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The Sun

For the Night

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Still reeling from a messy divorce, kindergarten teacher Venus Thibodeaux is on a self-proclaimed healing journey and adamant that she’s done with love. She’s determined to move on from her toxic past with a fresh start in a new city, but starting over isn’t as easy as it sounds.

Anthony “Nuney” Nunez is young. He’s unpolished, unpredictable, and according to his daughter’s kindergarten teacher—a lousy parent. In fact, the two can’t see eye to eye on anything except the strange attraction they have for each other every time their paths cross.

After Anthony and Venus find themselves on a wild date that shouldn’t have been, they become embroiled in a torrid affair that threatens her healing journey, exposes the secrets in his sketchy life, and makes her question if she’s really done with love after all.

Content This is a slow burn adult contemporary romance that contains mature themes and subjects that may be disturbing to some readers.

523 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 11, 2024

364 people are currently reading
663 people want to read

About the author

Rae Lyse

6 books415 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 188 reviews
Profile Image for ReadnliftwithShar.
1,864 reviews
July 14, 2024
I read page one of For The Night and knew it would be a wild journey. I love it when a book captures my attention right away. I felt every emotion possible, ranging from excitement to anxiety, frustration, anger, and squealing from deep in my belly. Rae Lyse even provided comedic relief to such sensitive situations. At the end of the book, I wanted to pack up and move to Nuneyland with Venus, Munch, and Nuney. It was another fantastic addition to the Sun Series and has changed my order of favorites within the series.

Venus Thibodeaux was my favorite character - I loved her down. The way she was able to read others with class and with a level of maturity that I aspire to have had me in awe. She may have been a professional with a career to lose, but she reminded me of me - the ability to “turn it on and off” and meet people where they are. I wouldn’t define it as code-switching; it’s more like knowing how to adjust to different situations. She saw past Nuney’s shortcomings and poured her energy into him and Tori. She said, “I’m a ‘till death do us part’ type of wife,” meaning she was there for the long run.

Anthony “Nuney” Nunez was wise beyond his years. He was the kind of man who valued loyalty and communication, and you had better speak to him with respect. Nuney was the best father to his daughter, Tori, and would probably grab the moon from the sky and give it to her. He loved R&B music, his thirty gang brothers, and was obsessed with Venus. Through all the turmoil and drama he faced, his faith never wavered. We love a “lover boy” who is 90s fine. Whew 😮‍💨

I can always count on Rae Lyse to highlight uncomfortable truths in her stories. She tackled the education system in a way that exposed biases and a lack of resources available for students, which had me deep in my feelings. I understood Venus’ thought process, but I couldn’t help but think about all the students left behind because there weren’t enough resources for them. Luckily for Tori, she had a father who advocated for her, even when it was difficult. But also, Venus did as well - “I’ll never shut up about that one. And I’ll never sugarcoat shit when it comes to her wellbeing.” <— That is why Venus is my favorite.

For The Night was everything I wanted and needed. The angst, chemistry, banter, and healing kept me eager and engaged to see how it would all turn out. Venus and Nuney had more in common than they realized in the beginning, and in their unique way, they healed each other from their heartbreak. My favorite scene was when Venus literally snatched Nuney’s soul - she had him speechless - “Venus was teaching him—slowly and passionately, like she did with everything else in her life she loved.” Nuney didn’t know what had hit him. I was like, “That’s that grown woman-ish!”😝I cannot end my review without highlighting the character development and growth throughout the story. At first, I was skeptical about Venus, but as her story progressed, I realized she was a shell of her true self. Thankfully, she had Nuney to help her peel off her armor. Read this book!


Profile Image for *Ebony I*.
1,416 reviews155 followers
July 16, 2024
Preparing for Mrs. Nunez

Damn what a complex love story. Nobody does a slow burn like Ms. Lyse. Literally every page is intentional leaving you a bread crumb to lead you to the full story. This was an age gap love and a coming of age story for Anthony. He was a young man doing his best to survive and take care of his daughter while making foolish decisions along the way. 

Anthony aka Nuney aka Ant aka Noni was such an intriguing character. I loved all the layers of his personality that were shown. He was a lover, a sweet protector, so smart-a blerd (Black Nerd), fiercely loyal, and sometimes reckless. Whew when I tell you this boy had game, he had game. The way he was juggling and using these women and had them  enthralled, I couldn't even hate on him. It was all a game until he met Venus. He didn't even realize how deeply he was falling for her. It was supposed to be one night to quell his curiosity, her nosiness, and both of their attraction. However, it turned into so much more. 

Venus aka V aka Miss T was a nurturer, someone who cared too damn much with a beautiful spirit and it showed in how she treated her Kindergarten students and the people she loved. I can't forget her purple natural hair with wide hips and the azz to match, just gorgeous! She was a recent divorcee that was looking for someone to help pass the time as she got over the baggage and insecurities from her failed marriage. She never thought that one of her student's parents would be the one to help her step into a new season of life. I loved Venus because she represents so many black women handling adversity in love and life...having to overcome the shame of not quite having the life society says you should have at her age. She initially came off a little judgmental, but I loved how she managed to just go with the flow with Ant. She was a real rider for him even when their foundation was a little rocky. 

There is so much sweetness in this story. Tori stole my heart and everyone else's too. That babies character was so loud even when she was silent. Loved the cameos from the family...Dre', Tash, Logan, Josiah, Jade, and Zeke the family is still holding each other down. The sweet complex evolution of Ant from a boy to a man was felt deep. 

There were some fools with all types of audacity too. Hell Ant had his moments cuz who you on the phone with....chillle. Dee Dee, although she did get it together, was on my ish list. All that back and forth hiding ish had me wanting to hem her up and she was a liar😒. Dr Torres had all the audacity in the world for a stranger smh. Carlotta cuz whose side are you on.

Overall this was an angsty read that had me on edge wondering how it was all going to come together....and it did beautifully. I just wanted more for the ending.
Profile Image for Ayanna First of BourbonStreetBookers.
496 reviews22 followers
July 13, 2024
Getting High off That Purple Curl

As much as I love our Thirty family, I have an instant connection and love for Venus Thibodeaux! She is me, I am she! She's the real hero here! This woman is so much more than her life's experiences. She pours into everyone she encountered in Anthony's world. Anthony aka Ant is my newest book bae that is now in rotation with my main Bae! (Heart eyes) The cover would really have you judging an "Ant" by the cover. Lol The young, black boy, hustler, getting high, and playin video games that couldn't handle a "grown azz woman". Yepppp... that's exactly what I thought too.

Babbyyyy ima tell y'all right nah, dat ain't my & Venus' Ant. Dis man, dis man, dis man, wooed us outta panties, time, cooked meals, & love we thought was not even an option to give no mo. He's so much more than the world sees.

Once again, Rae pulled us in, giving us all she got and making sure Thirty stays on our mind and in our hearts.
Profile Image for Mani.
80 reviews26 followers
January 18, 2025
Smh.
Rae. Lyse.

What a phenomenal book.
This was an intense slow burn that hurt so good.
She snatched me with this and there really isn’t much more to say.

The way she inked Nuney and Venus’s connection, she made sure we OVERstood why they fell for each other. The angst. The passion. There was no mistaking their chemistry and their apprehension towards one another for completely different reasons. There was no rush, just the steady building of a foundation where the reader saw their obsession for each other manifest within the pages. This was well done.

Noteworthy Tidbits:
Nuney’s list of favorites b*tches
The neutral turf
Nuney and Tori’s relationship

Nuney, Nuney, Nuney.
The magnetic crash out.
The big stepper.
The resourceful Romeo.
The lionhearted lover boy.
He was that dude.
Reading through his plight has me gasping. The way he loved, the way he powered through.
Whew.

I read this thinking it was the second installment of the sun series lol imagine my surprise realizing it was the latest 😩.
I am not mad though.

I realized I love age gap romances especially when the FMC is older. I know these characters will stay with me for a while. I’m okay with that.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Profile Image for Shikira Morris.
56 reviews10 followers
July 19, 2024
Every time Rae Lyse takes me back to Thirtyland, I never want to leave. This time is no different. For The Night is an evocative and captivating novel that examines the intricacies of themes like love, trust, and personal growth. The introspective narrative resonates deeply and anchors itself onto the readers heart, staying with them long after the pages end.

Rae Lyse has a distinct way of telling layered story. She’s able to highlight the plight of the black/brown and underprivileged communities all while telling the story of a gripping romance. She expertly blends complex and compelling characters, emotional depth, and thought-provoking dialogue.

Anthony “Nuney” Nunez and Venus Thibodeaux couldn’t be more different. So much so, they exist in different universes. Nuney is young, reckless and wise beyond his years. He’s a father struggling to keep his world in order. He’s flawed but his heart is pure. He loves hard and is loyal to a fault. He’s so incredibly brilliant. Venus Thibodeaux is a kindergarten teacher, trying to navigate her new life post-divorce. She’s a passionate nurturer and she doesn’t play about her babies. She cares too damn much and that’s okay.

The chemistry between them is palpable, their interactions make your heart race. Together, the two learn how to live and not just survive. I laughed, I cried and I laughed some more. For The Night took me through all the emotions.

Rae Lyse has done it again and I didn’t want it to end.
Profile Image for Genel F.
159 reviews6 followers
July 14, 2024
Initially, when Rae announced a bonus Sun Series novel, I was worried about how a supporting character like “Nuney” could own the pages and keep us engaged, enthralled, and excited like Dom,Jo Jo,Mo and Dre . Per usual, Rae made Magic on the pages with Anthony “Nuney” Nunez. Nuney is single dad who is navigating fatherhood while simultaneously juggling the inconsistency of Dee Dee’s, his child’s mother stability. To make an already hectic situation worse, Tori is starting Kindergarten.

Insert Venus Thibodeaux, newly divorced and Toriana’s Kindergarten teacher, who is no stranger to teaching. Ms.Thibodeaux can create a plethora of parent profiles. Ms. Thibodeaux wastes no time deciding what she thinks of Tori’s family. One mix up with transportation paperwork has Ms. Thibodeaux jumping to all the conclusions about Tori’s home life. As an educator myself, I’ve been there too, so Venus is me and I am Venus. Venus notices right away that Tori doesn’t verbally communicate. After observing and calling attention to Tori’s struggles Nuney and Ms. T find themselves in a sticky predicament.

Nuney and Venus, find themselves drawn to one another and let me just say Mr. Nuney doesn’t miss a beat. He was so affectionate, aware and attentive. Nuney had Ms. Venus questioning everything she knew about her previous parent profiles and she quickly learned to not be so judgmental. Their friendship blossoms overtime and he empowers her in ways she hadn’t dreamed of. While he refills the empty cup she’s being surviving off of, she also helps encourage, challenge and support his dreams. Nuney quickly became a favorite.

I am so happy that in the end, Nuney chose to truly live and not just survive.

While I’m sad to see the crew go, I’m excited to see what universe Rae creates next.
Profile Image for  Allegra BourbonStreetBookers .
112 reviews13 followers
July 13, 2024
👌🏾🍓👩🏾‍🎤🍓👩🏾‍🎤

Lover boy, baby boy, R&B crooner & best of all, certified 30 gang gangsta. All of this sums up Anthony Nunez, aka Nuney. Rae Lyse wrote a perfect story and showed that real Gs have a heart and deserve to have the love they put out returned tenfold.
Profile Image for Natashia Crawford.
363 reviews7 followers
July 19, 2024
For The Night- Rae Lyse

Rating: Permanent resident on Nuneyland!! PERIOD!! (Loved it!!!)

What I Loved:
* Social Issues- I love that Rae will bring forth a social issue in a way to continue to bring awareness to you. The issues with the school system were heartbreaking to me. The fact that a teacher had a concern about a student was not the issue- in fact that is welcomed. What was sad was the response from the person in charge who didn't care. That in itself was heartbreaking to know our children are in these systems with very minimal support.

* Divorce Aftermath- My girl Venus was divorced from someone she was married to for what 10 years. The insecurities and self-doubt she had within herself as a result of 'not being protected" in that relationship spoke volumes. Situations like these cause traumatic issues when individuals are trying to move forward with their lives. The way Venus kept being insecure and not understanding her true worth or that she was indeed worthy to be loved properly was a realistic view. I loved how her character was able to gain that insight so lovingly that she had no other choice but to know and understand who she was and whose she was.

*Fatherhood- Let me tell you about this here Anthony. The way he showed up for Munch warmed my heart. The fight he had in him for her and regardless of all of the demographics with it, he was fighting for his daughter and nobody was gonna stand in the way of that- even her mama. The lengths he went through, the turmoil, and angst was tearing my emotions up. But I loved this characteristic Rae put on him. I loved that Anthony was not a deadbeat dad (none of her character Fathers are) and that showcases how there are black fathers who love and support their children. Period.

*Friendship/Family- Let me tell you. The Thirty Gang is a true family unit. These guys have gone through hell and back for one another. They are truly brothers and even their women are sisters. I loved their brother hood and how they keep one another accountable. They may fight and even argue but they will go toe to toe with someone if they try to come against the Thirty Way. This found family was truly a beautiful thing.

*Love- The love between Nuney and Venus was something to slide down the wall about. Nuney showed Venus all the things her ex-husband was not man enough to show her. He met his match with her and was able to want to grow up. Their relationship was a great indication on how some people can bring out the best or the worse in you. Venus brought out the best in him and made him want to be better. She loved him through her actions, and he loved her through affirmations (and actions). Nuney had to really talk to her mind. Venus had to talk to his heart. Once she infiltrated that, he was a goner. He realized that love was for him, and I was here for it.

One thing Rae gonna do is give you a character who is complex. She will layer those colors on that person and when that picture is done, it's a beautiful masterpiece. I love her writing. She writes slow building stories that from beginning to the end you will love them. You are so enamoured with these people that you just know you are Thirty gang too!!! I highly recommend this story. There is something special about my sis and I am forever a fan. I loved this story so much.
Profile Image for Tanira.
232 reviews
July 18, 2024
I don’t know what/how to rate this one. So for now I think I’ll stick in the middle with 3 stars - and trust me no one hates that more than me!!!

I enjoyed the story. I was initially skeptical about Nuney because he never left a good impression in the previous books but I’m not surprised that when Rae shined light on his character, he was beautiful. I loved everything about him and if the story didn’t seem so rushed, I know this would be an easy 5 stars.

I took a few days to think about this and I just keep wondering why did all of this have to happen in 4 weeks? Nuney and Venus spent less than 72 hours TOTAL in each other’s presence, minus the epilogue. Why did the court date have to be 4 weeks in (since we know the court was end game) instead of the end of the school year? Was it because the millionaire baby daddy rushed the proceedings? Are custody cases normally so quick? It just felt so rushed to me when they started thinking they were in love. I feel like maybe if they were 18-24 years old, I’d understand because young adults tend to mistake lust/strong feelings for love. But Venus was 35-36 coming out of a 10 year marriage and she thinks she’s in love after 2 dates and 1 night with him? As hard as I’d like to, I just can’t buy in to that.

There’s also so much plot that happens off page - DeeDee’s arrest, Nuney finding out Munch isn’t his, Venus’s divorce/move. If the story was left more open ended and they decided to spend more time together to see where their relationship could grow without mentioning love.. 10 stars!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for DinaLuvsAGoodBook.
129 reviews
July 15, 2024
4.5⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨

I made an exception to my vow to only read books with minimal drama/trauma because I know Rae Lyse is so thorough and thoughtful in her depiction and development of beautifully flawed characters that I walk away with a plethora of life lessons. As always. she did not disappoint.

Just when I thought the author solidified my favorites in the Sun Series, along comes Venus, Nuney and Munch, who have all captured my heart ♥️. This story is yet another relevant (per usual) relatable and humanistic, exploration and provides another perspective of the people and circumstances that society easily casts judgement upon, while navigating the challenges of self actualization. Venus is my favorite FMC in this series and I understand how Nuney and Munch both became captivated by her. So was I from the very first page.

The only reason this was not a 5 ⭐️ rating for me, was because the ending felt a bit rushed and disjointed.
Profile Image for WellReadRuby.
539 reviews112 followers
September 1, 2024
4.5🌟! Another banger by Rae Lyse even when I feel conflicted 😩🔥

Venus is a recently divorced kindergarten teacher navigating a new life in Georgia. Anthony “Nuney” is a single dad on the cusp of a major court date and doesn’t need anything else to go wrong for him or his daughter Tori aka Munch. Nuney meeting Venus for the first time was exactly what you would guess her misjudging him without even knowing him and honestly the same for Nuney judging Venus. One thing they couldn’t deny was their attraction.

Now here is where my conflict comes in we know there’s an age gap between Venus and Nuney but the way Rae writes Nuney his demeanor can come off as a late twenties type of man and not a young twenties. Later in the book we learn the age gap is around 11yrs which in reality could not be a big deal but any gender over the age of 30 getting with someone 11yrs their senior is a bit questionable. It also isn’t fair for me to say what a 24-year-old can want in a partner when they have experienced more life than some 30-year-olds. And this is why I say Rae is an amazing writer because she’s making me question so much in my head all while this is only one little piece of their story! This doesn’t include his traumatic and toxic history with Deedee that contributes to Tori’s struggles, Nuney and Venus’s insecurities about love, his dynamic with the matriarchs of his family, Venus's job being on the line, and the terrible man Brian Torres. Actually, I do want to cover Brian’s part for one second because if I were Mrs. Torres as terrible as that was I felt for her need to be petty and demand that of her husband. Rae also made soooo many parallels between Venus’s past life to Deedee, the court case, and trifling Kristen. Honestly, why is Kristen still around?!? But anyway, this book has so many layers and truly makes you think outside your comfort zone to experience the character's reality. That is honestly an amazing talent to be able to write this way, so while I may be conflicted this story was still nothing short of amazing! I can’t wait to see what Rae has next in this Sun Series!

Please check out CW at the beginning of the book and happy reading!
Profile Image for Yasmine.
338 reviews17 followers
September 3, 2024
One thing about Rae Lyse. She's going to pen an excellent tale. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Even though it was long(519 pages) I flew through it. I loved Anthony and Venus together. They had amazing chemistry. Their banter was hilarious. Even though Nuney was much younger than Venus, he carried himself like a grown ass man. He was an amazing father to Tori aka Munch. The book was a slow burn and one worth reading. I loved the interactions between the couple but I also enjoyed seeing them interact with their friends and family. The found family aspect was really good. Rae hasn't failed me yet when it comes to her writing and I can't to see what she drops next.
Profile Image for Demetrius.
428 reviews50 followers
July 21, 2024
A slow burn but worth it! The Sun Series is going to deliver every time. Nuney and Venus might be my favorite couple next to Logan and Desmond.
266 reviews
July 25, 2024
It was almost good

This book had a lot of potential and the overall story was good but it missed the mark in a few places that makes it likely that I won't re-read.

1) Logan being her somewhat confidant. It should've been Jade since she's also a teacher. I absolutely hated Logan's book and her character so she really should've been more of a passive character in this story.

2) The large age gap. Let's stop normalizing large age gaps. A woman in her mid thirties shouldn't be dating a man 11 years younger whose brain isn't fully developed. If she would've been 27 or 28, not as big of a deal because that's like Jade and Jo. It just didn't seem realistic and shouldn't be and that's the same if the roles were reversed.

3) Another reason the age was an issue is because she kept bringing it up. It's already a significant gap and then she kept calling him a "boy" yet you're attracted to the "boy" which is gross. The large gap is annoying because we constantly have to read about it. We could've had the same book with her being 27 or 28. Her ex and her met in college. They could've easily married at 22 and been married for 4 or 5 years and it wouldn't have changed anything. It didn't add anything to the story for them to have that she difference.

4) We didn't find out why she was struggling to get pregnant or couldn't. After 500 pages it would've been nice to see her pregnant after everything.

5) Is Zeke getting a book and will it be with Kristin? She's a very unlikable character and has been since she was introduced. I don't know if the plan is to redeem her but it would take a lot.

Dominic, Josiah, and Dre's books were good and the chemistry in this one was almost there had it not been for all of the age stuff. There's always republishing.
Profile Image for Lindaisa.
545 reviews61 followers
August 31, 2024
I've been going back and forth on this review for days, trying to force my brain to come up with words that are elegant and poignant enough to be worthy of the feelings I have for this book and the praise it deserves. Because this book is excellent, as per usual when it comes to stories penned by Rae Lyse. But I give up...and I'm just going to write from the heart.

I wasn't expecting another book centered around my beloved THIRTY boys. I thought THIRTY was the end of their era. But I'll tell you this much. I'm so glad I was wrong.

I'm so glad that Rae decided to share another imperfectly perfect specimen with us in the form of Anthony "Nuney" Nunez. I'm so glad we got to experience the magic of yet another THIRTY brother from another. Nuney, who is living his life in the fast lane. Using his street smarts, beautiful mind, unmatched aura (as the kids say these days), and endless resourcefulness to get by while trying his damnedest to slow down enough so he can make sure he's around to live, breathe, and fight for the most precious and important person in his life - his daughter, Tori.

I'm so glad we got a chance to experience another beautifully flawed, caring, honest, and genuine woman. Another calming anchor in the THIRTY/SUN universe who shows up in Nuney's life and, without hesitation, is all in on trying to help keep him from drifting away and off the deep end. This purple-haired kindergarten teacher is going through what is essentially her second metamorphosis in life after having gone through a failed relationship and divorce. We get to walk with her on her journey to finding and coming back into herself. Venus, who also happens to be Tori's teacher! It's the well-being and shared love of Tori that brings Nuney and Venus crashing together—first for a minute, then a few hours, and ultimately, For The Night...over and over and over again.

These books, these boys, and these characters pull at my heartstrings in the best of ways. It's a wonder the damn thing is still beating considering Dom, Josiah, Dezzy, Dre, and Nuney, along with all of their loved ones, families, and friends have taken bits and pieces of it. But I wouldn't have it any other way. I love diving into this world and getting to witness the beautiful, challenging, and complex lives that they all have. Seeing these rough-around-the-edge boys fall in love and finally accept that love is something they deserve and are worthy of. I love seeing how they all show up for and sacrifice for each other. It's a kind of love you don't see often because it's a love of intention and choice, not one borne of blood or familial obligation...and it's beautiful even with all of the baggage and strife that comes with it.

While it was stressful and painful at times to read, I loved seeing how dedicated and determined Nuney was to protect and be there for Tori, regardless of the circumstances. And to be so confident and solid in what he was doing, standing FIRLMLY on all ten, at such a young age...he really was swinging for Jojo's spot as #1 in my heart.

I really just loved this book and everything about it. The relationship and connection that Nuney and Tori had. The love and care that Venus showed to Tori, Nuney, and everyone around him without hesitation or reservation. The bonds between Nuney, Jojo, Zeke, Nat (Tash) and everyone else. It all was just excellent and I want more!

I've said it for all the other Sun Series books I've reviewed and I'll keep saying it...if you haven't yet stepped out and taken in the beautiful rays from the Sun Series, you're missing out.
883 reviews8 followers
July 13, 2024
The many forms of love!


As usual Rae Lyse weaves an intricate story featuring layered characters who were just as flawed as they were inspiring.  And the addition of Venus and Anthony to the “Sun Series” universe was no exception!  So many forms of love were on display throughout this “angsty” story. The slow buildup had all the makings of delivering something beautiful resulting from one forbidden night…and of course the author delivered in a manner that we’ve come to expect when it comes to her brilliant pen game!  As the reader, it was a pleasure to witness love in its many forms...familial love, love between "chosen" family and romantic love were all on display. And while Munch often stole every scene in which she appeared, we also got cameos from the previous characters that only added to another well-written, character driven story where the age gap in question ended up being nothing more than an afterthought to this reader!
Profile Image for Vonetta Evans.
349 reviews14 followers
July 13, 2025
I really enjoyed reading the story of Nunie and Venus. From the moment they met their story captured me and I was anxious to see where it was going to go and how it was going to get there. It was like a forbidden love since he was the parent of one of her students but even though it was wrong it felt so right. Even though he wasn't fully out of the hustle mindset when he met Venus, I liked how in the time they spent together she was able to help him see there were other ways to get the outcome he desired. I also liked how he brought her into his friend group to help show her how he really felt about her, even if she was a little annoying with how they would perceive her given her age.

I appreciated that when she spoke with her father about their situation he didn't judge her and helped her to see that she should go after what she wanted regardless of how outsiders may feel about it. I was especially proud of her for how she handled Munch's mother and what that meant for Nunie. I liked the two of them together, I thought Venus was a positive influence on he helped her to realize and remember that she is worthy of true love and that she deserved to be treated well by her partner. Overall I really liked this book and it was nice catching up with the characters from some of the other books in the series as well to see what they were up to.
Profile Image for Miesha Parrish of D.M_Time Bookclub .
147 reviews10 followers
July 13, 2024
Nuney can get it 🥰🥰

The way Nuney commands those pages with his mannish ways gives you all the feels. HE IS THAT N###a PERIOD. Being a single father while navigating life that many consider too fast for his long term goals will have you ready to talk some sense into him. Venus is the perfect “safe” for him. When he’s faced with a challenge that even his friends don’t agree with, he handles it his way. When he bullies his way to make Venus see things through his lenses it’s both cute and Nuney-like. Enjoy this story in a way this author could only pen. This is a 5 star read. It’s guaranteed to pick you up at the right time.
Profile Image for kiriahsbookshelf.
293 reviews28 followers
August 30, 2025
Omgg! Nunezzzzz! Anthony! Ant! Mr. Nunez! 🤌🏾😩

How can I love a man more than Dre and JoJo?? Idk but I do. The way Anthony moved was just something different. His personality. His demeanor. The way he went hard for Munch. The way he cared for Venus. Their nights together. I loved this story so much.
Profile Image for Cassie W.
25 reviews5 followers
June 21, 2025
Loved this Anthony started out a 6 and turned into book bae by 56% in.
Profile Image for Tsholonki .
443 reviews7 followers
May 28, 2025
Not my cup of tea, but I'm a sucker for a series which I was already invested in. It had cute moments and I like seeing previous characters.
Profile Image for Mia Morgan.
1,144 reviews32 followers
August 6, 2024
Whew

Rae, you have jumped up my list. This was just all that. I don't want to give anything away. It was so good to catch up with the others. Anthony found his love. Venus was what he needed. Good read.
Profile Image for Pinks.
175 reviews11 followers
August 4, 2025
Nuney and Venus !

I finally got to sit down and read this couple Nuney aka Anthony and Venus aka V. They took me for a spin a for sure getaway ride of drama, overly loving love, trauma and coming to grips of life. Venus coming off from a divorce of deceitfulness where she was stripped of herself and lost of who she was and Nuney a father trying to survive in this world as a black man and save his baby girl while dealing with trifling people to in his life who have done him a disservice. So many obstacles stacked against them and so little time but man oh man did they make the best of it. Nuney is such a lover boyyy my god I loved him and how he loved Venus that was a grown a$$ man not afraid to love hard and be so giving even when life comes at him rough. Venus had to find herself find her groove back after being depleted by people she thought she could trust and Nuney gave her back herself and more.

The age gap between them made me love them more because Nuney showed Venus that someone even younger than the man she was married to knew how to come correct to her and treat her like the queen she is and Nuney finally got that love he always deserved he got that grown women love that takes care of their home and she made sure to take care of her man.

Author Rae always makes me think and makes me learn and makes me analyze and makes me take my time and i appreciate her work and writing style.

I can’t wait to read more from her and I’m already going to miss the sun series gang so until next time enjoy this book yall; sit down, lay back, kick that feet up and take your time on this journey. ❤️
Profile Image for Pookie.
156 reviews11 followers
August 23, 2025
Venus x Anthony

I’ve been feeling every story in the Sun series, but this one? Yeah… easily my fave. I was literally giggling and kicking my feet because who doesn’t love a good love story? Especially one where both characters were done with anything resembling love. The chemistry, the banter and the “angst”(IYKYK)….whew chile! It was everything. The words of affirmation, the reassurance , the gentleness and care they showed each other had you rooting for them throughout the pages.

A standing ovation is in order for Rae Lyse. I think this series can be described as a “Beautiful Mess”, and I ABSOLUTELY LOVED every bit of it. This has easily become one of my favorite series. The stories were raw and real, chaotic while calming , and gritty but soft and sensual. At first I thought I was about to read about a bunch of badass YNs, but instead Rae Lyse gave us a several broken young men, who were on the brink of becoming the product of their environment, and transformed them into phoenixes rising from ashes. I loved how the storylines intertwined with each other and how we were able to witness each one’s continued growth and glow ups.

As a true Atlanta girlie, I loved all the mentions and nods to my city. The lingo, the dialect, the landmarks and the food (nothing like a late night Waffle House run or an order of wings….lemon pepper, extra crispy!)

This was an immersive reading experience and one of my favs sprinkled her magic in the narration. I highly recommend this book and this series!
52 reviews2 followers
July 13, 2024
The story I didn’t know I needed

Who knew Nuney had all this love to give?!?? I’ve always had my Sun Series baes list and the order never changed but Nuney got me thinking about letting him take the number one spot. Like always Rae did her thing with this one! She always manages to give us stories you think will go one way but don’t. And even when you start out hating a character she somehow manages to allow them to show you why they aren’t so bad. Rae catalogue is one that I can always go back and reread…I can’t wait to see what she has for us in the future
Profile Image for BookNotes by Niecy.
224 reviews7 followers
July 14, 2024
Rae Lyse.....so thorough! Loved Ant and Venus, even with the HUGE age gap. Rae consistently gives such good character development. She shows the humanity and reality so many ppl, especially ours, face on a daily basis. The way so many have to grow up surviving because of the cards they are dealt and the choices that come with that.

I love how Rae allows these Black male characters to grow and thrive in themselves and in love.

I guess Zeke is up next.
Profile Image for Mybookscafe.
495 reviews14 followers
July 14, 2024
Rae Lyse did her thing!!!

Like only she could Rae Lyse crafted an epic story!!! Ant and Venus had me down bad ❤️❤️❤️ the way you could feel every emotion happening and the ways of communication, perfecto!!!!!

I love how he respectfully demanded respect and how he loved her down, like yall that man stood on business about her.
Then the way Venus poured love into this man, with just the simplest things.


Ant was younger but was a grown man by the life he lived and the way he went hard for his!!! It was catching updates on all of our favorites from the previous books.

Lastly, I never like Kristen that heffa worked my nerves 😂😂😂
Profile Image for Ebony | ebonylovesbooks.
200 reviews24 followers
August 8, 2024
Nuney like all the Thirty men are SO much more than what you see on the surface. Such a beautifully flawed man truly trying his best to give his loved ones the best.

And Venus was also so beautifully flawed. There’s just something about the chemistry of these men with their women and the softness they reserve for their ladies that I absolutely adore.

Nuney was funny af, smooth, loyal, intentional, emotionally available, an amazing dad, and exactly what Venus needed. I loved him so much!

And I loved the updates on the previous characters. Another aspect I love about this series is the found family. For example Dre making Venus’s plate and Josiah being there for Nuney.


Would definitely recommends
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