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I Can't Lose When I'm With You: A Friends to Lovers Novel
Having someone you can call your best friend is nice, but what do you do when you’re secretly in love with them?
Zayna and Derrion have been best friends since childhood and grew up together in Cove Pointe. They become one another’s safe place as they navigate through life, enduring personal hardships that affect the relationships around them. Throughout the years, their codependency secretly turns into more, but neither of them is brave enough to speak on it. When Zayna finds the courage to do so, tragedy strikes. It forces her to leave home, and she shuts Derrion out.
Five years pass, and Derrion is left wondering where things went wrong. Not having his best friend takes a toll on him. He learns how to live without her, and just when he thinks he’s over it, she comes home.
Will their relationship be rekindled or will Derrion hold it against her?
Zayna and Derrion have been best friends since childhood and grew up together in Cove Pointe. They become one another’s safe place as they navigate through life, enduring personal hardships that affect the relationships around them. Throughout the years, their codependency secretly turns into more, but neither of them is brave enough to speak on it. When Zayna finds the courage to do so, tragedy strikes. It forces her to leave home, and she shuts Derrion out.
Five years pass, and Derrion is left wondering where things went wrong. Not having his best friend takes a toll on him. He learns how to live without her, and just when he thinks he’s over it, she comes home.
Will their relationship be rekindled or will Derrion hold it against her?
- GenresFriends To Lovers
166 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 14, 2024
132 people are currently reading
75 people want to read
About the author
DeeAnn
95 books115 followersBorn and raised in North Alabama, DeeAnn discovered a passion for reading and writing at a young age. Her topic of focus in her poems and stories consisted of various life situations she experienced or witnessed, and it poured over into her novels. Her goal with each novel is to touch someone. She strives to leave a permanent mark on her readers by penning relatable, passionate escapes.
In 2016, DeeAnn published her first book, There’s No Love in A Thug under Urban Chapters Publications, and currently has 30+ titles under her belt. She’s been writing Urban Fiction since she started and has ventured into Romance. DeeAnn is now embarking on a new journey of self-publishing.
You can contact DeeAnn on different social media platforms and through email.
Website: www.iamdeeann.com
Facebook Author Page: http://bit.ly/DeeAnnFacebook
Facebook Reading group: http://bit.ly/DeeAnnsReadersDen
Twitter: http://bit.ly/DeeAnnTwitter
Instagram: http://bit.ly/DeeAnnIG
Email: iam.authordeeann@gmail.com
In 2016, DeeAnn published her first book, There’s No Love in A Thug under Urban Chapters Publications, and currently has 30+ titles under her belt. She’s been writing Urban Fiction since she started and has ventured into Romance. DeeAnn is now embarking on a new journey of self-publishing.
You can contact DeeAnn on different social media platforms and through email.
Website: www.iamdeeann.com
Facebook Author Page: http://bit.ly/DeeAnnFacebook
Facebook Reading group: http://bit.ly/DeeAnnsReadersDen
Twitter: http://bit.ly/DeeAnnTwitter
Instagram: http://bit.ly/DeeAnnIG
Email: iam.authordeeann@gmail.com
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
March 20, 2024
“I couldn’t keep going on with life, missing you.”
Discover the heartwarming story of Zayna and Derrion, two childhood friends whose relationship takes an unexpected turn after a tragic event separates them for years. Follow their journey as they navigate the complexities of their feelings and ultimately realize that they may have been meant to be more than just friends.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Discover the heartwarming story of Zayna and Derrion, two childhood friends whose relationship takes an unexpected turn after a tragic event separates them for years. Follow their journey as they navigate the complexities of their feelings and ultimately realize that they may have been meant to be more than just friends.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
March 3, 2024
Ma'am, why you have my tear ducts leaking like this? Ughh..... what a beautiful, but emotional journey this took me on! Zayna and Derrion were young but understood friendship and loyalty. They were there for each other in every aspect of their lives, as protectors, and supporters. However, underneath this great friendship held an intense love that they both shared but were afraid to reveal to the other.
Zayna held onto anger, and trauma due to her mother abandoning her, and Derrion was her rock. Derrion was also dealing with issues in his homelife, with his mother and uncle. Zayna was who he looked to for comfort and understanding.
Zayna feels her heart was broken twice after what she witnessed, then tragedy strikes. But when she if forced to move and live with the one person she despises, she hits rock bottom! I hated that Zayna reacted the way she did, hurting both herself and Derrion.
Now, that reconnection was not at all what I expected! However, I suppose when you love as deeply as these two, there was no room for hostility. I was pleased with the outcome. Enjoyed this read.
Zayna held onto anger, and trauma due to her mother abandoning her, and Derrion was her rock. Derrion was also dealing with issues in his homelife, with his mother and uncle. Zayna was who he looked to for comfort and understanding.
Zayna feels her heart was broken twice after what she witnessed, then tragedy strikes. But when she if forced to move and live with the one person she despises, she hits rock bottom! I hated that Zayna reacted the way she did, hurting both herself and Derrion.
Now, that reconnection was not at all what I expected! However, I suppose when you love as deeply as these two, there was no room for hostility. I was pleased with the outcome. Enjoyed this read.
February 15, 2024
Ahhhh to be young and discover love. This book gives you being in tune with your feelings, the importance of taking care of mental health, and faith.
Beautifully written about the friendship of Derrion and Zayna. Both raised by single parents with added family dynamics. Great raw emotions with them choosing each other as their sounding board and safe space.
Beautifully written about the friendship of Derrion and Zayna. Both raised by single parents with added family dynamics. Great raw emotions with them choosing each other as their sounding board and safe space.
February 17, 2024
Loved It
Beautiful love story of best friends to lovers. Carrion & Zayna becoming lovers, didn't come without trials and tribulations! If you let it go and it comes back, it was meant for you!
Beautiful love story of best friends to lovers. Carrion & Zayna becoming lovers, didn't come without trials and tribulations! If you let it go and it comes back, it was meant for you!
March 2, 2024
I downloaded this book because of the friends-to-lovers trope, and I wanted to know what pulled Derrion and Zayna apart.
Half of the book is spent establishing Derrion and Zayna’s relationship as teenagers and the remaining half is about them reconnecting as young adults. I can’t even lie. I was ready for their teenage years to be over. And that’s not the author’s fault or anything. I just prefer to not read about teenagers so I was just like “bruh this could’ve been summed up in a short prologue” 😅
All of the drama happens during Derrion and Zayna’s teen years and given the way they reunited in adulthood, I liked that they reconnected instantly with no drama. (Aside from Lidia, but she was a non-factor.) But I mean, a *small* part of me did wish there would’ve been some kind of hostility between them. That part of me wanted Derrion to need a few days to talk to Zayna or something because “let’s keep the drama going” lol but the author made a good call.
And I do like they healed in their years apart from each other, could effectively communicate their feelings, and mended their broken relationships.
We didn’t really spend a lot of time getting to know adult Derrion and Zayna together, so I can’t really say if Derrion is a book boyfriend or not. He was sure to factor in Zayna’s feelings about a *few* things (because he definitely didn’t give her option on some things [ie “…you’re coming with me…”]) but we don’t get to see how they operate on the day-to-day as adults together. We do learn that Derrion and Zayna would still go to war for each other, but that’s about it.
Side note: I really wished Zayna hadn’t saved herself for Derrion. I really wanted her to experience dating and sex with other men before getting tied down to Derrion given they were so young but I get it I guess 😒😂
Half of the book is spent establishing Derrion and Zayna’s relationship as teenagers and the remaining half is about them reconnecting as young adults. I can’t even lie. I was ready for their teenage years to be over. And that’s not the author’s fault or anything. I just prefer to not read about teenagers so I was just like “bruh this could’ve been summed up in a short prologue” 😅
All of the drama happens during Derrion and Zayna’s teen years and given the way they reunited in adulthood, I liked that they reconnected instantly with no drama. (Aside from Lidia, but she was a non-factor.) But I mean, a *small* part of me did wish there would’ve been some kind of hostility between them. That part of me wanted Derrion to need a few days to talk to Zayna or something because “let’s keep the drama going” lol but the author made a good call.
And I do like they healed in their years apart from each other, could effectively communicate their feelings, and mended their broken relationships.
We didn’t really spend a lot of time getting to know adult Derrion and Zayna together, so I can’t really say if Derrion is a book boyfriend or not. He was sure to factor in Zayna’s feelings about a *few* things (because he definitely didn’t give her option on some things [ie “…you’re coming with me…”]) but we don’t get to see how they operate on the day-to-day as adults together. We do learn that Derrion and Zayna would still go to war for each other, but that’s about it.
Side note: I really wished Zayna hadn’t saved herself for Derrion. I really wanted her to experience dating and sex with other men before getting tied down to Derrion given they were so young but I get it I guess 😒😂
February 17, 2024
A cute novella with some angst starring Zayna & Derrion who ride for each other, until a few unfortunate events happen. I didn’t like Liddia or his uncle Davion a smidge, also his mom Wendy. At first I disliked Zayna grandma a little but then I kind of understood she didn’t want her grandchild to fall into her daughter’s footsteps. Especially old folks they don’t believe in puppy love, although they never told each other how they felt Zayna& Derrion. The family trauma/ drama was intense I really wanted them to say something but too many series of events prevented that which sadly broke them apart. Until 5years later what’s the saying If you love something, set it free.
If it comes back, it's yours. Also appreciate the fact that their family redemption. Overall this was a nice read I’m happy DeeAnn is back if you like young adult (friends to lovers reunion romance) check this out.
If it comes back, it's yours. Also appreciate the fact that their family redemption. Overall this was a nice read I’m happy DeeAnn is back if you like young adult (friends to lovers reunion romance) check this out.
February 24, 2024
very good
I really loved reading this one. Lidia was a mess but she didn’t stand a chance anyway. Fate works so well most times and it worked out here too. Derrion and Zayna were bound to be. Grannie made some bad decisions but again fate. Davion tried to hustle and again fate. Great story.
Happy Reading‼️
I really loved reading this one. Lidia was a mess but she didn’t stand a chance anyway. Fate works so well most times and it worked out here too. Derrion and Zayna were bound to be. Grannie made some bad decisions but again fate. Davion tried to hustle and again fate. Great story.
Happy Reading‼️
March 17, 2024
Good
A good read with a storyline that kept me interested, and enjoying ever page. With well developed, interesting, likeable characters, that will have you wanting to laugh, scream and slap them. This author delivered a five star read with a steady flow and plenty of drama.
A good read with a storyline that kept me interested, and enjoying ever page. With well developed, interesting, likeable characters, that will have you wanting to laugh, scream and slap them. This author delivered a five star read with a steady flow and plenty of drama.
February 18, 2024
Friends 2 Lovers🩷
This was a sweet friends to lovers romance. They both had some tough stuff to navigate during their child hood but their hearts always belonged together!
This was a sweet friends to lovers romance. They both had some tough stuff to navigate during their child hood but their hearts always belonged together!
February 20, 2024
True love
This story had me so emotional, I just love how they found their way back to one another and how there was growth in everyone.
This story had me so emotional, I just love how they found their way back to one another and how there was growth in everyone.
February 23, 2024
Love With A Soul Mate
This was such a wonderful story. Zayna and Derrion loved each other forever.
The tarials and drama that they endured only made them stronger.
This was such a wonderful story. Zayna and Derrion loved each other forever.
The tarials and drama that they endured only made them stronger.
March 21, 2024
Derrion and Zayna!!!
This is a short and sweet friends to lovers/second chance book. Derrion and Zayna always had each other's back growing up. Both were hiding their deeper feelings from each other. Before they can express themselves, they are separated by life's circumstances. I was glad that they were able to come back together after their 5-year separation and discover the love and passion that they had for each other was still there. The heart wants what the heart wants so there was no room for Lidia once Derrion saw Zayna again. Lidia was only about trying to have a come up so I didn't feel sorry for her at all. This is my first read by this author. I will definitely be reading more books by her.
This is a short and sweet friends to lovers/second chance book. Derrion and Zayna always had each other's back growing up. Both were hiding their deeper feelings from each other. Before they can express themselves, they are separated by life's circumstances. I was glad that they were able to come back together after their 5-year separation and discover the love and passion that they had for each other was still there. The heart wants what the heart wants so there was no room for Lidia once Derrion saw Zayna again. Lidia was only about trying to have a come up so I didn't feel sorry for her at all. This is my first read by this author. I will definitely be reading more books by her.
March 8, 2024
So Good
Beautiful read. The way Derrion and Zayna relationship and connection develop was great. Unc started off a hot mess and causing trouble for his nephew, but the he matured and started taking responsibility for his actions was beautiful to see, Shay was well. Veda and Montel were some real ride or die’s that everyone needs in their crew. Lidia needed to grow up and stop claiming something that wasn’t meant for her. You will always find yourself on the short end of the stick when you force your own way in. I am glad Wendy started listening even though she inserted herself where she should have it time worked out for the better. Grannie was the really GOAT she step up and took over and did play about her granddaughter. Great work DeeAnn.
Beautiful read. The way Derrion and Zayna relationship and connection develop was great. Unc started off a hot mess and causing trouble for his nephew, but the he matured and started taking responsibility for his actions was beautiful to see, Shay was well. Veda and Montel were some real ride or die’s that everyone needs in their crew. Lidia needed to grow up and stop claiming something that wasn’t meant for her. You will always find yourself on the short end of the stick when you force your own way in. I am glad Wendy started listening even though she inserted herself where she should have it time worked out for the better. Grannie was the really GOAT she step up and took over and did play about her granddaughter. Great work DeeAnn.
April 25, 2024
great
My girl has done it again! I love this storyline sooo much. The pros and cons of TRUE LOVE! It do exist.
My girl has done it again! I love this storyline sooo much. The pros and cons of TRUE LOVE! It do exist.
December 9, 2024
This isn't a long book but I struggled with it. Primarily because I was confused over the intended audience of this book. It mostly felt like a YA read which is a genre I consciously do not read; then as the characters are forced apart and time passes, I feel the tone shifted towards New Adult/college life vibes.
I will say the love and commitment Zayna and Derrion have for each other was very clear and consistent anchor for the story. And it was nice to see Zayna's character come out on the other end of the events that turned her life upside.
I will say the love and commitment Zayna and Derrion have for each other was very clear and consistent anchor for the story. And it was nice to see Zayna's character come out on the other end of the events that turned her life upside.
September 8, 2024
Amazing...
This read was nothing like I expected. OMG 😲 such a good read full of raw emotion, and I went along with every single emotion. I laughed. I cried deep, gutt soul cries. DeeAnn made this story come to life for me. Having been raised by my greatgrama and reconnecting with my mom after her death, I felt every part of that portion. The highs the lows all of it made their love worthwhile.
Great work DeeAnn you have a fan in me!
This read was nothing like I expected. OMG 😲 such a good read full of raw emotion, and I went along with every single emotion. I laughed. I cried deep, gutt soul cries. DeeAnn made this story come to life for me. Having been raised by my greatgrama and reconnecting with my mom after her death, I felt every part of that portion. The highs the lows all of it made their love worthwhile.
Great work DeeAnn you have a fan in me!
December 13, 2024
Amazing read!!
The whole story was so relatable and so raw that I could not put this book down!! I had just come off of a book high and was just looking for something to read next not knowing the journey this book would take me on. I have been reading a ton lately and this is the first book I felt compelled to write a review on. I appreciate this book so much because it spoke to the young lover in us all.
The whole story was so relatable and so raw that I could not put this book down!! I had just come off of a book high and was just looking for something to read next not knowing the journey this book would take me on. I have been reading a ton lately and this is the first book I felt compelled to write a review on. I appreciate this book so much because it spoke to the young lover in us all.
March 9, 2025
I just want you
I love a good friends to lovers troupe and this one didn’t disappoint. It was definitely the growth of Derrion and Zayne that stood out. In the words of Fantasia sometimes you have to lose to win again.
I love a good friends to lovers troupe and this one didn’t disappoint. It was definitely the growth of Derrion and Zayne that stood out. In the words of Fantasia sometimes you have to lose to win again.
March 17, 2024
3.75⭐️
June 25, 2024
Beautiful love story
It took a few years for them to get back communicating but it was worth it. Beautifully written. Need a part 2.
It took a few years for them to get back communicating but it was worth it. Beautifully written. Need a part 2.
December 1, 2024
Amazing!
Read in one sitting! A must read! Sooo many emotions. Their relationship is a true testament of growth. A straight hit
Read in one sitting! A must read! Sooo many emotions. Their relationship is a true testament of growth. A straight hit
December 7, 2024
🔥🔥🔥
This was so good I want another one about the wedding and them having kids they are so cute I love it
This was so good I want another one about the wedding and them having kids they are so cute I love it
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews