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Kismet
“We should get married.”
Tyree “KO” Johnson plays about a lot of things, but marriage isn’t one of them. Seeing firsthand how love can chew you up and spit you out. Ty vowed that if he ever was lucky enough to find his one, he’d do it right.
For some reason, promising Emiko to be together forever after only a week feels right.
She’s come barreling back into his life at a time where everything is in the air. From his fractured family, to his toxic situationship, Ty hasn’t known if he was coming or going for a while now. He’s in no position to reassure anyone, let alone offering to marry someone.
And yet…
Emiko Barton thought she’d never see her own personal savior again, until he walked right up to her and reintroduced himself, eighteen years later.
Life has taught Emiko that anyone she loves can leave her at any time. Gone in an instant, leaving destruction and devastation in their wake. She’s gone through it before, and knows it’s only a matter of time before Ty leaves her again.
Until he proposes a way to ensure they’d be together forever.
And then, suddenly, doubt gives way to something even more powerful…
Fate.
Tyree “KO” Johnson plays about a lot of things, but marriage isn’t one of them. Seeing firsthand how love can chew you up and spit you out. Ty vowed that if he ever was lucky enough to find his one, he’d do it right.
For some reason, promising Emiko to be together forever after only a week feels right.
She’s come barreling back into his life at a time where everything is in the air. From his fractured family, to his toxic situationship, Ty hasn’t known if he was coming or going for a while now. He’s in no position to reassure anyone, let alone offering to marry someone.
And yet…
Emiko Barton thought she’d never see her own personal savior again, until he walked right up to her and reintroduced himself, eighteen years later.
Life has taught Emiko that anyone she loves can leave her at any time. Gone in an instant, leaving destruction and devastation in their wake. She’s gone through it before, and knows it’s only a matter of time before Ty leaves her again.
Until he proposes a way to ensure they’d be together forever.
And then, suddenly, doubt gives way to something even more powerful…
Fate.
405 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 1, 2025
About the author
Jessica A.
10 books39 followersJessica is an LA girl that has been writing fiction and poetry since middle school. She holds a BA in English from Xavier University in Louisiana, and an MFA in Fiction from San Diego State University. She's a dog mommy to the infamous Dijon Mustard, and in addition to writing all the stories that play out in her head, she enjoys yapping on facetime with her homegirls and long walks on the beach.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
February 4, 2026
🥹❤️
This was a beautiful display of Kismet; who knew at such a young age these two would find their way back to each other. It was cute seeing how fast Ty and Emiko picked back up where they left off. The drama was good, the back story was intentional and as always the family came together as only they could. I’m so curious to see what Wynter an Rico got going on lol.
This was a beautiful display of Kismet; who knew at such a young age these two would find their way back to each other. It was cute seeing how fast Ty and Emiko picked back up where they left off. The drama was good, the back story was intentional and as always the family came together as only they could. I’m so curious to see what Wynter an Rico got going on lol.
October 29, 2025
Emiko and my Ty-Ty made a really good match. I think she was the calm to his storm a bit but also, a good spitfire for his craziness. They balanced well. I love this I hate it’s over for now. I need Rico & Wynter lol
October 7, 2025
One of South Kenton’s and FoeDub’s finest, Tyree Johnson, better known as Ty-Ty or “K muthaf***in O” finally gets his story told, and whew!! What a ride it was 🥲😮💨 Kismet introduces us to Tyree and Emiko Barton, once known as Emily Perkins. The two met briefly as kids in a foster home, where Ty became Meek’s protector. Life separated them, but fate had other plans… KISMET.
Years later, what was supposed to be just a simple interview for Meek’s article turned into something deeper, love at first sight. Ty had his own demons to face, but Meek’s presence brought him peace in a way no one else could. When I say that man knew she was his wife from the moment he saw her? Ty was locked in from jump! 💍
Watching Ty grow throughout this story was beautiful. His love for Meek was pure and patient, he showed up for her even when she doubted him. Together, they healed parts of themselves they didn’t even realize were broken.
