It’s good, but—and it’s a big but—I really don’t want to read more about Capella and Aimee, because Aimee’s conflict feels drawn out and stupid. The family that never treated you well learns you were raped and all they can do is come to you begging? No apologies no kindness just asking for money and then tryna bully you for it? What does her family have to do to show they hate her any more. Like Miss author don’t give that girl another page cus PLEASE. Give them a novella or a novelette, but enough is enough. After getting to know Capri through the other stories, I want to focus on her. I appreciate the other happily-in-love couples, but it’s just too much. Honestly, with all the drama she has going on, we don’t need anyone else’s stories unless they tie directly into hers. As an author, you can’t say, “Let Capri be Capri,” when she’s not like her brothers, yet they pop up in every other chapter.
My issues with Capri are that she comes off as desperate, not the badass the author wants us to believe she is. She feels entitled to Quameer’s vulnerability just because Kincaid, her sneaky link, kept his business private?! Like, girl, get it together. You’ve played yourself TWICE. Sure, communicate your desires, but also, chill out. It’s pretty wishy-washy when she claims Qua is a man of action who shows her all the time, yet she gets mad that he isn’t spilling his woes? Next up this kinda on the author but I thought we was heading in a different directions with this tale. I thought Capri was gonna get on her Bossed up working corporate baddie vibe yet we not getting that. It just feels like a continuation from Cappadonna. Ima relax and let the author cook cus it’s book one but….
Next issue I have with Capri, is her people-pleasing. Why are you hanging around someone you don’t even like? Let’s be real: you graduated from college/law school, so you’re at least 25. Why aren’t you using some discernment? If something feels off, just leave that girl in college. You are NOT friends, and it’s making her seem weird. Like I get you want that companionship but you have to hide most of your life from them other birds so like why even call them your friend?
Now, Quameer has been my guy since he first showed up, but I don’t agree with how he’s been carrying all his burdens without talking about his life because of Brandi. That feels like a weak excuse—where has he shared his struggles with her at all? All we know is that she was “too good” for him and he didn’t vibe with her family, yet he chose to have a baby with her because he “loved” her? Go sit on that therapist's couch with your brother! He’s got all the smoke for Quasim and his tragic life, but he can’t see how his actions aren’t even his own. TEAPOT, MEET KETTLE.
Overall, I really enjoy this author’s style and storytelling, but in her attempts at world-building, it feels like we end up with filler that just gets over-explained in the next book. Everything should flow together seamlessly. Sometimes it seems she gets so caught up in connecting the stories that she emphasizes insignificant parts. For example, why end on a cliffhanger introducing a new relative? We don’t need any more C names, especially when the main C we’re focused on already has enough going on! I get the contractual agreements, but it makes the experience feel choppy and disjointed. Yes, we know cliffhangers are a thing, but they often feel abrupt.
* also side note Blair was chill in all the other books why is she a screaming scared mess in this one… like maybe being close to death with the cancer shook up up but if she scary like y’all claim why yall tryna make her and a know gangster a thing? WTH she gonna do with Quasim?