Deemed Detroit's bad boy, Czar is a man of many layers. To the world he’s a lyrical genius with a sharp tongue and tough exterior, but behind closed doors, he battles with dark demons from his past while dodging industry drama, scandals and lies.
Marley is walking through life barely existing. Her soul is shattered by tragedy leaving her with a heavy heart and broken spirit. She’s content with fading into the shadows and it works for her until she collides into him.
Czar is a walking red flag. Marley is emotionally unavailable. Together they are destined for emotional turmoil and just when they have it all figured out, the duo learns that the past has a sneaky way of preying on the future.
“The reasons I want you have nothing to do with the outside world. You bring me a sense of peace that I want to live in forever.”
Baby this is the type of book my soul has been craving for months!! It is evident that Nesha poured her heart and soul into Czar and Marley’s story and they will forever live with me! There are few authors on my list at this point that I trust to put out fire every single time and Nesha is one of them.
After experiencing the ultimate heartbreak as far as I’m concerned, Marley went through a time of deep, dark depression. She went from having everything to having nothing and that sudden loss was far too much to bear. Now 3 years later Marley is a tea making, joint smoking vegan living out of her van and she’s only a fraction of herself. She’s to the point where she doesn’t think she will ever get back to her “old self” but maybe that’s not always a bad thing. After running into bad boy rapper Czar at a mental health fair, Marley had no idea that the cocky 🥷 that she often saw on social media would be the friend she never knew she needed and the lover her soul craved.
Czar was battling his own demons. He had a childhood Freddy Kruger would shy away from and somehow he still managed to turn his pain into passion. It’s because of him that his family eats and eats well! He had a generous, kindhearted spirit that only those closest to him got to experience and now that Marley falls into that category, he wants to give her everything beyond her hearts desires.
These two warmed me so and every scene whether in person, text or FaceTime had me skinnin and grinnin! 🥰🥰 The chemistry was effortless and had me wanting to soak them up!
🌱It was Harper offering to have babies for Marley for me 🥰 🌱It was Marley and Czar’s yoga date for me 🧘🏽♀️ 🌱It was game night at Ada’s for me because the familial bond between this crew was everything! 🎲♟️🧩🧮🃏 🌱It was JJs magic tricks for me and that one with the sheet!!! CACKLED😆😆 🪄🎩🤹🏾♀️ 🌱It was Marley’s mace every time for me 🌱It was Sip n 🍆paint + Jaxson’s surprise pop up for me because yassss track my whereabouts bae 🌱It was the melatonin for me because Harper, you might be on to something! 😜
The supporting characters were just as loveable if not more than Marley and Czar! Nova, Romeo, Sammy, Pooh, Uncle Goose and Biggie were all a whole vibe! Nesha has a way of making you feel like part of the characters family’s and I definitely felt like I was at game night and the club and the Maldives on the beach doing yoga right along with the crew.
Ok now give me a moment to play devils advocate. While Marley made a dumb decision to 39 year old me, 24 year old me understood why she gave Benny a second chance. Despite Czar bringing her a peace she never experienced, she also needed that closure. Idk how anyone would be expected to completely move on with zero consideration for what was lost with no conversation, answers to three year worth of questions or nothing. Because had it been ME!!! And my first love!!! I can’t say with certainty that I would just walk away. Marley held on to a lot of pain and trauma that she had to release and outside of therapy that was the only way. Benny was her first everything and I can’t say that disregarding all of that would come easy for anyone. It’s easy to say what we would or wouldn’t do until we’re in the situation. I look at everything from all sides and while WE knew Czar was the better option, Marley had to come to that decision on her own and fully move forward. Like the girl was so stuck on a dead man that she couldn’t even return the sentiment of “I love you too” when Czar freely expressed those words. That realization of who Benny was in the present and the closure was 100% necessary!
If I had to nitpick, I really despise 3rd act breakups turned rushed endings. If you’re going to give me a 3rd act break up in a 600+ page book, give it to me at the 300 page mark and wrap that ish up by page 375 😂 I wanna bask in the love of the characters as much as possible. I hate when it happens towards the end because then everything after happens at lightning speed and ion like det! This was a solid 4.5 ⭐️’s for me and I look forward to what’s next for Nesha (but take your time sis)!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Not many authors can publish a 600 plus page book and get me to read it without complaint but, Ladii Nesha can. Not many authors can perfectly pen characters that leave a lasting impression on you but, Ladii Nesha can. Not many authors can write a story that’s equal parts emotion, trauma, and comedy that blends perfectly together but, Ladii Nesha can. The way Losin’ Control spoke to my entire soul is a testament to this author’s talent and she will forever have a fan in me.
By the time Marley was 24, she’d experienced a traumatic loss most people never go through in their fifties. Still reeling from the pain and trauma, Marley is just existing and tryin’ to cope day by day. She lives a nomadic lifestyle out of her 1990 Chevrolet van and, outside of her relationship with her sister, she tries to avoid human contact as much as possible. Her daily bud habit and makin’ organic tea are the only things that brings her a sense of calm. Three years later, Marley is still in the thick of grieving and she can’t seem to shake it. But, all of that changes when she meets Detroit’s bad boy.
Czar should be livin’ his best life. He’s a multi-millionaire rapper, his albums and singles are parked at number one on the Billboard charts, his concerts are sellin’ out stadiums, artist are beggin’ to get in the studio to collab with him, he’s label mates & friends with Rah, and he’s the darling of Detroit. But, Czar is dealin’ with his own traumatic past. Growin’ up with a mama for a prostitute and a daddy for a pimp are just the tip of the iceberg of the shyt he had to endure at such a young age. Czar’s childhood is a nightmare that lives rent free on a loop in his head and he can’t escape the memories. But, life comes at you fast when pimp daddy Cain is released from prison. He wants his bottom bytch back and if he has to blackmail his superstar son to get her, so be it.
Losin’ Control was a work of art and well worth the wait. The writing and character development were outstanding and, the storyline was engaging. The author pulls you in with humor, gives you a few life lessons then, hits you with a little bit of wisdom. This book was filled with so much vulnerability, love, and emotions. You will fall in love the growth and healing of Marley and Czar. You will love the relationship between Marley and Harper. Harper was definitely her sister’s keeper. You will admire the love between Czar, his brothers, and his parents. You will giggle at Marley and that damn can of mace. You will belly laugh at Jaxson pullin’ up to the sip and paint because, Harper’s fast azz really had him f*cked up. You’ll want an invite to family game night but, you absolutely do NOT want to be on Uncle Goose’s team. You will smile and blush at Marley and Czar’s hot yoga date. Cause, if you’re not shuttin’ down a private yoga class and lacin’ me with new Lulu Lemon fits, why are you even callin’ me?!!! You will most certainly want to dog walk Pam’s triflin’ azz a few times. Honorable mention goes out to the cast of sidekicks that showed up and showed TF out. Nova, Romeo, Sammy, Biggie, Shortie, Pooh, and Uncle Goose gave us top tier comedic relief and practically stole the whole damn book. I could go on and on about this book but, I won’t. Just know, Ladii Nesha did her big one with Losin’ Control and sis should be proud because I am.
4/5 - This book was messy and SO MUCH FUN!!! I immediately bought two more books by this author after finishing this one because it was just SO GOOD!! I’m not usually the biggest fan of really thick books but I loved every second of this. - Actually found myself laughing out loud while reading this book. All of the characters were relatable in so many ways and the way that they would go back & forth with each other was sooo funny. - It’s rare that I love when books have lots of characters because it can be overwhelming at times but the author did such a great job making every single character truly feel like family! The writing style was so easy to read too.
This has just been added to my favorite books of all time. This book was absolute PERFECTION. I’m excited to read the rest of Ladii Neshas catalogue cause she can write her ass off. This book sent me through a whirlwind of emotions but it was worth it.
This was a solid 5 for me. I loved everything about this book. My favorite trope is enemies to lovers and even though this book wasn’t that, it had some of the elements. I’m a sucker for the back and forth, especially when it’s witty and funny. I think I highlighted most of the book and I think I mention in every review that Nesha could have a second job as a comedian.
As far as the question Nina asked at the end of the book, it definitely depends on the circumstances. However, for the circumstances in this book my answer is a definite no but I’m older and wiser, who knows how I would have responded if I was still young and inexperienced with life.
I strongly suggest everyone to please listen to the audiobook. The narrators did a GREAT job bringing this book to life. I have never read/listened to a book that made me laugh so damn hard in my life! I love these characters, and I am going to miss them so much. Goose was my favorite; he had me dying! 🤣😭
Losin’ Control was so good that I had to buy the physical copy! Ladii Nesha, you did your thing with this one!
It’s something about seeing a cocky man humbled! Lol That was Czar from his first encounter with Marley! She was not fazed by status and money being a rapper brought Czar. She honestly couldn’t care less. The story of them being friends and working through some of their past traumas together unknowingly was beautiful to read. There were so many funny moments because Czar and his brothers were a mess! LOL, it helped to have those moments to balance out the grief, trauma, and real-life situations that were happening. I think the Benny situation was unique and honestly how this story handled it was better than I’ve read in other books with a similar scenario. Tati was a mess and Honey was also trash smh. Cain got what he deserved but Ada had me pissed with her thinking she can save the day smh. Girl! Also, Ladii Nesha you and Czar owe Marley an apology for that concert scene! Y’all both had me and Marley messed up!! The growth of these characters was so beautiful to see and even with this book being 600+ pages, every scene was needed to truly get this story to the finish line! I can’t wait to read more from Ladii Nesha because this was so great! Read the CWs at the beginning of the book and happy reading!
When I tell you, a time was had reading this book! I enjoyed TF out of Losin' Control and I highly recommend you stop whatever it is you're doing and read👏🏾this👏🏾book👏🏾!!!
Well, I did it. I read my first 600-plus page story and it wasn’t bad. Throughout the entire book, I was invested and captivated. From page one, I already knew this was going to be a solid read for me. Ladii Nesha has an extraordinary knack for crafting characters that are both fiercely loyal and profoundly broken, and she did not disappoint with Czar and Marley. Not sure whose story was more heartbreaking, but both were broken, fighting different demons while trying to stay above water. Marley, emotionally numb and detached, lives out of her van and manages a business with her sister. Given the trauma she endured, can’t really fault her. Once she met Czar, a famous rapper whose trauma has allowed him to create hits and dominate charts, selling out concerts, she reluctantly formed a friendship with him. A friendship that eventually saved both of their lives. Czar, although troubled, was loyal to a fault to his close loved ones and they're the only ones who get that side of him.
Czar and Marley became each other’s peace, even though their past wouldn’t let them be great.
This was such a great read. It was well-developed, with funny and witty dialogue. It was sad, and it was sweet. I’ve come to expect nothing less from this author. This was a 10/10 read for me.
Not a lot of authors can write a 600 page novel and have me invested from start to finish, but this book was exceptional. The dialogue was hilarious and you are absolutely going to fall in love with the all of the characters. The family and the friendships in this is top tier. We can’t forget the memorable game nights!! The support Czar got from his brothers, the support he showed his mother and the sisterhood between Marley and Harper was everything. What a beautiful story about two broken people finding love within each other. Do the brothers get a book? Does Harper? This cannot be the end I love this universe. I also loved that plot twist about Benny! I was not expecting it I was actually shook!! One of my favorite quotes between Czar and Marley is “My sister gave you my number?” she questioned, answering the phone. “Nah, don’t try to clear your voice. Put Barry White back on the phone.” “Boy, fuck you. How did you get my number? I just knew these two were going to be something else! I love them! I need to get into this author’s catalogue! This slow burn, burned for sure!
Finally got around to reading this & OMG! I lovedddd it. I was up until 3 am reading. I was going to stop but when I hit CHAPTER 25 I was like hell nawwwwwwww I’m about to finish lol
I laughed so much throughout this book 🤣 the book read like a movie! Highly entertaining!!!!!!!!! Also was gritty & sad 😔
Not even about write a long review just go read it! 5 ✨ rating!!!
First and foremost, I’m so happy to read another Ladii Nesha book. I’ve read this author’s entire catalog so far- and I always enjoy it. For me this one was a lot and while I enjoyed it. It’s not my favorite of hers.
Marley and Czar’s story was 5 stars. I loved the characters and wish the story focused more on them. There were at least 4 other subplots happening and after a while it felt like spaghetti hitting the wall.
Heck over 70% in the story, a whole other storyline is presented. It became too busy. I wish she would’ve simplified it and focused more on the main couple and the family dynamics.
Their characters are well written, I could feel the pain of both. My heart ached when Marley described how suffocating grief was for her. And when Czar recalled how he repressed his feelings to spare his mother.
I enjoyed watching them fall in love and just vibe. The family support was also nice to read. Classic Ladii Nesha banter and hilarity. But also the love the siblings had for each other.
But those mothers 🤬. I didn’t see it for Ada. She continuously made poor decisions that impacted her kid. He was repeatedly rescuing her. Again, I felt so bad for Czar. Pamela’s ain’t ishness was obvious. But I’m sure there are some people who don’t see Ada as having a role in damaging her kid. And for me it’s not about the DV, again she was a victim there. I’m talking about the aftermath. And how she saw it was harmful and she continued to put him in a position to be her protector. Basically snatching his childhood from him. And continued that in his adulthood. I didn’t like her.
Lastly, I hate a late breakup in a book. It usually rushes the HEA. And I feel that happened here. If there wasn’t so many things happening, the breakup and repair between those two would’ve been a bit cleaner.
Can’t wait to read more from this author. I love her story telling. Because even with all the busyness going on. I still enjoy reading it and have too many highlights 😂.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I didn’t get very far in this book… Czar was too disrespectful and immature for me. I couldn’t get past it. And the idea that he and Marley would become involved, with the way he treated women, felt too unrealistic and predictable at the same time.
I’m sure the character development would have been nice, at least I hope so. However, I couldn’t sit through over 600 pages, of him calling every woman out their name and having sex with them 🤢, to see it.
This was beautiful 😩😩😩❤️ Not only was this comedic but its length allows you to be fully sucked in to their mess, drama and everything else! I loved the complexity of our main characters, I loved our supporting characters. I loved the main plot & the side plots. IT WAS NEVER A DULL MOMENT AND DIDN’T FEEL LIKE 600 pages. I haven’t read a book this fast since demons dream but this is 100% its own book in its own right!! I will say the last 100 pages did let me down but because of my attachment and full blown enjoyment I will take no stars away. This was raw and real.
If the book had to be this long wish it would have included more conversations between LB and Julius . I wish Slim put in more effort to stop Cain. I wish Romeo and Nova did something to stop Cain. They were super funny but of no use in the crisis.
I know this book may seem intimidating because of how many pages it is but it is worth every second. I was literally STUCK. I never laughed so much reading a book and I had so much fun.
LOSIN’ CONTROL LITERALLY THE PERFECT TITLE CAUSE BOY WAS I LOSIN IT Juluis & Marley ❤️
Let me see where I want to start first let me start by answer the Question Ladii Nesha asked before I get into it with out the spoilers 🫣 . What would I do?? If I thought the love of my life died and when you moved on he reappeared , would you leave your new lover for the old one . My answer is NO , cause for ONE the fact that you reappeared no Matter the time period you couldn’t have gave two f about me ( it’s the REAPPEARANCE FOR ME ) , especially if my new lover is everything like Juluis it’s a no brainer , it would of been easy but I am also aware of trauma bonding as well. But nah!!! Nowwww let’s get into it!!!
If y’all not on Ladii nesha I just really don’t know what to say. It’s crazy how bad ass this lady is ! Omg this story here is so complex but good asf on sooo many levels, so many emotions just everything you can imagine but times 10!!!! I didn’t want this to end and I was MAD when I had to put in down and handle responsibilities ( life ) and those the type of stories she writes! Reading late night , earlier morning on break whenever you can get it in to feel the freaking feelings! 😫🥹🥺
So yeaaaa ADD THIS ONE IMMEDIATELY JULIUS AND LB IS EVERYTHING AND THIS STORY WILL HAVE YOU BENT MILLIONS WAYS ! But it worth every second , & if y’all read my review before y’all know I love brotherly love , close knit family and bond & when a man treat a woman like a queen , protector and the way he loves his family literally and it be that slow intense build up , I like to feel the story in my bones no lie and this does . Soon she drop I’m stopping everything I’m reading everytime idc ! Only 5 authors can make me do that . & trust and believe she is one of them!!!!
MARLEY , LB , Mars… I just love her she is me and i am her , aside from some little things but the zen ish especially the yoga! And just her in general man!!! I liveeed for it!!! Not so much confused Marley but I get it just a 🤏🏾 Cause beybeeeee!!!! 😶
That’s all I’m going say stop what you are doing and let a time be had with this ONE and your emotions definitely going to run wild YOU MIGHT EVEN NEED TO TAKE A BREAK!!!!
ADA & Slim , Romeo & Nova, Harper & Jax it’s really levels to this story ohh yess Sammy and biggey! But I’ll let you be the judge! 🥰❤️
I liked Czar a lot, he was the fixer for his family and had the weight of the world on his shoulders. He truly was a gem and what Marley needed to heal her broken heart. When they were on, they were good together. They just vibed so well - you know you’ve found your soulmate when you can crack jokes one minute and be vulnerable the next. I wish the focus of the story was on the couple because their scenes together made my heart flutter. There were many characters, and a lot of moving parts, I kept getting lost on what was going on. And I understand the twist in the plot.. 🫠buuut Benny should have been sleeping next to Cain for all the chaos he caused.🩸😩
nonetheless, my favorite parts were the Yoga scene (instant swoon 🥰) + when Marley interrupted Czar’s concert to apologize (get your man, girl 🥹) + when Czar towed Marley’s van (call him King Petty because that was petttyyyy AF 😂😂).
Losin’ Control was such a beautiful story about overcoming trauma and finding love. I fell in love with Marley & Czar. The emotions were on high and this baby didn't feel like a 600+ page book. When that door opened, it put a battery in my back... because what?? Even after the ending, I wanted a little more. Ladii Nesha did not disappoint! 🤎
To answer Ladii Nesha’s question: fck off Stinkie.
It takes a real bad bitch to write a 600 plus page book & it keeps my attention the wholeeeee time. This book was EVERYTHING all 612 pages was needed.
I laughed this whole book. Why was this so funny ?? The love between everyone in this book was so pure. If this is on your TBR and been on it for a minute pls GET TO IT.
I’m still thinking about the hot Yoga scene 🙂↔️😭😂
4.25 A horrific event changes Marley's life in the blink of an eye. I felt so sad for her and the things she went through. Three years after the event, Marley was reclusive, still grieving, and still very much depressed (rightfully so). I loved Marley's free-spirited nature.
During a mental health fair, Marley runs into Detroit's bad boy - Czar. Ya'll .. I loved me some Czar. He was battling demons of his own but when it came to Marley? He didn't play about her. He fell first and he fell hard. When Marley's past comes back to interrupt their happiness, I felt so bad for Czar.
As far as the question that Ladii Nesha asks at the end of the book - if you lie to me and cause me that type of pain, stay gone.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and you get all the laughs you can expect from a novel by Ladii Nesha. I loved Czar's relationship with his brothers, Marley's relationship with her sister Harper - but Pam can go to hell.
Okay, so not too many authors can keep me invested for 600 pages, but this book? Had me in a chokehold from start to finish. I did the audio along with the ebook.
I laughed out loud so many times, for real, it felt like I was watching a movie. The banter was hilarious, the characters were funny as hell.
The family bonds and friendships were everything. Czar and his brothers? Loved them. Marley and Harper’s sisterhood? I lovedddd. Pam? She can go to hell.
Marley’s story broke my heart. One moment changed everything for her, and years later, she was still grieving and trying to find her way. Then she meets Czar—Detroit’s hottest rapper with an instantly gets a soft spot for her—and whew, he did not play about her. He fell first, and he fell HARD. Watching them navigate their trauma while falling in love was beautiful to see.
Now the question Ladii Nesha asks at the end… my old lover could go to hell. Because if you really love me, how could you lead me to believe you were dead? I moved on.. and you should too. What Arianna say? Thank you, Next!
I cannot believe I have never read anything from Ladii Nesha before. She absolutely blew me away with "Losin Control." This book is 618 pages, and I did not feel any lag. I was so invested from the prologue.
The main FMC, Marley, goes through a tragic event and just wants to heal. She couldn't care less about material things; she's on a higher path of learning and being in tune with herself. In comes Czar, a rowdy, handsome, and reckless rapper. On the outside, he’s a party boy, but internally, he faces so many demons and needs to heal. Czar meets Marley through her tea business, and the rest is history. He begins healing her heart while she chips down his walls. They are learning to love each other through pain while working on their own shortcomings.
But the couple faces an unexpected roadblock that can destroy everything they built. Will they choose the path of healing or the path of dark destruction that is more familiar? This was fantastic. There was so much chemistry between the FMC and MMC. The side characters were amazing, adding a found family element that was genuinely healing.
This wasn’t just a love story but a fast-paced urban novel that had action, drama, and contemporary elements. This is only the beginning of my journey with this author. I am now determined to read everything she has penned.
4/2025 — I forgot how gooood the banter is in this book! The buildup of Marley & Czar was so damn good but Marley shattered me with her decision. I didn’t even put myself through that again with this re-read 🤣 one time was enough for me!
6/2024 — Gahhhh, this would have been a 5 star read for me until that situation happened 😩 I’m sorry but Marley did my dawg Czar wrong for that! Czar was genuinely an amazing man. He was a protector, a caretaker, genuinely loved Marley & she just said f that. I couldn’t get down with her after that & I just checked out at that point. Now prior to that situation, I absolutely loved Czar, Marley, & the whole crew. Czar’s family was hilarious & their dynamic was unmatched. Czar definitely beat the odds and came up from his traumatic childhood. The story & plot was so so good then that situation happened and completely lost me.
The way this story had me crying and laughing in so many different occasions. But one thing for sure, I had never wanted to jump in a book so bad and fight the FMC.
Like I was really sitting this boiling over with anger with Czar. Like GIRL! How dumb can you be?
Like we really finna go back to this deadass zombie?
Like sis, is you cool?
Czar is a man that every female deserves. That man don’t have a relationship experience bone in his body but the way he LOVE Marley, had me blushing and smiling feeling special like I was her. And that tortured soul!!! The protector arc was so well written that my heart ached whenever him and his mom told their story and the flash backs he had when he was younger.
He not book boyfriend material… HES A BOOK HUSBAND AND HE’S BEEN ADDED TO THE LIST.
Marley…. Is you cool? I love her vibe in this book. I am use to the FMC being in their innocent arc but the fact she had street experience arc already along with this vibe and chill arc; made her feel so more relatable. BUT GIRL IS YOU COOL?
How do you fumble Czar. Why the fuck nobody “he’s a good man Savannah.” And don’t say her sister cause she didn’t do it enough. I would have clowned Marley so bad that JJ would be taking clown class from me 😭.
I really enjoyed this read and it was the perfect way to start off this month of February.
WOW! First let me say I think this is my first Ladii Nesha book. I had to get used to her writing style. It was like everyone was talking at once and my ADHD brain is not used to it. I almost put it down because like I said it's not what I'm used too. But I pushed through and I'm glad I did.
Marley poor Marley. She was dealt a horrible hand of cards. Her boyfriend being "killed', losing her baby and then losing a part of herself without her consent. I loved her interaction with Harper, her sister did not play about her. Harper also said the hard truth to Marley without sugar coating anything. Their mama was a big old bag of shit. Jealous of her own children, and she was a selfish hoe.
Czar my goodness he went through it and still standing strong. He loved hard and was unapologetic about it. His family dynamic and support system was top tier. Nova, Romeo, Ada, Slim, Sammie and Biggie all were hilarious.
I think Marley should of stepped back and took a look at the whole picture before doing anything with Benny's slimy ass. There is no way I would jump back into a relationship with a man who was supposed to be dead but actually was living his best life for 3 years. And to come back putting her in the same situations, hell no.
The comedic timing in this book was great. This book will have you laughing, crying mad, frustrated and sad.
Oh and Czar was a little harsh when Marley sang to him at his concert. I get his feeling were hurt but damn he ain't have to do my girl like that.
The one thing I was sooooooo confused about was why did Cain live so long? He should have been killed the first time he tried to black mail Czar for money.
As a woman, is a rare view to see this book so high in scores because I shit you not it's all you can ask for if you're looking for a toxic relationship or who knows, maybe some Stockholm syndrome sprinkles. No self respect is needed, you're fine without it throughout this book.
The way men see the women in this book like they are some revenge token or just walking pleasure creatures to mess with, it's just too much to have on a plate and I promise you it doesn't stop there. Czar, the mc, just started the conversation with Marley when they met the 2nd time where they were supposed to build up a nice relationship but all he could say was "yo, you down to choke on some d**k?" (not the exact same words but it was quite direct). Why on this earth would you ship these guys considering his lack of respect and his overall view on women (which btw, you will have plenty of examples in just 4 chapters and you'll already have an image, I promise). This woman, however, decides it's a good idea to start hanging out with him. Good job Marley, you learned nothing.
It's just not worth the read and the effort to even empathize with the characters, I'm still amazed it has 4.74 on Goodreads and people are literally in love with it. I just don't recommend it for your own mental health.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Ladii Nesha popped out with this book that we been waiting on with anticipation and I wasn’t disappointed. Going into the lives front row seat of Czar aka Julius and Marley aka Lb aka Lil booty 😂 was very capturing and kept your attention all throughout and made you feel so entertained and filled with many emotions. I felt for Marley and Czar and their pain of their past and what they have gone through and continued to be haunted or traumatized by. Marley in mourning and Czar in a stagnant copping mind both dealing with the trials of mental anguish and conditions were drawn to each other from the beginning but both very stubborn. So many things happened in this book that takes you in a whirlpool. My chest hurt for Marley and what she couldn’t have anymore so many what ifs my my main what if was; what if her mom wasn’t a trifling person and didn’t tell those doctors to take what shouldn’t have been taken without knowing if a possibility could happen that burned in my brain throughout the book. The revelations Marley kept dealing with were being dropped like bombs left and right she was in a circle full of people who didn’t have the best intentions for her back then and the only one that was her road dog and protector still standing was sister Harper 👏 she didn’t play about her sister she made sure to at least encourage her sister to have something to fall back and pursue life while dealing w grief. Czar and his brothers mouth and his whole families personality was a riot they had me rolling idk how Ladii Nesha comes up with these thoughts and quick comebacks but I will forever love it . They supported each other as a tight knight family and it’s just a flex when u can say majority of my people in my family are apart of my team in success and he gives them all they need. I did feel Czar situation with his donor should have and could have been nipped in the bud and didn’t have to prolong so far to that escalation but when you been the protector for so long from a child after a while it takes a toll and that’s what it did weight of the world on Julius shoulders but didn’t stop him tho from handling what needs to be done.
At the end of book she asked us what would we do if in Marley’s situation? Honestly I started thinking in family term if I could get to see my people again and i understood the big conflict internally but at the same time so many red flags popped up it was concerning and I feel Marley didn’t sit an process this she was so confused but that ex boyfriend kept showing his cards on him not being the right pick and the way he moved was so shiesty making that girl deal with all she dealt with with and more but her grief mixed with many other emotions made it hard for her gather and czar made it easier leaving her making his trauma control him and making it drag out. I was mad that they wasted time but two wrongs don’t make a right and Czar and Marley needed that reminder of grace and understanding. So for me I wouldn’t be quick to jump back in that sham of a relationship with that boy and his fake people. I would take the time to sit and process and get all the facts and I wouldn’t distance from Czar because he’s shown time and time again he’s a man worth being with.
I truly had a time with this book and have much more to say but Ladii Nesha did her thing it paid off all her hard work she got me wanting more from her as usual and can’t wait for her next project she got me about to double back on her past work again😂.
P.s. Loved catching up on Taylor and Rahlo and I also loved the representation in this book on little booties matter w the natural body and can break necks too because Marley sure did step on bobble heads necks and didn’t have to be coco cola bottle 😪😌
The majority of this book I cackled so much. I enjoyed the witty banter, the back and forth and nobody does comedic yet dramatic romance ish better than Ladii Nesha. The way Marley (LB) and Czar met was funny af and it really set the tone for their friendship. Despite Czar being hella famous, Marley treated him like the human being he was. She humbled his azz real quick and that alone seemed to remind him of his family. Additionally they both had trauma bonds...Czar from a terribly disturbing childhood with a deadbeat azz father that noone deserved. Marley from a weird azz jealous mother and the profound loss of people she loved.
If anybody knows me, I will side eye TF out of a romance book if there is no action....like bend it over touch ya toes already...ok let me chill 🤷🏾♀️. In this book I was hesitant for them to take it to the next level. Marley just didn't seem ready and I guess I almost felt protective over her. Sis was seriously down bad, I mean she was a literal shell of herself. The caution I felt proved to eventually be right with the dumb azz decision making that occured. Despite that I enjoyed experiencing them fall for one another. I'm a sucker for when the mmc falls first and Czar was in the fking clouds over Marley, he loved everything about her, she was his peace and he trusted her implicitly with his heart.
The third act breakup was late and felt misplaced. I struggled with this because Marley had already gone through enough. We now have to watch her fall down to the gutter with this bum azz nigga Benny that left her for dead. I honestly didn't like his part in the book, I felt like there was enough drama with the deadbeat father and stressful Ada situation. Then Czar...he gave Marley no grace in that moment. She was conflicted and he acted like he didn't understand the mess of a person she was. They both needed therapy badly.
Overall I liked this book and absolutely loved the main characters. However, in the last 100 pages there were like 5 story lines being addressed and it felt like too much. I would have loved a real conversation between Marley and Czar and just a little more of them at the end. Another good read by Ladii Nesha that will take you through all of the emotions.
P.S. Both Pam and Ada on my sh*t list. They both made some terrible azz decisions that impacted their kids.