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By Your Side
Shad “Shotta” Washington figured out early that distracting himself keeps his overwhelming feelings at bay. Music, his family, his gang–focusing on any and everything but himself keeps his careful, aloof façade intact, and has even landed him fame and fortune with a burgeoning rap career. He’s soaring higher than he ever thought possible, even as ghosts haunt him at every turn–at least until a devastating and particularly personal loss sends him tumbling toward the edge.
Macy Davenport has a habit of failing upward. She’s made a life of following the plot, saying yes to any opportunity that presents itself and rolling with the punches, always ending wiser and more fruitful than when she started. This time, though, following the plot goes awry, leaving her single, pregnant, and with a record. Trying to figure out her next move, she crosses paths with Shotta, her favorite rapper, who’s recent struggles have him taking a break from the limelight.
Two people at a crossroads in their respective lives strike up a friendship that will have them questioning everything they thought they knew about themselves. Macy’s friendship with Shad has the blogs labeling her as his baby mama, and he’s not denying it. In fact, every time he calls her child his, every time inserts himself a little more into her life, every time he levels his piercing glare at her, she finds herself one step closer to what she’d never thought she’d fall in love.
Meanwhile, past actions of his gang Foe Dub start to bear consequences that threaten to take away the last family Shad has left. Even with the distraction of bonding with Macy and her unborn child, revealed secrets and overwhelming grief pull Shad into a hole he’s not sure he can get out of.
Old friends become enemies and old enemies become allies as Shad fights to tie up the loose ends of his past, while holding onto a budding future with Macy. But nothing will matter if he loses the fight against his own mental.
Macy Davenport has a habit of failing upward. She’s made a life of following the plot, saying yes to any opportunity that presents itself and rolling with the punches, always ending wiser and more fruitful than when she started. This time, though, following the plot goes awry, leaving her single, pregnant, and with a record. Trying to figure out her next move, she crosses paths with Shotta, her favorite rapper, who’s recent struggles have him taking a break from the limelight.
Two people at a crossroads in their respective lives strike up a friendship that will have them questioning everything they thought they knew about themselves. Macy’s friendship with Shad has the blogs labeling her as his baby mama, and he’s not denying it. In fact, every time he calls her child his, every time inserts himself a little more into her life, every time he levels his piercing glare at her, she finds herself one step closer to what she’d never thought she’d fall in love.
Meanwhile, past actions of his gang Foe Dub start to bear consequences that threaten to take away the last family Shad has left. Even with the distraction of bonding with Macy and her unborn child, revealed secrets and overwhelming grief pull Shad into a hole he’s not sure he can get out of.
Old friends become enemies and old enemies become allies as Shad fights to tie up the loose ends of his past, while holding onto a budding future with Macy. But nothing will matter if he loses the fight against his own mental.
342 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 14, 2025
70 people are currently reading
48 people want to read
About the author
Jessica A.
10 books22 followersJessica is an LA girl that has been writing fiction and poetry since middle school. She holds a BA in English from Xavier University in Louisiana, and an MFA in Fiction from San Diego State University. She's a dog mommy to the infamous Dijon Mustard, and in addition to writing all the stories that play out in her head, she enjoys yapping on facetime with her homegirls and long walks on the beach.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
October 28, 2025
The way my good sis made me cry and truly evaluate my own life and coping skills is crazy. This is the story of the strongest soldier who’s holding all in until the pressure becomes too much. Shaddy was an everyone secret keep and also overlooked by everyone in some way because they didn’t see themselves in his struggles. They felt because he had this or that where they didn’t he should be grateful or that he didn’t have other things plaguing him.
Despite what he did have, he was battling with mental issues, being everyone’s secret keeper, being the peacemaker, everyone go to, and all the things he refused to say and dealt with on his own. This sweet baby needed an outlet and someone to truly see him and pay attention to him.
Macy was exactly what he needed. Truthfully I think they both needed each other. Macy needed to feel undying love and connection while Shad needed a place to put his burdens down an to be heard. I loooved everything about this couple.!!!
Shad was so amazing and I love how he took the steps to heel himself regardless of what anyone might feel. He did the work and then was honest with the people in his lol about the role they played in messing with his mental. He wanted everyone to hold themselves accountable and to change for his betterment and I adored that. He was worth it and I love that everyone was down to make his journey easy. He had a great support system, and he needed that.
Overall, Jessica has a fan for life cause baby the way she took my mental on a world wind roller coaster !!’n she’s unmatched in so many way and I can’t wait for people to see her for the amazing talent she is. She deserves more hype behind this series.
Despite what he did have, he was battling with mental issues, being everyone’s secret keeper, being the peacemaker, everyone go to, and all the things he refused to say and dealt with on his own. This sweet baby needed an outlet and someone to truly see him and pay attention to him.
Macy was exactly what he needed. Truthfully I think they both needed each other. Macy needed to feel undying love and connection while Shad needed a place to put his burdens down an to be heard. I loooved everything about this couple.!!!
Shad was so amazing and I love how he took the steps to heel himself regardless of what anyone might feel. He did the work and then was honest with the people in his lol about the role they played in messing with his mental. He wanted everyone to hold themselves accountable and to change for his betterment and I adored that. He was worth it and I love that everyone was down to make his journey easy. He had a great support system, and he needed that.
Overall, Jessica has a fan for life cause baby the way she took my mental on a world wind roller coaster !!’n she’s unmatched in so many way and I can’t wait for people to see her for the amazing talent she is. She deserves more hype behind this series.
February 1, 2026
❤️🩹
Shad’s book really took me through it, and it was the one I couldn’t wait to get to. I absolutely loved everything about this story! The emotional moments, the chaos, and eventual love and street justice - it was all worth it. I loved how the author captured the mental health rep perfectly. My heart went out to Shad and Macy. 🥺❤️🩹
Shad’s book really took me through it, and it was the one I couldn’t wait to get to. I absolutely loved everything about this story! The emotional moments, the chaos, and eventual love and street justice - it was all worth it. I loved how the author captured the mental health rep perfectly. My heart went out to Shad and Macy. 🥺❤️🩹
May 24, 2025
Shad is underappreciated
Shad is the strong friend who always ensures everyone else is okay. I loved getting the chance to get to know Shad. The wonderful part about Jessica's writing is her ability to make a well developed character. You're able to peel back layers of Shad, and at his core, we can see he is equally as insane as the rest of Foe Dub. Which makes him the perfect man for an equally insane, Macy. Reading about how these two overcome their struggles and egos just kept a smile on my face
Shad is the strong friend who always ensures everyone else is okay. I loved getting the chance to get to know Shad. The wonderful part about Jessica's writing is her ability to make a well developed character. You're able to peel back layers of Shad, and at his core, we can see he is equally as insane as the rest of Foe Dub. Which makes him the perfect man for an equally insane, Macy. Reading about how these two overcome their struggles and egos just kept a smile on my face
June 27, 2025
(3.5⭐️) The pain & weight that Shad felt under his depression and his plans to check outta this world was palpable. I felt his emotional exhaustion. And I felt Macy’s fear and frustrations of loving someone who wouldn’t let you in. I was in agreement with him going away to heal & focus on himself but I don’t agree with how he went away without at least telling Macy why. They were two fiery personalities but it worked for them lol. And I’m just glad that despite the push/pull that they experienced, their connection was too strong & they were able to be together.
Even though it’s an interconnected standalone & the author says you don’t *need* to read the others, there’s so many characters to track and clearly lots of history, backstories & innuendos that I feel like if you don’t read the other books first you’ll be lost. I probably should have just stopped and started from the beginning but I was impatient
Even though it’s an interconnected standalone & the author says you don’t *need* to read the others, there’s so many characters to track and clearly lots of history, backstories & innuendos that I feel like if you don’t read the other books first you’ll be lost. I probably should have just stopped and started from the beginning but I was impatient
January 25, 2026
4.5⭐️
Oh, how I loved every minute of this book. I felt every emotion 🥹. They were truly each other’s saving grace. I adored the found family aspect of this series and can’t wait to watch their family continue to grow in the background of the other books. Each installment brings a different vibe, and I absolutely love that. Books are getting better and better!
Highly recommend!
Oh, how I loved every minute of this book. I felt every emotion 🥹. They were truly each other’s saving grace. I adored the found family aspect of this series and can’t wait to watch their family continue to grow in the background of the other books. Each installment brings a different vibe, and I absolutely love that. Books are getting better and better!
Highly recommend!
May 15, 2025
Loved it!
Omg jess you wrote the hek out of shad I loved it alll can't wait for the next book , Rico is a mystery and yt
Omg jess you wrote the hek out of shad I loved it alll can't wait for the next book , Rico is a mystery and yt
May 19, 2025
Mannnn
Each book in this series is getting better and better! She’s making it harder and harder for me to pick a couple. Every time I think I have. I read the next couple and change my mind.I do can’t wait for this next one though! Outstanding
Each book in this series is getting better and better! She’s making it harder and harder for me to pick a couple. Every time I think I have. I read the next couple and change my mind.I do can’t wait for this next one though! Outstanding
May 31, 2025
So Yeah
I’m glad this book is over. Overall it was a good story. I don’t think it had to be drug out the way it was especially since I feel some parts were repetitive. And the MC’s didn’t truly get together until 80 percent of the book before the cat and mouse games stopped.
Another thing I’ve read books that have dark topics. But this book truly triggered me in a way I wasn’t expecting. I literally sat here crying begging Shad to see that he had so much to live for even though he had lost a lot. I’m glad he found his voice and his reasons to stick around. I so proud of him to for choosing to go to the rehabilitation center and truly start to work on healing himself.
Macy was cool even though I didn’t get her on one she acted like she could less about Shad but then on another would get upset about certain things. It made no sense to me but I’m glad she finally got herself together as well.
The Triplets! At first I didn’t care for them I didn’t need 3 different versions of the same person. But I will say they grew on me over time. Especially YT(True) she had so many layers and was the big reason Shad kept on keeping on. Her story is gonna be sad as well but I can’t wait to see how her and Reem play out.
Anyways I deducted a star because as with all this authors books there were b a-lot of grammatical mistakes, the wrong words were used or missing altogether. Idk maybe a good editor or a really good proofreading would help out a lot. So many grammatical mistakes take away from the story in my opinion.
Anyway until next time…..
I’m glad this book is over. Overall it was a good story. I don’t think it had to be drug out the way it was especially since I feel some parts were repetitive. And the MC’s didn’t truly get together until 80 percent of the book before the cat and mouse games stopped.
Another thing I’ve read books that have dark topics. But this book truly triggered me in a way I wasn’t expecting. I literally sat here crying begging Shad to see that he had so much to live for even though he had lost a lot. I’m glad he found his voice and his reasons to stick around. I so proud of him to for choosing to go to the rehabilitation center and truly start to work on healing himself.
Macy was cool even though I didn’t get her on one she acted like she could less about Shad but then on another would get upset about certain things. It made no sense to me but I’m glad she finally got herself together as well.
The Triplets! At first I didn’t care for them I didn’t need 3 different versions of the same person. But I will say they grew on me over time. Especially YT(True) she had so many layers and was the big reason Shad kept on keeping on. Her story is gonna be sad as well but I can’t wait to see how her and Reem play out.
Anyways I deducted a star because as with all this authors books there were b a-lot of grammatical mistakes, the wrong words were used or missing altogether. Idk maybe a good editor or a really good proofreading would help out a lot. So many grammatical mistakes take away from the story in my opinion.
Anyway until next time…..
June 15, 2025
Around 70% in I'm tempted to give it a lower rating but then I continue reading to the end and voila! I'm giving it 5-stars! 🤣
Shad's story wasn't what I expected at all...He was always the silent mysterious character and I thought Brina was the only one who could get that close to him...But I guess not. He was suffering in silence and that was sad. I think his relationship with Macy was cute. Not my favourite though.
I'm starting to realise that Jessica likes plot holes to keep us engaged in suspense so we're hooked to this never-ending series🤷🏾♀️. And I hate that I've grown to love that 🤣 It's her signature style and it works. Love it or hate it🤷🏾♀️
It was difficult keeping up with what felt like +20 plus characters. My head was spinning each time a new character was introduced that was -briefly- previously mentioned in the other books! A character list would be helpful so we could refresh our memories.👍🏾
This book had a LOT of action- guns blazing like a shoot em up game lol and loads of healing. I liked the therapy sessions and watching the MMC's mature and embrace their roles as fathers. I loved that.
When Shad was giving Macy the perineal massages??🌶️🌶️🥵🥵🥵🥵🌶️🔥🔥🔥🌶️ That whole scene was crazy🫣lol Dunno how she kept her cool 😅😅He was super intense with the eye contact the whole time!
Again, we become invested in these characters lives lol So I'm excited to see what happens next...😁
The epilogue hinted at Rico's story and his secret life in Belize and his hatred for Wyn. We never got the backstory for them so I'm guessing Wyn's story is next? There are so many characters to go through lol
Great series! 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾
Shad's story wasn't what I expected at all...He was always the silent mysterious character and I thought Brina was the only one who could get that close to him...But I guess not. He was suffering in silence and that was sad. I think his relationship with Macy was cute. Not my favourite though.
I'm starting to realise that Jessica likes plot holes to keep us engaged in suspense so we're hooked to this never-ending series🤷🏾♀️. And I hate that I've grown to love that 🤣 It's her signature style and it works. Love it or hate it🤷🏾♀️
It was difficult keeping up with what felt like +20 plus characters. My head was spinning each time a new character was introduced that was -briefly- previously mentioned in the other books! A character list would be helpful so we could refresh our memories.👍🏾
This book had a LOT of action- guns blazing like a shoot em up game lol and loads of healing. I liked the therapy sessions and watching the MMC's mature and embrace their roles as fathers. I loved that.
When Shad was giving Macy the perineal massages??🌶️🌶️🥵🥵🥵🥵🌶️🔥🔥🔥🌶️ That whole scene was crazy🫣lol Dunno how she kept her cool 😅😅He was super intense with the eye contact the whole time!
Again, we become invested in these characters lives lol So I'm excited to see what happens next...😁
The epilogue hinted at Rico's story and his secret life in Belize and his hatred for Wyn. We never got the backstory for them so I'm guessing Wyn's story is next? There are so many characters to go through lol
Great series! 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾
November 10, 2025
This book touched on heavy topics and did it beautifully. I truly felt for Shad because he was going through it in silence, carrying so much pain while still trying to act like everything was okay. It was such an eye-opener to see how people can be tortured internally but still put on a brave face for the world. Rashad was broken and hanging on by a thread. Then a pregnant Macy comes along, bringing him a little sunshine. He feels a connection with her and immediately claims her baby as his. When Sadè is born, she brings all the sunshine he needed during his darkest days. He gets the help he needs but still struggles but he’s fighting, because now he has two people to live for.
Sadè…that little angel, truly saved his life. The story dives deep into themes like mental health, self-harm, and the importance of therapy, especially in the Black community. It was raw, emotional, and incredibly real. I teared up for Shad more than once. He really felt lonely, and the way Set and Nut shut him out over a misunderstanding hurt to read, because they were all he had left after everything fell apart. I’m so happy Macy didn’t turn too foolish because she was sunshine too. This book was powerful and it hits hard, makes you feel, and leaves you reflecting long after you finish.
Ready to dive into YT’s story next…she’s unhinged. I truly can’t imagine anyone taming her, but maybe she’s got a softer side buried deep down. Might just take the right person to bring it out. As of right now though, she’s a full-on menace.
Sadè…that little angel, truly saved his life. The story dives deep into themes like mental health, self-harm, and the importance of therapy, especially in the Black community. It was raw, emotional, and incredibly real. I teared up for Shad more than once. He really felt lonely, and the way Set and Nut shut him out over a misunderstanding hurt to read, because they were all he had left after everything fell apart. I’m so happy Macy didn’t turn too foolish because she was sunshine too. This book was powerful and it hits hard, makes you feel, and leaves you reflecting long after you finish.
Ready to dive into YT’s story next…she’s unhinged. I truly can’t imagine anyone taming her, but maybe she’s got a softer side buried deep down. Might just take the right person to bring it out. As of right now though, she’s a full-on menace.
June 20, 2025
This book was a doozy but solid.
I was waiting on Shotta and glad we got to see how things unfolded for him. Shad, the epitome of an empath, was pouring from an empty cup. Spent much of his time hiding from those he loved and saving those same ones from themselves and the world or at least trying to. The love he showed was not reciprocated and it was truly sad to see him spiraling and grasping for reasons to live.
Macy, like Shad, was struggling with loss and making one bad decision after another. The self proclaimed Miss Nigga, finally got caught slipping and ended up pregnant by her latest conquest. Now, pregnant and realizing her child will be fatherless like she was. Enter Shad, who clearly said he did not want a child, steps up for her, like he does everyone else and SAVES her. Not without consequence tho, can Shad continue to save others while on a sinking ship? The blowback could be catastrophic.
Heavy themes of mental illness and loss. I love the way Shad’s mental struggles were penned. I don’t think his and Macy’s relationship was developed enough to be believable. There was a lot of running and push and pull. Jessica introduced some new characters, however, that along with grammatical mistakes made it confusing and difficult to follow. This installment, to me, was not as strong as its predecessors. Still solid and looking forward to what will come next in the Kenton series.
3.5 ⭐️’s
I was waiting on Shotta and glad we got to see how things unfolded for him. Shad, the epitome of an empath, was pouring from an empty cup. Spent much of his time hiding from those he loved and saving those same ones from themselves and the world or at least trying to. The love he showed was not reciprocated and it was truly sad to see him spiraling and grasping for reasons to live.
Macy, like Shad, was struggling with loss and making one bad decision after another. The self proclaimed Miss Nigga, finally got caught slipping and ended up pregnant by her latest conquest. Now, pregnant and realizing her child will be fatherless like she was. Enter Shad, who clearly said he did not want a child, steps up for her, like he does everyone else and SAVES her. Not without consequence tho, can Shad continue to save others while on a sinking ship? The blowback could be catastrophic.
Heavy themes of mental illness and loss. I love the way Shad’s mental struggles were penned. I don’t think his and Macy’s relationship was developed enough to be believable. There was a lot of running and push and pull. Jessica introduced some new characters, however, that along with grammatical mistakes made it confusing and difficult to follow. This installment, to me, was not as strong as its predecessors. Still solid and looking forward to what will come next in the Kenton series.
3.5 ⭐️’s
January 9, 2026
Emotional read
Poor Rashad always there for everyone except himself. Hooking up with Macey during her pregnancy was really his saving grace ir it could've ended so bad! He has taken on the title of Baby Daddy and truly is walking in it! Career good but mental in shambles. In the end he got the help he needed through a unlikely source, had to also remove the threat on Foe Dub, but they all remain standing in the end. I love this series. Now on to Wynter and Rico! One more thing Autumn and Wynter's patents are horrible people!!!
Poor Rashad always there for everyone except himself. Hooking up with Macey during her pregnancy was really his saving grace ir it could've ended so bad! He has taken on the title of Baby Daddy and truly is walking in it! Career good but mental in shambles. In the end he got the help he needed through a unlikely source, had to also remove the threat on Foe Dub, but they all remain standing in the end. I love this series. Now on to Wynter and Rico! One more thing Autumn and Wynter's patents are horrible people!!!
May 31, 2025
just read it!
This series is the gift that keeps on giving. All i can say is 10/10. Great storyline, great character development, great balance of drama, humor, suspense. Loved the inclusion of the characters from the other books. And cant wait for the next one. Winter isnt my fave but im thinking the next book will have her growing on me. I usually get bored when series’ start to get beyond 4 books but Jessica A knows how to keep in interesting and never stale!
This series is the gift that keeps on giving. All i can say is 10/10. Great storyline, great character development, great balance of drama, humor, suspense. Loved the inclusion of the characters from the other books. And cant wait for the next one. Winter isnt my fave but im thinking the next book will have her growing on me. I usually get bored when series’ start to get beyond 4 books but Jessica A knows how to keep in interesting and never stale!
June 15, 2025
Have The Tissues Ready
This one definitely pulls at the heartstrings. Rashad’s story is so relatable. This series has been a joy to read, and I cannot wait to get into Rico and Wynter’s story. Also looking forward to watching how things play out with Reem and YT.
This one definitely pulls at the heartstrings. Rashad’s story is so relatable. This series has been a joy to read, and I cannot wait to get into Rico and Wynter’s story. Also looking forward to watching how things play out with Reem and YT.
August 9, 2025
this was emotional
This was probally my second favorite story out the whole series. Author did a great job of derailing everything I thought was gone happen. If match your energy was a person it would be Macy
This was probally my second favorite story out the whole series. Author did a great job of derailing everything I thought was gone happen. If match your energy was a person it would be Macy
May 25, 2025
ughhh
Poor Shaddy. Check on your strong friends. They need it. I’m glad he got his HEA but whew the therapy stigma and rehab and all. Also, they are funny. I was cackling out loud
Poor Shaddy. Check on your strong friends. They need it. I’m glad he got his HEA but whew the therapy stigma and rehab and all. Also, they are funny. I was cackling out loud
February 3, 2026
Shad’s story is what I was anticipating for and he most definitely delivered. I know this is an interconnected standalone but please read Star-crossed for better understanding.
September 19, 2025
Perfect, just like I knew he was going to be. Rashad is my type of crazy 😜
Update - Read again in September 2025
Y’all, this book got me. On my second read through, I slowed down and found even more things to love about Macy and Shad’s story.
Large pieces of Shaddy’s story? That’s my story too. The way Jessica wrote about moving forward while still carrying suicidal ideations felt so honest and true. It’s not always as simple as “finding your reason.” Sometimes it’s literally just fighting through to a new day. That hit me deep. 💔
And Macy? Whew, I felt her too sometimes doing things for the sake of the plot, lol, but also loving hard, soft, and true. I loved her and that little bundle they created.
The growth in these young men has been one of my favorite things to read across the series. Shaddy with the Shotty will always be my fave of the “birch babies,” and this book reminded me exactly why.
No notes. Just love. Just gratitude. Just a story that made me feel seen.
(5/5)
Update - Read again in September 2025
Y’all, this book got me. On my second read through, I slowed down and found even more things to love about Macy and Shad’s story.
Large pieces of Shaddy’s story? That’s my story too. The way Jessica wrote about moving forward while still carrying suicidal ideations felt so honest and true. It’s not always as simple as “finding your reason.” Sometimes it’s literally just fighting through to a new day. That hit me deep. 💔
And Macy? Whew, I felt her too sometimes doing things for the sake of the plot, lol, but also loving hard, soft, and true. I loved her and that little bundle they created.
The growth in these young men has been one of my favorite things to read across the series. Shaddy with the Shotty will always be my fave of the “birch babies,” and this book reminded me exactly why.
No notes. Just love. Just gratitude. Just a story that made me feel seen.
(5/5)
December 16, 2025
This is my second favorite book in the series, and this group somehow just keeps getting funnier with every installment. The humor and banter continue to be a highlight and make these characters feel like a real found family. I absolutely loved Macy. She’s a strong, tough character and the perfect balance for Shad. Shad had a lot to unpack in this story, and I appreciated how that journey was handled. He’s always been there for everyone else, so it was really satisfying to see him finally find someone who could be there for him. Their dynamic was heartfelt, emotional, and incredibly rewarding to read.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews