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Taken By A Texas Bully: A BBW Romance
When thirty-two-year-old environmental consultant Islani Carter checked into that luxurious Texas Post Oak hotel for a two-day audit, the only thing on her mind was space. Space from her failing marriage, from the lies her husband Essex swore were “misunderstandings”—lies that chipped away at her very soul—and from the slow death of her own spirit.
But space is exactly what Azalian “Bear Face” Vega doesn’t give. Instead, she's utterly trapped and engulfed by this forty-year-old unhinged oil millionaire, a notorious Texas bully whose reputation is built on taking what he wants. And the moment he sees Islani, he wants her.
They strike a reckless, untraceable two nights. No names. No strings. Just raw, animalistic release in a luxury suite. But Bear Face’s intense gaze, his possessive touch, his fierce protection, shatters every boundary. Temporary becomes something dangerous, something primal. This isn't just a fling; it's a claim in a scorching dark romance.
When Islani's estranged husband arrives, desperate to win her back, he unwittingly drags her into the violent heart of Bear Face’s oil underworld. Now, caught between a past she despises and a powerful alpha male willing to ignite a war for her, Islani faces an impossible choice.
She's truly trapped. A woman torn between familiar lies and the brutal, undeniable love of a Texas bully who will burn his empire down before he lets her walk away. In this steamy bully romance, Islani must decide which danger she can survive… and which forbidden desire she simply cannot live without.
Calling all fans of intense, possessive alpha males and enemies-to-lovers! This is an African American Romance STANDALONE that will keep you on the edge of your seat. If you enjoyed Surrogate To An Unhinged Mafia Boss, you’ll devour Taken By A Texas Bully.
But space is exactly what Azalian “Bear Face” Vega doesn’t give. Instead, she's utterly trapped and engulfed by this forty-year-old unhinged oil millionaire, a notorious Texas bully whose reputation is built on taking what he wants. And the moment he sees Islani, he wants her.
They strike a reckless, untraceable two nights. No names. No strings. Just raw, animalistic release in a luxury suite. But Bear Face’s intense gaze, his possessive touch, his fierce protection, shatters every boundary. Temporary becomes something dangerous, something primal. This isn't just a fling; it's a claim in a scorching dark romance.
When Islani's estranged husband arrives, desperate to win her back, he unwittingly drags her into the violent heart of Bear Face’s oil underworld. Now, caught between a past she despises and a powerful alpha male willing to ignite a war for her, Islani faces an impossible choice.
She's truly trapped. A woman torn between familiar lies and the brutal, undeniable love of a Texas bully who will burn his empire down before he lets her walk away. In this steamy bully romance, Islani must decide which danger she can survive… and which forbidden desire she simply cannot live without.
Calling all fans of intense, possessive alpha males and enemies-to-lovers! This is an African American Romance STANDALONE that will keep you on the edge of your seat. If you enjoyed Surrogate To An Unhinged Mafia Boss, you’ll devour Taken By A Texas Bully.
521 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 21, 2025
289 people are currently reading
26 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
November 28, 2025
The idea of the story was good, but Ai was heavily used during this process and you can tell by how chaotic the writing is.
And before y'all be like "how you know it was written by AI?"
Let's start with the fact that it had freaking bullet points. The overuse of the dashes. The formatting of the sentences and there wasn't any flow. Transitioning was terrible and often felt out of place. The timeline was a mess.
Aside from that, there was so much repetition. I was so sick of the air thickening, shifting and tensing. The constant "but not like this, like that"
Although the first 30% of the book was unnecessarily long, it was needed. It was needed to understand the emotions that the FMC was dealing with and why she moved the way she did. So many women go through life just being a mom, wife, daughter, sister and they forget ho they are outside of that. I loved that this was talked about.
Bear hit how she intended him to. Big, strong, country, sweet as cornbread, deadly as a viper. Patient, kind and loving. Very BDE
Trell, Miracle and Essex... I had hope for Essex. I really did.
Miracle's death was anti-climatic, but then we're dealing with a man who doesn’t do drawn out. Eliminate the problem and move forward.
At first, Lyric came off a little strong and weird, but I warmed up to her.
There are great writers and then great storytelling. I think it'll be much better if she partnered with a writer to get her story out instead of AI.
So although I liked the thought behind the book, as a writer I think it'd be dishonest giving her a full 5 stars with the overuse of AI.
And before y'all be like "how you know it was written by AI?"
Let's start with the fact that it had freaking bullet points. The overuse of the dashes. The formatting of the sentences and there wasn't any flow. Transitioning was terrible and often felt out of place. The timeline was a mess.
Aside from that, there was so much repetition. I was so sick of the air thickening, shifting and tensing. The constant "but not like this, like that"
Although the first 30% of the book was unnecessarily long, it was needed. It was needed to understand the emotions that the FMC was dealing with and why she moved the way she did. So many women go through life just being a mom, wife, daughter, sister and they forget ho they are outside of that. I loved that this was talked about.
Bear hit how she intended him to. Big, strong, country, sweet as cornbread, deadly as a viper. Patient, kind and loving. Very BDE
Trell, Miracle and Essex... I had hope for Essex. I really did.
Miracle's death was anti-climatic, but then we're dealing with a man who doesn’t do drawn out. Eliminate the problem and move forward.
At first, Lyric came off a little strong and weird, but I warmed up to her.
There are great writers and then great storytelling. I think it'll be much better if she partnered with a writer to get her story out instead of AI.
So although I liked the thought behind the book, as a writer I think it'd be dishonest giving her a full 5 stars with the overuse of AI.
November 28, 2025
I need to start DNF books for real
Taken by Texas Bully is a book I genuinely wish I had DNF’d. The writing style made this an extremely difficult read for me. Almost every sentence felt over-explained to the point of distraction—lines like “he held me, not aggressive, not controlling, just held” or “I can breathe, not toxic”—kept breaking the flow and pulling me out of the story. It was repetitive, overly literal, and honestly exhausting.
I didn’t enjoy the story’s development either. The pacing felt uneven, and the constant need to clarify every emotion or action left no room for natural storytelling. It became a chore to get through, and the only reason I finished was because I’ve never DNF’d a book before. Unfortunately, this one made me rethink that rule.
Overall, this book just wasn’t for me, and I wouldn’t pick up another title written in this style.
Taken by Texas Bully is a book I genuinely wish I had DNF’d. The writing style made this an extremely difficult read for me. Almost every sentence felt over-explained to the point of distraction—lines like “he held me, not aggressive, not controlling, just held” or “I can breathe, not toxic”—kept breaking the flow and pulling me out of the story. It was repetitive, overly literal, and honestly exhausting.
I didn’t enjoy the story’s development either. The pacing felt uneven, and the constant need to clarify every emotion or action left no room for natural storytelling. It became a chore to get through, and the only reason I finished was because I’ve never DNF’d a book before. Unfortunately, this one made me rethink that rule.
Overall, this book just wasn’t for me, and I wouldn’t pick up another title written in this style.
November 23, 2025
How Very Kelly Taylor "I Choose Me" Coded
The FMC was neither Taken nor Bullied in this Texas tale but like always Brickhouse will suck you in with a title and turn expectations on their heads.
#BoneTiredFMC
Islani is a well constructed character. We get her internal battle and we are rooting that she finally gets to breathe. I loved how resolute she was and how she listened to her discernment. I appreciated the lack of doddling and back and forth.
#CowboyCartelMMC
I loved Bear Face. He does quiet power well. He doesn't need a loud voice. He just is weight. Most of all I appreciated seeing an older MMC like him on the page. I loved how he just got things handled.
Expectations
I set myself up here. Looking at the title I just knew this was going to be an OTT possessive MMC. He sees someone he wants and he will apply pressure to get her. Even if that pressure is ladynapping or bullying to get his lady love.
That's not what this is. Taken is used in the context of "to be smitten or enthralled or excited by". Lani was taken by Bear Face's steadfast quiet strength and space. Bear was giving Lani space to gather herself and love on herself.
Bear is a bully to his enemies and his judgement is quick but there aren't any drawn out elaborate scenes. He's not a violence for the sake of violence man.
This book straddles the line between romantic women's fiction "healing and discovery after heartbreak" & cowboy romance. I would have loved seeing more country cowboy romance moments. If some back story was moved around narratively I feel we could have seen more of those moments on page. My expectation was to see him push past boundaries and stick a flag in their love but this story wasn't on that type of time.
The spoilery downs
Even though I enjoyed this story, there were some eh ::Spoilers ⚠️::
🐎The length is perfect for me. I love how Brickhouse gives us stories with meat that flies fast ..... but the first 30% didn't have to be explicitly presented on page. We could have gotten that backstory another way allowing more time to see the mains fall in love. It felt grounding as a college romance with a lot of focus on the college boyfriend.
🐎 Miracle seemed integral....until she wasn't. Her end was a little anticlimactic
🐎 Pacing felt slow burnish, and the intensity of the romance was missing.
🐎 Falling apart the author is talented in writing... but it's the just being a couple and building romance moments that feel far and few in between
🐎 A cowboy cartel? Yes please! Sign me up! But what's a cartel story where the cowboy is turning over a legit leaf 🥲
The FMC was neither Taken nor Bullied in this Texas tale but like always Brickhouse will suck you in with a title and turn expectations on their heads.
#BoneTiredFMC
Islani is a well constructed character. We get her internal battle and we are rooting that she finally gets to breathe. I loved how resolute she was and how she listened to her discernment. I appreciated the lack of doddling and back and forth.
#CowboyCartelMMC
I loved Bear Face. He does quiet power well. He doesn't need a loud voice. He just is weight. Most of all I appreciated seeing an older MMC like him on the page. I loved how he just got things handled.
Expectations
I set myself up here. Looking at the title I just knew this was going to be an OTT possessive MMC. He sees someone he wants and he will apply pressure to get her. Even if that pressure is ladynapping or bullying to get his lady love.
That's not what this is. Taken is used in the context of "to be smitten or enthralled or excited by". Lani was taken by Bear Face's steadfast quiet strength and space. Bear was giving Lani space to gather herself and love on herself.
Bear is a bully to his enemies and his judgement is quick but there aren't any drawn out elaborate scenes. He's not a violence for the sake of violence man.
This book straddles the line between romantic women's fiction "healing and discovery after heartbreak" & cowboy romance. I would have loved seeing more country cowboy romance moments. If some back story was moved around narratively I feel we could have seen more of those moments on page. My expectation was to see him push past boundaries and stick a flag in their love but this story wasn't on that type of time.
The spoilery downs
Even though I enjoyed this story, there were some eh ::Spoilers ⚠️::
🐎The length is perfect for me. I love how Brickhouse gives us stories with meat that flies fast ..... but the first 30% didn't have to be explicitly presented on page. We could have gotten that backstory another way allowing more time to see the mains fall in love. It felt grounding as a college romance with a lot of focus on the college boyfriend.
🐎 Miracle seemed integral....until she wasn't. Her end was a little anticlimactic
🐎 Pacing felt slow burnish, and the intensity of the romance was missing.
🐎 Falling apart the author is talented in writing... but it's the just being a couple and building romance moments that feel far and few in between
🐎 A cowboy cartel? Yes please! Sign me up! But what's a cartel story where the cowboy is turning over a legit leaf 🥲
November 22, 2025
Always Trust Your Gut!!
This story is for every woman who’s ever felt that little inkling in the back of her mind whispering that something isn’t right. If you’ve ever had that feeling—believe it. You’re not wrong. If you have to question someone’s motives, you’re not crazy. Your intuition is speaking, and Taken by a Texas Bully reminds you exactly why you should listen.
Lani is, has been, and will forever be that girl—she just needed a small reminder. The moment doubts and suspicions crept in, she never ignored them. She lives by the truth that what’s meant for her will always be for her, and what isn’t? She has no problem tossing that mess straight in the trash. Her strength, clarity, and refusal to settle make her the heartbeat of this story.
And then there’s Essex. The perfect example of someone with way too much audacity and who very quickly finds out. Because sir… what?! He was handed the blueprint—the cheat codes—to all things Lani, and he still decided to play around and repeat the mistakes of the men before him. His entitlement was loud, and that’s exactly why Lani had to serve him a slice of humble pie. A very necessary one. Do not play with her!
This book is a sharp, satisfying reminder of what it means to stand on business, to know your worth, to move with confidence in your own skin, and to never, ever let someone play in your face. Brichouse delivers a story that feels like a rallying cry for self-respect, self-trust, and walking away from anything that doesn’t serve you.
This story is for every woman who’s ever felt that little inkling in the back of her mind whispering that something isn’t right. If you’ve ever had that feeling—believe it. You’re not wrong. If you have to question someone’s motives, you’re not crazy. Your intuition is speaking, and Taken by a Texas Bully reminds you exactly why you should listen.
Lani is, has been, and will forever be that girl—she just needed a small reminder. The moment doubts and suspicions crept in, she never ignored them. She lives by the truth that what’s meant for her will always be for her, and what isn’t? She has no problem tossing that mess straight in the trash. Her strength, clarity, and refusal to settle make her the heartbeat of this story.
And then there’s Essex. The perfect example of someone with way too much audacity and who very quickly finds out. Because sir… what?! He was handed the blueprint—the cheat codes—to all things Lani, and he still decided to play around and repeat the mistakes of the men before him. His entitlement was loud, and that’s exactly why Lani had to serve him a slice of humble pie. A very necessary one. Do not play with her!
This book is a sharp, satisfying reminder of what it means to stand on business, to know your worth, to move with confidence in your own skin, and to never, ever let someone play in your face. Brichouse delivers a story that feels like a rallying cry for self-respect, self-trust, and walking away from anything that doesn’t serve you.
December 11, 2025
Every brickhouse read I've ever enjoyed. It has been a five star book so I knew this book was gonna be phenomenal.
I felt every single emotion while reading this book and around 140 pages, I was like "so much has already happened, There is no way the author is going to be able to create a story in 500 pages that includes these characters and allows them to be consistent within the first chapter of the last chapter" - but the execution of this book has me in full body chills. Blown away.
I mean the multiple POV's are done so perfect perfectly. The character development is some of the best I've ever seen in my entire life. I'm getting chills just thinking about it.
This is the book that has opened my eyes substantially about western romances and cowboy romance books too because my family owns a farm and I come from the background of farmers so it's hard for me to see this in a cultural light and I have reservations and this book did it so incredibly well
There's nothing wrong about romanticizing the cowboy lifestyle. I just think it's a lot rougher and a lot less cute than a lot of these romance books give off and I think that's the point you wanna escape into something wonderful but this book just did it so well where I wasn't rolling my eyes with the fact that he's a cowboy at all. It fit the story so extremely well and I was scared of him
Miracle, Islani, Essex and bear face are some of the best developed characters I've ever read in my life
This woman was screwed over by the people that she thought she could trust and it put walls up for her and these people just continued to mess with her and this book just goes into all of that so well without losing the plot and I just I'm in love with this book. Thank you.
There is open door spice, but I wouldn't consider this book to be a muddy book. There's not a lot of spice in it. I would say there's like four chapters total this is really more of a suspenseful romance book where you're wondering what's gonna happen next while holding your breath for the character and hoping that everything works out for them.
This book was both healing and moved me in all the ways I hope art does and I heavily recommend this to romance lovers, especially if you like cowboy romances
I felt every single emotion while reading this book and around 140 pages, I was like "so much has already happened, There is no way the author is going to be able to create a story in 500 pages that includes these characters and allows them to be consistent within the first chapter of the last chapter" - but the execution of this book has me in full body chills. Blown away.
I mean the multiple POV's are done so perfect perfectly. The character development is some of the best I've ever seen in my entire life. I'm getting chills just thinking about it.
This is the book that has opened my eyes substantially about western romances and cowboy romance books too because my family owns a farm and I come from the background of farmers so it's hard for me to see this in a cultural light and I have reservations and this book did it so incredibly well
There's nothing wrong about romanticizing the cowboy lifestyle. I just think it's a lot rougher and a lot less cute than a lot of these romance books give off and I think that's the point you wanna escape into something wonderful but this book just did it so well where I wasn't rolling my eyes with the fact that he's a cowboy at all. It fit the story so extremely well and I was scared of him
Miracle, Islani, Essex and bear face are some of the best developed characters I've ever read in my life
This woman was screwed over by the people that she thought she could trust and it put walls up for her and these people just continued to mess with her and this book just goes into all of that so well without losing the plot and I just I'm in love with this book. Thank you.
There is open door spice, but I wouldn't consider this book to be a muddy book. There's not a lot of spice in it. I would say there's like four chapters total this is really more of a suspenseful romance book where you're wondering what's gonna happen next while holding your breath for the character and hoping that everything works out for them.
This book was both healing and moved me in all the ways I hope art does and I heavily recommend this to romance lovers, especially if you like cowboy romances
November 27, 2025
Lani's Self Discovery
Islani is a young college student that internalzes and second guess her intution. She has three relationships that shapes her views on relationshp, plationic and romantic.
Kentrell is her college boyfriend. She experinces many if her first with him. His personality eventually led to her dimming her lighy. He is the firat to betray her with someone she called a friend. It took her a while yo leave because of the emotional games he played with her. But, once she had proof, he crashed out behind her and had to sit down.
Essex is the man that came in and rescued her when she was trying to deal with her betrayal. However, he stopped showing up for her, relying on how he saved her, their marriage and thinking she would continue to be forgiving. After sometime, instead of takling to her once she saw the changes he conyiued too lie and starting laying the groud work to brung in somwone feom her past. His excuse: Lack of Attention...hmph
Azallian wanted her from he saw, but knew she had a story. She wanted two nights, he wanted the same, ut gave her more. He gave her the space and room to feel and actially make her own decisions. He asked jer queations that made her betruthful with herself.
Lyric is Islani's assistant, but she wants to be a friend. She knows of the history of her betrayal and believes that she deserves to jave aomeone in her coner. Eventually, a friendship develops between them, but under tpugh circumstances.
This story showes growth for Islani in three differwnt situations. A relationship with someone that cared more abput looks and appearances. One where the man finally gets the girl, becomes complcent and believes she don't have options. The final one gives her the room to learn to love herself, trust herself and walk in her truth.
Islani is a young college student that internalzes and second guess her intution. She has three relationships that shapes her views on relationshp, plationic and romantic.
Kentrell is her college boyfriend. She experinces many if her first with him. His personality eventually led to her dimming her lighy. He is the firat to betray her with someone she called a friend. It took her a while yo leave because of the emotional games he played with her. But, once she had proof, he crashed out behind her and had to sit down.
Essex is the man that came in and rescued her when she was trying to deal with her betrayal. However, he stopped showing up for her, relying on how he saved her, their marriage and thinking she would continue to be forgiving. After sometime, instead of takling to her once she saw the changes he conyiued too lie and starting laying the groud work to brung in somwone feom her past. His excuse: Lack of Attention...hmph
Azallian wanted her from he saw, but knew she had a story. She wanted two nights, he wanted the same, ut gave her more. He gave her the space and room to feel and actially make her own decisions. He asked jer queations that made her betruthful with herself.
Lyric is Islani's assistant, but she wants to be a friend. She knows of the history of her betrayal and believes that she deserves to jave aomeone in her coner. Eventually, a friendship develops between them, but under tpugh circumstances.
This story showes growth for Islani in three differwnt situations. A relationship with someone that cared more abput looks and appearances. One where the man finally gets the girl, becomes complcent and believes she don't have options. The final one gives her the room to learn to love herself, trust herself and walk in her truth.
January 10, 2026
Okay, I’m going to say what we all thinking after reading this book…🗣️KENTRELL LATIMORE & MIRACLE KNIGHT ARE SOME LOW DOWN DIRT SUMMA BATCHES!!! I can’t believe that they played in Islani face the way that they did. All for what, money that didn’t belong to Kentrell and a man that didn’t belong to Miracle? Man oh man I was so happy and pumping my fist in the air while doing a shimmy in my seat reading how Islani got her lick back. Islani beat the Mario coins outta the tails with that cast iron skillet 🍳😂😂🫡. Much respect Islani ✊🏾.
Now Essex is in the building 😉🤝🏾. Everything was going good for Essex, up until he and Islani married and Essex got the same jones in his bones that Kentrell got for Miracle. I guess Miracle didn’t get enough of that cast iron skillet to her dome. She seems to like Islani exes. What I can’t understand about Essex is that he was there with Islani through all of the betrayal that Kentrell and Miracle put her through in her senior year of college just to turn around years later and get caught up with the very person that caused your wife pain and suffering. I thought that Essex was a good guy, but I guess he likes thots because he risked his whole marriage to Islani for Miracle.
Now let’s talk about Mr. Just for the weekend (Bear). Whew child, when I tell you that Bear came through for Islani, thats what I mean. Bear showed Islani that she can choose her and she could live that soft girl life with somebody that sees her, listens to her, and most of all choose her. Bear was everything that Islani didn’t know that she needed.
Now Essex is in the building 😉🤝🏾. Everything was going good for Essex, up until he and Islani married and Essex got the same jones in his bones that Kentrell got for Miracle. I guess Miracle didn’t get enough of that cast iron skillet to her dome. She seems to like Islani exes. What I can’t understand about Essex is that he was there with Islani through all of the betrayal that Kentrell and Miracle put her through in her senior year of college just to turn around years later and get caught up with the very person that caused your wife pain and suffering. I thought that Essex was a good guy, but I guess he likes thots because he risked his whole marriage to Islani for Miracle.
Now let’s talk about Mr. Just for the weekend (Bear). Whew child, when I tell you that Bear came through for Islani, thats what I mean. Bear showed Islani that she can choose her and she could live that soft girl life with somebody that sees her, listens to her, and most of all choose her. Bear was everything that Islani didn’t know that she needed.
November 23, 2025
Big Daddy Bear Face was not coming up off her!!!
First of all, Islani beat the brakes off Kentrell and Miracle. She has to be a Libra, because the amount of chances she gave before finally reaching her limit was wild. Once she was done, there was no coming back from that. Essex truly disappointed me. I really thought they were endgame, but he let Miracle creep in way too easily. He talked a good game, swooped in like he was different, only to end up doing the same thing Kentrell did. And Miracle? She absolutely got what she deserved. She stayed lurking, waiting for an opening until she messed around and found out. She really thought she could play with Big Daddy Bear Face like that. I loved the ending, though. Islani chose herself, took time to fall back in love with who she is, and the best part was that Bear Face didn’t pressure her or chase her in a toxic way. He just showed up and supported her while she healed. Lyric was such an amazing friend she never overstepped, but she also made it clear that she was not Miracle. She was a true girls’ girl and got everyone together to let them know they were not about to play with Islani, not on her watch and not ever. I love that for Lani, because she really just needed one genuine person in her corner.
First of all, Islani beat the brakes off Kentrell and Miracle. She has to be a Libra, because the amount of chances she gave before finally reaching her limit was wild. Once she was done, there was no coming back from that. Essex truly disappointed me. I really thought they were endgame, but he let Miracle creep in way too easily. He talked a good game, swooped in like he was different, only to end up doing the same thing Kentrell did. And Miracle? She absolutely got what she deserved. She stayed lurking, waiting for an opening until she messed around and found out. She really thought she could play with Big Daddy Bear Face like that. I loved the ending, though. Islani chose herself, took time to fall back in love with who she is, and the best part was that Bear Face didn’t pressure her or chase her in a toxic way. He just showed up and supported her while she healed. Lyric was such an amazing friend she never overstepped, but she also made it clear that she was not Miracle. She was a true girls’ girl and got everyone together to let them know they were not about to play with Islani, not on her watch and not ever. I love that for Lani, because she really just needed one genuine person in her corner.
November 22, 2025
When I first started reading, I was curious as to how the other characters would be introduced from BFM…but you slide them in there so precisely. I loved the book! Lani was not playing around, she didn’t stay anywhere unwanted for too long. Every time she felt uneasy, things just revealed themselves to her. I’m happy knowing she knew she didn’t have to settle for anything, did it hurt? Yes! Essex and Kentrell were both audacious men who felt entitled to her time. Lyric was standing on business about her boss, never faltering or fleeting. Miracle got done in too quick, I wanted her to be humiliated and forced to apologize to Lani. Bear face, Bear face… he can’t do no wrong in my eyes. He knew who he wanted and although scared he never let up! He made her sit with her life choices and come to him when she was ready, he didn’t need her whole just willing to be his. I’m happy it all tied together in the end, no crazy Brickhouse cliffhanger!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 6, 2025
Baby, listen!
I was anxious for the first third of this one cause Trell and Miracle had me ready to return to crashout era of my life. When your gut tells you it, gone head and listen baby. Take that L and move along. The second third was like a MJB song cause, how you se all the ish I went through and enlist the same wanch?, Like make that make sense. Now, “ I gotta choose me Lucious!” final third, showed a real girls girl in Lyric and Lani’s relationship. Choosing to heal the version of herself and what love is to her, Lani was a good FMC, with hands, might I add. Baby “Bear Face” got me looking at flights to H-town cause whew! Well told story, not rushed, but revealed. And the jokes were hilarious!
I was anxious for the first third of this one cause Trell and Miracle had me ready to return to crashout era of my life. When your gut tells you it, gone head and listen baby. Take that L and move along. The second third was like a MJB song cause, how you se all the ish I went through and enlist the same wanch?, Like make that make sense. Now, “ I gotta choose me Lucious!” final third, showed a real girls girl in Lyric and Lani’s relationship. Choosing to heal the version of herself and what love is to her, Lani was a good FMC, with hands, might I add. Baby “Bear Face” got me looking at flights to H-town cause whew! Well told story, not rushed, but revealed. And the jokes were hilarious!
December 4, 2025
Texas Bully
This was a beautiful story of love between Bear and Islani. He was exactly what she needed after dealing with Cantrell and Essex. Miracle was so thirsty for attention and dealing with jealousy of Islani and it caused her to have the worst of karma. She was never her friend. But Lyric is the kind of friend that every girl needs. This book touched so many different subjects and issues but I'm so happy that in the end Islani chose to love herself and work on herself first because Essex the snake never gave her a chance to heal after the first betrayal. This book is a must read.
This was a beautiful story of love between Bear and Islani. He was exactly what she needed after dealing with Cantrell and Essex. Miracle was so thirsty for attention and dealing with jealousy of Islani and it caused her to have the worst of karma. She was never her friend. But Lyric is the kind of friend that every girl needs. This book touched so many different subjects and issues but I'm so happy that in the end Islani chose to love herself and work on herself first because Essex the snake never gave her a chance to heal after the first betrayal. This book is a must read.
November 23, 2025
This was a fantastic book about betrayal, about heartbreak, and about choosing yourself when no one else did. This book really showcased Lani's journey to finding herself after being let down by everyone, and it was such an entertaining ride. My only gripe with this book is that while it is a standalone, there were certain characters' POVs that made me feel like I was missing previous info or stories about them. This is my first book by this author, and I will be reading more!
November 24, 2025
Awesomeness
Who needs enemies when you have a friend like Miracle? Islani was trying to live her life to the fullest and she was, I will say that. She had Kentrell, then Essex. And don’t wanna say more because if I do I’ll give away the book. Let me just say I’m glad Lyric came into the picture and they took their trip to Houston! Y’all please download this book and read it you won’t be disappointed.
Who needs enemies when you have a friend like Miracle? Islani was trying to live her life to the fullest and she was, I will say that. She had Kentrell, then Essex. And don’t wanna say more because if I do I’ll give away the book. Let me just say I’m glad Lyric came into the picture and they took their trip to Houston! Y’all please download this book and read it you won’t be disappointed.
November 30, 2025
😩🧐😬
This book was interesting 🧐! It started off decent with the right amount of mess, then around 20-30 percent it got choppy like the author was tired of writing. The sentences became incomplete, there was no flow to the story, & it just overall made no sense in most parts! There was conflict & no resolve, & truly NO ROMANCE!
I’ve read books over 700 pages & every pages was absolutely necessary, these 521 pages were absolutely unnecessary!
This book was interesting 🧐! It started off decent with the right amount of mess, then around 20-30 percent it got choppy like the author was tired of writing. The sentences became incomplete, there was no flow to the story, & it just overall made no sense in most parts! There was conflict & no resolve, & truly NO ROMANCE!
I’ve read books over 700 pages & every pages was absolutely necessary, these 521 pages were absolutely unnecessary!
December 15, 2025
I hope the author reads this
There is absolutely no need for the overly, unnecessary descriptiveness in this book.
It made it almost unbearable to read.
The concept and story was decent but damn it.... The hum of this, the hum of that.
Like, like, like....
I skimmed through a good portion because it became repetitive and mundane.
Not to shit on you... But simple is ok sometimes. I promise.
There is absolutely no need for the overly, unnecessary descriptiveness in this book.
It made it almost unbearable to read.
The concept and story was decent but damn it.... The hum of this, the hum of that.
Like, like, like....
I skimmed through a good portion because it became repetitive and mundane.
Not to shit on you... But simple is ok sometimes. I promise.
November 21, 2025
DNF
This sucked! The book starts back in college years? Why?! This was so dry and all that pre-story is so unnecessary!!! Get to the point!!! 500 and some pages for what?! I do not recommend!!! I only made to chapter 5. I was lured by the cover and the prologue of what’s supposed to be a good story, sike! I was bamboozled!
This sucked! The book starts back in college years? Why?! This was so dry and all that pre-story is so unnecessary!!! Get to the point!!! 500 and some pages for what?! I do not recommend!!! I only made to chapter 5. I was lured by the cover and the prologue of what’s supposed to be a good story, sike! I was bamboozled!
November 26, 2025
Nice work
Love how you incorporated.different people from your very best series into this story. People from black flame, made the storyline better causing you to receive 5 stairs. I like your books , the people,the women, the problems they have, the fighting, all good waiting on the next book or series . good work
Love how you incorporated.different people from your very best series into this story. People from black flame, made the storyline better causing you to receive 5 stairs. I like your books , the people,the women, the problems they have, the fighting, all good waiting on the next book or series . good work
November 29, 2025
Enjoyed
I enjoyed this well written story. The title is what made me get this book, and the storyline is what made me love the characters. Characters that needed to grow up and figure out who they really were. Losing the love of a good women that they didn't deserve. Finally finding a grown man that wasn't selfish and loved her for who she really is.
I enjoyed this well written story. The title is what made me get this book, and the storyline is what made me love the characters. Characters that needed to grow up and figure out who they really were. Losing the love of a good women that they didn't deserve. Finally finding a grown man that wasn't selfish and loved her for who she really is.
January 1, 2026
Inspiring
I've been divorced for about a year now and this book has really opened my eyes to growth and the space that you need to grow And the trials and tribulations that you go through within a relationship And how choosing yourself is okay This book was amazing and very eye-opening for me and very therapeutic I thoroughly enjoyed
I've been divorced for about a year now and this book has really opened my eyes to growth and the space that you need to grow And the trials and tribulations that you go through within a relationship And how choosing yourself is okay This book was amazing and very eye-opening for me and very therapeutic I thoroughly enjoyed
November 23, 2025
Yessssss….
Another banger in the books for me…love the character development…love the whole plot for you brought in some familiar characters…it’s definitely a slow burn…but it’s worth every word!!
Another banger in the books for me…love the character development…love the whole plot for you brought in some familiar characters…it’s definitely a slow burn…but it’s worth every word!!
November 24, 2025
Yes Sis, I'm all for that Texas Bully
That's how these Texas Cowboys are! Calm, charming and fine! Islani, is confident and strong and I admire her. Just one and done. Perfection at it's finest! Thank you BrickHouse!! I'm in love with Bear Face with your fine self!
That's how these Texas Cowboys are! Calm, charming and fine! Islani, is confident and strong and I admire her. Just one and done. Perfection at it's finest! Thank you BrickHouse!! I'm in love with Bear Face with your fine self!
December 2, 2025
Go📢Islani get your life back💃🏾
This is definitely a good read. A must read it’s action from the beginning to the end Kentrell and miracle 🪦 got what they deserved and Essex just a pitiful mess,this book is definitely a slow burn and it’s worth the read.
This is definitely a good read. A must read it’s action from the beginning to the end Kentrell and miracle 🪦 got what they deserved and Essex just a pitiful mess,this book is definitely a slow burn and it’s worth the read.
December 2, 2025
Go📢get your life back 💃🏾
This is definitely a good read. A must read it’s action from the beginning to the end Kentrell and miracle 🪦 got what they deserved and Essex just a pitiful mess,this book is definitely a slow burn and it’s worth the read.
This is definitely a good read. A must read it’s action from the beginning to the end Kentrell and miracle 🪦 got what they deserved and Essex just a pitiful mess,this book is definitely a slow burn and it’s worth the read.
January 5, 2026
Not Again!
Islani Holloway Carter was reeling from the fact that her husband Essex, had betrayed her. Not only had he betrayed her, but with her ex best friend, who led to the breakup between Islani and her former fiance. She takes off to Houston where she meets Bear.
Islani Holloway Carter was reeling from the fact that her husband Essex, had betrayed her. Not only had he betrayed her, but with her ex best friend, who led to the breakup between Islani and her former fiance. She takes off to Houston where she meets Bear.
November 23, 2025
Healing & Peace
Wow after reading this book I am going to heal and find peace. It’s time for me to really cut ties with him and heal and I feel a lot better after reading this!!
Wow after reading this book I am going to heal and find peace. It’s time for me to really cut ties with him and heal and I feel a lot better after reading this!!
November 27, 2025
Just WOW!!
I don't have words. This book had its ups and downs I'm just glad Lani got her happy ending. This book teaches you to learn who you are and to not let anyone try you.
I don't have words. This book had its ups and downs I'm just glad Lani got her happy ending. This book teaches you to learn who you are and to not let anyone try you.
December 1, 2025
Good read
The book was really good. I didn't like the way Miracle was allowed to be popping into Lani life. Essex was stupid and should have known better.
The book was really good. I didn't like the way Miracle was allowed to be popping into Lani life. Essex was stupid and should have known better.
December 7, 2025
Very Wordy.
This is a very, very wordy book. It almost felt like a long love poem. This could have easily been a 200 pg book. It was so wordy that it became boring.
This is a very, very wordy book. It almost felt like a long love poem. This could have easily been a 200 pg book. It was so wordy that it became boring.
December 8, 2025
wow!!
All I can say is read it!!! Page after page you are gonna wanna know what happens and before you know it you are done and wanting more.
All I can say is read it!!! Page after page you are gonna wanna know what happens and before you know it you are done and wanting more.
December 17, 2025
Slow but steady
I loved Lanis cut off game.....more of us should cut them off before we become non repairable. And I need a Bear face in my life
I loved Lanis cut off game.....more of us should cut them off before we become non repairable. And I need a Bear face in my life
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