Graham Diggs spent his adult life chasing criminals. His dedication to his career as a police officer didn’t allow him time to follow his passion, nor did it give him the freedom to explore serious relationships. At forty-three, he’s unexpectedly retired and unfortunately single.
After years of being miles away from home, he moves back to his hometown, Black Elm, CA, to be close to his family. As he settles into his modest home, his beautiful neighbor from across the street catches his eye. It only takes one conversation for him to claim her as his future wife.
Thirty-five-year-old Naryah Tate would happily spend the rest of her life single. After experiencing a lifetime of heartbreak from men she trusts, including her ex-husband, all she wants to do is raise her ten-year-old son and mind her business. Although she gets lonely sometimes, she’s not willing to risk her peace for companionship.
An extremely attractive man moves into the house across the street, and much to her dismay, she is intrigued. The last thing she needs is another heartbreak, but Graham is as persistent as she is stubborn.
Will Naryah give Graham a chance to show her he’s a different breed, or will she continue to embrace singlehood?
Welcome to Kay Shanee's Reading Korner Kay is forty something wife and mother, born and raised in the Midwest. During the day, she is a high school teacher. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends. Her favorite pastime is reading and writing romance novels about the dopeness of BLACK LOVE.
After her disastrous marriage, Naryah is done with men, love, and marriage. Especially marriage. Starting over was tough but, she soldiered through. Naryah bought a new house, she got a dog, and she put herself and her son in therapy. Three years later, she’s finally found a place of peace and she refuses to let anyone disturb it. That is until her new neighbor moved in across the street. After being injured on the job and forced to retire, Graham has moved back to Black Elm and trying to figure out his new normal. As he’s moving boxes into his new home, he spots a woman across the street and my guy is immediately enamored. Insta love activate. 🥰🥰🥰🥰 Graham doesn’t know her name, how old she is, or what she does for a living but what he does know is God told him she’s his future wife and he intends to make that happen. He just has to convince Naryah they’re meant to be. I absolutely loved Graham’s persistence. No matter how many times Naryah was rude or shot him down, he was on her neck and not lettin’ up. He knew the endgame was always to get Naryah past her fears so, he allowed her to set the pace of their relationship. Patience was definitely his virtue. He was, indeed, a different breed.
Naryah ex husband is trash he hasnt seen his son in two months, saying its cause he gotta pay child support, then he has nerve accused her of talking badly on him to their son she would never do that .my mom heart broke for keelan his father was just horrible. Why would you be mean to your child and act like you dont even want him around he was glad he didn't have to go with his dad. Que is there German shepherd, and he was very protective over them ,he will make it known . When he finally told his mom why he seems bothered he told her the main part that broke my heart even more when he said they made fun of skin cause he was dark and those boys being black just felt they were hating on him for no reason and you know his mama was pissed.
Graham recently retired from the Chicago police department not by choice after being shot in His right hip and watched fellow officer die in front of him .he moved back to his hometown with his brother help. Once he saw naryah he couldn't help see how beautiful she was, I loved how she went to the school bit sadly they didnt do anything so she decided to apply for black elm academy and he was accepted he took art class there as well and made a friend trey & he didnt usually talk about friends which made her even more sure she did what was best for him to see him smiling and happy .
The banter and chemistry between graham and naryah had me kicking my feet, and Naomi (naryah sister) she is so funny and tells it like it is.
When Victor said this, " You're probably feeding him some bullshit. I swear ,black single mothers are the downfall of black men . You'll be hearing from my lawyer about custody real soon." I felt so much rage for her ,he had the nerve say that to her and to put down black single mothers . That shit pissed me off .
Yes, I cried. Victor doesn't deserve to be keelan father when he hit him. I had a mix of anger and hurt , and how can u hit and treat your child like that. Mama and Papa diggs, i absolutely love them 💕
Yes, I enjoyed the story, I deducted a few points because Kay told a very good story, she just left out a few of her usual tricks. I adored this man, her MMC... He was indeed a different breed. A retired Chicago Police officer none the less. And the main lady, well..she needed to woman up and accept her fate. Stories with kids or teenagers are some of my faves... And the dog named Que had more sense that a lot of humans... I loved this story.
This has been my favourite book in the series so far.
The relationship between Graham and Naryah was genuinely enjoyable to read. The romance leans into insta-love on Graham’s side, while Naryah is much more cautious and grounded in her approach because of her romantic history with toxic partners. Even though she’s immediately attracted to him, she doesn’t just dive in blindly, and I appreciated that balance in their dynamic. Her hesitancy felt realistic rather than dragged out.
This was also one of the stronger books in terms of pacing and character development. Nothing overstayed its welcome, the emotional aspects landed well, and the relationship developed in a way that felt satisfying and easy to follow.
I also really liked the surrounding family dynamics. The characters didn’t really have much of a friend group, but the external family support added warmth and depth to the story, and the side characters contributed meaningfully in a way that made me interested in them and their stories.
Overall, this was just a really sweet, easy read. The tension worked, the pacing worked, the emotional support systems worked, and the ending was genuinely happy and satisfying. Definitely the standout of this unconnected series for me so far.
(3.5)Graham took one look at that lady and said he heard the audible voice of God that this was his wife and that guided all of his interactions with her. Well ok sir! lol. Patience was definitely one of his virtues because Naryah was very guarded because of her past. Early on she turned me off a bit because she was a little rude, but I appreciated the way that Graham remained consistent and persistent. Despite knowing that she was his end game, he still allowed her to set the pace. This was a slowish burn with minimal drama (none between the couple).
If there's one thing Kay Shanee is going to do, it's provide an insta-love MMC who's obsessed with the FMC right from the start! And Graham is no exception; he knew Naryah was going to be his wife, and he pursued her even through her objections. This was a sweet palate cleanser, and even though the love was fast, it still felt authentic.
This one was cool. Single mom. New next door neighbor. Found family. A real emphasis on the “dog theme”. This was as much as a slow burn could be in a novella. I also liked that the characters were older.
The POV did mistakenly switch in the middle of the other POV.
A Different Breed (BLP Breeds Book 8) is soft in all the right ways the kind of love that doesn’t rush you, doesn’t confuse you and doesn’t make you question your peace. It felt like a deep exhale after holding your breath too long.
Graham came in knowing exactly what he wanted and baby he did not hesitate. At his grown age, fresh out of a demanding career, he wasn’t playing games or wasting time. He saw Naryah, God spoke, he listened and said that’s mine with intention, not control.
Naryah, oh how I felt her. When you’ve fought hard to rebuild your peace after heartbreak, letting someone in feels like risking everything you worked for. Sometimes loneliness feels safer than disappointment. She carried that truth in every interaction.
This love 😍 it was patient. It was consistent. It was safe. The kind that doesn’t try to break your walls down it waits for you to open the door. This is a reminder 🗣️When God speaks, you listen. A reminder that not every love is meant to hurt you. Some are sent to restore you. Healthy 🤎 Wholesome 🤎Intentional 🤎Proof that love can be gentle and still be powerful.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Graham and Naryah’s story was simply the best 💖🔥. Their journey together was powerful, emotional, and beautifully written from start to finish. Naryah’s was a strong single mom who had completely closed herself off from love after surviving a toxic relationship with a no-good, narcissistic ex 🤦🏽♀️💔, a man who also proved to be a nonexistent father. She had every reason to build walls, and she did.
Then came Graham 😮💨❤️. Even before he officially met her, he already knew—knew—that Naryah was his future wife 💍. That level of certainty was everything. As an ex-cop who had been shot in the line of duty and eventually returned to his hometown to rebuild his life 🚔💥➡️🏡, Graham was patience, mature, and intention.
Graham never rushed Naryah. He waited for her heart to catch up to what his already knew ⏳❤️. He consistently showed her that he was a different breed from the men she’d dealt with before—steady, protective, emotionally present, and real 💪🏽✨. Even the signs around her confirmed it: her dog, Que, was instantly comfortable with him 🐕❤️, and her son connected with Graham just as naturally 👩👦🤍. That spoke volumes.
Once Naryah finally allowed herself to trust her feelings and let her guard down, all bets were off 😏🔥. What blossomed between her and Graham was pure passion, fire, and undeniable desire 💋🔥❤️. Their love felt earned, deep, and incredibly satisfying to witness.
I loved this story from beginning to end 📖✨. I made the huge mistake of starting it after work… and of course, I couldn’t put it down 😩😂. I stayed up until I finished it because there was no way I was stopping midway.
One thing for certain, two things for sure Mrs. Shanee always completes the assignment with an "A." Victor took Naryah through so much. Sadly, it traumatized Keelan as well. Once a woman starts to build her walls and guard her heart, then it's a wrap. Graham thoughtfulness, observance, and persistence eventually weakened Naryah's spirit. She started to let him in her life and heart. Her confirmation that Graham was a good man was Que. I always say that you can tell what type of person you are dealing with from an animal (pet) and/or child. Both will let you know quickly if that person means no good. The prime example was Que relationship with Victor. Que knew Victor wasn't a saint by any means, and he didn't hesitate to show his disdain in him. The mother and son bond Naryah and Keelan had was unbreakable. He was the apple of her eye. His intelligence and personality for his age were impressive. He knew that less was better, so he kept his circle of friends about the size of a penny. He was yearning for a father figure in his life. Graham filled that void for him. It seems that Graham rolled in on his white horse to fall head first and to start his family. He loved softly and out loud. He not only gained a wife but a son as well.
Ladies and gents cue up your Kindles, tablets, and phones and download this masterpiece today. It is an attention grabber that will pull you in until the last word on the last page. After all, Graham was a different breed, and you need to read their story.
Definitely a different Breed! Ooo, let me start with this, Naryah had a certifiable nut and low down dirty of an ex husband and father of their child, who ruined her trust in men. He was just downright disrespectful to both of them. I wanted to come through the book pages and rein hell and fury on him. I won't be a spoiler for what happened between the two. You will have to purchase and read.
Her son, Keelan, had the most adorable relationship and love for his mother. He tried his best to protect his mother from the verbal abuse and hate his dad projected on both of them. He was wise for his young age of 10. Plus, the bullying from his classmates, that no child should have to endure. I loved that Keelan developed a genuine like, love, and trust for Graham.
Graham blows in and changes the trajectory of Naryah's guard over her heart. He's around when she didn't know she needed him. He chips away and breaks the ice around her heart and earns her trust. Graham was intentional in the pursuit of his future wife and practiced patience in moving with Naryah, because of her past with the ex. I appreciated the relationship and healthy bond he formed with Keelan.
I must say that he handled business with the ex scum, Victor and stood on business, when it came to Naryah and Keelan. He became their protector, when needed. What a beautiful couple they made. He was a different breed. ❤️❤️❤️🥰
So, I've been lightweight obsessed w/Kay Shanee lately anyway, but this was super cute and I fully enjoyed it. I didn't start at the beginning with this series for some reason, I feel like I just selected the authors I was familiar with and went from there lol
Anyway, Naryah was a single mother of 10 year old Keenan with a trash ex husband Victor who was also a trash father. While she didn't prevent them from having a relationship, Victor did enough damage to where Keenan just wasn't feeling him. She had been single for two years and had sworn off men completely.
Enter fine ass Graham, a retired cop who just moved in across the street from them and was smitten with her from the moment he laid eyes on her. His family thought he was delusional because he immediately said God told him that was his wife.
Naryah was standoffish with him but her beloved german shepherd who was fiercely protective of both her and her son and didn't like a soul but them, immediately took a liking to Graham.
I fully enjoyed watching this one unfold and how seamlessly these families blended. Super cute but I really wish it was longer!
Not Graham hearing voices about how Naryah was his future wife and he already laying claims 14% in..haha. Love the relationship that Naryah has with her son Keelan. Keelan didn't feel like a 10-year-old he was so wise but having an asshole as a father could def make for early maturity. I hate that he was a target of a bit of bullying at his school, I was like I'll fuck them kids up, he seems like such a sweet considerate kid. Naryah ex ain't shit, like just a fucking waste of space like the bitch n*gga he is. I loved how forward Graham was, he really took 1 look at our girl and was like that and everything about her is gone be mine...and his she was, I mean it took her a minute with her trust issues but he was not only able to tat that name all up and through her 😺 but on her heart as well. I love consistency in a man and Graham was def the true definition of that. Only thing that would have made this story better is if Naryah ex had gotten his ass handed to him more severely. but I def enjoyed and highly recommend.
Graham and Naryah! You've gotta read this book! 🔥🔥🔥
From the jump, I knew I'd love this book. Naryah's a divorced single mom with a handsome, smart 10-year-old, Keelan. Her "waste-of-space" ex, Victor, totally jaded her about men. So when her new neighbor across the street shows interest, she shuts him down. But fate had other plans, deciding she deserved a man who'd love, protect, and stand ten toes deep for her and her son. In comes Graham.
Graham, an ex-Chicago cop back in town to be near family, is instantly drawn to his neighbor. Too bad Naryah's heart is locked up tight.
What I loved most was Graham's persistence and determination to always show up and prove to Naryah he was worthy of her trust, respect, and eventually her love. I loved how their relationship grew, and the bond Graham formed with Keelan and their dog, Que. Graham was exactly what that little boy needed. The ending was Chef's Kiss!
A different breed indeed! Ms. Kay this definitely had the feel of a slow burn. I was just as bad as Naryah--like sir please take her down now! LOL! But in all seriousness, Graham was strong, solid, dependable, honest and direct--seemingly exuding that quiet BDE. When he met Naryah and God spoke to him, it was game on. He applied that steady, intentional pressure until she had not choice but to fold like laundry;) Naryah had been hurt before but had also done the work to move forward, and since she couldn't trust herself, she had to listen to her dog, Que!
Kay Shanee always pens the most beautiful stories that focus on real, Black love and also highlight the layers of womanhood! Thank you, Kay Shanee, for writing our stories, motivating us, and helping us understand that starting over is ok, therapy is ok and sometimes you just have to shut up and let someone love you properly!
This book was so good & so sweet. I live for a quick, feel-good read.
Naryah is resilient. After freeing herself from her toxic ex husband, her main concern is protecting her newfound peace. If it’s not about her son or her fur baby, she is not interested. Graham is protective, kind, and beyond patient. Naryah’s never experienced a man like him. He knows, and will stop at nothing to prove they are meant for each other. All he needs is a chance. I appreciate how she had reservations, but didn’t drag things out. & G was determined without being pushy. Their dynamic was balanced. I loved every scene with Keelan. He is an amazing kid!
I’d recommend to the book babes who enjoy: Instant Chemistry He Falls First Single Mom/Stepdaddy Vibes Strong Family Values Therapy + Mental Health Care
Graham was not letting up on Naryah! When he first saw her and God whispered to him that she was his wife. He did everything he needed to do to make that happened. Naryah coming out of a Mentally, emotionally and verbally abusive relationship with her ex-husband and Son’s father was not easily trusting!! However, her dog Que, who likes nobody showed from the door that Graham was the one because he took to Graham the first time he saw him! Graham saw that Naryah had her walls up because of her relationship with her ex-husband but he was patient with her while also showing her son that he was there for him as well! Naryah’s ex-husband Victor was ain’t shit baby daddy. She finally was able to get him out the picture since he didn’t wanna be a father in the first place! Now they are living a happily married life with the new addition, their baby girl!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
When a woman is feed up and literally just wants her kid and peace! Naryah was over men and stopped them before they even tried. But God told Graham at 1st sight that she was his wife!! The way Graham allows Naryah the space to feel safe seen and apricated all while protecting her and her son. I was here for every page of this book. I loved Naryah’s relationship with her mom and sister and how she just fit with Grahams family as well. Victor was a waste of space and like most people who do wrong project when you move on and to do this to the kid as well was hurtful. Thank goodness Graham was in fact a different breed that came in and fixed all that was broken and Keelan got the father figure that took time to understand him.
Graham and Naryah met when he moved across the street from her. When Graham first laid eyes on Naryah, he knew that she was his woman and was going to end up being his wife. Because she had been hurt by her ex-husband and other people, Graham gave Naryah the time she needed to heal and come to terms with getting into a relationship with him which I loved. I also loved her son, Keelan. He was a very smart and insightful little boy. Que, the German Shepherd, was a good judge of character as well. He immediately took to Graham but wanted to tear apart the ex-husband from limb to limb. 😂😂 This was a really delightful book that had love, passion and a very supportive MMC. I thoroughly enjoyed this book from the first page to the last!!
A Different Breed is a powerful, emotionally layered novel that explores strength, loyalty, identity, and survival through a raw and unapologetic lens. From the very beginning, Kay Shanee pulls readers into a world where trust is earned, respect is non-negotiable, and love when found is fiercely protected.
The protagonist is written with striking depth, embodying a compelling duality: hardened by life yet guided by an unshakable moral code. His strength goes far beyond the physical, shaped by past wounds, loyalty, and a deep need for purpose and belonging. He truly lives up to the title—standing apart not because he is perfect, but because he endures.
The supporting characters are well-developed, and the relationships feel authentic and intentional. Dialogue flows naturally, revealing emotional layers and driving the story forward. The pacing is steady and engaging, allowing both the action and the emotional moments to fully land.
What truly sets this book apart is its atmosphere. Kay Shanee masterfully balances grit and intensity with vulnerability and heart, weaving themes of resilience, protection, and identity seamlessly throughout the story.
A Different Breed is bold, immersive, and unforgettable a standout read that leaves a lasting impression long after the final page. 📖🔥
I love me a good book about a single mom handling her business, healing from a broken heart and raising her child(ren)!!!… Naryah didn’t subscribe to the blame game, but owned her ability to pick the wrong men and wanted to proceed with caution!!!…That ex of hers left a bitter taste in her mouth and heart!!!… Graham, raised by a man that showed him how to love, talk and treat a woman, saw Naryah and knew she was the person for him!!!… Life happened and their love blossomed, healed pieces of a broken woman, showed Keelan and example of what a loving father looks like and how to love a woman, respectfully!!!…
This book had a deep but necessary storyline. Naryah, I am so happy you stood up for not only yourself but your son. That young man was ashamed and admired you more as his queen because you listened and put him and you first. He knew his dad was the problem. Him feeling safe to speak up and to you about his woes had me emotional. Insert Graham the persistent protector. The way I was over here swooning and cheering. He told you and everyone else without pause that you were his wife. Now don't doubt him anymore. He is truly a different breed.
I absolutely loved book 8 of the BLP Breeds Series!!! Kay Shanee did an amazing job telling Naryah and Grahamś story!!
I was definitely love at first sight for Graham and not so much for Naryah because she had been hurt badly by all the men that were supposed to love her. But when she decided to let that hurt go and let Graham love her, the rest was history. It made me want to find that kind of love!!
I definitely recommend this book and series to any and every one who loves a good love at first sight romance.
Naryah Tate was like I tied of man I want to focus on me and her 10 year old son . She was not playing when it came to her son she wanted to stay for us on them too because she had son many bad experience with man. Until she met Graham Diggs a retired police officer that wanted to fine lover because he couldn’t do that with his stressful job and that why he moved back Holme after he retired and that when he saw Naryah and show her how a man supposed to treat and woman and how a good father looks for her 10 year old son
4.5 ⭐️ I love a single mom/step dad trope ! Graham was not playing about Naryah and the boys from the moment her saw her ! Then hearing Gods word saying this is your wife son 😮💨!
Keelan was such a smart and mature boy for 10yrs old he was more emotional aware than most adults and I love that !!! This was a beautiful love story and I really enjoyed how patient Graham was with her while she went through her motions and even when she thought she was ready for that!!!
Kay...so nice to meet you..You did that.I couldn't tell tgat you could careless about a dog. Naryah needed Graham so bad. I was happy he was not giving up. It's sad but kids see things they shouldn't and they adapt early. Thankful Naryah listened to her son. They had a beautiful relationship. Victor was trash but he was accustomed to thinking he was relevant. The tribe was amazing. The friendships and the family bonding were needed. Always hive energy to people that love on you.Que was everything. ✨️Loved it✨️✨️
Great story. Naryah ex husband Victor was horrible. After going through that drama I understand why them walls were so high. Abuse comes in so many ways. He was verbally and emotionally. Keelan unfortunately had to witness all of that. Then he wanted to play daddy when he wanted to. Graham was applying that pressure on Ny. Even Que was like yes Graham is my guy. He kept showing up like his brother advised him to do and he won his wife over. