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The Promise

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ALL SHE KNOWS ARE BROKEN PROMISES, SO WHY IS HE ANY DIFFERENT?

Dear Lipstick
I think my best friend just proposed to me...am I tripping? How could he remember, he can't be serious. A pact that we made when we were only teenagers couldn't still ring true...could it?

I promised my best friend that we would get married if we were both thirty-five and still single. At the time, I was a teenager and believed that I would be married long before that age. But I was wrong. So very wrong. I’ll be thirty-five on my next birthday and still single.

He just reminded me of our promise, I should be happy because he’s offering me the ending without the uncertainty of the journey. Yet, something is holding me back. **Each book in the Lipstick Diaries can be read as a standalone.**

Readers are already

"Rianna and Kwon’s story warmed my heart immensely. From beginning to end, they had me wrapped up in their love."

"I loved loved loved this one."

1 pages, Audio CD

Published June 4, 2024

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About the author

Tiye Love

56 books237 followers
I want my readers to escape their realities and embark on a journey of self-exploration and love when they delve into my books. I have loved reading fiction, thrillers, and romance for years. Although my original (and still) writing interest was YA and self-help books, I received a surprise text one Valentine's Day, and wrote the very first chapter of a romance novel that day. And I became forever inspired to write contemporary and new adult romance - with a twist.

Please take a ride with me, Tiye Love and hold on to your hearts! I invite you to check out my website and join my newsletter at www.tiyelovebooks.com, and follow me on FB @Tiye Love Books, and/or on my IG @tiye28always...

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5 stars
114 (49%)
4 stars
83 (36%)
3 stars
30 (13%)
2 stars
2 (<1%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
Profile Image for Rashawnda.
1,391 reviews1,313 followers
November 5, 2023
Rianna, her sister, cousin and friend created the Lipstick Diaries as a way to reclaim their dating experience and live life uninhabited. With each of them in their mid 30’s and that biological clock ticking away, the diary was established to connect through the highs and lows of their dating woes!

Rianna is slowly approaching 35 and has made up in her mind that her dreams of marriage are slowly dwindling away. In an effort to reclaim her dreams of motherhood, she begins to consider adoption. As a kindergarten teacher her love for children is evident and now she wants a family of her own.

She had no idea that her own little family was already out there when one of her students fathers walked into her classroom and brought on a flood of old memories. It must’ve been fate because turns out the father was also her childhood best friend. Leroy who now goes by Kwon and Rianna were inseparable from 4th grade until their junior year of high school when Leroy’s family abruptly moved away. On their last day together Leroy and Rianna made a pact that if neither of them were married by 35, they would jump the broom no questions asked.

The rekindling of this friendship was beautiful but not without it fare share of drama! While minimal that one thing was a doozy!!! I mean a plot twist I was not expecting AT ALL and had I been Rianna, I probably wouldn’t cut my losses 🥴

I’m really enjoying Tiye and her storytelling and writing skills! Although I jumped past a book or two in the series, I’m looking forward to reading them all!
325 reviews2 followers
March 11, 2023
An Unforgettable Love and Friendship

Kwon and Rianna’s story of friendship, loneliness, trust and forgiveness was so compelling and heartfelt. They found each other again and had to work through secrets and understanding to find a love to last a lifetime.

Tiye, congratulations on an amazing story that pulled at my heart and keep me up all night to finish the story. It was simply incredible.
Profile Image for Toya  Davis-Stokley.
2,761 reviews119 followers
March 20, 2023
Alright now Tiye! I loved the friendship between Leroy and Rianna, and could feel the pain, hurt and despair that they endured, with their dysfunctional families! They were good as long as they were together, because they had each others back! Then it all comes crashing down when Leroy has to suddenly leave town. But not before he makes a promise to his best friend. Now Rianna again is feeling broken, and abandoned, while trying to hold on for herself and her mother. Fast forward many years, and these two meet again; where that spark is still alive! Leroy (now Kwon) is ready to make good on the promise, however Rianna is a bit reluctant. When they have that heart to heart and Rianna tells Kwon all that she went through, and how it all made her feel, I teared up! Ma'am the way you wrote this had my heart feeling some thangs, like I had been hurt! 💔 Whew! I was so happy for these two, as they both deserved this happiness. Now Kwon was no Leroy, and he had me drooling a lil bit, with that strong authority and BDE he was throwing around! 😍 Then the damn drama hits! What? Kwon please don't tell me that SHE is yo baby momma? Ughhh...... I understood that gut punch that Rianna felt, and didn't know if they could come back from this! But, surprise, surprise! The needed push and encouragement came from the unlikeliest of sources, but it did the trick! Really enjoyed this, and look forward to the stories of the other ladies. Especially Zsa. Good job! 👍👍👍
Profile Image for V. Rena.
1,680 reviews15 followers
May 19, 2023
Definitely 100% for other