If you’ve read any of the South Kenton books, Kismet ties up a lot of loose ends and gives you the answers you’ve been waiting for. My girl did NOT miss with this one 🔥
Years later, what was supposed to be just a simple interview for Meek’s article turned into something deeper, love at first sight. Ty had his own demons to face, but Meek’s presence brought him peace in a way no one else could. When I say that man knew she was his wife from the moment he saw her? Ty was locked in from jump! 💍
Watching Ty grow throughout this story was beautiful. His love for Meek was pure and patient, he showed up for her even when she doubted him. Together, they healed parts of themselves they didn’t even realize were broken.
If you’ve read any of the South Kenton books, Kismet ties up a lot of loose ends and gives you the answers you’ve been waiting for. My girl did NOT miss with this one 🔥
October 15, 2025
Hmmm…..
This was an okay read honestly when it popped up as a suggestion I was confused about who Ty was. There are so many characters being introduced. It’s starting to be difficult to keep up with everyone. I’ve literally read everyone’s story other than Turks. I’m simply not into poly relationships but anyway. I feel like this book didn’t need to be this long. Not much happened but the same repeated drama. Some chick he was used to fool around with popping up and causing confusion and then Emiko running off. Sorry but the repetition was annoying especially when the situations that happened could have solved right away if they simply had a conversation. Also Ty’s constant anger towards his dad was a bit much. I understand he felt like his dad abandoned him and chose to run the streets with his mom instead. I get it but it’s like you got all this anger when you can simply have a conversation with your dad. And express how you felt instead anytime the man spoke you acted as if you hated that he was even still breathing the same air as you. His father had clearly changed from the young man that he was when he went to prison. But Ty never gave him a chance to show him that. And once I found out his dad’s story and how he ended up in jail. I hate to say it but I understood why he wanted revenge. Those folks killed his pregnant wife. Idk but I also get that Ty was upset because the consequences for his dad choosing the route he chose because that’s how he ended up being separated from his family for a time and ending up in foster care. And then Emiko I’m sorry every little thing she compared to her relationship that she had with Currency. I have to say this but when these books have these women so down out about a man that dies it’s befuddles me how they become so lost about said man that wasn’t good to them when he was alive. But they put them on such high pedestals. Yes I understand being sad about his death, but after she found out the dude was indeed cheating because the women showed up pregnant at his funeral she completely shut down for 2 YEARS. I mean I get the trauma of seeing him get shot but the last straw was the pregnant woman? I mean all the signs were there that he was indeed a cheater. Plus he was her high school boyfriend there is no way they were gonna be together forever even when she had a flashback and talked about leaving the man he simply smiled and took her words for a joke. But anyway this book okay but ONE LAST THING I wonder if this book was edited at all. There was so many grammatical errors that I honestly was gonna DNF the book. Idk this book felt rushed. Anyway that’s all I have.
This was an okay read honestly when it popped up as a suggestion I was confused about who Ty was. There are so many characters being introduced. It’s starting to be difficult to keep up with everyone. I’ve literally read everyone’s story other than Turks. I’m simply not into poly relationships but anyway. I feel like this book didn’t need to be this long. Not much happened but the same repeated drama. Some chick he was used to fool around with popping up and causing confusion and then Emiko running off. Sorry but the repetition was annoying especially when the situations that happened could have solved right away if they simply had a conversation. Also Ty’s constant anger towards his dad was a bit much. I understand he felt like his dad abandoned him and chose to run the streets with his mom instead. I get it but it’s like you got all this anger when you can simply have a conversation with your dad. And express how you felt instead anytime the man spoke you acted as if you hated that he was even still breathing the same air as you. His father had clearly changed from the young man that he was when he went to prison. But Ty never gave him a chance to show him that. And once I found out his dad’s story and how he ended up in jail. I hate to say it but I understood why he wanted revenge. Those folks killed his pregnant wife. Idk but I also get that Ty was upset because the consequences for his dad choosing the route he chose because that’s how he ended up being separated from his family for a time and ending up in foster care. And then Emiko I’m sorry every little thing she compared to her relationship that she had with Currency. I have to say this but when these books have these women so down out about a man that dies it’s befuddles me how they become so lost about said man that wasn’t good to them when he was alive. But they put them on such high pedestals. Yes I understand being sad about his death, but after she found out the dude was indeed cheating because the women showed up pregnant at his funeral she completely shut down for 2 YEARS. I mean I get the trauma of seeing him get shot but the last straw was the pregnant woman? I mean all the signs were there that he was indeed a cheater. Plus he was her high school boyfriend there is no way they were gonna be together forever even when she had a flashback and talked about leaving the man he simply smiled and took her words for a joke. But anyway this book okay but ONE LAST THING I wonder if this book was edited at all. There was so many grammatical errors that I honestly was gonna DNF the book. Idk this book felt rushed. Anyway that’s all I have.
November 4, 2025
Jessica A. continues to raise the bar with every release.
I say it every time and I’ll say it again Jessica A. can tell a damn story! I haven’t been disappointed by a single book in this series. The way each story intertwines is so subtle yet intentional, and every time a new connection clicks into place, my jaw is on the floor.
In Kismet, we’re introduced to Tyree (Ty) and Emiko Barton (Meek). The two met briefly as kids in a foster home, where Ty became Meek’s protector. Circumstances pulled them apart, but fate clearly had other plans because 18 years later, they’re back in each other’s lives.
What I loved most was how Ty knew exactly what he wanted from the start. He’s wild, funny, and a little too sure of himself at times, but when it came to Meek, there was no hesitation — the man was locked in. The shift in his energy the moment she reentered his world? Chef’s kiss. Watching him balance that tough exterior with genuine vulnerability was perfection.
The humor, the tension, the unspoken understanding between them all spot on. And Ty checking himself when he was about to act up or cracking jokes at the worst possible times had me crying laughing.
Emiko’s connection to Milli from Reem and YT’s book adds another layer, expanding the universe and giving us a peek at a whole new circle of characters. Through Ty and Meek’s story, Jessica A. delivers another beautiful blend of love, healing, hard conversations, and humor that feels real and raw.
The storytelling, character growth, and the way everything ties together across books flawless. Kismet is heartfelt, funny, sexy, and full of that deep, grown love energy I can’t get enough of.
I say it every time and I’ll say it again Jessica A. can tell a damn story! I haven’t been disappointed by a single book in this series. The way each story intertwines is so subtle yet intentional, and every time a new connection clicks into place, my jaw is on the floor.
In Kismet, we’re introduced to Tyree (Ty) and Emiko Barton (Meek). The two met briefly as kids in a foster home, where Ty became Meek’s protector. Circumstances pulled them apart, but fate clearly had other plans because 18 years later, they’re back in each other’s lives.
What I loved most was how Ty knew exactly what he wanted from the start. He’s wild, funny, and a little too sure of himself at times, but when it came to Meek, there was no hesitation — the man was locked in. The shift in his energy the moment she reentered his world? Chef’s kiss. Watching him balance that tough exterior with genuine vulnerability was perfection.
The humor, the tension, the unspoken understanding between them all spot on. And Ty checking himself when he was about to act up or cracking jokes at the worst possible times had me crying laughing.
Emiko’s connection to Milli from Reem and YT’s book adds another layer, expanding the universe and giving us a peek at a whole new circle of characters. Through Ty and Meek’s story, Jessica A. delivers another beautiful blend of love, healing, hard conversations, and humor that feels real and raw.
The storytelling, character growth, and the way everything ties together across books flawless. Kismet is heartfelt, funny, sexy, and full of that deep, grown love energy I can’t get enough of.
October 13, 2025
I didn’t realize this was part of a series before reading, which explained a few moments of confusion, but it didn’t take away from the experience one bit. The story kept my attention the whole way through, and now I’m definitely going back to read the entire series!
Kismet introduces us to Tyree (Ty) and Emiko Barton, (Meek). The two met briefly as kids in a foster home, where Ty became Meek’s protector. Circumstances separates them, but fate had other plans. 18 years later, they are back in each other's lives.
What I loved most was how Ty knew exactly what he wanted from the start. He was wild, funny, and a little too sure of himself at times, but when it came to Meek, there was no hesitation. The man was locked in. His energy shifted the moment she came back into his world, and watching him balance that tough guy exterior with so much vulnerability was chef’s kiss. The humor, the tension, the way they understood each other without needing to say much ✅ And Ty checking himself when he was about to get active or cracking jokes at the worst times was hilarious😂.
But beyond the laughs, this story carried so much heart. Both Ty and Meek had their share of pain and trust issues, yet together they managed to create a safe space that felt healing in every sense. Kismet is the perfect mix of grit, emotion, and passion. It’s messy and raw in places, but that’s what makes it so real. Ty and Meek were truly meant to find their way back to each other—and I ate up every second of it.
Kismet introduces us to Tyree (Ty) and Emiko Barton, (Meek). The two met briefly as kids in a foster home, where Ty became Meek’s protector. Circumstances separates them, but fate had other plans. 18 years later, they are back in each other's lives.
What I loved most was how Ty knew exactly what he wanted from the start. He was wild, funny, and a little too sure of himself at times, but when it came to Meek, there was no hesitation. The man was locked in. His energy shifted the moment she came back into his world, and watching him balance that tough guy exterior with so much vulnerability was chef’s kiss. The humor, the tension, the way they understood each other without needing to say much ✅ And Ty checking himself when he was about to get active or cracking jokes at the worst times was hilarious😂.
But beyond the laughs, this story carried so much heart. Both Ty and Meek had their share of pain and trust issues, yet together they managed to create a safe space that felt healing in every sense. Kismet is the perfect mix of grit, emotion, and passion. It’s messy and raw in places, but that’s what makes it so real. Ty and Meek were truly meant to find their way back to each other—and I ate up every second of it.
October 2, 2025
Kismet was it for me, y’all. 🙌🏾 Ty and Miko had me locked in from page one. The banter? Top tier. The way they bounced off each other? Chef’s kiss. Ty stays cocky, even in his own head, and listen, I love me a cocky man 😂. That confidence, the way he carries himself, kept every scene lit.
And Ty checking his shoes before doing some mess?? Comedy gold 🤣. I was cackling for real.
What really did it for me though was the balance. Ty is funny, slick, got all the attitude—but he’s also hyper-sensitive in a way that made me melt. A man that can show emotions and bust his pew pew?? 🥹 Give me ten of him please! And when it came down to action, he wasn’t just talking. He moved every time, and he stayed about that life for Miko.
Now, don’t get me wrong, it wasn’t all smooth. Jazz and her gold clinic membership had me hollering 😩, and Miko questioning Ty’s loyalty had me rolling my eyes. But through it all, the chemistry between them carried.
Shad will forever be my baby, but Ty? He’s sitting real comfortable in that second spot 😏.
Jessica A snapped with this one! Banter, heat, raw emotion, and messy love that felt too real. Easily a 5-star read.
And Ty checking his shoes before doing some mess?? Comedy gold 🤣. I was cackling for real.
What really did it for me though was the balance. Ty is funny, slick, got all the attitude—but he’s also hyper-sensitive in a way that made me melt. A man that can show emotions and bust his pew pew?? 🥹 Give me ten of him please! And when it came down to action, he wasn’t just talking. He moved every time, and he stayed about that life for Miko.
Now, don’t get me wrong, it wasn’t all smooth. Jazz and her gold clinic membership had me hollering 😩, and Miko questioning Ty’s loyalty had me rolling my eyes. But through it all, the chemistry between them carried.
Shad will forever be my baby, but Ty? He’s sitting real comfortable in that second spot 😏.
Jessica A snapped with this one! Banter, heat, raw emotion, and messy love that felt too real. Easily a 5-star read.
October 17, 2025
"We’re kismet. Written way before time existed.” ~ A Word
Let me say that I haven't read a book in the series prior to this one, so I went in blind.
Judging from the cover, I thought this was going to be a cute contemporary romance, but I couldn't have been anymore wrong. Ty is a whole nut, and I laughed so hard at this book that it's not even funny. When sis "warned" us about a whole Lotta gang ish, she wasn't joking.
I loved everything about their story and the way he loved her. Cared for her. Protected her. The feels were real. Ya hear me?
Their "drama" was cute. Not over the top. He was mean to the world, but puppy dog for her.
She loved him. In the softest manner, a woman could love a man. She protected his feelings. Healed his heart. Cured his soul.
There were a few grammar hiccups, but I disregarded them. I speak southern AAVE, so the Cali AAVE I had reread twice, but it hit all the same.
I caused my own confusion with characters because although I KNEW there were 5 aforementioned books, I went straight into this one. I liked this book already lot, so I will be doubling back to book 1.
Let me say that I haven't read a book in the series prior to this one, so I went in blind.
Judging from the cover, I thought this was going to be a cute contemporary romance, but I couldn't have been anymore wrong. Ty is a whole nut, and I laughed so hard at this book that it's not even funny. When sis "warned" us about a whole Lotta gang ish, she wasn't joking.
I loved everything about their story and the way he loved her. Cared for her. Protected her. The feels were real. Ya hear me?
Their "drama" was cute. Not over the top. He was mean to the world, but puppy dog for her.
She loved him. In the softest manner, a woman could love a man. She protected his feelings. Healed his heart. Cured his soul.
There were a few grammar hiccups, but I disregarded them. I speak southern AAVE, so the Cali AAVE I had reread twice, but it hit all the same.
I caused my own confusion with characters because although I KNEW there were 5 aforementioned books, I went straight into this one. I liked this book already lot, so I will be doubling back to book 1.
October 12, 2025
Loved Ty and Emiko
I say it every time and I will say it again - Jessica A. can tell a damn story! I have not been disappointed yet by any story in this series. And the way the books intertwine in a subtle yet intentional way. Every time a new piece falls into my place my mouth is wide open. Emiko is connected to Milli from Reem and YTs book so we get exposed to a whole new group of folks through she and Ty’s story. And we see them both find each other and overcome their challenges through love, hard conversations and still lots of humorous moments. The book was great. Read it!
In the authors note she mentions that we are getting close to the end of the series and I honestly never want it to end. Being able to write a series with different characters within the same “universe” without it becoming repetitive is a gift! Cant wait for the next one!
I say it every time and I will say it again - Jessica A. can tell a damn story! I have not been disappointed yet by any story in this series. And the way the books intertwine in a subtle yet intentional way. Every time a new piece falls into my place my mouth is wide open. Emiko is connected to Milli from Reem and YTs book so we get exposed to a whole new group of folks through she and Ty’s story. And we see them both find each other and overcome their challenges through love, hard conversations and still lots of humorous moments. The book was great. Read it!
In the authors note she mentions that we are getting close to the end of the series and I honestly never want it to end. Being able to write a series with different characters within the same “universe” without it becoming repetitive is a gift! Cant wait for the next one!
November 11, 2025
This one was my least favorite of the series. I just wasn’t feeling their connection at all. Meeting once when Em was five and then being madly in love years later? It didn’t feel believable. Ty was a manwhore, and honestly, the romance between them just didn’t hit for me. Em was annoying too, the back and forth wasn’t cute. She agreed to marry a man she met once as a toddler, didn’t even know him as an adult, and kept crashing out based on what other people told her instead of what she saw with her own eyes. She kept making Ty pay for her past mistakes, holding him accountable for what another man did to her. He didn’t deserve that. I don’t know how he wasn’t exhausted, because I definitely was.
The only part I really cared about was Ty making up with his dad. The romance just didn’t move me this time around.
The only part I really cared about was Ty making up with his dad. The romance just didn’t move me this time around.
January 16, 2026
I really loved it!
Ty Ty was emotional wounded since he was 10, Em since she was 5 or 6. He promised he'd find her, what a wild crazy ride when they reconnected. Spontaneous marriage, accusations, tears, hurt feelings, trauma, murder, abuse, thot lovemaking scenes, new relationships and friendships, this novel had it all and touched on so many true life issues within families abd friends but in the end I believe they healed one another and got their HEA and miracle. Loved it now Wynter and Rico must get a story Jessica A! This series has been full of emotional ups abd downs. Thank you for writing such a wonderful REAL series! You are now added to my list of favs!!!!
Ty Ty was emotional wounded since he was 10, Em since she was 5 or 6. He promised he'd find her, what a wild crazy ride when they reconnected. Spontaneous marriage, accusations, tears, hurt feelings, trauma, murder, abuse, thot lovemaking scenes, new relationships and friendships, this novel had it all and touched on so many true life issues within families abd friends but in the end I believe they healed one another and got their HEA and miracle. Loved it now Wynter and Rico must get a story Jessica A! This series has been full of emotional ups abd downs. Thank you for writing such a wonderful REAL series! You are now added to my list of favs!!!!
October 5, 2025
Ty 💚 Miko
I couldn’t get enough of this story. This one was so sweet and light hearted. Ty is the funniest 🥷🏾 in Foe Dub and I loved Emiko’s spunk and personality. 🥰💚 the gang is growing up and I love how Jessica has shaped this series and the care and intention that goes into crafting these men. 🥹 everything is indeed, kismet! Can’t wait to see what’s next …. Heard it’s gone be a cold WYNTER ❄️👀
I couldn’t get enough of this story. This one was so sweet and light hearted. Ty is the funniest 🥷🏾 in Foe Dub and I loved Emiko’s spunk and personality. 🥰💚 the gang is growing up and I love how Jessica has shaped this series and the care and intention that goes into crafting these men. 🥹 everything is indeed, kismet! Can’t wait to see what’s next …. Heard it’s gone be a cold WYNTER ❄️👀
October 5, 2025
Ty is me and I am Ty
When they say you can’t turn a heaux into a housewife they were not talking about Ty. Miko did not play about the promises made to her and her respect. Ty fought for his life this entire book. Miko friend group was chef’s kiss. I love a lil hood bit and Dayeli gave me all the hood I needed. Also if Kenton was a real place I would absolutely relocate there I wanna go to hood day for all three sides…. Cookie crumbs were appropriately placed.
When they say you can’t turn a heaux into a housewife they were not talking about Ty. Miko did not play about the promises made to her and her respect. Ty fought for his life this entire book. Miko friend group was chef’s kiss. I love a lil hood bit and Dayeli gave me all the hood I needed. Also if Kenton was a real place I would absolutely relocate there I wanna go to hood day for all three sides…. Cookie crumbs were appropriately placed.
October 17, 2025
This was good continuation of the series. The connection between Ty and Emiko was so well done, Their “kismet" bond felt believable and emotional. I loved how the story had real depth, especially with the way it wove together the past and present. Seeing how everything from their history impacted who they are now made the whole story feel richer. Ty was definitely a standout for me, he was hilarious, and his dynamic with his dad felt super authentic and real. There was some drama and a few issues between the characters, but I liked how they approached those problems together, as a team. It made their relationship feel more grounded. I did find some parts a bit repetitive, and I have to admit I was a little annoyed by Emiko at times. Still, that didn’t take away too much from the overall story.
April 24, 2026
Kismet
After book 5 I thought the next would be about Wynter & Rico but now I know they’re coming! Ty and Em’s story was engaging from the beginning to the end. I love how they met, how they grew while apart, and how they reconnected in adulthood! All the cameo appearances were a bonus!
After book 5 I thought the next would be about Wynter & Rico but now I know they’re coming! Ty and Em’s story was engaging from the beginning to the end. I love how they met, how they grew while apart, and how they reconnected in adulthood! All the cameo appearances were a bonus!
October 5, 2025
Ty-Ty and Em
Ty didn’t have it easy but even when his life was the hardest he felt the need to protect Emily. I have loved every book in this series. And can’t wait to see what is next to come!
Ty didn’t have it easy but even when his life was the hardest he felt the need to protect Emily. I have loved every book in this series. And can’t wait to see what is next to come!
October 12, 2025
I could never get enough
Each of the characters are so developed I want to know everyone’s story! I thought Set was gon be my South Kenton bae… BUT. Six books in and I keep wanting RICO. I cannot wait for more!
Each of the characters are so developed I want to know everyone’s story! I thought Set was gon be my South Kenton bae… BUT. Six books in and I keep wanting RICO. I cannot wait for more!
November 7, 2025
Loved
I loved everything about this series! I fell in love with all the Mc’s! The author is new to me but I look forward to what’s next from her!
I loved everything about this series! I fell in love with all the Mc’s! The author is new to me but I look forward to what’s next from her!
February 1, 2026
4.75⭐️
Read
April 18, 2026This was so perfect <33333 miss them already
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews