Rue Devereaux had always been her father’s daughter. She was his shadow, his rhyme, and undoubtedly his reason. But life… life doesn’t care about vows or bloodlines; it tears, it takes, and it disrupts, leaving you to figure out what’s left. What Rue inherits isn’t just a legacy… It’s a wound, stitched with love, pain, and the kind of strength you don’t learn until life forces you to. Against the odds, Von was never supposed to be the one. Quiet, steady, and untouchable. He lived by discipline, and moved like a man with nothing to lose. Yet somehow, Rue became his everything. Harmless intentions, unadulterated, and purified love. Together, they carry more than just each other. They carried survival, a bond carved from broken pieces, and a love that refused to bow to circumstances. Their story isn’t about perfection. It’s about what blooms when two souls decide that even in the ashes, beauty still remains, and what they curated is worth going the extra mile to find.
Aja, not one lie was told when you said this story would be real and raw! Whew, my feelings! 😥 Judah was the man in the streets, but a whole different person at home. He loved his family and did all he could to care for and protect them. However, some things he is unable to protect his girls from. I wondered in that opening scene why Judah moved the way he did with Rhemy, but I quickly learned the why. Rhemy was out there bad, and even with all the help, love, and support that was put in front of her, she wasn’t ready to turn her life around. 💔 I could feel the pain and disappointment that Judah displayed for Rhemy, but also the deep love. He was coming to a point where he had to ask himself, when is enough, enough?
Rue, Judah’s sweet daughter was his pride and joy. He would move heaven and earth for her, and their love had no end. Rue had anything a girl could ever ask for, but all she wanted was the love of her mother; that Rhemy was unwilling to give. It made me wonder why does she despise her daughter?
Von, Judah’s right hand, was front and center for everything that was going on with this family. His loyalty to Judah was ironclad, and nothing would change that. When tragedy strikes, my heart dropped as I could literally feel Rue’s anguish. Now is the time for Von to step up and make good on his promise. I knew that Von and Rue would eventually get together, as the chemistry was already there. This situation just gave them the nudge that was needed. Enjoyed this. 👍🏾👍🏾
It's so sad, but true to see how addiction can take over a person even with all the love around them. I'm glad that Rue and Von found each other. They were such a beautiful couple.
This was such a good read and to know you were able to create this masterpiece while experiencing such a deep loss is amazing. Rue & Von is the nugget of gold we need indeed!
I love how Aja allows the characters to go through hurt, pain, love, and healing. The relationships in this book were emotional. It takes a lot to walk away from. people when you are hurting but love them with all your heart. The relationship between Rhemy and Rue should be special, but it changes once Rhemy gets on drugs. Sometimes, there is so much pain, and it's hard to healing. I love the relationship between Judah and Rue. It was so special. Some females wish they had a relationship like that with their dad. I am also glad that Von was there for Rue. They both need each other. Their live was so special. Sometimes in life, you have to learn the hard way. I wish Rhemy would have learned, but the monkey was in her back heavily.
This story gripped me from the start. Rue and Von’s journey isn’t just about love, it’s about survival, healing, and finding beauty in the ashes. I could relate to Rue’s strength after loss; life has a way of breaking us, but like her, I’ve learned that’s where real growth begins.
A raw, emotional, and beautifully written story that lingers long after you finish reading.
This book was very cute. Sad what happened to her father and how her mother treated her but the way Von loved her and was so gentle with her was heartwarming.