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Always Mine: A Second Chance Romance
Simone Wade has spent five years living with a truth she never meant to keep. A secret that grows heavier with each passing day. A secret with her lost love's eyes, his smile, and a thousand questions she doesn't know how to answer. Her son is the center of her world. His father is the love she never healed from—and the man she hurt most, who has no idea his child exists.
What began as an undeniable connection became the greatest silence of her life. One born from grief, fear, and a trauma she never learned to outrun. Simone told herself she would tell him. Tomorrow. Next week. When she was stronger. But fear has a way of turning days into years, and "later" into "never."
Then Raschad Carter walks back into her life.
Now the truth she buried is no longer hers alone, and the man she once loved must face the years he lost, the son he never knew, and the woman who made an unforgivable choice in the name of survival.
The fallout is devastating. Raschad wants answers. He wants a relationship with the child he never knew existed. And he wants distance from the woman who shattered his trust and stole years he can never reclaim.
But wanting distance doesn't erase the love that never died, or the magnetic pull drawing them back together despite the wreckage between them. Raschad is forced to navigate an impossible co-parenting with a woman he can't forgive but has never stopped loving. Simone must face the full weight of her choice—the damage it caused to everyone she loves, the trauma that drove her to make it, and the question of whether some betrayals are simply too deep to overcome.
Now the past they never resolved collides with the future they never planned. Anger battles longing. Distance becomes proximity. And co-parenting forces two wounded people to confront what still exists between them—whether they're ready or not.
Because forgiveness isn't a single moment. It's a reckoning. Some wounds don't heal with time, and some betrayals demand more than apologies. They demand truth, change, and the courage to rebuild something fragile from the ground up.
Caught between the family they could have been and the wreckage of what they are, Simone and Raschad must decide whether love can survive the unforgivable—or if some secrets destroy everything they touch, including second chances.
Always Mine is a deeply emotional second-chance romance about fear, accountability, healing, and the slow work of choosing each other again—even when forgiveness feels impossible.
Perfect for readers who
- Emotional second-chance romances with high stakes
- Black love, family legacy, and community
- Realistic co-parenting arcs
- A hurt hero who still loves fiercely
- A heroine learning to forgive herself
- Deep intimacy and earned HEA
- The hard work of healing through love
Book Two in The Wade Legacy, an interconnected standalone.
What began as an undeniable connection became the greatest silence of her life. One born from grief, fear, and a trauma she never learned to outrun. Simone told herself she would tell him. Tomorrow. Next week. When she was stronger. But fear has a way of turning days into years, and "later" into "never."
Then Raschad Carter walks back into her life.
Now the truth she buried is no longer hers alone, and the man she once loved must face the years he lost, the son he never knew, and the woman who made an unforgivable choice in the name of survival.
The fallout is devastating. Raschad wants answers. He wants a relationship with the child he never knew existed. And he wants distance from the woman who shattered his trust and stole years he can never reclaim.
But wanting distance doesn't erase the love that never died, or the magnetic pull drawing them back together despite the wreckage between them. Raschad is forced to navigate an impossible co-parenting with a woman he can't forgive but has never stopped loving. Simone must face the full weight of her choice—the damage it caused to everyone she loves, the trauma that drove her to make it, and the question of whether some betrayals are simply too deep to overcome.
Now the past they never resolved collides with the future they never planned. Anger battles longing. Distance becomes proximity. And co-parenting forces two wounded people to confront what still exists between them—whether they're ready or not.
Because forgiveness isn't a single moment. It's a reckoning. Some wounds don't heal with time, and some betrayals demand more than apologies. They demand truth, change, and the courage to rebuild something fragile from the ground up.
Caught between the family they could have been and the wreckage of what they are, Simone and Raschad must decide whether love can survive the unforgivable—or if some secrets destroy everything they touch, including second chances.
Always Mine is a deeply emotional second-chance romance about fear, accountability, healing, and the slow work of choosing each other again—even when forgiveness feels impossible.
Perfect for readers who
- Emotional second-chance romances with high stakes
- Black love, family legacy, and community
- Realistic co-parenting arcs
- A hurt hero who still loves fiercely
- A heroine learning to forgive herself
- Deep intimacy and earned HEA
- The hard work of healing through love
Book Two in The Wade Legacy, an interconnected standalone.
432 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 28, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
April 29, 2026
Must Read
I got the honor of ARC reading this book and I must say I felt every emotion with this book! I loved every moment and all the different obstacles they faced.
Simone I related to more than I realized because sometimes you operate out of trauma response and don’t realize you are hurting yourself more by doing that.
Raschad and his pride lord but he was a good man Savannah!
Please read this and see what healing and forgiveness really looks like when you love someone.
I got the honor of ARC reading this book and I must say I felt every emotion with this book! I loved every moment and all the different obstacles they faced.
Simone I related to more than I realized because sometimes you operate out of trauma response and don’t realize you are hurting yourself more by doing that.
Raschad and his pride lord but he was a good man Savannah!
Please read this and see what healing and forgiveness really looks like when you love someone.
May 7, 2026
This book left me looking dreamily into space because of how deeply it resonated with my soul.
I felt every emotion and saw every moment written within these pages come alive in my head. The love and passion were there, but so were the heavier emotions like grief and resentment. This book also explores forgiveness and reconciliation in such a heartfelt way.
I was rooting for Raschad and Simone the entire time. No matter what terms they were on, he still looked out for her. And the way he handled business when it came to Zhaire? That man was top tier 🙌🏾 and truly perfect for her.
This story was layered so beautifully. And the playlist had some bangers! I could definitely feel the author's passion for music. Thank you N.W. Brown for giving us another masterpiece ✨️
I felt every emotion and saw every moment written within these pages come alive in my head. The love and passion were there, but so were the heavier emotions like grief and resentment. This book also explores forgiveness and reconciliation in such a heartfelt way.
I was rooting for Raschad and Simone the entire time. No matter what terms they were on, he still looked out for her. And the way he handled business when it came to Zhaire? That man was top tier 🙌🏾 and truly perfect for her.
This story was layered so beautifully. And the playlist had some bangers! I could definitely feel the author's passion for music. Thank you N.W. Brown for giving us another masterpiece ✨️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 29, 2026
Giving Grace and Hugs
Wow. This was such a thought provoking piece of literature. It explored so many layers of grief, guilt, shame, judgment, love, healing, fear, and trauma. The emotions felt incredibly real, and it really showed how one pivotal moment can completely alter the course of a person’s life.
Simone’s journey touched me deeply. I loved her family and the way they handled her mistakes. They held her accountable without abandoning her. They gave her a soft place to land while still making it clear that she was wrong. That balance of love, support, and accountability was beautiful to witness.
My heart broke for Simone. Her anxiety was so crippling that I wanted to reach through the pages and hug her. Her struggles felt raw and authentic, and they highlighted the importance of mental health, forgiveness, and healing.
One of the biggest lessons I took from this book was its exploration of pride. It made me reflect on my own life and the boundaries I set. Sometimes what we call self-protection is actually pride standing in the way of growth, forgiveness, or connection. That realization really stayed with me.
I loved this book. It was emotional, insightful, and full of important conversations that will stick with me long after finishing it.
Wow. This was such a thought provoking piece of literature. It explored so many layers of grief, guilt, shame, judgment, love, healing, fear, and trauma. The emotions felt incredibly real, and it really showed how one pivotal moment can completely alter the course of a person’s life.
Simone’s journey touched me deeply. I loved her family and the way they handled her mistakes. They held her accountable without abandoning her. They gave her a soft place to land while still making it clear that she was wrong. That balance of love, support, and accountability was beautiful to witness.
My heart broke for Simone. Her anxiety was so crippling that I wanted to reach through the pages and hug her. Her struggles felt raw and authentic, and they highlighted the importance of mental health, forgiveness, and healing.
One of the biggest lessons I took from this book was its exploration of pride. It made me reflect on my own life and the boundaries I set. Sometimes what we call self-protection is actually pride standing in the way of growth, forgiveness, or connection. That realization really stayed with me.
I loved this book. It was emotional, insightful, and full of important conversations that will stick with me long after finishing it.
May 25, 2026
So many layers to this love story…………
I enjoyed this book because I am officially obsessed with the Wade clan. The book had laugh out loud moments, witty dialogue, a clever five year old, supportive family with siblings that love hard, secrets, hurt, forgiveness, jealousy, abandonment, music, steam, romance, love, and a HEA. I enjoy this author and look forward to the rest of the series. I do, however, have some mixed emotions because I think the books are too long because they drag out the main issues that need to be resolved for far too long. It can become tedious at times waiting to get to the happy ending. At some point it leads to skimming ahead to see if there is light at the end of the tunnel. I think the writing is well done and the words come to life in a realistic and relatable way, but stories that are too wordy and keep you waiting forever can become frustrating to the reader.
So far, the last two novels have both had these frustrating, imperfect heroines that stand in the wait of their own happiness with good men that have real issues and their own demons, but their love and devotion remains even when it hurts.
I enjoyed this book because I am officially obsessed with the Wade clan. The book had laugh out loud moments, witty dialogue, a clever five year old, supportive family with siblings that love hard, secrets, hurt, forgiveness, jealousy, abandonment, music, steam, romance, love, and a HEA. I enjoy this author and look forward to the rest of the series. I do, however, have some mixed emotions because I think the books are too long because they drag out the main issues that need to be resolved for far too long. It can become tedious at times waiting to get to the happy ending. At some point it leads to skimming ahead to see if there is light at the end of the tunnel. I think the writing is well done and the words come to life in a realistic and relatable way, but stories that are too wordy and keep you waiting forever can become frustrating to the reader.
So far, the last two novels have both had these frustrating, imperfect heroines that stand in the wait of their own happiness with good men that have real issues and their own demons, but their love and devotion remains even when it hurts.
July 4, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
* Second chance
* Trauma rep
* Grief
* Miscommunication
* NBA player/ music producer
Favorite quotes:
“You deserve a love that chooses you, over and over. Even in the rebuilding.”
“Mine. She was always mine. But i couldn’t say that.”
“Pride is just fear with better posture.”
My thoughts:
This book was emotional and even frustrating at times. I got really frustrated with Simone and her thought process. I had to be patient. And you know who was patient? Raschad 😏 Raschad was infuriating at times too, but both characters ended up growing tremendously. The character growth was truly beautiful and soo natural. I did not expect to read about the couples journey in the NICU. The NICU is a really unique experience that I feel is not represented enough. Not enough people understand the privilege it is to walk out of the hospital with their baby. For me, it wasn’t for four months that I was able to leave the hospital with my baby. I wish the Nicole would have spent more time exploring that. Overall, the book was an emotional rollercoaster. I have never been crying so hard through a book and also laughing through my tears. I cannot wait for book 3!!!
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
* Second chance
* Trauma rep
* Grief
* Miscommunication
* NBA player/ music producer
Favorite quotes:
“You deserve a love that chooses you, over and over. Even in the rebuilding.”
“Mine. She was always mine. But i couldn’t say that.”
“Pride is just fear with better posture.”
My thoughts:
This book was emotional and even frustrating at times. I got really frustrated with Simone and her thought process. I had to be patient. And you know who was patient? Raschad 😏 Raschad was infuriating at times too, but both characters ended up growing tremendously. The character growth was truly beautiful and soo natural. I did not expect to read about the couples journey in the NICU. The NICU is a really unique experience that I feel is not represented enough. Not enough people understand the privilege it is to walk out of the hospital with their baby. For me, it wasn’t for four months that I was able to leave the hospital with my baby. I wish the Nicole would have spent more time exploring that. Overall, the book was an emotional rollercoaster. I have never been crying so hard through a book and also laughing through my tears. I cannot wait for book 3!!!
May 17, 2026
Always and forever
I really have no words on how good this book is. Ms. Brown literally put her all into this story.
In book 2 of the Wade Legacy series we have Simone who is the baby of the Wade family and who works in operations for Wade House. Her life consists of work and being the best mother to her son. Everything was going as it was until Raschad came back into her world. Recovering from an injury Raschad finds other work in his other passion, music which brings him to Wade House and back in the presence of Simone, his person who walked away from him years ago. That’s where our story begins with them.
Overall this story hit all of the notes when it came to two people coming back into each other’s lives and truly heal after all the hurt and pain that they both went through separately and together. As always the music aspect of this was truly chefs kiss and it truly brought even more depth with this story.
I truly can’t wait to see what happens in the next book.
I really have no words on how good this book is. Ms. Brown literally put her all into this story.
In book 2 of the Wade Legacy series we have Simone who is the baby of the Wade family and who works in operations for Wade House. Her life consists of work and being the best mother to her son. Everything was going as it was until Raschad came back into her world. Recovering from an injury Raschad finds other work in his other passion, music which brings him to Wade House and back in the presence of Simone, his person who walked away from him years ago. That’s where our story begins with them.
Overall this story hit all of the notes when it came to two people coming back into each other’s lives and truly heal after all the hurt and pain that they both went through separately and together. As always the music aspect of this was truly chefs kiss and it truly brought even more depth with this story.
I truly can’t wait to see what happens in the next book.
April 30, 2026
If you love emotional depth, complicated love, and a secret baby trope done right, this one delivers. Raschad and Simone’s story isn’t wrapped in easy forgiveness; it’s layered with hurt, longing, growth, and the kind of chemistry that proves some love never truly leaves.
What stood out most was how real their journey felt. The heartbreak, the resentment, the co-parenting tension, and the undeniable pull between them all made this story feel authentic and emotionally rich. And Raschad? Watching him choose to show up, even while wrestling with betrayal, made his character unforgettable.
The last 10% of this story took my through there…whew! The black woman & pregnancy complications hit so close to home! Always advocate for yourself and never feel pressure to not say when something doesn’t feel right or is not okay!
What stood out most was how real their journey felt. The heartbreak, the resentment, the co-parenting tension, and the undeniable pull between them all made this story feel authentic and emotionally rich. And Raschad? Watching him choose to show up, even while wrestling with betrayal, made his character unforgettable.
The last 10% of this story took my through there…whew! The black woman & pregnancy complications hit so close to home! Always advocate for yourself and never feel pressure to not say when something doesn’t feel right or is not okay!
May 31, 2026
This was an amazing read--it was heartwarming, serious, cozy, with some drama all in one. All of the characters felt so real with their personalities, their backgrounds, their current lives, situations, etc. The pacing of this book...the author did not play around...it was great. It gotten to the point without me becoming bored at all. Raschad, Simone, and Zhaire were all so sweet and real and the side characters...their support system were as well. It is told in a dual POV between both lovers and the author did great at portraying them both as far as their emotions, thoughts, what and why they did what they did, and more.
Great character development in the story -- steady, but not too slow. Simone did have me thinking, "Girl, come on..." (without ruining anything), but she was still a cool character. I will recommend this read and can't wait to read more from this author.
Great character development in the story -- steady, but not too slow. Simone did have me thinking, "Girl, come on..." (without ruining anything), but she was still a cool character. I will recommend this read and can't wait to read more from this author.
July 5, 2026
I received an ARC from NetGalley. True rating is 4.3 stars ⭐️
I really loved this book!!! I have not read the first book in the series, I requested this ARC because I loved the artwork and the book seemed really intriguing. I love that it’s a standalone, but also makes me want to read the others in the series because it’s so good!!! If you’re a fan of Kennedy Ryan’s Skyland series, this is very similar to that.
I love the evolution of the characters in this book. I truly felt like I was a part of their world and experiencing their struggles and successes with them. Raschad, the man that you are!!!! Simone, I love how big your heart is and how you love so deeply and I especially loved being part of your journey of loving yourself just as much♥️Beautiful story, highly recommend!
I really loved this book!!! I have not read the first book in the series, I requested this ARC because I loved the artwork and the book seemed really intriguing. I love that it’s a standalone, but also makes me want to read the others in the series because it’s so good!!! If you’re a fan of Kennedy Ryan’s Skyland series, this is very similar to that.
I love the evolution of the characters in this book. I truly felt like I was a part of their world and experiencing their struggles and successes with them. Raschad, the man that you are!!!! Simone, I love how big your heart is and how you love so deeply and I especially loved being part of your journey of loving yourself just as much♥️Beautiful story, highly recommend!
July 15, 2026
Always Mine completely redefines the secret baby and second-chance romance trope. Instead of relying on quick fixes or instant forgiveness, this emotionally intense story dives headfirst into the messy, complicated realities of accountability and rebuilding trust; it is also an exploration of abandonment, deep wounds, generational trauma, and Black love. The tension between Simone and Raschad is strong as they navigate co-parenting and pretend the electric, undeniable bond between them is over. It is their justifiable anger and understandable fears that make their growth feel earned. This is a beautifully written romance that asks what happens when pride is mistaken for protection, delivering a deeply intimate, hard-won happy ending that you won’t be able to put down.
June 4, 2026
This!
I thoroughly enjoyed this! I thought Taryn took me through it but this story, I just fell in love. I cried for many reasons that touched me personally and professionally! This message! Well needed for many of us as BLACK WOMEN!!!! For the women who has loved, lost and put everything before themselves, this one is for you!
One more thing, I would love to say that I appreciate the medical awareness piece in this story as well as how authentic and spot on the details were. Many times in fiction this is missed but this as executed well!
Thank you N. W. Brown for this one!
I thoroughly enjoyed this! I thought Taryn took me through it but this story, I just fell in love. I cried for many reasons that touched me personally and professionally! This message! Well needed for many of us as BLACK WOMEN!!!! For the women who has loved, lost and put everything before themselves, this one is for you!
One more thing, I would love to say that I appreciate the medical awareness piece in this story as well as how authentic and spot on the details were. Many times in fiction this is missed but this as executed well!
Thank you N. W. Brown for this one!
July 22, 2026
4.5⭐️s
Simone and Raschad!!! These two…whew!! The fear, doubts, and anger that was wrapped in this relationship was so real and raw.
Simone was absolutely right to give him that ultimatum because either he was in or out. I love the way the family stepped in and up for both of them.
Raschad was absolutely right to be angry at Simone and distance himself because being hurt doesn’t fade just because you say sorry. I loved how the women in his family stood up strong behind him and their choices.
Everyone needs someone to speak out and up for them the way Raschad did; it’s the difference between life and death.
This was a beautiful tough story that I would recommend.
Simone and Raschad!!! These two…whew!! The fear, doubts, and anger that was wrapped in this relationship was so real and raw.
Simone was absolutely right to give him that ultimatum because either he was in or out. I love the way the family stepped in and up for both of them.
Raschad was absolutely right to be angry at Simone and distance himself because being hurt doesn’t fade just because you say sorry. I loved how the women in his family stood up strong behind him and their choices.
Everyone needs someone to speak out and up for them the way Raschad did; it’s the difference between life and death.
This was a beautiful tough story that I would recommend.
May 31, 2026
Received an ARC from NetGalley - THANK YOU
This was a 6*
Right from the first chapter, I LOOOOOOOVED this story
This was the first time I have read this author, I LOVED this whole story.
The reality of having children, with the stories of which she captured. Also, the way in which she put in the soundtrack.
ALSO the reality of child birth - and what comes with it.
SUCH A life changing book
This was a 6*
Right from the first chapter, I LOOOOOOOVED this story
This was the first time I have read this author, I LOVED this whole story.
The reality of having children, with the stories of which she captured. Also, the way in which she put in the soundtrack.
ALSO the reality of child birth - and what comes with it.
SUCH A life changing book
May 30, 2026
another great book
How can the second book be as good as the first? This was such a good second chance/surprise baby story. There were times when Simone got on my nerves and then Racshad said hold my beer. I’m glad they got their HEA because they deserved it after all they went through. Can’t wait to read Julian and Tre’a stories!
How can the second book be as good as the first? This was such a good second chance/surprise baby story. There were times when Simone got on my nerves and then Racshad said hold my beer. I’m glad they got their HEA because they deserved it after all they went through. Can’t wait to read Julian and Tre’a stories!
June 20, 2026
Okay, ma’am! I have no words but I will attempt to gather my thoughts. I am so grateful I have found you at the beginning of your publishing journey. This book was everything and more. And I peeped Julian and Alyssa’s love story next. I’m brewing. I honestly can’t tell you how moving this story was. Thank you!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 10, 2026
Team Carter
This book….I thought I cried reading Taryn’s story. This one was gut wrenching. 🥺🥺 I was rooting for Team Carter from the beginning…Simone is truly a delicate flower and I see so much of myself in her. I am so glad I discovered this series. On to book 3… I’m invested now!
This book….I thought I cried reading Taryn’s story. This one was gut wrenching. 🥺🥺 I was rooting for Team Carter from the beginning…Simone is truly a delicate flower and I see so much of myself in her. I am so glad I discovered this series. On to book 3… I’m invested now!
May 24, 2026
I’m not the biggest fan of surprise pregnancy, but this was a good read because of how the author acknowledged the emotions on both sides, which made for a good angsty read.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews