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A YN'S Muse For The Summer: An Urban Romance Standalone

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At thirty-one years young, Amariyah Baker, a.k.a. Mari, didn’t have plans on being a single mother. But as a woman who is big on knowing her worth, she also wasn’t going to continue on in a relationship that no longer served her. A breakup was inevitable. However, a breakup and a baby being born within a few hours of each other wasn’t on her bingo card. Neither was the help of the fine YN, Jamel Jefferson, a.k.a. Melly.
What starts out as a chaotic favor turns into something deeper as the two are thrust into an intimate, vulnerable moment that neither of them could’ve predicted. Over late-night calls, shared goals, and quiet baby cries, Melly and Amariyah find unexpected comfort in each other. He steps up when her child’s father steps in only to demand control and stir up drama. She listens, helping him navigate his past, challenging him to choose between comfort and growth.

A YN’S MUSE FOR THE SUMMER is an urban romance that rewrites the narrative of when life doesn’t go as planned but works out just as it’s supposed to.

137 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 28, 2025

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NAI

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5 stars
383 (65%)
4 stars
151 (25%)
3 stars
41 (6%)
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10 (1%)
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1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
Profile Image for JazzReads .
1,170 reviews35 followers
August 12, 2025
This book was a fun summertime novella. This is my first book by this author and I want to read more books by her. The side characters in this book had me laughing.
Profile Image for Vonetta Evans.
453 reviews14 followers
August 21, 2025
Melly, Melly Melly.....

When Amariyah first crossed paths with Melly she just felt he was someone she knew from her grandmother's building and was nothing more than a youngin but he showed her that he was so much more. I liked the way that he stepped up and helped her out in more ways than one when she really needed it and more than once. I was happy that she finally used his number after he offered it and they actually formed a friendship before they became more which I appreciated.

Although Melly was young, he showed that he was mature, he was one of the good ones and I liked that he considered Amariyah and her daughter to be his when her baby daddy decided to leave the picture altogether. He didn't let no one mess with those he cared about and had no problems letting it be known verbally or with his hands when needed. I liked how their relationship grew organically and it was nice that the family on both sides were supportive of their union. This was an enjoyable read and the spice just added something extra to it.
Profile Image for Keesha.
710 reviews26 followers
August 26, 2025
One thing I’m gonna do is judge a book by its cover! And chile that title, I was not going to take this book seriously. But I can admit that I was so wrong about this book. This is such a cute story. The banter was everything! It was funny and sweet and Melly is that dude. “Melly’s air smell like good dick, money, and good decision making.” Amariyah girl, I would have folded too!
Profile Image for Ladii Zig.
1,229 reviews26 followers
January 10, 2026
Okay

This was a cool read. I don't feel like the title fit the storyline but the read was decent. Jalen was just a sorry excuse. I loved Melly energy throughout this whole read.
Profile Image for Mz_MELLO YELLO from the BAY.
489 reviews11 followers
August 3, 2025
This YN is different and I Love It!!

As long as it’s not a disrespectful age and neither parties are under 21 yrs of age it’s fair game 🫣! Who would’ve thought that a YN would be everything you needed with action to back it up!

Amariyah, was that chick that is about action more than words. Tried of the shoulda, coulda and woulda she let go of that extra baggage! Didn’t blame her at all. She already knew she was going to be a single mother once she made that decision to let go but she wasn’t expecting to have someone standing 10 toes behind her especially not a YN - Jamel 🥰! Through she knew he always flirted with her, she never took it serious! That baby daddy Jalen. He was as trifling as they come. He was the type that if he couldn’t have the mom, he didn’t want the child. Oh but her Doula Toni. I personally wanted to give her the business. She was as telling as they come! Who would’ve thought going on to labor would change the dynamic.

Jamel, your average YN or so you thought! Ya boy was about business and played no games! Yeah he may dab a little but his main hustle was being a barber. Not just any barber but one that made a name for himself. Loved the fact that everyone knew not to play with him or those he love. He been feeling Amariyah, but never pushed the envelope just left it as flirting, but being there for her when she needed him the most, changed his aspect on it all. Can I mention the hands ya boy had 🤣! When a man say they will crash out behind you, please pay attention 🤣 and know he means just that! The way she was there for him and cared about his life goals changed the game for him and his feeling for her!

Though it wasn’t an instant connection, GNani knew what it was 😉! Can I say I love GNani down! She had no filter at all. The way they connected as friends and wanting to learn each other was beautiful! This read made me want more of this story! Will definitely have to read more of this author work!
Profile Image for That Girl’s Reads.
46 reviews7 followers
August 14, 2025
Whew, bestie… this was such a quick, fun read and exactly the kind of story I want in my summer rotation.

We’ve got Jamel (aka Melly) and Amariyah (aka Mari), and their meet-cute is giving hood romance realness with a dash of fate. Mari has just ended a long-term relationship with a man moving way too funny — and she’s literally about to pop. Like, we are talking due date energy, sis. Was she trying to save something that was already dead just for the sake of the baby? Nope. She was over it, done, finito. She kicks dude out, grabs her keys, and heads over to her grandma’s place… only to run into Melly in the stairwell doing a lil’ something-something he definitely shouldn’t have been doing.

These two already know each other — family circles, grandma connections, you know the vibes. Melly flirts, but Mari’s got six years on him and instantly pegs him as too young to take seriously. That is… until life does what it does.

Mari ends up going into labor right there in grandma’s apartment, and Melly swoops in to get her to the hospital. And bestie, why did this man start claiming the baby from the second they hit the ER doors? I was screaming. He stays the entire time she’s in labor, supportive as ever. Baby daddy? Nowhere to be found. And when he finally shows up? Let’s just say he was moving even funnier than Mari thought — straight triflin’.

After the birth, Melly gives Mari his number, tells her to call if she needs anything. Does she? Absolutely not. Miss I-N-D-E-P-E-N-D-E-N-T (do you know what that means? ayeee) is in full force… until Melly and Grandma Nani pop up at the hospital one day and catch her trying to sneak out. From then on, he’s a fixture in her life — checking in, making sure she’s good inside and out.

This man was ready to be a stepdaddy from day one. No games, no mixed signals. He was honest about his life and where he was headed. And the thing I really loved? He had ambition, real plans for himself, and Mari pushed him toward them. His ex tried to keep him small; Mari wanted to see him fly. She even put him and his sister on, helping them make moves.

And when her ex started acting up again, threatening court? Melly hit him with a quick AHT AHT — no hesitation. He stood ten toes down for her and that baby, and honestly, I love that for her. Such a breath of fresh n***a air (IYKYK).

Spice-wise, it stays light until the end, but the relationship? The vibe? The way they looked out for each other? Worth every page. I love me a good YN romance, and Nai delivered one that felt warm, grounded, and sweet — with just enough hood love edge to keep me hooked.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ / 5 stars. Perfect for a quick binge read this summer.
Profile Image for TheTBRWhisperer.
227 reviews
July 30, 2025
As an Elder Millienial, I love a good YN read.🫣😉


—————
Storyline/plot: super cute but grown at the same time
Banter: really 😊. The YN was YN'ing
Chemistry: amazing! the author already said she aint giving us any more of them 🤨😒
Spice: the spicy scences had the spice on them.
Pacing: excellent


————

Now, let’s code switch the review tone:

Putting on my glasses for a more professional approach 🤓🤓🤓
⬇️

This novella was so enjoyable. It did alot without doing too much or feeling rushed.

It kept me engaged and rooting for the YN throughout because he really loved that women and "his" daughter🥹.



———

“pen game 🔏✅” moment:

- The past trauma the MMC was healing through was so well written. I felt like we got good exposure to his struggles and healing journey. To me, that's an amazing feat since that was not a focal point of the plot. The author perfectly balanced that journey and a love story.

————

Such a fun read and would definitely recommend this book.

My only critique-
Author Nai to the front immediately cause the way you wrote that “aht,aht,aht" note?! Why you read my thoughts 🙄🤣




Profile Image for alissa a ᖭིᖫྀ.
140 reviews5 followers
August 11, 2025
can i just say? this book right here…was more than amazing, it was perfect! it’s short but the story is so beautiful. the way melly ( jamal ) was there for her through everything and he didn’t have to—touched my heart, he was so gentle with her..protective,funny. he’s so good with amariyah’s babygirl, that right there to her my heart. he was there for amari and amariyah, while the dad was being a JERK..i love how they shared something traumatic because honestly? that brought them closer, i can’t lie i cried while reading this..the first book this month that had me crying—and im not even mad about it.

i’m glad i started this book, this my first read by this author and it will not be my last! this book was funny, and the dialogue?? funny asff!!😭😭 and let me not get started on amariyah’s grandma, she spoke nothing but facts! and let’s be fr, grandma was the reason why they’re together 😭😭 she knew what she was doing. melly is MY MANN!! 😝😝 we love a man that loves kids, has his own money and take care of their girl 🫶🏽
3 reviews
September 17, 2025
I want to meet him too


A YN’s Muse for the Summer was such a great novella! Mari didn’t play about herself or her baby, even though her messy baby daddy tried to trap her. Melly stepped in and wasn’t playing either—he claimed Lil Mama like she was his own and showed what a real man does, even while dealing with his own grief and a baby mama who couldn’t face hers.

I loved Mari’s dad, Prince. Even in prison, he stayed present in her life, and his backstory was powerful. Mari, her cousin Tamia, and GNani's bond was funny and heartwarming. They brought family, healing, and support to the story in a real way.

This novella may have been short, but it was full of depth, love, and second chances. Definitely worth the read!
Profile Image for Amena Diakite.
107 reviews1 follower
April 7, 2026
It's been a while since I've read AND enjoyed an urban fiction book, and this one was it for me. It was cute and simple. I will say that some of the lingo that the FMC and older characters used made them seem younger, but it makes sense in the age of social media.

Unfortunately, the main thing that takes away from the urban fiction genre for me is writing style, and that's why most of them that I choose, I end up DNFing. This book was decently written. Grammar, sentence structure, flow etc. I'm a slut for decent/good writing, and this one filled the void that I look for when it comes to that.

I do plan on looking into this author's catalog and hoping to add her to my list of authors who I'll read with no question.
Profile Image for Ieshia Shephard.
708 reviews
March 28, 2026
YN’s Summer Muse

Think heavens for a story with a small age gap that ain’t stopped nothing! Amariyah (love the spelling) is a strong independent woman who you can tell came form a loving home no matter the circumstances of life! GNani was everything you need in a grandma. She’s the realest and funniest! Melly was a standout MAN!!! He is wise beyond his years and the way he stepped up from the beginning warmed my heart and had me rooting for him. Jalen got what he deserved i wished Toni got more. Sometimes words do more damage! Great read that lasted just as long as it needed to!
47 reviews
October 10, 2025
Read this book in 2 days!!!!!

When Gnai said “I hope they rolling they eyes at you,” loud enough for the two girls to hear. I knew she didn't play. Neither said girl anything in response. They knew GNani was a a mess and that she was. When Amariyah said “Locked in, huh?” Melly saying I only see you and Amari that became a part of Melly. Get up in the morning, I think about y’all. When I rest my head at night and send those prayers up to God to keep my people safe, I include y’all. Made me CRY!!!!
202 reviews
March 29, 2026
Too Cute!!

This fast paced love story was everything!! It had drama, sex, intimacy it was everything wrapped in one. I loved how Amayiah didn’t fight the attraction she had for Melly because he was young, he showed up in the ways a man is suppose to show up allowing Amayiah to feel comfortable in trusting him as the man to lead her despite his age. Jalen was a clown and I wish Melly had a chance to do him dirtier!! GNani and Tamia were the perfect hype men for the Amayiah and Melly show, I loved it!!😂 Five stars Ms. Nai!!🥰
Profile Image for Pamela B.
175 reviews
May 19, 2026
Love a hard working YN

We love a hardworking, dependable, and sexy YN. This novella did exactly what it was supposed to do leave us wanting more from these characters. Melly was a stand-up guy who stayed focused on his business and his family. No reckless behavior, just a man with a plan making moves the right way. The chemistry between these two felt honest and natural, and their journey together was so enjoyable to watch unfold. Short, entertaining, and definitely a story that leaves you wanting more.
Profile Image for K_Clear22.
222 reviews5 followers
May 27, 2026
Happy Tears

Omgggg… Nai I know you said you done, but I do want more of these two! Amari definitely wasn’t ready for what Melly had in store. The saying “age ain’t nothing but a number” was definitely true in this story. Melly stepped it up like the true man he was while Jalen’s raggedy behind embarrassed himself constantly. I’m glad my girl got the love she deserved. I loved how all the supporting characters had a role where they were able to have their spotlights and moments too. This was well written! Nai you write some fire novels girl!
Profile Image for LaDonna B.
1,551 reviews16 followers
July 29, 2025
Mmhmm

Pop yo ish, YN, pop yo ish!! Honestly, GNani was being an instigator lol. She already knew what it was, and gave them both that boost. And see, that’s why you just can’t have your man around other women because these ninjas don’t know how to act.

Now hear me out, Nai. Pops didn’t even make it home, and that first phone call made it seem like he was calling because he had something to say. Him finding out about Happy Feet through him off. It can even be from Teeny pov!!
Profile Image for EricaLenise.
375 reviews29 followers
August 14, 2025
This novella was so good, I’m low-key ready to beg the author to spin the block on these characters. 🙌🏾
Melly might be a YN, but he’s also a grown man who stepped up when the BD was missing in action. Gnani? Whew—super wise, loving, and still serving that old-lady spunk. 💅🏾
The way the story handled the loss of family was beautiful and respectful, and the pacing? Chef’s kiss. Truly no notes—this is exactly how novellas should be done. 📚✨
585 reviews
October 3, 2025
A YN’S Muse For The Summer: An Urban Romance Standalone

This book definitely gets five stars ⭐️ it was a Great Read. The storyline was awesome and the characters were truly relatable. If you love reading about an Alpha Male you will love 💕 this book. The love story in this book want let you down. The romance and resilience and respect the couple have shown to each other’s hearts is truly inspiring.
511 reviews2 followers
January 3, 2026
YN for the win

This book was hitting on everything I wanted. Melly steeped up and did his thing for Amiraya and Amira. Loved his relationship with Amira.

Amiraya had a loser dude that wasn’t worth the space he took up. Glad he got that two piece from Melly. Wish Toni had gotten the same treatment.

Gnani made the story and I would love more from this family. Give Tamia a story, heck get daddy out on a technicality. Great read.
Profile Image for BookTalesTink .
175 reviews
August 4, 2025
Love Jamel aka Melly

Definitely wanted Amariyah to mop the floor with Toni, because how dare you be doing the do with my baby daddy knowing I’m in labor didn’t have the decency to wash your body deliver my baby, ask for a picture, and have baby daddy showing up late! Short sweet and straight to the point. We love a good step daddy trope
Profile Image for Nisha Ni.
101 reviews2 followers
August 7, 2025
A YN stole my heart!

Melly stepped in and stepped up. This was a good palette cleaner. I’m so glad Amariyah saw an issue with the man she was supposed to have a future with and it was headed down the wrong way, and immediately exited stage left. I also can appreciate that Melly did not have step nor play games. Once it was up, it was stuck.
Profile Image for Monique.
616 reviews30 followers
August 24, 2025
This was a super fun read. I love me a good step daddy! Usually with novellas I feel like either the plot or character development leaves something to be desired. But I think the author did a good job of giving us a complete story, and a good idea of who these characters were. There were laughs and some surprisingly touching moments. I could have easily read another 200 pages of this couple!
Profile Image for Author Jen Elle.
334 reviews1 follower
August 28, 2025
Loved!

Yassss Melly! I love a man who knows what he wants and takes action! Even if it's in little ways to show interest. This story was so good. The connection he and Amariyah had was so genuine and cute and let's not talk about baby Amari. Oh I loved every bit of this. It was a healing journey they both needed and found the love in each other through it all. Great read.
Profile Image for Ess Bee.
114 reviews
December 31, 2025
I need me a Melly!

this was so good!
short but super sweet.
I felt like I was swooning so much, I barely had a chance to blink at the BS! I loved Melly & Amariyah together REAL BAD!

I highly recommend to the book babes who like:
solid MMC with heavy BDE.
it girl FMC, who stands in business.
plenty of banter & jokes.
Step Daddy Season.
great spice.
587 reviews4 followers
January 10, 2026
👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

Y’all I find myself reading this author when I want a change of scenery and it always be hitting! These characters were so cute! Jalen was a true BD at its finest and Toni was wrong on so many levels. Cute story, and highly recommended.

Nai, keep up the amazing work you be penning🫶🏽!
Profile Image for LaChante Anderson.
562 reviews7 followers
February 1, 2026
I’m not mad at this Novella one bit!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️|🌶️🌶️ (one full scene)
This one was a short good one. Nothing was really left unsaid and the ending wrapped up the story well. There was some good drama but nothing too overwhelming!

I would recommend this as a good in between read! 💖
25 reviews1 follower
July 29, 2025
maybe I missed something

The title? Idk I didn’t even get romance vibes. Maybe too many shared moments with the grandmother. It wasn’t that much of an age gap, and he was pretty tame.
Profile Image for Johnne Johnson.
143 reviews11 followers
July 31, 2025
NAI has become a go to author for me this year. The books are straight to the point, easy to follow, easy to get caught up in and make you swoon over the male characters. These books are my type of carrying on.
107 reviews
August 30, 2025
sweet summer romance

This storyline of older woman, younger guy is not done frequently in urban books. I truly enjoyed the writing style and the storyline. It had just enough drama for a novella. You can feel the natural chemistry between the lead characters.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews