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Adonis Gates

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Adonis is a man who lives by order and loyalty. Every decision he's made has been for one reason—to give his little brother a chance at something better.

Discipline and control built his world, and he's never wavered from it, but when Jru reenters his life, everything shifts.

With her, Adonis learns that love doesn't have to soften a man; sometimes, it gives him another reason to stand taller. Together, they carry what life's put on their shoulders—his burden, her pain—and somehow learn to make it lighter.

263 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 21, 2025

241 people are currently reading
200 people want to read

About the author

T'Lyn

59 books657 followers
T’Lyn is a Greenville, South Carolina, native, mother of five, and author with a affinity for writing. She fell in love with reading at the age of fourteen, soon discovering that she wanted to share her own creative ideas.

With a gifted ability of storytelling, T’Lyn crafts love stories mixed with romance and hood. To date, she has published eighteen novels.

T’Lyn has a passion for writing and continues to pen her wild imaginative thoughts, taking readers on a journey with authentic storytelling.

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5 stars
545 (64%)
4 stars
228 (26%)
3 stars
66 (7%)
2 stars
11 (1%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
Profile Image for perfectlyamberb.
653 reviews28 followers
October 22, 2025
Cute 🥰

This was such a sweet story. Adonis is the MMC of dreams. He was patient, loving, and a protector. Adonis is just trying to raise his younger brother when his first and only love, Jru, comes back into his life. He regrets letting her get away the first time due to life experiences, but once he sees her again, he's determined to make her his. Jru is going through it with her current boyfriend, Brock, and she knows it's time to let go, and once she sees Adonis, feelings propel her in his direction. These two were cute as hell together. The love and communication between them warmed my heart. I also loved how T'Lyn handled Jru's medical condition. It was captured so realistically but at the same time thoughtfully written.
Profile Image for ReadnliftwithShar.
1,873 reviews
October 21, 2025
🫶🏾🫶🏾🫶🏾

Adonis Gates is such a classic T’Lyn man, he is a leader, enforcer, no-nonsense, a protector, and very humble. In addition to these things, he is raising his young brother; who is constantly pressing his luck, but I love the realistic aspect of their relationship. The best thing about Adonis is the way he manages to “love” the hurt out of his true love, Jru - the one that got away. I adore Jru; the strength that she shows, her compassion, and her overall growth is truly chefs kiss. Jru is going through IT in the beginning with her ex- Brock; that man did so much damage mentally and emotionally in their relationship, my heart aches. But once Adonis reminds Jru that she is a queen and will be treated as such, I was like mkay!!! Adonis is not the one, or the two, and he definitely made a few people feel his presence, while subsequently making all of Jru’s dreams come true. 4.5✨

Profile Image for JMonique.
122 reviews20 followers
October 24, 2025
Adonis is baeeee 😩🥰 My man, my man, my man!! Loving, protective & didn’t play about Jru!! He was everything you want in a man! I loved the way he loved her through the good & the bad!!! Brock was so trash 😒 but Adonis came in & showed her how she should’ve been treated from day!! Such a good read!! T’lyn books never disappoint!
Profile Image for Melise.
516 reviews56 followers
November 2, 2025
Idk this was good but a lil dull to me. I am a big hater of letting a bad guy make it longer than 5 chapters. If you tell me the MMC is like that then I expect his behavior to match that. I think the chronic illness representation was well done here. Overall the story was just okay to me.
Profile Image for Monique.
472 reviews23 followers
October 23, 2025
I loved this story! Jru & Adonis were cute together. Adonis was a man’s man! The type of MMC that you love to see: protective, patient, attentive, a lover boy and about his business. His relationship with his little brother was everything and was honestly a good & realistic depiction of sibling/guardian relationships. It’s not always pretty and I love that we saw both of their struggles. Jru was a little silly for putting up with her bf as long as she had but we’ve all been dumb for a guy at some point. This story had great pacing, good banter & side characters.
Profile Image for Jacquie.
613 reviews13 followers
October 25, 2025
This was special to me because my girl lowkey be peeking in my windows at night! Got my baby daddy, my husband, and my job up in there.. should I be concerned?! lol j/k A T’Lyn read is always a good time. Brock was next level trash.. how you move the way you move but a p-word?! Adonis swooped in and did his big one in every aspect tho! I love how him and Jrue finally got their chance.. second chance at a first chance. I’m always here for those vibes!
Profile Image for Shalana.
484 reviews8 followers
December 31, 2025
4.5⭐

What a man, what a man, what a mighty good man.

Adonis has wanted Jruelle since they were teenagers. When she ends the longtime relationship with his 'rival' he takes the opportunity to scoop her right up. And shows her how she deserves to be treated. From being the primary parent to his younger brother, juggling his business and the streets and making himself available to Jru and her health issues, Adonis consistently proves why he is the man for her.
Profile Image for Cardi Blue.
459 reviews8 followers
October 23, 2025
Whew

Mannnn Brock lasted way too long but if he didn’t, the book would’ve been over quick. I love the representation of endometriosis in here. The difference between a supportive partner and how horrible and misinformed folks can be. I need Geri, Cam and Rhea’s story because they were a time.
65 reviews
October 22, 2025
Adonis & Jru

When it’s meant to be it’s meant to be ! Loved everything about this story, it was soooo good ! Thank you for shining a light on endometriosis
Profile Image for Jenae.
161 reviews2 followers
November 11, 2025
I didn’t necessarily dislike it but it was underwhelming for me. Also some things I didn’t add up with what I was reading and versus the story being told. For example Adonis was street pharmacist, a well known one for that matter, and he moved out of a house he inherited into an apartment…we three cars? 🤨 Jru is a social worker and closed on a house at 25…the books word not mine. One of the source of contention with Adonis and Jru was that her parents didn’t vibe with him but there was no mention of that in adulthood. The whole drug dealer, barber trucker thing could have been interesting but it was just a bunch of random things thrown together.it took me 4 days to read a book that should have taken me 1.
Profile Image for Tisha.
1,248 reviews
October 26, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️

Cute story. Everyone got what they deserved. A bit rushed toward the end, after all the drama surrounding Brock, that resolution was a bit anticlimactic.

Don and Jru were cute, even the glimpses of AP and Bre.
Profile Image for Miss Read A lot .
747 reviews1 follower
January 17, 2026
I honestly don’t understand why Adonis was so crazy about Jru. He was willing to accept her being emotionally weak and inconsistent, and I couldn’t see why. She stayed for years with a man who never respected her, let him tear her down, and somehow that became Adonis’s burden to fix. Now he has to work his way into her heart because of damage she chose to sit in. At some point, accountability matters. If people like Jru left earlier, there wouldn’t be endless justifications for treating good partners poorly later.

Jru was constantly self-sabotaging. She couldn’t stop bringing up how her ex treated her, yet when Adonis tried to do better, she pushed back and told him he didn’t need to do anything for her. That contradiction was exhausting. Do you want a supportive man, or do you want the same trash behavior you keep referencing? Because it can’t be both.

Adonis truly deserved better. I can already tell she would be emotionally draining long-term. I don’t even care about the sex aspect, but when intimacy came up and she shut it down purely because her ex damaged her, it stopped making sense. Whether it’s now or later, the outcome doesn’t change if there’s no growth in between.

What really annoyed me was her constant “you didn’t have to do that” response anytime Adonis showed up for her. If she wanted Brock back, the man who didn’t support her emotionally or physically, then she should’ve just said that. A man finally shows up, attends appointments, offers emotional support, and her response is always dismissal. At one point, Adonis even went with her to an endometriosis appointment, and she still said he didn’t have to come. That was the exact opposite of what her last relationship lacked.

Then when Adonis asked a valid question to the doc about intimacy in relation to her condition, she completely freaked out. It was a valid question. The overreaction just highlighted how emotionally immature she is. Mentally, Jru feels like a child compared to Adonis, who is clearly grown and emotionally ready. He’s simply too much man for her.

I’m at 77% and decided to DNF because I no longer care about the HEA. Adonis is a great character and genuinely deserves better than what this relationship offers.
Profile Image for KweenBee.
313 reviews3 followers
December 1, 2025
Adonis MF'n Gates!

Adonis was dealt a pretty bad hand in life and I guess you could say love too - but with both he rose to occasion and handled his handle. Essentially becoming a single parent at a very young age to a child he didn't create showed his beautiful heart for others. Also, the glimpse back into his youth when he befriended and protected someone who didn't even deserve it, also spoke volumes about his character at even a young age. Then his love for Jru, although delayed but not denied, their love was one he stood ten toes down for- in sickness and in health, before even taking any vows- I loved it! And Jru, although I had some concerns with just how long she was gonna let that other jerk play in her face, she was a woman of her word and when she was done- she was DONE. Their storyline kept me interested and engaged from start to finish and although it was a bit of a slow burn BUT once that spark hit, it was indeed burning fast and often! I also appreciated this author shedding some light on a topic that plagues so many women. I think she handled it with grace but also transparency.
21 reviews
January 8, 2026
I love me some Adonis!

This book was a great romance story about Jruelle and Adonis who get their 2nd chance at love as they missed it when they were younger. Adonis never really forgot about Jruelle, so when her boyfriend acts up for the last time, Adonis is there to swoop in. He gives her the space she needs and then it's all love from there. The story is well written, I loved how Adonis loved Jruelle and constantly showed and told her that she was more than enough and all that he ever wanted despite the 'flaw' she perceived herself to have. The author sensitively handled Jruelle's endometriosis and Adonis' situation with his brother. Adonis was definitely raising Apollo the right way, and the bond between the brothers was beautiful. I loved Gerica and Jruelle's relationship as sisters too, and hope she gets her own story. Overall, this was a good story, without too much drama and a little bit of spice thrown in (the spice comes later in the book, which actually works well, and is well written). Defo one I'd recommend ♥️
227 reviews1 follower
October 24, 2025
Good story

I enjoyed this book. The storyline was well put together. It pointed out real life problems like how women struggle with endometriosis and how it toys with not only their bodies but their mental and emotions as well. It told of a young man struggling thru growing pains of not having a mother being raised by his brother and that brother doing his best to keep him on the straight path while trying to make sure they both were good. I didn’t know what to make of Adonis he was street but he wasn’t. He was kind and patient but definitely hood when it was necessary. The only thing that confused me was how Apollo kept getting in trouble when he had security. His guard was never mentioned after he was introduced to the storyline. So the entire time I kept wondering when Adonis would address him for not doing his job but it was like he no longer existed in the story. And why wasn’t Bonita handled as well. Other than that it was a very good story.
Profile Image for BookTalesTink .
142 reviews
October 23, 2025
Adonis aka Don G and Jruelle aka Jru

My man, my man, my man Mr. Don G himself! Now that’s a man right there. The way he showed up for Jru every single time had me grinning. He gave her space when she needed it, but not too much, because let’s be real he was on her bad. I just hate that Jru entertained Brock for as long as she did, because baby, no. All that mouth and no hands? Crazy! God don’t bless no mess those uncomfortable moments she kept having with him were signs that Brock was never her person. She needed to get out that dog bed and leave him where he was. I absolutely loved her sister Geri and her friend Rhea, and Apollo had me worried for a minute. I wasn’t sure what direction he was headed in, but I’m glad he got it together. Another great trip to Atlyn City, you just gotta love it!
Profile Image for _dulcekk.
650 reviews3 followers
October 27, 2025
When Love Heals

Jru, due to a medical diagnosis, felt as though she had to settle, accepting what she was given because she saw herself as damaged goods. Adonis, on the other hand, was dealt a difficult hand at a young age, one that changed the course of his life. Yet, his love for his brother AP pushed him to step up and take responsibility. This story had it all- drama, spice, and heartfelt moments. I especially loved watching Jru come into her own, realizing what she truly deserved and allowing herself to be loved the right way, without conditions. Adonis handled her with so much care, he was always protective and intentional. Their connection was beautiful and powerful; I absolutely loved them together. “You deserve to be happy without feeling guilty”.
Profile Image for EricaLenise.
328 reviews29 followers
November 8, 2025
Tlyn always gives a good time in her releases and this one was no different for the most part.

Adonis, or Don, is your friendly neighborhood drug dealer who also happens to be a barber and an aspiring truck driver. 😂 I feel silly even saying it, but he was sweet. I loved that he stepped up to raise his little brother and that he loved him some J’Ru. So he gets a pass… kind of.

Now, the barbering felt like a throwaway detail, and the trucking goal seemed more like a need than a dream. That’s probably why this landed at a solid 4 stars—because honestly, why all those side hustles when the streets were already paying?

Still, I had a good time. Tlyn knows how to blend heart, humor, and hood just right, and Adonis definitely delivered on that mix.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)
Profile Image for Quita G Wise.
6 reviews1 follower
October 23, 2025
Adonis and his Jru!!!!!!!!!!!

T’Lyn girl you did this. Adonis said take my number and you better answer. All gas after that. I love Geri and how she rode for her sister. Brock is a BAN. I loved how Jru didn’t drag out her reset not that Don was going to let her. I loved how he took his time with her and doing his research to care for her was so sweet. He took care of his brother without a thought. The one scene brought me to tears but I loved the dynamic between them. Don was a real YN but that man said ain’t nobody going play with his respect or his girl. Absolute good read. I need more!!!!!!!!
Profile Image for Deidra Brown.
98 reviews
October 26, 2025
Don G. Baybeeee!!!

I’m obsessed with Adonis and Jru’s love story! I was side-eyeing Jru for staying with Brock’s wack self all those years, but I get it. He really had her thinking he was the only one who’d “deal” with her because of the endometriosis. Bum behavior! He got what he deserved!
Don G. though? Whew. When he finally got his chance, it was all gas + no brakes. Loved every second!!. Such a good read — just the right amount of spice and so much heart. I’m still interested to know what’s happening to Bonita and her baby- trash… maybe a quick lil update T’Lyn?!? 10, 10, 10 💗💗
Profile Image for T K Vaugh.
1,618 reviews9 followers
January 7, 2026
Adonis and Jru, Friends to Lovers

I love me some Adonis(Don Gates)!!!…A man after my own heart!!!…
I love how he continued to stand on business about Jru, rather she was his woman or not!!!…He valued their friendship and let Derrick know that disrespect twds Jru was not going to be accepted!!!…
His kindness and patience extended way past far needs and understanding!!!…That WHOLE doctor scene gave me all the feels!!!…
I hope there is more for this family!!!…
Adonis stayed on his brother and never let up, which is what he needed!!!…He made sure his brother was not lost to the streets, despite what kinda lifestyle he was leading!!!…
190 reviews1 follower
October 25, 2025
Donny is BAE

I have enjoyed this read! Adonis aka Don or Donny by Jru was a get money ninja, his brother’s keeper, a protector, and Jruelle’s true love! It’s crazy how his day one betrayed him like that. Knew how that man felt about Jru and went behind his back. Even did his Stepdaddy dirty. That man stepped up and tried to keep money in his pocket. Brock was scum and got what he needed! I didn’t like how he treated Jru of how she put up with his mess all those years. Donny swooped in and saved the day. I felt bad for Vado in the end.
Profile Image for Kina M.
722 reviews8 followers
December 12, 2025
started out good

I gave 2 stars because it started out good. I was invested. I liked the maturity of the MMC, I ain’t gone lie I really didn’t care for the FMC. Not even sure why the two ended up together, I felt absolutely no chemistry btw the two. AD should have been able to find someone else to be with esp since she chose to stay with the creep she was with. But even when they got together it was nothing there. The story actually became boring and really didn’t have a real plot. There was so much potential there but somehow the author missed the mark.
Profile Image for Mayas.
2,449 reviews49 followers
October 23, 2025
Know your worth

Jruelle, sweety, I am happy enough started being enough. Never let a man or woman play in your face.

Adonis thank you for being a real one. From your mom, to your brother, to your friends, and your girl. I loved every minute of you. The life lessons was top tier. He needed that FAFO. You stood on business and I loved that for us readers.

I can’t wait to read of T'Lyn's catalog. This was well written and educational.
Profile Image for Naee.Reads.
175 reviews4 followers
October 26, 2025
A mannnnnnnnn!!!!

I just feel like if a man isn’t stepping like Adonis, does he even like you frfr???? That man wasn’t playing any games behind her at all!!!! When he finally got his chance with his lady, he was all gas no breaks. He wouldn’t let her talk them out of being together, wouldn’t let her overthink her situation because he was going to be right there with her. His loyalty to his little brother, his woman and his people spoke VOLUMES. Loved this!!
85 reviews
November 6, 2025
Adonis Gates

Great story, I don't know why he didn't move around after his crush was with someone else because lusting after someone else girl wasn't cool. If she wanted to be with a cheating loser then let her be. You waited until the right time and scoop right on in and got your girl. I'm glad his little brother got it together because he was heading in the wrong direction with his crazy friends.
Profile Image for Vernell Renee Howard Griffin.
1,061 reviews1 follower
January 14, 2026
Awesome

This inspiring narrative beautifully illustrates the transformative power of resilience and faith. By maintaining hope and staying authentic, one can overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges and discover unexpected opportunities for growth and redemption. The journey is a testament to the belief that personal strength, combined with spiritual guidance, can lead to remarkable outcomes and profound personal transformation. Great Read! Renee G
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews

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