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The Air Between Us: An Erotic Romance
Trevino and Bashir are lovers, five years deep, and solid as a rock. But both of them also believe they're still missing a piece, another person to round out their hearts. It's been proven to be hard to find, until they run into Nasima, Trevino's childhood love, who is back in the neighborhood after a series of life events. She's the only person Trevino's ever loved that wasn't Bashir, and now Bash is certain she's their missing piece. Nasima is skeptical, but even she can't deny the pull of these two men. She promises them two weeks to convince her she can fit into their dynamic. The clock runs out on Valentine's Day. Can Trevino and Bashir show her why she's the air between them?
167 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 28, 2024
23 people are currently reading
252 people want to read
About the author
Shameka S. Erby
19 books81 followersI'm a fiction writer, blogger, essayist and your favorite writer's favorite writer.
I love bourbon, chicken wings, sauvignon blanc, 007 and the MCU.
I love bourbon, chicken wings, sauvignon blanc, 007 and the MCU.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
April 2, 2024
something about a well written poly black romance is gonna do it for me every time and that’s exactly what the air between us is.
the relationship between trevino, bashir and nasima was written with care and intention. i love the little bits of their back stories we got and the way it was weaved into present day.
i throughly enjoyed the dynamic between trevino and bashir. i love despite their outward appearances they found space to be soft within one another. it was truly tender and heartwarming to see two openly bisexual black men portrayed in that light.
i also enjoyed nasima’s place in the story. while trevino was her first and only love, she respected what he had with bash to the point where she was willing to walk away if her presence caused a disturbance.
this book was such a delightful read and one of my favorite reads in march.
the relationship between trevino, bashir and nasima was written with care and intention. i love the little bits of their back stories we got and the way it was weaved into present day.
i throughly enjoyed the dynamic between trevino and bashir. i love despite their outward appearances they found space to be soft within one another. it was truly tender and heartwarming to see two openly bisexual black men portrayed in that light.
i also enjoyed nasima’s place in the story. while trevino was her first and only love, she respected what he had with bash to the point where she was willing to walk away if her presence caused a disturbance.
this book was such a delightful read and one of my favorite reads in march.
April 4, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this romance. It was so intentional and so thoughtful.
My first from Shameka but definitely not my last
My first from Shameka but definitely not my last
May 14, 2024
Low angst
This was probably one of the most low angst books I’ve ever read. I appreciated that it was giving we grown and going to act and communicate like grown folks. The love and tenderness between all the characters was also really nice. I love soft MM love as much as I love the heartbreaking dark romance kind. My main issue was that at times Nas read as infantilized to me, both in her behavior and how they treated her. It also took me a minute to shift gears in my head because it’s had a very urban romance vibe from an author I’m used to a more contemporary vibe. So I’m going 3 overall.
This was probably one of the most low angst books I’ve ever read. I appreciated that it was giving we grown and going to act and communicate like grown folks. The love and tenderness between all the characters was also really nice. I love soft MM love as much as I love the heartbreaking dark romance kind. My main issue was that at times Nas read as infantilized to me, both in her behavior and how they treated her. It also took me a minute to shift gears in my head because it’s had a very urban romance vibe from an author I’m used to a more contemporary vibe. So I’m going 3 overall.
April 24, 2024
This was my first read from this author and I truly loved it. You did that miss ma'am.
Butta, Lil Baby and Vino deserve each other. They were good to and for each other. Nas and Vino’s love truly stood the test of time. Reading Vino and Butta's love scenes felt like I was invading their privacy. Reading love scenes between the three had me blushing like a sinner in church. This one is filthy folks so buckle up. This was an amazing start to this series!
I'm ready to read about Easy and Key now.
Butta, Lil Baby and Vino deserve each other. They were good to and for each other. Nas and Vino’s love truly stood the test of time. Reading Vino and Butta's love scenes felt like I was invading their privacy. Reading love scenes between the three had me blushing like a sinner in church. This one is filthy folks so buckle up. This was an amazing start to this series!
I'm ready to read about Easy and Key now.
August 7, 2024
don’t know what I was expecting
Fast paced. Low angst. This book did not start off how I expected. These men were not coming up off Nas at all. Unfortunately, as short as this book was I found myself skimming a lot of the book. Some parts were also super cheesy. I do like that it was the man that brought them together. In most poly books I read a woman brings the men together.
The nickname was overused. I get that was her nickname but reading Lil Baby 104 times in a book that’s 138 pages is crazy.
