“A gift may not always come in the package that you wanted, but that doesn’t mean it still can’t be unwrapped.”
Welcome to Nirvana AVE.
A place where peace & happiness reside in close proximity. Where temptation meets danger, eroticism reaches its pinnacle, lust lurks around every corner and best friends make the greatest of lovers.
This is my first read from this author, and I'm unsure how I feel about it. On the one hand, I really enjoyed the writing and the buildup and background of Robin and Nevada's friendship. I loved how they were there for each other no matter who was uncomfortable with their dynamic. But on the other hand, I felt like there was a lot of dialogue in this book that wasn't needed. I also felt like the transition from the friendship to the lover aspect of the relationship didn't feel organic at all. In fact, I don't know if I can categorize this as a slow burn because Robbi and Veda spend the most, if not the majority, of this book sleeping with other people. It got to the point where I was wondering if they were going to get together at all. They do eventually get it together, but it honestly could have used more development.
Robin and Nevada are best friends from high school. They do everything together except what should be doing. Being together. I really enjoyed this book . It was my first book by Quardeay. The spice was spicy and the villains were extra messy . The plot twist took a turn I did not expect. Robbi was my man energy and Nevada sis was strong FMC . 5 star read.
Quardeay’s "Nirvana AVE" offers a steamy and emotional journey through the lives of Nevada and Robin, best friends who navigate the tumultuous path from platonic love to romantic entanglement. The novel is rich in raw, unapologetic language and intense scenes, making it a compelling read for those who appreciate gritty, realistic storytelling. I completed this read in one day.
The strength of this novel lies in its well-developed characters. Nevada and Robin are vividly portrayed, with their chemistry and deep connection palpable from the start. Quardeay’s writing effectively captures their struggles and triumphs, providing a realistic portrayal of a complex relationship.
However, the novel’s explicit content, while adding authenticity, sometimes overshadows the plot. The balance between romance and explicit scenes could be refined to ensure the storyline remains the focal point. The pacing occasionally falters, with some chapters feeling overly long and detailed, which might test the patience of some readers.
Improvements could include tightening the narrative to maintain momentum and focusing more on the emotional depth and growth of the characters rather than the explicit scenes. This would enhance the overall impact and make for a more balanced read.
Overall, "Nirvana AVE" is a bold, passionate story that offers a fresh take on the best friends-to-lovers trope. Quardeay’s candid and immersive writing style makes it a worthwhile read, though a bit of refinement could elevate it further.
I am going to start by saying that I appreciate all of the background history the characters and the relationships they have with their parents. I felt bad for Nevada because she was struggling with her mother being in prison and I understood her connection with Robin. I understand why Robin made sure his father was safe even through his father was struggling with a drinking problem. I feel like Robin’s mother put him in a complicated situation by asking him to go find his father however, I have more grace for him because of the relationship with his father. With that being said, I feel like I enjoyed the spicy parts of the book when the main characters were with other people. By the time the two main characters got together I really did not care for their intimacy. I do feel bad for Khione because she was being used by Robin and he deserved that slap for keeping her around for so long. Nevada and Robin was trashed for stringing people along throughout their connection because I feel like they were husband and wife instead of friends. I feel like Nevada and Robin played in each other faces throughout the book so I was happy they finally got together in the end.
First off he talked about my city: CHICAGO.. AND YALL know I'm always gonna check out what is being written about my city.. anyway, Nirvana and Robin were two peas in a pod from the very beginning. Best friends from day one. The world knew they were meant to be together but they just felt to ya know be friends..(since most times when you and "best friends" become more things never be the same) but not for them. The two dated but they lived together and you know how that went for the others "y'all fu*kin ain't y'all" LoL 😂😆 tbh if I was dating someone that stayed with a close bestie I would think the same. This book reminded me of the movie "Baggage claim" I love that movie because number one the main chapter tried here hardest to "find a Man" but the whole time her man was right there.. anyway if you like/love a friends to lover story check this one out today! It was a cute read 🥰..
Oh wait, it's freaky freaky.. so if you can handle all that you'll love it here!
Nirvana Ave is a friends to lovers story. “A person who values you wouldn’t ever put themselves in a position to lose you.” Nirvana was dealt with some cards that I wouldn’t even wish on my worst enemy, however she made a friend in High School that helped her. Robin felt a connection to her and they built that foundation. He always wanted to show her that she deserved the best. "If I could stop the world so that you can enjoy it longer, I would. You’re a physical representation of Heaven. Your smile represents healing and your eyes represent unoppressed freedom. A beautiful and perfect combination of ecstasy. You’re world peace. Powerful. Capable. The ruler of all mortal men. The representative of everything good in the Universe. Diamonds and Gold couldn’t even describe your worth. It’s me and you, until the end. I got you and you’ve got me.” Everyone knew that Nevada and Robin should be together but they had to figure out what they wanted and deserved. You should trust the instincts of a friend who JUST KNOWS. That Andri and Khione? Get into the book
Easily Quardeay’s best work. So glad he is back in action. I enjoyed the entire read, but my favorite part of the book is honestly the high school scene setting it up. The reason I say that is because that scene set me up emotionally for how I was going to feel throughout the entire book. I love how much they showed love to each other even when they were in different relationships. I loved how they both constantly spoke life into one another and always showed the other that they cared and could always come to the other when needed. I won’t put spoilers, but the drama is there and the SPICE IS NICE🔥🔥 I love books like this that are smutty, but the spice scenes never feel unnecessary. To Quardeay, PLEASE GIVE US A ROBBI AND NIRVANA SERIES🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
These two took me though it, but the journey was worth every hill, sharp turn, and unsteady pavement! Vada and Robbi have been friends since high school and have seen each other through the extreme highs and lows of life . Now as adults they have lived together for six years but never as anything as BFF. When annoying partners keeping forcing the issue that something is going on between the two, the thought becomes a smoldering flame that ignites the two. I absolutely enjoyed this book. Quardeay has a gift with how he evokes emotion with his words. Definitely not a book you should ignore
This book was good but also a lot of it was unnecessary. The book was good in the sense of it provoked emotions & reactions from me while reading the book, it provided background on the two main characters individually but also them as a unit. However, them chapters didn’t need to be that long & the two spent waaaaaaay too much time playing in each others faces. I also feel like the transition from them being friends to lovers wasn’t as smooth or organic as I would have liked but I still see the vision & I get it.
This story has the potential to be 5 stars, but omggggg with the long a$$ chapters. I found myself skipping so much I just decided there is no point in trying to finish it. I need some break up in the chapters when you only hear from one character for that amount of time, the story doesn’t move along. It’s basically repeats or just whole lot of talking about NOTHING. I can appreciate a good build up, but this was absolutely crazy work. I was tired of the rambling of the female, it was like get on with it already. I don’t think I’m gone finish.
I get that this is a urban romance but it's like a banging in your ears that "these are black people" feeling. I havent read a book that used the words "nut" and "soup-coolers" in so long that I was giggling while reading.
I understand that the language will be different to show the culture significance but some things just wasn't need, imo.
This was my first book by this author and I will be reading more.
I love a good friends to lovers book. These two Best friends really tried to fight individually, their feelings for the other. Everyone on the outside could see the love they had for one another. They would not let anyone come for, harm or hurt the other. It was not undercover or sneaky. They were truly trying to have other relationships and to make sure that the people they were seeing was worth their friend. I was so anxious and waiting for them to get together.
I knew Andre wasn’t ish from the gate! Neither was ole girl! But that plot twist was out of this world. That caught me from left field I totally didn’t see that coming! I loved her and Robbin relationship
I guessed part of it but was shocked by other parts. This book was a roller coaster and I enjoyed every minute of it. And then the author talking me through reviewing is classic.