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Macy

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After ending an ultra-conservative marriage, Macy Lovett, a talented master colorist in the hair industry, moves to Greenwood for a fresh start. She’s also the newly appointed manager at Whip N’ Fade barber and beauty salon, located in the heart of Greenwood, where she pours her heart and soul into her craft. Life seems to settle into a peaceful rhythm for her and her sixteen-year-old son, Andy, as they adjust to the complexities of coparenting with her ex-husband. When she meets Gavin Gray, a renowned artist known for his captivating erotic paintings and his free spirit, her life changes. Drawn together by their artistic sides, Macy and Gavin’s lives intertwine seamlessly. Gavin, with his unconventional career and mellow personality, supports Macy as she discovers her hidden passions and embraces her true self. As their connection deepens, Macy learns to let go of her past and embrace the beauty of new beginnings. In a whirlwind of colors, creativity, and newfound freedom, Macy and Gavin’s love story unfolds—a tale of healing, self-discovery, and the transformative power of love. Their heartwarming romance gives Macy the second chance she desires and the empowerment that comes along with being her authentic self.

304 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 17, 2024

42 people are currently reading
47 people want to read

About the author

Marlee Rae

14 books30 followers

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5 stars
91 (64%)
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42 (29%)
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6 (4%)
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
Profile Image for Dahyana.
695 reviews87 followers
November 20, 2024
Macy x Gavin

Macy and Gavin were absolutely swoon-worthy and irresistibly sexy. I adored how Gavin courted her with such intention, allowing her to embrace her authentic self without hesitation.

And can we talk about Anderson? Apparently, men with audacity clearly never go out of style because he had it in spades.

This was such an enjoyable read.
Profile Image for Toya  Davis-Stokley.
2,565 reviews100 followers
November 13, 2024
I loved the instant connection between Macy and Gavin. Macy living stifled and unfulfilled with Anderson all those years, taught her that her new chapter was going to be the best one! Living and thriving in a new area of the city, and learning a new job, Macy is on top of the world. When she meets Gavin, she is not looking for anything but can't deny the intense pull she feels toward him. She was now able to be the bold, free spirit that she has longed to be, and Gavin encouraged every second of it. He understood her creative side, as it mirrored his. They just fit together perfectly.

Enjoyed And-D with his grown self! 😂 Also, the cameos from Wes and Melody were a nice touch. Now that damn Anderson aka "Charles" needed Fade to empty out and whoop his ass, cause sir!! What in the hell is yo problem?? 👀🤬 Really enjoyed this read, and looking forward to more from the Whip and Fade crew.
Profile Image for Whit.
3,663 reviews52 followers
October 28, 2024

Absolutely fell in love with Macy, Gavin, their parents and their crazy friends! When I wasn't full -body laughing, I was shaking my head at this cray cray crew!

There is nothing better than your usual appointment in a beauty shop. Surrounded by friends, family and even the occasional enemy. They support you, challenge you, advise you, and the shared knowledge is priceless.

I loved how both Macy and Gavin put Macy's ex husband, arrogant Anderson, in his place. In addition, Gavin was so supportive of Andy as he navigated his way through high school and young love. However, the part that really touched my heart, was how Gavin and Macy's mothers found out about them, in the park that day! Loved this amazing story!!!!
Profile Image for 'The Book Queen'.
6,013 reviews111 followers
October 27, 2024
I am pleased

This story was everything. I enjoyed Macy and her extravagant hair. The blue shade was as dope as her personality. Macy was able to shed her shell after her divorce from her Carlton Bankslike husband, Anderson. Anderson's character made me lol most of the story. Gavin, the artist, was my guy. I can't fault Macy for loving a man who loves her as she is, blue hair and all. The story was lovely, sweet, impressionable, romantic, and an amazing love story. I highly recommend this story.
Profile Image for Jahda.
1,068 reviews315 followers
November 25, 2024
It took me a minute to read but good book.
1,076 reviews8 followers
October 26, 2024
Macy

I loved this story from beginning to end. It was refreshing seeing Macy come into her own and live her life in full color after being stifled and manipulated for so long by her ex. I can’t say I was too surprised when it was revealed what her ex did because he was beyond manipulative and all about getting what he wanted, but the way he did it was diabolical.

Gavin was exactly what Macy needed and I loved them together. The way he supported her was unmatched. I loved the way they connected over art and color and that he embraced her exploration of freedom without trying to stifle her. Gavin and Macy had a drama free love story that was filled with a little spice and everything nice. This was well worth the read and I’m excited to read more about the Whip n Fade crew.
Profile Image for Nikita.
338 reviews17 followers
October 26, 2024
Macy

The way art and colour, artistry was used to express freeness of self, love, connection and support was really something. Macy and Gavin were perfect for each other, like a burst of colour. “You’re like my paint, we have this connection and bond that I can’t describe.” This is the type of easygoing and passion filled relationship I love to read about. 4.5⭐️
Profile Image for Darcy J..
328 reviews
April 12, 2025
4⭐️ and 2🌶️

I enjoyed this one and I am always here for the grown and sexy. These characters were in their late 30s and I definitely appreciated that!
They were mature and communicated and there was no room for miscommunication. 👏🏾

Macy is a master stylist/colorist at Whip and Fade hair salon and she has been divorced for the past three years. She was a likable FMC. She realized her ex, Anderson, was controlling and holding her back and left him in the dust. I love how their friends renamed that man CHARLES! 😂IYKYK

Gavin is an artist and he’s sensitive about his shit but he falls first and hard for our girl Macy and she doesn’t take long to fall in line. The author also does a great job at explaining his art that I can visualize every piece to the point I wanted the actual paintings 😄

I loved the subjects addressed in this story and heavy on when you know, why wait?! 🥰
✨Single Mom
✨He Falls First
✨Soulmates
Profile Image for Melise.
509 reviews55 followers
October 29, 2024
If you're in the mood for mostly wholesome and mature fun, pick up a novel by this author. I have no real issues with her writing style, nor did I notice any editing problems—big plus there. She delivers some solid, mature Black love with a splash of drama and humor.

My main concerns are stylistic choices. If you’ve read her other stories, particularly the Spice family novels, you might notice a pattern. I love a close-knit family—ZOWNNN! Yes, support each other, love each other—but they slide into overbearing territory QUICKLY. It’s tough when a character is nearly 40 and still being chastised and fake-bullied into revealing personal stuff. Take Macy and her dad, for example. I get the respect-your-elders angle, but come on! You’ve lived for 40 years, raised a child, switched careers, been married and divorced, found love, and yet your dad is still talking to you like you’re a kid? 🚫🚫 No ma’am, no ham! Seriously, this conversation went on too long; her mama had to come out and rein her dad in. A simple “I’m not discussing this with you right now; if I need advice, I’ll ask” would have sufficed. With all due respect, it’s not his business—especially when he sat idly by while her spirit was crushed by the same man he’s advocating for. Old school or not, you can’t say you love your child and then tell her to settle just because the guy has money. Like you’re in a happy healthy marriage you should want that for your daughter.

As for Gavin, he was wonderful, but we fall into the trope of the baby bird leaving the nest and relying a bit too much on family, giving them permission to overstep. HE IS 39, settled in St. Louis, and thriving. Gina was doing too much—don’t ask questions when you already have the answers. It was like she knew more about his girl than he did! Gina was giving very much “don’t make me call PORSHAAA” (in my Nene voice). Maybe just invite them over normally without the threat of involving parents? Everyone around them was trying to force things before the couple had time to develop and solidify their relationship. Her approach in the boutique felt off and weird to me. Saying that lady’s name and commenting on her “tight lil body” threw me off. I guess I’m not old enough to roll with those comments on a first meeting as strangers. A simple “Hey girl, I’m Gina, Gavin’s oldest sister. So happy to meet you! You’re gorgeous, and I see why my brother likes you” would have sufficed. All that extra stuff should’ve stayed in her noggin.

Aside from that, this was a nice feel-good story about finding love after disappointment and rediscovering your vibrancy. The characters were extremely supportive of one another and had great taste in music—shout out to Maxwell! I’m on the fence about the next story, but I’ll probably give it a try because the author can write. It just gets a little dry at times. If we’re going to portray characters later in life, I need them to act like it. While Macy's immaturity and need for reassurance made sense because she spent her formative years under a sad gray boring man, Gavin’s lack of establishing his own terms was slightly off-putting. It’s okay to tell folks to mind their own business! I know there’s a way to express that respectfully.
Profile Image for Rashawnda.
1,391 reviews1,137 followers
October 24, 2024
🎶 You're my latest, you're my greatest my latest, my greatest inspiration……. You just keep on liftin' me up now (higher)🎶
🩷💚🩵🎨❤️🧡💛

When the colors finally blend and you get the perfect picture….. yeah that’s what this story felt like. The perfect picture 🖼️

Macy and Gavin were both creatives in their own right. Macy is a recently divorced mother and is finally living life on her terms as a colorist at Whip n Fade. She is finally at a place in her life where she’s happy with who she is and where her life is taking her. Content with managing the salon and mothering sixteen year old Andy, life’s good.

Gavin is a world renowned artist known for his abstract erotic art. After traveling the world, he is finally ready to settle down and stay in one place and it was only then that he found out that his entire world lived 15 minutes away from him.

Macy and Gavin’s love story was so sweet and organic and angst free and mature and freeing and just all the things. Their story displayed a love you are capable of giving, receiving and experiencing when selflessness and communication and just a deep connection is at its core. There were no games and only clear intentions and expectations set. This was an easy read that kept a smile on my face as these two navigated life blended as one.

🪮It was Ernest’s prayer for me 😆😆
🎨It was the Charles reference for me 😩🛀
🪮It was “long gown, short gown” for me because why does that make so much sense 🤭🤭
🪮It was 🎶“Ain’t nothing but a G thang baby”🎶 for me 😈💦
🎨It was the healthy parenting and dialogue for me!!! How many children would THRIVE in an environment like this!

This was such a beautifully told story. It was colorful and everything Marlee wanted the readers to visualize was clear as day. This was my first introduction to Marlee and it’s a pleasure to meet you 🥰 I can’t wait to see what she has next for us. If you’re looking for a joy of a romance story with all the good things and none of the toxic, high angst drama then you’ll LOVE Macy! It was the perfect palette cleanser to refresh you before you jump back into shenanigans 🎨👨🏿‍🎨👨🏽‍🎤💙🧡❤️💛💚🩷
Profile Image for NubianJoí .
2,118 reviews10 followers
November 14, 2024
Foremost, the cover art & model selected for this book “Macy (Whip N’ Fade - Book 1 of 2)” is/was absolutely stunning 🤎💙🤎🥰🤩‼️Thereafter, this read was my inaugural introduction to Ms. Rae and her literary catalog, and it won’t be my last. Hopefully, The characters, Macy & Gavin will reappear in book two of this series and or other Marlee Rae books. These two Macy & Gavin had chemistry from day one at WNF. Unlike arrogant Anderson with his arcadian approach to marriage, relationships, family, expectations and their inherent longevity or the lack thereof🙄🥴….What a clueless doofus🤦🏾‍♀️‼️However, the beautiful of watching two individual people encourage/support each others goals, grow in knowledge/understanding/wisdom with unadulterated intent to exist as cohesive unit on a journey to discover all the “shades of you” 🥰 was pure joy to witness. Yea, Macy & Gray were the perfect match for each other! Thank you Ms. Rae 💐‼���
196 reviews1 follower
November 21, 2024
This was my first read written by this author and sadly it’s probably the last. I was expecting good things from the book, which was about a mature couple navigating careers, divorce and step children.

But, this book was boring. I wanted to poke my eyes out each time Gavin reminded us he was a painter, as if we could forget. And who wants a man that tells your ex that he can do Jujitsu?? Just punch the trouble making ex instead, no warning needed 😂😂.

This one is another to add to the uninspiring list.
Profile Image for Denise.
21 reviews
January 16, 2025
Stay true to yourself!

Macy and Gavin are literally meant for each other. The chemistry came off the pages and some parts of the story got hot and heavy and j loved every minute of it. Anderson was my least favorite character in the book because he was so manipulative. Many times I questioned if he really loved Macy once upon a time or if it was just the familiarity of their relationship. In the end I was glad Macy got out of the situation and stayed true to herself, goals, creativity and heart.
9 reviews
November 4, 2024
Color me Bae

Rae has done it again, all hits no miss. Macy and Gavin are a perfect combination( in my Stacy L & J Gill voice) Macy story shows you can always go after your dream no matter your age or circumstance and the reward is never what you except but always so much more. Gavin is a fantasy of beautiful colors w/swag for days and his pursuit of Macy is so swoon worthy. Thank you Rae for always giving us real life grown folk stories with mature well deserved endings.
716 reviews
November 10, 2024
Vickie J

Macy loved to color hair that's what she was good at, but her husband Anderson didn't want her to do that to him it was ghetto. Gavin was artist and was back home after traveling for years. Macy is now divorced because her husband Anderson didn't want her to follow her dreams now Gavin wants to use their shop for his showing and who do he need to talk to about his event the manager..... Macy with the beautiful blue hair
856 reviews4 followers
February 8, 2025
Great story

An interesting story about finding your purpose and soulmate
Macy and Gavin fit together like pieces of a puzzle
You could feel the love and respect they had for each other
The supporting characters were great and Andy her son was funny and protective of his mother
Overall this was a great book almost drama free and very enjoyable
You will not be disappointed if you read
5 reviews
October 26, 2024
Another great read!

Marlee Rae has done it again with another exceptional Black love story! The way she brings the characters to life makes you feel like you are part of the family or at least a really good friend. This book will have you laughing and maybe even shedding a few tears, happy tears that is. Excellent read! I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Gussie Porter.
211 reviews2 followers
November 5, 2024
Real Love

YES! This story Rocked. I’m feeling this strong couple, the way they have one another’s back, front and sides. Ms. Marled Rae you did the dang thing. Even Andy and Alexis were cute, showing respect unlike teens today. Thank you for putting Anderson straight as well. I can’t wait to read more of your work.
318 reviews2 followers
October 25, 2024
Everlasting Love

Gavin and Macy story was excellent. I loved how they complimented each other and Gavin loved her son as his. I can wait to read about the others in the Whip n Fade family.
Profile Image for TrueBookJunkie.
640 reviews16 followers
October 27, 2024
NTMA!

This was my first read by Marlee Rae, and it was sooooo good! After reading this book and Anuri by Bailey West, I love how this series is unfolding! Hollis is next, and I know he's about to be a complicated man!
53 reviews1 follower
November 5, 2024
Gifted writer!

This was my first read by Ms. Marlee Rae and I am looking forward to reading more from her catalog. Great job. Totally enjoyed the entire book and all the cast of characters. Keep up the good work and thanks for sharing your artistic work. Be well!
83 reviews
November 11, 2024
I love this story!

I could really relate to this story! My life was very similar to Macy when I was married I also wear bold hair color and I’m artsy in my own way🙂 This was a smooth and beautiful refreshing love story. I can’t wait to read the next one.
Profile Image for Darnise Williams.
168 reviews13 followers
November 27, 2024
I loved it!

This story was fun, engaging and colorful! Gavin and Macy were perfect for each other! I loved how he loved her and supported her dreams! First time reading the Author... Great job!
684 reviews3 followers
November 28, 2024
Blue Hair

My daughter used to beg me for blue hair! I always said no. I wonder if I stifled her creativity? Oh well, on to the review. Loved the storyline. There was humor, drama and love. Well written and thoroughly enjoyed!
707 reviews1 follower
December 1, 2024
How Do I Love You

What A fantastic love story. Second time around gives yo a chance to experience real love.
Macy and Gavin found the love that their hearts longed for in their hearts.
The drama was needed for both of them to experience real love.
Profile Image for Tikia.
408 reviews
January 12, 2025
Great start to a series!

This is my first time reading this author, and I loved this book. The descriptions of everything, even down to the hair colors, had me able to picture it all in my mind. The love just came to life out of the words. Great descriptions of characters to come.
4 reviews
May 19, 2025
What can I say? Marlee Rae has done it again!! The community of Greenwood is definitely one of my favorite places to read about! This book takes you on another level with creativity! Macy stayed true to herself an ended up with a Great Gavin of a man!! READ IT!! You will not be disappointed!!
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews

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