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Insomnia

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In a city where ambition often breeds toxicity, two individuals, trapped in unhealthy environments, embark on a journey of self-discovery. As they navigate the challenges of their pasts, they find solace and love in each other, forging a connection that empowers them to break free from their struggles. Together, they learn the importance of healing, trust, and building a future filled with hope and authenticity. Their romance blossoms amidst the chaos of their struggles, proving that love can flourish even in the most challenging circumstances.

321 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 7, 2024

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89 people want to read

About the author

Brielle Hall

2 books8 followers

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5 stars
121 (62%)
4 stars
63 (32%)
3 stars
9 (4%)
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2 (1%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
Profile Image for Rashawnda.
1,391 reviews1,134 followers
November 18, 2024
How it started: 🎶 It's a thief in the night to come and grab you. It can creep up inside you and consume you. A disease of the mind, it can control you. It's too close for comfort 🎶

How it ended: 🎶 Clouds filled with stars cover your skies. And I hope it rains, you're the perfect lullaby. You can be a sweet dream or a beautiful nightmare. Either way I don't wanna wake up from you 🎶

in•som•ni•a | in'sämnēa |
noun habitual sleeplessness; inability to sleep.

Quiné has the weight of the world on her shoulders and at the core of her troubles is her mother. Poppa also has the weight of the world on his shoulders and also at the core of his troubles is his mother. Two very different mothers with very different issues yet these two share a common bout of insomnia as a result of the trauma they have endured at the hands of these women.

As these two navigate their early 20’s feeling obligated to these women, they meet in the most random way and ultimately find peace in each other during those sleepless nights. Life was not easy for either of them however the bond they formed was beautiful to witness. It was the 🎶late nights and early mornings🎶 where their bond was the strongest. Conversations built on trust and understanding.

As much as Giselle worked my nerves, I was with her when she was right and her selfish 🍑 was right more than I cared to admit! I’m glad that in the end some of her selfishness rubbed off on Quiné. She deserved to be just as much about herself as those around her. Poppa encouraging her selfishness was everything. He was really about Nae!

Not only was this a NTMA but it was also Brielle’s debut novel. The potential was sky high and as she continues to develop her stories and characters I have no doubt that great things and amazing stories are in our future. With that said, the story was missing something to bring the plot together. As I read the intended emotions were pulled from me but it was as if she kept taking us to the edge of the cliff only to pull us back! We wanted to go over sis! There were things that happened in the story that the author had an opportunity to connect in a clever way and it didn’t happen.

There was so much build up and I felt like I was waiting for these grand moment to happen in the story that were never fully realized. The beef with Premo for example was anticlimactic and could’ve been ramped up. I wanted an all out war but maybe that was just me. Poppa and his brothers were new on the game and it almost felt that things worked out a bit too perfectly. I would’ve loved more conflict. The ending also felt a bit rushed. We got a well developed story then boom back to back rushed resolutions.

Overall I did really enjoy this book and look forward to what’s next from Brielle. If we get books about the brothers I can really see this turning into an amazing series.
Profile Image for LaToya Lee.
353 reviews
November 17, 2024
Poppa & Quinè 🖤

3.75 rounded up

Quinè is a young woman carrying the heavy weight of caring for her younger sister and holding their home together, all while navigating the challenges of her mother’s mental health struggles. Poppa, on the other hand, has grown up in the streets, surviving alongside his brothers through risky schemes and doing whatever it takes to make ends meet. When Quinè and Poppa cross paths, they connect over the struggles that keep them up at night, finding a bond in the middle of their chaos.

For a debut novel, the author does a great job of grabbing your attention from the jump. The story flows with ease, though there were a few spots that could’ve used a bit more detail to really bring the ending home. Overall, it’s a strong start, and I’d definitely read more from this author.
Profile Image for Erin Rae.
373 reviews24 followers
January 15, 2025
3.75⭐️ Good debut book! Poppa & Quinè grew up with similar commonalities like traumas caused by their mothers. I was really enjoying the flow of the story & then I felt like something was missing. I could feel my heartstrings getting pulled & then suddenly it would stop. Would’ve loved for the author to push a little more. Give it to us!!!!! lol

I think Major & Sienna story is next!
Profile Image for Kyeatta H.
288 reviews20 followers
November 21, 2024
***SPOILERS****

This was such a good read. The character development was spot on. she gave us enough to know where the characters were at, how they got there and where they were headed. It left enough room to make each character shine in their own way. I will say this, it was so hard to hate Giselle even though I wanted to. I understood that she had a rough childhood, and she had to choose herself. I was on the fence of is she being too selfish or is she doing the right thing by living her life. Then you had Quine' who just wasn't living for herself at all. I hated to learn that she was doing exactly what her dad told her not to do. Poppa....and his mama.....that is a relationship that should've been snipped. Her attachment and neediness to her sons was crazy especially to Poppa. She took her son and basically made him her man and it robbed him of a life that he should've had.
In the end, I think everyone got what they needed. Now I HATE the fact that LeLee's dad came and took her away but I came to see that it was needed and it didn't affect the relationship that she had with Quine. I just loved this story all around and can't wait to add this to my shelf. I did give it 4 stars only because the ending felt rushed. I know what happened, but it skipped a whole lot, and I just know we went from H to V really fast and I was confused.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Khaliat .
107 reviews12 followers
March 3, 2025
3.5⭐️ They both need therapy!
45 reviews
November 10, 2024
A good start

This book was off to a good start. I liked the story and felt for the characters. The chaotic dynamic between the 2 main characters and their families were definitely a focal point. I did enjoy the book but as I was reading I couldn’t help but notice that even with the book being a little bit over 300 pages there was still something within the storyline that was missing. I felt like I was waiting for the story to build up to something, not anything super climactic but some plot point that would come together and make for a good ending but that never happened. It just sort of flashes to the end with sometime passing with an update that doesn’t feel complete. So I’m guessing maybe another story with the siblings is coming? This author definitely has potential and this would have been a 4 star for me if the ending felt more complete in regards to the couple and how they navigated making the decision they made for themselves at the end.
Profile Image for Lisette.
610 reviews43 followers
November 23, 2024
Glad I stuck it out!

This was a really good story. I kept seeing the cover all over social media but didn't really see anyone mention what it was about. Then it came up on my goodreads with a riveting review, and I had to download it immediately. I'm so glad I did. I almost gave up on Poppa because he just seemed way too toxic, but he actually was a sweetheart that had Mommy issues and was raised with that toxic masculinity mindset. Both Poppa and Quine had a lot of baggage to carry, but they were both such beautiful and resilient young people who really just wanted to be the best they could be. I hear this was the author's debut novel, and I look forward to reading more of her work.
Profile Image for bookheauxtales.
25 reviews
December 14, 2024
Very good debut! I enjoyed Poppa and Quiné's story. Brielle did a great job taking us along their journey and she highlighted some very important topics while doing so. 
Profile Image for ReadnliftwithShar.
1,861 reviews
December 20, 2024
💗

Insomnia was a good debut from this author. I found myself completely captivated around the 15% mark and at that point, I could not put it down. I loved the way Poppa and Quine came together, they bonded together because of their relationships with their mothers and their inability to have healthy sleep habits - hence the title Insomnia. I think both characters held themselves to a higher standard and that created unhealthy relationships and boundaries. And it made them feel like they held the weight of the world on their shoulders- which I completely understand. Also, there was a huge codependency between the mothers and their children and trauma bond in between Poppa and Quine. I liked this story, but I think there was opportunity to resolve the issues surrounding insomnia. I also felt the ending was rushed and I still had lingering questions surrounding Quine’s mom. Poppa went from thinking Quine was the opp, to wanting to give her the world - IKTR! If this is just the beginning, I can’t wait to see what is in store from this author.

Please Check the Tw, and practice self care.
Profile Image for Terra Jeniece.
122 reviews2 followers
November 21, 2024
Poppa and Nae!!!!

I really enjoyed this book. It was refreshing and gave me all the feels. The pace was good and I can’t believe this is this authors first book. I look forward to reading more of her work!
Profile Image for Ayanna First of BourbonStreetBookers.
494 reviews21 followers
November 15, 2024
When Hurt People, Heal When Awake

Wow….. I absolutely enjoyed this story and gotta have more! No one can control who they are born to and sometimes it disappointing. But to use those experiences to be better is where the healing begins. Poppa truly showed up as the man worthy of giving and being loved. Quiné even in neediness gave all of her. They affirmed one another and in return received priceless affection from one another. I would love more of the Merceri’s brothers & Giselle’s stories! Congratulations on this great debut! 💛💚💜
881 reviews8 followers
November 17, 2024
Triumph over toxicity!

The obstacles that Poppa and Quinè had to endure behind the one person in their lives who should have been the most nurturing and supportive…could have done some serious damage to their wellbeing! And although insomnia was the result of an upbringing riddled with trauma, mental health issues and unhealthy attachments, I have no doubt that they will be just fine when “Ol’ Girl” is added to the mix! I truly enjoyed this author’s debut story and look forward to hearing more from her!
Profile Image for Rahel Feerow.
64 reviews5 followers
November 8, 2024
Insomnia is a sleep disorder in which you have trouble falling and/or staying asleep. The condition can be short-term (acute) or can last a long time (chronic). It may also come and go.


Papa and Quinè both come from broken homes that affect their lives and sleep. You have one that has a parent that's a schizophrenic and the other has a parent that thinks her son is her man.


Emtional incest: Covert incest is a form of non-physical sexual abuse. The term could also refer to enmeshment, although the failure to separate the two have been pointed out as problematic.

Examples of covert incest could be the parent sharing intimate, graphic details of their own sex life to the child, practicing voyeurism, exhibitionism, inappropriate sharing of images, and similar behaviors that, while still being sexual abuse, are described as covert for their intangible nature. Covert incest is often difficult to detect.


Poppa's mama, Cilla, was heavily codependent on her son. Every move she made was ran through him, she told him about her sexual experiences with men, and didn't mind any woman he dealt with UNLESS he was serious with one. She literally didn't want to remove the tiddy outta his mouth.


Trauma bonds (also referred to as traumatic bonds) are emotional bonds that arise from a cyclical pattern of abuse.


Personally, l I feel what was so real about this, was that Papa and Quinè bonded with the family turmoil that went on around them. Strong and hurt people need people to make sure they're alright and these two did just that.



Listen, Brielle is a new author and this is her new book but give her a try... Not only did she create a storyline but it was also character driven. This was a 5 star read for me and she'll be added to my one click author list.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Tierra.
399 reviews4 followers
November 9, 2024
Abstract of Love

By definition, Abstract of Love is the idea of love as an intangible concept that is difficult to define and can be experienced in different ways. The characters in this story exemplify an Abstract of Love perfectly. For a first time release, Brielle did an amazing job of showing how love can be garnered through the Art of Conversation and the Art of Showing up. Each having a flawed match energy, this story takes you on a journey of two people navigating through life, while Insomnia keeps them awake a night. Finding ways to show for up for family, family that can be a burden on their mental unknowingly. What I enjoyed the most is how open Brielle made both characters, you get to see a savage of man find solace in the Art of Conversation, not realizing his existence was was built around an unhealthy attachment. A woman who shows up for everyone, forgetting to show up for herself. Insomnia is going to give you everything you ever wanted in an organic love, raw emotions, laughter, grief, most of all a sense of empathy. This book was so beautifully written, poetic if you will, the conversations between the characters, being comfortable, finding their own identity as they lay awake at night, those are the things that stood out the most in this story. Amazing story Brielle!!
69 reviews1 follower
February 2, 2025
Beautiful story and I want more

This was a new to me author and I am mad I had it on my TBR for so long. While you will shed tears, it really is a beautiful story about two young people facing adversities too heavy for their age yet adversities that could impact you at any age at the same time. I cried soo much for Nae. I understand wanting to fix your mom and just having a blindside to subconsciously wanting your parent to be “normal”. You have to get to a point where you realize your parent’s level of “normal” will never be the same as someone else’s version.

I will say I loved all the side characters and I enjoyed how she gathered Daniel and Myra ass…bcuz the audacity. With that being said I would love to read more about the other brothers and even Giselle shiesty ass. You can tell the trauma for each of the kids in this story have impacted them and it would be cool to see how and where the differences of trauma lead them.

Once Poppa accepted what he had in Nae was worth exploring he forged ahead despite the missteps along the way. It was a beautifully flawed story of learning how to love. Like the rose that grew from the concrete floor.

In short read it and don’t rate it anything less than a 4 star 😍😉
20 reviews
November 22, 2024
BROKE MY READING FUNK!!

I’ve been struggling to finding a good book to read. But this book right here is liquid gold. It was so cute, funny, somber, all the good things. I thoroughly enjoyed Poppa and Quinè’s. The book was so well written and I felt like I got to grow with the characters and their relationship. It was so beautiful to see two people who have given up so much of their life to others, choose themselves and find each other on the way. I am so beyond excited to see what Miss Brielle Hall has in store for us. An incredible debut novel!
Profile Image for martha fountain.
838 reviews18 followers
November 28, 2024
Strong debut

To know that this is the author's debut is amazing. What a strong debut. The strengths of the author include character development and engaging storyline. The author held nothing back in delivering a story that was both heartbreaking and heartwarming. Poppa and Quine both been through it due to their mothers and they shared insomnia which open them up to the realms of love. While I felt that the ending was rushed I did enjoy reading the book. This author is on her way to creating more engaging stories and I am here for it.
98 reviews1 follower
December 9, 2024
Very good, enlightening story

This was very well written…character development was as great as Quine and Poppa were for each other. Mental health themes and how they affect children are front and center, with a new term I’d never heard before, but needs to be talked about more. Quietly intense, dramatic, and intimately romantic…I loved that sexy time was as important as all night talks. I hope that this is the first of at least a four book series that answers some of the unanswered questions.
Profile Image for Shequana .
65 reviews2 followers
November 12, 2024
A beautiful mess

As toxic as this story was, the love between these two is overpowering.

Who would have ever thought that needing a ride home from work would have lead to this.

There was a purity and beautiful-ness about this story that I can't explain.

I love it when a new author hits the scene and knocks it out of the park...GREAT JOB!!! Can't wait to read more of your work.

-Shequana
13 reviews2 followers
December 2, 2024
Relatable

This was a well written novel for a debut. The topics were relatable and the love felt genuine throughout the book I felt I was there with the characters. This read hit every point for me for a five star read.
The spice was good
The plot was good
The characters were well developed
Round of applause

Ps looking forward to reading about the other brothers and updates on Nae & Poppa
Profile Image for A Reader.
702 reviews1 follower
June 1, 2025
Enjoyable

I enjoyed it, but Nae annoyed me a tad bit with the, thinking stuff over. Also, the situation with her mom, like she has a problem, stop the denial. I think the best think happened for Leelee. I did not like Giselle, the only good advice she had was when she would snap on Nae about their mom after the fire. Other than that, I did not like her. I enjoyed the brothers. Oh and their mom, whew she was pissing me off. That topic regarding Poppa and their mom is very real.
Profile Image for Ahsaki Cusick.
18 reviews1 follower
November 9, 2024
ONE OF A KIND

For a new author your story telling is up there with the greats. The character development was phenomenal and ohhhh the storyline had me hooked👏🏾 , I won't spoil it for the next reader just... all i can say is READ THIS BOOK! and get immersed in Poppa's and Quine's world. I will be waiting for your next release.
33 reviews
November 10, 2024
loved it!

Great debut boo! Keep up the good work. Hopefully this is not the last time we hear from Quine and Poppa! Major should get a book so we can hear from them again! Lol but anywho whoever scrolls past this review. Take a chance with this book. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed 💕
Profile Image for Natay 99.
271 reviews3 followers
November 11, 2024
👏 👏 👏

This is a new author and I'm so glad she shared her gift with us. This book was amazing and gave me all the feels. I love books where siblings are involved and or each other's ride or die and I can tell these Mercie brothers are that and much more!! I can't wait to see what is next from this author! Great job!
Profile Image for Myrtie Redic.
444 reviews1 follower
November 12, 2024
Great read

Poppa was just a young man trying to make the best out of a bad situation a lot of mothers put too much on their sons that is why there is so many young black men are in jail and Quine was just a young lady who loved her mother and didn't want to let her go her sister was just selfish
69 reviews
December 16, 2024
Good read!!

The storyline was well thought out. And the characters were intertwined within each other very well.
It was a really great story. I do feel like the ending was rushed. And it left me in wonderment for a different conclusion.
All in all great book!! I’d read it again and again!!
Profile Image for  Allegra BourbonStreetBookers .
111 reviews13 followers
November 11, 2024
🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩

Who knew that all you had to do was dial a wrong number, ask for a ride home from work from this stranger, and it would lead you to everything you never knew you needed! Stellar performance from Brielle Hall in her debut novel!
81 reviews
November 14, 2024
Very intriguing

I read it straight through. Poppa and Quine were perfect for each . My heart ached for both of them as it relates to their home life and mommy issues. Glad everything worked out in the end. I hope we get spinoff’s on the other siblings.
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