What do you think?
Rate this book
Amaranthine
Kilah Jones and Kylie Bennett were each other's first love when they were teenagers. They started dating in 10th grade and their feelings for each other only grew as the years passed. Things were going great and they constantly planned their future together.
But everything changed on the night of their college graduation when Kylie suddenly announced that she was moving out of the country, resulting in their relationship ending.
For years, Kilah was heartbroken because she couldn't understand what had changed so drastically between them. Kylie never explained anything and instead went no contact.
Fast forward years later, Kilah is now a single mother of a child who was the product of a one-night stand thanks to her broken heart. She loves her daughter but with money being tight, she struggles. All she wants is to be happy and be able to be there for her daughter.
Then one day, Kylie comes back to town and her world is flipped upside down. She realizes that she still has strong feelings for her, but she vows to protect her heart. Things are only further complicated when her daughter's new friend at school turns out to be Kylie's daughter.
Now the two have no choice but to be around each other, but will it all work out? Or will it all come crashing down once again?
But everything changed on the night of their college graduation when Kylie suddenly announced that she was moving out of the country, resulting in their relationship ending.
For years, Kilah was heartbroken because she couldn't understand what had changed so drastically between them. Kylie never explained anything and instead went no contact.
Fast forward years later, Kilah is now a single mother of a child who was the product of a one-night stand thanks to her broken heart. She loves her daughter but with money being tight, she struggles. All she wants is to be happy and be able to be there for her daughter.
Then one day, Kylie comes back to town and her world is flipped upside down. She realizes that she still has strong feelings for her, but she vows to protect her heart. Things are only further complicated when her daughter's new friend at school turns out to be Kylie's daughter.
Now the two have no choice but to be around each other, but will it all work out? Or will it all come crashing down once again?
301 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 3, 2024
81 people are currently reading
228 people want to read
About the author
Aricka Alexander
26 books155 followersJust a Black sapphic indie author who loves Black sapphic stories. All of my books are set mostly in Southern Louisiana. I also write YA.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
November 25, 2024
amaranthine is a second-chance romance that hits you with all the feels. kilah and kylie were inseparable teenage sweethearts, but life (and kylie’s anxiety) had other plans. after almost 13 years apart, they reconnect, and the story dives into love, heartbreak, and the messy work of rebuilding trust.
the representation here is top-tier. a story centered on black queer love? yes, please. kilah’s journey as a single mom feels authentic and relatable, and her love for her daughter really grounds her character. kylie’s anxiety is also handled with care, giving the story a layer of emotional depth that feels real.
the supporting cast? absolute gold. kilah’s friends are the kind of people you’d want in your corner—funny, supportive, and always ready to hype you up. and the way their daughters unknowingly connect is chef’s kiss—such a sweet, full-circle moment that adds even more stakes to their reunion.
and of course, the happy ending delivers. watching these two work through their pain and finally find their way back to each other is so satisfying.
kylie’s reason for leaving—her anxiety—makes sense and is a legit struggle, but the almost 13-year gap between them felt like a lot. she comes back with the same anxiety, and while it’s great to see them work through it together this time, i couldn’t help wondering why this couldn’t have happened sooner. it makes the separation feel a little drawn out, like it was more about creating drama than serving the story.
also, the romance is sweet, and i mean almost too sweet. there are love declarations happening every other chapter, and while it’s cute, it starts to feel a bit much. i would’ve loved more slow-burn moments—let the tension build and give us a chance to really feel the rekindling of their connection.
amaranthine is full of heart, healing, and second chances. if you’re into black queer joy, family dynamics, and love stories with a big dose of emotions, this one’s for you. while the long separation and sugary romance didn’t totally work for me, it’s still a warm and hopeful read that’ll make you believe in finding your way back to the one who got away.
thank you @tayandfriendsuniverse for the e-arc. 🩷
rating: ⭐⭐⭐💫
the representation here is top-tier. a story centered on black queer love? yes, please. kilah’s journey as a single mom feels authentic and relatable, and her love for her daughter really grounds her character. kylie’s anxiety is also handled with care, giving the story a layer of emotional depth that feels real.
the supporting cast? absolute gold. kilah’s friends are the kind of people you’d want in your corner—funny, supportive, and always ready to hype you up. and the way their daughters unknowingly connect is chef’s kiss—such a sweet, full-circle moment that adds even more stakes to their reunion.
and of course, the happy ending delivers. watching these two work through their pain and finally find their way back to each other is so satisfying.
kylie’s reason for leaving—her anxiety—makes sense and is a legit struggle, but the almost 13-year gap between them felt like a lot. she comes back with the same anxiety, and while it’s great to see them work through it together this time, i couldn’t help wondering why this couldn’t have happened sooner. it makes the separation feel a little drawn out, like it was more about creating drama than serving the story.
also, the romance is sweet, and i mean almost too sweet. there are love declarations happening every other chapter, and while it’s cute, it starts to feel a bit much. i would’ve loved more slow-burn moments—let the tension build and give us a chance to really feel the rekindling of their connection.
amaranthine is full of heart, healing, and second chances. if you’re into black queer joy, family dynamics, and love stories with a big dose of emotions, this one’s for you. while the long separation and sugary romance didn’t totally work for me, it’s still a warm and hopeful read that’ll make you believe in finding your way back to the one who got away.
thank you @tayandfriendsuniverse for the e-arc. 🩷
rating: ⭐⭐⭐💫
August 1, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I loved this book so much. I have nothing but great things to say about it. The flow of the story was perfect. The story was raw, it was emotional, and had me feeling as if these characters were real people and I was just reading their autobiographies. I also loved that it can somewhat be seen as a palate cleanser. There wasn't as much spice in this one, and the spice level was actually lower than some of Aricka's books; however, in my opinion, that didn't take away from how wonderful this book was.
My favorite characters are surprisingly not the main characters (although I really did love Kilah and Kylie). My favorite characters were actually Andre and Kerick. They made me laugh out loud, but I also fell in love with them because of how loving they are to our main characters. They are true protectors at heart and will throw hands with anybody when it comes to their loved ones.
I can't wait to do a deep dive into the East Kennedy High series so I can learn more about these characters and their friend group dynamic. I highly recommend this one if you are looking for an emotion-driven, second-chance romance story about two people who overcome years of obstacles and learn how to fall in love with one another again.
I loved this book so much. I have nothing but great things to say about it. The flow of the story was perfect. The story was raw, it was emotional, and had me feeling as if these characters were real people and I was just reading their autobiographies. I also loved that it can somewhat be seen as a palate cleanser. There wasn't as much spice in this one, and the spice level was actually lower than some of Aricka's books; however, in my opinion, that didn't take away from how wonderful this book was.
My favorite characters are surprisingly not the main characters (although I really did love Kilah and Kylie). My favorite characters were actually Andre and Kerick. They made me laugh out loud, but I also fell in love with them because of how loving they are to our main characters. They are true protectors at heart and will throw hands with anybody when it comes to their loved ones.
I can't wait to do a deep dive into the East Kennedy High series so I can learn more about these characters and their friend group dynamic. I highly recommend this one if you are looking for an emotion-driven, second-chance romance story about two people who overcome years of obstacles and learn how to fall in love with one another again.
December 2, 2024
Now I think I like second-chance romances! This was my first one, and it was so cute! It was very easy to love Kilah and KB, and root for them. As a Black, queer woman, this book made me laugh, smile and cry. I absolutely recommend this to anyone that wants a lighter read with an ending that will absolutely leave you smiling!
The supporting cast, Black culture references and the amazing representation of all kinds of Black love just made this such a good read. And, we can’t forget the depictions of anxiety, as well as how to support a partner in need and this book gave us an excellent showing of how beneficial communication is between partners.
And I love my little book nieces, Miley and Sophia. ✨
Highly recommend if you’re into second-chance, some fluff and honestly, beautiful, healthy, Black queer relationships.
The supporting cast, Black culture references and the amazing representation of all kinds of Black love just made this such a good read. And, we can’t forget the depictions of anxiety, as well as how to support a partner in need and this book gave us an excellent showing of how beneficial communication is between partners.
And I love my little book nieces, Miley and Sophia. ✨
Highly recommend if you’re into second-chance, some fluff and honestly, beautiful, healthy, Black queer relationships.
December 13, 2024
My oh my, how refreshing to read a sapphic love story that centers black women, one of whom is full-figured! I enjoyed this story immensely! Kilah Jones and Kylie Bennette absolutely stole my heart. This book technically is a spin-off from the East Kennedy High series. But there was enough explanation of some of the previous events that I didn't feel like I was missing something. I was still able to enjoy the story without all of the background information from the other books. However, now I am definitely intrigued to go back and read the others.
I really enjoyed Aricka's style of writing, it made sense to me and felt very conversational. Like the characters were just chilling with me and telling me what was going on in their lives. The story is super sweet and felt genuine. Definitely give it a go!
I really enjoyed Aricka's style of writing, it made sense to me and felt very conversational. Like the characters were just chilling with me and telling me what was going on in their lives. The story is super sweet and felt genuine. Definitely give it a go!
November 26, 2024
"It was always you and only you, Kyls.”
***
"...people who are meant to be always find their way back to each other no matter how long they’re apart.”
***
A heartwarming tale featuring found family and a passionate and supportive love, Author Aricka Alexander writes a beautiful, sapphic, fast-paced, second chance romance. Amaranthine, a story of characters Kilah and Kiley's love and how they lift one another up, had me on the edge of my seat, crying happy tears for their joy. This story also featured anxiety and depression representation but showed how the characters championed one another through it all.
I had the privilege of reading this as an ARC and loved it! I look forward to reading more of Alexander's works!
***
"...people who are meant to be always find their way back to each other no matter how long they’re apart.”
***
A heartwarming tale featuring found family and a passionate and supportive love, Author Aricka Alexander writes a beautiful, sapphic, fast-paced, second chance romance. Amaranthine, a story of characters Kilah and Kiley's love and how they lift one another up, had me on the edge of my seat, crying happy tears for their joy. This story also featured anxiety and depression representation but showed how the characters championed one another through it all.
I had the privilege of reading this as an ARC and loved it! I look forward to reading more of Alexander's works!
December 3, 2024
At this point any Aricka A book is automatic read and I have yet to give anything other than 5 stars. You get a good mix of drama, laughs and love throughout this story. You see old faces and new faces, and the way this story wraps up is beautiful. This makes me want to read the East Kennedy High series even though you can read this as a standalone.
I told Ari that I’ll have to truly brace myself to read Ben’s story because WTF is his problem. I just want him to get what he deserves for hurting so many people. Even tho he was briefly mentioned throughout, I hate him even more now.
Overall.. this wa a beautiful second chance romance novel with twists, turns and so much love throughout. LOVED IT! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I told Ari that I’ll have to truly brace myself to read Ben’s story because WTF is his problem. I just want him to get what he deserves for hurting so many people. Even tho he was briefly mentioned throughout, I hate him even more now.
Overall.. this wa a beautiful second chance romance novel with twists, turns and so much love throughout. LOVED IT! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
January 6, 2025
Cozy
I really enjoyed this book for a lot of reasons. The biggest being that the writing felt like you were sitting down with the two MCs as they were telling you the story like you were having a conversation with them. I don't know that I've ever read a book that felt like that to me. It was refreshing for sure!
I love cozy stories that touch on mental health aspects of the MCs, but my only criticism on this one is that I wish it dove in a little deeper to this, as I think it would have rounded the story out a little more.
However, if you're looking for a book that feels cozy while also dealing with a little bit of drama, this is the book for you. Overall, I'm really glad I found this one on Threads and picked it up 🖤
I really enjoyed this book for a lot of reasons. The biggest being that the writing felt like you were sitting down with the two MCs as they were telling you the story like you were having a conversation with them. I don't know that I've ever read a book that felt like that to me. It was refreshing for sure!
I love cozy stories that touch on mental health aspects of the MCs, but my only criticism on this one is that I wish it dove in a little deeper to this, as I think it would have rounded the story out a little more.
However, if you're looking for a book that feels cozy while also dealing with a little bit of drama, this is the book for you. Overall, I'm really glad I found this one on Threads and picked it up 🖤
January 5, 2025
This story was so touching! The best second chance you could ever think of sometime things fall apart for things to fall back together! I love the relationship and electricity flowing between Kilah & Kylie! All the drama in between was so great and that sense of found family that happens for their girls! The mental health rep in this was beautiful and so real! I felt this in my bones, because I think so many people can relate to “leaving” so you don’t “burden/hurt” the ones you love but all that happens is you hurt yourself in the process! Thank you Ari for another absolutely banger of a book!
June 6, 2025
Original
I love your style of writing, and I love the storyline. This story was very realistic and down to earth. I felt the emotions of each character. Yes, I shed a few tears. I felt like if I was there experiencing life's ups and down with them. Keep up the great work.
I love your style of writing, and I love the storyline. This story was very realistic and down to earth. I felt the emotions of each character. Yes, I shed a few tears. I felt like if I was there experiencing life's ups and down with them. Keep up the great work.
December 5, 2024
The perfect second chance!
This is one of my favorite second chance romances of this year! The way Ki and KB navigate is so beautiful.
This is one of my favorite second chance romances of this year! The way Ki and KB navigate is so beautiful.
September 15, 2025
meant to be ;)
I enjoyed this book. Now I have to go back and read the others. LOL
love, always wins in the end.
I enjoyed this book. Now I have to go back and read the others. LOL
love, always wins in the end.
November 21, 2025
This was a great second chance story. Thoroughly enjoyed from start to finish and will be reading more stories by the author
December 2, 2025
3.5 rounded up to 4
This was cute 🥰🥰
This was cute 🥰🥰
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews