaw dropping bombs that unfolded had my mouth on the floor damn near the entire time I was reading this book. I think what really shocked me was, through all the mess, threats, and attempted kidnappings Rae and Chance somehow managed to stay together. He was willing to risk it all to secure the bag and she stood beside him through everything. This was a good messy read and I loved every minute. Well done Ms. Shanee! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
All money ain’t good money and Chance is learning that the hard way when he finds himself in bed with the devil. The Brickyard family is a hot dysfunctional azz mess with a closet full of skeletons and they’ll do anything to keep them from falling out. And, I do mean ANYTHING! Daddy Brickyard said, “I ain’t a killa but, don’t test me.” Always Been Mine was a drama filled rollercoaster and I so enjoyed the ride. The secrets and jaw dropping bombs that unfolded had my mouth on the floor damn near the entire time I was reading this book. I think what really shocked me was, through all the mess, threats, and attempted kidnappings Rae and Chance somehow managed to stay together. He was willing to risk it all to secure the bag and she stood beside him through everything. This was a good messy read and I loved every minute. Well done Ms. Shanee! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
August 30, 2025
Always Been Mine was a messy good time. 😏
December 16, 2023
Good Story
This was a different type of story for Kay….different in a good way…I enjoy the various twist in the story.
This was a different type of story for Kay….different in a good way…I enjoy the various twist in the story.
May 11, 2024
Kay Shanee dusted off her messy pen when she wrote Always Been Mine. Baby, this book was a hot funky petty mess full of drama and I loved every bit of it. 😏
December 20, 2023
Ma'am, you dusted off the gold pen huh? 🔥 When I glanced at a few of the reviews for this read, everyone kept saying how different this book was from your normal. I wondered what they meant by that, and chile...... I wasn't ready (in my Kevin Hart voice)! 😂 This thang went from zero to a million right quick, and I was jogging and panting behind it trying to catch up! Whew....
Money is truly the root of all evil, and it got quite ugly real fast! Chance, imma call you Chance cause I don't know if I like you like that or not! 😂 What in the entire hell were you thinking? Did you do your due diligence and look into these people? Obviously not, cause Addison and her damn daddy got some issues, and need to go sat down somewhere, far, far away! Then you have the audacity to drag poor Dezirae into your messy ish, cause want her back, and missed her! 👀 Selfish ass! 🤬
Miss Dezirae girl..... you's a good one, cause ion know that I would have dealt with allat! I know and understand love will make you do some thangs but got damn! 🤯 She grumbled a bit, but she was a rider for her man!
I just couldn't believe the twists and turns! Just when I thought we were at the pinnacle, her comes some more ish! Them Brickyards were a hot mess! (Love the play on words by the way) 😂
Amber! What????? She was the epitome of don't play in my face, or you gone f around and find out!
I can't believe that happened! 👀
This was more than an exciting ride, or an adventure, it was an experience! Once thing is for certain, Chance loves the hell outta Dezirae, and nothing could get in his way this time. Bravo! 👏🏾
Money is truly the root of all evil, and it got quite ugly real fast! Chance, imma call you Chance cause I don't know if I like you like that or not! 😂 What in the entire hell were you thinking? Did you do your due diligence and look into these people? Obviously not, cause Addison and her damn daddy got some issues, and need to go sat down somewhere, far, far away! Then you have the audacity to drag poor Dezirae into your messy ish, cause want her back, and missed her! 👀 Selfish ass! 🤬
Miss Dezirae girl..... you's a good one, cause ion know that I would have dealt with allat! I know and understand love will make you do some thangs but got damn! 🤯 She grumbled a bit, but she was a rider for her man!
I just couldn't believe the twists and turns! Just when I thought we were at the pinnacle, her comes some more ish! Them Brickyards were a hot mess! (Love the play on words by the way) 😂
Amber! What????? She was the epitome of don't play in my face, or you gone f around and find out!
I can't believe that happened! 👀
This was more than an exciting ride, or an adventure, it was an experience! Once thing is for certain, Chance loves the hell outta Dezirae, and nothing could get in his way this time. Bravo! 👏🏾
December 15, 2023
Simply amazing
The story was simply amazing. The many facets of this story kept calling me to keep reading. Here's the synopsis...The story was about a fake relationship, an inheritance stipulation, a second chance for the leading characters, blackmailing, an unstable couple, and a crazed wealthy family. You all, that's my summary for this unimaginable story. I think you will like this one.
The story was simply amazing. The many facets of this story kept calling me to keep reading. Here's the synopsis...The story was about a fake relationship, an inheritance stipulation, a second chance for the leading characters, blackmailing, an unstable couple, and a crazed wealthy family. You all, that's my summary for this unimaginable story. I think you will like this one.
December 28, 2023
Omg!! The secrets, twists and the everything 🤯
Yea I need this on tv!!!!
Yea I need this on tv!!!!
December 14, 2023
So good!
Chance and Dezirae fell in love while in College but neither opened up to each other about their feelings , the lack of communication leads to the two people in love parting ways . We meet up with Chance and Dezirae two years later, finding their way back to each other. The love is still there and a few other surprises. This was really great read. Kay always manages to give you two characters who make you laugh, and who are extremely sexy . The twist and turns in this book really surprised me and I loved every minute of it!!
Chance and Dezirae fell in love while in College but neither opened up to each other about their feelings , the lack of communication leads to the two people in love parting ways . We meet up with Chance and Dezirae two years later, finding their way back to each other. The love is still there and a few other surprises. This was really great read. Kay always manages to give you two characters who make you laugh, and who are extremely sexy . The twist and turns in this book really surprised me and I loved every minute of it!!
December 28, 2023
Good read
This was a different approach for this author and I liked it. There was a lot going on and alot of things I didn't see coming. Overall it was a good read
This was a different approach for this author and I liked it. There was a lot going on and alot of things I didn't see coming. Overall it was a good read
December 19, 2023
Always been mine
This book was a drama filled rollercoaster from beginning to end and I enjoyed every bit of it. Chance and Dezirae were perfect for each other and I loved how they loved each other. Chance played no games when it came to Dezirae starting with their initial meeting. I was happy to see Dezirae finally lean into her feelings and love for Chance so that they could get to their happily ever after. The drama that unfolded in this book at times had my mouth open in shock at what was happening. Some of those scenes were straight out of a movie. I would recommend this read for a good drama filled story that is not short on the love between the main characters.
This book was a drama filled rollercoaster from beginning to end and I enjoyed every bit of it. Chance and Dezirae were perfect for each other and I loved how they loved each other. Chance played no games when it came to Dezirae starting with their initial meeting. I was happy to see Dezirae finally lean into her feelings and love for Chance so that they could get to their happily ever after. The drama that unfolded in this book at times had my mouth open in shock at what was happening. Some of those scenes were straight out of a movie. I would recommend this read for a good drama filled story that is not short on the love between the main characters.
December 16, 2023
It's never what you think it is!!
I love a sexy second chance at love story with some twists to it!! This book was a wild ride along with being sexy and funny! Chance was something else and about his money! But he had to learn sometimes it's not the money & Dezirae had to learn that searching for something you already have can leave you messed up!! I loved this couple because Chance was a protector and once he got it together it was on!!
I love a sexy second chance at love story with some twists to it!! This book was a wild ride along with being sexy and funny! Chance was something else and about his money! But he had to learn sometimes it's not the money & Dezirae had to learn that searching for something you already have can leave you messed up!! I loved this couple because Chance was a protector and once he got it together it was on!!
January 4, 2024
One thing I love is a good messy book and this didn’t disappoint. Dezirae and Chance are friends with benefits but Dezirae fighting her feelings decides to cut things off after Chance once more. Fast forward 2 years and paths cross again. The love is still felt as though no time was wasted. Lawd it was plot twist after plot twist I didn’t see coming. Chance was playing chess. This was a cute second chance love.
December 18, 2023
Chance and Dezirae
This story was a roller coaster ride that kept getting better each chapter. I felt like I was watching a lifetime movie with all stuff that was going on in this book. I won’t give any information, but it a must read book for real!
This story was a roller coaster ride that kept getting better each chapter. I felt like I was watching a lifetime movie with all stuff that was going on in this book. I won’t give any information, but it a must read book for real!
December 22, 2023
Omg!!
Author Kay Shanee! Ma'am this book was so good, I could barely put it down! I was so anxious trying to see what would happen next. The book read like a blockbuster movie, it was so good. I loved how the love between Chance and Dezirae quickly picked up where it left off but baby the obstacles they had to face!?! This book is definitely one of a kind because when reading the synopsis, I had no clue Chance's situation was THAT complicated. And what happened to the Brickyard family at the end!?! I was shocked! Highly recommend!! Move this book to the top of your TBR, you will not be disappointed!
Author Kay Shanee! Ma'am this book was so good, I could barely put it down! I was so anxious trying to see what would happen next. The book read like a blockbuster movie, it was so good. I loved how the love between Chance and Dezirae quickly picked up where it left off but baby the obstacles they had to face!?! This book is definitely one of a kind because when reading the synopsis, I had no clue Chance's situation was THAT complicated. And what happened to the Brickyard family at the end!?! I was shocked! Highly recommend!! Move this book to the top of your TBR, you will not be disappointed!
December 19, 2023
Wow🤔
What an adventure. Nothing I ever put into thought happened in this absolute amazing story. Chance and Rae’s story is exciting and adventurous. This is a great one to put your readers on for. I enjoyed the book from start to finish. Hope you will too. It is very different and I was totally shocked at some of the incidences.
Happy Reading‼️
What an adventure. Nothing I ever put into thought happened in this absolute amazing story. Chance and Rae’s story is exciting and adventurous. This is a great one to put your readers on for. I enjoyed the book from start to finish. Hope you will too. It is very different and I was totally shocked at some of the incidences.
Happy Reading‼️
December 19, 2023
Chance and Dezirae
The Drama The Drama The Drama
Rich folks drama, the things people would to keep up the facade. It was a roller coaster ride that I didn’t want to get off.
I love how Chance made it known like no, she’s mind and has always been mine
This was a great read that I couldn’t put down
The Drama The Drama The Drama
Rich folks drama, the things people would to keep up the facade. It was a roller coaster ride that I didn’t want to get off.
I love how Chance made it known like no, she’s mind and has always been mine
This was a great read that I couldn’t put down
December 16, 2023
Always 💜
I really enjoyed this read. The plot was one of a kind and kept me turning the pages all in one sitting. Chance was resolute in his love for Dezirae. Absence truly made her heart grow fonder. The drama after they reconnected was non stop and entertaining 💜
I really enjoyed this read. The plot was one of a kind and kept me turning the pages all in one sitting. Chance was resolute in his love for Dezirae. Absence truly made her heart grow fonder. The drama after they reconnected was non stop and entertaining 💜
December 18, 2023
Beautiful love story the chemistry between characters was amazing I couldn't put it down one of my favorite 😍 ❤️ ♥️ 💕 loved it ❤️ the love between this couple take you on a journey of happiness and desire to be together through it all 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾
December 19, 2023
Always been mine
They were always meant to be together. Truly amazing read. This book has so much drama and love to keep you hooked the entire time. Their were so many curves the that I didn't see coming. In the end the blessings outweighed the choas.
They were always meant to be together. Truly amazing read. This book has so much drama and love to keep you hooked the entire time. Their were so many curves the that I didn't see coming. In the end the blessings outweighed the choas.
December 21, 2023
Always Been Mine
Great book regarding a couple so met a club.; they have gone through trials and tribulations but in the end their love remained strong. I would recommend this book for others to read the entire series!
Great book regarding a couple so met a club.; they have gone through trials and tribulations but in the end their love remained strong. I would recommend this book for others to read the entire series!
December 22, 2023
crazy love
To have found a love you wish for only to lose it due to lack of communication is hard. But real love certainly doesn’t vanish over night. Some crazy moments in this book but very interesting.
To have found a love you wish for only to lose it due to lack of communication is hard. But real love certainly doesn’t vanish over night. Some crazy moments in this book but very interesting.
December 26, 2023
Just when you think it can’t!
The moment you think this book can’t have another twist, it turns you upside down! I truly enjoyed Chance and Dez’s love!
The right amount of classy, sexy, and downright NASTY!!!
Don’t cheat yourself; treat yourself to this book!
The moment you think this book can’t have another twist, it turns you upside down! I truly enjoyed Chance and Dez’s love!
The right amount of classy, sexy, and downright NASTY!!!
Don’t cheat yourself; treat yourself to this book!
December 26, 2023
Great read
Loved every moment of this book. The up and downs.. The insane climaxes, the love that chance and dezirae shared
Loved every moment of this book. The up and downs.. The insane climaxes, the love that chance and dezirae shared
December 19, 2023
This Book was Everything! Rae and Chance second chance at Love. This Story definitely had alot of love, losses and jaw dropping drama. Chance knew from the first sight of Rae she was going to his end game. This man played no games when it came to her. Desirae had her miss giving about their so called relationship, but it all worked out in the end.
January 8, 2024
Lifetime Movie
I couldn't finish. I skimmed through it to find out what happened. I didn't like Chance and his attitude toward the relationship. The story was all over the place. I typically don't read anything from B. Love Publications because the stories are never well written. The plots are good ideas but the stories never flow well. This author is the only one I make an exception for. I wish she would work with another editor. This one was just a miss for me.
Don't recommend. I do recommend she sell the story to BET or Lifetime.
I couldn't finish. I skimmed through it to find out what happened. I didn't like Chance and his attitude toward the relationship. The story was all over the place. I typically don't read anything from B. Love Publications because the stories are never well written. The plots are good ideas but the stories never flow well. This author is the only one I make an exception for. I wish she would work with another editor. This one was just a miss for me.
Don't recommend. I do recommend she sell the story to BET or Lifetime.
December 18, 2023
This was oh so Kay Shanee but with a flare of a who done it mystery. The extreme risk that Chance was willing to take to secure the bag, all the while trying to physically convince Rae to stay the course. That Yard Family is a motley crew that was well written.
March 25, 2024
This book was a hot ass mess. It reads like stuff I wrote for wattpad when I was in middle school. Anytime something might be getting “dull” just throw in an outlandish plot twist and it makes for a good book right? Wrong. I feel like I can’t even get into detail about character development because the overall plot was just so bad, and unfortunately I’m a person that has a very hard time not finishing books once I’ve started them, no matter how bad (partly bc I hope it’ll get better and partly bc I feel like if I’ve already read this far I might as well finish the book to add a number to my reading challenge for the year.
Characters
The main male character was really controlling and manipulative and it was passed off as sweet or caring when he was really a huge red flag
Writing
The writing lacked substance and emotion. Just because you SAY they are madly and deeply in love doesn’t mean it’s conveyed to the reader. Sometimes the dialogue was written in a way that I had no idea who was even talking until halfway through or the end of the conversation and it didn’t feel like this was done intentionally, more like an oversight.
Plot
Like I said the plot was all over the place. Random sexuality reveals, drugs, poorly planned plots. Add in the fact that the main character just HAPPENED to always be in a place to not only overhear, BUT record conversations. The plot unfolded like R Kelly’s trapped in the closet, which admittedly was entertaining lol but superficially so it was no cinematic masterpiece.
Characters
The main male character was really controlling and manipulative and it was passed off as sweet or caring when he was really a huge red flag
Writing
The writing lacked substance and emotion. Just because you SAY they are madly and deeply in love doesn’t mean it’s conveyed to the reader. Sometimes the dialogue was written in a way that I had no idea who was even talking until halfway through or the end of the conversation and it didn’t feel like this was done intentionally, more like an oversight.
Plot
Like I said the plot was all over the place. Random sexuality reveals, drugs, poorly planned plots. Add in the fact that the main character just HAPPENED to always be in a place to not only overhear, BUT record conversations. The plot unfolded like R Kelly’s trapped in the closet, which admittedly was entertaining lol but superficially so it was no cinematic masterpiece.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 16, 2025
The heart wants what the heart wants....
Now Mrs. Shanee, you threw some serious plot twists into this one. It goes to show that you never know what the pages of a book hold. I am a tad bit taken back because it's out of your norm. However, it was genius, and I enjoyed every page turned. Chance and Dezirae got their second chance at their happily ever after. Now we all know that in order to get to the good, you have to go through the bad. And oh, did they have a few speed bumps and a couple of roadblocks along the way. However, Chance stood on business behind Dezirae. He was persistent and determined to make her his wife and the mother of his kids. He wasn't taking no for an answer or going down with a fight. A man like him shows his lady that he is always in the ring for her. Dezirae heart belonged to Chance many moons before she finally fully realized it. Once she did, when she got the opportunity to right all of their wrongs, she did just that.
Ladies and gents, this is an amazing read! You will enjoy this masterpiece, but be warned it has some serious plot twists. Let's just say you can't judge a book by its cover. Therefore, grab your copy today!
Now Mrs. Shanee, you threw some serious plot twists into this one. It goes to show that you never know what the pages of a book hold. I am a tad bit taken back because it's out of your norm. However, it was genius, and I enjoyed every page turned. Chance and Dezirae got their second chance at their happily ever after. Now we all know that in order to get to the good, you have to go through the bad. And oh, did they have a few speed bumps and a couple of roadblocks along the way. However, Chance stood on business behind Dezirae. He was persistent and determined to make her his wife and the mother of his kids. He wasn't taking no for an answer or going down with a fight. A man like him shows his lady that he is always in the ring for her. Dezirae heart belonged to Chance many moons before she finally fully realized it. Once she did, when she got the opportunity to right all of their wrongs, she did just that.
Ladies and gents, this is an amazing read! You will enjoy this masterpiece, but be warned it has some serious plot twists. Let's just say you can't judge a book by its cover. Therefore, grab your copy today!
January 3, 2024
Wow oh, wow....this story has so many twist. Literally better than watching any tv show ever. Chance and Dezi were literally meant for each other. i did understand why dezi wanted to break it off with him with 2 years prior but the reconnect was epic and spicy. knowing what chance had gotten himself into was just juciy. i expected a great story and ms. Shanee gave me an epic that reached full circle. that family was a mess and I don't feel bad for what happened to them, however I felt terrible for amber cause she lost her freedom and has to truly nusrse a broken heart. But cheers to the man couple and their fams living out they happily ever afters.
January 18, 2024
Dezirae and Chance were college students, who were not in a committed relationship. Chance earns his degree and moves to Chicago and asks Dezirae to come with him. Dezirae decides to stay and finish school, and she did not want a long-distance relationship. Chance heart was broken when Dezirae did not want to be committed to him. Chance and Dezirae did not speak for 2 years, but Dezirae was offered a job at the same company that Chance works at. Chance is happy that Dezirae is back close to him, but Chance has a secret that he is holding on to. Chance and Dezirae were a good couple that had some roadblocks in their way. Good book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews