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Sonshyne and Raine: An Onyx City Love Story

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After losing his grandfather, Sonshyne “Shyne” Williams is trying to get used to a new normal. Reign Williams took his one and only grandson under his wing and taught him everything he knew about manhood and the art of being a barber, and just like that, he is gone.

At the reading of his grandfather’s will, Shyne is shocked to find out he now owns the barber shop his grandfather built from the ground up. Some don’t think he’s the man for the job, but he vows to make his grandfather proud.

Lately, Raine Foster’s life has been full of more downs than ups, and she’s desperately seeking a change. After her boyfriend betrays her in the worst way, packing all her belongings and leaving town doesn’t sound like a bad idea. However, as a well-known Chicago hairstylist in high demand, the thought of rebuilding her clientele scares her.

Her favorite aunt, Patricia, who owns a salon in Onyx City, calls her to announce her retirement and requests that Raine take over as owner and head stylist. Although she has some reservations, it has been a long-time dream of hers to own a day spa where women can get pampered from head to toe. After she considers how her life is going, she jumps at the opportunity.

From the moment the two collide, Sonshyne and Raine can’t stop thinking about each other. They fall hard and fast, but when their visions for expanding their businesses collide, things get a little murky.

Will their stubbornness cause them to lose each other? Or will they compromise and find a way for love to win?

254 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 11, 2024

253 people are currently reading
210 people want to read

About the author

Kay Shanee

68 books499 followers
Welcome to Kay Shanee's Reading Korner
Kay is forty something wife and mother, born and raised in the Midwest. During the day, she is a high school teacher. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends. Her favorite pastime is reading and writing romance novels about the dopeness of BLACK LOVE.

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5 stars
545 (64%)
4 stars
209 (24%)
3 stars
78 (9%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
Profile Image for Annette Williams.
1,200 reviews431 followers
January 6, 2025
Raine made the move from Chicago to Onyx City to take over her aunt’s hair salon. The offer to purchase the salon came right on time because, she needed a change of scenery and her annoyin’ azz ex refuses to accept their breakup. Shyne is still reeling from the recent death of his beloved grandfather when he learns Pop Pop has willed him the barber shop he’s loved his entire life. The love of cutting and styling hair is at the core of this book. When Shyne and Raine meet, their relationship moves at lightning speed but, the chemistry is intense and the author still manages to have this couple fall in love organically. “I wanna shower,” she said as I carried her toward her bed. “Why? You smell delicious.”
“I worked all day, and⁠—”
“I’m gon’ work this p*ssy all night.” Before she could protest further, I tossed her on the bed. “Open your legs and let me experience what a hard day of work tastes like.” M’kay Shyne. 😏😏😏😏 We stan a man who falls first and, honey, Shyne face planted from the moment he and Raine bumped into each other. When they meet, that man knew he'd just met the woman who would be his forever and he pursued her with a vengeance. With names like Sonshyne and Raine, these two were destined to be soulmates. Sonshyne and Raine was filled with love, good vibes, and just a hint of drama. Stuart you weren’t foolin’ nobody. Sir, I saw through all your Maybelline from the start. I’ll be patiently waiting for Melodie and Breeze’s story cause, I know Kay not gon’ let us down. 😉
Profile Image for Melise.
515 reviews56 followers
December 15, 2024
This was an okay read for me. Did the main characters have chemistry? Sure. But the instant love connection and constant references to one character’s uncertainty left a lot to be desired. I don’t mind an insta-love connection, but I don’t want to spend the majority of the book with the FMC second-guessing herself, saying it’s moving too fast, yet still going along with it. Like, if the ride is too fast, get off or slow it down! But don’t jump in at every turn and then say, “We’re moving too fast.” GIRL, WE KNOW, LMAO.

I struggled to connect to the “love” on a deeper level. Maybe if we got more date night scenes or moments where they got to know each other better—like, what’s his favorite food? What’s her favorite color? Sure, some of it may seem trivial, but it’s like, what do y’all actually know about each other outside of your occupations and him loving his granddaddy? The incorporation of the family was sweet, but it felt like his sisters were getting better acquainted with her than he was as her lover.

The story’s villains were predictable and didn’t add much overall. I feel like the author should’ve given us more insight into the beef between Shyne’s father and Stuart. Sure, Ms. Natavia was a bad one, but to kill your nephew over her? That’s wild, especially when you never even got her back! Like ??? Sorry, but that’s one storyline where we needed flashbacks or more amplifying detail. And the whole “he was a product of rape” explanation? Okay, and…? That doesn’t instantly turn you into a stalker-killer. Plus, the tension between Pop Pop and Stuart wasn’t explained enough. Brother or not, if you fight my son, baby, you’re meeting your maker downstairs where the heat stays ON. Also, the property beef didn’t feel like a strong enough conflict for how seriously they were both carrying on.

I wasn’t too fond of Melodie’s antics with Breeze either. I’m glad her brain and dignity clocked in at the end, but girl, if you have to tell a man 23 times that you want him and he doesn’t make a move, he doesn’t want you. Shout out to Sean, though—hope that works out.

Overall, the familial connections and the business aspects made the story enjoyable. However, I do think we deserved more context and romantic interactions between the star couple. Some of the sex scenes felt repetitive, and I would’ve preferred more focus on building their connection with cuter “get to know you” moments. More dates, shared hobbies, or simply spending time together outside the bedroom would’ve added depth and made the romance feel more authentic.
Profile Image for 'The Book Queen'.
6,035 reviews115 followers
December 15, 2024
Simply Amazing

Sonshyne and Raine keep me in my feelings most of their story. Their names were so cute, and the chemistry and connection between them was sizzling hot. The low drama side in this story was much appreciated. I needed this story to showcase the way real romance should feel. Thank you for this one...
Profile Image for *Ebony I*.
1,421 reviews156 followers
September 20, 2025
Loving Raine

Raine and Sonshyne were cute. I loved their names and the connection to Shyne's grandfather. The story dragged on for me though. The randomness of Jayceon was beyond me. I mean if he was going to go through all of that trouble there needed to be some fall out 🤷🏾‍♀️ The main conflict over the land felt silly, like they seemed to be so in tune but couldn't have a normal conversation? Seemed Iike they should have been able to laugh about that situation. There was a lot of drama and I think some of it needed to be dialed back. Then to insert Breeze and Melodie and to not provide an update 😒 

It was aight.
Profile Image for Natoi.
217 reviews
December 12, 2024
Shyne & Raine!

Where too cute! They had an instant attraction and deny or hide it and jumped in feet first! Shyne was intentional about his feelings and loved Raine up lol this book was sexy and her bestie Mel was hilarious and it was good to see favorites and it also had a little mystery going on and did I mention sexy lol Raine once she got the hint he was serious was all in also! Truly enjoyed this story.
Profile Image for Ashley.
183 reviews6 followers
September 26, 2025
☀️ Sonshyne and Raine by Kay Shanee

Tropes:
- Instalove with grown folks clarity
- Grumpy barber x sunshine stylist
- Found peace through love
- Black love, Black business, Black legacy
- “He don’t play about her” energy 💯
- Grief, healing, and intentional joy
- If-you-know-you-know: favorite eater alert 🍽️

Review:
Even their names fit together Sonshyne and Raine. From the moment they meet, something clicks. It’s fast, it’s intense, and it’s real. Shyne is emotionally open, intentional, and absolutely smitten. He’s grieving the loss of his grandfather (who was also his best friend), but Raine becomes his peace. And he’s not shy about it. He tells his family, his friends, and most importantly her. The man is a walking love letter and I’m obsessed.

Raine’s move to Onyx City isn’t just a plot device it’s a power move. She and her bestie/business partner are intentional about their money, their brand, and their presence. I love a story where Black women are bosses and Black men are bosses without competition. Just mutual respect, mutual grind, and mutual love. The way their businesses (barbershop and salon) intertwine? Chef’s kiss.

The plot twist? I kind of saw it coming, but when it hit, I still said what in the world. Kay Shanee knows how to layer tension between Shyne and his uncle, between past hurts and present healing, between grief and joy. Every chapter moves. Every scene matters. It’s giving plot pusher in the best way.

And let’s talk about Shyne as an eater. If you know, you know. If you don’t read the book and thank me later.

This isn’t my first Kay Shanee read, and every time I finish one, I want to run through her whole catalog. Sonshyne and Raine was refreshingly good emotionally rich, fast-paced, and full of love that feels earned. If you’re into grown folks falling hard and choosing each other with intention, this one’s for you.
Profile Image for Toya  Davis-Stokley.
2,571 reviews104 followers
December 17, 2024
Alright now Kay!! Show us that black love at its finest! Shyne and Raine were adorable. Although their relationship moved lightning fast, you could feel the intense connection they shared. I love a man who knows what he wants, and Shyne was not playin' with Raine, at all! He was all in from their first interaction and dared anyone to try and come between him and his woman.

Raine has some reservations about things moving so fast, but with one look at Shyne they all faded away every time. He was so unexpected, but everything she wanted and needed.

That ish with Stuart was wild as hell, cause what??? 🤯 He was straight trash for his actions, cause why? 😤 Then to hate on your nephew who had nothing to do with nothing? Ughhh..... now Miss Natavia, I'm giving the side eye cause she needed to take more accountability for her part in everything that happened with Nathaniel. She had to know that it involved her! 👀🤬

Loved the friend groups within the beauty and barber shops, and the family cohesiveness with Shyne's people. Now, will Mr. Breeze get his ish together and get his girl, or will he punk out? Really enjoyed this one. 👍🏾👍🏾
17 reviews
December 18, 2024
this author never lets me down

Amazing book ..Black Love ❤️ loved the characters Sonshyne was a good man and knew exactly what he wanted .
1,084 reviews8 followers
December 17, 2024
Sonshyne and Raine

I enjoyed this book from beginning to end. This story was filled with love and good vibes between this couple and unconditional love and support from their close family and friends. This book was also short on any real drama and featured a man who was all in with his woman from their first meeting. I loved the way these two loved on each other and couldn’t seem to keep their hands off each other. I also loved the secondary characters and wouldn’t mind more from them.

While there was very little drama in this story, there was an issue I felt was never really resolved or explained and that was why Shyne’s uncle hated his father from birth it seemed. I understood the hate after they were adults, but from childhood was weird. I also thought Raine wasn’t taking the lengths that her ex went through to be in her face and apologize as serious red flags. It’s good nothing bad came from it, but buddy was giving I can’t take no for answer vibes.

All in all, this was a very enjoyable story and I’m looking forward to having more reads from Onyx City.
Profile Image for Q. Moore.
971 reviews39 followers
December 22, 2024
Ray of sunshine....

Mrs. Shanee, I can always bet 100 on you to execute a novel to the fullest. When the MMC has deep-rooted issues that they are trying to plow through it just touch your heart at a different angle. The family issues that Sonshyne endured were enough to break any strong individual down. By default, Pop Pop was the man who made the most impact in his life. He pretty much taught him everything he knowed to ensure he would be a successful businessman. Raine was just the added touch that aided in bringing his aspirations to reality. She was the missing piece his heart needed to handle grief. She also lowkey helped him heal in a plethora of other ways. She was his ray of sunshine.

Sonshyne and Raine were a great finale to an amazing year. I am looking forward to 2025 because I feel like more stories will be birthed in Onyx City. I want to know what is brewing between Melodie and Breeze. Breeze acts like he isn't interested, but he is. Hopefully, in 2025, we will get all the tea on them. Ladies and gents, you know what to do. Grab a copy of this fantastic read. You will enjoy it immensely.
Profile Image for Camisha Crisp.
746 reviews18 followers
December 15, 2024
Welcome to Onyx 🌃

When I read books by Kay Shanee, I want to fall in love for the first time all over again. The black love that she writes about is that enduring , erotic, sweet, good love that all women deserve. I enjoyed Sonshyne and Raines instant connection. I’m hoping we get her brother and besties story , because I know that’s going to be HOT!!
11 reviews
December 16, 2024
LOVED LOVED

Great read from the beginning to the end! I love the intermingle of past characters from previous books. Author never disappoints!
Profile Image for Nikita.
343 reviews17 followers
January 12, 2025
Sonshyne and Raine

Sonshyne and Raine were locked in and so was I to their love story. The chemistry and connection between Sonshyne and Raine was really a fun read.
Profile Image for Carolyn King.
2,444 reviews42 followers
January 3, 2025
Very Good

I love all your books. I love how you show black love. Raine and Sonshyne were meant for each other. The meeting between them was fate. Very good book.
Profile Image for LaToya Brooks.
2,989 reviews1 follower
December 15, 2024
cool read

It was ok! It was a slow burn for me. Love making and some family turning foes. I wanted breeze and Mel to book up.
Profile Image for (Adri)ana | TenPieceLemonPepper.
268 reviews11 followers
July 23, 2025
this was a really cute, short read. it had the potential to be five stars, but i had to dock one for a couple reasons:



myles washington as a narrator though?! whew. my man my man my man. 😮‍💨
220 reviews2 followers
December 14, 2024
So good!!

This book was so good, I did not want to put it down and hated when it ended. First, I love the main characters names: Sonshyne and Raine! They were destined to be and both fell at first sight. I KNEW the uncle was going to be a problem later but in the way that he was?!? That absolutely blew my mind. The last words in the story , " this is only the beginning" makes me think more books with this crew are coming. Fingers crossed because I'm so curious about what happens between Melodie, Breeze and Sean. Author Kay Shanee never disappoints and this was another amazing love story from her. 5 stars!!
Profile Image for Shalana.
471 reviews8 followers
August 23, 2025
There's something about a couple that communicates effectively that just does it for me. Shyne and Raine have an immediate attraction when they meet, with Shyne making his intentions very clear at their 2nd meeting. The semi conflict that occurs is due to what? Miscommunication....and Shyne being a jackass.

I loved Shyne's family and how they embraced Raine, Melodie and Breeze. Shyne's family drama was wild and his uncle should be put under the jail.
Profile Image for Taija Thompson.
409 reviews
December 13, 2024
So good!

Ahhhhhh! This was everything! They were so perfect for each other!! First their names and then their chemistry! I loved every minute and I’m lowkey sad it’s over. Oh and Unc was shady af!!! Now we need to see about Breeze and Melodie because the sexual tension between them was crazy!!!!
258 reviews5 followers
December 15, 2024
☀️ & 🌧

I loved this Story, especially their names. Sonshyne and Raine. It's was like love at first sight, and the powers to be pushed them together. I hope Breeze, Melodie, Adan and Zayn. I would definitely recommend this book. Kay Shanee your pen game is amazing.👏🏾
1,215 reviews10 followers
December 17, 2024
Loved It

It's a beautiful love story with very little issues. Shyness and Raine were truly meant for one another! I enjoyed the family and friendship support!
I loved the epilogue and hope to see Breeze and Melody's story. They deserve one.
Profile Image for Jackie Brown.
563 reviews2 followers
December 18, 2024
Raine and Shyne😍

Kay Shanee did it again! This was such a feel good story 🤗unforgettable parts with sadness but drama free and I loved that. The characters were fire and pop pop was still the star from above 😇 Will Mel and Breeze get a story😚😏👊🏽
2 reviews
December 24, 2024
aweee a feel good story

This was such a feet good story. One you can read right before going to bed so you can have good dreams. Raine and Sonshyne were both about their business and not for the games. They moved fast, but it was refreshing to read a story with minimal drama and a guy who goes after what he wants. I also love the friendship between Raine and Melodie. Melodie was a funny character and i’m looking forward to see if Breeze stops fighting the feeling! Sweet story!
Profile Image for Lisha The Book Report.
86 reviews5 followers
January 13, 2025
A nice feel good story of fated mates. Shyne and Raine were adorable and will give you all the feels! I hope some of the other characters introduced will get a book! Great read!
Profile Image for SheReadDat✨.
46 reviews13 followers
December 8, 2025
Their love story was so beautiful and truly love at first sight. I loved everything about it. It definitely further deepened my belief in love at first sight and when you know, you know.
318 reviews1 follower
December 28, 2024
Very good

This book was great. I have no complaints. I loved Raine's no nonsense. She knew how she should be treated and expected nothing less. Shyne was a mess. I loved him too. I was here for all that alpha male energy. Lol. Great story.
Profile Image for Monae Nicole.
Author 73 books191 followers
March 17, 2025
Loved it

Sonshyne and Raine were meant to be. I loved their chemistry from their first meeting. I liked that it was low angst and their disagreement was an easy fix.
I would recommend this book
Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews

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