Moses “Mo” Garrison ain’t no hero. He’s the one they call when shit gets ugly. An ill-tempered killer with a reputation for shooting first and asking questions never. The leader of ruthless gang in South-Hurst, Mo is chaos wrapped in caramel skin, with a Glock on his hip and ghosts in his past. The streets fear him. His crew trusts him. And feelings? He don't do those.
Soleil “YaYa” Rae, is a Hoodoo spiritualist with a guarded but open heart. YaYa is more familiar with sage and soul work than the streets. She stays out the way — burning sage, minding her business, and protecting her peace. But peace gets messy when her little brother starts idolizing the same streets she prayed he'd never walk. Now she’s staring down a man who should’ve scared her… but somehow feels like home.
He’s violence. She’s healing. And they were never supposed to fall in love.
But Mo has demons he doesn't speak on. And YaYa has a light that makes them scream.
Can love survive the sins required to keep it, or will their love ruin them both?
Welcome to South-Hurst. Where healing ain't soft and love ain’t clean. And nobody gets out the game untouched
This was so good!!! I felt every emotion while reading this one. Mo was a true crash out, but Soleil was exactly the balance he needed. This book really pulled some tears out of me. I loved that he called her his Sol 🥹.
My favorite quote was: “You My Sol. I’ma keep you safe. I’ma take care of you.” I felt every word.
I can’t wait to read the rest of the series, but this one is definitely going to stick with me 🥹. I’m really excited to watch their life unfold in the background of the next books.
This was really good and super emotional for me! I imagine it was a heavy story to pen but the details were so necessary! I fell in love with Mo’s character and his protective nature. Was he impulsive? Yes, but he wore his heart on his sleeve and was very protective over the ones he loved. My heart ached for Yaya and Memere! Ugh! 😩 I will say the plot twist was much needed and took me by surprise! I loved this one!
I really felt for Lacey and Mo. They were adults still scarred from childhood, trying to navigate life while wanting to be loved properly. They had each other, but they wanted more, and Logo and Sol became that for them.
Mo was vulnerable with Sol from day one. He knew she was the one, well, they both knew they were it for each other right away. They had so much in common, especially carrying the weight of the world while trying to care for their younger siblings and keep them on the right path.
Lacey and Sol’s relationship was so refreshing. Those two became sisters from day one. The way they clung to each other so quickly just felt natural and real.
😩 I definitely shed a tear for whose name shall not be spoken. I felt her pain so deeply. I had no choice but to put myself in her shoes, and I just… 🥹
I was holding it together, but then Reek. I felt for him too. I don’t know if Aunt Flow showing up this week made it worse, but I was bawling 🥹🥹. I usually spoil books for myself ahead of time to avoid this, but this one still got me.
Yaya was a gem, and I know Reek was grateful to have someone else in his corner in such a cruel world. I didn’t read King’s story only because the storyline didn’t interest me, but I’m honestly glad I didn’t, because hearing there was a loss there too would’ve taken me out. Dominique… please don’t do that anymore. I can’t take it.
Still, this book was written so well that I kept reading even though I already knew what was coming. On to Dre’s book.
I feel like Mo was the crash out comedic relief in the first book and in this book we got to see the deeper & darker side of him (still a crash out for sure though). Yaya was exactly who he needed. Someone who saw the man behind the menace. And even though he carried a lot with him, Yaya needed the protection & care that he provided because she’s a textbook older sister. I really enjoyed the richness & layers to all of the relationships. Yaya & Mo. Yaya & Lucky. Yaya & Lacey. The Syndicate brotherhood. Mo & Logo. logo & Lacey. Just solid examples of familial relationships, romantic partnerships, & chosen family. I didn’t see the plot twist coming & I had to pause to digest it all. I’m so locked into this series. I’m nervous for what’s next because so far in 2 books Dominique has had a way of hitting you with a curveball in your chest.
Sage and Sin is the perfect title for Moses “Mo” and Solei “Yaya.” Yaya carries a soft, radiant energy shaped by her New Orleans roots, crystals, mojo bags, and deep spiritual practices while Mo is the embodiment of sin, molded by the harsh life he’s lived and the chaos he’s known. Mo may be hard on the outside, but when it comes to MySol, his tenderness speaks so loud. That plot twist involving Yaya’s little brother, Lucky? Completely unexpected and absolutely heartbreaking. I was in tears. Watching Mo spiral, falling back on survival habits that only pushed Yaya further away, was tough but so real. They were moving in opposite directions, each trying to cope in the only ways they knew how. One of my favorite parts was the bond between Lacey, Mo’s little sister, and Yaya. The love between them felt pure and genuine they truly showed up for each other. And the brotherhood within the syndicate? Solid. I also loved getting those updates on King and Simone it tied everything together so well.
Sage & Sin was my second read by this author, and I have to say, it really pulled on my heartstrings. Mo was truly that boy, who was left by his mother and constantly searching to be loved and wanted. The theme of abandonment was heavy in this book, and Sol was the exact light he needed to pull him through the darkness. The rawness of her character and the energy she exuded was felt so deeply. The love they found in each other was heartwarming. And can we talk about Lacey and how she showed up for Sol in her moment of need?! This story was so beautiful; I just wish we could have seen more evolution or explanation regarding his relationship with his mom. I also wanted to see more of how Sol impacted Mo’s decision to leave the streets and how did that part of his story actually change? Overall, it was a well-written story of two unlikely worlds colliding and experiencing grief together.
I loved Mo & YaYa. YaYa turned Mo into a softie and I loved that. He was chaotic and crazy and she was calm, she's what he needed. She understood him more than anyone else.
This book was sad, the way Sol/YaYa cried when little brother died it was emotional. I knew that Lucky's girlfriend was too good to be true, there was just something about her that I couldn't put my finger on.
My favorite part of the book was when Mo turned into a maniac after his Sol left him and he got shot, they way his brothers were there and King was like "You ain't dying nigga" he muttered low, voice full of rage "You hear me? You ain't fucking dying". The syndicate brotherhood is my favorite in this series, how they prayed for their brother to pull through.
Mo was a gone boy and it was beautiful❤️❤️ Great book btw
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Oh my, my, my. I cried reading the second line parade scene. This author is so good at depicting scenes that easily pull at your emotions. Yaya and Mo, smh. Their story was full of emotion. I really thought the same thing when I read King and Simone story. Moses a.k.a. Wildcard, had a lot of darkness in him that only those close go him could see past it and see the real Moses. Lucy's death, probably should've broke them and the Mo killing Amani should've shattered them. But that Yaya was wise, mature, and emotionally intelligent beyond her years. Such a sweet girl. She was what Moses needed. He was what Yaya needed. Ms. Black is 2 for 2 in my book, very gifted and talented as a author. I definitely recommend this book!
The way Yaya had this man feeling about her? Whew. That gun scene had me shook—I honestly don’t know if I could’ve walked away either. It was raw, intense, and felt painfully real.
This book played like a movie in my head from start to finish. I loved how spirituality was woven into the story—it wasn’t spooky or overdone, just grounded and realistic. Truly an amazing read and one I would absolutely reread.
And that death? It broke me. I was literally driving and crying my eyes out. This book was funny, raw, tear-inducing, and deeply spiritual all at once. There were so many standout moments, especially because of the wisdom threaded throughout.
I don’t even think I can do a proper review for this book, it met every expectation!
We get to our hothead Mo who’s always on go when it comes to protecting people he loves and cares about when one day he meets Soleil aka YaYa who is a spiritualist and they begin their whirlwind romance.
What I really loved about this was the depth of character we got when it came to Mo, seeing him in the previous book I wasn’t sure if he had a softer side but I was definitely proven wrong. YaYa came in like the healer she is and changed things around. She was truly a breath of fresh air when it came to this story. Literally an angel.
So far this is my favorite but now on to the next in this series!
This story was so emotional and deep. My heart broke for Yaya. The first time I met Mo was in King's story and I felt intrigued wanting to know more about him. After reading his story I love his character even more. The ones who are always protecting and making sure everyone else is good often hide their need to feel the same love and protection they provide others with. I'm glad he and Yaya found each other. No matter the chaos or hurt, they found each other and healed the parts of them that were broken. I really enjoyed this story. I only wish Lucky had a different outcome.
3.75⭐️ Sage & Sin is the perfect way to describe this book. I really loved Solei as a character. She was different from other FMCs I’ve read, so calm and pure-hearted. She was exactly what Mo needed, and I felt like they were perfect for each other. That’s until I made it a little over half way through. The turn in this book happened too early, it was so overwhelmingly sad/disappointing and it didn’t let up until the very end. Although I loved reading about New Orleans culture, it wasn’t enough to make me enjoy the rest of the read. Mo showed no growth in the end other than falling in love. I wasn’t rooting against Mo and Solei but I felt like he didn’t deserve her.
Dare i say this book was better than the first one. The storyline was so good, the character development was absolutely amazing like chefs kiss. Mo and Yaya story was so real and emotional and i loved that the FMC stood on business put herself first required no drama from that man. It explores grief very well form two perspectives that are very different. As unhinged as Mo is is he was very honest and that makes him one of my favorite MMC in this whole series. Great read but read it for yourself do not let my review influence you.
I absolutely loved the spiritual aspects of this story. Yaya might actually be my favorite FMC so far. I just left New Orleans for Jazz Fest so I was locked in on the accuracy of the Nola culture. They were so relatable. The spice was about a 2.5 the action was definitely at a 4.5. Mo was a wildcard for real for real. The way grief was covered was so beautiful. I can even see the growth from the author-compared to Simone & Kings book. Keep going sista! You got a fan in me fasho! SN: We really got two love stories for the price of one with Lacey & Logo too!
This the second installment to this series and it was sooooo good. IMO it was better than the first one. The author really pulled at my emotions. Mo was a complicated person but it was cool to see someone not afraid of the darkness he carried. Yaya wasn't afraid to be herself around the gang and she didn't push her gifts on others. She really was the light to his darkness and the approval of the gang(his family) was so sweet.
I did not expect book two to knock me on my ass the way it did. Get your tissues ready!
Mo isn’t affirming like king, he’s more like yaya’s rock. Supporting her and providing a soft place to land when she needs peace. Mo protects her peace fiercely and Yaya gives him a calm and love he’s never experienced.
I’m truly blown away by this Author’s writing style and she may become one of my favorites.
I had a strong feeling something was going to happen to Lucy I was praying there wouldn't be any caulsities but unfortunately there was... This book was kind of sad I hated that for Sol my heart broke with hers and I cried with her.. but there was light at the end of the tunnel for her and Moses. Long Live Lucky
Ms. Dominique Black I'm in my feelings deep about what happened to Lucy 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Just when I thought I loved King & Simone . Yaya & Mo took it to a whole new level. This book was real and raw, showing the journey of two lost souls finally joining as one. I laughed,cried,clapped,cursed Mo out, but in the end I felt Joy. I’m so happy I came across this series. The raw love and devotion of these men and their women is unmatched. Ms Dominque gowrlll you got a hugeeee fan! Now on to Dre’s book.
Mo and Yaya… this has definitely been one of my favorite reads even with the pain in the end. The way Mo loved and cared for Yaya was beautiful. The way he was going through it when they were not talking - literally went on a suicide mission! I got to see more of his side in the business which was ruthless and more street heavy. Yaya being able to feel people energy just by looking at them! i loved it - they got their happy ending . i hated we lost lucky
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I enjoyed this book as well. Taking the author advice to read in the order written. I liked how YaYa and Mo story was written my only tiny downfall was in King series it showed how the brothers were there through every situation. In this series the brothers were left out a lot. It would have been great for the brothers to have came to the funeral too support Mo and YaYa. On to Andre story.
Amazed. The synopsis does not to prepare you for the journey this story takes you on. I am amazed by how well written and vivid the story is written. I did not see the plot twist coming and it made me cry. This book shows you that actions have consequences, but also family will carry you through the darkness.
I just … this book… I felt every emotion there was. ESPECIALLY when Lucky died… you would’ve thought that was my brother. I legit cried while reading for a hour LMAO. This book really showed how you need someone to be your peace and let you just be free. Honestly, everyone needs a YaYa! I need the girl! 😂😂 The character development with Mo was beautiful and I just, i loved this book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This book was sad and beautiful at the same time. Whyyy? I'm not gone spoil it but just know I shed real tears. In the midst of heartbreak was real love. I felt the love between Mo and Yaya so deep. I felt hurt and healed. This was very well written 👏 I definitely need an update on them. Try this series. So far so good
What a ride! That scene where they guys all came together to save …. WHEW! The writing was everything! I felt every word. This story was full of love l, loss, and redemption. I-
I know for a fact I’m going to re-read this one at some point. It’s just too good.
I’m so glad I purchased this series! I was expecting Moses to be the last in the series but damn, his story was beautiful! To think the most hardcore and unhinged out of all of them gets a love that is so connected from beginning to end! I cried and laughed throughout this book. Absolutely love this book!
listen i loved me some Mo that man was crazyyyy and a certified crash out behind my girl Yaya alright! I loved him and her so bad their love truly had me so emotional!
My girl finally got someone to put her in her soft girl era
And that end baby i ain’t neva cried this bad for a book before
When two strengths crash into one another and find it hard to carry one another….Mo and Yaya. This one touched my soul but I knew they had to fight to get back. And the brothers kept it real as always. No needed Yaya just as much as she needed him. Let’s see what Dre doing with his sexy self. Lol
This was an emotional ride of a read! Moses was all violence and chaos, and Soleil was the perfect calm to it. She came into his life, flipping him completely on his head. He didn't know how to cherish something so precious, but Mo knew one thing: she was his, and he stood on that. Their ride gets heavy for a bit, but Mo wasn't letting up on his soul.