The Girl No Boy Could Love

by J. Allen Phelps

Young Tamara James battles severe arrythmia and sickle-cell anemia, and with no future to look forward to, takes pleasure in hooking up with any boy who will have her. But after graduating high school with honors—biggest ho of class 96—she flees Chicago. Turns out, every bed, backseat, and closet she dirties pushes her further from the love and freedom she desires. So, when Tamara arrives at Grandma Mary’s, she is ready to die and embrace the flames of Hell.

But when the stars align, and well-spoken, clean shaven, Californian poet Maurice Harding passes through town, Tamara is determined to ‘hook-up’ with him. Tamara could care less about the ring on his finger, or the fiancée he’d hurt—she wants her night of pleasure. But unlike the scores of thugs, jockeys and married men she’d conquered in Chicago, Maurice Harding holds fast in his refusal. And in his honor and fidelity, Tamara learns what it means to love. And in the heat of southern summer, they light up the town in a would-be romance that will haunt them for the rest of their lives.

In this African American fiction, Tamara James and Maurice Harding provide us a fresh and authentic Black Love Story, filled with forbidden romance that yearns to be respected.

211 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 17, 2024

Reviews

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tamara James is such a complex character, and watching her journey was both heartbreaking and inspiring. Her struggles and the choices she makes feel raw and real, which makes her growth all the more satisfying. I loved how Maurice’s presence in her life brings a whole new perspective on love, respect, and what it means to truly care for someone. The way the story unfolded keept me hooked, and the ending left me feeling reflective. If you’re into stories that tackle tough emotions and give you a fresh outlook on life, this one is definitely worth a read.

[Destiny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tamara James’ story is heartbreaking, eye-opening, and inspiring. Her story seeks to engage the reader to take pause and open their mind to view and accept a person’s choices that are looked down upon in society. People are quick to pass judgment on others, but they often never truly understand the reasoning behind their own decisions and the choices that others make. As members of societies, we have become accustomed to living and thinking in ways that conform to socially constructed norms and values. Tamara James’ story is one of an ill person wanting to feel alive and live out her dreams in hopes of finding real love when she has lost all hope. Illness shapes our self-perceptions into something ugly, as we are taught to be ashamed of ourselves or as less than for not being typically healthy. Tamara was much stronger and more valuable than she could have ever known. The short life she lived had a profound impact on many lives. This unconventional love story is important for showing perspectives to those who think they are undeserving of true love, care, and support. We are all deserving.

[Savannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am in awe at how beautiful this book is.
Of all 70 books I’ve read so far this year this is my favorite ❤️
Sometimes all it takes is one person to see the beauty inside and they accept and love you in-spite of all your flaws and imperfections.
Tamara growth was inspiring, and beautifully written.
Tamara was spiraling grasping onto and slight hope of being loved only to be constantly reminded she was only good for one thing to all men she encountered. The hurt she endured coupled by her lingering expiration date caused her heart to go cold, leaving her self worth hanging in the balance.
It’s not until she visits her grandma in Tennessee where she meets “The man in a hat” where she is shown that love can surpass the coldest of heart and instill confidence when you’re at your lowest. Tamara would’ve never thought she’d fall in love and a man love her back.
I cried so much while reading this because I could connect with the characters, and I felt their emotions and I sympathized with their pain .

[Miriam · Rating 5 out of 5]

In The Girl No Boy Could Love, J. Ellen Phelps delivers an emotionally raw and deeply relatable story about Tamara, a young woman struggling to believe in her own worth, and Maurice, the man who sees past her insecurities. This poignant novel explores the complexities of love, self-doubt, and the messy, real process of learning to accept both yourself and the love of others. Perfect for readers who appreciate heartfelt, character-driven stories with emotional depth.

[Shahtia Gay-hairston · Rating 5 out of 5]

unlovable

Sad love story of a misunderstood girl. I love how it was written for the reader to understand her actions and ways. Seeing love from her perspective was bitter sweet.