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Hopefully Unconditional
Two hesitant hearts. One redefining love.
Dr. Ezekiel Thompson learned a lot from his parents about that it’s cruel, unforgiving, and must be earned. And he’s spent his whole life being exactly who they want him to be, sacrificing pieces of himself along the way. Will finishing his neurology residency be the final push he needs to gain their ever-elusive affection, or will Hendrix, his new colleague who challenges everything he thought he knew about love, upend the life his parents planned for him—including the girlfriend they handpicked?
Dr. Hendrix Ingram-Jones knows love is kind, it’s freely given, and unconditional. He’s waited diligently to find the person who’ll love him as fiercely as he’ll love them. But after a series of heartbreak and tears, he questions if he’ll ever find his Mr. Right. Close to giving up on love altogether after his last relationship, he meets Zeke, coworker turned best friend. And he’s exactly what he’s looking for—if not for his girlfriend. Battling with his reality, Hendrix considers risking it all by confessing how he truly feels.
Hopefully Unconditional is a spicy MM contemporary romance with emotional hurt/comfort, found family, friends to lovers, gay awakening, a physician who thinks he’s unlovable, and a medical speech-language pathologist desperate to prove him wrong. It’s Book 1 of the Hopefully Series, but can be read as a standalone.
Dr. Ezekiel Thompson learned a lot from his parents about that it’s cruel, unforgiving, and must be earned. And he’s spent his whole life being exactly who they want him to be, sacrificing pieces of himself along the way. Will finishing his neurology residency be the final push he needs to gain their ever-elusive affection, or will Hendrix, his new colleague who challenges everything he thought he knew about love, upend the life his parents planned for him—including the girlfriend they handpicked?
Dr. Hendrix Ingram-Jones knows love is kind, it’s freely given, and unconditional. He’s waited diligently to find the person who’ll love him as fiercely as he’ll love them. But after a series of heartbreak and tears, he questions if he’ll ever find his Mr. Right. Close to giving up on love altogether after his last relationship, he meets Zeke, coworker turned best friend. And he’s exactly what he’s looking for—if not for his girlfriend. Battling with his reality, Hendrix considers risking it all by confessing how he truly feels.
Hopefully Unconditional is a spicy MM contemporary romance with emotional hurt/comfort, found family, friends to lovers, gay awakening, a physician who thinks he’s unlovable, and a medical speech-language pathologist desperate to prove him wrong. It’s Book 1 of the Hopefully Series, but can be read as a standalone.
346 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 8, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
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January 21, 2026Dnf 48%.
Loved the cover (so much!).
Another point in the positives-column: the warmth and affection between Hendrix and Zeke.
But that's it, sadly.
While this book evidently worked for many people, it did not work for me, at all. Telling not showing (mostly through many, many, many stilted dialogues), OTT stereotypes, extremely toxic family, friends and girlfriend (Zeke), loving and supporting family and friends (Hendrix). That's not a set-up I enjoy.
I'll quit now because I presume that the toxic family's wrath is going to explode in the new couple's faces and I'm not emotionally equipped for that kind of hurt. If not, good for them but I don't even want to find out.
Loved the cover (so much!).
Another point in the positives-column: the warmth and affection between Hendrix and Zeke.
But that's it, sadly.
While this book evidently worked for many people, it did not work for me, at all. Telling not showing (mostly through many, many, many stilted dialogues), OTT stereotypes, extremely toxic family, friends and girlfriend (Zeke), loving and supporting family and friends (Hendrix). That's not a set-up I enjoy.
I'll quit now because I presume that the toxic family's wrath is going to explode in the new couple's faces and I'm not emotionally equipped for that kind of hurt. If not, good for them but I don't even want to find out.
May 27, 2026
I absolutely adored Zeke and Hendrix! Two beautiful, emotionally intelligent, caring, adoring Black men? I absolutely gobble that shit up every time. My precious bby Zeke deserves the world, his haggard family did not deserve him. The constant barrage of contempt and judgement from a devoutly religious family is something I can relate to, though not to the extreme of Zeke’s family, but damn it hit hard.
Luckily for our sweet, deeply feeling bby, he had his human sunshine in the form of one Hendrix Ingram-Jones. Hen is so sweet and gentle, yet fiercely loving and takes 0 shit. A perfect combination to break down Zeke’s walls brick by brick. I really loved the deep friendship and understanding that bloomed and grew between these two. Black men deserve softness and warmth and Taz Ansley gave it to these two in spades. I also enjoyed all the side characters (that were not hags) especially Hen’s parents, siblings, and his bestie 🥰
And let me not get out of here without talking about the spice because holy cheeseballs the spice was spicing. Dirty, reverent, sweet, and hot? Sign me up for life, thank you 🙏🏾
Taz, dear author, thank you for dreaming up Zeke and Hen and sharing them with the world. Black men that are able to be soft, sweet, gentle, frustrating, complex, complicated, and all of the things is greatly appreciated and needed in this world! I can wait to keep reading about these two and any other characters you decide to share with the world 💜
Luckily for our sweet, deeply feeling bby, he had his human sunshine in the form of one Hendrix Ingram-Jones. Hen is so sweet and gentle, yet fiercely loving and takes 0 shit. A perfect combination to break down Zeke’s walls brick by brick. I really loved the deep friendship and understanding that bloomed and grew between these two. Black men deserve softness and warmth and Taz Ansley gave it to these two in spades. I also enjoyed all the side characters (that were not hags) especially Hen’s parents, siblings, and his bestie 🥰
And let me not get out of here without talking about the spice because holy cheeseballs the spice was spicing. Dirty, reverent, sweet, and hot? Sign me up for life, thank you 🙏🏾
Taz, dear author, thank you for dreaming up Zeke and Hen and sharing them with the world. Black men that are able to be soft, sweet, gentle, frustrating, complex, complicated, and all of the things is greatly appreciated and needed in this world! I can wait to keep reading about these two and any other characters you decide to share with the world 💜
December 3, 2025
♾️/5⭐️ 😭 BEST Contemporary Romance of 2025.
This should come as a surprise to exactly no one, esp those witnessing my incessant adoration & praise on IG the last few days. This book was EVERYTHING.
Zeke & Hen for LIFE.
FRTC
This should come as a surprise to exactly no one, esp those witnessing my incessant adoration & praise on IG the last few days. This book was EVERYTHING.
Zeke & Hen for LIFE.
FRTC
September 2, 2025
This book was so damn good! These are the words that I’ve said out loud every time I have thought about Hopefully Unconditional today. By today, I mean since 3:45 this morning when I finished reading this book! I saw the book on Book Sirens, and based on the cover alone, I knew I wanted to read it. I requested it, and three days later, here we are. This was my first time reading a Taz Ansley book, and it definitely will not be the last! The characters that you were supposed to love, I loved, and the ones that you were supposed to hate, I hated with a passion. This is a story that I’ve seen time and time again in the real world, so I loved how relatable the story is while still managing to be so cute, cozy, and spicy! If you love found family, friends to lovers, and emotional stories about gay awakening, then I really think that you will enjoy this book just as much as I did – I ate this book up in 3 days! I won’t say that I’m surprised at how good this book was, to me, because I didn’t really have any expectations. It was everything I didn’t know I needed and then some.
September 5, 2025
First I would like to thank BookSirens and the author Taz Ansley for the advanced copy of this book. I can't hold back, I absolutely loved this book and will be making sure to recommend it to every single person who ever asks me for a book rec. Zeke and Hendrix are the book boyfriends we deserve.
I loved that this was what I think true friends to lovers should be, both of them pining so much, but caring too much about the other to ruin the friendship (alexa play Demi Lovato Ruin The Friendship). I was ready for them to jump right in Tasha be damned haha, but i'm so happy with how everything turned out.
It was so absolutely heartwarming seeing black men being able to be soft and affectionate with a friend first and foremost, them becoming something more later felt like such a joy because they'd built such a good foundation.
The strict religious parents and friends were like ghouls waiting around every corner and In the beginning I was so nervous that they would put a damper on the story for me, but as the story went on Zeke navigating that relationship, while still turbulent, got so much better.
I'm always looking for a book where I can see myself and feel seen. The characters in this story made me feel that and more. I read this book with happy tears in my eyes almost the entire time.
Finally the spice, we really went from rated G to SPICYYYY 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️. It didn't overshadow the story and it fit perfectly for me.
This is absolutely one of my favorite books of 2025 and I will be one that i'll return to often as a comfort read. I cannot wait to read more from Taz.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I loved that this was what I think true friends to lovers should be, both of them pining so much, but caring too much about the other to ruin the friendship (alexa play Demi Lovato Ruin The Friendship). I was ready for them to jump right in Tasha be damned haha, but i'm so happy with how everything turned out.
It was so absolutely heartwarming seeing black men being able to be soft and affectionate with a friend first and foremost, them becoming something more later felt like such a joy because they'd built such a good foundation.
The strict religious parents and friends were like ghouls waiting around every corner and In the beginning I was so nervous that they would put a damper on the story for me, but as the story went on Zeke navigating that relationship, while still turbulent, got so much better.
I'm always looking for a book where I can see myself and feel seen. The characters in this story made me feel that and more. I read this book with happy tears in my eyes almost the entire time.
Finally the spice, we really went from rated G to SPICYYYY 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️. It didn't overshadow the story and it fit perfectly for me.
This is absolutely one of my favorite books of 2025 and I will be one that i'll return to often as a comfort read. I cannot wait to read more from Taz.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 28, 2026
How cute. And surprisingly deep and (unfortunately) relatable.
August 21, 2025
Five stars is not enough stars for this book. I have read 290 books this year and this is without a doubt my number one book of the year. I absolutely love the way that every single character is written. I either love them or I hate them. This author inspires such strong feelings. I mean it quite literally when I say that I laughed and I cried, multiple times, reading this book. I love Zeke and Hendrix. They are delightful individually and together they are disgustingly cute. I absolutely hate Zeke’s parents. They are the first characters I have ever read that are not criminals but I feel have zero possibility of redemption. Add so many points during the book. I just want to wrap Zeke up in a blanket and hug him. So many of the side characters are also incredibly well developed and incredibly delightful people who just adds so much to the story. If you have ever felt like no matter what you do, you will never be enough for your parents. This is the story for you. If you’ve ever felt that being queer is just one more strike against you in the eyes of your family this is the book for you. I wish that I couldn’t forget all about this book so that I could read it again for the first time.
August 23, 2025
This was really good. Much better than I expected, mainly because it hits close to home in many aspects, and I thought it would be either triggering or treated badly, but I was wrong on both accounts. This is a beautiful love story. Not only romantic love, but family love, friendly love, self-love. Zeke’s journey to find all those loves is beautiful, makes absolute sense, and there doesn’t seem to have anything extra or repetitive. It’s a very refreshing story, lovely, and healing as well. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I loved how Zeke could be vulnerable with different people (like Hex and Fifi) but also stand his ground when needed. His growth is amazing, and well explained, without being bogged down by too many details or unnecessary angst. I really enjoyed it, and I look forward to reading more from this author.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 23, 2025
A love like this
This was heartbreaking and deeply romantic and I loved every minute of it. The tension, the friendship, the flirting, the awful parents, the self discovery. The way was Zeke was so soft and in need of love and support but would become a dog over Hendrix. Sexual awakening stories are so beautiful because it’s always a story about claiming something lost or that others tried to steal and it just resonates so deeply if you’ve ever lost yourself to someone or something. The dynamic was beautiful it was masculinity that didn’t shy from vulnerability, it was love that offered understanding, it was protective and affirming. The characters were amazing. This is written in 3rd person which I know is disliked by a lot of readers and while I personally enjoy it, it was jarring at the beginning but once the dialogue increased it flowed better. The pace was wonderful. This was everything I hoped it would be and an amazing debut.
This was heartbreaking and deeply romantic and I loved every minute of it. The tension, the friendship, the flirting, the awful parents, the self discovery. The way was Zeke was so soft and in need of love and support but would become a dog over Hendrix. Sexual awakening stories are so beautiful because it’s always a story about claiming something lost or that others tried to steal and it just resonates so deeply if you’ve ever lost yourself to someone or something. The dynamic was beautiful it was masculinity that didn’t shy from vulnerability, it was love that offered understanding, it was protective and affirming. The characters were amazing. This is written in 3rd person which I know is disliked by a lot of readers and while I personally enjoy it, it was jarring at the beginning but once the dialogue increased it flowed better. The pace was wonderful. This was everything I hoped it would be and an amazing debut.
August 5, 2026
This gon be my first review...
So, I love these two. I feel a hell lot for Zeke and I'm glad he got out of that environment cause for real, that was anxiety inducing! Like, from the first chapter, I was anxious. I hate his parents, and I hate that parents like his do exist.
Unfortunately, though, the two stars has nothing to do with the story itself. But rather, the telling. The writing is so lacking... I found it hard to read it in one sitting. And no, it's not because of Zeke's parents, but because the story telling is way too dry. Besides evoking anger towards Zeke's family and the clumsy attraction Zeke felt for Hendrix since the beginning, for which I was giddy at least, it's like, all else besides the romance AND the trauma were not even worth being mentioned, and that includes side characters' interactions with our mains like Hendrix's family.
Some interactions and actions were just too, matter-of-factly. Like they didn't evoke much more emotions and feelings and reactions to the characters than the surface level reasoning for said interactions and actions. There's a lot of just "okay." going on in some of those interactions and I feel that for the most part of the story telling; "Zeke does this because (insert surface level reason for action). Side character reaction to action: okay." almost like a shrug "i don't care, don't matter to me." and then the writing moves on from them almost like they're background NPCs that don't do nothing unless interacted with.
That's...kinda sad. Cause the story with a better telling could have had the chance to be deeper, to evoke much more than this, not just for the readers but for the characters themselves. But right now, it feels unfledged.
So, I love these two. I feel a hell lot for Zeke and I'm glad he got out of that environment cause for real, that was anxiety inducing! Like, from the first chapter, I was anxious. I hate his parents, and I hate that parents like his do exist.
Unfortunately, though, the two stars has nothing to do with the story itself. But rather, the telling. The writing is so lacking... I found it hard to read it in one sitting. And no, it's not because of Zeke's parents, but because the story telling is way too dry. Besides evoking anger towards Zeke's family and the clumsy attraction Zeke felt for Hendrix since the beginning, for which I was giddy at least, it's like, all else besides the romance AND the trauma were not even worth being mentioned, and that includes side characters' interactions with our mains like Hendrix's family.
Some interactions and actions were just too, matter-of-factly. Like they didn't evoke much more emotions and feelings and reactions to the characters than the surface level reasoning for said interactions and actions. There's a lot of just "okay." going on in some of those interactions and I feel that for the most part of the story telling; "Zeke does this because (insert surface level reason for action). Side character reaction to action: okay." almost like a shrug "i don't care, don't matter to me." and then the writing moves on from them almost like they're background NPCs that don't do nothing unless interacted with.
That's...kinda sad. Cause the story with a better telling could have had the chance to be deeper, to evoke much more than this, not just for the readers but for the characters themselves. But right now, it feels unfledged.
September 4, 2025
ARC Review
Where do I even start? This is the author’s debut, and she absolutely blew it out of the freaking park. Angel and Bunny (Zeek and Hendrix) have officially been added to my list of all-time favorite book boyfriends.
I adored every moment of this book. Zeek’s emotional journey completely drew me in. He’s grappling with his identity, dealing with pressure from an overbearing family, and being pushed toward someone he doesn’t love. Watching him grow from a quiet, people-pleasing guy into someone confident, self-assured, and sexy was so satisfying. His character development was beautifully done.
And Hendrix? Literal perfection. Confident, emotionally grounded, endlessly supportive... honestly, what more could you want in a partner? He was exactly who Zeek needed, and their connection felt real, healthy, and full of love.
Even though Zeek and his sister Eden lost their parents’ love because of their sexuality and family expectations, they found something even better a true chosen family in the Hendrix clan. That part was so heartwarming and gave the story even more depth.
Oh, and let’s not forget the spicy scenes. 🌶️ Absolutely delicious. Taz Ansley, I am now a fan for life. I cannot wait to see what you write next!
Where do I even start? This is the author’s debut, and she absolutely blew it out of the freaking park. Angel and Bunny (Zeek and Hendrix) have officially been added to my list of all-time favorite book boyfriends.
I adored every moment of this book. Zeek’s emotional journey completely drew me in. He’s grappling with his identity, dealing with pressure from an overbearing family, and being pushed toward someone he doesn’t love. Watching him grow from a quiet, people-pleasing guy into someone confident, self-assured, and sexy was so satisfying. His character development was beautifully done.
And Hendrix? Literal perfection. Confident, emotionally grounded, endlessly supportive... honestly, what more could you want in a partner? He was exactly who Zeek needed, and their connection felt real, healthy, and full of love.
Even though Zeek and his sister Eden lost their parents’ love because of their sexuality and family expectations, they found something even better a true chosen family in the Hendrix clan. That part was so heartwarming and gave the story even more depth.
Oh, and let’s not forget the spicy scenes. 🌶️ Absolutely delicious. Taz Ansley, I am now a fan for life. I cannot wait to see what you write next!
August 23, 2025
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Oh my goodness! Do I love Hendrix and Ezekiel? Absolutely! These men and their emotional intelligence give me hope! Watching the evolution of this love story was wrapped up on my favorite trope- friends to lovers.
I enjoyed this book so much. It's definitely going on my top 10 list for the year. I loved reading the care that these men showed for each other and those around them.
Watching the friendship bloom, the self-awakening/discovery - the shift from friends to lovers shows the care that the author took to write this story.
Honestly, I have no notes-except I wish there was some actual punches thrown (And if you my list of top three people that deserve a punch in the face, let me know.)
Amazing book!
Oh my goodness! Do I love Hendrix and Ezekiel? Absolutely! These men and their emotional intelligence give me hope! Watching the evolution of this love story was wrapped up on my favorite trope- friends to lovers.
I enjoyed this book so much. It's definitely going on my top 10 list for the year. I loved reading the care that these men showed for each other and those around them.
Watching the friendship bloom, the self-awakening/discovery - the shift from friends to lovers shows the care that the author took to write this story.
Honestly, I have no notes-except I wish there was some actual punches thrown (And if you my list of top three people that deserve a punch in the face, let me know.)
Amazing book!
November 29, 2025
This was such a sweet read.
Zeke has to deal with extremely overbearing parents who want total control over his life, all while navigating his attraction to his new friend Hendrix. Along the journey, they soon fall in love with each other, and Hendrix helps Zeke shake the hold his parents have on him and learn to embrace his sexuality.
If you liked Jasmine Guillory's Flirting Lessons, you'll love Hopefully Unconditional.
Zeke has to deal with extremely overbearing parents who want total control over his life, all while navigating his attraction to his new friend Hendrix. Along the journey, they soon fall in love with each other, and Hendrix helps Zeke shake the hold his parents have on him and learn to embrace his sexuality.
If you liked Jasmine Guillory's Flirting Lessons, you'll love Hopefully Unconditional.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 1, 2026
Super sweet
There is something very endearing about this story. Zeke and Hendrix are lovable from the start, and I enjoyed their humanity. This book covers the very important and painful topic of homophobia, especially in context of religion and family dynamics. From that perspective I can relate to Zeke, and how painful it is to have to choose between being yourself and your family of origin. Hendrix showed him the best kind of love and acceptance
There is something very endearing about this story. Zeke and Hendrix are lovable from the start, and I enjoyed their humanity. This book covers the very important and painful topic of homophobia, especially in context of religion and family dynamics. From that perspective I can relate to Zeke, and how painful it is to have to choose between being yourself and your family of origin. Hendrix showed him the best kind of love and acceptance
October 11, 2025
Such a Cozy Read
Not only is the cover beautiful, but the story itself was just as stunning. Watching Zeke learn that he’s worthy of unconditional love was everything. Hendrix was such a bright light in Zeke’s world. I could reread this a million times and fall more in love with it every single time.
Not only is the cover beautiful, but the story itself was just as stunning. Watching Zeke learn that he’s worthy of unconditional love was everything. Hendrix was such a bright light in Zeke’s world. I could reread this a million times and fall more in love with it every single time.
February 3, 2026
I need to just start reading books as soon as I put them on my tbr cause this one didn't disappoint what's so ever. Wow. I just wanted to hug Zeke omg, you ever just been so happy for someone? Happy that they found someone to show up for them? That's how I felt reading this, especially with how Hendrix was with HIM. LOVED everything about this.
Ps. Zeke's family can catch these HANDS.
Ps. Zeke's family can catch these HANDS.
June 21, 2026
Must Read
This is my first time reading a book from the author and I'm hooked. I love to see black queer couples represented especially in M/M where it's lacking. The book pulled at my heartstrings and made me want to go find Zeke parents. I loved the book and will be reading more.
This is my first time reading a book from the author and I'm hooked. I love to see black queer couples represented especially in M/M where it's lacking. The book pulled at my heartstrings and made me want to go find Zeke parents. I loved the book and will be reading more.
January 22, 2026
NTMA
I truly wanted to give Zelle a hug immediately! This was so good the way his bunny was comforting whew swoon
I truly wanted to give Zelle a hug immediately! This was so good the way his bunny was comforting whew swoon
May 22, 2026
I LOVED THIS BOOK. IT WAS INCREDIBLE. NOW GO READ IT IMMEDIATELY.
June 8, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
December 11, 2025
“Loving you isn’t painful or hard. It doesn’t take an immense amount of time or effort. It’s easy. So easy I can’t even pinpoint when exactly it happened.”
.
.
Hopefully Unconditional follows the love story of Zeke and Hen. After a somewhat “meet ugly”. Neuro resident Zeke Thompson never expected to see the handsome green-eyed stranger who watched him cry in an ice cream parlor. So imagine his shock when the new speech pathologist (Dr. Ingram-Jones) is his mystery man. Zeke and Hen’s relationship first begins as friends and eventually blossoms into more. However, there is a multitude of hardships/setbacks. Take, for example, Zeke’s controlling/homophobic parents or his girlfriend. Fear not, though, because eventually these two recognize and confess their feelings for one another, and what ensues is a beautiful, healing, and sweet story.
With no shortage of thoughtful gestures, intimate moments, and important life lessons, Hopefully Uncoditional is not only a phenomenal debut but a beautiful beginning to this trilogy.
Things I Loved:
Rooting for Everyone Black: In the words of the iconic Issa Rae, “we’re rooting for everyone black.” Taz was incredibly intentional about Hopefully Unconditional being unapologetically black, and for the record, she did just that. HC features ALL black characters. And can we just talk about all the tidbits of black culture, etc. From watching A Different World to Hen’s killer playlist featuring Stevie Wonder, there are so many instances highlighting the beauty of black pop culture. Lastly, I lived for the black EXCELLENCE. Amongst the myriad of characters Taz has crafted, we see successful and intelligent black doctors, therapists, speech pathologists, etc
The Lesson: Lastly, I loved the continual message of loving oneself and letting go of what doesn’t serve you. Several people in Zeke’s life were incredibly toxic, from his parents to lifelong friends such as Josiah. While it took a while to get there, it was so important for Zeke to set boundaries and release the people who perpetually stole his light.
.
.
Hopefully Unconditional follows the love story of Zeke and Hen. After a somewhat “meet ugly”. Neuro resident Zeke Thompson never expected to see the handsome green-eyed stranger who watched him cry in an ice cream parlor. So imagine his shock when the new speech pathologist (Dr. Ingram-Jones) is his mystery man. Zeke and Hen’s relationship first begins as friends and eventually blossoms into more. However, there is a multitude of hardships/setbacks. Take, for example, Zeke’s controlling/homophobic parents or his girlfriend. Fear not, though, because eventually these two recognize and confess their feelings for one another, and what ensues is a beautiful, healing, and sweet story.
With no shortage of thoughtful gestures, intimate moments, and important life lessons, Hopefully Uncoditional is not only a phenomenal debut but a beautiful beginning to this trilogy.
Things I Loved:
Rooting for Everyone Black: In the words of the iconic Issa Rae, “we’re rooting for everyone black.” Taz was incredibly intentional about Hopefully Unconditional being unapologetically black, and for the record, she did just that. HC features ALL black characters. And can we just talk about all the tidbits of black culture, etc. From watching A Different World to Hen’s killer playlist featuring Stevie Wonder, there are so many instances highlighting the beauty of black pop culture. Lastly, I lived for the black EXCELLENCE. Amongst the myriad of characters Taz has crafted, we see successful and intelligent black doctors, therapists, speech pathologists, etc
The Lesson: Lastly, I loved the continual message of loving oneself and letting go of what doesn’t serve you. Several people in Zeke’s life were incredibly toxic, from his parents to lifelong friends such as Josiah. While it took a while to get there, it was so important for Zeke to set boundaries and release the people who perpetually stole his light.
October 24, 2025
Such a beautiful love story. Bunny & Angel really have my heart. What happens when you have someone that thinks they're unlovable and meets a person who is full of love and has so much to offer. Zeke and Hendrix meet unexpectedly and find that they work in the same hospital. They soon become best friends. Hen battles with his feelings for Zeke because he has a girlfriend. In this journey we get to see friends become lovers. The way Hen cares for and pours into Zeke is beautiful. I can't wait to read more of their story.
January 9, 2026
I absolutely love Zeke and Hen. First, let's talk about how beautiful the cover is. Aside from that, what an excellent story of a gay awakening from the Black experience. Such a great story diving into the toxic families and their expectations that they place on their children, especially in the Black community. Let's not forget to mention the homophobia, especially in the church. I loved this book and read it in one sitting. Cannot wait for more from this author.
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