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Waypoints
Ten years after high school, Zae Richardson is stuck. He's delivering food, suffering from depression, and living with an abusive, drug-addicted father. One night, he sees the girl who once made his life Janiyah Jones. She's walking down the street in the lower districts, dressed in glitter and heels, bruises painted onto her skin. After discovering her in a traumatic, compromising situation, Zae makes a choice that will change everything for both of them.
He takes her home.
He takes her home.
319 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 11, 2025
4 people are currently reading
38 people want to read
About the author
Mariah L. Stevens
18 books112 followersMariah L. Stevens is a half-Black author and artist who lives in the PNW. She is diagnosed with Autism, BiPolar 1, and CPTSD. Mariah has been writing since she was 13 years old, and she plans to use her passion and life experience to help other survivors through the power of prose. She is a sex trafficking and Bulimia survivor that advocates for recovery and a life worth living. She encourages mental health awareness, as well as ED awareness in Black individuals, and weaves all of these elements into her work with the sole purpose of helping others seek recovery.
Mariah is a very creative person. She loves to write, draw, design fabric, sew lolita-style dresses, design her own book covers, and do different types of crafting. She loves Japanese fashion, Kingdom Hearts, Disneyland, and her cat, Chiiyo.
Mariah listens to metalcore and post-hardcore, has way too many pictures of MGK and Zendaya in her phone, and has 3 Kingdom Hearts tattoos.
She also really loves Godzilla.
Mariah is a very creative person. She loves to write, draw, design fabric, sew lolita-style dresses, design her own book covers, and do different types of crafting. She loves Japanese fashion, Kingdom Hearts, Disneyland, and her cat, Chiiyo.
Mariah listens to metalcore and post-hardcore, has way too many pictures of MGK and Zendaya in her phone, and has 3 Kingdom Hearts tattoos.
She also really loves Godzilla.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
July 4, 2025
ARC Review
📚 Book Title: Waypoints
✍🏽Author: Mariah L. Stevens Format: eBook = 📱 ⭐️ Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 = 3.5/5 🌶 Spice Level: 🌶🌶🌶 = Medium/Hot
🕑Quick Take:
Zae Richardson and Janiyah Jones were former high school enemies. Ten years later, they unexpectedly become a pair willing to fight for each other and their growing love.
💕What I Loved:
I admired their resilience despite the trauma each of them faced individually. Moreover, I appreciated their willingness to heal independently rather than relying on each other for that healing. My favorite exchange was: “I’m pretty damn broken,” he laughed. “Will you wait for me while I’m putting my pieces back together?” “As long as you wait for me while I do the same.” “I promise.”
Tropes:
- Recue Romance
- Enemies to Lovers
- Forced Proximity
- Single Bed
⚠️ Heads Up (Trigger/Content Warnings):
- Mature Content 18+
- Substance Abuse
- Physical Abuse
- Sex Trafficking
💭Final Thoughts: This novel was a profoundly emotional read, and I had to take my time with it due to its heavy content. The author mentioned that it is a semi-autobiographical work, which makes me appreciate her vulnerability and willingness to share such a story. This narrative highlights the experiences of those who are survivors of sex trafficking.
Thanks to the author, Mariah L. Stevens, for the advanced reader copy!
#Waypoints #MariahLStevens #ARCReview #bookreview #bookstagram #romancereads #ChrysieZReads
📚 Book Title: Waypoints
✍🏽Author: Mariah L. Stevens Format: eBook = 📱 ⭐️ Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 = 3.5/5 🌶 Spice Level: 🌶🌶🌶 = Medium/Hot
🕑Quick Take:
Zae Richardson and Janiyah Jones were former high school enemies. Ten years later, they unexpectedly become a pair willing to fight for each other and their growing love.
💕What I Loved:
I admired their resilience despite the trauma each of them faced individually. Moreover, I appreciated their willingness to heal independently rather than relying on each other for that healing. My favorite exchange was: “I’m pretty damn broken,” he laughed. “Will you wait for me while I’m putting my pieces back together?” “As long as you wait for me while I do the same.” “I promise.”
Tropes:
- Recue Romance
- Enemies to Lovers
- Forced Proximity
- Single Bed
⚠️ Heads Up (Trigger/Content Warnings):
- Mature Content 18+
- Substance Abuse
- Physical Abuse
- Sex Trafficking
💭Final Thoughts: This novel was a profoundly emotional read, and I had to take my time with it due to its heavy content. The author mentioned that it is a semi-autobiographical work, which makes me appreciate her vulnerability and willingness to share such a story. This narrative highlights the experiences of those who are survivors of sex trafficking.
Thanks to the author, Mariah L. Stevens, for the advanced reader copy!
#Waypoints #MariahLStevens #ARCReview #bookreview #bookstagram #romancereads #ChrysieZReads
July 7, 2025
This standalone romance comes with a warning: to check the trigger warnings before diving in, as the story is a semi-autobiographical depiction of sex trafficking and the intense trauma surrounding it. Told from the MMC’s point of view, it’s a raw and heartbreaking journey of Zae Richardson and Janiyah Jones.
Zae is stuck in his hometown, working as a food delivery driver and living at home with an abusive father. He feels trapped, unable to find a way out. One night, while on a break from his deliveries, he spots Janiyah, a girl he remembers from high school. Janiyah has been forced into sex work, suffering constant physical and sexual abuse at the hands of the men who pay for her. When Zae sees her, he makes the decision to take her home, determined to help her escape her horrific circumstances.
Both Zae and Janiyah are deeply broken, carrying heavy burdens of pain and hopelessness. Over the course of two weeks, they begin to help each other heal, realizing that neither of them is defined by the trauma they’ve endured. Together, they see the possibility of a future beyond the darkness.
This book is a powerful story of healing, resilience, and the fight to overcome unimaginable trauma. It’s very emotional and realistic, and utterly unapologetic in portraying the painful truths both characters face. You can feel Zae and Janiyah’s pain and so is the hope that blooms between them.
Zae is stuck in his hometown, working as a food delivery driver and living at home with an abusive father. He feels trapped, unable to find a way out. One night, while on a break from his deliveries, he spots Janiyah, a girl he remembers from high school. Janiyah has been forced into sex work, suffering constant physical and sexual abuse at the hands of the men who pay for her. When Zae sees her, he makes the decision to take her home, determined to help her escape her horrific circumstances.
Both Zae and Janiyah are deeply broken, carrying heavy burdens of pain and hopelessness. Over the course of two weeks, they begin to help each other heal, realizing that neither of them is defined by the trauma they’ve endured. Together, they see the possibility of a future beyond the darkness.
This book is a powerful story of healing, resilience, and the fight to overcome unimaginable trauma. It’s very emotional and realistic, and utterly unapologetic in portraying the painful truths both characters face. You can feel Zae and Janiyah’s pain and so is the hope that blooms between them.
July 10, 2025
a story of trauma, healing, love, trust and faith.
waypoints is a mixture of a little bit of everything for daily life - along with an incredible story of beating trauma by the source. i absolutely fell in love with janiyah and zae🥹
zae is such a caring, idgaf about anyone’s opinion type of guy! typical book bf if i’m gonna be real😍
janiyah is a girl who beats all odds even when they are totally against her - zae may have saved her but she could have defs saved herself😉
overall a eye-opening read! i really loved the development of the MCs and everything they endure - well not everything but you get the gist💀
check out Mariah’s book line up if you haven’t yet!! She has a ton of books that you’ll LOVE if you loved this🫶🏻
waypoints is a mixture of a little bit of everything for daily life - along with an incredible story of beating trauma by the source. i absolutely fell in love with janiyah and zae🥹
zae is such a caring, idgaf about anyone’s opinion type of guy! typical book bf if i’m gonna be real😍
janiyah is a girl who beats all odds even when they are totally against her - zae may have saved her but she could have defs saved herself😉
overall a eye-opening read! i really loved the development of the MCs and everything they endure - well not everything but you get the gist💀
check out Mariah’s book line up if you haven’t yet!! She has a ton of books that you’ll LOVE if you loved this🫶🏻
June 24, 2025
This was my very first ARC read, and I was anything but disappointed.
The book explores themes that are not often openly discussed, and there were moments that truly took my breath away. The characters are strong and grow beautifully throughout the story.
The plot takes place over the span of two to three weeks, which creates a very natural, unhurried pace. The focus on emotions was one of my favorite parts. It really allowed me to connect with the characters on a deeper level.
The two main characters evolve from acquaintances to lovers, but there’s a complicated “enemies” history between them. This backstory gradually unfolds as the story progresses, and I really appreciated the way it was revealed.
Overall, this was a captivating and emotional read that left a strong impression.
The book explores themes that are not often openly discussed, and there were moments that truly took my breath away. The characters are strong and grow beautifully throughout the story.
The plot takes place over the span of two to three weeks, which creates a very natural, unhurried pace. The focus on emotions was one of my favorite parts. It really allowed me to connect with the characters on a deeper level.
The two main characters evolve from acquaintances to lovers, but there’s a complicated “enemies” history between them. This backstory gradually unfolds as the story progresses, and I really appreciated the way it was revealed.
Overall, this was a captivating and emotional read that left a strong impression.
July 16, 2025
Knowing that this is a story based on truth, I was already invested. I wanted to know how someone who has been through sex trafficking would retell a story like that. I wouldn’t trust an author to write something like this if they didnt have first hand knowledge of the emotions after something as bad as that. And so everything Janiyah did or explained was both fascinating and terrifying. I find myself hoping that many things were stretched for storytelling but I know that no matter how much was added, the author has been through more than anyone should. The trigger warnings are heavy for this one.
I liked the forward motion of the story telling. It didn’t linger on any scenes long enough for me to get bored. In fact every few paragraphs I read drew me into the story and the characters more. I absolutely loved how Zae and Janiyah interacted with each other. I could see both of their sides even when they didn’t agree.
I do have one question though, how did she time the spicy scenes for whenever I happened to be around people? XD
My only critique would be that I wish the book trusted the reader a bit more. Sometimes I felt like if something happened a few chapters ago, it was assumed that was forgotten. Seemingly by the characters themselves too somehow. So it was re-explained or brought up before that plot point continued. This book felt like you could lazily read it but with added trauma and devastation.
This is the first book I’ve read by Mariah but it definitely will not be the last.
I liked the forward motion of the story telling. It didn’t linger on any scenes long enough for me to get bored. In fact every few paragraphs I read drew me into the story and the characters more. I absolutely loved how Zae and Janiyah interacted with each other. I could see both of their sides even when they didn’t agree.
I do have one question though, how did she time the spicy scenes for whenever I happened to be around people? XD
My only critique would be that I wish the book trusted the reader a bit more. Sometimes I felt like if something happened a few chapters ago, it was assumed that was forgotten. Seemingly by the characters themselves too somehow. So it was re-explained or brought up before that plot point continued. This book felt like you could lazily read it but with added trauma and devastation.
This is the first book I’ve read by Mariah but it definitely will not be the last.
July 18, 2025
Waypoints was a deeply emotional read for me as Mariah wrote about tough and thought-provoking themes like abuse, rape, trafficking, etc. There were poignant moments between Janiyah and Zae as they dealt with their respective traumas but the bond that built between them and the way that they cared for each other had me in tears and smiling at the beautiful relationship.
I liked how well each characters was fleshed out. From Zae's absolutely horrendous father and the trauma in that situation to Janiyah's losses that led to the harsh life that she found herself in. It was hard to read about how the characters felt or talked about themselves but also shockingly real. I think most of us have days where we insult ourselves or let our pasts make us feel crappy. The mental breakdowns and panic attacks suffered by the main characters got to me; I was emotionally invested in the story and sympathized with them.
The spicy moments were on a different level than most of the other books I read. Zae's insistence on receiving consent from Janiyah was sexy and how patient he was with her?! Swoon. There was such an intimate and trusting vibe between them in those moments and I blushed when reading it.
Waypoints should be on your summer reading list immediately!
*Huge thanks to Mariah for the ARC!
I liked how well each characters was fleshed out. From Zae's absolutely horrendous father and the trauma in that situation to Janiyah's losses that led to the harsh life that she found herself in. It was hard to read about how the characters felt or talked about themselves but also shockingly real. I think most of us have days where we insult ourselves or let our pasts make us feel crappy. The mental breakdowns and panic attacks suffered by the main characters got to me; I was emotionally invested in the story and sympathized with them.
The spicy moments were on a different level than most of the other books I read. Zae's insistence on receiving consent from Janiyah was sexy and how patient he was with her?! Swoon. There was such an intimate and trusting vibe between them in those moments and I blushed when reading it.
Waypoints should be on your summer reading list immediately!
*Huge thanks to Mariah for the ARC!
July 4, 2025
3/3.5 This one is incredibly hard to rate given that the story is inspired by true events lived by the author.
First off, I inhaled the book because I really wanted to know what happened and how it ended. The book is relatively short but the topic is heavy. Both characters Zae and Janiyah are absolutely broken when they meet. They each have their own problem, and they need each other.
There is this enemies-to-lovers vibe because they know each other from before. But this part of the plot, plus the friends from before, didn't seem necessary (apart for Janiyah to tell openly what she was doing). This part felt a bit out of place for me and I just didn't like it.
It's a beautiful love story, but don't expect something sweet to quickly. It's heartbreaking for a long time until it's not. That's the only thing I can say without spoiling it.
Make sure you read the trigger warnings. There is a long page, and they are there for a reason.
I received an e-ARC from the author. Thank you for the opportunity to read the book before its published date. This review is my own and I'm leaving it voluntarily.
First off, I inhaled the book because I really wanted to know what happened and how it ended. The book is relatively short but the topic is heavy. Both characters Zae and Janiyah are absolutely broken when they meet. They each have their own problem, and they need each other.
There is this enemies-to-lovers vibe because they know each other from before. But this part of the plot, plus the friends from before, didn't seem necessary (apart for Janiyah to tell openly what she was doing). This part felt a bit out of place for me and I just didn't like it.
It's a beautiful love story, but don't expect something sweet to quickly. It's heartbreaking for a long time until it's not. That's the only thing I can say without spoiling it.
Make sure you read the trigger warnings. There is a long page, and they are there for a reason.
I received an e-ARC from the author. Thank you for the opportunity to read the book before its published date. This review is my own and I'm leaving it voluntarily.
July 11, 2025
This was my first read by Mariah Stevens. It was a heavy, heartbreaking, gut wrenching, and heartfelt read. It is hard to say heartfelt with so much heaviness, abuse and trauma. Both Janiyah and Zae pulled at my heartstrings.
I am not going to dive too much into the storyline because it is a read you need to feel for yourself. I will say I enjoyed the authors style of writing. I could visualize and empathize with what was going on with the characters. I was brought to tears several times. I was not a fan of their friend groups, I felt I was getting protective of the characters as if I knew them. I loved how Janiyah and Zae’s situationship started (although the they were enemies in high school) then into a friendship then blossomed into a beautiful romance. The way they let their guard down with each other and their layers began to peel back. Beginning to trust each other where they have been let down with life so many times before. Healing each other, giving each other grace and learning to love.
Well worth the read! Just make sure you read the TWs because it has many and make sure you have tissues ready.
I am not going to dive too much into the storyline because it is a read you need to feel for yourself. I will say I enjoyed the authors style of writing. I could visualize and empathize with what was going on with the characters. I was brought to tears several times. I was not a fan of their friend groups, I felt I was getting protective of the characters as if I knew them. I loved how Janiyah and Zae’s situationship started (although the they were enemies in high school) then into a friendship then blossomed into a beautiful romance. The way they let their guard down with each other and their layers began to peel back. Beginning to trust each other where they have been let down with life so many times before. Healing each other, giving each other grace and learning to love.
Well worth the read! Just make sure you read the TWs because it has many and make sure you have tissues ready.
July 11, 2025
**ARC Review**
This book is a powerful, emotional journey—and one that left a lasting mark on me. It tells the story of two deeply wounded souls, Janiyah and Zae, who find healing not just through love, but through patience, safety, and mutual respect. The themes are heavy—abuse, trafficking, deep emotional scars—but they’re handled with care and authenticity.
What stood out most was how beautifully the author built a relationship rooted in safety. Janiyah’s growth—from guarded and unsure to confident in herself and her relationship—was nothing short of inspiring. And Zae? Zae is the blueprint. A man who is endlessly patient, kind, and always makes sure his partner knows she has a voice. The way he checks in, the way he prioritizes consent and comfort—it’s something we don’t see enough of in romance.
The HEA (happily ever after) was so needed. Anything less would’ve been emotionally devastating after the rawness of their journey. This story is equal parts heartbreaking and healing—and absolutely worth the read. Mariah has such a beautiful way of telling complex, emotional stories with grace. I already can’t wait to read more.
This book is a powerful, emotional journey—and one that left a lasting mark on me. It tells the story of two deeply wounded souls, Janiyah and Zae, who find healing not just through love, but through patience, safety, and mutual respect. The themes are heavy—abuse, trafficking, deep emotional scars—but they’re handled with care and authenticity.
What stood out most was how beautifully the author built a relationship rooted in safety. Janiyah’s growth—from guarded and unsure to confident in herself and her relationship—was nothing short of inspiring. And Zae? Zae is the blueprint. A man who is endlessly patient, kind, and always makes sure his partner knows she has a voice. The way he checks in, the way he prioritizes consent and comfort—it’s something we don’t see enough of in romance.
The HEA (happily ever after) was so needed. Anything less would’ve been emotionally devastating after the rawness of their journey. This story is equal parts heartbreaking and healing—and absolutely worth the read. Mariah has such a beautiful way of telling complex, emotional stories with grace. I already can’t wait to read more.
July 1, 2025
“I feel like I exist in a world separate from everyone else. I could be sitting in the middle of a crowded park and feel like I don’t exist on the same plane as the rest of you. Everyone else is clean, and then there’s me. There’s me, and I’m dirty.”
Waypoints by Mariah L. Stevens is an amazing tale of trauma and healing. It’s a story of two broken souls seeing each other and finding the will to fight and start healing.
The story is gritty, emotional, and unapologetic. Stories of surviving the trauma and wanting to heal are just as important as stories of true love's first kiss.
Mariah did a wonderful justice writing and made me fall in love with Zae & Janiyah more and more with each turn of the page.
This is a story that needs to be told to the world and I have no notes.
5/5 would let it make me cry again.
Waypoints by Mariah L. Stevens is an amazing tale of trauma and healing. It’s a story of two broken souls seeing each other and finding the will to fight and start healing.
The story is gritty, emotional, and unapologetic. Stories of surviving the trauma and wanting to heal are just as important as stories of true love's first kiss.
Mariah did a wonderful justice writing and made me fall in love with Zae & Janiyah more and more with each turn of the page.
This is a story that needs to be told to the world and I have no notes.
5/5 would let it make me cry again.
October 24, 2025
What a super emotional story!!
I really enjoyed this story being an all male POV, especially since the subject matter is super rough to begin with.
Zae and Janiyah's story was super emotionally packed. From Zae's struggle with his life being so hard and underwhelming compared to his friends and Janiyah's complete 180 turn from what was expected of her. These two people were just so hurt and beat down that it was hard getting through the story at some scenes.
Each time Zae had an interaction with someone who wanted to hurt him, hurt me. When Janiyah admitted to being given to only people who wanted to hurt and degrade her, hurt me.
I'm so glad that these two found their freedom. it may not have been what either of them pictured. but it was theirs and it was the perfect start to their forever.
I really enjoyed this story being an all male POV, especially since the subject matter is super rough to begin with.
Zae and Janiyah's story was super emotionally packed. From Zae's struggle with his life being so hard and underwhelming compared to his friends and Janiyah's complete 180 turn from what was expected of her. These two people were just so hurt and beat down that it was hard getting through the story at some scenes.
Each time Zae had an interaction with someone who wanted to hurt him, hurt me. When Janiyah admitted to being given to only people who wanted to hurt and degrade her, hurt me.
I'm so glad that these two found their freedom. it may not have been what either of them pictured. but it was theirs and it was the perfect start to their forever.
June 25, 2025
I really liked this book. Which is hard to say about a book with so much trauma/recovery. It was a "heavy" read but it was also filled with different ways of seeing things and different ways to recover from trauma. It was heartbreaking to see how the FMC viewed herself. It was also so great to see how the MMC helped her and tried hard to show her that she was human. A person. Someone who didn't deserve what happened and did deserve good things including love. I also felt bad for the MMC and his situation. Here is someone who is struggling with his own demons external and internal and yet, I think that helped him to see the FMCs perspective. It was beautifully written and they complimented eachother so well. I loved that in the end, they saved each other.
July 6, 2025
Waypoints is a semi-autobiographical work by the author that covers some dark topics like human trafficking and abuse, so please check the trigger warnings before reading.
That being said, it is a beautiful romance story between Zae and Janiyah.
Some of the most important elements I found in this story are that survivors are deserving of love and how no one can tell you what is the right way to heal from, or handle trauma.
It was a hard read at times due to the subject matter, but highly worth it. Zae and Janiyah both have their own difficult situations, but support each other throughout the story.
Waypoints is definitely worth reading if you want an open door romance that is of a more serious nature.
That being said, it is a beautiful romance story between Zae and Janiyah.
Some of the most important elements I found in this story are that survivors are deserving of love and how no one can tell you what is the right way to heal from, or handle trauma.
It was a hard read at times due to the subject matter, but highly worth it. Zae and Janiyah both have their own difficult situations, but support each other throughout the story.
Waypoints is definitely worth reading if you want an open door romance that is of a more serious nature.
July 11, 2025
This book was a rollercoaster ride, but in the best way possible. It is a very heavy, but powerful story about healing. Since I know the author and their story I could see where they weaved pieces of themselves throughout the pages. Janiyah being the bully was a nice surprise, since it’s always the mmc who tends to play this role. Despite this, Zae still did his best to help her. I also liked how they didn’t rely on each other to heal. It really shows how you can forgive yourself and have a fresh start independently even with the support from those around you. Absolutely loved this book and I can’t wait to see what else Mariah has in store for us. I did receive an arc and this is my honest review.
July 13, 2025
Man this one had me crying before I even got to chapter 10.
Knowing this was a semi-autobiographical story I went in open minded but my heart broke. I am proud of you for writing books that contain a little bit of you in all of them. This one definitely pulled at my heart strings. I did have to put it down for a bit to catch my breath but I couldn't put it down for long....I needed to know how this story ended. And your books never disappoint. I was so drawn in. The angsty banter, the characters and the memories they had from years ago...the feeling of safety with a certain someone.
This book was frickin' fantastic. I'm so incredibly proud of you and how hard you have worked through everything and now have an outlet for others to hear part of your story 💜
Knowing this was a semi-autobiographical story I went in open minded but my heart broke. I am proud of you for writing books that contain a little bit of you in all of them. This one definitely pulled at my heart strings. I did have to put it down for a bit to catch my breath but I couldn't put it down for long....I needed to know how this story ended. And your books never disappoint. I was so drawn in. The angsty banter, the characters and the memories they had from years ago...the feeling of safety with a certain someone.
This book was frickin' fantastic. I'm so incredibly proud of you and how hard you have worked through everything and now have an outlet for others to hear part of your story 💜
June 29, 2025
This is a wonderful story, definitely read the trigger warnings though.
The author discusses a lot of important topics such as human trafficking, child abuse, drug use, and sexual abuse. The author stated that this is semi biographical for themselves and I just want to praise the author for being able to talk about such hard to talk about topics, especially if they come from some sort of experience, and to put it into such a well written flowy, romance, they win in the end, kind of book with out detracting from the raw reality that they are putting forth.
I was able to read this as an E-ARC through the author.
The author discusses a lot of important topics such as human trafficking, child abuse, drug use, and sexual abuse. The author stated that this is semi biographical for themselves and I just want to praise the author for being able to talk about such hard to talk about topics, especially if they come from some sort of experience, and to put it into such a well written flowy, romance, they win in the end, kind of book with out detracting from the raw reality that they are putting forth.
I was able to read this as an E-ARC through the author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 29, 2025
This is Mariah's best book yet 💖 Her writing has grown so much over the years and I think this is her most mature work, and her most loveable MCM. I loved the dynamic of the two main characters, I genuinely felt like they took care of each other.
Bully romance is something that Mariah often incorporates into her stories, and I felt like this one was super well done; Janiyah being the former bully rather than the MCM added an extra layer to their relationship and made it feel like they were on more equal ground.
The subject matter is something very personal to the author, and I feel like she did a great job portraying that everyone, no matter what they've been through deserves love ❤️
Bully romance is something that Mariah often incorporates into her stories, and I felt like this one was super well done; Janiyah being the former bully rather than the MCM added an extra layer to their relationship and made it feel like they were on more equal ground.
The subject matter is something very personal to the author, and I feel like she did a great job portraying that everyone, no matter what they've been through deserves love ❤️
July 12, 2025
Yall I cried reading this. This was such an emotional read for me and the writing was just so hard hitting. The stories of Zae and Janiyah and the countless others who are just like them, are just so heartbreaking. I’m so happy that they got a sweet happy ending and got to run away in peace to heal. I adore this book and the author and I am definitely reading anything this author writes. I definitely recommend this author and the books. I’m very glad to have been gifted a copy of the book.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / Out of 5 Stars ⭐️
Genre/Tropes ✨ forced proximity, rescue romance, running away, enemies to lovers, contemporary romance
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / Out of 5 Stars ⭐️
Genre/Tropes ✨ forced proximity, rescue romance, running away, enemies to lovers, contemporary romance
July 7, 2025
I received an ARC of Waypoints by Mariah L. Stevens, it is a partial autobiographical story that is driven by Janiyah’s(FMC) survival intertwined with Zae’s(MMC) struggles. Each character faced adversity after graduating high school and have an unexpected encounter one night. From here we discover Zae is stuck living at home with his abusive and drug addicted father while Janiyah is a victim of sex trafficking. Both characters explore their trauma in order to further understand each other after being former bullies in high school. This vulnerability helps their relationship deepen and aids their healing towards a better life together. Overall this story encompasses a lot of heavy themes but showcases light at the end of a dark tunnel. Waypoints is out on July 10th, don’t forget to snag a copy!
July 16, 2025
3.5 stars
heed the trigger warnings
this is an interesting book, not only because of the heavy topic and the semi-autobiographical nature, but also because of the characters and narrative flow. it’s an almost surprisingly easy read, i got immediately into it and wanted to keep reading, despite this not being the kind of story i typically pick up. it’s dark and gritty and the characters feel very alive. you feel for them, fear for them, and cheer for them. they are two broken people coming together beautifully and you want nothing more than to see them escape and heal.
heed the trigger warnings
this is an interesting book, not only because of the heavy topic and the semi-autobiographical nature, but also because of the characters and narrative flow. it’s an almost surprisingly easy read, i got immediately into it and wanted to keep reading, despite this not being the kind of story i typically pick up. it’s dark and gritty and the characters feel very alive. you feel for them, fear for them, and cheer for them. they are two broken people coming together beautifully and you want nothing more than to see them escape and heal.
August 2, 2025
This was an emotional read.
I loved the relationship between Janiyah and Zae. Even though they both had some really awful trauma in their lives, they learned to trust each other.
Both of them grew throughout the story, and I think that's not always something that happens.
The pacing of their relationship was done well. I don't feel like it was rushed.
My heart broke for both of them, and I found myself on the verge of tears many times. But their relationship was beautiful, and I'm really glad that I took the chance on their story.
*I received an early copy of this book, and these are my actual thoughts that I am leaving voluntarily*
I loved the relationship between Janiyah and Zae. Even though they both had some really awful trauma in their lives, they learned to trust each other.
Both of them grew throughout the story, and I think that's not always something that happens.
The pacing of their relationship was done well. I don't feel like it was rushed.
My heart broke for both of them, and I found myself on the verge of tears many times. But their relationship was beautiful, and I'm really glad that I took the chance on their story.
*I received an early copy of this book, and these are my actual thoughts that I am leaving voluntarily*
October 27, 2025
I had the pleasure of reviewing the book I rate it 4 stars!!
This book is a beautiful story about healing, overcoming trauma, and resilience. You can feel the pain Zae and Janiyah go through. This was a well-written storyline but be sure to read the trigger warnings before you read because the book discusses dark and deep topics.
This book is a beautiful story about healing, overcoming trauma, and resilience. You can feel the pain Zae and Janiyah go through. This was a well-written storyline but be sure to read the trigger warnings before you read because the book discusses dark and deep topics.
July 9, 2025
I FREAKING LOVED THIS 😭😭😭😭 It was a heavy read but gosh was it done so well. So so well! To watch Zae and Janiyah help each other - to heal, to escape 😭😭😭😭 And that sweet mouth of Zae during spicyyy twimess damn that boy 🤭
July 10, 2025
Wow just wow! This book was absolutely incredible! While it does cover hard topics, it truly ends beautifully! Showing that you are more than your past. That your past is a part of you but it is not who you are! I love the MMC and FMC together! Absolutely beautiful work!
October 14, 2025
Very well written and a beautiful story!
November 1, 2025
This book was a well written emotional roller coaster. I just hope they the main characters found some peace and healing and are now living a happier and healthier life.
Read
November 25, 2025I don’t really know how to rate this one so I’m going to leave it blank.
I appreciate the author’s vulnerability since it’s semi autobiographical. This one and I just didn’t click.
I appreciate the author’s vulnerability since it’s semi autobiographical. This one and I just didn’t click.
July 9, 2025
Zae & Janiyah’s story was heartbreaking but healing all in one. This was such a beautiful story it’s definitely very heavy but oh my everything that they went through & always being there for each other
Even though Zae was going through some tough shit as soon as he saw Janiyah he knew he needed to save her & for that he was always be my #1 book boyfriend.
I hated how those people just took advantage of Janiyah when she was still so vulnerable but she came out the other end stronger than ever.
thank you so much to the author for this ARC!
Even though Zae was going through some tough shit as soon as he saw Janiyah he knew he needed to save her & for that he was always be my #1 book boyfriend.
I hated how those people just took advantage of Janiyah when she was still so vulnerable but she came out the other end stronger than ever.
thank you so much to the author for this ARC!
August 6, 2025
This was an emotional read and I really appreciate and enjoyed it truly! Make sure to read the warnings and triggers before diving into this book.
I didn’t take this story lightly. It was written special , you can tell how sensitive and vulnerable the characters were to the author. This romance book is about fighting trauma, healing and strength it to take deal with those experiences.
It is raw, heartbreaking and deeply beautiful.
Zae was this sweet, caring, patient and protective MMC and I absolutely love how he came after Janiyah. She deserved someone who truly saw her for who she is and not what she been through. They both are broken and trying to help each other through the trauma and pain they been through.
Have your tissue ready. It’s so worth the read!
I didn’t take this story lightly. It was written special , you can tell how sensitive and vulnerable the characters were to the author. This romance book is about fighting trauma, healing and strength it to take deal with those experiences.
It is raw, heartbreaking and deeply beautiful.
Zae was this sweet, caring, patient and protective MMC and I absolutely love how he came after Janiyah. She deserved someone who truly saw her for who she is and not what she been through. They both are broken and trying to help each other through the trauma and pain they been through.
Have your tissue ready. It’s so worth the read!
November 8, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Wow this book was an incredible read but a heartbreaking one at the same time. this is the first book of Mariah’s i have read but it sure will not be the last. This story is based of real events that had happen so please check trigger warnings before reading. The main characters Janiyah and Zae went to high school together Janiyah was not Zae biggest fan and vice versa. But now there each others safe place. Zae’s patience with Janiyah was incredible i loved seeing their new friend ship grow even though it was around heart breaking circumstances. They were truly each others safe place. This book is definitely worth the read but please check trigger warnings.
I received this book as ARC in return for my honest review.
Wow this book was an incredible read but a heartbreaking one at the same time. this is the first book of Mariah’s i have read but it sure will not be the last. This story is based of real events that had happen so please check trigger warnings before reading. The main characters Janiyah and Zae went to high school together Janiyah was not Zae biggest fan and vice versa. But now there each others safe place. Zae’s patience with Janiyah was incredible i loved seeing their new friend ship grow even though it was around heart breaking circumstances. They were truly each others safe place. This book is definitely worth the read but please check trigger warnings.
I received this book as ARC in return for my honest review.
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