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Made to Love Ya
She’s the food critic he abhors—until he sees she’s also the woman he can’t live without.
Talia “Chè” Campbell has spent years concealing her heart from the one man who is declared off-limits—her brother’s best friend, Zae Ellis. But when a short-term living arrangement finds them under the same roof, the temperature rises, and she can’t overlook the flirty banter and longing glances that feel like more than just friendship.
Entrepreneur Izael “Zae” Ellis has always treated Chè like a little sister, but his feelings for her are anything but brotherly. When she returns home after a bad date, brokenhearted and in despair, he’s done pretending. He wants her—consequences be damned.
But when Zae discovers that the mysterious critic condemning his restaurant online is the woman he’s fallen for, the heat between them is in danger of boiling over. With her devotion to her blog and his reputation at risk—in addition to her brother’s observant eye—can they turn up the heat without scorching everything, or will their passion simply smolder?
A delectably messy, slow-burn romance full of lip-smacking tension, forbidden love, and the kind of passion that’s worth the risk.
Talia “Chè” Campbell has spent years concealing her heart from the one man who is declared off-limits—her brother’s best friend, Zae Ellis. But when a short-term living arrangement finds them under the same roof, the temperature rises, and she can’t overlook the flirty banter and longing glances that feel like more than just friendship.
Entrepreneur Izael “Zae” Ellis has always treated Chè like a little sister, but his feelings for her are anything but brotherly. When she returns home after a bad date, brokenhearted and in despair, he’s done pretending. He wants her—consequences be damned.
But when Zae discovers that the mysterious critic condemning his restaurant online is the woman he’s fallen for, the heat between them is in danger of boiling over. With her devotion to her blog and his reputation at risk—in addition to her brother’s observant eye—can they turn up the heat without scorching everything, or will their passion simply smolder?
A delectably messy, slow-burn romance full of lip-smacking tension, forbidden love, and the kind of passion that’s worth the risk.
239 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 25, 2025
180 people are currently reading
75 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
June 26, 2025
2.5 ⭐️
June 8, 2025
I like this author; however, this one didn't do it for me. For Che and Zae to be so close, why keep so many important details about themselves, and their careers close to the chest? It left me scratching my head, as so much of the confusion could have been avoided with just talking and sharing.
I did feel the chemistry between the two, but Tahj was just doing too much. These overbearing big brothers need to go sit down some damn where!! 😤 Will continue to follow your journey.
I did feel the chemistry between the two, but Tahj was just doing too much. These overbearing big brothers need to go sit down some damn where!! 😤 Will continue to follow your journey.
December 3, 2025
I feel like the fmc was babied too much. I don’t mind miscommunication tropes but after this one I think I’m good on them for a while. But it was still a good read. I liked the book I just had to get pass the fmcs insecurities bc to be fair she did just get cheated on in the beginning.
May 30, 2025
3 stars.I wanted to love it… but we were not on the same page.
This wasn’t terrible, but definitely not this author’s strongest. I’ve read better from them, so I know they’ve got the range this one just felt like the vibes were off. The dialogue needed work, the emotional tension between the leads barely simmered, and the third-act breakup? Completely unnecessary. Y’all could’ve cleared that up over brunch.
Also, I need us as a community to retire the “brother’s best friend” trope once everyone is grown. Like, if we’re 26 and 30+, I promise your brother will survive. At that point, it’s not forbidden love it’s taxes and bad knees. Move on.
The family stuff? Actually solid. Loved the chaos was limited to one annoying sibling instead of a whole circus. Points for that.
But now… we gotta talk about the freaky stuff. I’m no saint, but the backdoor commentary had me squinting. “Take this a—”? Take it where, exactly?? It was giving “trying too hard to be edgy,” and I was just trying to finish my chapter in peace.
And twice the book tried to make light of sexual assault/harassment in a jokey way? Huge nope. “I’m being assaulted” as a throwaway line? “It’s cool when they do it”??? I don’t care how unserious the tone is that’s not funny. That’s uncomfortable.
Overall, not a hit for me, but I’m still rocking with this author. Just hoping the next one is more whew and less whew chile
This wasn’t terrible, but definitely not this author’s strongest. I’ve read better from them, so I know they’ve got the range this one just felt like the vibes were off. The dialogue needed work, the emotional tension between the leads barely simmered, and the third-act breakup? Completely unnecessary. Y’all could’ve cleared that up over brunch.
Also, I need us as a community to retire the “brother’s best friend” trope once everyone is grown. Like, if we’re 26 and 30+, I promise your brother will survive. At that point, it’s not forbidden love it’s taxes and bad knees. Move on.
The family stuff? Actually solid. Loved the chaos was limited to one annoying sibling instead of a whole circus. Points for that.
But now… we gotta talk about the freaky stuff. I’m no saint, but the backdoor commentary had me squinting. “Take this a—”? Take it where, exactly?? It was giving “trying too hard to be edgy,” and I was just trying to finish my chapter in peace.
And twice the book tried to make light of sexual assault/harassment in a jokey way? Huge nope. “I’m being assaulted” as a throwaway line? “It’s cool when they do it”??? I don’t care how unserious the tone is that’s not funny. That’s uncomfortable.
Overall, not a hit for me, but I’m still rocking with this author. Just hoping the next one is more whew and less whew chile
June 2, 2025
Che and Zai were truly meant to love one another. I didn't know if they ever would get their happiness forever. When it rained it poured unto them. Every two steps, they progressed, they fell eight stepsbackward.
Finally, Zai and Che realized they needed to come all the way clean with omissions by each, in order to move forward with each other.
The one issue I had was the interference of Che's brother. There was no need to sneak around, PERIODT! She was a grown ass woman and Zai, a grown ass man, who didn't need permission to date. Taj needed to mind his own business.
I truly enjoyed these two. I loved how he took his time and courted her. Plus, Zai made the decision to move into his own place and for Che' to decide if she really wanted to be with him and loved him while living separately. I was glad that she accepted what he suggested. She had to learn to trust him and not expect him to be like her ex.
They came out better as a couple for this move, and their love for each other never wavered.
Finally, Zai and Che realized they needed to come all the way clean with omissions by each, in order to move forward with each other.
The one issue I had was the interference of Che's brother. There was no need to sneak around, PERIODT! She was a grown ass woman and Zai, a grown ass man, who didn't need permission to date. Taj needed to mind his own business.
I truly enjoyed these two. I loved how he took his time and courted her. Plus, Zai made the decision to move into his own place and for Che' to decide if she really wanted to be with him and loved him while living separately. I was glad that she accepted what he suggested. She had to learn to trust him and not expect him to be like her ex.
They came out better as a couple for this move, and their love for each other never wavered.
June 16, 2025
5 Books
Talk about chefs kiss! I loved it!
I loved T because she knew she her worth. I loved Zae for knowing it too.
These two have known each other since childhood and loved each other just as long. As you know best friends don’t date their best friend’s siblings. And that’s what’s holding Izael”Zae” back, Talia it’s only because she just doesn’t think he looks at curvy flat ass that way,but he does.
This book touches on how what we see in people’s relationships can have a profound impact on our relationships and ourselves. There is no third act break up it’s let’s take a beat and get to know each other. This book is amazing and the spice is there. Be prepared to want a Izael Ellis in your life and Talia to have as your foodie best friend.
5📕 not stars for me!
Talk about chefs kiss! I loved it!
I loved T because she knew she her worth. I loved Zae for knowing it too.
These two have known each other since childhood and loved each other just as long. As you know best friends don’t date their best friend’s siblings. And that’s what’s holding Izael”Zae” back, Talia it’s only because she just doesn’t think he looks at curvy flat ass that way,but he does.
This book touches on how what we see in people’s relationships can have a profound impact on our relationships and ourselves. There is no third act break up it’s let’s take a beat and get to know each other. This book is amazing and the spice is there. Be prepared to want a Izael Ellis in your life and Talia to have as your foodie best friend.
5📕 not stars for me!
July 27, 2025
Izael and Chè!!
Izael and Chè have been friends since childhood, but she was off limits because of his friendship with her brother. Things change when Izael moves in with Chè while he is looking for a new place to live. Tension builds between them and their real feelings come out. I loved how they loved up on each other and how the sex scenes were 🔥🔥🔥. I also loved the way that they decided to build their relationship in a mature manner. Despite the misunderstanding that developed, their love for each other helped them to work it out. Ms. Cynae did a wonderful job with this book, and I highly recommend that you read it.
Izael and Chè have been friends since childhood, but she was off limits because of his friendship with her brother. Things change when Izael moves in with Chè while he is looking for a new place to live. Tension builds between them and their real feelings come out. I loved how they loved up on each other and how the sex scenes were 🔥🔥🔥. I also loved the way that they decided to build their relationship in a mature manner. Despite the misunderstanding that developed, their love for each other helped them to work it out. Ms. Cynae did a wonderful job with this book, and I highly recommend that you read it.
November 2, 2025
Loved it!
Talia and Izael loved each other since he moved next door to the Campbell family when he was 11 and she was 6. Because his best friend her brother forbid him to get involved with his sister, he hid his feelings until she moved back to their hometown and he needed a place to stay until he found a house. It took a few bumps in the road to finally get it. together but finally they got to their HEA. Zae definitely didn't play about Che' and he proved it by pursuing her and never giving up on their love. Great read!
Talia and Izael loved each other since he moved next door to the Campbell family when he was 11 and she was 6. Because his best friend her brother forbid him to get involved with his sister, he hid his feelings until she moved back to their hometown and he needed a place to stay until he found a house. It took a few bumps in the road to finally get it. together but finally they got to their HEA. Zae definitely didn't play about Che' and he proved it by pursuing her and never giving up on their love. Great read!
July 21, 2025
I love the author but something was missing from this one. It felt very drawn out and a little repetitive. They started with one secret, then there was another--but the question is--if Che and Izeal are really close how do they not know what the other does for a living. Also, her insecurity and the frequent mentioning of her shape was a buzz kill. Her brother was doing too much too. The restaurant being named after the location the aunt died was just weird.
July 16, 2025
Tehehe this was cute. Brother’s BF troupe typically isnt my fave but I liked this a lot. There was a lot of miscommunication so if that pisses you off then this isnt the book for you but I felt that they had decent conflict. To me, I think it truly highlights growth and just how hard it can to communicate and shows that real relationships take work!! Loved this book
August 2, 2025
FMC was annoying
Fmc got on my last nerves with her insecurities. I felt like all she did was cry. The book was written just became a snooze because Che’ was so insecure jumped to conclusion after conclusion. Thought I was reading a book about a teenager instead of a grown woman.
Fmc got on my last nerves with her insecurities. I felt like all she did was cry. The book was written just became a snooze because Che’ was so insecure jumped to conclusion after conclusion. Thought I was reading a book about a teenager instead of a grown woman.
October 18, 2025
Chefs Kiss 💋
This was a good friend’s to lovers story. T was getting my nerves though with the way she was acting and with her actions when her mind started to wonder. Poor Zae couldn’t catch a break bc she was always making him pay for her ex’s betrayal. Now Zae was wrong for not being upfront regarding the restaurant and job. Definitely a great read.
This was a good friend’s to lovers story. T was getting my nerves though with the way she was acting and with her actions when her mind started to wonder. Poor Zae couldn’t catch a break bc she was always making him pay for her ex’s betrayal. Now Zae was wrong for not being upfront regarding the restaurant and job. Definitely a great read.
December 26, 2025
Sweet & Spice & Everything nice
This book was filled with two people deeply in love with one another who felt as if their dream of being together could never become reality. The journey to loving each other and finding their happily ever after was sweet, super spicy, and filled with laughter. A must read if you love the trope meant to be.
This book was filled with two people deeply in love with one another who felt as if their dream of being together could never become reality. The journey to loving each other and finding their happily ever after was sweet, super spicy, and filled with laughter. A must read if you love the trope meant to be.
June 2, 2025
Beautiful❣️
I just Love Zae!!!!! That brotha loved him some Talia! This was so refreshing and heartwarming! I love a good, pure, beautiful love story and this was definitely that! Thanks E for a phenomenal read🦋
I just Love Zae!!!!! That brotha loved him some Talia! This was so refreshing and heartwarming! I love a good, pure, beautiful love story and this was definitely that! Thanks E for a phenomenal read🦋
July 12, 2025
Homie, Lover, Friday
Zae and T grew up together. There love for each other as friends allowed them develop and amazing relationship! I loved how they dated more to strengthen their relationship after Zae moved out.
Zae and T grew up together. There love for each other as friends allowed them develop and amazing relationship! I loved how they dated more to strengthen their relationship after Zae moved out.
September 7, 2025
Made to love ya
This was a cute friends to lovers/brothers best friend story. I liked Talia and Izael together and was happy to see them work out their minor differences and get to their happily ever after.
This was a cute friends to lovers/brothers best friend story. I liked Talia and Izael together and was happy to see them work out their minor differences and get to their happily ever after.
September 26, 2025
Love You From The Start
This story was about two people who when through the different stages of love and won.
Ce and Izael started out as kids and neighbors. The trials that they encounter in adult life bought them back to each other.
Wonderful love story.
This story was about two people who when through the different stages of love and won.
Ce and Izael started out as kids and neighbors. The trials that they encounter in adult life bought them back to each other.
Wonderful love story.
November 29, 2025
not bad but not the best
I really wanted to like Talia but she cried throughout 80% of the book. I really think she should’ve seen a therapist or something after what happened with Ricky.
I really wanted to like Talia but she cried throughout 80% of the book. I really think she should’ve seen a therapist or something after what happened with Ricky.
May 27, 2025
loved it
This book was good! I’m glad that the held each other down when the families found out. Everything worked out for them
This book was good! I’m glad that the held each other down when the families found out. Everything worked out for them
May 29, 2025
Made to Love Ya
Love this story, I’m glad that Talia and Zae took the plunge. For their loved ones, besides Tahj 😂 seems like it was a long time coming.
Love this story, I’m glad that Talia and Zae took the plunge. For their loved ones, besides Tahj 😂 seems like it was a long time coming.
July 23, 2025
😍😍😍
This was sexy, and beautiful. The love that these two shared was super sweet. They tried hard to resist each other but the love and attraction was so strong.
This was sexy, and beautiful. The love that these two shared was super sweet. They tried hard to resist each other but the love and attraction was so strong.
Read
August 8, 2025DNF'd at 31%. This is not a slow burn.
September 26, 2025
Chandra's Review
I truly enjoyed reading this book it was intriguing, mysterious, loving, and full of action! I would definitely recommend this book to read! 🤗🤗👏🏾👏🏾
I truly enjoyed reading this book it was intriguing, mysterious, loving, and full of action! I would definitely recommend this book to read! 🤗🤗👏🏾👏🏾
December 1, 2025
Great read
I enjoyed it. It was a light read. It fits into a weekend greatly. I really liked the plot. I just wish that they'd explored Talia's insecurities more.
I enjoyed it. It was a light read. It fits into a weekend greatly. I really liked the plot. I just wish that they'd explored Talia's insecurities more.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews