Loss after loss is the beginning of August’s story. First the death of his mother, then the imprisonment of his father. Although he faces great losses, his brother Kingston is there to be his guidance and protection. Not only does he have Kingston, he also has the love and wisdom of Granny, the woman who raises him in the absence of his parents. If August thought the loss of his parents was devastating, losing his granny pushed him into a pit so deep, only a miracle could pull him out.
THE POWER OF HEALING
Anastasia “Asia” Anthony has had her own share of childhood struggles. Having dealt with an emotionally absent mother and father, she struggles with her own outlook on healthy love. However, her lack of emotional awareness takes a back seat to the health crisis she faces. With her eyesight slowly fading, Asia’s fears take the passenger seat to her already bumpy ride.
August and Asia meet, and there’s one thing they can agree each feel the spark between them. With August trapped in his own mental pit, he’s running from anything that slightly resembles love. His wall is so high, Asia has no choice but to fall in line where he allows her to.
Friends, parents, and other family members make this journey for August and Asia an interesting one. When it’s all said and done, will August come out redeemed? Also, will Asia learn how to truly tap into her emotions?
THE POWER OF WAITING
Jericho and Faith have been friends since they were teenagers. A series of unfortunate situations sent Faith into a system she thought she would be safe in, only to be majorly disappointed.
Jericho is a legend in his hood. He’s the man no one wants to cross. When he steps up for Faith, they become instant friends.
That friendship is about to come to a screeching halt. It takes one night for Jericho to throw all his cards, and heart, on the table. It is up to Faith to have faith in the man who’s always protected her take possession of the heart he’s so freely offering her. Jericho is determined to let nothing stop him. Not even Faith’s fears.
“I told you that your heartbeats belong to me. That means we’re together until that muhfucka stops beating.”
M.Monique recently said on IG that no one wanted August’ story and he ended up being her most successful book with the most reviews. While Blu will forever be that 🥷 for me, I can definitely see how August became a fan favorite.
If you’ve read “Kingston” then you know August’ back story. He is still grappling with guilt behind the death of his grandmother and trying his best to climb out of that hole of guilt for the sake of himself and his son. At the recommendation of his pastor and trusted confidant, August begins visiting Mary in the assisted living facility and while formulating a bond with her, he crosses paths with her free spirited granddaughter Asia who is also battling demons of her own.
In addition to August and Asia’s journey, we have Faith and Jericho. Faith and August have a really great co parenting relationship and now that things are settling down, she can finally focus on her relationship with Jericho which brings its own set of problems.
I enjoyed reading about these two couples as they navigated healing and happiness. Their story was good but in comparison to the other books in the series it didn’t measure up for me.
I definitely could’ve done without the excessive reading references. It was overkill for me. I also felt disconnected from certain parts of the story. There were times that I felt connected to the characters and other times things felt forced.
I enjoyed the cameos from my favs and I absolutely loved how August came through for Asia every single time especially when he connected her with Jakoba.
Overall it was a decent read but I wasn’t blown away like I hoped to be.
This book was packed. But a good read. I loved the themes of healing and redemption, especially for August, who carried so much weight from his past. His journey through depression, guilt, and grief, and his intentional efforts to seek healing and escape the darkness, were refreshing and inspiring. Asia’s role in his recovery was significant—they healed each other, honestly, cause she too had had her own demons and baggage.
This was a fantastic way to conclude one of my favorite series
First of all M. Monique is going to throw a lot of characters and plots your way! (I don't hate it, but you have to pay attention!) The prologue starts with a Cage Doucette and him knowing Nathaniel Wells, who we all know is King and August's dad. That prologue left me intrigued, and confused, but excited to connect the dots.
In the first chapter we are with August and he is having flashbacks to his Granny ☹️. We are some years removed and it seems like August is on a better track in life and seeking counseling from Pastor James. Pastor James is helping August work through his issues but throws in something to help him which is going to sit with an older woman by the name of Mary. Mary is blind but that doesn't stop her from being the life of the party! She even has August reading her romance novels to him! It is through Mary we meet the heroine her granddaughter Anastasia aka Asia. Asia and Augusta have an immediate connection but of course, like most heroes with baggage, he's running from that.
Asia is very genuine and loving although she has a traumatic upbringing and friendship with a rapper Nesha. Nesha was a big weirdo and I won't elaborate on why. Once you read you’ll fully understand! Asia should've listened to her Grandma when she said that girl was not her friend. Asia was also dealing with some major health issues and the way August stepped in and didn't let up on being there for her so sweet!
There is a lot of healing on these pages between Asia and her family, Mary, and her past troubles, and August with his family and his friend/mother of his child Faith. Yes, Faith is still around and she and August are cool. Jericho is back and not letting up on Faith or being a “Bonus” to June. This is where I felt like we didn't fully need their POVs and their story could've been a separate short novella. Like I appreciated their story, but didn't need it. I did love the friendship between Faith and Asia. I also loved the brotherhood between August, Jericho, and Kingston. We have come a long way with this family and the updates on the other in the Summers crew were so nice to see!
Now back to Cage, I won't spill how he's involved but I will say he helps August break through the intense flashbacks and nightmares he’s been having. I think I connected some major dots when Cage shoulder-checked August, but again I don’t want to spoil the plot there. What I will say is The Wells brothers get closure on how they feel about Nathaniel Wells.
August and Asia were sweet to read and that man protected her from Day 1 of meeting her and wasn’t letting up. They both healed parts of themselves while figuring out what they wanted their relationship to be. I loved it! I enjoyed this book and it gave romance, love after grief, taking care of your health, forgiveness, suspense, and get back!
I do wish the book solely focused on August and Asia as I felt their love was enough, and I also wanted certain scenes from their POV and not Faith or Jericho’s. Overall this was a good addition to the series and I can’t wait to see what M. Monique comes out with next!
August was absolutely worth the wait! I'm in tears with how his journey unfolded. I am so happy that M. Monique really took her time with him and allowed him to transform himself. Even through the heartache and turmoil, I am glad I got to learn more about Faith's story and how Jericho stayed down for her, which was already written. As young as August is, he's still up in the running with all of M. Monique's other book baes. I love him real bad.💜💜💜
This book was beautiful, simply beautiful!! The growth & the love & the strength was marvelous and I loved every bit of it! It was sexy and warm & just everything it was meant to be & I enjoyed it all.
I gotta get myself together to give this review the praise it deserves. I'll just leave this here for now. This read is an amazing story of forgiveness, redemption, healing, and love. Whew..... 💓
I went into this book feeling like I was missing something. I think it was the time jump. At the end of Kingston’s book, I was left not really liking August and in this book, August had matured a bit and we didn’t get to see the change. I wanted to see his character development and how he got to the place he was with Faith and Jericho. I will say I definitely enjoyed this book though. I loved the slow build between Asia and August. Why ain’t nobody mention Jericho?? He’s really that guy. I loved the family dynamic. Bonus and Gift were too cute! The plot twist was good. I saw it coming but still good.
This was a story of healing and redemption. August was so hard on himself but once he decided to forgive himself and let love in, it was beautiful. Him and Asia together was something special. And Jericho that’s a good man! This was a great way to say goodbye to the Summers gang.
This was perfect. I was terrified to read this one because I left book 3 angry with him and definitely feeling like he did not deserve a happy ending for the way he was treating Faith.
I love that time was fast forward. It made it more believable that August had changed as a person because he was a complete Fu*k boy before. His redemption story was perfect and in the end he did deserved to be properly loved. He was a better man to Faith and his child also truly stepped into himself and was protective and a bit unhinged for Asia.
Asia’s entire family was trash !! Her dad other kids!!!! LORD! They were a piece of work I love they she didn’t cower to them but stood her ground and stomped ole girl out in the driveway 🤣🤣🤣. Nobody wants no weak woman😝.
Without saying too much , I was totally not expecting the brother !!! Or the dad plot twist!! I this entire series all had these plot twist I was not expecting especially with going in blind and not reading the synopsis, I was thoroughly pleased.
Jericho and faith deserves all that love and happiness. He was a patient man and I am glad his patience wasn’t in vail. He was always a good man.
Overall this was amazing and the perfect way to end this series. (If this is the end.) I
August Wells is a man with something to prove. He's on a journey to heal himself, to lift his guilt, to father his son. He doesn't want or need distractions. But then his pastor sends him to connect with Mary, an older woman on her own journey and he meets Mary's granddaughter, Anastasia. Asia is also on a journey, and the way seems blocked. But August makes her look up and pay attention, and she does the same for him.
Wow. This book was more emotionally charged than any of the Summer's books and it was well worth the wait. I love how August acknowledge every stage of his growth, how he made sure everyone around him knew he saw them, and heard them. August became a listener, which was the most important thing for him. He learned how to pay attention to who was in his corner. I love how the author played this out. How she weaved these lives together and showed August conquering everything that held him back before. It was very well-written and you could see his maturity in the pages. I loved the way he loved on Faith, the way he made amends with her through their son, and through his friendship, and his brotherhood with Jericho. How he encouraged her and made sure she knew she could call on him. I also love the way he and Kingston's bond grew deeper and they made the hard decisions together about their father. And even got some extra family out of it.
His slow and easy walk into love was a wonderful way to show his growth. The way he kept his eyes wide open with Asia, and did everything with intention. August didn't fall in love. He walked, fully aware, and fully on board. I knew the moment he lifted her in his arms and carried her out of that hospital that it was a wrap for Asia. Lol. He scooped her up, literally and figuratively and there was nowhere for her to go. But next to him. He made his presence known and felt and didn't let Asia run away from him, or her life. It was the best kind of protection and faith in her ability. Plus he reads!
Asia was the sweetest character. Trying to hold onto the one piece of love you have and can feel is a courageous mission and she did it, every day. I love her sense of humor and her spirit. Her too big glasses and her artistry. I loved the way she loved her Gran, and how she and Mary brought something back to August while helping him reconcile what was lost. It took her a while to lean into trust and having someone catch her when she fell, but when she learned, it was magic. She was written well. And she and August had real passion, palpable and tactile. You could tell how important touch became to her when she'd first had an aversion to it.
Faith and Jericho provided a great side story. Faith's past had some solid emotional weight and I loved how Jericho was her man, even back then and always. His family didn't understand why he waited, but he did, and he never let anyone undermine that. Faith's bravery was the key, and I love the way she and August gave each other the push.
I love the Summers series. Grey's intention, Blu's focus, Kingston's intensity, and August's protection is a top tier combination.
I misjudged you, and for that I apologize. I just knew you were going to stress me—but instead, you did the opposite. You had me blushing and smiling the whole time. This story of forgiveness, healing, and becoming the best version of yourself was just perfect.
Asia and August were drawn to each other, but both very afraid. They healed individually but still chose each other—the way these two cared for each other! 🥰♥️👏🏾
Favorite quote: ✨ “You can’t tell me how to spoil you, Asia. Just let me.”
I especially loved Pastor James and Granny Mary. The representation of therapy, faith, and forgiveness was so refreshing. And Granny Mary? My lady was blind but calling it exactly how she saw it 😂. That fire scene 🥺🥺
Of course, Nesha and her jealous self… PMO 😂 And Elijah and Nate? Whew, PMO too—horrible fathers!
Bonus and Gift? On a whole other level of grown-ass co-parenting. That part was so good.
More favorite quotes: ✨ “I am the healed and redeemed version of myself.” “Who. Are. You?” “I am August.”
This series just keeps getting better with every book. Ugh—just read it! 🩶💙♥️💜
I knew August was gonna be the one that took me down through there! Man this book was so mfn good 😭😭😭 its the character growth for me, just know that the August we met in Kingston is nothing like the August i read about in his own story. My god this book really had me in my feelings. It was so many relatable situations that had me thanking good for my family, and dont get me started on Mrs.Mary she reminded me so much of granny 🥲💙I love the relationship between August, Faith, Asia,and Jericho was so beautiful 🥰💙
This book was a beautiful story about healing, redemption, and forgiveness. August had a heavy journey through anxiety, depression, and guilt. He was so hard on himself and didn't want to let anyone in and burden them with his troubles. I loved him and Asia together. She was battling her own issues but she showed August she was there for him and he did the same for her.
The display of a healthy co-parenting relationship between Faith and August :chefs kiss:
I almost didn't want it to end. Now need to go back and read the rest of the books.
3.5/5 — August, boy have you redeemed yourself from Kingston’s book. I hate losing grandma Lily had to encourage that change. I love he’s a better man for June too. It allowed him to be the one Anastasia needed. — Anastasia, my girl, f*ck your trash parents and that jealous “friend”. I loved her bond with grandma Mary. — I believe August and Asia found one another at the right time. — Their was a lot of healing that took place within these pages and it was needed. — I’m so happy for Faith and Jericho too.
I think that this was the best story out of the whole series. I instantly fell i love with August. He had a rough side previously which showed in Kingston but I felt like this was a whole new person in his own story. He has healed and done the work to become a wonderful man. I loved him and Asia's love story as well. Also Gran-gran had me laughing continuously. Also I'm gone need one of Asia's wigs immediately!
I wanted to hate August so bad in the other books because of his behaviors. He was redeemed in this book, not only through my eyes but his too. I encourage you to read the other books so that you get an understanding of who August is and what he’s had to go through. The growth was phenomenally written.
Chile, I feel so emotional. This series will really take u thru. The tragedies hit so hard that when the triumphs come you're celebrating as if it happened to u. What I truly love is there's small background noise that's happening throughout the timelines that gradually pick up static until it's loud enough as if it had been shouted from a bullion.
4.5 ⭐️M.Monique brought this series to a beautiful close. August and Asia story was beautiful and challenging. Their family issues could have kept them apart but it didn’t. They grew through their trauma.
I loved how she included Faith and Jericho’s relationship in this story. Truly amazing.
My man my man my man. August is my kind guy. Yes he had trauma who doesn’t. But one thing he is good for is standing on business about the people he cares for.
The fact that he was fighting this basically destined love is crazy. Asia reminds me a lot of myself and I loved how she grew throughout the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This book has me in my feelings from beginning to the end. I didn't know what to expect cause august got in my last nerve at the end of Kingston. His character really became so much more. I would love to know more about cage
I didn't expect to enjoy this book as much as I did, because I didn't like August in Kingston's book. But M Monique did her big one with this and gave a redemption that had me loving the man August became. His growth and maturity was a pleasure to read.
I’m not giving y’all a synopsis bc if y’all have been riding since the Smith brothers then you already know where this one is going…
With that being said…. I honestly don’t know which relationship I enjoyed the most. August & Asia, August & Jericho, August & Mary or Asia and Faith..
After reading Kingston I didn’t know how M. Monique would redeem August in my eyes, when I say he disappointed me in Kingston so bad…. But his redemption story was full of growth, maturity and effective communication…
The bromance between August and Jericho was simply refreshing their common love for faith and dedication to giving June a well rounded family was top tier.
Grammy Mary pulled at my heartstrings the entire book she was such a survivor.. I loved the way she loved and protected Asia.
The book opened a bit slow for me and the introduction of a new character right off confused me a little bit, while reading the book I was anticipating how he would be introduced into this family dynamic.. I hated to have to wait as long as I did to connect those dots but I enjoyed his parts and now I want to know more about him.
Jericho didn’t play about Faith in Kingstons book and he damn sure didn’t play about Faith here. I wish they had their own book tho, because his patience deserves the spotlight, but although they were joined with Asia and August I believe she captured that love on page very well..
Overall this was a true solid read and a great addition to the Summers collection. Who’s next 👀?
Ms Monique strikes tf againnnn. When everybody was beefing over Blu, Grey, & Kingston, I just KNEW that when it came to August book, HE WAS GONE BE MY MANNN. August had me giggling & kicking my feet from the first pageee. I am in love with this story & these characters! Let’s talk about Jericho! That mannnn. Woooo 😮💨😮💨 this book was funny, emotional, romantic, just UUUGHHHHH. Read this shit.
Like flowers tend to bloom so did August. This book a breath of fresh air. M. Monique’s August is a poignant exploration of redemption, healing, and the complexities of waiting for love. Set against a backdrop of personal loss and emotional turbulence, this novel masterfully intertwines its characters’ journeys, making it a deeply moving read. The narrative begins in a shadowed realm of loss for August, whose life is marred by the death of his mother and the imprisonment of his father. This tragic backdrop lays the foundation for August's character, portraying him as a man burdened by a past he struggles to escape. Yet, the presence of his brother Kingston a figure of stability and love—provide him with the support he needs, though it may not be enough to fully heal his wounds. The theme of redemption is central to August’s journey, as he grapples with his grief and seeks a path out of his emotional abyss. Monique crafts August’s story with a rawness that captures the reader’s empathy and makes his quest for redemption both compelling and heart-wrenching. In contrast Anastasia’s storyline introduces another layer of emotional depth. Her struggle with her fading eyesight serves as a metaphor for her broader emotional challenges. Asia's background of an emotionally absent family mirrors August’s, and her journey toward understanding and embracing love is as fraught as his. When August and Asia’s paths cross, the initial spark between them seems to offer a glimmer of hope. However, August’s resistance to love and his emotional barriers cast a shadow over their budding relationship. The novel beautifully illustrates Asia’s struggle to reconcile her fears with her desires, making her personal growth a critical element of the narrative. Grandma Mary was the MVP of this story because did so much for both August and Asia. I was so teary eyed reading wow. The subplot involving Jericho and Faith adds another dimension to the story’s exploration of relationships. Jericho, a formidable figure in his community, finds his steadfast friendship with Faith tested as he confronts his own vulnerabilities and affections. Faith’s journey through disappointment and her struggle to trust Jericho’s intentions reflect a broader theme of faith and patience in love. Monique uses their evolving relationship to highlight the challenges of taking a leap of faith, both in love and in oneself. Jericho is an amazing father figure I was rooting for him this entire book and it was so beautiful to see Faith finally open up to him. Monique’s setting—ranging from the gritty streets of August’s world to the more intimate moments shared between characters—enhances the thematic elements of the novel. The environments reflect the internal landscapes of the characters, with their personal struggles and emotional growth intertwined with their physical surroundings. The novel’s setting effectively underscores the power dynamics and emotional struggles faced by the characters, making their journeys toward redemption, healing, and love all the more vivid.
August is a testament to M. Monique’s ability to weave complex characters and themes into a narrative that resonates deeply with readers. The novel’s exploration of personal redemption, the healing power of love, and the patience required in relationships offers a multifaceted and emotionally rich reading experience. Kudos Monique you did that.
Another great book. M.Monique has not missed with this series. I’ve been praying for August since Kingston. That baby was hard headed and going through it, but I couldn’t help but to root for him. By the end of Kingston, I assumed that Faith and August would work it out but to see what them as friends and healthy co-parents is a beautiful thing. I love Asia and August together. I love the bond he and his family built with Mrs.Mary. All three of them healed. Really glad they didn’t kill Gran Gran off cuz I would’ve been livid. I balled real tears when Grandma Lily died.
I’m glad faith finally decided to stop playing my son Jericho. Five years ma’am? Five years?!?! Any other man would’ve left you high and dry but Jericho knew that faith was his endgame and willing to wait. Soon as she agreed to a relationship, the next day he proposed. As he should. There was so much growth in this book. Jericho and August mending their differences and becoming brothers was everything to me. August becoming a book nerd is chef’s kiss.
Nate you dirty dog. I can’t believe all the pain you caused your family. Sir are you not ashamed?! Your karma came full circle. I sipped my tea while Cage gave you the business. When the books started with Cage’s pov, I was mad confused. To know that August and Kingston had a whole brother out there they knew nothing about is crazy. I wonder if he’ll get a book of his own. I would love an origin story.
I hope Dallas and Houston have books coming too. Them boys give BDE.
What is the deal with Dr. House? Is anyone else realizing how emotional he gets around August and the baby. There’s something about him. Let me find out that Nate isn’t his real father lol or something. Maybe he knew August mother 🤔. I need answers lol.
Nesha didn’t get enough karma for me. I needed to see her drowning in it. Over there upset about a man who wouldn’t even answer your dms. I needed August to release all that shit to the public lol. That girl was never Asia’s friend. Always listen to your grandma’s discernment. It’ll save you.
Overall I loved the book. This series had me in a chokehold from book 1. I will always recommend.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Mannnnnnnnnn…..listen. Just when I think that if I read one more in this series and it’s good then I’m going to want another and another! This one was even better than the first 3! Every book in the series have a different outlook on love. August was so misguided by his dad that it blinded him of the truth of who he truly was at his core. Nate was pure evil. Pure hate. Stayed scheming. He mistreated the very women who loved him. I just knew Nate had his hands in the fate of those women. Thank God King was a better man and fought to keep August from destroying himself. Asia and Faith were meant to link. Faith has such a beautiful heart and is at a place of peace unimaginable. I pray to be healed just as August healed himself of the guilt of losing his mom. How Faith was healed from a person she trusted from taking something from her and damaging her trust. How Asia was able to heal from not knowing the love of her parents. How Mary saw the forgiveness from the young man whom she hurt. God was everywhere healing in this book and I enjoyed every page. I love how August and Jericho became brothers, it showcased maturity at its best. The way karma wretched around and snatched Nesha petty tail back to reality! I laughed so hard! I wish my mama could visit me and give me guidance as Lily was able to give her children. All this love was waiting to be given and received. All of these troubled spirits just ready to be released from its bondage. The greatest love is received from God and there in the midst God placed the right people in one another’s lives to create such a beautiful love between Jericho and Faith (FINALLLYYY😜) and August and Asia. Wonderfully crafted