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.
I haven’t read a book that made me feel a lot of emotions in a while but this book definitely tug at my heart strings. Mo & Yaya love story was very deep! He was a crash out who’s life was built off survival and then there was Yaya who’s life was built off survival too but she also had a heart of gold and knew how to love. They balanced each other so well! The title of this book being ‘Sage & Sin’ was the PERFECT title. The author dove deep in her soul to write this book and I loved how detailed their love story was. It wasn’t easy by any means but they stuck together through the good, the bad and the ugly. Everyone deserves love, even the ones who think they don’t.
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.
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.
Wow, I did not expect Moses story to be so heavy. I just knew I was about to get shoot ‘em up bang bang and although we did get that at times this book dealt with serious topics so please check your triggers. I hated what happened to Lucky. My heart went out. One of the scenes that brought me to tears was just the conversation between Yaya and her grandmother after the incident; when she was like, but he was my baby and her grandmother said, but he was God‘s first that brought tears to my eyes. beautifully done. I wish I got more; the ending did seem a little rush, but other than that great story.
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.
Just finished Sage & Sin by Dominique Black, and whew.
I’m not even going to lie—“Wildcard” and Moses had me confused for a minute. In Velvet & Venom, Kingston only referred to him as Wildcard, so it took me a second to connect the dots. Once I got past that, though, I was locked in.
One thing I really loved was that Simone and Kingston were still key players in the story even though this wasn’t their book. Their presence never felt forced, and it made the world feel connected.
Now let’s talk about Soleil because she absolutely stole the show for me. She was so peaceful, patient, and always seemed to see the best in people—even when they didn’t see it in themselves. Moses spent his whole life being taught that he had to be hard, violent, and chaotic. Underneath all of that, though, he was a man who desperately needed someone he could be vulnerable with. And listen… I love a man who doesn’t play about his woman. Once Moses finally stopped fighting his feelings and let himself love Soleil freely? Yeah, I immediately wanted the version of Moses that Soleil got to see.
I also loved Yaya’s growth. She had to learn how to stand on her own before finding her way back to Moses, and I appreciated that journey for her.
As for Lucky… I think part of me always knew he wasn’t going to make it. Still, I was rooting for him and hoping that getting out would mean a different ending for him.
Overall, Dominique Black has officially made a fan out of me. This series keeps pulling me deeper into these characters’ lives, and now I have absolutely no idea what to expect from the next book—which honestly makes me even more excited to pick it
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This was such an emotional read from beginning to end. It felt like the author poured so much heart and feeling into every page, and that emotion came through clearly in the story. I could truly feel the pain that both the MMC and FMC were carrying. They were so focused on helping everyone around them that they never stopped to recognize that they needed help too, and neither of them was willing to ask for it.
The emotional depth of this story really stood out to me. There were moments that hit hard, and I found myself completely invested in what the characters were going through. It honestly felt as though the author experienced every bit of that pain while writing because the emotions were so raw and authentic.
I also really enjoyed the writing style and the overall plot. The camaraderie among the characters was wonderful to see, and the support they showed one another added so much warmth to the story. One of my favorite characters was Memere. She was such a loving grandmother, and every scene with her was filled with kindness, wisdom, and unconditional love.
Overall, this was a heartfelt and emotional story with memorable characters, strong relationships, and plenty of feelings. If you enjoy stories that make you connect deeply with the characters and their struggles, this is definitely one worth reading.
Whew… when I tell you this book was 🔥, I mean exactly that! Moses “Mo” Garrison is a killer and the feared leader of the deadly gang GMB, while Soleil “YaYa” Rae is the complete opposite, a healer with a heart so big she carries everyone else’s pain while taking care of her younger brother, Lucien “Lucky” Rae.
But the moment Mo and YaYa meet, it’s like their souls recognize each other. YaYa sees past the bloodshed and violence and feels the heaviness Mo carries every day. Somehow, she becomes his peace. In return, Mo steps in and helps carry the burdens YaYa has been struggling with alone for far too long.
Their love was raw, intense, and healing all at once… until tragedy changed everything. The pain, grief, guilt, and the pull of a trigger cause YaYa to step away from Mo. With his peace gone, he becomes the monster everyone already believed him to be. Watching their relationship unravel had me emotionally stressed because all I wanted was for them to find their way back to each other.
And let me just say this: Dominique Black absolutely did not have to have me crying like that! This book gave love, pain, loyalty, trauma, passion, and heartbreak all in one story. I was fully invested from beginning to end.
This one tugged on my heartstrings! It has some twists and turns that I didn’t expect. I wanted Lucky to make it out so bad. I don’t know why he didn’t tell Mo that he was the one slide on Rome! Maybe his death could’ve been avoided. I hate that Armani lost her life senselessly as well. I get why she initially wanted in on it but once she found the connection- she should’ve cut this off. Maybe she was in too deep. Mo could’ve let her go but his pride wouldn’t.
Sol and Mo were divine connection! Sol had that pure energy that pulled Moses in. And after one encounter - he wanted her! I like the way he moved with her. He didn’t rush, he planned, he was intentional, and he was patient. Baby him not wanting her to get that planned b was comical to me.
The other members of the syndicate were there for Moses! They held him and held him accountable! You know you messed up in the head if King is the voice of reason. The same unhinged man from book 1.
Lacy was a breath of fresh air. I love her and Logo! Baby Logo wasn’t letting up of Lacy! He took that fade with Mo like a champ. Geechie was funny as hell! They sent Lucky off nicely!! Moses held Sol down and showed up for his baby!
I do wish that Moses wouldn’t off so many people!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Book 2 was a little heavy.. a very different read from most, but once you lock in, it’s enjoyable.. Moses aka Wildcard, was just that, a wildcard.. shoot 1st and ask questions never 🤦🏽♀️ but once he met Soleil aka Yaya, he softened and that was forever his “My Sol”.. she was born and raised in New Orleans and her and her brother Lucky came to South Hurst to live with her grandmother Memere after the death of there parents.. she was deeply into spirituality and often called on the ancestors to give you a reading about yourself. Lacey, Mo’s sister had dropped in on her shop and they formed a friendship after.. even helping her navigate dating her brothers best friend Logo.. When Moses came to pick up his sister after a drunken rant, he saw Yaya and instantly felt a connection.. Mo lived a dangerous lifestyle and some considered bad or evil, but she saw past that and brought out the good in him. They all became extremely close especially after tragedy struck, but they prevailed and started a life anew.
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.
Moses is the wildcard of this crew. He and his sister were raised by his grandfather after his mom chose her addiction over being a mother.
Soleil helped raise her younger brother with the help of her grandmother after the passing of their parents. Her maternal side of the family practices hoodoo, and due to this, she can read a person quite well.
She and Moses meet after she does a reading for his sister, and they hung out. She had to call Moses because his sister couldn't drive. Moses was intrigued at their first meeting.
Eventually, they began a relationship, which caused Soleil to face moral questions. Especially after she has to deal with a tragedy, and Moses response to it in the name of loving and protecting her.
I really liked this installment of this series. They had similar circumstances but were very opposite in the personality department.
I throughly enjoyed this book loved the sisterhood, the bromance and overall the strong unit the characters shown. BUT I do feel like Mo was a crash out and highly insensitive.
Readers get a little foreshadow moment when Lucky called her out for being hypocritical, wanting him to have a clean lifestyle but dating Mo. We understand the reason why Sol was pulling away from Mo was because of his involvement in the gang, “the darkness” he carried. So for Mo to unalive Amani right in front of Sol after she pleaded for him not to was so disrespectful.
I understand that Mo was hurt but this was sols brother, a piece of her heart, she understood that Amani herself was a kid & didn’t deserve that. while she loved lucky he was not innocent. Action have consequences. wish we saw Sol stand on business, really make him grovel.
Sol is over here helping the kids of the community and you crashing out knocking them down.😵💫😵💫
When I say I ate this book up I did just that! This book picked up right where book 1 left off. Love that we got to see how King and his Pretty girl were flourishing … they love eachother DOWN. Moses and Sol really did it for me. I love watching two people from different worlds get the love they deserved. Moses and Yaya are so prefect for each other , the chemistry they had was so organic and it just flowed. Moses gave her protection and attention while she gave him the peace and love he had been looking for. They really balanced eachother so well. Even in heartache and tragedy they were each others solace. I LOVE a chosen family book… blood really couldn’t make all of them any closer.. the bond between them all is so strong. This series is my first read by this author and it won’t be my last …. NEEEEDDD this one my bookshelf 10/10👏🏽🤏🏾. And definitely wanna read some more books with black hoodoo!
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.
Whew, this ride was a tear jerker! I just, whew what an emotional read. Moses, Lacey, Soleil, and Lucien didn’t have the best life growing up due to different losses but somehow Moses and Soleil decided to take charge and do what needed to be done. Opposite sides of the tracks and that is what connected Soleil and her brother Lucien to Moses and his sister Lacey. I enjoyed the complexity and the way grief was portrayed and the grieving process being non linear…. we simply don’t grieve and just move on… the grief does stay however, we learn to navigate it, especially on the challenging days. I felt Moses and Sol’s love off page… wow!
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!
Whew, y'all I cried so many tears with this book 😭. I loved Yaya's character and it made me desire more books where the leading lady is in touch with the ancestors, higher powers or whatever. I was really feeling that angle about her and hope more books like that can be found. I really feel like Mo could've done more in finding himself and healing. I get that Yaya bought light into his life but that outside entity can't be your only source. Maybe the author will expound more on his journey throughout the future books.
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.