Fast paced. Low angst. This book did not start off how I expected. These men were not coming up off Nas at all. Unfortunately, as short as this book was I found myself skimming a lot of the book. Some parts were also super cheesy. I do like that it was the man that brought them together. In most poly books I read a woman brings the men together.
The nickname was overused. I get that was her nickname but reading Lil Baby 104 times in a book that’s 138 pages is crazy.
April 4, 2024
Bash, Nas & Trev 🫶🏾
The way their relationship(s) were nurtured throughout the story was very important. I appreciated Bash & Nas coming together using open communication, as their connection had just begun. With Trev having prior relationships with both that was necessary for balance. The characters are sickeningly sweet although they have tough reputations in their respective places outside of the home. And boy did they keep it hotttt
I did receive an ARC of this story, all thoughts are my own.
The way their relationship(s) were nurtured throughout the story was very important. I appreciated Bash & Nas coming together using open communication, as their connection had just begun. With Trev having prior relationships with both that was necessary for balance. The characters are sickeningly sweet although they have tough reputations in their respective places outside of the home. And boy did they keep it hotttt
I did receive an ARC of this story, all thoughts are my own.
June 20, 2024
4.5 rounded up
August 17, 2024
4.5 stars 🔥🔥🔥🔥This book was spicy. Trevino and Bashir's chemistry was off the chain. Once Nasima popped back up, I just knew that she would unlock another intimacy level like she had a cheat code.
May 23, 2025
⭐️⭐️/5 🌶🌶.5/5
TW - biphobia, violence, death of a grandparent (past, mentioned), murder, miscarriage (past, recounted), neglectful parents, crime (subplot), gun violence, use of the n word (among Black characters, no racist intentions), blood (mentioned), derogatory language (sc towards the FMC), infidelity (sc to the FMC), drug dealing (sc, pills, mentioned), eviction (FMC), alcohol consumption, drug use (weed), unsafe sex, various weapons, broken bones (sc, past, mentioned), drug addicted parents (past, recounted), pregnancy
CW - voyeurism, hand necklace, biting, light spanking, DP
Tropes - rich MMCs, jealousy, why choose, forced pr
Representation - Black MCs, polyam - MMF, plus size FMC
I… didn’t like this.
I picked this up as a quick palette cleanser between a romantasy series and it did not provide what I was looking for to say the least.
I actually love when an established couple are on the same page about bringing in a third; it remove all potential conflict and they can just get into it. That's what happened here with the MMCs so I was ready to lock in for this novella.
I hated the way this is written. It felt blocky which was not helped by the 3rd person and overuse of the (cringey) nicknames. There was a lot more telling than showing e.g., three days in the timeline were skipped only for it all to be recounted to us - what is the point in that? At first, I planned on just getting over the writing but... I couldn't. It was generally repetitive with the same descriptors being used throughout. Another example: there was a flashback to when they were teens and then the same scenario is recounted to someone else on page - why did I need to read that twice?
For me, the characters had no chemistry. Idk if it’s because Trev (MMC) and Bash (MMC) already had an established relationship and Trev and Nas (FMC) had history, but nothing was convincing me that these people are in love. Lust? Yh, for sure. But defo not love.
Nas going back to her cousins house after they’ve been threatened by Trev was dumb and a poor plot device to reintroduce conflict. She went to say thank you? For what? Him letting her stay there despite how they treated her and took advantage of her. Like is she dumb or what????? What did she think was going to happen? This irritated me because it added nothing to the story other than the FMC is not smart.
And finally, for erotica, the smut was boring.
Scale:
⭐️ - would've DNF'ed / continued out of spite
⭐️⭐️ - shit, but whatever
⭐️⭐️⭐️ - meh, could've been better
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - lit 👅
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - loved it, inject this shit into my veins 🤪
🫑 - no smut
🌶 - no point
🌶🌶 - mediocre at best
🌶🌶🌶 - standard smut, hot
🌶🌶🌶🌶 - 🥵 okay, some CW
🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶 - fuck me 🥵🥵 CWs / filthy with a side of filth - see Poison / Room Twenty-Two: Hide and Seek/ The Naughty List / The Naughtier List
TW - biphobia, violence, death of a grandparent (past, mentioned), murder, miscarriage (past, recounted), neglectful parents, crime (subplot), gun violence, use of the n word (among Black characters, no racist intentions), blood (mentioned), derogatory language (sc towards the FMC), infidelity (sc to the FMC), drug dealing (sc, pills, mentioned), eviction (FMC), alcohol consumption, drug use (weed), unsafe sex, various weapons, broken bones (sc, past, mentioned), drug addicted parents (past, recounted), pregnancy
CW - voyeurism, hand necklace, biting, light spanking, DP
Tropes - rich MMCs, jealousy, why choose, forced pr
Representation - Black MCs, polyam - MMF, plus size FMC
I… didn’t like this.
I picked this up as a quick palette cleanser between a romantasy series and it did not provide what I was looking for to say the least.
I actually love when an established couple are on the same page about bringing in a third; it remove all potential conflict and they can just get into it. That's what happened here with the MMCs so I was ready to lock in for this novella.
I hated the way this is written. It felt blocky which was not helped by the 3rd person and overuse of the (cringey) nicknames. There was a lot more telling than showing e.g., three days in the timeline were skipped only for it all to be recounted to us - what is the point in that? At first, I planned on just getting over the writing but... I couldn't. It was generally repetitive with the same descriptors being used throughout. Another example: there was a flashback to when they were teens and then the same scenario is recounted to someone else on page - why did I need to read that twice?
For me, the characters had no chemistry. Idk if it’s because Trev (MMC) and Bash (MMC) already had an established relationship and Trev and Nas (FMC) had history, but nothing was convincing me that these people are in love. Lust? Yh, for sure. But defo not love.
Nas going back to her cousins house after they’ve been threatened by Trev was dumb and a poor plot device to reintroduce conflict. She went to say thank you? For what? Him letting her stay there despite how they treated her and took advantage of her. Like is she dumb or what????? What did she think was going to happen? This irritated me because it added nothing to the story other than the FMC is not smart.
And finally, for erotica, the smut was boring.
Scale:
⭐️ - would've DNF'ed / continued out of spite
⭐️⭐️ - shit, but whatever
⭐️⭐️⭐️ - meh, could've been better
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - lit 👅
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - loved it, inject this shit into my veins 🤪
🫑 - no smut
🌶 - no point
🌶🌶 - mediocre at best
🌶🌶🌶 - standard smut, hot
🌶🌶🌶🌶 - 🥵 okay, some CW
🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶 - fuck me 🥵🥵 CWs / filthy with a side of filth - see Poison / Room Twenty-Two: Hide and Seek/ The Naughty List / The Naughtier List
June 12, 2024
AMAZING!!
This was my first story by this author but it won’t be the last. I loved this story literally loved everything. The way they all showed love to one another had me like what am I doing wrong how can I get that 😂 I can’t wait to read more stories
This was my first story by this author but it won’t be the last. I loved this story literally loved everything. The way they all showed love to one another had me like what am I doing wrong how can I get that 😂 I can’t wait to read more stories
December 28, 2025
Just what I needed tbh 🤭💕 Absolutely filthy and well written. Shout out to Nish for the rec!
June 11, 2024
This was such and sweet and hot🥵 story. I am invested in Trev, Nas, & Bash! I’m so glad Nas welcomed them in her lives and let them do what they said they would and stand on business. They took care of her and I LOVE it!! Trev and Bash took care of each other, too, and damn, I was jealous. They are some good men, Savannah!!!
The characters were well written and the pacing matched what was told about the MCs, as two of the three knew this was end game and there was honesty and openness from jump!!! Come on trust!!!
I’m gonna head on over and work my way through Ms. Erby’s catalog and have me a good ole time 💚
The characters were well written and the pacing matched what was told about the MCs, as two of the three knew this was end game and there was honesty and openness from jump!!! Come on trust!!!
I’m gonna head on over and work my way through Ms. Erby’s catalog and have me a good ole time 💚
December 14, 2025
Crazy in Love 🥰
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This book had me hooked from start to finish! The love between Trevino and Bashir felt solid, real, and deeply intimate, which made adding Nasima into their world feel natural and earned. Trevino (my man my man) is everything! A hit man who is loyal and don’t play about the people he loves. Bashir’s confidence and emotional steadiness perfectly balanced the dynamic, and his certainty that Nasima was their missing piece was beautiful. The chemistry between all three was undeniable, with true level 5 spice. 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Well done MMF why choose romance. This was sexy, heartfelt, and I’ve found another fav author!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This book had me hooked from start to finish! The love between Trevino and Bashir felt solid, real, and deeply intimate, which made adding Nasima into their world feel natural and earned. Trevino (my man my man) is everything! A hit man who is loyal and don’t play about the people he loves. Bashir’s confidence and emotional steadiness perfectly balanced the dynamic, and his certainty that Nasima was their missing piece was beautiful. The chemistry between all three was undeniable, with true level 5 spice. 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Well done MMF why choose romance. This was sexy, heartfelt, and I’ve found another fav author!
May 2, 2024
I got this book as my first ARC and let me tell you!! Shameka did not disappoint!!!
A couple is on the hunt for a third in their relationship and they find one! Truck and Bash were so cute together and Nas just made it cuter!! So much i want to say but i don't want to spoil the book! The only thing i wanted more of was to see the violence against those who tried Nas. i hope we get more of this couple!
Shameka, this was amazing! Can't wait for more!
A couple is on the hunt for a third in their relationship and they find one! Truck and Bash were so cute together and Nas just made it cuter!! So much i want to say but i don't want to spoil the book! The only thing i wanted more of was to see the violence against those who tried Nas. i hope we get more of this couple!
Shameka, this was amazing! Can't wait for more!
June 11, 2024
My first read
This is my first read by this author and I can't wait until book 2 comes out. The relationship dynamic between the characters was very interesting to me. I love the fact that Has and Bashir build a bonding during this book because you can feel the soul tie between her and Truck. I feel like Truck gave Has and Bashir the security and protection the needed. This wss such a good read and hella spicy
This is my first read by this author and I can't wait until book 2 comes out. The relationship dynamic between the characters was very interesting to me. I love the fact that Has and Bashir build a bonding during this book because you can feel the soul tie between her and Truck. I feel like Truck gave Has and Bashir the security and protection the needed. This wss such a good read and hella spicy
August 8, 2025
I have so much respect for authors who are able to weave such intricate stories into a novella. This insanely hot read has past and present loves forging to create a future. Trevino and Nasima were young loves separated by circumstance. Trevino and Bashir are present loves searching for their missing piece. Of course, no one else has worked because they're not Nasima. The air between them.
One of the best novellas I've read and SO sexy!
One of the best novellas I've read and SO sexy!
July 2, 2024
I didn’t want this book to end. I loved Vino, Bash, and Nas relationship, the way they just fell into motion not missing a step was just amazing. I like how Bash wasn’t jealous of Trevino & Nasima love for each other. And the sex between the three was so sexy, they made me want to try some kinky stuff like that.
May 16, 2025
Gave this an extra star just because Black poly romances are hard to find, especially those where everyone is loving on everyone. It’s a short book, so there wasn’t too much room for plot. Most of the book takes place at the MMF couple’s house. I did get tired of all the use of nicknames lol. Overall it was okay.
October 20, 2025
Right amount of Love & Spice
This was really good start to this series. I must say I love a good poly romance. The character building was good and they moved as a unit once everything was set in stone. The love dynamic was powerful among the 3. It’s the kind of love everyone should experience at least once in their lives. On to book 2
This was really good start to this series. I must say I love a good poly romance. The character building was good and they moved as a unit once everything was set in stone. The love dynamic was powerful among the 3. It’s the kind of love everyone should experience at least once in their lives. On to book 2
May 31, 2024
three way
I enjoyed this story of a second chance love that turns into a poly relationship with a happy ending 🥰. And the men that love her are the perfect catch makes me want a relationship like that 😜.
I enjoyed this story of a second chance love that turns into a poly relationship with a happy ending 🥰. And the men that love her are the perfect catch makes me want a relationship like that 😜.
July 2, 2024
Short and spicy. I love reading about bigger women getting lived on, especially in a “whychoose” polyamorous situation. I would love a full backstory on everyone here in a longer series, and then a follow up on how things went after this grouping stayed together for a few years.
June 25, 2025
The dynamic between Trevino, Bashir, and Nasima was well-written and they each got a well-deserved ending and happiness. Nasima deserved better than Smoke and Tone and Trevino made sure they were handled. The Valentine’s Day gifts among the three were very adorable.
March 6, 2025
Very Spicy
This book was quite spicy & it was glorious. I liked all three of the main characters. The stories that bonded them were well done.
This book was quite spicy & it was glorious. I liked all three of the main characters. The stories that bonded them were well done.
June 5, 2025
yeahhhh 3.5 because of the ending
May 13, 2024
Overall: 3
Spice: 2
You don't feel the connection between the characters or the emotion on the page. It's like it's supposed to be rated R but gives PG 13 vibes. Had the emotions or connection be there this book would have been amazing.
Spice: 2
You don't feel the connection between the characters or the emotion on the page. It's like it's supposed to be rated R but gives PG 13 vibes. Had the emotions or connection be there this book would have been amazing.
August 16, 2024
Perfect Poly Romance.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews