A Love Story

by Denene Millner, Nick Chiles

In a story told from alternating viewpoints, former neighbors Aaron and Lydia, best friends since childhood in spite of their feuding families, share a history of broken hearts and fear that they will risk their friendship if they become lovers. By the authors of In Love and War. 15,000 first printing.

Genres: Romance

256 pages, Hardcover

First published June 3, 2004

About the author

Denene Millner is a six-time New York Times best-selling author, Emmy Award-nominated TV show host and award-winning journalist and book publisher who has written more than 30 books, among them: Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man, co-written with Steve Harvey; Around the Way Girl, a memoir with actress Taraji P. Henson; the Fresh Princess picture books, with Will Smith; and, The Vow, the novel on which the hit Lifetime movie, “With This Ring,” was based. The writer and editor is also the editorial director and publisher of Denene Millner Books, an award-winning imprint that publishes stories featuring Black children and families, by Black authors and illustrators. The DMB list includes two Caldecott Honor books, a Kirkus Prize for Children’s Literature, two Society for Illustrator honors, a Southern Book Award, an instant New York Times bestseller and three NAACP nominations. Denene also co-hosts the nationally syndicated PBS show, A Seat at the Table, and is the host of “Speakeasy with Denene,” a podcast exploring Black culture. Denene’s upcoming novel, One Blood, a multi-generational epic about motherhood, adoption and race, is slated to be published in eight countries when it debuts in 2023. A MacDowell fellow, Denene lives in Atlanta with her two daughters and their goldendoodle, Franklin.

Reviews

[Livia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think that the audiobook version enhanced its appeal immensely. Initially, I was confused by the fact that there were 2 male narrators. But then I realized why the older male narrator was used, to momentarily look at the couple from a 3rd party's perspective. The majority of Nina & Aaron's story is told in flashbacks from the time they first met as children up to their current romantic relationship. The novel was published in 2004 so it read a tad like a historical novel only more recent contemporary history. I enjoyed Nina & Aaron's transition from childhood besties to a romantic couple. At one point, I was seriously worried that they might not work things out, but I decided to keep reading with my fingers and toes crossed for them. Fortunately, they do get their HEA.

[Page Passion · Rating 2 out of 5]

A Love Story by Millner and Chiles follows childhood best friends as they reach a pinnacle part of adulthood. One night makes them question what would happen if they were more than just friends. Nina and Aaron's love story was not a sappy one and gave a honest portrayal of how a friends-turned-lovers relationship changes. It was a good quick read, but I can't place my finger on what was missing in the story. Aaron was a good character and I may check out what else these authors have written since I enjoyed the writing styles.

[Deliah Lawrence · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first time reading anything by Millner and Chiles. However, I became immediately drawn to the main characters, Nina Andrews and Aaron Simmons whose love story grew from their first meeting as kids and spanned into adulthood. Throughout the years, there were tears, fears, drama, and mistrust until they came full circle at loving each other again (twenty-six years in the making).

Nina came from a family where drama was the norm. The house was cluttered, siblings would argue and her mother clung with passion to Nina’s father who had played a role in a botched robbery of a Department of Transportation parking meter collector. Aaron’s household was completely different. His mother went months without raising her voice. Calmness was the norm. The walls were bare and the carpet was worn out by excessive vacuuming. His father unlike Nina’s father was a doorman who adhered to decorum and not reacting to anything.

At one point in the story, Aaron wondered whether his relationship with Nina would be reflective of how she grew up. Well, let’s just say that Nina didn’t put up with any “ish” and she let Aaron know each and every time he wanted to act a fool.

It was a fun read. Two thumbs up!

My favorite lines:
The only person I’ve ever trusted is Aaron. Not my mom or my dad or my sister (they tend to make mountains out of molehills with whatever information I bother to dole out to them, so I spoon it to them with great caution). Not any of my girlfriends (you know what they say about women, right? They’re catty, catty, catty—turn against you in a heartbeat, and put all your business out in the street in the next one, this much I know is true). Definitely not any of my trifling-ass ex-boyfriends (I heard enough halfhearted I love you, babe’s, and She doesn’t mean anything to me’s to last two lifetimes, for real).

[Ve · Rating 1 out of 5]

The writing style is not for me.

[Jade Gmitter · Rating 1 out of 5]

Nina and Aaron are child sweethearts who grow up & learn to love each other throughout their adulthood as well. I did not enjoy this book because it was so cliche & I could almost predict every thing that would happen between the characters. This book felt very bland to me because it only focused on the relationship, & I didn't get to learn about the individual personality of the characters. I also did not like this story because the male character seemed sexist; for example, it felt as if all Aaron wanted Nina to do was cook, clean, and have children.

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was really good. I believe it could have been shorter but I still enjoyed it. I like the format of the story. The two main characters are also the authors of this story and they alternate every chapter. I love the way that it is written. This book was the first book I had read in along time and I am happy I chose it.

[Malika · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked this book, found it in the bargain bin. It read like a screen play. Very fast read with characters you actually liked, even if they were wrong at times. shame the book didn't catch on more, it would have been a good sister piece to "Love Jones" at the movie plex.

[Vanessa Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Denene Millner, she is one of my favorite authors. There is something very real about her stories.

[Afrijewel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started this book on Aug 24th. Definitely a good read. It is as the title states. This story shows that once you cross the boundaries of friends your feelings matter every step of the way.

[Jada · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a really cute story

[Celestial · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mixed fruit cake. Hairaa gj

[Jacqueline McNeal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I REALLY THIS BOOK. COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN. DID NOT GET ANYWORK AROUND THE HOUSE DONE. THUMBS UP. KEPT ME ON THE EDGE

[Huldah · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a good depiction of pure and raw love. I absolutely loved it.

[Kesha · Rating 5 out of 5]

A racy, very grown love story.