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She's Elite Cutz

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For Nyla Holmes, life is never easy. Two steps forward always end up turning into ten steps back.

As the coldest female barber in Elite Cutz, Nyla wants to own her own shop. She plans for years and has set her sights on the perfect building. Disappointment settles in once again when she finds out that her dream has to be put on hold. The one person Nyla believes will never hurt her does the unthinkable.

Aarick Landry knows what success looks and feels like. He’s the VP of the credit union and an active member of his fraternity alumnae chapter. Aarick also understands that life can sometimes be harder on some than others. His mother has struggled with addiction his entire life.

Nyla and Aarick are total opposites but after a few chance encounters they quickly discover one similarity-they need another.

261 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 27, 2024

174 people are currently reading
238 people want to read

About the author

Charity Shane'

38 books565 followers
Charity Shane’ is a USA Today Best-selling author. She holds a Bachelor degree and a Juris Doctor degree. She’s an Author, Higher Education Leader, Legal Expert., and Creative.

Writing stories that create feelings through her words is her true passion.
To date, she has published many books, traditional and indie, including a USA Today Best Seller and a number of Amazon best sellers. She has been featured in Entertainment Weekly and Woman’s World Magazine for her traditionally published book, A Novel Christmas.

Her soul sings Black romance and Black Women’s fiction.

Authorcharityshane.com

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
Profile Image for Annette Williams.
1,197 reviews423 followers
February 19, 2024
She’s Elite Cutz is a sweet love story about the barber and the banker. Nyla is the only female barber at Elite Cutz. Her skills are unmatched and her chair is practically a revolving door with the number of clients she has. Nyla has dreams of opening her own shop so, she’s the first one through the door and the last one out every day to make her dream a reality. The only thing hindering her is her relationship with her long time boyfriend. Nyla and Gabe grew up in the system and have been each other’s person for most of their lives. But, Nyla has moved on from their days at The Guardian Place while Gabe continually throws their past in Nyla’s face to guilt trip her when he doesn’t get his way. Nyla knows their relationship is toxic and unhealthy but, her guilty conscious and Gabe’s manipulative ways are holding her hostage. When he commits the ultimate act of betrayal, Nyla finally finds the strength to walk away. Aarick is living his best life. He’s the youngest VP of Crescent Falls Credit Union and, as when his dad retires in a few years, he’ll be the youngest president of the credit union. His professional life is butta but, his personal life not so much. Aarick’s mama has been an alcoholic most of his life with multiple stints in rehab. When her latest relapse almost kills her, he has to put his foot down and show mama some tough love to get her back in rehab. The caramel cutie who comes into the credit union every Monday is just the distraction Aarick needs from the chaos of his mama’s addiction. He’s so smitten with Nyla that, he starts taking over the tellers job just so she can have the personal VIP experience every week. I absolutely adored this couple. Because Nyla grew up in the foster system, she’s never really had a normal upbringing so, she experienced a lot of her firsts with Aarick. When it comes to relationships, he opened up a whole new world she never even knew existed. Aarick was the breath of fresh air Nyla needed. He was kind, loving, attentive, supportive, generous and, most of all, a great lover. You know, all of the things Gabe wasn’t. She’s Elite Cutz was the perfect romance. It was sexy, sweet, and heartwarming. This book was a 10 out 10 and I highly recommend you add it to your TBR expeditiously.
Profile Image for Rashawnda.
1,391 reviews1,139 followers
January 28, 2024
Elite Cutz is home to one of the hottest female barbers in Crescent Falls. Nyla is on her grown woman boss sh*t and is a woman on a mission. She doesn’t remotely look like what she’s been through in her past and despite being raised in the foster care system, she’s successfully making a name for herself in a male dominated industry. It’s a good thing for her that her career is on the rise, because her personal life is at a standstill and her long time boyfriend is using their past shared trauma as a way to guilt trip Nyla into settling for his lazy, unmotivated 🍑.

Every time Nyla works up the courage to leave this 🥷 in the dust, he finds a way to manipulate her emotions into giving him yet another chance to disappoint her. After the ultimate betrayal occurs at his hands, she’s beyond done with him and is once again starting from close to the ground up to accomplish her dreams.

Nyla had no idea that one of her biggest fans was admiring her from the sidelines during her weekly trips to the local credit union. Aarick was the VP on Crescent Falls Credit Union and despite having such a huge title, didn’t mind doing the work of an entry level teller if that meant sharing the same space as Nyla. It didn’t take long for him to show Nyla that all men were not created equally and that once she gave the right one a chance, it would be the softest of soft lives from here on out. It was the consistency for me when it came to Aarick and I loved him for Nyla.

Charity consistently delivers the stories you can’t help but fall in love with and I can’t wait to see what she has next for us.
Profile Image for ReadnliftwithShar.
1,861 reviews
January 28, 2024
4.5 ⭐️ “She’s Elite Cutz” was a phenomenal stand-alone book with a storyline that captured my attention. The two main characters, Aarick and Nyla, are from different sides of the track. If it hadn’t been for their consistent run-ins at the bank, they wouldn’t have ever crossed paths. The book was easy to follow, had a strong plot, and memorable characters. Not only are the characters unique, but so are their backgrounds and the hardships they endured. Nyla was a female barber and aspiring entrepreneur who worked for everything she earned. Her upbringing was rough, as she bounced from different foster homes and faced many challenges. She spent years in a strained relationship and was content with settling because she felt indebted to him. However, the downfall of her relationship turned out to be her biggest blessing. Aarick was the VP of the credit union, and on paper, he was everything Nyla was not. His home life wasn’t the best, especially dealing with an alcoholic parent. But Aarick was such a great man, and he worked hard to prove himself to Nyla.

The book was a classic opposites-attract trope, but the execution was superb. Charity penned another male character who was generous, kind, thoughtful, and just what the female character needed. The reason Nyla and Aarick worked was because they were honest about their backgrounds and realized their upbringing and financial situations were the least of their worries. Aarick spoke life into Nyla and pushed her to go after her dream, and she helped him deal with his mother's addiction. They had a partnership, and I appreciated that so much! It was truly inspiring to watch Nyla get everything due to her. I was worried that the relationship was moving too fast, but I quickly realized that the heart wants what it wants, and there’s no timeframe for true love. Aarick and Nyla had a once-in-a-lifetime love. So beautiful!

ps, the cameo of some of my favorite characters and pet was definitely a pleasant surprise!

* arc copy
Profile Image for Nay .
444 reviews
Read
February 4, 2024
Nyla is with ain’t shit Gabe who ain’t even making her cum but Nyla feels as though she owes him. Gabe does the unthinkable and Nyla fed up kicks him the the curb. I loved Aarick for Nyla. He knew she wasn’t being loved right and came in and showed her what love is supposed to feel like. I liked the cameo from Beauden and Yelena. I don’t get why Kima was in the book as she was a non factor… she really should have gotten more than a slap tbh especially after her gift. The representation to highlight how hard it is for someone battling an addiction was done nicely. I’m glad his mom was able to get the help she needed. Another great read 💕💕
Profile Image for Dahyana.
695 reviews87 followers
May 13, 2024
Nyla x Aarick

Whenever I dive into a Charity Shane novel, one thing is certain: I'm never left disappointed. This particular story was incredibly sweet from start to finish and loved every page. Nyla worked at Elite Cutz where she shines in her element as a barber. Though a badass with her tough exterior, she carries deep wounds beneath the surface. In a long-term relationship with a “man” she’s known since childhood, she couldn’t help but feel drained emotionally and financially by his behavior. After he committed the ultimate sin against her, she still manages to push through, especially in a male-dominated field. However, Nyla was done for good.
Amidst the chaos, she finds solace in Aarick, the Vice President of a Credit Union. She goes in every Monday to check in on her financial affairs and through these little encounters, these two bonded and eventually fell deeply in love. While Aarick does his absolute best to love Nyla, he also carries his own burdens, particularly his mother's battle with addiction. Yet, together, they were just perfect.
This story beautifully captures the essence of love and resilience and healing. Loved every page.
As for the narrators, they get an F.
Profile Image for Crimson.
611 reviews4 followers
March 16, 2024
A complete love story 🥰🫦😍

What I love about Charity Shane's stories are they make me feel like I'm at home with family. They are also filled with love. This story has a lot of plot twist. It was engaging and kept me at the edge of my seat. I love how the book ended. Just read the damn book.
Profile Image for SheBeC.
44 reviews20 followers
February 4, 2024
Loved the story, just wished we got closure with Gabe. I kept waiting to hear about the troubles he got into.
Profile Image for Tisha.
1,243 reviews
February 1, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Loved!

This is a new to me author, but I’m definitely leaping into her catalog. Because she captured my attention within the first few sentences.

I loved almost everything about this story, from the characters to the storyline. Nyla and Aarick were adorable.

Aarick was not playing around with Nyla once he got his opportunity. To read about a black man loving her that way; helping her heal aspects she didn’t realize needing healing. When he gave her the first big “O”… I smiled big for her.

As for Gabe, I loved the way it was handled. That lesson we have to learn about leaving behind even those we thought we were going to be connected to forever.

My only two drawbacks, I wish it was lengthier and the Kima plot. It sort of fail flat, the conclusion around her was anticlimactic. Had me wondering what was her purpose for being mentioned at all.

My new fav trope: opposites attract and girls living that soft life. As Raylin said… let that man soften you up
Profile Image for Bug.
318 reviews27 followers
February 9, 2024
The Barber and the Banker

The men in Charity Shane’s book are always swoon worthy!!! These men never let me down. Aarick is no exception. You can tell a lot About a man by how he treats his mama and while his was struggling with addiction he tried to stay tough and compassionate. FMC Nyla was a treat. Sugar and Spice just needed a man that was nice. Reading all that she went through I was definitely rooting for her to win And UPGRADE! Between Gabe and Kima I don’t know who had the biggest audacity whew chile these two are a mess. I wanted better for Gabe because of his humble beginnings but in the end he deserved a two piece and more. Kima get credit for holding on tight like a snake knowing he don’t want her.

This complete story was amazing and beautifully written. He falls first and it was heartwarming reading all the thoughtful things Aarick did to make Nyla fall for him. Aarick knew what he wanted and went for it. All pressure no brakes. Nyla was scared but she trusted him .. 5 star ! I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a great read.
Profile Image for Mary Mimi Brown.
115 reviews10 followers
January 29, 2024
. Nyla the short haired beautiful tattoed barber had a hard upbringing living in the system all her life. The relationship she is in at the present time is holding her back and quite honestly he’s not the one for her regardless of if they went through the trenches together. My girl is making boss moves and she deserves more.

Our MMC Aarick is a VP of the credit union his father owns and from appearances the two are total opposites. But ever since Nyla stepped foot in the credit union he has been hypnotized. He also has some family skeletons he is having to deal with.

I can absolutely feel the love these two have for each other coming off the pages. I believe Aarick loved Nyla from the moment he laid eyes on her. I love the facts these two came from two different worlds and built such a beautiful bond. Charity has become one of my favorite authors 💕
Profile Image for Toya  Davis-Stokley.
2,566 reviews103 followers
February 1, 2024
Charity! I immediately connected with Nyla and could almost feel the pain and trauma that she was trying to forget. Although her childhood was rough, she had dreams for herself, and was working hard to accomplish them all. However, her “boyfriend” Gabe was dead weight bringing her down. I don’t know that she really loved him, or if she deeply cared for him, because he helped her out and his presence was familiar and comfortable. He did nothing to push them forward or help her in the here and now.

I could not believe that fool did her like that! I could sense that he was a taker, but damn that was foul as hell! Ughhh….. 🤬😤 That is what it took for her to see the light and leave his ass alone for good.

Aarick, had done well for himself, and his life seems perfect from the outside looking in. However, his family has their own demons too. He has been dealing with his mother’s addiction most of his life, and he is at wits end. Why won’t she stop? Can’t she see its killing her? His dad is not much help, and he letting it consume him. Until he meets her……

Aarick is enamored with Nyla at first glance and goes out of his way to connect with her during each of her visits to the credit union. He feels a connection to her and wants to get to know her in the worst way. When the opportunity arises, he seizes it, and goes in for the kill with Nyla. This man is everything you hear me? Swooning….. 😍 The way he appreciates everything through her eyes, carefully and patiently affirms her, and wants her to experience as many firsts as possible with him is beautiful! ❤ I just love them together. Great work ma’am! 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾
Profile Image for Kendra Broomfield.
358 reviews
May 4, 2024
I loved Nyla and I'm glad she let that walking red flag (Gabe) go! Baby found her a real one and a man who don't play about her! And not Gabe serving up basic 5 minute peen, asking if she came, then blaming her for not having an orgasm like he wasn't the problem! It just took a real one to minister to her body like she needed to.

I loved how Aarick loved. He had tunnel vision and he was ready to tell everybody they can kiss his ass about Nyla lol. He said it don't matter if nobody likes you, I do and that's all that matters!

This book goes to show, it doesn't matter what side of the tracks you come from, life is what you make it. I love that Nyla nor Aarick played victim to their circumstances, instead, they made the most of it and in the end found each other and got that happy ending.

*Only because I'm nosy* I kinda wanna know what the hell Gabe got himself into. I'm still mad about the money but in a way I get why she still cared about him, but still, don't talk to me unless you have the routing numbers so I can collect my coins!
Profile Image for Keeping.Volumes.Harris.
283 reviews5 followers
August 21, 2025
I really enjoyed this story because it was something different! I loved how it focused on the experiences of people in the foster care system. The way it addressed alcohol abuse was an important touch too. Nyla's situation, being held hostage because of a trauma bond, felt so real and relatable. All in all, it was a beautifully told story that I truly appreciated!
Profile Image for Beverly.
768 reviews7 followers
March 9, 2024
Great Read !

Such a heartwarming story. Nyla and Aarick seemed to come from two different world when in fact they were a match made in heaven ☺️. They both brought out the best in each other in more ways the one. My heart broke as I read Nyla’s back story and realized why she felt so obligated to Gabe until he commented the unforgivable . I won’t even stat talking about status seeking Kima🤨 trying not to spoil it for future readers
I Loved how Aarick was determined to introduce Nyla to so many first❤️. I enjoyed the visit back to Phox Den that brought a smile to my face as well. Again ,I want say this was a great read with just an enough conflict ,dysfunction, friendship love a passion 🔥🔥🔥🔥,to meet everyone taste ☺️. Aarick definitely brought his A game and a lot BDE when it came to his “Pretty girl”❤️

Ms.Charity you knocked out of the park once again.
As always I Enjoyed every page. ❤️




Profile Image for Tam Heart.
381 reviews6 followers
April 23, 2025
Nyla + Aarick

It’s no surprise that I love Crescent Falls.. Who doesn’t? Somehow, I kept skipping over this book. Nyla was a beautiful but lost soul. Aarick was smitten by her from their first encounter. I think Aarick was attracted to her because of the issues with his mother. I think he needed someone to save, love, fix because he couldn’t do those things with his mother. But not in a trauma bond kind of way, more of he had it to give kind of way and he was the right person for the job.

Most of my favorite CF couples were created by Charity. She creates the most perfect, gentle but manly men and the most stoic and strong and bada$$ women.
Profile Image for Goddess’ Smut Library &#x1fa77;.
496 reviews23 followers
July 22, 2025
3.75⭐️🌶️🌶️
Aarick is GOALS! I just would like to say that the author did a great job with the substance abuse, mental health, and childhood trauma. Nyla was too good for Gabe, and I felt like he honed in on her insecurities and used her. I also think that it was so great that she actually got everything that she ever wanted and found a family with Aarick. I did not like the epilogue at all. It literally just ended abruptly, if you ask me, so I can’t give it a full four stars, but I would definitely check your trigger warnings.
Profile Image for Nikita.
338 reviews17 followers
February 2, 2024
She’s Elite Cutz

Nyla and Aarick together was heart warming and the way they loved on each other especially Aarick’s actions throughout was perfection. Nyla really deserved a soft life cause ugh, she went through a lot in life, pain and trauma ugh. A happy ever after ending much deserved for Nyla and Aarick. I don’t feel the least bit bad for Gabe.
Profile Image for Chareese H..
582 reviews
May 3, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. This was 🔥🔥. Was glad walls were let down, issues with Mom & Ex was handled so love could find its way in. This definitely deserves more than 5⭐️. Willl definitely recommend
Profile Image for DOMINIQUE Davis.
499 reviews30 followers
January 29, 2024
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Imagine coming from nothing, working to save to have something of your own, then having the one person you thought loved you steal from you.

Nyla Holmes grew up in the foster care system where she was mistreated and abused. Her relationship with her boyfriend Gabe has run its course but their shared upbringing leaves her clinging on to that. When he does the unthinkable, things finally come to an end but not without heartbreak. When going to change accounts at her bank she learns the devastating news and the banks handsome VP, Aarick, is the one to break the news to her.

Aarick has had a crush on Nyla since her first laid eyes on her. Nyla’s unique looks and personality has Aarick going outta his way to service her when she comes in the bank weekly. The pair meet each other outside of the bank and Aarick can’t help but try to act on his feelings. A plus is finding out Nyla’s best friend is dating his frat brother. Aarick makes his intentions clear when he finds out Nyla is finally single and it was all gas no breaks from there.

I loved the connection between Aarick and Nyla. I loved how Aarick went out of his way to make sure Nyla was good. He was dead set on improving her days for the better after her traumatic past. I wasn’t feeling Aarick’s mom at all. She had her own issues and for her to look down on Nyla had me pissed off. I thought Nyla was gonna mess up things at the end but I was glad Asrick was able to see things with a clearer head after he calmed down.

Thank You Charity Shane’ for the opportunity to read your book in advance.
Profile Image for Taija Thompson.
397 reviews
January 20, 2025
Aarick for the win!

Nyla was about her shit!! Worked hard for everything the wanted! Her support system was everything too. Aarick didn’t play about his Prize babyyyy!!! I love how it didn’t take too much for Nyla to open up to Aarick after her fuckboy ex messed up! I also loved how Aarick was willing to grow and heal with her!
Profile Image for Tenika Glover.
797 reviews3 followers
June 8, 2024
When Total Opposites Attracts!!

Nyla is a go getter with aspirations of owning her own barber shop. Gabe is her boyfriend and artist with a little ambition kind of lazy always looking for a come up or a easy way around something. I think Nyla and Gabe got together under their circumstances. Aarick always wanted Nyla as soon as she walked into his bank. His cousin Qi was his right hand and his hype man. Raylin is her best friend who is pushing her put Gabe out especially when she found out he stole her money. I don't know what kind of hold Gabe had on Nyla, but she felt reasonable for him. Aarick changed Nyla's way of what she thought was about herself. Kima was using Aarick for clout so she could get access all of everything that was happening. Qi tickled me when she told her that she was going to smack her. She has Aarick best interest at heart. I wasn't feeling his mama because for one she was looking down on Nyla and two she is an alcoholic. I love that he has Nyla's back and asked her to marry him.
Profile Image for DeWanna.
300 reviews9 followers
February 1, 2024
Insert Swoooooon 😍😍😍😍 When Aarick encounters the object of his affection, he is hyper focused. Nyla has a goal in mind but is too emotionally indebted to her past. Aarick gave her the right tenderness to and attention to trust. Nyla gained a tired of being sick and tired mentality to drop the dead weight. Loved the supportive nature of the characters that surrounded them both. Aaricks' mother had her nerve. Michaelangrytrifling gga was a gray cloud that needed to removed from Nyla's life.
Profile Image for Sassha Reads❤️❤️.
2,053 reviews20 followers
February 19, 2024
Awwwwwwwww

I love the way that Aarick loved Nyla especially after what she went through with Gabe. Aarick helped mend her past wounds and aided in her healing by just loving on her the way that she deserved to be loved. I can’t get over Gabe stealing 20k from Nyla like he was just borrowing $20 and I’m glad that she put him out after that. I like how Aarick beat him down when he came to his house because that was foul. I need another book with the gender and name of the baby.
Profile Image for Kalise.
86 reviews
September 16, 2024
He Banked on love

This is such of sweet story of the baddest woman barber and the VP of a bank. Nyla is so deserving of love that loves her back and not one that steals and kicks her whip she’s trying to come back up. The foster kid will always be deserving of love and when they find it you experience their growth. Charity Shané writes love so eloquently that you crave it for yourself.
Profile Image for Jibria.
301 reviews6 followers
January 29, 2024
Lions Game

If it weren't for the LIONS game I would have finished this in two hours. I could not put this story down! It's emotional but not messy. I'm here for the shero in Nyla and the hopeless romantic of Aarick and how that mesh. Ugh just read this story and be glad when you do!
Profile Image for My My B.
367 reviews
February 9, 2024
Loved it. Aarick sure knew how to treat a lady. Nyla was dealt a bad hand and she deserved everything Aarick had to offer. Gabe was a user. He took advantage of Nyla because she was all he had. Nyla finally got tired & understood her worth. Excellent character development. This author never disappoints. Definitely a must read.
Profile Image for TheReaderVert .
816 reviews30 followers
January 9, 2025
This sweet book is everything. We have a gentleman MMC. One who knows how to claim a woman and show her what that means. We have Nyla or Ny as she likes to be called. With a horrible past and some dark roots, she's still a burst of fresh air. She pulls no punches but there is a softness and vulnerability there that was nice to see. The writing was stellar. This is a great example of a contemporary romance using dark themes and traumas to flesh out a character but still not be a dark romance. We were all rooting for Ny to get herself a solid man and we got to watch as her walls tore down and she did just that. Aaerick was a pleasure to watch and the sex scenes were well done.
454 reviews5 followers
February 27, 2024
She's Elite Cutz

Beautiful love story, I would recommend this book for others to read. There are some sexual content, but overall this is a good book!
34 reviews1 follower
April 13, 2024
cutest love story

I’m so happy for everyone’s Happily ever after. Nyla has proving against the stats, she is confident and in love. Great story!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews

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