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AWOL: Absent Without Love

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When you are handed a life line you grasp it tightly. For seventeen years, the Army has been Nakara Dakota Willer’s saving grace. Dakota has excelled, ranked and changed her life for the better. As a decorated Chief Aviation Officer, she encompasses the skillsets and fortitude to handle any challenges, except, Him.

Omari Kreed is legacy. Born from a line of Kreed men who have served the highest ranks means his future in the Army is not only expected but destined. Regardless, his journey will be his own. Unlike the Kreed men before him, his mind set on acquiring Aviation wings.

Dakota and Kreed are bound by their discipline and focus until a game of darts and an undeniable attraction land them in the middle of power shift.

The two quickly learn that love is like win or lose, there will always be casualties.

220 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 11, 2024

95 people are currently reading
208 people want to read

About the author

Charity Shane'

40 books576 followers
Charity Shane’ is a USA Today Best-selling author. She holds a Bachelor degree and a Juris Doctor degree. She’s an Author, Higher Education Leader, Legal Expert., and Creative.

Writing stories that create feelings through her words is her true passion.
To date, she has published many books, traditional and indie, including a USA Today Best Seller and a number of Amazon best sellers. She has been featured in Entertainment Weekly and Woman’s World Magazine for her traditionally published book, A Novel Christmas.

Her soul sings Black romance and Black Women’s fiction.

Authorcharityshane.com

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5 stars
269 (61%)
4 stars
140 (31%)
3 stars
29 (6%)
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1 (<1%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
Profile Image for Annette Williams.
1,204 reviews435 followers
September 23, 2024
It feels so good to back at Fort Atkins! Dakota is a high ranking officer in the army aviation program. With 17 years under her belt and having flown in several successful missions, she was handpicked by the General to lead the Warrant Officer Flight Training (WOFT) program. Since Dakota is a new resident to Crescent Falls, her bestie talks her into letting her hair down and celebrating her new assignment the night before she has to report for duty.

Kreed is army legacy. With a Lt. General father and a decorated Brigadier grandfather, his future was written in stone from the moment he was born. Ever since he enlisted in the army, Kreed has had only one dream and that’s to become a helicopter pilot. Specifically, an Apache helicopter pilot and being accepted into the WOFT program gets him 25 weeks closer to making his dream a reality. While kickin’ it at The Local Cue the night before class he hears, “Do you have next?” When he turns to see the beautiful lady behind the sexy voice, Kreed knows he’s found his darts partner for the night and, quite possibly, his future wife.

AWOL was the angst free read I needed. It was sweet, romantic, and funny with minimal drama. I’ve been in the worse reading slump since last month. Typically, I don’t find myself in this predicament but everything I’ve read recently has been mid and not very enjoyable. But Charity said, “Hold on sis. I got you.” and gave us this saccharinely cute read. Everyone knows age gaps with OW/YM are not my jam but, AWOL gave me exactly what I needed. My only complaint would be the lack of resolution between Kreed and his mama. Justine really showed her azz unnecessarily and I wanted to know if she would, eventually, find her common sense. Other than that, AWOL was the perfect read to get me out of my slump.
Profile Image for ReadnliftwithShar.
1,876 reviews
September 13, 2024
“Absent Without Love, AWOL” is a military romance story that is easily on my list of favorite books written by Charity. The characters, Nakara “Dakota” Willer and Omari Kreed were so fun to read about. Dakota is seventeen years into her career in the Army and is new to Cresent Falls to head the Warrant Officer Flight Training. She is basically “that girl” and oozes black girl magic. Omari is a military legacy, with a father and grandfather both serving as high-ranking officers. He is in the WOFT program, and like Dakota, the Army saved him. The book is based on a one-night stand between Dakota and Omari. There is an age gap, as well, but fret not, Omari is all man. The way Omari scratched the itch for Dakota is proof that sometimes “age ain’t nothing but a number”. The writing in this book is easy to follow, and the characters are likable. Charity does her due diligence in explaining military terms and describes the scenes with the training clearly. It felt like a movie, at times.
I was so invested in the story because the characters were on different ends of the spectrum when it came to taking their romance to the next level. With Dakota being a black woman with rank, it made sense that she is very cautious by the book. There were a few moments where I wanted to knock some sense into Dakota, but I found myself empathizing with her. The Army is all that she has. Omari pushes the envelope and like a moth to a flame, Omari cannot stay away. Also, Omari understood the assignment when it came to standing up for Dakota, anyone could get it, including family members. I appreciated his assertiveness and willingness to confront bad behavior. Whew! I enjoyed this book; Charity continues to impress me.

**arc review
Profile Image for 'The Book Queen'.
6,050 reviews117 followers
September 16, 2024
AWOL was good

I liked the story, it was good and it was a fun love story. The age difference did not bother me because both were over 25 years old and consenting adults. I had a slight issue with the commander and subordinate situation in this story. I struggled with that narrative. The cover model also differed from my visual point of view based on the writing. However, that was not as important as having a well told story.
Profile Image for Tasha.
666 reviews16 followers
October 1, 2024
Kreed 🫶🏾 Dakota 🥹

I knew it was gone be 🔥I loved Kreed and Dakota the chemistry was undeniable. I’m so glad she got over the age gap and what their relationship could mean for their careers and allowed her self to love and be loved. I was really hoping his mom would come around but I loved how Kreed stood ten toes down on protecting his family from anyone including her. Such a beautiful journey to love ❤️

Another author I have read from the beginning and have watched the growth in her writing and it has been amazing read after read 👏🏾 🔥 📚 🖊️
Profile Image for Taija Thompson.
420 reviews
September 19, 2024
YESSSSS!!!

This was a nice ride!! I loved everything about this story except that man’s mama. Because wtf!?!?! But i love black love and this was just…😙🤌🏾💋chefs kiss!!
Profile Image for Toya  Davis-Stokley.
2,584 reviews104 followers
September 16, 2024
Miss Charity, I thought Trenard was something else, but honey Kreed is the got damn man!! 😍

Kreed born into an Army legacy but didn’t embrace it at first. He acted out until his hand was forced; it was then that Army became his life. Excited about starting WOFT program, all he could see in his future were his wings. Until he lays eyes on her.

Dakota born into a family who didn’t want her forced her to grow up doing it all on her own, and her self-sufficiency skills are top tier. The opportunity to go to the Army came at a time when Dakota really needed a change in her life, so she took the risk and has been paving her way ever since. The night before flight school begins, she goes out to unwind and runs into a young, sexy, man who she knows is trouble. However, she can’t seem to take her eyes off him or walk away. Kreed has this assertiveness that made Dakota stand up straight, and blindly follow.

When they find out how they are connected, they were a bit shook, and wondered how this would all play out. Well, Kreed knew that he wanted this woman, and he would get her on board soon enough. Dakota on the other hand was hesitant as hell and was rightfully concerned about the career she worked so hard for. There was a lot of back and forth between the two and the future of their relationship. I could understand both sides, but Kreed seemed to hold all the cards to get Dakota to side his way.

I loved how invested, attentive, caring, and present Kreed was when he learned what he and Dakota share. She was his to protect, and love, and he was prepared to do all that and more.

NOW, Miss Justine! What the hell was her problem? 🤬 She laid eyes on Dakota and decided she hated her. 😤 Does she know her from Dothan? Her behavior really had me hot, especially since she loved her son so much, but disrespected his woman like that. Will we find out what is up with that? How is the rest of the family on board with Dakota’s presence, but she is acting a whole ass! Other than my utter disdain for Mrs. Kreed, I enjoyed this read. 👍🏾👍🏾
Profile Image for Jacquie.
613 reviews13 followers
September 13, 2024
For Dakota and Kreed a game of darts, good drinks, good conversation, and a good romp in the sheets is the perfect night of blowing off steam! That is until the next day when they meet again as Commanding Officer and student at Fort Knox military base!

Kreed falls hard and fast, ready to go all in whether Dakota likes it or not. He staked his claim and that was all she wrote! You get some light fireworks and drama, definitely some good push and pull, but for the most part AWOL is a drama free, pure romance, with a man going hard to love his woman right!
Profile Image for Arnell  Peterson .
1,030 reviews35 followers
September 14, 2024
Kreed, Kreed and more Kreed. This man knew exactly what he wanted and went after it. Dakota never knew that life could be so amazing until Kreed. Her career was her main focus and Kreed was like last stop playing with me!
575 reviews
December 12, 2024
Cute

Super cute quick read. Dakota was an older sergeant in the Army and she decides on a whim to sleep with someone she meets in a bar the day before she starts her new assignment. Only to find out Omari was one of the students.

It was supposed to be a one night stand and it turned into forever.
Profile Image for Kendra Broomfield.
369 reviews
July 3, 2025
It's already been established that Charity don't miss...so basically I need to stop turning down these 20-fine something men and get in my cougar bag lol. I loved the instant connection with Kreed and Dakota, he was everything she didn't know she needed. Age aint nothing but a number for real!

Ok so the audacity of it all though - the cousin calling to ask for money to bury their raggedy mammy - NOPE! The childhood she experience in the hands of her family was awful but I'm glad she was able to rise above it. Now, Justine - she never came around so I have to guess that she's either still acting stank and ok missing out on her grandchild's life or she's being shady trying to have access to the baby and shun Dakota. At first I was like damn is this her biological mom and that's why she's so opposed to the relationship, but that wasn't it and she never got better or tried to like Dakota. She kept referring to him as her baby and her need to control him was strong, but that's on her cause Kreed ain't playing about his family! I would've like Val to be dishonorably discharged or faced serious discipline about how she violated Dakota's privacy in the worse way (and still didn't get the man *tsk tsk*)

Overall, go read the book!
115 reviews
September 13, 2024
Such a Beautiful Story

I loved this story. It was different. The story felt real. The way they went from being what was suppose to just be a one night stand, to Kreed applying all the pressure on Miss Dakota. Baby Kreed did not play with her. Even when he tried to resist her because she was fighting them being together they couldn’t deny each other.

The attraction, the pull to each other, the sexual tension, the way they stood for each other each and every time. YES! Immediately yes. I loved how Kreed didn’t allow anyone to come between him and Dakota and he didn’t allow anyone to disrespect her. The way things started and the way they ended was a story to tell. They truly deserved each other.

One thing that stood out to me the most was that despite Dakota’s ranking, position, or title, she allowed Kreed to lead her, teach her, love her, and protect her. She allowed him to just be. To be himself, and to care for her. Who she was and her power never stopped what they had and that was beautiful to see. Miss Shane you did it again. This was a soft love story with the right amount of BDE, and the right amount of I don’t play about her.
69 reviews1 follower
October 28, 2024
Really Enjoyed This Story

I really enjoyed this story it gave all the feels. My only issue is I wish we could have made it a bit longer to get updates on the main antagonists throughout the book…it felt like it was left unfinished from that aspect especially with the dulu as MIL. I would have also liked more info on his friend as an update on him as well as the hussy 😂. But even w/o those things I still enjoyed the story hence my rating. Maybe a holiday special to give the updates because I would be interested to see how the family navigates now that things have officially changed
Profile Image for Lauren Lane.
387 reviews3 followers
September 19, 2024
per usual (SPOILERS)

Five stars per usual! I couldn’t wait for this book and I didn’t want it to end. I loved the visuals, the names of both characters, and the storyline! The general had me nervous for a min but I just knew she wouldn’t lose her job. They had know idea who each other was at the time they met. I guess she should have reported it as soon as she knew but she resisted for a lil minute so I can see why she didn’t.
Charity, what was Kreed’s mother’s problem? I coulda slapped her! Ugh! Per usual you are the goat with this writing! What’s next?
Profile Image for Jasmine.
93 reviews1 follower
September 16, 2024
I enjoyed this story and I loved Kreeds energy! He was not playing with Dakota about them being a family. Kreed said forget my age, I’m a grown man!! The situation with his mom made me sad and I was hoping it wouldn’t end like that. Overall good read with good characters.

Kalif deserved better
Val need to learn how to move on lmaoo
269 reviews
August 28, 2025
4.75 ⭐️

Kreed, Kreed, Kreed… what a man. I loved this. I was so anxious and annoyed at Dakota, but in a good way. The only reason this didn’t get a 5 ⭐️ is because I couldn’t understand what mom’s problem was and I didn’t like that the books didn’t give it a good reason. Other than that this was a great read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
12 reviews1 follower
September 14, 2024
one word KREED 😍😍😍😍💕💕💕

Omg this is such a beautiful love story you will not be disappointed omg if only I can find a man like KREED
Profile Image for Rhiana Simpson.
164 reviews10 followers
October 13, 2024
Amazing story

I’m not use to reading books about the military, especially when both mmc’s are in the military. Loved reading this book though and learning new things about the military. The relationship growth through this story was great. Loved how Kreed knew what he wanted and showed Dakota what he would do to make their relationship work. Loved this story, highly recommend and I can’t wait to read her other books.
Profile Image for Chareese H..
616 reviews
August 23, 2025
Love, Love, Loved this story..... I really enjoyed the narrators 💖💖💖. Love the touch of being in Crescent Falls ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐. Will definitely be listening to the audiobook again. Thank you Charity Shane for another visit to Crescent Falls 100% worth it.
Profile Image for JazzReads .
1,092 reviews33 followers
October 26, 2024
Enjoyed it

I usually don't like age gap book but I really didn't mind the age gap. I liked this couple even when Dakota was getting on my nerves. Overall I enjoyed this book. This book wad a book club read and I can't wait to discuss this book.
Profile Image for TheTBRWhisperer.
141 reviews
January 6, 2026
No clue HOW this doesn't have a written review but this book stays on my rereads list...

I have no clue what it is about this story and couple that I fall in love with them everytime!

I'm not huge on military stories but this was recommended from Tik Tok...

A time was had! This book was so amazing that I never felt like I was reading the story but a part of it. The chemistry was so palpable.

Although it is a military-based, the love and relationship take the forefront of the story.
Profile Image for Tazja Lewis.
409 reviews8 followers
May 26, 2025
This was a cute and fast read. I was disappointed in how Creed’s mom was acting and there was never any clear reason why she felt a way about his and Dakota’s relationship. I loved the portrayal of a high ranking Black woman in the Army and how the decision to become a mother didn’t hinder her.
Profile Image for Yasmine.
339 reviews16 followers
September 15, 2024
This is a black military romance about Nakara Dakota Willer, a 17 year Army veteran who is a highly accomplished Chief Aviation Officer and Omari Kreed, a military man who has dreams of getting his Aviation wings and comes from a long line of very accomplished military men who've served some of the highest ranks one can reach in the Army.

Dakota and Kreed met at a bar over a game of pool. The attraction between them was instant and from there they had an explosive one night stand. Afterwards, they meet again when they both discover that Dakota was the high ranking new Chief who was going to be training Kreed's class of future pilots. From there is a battle of wills and hard choices on how hard are you willing to fight for your own happiness.

This was a really good book. Something I'm very happy about because this has been a very mid month of reads. Dakota and Kreed's chemistry was off the charts from the beginning. The sex scenes were good and even though there was an age gap(Dakota is 35 and Kreed is 26) Kreed showed the whole book he was very much a grown ass man. He stood on business from the beginning to the end. BDE was all through the book when it came to him. The way he stepped up to the plate during Dakota's pregnancy and was present and doting was swoon worthy. A real man! He also had no problems getting Dakota together. Speaking of, she had several moments in the story of doing the most. Being stubborn for no reason but thankfully she got it together.

What I wasn't a fan of however was the way his mom acted. Only because it seemed as though her intense dislike of Dakota came out of nowhere. There was build up to it at all. She literally had just met her and decided she didn't like her because of the age gap and in her delusional ass mind also was trying to take her son away. Mother's who treat their sons like significant others instead of their child will always be the worst. Mind you, this crazy lady is married! To Kreed's dad at that so her bizarre behavior was very weird. It was also sad that she didn't get it together by the end of the book. I was hoping she'd act like the super adult she's supposed to be and apologize but that didn't happen. There also was grammatical issues in the book.

Overall, it was a good story. Again, I'm not an insta love girlie but I did enjoy it for this story.
Profile Image for Sassha Reads❤️❤️.
2,072 reviews21 followers
September 20, 2024
This book was sooooooooo good and I enjoyed reading Kreed and Nakara/Dakota’s love journey. Kreed was nine years younger than Dakota but he showed her that he was a grown azz man with BDE standing on business. I loved Kreed for Dakota because he made her feel safe and she got to experience her soft girl and multiple orgasms era. Kreed took that “Let me see what that mouth do” to a whole nother level Baby! It’s crazy that neither one of them even thought about using protection and them back shots with her leg propped up showed Dakota that Kreed was a grown man and had grown man seeds to create their baby girl. You know I absolutely love pregnancies, detailed labor deliveries, and cute baby descriptions so I was in my awwwwwwwwww happy place. I can’t believe the audacity of Regina to actually call Dakota to ask for help to bury her mom Marleta when they all were horrible to Dakota and neglected her when she was growing up. I wanted Val receive some kind of reprimand for her actions because what she did by disclosing Dakota’s pregnancy to Kreed was a very serious offense. I also wanted to know if Justine ever apologized and came around to Kreed and Dakota being in a relationship. And if Omar, GiGi, and Grandpop had seen or spent time with Baby Nyomi yet. Maybe we’ll get an update in Kalif’s book that I’m speaking into existence because he needs love after the way Dijah tried to pin another man’s baby on him.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
1,092 reviews8 followers
September 21, 2024
AWOL

This was a cute story. It gave me military romance, age gap and secret baby romance all in one. I really liked Dakota and Kreed together and that she finally stopped pushing him away and allowed him to love her. I also loved that Kreed stood ten toes down about his feelings for Dakota and what he wanted from her and their relationship and didn’t allow anyone to sway him. Val was bitter and she needed to be dishonorably discharged for what she did and Kreed’s mother was giving my son is my man energy. I was hoping we would have gotten to see if she came around and finally tried to actually get to know Dakota but that was left a mystery. All in all, this was a very enjoyable story from beginning to end.
Profile Image for Charmy Reads.
451 reviews15 followers
November 4, 2024
I am normally not a fan of age gaps but this is one that (IMO) was done correctly. And by correctly I mean that it didn't make me feel uncomfortable. Not knocking anyone's reading preferences but a new adult (regardless of gender) with an adult that is 30+ just isn't anything that interests me personally. This book wasn't that. The youngest person in the relationship was a 26 year old man and the oldest was a 35 year old woman.

From the beginning Kreed was applying major pressure. He knew what he wanted and was ready to be all in with Dakota. Understandably she was worried about the optics and their professional working relationship but Kreed knew what he wanted (which was her) and went in applying major pressure. Dakota was successful and had accomplished a lot in her career. Her career was everything to her and it was hard for her to even think of putting that on the line regardless of the reassurances she had.

I loved how Kreeds family embraced her...well, most of Kreed's family. And he didn't tolerate any disrespect toward Dakota or what they were trying to build together. Again, age gap isn't normally my thing but I found myself rooting for them from the beginning. I feel like for me to want to root for the relationship with the oldest person being 30+... the youngest person has to have a little more life experience than a day past the legal age of being an adult. And I was rooting for Kreed from day 1!

If you usually aren't sure about age gaps I say give this one a try. So glad I bought the physical copy of this book because it is definitely one I can see my self rereading.
Profile Image for DOMINIQUE Davis.
501 reviews31 followers
September 16, 2024
who knew a game of darts would lead to love?

What began as a seemingly casual one-night stand between Kreed and Dakota quickly evolved into a deep, unbreakable connection, with Kreed persistently pursuing Dakota despite her initial resistance.

Kreed's protective nature and determination to ensure Dakota's respect and well-being were heartwarming. Their relationship's journey, from its unexpected beginnings to its fulfilling conclusion, was a testament to their undeniable chemistry and commitment. A particularly striking aspect was Dakota's willingness to let Kreed lead and care for her, despite her own power and status. This dynamic added a beautiful layer to their relationship, showcasing mutual respect and love.

Charity Shane has crafted yet another enthralling love story, blending tenderness with a strong sense of passion and loyalty. Highly recommended for anyone looking to be swept off their feet.
Profile Image for Rebecca.
68 reviews2 followers
September 14, 2024
Amazing

I loved this story. I think this is my first military romance and I enjoyed it. Dakota and Omari's one night stand that turned into a full relationship was so good. It is an age gap romance with older woman and younger man. The author did a really good job at explaining army ranks and meaning of military terms. The writing style was amazing. The way it is written makes the couples love feel real and believable. Just a great story all around.
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