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As Long as You're Mine: A Novel
Beneath the glitter of 1930s Hollywood, dangerous secrets connect two generations of women in this atmospheric dual-timeline mystery about identity, sacrifice, and survival.
Professional ballerina Thea Ross’s world shatters when her screen-legend father commits suicide, leaving behind a shocking confession to a decades-old murder. Determined to uncover the truth, Thea teams up with a relentless journalist, following a trail of clues that leads her back to the glittering yet treacherous world of 1930s Hollywood.
There, she discovers the story of Lorelei Davies, a struggling actress willing to endure anything for her family’s sake. As Thea peels back the layers of Lorelei’s life—her dreams, fears, and dangerous secrets—the connection between Lorelei’s past and Thea’s present challenges everything she believes about her family history. But as she untangles all the lies, she comes to know herself more truly than ever before.
As Thea navigates the glamorous facade of Old Hollywood, she must decide whether uncovering the truth about her father is worth sacrificing the life she planned—and whether some secrets are better left buried in Hollywood’s golden age.
Professional ballerina Thea Ross’s world shatters when her screen-legend father commits suicide, leaving behind a shocking confession to a decades-old murder. Determined to uncover the truth, Thea teams up with a relentless journalist, following a trail of clues that leads her back to the glittering yet treacherous world of 1930s Hollywood.
There, she discovers the story of Lorelei Davies, a struggling actress willing to endure anything for her family’s sake. As Thea peels back the layers of Lorelei’s life—her dreams, fears, and dangerous secrets—the connection between Lorelei’s past and Thea’s present challenges everything she believes about her family history. But as she untangles all the lies, she comes to know herself more truly than ever before.
As Thea navigates the glamorous facade of Old Hollywood, she must decide whether uncovering the truth about her father is worth sacrificing the life she planned—and whether some secrets are better left buried in Hollywood’s golden age.
299 pages, Paperback
Published October 1, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews
October 9, 2025
As Long as You're Mine is a historical fiction novel with a slow-burn mystery following two women. One is a Black woman passing as white during the golden age of Hollywood, starring on-screeen and dealing with misogyny and relationship troubles. Years later, a professional ballerina discovers a connection between the film star and her father and tries to find out what happened the night she died.
While this isn't a propulsively written novel, I still appreciated the mystery element and how it weaves together the lives of these two women struggling to find their place in a world that wants to control them. Go into it for the personal drama and the insight into racial and gendered oppression during the time. I found it to be a satisfying story. I didn't love the narration for the earlier timeline. I get that it was trying to make them distinct, but it felt a bit stilted. Otherwise it was a pretty good audiobook. I received an audio copy of this book for review via NetGalley, all opinions are my own.
While this isn't a propulsively written novel, I still appreciated the mystery element and how it weaves together the lives of these two women struggling to find their place in a world that wants to control them. Go into it for the personal drama and the insight into racial and gendered oppression during the time. I found it to be a satisfying story. I didn't love the narration for the earlier timeline. I get that it was trying to make them distinct, but it felt a bit stilted. Otherwise it was a pretty good audiobook. I received an audio copy of this book for review via NetGalley, all opinions are my own.
September 9, 2025
As Long as You're Mine was the quintessential middle-of-the-bell-curve book in my opinion. It wasn't great. It wasn't terrible. You don't feel immersed in the time and place (1930s/1950s LA), but you don't feel completely adrift either. Most of the characters aren't hateful, but it's hard to really root for any of them either. There is a murder mystery but no stakes. No sense of accelerating urgency. It's just... a solidly OK, underwhelming book.
The book is told from the split perspective of Loralei Davies/Millicent Dawes, a light-skinned Black actress in the mid-1930s, and Thea Ross, a 20-year-old ballerina in the mid-1950s whose life and growing career are tightly controlled by her rich, competitive mother. For the first third of the book or so the perspective switches equally back and forth - 2 chapters of 1st person present tense for Loralei, and then 2 chapters of 3rd person past tense for Thea. The middle portion of the book starts seeing more and more devotion to Thea's perspective. And then in the final quarter or so we revisit Loralei again. If perspective-switching bothers you, or the 1st-person-present-tense style bothers you, you definitely won't want to read this one.
Loralei's story centers around finding her own way and figuring out who she is while surviving sexual abuse in Hollywood. Despite the fact that she's clearly a victim of her situation, the men controlling her and the women establishing a ruthless social pecking order to survive and get ahead at Loralei's expense, I found it really hard to sympathize with her. She has sex with multiple partners in the book. One of them is not consensual by today's standards. The other I assume was the man's idea given the time period, but she's totally into it. What doesn't make sense to me is that she says repeatedly throughout the book that she's in love with this guy, and then towards the end, when he suggests that they get married, she says she definitely was not in love with him, weren't they just having fun, weren't they just in lust with each other? I just found it impossible to feel bad for her.
Thea's story has a lot of thematic parallels, just without the sex. At 20 years old, having grown up in an extremely curated environment where everything about her childhood was designed to keep her insulated from the world and grow her career as a ballerina, she doesn't yet know who she is. She is drawn in to learning more about Loralei and uncovering the mystery around her death, and in doing so starts having a lot of parallel realizations about how she's similarly been trapped, following someone else's program. It would have been a cool parallel theme to tie the two story lines together, a good generational pattern playing out, but the author hits us over the head with it by literally spelling it out, not once but twice.
I think we're supposed to root for Thea, who asked for her situation even less than Loralei did, but it was still hard for me to get into it. Despite dealing with grief and having her sense of family get upended and being confronted with big coming-of-age questions (like her sexuality, what she wants to do in life, what kind of a person she is... big stuff) simultaneously, she just seems kind of... flat. She talks about being tired a lot, but that's about it.
As for the glamour of the Golden Age of Hollywood - no. There are a couple parties mentioned, but we mostly see the characters escaping the parties, not actually attending them. The blurb does the book a disservice in describing it as immersing in the glitz and glamour, because it's actually more about the rot underneath it. The sexism and misogyny that it ran (runs) on. Like a west coast Gatsby, but with none of the literary quality.
The mystery part of the story is fairly obvious from the beginning. I think that was intentional - the scene at the end with the "reveal" isn't presented very dramatically. I think the reader is supposed to get to the conclusion before Thea does and then watch her put the details together. Nothing wrong with that, but it's just less exciting to me than if the mystery really was unknown and unknowable. There are some loose ends in there too - Ramona is the prime example, but there are others with some minor characters.
Overall, the book was... fine. It wasn't boring, and it was a quick read, but I expect it will be forgettable. CW for rape, infidelity, pregnancy, labor/birth, and abortion.
The book is told from the split perspective of Loralei Davies/Millicent Dawes, a light-skinned Black actress in the mid-1930s, and Thea Ross, a 20-year-old ballerina in the mid-1950s whose life and growing career are tightly controlled by her rich, competitive mother. For the first third of the book or so the perspective switches equally back and forth - 2 chapters of 1st person present tense for Loralei, and then 2 chapters of 3rd person past tense for Thea. The middle portion of the book starts seeing more and more devotion to Thea's perspective. And then in the final quarter or so we revisit Loralei again. If perspective-switching bothers you, or the 1st-person-present-tense style bothers you, you definitely won't want to read this one.
Loralei's story centers around finding her own way and figuring out who she is while surviving sexual abuse in Hollywood. Despite the fact that she's clearly a victim of her situation, the men controlling her and the women establishing a ruthless social pecking order to survive and get ahead at Loralei's expense, I found it really hard to sympathize with her. She has sex with multiple partners in the book. One of them is not consensual by today's standards. The other I assume was the man's idea given the time period, but she's totally into it. What doesn't make sense to me is that she says repeatedly throughout the book that she's in love with this guy, and then towards the end, when he suggests that they get married, she says she definitely was not in love with him, weren't they just having fun, weren't they just in lust with each other? I just found it impossible to feel bad for her.
Thea's story has a lot of thematic parallels, just without the sex. At 20 years old, having grown up in an extremely curated environment where everything about her childhood was designed to keep her insulated from the world and grow her career as a ballerina, she doesn't yet know who she is. She is drawn in to learning more about Loralei and uncovering the mystery around her death, and in doing so starts having a lot of parallel realizations about how she's similarly been trapped, following someone else's program. It would have been a cool parallel theme to tie the two story lines together, a good generational pattern playing out, but the author hits us over the head with it by literally spelling it out, not once but twice.
I think we're supposed to root for Thea, who asked for her situation even less than Loralei did, but it was still hard for me to get into it. Despite dealing with grief and having her sense of family get upended and being confronted with big coming-of-age questions (like her sexuality, what she wants to do in life, what kind of a person she is... big stuff) simultaneously, she just seems kind of... flat. She talks about being tired a lot, but that's about it.
As for the glamour of the Golden Age of Hollywood - no. There are a couple parties mentioned, but we mostly see the characters escaping the parties, not actually attending them. The blurb does the book a disservice in describing it as immersing in the glitz and glamour, because it's actually more about the rot underneath it. The sexism and misogyny that it ran (runs) on. Like a west coast Gatsby, but with none of the literary quality.
The mystery part of the story is fairly obvious from the beginning. I think that was intentional - the scene at the end with the "reveal" isn't presented very dramatically. I think the reader is supposed to get to the conclusion before Thea does and then watch her put the details together. Nothing wrong with that, but it's just less exciting to me than if the mystery really was unknown and unknowable. There are some loose ends in there too - Ramona is the prime example, but there are others with some minor characters.
Overall, the book was... fine. It wasn't boring, and it was a quick read, but I expect it will be forgettable. CW for rape, infidelity, pregnancy, labor/birth, and abortion.
May 18, 2025
Review: As Long As You’re Mine by Nekesa Afia
✨ Overview
Nekesa Afia’s As Long As You’re Mine is a dazzling, heart-pounding romance that blends electric chemistry with emotional depth. Set against the vibrant backdrop of a bustling city, this novel follows two magnetic characters whose connection sparks from the first glance—but life, timing, and past wounds threaten to pull them apart. Afia crafts a love story that feels both timeless and refreshingly modern, exploring vulnerability, trust, and the courage it takes to truly let someone in.
🔥 Key Strengths
⚡ Sizzling Chemistry – The romantic tension is palpable, with dialogue that crackles and intimate moments that steal your breath.
💔 Emotional Layering – Beyond the passion, the story digs into fears, insecurities, and the messy reality of love.
🌆 Vivid Setting – The city pulses with life, becoming a character in its own right.
🔄 Nuanced Character Arcs – Both leads feel fully realized, flawed, and impossible not to root for.
⚠️ Considerations
⏳ Pacing – The middle section lingers slightly in emotional introspection before ramping back up.
🎭 Trope Familiarity – Some beats will feel classic for romance lovers, though Afia executes them beautifully.
⭐ Score Breakdown (0–5 Stars)
💘 Romantic Tension → ★★★★★ (5/5)
🎭 Character Depth → ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
🌃 Atmosphere → ★★★★ (4/5)
💞 Emotional Impact → ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
Overall: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
A love story that lingers like a perfect first kiss—sweet, fiery, and unforgettable.
🎯 Perfect For Readers Who Love
📖 Red, White & Royal Blue’s banter meets The Kiss Quotient’s depth
💋 Slow-burn romance with explosive payoff
🏙️ Stories where the setting mirrors the characters’ hearts
🙏 Gratitude
Thank you to NetGalley and Nekesa Afia for the advance review copy. As Long As You’re Mine is a testament to love’s power—not just to thrill, but to heal.
(Note: Review based on an uncorrected proof; final publication may vary.)
✨ Overview
Nekesa Afia’s As Long As You’re Mine is a dazzling, heart-pounding romance that blends electric chemistry with emotional depth. Set against the vibrant backdrop of a bustling city, this novel follows two magnetic characters whose connection sparks from the first glance—but life, timing, and past wounds threaten to pull them apart. Afia crafts a love story that feels both timeless and refreshingly modern, exploring vulnerability, trust, and the courage it takes to truly let someone in.
🔥 Key Strengths
⚡ Sizzling Chemistry – The romantic tension is palpable, with dialogue that crackles and intimate moments that steal your breath.
💔 Emotional Layering – Beyond the passion, the story digs into fears, insecurities, and the messy reality of love.
🌆 Vivid Setting – The city pulses with life, becoming a character in its own right.
🔄 Nuanced Character Arcs – Both leads feel fully realized, flawed, and impossible not to root for.
⚠️ Considerations
⏳ Pacing – The middle section lingers slightly in emotional introspection before ramping back up.
🎭 Trope Familiarity – Some beats will feel classic for romance lovers, though Afia executes them beautifully.
⭐ Score Breakdown (0–5 Stars)
💘 Romantic Tension → ★★★★★ (5/5)
🎭 Character Depth → ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
🌃 Atmosphere → ★★★★ (4/5)
💞 Emotional Impact → ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
Overall: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
A love story that lingers like a perfect first kiss—sweet, fiery, and unforgettable.
🎯 Perfect For Readers Who Love
📖 Red, White & Royal Blue’s banter meets The Kiss Quotient’s depth
💋 Slow-burn romance with explosive payoff
🏙️ Stories where the setting mirrors the characters’ hearts
🙏 Gratitude
Thank you to NetGalley and Nekesa Afia for the advance review copy. As Long As You’re Mine is a testament to love’s power—not just to thrill, but to heal.
(Note: Review based on an uncorrected proof; final publication may vary.)
Want to read
April 25, 2025I may be biased but this book is written by my friend and I’m so hyped!
September 16, 2025
Long review incoming. Sorry, not sorry. I want to say this is a 2.5 stars rounded down to a 2, but I know that I couldn't bring myself to round it up to a 3, even though I desperately wanted to be able to, so I'm not sure what that means. Anyway, I got this through Amazon First Reads, which I'm never sure counts as an ARC or not (but tagging it because it makes me feel cool). To move on to the actual review: I wanted to like this more than I did. The concept was interesting, but the story itself turned out to just be ... okay? Like there were good parts, but it was overall pretty boring (to me) and the ending was very predictable, and not in a fun way. The mystery didn't show itself to be very exciting to me.
At least, though, compared to my other 2-star reviews so far this year, it was pretty easy to understand what was going on and it was sort of memorable. Not memorable in the sense that I don't think I'll be thinking of this book in more than two days time, but I can at least still remember what happened as I'm writing this (as opposed to the others where I didn't even know/remember anything immediately after I finished the last page). This is why I do think I can justify 2.5 stars for this one.
Now, I had another massive problem with this book, which was a historical inaccuracy that bothered me from the time it was mentioned. It is something that was very brief, so if you're reading this and you don't care for nitpicking or about historical inaccuracies, I'd recommend not reading further because I'm about to sound nitpicky.
I do understand that the main part of a historical mystery is the mystery part, not necessarily the historical part, but I have problems with historical inaccuracies! At the end of chapter 24, it is revealed that (spoiler tagging the character name just in case) was adopted from China at the age of 2, by (presumably) American parents. This is something I want to somewhat tread carefully on as I read the acknowledgements and saw that Nekesa Afia based this character, and this character's story (which I'm guessing includes the adoption), on a real-life friend of hers. Plus, I don't want to sound like a conservative raging against representation. But this just, historically, makes no sense.
I understand that the author is Canadian and not American, so was perhaps unaware of this, but the US had the Chinese Exclusion Act from 1882 all the way through 1943. This banned most immigration from China, at least permanent immigration, and I can't find anything about Americans adopting from China being a workaround. What I did find was that the Chinese Exclusion Act still did pertain to children and babies born in China. The character in question is an adult, I'm not sure if her specific age is ever stated but she's certainly not 13 or younger (she's definitely no younger than Thea, who is 20, and I took her as even being older than Thea).
On another note with Chinese adoptees being brought to the US, this was exceptionally rare until the one-child policy in China was enacted in 1980. In fact, I tried searching about the history of Americans adopting from China, and every resource (including academic papers) started with 1980, when the one-child policy was enacted. Hell, international adoptees born before on or before February 27, 1983 don't even qualify for citizenship based on their adoptive parents' status as US citizens! They have to explore other avenues for qualifying for citizenship. And that wasn't even really a law until the year 2000 with the Child Citizenship Act of 2000 (hence 1983, since they'd still be 17).
Not saying that Americans adopting from China never happened before the one-child policy was enacted in 1980, but it would've been incredibly rare.
There can be an argument to be made about this book presenting a better idea of history, and I get wanting to escape to that kind of world. But this book doesn't ignore racism. Racism is very much discussed as an issue. There is even a whole storyline around passing as white in order to better one's economic well-being, and the economic well-being of their family. And being scared to have others find out that they're just passing.
I spent much of the rest of the book wondering why this detail was added, especially seeing as her being Chinese (or even Asian at all) doesn't seem to be brought up at any other point in the book. Knowing from the acknowledgements that the author has a friend that this character is based on at least makes the inclusion make sense. But I'm sorry, historical inaccuracies bother the History major in me!!
I wouldn't necessarily say that everyone should steer clear of this book. I think it just wasn't for me. Many others don't necessarily care about that nitpicking I did, and I'm sure there are people who will also enjoy the mystery parts more than I did. I don't necessarily see myself going and recommending it for someone, unless they ask for something very specific and this book meets their very specific ask. But I also don't see myself telling someone to not read this.
But, in my opinion, I was underwhelmed.
At least, though, compared to my other 2-star reviews so far this year, it was pretty easy to understand what was going on and it was sort of memorable. Not memorable in the sense that I don't think I'll be thinking of this book in more than two days time, but I can at least still remember what happened as I'm writing this (as opposed to the others where I didn't even know/remember anything immediately after I finished the last page). This is why I do think I can justify 2.5 stars for this one.
Now, I had another massive problem with this book, which was a historical inaccuracy that bothered me from the time it was mentioned. It is something that was very brief, so if you're reading this and you don't care for nitpicking or about historical inaccuracies, I'd recommend not reading further because I'm about to sound nitpicky.
I do understand that the main part of a historical mystery is the mystery part, not necessarily the historical part, but I have problems with historical inaccuracies! At the end of chapter 24, it is revealed that (spoiler tagging the character name just in case) was adopted from China at the age of 2, by (presumably) American parents. This is something I want to somewhat tread carefully on as I read the acknowledgements and saw that Nekesa Afia based this character, and this character's story (which I'm guessing includes the adoption), on a real-life friend of hers. Plus, I don't want to sound like a conservative raging against representation. But this just, historically, makes no sense.
I understand that the author is Canadian and not American, so was perhaps unaware of this, but the US had the Chinese Exclusion Act from 1882 all the way through 1943. This banned most immigration from China, at least permanent immigration, and I can't find anything about Americans adopting from China being a workaround. What I did find was that the Chinese Exclusion Act still did pertain to children and babies born in China. The character in question is an adult, I'm not sure if her specific age is ever stated but she's certainly not 13 or younger (she's definitely no younger than Thea, who is 20, and I took her as even being older than Thea).
On another note with Chinese adoptees being brought to the US, this was exceptionally rare until the one-child policy in China was enacted in 1980. In fact, I tried searching about the history of Americans adopting from China, and every resource (including academic papers) started with 1980, when the one-child policy was enacted. Hell, international adoptees born before on or before February 27, 1983 don't even qualify for citizenship based on their adoptive parents' status as US citizens! They have to explore other avenues for qualifying for citizenship. And that wasn't even really a law until the year 2000 with the Child Citizenship Act of 2000 (hence 1983, since they'd still be 17).
Not saying that Americans adopting from China never happened before the one-child policy was enacted in 1980, but it would've been incredibly rare.
There can be an argument to be made about this book presenting a better idea of history, and I get wanting to escape to that kind of world. But this book doesn't ignore racism. Racism is very much discussed as an issue. There is even a whole storyline around passing as white in order to better one's economic well-being, and the economic well-being of their family. And being scared to have others find out that they're just passing.
I spent much of the rest of the book wondering why this detail was added, especially seeing as her being Chinese (or even Asian at all) doesn't seem to be brought up at any other point in the book. Knowing from the acknowledgements that the author has a friend that this character is based on at least makes the inclusion make sense. But I'm sorry, historical inaccuracies bother the History major in me!!
I wouldn't necessarily say that everyone should steer clear of this book. I think it just wasn't for me. Many others don't necessarily care about that nitpicking I did, and I'm sure there are people who will also enjoy the mystery parts more than I did. I don't necessarily see myself going and recommending it for someone, unless they ask for something very specific and this book meets their very specific ask. But I also don't see myself telling someone to not read this.
But, in my opinion, I was underwhelmed.
September 12, 2025
I found this to be an interesting premise with a lot of potential, but it didn’t quite fulfill my expectations. I liked the flashbacks and the way the characters were developed, but it didn’t feel like we got enough of the full story. It was talked around and seemed to require too much out of character behavior for the story to work. It was also odd that Thea kept referring to her parents as Tommy and Sophie as though we wouldn’t know who she was referring to if she said mom and dad. I had figured out Sophie’s guilt quite early on, but I was a bit disappointed in the final reveal. Her suicide also seemed out of character for someone who was convinced she had done no wrong. It was an interesting glimpse into a different time, just not quite as satisfying as I hoped it would be.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 26, 2025
I LOVE THIS BOOK, WOW! 😍 While reading As Long As You’re Mine, I had to remind myself that it’s fiction because it felt so real. The characters and settings (1930s and 50s) were very well established in the book, I could picture myself there being a fly on the wall watching this all unfold. I admire Lorelei’s courage and resilience for all of the struggles/obstacles she had to endure. I want to be in Julian and Walt’s family. *chefs kiss* 😘 🤌
September 26, 2025
Finished reading: September 25th 2025
"I think about the little girls who see these films, who want to be just like me one day. If there was one thing I wish I could tell them all? It would be to choose any other career."
*** A copy of this book was kindly provided to me by Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ***
REVIEW
October 20, 2025
Thank you NetGalley for this Arc!
Audiobook.
This story is fascinating. I’m always intrigued by how black woman lived back in the early to middle 1900s faced with all the backlash of racism and misogyny. The beginning of the story, following Lorelei and then Thea gripped me. I couldn’t stop listening. When the mystery or the main plot began, I swore I had a 5 star in my hands.
Imagine my surprise when I found this book dragging and tired some. The mystery was dragged on and on with no progress. Thea became so dull, not until the ending of the book did she finally start to stand up for herself. And the ending! I hate when the killer reveals themselves and tells what they did without our main character finding it out on their own. Why make me read/ listen to this big mystery if the killer was going to turn themselves in!
The romance was also very unfulfilling. They kept telling Thea and us that Tommy was soooo in love with Lorelei but I didn’t see it. He used her just like everyone else. I didn’t see how he was much different from Kenneth besides Tommy being able to say Lorelei chose him.
Anyway. I was disappointed. I wanted to love this. I was loving it. But it fell flat for me and I struggled to finish it. Side note… the narrator’s voice was very distracting. It was breathy and she made weird noises and voices for the different characters that just took me out of the story.
Audiobook.
This story is fascinating. I’m always intrigued by how black woman lived back in the early to middle 1900s faced with all the backlash of racism and misogyny. The beginning of the story, following Lorelei and then Thea gripped me. I couldn’t stop listening. When the mystery or the main plot began, I swore I had a 5 star in my hands.
Imagine my surprise when I found this book dragging and tired some. The mystery was dragged on and on with no progress. Thea became so dull, not until the ending of the book did she finally start to stand up for herself. And the ending! I hate when the killer reveals themselves and tells what they did without our main character finding it out on their own. Why make me read/ listen to this big mystery if the killer was going to turn themselves in!
The romance was also very unfulfilling. They kept telling Thea and us that Tommy was soooo in love with Lorelei but I didn’t see it. He used her just like everyone else. I didn’t see how he was much different from Kenneth besides Tommy being able to say Lorelei chose him.
Anyway. I was disappointed. I wanted to love this. I was loving it. But it fell flat for me and I struggled to finish it. Side note… the narrator’s voice was very distracting. It was breathy and she made weird noises and voices for the different characters that just took me out of the story.
September 14, 2025
i really liked the concept of this book and i loved the switching between 1934 and 1954, definitely made it more interesting! but i wish thea’s chapters were in first person because i really struggle with third person and i felt more removed from her as a character and her part of the story than i did with lorelei/millie
i really liked the whole narrative of the film industry especially in those times and how women, and particularly women of colour, were treated, and i definitely think that’s an important story
i just don’t think i was invested enough and i also felt that the ending was very very obvious
overall i think it was a decent book and i really like the idea of it but for me personally it did fall a bit flat. i also wish we could’ve had more with thea and amy because that seemed kinda forgotten by the end ???
thank you to netgalley for this arc!!
i really liked the whole narrative of the film industry especially in those times and how women, and particularly women of colour, were treated, and i definitely think that’s an important story
i just don’t think i was invested enough and i also felt that the ending was very very obvious
overall i think it was a decent book and i really like the idea of it but for me personally it did fall a bit flat. i also wish we could’ve had more with thea and amy because that seemed kinda forgotten by the end ???
thank you to netgalley for this arc!!
November 13, 2025
This is a work of historical fiction, exploring the lives of two women: an ingenue and a ballerina. While it seems that the two are unconnected, remember that everyone has secrets.
While the mystery seemed fairly obvious I still enjoyed the personal stories, the history given to the past timeline, and the reemergence of a life that was cut short and cast over. The story was elegant and evocative even as we could see the conclusion. It also casts a light on racial divide, both past and present.
thank you to NetGalley, the author Nekesa Afia, and Brilliance Publishing for my ARC of this audiobook.
While the mystery seemed fairly obvious I still enjoyed the personal stories, the history given to the past timeline, and the reemergence of a life that was cut short and cast over. The story was elegant and evocative even as we could see the conclusion. It also casts a light on racial divide, both past and present.
thank you to NetGalley, the author Nekesa Afia, and Brilliance Publishing for my ARC of this audiobook.
September 8, 2025
I didn't hate As Long as You're Mine. I thought the characters lacked depth and that I didn't really know any of them.
I found the story to be predictable. It wasn't long until I could see what was happening and accurately predict it.
The protagonists reminded me of someone that I know who enjoys dancing. For that reason, I found that I couldn't stop reading. I found myself hoping that young Thea and young Lauralei describe some more dance routines.
The amount of details were inconsistent. I didn't find anything to be overly graphic, but I thought it was odd that a couple of scenes reminded me of Onan and Tamar. I think there may have been a subtle inference there, but later details made me think I was reading too much into it.
I found the story to be predictable. It wasn't long until I could see what was happening and accurately predict it.
The protagonists reminded me of someone that I know who enjoys dancing. For that reason, I found that I couldn't stop reading. I found myself hoping that young Thea and young Lauralei describe some more dance routines.
The amount of details were inconsistent. I didn't find anything to be overly graphic, but I thought it was odd that a couple of scenes reminded me of Onan and Tamar. I think there may have been a subtle inference there, but later details made me think I was reading too much into it.
September 23, 2025
I enjoyed this book until the last couple of chapters. And then the last chapter ruined it completely. It was just a dumb ending.
November 19, 2025
Interesting back and forth story of Hollywood long ago. Sad but thoroughly entertaining.
November 5, 2025
This was a mix of sooo many genres, I loved it! I wanted a page at the end rounding it all off, but also understand why there wasn't! it was fitting to the story.
October 25, 2025
3.5✨ Not the worst, not the best, somewhere in the middle. Clocked the culprit early, which made the rest feel like a slow march to the inevitable. Two POVs: a 1930s actress and a 1950s ballerina dealing with her father’s death. Their stories intertwine, but I never felt fully pulled in.
There are a few “ahh” moments, so I won’t spoil anything, but overall, it didn’t totally land for me. Appreciate the listen, though.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ALC.
Version: 🎧
Spice: 🌶️/5
There are a few “ahh” moments, so I won’t spoil anything, but overall, it didn’t totally land for me. Appreciate the listen, though.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ALC.
Version: 🎧
Spice: 🌶️/5
November 10, 2025
When Thea Ross' Hollywood legend father kills himself, this sends the professional ballerina into a tailspin of grief. His death appears to be a suicide, and he leaves a confession behind, claiming he killed a former actress in 1930s Hollywood, Lorelei Davies.
Lorelei was an enormously gifted actor, but she had a big secret: she was passing, and lived with a lot of stress to keep this concealed. She needed to work to send money home to her big family, and outing her would not only destroy her career and credibility, but harm her family's prospects. Lorelei was also having a long and passionate affair with the man who would become Thea's father.
These are things Thea slowly begins piecing together as she begins digging into her father's past, with the help of a determined journalist. Slowly Thea learns more about her parents, about Lorelei and those who had it out for her, and about herself.
It's a painful but rewarding journey, and author Nekesa Afia beautifully reveals portraits of two very different, creative and driven young women, whose lives were seen as things to be controlled and constrained.
There is a tremendous amount of misogyny and racism that Lorelei had to navigate as a Hollywood actress, and jealousy from other performers for her successes. Thea's life is easier, as she has her father's wealth, and her mother's protectiveness surrounding her, but no less under scrutiny as a ballerina.
The story is emotional, and is about women determined to find a way to live their lives on their own terms. The characterization of Thea and Lorelei is great, and I loved Thea and the journalist whom Thea began working with.
I alternated between the audio and prose, and for the most part I liked Aure Nash's narration. I found the breathlessness she imbued Lorelei with a little distracting from the story, though.
Thank you to Netgalley, Brilliance Publishing and Lake Union Publishing for these ARCs in exchange for my review.
Lorelei was an enormously gifted actor, but she had a big secret: she was passing, and lived with a lot of stress to keep this concealed. She needed to work to send money home to her big family, and outing her would not only destroy her career and credibility, but harm her family's prospects. Lorelei was also having a long and passionate affair with the man who would become Thea's father.
These are things Thea slowly begins piecing together as she begins digging into her father's past, with the help of a determined journalist. Slowly Thea learns more about her parents, about Lorelei and those who had it out for her, and about herself.
It's a painful but rewarding journey, and author Nekesa Afia beautifully reveals portraits of two very different, creative and driven young women, whose lives were seen as things to be controlled and constrained.
There is a tremendous amount of misogyny and racism that Lorelei had to navigate as a Hollywood actress, and jealousy from other performers for her successes. Thea's life is easier, as she has her father's wealth, and her mother's protectiveness surrounding her, but no less under scrutiny as a ballerina.
The story is emotional, and is about women determined to find a way to live their lives on their own terms. The characterization of Thea and Lorelei is great, and I loved Thea and the journalist whom Thea began working with.
I alternated between the audio and prose, and for the most part I liked Aure Nash's narration. I found the breathlessness she imbued Lorelei with a little distracting from the story, though.
Thank you to Netgalley, Brilliance Publishing and Lake Union Publishing for these ARCs in exchange for my review.
May 16, 2025
Truly enjoyed this one. Couldn't put it down, and ended up reading it in one sitting! A beautiful atmospheric dual timeline mystery that explores themes of identity, sacrifice, and survival. The story was addictive but easy to follow, and while you might guess what really happened despite receiving multiple versions from different people, the build up to it was really well done.
I’d say my only complaints are that 1) after all the buildup, the aftermath felt a little anticlimactic, and 2) I’m not sure I fully felt the urgency or the motives of the person at fault.
Overall, I'd say it’s a story about messy truths, complicated love, and doing what you have to do to survive.
Grateful to NetGalley and the author/publisher for the ARC!
I’d say my only complaints are that 1) after all the buildup, the aftermath felt a little anticlimactic, and 2) I’m not sure I fully felt the urgency or the motives of the person at fault.
Overall, I'd say it’s a story about messy truths, complicated love, and doing what you have to do to survive.
Grateful to NetGalley and the author/publisher for the ARC!
June 18, 2025
This is Nekesa’s best book yet. I loved the dual timeline and the characters all felt so real, like I could have known any of them in my theatre/band kid days.
October 17, 2025
Audiobook Review — As Long as You’re Mine by Nekesa Afia
Narrated by Aure Nash
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley, Brilliance Publishing | Brilliance Audio, and Nekesa Afia for the opportunity to listen to and review this audiobook.
This story left quite an impression on me. After finishing both the book and audiobook, I needed a few days to process everything I’d just experienced—and I love when a story does that.
Thea Ross, a professional ballerina, has her world completely shattered when her father, the famous actor Tommy Ross, is found dead in what appears to be a suicide. In his final confession, he admits to murdering a Hollywood actress twenty years ago.
Alongside a determined journalist, Thea begins peeling back the layers of an unsolved mystery—and discovers far more than either of them ever anticipated.
We’re taken back to 1930s Hollywood, where Lorelei Davies, a rising but struggling actress, does what she must to survive in an industry that demands everything and gives little in return. Through Thea’s search for the truth, she uncovers not only who Lorelei was, but how deeply their lives intertwine. As buried secrets surface, Thea begins to understand her father’s choices, her own identity, and the weight of everything she was never told.
This love story broke my heart in so many ways. Lorelei is beautifully flawed—brave, vulnerable, ambitious, and deeply human. What she endured as a woman in Hollywood’s ruthless machine felt painfully real. Her life is marked by silence, control, and the unbearable cost of survival.
What stayed with me most is how unforgettable this story is. It doesn’t fade when you finish the last chapter—it lingers. It captures the realities of being Black in a time when that alone was treated as a crime. It reflects the pain of a woman used and erased by Hollywood, of a culture suppressed and buried until it resurfaces generations later. Through Thea’s journey, there’s a quiet, powerful reclamation—a rediscovery of heritage, truth, and pride.
It took me about six chapters to truly sink into the rhythm of the story, but once I did, it unfolded with emotional depth and nuance. I felt for Lorelei’s tragic path and for Thea, whose life had been stripped of her history, her family, and her identity. Both women were silenced in different ways, yet both carried a strength that demanded to be seen.
Narration: Aure Nash delivered an incredible performance that breathed new life into this story. Where the book’s pacing occasionally slowed, her narration revived it with warmth, texture, and clarity. Each character had a distinct voice and rhythm, and Nash’s subtle shifts in tone and accent between the 1930s, 1950s, and present day were chef’s kiss. As the characters aged, her vocal nuances evolved with them. Truly masterful—brava, Ms. Nash!
As Long as You’re Mine is a story I won’t forget. It’s layered, haunting, and full of heart—a powerful reflection on identity, love, loss, and the unspoken truths that shape who we are.
Narrated by Aure Nash
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley, Brilliance Publishing | Brilliance Audio, and Nekesa Afia for the opportunity to listen to and review this audiobook.
This story left quite an impression on me. After finishing both the book and audiobook, I needed a few days to process everything I’d just experienced—and I love when a story does that.
Thea Ross, a professional ballerina, has her world completely shattered when her father, the famous actor Tommy Ross, is found dead in what appears to be a suicide. In his final confession, he admits to murdering a Hollywood actress twenty years ago.
Alongside a determined journalist, Thea begins peeling back the layers of an unsolved mystery—and discovers far more than either of them ever anticipated.
We’re taken back to 1930s Hollywood, where Lorelei Davies, a rising but struggling actress, does what she must to survive in an industry that demands everything and gives little in return. Through Thea’s search for the truth, she uncovers not only who Lorelei was, but how deeply their lives intertwine. As buried secrets surface, Thea begins to understand her father’s choices, her own identity, and the weight of everything she was never told.
This love story broke my heart in so many ways. Lorelei is beautifully flawed—brave, vulnerable, ambitious, and deeply human. What she endured as a woman in Hollywood’s ruthless machine felt painfully real. Her life is marked by silence, control, and the unbearable cost of survival.
What stayed with me most is how unforgettable this story is. It doesn’t fade when you finish the last chapter—it lingers. It captures the realities of being Black in a time when that alone was treated as a crime. It reflects the pain of a woman used and erased by Hollywood, of a culture suppressed and buried until it resurfaces generations later. Through Thea’s journey, there’s a quiet, powerful reclamation—a rediscovery of heritage, truth, and pride.
It took me about six chapters to truly sink into the rhythm of the story, but once I did, it unfolded with emotional depth and nuance. I felt for Lorelei’s tragic path and for Thea, whose life had been stripped of her history, her family, and her identity. Both women were silenced in different ways, yet both carried a strength that demanded to be seen.
Narration: Aure Nash delivered an incredible performance that breathed new life into this story. Where the book’s pacing occasionally slowed, her narration revived it with warmth, texture, and clarity. Each character had a distinct voice and rhythm, and Nash’s subtle shifts in tone and accent between the 1930s, 1950s, and present day were chef’s kiss. As the characters aged, her vocal nuances evolved with them. Truly masterful—brava, Ms. Nash!
As Long as You’re Mine is a story I won’t forget. It’s layered, haunting, and full of heart—a powerful reflection on identity, love, loss, and the unspoken truths that shape who we are.
December 7, 2025
📚As long as You're Mine
✍🏻Nekesa Afia
Blurb:
Beneath the glitter of 1930s Hollywood, dangerous secrets connect two generations of women in this atmospheric dual-timeline mystery about identity, sacrifice, and survival.
Professional ballerina Thea Ross’s world shatters when her screen-legend father commits suicide, leaving behind a shocking confession to a decades-old murder. Determined to uncover the truth, Thea teams up with a relentless journalist, following a trail of clues that leads her back to the glittering yet treacherous world of 1930s Hollywood.
There, she discovers the story of Lorelei Davies, a struggling actress willing to endure anything for her family’s sake. As Thea peels back the layers of Lorelei’s life—her dreams, fears, and dangerous secrets—the connection between Lorelei’s past and Thea’s present challenges everything she believes about her family history. But as she untangles all the lies, she comes to know herself more truly than ever before.
As Thea navigates the glamorous facade of Old Hollywood, she must decide whether uncovering the truth about her father is worth sacrificing the life she planned—and whether some secrets are better left buried in Hollywood’s golden age.
My Thoughts:
As Long As You're Mine is a historical fiction following two women in two timelines: Old Hollywood star Lorelei Davies in the 1930s and ballerina Thea Ross in the 1950s. A mystery sets this book in motion but it is also a story of love, race, family, identity, and injustice.
We're taken between 2 time periods in Hollywood the 1930s and the 1950s. And man, what a time to be in Hollywood. I'm sure things have, are, and will continue to be a bit crazy in movie-land, but the way people were treated back in the 30's definitely makes me cringe. Though, knowing what happened with Weinstein, maybe it's still cringe.
Thea Ross is thrust into a bit of mystery on her 20th birthday. And as the story unfolds so does her history, and it was a very well done tale. I will admit, I enjoyed Thea's perspective more than Lorelei's, but maybe that was because I was really rooting for Thea to get to the truth, and it was hard to put her chapters down.
Thanks NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing and Author Nekesa Afia for the advanced copy of "As Long as You're Mine" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#LakeUnionPublishing
#NekesaAfia
#AsLongasYou'reMine
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
⚠️Trigger Warnings: Body shaming, Emotional abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Racism, Toxic relationship, Pregnancy, Toxic friendship, Alcohol, Sexual harassment, Bullying, Infidelity, Rape, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Medical content, Grief, Death of parent, Gaslighting, Classism, Suicide, Kidnapping, Murder
✍🏻Nekesa Afia
Blurb:
Beneath the glitter of 1930s Hollywood, dangerous secrets connect two generations of women in this atmospheric dual-timeline mystery about identity, sacrifice, and survival.
Professional ballerina Thea Ross’s world shatters when her screen-legend father commits suicide, leaving behind a shocking confession to a decades-old murder. Determined to uncover the truth, Thea teams up with a relentless journalist, following a trail of clues that leads her back to the glittering yet treacherous world of 1930s Hollywood.
There, she discovers the story of Lorelei Davies, a struggling actress willing to endure anything for her family’s sake. As Thea peels back the layers of Lorelei’s life—her dreams, fears, and dangerous secrets—the connection between Lorelei’s past and Thea’s present challenges everything she believes about her family history. But as she untangles all the lies, she comes to know herself more truly than ever before.
As Thea navigates the glamorous facade of Old Hollywood, she must decide whether uncovering the truth about her father is worth sacrificing the life she planned—and whether some secrets are better left buried in Hollywood’s golden age.
My Thoughts:
As Long As You're Mine is a historical fiction following two women in two timelines: Old Hollywood star Lorelei Davies in the 1930s and ballerina Thea Ross in the 1950s. A mystery sets this book in motion but it is also a story of love, race, family, identity, and injustice.
We're taken between 2 time periods in Hollywood the 1930s and the 1950s. And man, what a time to be in Hollywood. I'm sure things have, are, and will continue to be a bit crazy in movie-land, but the way people were treated back in the 30's definitely makes me cringe. Though, knowing what happened with Weinstein, maybe it's still cringe.
Thea Ross is thrust into a bit of mystery on her 20th birthday. And as the story unfolds so does her history, and it was a very well done tale. I will admit, I enjoyed Thea's perspective more than Lorelei's, but maybe that was because I was really rooting for Thea to get to the truth, and it was hard to put her chapters down.
Thanks NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing and Author Nekesa Afia for the advanced copy of "As Long as You're Mine" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#LakeUnionPublishing
#NekesaAfia
#AsLongasYou'reMine
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
⚠️Trigger Warnings: Body shaming, Emotional abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Racism, Toxic relationship, Pregnancy, Toxic friendship, Alcohol, Sexual harassment, Bullying, Infidelity, Rape, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Medical content, Grief, Death of parent, Gaslighting, Classism, Suicide, Kidnapping, Murder
October 7, 2025
"As Long as You're Mine" by Nekesa Afia is a historical mystery that delves into the dark secrets hidden beneath the glamour of Old Hollywood.
The story is presented in a dual timeline, alternating between the 1930s and the 1950s, connecting two generations of women through a decades-old murder.
In 1934 Hollywood, the glamorous yet treacherous world revolves around Lorelei Davies, a struggling actress trying to make her way in the entertainment industry. She is willing to endure anything—including dangerous secrets—for the sake of her career and her family's survival. Lorelei's journey is marked by severe and complex themes, particularly the abuse she had to endure. She navigates a world where women are often exploited and is forced to confront the harsh realities and ethical compromises required for survival and success.
Lorelei is key to a decades-old murder confession left by Thea Ross's screen legend father in the 1950s. Professional ballerina Thea Ross always adored her father but was heartbroken by his suicide and the dark confession he left behind. Determined to uncover the truth, Thea teams up with a journalist and begins following a trail of clues that leads her back to the Golden Age of Hollywood.
As Thea unravels the layers of Lorelei's life, she begins to understand the connection between Lorelei's past and her own family history, challenging everything she thought she knew about her father. At the core of the mystery lies Thea's decision: is discovering the brutal truth worth sacrificing the life she had planned, or are some secrets better left buried in the past?
The story is presented in a dual timeline, alternating between the 1930s and the 1950s, connecting two generations of women through a decades-old murder.
In 1934 Hollywood, the glamorous yet treacherous world revolves around Lorelei Davies, a struggling actress trying to make her way in the entertainment industry. She is willing to endure anything—including dangerous secrets—for the sake of her career and her family's survival. Lorelei's journey is marked by severe and complex themes, particularly the abuse she had to endure. She navigates a world where women are often exploited and is forced to confront the harsh realities and ethical compromises required for survival and success.
Lorelei is key to a decades-old murder confession left by Thea Ross's screen legend father in the 1950s. Professional ballerina Thea Ross always adored her father but was heartbroken by his suicide and the dark confession he left behind. Determined to uncover the truth, Thea teams up with a journalist and begins following a trail of clues that leads her back to the Golden Age of Hollywood.
As Thea unravels the layers of Lorelei's life, she begins to understand the connection between Lorelei's past and her own family history, challenging everything she thought she knew about her father. At the core of the mystery lies Thea's decision: is discovering the brutal truth worth sacrificing the life she had planned, or are some secrets better left buried in the past?
September 26, 2025
3/5 stars: This is Afia's BIPOC 2SLGBTQIA+ Historical Mystery stand-alone set in California, 1934 & 1954 featuring a professional ballerina, who teams up with a relentless journalist, in her determination to uncover the truth behind her screen-legend father's suicide and confession to a decades-old murder. Following a trail of clues leads her back to the glittering yet treacherous world of Hollywood's golden age. There, she discovers the story of a struggling actress willing to endure anything for her family’s sake. As she peels back the layers of the woman's life the connections between them challenges everything she believes about her family history. But as she untangles all the lies, she comes to know herself more truly than ever before. She'll soon have to decide whether uncovering the truth is worth sacrificing the life she planned or if some secrets are better left buried. With a twisty and turny plot, Afia has crafted a mystery about identity, sacrifice, and survival. Written in dual POV and timeline, Afia's writing and character work are well done; the main characters are well-rounded and complex while remaining likable with a well crafted and uniquely voiced secondary cast of characters. Afia touches on some very sensitive subjects; so take care and check the CWs.
I received this eARC thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing in exchange for an honest review. Publishing dates are subject to change.
I received this eARC thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing in exchange for an honest review. Publishing dates are subject to change.
October 18, 2025
This was a historical fiction that follows the lives of two women, Lorelei Davies from the 1930’s and Thea Ross from the 1950’s. Lorelei is an actress trying to become a Hollywood star and Thea is a ballerina who’s been injured and is waiting till she can dance again. They’re both on a usual routine in their lives until major events change the paths they are both going down.
I really enjoyed this audio I would give the story and the performance 3.5 stars. I loved the voice distinction between the two main women characters I especially loved the old Hollywood accent.
I like how the book weaves the two main characters similarities together although they are from different time periods of life their both women who are being controlled by one person or another. Lorelei from pretty much all the men in her life and Thea from a mother who is trying to live vicariously through her.
I think of the two I enjoyed Lorelei's storyline a bit more it was just so sad the time she lived in the things she had to do and the sacrifices she had to make just to have a decent life for her and her family.
My only negatives about the story was the ending was pretty predictable and at times Thea’s storyline felt slow moving.
But overall I enjoyed this audiobook thank you for giving me the opportunity to listen.
I really enjoyed this audio I would give the story and the performance 3.5 stars. I loved the voice distinction between the two main women characters I especially loved the old Hollywood accent.
I like how the book weaves the two main characters similarities together although they are from different time periods of life their both women who are being controlled by one person or another. Lorelei from pretty much all the men in her life and Thea from a mother who is trying to live vicariously through her.
I think of the two I enjoyed Lorelei's storyline a bit more it was just so sad the time she lived in the things she had to do and the sacrifices she had to make just to have a decent life for her and her family.
My only negatives about the story was the ending was pretty predictable and at times Thea’s storyline felt slow moving.
But overall I enjoyed this audiobook thank you for giving me the opportunity to listen.
October 6, 2025
This book had so much potential! The premise of it is so intriguing, but I felt that it fell short. Nekesa Afia introduces many different themes that are very relevant in each of the timelines, however it felt that it was not developed thoroughly. Thea's discovery of her mixed background that led her into seeking out her identity and why she never felt like she fit into her family had so much potential to be explored more in depth. I think Afia tried to introduce too many major themes: identity, mental health, power, death/mortality, and addiction (there are obviously more but these are the ones that I wished were more drawn out). When there are too many major themes, I feel like as the reader, the meaning behind it becomes less impactful, and leaves less space for the author to expand on it. Some of the themes could have been left out altogether. I really wish it was longer novel to really drag out Thea's discovery of her background and self, since myself and others feel disconnected with her character. With that being said, I still believe that the book itself was well written and has a great storyline.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 9, 2025
I won this in a Goodreads giveaway, and was excited to get it as an ebook instead of a paperback!
Unfortunately, I wasn't a big fan of this book. It is the overdone current standard of dual timelines, in this case 20 years apart. There is supposedly a mystery about the death of Lorelai/Millie and then 20 years later the death of Tommy Ross. Yes, this was on the short side of average books, so maybe that contributed to it, but I didn't feel like there was much character development. It felt more like the author wanted to create a story that included a black woman 'passing' as white, and threw in a couple homosexual relationships just to appear even more 'relevant.'
I have read a number of books centered around 'passing,' and just don't understand them. There is so much judgment involved. If a person is of mixed race of any kind, that by definition means they have different races in their lineage. So why is the black portion, no matter how small the percentage, always supposed to be the dominant culture, and anything else is considered by others to be denying the culture?
This was just rather boring, and the ending was abrupt and just blah.
Unfortunately, I wasn't a big fan of this book. It is the overdone current standard of dual timelines, in this case 20 years apart. There is supposedly a mystery about the death of Lorelai/Millie and then 20 years later the death of Tommy Ross. Yes, this was on the short side of average books, so maybe that contributed to it, but I didn't feel like there was much character development. It felt more like the author wanted to create a story that included a black woman 'passing' as white, and threw in a couple homosexual relationships just to appear even more 'relevant.'
I have read a number of books centered around 'passing,' and just don't understand them. There is so much judgment involved. If a person is of mixed race of any kind, that by definition means they have different races in their lineage. So why is the black portion, no matter how small the percentage, always supposed to be the dominant culture, and anything else is considered by others to be denying the culture?
This was just rather boring, and the ending was abrupt and just blah.
June 2, 2025
Afi writes a love story that crosses generations, with grand descriptions of the fashions, society and glitter of that era of Hollywood.
This story goes between the 1930s and 1950s, capturing the culture of old Hollywood as it really was for young women who aspired to be a rising star. Lorelei Davies, caught up in the glamour and fame, paid her dues in the most personal, sacrificial way. She was a rising Hollywood starlet, however, her family and the real person of Lorelie was a well-kept secret.
In the 1950s Thea Ross is a 20-year-old professional ballerina, who also teaches upcoming ballerinas. When her famous movie star father commits suicide, Thea’s life falls apart. He leaves a confession of a murder two decades old, Thea is determined to find the truth, and unveils secrets about her family that have long been buried. She questions perhaps they should remain buried among the glitter of old Hollywood.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All comments and opinions are my own.
This story goes between the 1930s and 1950s, capturing the culture of old Hollywood as it really was for young women who aspired to be a rising star. Lorelei Davies, caught up in the glamour and fame, paid her dues in the most personal, sacrificial way. She was a rising Hollywood starlet, however, her family and the real person of Lorelie was a well-kept secret.
In the 1950s Thea Ross is a 20-year-old professional ballerina, who also teaches upcoming ballerinas. When her famous movie star father commits suicide, Thea’s life falls apart. He leaves a confession of a murder two decades old, Thea is determined to find the truth, and unveils secrets about her family that have long been buried. She questions perhaps they should remain buried among the glitter of old Hollywood.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All comments and opinions are my own.
October 7, 2025
As Long As You're Mine is a soft, but meaty historical fiction / mystery about a young girl searching for her roots and an actress who is searching for herself.
I loved Thea's curiosity, and her bravery. Her questions and reaches juxtaposed against Lorelei (Millie)'s struggles captured me. I saw how they were alike, and different. Both yearned for a need to control their own lives, to be unbound from the places and people who held them so tightly they couldn't breathe. It wasn't lost on me at all that they were two Black women pushing back against a sea of whiteness, which made it all the more poignant. But I loved that Thea had the freedom to be less accepting of lies, and less tolerant of predators. The supporting cast was well-rounded, and well-written. Sophie was as perfect an ice queen as one could be, controlling to the very end, intent on having no regrets. It was good that Thea got to reconcile hers. It wasn't a brash, and twist-filled plot, but I didn't need that. I cared, from start to finish. It was good.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher
I loved Thea's curiosity, and her bravery. Her questions and reaches juxtaposed against Lorelei (Millie)'s struggles captured me. I saw how they were alike, and different. Both yearned for a need to control their own lives, to be unbound from the places and people who held them so tightly they couldn't breathe. It wasn't lost on me at all that they were two Black women pushing back against a sea of whiteness, which made it all the more poignant. But I loved that Thea had the freedom to be less accepting of lies, and less tolerant of predators. The supporting cast was well-rounded, and well-written. Sophie was as perfect an ice queen as one could be, controlling to the very end, intent on having no regrets. It was good that Thea got to reconcile hers. It wasn't a brash, and twist-filled plot, but I didn't need that. I cared, from start to finish. It was good.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher
September 7, 2025
I chose As Long As You’re Mine for my September Amazon First Reads pick. This year, I’ve been branching out from my usual thrillers and romance books to read more historical fiction—and Aida’s book did not disappoint.
The story moves between the 1930s and 1950s, showing both the glamour and the struggles of old Hollywood. In the 1930s, we follow Lorelei Davies, an actress chasing her big break while carrying some heavy secrets. In the 1950s, we meet Thea Ross, a young ballerina whose father’s death leads her to uncover long-buried family secrets. As the two timelines unfold, their stories slowly come together in a way that kept me turning the pages.
Aida does a great job switching between the timelines while also diving into big themes like identity, sacrifice, and survival. My only critic is that the ending felt a little predictable and anticlimactic. Still, I really liked the book and will definitely read more from her. Rating: 4 🌟
The story moves between the 1930s and 1950s, showing both the glamour and the struggles of old Hollywood. In the 1930s, we follow Lorelei Davies, an actress chasing her big break while carrying some heavy secrets. In the 1950s, we meet Thea Ross, a young ballerina whose father’s death leads her to uncover long-buried family secrets. As the two timelines unfold, their stories slowly come together in a way that kept me turning the pages.
Aida does a great job switching between the timelines while also diving into big themes like identity, sacrifice, and survival. My only critic is that the ending felt a little predictable and anticlimactic. Still, I really liked the book and will definitely read more from her. Rating: 4 🌟
September 18, 2025
The plot in this book alternates between scenes of Hollywood in 1934 and 20 years later in 1954. Lorelei Davies, a rising star, has an affair with Tommy Ross, her married leading man. But Lorelei is a light-skinned Black woman passing for white. Soon after giving birth to a baby girl, Lorelei is found dead. Tommy and his wife adopt the girl and name her Thea. Twenty years later, Tommy is also found dead, and Thea comes to investigate the accident of her birth.
The murder suspect is fairly predictable from the beginning, but we don’t find out for sure until the final few pages. In the 1930s and the 1950s, racism and homophobia were commonplace. Yet Thea, raised as a WASP, seems oblivious to these attitudes.
Alos, the Chevrolet Corvette was first manufactured in late 1953. Tommy Ross must have received one of the first Corvettes off the assembly line in order to be driving it in 1954.
The murder suspect is fairly predictable from the beginning, but we don’t find out for sure until the final few pages. In the 1930s and the 1950s, racism and homophobia were commonplace. Yet Thea, raised as a WASP, seems oblivious to these attitudes.
Alos, the Chevrolet Corvette was first manufactured in late 1953. Tommy Ross must have received one of the first Corvettes off the assembly line in order to be driving it in 1954.
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