Oh I love this story. Because life lifed, it separated best friends when were younger. However, time didn't break their feelings once they reconnect as adults, only intensifies it. Kwon is definitely 100% about Rianna and same goes for her. You can feel their connection through the pages and their words. I'll admit that it made me choke up at times because I understood Ri Ri's feelings. I highly recommend this story and series.
1,266 reviews3 followers
May 27, 2023
3 stars is generous. So far not feeling this series. Rianna is still insecure and kwon was dead wrong for not telling her about his history with Taisah. Especially after trying to marry her.
Profile Image for Jazisunray Skillern.
350 reviews6 followers
January 13, 2026
This was an absolute delight from start to finish—a friends-to-lovers romance that is equal parts nostalgic, funny, and deeply moving. The story takes a beloved trope and breathes new life into it, delivering a narrative that is as much about rediscovering oneself as it is about finding love where you least expect it.

Rianna and Kwon are characters you can’t help but root for. Their chemistry is natural, their banter sparkles, and the history they share gives their relationship a richness that leaps off the page. The author does a phenomenal job capturing the bittersweet tension of a promise made in youth, and the complex emotions that arise when that promise suddenly becomes real years later.

What I loved most about this book is how authentically it explores vulnerability and the fear of risking a treasured friendship for a shot at love. Rianna’s inner conflict—caught between gratitude for a “happily ever after” without uncertainty and the lingering doubts about what she truly wants—felt so honest and relatable. Kwon, with his gentle persistence and genuine care, is the best kind of romantic hero: patient, loving, and deeply attentive to Rianna’s needs.

This story is perfect for anyone who’s ever wondered “what if?” about a childhood pact or longtime friendship. The writing is tender and witty, and the emotional payoff is truly satisfying. Even if you haven’t read the other books in the Lipstick Diaries collection, this one stands beautifully on its own.

If you love romance that tugs at your heartstrings and leaves you smiling long after you turn the last page, don’t miss this one. Rianna and Kwon’s journey will warm your heart and remind you that sometimes, the love you’ve been searching for has been by your side all along.
Profile Image for Beverly.
791 reviews6 followers
April 3, 2023
Awwww

This story for some reason had a hold on my heart. My heart went out to two teenagers who were best friends and confidants who shared each others secrets and found solace in each other I wanted to cry for RiRi when Leroy told her he and his family had to move out of state because his family was being evicted. That was also they day that they made a promise to each other that if neither of them were married when they turned thirty-five they would marry each other.

Imagine RiRi’s surprise the day Leroy AKA Kwon shows up and proceeds to make good on their promise. Although they both had found ways to deal with their childhood hurts and disappointments they both realized that their high school love had grown up with them and they loved each other still. That love didn’t com without challenges and I love how the author crafted this story in such a way that I was all into this story like these two characters were connected to me in someway. I Loved the man that Kwon grow up to be and I fully understood
Why he choose to go by his middle name than his first.
Sweet story. And I enjoyed the Diary entries almost prompted me to start journaling again💕💕💕
Profile Image for KweenBee.
335 reviews6 followers
January 24, 2025
I Was Rooting For Them... Until I Wasn't.

This book started off so strong for me and since I am sucker for second chance/friends to lovers types of books this hit all the marks for me.... initially. How RiRi and Kwon (formally known as Leroy) innocently loved, cared for and protected each other since the 4th grade was so sweet and to have him reenter her life almost 20 years later was like the icing on the sweet cake...iniyially. But then the BIG reveal happened and the secret came out and that part of the story had me in a frown from then til the end. Although things were explained and apologies were given, I still wasn't a fan of the secret and who it involved and couldn't get back on board with Kwon after that. Overall though, the book was well written with just enough of everything to keep me engaged and frustrated.
812 reviews3 followers
March 11, 2023
Rianna

Rianna was dealing with parental Childhood and men issues! Her homegirls got together and were determined to date and be free from all prior issues they had with men! RiRi’s issues were a little deeper than most! When her childhood friend reappears and is determined to get her back and explains he wants her for his wife! She is determined to see it through! Ri Ri has to let go of all the pain of the past to give her heart to Kwon! A great read!
1,219 reviews8 followers
March 20, 2023
A reciprocated love

I enjoyed this story and loved how a twist of fate brought Kwon and Rianna back together. Kwon always seemed to know exactly what he wanted but he had to convince Rianna that she was always his first choice. This couple did not go without some adversity once they reconnected, but I think that only made their relationship and love that much stronger. I can’t wait to see what happens next with this group.
Profile Image for Tracy - loves to read .
1,028 reviews
March 27, 2023
always kinda love

The foundation of their friendship was love so it only made sense for it to progress to more than friendship. Theirs was a bond that spanned childhood, bullies, family dysfunction, distance, adulthood and time. She was always on his mind. He was always her safe place. It’s only fitting that a promise made between them is a promise that must be kept always.
Great read!
Profile Image for ShayBooks.
817 reviews20 followers
March 14, 2023
Friends To Lovers

Kwon and RiRi story was just simply beautiful, I was all in and swooning until that big monkey wrench came flying through the door, it bought pure tears to my eyes and hurt me to my heart. I can't wait to read the other ladies stories and I see the author is saving the best for last.
Profile Image for NubianJoí .
2,629 reviews14 followers
May 5, 2023
Promised Fulfilled

Book 3 of the Lipstick Diaries series was a sad yet great read. Therapy is an absolute necessity for both Kwon & Rianna to navigate & heal from all the childhood traumas. Meanwhile, glad a twenty plus year old promise became a promised fulfilled. …🥰Looking forward to the next installment of this series
Profile Image for Shahtia Gay-hairston.
3,573 reviews28 followers
June 2, 2023
The Promise 💄

I love the way this author gets me in my feelings behind these characters. I was happy when the were reunited but I already felt like they were settling. The love showed between them and then bam. A blast from the past. That really had me yelling pause and 🛑. Good read! I still concerns for those 2 though…
Profile Image for Dafort.
641 reviews19 followers
October 11, 2023
Love reading friends to lover tropes, and this one did not disappoint. Rianna and Kwon grew up together but circumstances led Kwon to move from their childhood neighborhood but he never forgot the promise he and Rianna made. Now years later, their paths cross and an attraction that once burned is not rekindled.

I enjoyed this story as well as the twists.
625 reviews
March 4, 2024
🤔

The question is because I’m not sure how I feel about this one. The more I’m reading I feel the women characters always seems to be controlled by sex😏

I know it’s fiction but a young lady reading this may assume drama is natural which it is but I don’t like it to seem like it’s ok.
384 reviews1 follower
March 12, 2023
Sweet Friends to Lovers

Loved Kwon and Rianna’s love story and the healing of the childhood wounds was beautiful icing on the cake. The plot twist was a good one and loved how that ultimately played out. Really looking forward to enjoying the last two adventures.⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
151 reviews
March 16, 2023
Gets better and better!

Story was amazing! Loved Rihanna & Leon’s friendship. They had a great connection from the beginning! Didn’t see the twist and turns coming but loved them! Can’t wait for Bea’s story!
Profile Image for Sharon Simmons.
833 reviews8 followers
March 18, 2023
I shed some tears reading this story.

Rihanna, Zsa and Kwon had some rough times in childhood. I love the bond between Rihanna, Zsa, Simone and Bea! There were some surprises but the ending was great! Can't wait for the next book to come out!
964 reviews8 followers
March 19, 2023
Awwww!

That was so sweet! Friends to lovers is one of my favorite writing tropes. And when there's a twist I didn't see coming? Even better! Rianna and Kwon's story gave everything it was supposed to, looking forward to the next installment!
Profile Image for Jayda Coleman.
19 reviews
March 31, 2023
My favorite couple so far in the series. Rianna and Kwon had a sweet and emotional story. I’m glad they found each other again. Friends to lovers is my least favorite trope but I loved how Tiye switched it up and made it her own.
Profile Image for Twigi718.
1,119 reviews5 followers
July 18, 2026
great read

This Lipstick Diaries is the ish… I love a good romance especially when there’s lots of chasing and pretending not to feel what’s obviously felt by both parties.. in any case this was just as good as the last 2 … off to book 3
Happy reading
862 reviews2 followers
March 23, 2023
beautiful

I love black love but I love the pact and closeness of friends. Such a sweet story about love, life, and how the past impacts us.
Profile Image for Felicia Green.
53 reviews
March 31, 2023
Beautiful love story

I enjoyed this book from beginning to end. It’s awesome to see how friends become lifetime partners.What a beautiful love story.
Profile Image for Jodee.
420 reviews18 followers
May 23, 2023
I loved Rianna and Kwon's story.
They had each other's backs when they were young and for them to find each other again, just in time to fulfill a promise they made when they were young. This story was so sweet. I was very happy to when they were able to work through the things that were hanging them up and make each other happy.

This was a very cute and fast read. I read it while I was at a basketball tournament.
Profile Image for Dana Prejean.
88 reviews
January 24, 2025
Just was not realistic to me. Who agrees to marry someone based off a promise in high school?? The MMC came off a controlling at times. The story just moved to fast.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Kendra Broomfield.
406 reviews2 followers
May 17, 2025
Ehhh. I don’t like how “Leroy” let things play out. Childhood friends or not I wouldn’t be able to trust him, especially adding how he acted at the restaurant with his jealousy
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews