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Lily In The Valley
In the valley of heartbreak, love still blooms.
Kelly Reid has always known how to keep her heart guarded and her life under medical school, residency on the horizon, every detail carefully planned. But when grief shatters her world and family wounds cut deeper than she imagined, the silence she’s carried since childhood—the silence that’s kept her from trusting love, even when it’s been standing right in front of her—begins to suffocate instead of protect.
Khalil Grant has built his life on second chances, carrying the scars of his own abandonment. He’s learned to pour his heart into building his business and protecting the people closest to him. Loving Kelly feels like the kind of risk that could finally bring him peace…or break him all over again.
As heartbreak and healing collide, Kelly and Khalil must confront the ghosts of their pasts—and the question of whether love can truly survive when everything else falls apart.
Raw, romantic, and deeply moving, Lily in the Valley is a story about grief, forgiveness, and the courage it takes to let love bloom in the darkest of places.
Content
This story touches on grief, parental loss, family conflict, and the ache of heartbreak. While it is ultimately about love, healing, and the courage to begin again, there may be moments that feel heavy. Please honor your own peace. Pause, breathe, or step away when you need to. Your well-being matters more than finishing these pages. This story isn’t going anywhere. When you’re ready, I hope it reminds you that even through heartbreak, light and love remain within reach.
Kelly Reid has always known how to keep her heart guarded and her life under medical school, residency on the horizon, every detail carefully planned. But when grief shatters her world and family wounds cut deeper than she imagined, the silence she’s carried since childhood—the silence that’s kept her from trusting love, even when it’s been standing right in front of her—begins to suffocate instead of protect.
Khalil Grant has built his life on second chances, carrying the scars of his own abandonment. He’s learned to pour his heart into building his business and protecting the people closest to him. Loving Kelly feels like the kind of risk that could finally bring him peace…or break him all over again.
As heartbreak and healing collide, Kelly and Khalil must confront the ghosts of their pasts—and the question of whether love can truly survive when everything else falls apart.
Raw, romantic, and deeply moving, Lily in the Valley is a story about grief, forgiveness, and the courage it takes to let love bloom in the darkest of places.
Content
This story touches on grief, parental loss, family conflict, and the ache of heartbreak. While it is ultimately about love, healing, and the courage to begin again, there may be moments that feel heavy. Please honor your own peace. Pause, breathe, or step away when you need to. Your well-being matters more than finishing these pages. This story isn’t going anywhere. When you’re ready, I hope it reminds you that even through heartbreak, light and love remain within reach.
422 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 11, 2025
92 people are currently reading
195 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
November 9, 2025
My first ever 6 star read. There is so much to unpack here I don’t even know where to start. This is the first book that has ever made me cry and feel SO deeply. The emotions this book pulled out of me I still can’t believe it. Both the FMC Kelly and the MMC Khalil had so much emotional depth I could feel every emotion they were going through. On top of that, all of the surrounding characters, every single one, plays such a vital piece in the story. You are truly interested in everyone.
Kelly is a true force to be reckoned with. She is the glue that keeps everyone together, ambitious, loyal, loves hard, and a true friend through and through. I can say the same thing about Khalil and I love his emotional maturity when it comes to Kelly. It takes a strong confident man to be with a strong independent confident woman. Their passion for one another was so refreshing to read.
The relatability in this book was just everything. From the very beginning I can picture this book as a movie. Her books give 90s vibes, movies, and tv shows. The song playlist for this book >>> GIRL!!!! The references, omg… everything was done just right. I feel it should be a crime that these characters are not real, I really do lol
Alexandrea is a phenomenal writer. I am still processing what I’ve read. I feel like for you to feel so deeply for these characters as I did, it’s imperative you read loved by you and then the novella right after, the choices we make. Trust me on this. I can’t wait for the remainder books in the series, I NEED it. 6 stars ✨
Kelly is a true force to be reckoned with. She is the glue that keeps everyone together, ambitious, loyal, loves hard, and a true friend through and through. I can say the same thing about Khalil and I love his emotional maturity when it comes to Kelly. It takes a strong confident man to be with a strong independent confident woman. Their passion for one another was so refreshing to read.
The relatability in this book was just everything. From the very beginning I can picture this book as a movie. Her books give 90s vibes, movies, and tv shows. The song playlist for this book >>> GIRL!!!! The references, omg… everything was done just right. I feel it should be a crime that these characters are not real, I really do lol
Alexandrea is a phenomenal writer. I am still processing what I’ve read. I feel like for you to feel so deeply for these characters as I did, it’s imperative you read loved by you and then the novella right after, the choices we make. Trust me on this. I can’t wait for the remainder books in the series, I NEED it. 6 stars ✨
October 26, 2025
5 Stars!!
Going into this, I didn’t expect to be punched in the gut repeatedly and ball my eyes out like crazy. Kelly & Khalil’s story is emotional, heartbreaking, and beautiful.
This was such a beautifully written story of friends to lovers. Kelly is a career driven, controlling, hardheaded woman who is navigating a gut wrenching loss. Khalil is loving, protective, stubborn, and a man who carries his own scars.
This was raw, romantic, and messy. This is the type of story that hurts before it’s healing. The type of love that finds you when you’re lost. A story about grief, forgiveness, and courage.
Tropes:
- Friends to Lovers
- Seconds Chance
- Grief
- He falls first
- Protective MMC
- Right person wrong time
Going into this, I didn’t expect to be punched in the gut repeatedly and ball my eyes out like crazy. Kelly & Khalil’s story is emotional, heartbreaking, and beautiful.
This was such a beautifully written story of friends to lovers. Kelly is a career driven, controlling, hardheaded woman who is navigating a gut wrenching loss. Khalil is loving, protective, stubborn, and a man who carries his own scars.
This was raw, romantic, and messy. This is the type of story that hurts before it’s healing. The type of love that finds you when you’re lost. A story about grief, forgiveness, and courage.
Tropes:
- Friends to Lovers
- Seconds Chance
- Grief
- He falls first
- Protective MMC
- Right person wrong time
November 17, 2025
This author loves making me cry. Kelly and Khalil journey is so relatable. Their friendship is beautiful but their romance is so beautiful. There is so much to unpack and talk about with this book. I LOVE the mental health journeys in this series. Please read these books!
November 2, 2025
ARC REVIEW 🧡❤️
The second book in the Double Back Diaries series was everything I wanted—and then some. I’ve loved Khalil and Kelly ever since they were introduced in Loved by You, and seeing their story unfold here was absolute perfection. The romance felt rugged, raw, and real—flawed characters navigating love and life in such an authentic way that you can’t help but feel every emotion right alongside them.
Khalil completely stole my heart. Even when things weren’t perfect, he stayed. He showed up for Lily girl in every moment, even when she couldn’t see her own worth. That kind of quiet, steady love? Unmatched.
And Kelly—her journey was so beautiful to witness. Watching her growth throughout the story felt empowering and real. Her therapy scene had me clutching my chest.
Lastly, I have to mention the friendship in this series. The way these characters show up for each other, hold each other accountable, and love one another platonically is everything. The honesty, the loyalty, the realness—it’s exactly what makes this series stand out.
If you haven’t started The Double Back Diaries yet, do yourself a favor and dive in. You’ll feel every word. ❤️
The second book in the Double Back Diaries series was everything I wanted—and then some. I’ve loved Khalil and Kelly ever since they were introduced in Loved by You, and seeing their story unfold here was absolute perfection. The romance felt rugged, raw, and real—flawed characters navigating love and life in such an authentic way that you can’t help but feel every emotion right alongside them.
Khalil completely stole my heart. Even when things weren’t perfect, he stayed. He showed up for Lily girl in every moment, even when she couldn’t see her own worth. That kind of quiet, steady love? Unmatched.
And Kelly—her journey was so beautiful to witness. Watching her growth throughout the story felt empowering and real. Her therapy scene had me clutching my chest.
Lastly, I have to mention the friendship in this series. The way these characters show up for each other, hold each other accountable, and love one another platonically is everything. The honesty, the loyalty, the realness—it’s exactly what makes this series stand out.
If you haven’t started The Double Back Diaries yet, do yourself a favor and dive in. You’ll feel every word. ❤️
October 27, 2025
The Second book in the Double Back Diaries Series did not disappoint. Lily in the Valley continues to follow Kelly and Khalil who we first met in Loved by You.
Kelly and Khalil are childhood friends, turned Friends with benefits/Situationship(?). While their relationship stays is unclear at times the way the feel about each other is very clear.
Kelly is a hard-working woman with her guard up with everyone even her friends but Khalil is maybe the only one who can get her to let the guard down.
Khalil is a hardworker and loves hard too. He is always there for his friends especially Kelly all while dealing with traumas of his own from childhood.
I cried, got frustrated, literally laughed out loud, and saw myself in the characters. I enjoyed this book so much while it is a slowish burn in that it takes the characters the majority of the book to get their ish together it was an enjoyable quick read even with the hard topics such a parental lose, family drama, and mental health.
Kelly and Khalil are childhood friends, turned Friends with benefits/Situationship(?). While their relationship stays is unclear at times the way the feel about each other is very clear.
Kelly is a hard-working woman with her guard up with everyone even her friends but Khalil is maybe the only one who can get her to let the guard down.
Khalil is a hardworker and loves hard too. He is always there for his friends especially Kelly all while dealing with traumas of his own from childhood.
I cried, got frustrated, literally laughed out loud, and saw myself in the characters. I enjoyed this book so much while it is a slowish burn in that it takes the characters the majority of the book to get their ish together it was an enjoyable quick read even with the hard topics such a parental lose, family drama, and mental health.
November 13, 2025
This was such a beautiful story on loving someone through their grief, pain, self doubt, hesitation, and so much more.
The way Khalil loved and showed up for Kelly " his Lily girl" was everything. I love when I read a book where I can actually feel the love, connection, and care the characters have for each other. They were each other's person, but the timing wasn't right. I'm glad they did the work and it ended so beautifully. I can't wait until my physical copy gets here, so I can run it back. So many things I want to annotate.
Also I love every person in this friend group, and can't wait for the rest of their stories. This is definitely one of my favorite reads this year. I needed a book that was going to make me feel something, and this was it from beginning to end!
The way Khalil loved and showed up for Kelly " his Lily girl" was everything. I love when I read a book where I can actually feel the love, connection, and care the characters have for each other. They were each other's person, but the timing wasn't right. I'm glad they did the work and it ended so beautifully. I can't wait until my physical copy gets here, so I can run it back. So many things I want to annotate.
Also I love every person in this friend group, and can't wait for the rest of their stories. This is definitely one of my favorite reads this year. I needed a book that was going to make me feel something, and this was it from beginning to end!
November 13, 2025
Alexandrea!
This book was so fire!!! 🔥 Khalil was a Good Man!! Kelly IRKED but I understand why she was that way! You ain’t have to do like that in Ch. 13!
This book was so fire!!! 🔥 Khalil was a Good Man!! Kelly IRKED but I understand why she was that way! You ain’t have to do like that in Ch. 13!
November 10, 2025
ARC REVIEW!
Lily in the Valley by Alexandrea Lachelle
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Now let me start this off by saying Khalil and Kelly stressed me the hell out. However, they redeemed my love because they ended up getting it right. I’ve read some ARCs by this has got to be so far one of my favorites. Now I loved Vanessa and Zays story but Kelly and Khalil’s hit my heart. A little synopsis: Kelly is a resident busy with her career and life and keeps her love life on a backpedal however the chemistry between her and her friend from childhood Khalil is at an all time high. Khalil successful in his own right having businesses to help those in need with his friend Zay is ready to be all in with Kelly. When things get on track a tragedy hits and all hell breaks loose in Kelly’s and Khalil’s life. Grief will have a way of pulling people together but can also pull them apart. This book definitely put me through it however these two came out so much stronger. I genuinely enjoyed this story and cried happy tears when it ended. This book made me feel so much. Actually tomorrow is the release day for Lily in the Valley so get your copies and if you didn’t read Loved By You the first in the series get on that because Vanessa and Zay are still such a beautiful couple even in. The glimpses we see of them in this book. I enjoyed both Kelly and Khalil as characters as well as the friendship groups. I just know we gotta have Nyah’s and Lynn’s story’s soon please give me the tea Alexandrea I just need to know! @alexandrea.lechelle thank you for the ARC I genuinely enjoyed this book so much!!
Lily in the Valley by Alexandrea Lachelle
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Now let me start this off by saying Khalil and Kelly stressed me the hell out. However, they redeemed my love because they ended up getting it right. I’ve read some ARCs by this has got to be so far one of my favorites. Now I loved Vanessa and Zays story but Kelly and Khalil’s hit my heart. A little synopsis: Kelly is a resident busy with her career and life and keeps her love life on a backpedal however the chemistry between her and her friend from childhood Khalil is at an all time high. Khalil successful in his own right having businesses to help those in need with his friend Zay is ready to be all in with Kelly. When things get on track a tragedy hits and all hell breaks loose in Kelly’s and Khalil’s life. Grief will have a way of pulling people together but can also pull them apart. This book definitely put me through it however these two came out so much stronger. I genuinely enjoyed this story and cried happy tears when it ended. This book made me feel so much. Actually tomorrow is the release day for Lily in the Valley so get your copies and if you didn’t read Loved By You the first in the series get on that because Vanessa and Zay are still such a beautiful couple even in. The glimpses we see of them in this book. I enjoyed both Kelly and Khalil as characters as well as the friendship groups. I just know we gotta have Nyah’s and Lynn’s story’s soon please give me the tea Alexandrea I just need to know! @alexandrea.lechelle thank you for the ARC I genuinely enjoyed this book so much!!
November 20, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
This book was an emotional roller coaster, and I really enjoyed every second of it! Kelly and Khalil’s story was great!
Kelly and Khalil have an undeniable bond and connection with one another. No matter what may be going in their lives, they always seem to find their way back to each other. They are each other solace and safe space.
They faced a lot of hardships in this book, whether it was from outside circumstances or grief or their own hesitation and fears. Khalil always made Kelly feel like she didn’t have to be perfect or hold things in, which is what she really needed. While they did stumble and fall off, I am very happy they were able to overcome things and get back together.
I also want to say I really love both Kelly and Khalil, they show both sides of the situation and how hard it can be. There were plenty of moments where I would get upset or frustrated with someone’s actions, but at the same time I get their reactions to things.
I also just love the support system in this book as well! This book focused on healing and forgiveness which I loved.
I’d recommend this! 🤎
* Black Romance
* Second Chance Romance
* Emotional
* Redemption
* Childhood Friends To Lovers
* Found Family
This book was an emotional roller coaster, and I really enjoyed every second of it! Kelly and Khalil’s story was great!
Kelly and Khalil have an undeniable bond and connection with one another. No matter what may be going in their lives, they always seem to find their way back to each other. They are each other solace and safe space.
They faced a lot of hardships in this book, whether it was from outside circumstances or grief or their own hesitation and fears. Khalil always made Kelly feel like she didn’t have to be perfect or hold things in, which is what she really needed. While they did stumble and fall off, I am very happy they were able to overcome things and get back together.
I also want to say I really love both Kelly and Khalil, they show both sides of the situation and how hard it can be. There were plenty of moments where I would get upset or frustrated with someone’s actions, but at the same time I get their reactions to things.
I also just love the support system in this book as well! This book focused on healing and forgiveness which I loved.
I’d recommend this! 🤎
* Black Romance
* Second Chance Romance
* Emotional
* Redemption
* Childhood Friends To Lovers
* Found Family
November 4, 2025
ARC REVIEW:
I genuinely believe that Alexandrea is a gift from God. This book felt like a love letter for my heart. Khalil and Kelly remind me so much of myself and my fiancé and how they found peace within one another. I have never felt so connected to a book in my life, so seen, parts of me experiencing the “what if” for relationships i unfortunately will never have the opportunity to experience in real life. This book helped heal a piece of my inner child and I am sooooo grateful I was trusted with this so early.
Lily in the Valley is therapeutic, funny, feet kickingly good. Out of the three in this series so far I KNEW Kelly and Khalil’s story was going to be my favorite and I can honestly say it went beyond my expectations.
A.L is a talent with her ability to build connections with her readers. This book is a reminder to live, to heal, to find peace and forgive at your own pace. To love and accept love instead of run from it.
A wonderful masterpiece and I cannot wait for everyone to experience this love story.
Side note: the amount of tears I shed is criminal but worth it.
I genuinely believe that Alexandrea is a gift from God. This book felt like a love letter for my heart. Khalil and Kelly remind me so much of myself and my fiancé and how they found peace within one another. I have never felt so connected to a book in my life, so seen, parts of me experiencing the “what if” for relationships i unfortunately will never have the opportunity to experience in real life. This book helped heal a piece of my inner child and I am sooooo grateful I was trusted with this so early.
Lily in the Valley is therapeutic, funny, feet kickingly good. Out of the three in this series so far I KNEW Kelly and Khalil’s story was going to be my favorite and I can honestly say it went beyond my expectations.
A.L is a talent with her ability to build connections with her readers. This book is a reminder to live, to heal, to find peace and forgive at your own pace. To love and accept love instead of run from it.
A wonderful masterpiece and I cannot wait for everyone to experience this love story.
Side note: the amount of tears I shed is criminal but worth it.
November 14, 2025
The rating this needs is not available!!! An absolute gem this book is!!! A 6 star read which I highly recommend!!
If you are someone who is fighting love due to parental trauma—maybe you saw parents arguing a lot growing up, maybe a parent wasn’t there, or any kind of parental trauma, etc., this book will heal you or at least start the process!
The story follows Khalil and Kelly who are childhood friends. They have so much love between the two of them but Kelly struggles with pretending she is fine when she is really not and Khalil struggles with being needed. They both have a past that contributes to these factors, but throughout their journey they heal, show up, and try to be there for one another—even when they don’t always make the right decisions.
The scenes in this book were so palpable…my goodness. The scene at therapy, the scene with the plant in her apartment, the scenes with their parents, Kelly and Khalil together..OMG!
Alexandrea’s writing is so poetic. She writes sentences you can feel from the depth of your heart. It’s almost like you are the character going through every emotion they are facing. I absolutely loved it!
If you are someone who is fighting love due to parental trauma—maybe you saw parents arguing a lot growing up, maybe a parent wasn’t there, or any kind of parental trauma, etc., this book will heal you or at least start the process!
The story follows Khalil and Kelly who are childhood friends. They have so much love between the two of them but Kelly struggles with pretending she is fine when she is really not and Khalil struggles with being needed. They both have a past that contributes to these factors, but throughout their journey they heal, show up, and try to be there for one another—even when they don’t always make the right decisions.
The scenes in this book were so palpable…my goodness. The scene at therapy, the scene with the plant in her apartment, the scenes with their parents, Kelly and Khalil together..OMG!
Alexandrea’s writing is so poetic. She writes sentences you can feel from the depth of your heart. It’s almost like you are the character going through every emotion they are facing. I absolutely loved it!
December 7, 2025
I don’t even know when to start! Last year around this same time I read loved by you and I was inlove, and I just finished this and I can’t even put into words how amazing it is. Alexandrea writes in a way where it not only relates to one persons particular situation it applies to all women between the two fmc so far Ive saw sooo much of myself in both of them when they both had totally different stories, even in Nyah and Lynn ( thank you for the preview 😉). What I’m saying is
I didn’t just read their stories I felt them. Every emotion, every fear, every moment of growth resonated so deeply that it stayed with me long after I closed the book. Alexandrea has this rare gift of making her characters feel real, flawed, strong, and familiar in a way that wraps around your heart and doesn’t let go.
This book was everything I needed without even knowing I needed it. I laughed, I cried, I highlighted half the chapters, and I’m already itching for Lynn and Wesley next. If you’re looking for a story that speaks to the parts of you you didn’t realize were waiting to be understood… this series is it.
An easy 5 stars…only because they won’t let me give it 10.
I didn’t just read their stories I felt them. Every emotion, every fear, every moment of growth resonated so deeply that it stayed with me long after I closed the book. Alexandrea has this rare gift of making her characters feel real, flawed, strong, and familiar in a way that wraps around your heart and doesn’t let go.
This book was everything I needed without even knowing I needed it. I laughed, I cried, I highlighted half the chapters, and I’m already itching for Lynn and Wesley next. If you’re looking for a story that speaks to the parts of you you didn’t realize were waiting to be understood… this series is it.
An easy 5 stars…only because they won’t let me give it 10.
November 3, 2025
I really appreciate how Alexandrea LeChelle starts her books with a content warning and wants to ensure her readers honor their peace and mental health.
I went into Lily in the Valley by Alexandrea LeChelle not expecting to be taken on such an intense emotional roller coaster. From the very first chapter, this story gripped my heart and refused to let go. LeChelle writes with such raw honesty and tenderness that I found myself laughing, tearing up, and reflecting all within a few pages.
What truly stands out is how beautifully she captures the journey to healing, both the painful unraveling and the quiet rebuilding of hope. The characters felt so real, their struggles so genuine, that it was impossible not to root for them. By the end, I felt like I had gone through my own transformation alongside them.
Lily in the Valley is not just a story…it’s an experience. It’s about love, loss, resilience, and finding the courage to bloom again after being broken. I didn’t expect to feel this deeply, but I’m so glad I did.
I went into Lily in the Valley by Alexandrea LeChelle not expecting to be taken on such an intense emotional roller coaster. From the very first chapter, this story gripped my heart and refused to let go. LeChelle writes with such raw honesty and tenderness that I found myself laughing, tearing up, and reflecting all within a few pages.
What truly stands out is how beautifully she captures the journey to healing, both the painful unraveling and the quiet rebuilding of hope. The characters felt so real, their struggles so genuine, that it was impossible not to root for them. By the end, I felt like I had gone through my own transformation alongside them.
Lily in the Valley is not just a story…it’s an experience. It’s about love, loss, resilience, and finding the courage to bloom again after being broken. I didn’t expect to feel this deeply, but I’m so glad I did.
November 3, 2025
ARC REVIEW - A beautifully written love story
This is the story I’ve been waiting for & it did not disappoint!!!
Khalil & Kelly have crazy chemistry that you can sense from book 1 so to go into their POVs for book 2 was a real treat. I LOVE how Alexandrea writes her MMCs—they are down bad for their women, loving them hard & without abandon. In this book though, Khalil met his match. Because while he was a chaser, Kelly was a runner. And until they decided they were ready to meet in the middle, they were doomed to fail. They broke my heart, ngl & I was mad at Kelly for running away from that fine ass man who would literally stop the rotation of the earth for her. IN THIS ECONOMY?!?! She had better lock that man down because if she don’t want him, I’ll take him! lol
I love the poetic nature of Alexandrea’s writing. Her writing really immerses the reader in the world. I highly recommend you read this book.
This is the story I’ve been waiting for & it did not disappoint!!!
Khalil & Kelly have crazy chemistry that you can sense from book 1 so to go into their POVs for book 2 was a real treat. I LOVE how Alexandrea writes her MMCs—they are down bad for their women, loving them hard & without abandon. In this book though, Khalil met his match. Because while he was a chaser, Kelly was a runner. And until they decided they were ready to meet in the middle, they were doomed to fail. They broke my heart, ngl & I was mad at Kelly for running away from that fine ass man who would literally stop the rotation of the earth for her. IN THIS ECONOMY?!?! She had better lock that man down because if she don’t want him, I’ll take him! lol
I love the poetic nature of Alexandrea’s writing. Her writing really immerses the reader in the world. I highly recommend you read this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 3, 2025
Lily In The Valley
⭐️ Rating: 10/10
Tropes: Childhood friends to lovers · Second chance · Found family · Grief · Finding love again
First, a huge thank you to Alexandrea for providing me with an ARC of Lily in the Valley.
It’s been such a long time since I’ve sat down and read a book from cover to cover—and this one gave me all the feels. Let’s talk about Khalil… do they sell him in stores?! Because wow. This man did not play about my girl Kelly!
This story had me bawling my eyes out one moment and piecing my heart back together the next. Both Kelly and Khalil’s stories were so beautifully written—they needed each other in ways that felt so real and tender. I could feel the love radiating through every single page.
I can’t wait to grab a physical copy, because this is one I’ll definitely be rereading.
⭐️ Rating: 10/10
Tropes: Childhood friends to lovers · Second chance · Found family · Grief · Finding love again
First, a huge thank you to Alexandrea for providing me with an ARC of Lily in the Valley.
It’s been such a long time since I’ve sat down and read a book from cover to cover—and this one gave me all the feels. Let’s talk about Khalil… do they sell him in stores?! Because wow. This man did not play about my girl Kelly!
This story had me bawling my eyes out one moment and piecing my heart back together the next. Both Kelly and Khalil’s stories were so beautifully written—they needed each other in ways that felt so real and tender. I could feel the love radiating through every single page.
I can’t wait to grab a physical copy, because this is one I’ll definitely be rereading.
November 10, 2025
✨ ARC Review: ✨
You know those books that completely take over your night? Yeah… this was one of them. I picked it up “just to start,” and suddenly it was after midnight & approaching 1am and I was still turning pages because there was no way I was putting it down. This story is about grief, forgiveness, pain, second chances, and most importantly…Love. 🥰 Two people who find each other again and again through every stage of life. It’s tender and raw and healing in all the best ways.
And Khalil? Chef’s kiss. 🤌🏽 The man is everything. The chemistry between him and Kelly is so good; emotional, real, and yes… the spice is A1 🔥 It’s been a long time since a book made me feel like this; that deep, can’t-stop-reading, completely-attached kind of feeling. I’m obsessed. 💕 If I can give it 10 stars I will. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
You know those books that completely take over your night? Yeah… this was one of them. I picked it up “just to start,” and suddenly it was after midnight & approaching 1am and I was still turning pages because there was no way I was putting it down. This story is about grief, forgiveness, pain, second chances, and most importantly…Love. 🥰 Two people who find each other again and again through every stage of life. It’s tender and raw and healing in all the best ways.
And Khalil? Chef’s kiss. 🤌🏽 The man is everything. The chemistry between him and Kelly is so good; emotional, real, and yes… the spice is A1 🔥 It’s been a long time since a book made me feel like this; that deep, can’t-stop-reading, completely-attached kind of feeling. I’m obsessed. 💕 If I can give it 10 stars I will. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
November 11, 2025
ARC review: Lily in the Valley absolutely wrecked me in the most disrespectful way possible. I already adored Loved by You,but… this one took the crown. It hit different. Deep. Personal. Raw. I saw myself in these pages and felt every single emotion in my chest.
This is childhood friends to lovers done RIGHT!!!!! ….layered with grief, trauma, healing, and the terrifying beauty of finding yourself and learning how to love again. The way Alexandrea wrote their history, their breaks, their reconnections. It felt so real.
And let’s talk about Khalil real quick… where do we order one? Do they sell those on Amazon Prime? Because babyyyy, I need one delivered ASAP 😭🫶🏾 He’s officially Top 5 Book Men of 2025. Protective, flawed, loving, and REAL AF.
When my physical copy hits my doorstep, best believe I’m rereading and annotating like it’s scripture.
This is childhood friends to lovers done RIGHT!!!!! ….layered with grief, trauma, healing, and the terrifying beauty of finding yourself and learning how to love again. The way Alexandrea wrote their history, their breaks, their reconnections. It felt so real.
And let’s talk about Khalil real quick… where do we order one? Do they sell those on Amazon Prime? Because babyyyy, I need one delivered ASAP 😭🫶🏾 He’s officially Top 5 Book Men of 2025. Protective, flawed, loving, and REAL AF.
When my physical copy hits my doorstep, best believe I’m rereading and annotating like it’s scripture.
November 21, 2025
FIVE FREAKING STARS ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Let me preface by saying I’ve read over 100 books this year and have only given 4 of them 5 stars, this being the 5th. I didn’t know how Ms. Lechelle was going to top “Loved by you” but she sureeee did. I loved every moment of Lily in The Valley. It was so real and so raw and took me through every emotion. I saw myself in Kelly and boy did this story break me, but it healed me at the same time. This is a story for the strong girlies. May we all find our Khalis. Lily in The Valley touched on culture, grief, growing, healing and showing up for yourself so grab your tissues and enjoy the ride. ( Also reading during The Full Moon in Scorpio didn’t help me either haha. Iykyk) I can’t wait to read about the other couples I know it’s going to be a time 🫶🏾
Let me preface by saying I’ve read over 100 books this year and have only given 4 of them 5 stars, this being the 5th. I didn’t know how Ms. Lechelle was going to top “Loved by you” but she sureeee did. I loved every moment of Lily in The Valley. It was so real and so raw and took me through every emotion. I saw myself in Kelly and boy did this story break me, but it healed me at the same time. This is a story for the strong girlies. May we all find our Khalis. Lily in The Valley touched on culture, grief, growing, healing and showing up for yourself so grab your tissues and enjoy the ride. ( Also reading during The Full Moon in Scorpio didn’t help me either haha. Iykyk) I can’t wait to read about the other couples I know it’s going to be a time 🫶🏾
November 25, 2025
Beautifully Written
Book 2 in The Double Back Diaries did not disappoint. Book 1 with Nessa & Zay’s story had me swooning but this book is a masterpiece.
Entwined together since childhood, Kelly & Khalil have always been in each other’s atmospheres. As kids, they were friends who became first loves that always believed in their unspoken love. As adults, they were each other’s safety nets.
On the road to reconnection, life unexpectedly changed when Kelly’s mom passed away. A once promising future is overshadowed by grief and loss. After trying to move forward without each other, they both realize that their love is undeniable.
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Themes:
First loves
Grief
Complicated family dynamics
Perfectionism
Abandonment
Mental health
Forgiveness
Book 2 in The Double Back Diaries did not disappoint. Book 1 with Nessa & Zay’s story had me swooning but this book is a masterpiece.
Entwined together since childhood, Kelly & Khalil have always been in each other’s atmospheres. As kids, they were friends who became first loves that always believed in their unspoken love. As adults, they were each other’s safety nets.
On the road to reconnection, life unexpectedly changed when Kelly’s mom passed away. A once promising future is overshadowed by grief and loss. After trying to move forward without each other, they both realize that their love is undeniable.
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Themes:
First loves
Grief
Complicated family dynamics
Perfectionism
Abandonment
Mental health
Forgiveness
November 12, 2025
ARC REVIEW
5/5
- I loved this story so much. This book gave me all of the feels and I didn’t want to put it down. This was not only a childhood friends-to-lovers love story but a navigation through heartbreak, grief and healing.
- Khalil was a man and I fell for him. He was patient, intentional and loved my girl Kelly without limits. He did not play when it came to Kelly.
- Both Khalil and Kelly had childhood trauma but was the sense of peace and home for one another. I felt the emotions and passion radiating off the pages. Alexandrea written their story beautifully; I cried, smiled, laughed, screamed and everything while reading this story.
Pub date: 11/11/25
5/5
- I loved this story so much. This book gave me all of the feels and I didn’t want to put it down. This was not only a childhood friends-to-lovers love story but a navigation through heartbreak, grief and healing.
- Khalil was a man and I fell for him. He was patient, intentional and loved my girl Kelly without limits. He did not play when it came to Kelly.
- Both Khalil and Kelly had childhood trauma but was the sense of peace and home for one another. I felt the emotions and passion radiating off the pages. Alexandrea written their story beautifully; I cried, smiled, laughed, screamed and everything while reading this story.
Pub date: 11/11/25
November 19, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5
This was a solid read, but not my favorite in the series. Kelly kept pushing Khalil away because she never saw healthy love growing up, and he spent most of his life trying to earn the love he didn’t get as a child. After tragedy hit, they finally separated long enough to work on themselves through therapy, healing, and real personal growth.
The story focuses a lot on grief and childhood trauma, which is not my ideal type of love story, but I did enjoy their development and the way they eventually came back together. They earned their happy ending. Overall, not a bad second book of the series. The first one has my heart! ❤️❤️
This was a solid read, but not my favorite in the series. Kelly kept pushing Khalil away because she never saw healthy love growing up, and he spent most of his life trying to earn the love he didn’t get as a child. After tragedy hit, they finally separated long enough to work on themselves through therapy, healing, and real personal growth.
The story focuses a lot on grief and childhood trauma, which is not my ideal type of love story, but I did enjoy their development and the way they eventually came back together. They earned their happy ending. Overall, not a bad second book of the series. The first one has my heart! ❤️❤️
November 17, 2025
wow!
First time I’ve read this author but it won’t be my last. This book makes you feel all the feels. Khalil and Kelly have a long time friendship that turns into love. They grew up together and both had some serious issues with their parents. That colored how they saw the world and each other. In their story, you see their love blossom then break and wonder do they come back together?! They do but not without putting in the work. I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait to read others.
First time I’ve read this author but it won’t be my last. This book makes you feel all the feels. Khalil and Kelly have a long time friendship that turns into love. They grew up together and both had some serious issues with their parents. That colored how they saw the world and each other. In their story, you see their love blossom then break and wonder do they come back together?! They do but not without putting in the work. I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait to read others.
November 14, 2025
A story that hits your soul like a wrecking ball. Crumbling the foundation that held you steady, even though you had every crack committed to memory. Kelly and Khalil’s story isn’t just a love story, one of yearning. It’s a story about looking into the depths of you, allowing yourself to shine a light on parts that you are afraid to acknowledge to yourself. Let alone putting them on display for the world to see. Allowing room for a lily to grow in the valley.
November 15, 2025
Well done!
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I fell in love with Kelly and Khalil in book one, Loved By You, and was so happy to hear that their story would be next! I love how the author took the time to describe the grief, fear, hope and healing these two characters shared and experienced. Seeing them learn to trust not only themselves but each other as well and finally stop fighting the inevitable was beautiful to see. We'll worth the wait.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I fell in love with Kelly and Khalil in book one, Loved By You, and was so happy to hear that their story would be next! I love how the author took the time to describe the grief, fear, hope and healing these two characters shared and experienced. Seeing them learn to trust not only themselves but each other as well and finally stop fighting the inevitable was beautiful to see. We'll worth the wait.
November 16, 2025
Lily in the Valley was such a sweet, heartfelt read! Alexandrea LeChelle pulled me in with characters who felt real, relatable, and easy to root for. I loved the emotional layers, the family dynamics, and the little moments that made the story feel warm and grounded.
The pacing kept me engaged from start to finish, and even the slower parts added to the charm. A beautiful story with plenty of heart definitely worth the read.
The pacing kept me engaged from start to finish, and even the slower parts added to the charm. A beautiful story with plenty of heart definitely worth the read.
December 2, 2025
4.75/5 rounded up⭐️
What a beautiful emotional rollercoaster! Kelly and Khalil 🫶🏽! Man this is a story I will not forget. Both main characters had to overcome major issues in order to be the best version of themselves for themselves and for each other. The issues/obstacles they had to overcome were just so traumatic I know people go through them everyday. I’m glad they got their happy ending because they both deserve it.
What a beautiful emotional rollercoaster! Kelly and Khalil 🫶🏽! Man this is a story I will not forget. Both main characters had to overcome major issues in order to be the best version of themselves for themselves and for each other. The issues/obstacles they had to overcome were just so traumatic I know people go through them everyday. I’m glad they got their happy ending because they both deserve it.
November 15, 2025
Emotionally beautiful
This book touched my heart. It’s a journey through pain, healing, and rediscovering your worth. The writing was emotional in the best way, and the message of resilience stayed with me long after I finished. Highly recommend if you love books about strength, growth, and finding light again.
This book touched my heart. It’s a journey through pain, healing, and rediscovering your worth. The writing was emotional in the best way, and the message of resilience stayed with me long after I finished. Highly recommend if you love books about strength, growth, and finding light again.
November 19, 2025
Cute love story
This was a cute love story but I feel like something was missing. Kenneth was too much but I don't understand why the mom never left him. Charisse, was she sick all along? But they messed that t poor girl up. Im was happy that Khalil got to confront his birth mom.
This was a cute love story but I feel like something was missing. Kenneth was too much but I don't understand why the mom never left him. Charisse, was she sick all along? But they messed that t poor girl up. Im was happy that Khalil got to confront his birth mom.
November 27, 2025
Great author, but there is an incredible number of typos in her novels and I find them distracting from the story. Otherwise, I love the storytelling and can appreciate real-world issues the novel addresses. I relate to Kelly’s character so much and I look forward to reading Lynn’s story next.
November 13, 2025
soulmates. love that goes without saying.
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