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The Way Love Goes: A Guide to Building a “Beaurtiful” and Everlasting Relationship
Hip-hop legend “Da Brat” DuPart and her wife Judy DuPart, stars of WEtv’s highly rated reality series Brat Loves Judy, share their journey to the altar and parenthood in this candid relationship guide and marriage memoir.
Hip-hop legend Da Brat and beauty entrepreneur Jesseca “Judy” Harris-Dupart’s love story is as heartwarming as it is improbable. As rumors about her sexuality abounded, “Brat” believed she would remain “in the closet” until she took her last breath. But lightning struck when the rapper and the businesswoman met in 2017. Though their chemistry was instant and undeniable, the two went their separate ways.
Reconnecting at the Essence Festival a few years later, Da Brat made the bold decision to publicly come out and confirmed their relationship in March 2020. Their love blossoming into their own successful reality show Brat Loves Judy, and two years later their marriage. Within a few months of sharing vows, the couple announced that Da Brat was pregnant, and on July 6, 2023, the pair welcomed a baby boy named True Legend Harris-Dupart.
Part memoir and part relationship guide, The Way Love Goes, is laugh-out-loud funny and filled with warmth and love—just like its authors. Told in Da Brat’s signature Chicago tone, and Judy’s distinctive New Orleans patois, they each take turns detailing common relationship challenges, from sharing successful and meaningful communication to creating balance to coping with jealousy—and how they conquered them.
Hip-hop legend Da Brat and beauty entrepreneur Jesseca “Judy” Harris-Dupart’s love story is as heartwarming as it is improbable. As rumors about her sexuality abounded, “Brat” believed she would remain “in the closet” until she took her last breath. But lightning struck when the rapper and the businesswoman met in 2017. Though their chemistry was instant and undeniable, the two went their separate ways.
Reconnecting at the Essence Festival a few years later, Da Brat made the bold decision to publicly come out and confirmed their relationship in March 2020. Their love blossoming into their own successful reality show Brat Loves Judy, and two years later their marriage. Within a few months of sharing vows, the couple announced that Da Brat was pregnant, and on July 6, 2023, the pair welcomed a baby boy named True Legend Harris-Dupart.
Part memoir and part relationship guide, The Way Love Goes, is laugh-out-loud funny and filled with warmth and love—just like its authors. Told in Da Brat’s signature Chicago tone, and Judy’s distinctive New Orleans patois, they each take turns detailing common relationship challenges, from sharing successful and meaningful communication to creating balance to coping with jealousy—and how they conquered them.
256 pages, Hardcover
Published February 3, 2026
31 people are currently reading
2676 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
January 26, 2026
This memoir/self help is just what people need this year! Judy and Da Brat hilariously recount the early days of their relationship while dropping golden rules that will make any relationship successful. The audiobook is incredibly hilarious and will resonate with many different readers!
January 25, 2026
Brat and Judy don’t sugarcoat a thing in this guide to love. They talked about all things from ghosting and jealousy to learning how to communicate, fight fair, trust, and grow together. I really appreciated how honest and open they were throughout the book tbh. You get to know Brat and Judy both as individuals and as a couple, and it’s so clear how much love and respect they have for each other. I also really liked how each chapter gave something solid to take away and reflect on. It was nice to have everything spelled out so clearly.
February 2, 2026
ARC REVIEW ~ Because so much of Brat and Judy’s love story has already unfolded on television, I was hoping this book would go beyond what the tv cameras has already captured. I wanted this book to dive deep into the emotional layers we didn’t get to see on the reality show. As public figures who have already shared so much, I wanted Brat and Judy to take us to places we have never seen before. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen.
While reading this book I found myself comparing it to the book Real Life, Real Love by DJ Envy and Gia Casey. The difference between these two relationship books really comes down to depth. Envy and Gia went deep. Brat a Judy did not. Envy and Gia write about infidelity, broken trust, hard conversations, unalive attempts, and the messy work of putting their marriage back together. They write about pain, and what healing actually looks like. So when Envy and Gia offered advice, I was here for it. Their vulnerability hit different, and it’s what made their relationship lessons stick with me long after I finished the book. I wanted that same transparency from Brat & Judy. However, I just didn’t get it. I understand this book is a little more lighthearted than Envy and Gia’s, but I still believe there is more depth to their story.
Brat and Judy are a high-profile Black LGBTQ+ couple that has chosen to share their love out loud and I appreciate that. This kind of book is extremely rare. Personally, I’ve never seen a book written by a Black female LGBTQ+ couple who has come out later in life, got married, and had a child together. Representation is important. So I applaud these women for putting their marriage on display.
I did find the book entertaining. It’s an enjoyable read. The dual perspective storytelling works well, and the conversational back-and-forth between Brat and Judy flows nicely. The tone is easy and it moves quickly. And the relationship advice was delivered in a way that was easy to process. Which is always good.
Overall, I needed Brat and Judy to dig a little deeper in order for me to consider this a great read. It was a good read, just not a great one. If they didn’t have a reality show maybe this book would have worked better for me. But because I’d already seen so much of this on tv, most of the stories felt recycled.
For readers who are new to Brat and Judy’s story, this one is for you. For longtime fans like me who have followed their journey closely on television and social media, it may feel more like a recap than a fresh new story.
Thanks to Amistad Publishing for gifting me an advance copy via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Publication Date is February 3, 2026.
While reading this book I found myself comparing it to the book Real Life, Real Love by DJ Envy and Gia Casey. The difference between these two relationship books really comes down to depth. Envy and Gia went deep. Brat a Judy did not. Envy and Gia write about infidelity, broken trust, hard conversations, unalive attempts, and the messy work of putting their marriage back together. They write about pain, and what healing actually looks like. So when Envy and Gia offered advice, I was here for it. Their vulnerability hit different, and it’s what made their relationship lessons stick with me long after I finished the book. I wanted that same transparency from Brat & Judy. However, I just didn’t get it. I understand this book is a little more lighthearted than Envy and Gia’s, but I still believe there is more depth to their story.
Brat and Judy are a high-profile Black LGBTQ+ couple that has chosen to share their love out loud and I appreciate that. This kind of book is extremely rare. Personally, I’ve never seen a book written by a Black female LGBTQ+ couple who has come out later in life, got married, and had a child together. Representation is important. So I applaud these women for putting their marriage on display.
I did find the book entertaining. It’s an enjoyable read. The dual perspective storytelling works well, and the conversational back-and-forth between Brat and Judy flows nicely. The tone is easy and it moves quickly. And the relationship advice was delivered in a way that was easy to process. Which is always good.
Overall, I needed Brat and Judy to dig a little deeper in order for me to consider this a great read. It was a good read, just not a great one. If they didn’t have a reality show maybe this book would have worked better for me. But because I’d already seen so much of this on tv, most of the stories felt recycled.
For readers who are new to Brat and Judy’s story, this one is for you. For longtime fans like me who have followed their journey closely on television and social media, it may feel more like a recap than a fresh new story.
Thanks to Amistad Publishing for gifting me an advance copy via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Publication Date is February 3, 2026.
February 2, 2026
The Way Love Goes lands squarely in familiar self-help relationship territory. The advice—communication, patience, choosing each other, healing your stuff—will feel very “heard it before” to anyone who’s read even a handful of relationship books. What makes it different, & honestly its strongest element, is who it’s coming from: two Black lesbian women navigating love, visibility, gender roles, & public scrutiny in real time.
Da Brat & Judy do offer glimpses into their real lives—the tension, the learning curves, the way fame & past trauma show up in a relationship. Those moments are the most engaging parts of the book. But just when things start to feel like they might go deeper, the narrative pulls back. A lot gets touched, not a lot gets unpacked.
That said, the lack of deep vulnerability isn’t surprising. If you’ve watched their reality show, the tone is similar: honest enough to feel personal, but carefully controlled. You can sense there’s more beneath the surface, they just aren’t fully going there—& maybe that’s a boundary choice rather than a flaw.
Overall, this isn’t a groundbreaking relationship book, but it is affirming to see love, commitment, & growth reflected through a Black queer lens that doesn’t get enough mainstream space. Best for fans of Da Brat & Judy, or readers looking for representation & light reflection rather than raw emotional excavation.
*I received an advance review copy for free & I am leaving this review voluntarily.*
#ThankGodForARCs
Da Brat & Judy do offer glimpses into their real lives—the tension, the learning curves, the way fame & past trauma show up in a relationship. Those moments are the most engaging parts of the book. But just when things start to feel like they might go deeper, the narrative pulls back. A lot gets touched, not a lot gets unpacked.
That said, the lack of deep vulnerability isn’t surprising. If you’ve watched their reality show, the tone is similar: honest enough to feel personal, but carefully controlled. You can sense there’s more beneath the surface, they just aren’t fully going there—& maybe that’s a boundary choice rather than a flaw.
Overall, this isn’t a groundbreaking relationship book, but it is affirming to see love, commitment, & growth reflected through a Black queer lens that doesn’t get enough mainstream space. Best for fans of Da Brat & Judy, or readers looking for representation & light reflection rather than raw emotional excavation.
*I received an advance review copy for free & I am leaving this review voluntarily.*
#ThankGodForARCs
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I’ve been a fan of Da Brat for years and started learning about Jesseca "Judy" Harris-DuPart when their relationship became public. Watching their reality show and following Judy online gave me the basics, but this book goes much deeper. Instead of just hearing a love story, it feels like they’re letting you in on something personal.
The book stands out not because of the big moments we already know, but because of its honesty about fear, patience, and timing. Da Brat writes openly, as if she never thought she’d share this part of her life, while Judy’s words are steady and supportive. Together, they show that love can be gentle but strong, and committed without being controlling. You really see them learning about each other, not just loving each other.
The audiobook is a must-listen and pairs perfectly with the hardcover. Hearing them tell their own story adds so much; the pauses, the laughter, the emotion, and the moments that stay with you. It feels personal, like you’re right there with them. As Judy would say, it was beaurtiful! (no typo)
This isn’t a perfect love story, and that’s exactly what makes it relatable. It’s about making choices, growing, and letting yourself be truly seen, even when it’s hard. Recommended Reading!
The book stands out not because of the big moments we already know, but because of its honesty about fear, patience, and timing. Da Brat writes openly, as if she never thought she’d share this part of her life, while Judy’s words are steady and supportive. Together, they show that love can be gentle but strong, and committed without being controlling. You really see them learning about each other, not just loving each other.
The audiobook is a must-listen and pairs perfectly with the hardcover. Hearing them tell their own story adds so much; the pauses, the laughter, the emotion, and the moments that stay with you. It feels personal, like you’re right there with them. As Judy would say, it was beaurtiful! (no typo)
This isn’t a perfect love story, and that’s exactly what makes it relatable. It’s about making choices, growing, and letting yourself be truly seen, even when it’s hard. Recommended Reading!
January 30, 2026
The Way Love Goes by Da Brat & Judy is hands down one of the most hilarious books I’ve read. I enjoyed hearing their perspectives on relationship building because it felt real, honest, and refreshingly relatable. The takeaways and golden rules make this guide easy to connect with and easy to apply without feeling preachy or overcomplicated. Who wants another boring “how to” book?
And did I mention they are both hilarious!
This is honestly the first relationship book I’ve actually enjoyed reading from start to finish. One minute I was emotional over the random, thoughtful surprises they shared with each other, and the next I was laughing out loud about pickled pig lips, chips and snowballs. That balance of heart and humor is what makes this book work.
If you’re looking for a relationship book that feels like a real conversation instead of a lecture, this is it. I laughed, I felt seen, and I know others will too.
Thank you HarperAudio Adult for this advance audio copy of The Way Love Goes
And did I mention they are both hilarious!
This is honestly the first relationship book I’ve actually enjoyed reading from start to finish. One minute I was emotional over the random, thoughtful surprises they shared with each other, and the next I was laughing out loud about pickled pig lips, chips and snowballs. That balance of heart and humor is what makes this book work.
If you’re looking for a relationship book that feels like a real conversation instead of a lecture, this is it. I laughed, I felt seen, and I know others will too.
Thank you HarperAudio Adult for this advance audio copy of The Way Love Goes
February 3, 2026
💕🔥😘The Way Love Goes by Da Brat & Judy
I absolutely loved this—especially the duet narration. Hearing Da Brat and Judy tell their own story in their own voices took this book to another level. You don’t just hear the words, you feel the love, the growth, the honesty in every chapter.
The book itself is good, but the audio? That’s where the magic really lives. You can hear the emotion, the lessons, the patience, and the work it takes to love someone fully and out loud. This is definitely a get-your-notebook or highlighter ready kind of book because there are gems all through it.
This isn’t a fairytale love story—it’s a real one. The kind built on communication, healing, vulnerability, and choosing each other every day. And hearing it straight from them makes it hit even harder.
If you want to know what love really looks like—not just how it feels but how it’s lived—this book delivers.
I absolutely loved this—especially the duet narration. Hearing Da Brat and Judy tell their own story in their own voices took this book to another level. You don’t just hear the words, you feel the love, the growth, the honesty in every chapter.
The book itself is good, but the audio? That’s where the magic really lives. You can hear the emotion, the lessons, the patience, and the work it takes to love someone fully and out loud. This is definitely a get-your-notebook or highlighter ready kind of book because there are gems all through it.
This isn’t a fairytale love story—it’s a real one. The kind built on communication, healing, vulnerability, and choosing each other every day. And hearing it straight from them makes it hit even harder.
If you want to know what love really looks like—not just how it feels but how it’s lived—this book delivers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Let me just first say that the audio being narrated by Da Brat & Judy was a treat. They brought so much character to the story and I had a lot of fun with it! It was a quick listen and lighthearted.
This story can be thought of as a blend of self-help and a memoir as the married couple explore their own journey and discuss tools that they’ve applied that has made a positive impact on them. They make it a point to shine light on the importance of being happy and healthy as individuals and as a unit. The amount of vulnerability shared gives us a glimpse into their story, but also allows us to connect and relate in some way.
What I got by the end of the book is that building a friendship, healthy communication, and emotional intelligence goes a long way into forging and creating a safe space in your union.
Thanks Netgalley for the audiobook Arc!
This story can be thought of as a blend of self-help and a memoir as the married couple explore their own journey and discuss tools that they’ve applied that has made a positive impact on them. They make it a point to shine light on the importance of being happy and healthy as individuals and as a unit. The amount of vulnerability shared gives us a glimpse into their story, but also allows us to connect and relate in some way.
What I got by the end of the book is that building a friendship, healthy communication, and emotional intelligence goes a long way into forging and creating a safe space in your union.
Thanks Netgalley for the audiobook Arc!
February 13, 2026
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ stars! Thanks to NetGalley for the ALC and ARC. I really enjoyed this book from DaBrat and Judy. It gave me a deeper look into their love story, how they met, how they grew together, and all the little moments that shaped their relationship. What surprised me most was how much genuine relationship wisdom they tucked into their story. It wasn’t preachy or heavy and it was the kind of advice that feels lived‑in and real.
The audiobook made the whole experience even better. Hearing them narrate it themselves added so much personality, humor, and charm. It honestly felt like they were sitting right beside me, talking through their journey and dropping gems I could actually use in my own relationship. By the end, I felt like I knew them, and like they were rooting for me too. Definitely recommend.
The audiobook made the whole experience even better. Hearing them narrate it themselves added so much personality, humor, and charm. It honestly felt like they were sitting right beside me, talking through their journey and dropping gems I could actually use in my own relationship. By the end, I felt like I knew them, and like they were rooting for me too. Definitely recommend.
December 9, 2025
“The Way Love Goes” by DaBrat & Judy is a heartfelt and empowering guide that blends personal experience with practical wisdom to help couples build lasting, meaningful relationships. With candid reflections and vibrant storytelling, the authors explore the nuances of love, communication, and commitment, offering readers a blueprint for navigating the highs and lows of partnership with grace and authenticity. Their dynamic chemistry and shared journey infuse the book with warmth and relatability, making it not just a manual but a celebration of enduring love. Whether you’re starting fresh or deepening a long-term bond, this book promises to inspire and uplift.
March 9, 2026
Audiobook 🎧: This book was about Da Brat & Judy giving us peak into how their life of how they became a couple & a brand together. Their upbeat personalities, passion, & emotions that was heard in their voices keeps you engaged. They also give golden rules & reflections into helping couples with communicating better, navigating feelings, creating boundaries & safe spaces just to name a few. This book & the rules, reflections, & gems 💎 that they provide can help all couples not just LBGTQIA couples.
January 25, 2026
This was my 2nd memoir read and it was pretty good. This book went through all the highs and lows of building their relationship. It was both informational and inspirational. It was a deep look inside their relationship and it was very well written. This is for someone looking for advice/guidance in how to learn to deal with the struggles in relationships. Thank you Goodreads for this ARC. #memoir #dabratandjudy #thewaylovegoes
February 6, 2026
The Way Love Goes by Da Brat & Judy had some insightful passages, some "duh" moments, and some unrealistic expectations, especially coming from someone who has been married for 16 years and with my partner for 20. However, I did not pick up this book for marriage advice. I grabbed it because I have been a fan of Da Brat for a while and heard she got married. I expected it to be more about their relationship, not realizing that is what their show is for (or that they even had a show!).
February 9, 2026
I wanted so much to love this book because I am a fan of their reality show but this was just ok to me. The audiobook was read well it was just slow to me and didn't pick up until I was more than halfway through.
February 21, 2026
I went #audiobook for this one because I love memoirs that the author narrate their own story. They have a lot of takeaways and a few gems that any couple can takeaway. I love how Judy was able to get Brat out her comfort zone! I think couples who start as friends tend to do so much better.
February 16, 2026
Some major relationship red flags in this book, but at least I was highly entertained.
February 22, 2026
I felt like it was lacking in parts, but it was a good read overall
March 10, 2026
Great read. Love the relationship between these two. They are unfiltered and honest about life,dating, marriage, sex, and parenting.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews