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Love You Like That
In the pulse of East Hollis’ underground poetry scene, Ezra Lowe is a name whispered. A tattooed wordsmith with a tortured soul, he’s known for turning pain into stories and never letting anyone get too close. Blind in one eye from a violent past he rarely talks about, Ezra’s life is rhythm, rhyme, and survival. Love? That’s a luxury he can’t afford until she walks in.
Yavanni Sinclair is everything Ezra’s world isn’t. She’s privileged, polished, and on track to become a pediatric nurse. She’s been groomed to follow rules, make the family proud, and stay far away from anything or anyone that might stain her reputation. But one open mic night and a single verse from Ezra’s lips unravel everything Yavanni thought she knew about desire, danger, and dreams.
What begins as an instant, fiery connection quickly deepens into something neither of them expected. But love is never simple. As ambition, trauma, and family expectations threaten to pull them apart, Ezra and Yavanni are forced to how much are they willing to give up for something that feels this right?
Raw, poetic, and deeply emotional, Love You Like That is a fast-paced contemporary romance where love doesn’t wait and neither does life. You will fall hard for this intoxicating story of passion, sacrifice, and the kind of connection that changes everything.
Yavanni Sinclair is everything Ezra’s world isn’t. She’s privileged, polished, and on track to become a pediatric nurse. She’s been groomed to follow rules, make the family proud, and stay far away from anything or anyone that might stain her reputation. But one open mic night and a single verse from Ezra’s lips unravel everything Yavanni thought she knew about desire, danger, and dreams.
What begins as an instant, fiery connection quickly deepens into something neither of them expected. But love is never simple. As ambition, trauma, and family expectations threaten to pull them apart, Ezra and Yavanni are forced to how much are they willing to give up for something that feels this right?
Raw, poetic, and deeply emotional, Love You Like That is a fast-paced contemporary romance where love doesn’t wait and neither does life. You will fall hard for this intoxicating story of passion, sacrifice, and the kind of connection that changes everything.
260 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 31, 2025
243 people are currently reading
176 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
June 11, 2025
This reminded me of Love Jones, and if you've seen that film, you know how messy it was. Ezra and Yaya's love is instant, overflowing with passion, electricity, and words. However, that Yaya was a piece of work. The fire in their love grew quickly and ultimately burned out. Yaya lacked accountability during their conflicts, and despite her parents' disapproval, Ezra stood by her. I believe Yaya could have fought more for Ezra, not only in their relationship but also with her parents. Through it all, they find their way back to one another. I still enjoyed the book and the journey of Ezra and Yaya.
June 4, 2025
4 Stars — Beautiful but frustrating
This was such a beautiful storyemotional, romantic, and full of passion. But I have to be honest: the FMC (Yaya) knocked this down to a 4-star read when it could’ve been a solid 5. The chemistry was there. The love was there. What was missing? Accountability.
We’re introduced to Ezra, a gritty, grounded poet, and Yaya, a posh, tightly wound woman styled like Erykah Badu which felt like an odd contrast, but sure, multifaceted. Their love story builds quickly, and Ezra is open, raw, and upfront from the jump. Meanwhile, Yaya spends most of the book hiding behind this peaceful, free-spirited persona that doesn’t match her actions. She’s clearly cracking under the pressure of living for her parents’ approval.
When the conflict hits, it’s all Ezra doing the emotional lifting. Yaya never meaningfully apologizes, never takes real ownership for her part in what went wrong. She lets fear and family control her, then disappears with a massive secret for six months. When she returns, she brings judgment and demands. And I just couldn’t get past it.
The “we don’t fit here” speech? Girl, please. You had every chance to show up but chose silence. A text? A call? Anything would’ve been better than just popping up w. a belly and then rolling in like the moral high ground was yours. Ezra, meanwhile, has grown, built something real, and STILL tries to accommodate her. Still bends.
She doesn’t.
Even when her parents are clearly disrespectful, Ezra is the one extending grace. She just cries, mopes, and expects it all to work out without offering anything in return. She finally takes a stand near the end, but by then, it felt too little, too late.
Honestly, Ezra deserved more. And Yaya despite the chemistry and sweetness needed to fight for love with more than just tears and vibes. It was frustrating to watch someone so expressive physically be so emotionally passive when it really counted.
That said, the writing was gorgeous and the love story itself is full of raw emotion and heart. I just wish the heroine had shown as much growth as the hero.
Tasha tells a powerful story I just needed a little more from Yaya.
This was such a beautiful storyemotional, romantic, and full of passion. But I have to be honest: the FMC (Yaya) knocked this down to a 4-star read when it could’ve been a solid 5. The chemistry was there. The love was there. What was missing? Accountability.
We’re introduced to Ezra, a gritty, grounded poet, and Yaya, a posh, tightly wound woman styled like Erykah Badu which felt like an odd contrast, but sure, multifaceted. Their love story builds quickly, and Ezra is open, raw, and upfront from the jump. Meanwhile, Yaya spends most of the book hiding behind this peaceful, free-spirited persona that doesn’t match her actions. She’s clearly cracking under the pressure of living for her parents’ approval.
When the conflict hits, it’s all Ezra doing the emotional lifting. Yaya never meaningfully apologizes, never takes real ownership for her part in what went wrong. She lets fear and family control her, then disappears with a massive secret for six months. When she returns, she brings judgment and demands. And I just couldn’t get past it.
The “we don’t fit here” speech? Girl, please. You had every chance to show up but chose silence. A text? A call? Anything would’ve been better than just popping up w. a belly and then rolling in like the moral high ground was yours. Ezra, meanwhile, has grown, built something real, and STILL tries to accommodate her. Still bends.
She doesn’t.
Even when her parents are clearly disrespectful, Ezra is the one extending grace. She just cries, mopes, and expects it all to work out without offering anything in return. She finally takes a stand near the end, but by then, it felt too little, too late.
Honestly, Ezra deserved more. And Yaya despite the chemistry and sweetness needed to fight for love with more than just tears and vibes. It was frustrating to watch someone so expressive physically be so emotionally passive when it really counted.
That said, the writing was gorgeous and the love story itself is full of raw emotion and heart. I just wish the heroine had shown as much growth as the hero.
Tasha tells a powerful story I just needed a little more from Yaya.
November 10, 2025
Frustratingly Beautiful 😩
This was a beautiful yet frustrating read.
The majority of the book we are wrapped in an intense love. A love that feels like soul ties, like promises, like forever. Ezra is a poet, an artist, a true creative that just like a rapper spits meaningful words based off his true emotions, his real experiences. He notices the most beautiful woman at his spoken word show for a third time..he feels her and makes sure to connect with her. Yavanni aka Yaya felt like his future. Yaya is focused, she is deep in clinicals preparing to become a pediatric nurse. She seemingly has a cloud of expectations from her parents weighing her down, while Ezra has is trying to get it out the mud.
They are in their own bubble for awhile, but when outsiders, expectations, and the real world hits them they began to crumble. Yaya was so zen to me, I liked her aura until I didn't. She is going down as one of my most disliked fmcs. No she wasn't evil or conniving, but she was entitled and quietly irritating af. The fact that she had Ezra apologizing for a situation she failed to fully inform him on was beyond me. Everything needed to be at her convenience and I didn't like that at all. She had me looking around like I got punked. That said the flawed man that Ezra was carried this book. I felt every inch of his pain, his love, his fear and it was beautiful.
SN: Why do all the Ezra's be everything in these books 😩😩
This was a beautiful yet frustrating read.
The majority of the book we are wrapped in an intense love. A love that feels like soul ties, like promises, like forever. Ezra is a poet, an artist, a true creative that just like a rapper spits meaningful words based off his true emotions, his real experiences. He notices the most beautiful woman at his spoken word show for a third time..he feels her and makes sure to connect with her. Yavanni aka Yaya felt like his future. Yaya is focused, she is deep in clinicals preparing to become a pediatric nurse. She seemingly has a cloud of expectations from her parents weighing her down, while Ezra has is trying to get it out the mud.
They are in their own bubble for awhile, but when outsiders, expectations, and the real world hits them they began to crumble. Yaya was so zen to me, I liked her aura until I didn't. She is going down as one of my most disliked fmcs. No she wasn't evil or conniving, but she was entitled and quietly irritating af. The fact that she had Ezra apologizing for a situation she failed to fully inform him on was beyond me. Everything needed to be at her convenience and I didn't like that at all. She had me looking around like I got punked. That said the flawed man that Ezra was carried this book. I felt every inch of his pain, his love, his fear and it was beautiful.
SN: Why do all the Ezra's be everything in these books 😩😩
June 20, 2025
I liked this book. The FMC parents got on my nerves.
July 20, 2025
As if my day couldn’t get any worse
June 4, 2025
I enjoyed this read and how the author showcased the connection on a deeper level. When I read, “ I write for the ones who ain't made peace wit' the mirror.” I was like ohhhh okay ( snaps fingers). The chemistry on the pages, the love, the vulnerability, the ability to communicate through tough waters was beautifully written. I love poetry so to have a book that focuses on a poet and his muse made my heart smile.
When I got to page 199 I definitely screamed YaYa BFFR! Like how do you think he felt in your world? WTH. Once I was out of my feelings lol I really sat in my thoughts. There are so many of us who miss our blessings; because we are so busy living the lives that are expected of us. This book had me feeling like when was the last time I was seen. I mean really seen and actually heard.
I enjoyed this read even though it had me looking in the mirror like hummmm when was the last time. How you know it’s pain in my laugh while I’m sipping wine with the ladies lol.
When I got to page 199 I definitely screamed YaYa BFFR! Like how do you think he felt in your world? WTH. Once I was out of my feelings lol I really sat in my thoughts. There are so many of us who miss our blessings; because we are so busy living the lives that are expected of us. This book had me feeling like when was the last time I was seen. I mean really seen and actually heard.
I enjoyed this read even though it had me looking in the mirror like hummmm when was the last time. How you know it’s pain in my laugh while I’m sipping wine with the ladies lol.
June 23, 2025
Ooooo weeee
This was a really good book. This is a complete story and it reads as one. I was caught up on the first page and didn't let go until the last. Quick easy read. Y'all just read the damn book.
This was a really good book. This is a complete story and it reads as one. I was caught up on the first page and didn't let go until the last. Quick easy read. Y'all just read the damn book.
July 23, 2025
So freaking good!!!
Oh my goodness I loved Ezra so much he was so damn unproblematic and you just got him real and raw… I rocked with YaYa at first but then her damn parents blew me too much and she refused to stand up until damn near the end and I she was being a little spoiled and I didn’t like that but Ezra redeemed it all for me and I’m glad they got their happily ever after… Definitely can’t wait for more
Oh my goodness I loved Ezra so much he was so damn unproblematic and you just got him real and raw… I rocked with YaYa at first but then her damn parents blew me too much and she refused to stand up until damn near the end and I she was being a little spoiled and I didn’t like that but Ezra redeemed it all for me and I’m glad they got their happily ever after… Definitely can’t wait for more
June 5, 2025
Ezra MMC energy for real!!
I really did enjoy this story however I was so like mad that Yaya had decided so many times that she was going to start fights that he had to apologize for like she started the fight when they left her parents' house and said she didn't want to be with him anymore then she let a man from her past basically have access to her after not talking to him for a few days and then was surprised that he would be upset about that if a man did that to a woman she would be on him and it would be a blow up so it was surprising that they made that it was like okay yeah it's his fault. and then she knew she was pregnant kept it from him for 6 months while he's out in New York building his brand and then have the nerve to act like because he made something of himself and got a car in a penthouse that somehow he changed when she has a condo in her parents have a mansion it was crazy and then the fact that he's on the road building his brand she had the nerve to get mad at that too saying he wasn't showing up when the simple fact is when she was getting get ready for nursing school she put him on the back burner many times and he never complained so I was confused as to why she was upset that he was trying to go make money for their family the back and forth with her was like I wanted to scream
I really did enjoy this story however I was so like mad that Yaya had decided so many times that she was going to start fights that he had to apologize for like she started the fight when they left her parents' house and said she didn't want to be with him anymore then she let a man from her past basically have access to her after not talking to him for a few days and then was surprised that he would be upset about that if a man did that to a woman she would be on him and it would be a blow up so it was surprising that they made that it was like okay yeah it's his fault. and then she knew she was pregnant kept it from him for 6 months while he's out in New York building his brand and then have the nerve to act like because he made something of himself and got a car in a penthouse that somehow he changed when she has a condo in her parents have a mansion it was crazy and then the fact that he's on the road building his brand she had the nerve to get mad at that too saying he wasn't showing up when the simple fact is when she was getting get ready for nursing school she put him on the back burner many times and he never complained so I was confused as to why she was upset that he was trying to go make money for their family the back and forth with her was like I wanted to scream
June 19, 2025
dope 🔥 🔥 spoilers‼️‼️
Ezra is my new book bae! Now that that’s out of the way! Whew this was good. I didn’t want it to end.
I’m glad Ezra and Yaya finally got it together and much like real life, it wasn’t always lust, smiles and smooth sailing. For a good min you got roughness, doubt, tears, and uncertainty. At one point I was annoyed with Yaya because she pushed and encouraged Ezra to put himself out there. She knew the possibilities once New York was involved. So I didn’t understand the hostility showed towards Ezra when he missed his flight and her appointment. It was like she had zero understanding and was also allowing her parents to disrespect Ezra. He had made a life for himself in New York the same way she went on to work her dream job but it was like she was jealous when she saw all that he had accomplished. I also felt like Ezra was justified in his feelings when Yaya’s phone rang at midnight and Jaylen was calling. How you all in love one min and then conversating with your ex that soon. BUT once she put her parents in their places and got her man back from New York. Things got back on track!
I loved this story to pieces and crumbs!
Ezra is my new book bae! Now that that’s out of the way! Whew this was good. I didn’t want it to end.
I’m glad Ezra and Yaya finally got it together and much like real life, it wasn’t always lust, smiles and smooth sailing. For a good min you got roughness, doubt, tears, and uncertainty. At one point I was annoyed with Yaya because she pushed and encouraged Ezra to put himself out there. She knew the possibilities once New York was involved. So I didn’t understand the hostility showed towards Ezra when he missed his flight and her appointment. It was like she had zero understanding and was also allowing her parents to disrespect Ezra. He had made a life for himself in New York the same way she went on to work her dream job but it was like she was jealous when she saw all that he had accomplished. I also felt like Ezra was justified in his feelings when Yaya’s phone rang at midnight and Jaylen was calling. How you all in love one min and then conversating with your ex that soon. BUT once she put her parents in their places and got her man back from New York. Things got back on track!
I loved this story to pieces and crumbs!
August 24, 2025
Ezra & Yaya is Love! 💚💛💜
This read was recommended to because of the characters' names. To know I'd love this story as though it's mine with My very own Ezra is exhilarating to say the least! The poetry, patience, passion, pleasure, and purpose that spilled from these pages was absolutely incredible and appreciated! Well done! 💛💚💜 I highly recommend for real Black Romance Readers!
This read was recommended to because of the characters' names. To know I'd love this story as though it's mine with My very own Ezra is exhilarating to say the least! The poetry, patience, passion, pleasure, and purpose that spilled from these pages was absolutely incredible and appreciated! Well done! 💛💚💜 I highly recommend for real Black Romance Readers!
June 6, 2025
I liked Ezra and Yavanni, but Ezra was my favorite. They had this instant attraction, and I loved how honest they were with each other. The poetry in the book was really good as well. If you’re looking for a sweet romance between two people who yearn for deep connection and love, you'll enjoy this one.
July 14, 2025
The story was a fairly good story. I don't have any major complaints.
July 12, 2025
Nothing Even Matters!!
Ezra is a poet who lost his eye when his cousin got caught in something he wasn't built for. Yavanni is studying to be a pediatric nurse who went to the bar with her girls. Ezra curved the girl who tried to talk to him. He really wanted Yavanni. Her parents have her whole future planned out for her. Yavanni got on my nerves at her graduation party by not taking up for Ezra. She was being her true self with Ezra because he truly saw her. She has to live up to the name. Ezra didn't fit into their picture perfect family. He's to hood. Ezra is trying to build a career for him and Yavanni. She got finally got it right when she told them she's choosing Ezra. Ezra is putting his family first. They got engaged and her water broke, they had a baby boy
Ezra is a poet who lost his eye when his cousin got caught in something he wasn't built for. Yavanni is studying to be a pediatric nurse who went to the bar with her girls. Ezra curved the girl who tried to talk to him. He really wanted Yavanni. Her parents have her whole future planned out for her. Yavanni got on my nerves at her graduation party by not taking up for Ezra. She was being her true self with Ezra because he truly saw her. She has to live up to the name. Ezra didn't fit into their picture perfect family. He's to hood. Ezra is trying to build a career for him and Yavanni. She got finally got it right when she told them she's choosing Ezra. Ezra is putting his family first. They got engaged and her water broke, they had a baby boy
June 12, 2025
Ezra and YaYa’s connection and love was so magnificent. You could feel the love in each read word and the poems were heart felt. YaYa had good friends because they kept it real with her and didn’t let her wallow in her pity parties while being supportive friends. I was glad when Ezra went and talked to YaYa’s parents for them all to get an understanding that he might have been rough around the edges but he loved YaYa and their son on the way to the point that he put his career on hold for them to show YaYa that he was physically there for the long haul. I know that her parents were wealthy but the book didn’t state what their career path was nor how they were wealthy.
August 15, 2025
Deep, Soft, and Beautiful
This was one I couldn’t put down. From beginning to end I felt every spectrum of emotion. I laughed, cried, contemplated, and cried again. The character development was solid but the progression of the couple was incredible. They faced real and relatable challenges and made very messy, very human decisions. Their intimacy was full of passion and intention, not just thrown on the page for some spice. Everything written felt purposeful and expressed a part of the story necessary to make the reader feel something. Absolutely loved it.
This was one I couldn’t put down. From beginning to end I felt every spectrum of emotion. I laughed, cried, contemplated, and cried again. The character development was solid but the progression of the couple was incredible. They faced real and relatable challenges and made very messy, very human decisions. Their intimacy was full of passion and intention, not just thrown on the page for some spice. Everything written felt purposeful and expressed a part of the story necessary to make the reader feel something. Absolutely loved it.
June 6, 2025
Oh Ezra🥰
Ezra was a man!! I loved this book and did not want it to end. I loved how they both got the chance to excel in their gifts. Now.. I didn’t like her parents also, I didn’t like how they were trying to play him after he found out she was pregnant. I felt like he should have given some grace with them living in different places. Again this book was written with love ALL through it! As always Thee Tasha Maria has written a favorite for me!
Ezra was a man!! I loved this book and did not want it to end. I loved how they both got the chance to excel in their gifts. Now.. I didn’t like her parents also, I didn’t like how they were trying to play him after he found out she was pregnant. I felt like he should have given some grace with them living in different places. Again this book was written with love ALL through it! As always Thee Tasha Maria has written a favorite for me!
June 22, 2025
Love You Like That
Listen....Thee Tasha Marie....you are a pen pushing Maven.
This book was so beautifully written. You could feel the love, pain, and joy in every word written.
Ezra, my guy, was handsomely and beautifully flawed, but he was real. He was as real as they come. His heart, soul, and vulnerability made him magnificently human. Yaya, beautiful and unseen until Ezra.
Oh my goodness, this book is a Love Supreme!!!
Listen....Thee Tasha Marie....you are a pen pushing Maven.
This book was so beautifully written. You could feel the love, pain, and joy in every word written.
Ezra, my guy, was handsomely and beautifully flawed, but he was real. He was as real as they come. His heart, soul, and vulnerability made him magnificently human. Yaya, beautiful and unseen until Ezra.
Oh my goodness, this book is a Love Supreme!!!
June 18, 2025
Yavanni took no accountability!
Ezra had every reason to crash out, after the party, when the phone rung at midnight, and the he found out about the baby six months into the pregnancy and yet her apologized for being mad when he had every reason to. Yaya was getting on my nerves im glad they got their happy ending but my goodness.
Ezra had every reason to crash out, after the party, when the phone rung at midnight, and the he found out about the baby six months into the pregnancy and yet her apologized for being mad when he had every reason to. Yaya was getting on my nerves im glad they got their happy ending but my goodness.
July 6, 2025
Omg this pulled me in from the first page, Ezra and Yaya story was like a scene from love and basketball captivated every emotion , I love how they story begin and ended and even in between they kept showing up fighting for they love I would give this book a 10/10 looking forward to reading more books by the author in the future
July 28, 2025
it was ok
Yaya irked my nerves. Why was Ezra the only one apologizing and making sacrifices? He gave up his dream for her while she held on to a career her parents planned out for her. Then how was he supposed to know she was 6 months pregnant when she didn’t call and tell him until then? She was never held accountable for her actions and always blamed Ezra for everything.
Yaya irked my nerves. Why was Ezra the only one apologizing and making sacrifices? He gave up his dream for her while she held on to a career her parents planned out for her. Then how was he supposed to know she was 6 months pregnant when she didn’t call and tell him until then? She was never held accountable for her actions and always blamed Ezra for everything.
June 2, 2025
Yassssss
Whew this was everything!!!!!
I didn’t know if they would finally get it together. The live was instant but they still went through it. They weren’t sure if they weren’t meant for each other but love conquered it all!!!
Whew this was everything!!!!!
I didn’t know if they would finally get it together. The live was instant but they still went through it. They weren’t sure if they weren’t meant for each other but love conquered it all!!!
June 5, 2025
I loved every page
Hands down the best book I have read this year & easily made my list of favorites books ever . It was a breath a fresh air . I felt every word and description. It was beautiful . Definitely a few tear jerker moments . I loved it .
Hands down the best book I have read this year & easily made my list of favorites books ever . It was a breath a fresh air . I felt every word and description. It was beautiful . Definitely a few tear jerker moments . I loved it .
June 8, 2025
Yaya x Ezra
This book took me through a world of emotions but I loved every moment. Yavanni style and grace and Ezra’s poetic flow was everything! Tasha never misses like she’s truly one of my favorite authors right now!
xo-Melanated and Bookish
This book took me through a world of emotions but I loved every moment. Yavanni style and grace and Ezra’s poetic flow was everything! Tasha never misses like she’s truly one of my favorite authors right now!
xo-Melanated and Bookish
June 12, 2025
Baaaaabbbbyy
LORD!!!!!!Whew this was good. So let’s just say finding love and keeping it is 2 different fights… Baaaaby they did it tho. Ezra and YaYa was it a poet and a pediatric nurse… I’m glad her family came around and she stood up for herself and Ezra. You never disappoint
LORD!!!!!!Whew this was good. So let’s just say finding love and keeping it is 2 different fights… Baaaaby they did it tho. Ezra and YaYa was it a poet and a pediatric nurse… I’m glad her family came around and she stood up for herself and Ezra. You never disappoint
June 19, 2025
Wow
Ma’am you have so far not disappointed!! I was screaming at this book on a couple occasions. Like man why please just listen, just hear her out don’t leave! I felt like I was one the door was being closed on. Where is the next one. Amazing read! Thank you
Ma’am you have so far not disappointed!! I was screaming at this book on a couple occasions. Like man why please just listen, just hear her out don’t leave! I felt like I was one the door was being closed on. Where is the next one. Amazing read! Thank you
June 20, 2025
Wow
Ezra & Yavanni! I smiled throughout the first few chapters. It's a certain peace that comes from Ezra's point of view, that feels like love at first sight. Yaya's point of view reads true most of the time. I think its the realist, sweetest, love story I've read in a minute.
Ezra & Yavanni! I smiled throughout the first few chapters. It's a certain peace that comes from Ezra's point of view, that feels like love at first sight. Yaya's point of view reads true most of the time. I think its the realist, sweetest, love story I've read in a minute.
June 25, 2025
This story pulls real emotion from you
This story was a worldwide. I loved how everything happened so organically. None of the story felt forced. I was truly invested and cried real tears with them. If there is any question this is a great read
This story was a worldwide. I loved how everything happened so organically. None of the story felt forced. I was truly invested and cried real tears with them. If there is any question this is a great read
July 22, 2025
nice
Thought they weren’t gonna make it. Glad his past didn’t come back on him. Best part was making things right w/ parents. Easy to cut folks off. Hard to make them see u’re more than what they want to see
Thought they weren’t gonna make it. Glad his past didn’t come back on him. Best part was making things right w/ parents. Easy to cut folks off. Hard to make them see u’re more than what they want to see
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews