What do you think?
Rate this book
Chocolate Chip City
Singer-songwriter and filmmaker Be Steadwell’s lyrical debut is Practical Magic meets Black Cake in this warm and wry family drama with a magical twist about three sisters, a vision of princes, true love, and revolution, and one very complicated year of self-realization, family dynamics, and learning to let go.
The Jones sisters have powers.
Jasmine is a queer, heartbroken baker who crafts beautiful pastries that no one in DC wants to buy. Her sister Ella is a fat and fine bodyworker, begrudgingly serving rich white folk. And Layla, the youngest, is an ambitious affordable housing activist in the rapidly gentrifying district. The sisters are all conjurers, but they aren’t yet sure how to use their magic— and they’re not sure the world deserves it.
When their mother reveals her vision of princes, true love, and revolution, the jaded sisters meet her with skepticism. But after a chance encounter with the filthy rich Black developer Malcolm Scott and his two princely children, their mother’s prophecy begins to unfold.
This romantic novel explores class privilege while placing Black love, queer sex, and joy at its center.
The Jones sisters have powers.
Jasmine is a queer, heartbroken baker who crafts beautiful pastries that no one in DC wants to buy. Her sister Ella is a fat and fine bodyworker, begrudgingly serving rich white folk. And Layla, the youngest, is an ambitious affordable housing activist in the rapidly gentrifying district. The sisters are all conjurers, but they aren’t yet sure how to use their magic— and they’re not sure the world deserves it.
When their mother reveals her vision of princes, true love, and revolution, the jaded sisters meet her with skepticism. But after a chance encounter with the filthy rich Black developer Malcolm Scott and his two princely children, their mother’s prophecy begins to unfold.
This romantic novel explores class privilege while placing Black love, queer sex, and joy at its center.
390 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 3, 2025
11 people are currently reading
229 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
June 29, 2025
an enjoyable and informative read following three sisters in DC.
I kind of wish the magic aspect had a stronger prominence throughout, but there was already much to juggle w 3 MC POVs plus a sort of POV of their mother and zora occasionally.
as someone who isn’t v familiar w DC this had great insight to Black history and culture in the city, tackling its current gentrification issues.
I also really enjoyed jasmine and zora as a masc for masc pairing, not commonly seen in romance.
overall it had a fun quippy vibe with emotional family moments.
would def rec!
I kind of wish the magic aspect had a stronger prominence throughout, but there was already much to juggle w 3 MC POVs plus a sort of POV of their mother and zora occasionally.
as someone who isn’t v familiar w DC this had great insight to Black history and culture in the city, tackling its current gentrification issues.
I also really enjoyed jasmine and zora as a masc for masc pairing, not commonly seen in romance.
overall it had a fun quippy vibe with emotional family moments.
would def rec!
November 16, 2025
5 Stars
Chocolate Chip City by Be Steadwell.
Three sisters. Three stories that branch out and then ultimately coalesce back to its roots. Chocolate Chip City touches heavily on family, sisterhood, community, history and individual journey. Most books may have done the same but Chocolate Chip City did it with humour, queerness in its queerest form and magic. It is my personal opinion that the little bit of magic sprinkled in the story was the key ingredient to bolster the story, like MSG in any Asian dish, umami level.
It's all good to have three differing stories from three different characters who are strong, independent women. I reckon there are hundreds of books out there with similar premises and I'm sure they all have their own merit. But the thing that set Chocolate Chip City apart was the sisters' magical abilities and how the author set it up in today's world. Their abilities weren't loud and big, instead, it was subtle and soft. Abilities that we ourselves may know of someone who possesses something extra in them which makes it more relatable. The magical part did not overshadow the real life, day-to-day struggles of being a woman, dark skinned and having individual goals in life. They were African women first, who just happen to have magical abilities.
The queerness of it all in the middle of everything was so refreshingly real and relatable. The reason being is that the character was not a cookiecutter, stereotypical lesbian of most books. The character was whatever they wanted to look like, expressed in how they dressed, wore their face and hair, etc. It was just different from everyone else's lesbian and I loved it. The author even included a straight relationship in the story and I don't know how but it did not suck the life out of me. The straights were obviously not the main focus but their presence did not detract from the story at all. I would go as far as saying, it was cute.
The overarching storyline of gentrification in DC was beautifully weaved into the story. It was educational and eye opening yet delivered in a fun-to-learn sort of way. Meanwhile, invested in the will-they-won't-they storyline of the lesbian character. What I'm saying is, every aspect of what the story presented was exciting and attention grabbing. There was no point in the story were I felt bored or disinterested.
Chocolate Chip City by Be Steadwell is a must read, top tier book. Highly recommended.
Chocolate Chip City by Be Steadwell.
Three sisters. Three stories that branch out and then ultimately coalesce back to its roots. Chocolate Chip City touches heavily on family, sisterhood, community, history and individual journey. Most books may have done the same but Chocolate Chip City did it with humour, queerness in its queerest form and magic. It is my personal opinion that the little bit of magic sprinkled in the story was the key ingredient to bolster the story, like MSG in any Asian dish, umami level.
It's all good to have three differing stories from three different characters who are strong, independent women. I reckon there are hundreds of books out there with similar premises and I'm sure they all have their own merit. But the thing that set Chocolate Chip City apart was the sisters' magical abilities and how the author set it up in today's world. Their abilities weren't loud and big, instead, it was subtle and soft. Abilities that we ourselves may know of someone who possesses something extra in them which makes it more relatable. The magical part did not overshadow the real life, day-to-day struggles of being a woman, dark skinned and having individual goals in life. They were African women first, who just happen to have magical abilities.
The queerness of it all in the middle of everything was so refreshingly real and relatable. The reason being is that the character was not a cookiecutter, stereotypical lesbian of most books. The character was whatever they wanted to look like, expressed in how they dressed, wore their face and hair, etc. It was just different from everyone else's lesbian and I loved it. The author even included a straight relationship in the story and I don't know how but it did not suck the life out of me. The straights were obviously not the main focus but their presence did not detract from the story at all. I would go as far as saying, it was cute.
The overarching storyline of gentrification in DC was beautifully weaved into the story. It was educational and eye opening yet delivered in a fun-to-learn sort of way. Meanwhile, invested in the will-they-won't-they storyline of the lesbian character. What I'm saying is, every aspect of what the story presented was exciting and attention grabbing. There was no point in the story were I felt bored or disinterested.
Chocolate Chip City by Be Steadwell is a must read, top tier book. Highly recommended.
June 16, 2025
I knew what this book was immediately, so I can’t even blame anyone! Chocolate Chip City had enough of an interesting plot to let the story play out, but make no mistake—there will be lots of cringey moments ahead. Be Steadwell is the sort of corny millennial author who still makes references to melanin in 2025, so just brace yourself.
I can usually handle a corny romance novel on its own, but the rest of the writing is also subpar. Steadwell is a TERRIFYINGLY literal author, like did you have to solve the vision riddle for us on the exact same page you introduced it??!! Never in my life would I think I would complain that an author didn’t go hard enough with the magical realism—usually I want any supernatural sections struck from the book altogether! The issue with Chocolate Chip City is that the magical elements, just like the third act breakup and the inaccurate development backstory, all felt like hasty afterthoughts.
I also hated most of the character work!!! Honestly, it feels wrong to even call Ro a character—she’s moreso a vessel for the author to rattle off plot points they failed to weave into other sections of the book. This is unfortunate, because I wanted to know more about the woman behind Ella’s criticism on page 249: “You can go out and save the whole world and come home and have no idea who your fucking family is.” This sort of inconsistent political figure is someone I see quite often in real life, but rarely in literature (the only other books that came to mind were Olga Dies Dreaming and Parable of the Talents.) By the end, I felt like Steadwell didn’t understand the potential of their own character.
I will close with a few positives—after all, there’s a reason this didn’t become a DNF for me! David is an adorable character, even though I’m glad his love story took a back seat to his sister’s. I appreciated watching Jasmine recover her emotional range and wake up to what she wanted out of life. Steadwell describes this character’s experience succinctly on page 299: “How could she go back to feeling like small things were more than enough. How could she stop wanting so much?” Finally, Jasmine and Zora’s dynamic is the bright spot of this book, from certain 🌶️ scenes to just small moments of tension between them. Good stuff and so glad that was shown more than Ella and David!
So, wouldn’t recommend unless you are a glutton for punishment like me, and will read any Black lesbian romance book out there.
I can usually handle a corny romance novel on its own, but the rest of the writing is also subpar. Steadwell is a TERRIFYINGLY literal author, like did you have to solve the vision riddle for us on the exact same page you introduced it??!! Never in my life would I think I would complain that an author didn’t go hard enough with the magical realism—usually I want any supernatural sections struck from the book altogether! The issue with Chocolate Chip City is that the magical elements, just like the third act breakup and the inaccurate development backstory, all felt like hasty afterthoughts.
I also hated most of the character work!!! Honestly, it feels wrong to even call Ro a character—she’s moreso a vessel for the author to rattle off plot points they failed to weave into other sections of the book. This is unfortunate, because I wanted to know more about the woman behind Ella’s criticism on page 249: “You can go out and save the whole world and come home and have no idea who your fucking family is.” This sort of inconsistent political figure is someone I see quite often in real life, but rarely in literature (the only other books that came to mind were Olga Dies Dreaming and Parable of the Talents.) By the end, I felt like Steadwell didn’t understand the potential of their own character.
I will close with a few positives—after all, there’s a reason this didn’t become a DNF for me! David is an adorable character, even though I’m glad his love story took a back seat to his sister’s. I appreciated watching Jasmine recover her emotional range and wake up to what she wanted out of life. Steadwell describes this character’s experience succinctly on page 299: “How could she go back to feeling like small things were more than enough. How could she stop wanting so much?” Finally, Jasmine and Zora’s dynamic is the bright spot of this book, from certain 🌶️ scenes to just small moments of tension between them. Good stuff and so glad that was shown more than Ella and David!
So, wouldn’t recommend unless you are a glutton for punishment like me, and will read any Black lesbian romance book out there.
October 30, 2025
(rounding up from 4.5)
This was really enjoyable and emotional. I hadn't considered the historical black population of a place like Washington, which I (as a person who does not live in America) think of as mostly white people and highly gentrified.
This is the story of three sisters who are trying to find their way to achieving their life goals. Jasmine is the oldest and runs her own struggling bakery while healing from addiction. Ella is the middle child who has always had to be tough as nails and love her own larger-sized body because society pushes back so much on it. Layla is the youngest and determined to change the world for the better for the black people of her city. When an incredibly successful black developer comes into their town to tear down more black-owned businesses and put up expensive housing, Layla is determined to sabotage his plans via protests, while Ella is falling for his sunshine personified son, and Jasmine is crushing on his snobby butch daughter.
There is an aspect of magical realism in this book, but I feel like we could have just left that out completely, and the book would not be significantly different. Each of the sisters has a small magical talent and struggles with their own demons. I do appreciate that out of the three sisters, the gay butch women get the most focus on the romance. I appreciate that the focus here isn't a happily ever after for the romances, but rather learning to educate yourself about gentrification and class over personal happiness, and choosing growth and personal development over appeasing society.
This was really enjoyable and emotional. I hadn't considered the historical black population of a place like Washington, which I (as a person who does not live in America) think of as mostly white people and highly gentrified.
This is the story of three sisters who are trying to find their way to achieving their life goals. Jasmine is the oldest and runs her own struggling bakery while healing from addiction. Ella is the middle child who has always had to be tough as nails and love her own larger-sized body because society pushes back so much on it. Layla is the youngest and determined to change the world for the better for the black people of her city. When an incredibly successful black developer comes into their town to tear down more black-owned businesses and put up expensive housing, Layla is determined to sabotage his plans via protests, while Ella is falling for his sunshine personified son, and Jasmine is crushing on his snobby butch daughter.
There is an aspect of magical realism in this book, but I feel like we could have just left that out completely, and the book would not be significantly different. Each of the sisters has a small magical talent and struggles with their own demons. I do appreciate that out of the three sisters, the gay butch women get the most focus on the romance. I appreciate that the focus here isn't a happily ever after for the romances, but rather learning to educate yourself about gentrification and class over personal happiness, and choosing growth and personal development over appeasing society.
November 22, 2025
If you enjoy fictional storylines where black women are loved correctly & are free to sit with their joy then, this is the book for you.
This was deeply dc coded. As a dmv native, i was emotionally moved by how spot on the references were. This was more than a romance:
☑️queerness & identity
☑️grief & healing
☑️class PRIVILEGE & protest
☑️self discovery
☑️sibling/family dynamics
☑️ black spirituality
& standing up for what you believe in. This is a novel to take your time & sit with. It is well worth the read.
This was deeply dc coded. As a dmv native, i was emotionally moved by how spot on the references were. This was more than a romance:
☑️queerness & identity
☑️grief & healing
☑️class PRIVILEGE & protest
☑️self discovery
☑️sibling/family dynamics
☑️ black spirituality
& standing up for what you believe in. This is a novel to take your time & sit with. It is well worth the read.
June 5, 2025
Be Steadwell exemplifies the rare blend of both storyteller and writer, making their work exceptionally powerful. As a storyteller, they operate across multiple mediums—music, film, and live performance. Through these forms, they engage audiences with dynamic pacing and emotional honesty, forging a deep sense of connection. Yet, underneath it all, Steadwell is undeniably a writer. Their keen command of language, lyrical precision, and artful sense of structure continually shine through. This is especially evident in Chocolate Chip City, a powerful and moving debut about love, family, and community. It isn’t just told; it’s felt, unfolding with dramatic tension and rhythmic flow that easily pulls readers in.
In this standout debut, Steadwell crafts a vivid, emotionally textured narrative where setting and character development are inseparable, each amplifying the other in a story that is as socially conscious as it is magically resonant. Set in a rapidly gentrifying Washington, D.C., the novel follows Jasmine, Ella, and Layla—three Black sisters who inherit a legacy of magic and spiritual awareness full of discovery and wonder. Through concise yet evocative detail, Steadwell builds a story world where politics, love, and evolution collide. Their narrative is shaped by the geographic and economic pressures of place, as well as the complexities of personality and identity—factors that are vividly reflected in each character’s choices. By weaving these elements together, Steadwell heightens the dramatic tension, creating a story that’s both engaging and immersive.
The setting in Chocolate Chip City is not just where the story takes place; it’s why the story takes place, and Steadwell is masterful in crafting it. They not only enhance characterization but also reinforce themes of class, race, and power. In their capable hands, Washington, D.C. is far more than a backdrop; it is an active force that influences the characters’ desires, dilemmas, and destinies. Because D.C. is known for its deep and swift gentrification, Steadwell molds it to become a character in its own right. With its systemic inequity, cultural transformation, racial tension, and shifting community ties, it is the perfect place for a story about Black soothsayers and healers. Steadwell shapes each woman’s journey from this terrain, and the storytelling shines because of it.
Steadwell brings their characters to life with striking clarity, revealing their emotional depth and social realities through sharp, evocative detail. Jasmine, a queer baker who struggles to keep her doors open, pours beauty into pastries that no one stops to notice. Her talent is lost in a market that no longer values her. Ella, bold and beautifully full-figured, tends to the aches and pains of the wealthy and white—a dynamic that is both intimate and transactional, exposing deep undercurrents of self-worth and racialized labor. Layla, fierce and focused, fights for affordable housing while the city she loves threatens to break her spirit. Each sister is shaped not just by who she is, but by the clash between her inner truth and a world that resists it. Their bond is messy, loving, and unshakable. It anchors the story, as does their connection to a mother whose magical prophecy ties them to a legacy of love and revolution. Through these layered, intimate relationships, Steadwell explores what it means to care, to resist, and to hope in a world as divided as it is beautiful.
Hovering beneath Chocolate Chip City’s narrative lies a powerful tension between magical inheritance and the harsh realities of a world marked by gentrification, commodification, and cultural erasure. The three sisters, endowed with conjuring powers passed down from their mother, wrestle with the transformative energy they possess. At times, their ambivalence toward embracing their magic becomes an act of self-preservation, as it’s deeply tied to their experiences as Black and queer women navigating a city in flux. However, it must be noted that this magic is not whimsical; this isn’t urban fantasy or paranormal fiction. Steadwell uses it as a literary device, emphasizing themes and steering the storytelling for meaningful impact. Its culturally rooted force is shaped by generational trauma, longing, and resistance. Ultimately, it serves as a metaphor for transformation, reflecting the characters’ internal and external struggles—both of which are marked by the presence of the Scott family, wealthy Black developers whose presence stirs tensions within the sisters’ community and family. As each sister confronts what it means to embrace loss, imagine change, and claim power, they are reminded that their journeys, though distinct, are woven together by the threads of resilience, hope, and love.
Final remarks…
Steadwell’s deft command of metaphor, tone, and pacing marks them as a natural storyteller, effortlessly weaving setting and character into a single, compelling force. In their hands, these elements are immersive and impactful, each amplifying the other to create a story that is urgent, resonant, and wholly original. Their ability to imply so much with so little—dirt piles behind chain-link fences, a runaway boy in a vacant lot, darkened storefronts where vibrant, small businesses once thrived—evokes a richly layered cultural and political landscape, making the story world inside Chocolate Chip City feel like a lived-in, breathing world. I thoroughly enjoyed Steadwell’s debut and eagerly anticipate their sophomore release.
Strengths…
Well-written
Immersive story world
Fantastic characters
Impactful storytelling
Impressive debut
In this standout debut, Steadwell crafts a vivid, emotionally textured narrative where setting and character development are inseparable, each amplifying the other in a story that is as socially conscious as it is magically resonant. Set in a rapidly gentrifying Washington, D.C., the novel follows Jasmine, Ella, and Layla—three Black sisters who inherit a legacy of magic and spiritual awareness full of discovery and wonder. Through concise yet evocative detail, Steadwell builds a story world where politics, love, and evolution collide. Their narrative is shaped by the geographic and economic pressures of place, as well as the complexities of personality and identity—factors that are vividly reflected in each character’s choices. By weaving these elements together, Steadwell heightens the dramatic tension, creating a story that’s both engaging and immersive.
The setting in Chocolate Chip City is not just where the story takes place; it’s why the story takes place, and Steadwell is masterful in crafting it. They not only enhance characterization but also reinforce themes of class, race, and power. In their capable hands, Washington, D.C. is far more than a backdrop; it is an active force that influences the characters’ desires, dilemmas, and destinies. Because D.C. is known for its deep and swift gentrification, Steadwell molds it to become a character in its own right. With its systemic inequity, cultural transformation, racial tension, and shifting community ties, it is the perfect place for a story about Black soothsayers and healers. Steadwell shapes each woman’s journey from this terrain, and the storytelling shines because of it.
Steadwell brings their characters to life with striking clarity, revealing their emotional depth and social realities through sharp, evocative detail. Jasmine, a queer baker who struggles to keep her doors open, pours beauty into pastries that no one stops to notice. Her talent is lost in a market that no longer values her. Ella, bold and beautifully full-figured, tends to the aches and pains of the wealthy and white—a dynamic that is both intimate and transactional, exposing deep undercurrents of self-worth and racialized labor. Layla, fierce and focused, fights for affordable housing while the city she loves threatens to break her spirit. Each sister is shaped not just by who she is, but by the clash between her inner truth and a world that resists it. Their bond is messy, loving, and unshakable. It anchors the story, as does their connection to a mother whose magical prophecy ties them to a legacy of love and revolution. Through these layered, intimate relationships, Steadwell explores what it means to care, to resist, and to hope in a world as divided as it is beautiful.
Hovering beneath Chocolate Chip City’s narrative lies a powerful tension between magical inheritance and the harsh realities of a world marked by gentrification, commodification, and cultural erasure. The three sisters, endowed with conjuring powers passed down from their mother, wrestle with the transformative energy they possess. At times, their ambivalence toward embracing their magic becomes an act of self-preservation, as it’s deeply tied to their experiences as Black and queer women navigating a city in flux. However, it must be noted that this magic is not whimsical; this isn’t urban fantasy or paranormal fiction. Steadwell uses it as a literary device, emphasizing themes and steering the storytelling for meaningful impact. Its culturally rooted force is shaped by generational trauma, longing, and resistance. Ultimately, it serves as a metaphor for transformation, reflecting the characters’ internal and external struggles—both of which are marked by the presence of the Scott family, wealthy Black developers whose presence stirs tensions within the sisters’ community and family. As each sister confronts what it means to embrace loss, imagine change, and claim power, they are reminded that their journeys, though distinct, are woven together by the threads of resilience, hope, and love.
Final remarks…
Steadwell’s deft command of metaphor, tone, and pacing marks them as a natural storyteller, effortlessly weaving setting and character into a single, compelling force. In their hands, these elements are immersive and impactful, each amplifying the other to create a story that is urgent, resonant, and wholly original. Their ability to imply so much with so little—dirt piles behind chain-link fences, a runaway boy in a vacant lot, darkened storefronts where vibrant, small businesses once thrived—evokes a richly layered cultural and political landscape, making the story world inside Chocolate Chip City feel like a lived-in, breathing world. I thoroughly enjoyed Steadwell’s debut and eagerly anticipate their sophomore release.
Strengths…
Well-written
Immersive story world
Fantastic characters
Impactful storytelling
Impressive debut
April 7, 2025
Modern day fairy tale (minus the sugarcoating) and so much more (3.5 stars)
There's a lot packed into this book. Romance, hot s3x, social commentary, family dynamics, sibling shenanigans, gentrification and its consequences on those it forces out and out of the way in the name of so called 'progress', and so much more. I've never read any fiction set in D.C. that isn't political in nature to some degree and yet here the veil is peeled away to show the real and permanent part of the district, not the people who flit in and out of the area to home turf on planes or scamper off to summer homes elsewhere but the actual residents whose businesses, families and community work are rooted there. It's both illuminating and fascinating information and potentially will be new to readers. The banter and behavior of the three sisters rings true along with the clashes that occur between them. Among the parents that show up from both families in the book the mothers stand out as the kind of leaders and role models you don't see in movies or TV shows but that you'd want in your corner in real life.
I loved the life affirming tone of the story even when it gets muddied by conflicts and felt the vitality of the community beyond the main characters while also feeling like an outsider. I was happy to follow the sisters and their love interests around, eavesdrop on their conversations, witness their lives and learn from them what I could but a lot went over my head and not just some of the acronyms that pop up in the story. It left me with mixed feelings about the book by the end of it. I rooted for the romantic pairings and families coming together to ride or die, but sense that I was not the target audience for the book. That said, I am curious to see what the author publishes next and will probably check it out to see if I respond differently to the story it tells.
There's a lot packed into this book. Romance, hot s3x, social commentary, family dynamics, sibling shenanigans, gentrification and its consequences on those it forces out and out of the way in the name of so called 'progress', and so much more. I've never read any fiction set in D.C. that isn't political in nature to some degree and yet here the veil is peeled away to show the real and permanent part of the district, not the people who flit in and out of the area to home turf on planes or scamper off to summer homes elsewhere but the actual residents whose businesses, families and community work are rooted there. It's both illuminating and fascinating information and potentially will be new to readers. The banter and behavior of the three sisters rings true along with the clashes that occur between them. Among the parents that show up from both families in the book the mothers stand out as the kind of leaders and role models you don't see in movies or TV shows but that you'd want in your corner in real life.
I loved the life affirming tone of the story even when it gets muddied by conflicts and felt the vitality of the community beyond the main characters while also feeling like an outsider. I was happy to follow the sisters and their love interests around, eavesdrop on their conversations, witness their lives and learn from them what I could but a lot went over my head and not just some of the acronyms that pop up in the story. It left me with mixed feelings about the book by the end of it. I rooted for the romantic pairings and families coming together to ride or die, but sense that I was not the target audience for the book. That said, I am curious to see what the author publishes next and will probably check it out to see if I respond differently to the story it tells.
May 21, 2025
This is an ARC review!
Ahhh I had so much fun with this book. The writing truly celebrates Black queer joy and it's really warm and wholesome as a result. It's also a celebration of DC and Black excellence in general and that was so fun too - especially as I've never been. I also really appreciated the use of language unfenced by gender in some places and it was really fun to read words used that way.
I really enjoyed sitting with this book and thinking of the ways of being the characters embody. The drama and emotion was well written and I felt the losses and heartbreak with the characters. I also really enjoyed the fantasy magical elements that provided a method into believing more of the story. All the characters were lovable and flawed.
I do wish we had a longer epilogue with more focus on the family relationships. While I enjoyed the magic in the story there are elements of it that aren't developed enough leaving some questions raised in the book unanswered.
That said, I feel like the purpose of the book wasn't really the magic or any specific element of positioning so much as - at least for me - conveying ways of living and being in gratitude and self love while living in the flawed world we do today.
Ahhh I had so much fun with this book. The writing truly celebrates Black queer joy and it's really warm and wholesome as a result. It's also a celebration of DC and Black excellence in general and that was so fun too - especially as I've never been. I also really appreciated the use of language unfenced by gender in some places and it was really fun to read words used that way.
I really enjoyed sitting with this book and thinking of the ways of being the characters embody. The drama and emotion was well written and I felt the losses and heartbreak with the characters. I also really enjoyed the fantasy magical elements that provided a method into believing more of the story. All the characters were lovable and flawed.
I do wish we had a longer epilogue with more focus on the family relationships. While I enjoyed the magic in the story there are elements of it that aren't developed enough leaving some questions raised in the book unanswered.
That said, I feel like the purpose of the book wasn't really the magic or any specific element of positioning so much as - at least for me - conveying ways of living and being in gratitude and self love while living in the flawed world we do today.
November 17, 2025
Chocolate Chip City was refreshing. I think I had been in a bit of a reading runt and it grabbed me from the first few chapters. I love that while the story centers around the Jones sisters and their mother, the star romantic storyline was the queer one. Lately, I’ve seen a lot of queer couples in books, but they are often seen off-page. The sister’s has a wife or the best friend is bisexual. But the main story is always focused on the straight couple. In this book, this was reversed and it was nice to see.
The book touches on a lot. Colorism, racism, classism, fat-phobia, queer-phobia, substance abuse and the intersectionality of all these biases. For the most part I enjoyed it, but there were points where it was overwhelming. Ella’s and Layla’s argument stands out. It felt like a collection of talking points rather than a real conversation. It worked for the story, but did ruin the flow for me.
I enjoyed the ending. Despite a book about “princes” and “dreams,” the ending was satisfying and realistic.
The book touches on a lot. Colorism, racism, classism, fat-phobia, queer-phobia, substance abuse and the intersectionality of all these biases. For the most part I enjoyed it, but there were points where it was overwhelming. Ella’s and Layla’s argument stands out. It felt like a collection of talking points rather than a real conversation. It worked for the story, but did ruin the flow for me.
I enjoyed the ending. Despite a book about “princes” and “dreams,” the ending was satisfying and realistic.
December 18, 2025
Chocolate Chip City is a warm, wry, and magical exploration of family, identity, and love. Be Steadwell’s lyrical storytelling brings the Jones sisters to life three women grappling with magic, ambition, heartbreak, and social change in contemporary Washington, D.C. What makes this novel particularly compelling is how it weaves together queerness, Black love, and social consciousness with humor, heartbreak, and a touch of enchantment.
Steadwell’s narrative balances magical realism with sharp cultural commentary, showing the complexities of class, race, and gentrification without sacrificing character depth or emotional resonance. From Jasmine’s heartfelt baking struggles to Layla’s activism and Ella’s navigating of her body and business, the sisters’ journey is both deeply personal and broadly universal. Chocolate Chip City is a celebration of joy, resilience, and the transformative power of family and community.
Michael Doane
Steadwell’s narrative balances magical realism with sharp cultural commentary, showing the complexities of class, race, and gentrification without sacrificing character depth or emotional resonance. From Jasmine’s heartfelt baking struggles to Layla’s activism and Ella’s navigating of her body and business, the sisters’ journey is both deeply personal and broadly universal. Chocolate Chip City is a celebration of joy, resilience, and the transformative power of family and community.
Michael Doane
December 26, 2025
Chocolate Chip City is a novel that believes in pleasure, softness, and resistance all at once. Be Steadwell weaves romance and magic into the everyday struggles of three sisters navigating love, money, power, and belonging in a city that is constantly reshaping itself.
Each Jones sister feels fully realized: Jasmine’s heartbreak and creativity, Ella’s grounded sensuality, and Layla’s righteous ambition form a collective portrait of Black womanhood that is expansive and generous. The magical elements never overwhelm the story; instead, they deepen its emotional truths, allowing desire, prophecy, and possibility to coexist.
This is a romantic novel that makes space for queer love, community care, and hope without denying the pressures of class and gentrification. Warm, political, and deeply human, it lingers long after the final page.
Each Jones sister feels fully realized: Jasmine’s heartbreak and creativity, Ella’s grounded sensuality, and Layla’s righteous ambition form a collective portrait of Black womanhood that is expansive and generous. The magical elements never overwhelm the story; instead, they deepen its emotional truths, allowing desire, prophecy, and possibility to coexist.
This is a romantic novel that makes space for queer love, community care, and hope without denying the pressures of class and gentrification. Warm, political, and deeply human, it lingers long after the final page.
December 31, 2025
Chocolate Chip City is a rich, joyful, and sharply observant novel that blends magic, romance, and social commentary with remarkable ease. Be Steadwell’s storytelling is warm and lyrical, grounded in family bonds while fearlessly exploring class, gentrification, and the complexity of Black love.
Each Jones sister is vividly drawn. Jasmine’s heartbreak and creative longing feel especially tender, Ella’s grounded sensuality radiates confidence and truth, and Layla’s activism brings urgency and realism to the narrative. The magical elements never overwhelm the story, instead serving as an extension of heritage, desire, and self discovery.
What truly elevates this novel is its unapologetic centering of queer joy, intimacy, and chosen futures. Chocolate Chip City is both romantic and revolutionary, a story that invites readers to imagine a world shaped by love, magic, and community.
Each Jones sister is vividly drawn. Jasmine’s heartbreak and creative longing feel especially tender, Ella’s grounded sensuality radiates confidence and truth, and Layla’s activism brings urgency and realism to the narrative. The magical elements never overwhelm the story, instead serving as an extension of heritage, desire, and self discovery.
What truly elevates this novel is its unapologetic centering of queer joy, intimacy, and chosen futures. Chocolate Chip City is both romantic and revolutionary, a story that invites readers to imagine a world shaped by love, magic, and community.
July 6, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
A lyrical, literary sapphic Romance that is more than a Romance. It’s as much about the relationship between three sisters as it is the romance. There is lots of Sapphic yearning and spice between the main couple Jasmine and Zora. However we follow more than just the two Romantic characters, we follow the other two Jones sister, and their mother. This is about the fullness of life and what we want out of it, it’s about class privilege and living in a world fixed against you. It weaves everything together beautifully.
A lyrical, literary sapphic Romance that is more than a Romance. It’s as much about the relationship between three sisters as it is the romance. There is lots of Sapphic yearning and spice between the main couple Jasmine and Zora. However we follow more than just the two Romantic characters, we follow the other two Jones sister, and their mother. This is about the fullness of life and what we want out of it, it’s about class privilege and living in a world fixed against you. It weaves everything together beautifully.
April 3, 2025
4.25⭐️ I had the pleasure of reading this ARC from Edelweiss and adored it! The writing was easy to follow, the characters were relateable and developed well, and the pacing was great! I found myself rooting for the characters and buying in to their stories and problems. The spicy scenes were also very well written and truly added to the story. I will definitely be on the lookout for more titles from this author, great work!
July 25, 2025
This book was absolutely phenomenal and so unapologetically queer. The entire story centers Black and queer joy and love with just a sprinkle of magic. The story tackles important subjects like gentrification, alcoholism, and complicated familial relationships.
Be Steadwell is one of my go to artists for queer music and reading this book felt like being immersed in one of Be's songs. The prose was so reminiscent of their song lyrics and I just loved being able to see that parallel. Everything was so beautiful and described so well. I was fully immersed in this world. I could taste Jasmine’s buttery croissants; hear the go-go music; feel the river waters. Be truly has a gift with words.
I loved how the three sisters' stories weaved together and the plot was extremely engaging. I enjoyed seeing how different Jasmine's and Ella's love stories came together differently. Ella's was the love at first sight, swoony kind of love story while Jasmine's was slow and careful but both were equally beautiful. I also loved that Layla's story was about her love for her community and her unwillingness to give up even when it made family relationships complicated.
I learned so much about the Black History of DC through this book as well. Sadly, before reading this book, I had never heard of U Street or Black Broadway. I'm thankful that this story focused on how important Black businesses are and how often they are overlooked or simply just ignored. This book offered a perspective of DC that I had never heard before.
I absolutely recommend this book and also Be Steadwell’s music. I truly hope they touch your soul the way they do mine.
TL;DR: This is a beautiful, lyrical book about Black and queer love and joy while shining a spotlight on how gentrification affects Black and low income communities.
Be Steadwell is one of my go to artists for queer music and reading this book felt like being immersed in one of Be's songs. The prose was so reminiscent of their song lyrics and I just loved being able to see that parallel. Everything was so beautiful and described so well. I was fully immersed in this world. I could taste Jasmine’s buttery croissants; hear the go-go music; feel the river waters. Be truly has a gift with words.
I loved how the three sisters' stories weaved together and the plot was extremely engaging. I enjoyed seeing how different Jasmine's and Ella's love stories came together differently. Ella's was the love at first sight, swoony kind of love story while Jasmine's was slow and careful but both were equally beautiful. I also loved that Layla's story was about her love for her community and her unwillingness to give up even when it made family relationships complicated.
I learned so much about the Black History of DC through this book as well. Sadly, before reading this book, I had never heard of U Street or Black Broadway. I'm thankful that this story focused on how important Black businesses are and how often they are overlooked or simply just ignored. This book offered a perspective of DC that I had never heard before.
I absolutely recommend this book and also Be Steadwell’s music. I truly hope they touch your soul the way they do mine.
TL;DR: This is a beautiful, lyrical book about Black and queer love and joy while shining a spotlight on how gentrification affects Black and low income communities.
August 23, 2025
Singer songwriter, filmmaker Be Steadwell added another feather in her hat of multiple talents with the debut of her first novel, Chocolate Chip City. The novel centers on a magical trio of sisters in Washington DC. It's at once funny, romantic, queer, centers Black love, all set in gentrified D.C. Make yourself a cup of tea, sit in a comfy chair and enjoy this beautiful book.
November 23, 2025
Black love, Black joy, sapphic sex, grief, sibling and family dynamics, healing, self-discovery, AA/recovery, spirituality, all set in a gentrified D.C. setting.
I wanted more on the magic realism front.
Did take me a few times of picking it up to start but once I got into the story, I couldn’t put it down.
I wanted more on the magic realism front.
Did take me a few times of picking it up to start but once I got into the story, I couldn’t put it down.
March 13, 2025
I read an ARC on Edelweiss and absolutely loved this book. Gorgeously written, enjoyable and sincere emotional arcs, and such lovely characters. I'll definitely be looking out for whatever else Steadwell writes.
November 6, 2025
Sisterly love! Queer romance! Witchiness! Baked goods! And best of all, DC history and culture! I'm obsessed. Chocolate Chip City is such a delight. I adore this book so much and can't stop recommending it to every DC queer I know. I'm a forever Be Steadwell fan.
September 15, 2025
Great book! A love letter to DC. Makes me want to visit DC again and learn about Black Broadway.
November 22, 2025
so beautiful!
While it did take me a while to get lost in the book, but once I did I fell in love with every character
While it did take me a while to get lost in the book, but once I did I fell in love with every character
June 29, 2025
2 DNF
June 9, 2025
~ ARC provided by Edelweiss & the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion ~
This was a great magical realism book with 3 strong Black siblings taking the lead. Faced with gentrification and their mothers unfolding vision, they have figure out their magic, their hearts and themselves.
I actually bought a book mentioned in here, that’s
how much the story resonated with me. I love the representation, not just of skin but the diasporas look at magic.
This was a great magical realism book with 3 strong Black siblings taking the lead. Faced with gentrification and their mothers unfolding vision, they have figure out their magic, their hearts and themselves.
I actually bought a book mentioned in here, that’s
how much the story resonated with me. I love the representation, not just of skin but the diasporas look at magic.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews