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Love Be Damned
Teen fashionista Ayana always believed she’d go to hell and back for her sister, Sabrina, but she never thought it would be so literal. After a family dinner where Sabrina’s boyfriend, Damian, is replaced by a shape-shifting mirror demon that’s out for her soul, Ayana is forced to put her designing dreams on hold to become the chic demon-slayer her sister needs.
Unfortunately, demon hunting isn’t as easy as sprinkling holy water around, especially after she has a brush with death and is rescued by sweet, musical Carter. Not only is he charming and handsome, but suddenly he’s popping up everywhere, distracting her from her mission. Just as she starts to fall for him, coincidences begin to pile up, Ayana realizes that Carter and Damian’s sudden appearances in her life may not be due to chance after all. Perhaps the two are more intertwined than she thought.
To save her sister and protect her heart, Ayana is forced to team up with her disaster cousin, her baking-obsessed best friend, and her eccentric guardian angel to confront the one thing she hadn’t been expecting to love.
In this stylish, laugh-out-loud story of sisterhood and self-acceptance, Ayana learns to face the demon in the mirror, and that sometimes, you can fall in love for the hell of it.
Unfortunately, demon hunting isn’t as easy as sprinkling holy water around, especially after she has a brush with death and is rescued by sweet, musical Carter. Not only is he charming and handsome, but suddenly he’s popping up everywhere, distracting her from her mission. Just as she starts to fall for him, coincidences begin to pile up, Ayana realizes that Carter and Damian’s sudden appearances in her life may not be due to chance after all. Perhaps the two are more intertwined than she thought.
To save her sister and protect her heart, Ayana is forced to team up with her disaster cousin, her baking-obsessed best friend, and her eccentric guardian angel to confront the one thing she hadn’t been expecting to love.
In this stylish, laugh-out-loud story of sisterhood and self-acceptance, Ayana learns to face the demon in the mirror, and that sometimes, you can fall in love for the hell of it.
- GenresRomanceFantasyParanormal
388 pages, Paperback
Published May 15, 2025
9 people are currently reading
103 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
April 15, 2025
Ｅｂｏｏｋ Ｒｅｖｉｅｗ
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Love be damned, Briana Garrett's book is not getting the hype it truly deserves. This YA Black paranormal romance, with demons, but mostly focusing on the sisterly bond, should be talked about more. I enjoyed this story a lot; I didn't want to stop reading, and for it to be YA, it kept my attention. The cover art is simply beautiful, and I will have to get the physical copy.
Teen fashionista Ayana always believed she’d go to hell and back for her sister, Sabrina, but she never thought it would be so literal. After a family dinner where Sabrina’s boyfriend, Damian, is replaced by a shape-shifting mirror demon that’s out for her soul, Ayana is forced to put her designing dreams on hold to become the chic demon-slayer her sister needs.
BUY THIS BOOK!
𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬:
•young adults
•black fantasy | paranormal
•guardian angel vs demon
•romance
•sisterly bond
Thank you, NetGalley, and to the author Briana Garrett for the ebook in exchange for my honest review.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Love be damned, Briana Garrett's book is not getting the hype it truly deserves. This YA Black paranormal romance, with demons, but mostly focusing on the sisterly bond, should be talked about more. I enjoyed this story a lot; I didn't want to stop reading, and for it to be YA, it kept my attention. The cover art is simply beautiful, and I will have to get the physical copy.
Teen fashionista Ayana always believed she’d go to hell and back for her sister, Sabrina, but she never thought it would be so literal. After a family dinner where Sabrina’s boyfriend, Damian, is replaced by a shape-shifting mirror demon that’s out for her soul, Ayana is forced to put her designing dreams on hold to become the chic demon-slayer her sister needs.
BUY THIS BOOK!
𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬:
•young adults
•black fantasy | paranormal
•guardian angel vs demon
•romance
•sisterly bond
Thank you, NetGalley, and to the author Briana Garrett for the ebook in exchange for my honest review.
July 28, 2025
Love Be Damned is top-tier YA—sharp, heartfelt, and important. Briana Garrett has written something that not only speaks directly to young Black readers but also manages to resonate far beyond that intended audience. As a white woman in her late 30s, I found myself pausing more than once to sit with some of the messaging around confidence, self-worth, and the weight of societal expectations. It expanded not only my empathy but also my ability better to support the young Black women in my own life. That alone makes this a book worth reading.
And then there’s the writing.
The afterlife reimagined as a DMV is genius. The nods to fashion nods are perfection. Garrett’s ability to paint a scene without drowning the reader in description is a rare talent. She balances creative world-building with a sharp editorial hand, never over-indulging—always keeping us anchored in what matters.
The story-within-a-story structure works beautifully here. There’s the fun supernatural element—fighting demons and navigating a purgatorial bureaucracy—but beneath that is the raw, very real emotional weight of being a teenage girl in a world that constantly tries to shrink you. The character arcs are thoughtful and satisfying, giving room for growth, grief, self-love, and transformation.
Briana Garrett is a spectacular writer, full stop. Love Be Damned deserves a broad audience, and I could absolutely see it adapted as a limited series on Netflix. It’s timely, meaningful, and—most importantly—so much fun to read.
Highly recommend.
And then there’s the writing.
The afterlife reimagined as a DMV is genius. The nods to fashion nods are perfection. Garrett’s ability to paint a scene without drowning the reader in description is a rare talent. She balances creative world-building with a sharp editorial hand, never over-indulging—always keeping us anchored in what matters.
The story-within-a-story structure works beautifully here. There’s the fun supernatural element—fighting demons and navigating a purgatorial bureaucracy—but beneath that is the raw, very real emotional weight of being a teenage girl in a world that constantly tries to shrink you. The character arcs are thoughtful and satisfying, giving room for growth, grief, self-love, and transformation.
Briana Garrett is a spectacular writer, full stop. Love Be Damned deserves a broad audience, and I could absolutely see it adapted as a limited series on Netflix. It’s timely, meaningful, and—most importantly—so much fun to read.
Highly recommend.
August 6, 2025
(4.25 ⭐) Love Be Damned was a bright, cheerful and warm hug to every teenager finding themselves. It’s filled with Black girl love and supernatural mysteries and sisterhood.
Ayana is always looking out for her little sister Sabrina - though between designing all her own outfits and applying for her dream fashion apprenticeship, her senior year has gotten pretty busy. But she puts it all on hold when Sabrina’s boyfriend, Damian, is kidnapped and replaced by a mirror demon.
She’s got to figure out how to kill a demon, and it’s not even close to simple. Not only that, but there’s a new sweet guy named Carter in her life that’s a little distracting, and Aya’s guardian angel shows up to complicate things, too.
There’s a romance here, but this is ultimately a story of self love and learning to let yourself shine. Sisterhood also plays a huge role - and family in general - and how we can all look out for each other. It’s an absolutely perfect blend for young readers.
Aya is a smart and talented main character who has SO much (earned) confidence and skill and joy in her fashion designs, but is learning how to navigate all types of relationships. She loves Sabrina more than anything and wants to be her protector, but sometimes she puts her sister in a box, so she has to step back and really see her. And just as importantly, Ayana has to figure out how to find value in herself and see herself the way others do.
There is a lot of discussion around the Black teenage girl experience - and Ayana remembers racist incidents from the past and starts to heal from them. It’s a very empathetic portrayal of how our society treats young Black girls and the ripple effects of ways that they are made to feel smaller. And beyond race, there’s some commentary on beauty culture as a whole. But although there’s a bit of (very realistic) pain there, the content overall is very light and fun, and I was never worried about any of the characters or thinking that there would be some elements of tragedy at the end.
The lore here was pretty fluffy at light, and there are some supernatural plot holes and silly coincidences, but it felt appropriate for a contemporary story with fantasy elements and it didn’t bother me. Although I wasn’t completely sure why the guardian angel was included. He felt a little bit flat as a character and didn’t change at all or seem particularly altered by his connection to Aya – I wonder if it would have been stronger if the teenagers discovered and researched the demon all on their own.
The writing was very solid overall! The pacing was perfect, and I absolutely adored the funny chapter titles. They were a perfect touch and felt a bit like reading a teenage journal. The dialogue mostly felt good, though sometimes it felt a little bit stereotypical teenager-y. The deeper and more earnest conversations resonated
The ending did something that made me a bit nervous, but I think it was ultimately very sweet and charming. I love the acknowledgement that it’s okay to struggle and it’s important to be honest and ask for help, and you can work through things with your people. The romance also really touched me because it blossomed out of a place of great friendship and vulnerability and two young adults learning to lean on each other and support each other.
This was a funny, heart-warming, and exciting book that I would absolutely recommend!
CW: racism, bullying, kidnapping, confinement, panic attacks, death (parent - in the past), car accident
Follow me on social media for book recommendations!
(I received a free copy of this book; this is my honest review.)
Ayana is always looking out for her little sister Sabrina - though between designing all her own outfits and applying for her dream fashion apprenticeship, her senior year has gotten pretty busy. But she puts it all on hold when Sabrina’s boyfriend, Damian, is kidnapped and replaced by a mirror demon.
She’s got to figure out how to kill a demon, and it’s not even close to simple. Not only that, but there’s a new sweet guy named Carter in her life that’s a little distracting, and Aya’s guardian angel shows up to complicate things, too.
There’s a romance here, but this is ultimately a story of self love and learning to let yourself shine. Sisterhood also plays a huge role - and family in general - and how we can all look out for each other. It’s an absolutely perfect blend for young readers.
Aya is a smart and talented main character who has SO much (earned) confidence and skill and joy in her fashion designs, but is learning how to navigate all types of relationships. She loves Sabrina more than anything and wants to be her protector, but sometimes she puts her sister in a box, so she has to step back and really see her. And just as importantly, Ayana has to figure out how to find value in herself and see herself the way others do.
There is a lot of discussion around the Black teenage girl experience - and Ayana remembers racist incidents from the past and starts to heal from them. It’s a very empathetic portrayal of how our society treats young Black girls and the ripple effects of ways that they are made to feel smaller. And beyond race, there’s some commentary on beauty culture as a whole. But although there’s a bit of (very realistic) pain there, the content overall is very light and fun, and I was never worried about any of the characters or thinking that there would be some elements of tragedy at the end.
The lore here was pretty fluffy at light, and there are some supernatural plot holes and silly coincidences, but it felt appropriate for a contemporary story with fantasy elements and it didn’t bother me. Although I wasn’t completely sure why the guardian angel was included. He felt a little bit flat as a character and didn’t change at all or seem particularly altered by his connection to Aya – I wonder if it would have been stronger if the teenagers discovered and researched the demon all on their own.
The writing was very solid overall! The pacing was perfect, and I absolutely adored the funny chapter titles. They were a perfect touch and felt a bit like reading a teenage journal. The dialogue mostly felt good, though sometimes it felt a little bit stereotypical teenager-y. The deeper and more earnest conversations resonated
The ending did something that made me a bit nervous, but I think it was ultimately very sweet and charming. I love the acknowledgement that it’s okay to struggle and it’s important to be honest and ask for help, and you can work through things with your people. The romance also really touched me because it blossomed out of a place of great friendship and vulnerability and two young adults learning to lean on each other and support each other.
This was a funny, heart-warming, and exciting book that I would absolutely recommend!
CW: racism, bullying, kidnapping, confinement, panic attacks, death (parent - in the past), car accident
Follow me on social media for book recommendations!
(I received a free copy of this book; this is my honest review.)
April 5, 2025
BUY THIS BOOK Y'ALL.
Briana's writing is an absolute breath of fresh air, so incredibly funny and witty. My husband kept asking me what was so funny while I was reading. The chapter titles were definitely one of the best parts, I kept reading long after I should have stopped because I wanted to see the next chapter title, and I loved how short the chapters were, I prefer short and fast paced chapters
Recommended for people who like:
- FMCs that can sew
- Protective older sister vibes
- Douglas Adams
- Princess parties
- Angels & demons
- Amateur sleuthing
- Worry banter
- Hilarious chapter titles
My favorite quote: It immediately became clear to me that Mrs. Walker was not the "baking cookies" kind of grandmother. She was the "clutching her pearls" kind of grandmother.
Seriously, give this book a chance. It's beautiful, funny, and an excellent debut for an amazing writer.
Briana's writing is an absolute breath of fresh air, so incredibly funny and witty. My husband kept asking me what was so funny while I was reading. The chapter titles were definitely one of the best parts, I kept reading long after I should have stopped because I wanted to see the next chapter title, and I loved how short the chapters were, I prefer short and fast paced chapters
Recommended for people who like:
- FMCs that can sew
- Protective older sister vibes
- Douglas Adams
- Princess parties
- Angels & demons
- Amateur sleuthing
- Worry banter
- Hilarious chapter titles
My favorite quote: It immediately became clear to me that Mrs. Walker was not the "baking cookies" kind of grandmother. She was the "clutching her pearls" kind of grandmother.
Seriously, give this book a chance. It's beautiful, funny, and an excellent debut for an amazing writer.
April 16, 2025
A few days after finishing Love Be Damned, the characters and story have stuck with me (this is unusual for me!). I feel like Ayana, Sabrina, Carter, and the others are friends of mine and I'm feeling a certain way (no spoilers lol) about how their story ended (hint: I feel happy).
This YA book has so much good stuff: close sisters, good friends, fashion and lots of fun in various outfits, love stories, contemplations on fate and time and the wounds we bury so deep that we forget they're there. Oh! And demons and archangels and goddesses!
The book is contemporary and very much in our world (Los Angeles, to be specific) with paranormal elements that are discovered through fun and funny scenes.
The main character and much of the cast are Black, and I imagine this story will resonate especially with Black girls. As a white reader I loved this insight into Ayana's experience. There are also queer characters, and these identities matter to the story. So well done.
This YA book has so much good stuff: close sisters, good friends, fashion and lots of fun in various outfits, love stories, contemplations on fate and time and the wounds we bury so deep that we forget they're there. Oh! And demons and archangels and goddesses!
The book is contemporary and very much in our world (Los Angeles, to be specific) with paranormal elements that are discovered through fun and funny scenes.
The main character and much of the cast are Black, and I imagine this story will resonate especially with Black girls. As a white reader I loved this insight into Ayana's experience. There are also queer characters, and these identities matter to the story. So well done.
May 14, 2025
Just when I think I’ve outgrown YA, I read something wildly entertaining that completely proved me wrong - and that’s Love Be Damned. This book captured me with its wit, laugh-out-loud moments, and lovable cast. Reading this book was like watching a DCOM but with an edge to its humor and a sincere message about love - love for family, love for yourself, and opening your eyes to the love that’s in front of you.
Fangirl gushing aside, I highly recommend this book for anyone who’s a fan of dorky teens being hoisted onto kickass adventures. I CANNOT STRESS THIS ENOUGH - this book is absolutely hilarious, even down to the zinger chapter titles.
100% recommend for anyone looking for a feel-good teen comedy that still has action and high stakes. In these times, a story like this is like a warm cup of tea to get you through a long and cold night.
Fangirl gushing aside, I highly recommend this book for anyone who’s a fan of dorky teens being hoisted onto kickass adventures. I CANNOT STRESS THIS ENOUGH - this book is absolutely hilarious, even down to the zinger chapter titles.
100% recommend for anyone looking for a feel-good teen comedy that still has action and high stakes. In these times, a story like this is like a warm cup of tea to get you through a long and cold night.
May 15, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Briana Garrett for the ARC. This was my first introduction to the author and it didn’t disappoint! I’m looking forward to reading more from Briana Garrett.
This is a YA Romantasy with paranormal vibes (angels and demons) with a wonderfully diverse cast. I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Ayana is our main character who is a teen fashionista who also loves her sister Sabrina dearly. She’s always looking out for her, but never thought she would have to do it because Sabrina’s boyfriend, Damian, has been replaced by a shape-shifting mirror demon…and he wants her soul. Ayana is now on high alert trying to protect her sister and become a demon-slayer, while also trying to get this fashion internship. This books was so much fun and I enjoyed the journey of self-love, sisterhood and the love of family and friends.
This is a YA Romantasy with paranormal vibes (angels and demons) with a wonderfully diverse cast. I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Ayana is our main character who is a teen fashionista who also loves her sister Sabrina dearly. She’s always looking out for her, but never thought she would have to do it because Sabrina’s boyfriend, Damian, has been replaced by a shape-shifting mirror demon…and he wants her soul. Ayana is now on high alert trying to protect her sister and become a demon-slayer, while also trying to get this fashion internship. This books was so much fun and I enjoyed the journey of self-love, sisterhood and the love of family and friends.
April 22, 2025
If someone told you that your sister's boyfriend was possessed by a demon, would you believe her? This is the challenge Ayana faces. She knows her sister's boyfriend, Damian, is possessed. Damian knows she knows. Nova, Ayana's guardian angle knows. But it's not the kind of thing you can just drop into conversation and without expecting people to look at you as if you've gone mad. Nevertheless, Ayana must now weave demon fighting into her schedule of high school, performing as a princess at children's parties, and preparing her portfolio to apply for a prestigious fashion internship once she graduates. That's all on top of figuring out exactly what is going on between her and Carter, the devastatingly handsome young man who crashes into her life.
This book is delightful. It's a rom com. It's a beautiful story of sisterhood. It's an examination of beauty culture and learning to love yourself despite the many, many powers trying to destroy your self-esteem. It made me laugh and think and feel so much. The romance kept me on the edge of my seat and paid off spectacularly in the end. It has wise and wonderful things to say to all girls and young women—and anyone suffering with low self-esteem—but has poignant and important things to say about living as a young Black woman in a culture that does so much to make Black girls feel lesser. It's an important book I would recommend it to anyone who wants to think and feel or just have a wonderful time.
Read it and enjoy it and tell your friends.
This book is delightful. It's a rom com. It's a beautiful story of sisterhood. It's an examination of beauty culture and learning to love yourself despite the many, many powers trying to destroy your self-esteem. It made me laugh and think and feel so much. The romance kept me on the edge of my seat and paid off spectacularly in the end. It has wise and wonderful things to say to all girls and young women—and anyone suffering with low self-esteem—but has poignant and important things to say about living as a young Black woman in a culture that does so much to make Black girls feel lesser. It's an important book I would recommend it to anyone who wants to think and feel or just have a wonderful time.
Read it and enjoy it and tell your friends.
May 10, 2025
5/5 stars 🌟
Words cannot explain the way I loved this book! I got an ARC of this book and once I started reading it, I could not put it down! This Book has everything; a Black YA romantasy book with a fashionista FMC, a guardian angel and a demon as well as great sisterly bonds.
Ayana was relatable in her fears as a young Black girl in the world but overcame them with the love of her family and friends but more importantly, with her own self-love and confidence.
Thank you to Briana Garrett and Netgalley for the ARC. I cannot wait to see what else Briana Garrett releases but I implore everyone to read this book!
Words cannot explain the way I loved this book! I got an ARC of this book and once I started reading it, I could not put it down! This Book has everything; a Black YA romantasy book with a fashionista FMC, a guardian angel and a demon as well as great sisterly bonds.
Ayana was relatable in her fears as a young Black girl in the world but overcame them with the love of her family and friends but more importantly, with her own self-love and confidence.
Thank you to Briana Garrett and Netgalley for the ARC. I cannot wait to see what else Briana Garrett releases but I implore everyone to read this book!
May 16, 2025
rating 4.25
ARC review: this book reminded me of a 90s Disney movie and I enjoyed following Aya on her journey to self-discovery. It has fantasy aspects because her sister's boyfriend is possessed by a demon. It has some romance with both sisters finding and embracing love. My favorite is their journey to self-love and self-worth in a world that seems to be against them when they have to learn their own value first. I would definitely recommend this book and there is no spice so it can be enjoyed by many ages.
ARC review: this book reminded me of a 90s Disney movie and I enjoyed following Aya on her journey to self-discovery. It has fantasy aspects because her sister's boyfriend is possessed by a demon. It has some romance with both sisters finding and embracing love. My favorite is their journey to self-love and self-worth in a world that seems to be against them when they have to learn their own value first. I would definitely recommend this book and there is no spice so it can be enjoyed by many ages.
April 26, 2025
There’s many reasons to like this book, but the biggest one to me is how wholesome it is. You befriend the protagonist and her friends, and you experience this adventure with her and through her. It is funny and warm. It is a great experience. If you like romance and endearing characters, I’m sure you’ll like this book.
April 28, 2025
I loved this black paranormal YA book. The MFC had a challenge for her and she went for it. This was beyond great and I wish I could spoil it for you, but I refuse to. Just know that the MFC was on some big girl stuff and she stuck with her gut! Give her props!!! Always be your sisters keeper!
August 19, 2025
Debut author where?!
This was such a great read!
This was such a great read!
September 29, 2025
💫 NetGalley ARC Review 💫
This book is an absolute gem! Ayana's journey from a fashionista to a demon-slayer is both hilarious and heartwarming. The blend of supernatural elements with teen drama is executed perfectly, keeping the reader on their toes. I loved how Ayana's fierce loyalty to her sister Sabrina drives the plot, and the introduction of charming characters like Carter adds a delightful twist. The humor is spot-on, and the themes of sisterhood and self-acceptance resonate deeply. It's a stylish, laugh-out-loud adventure that reminds us that love can bloom even in the most unexpected places. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a fun and engaging read! Five stars all the way!
This book is an absolute gem! Ayana's journey from a fashionista to a demon-slayer is both hilarious and heartwarming. The blend of supernatural elements with teen drama is executed perfectly, keeping the reader on their toes. I loved how Ayana's fierce loyalty to her sister Sabrina drives the plot, and the introduction of charming characters like Carter adds a delightful twist. The humor is spot-on, and the themes of sisterhood and self-acceptance resonate deeply. It's a stylish, laugh-out-loud adventure that reminds us that love can bloom even in the most unexpected places. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a fun and engaging read! Five stars all the way!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews