What do you think?
Rate this book
You Deserve Good Things
At sixteen, Shaniya Stiles endures a tragedy that changes everything. In an instant, the sweet, vibrant girl from New Orleans’ Lower 9th Ward becomes silent—her voice stolen by trauma and fear. Her best friend Jacory James, the boy she’s secretly loved for years, tries desperately to reach her, but Shaniya can’t let herself get close—not when loss feels like a guarantee.
When her parents uproot the family to Houston in search of a fresh start, Shaniya and Jacory are torn apart, their bond severed by distance and time.
Four years later, their paths cross again—older, different, but still tethered by something unspoken. Jacory is no longer a boy; he’s a man determined not to let her slip away again. And Shaniya, still carrying the weight of her past, must find the courage to face what broke her… and decide if she’s ready to embrace love again.
Told through the eyes of Shaniya, Jacory, her family, and the friends who walk beside them, You Deserve Good Things is a heartfelt love story about trauma, rediscovery, and learning that even in silence, you are worthy of something beautiful.
When her parents uproot the family to Houston in search of a fresh start, Shaniya and Jacory are torn apart, their bond severed by distance and time.
Four years later, their paths cross again—older, different, but still tethered by something unspoken. Jacory is no longer a boy; he’s a man determined not to let her slip away again. And Shaniya, still carrying the weight of her past, must find the courage to face what broke her… and decide if she’s ready to embrace love again.
Told through the eyes of Shaniya, Jacory, her family, and the friends who walk beside them, You Deserve Good Things is a heartfelt love story about trauma, rediscovery, and learning that even in silence, you are worthy of something beautiful.
182 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 6, 2025
110 people are currently reading
53 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
July 12, 2025
A honest review
First things first, the reviews are very misleading! Let’s normalize giving honest reviews and constructive criticism so these authors can apply and improve! I downloaded this book for two reasons the first being BLP and the second was the very first review under this book on Amazon. While the storyline was great the execution was lack luster. Everything was rushed and the dialogue was very minimal between all characters. half way through the book I had to question what was the point. You spoke of this great grief but us as readers didn’t get to feel it because it was described verses acted out if that makes sense for example you told us about therapy sessions opposed to her meeting with the therapist and really unpacking the grief, you told us about the moment she spoke to Daniele for the first time opposed to writing that dialogue out so that we got the full scope of how both girls felt in that moment, or how about her parents what did they feel when she finally started to heal? there was more but I hope that all make sense. As a reader I want to be so submersed in the book that I feel the emotions of the characters. With this book I don’t feel like I knew or could connect to these characters. I gave three star because it wasn’t terrible just wasn’t for me. Happy Reading!
First things first, the reviews are very misleading! Let’s normalize giving honest reviews and constructive criticism so these authors can apply and improve! I downloaded this book for two reasons the first being BLP and the second was the very first review under this book on Amazon. While the storyline was great the execution was lack luster. Everything was rushed and the dialogue was very minimal between all characters. half way through the book I had to question what was the point. You spoke of this great grief but us as readers didn’t get to feel it because it was described verses acted out if that makes sense for example you told us about therapy sessions opposed to her meeting with the therapist and really unpacking the grief, you told us about the moment she spoke to Daniele for the first time opposed to writing that dialogue out so that we got the full scope of how both girls felt in that moment, or how about her parents what did they feel when she finally started to heal? there was more but I hope that all make sense. As a reader I want to be so submersed in the book that I feel the emotions of the characters. With this book I don’t feel like I knew or could connect to these characters. I gave three star because it wasn’t terrible just wasn’t for me. Happy Reading!
July 20, 2025
This was a 3.5 for me.
The beginning could be a little triggering or you may find yourself crying so have your tissues ready. I liked the bond that Jacory had with Shaniya from a young age and how he still felt for her after their long separation. Daniale was a trip and she is a friend that I would want to have in real life. She is exactly what Shaniya needed to help get back to herself. I was happy that Shaniya used the trauma that she experienced and turned it into something positive to help others as well.
While I did like Jacory and Shaniya together, I found it a little repetitive at times with some of the language that was used for him expressing how he felt about her. Also, I found the relationship between Chase and Daniale to be a little confusing in how it was written because it wasn't really clear if they were going to get together or if they were together after he admitted how he felt about her so it threw the flow off a little for me.
Overall I thought this was a cute love story and a decent debut by the author but I took off half a star for the reasons stated above. However, that would not stop me from reading something else by this author.
The beginning could be a little triggering or you may find yourself crying so have your tissues ready. I liked the bond that Jacory had with Shaniya from a young age and how he still felt for her after their long separation. Daniale was a trip and she is a friend that I would want to have in real life. She is exactly what Shaniya needed to help get back to herself. I was happy that Shaniya used the trauma that she experienced and turned it into something positive to help others as well.
While I did like Jacory and Shaniya together, I found it a little repetitive at times with some of the language that was used for him expressing how he felt about her. Also, I found the relationship between Chase and Daniale to be a little confusing in how it was written because it wasn't really clear if they were going to get together or if they were together after he admitted how he felt about her so it threw the flow off a little for me.
Overall I thought this was a cute love story and a decent debut by the author but I took off half a star for the reasons stated above. However, that would not stop me from reading something else by this author.
July 9, 2025
This was a real, raw, graceful, full of fire read. it took you from a life of feel good young life, to the depths of despair & no hope or life, back to a breath of hope, life, and finding your way to a life of deserved love, after a tragic death.
The rawness of the story had me in my feelings and shedding an abundance of tears. it is not your ordinary love/romance story.
Shaniya and Jacory had love before they knew what it was. Shaniya had to find her voice again after witnessing the brutal death of her brother. It was a newfound friend, Daniale, that can be credited with forcing her to take her voice back.
Jacory was just as broken. However, he got himself together, and his best friend Chase helped him to find and reconnect with his heartbeat.
l loved the two best friends Chase and Daniale, who had their own story to sort and tell.
This is not your typical romance/love story, but it was an OUTSTANDING read. I LOVED it!
The rawness of the story had me in my feelings and shedding an abundance of tears. it is not your ordinary love/romance story.
Shaniya and Jacory had love before they knew what it was. Shaniya had to find her voice again after witnessing the brutal death of her brother. It was a newfound friend, Daniale, that can be credited with forcing her to take her voice back.
Jacory was just as broken. However, he got himself together, and his best friend Chase helped him to find and reconnect with his heartbeat.
l loved the two best friends Chase and Daniale, who had their own story to sort and tell.
This is not your typical romance/love story, but it was an OUTSTANDING read. I LOVED it!
July 8, 2025
I was completely engaged after chapter 1 and couldn't put it down. Yaya's description of her best friend and the love she had for him pulled me right on in. I'm a sucker for the romance... This story personified the test of time, grief, healing but ultimately TRUE LOVE. I loved how each chapter was in the POV of a specific character. It allowed the storyline to just flow perfectly. I love when an author writes and gives you "💩 and 😂". Yaya's friend, Daniale was a trip and I loved her personality. Her and Chase were a bundle of laughs! A good story that can make your girl laugh and cry in the same sitting is A1 in my book! The title in itself (in my opinion) serves another purpose because Meka Evette, YOU DESERVE GOOD THINGS!!! Well done and congratulations ❤️!
July 14, 2025
If you love stories.thats about friendships, family, loss, and love. This is the standalone for you! Jacory & Shaniya have been in each others lives since grade school. The love they had for one another was undeniable, then tragedy struck, and it changed them, causing a distance. If you love someone, let it go, and if it comes back, it was meant to be! Jacory & Shaniya baby got back together, and the love and chemistry remained strong! Chase and Daniale need to stop playing games.the love is there as well.
The epilogue was awesome!
The epilogue was awesome!
September 20, 2025
Good, but could be better
I liked this book. The storyline was good. The offputting part is THERE IS TOOOOOO MUCH SIMILE! The author uses this a lot to try to make a more in-depth description, but it's so frequent/constant that it's annoying. I believe this is her debut, and I hope that as she continues to write, she improves.
So, like I said, it was good, but could be better.
I liked this book. The storyline was good. The offputting part is THERE IS TOOOOOO MUCH SIMILE! The author uses this a lot to try to make a more in-depth description, but it's so frequent/constant that it's annoying. I believe this is her debut, and I hope that as she continues to write, she improves.
So, like I said, it was good, but could be better.
October 4, 2025
Beautiful
This story is truly beautiful. Trauma reaches us all in different ways, and grief doesn’t look the same for everyone. What I loved most is how JaCory knew exactly what he wanted, put his life in order, and went after his first love. And YaYa — she’s such a strong woman. She overcame so much, and once she realized she deserved happiness, she was finally able to open her heart and accept love. I know I’m saying a lot, but this story really touched me.
This story is truly beautiful. Trauma reaches us all in different ways, and grief doesn’t look the same for everyone. What I loved most is how JaCory knew exactly what he wanted, put his life in order, and went after his first love. And YaYa — she’s such a strong woman. She overcame so much, and once she realized she deserved happiness, she was finally able to open her heart and accept love. I know I’m saying a lot, but this story really touched me.
August 6, 2025
Beauty for ashes❤️
This was the most heartbreaking beautiful love story I have read in a very long time. The characters were so well written that I couldn’t stop reading. I normally don’t like sad situations but the love story made up for everything.
Beautifully written!! I think I’ve found a new author to follow 👍🏼
This was the most heartbreaking beautiful love story I have read in a very long time. The characters were so well written that I couldn’t stop reading. I normally don’t like sad situations but the love story made up for everything.
Beautifully written!! I think I’ve found a new author to follow 👍🏼
November 26, 2025
soul connected
Jacoby and Shirayah were connected and locked in from day one! This book had me crying, laughing and soaking up all that love ❤️
Silas was still watching over and looking for his baby sis. Silas, Jackey, and Chase had a brotherhood out of this world, it ain’t always about blood connections either.
Jacoby and Shirayah were connected and locked in from day one! This book had me crying, laughing and soaking up all that love ❤️
Silas was still watching over and looking for his baby sis. Silas, Jackey, and Chase had a brotherhood out of this world, it ain’t always about blood connections either.
December 22, 2025
Time's Up
Jacory had loved Shaniya before either of them knew what love was. He watched over her, watching her grow and become a beautiful young woman, his best friend. Tragedy ripped them apart before they ever had the chance to act on their love, and after years apart, Jacoby is going to reclaim his girl.
Jacory had loved Shaniya before either of them knew what love was. He watched over her, watching her grow and become a beautiful young woman, his best friend. Tragedy ripped them apart before they ever had the chance to act on their love, and after years apart, Jacoby is going to reclaim his girl.
July 10, 2025
Now THIS is a love story!
What an awesome read! I love that it started where their young love began, and then gave us that full G.A.M. (grown a$$ man) Jacory ! Whew Chile. I loved how he loved Haha. Just a great book. READ IT!
What an awesome read! I love that it started where their young love began, and then gave us that full G.A.M. (grown a$$ man) Jacory ! Whew Chile. I loved how he loved Haha. Just a great book. READ IT!
July 19, 2025
This was so good!!!!
What a love story. You really did your thing. To know your person from the beginning and never let it go is special. I look forward to more story telling from you.
What a love story. You really did your thing. To know your person from the beginning and never let it go is special. I look forward to more story telling from you.
July 24, 2025
💗💗
Whew this book was just what I needed that love that withstands the test of time. That soulmate type of love. No really crazy exs. Just healing and real soul crushing love. This was a great live story and I loved it
Whew this book was just what I needed that love that withstands the test of time. That soulmate type of love. No really crazy exs. Just healing and real soul crushing love. This was a great live story and I loved it
October 20, 2025
Beautifully written
This book pulled at my heartstrings and made me feel so many emotions! I laughed so much at chase and his banter, almost cried when Silas was mentioned and smiled at every happy moment. A beautiful love story and overcoming grief.
This book pulled at my heartstrings and made me feel so many emotions! I laughed so much at chase and his banter, almost cried when Silas was mentioned and smiled at every happy moment. A beautiful love story and overcoming grief.
July 8, 2025
Beautiful
I really enjoyed the book I laughed I cried. Even fell in love with the character so I would definitely recommend this book it was a Great Read 10 out of 10
I really enjoyed the book I laughed I cried. Even fell in love with the character so I would definitely recommend this book it was a Great Read 10 out of 10
July 15, 2025
I liked this, very cute. Explored trauma, and healing. I’m wondering if there will be a second book? If so, I’d read the follow up. I do feel some parts were sped up a bit, but overall I liked it.
September 13, 2025
Love This
This was a great read. This book had all the feels and ended perfectly. I can't wait to read the next book from Meka.
This was a great read. This book had all the feels and ended perfectly. I can't wait to read the next book from Meka.
November 28, 2025
🥺😭🥺 they went through so much
July 16, 2025
Definitely an emotional read in the beginning. The writing style was…different than I’m used to. It felt like I was reading the pages of the characters’ journals, with them narrating their inner thoughts & feelings. It was heavily descriptive with lots of rich metaphors and imagery. I think at its heart, this is a story of loving through fear & learning to live again after loss. And as much as I love a “it was always you” story, the way it was written just didn’t quite hit for me. I’m obsessed with this cover though. It captures the love that you could feel from Jacory & Shaniya through the pages.
November 19, 2025
Beautifully written debut!
This was right on time. A beautiful love started with tragedy early but through the grief love thrived.
Honorable mention goes out to bestie/Angel Dani! Fingers crossed we get her story.
Tears were shed, laughs were plentiful and my heart is full after reading. I look forward to reading more!
This was right on time. A beautiful love started with tragedy early but through the grief love thrived.
Honorable mention goes out to bestie/Angel Dani! Fingers crossed we get her story.
Tears were shed, laughs were plentiful and my heart is full after reading. I look forward to reading more!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews