Carry You With Me by Alex Husb is a heartfelt, emotionally rich contemporary romance about grief, healing, and the possibility of love finding you when you least expect it.
Bakery owner London Simmons has her life together on paper. Her business is thriving, her friendships are solid, and she has worked hard to move beyond the heartbreaks of her past. Everything shifts when she loses her best friend Brandy to a senseless act of violence. In the midst of grieving, she finds unexpected comfort in Eli Jackson, Brandy’s widower and the boy she used to admire from across the street.
Eli has spent years pouring himself into work, trying to rebuild a life that no longer feels whole. London steps in with kindness and familiarity, reminding him of the warmth he once knew. What begins as support rooted in shared sorrow slowly turns into something more complicated. The feelings that emerge are tender, real, and difficult to ignore.
Their bond deepens, even as Eli’s younger cousin Kam makes his own intentions toward London known. The emotional tension builds as old loyalties are tested and unspoken truths rise to the surface. London and Eli must decide whether their connection is strong enough to risk the delicate balance of their lives.
This is a story about choosing love after loss, redefining what home feels like, and learning that even the deepest wounds can lead to something beautiful.
4.5/5 I am actually BEGGING you to read this book if you want a heartfelt read that’s emotional but fast paced and you’ll finish in 24 hours!! Immediately went to see if this author has more books because this one was sooooo good!!!
Great writing and interesting story but the characters were so immature given their ages. I get that it was a tough choice and something to overcome but it was WAYYYY too much petty back and forth when they needed to see the lady or just stay away from each other. I felt like the problems were a waste of time because they were resolved immediately after they appeared. They kiss, get scared it’s a blow out they stop speaking. They start speaking again just a lot of foolishness for two grown people. I’d read more from this author for sure
IDK WHO THIS AUTHOR IS OR WHERE THEY CAME FROM BUT YOU’VE GAINED A FAN. THIS BOOK WAS AN AMAZING FRIEND TO LOVERS/SECOND CHANCE AT LOVE/FORBIDDEN LOVE LOVE STORY. IK, DO MANY STORYLINES ALL IN ONE BUT IT FLOWED SO EFFORTLESSLY. EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS BOOK WAS EXCITING I DIDN’T KNOW I NEEDED. HEARTBREAK, FRIENDSHIP, SISTERHOOD, BROTHERHOOD, FAMILY, LAUGHTER, AND A LOT OF LOVE🫶🏽. BUT THE GREATEST ONE WAS HEALING, COMING TO TERMS WITH SOMETHING YOU’VE KNOWN TO BE TRUE BUT WAS TO AFRAID TO ADMIT THAT ISH OUT LOUD BECAUSE THAT FEAR HAS YOU IN A CHOKEHOLD😢💔.
BRANDY WAS CLEARLY AN AMAZING WOMAN, SISTER/FRIEND, DAUGHTER AND WIFE WHO LOST HER LIFE TO SOME DUMB 🥷 WHO DECIDED TO SHOOT IT OUT IN A PARKING LOT 🤬🤬🤬. HER DEATH SET OF A CHAIN OF EVENTS THAT CHANGED THE LIVES OF EVERYONE KNEW, ESPECIALLY HER HUSBAND ELI AND SISTER/FRIEND LONDON💔.
LONDON HAD BEEN CRAZY ABOUT ELI SINCE SHE WAS 10, BUT HE WAS 14 AND DEEMED HER UNTOUCHABLE. YEARS PASS AND HE’S BACK HOME JUST IN TIME TO SEE HER OFF TO PROM. THAT NIGHT HE REALIZED THAT HIS FEELINGS FOR HER HAD CHANGED BUT HE WAS ALERT DATING BRANDY. THESE TWO TRIED HARD TO KEEP THEIR FELINE HIDDEN UNTIL THEY COULDN’T. THAT DANG LONDON PISSED ME OF MORE THAN ONCE WITH HER CHILDISH WAYS🙄. I WAS SO HAPPY WHEN HE FINALLY BOSSED UP ON HER AND DIDN’T ALLOW HER TO DISMISS HIM AS IF HIS FEELINGS WEREN’T AS VALID AS HERS. HE SHOWED UP AND SHOWED OUT FOR CHRISTMAS AND I CRIED WHEN HE VISITED BRANDIE’S GRAVESITE AND TOLD HER HIS TRUE FEELINGS. HIM AND LONDON CHEMISTRY AND LOVE FOR ONE ANOTHER WAS FELT THROUGH THE PAGES AND I THOROUGHLY ENJOYED THEIR STORY❤️🔥
THEIR FRIEND/FAMILY GROUP WAS AN ADDED BONUS, ESPECIALLY KAMS CRAZY AZZ🤣
TOO BAD AMAZON WON’T ALLOW ME TO POST MY REVIEW CAUSE THIS BOOK DESERVES ALL THE REVIEWS, NOT JUST RATINGS.
I read this book in 2 days because I had to stop myself from getting to the end. Halfway through I had find the author on social media & follow her on everything. This was my 1st read by this author & it won't be my last. I'm usually a very silent reader & barley leave reviews but I couldn't leave this without one. From the 1st page to the last...my God what a story!!
Nothing was left unanswered & yet I want more...I need updates on London & Eli. I can't wait to read Nique & Dex because I know that's going to be a wild story. 5 stars & nothing less!! Ms. Alex you have a new fan & I'll be looking for ALL your new releases!!
I absolutely loved this book except for one thing but I won’t post it here. It’s something I’d have to tell the author in an email or FB note…cause sis I’m mad. From the dynamic characters and their individual personalities and lives, I was completely engaged. I don’t know what captured my attention most, the amazing title names for each chapter or what’s to come in not only the book about Dex & Nique or even Kam or Nel. I’m all in…in the words of Eli and London and can’t wait for what’s in store.
DNF! i really spoke my mind in my last update about this book but i honestly hate it. I really wanted to enjoy thus one but it was just to crinegy and childish. Seems like a good storyline but the writing is miserable. I wanted to finish it for the sake of my reading goal but alas i only made it halfway through.
Characters are immature. If you like 2010’s wattpad black love story drama written by a 15yr old then this one’s for you but not for me. 2 stars bc I see the potential with the storyline but 1 star for everything else.
The lack of communication between the MCs in this book omg!!. They back and forth, they were really aching like children. The book would have only needed only needed 60-80 pages,if they had just communicated from the very beginning. And they need to go to Therapy!, specifically the MMC. I don't know why moat authors are against. I understand He lost his wife,she lost her bestfriend,of course there is going to be a lot of guilt.. But having one night stands is different,hallo???. I think she deserved way better, he too of course. I wasn't really feeling the chemistry between them. At this point they should have just stayed as friends. The book had a lot of potential but it just wasn't it.
Absolutely beautiful story from beginning to end. The story while sad turned into something so endearing and sweet. The characters were funny, sweet, strong, loving, and feisty at times. Heartbreak after such a huge loss was extremely hard on Eli and London. While they were healing London stepped up more and it made Eli grateful and see her, like truly see her. After some back and forth, exes, placeholders, and arguments getting in the way they decided while still holding on to pieces of the past they could move forward while carrying each other into a beautiful future. Loved it A. Husb.
This was a roller coaster of emotions. Raw. Heavy. Absolute. But just the same, Whole. Thus journey for Eli and London was crazy. Dealing with such haste and anxiety while trying to just live and breathe.... it's hard. But they leaned on each and something sparked. The back and forth, trying to navigate feelings was intense but having people surround you that helps you freely explore them without judgment is the best anyone could ask for. This was a great book. I love how it ended and I wanna see what happens with Dex and Nique. 👀
I do not understand how this book has a high rating and why people like it so much. These were a bunch of toddlers because they were so childish. This book wasn’t even about their love story it was more about Brandy being dead and them trying to be together because there was no connection other than the author telling us that she had a crush on him since she was ten and her coming to cook and clean after brandy died. They mostly fought and had issues because none of these adults know how to communicate. I hate this book with a burning passion.
This is my first read by this author and I truly did amazing on her debut book. I just loved the story line . Eli was going through such a hard time and we he finally let go it turned out to be a happy ending. London was so afraid about what others thought of her but she faced that fear and I was so proud of her . Alex this is Amazing book . Keep writing .
I really enjoyed this book Eli and London’s friendship for years. London always admired Eli, but he was older than her. He never really paid her any attention until she was sixteen years old and he was twenty. London wasn’t of age so he had fallen for someone. Love is a beautiful thing and sometimes you can’t deny your feelings!! I really enjoyed this read and I recommend it.
4.25 stars! Read this if you want a heartfelt (kind of forbidden) Black romance! I will say the reason I couldn’t give this book 5 stars is because the characters were too old to basically worry about what others thought about their choices. I mean.. they were pressed but that’s not to say I don’t understand why. I do. It was just a little aggy for me. I felt all the emotions though (even had some giggles here and there)! I still am rooting for London and Eli. Oh…Author’s writing ? Chef kiss!
Great read. Beautiful love story. Occasionally HEAVY emotionally, but not in a bad way.
I know there will be a spinoff of some sort because we have to read about the cousins budding romance. Dex is going to have his hands full with (you know who) and her stubborn ass. 🤭
This pulled at my heart so much! It was so heartwarming and healing that just pulled me in. I honestly could not put this down.
The only thing that bothered me was the constant back and forth, them together and then them not talking but also i loved the tension and yearning that caused.
…..I hope that made sense lol, I had a love hate situation with that part is all I’m saying. Other than that I loved both characters and their journey!
Excellent book regarding Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority and their friendship; I would recommend the book for others to read. Note there are sexual references and some foul language.
I definitely give the book 5 stars. The book definitely explored love, lost and real life. The book was easy to get involved in and interested to read more books in the future from this author.
Writing a story centered around grief is always a challenge. Add the dynamic of friends to lovers…whew! This was written messily in all the right ways beautifully displaying living after loss.
Beautiful love story ! I wanted more of Eli & London to see how it all unfolds once they finally decided to be all in! The story is a testament to doing what makes you happy even if it’s unconventional. When you know , You know! I will definitely recommend this book !
it was a good love story, but they were both annoying and immature at times, i wanted to scream at their ass so much especially her, but love prevails and they finally lived in their truth .
Thank you, Alex, for sending me a copy of Carry You With Me.
Carry You With Me is a touching story of two friends who experience a tragic loss of someone they both cared deeply for. For London, she lost her friend, sorority sister, and mentor. For Eli he lost his best friend and wife. As they both grieved, they began to uncover feelings for each other that they both suppressed. This book details the journey and the struggle they face as they acknowledge what they're feeling.
This was a 3.5-star read for me. Alex did a good job of describing the emotions of both characters. I understood and felt the obstacles that they both faced. However, I wish she had given us more drama. It seemed as if the couple's only real challenge was accepting their feelings for each other. I would have loved to see more pushback.
I enjoyed the fact that the book didn't lag and that it kept me invested throughout. Although the book dealt with a heavy issue, Alex wrote this book in a way that tragedy didn't weigh the book down. I believe this is Alex's debut novel, and I feel that she is off to a great start!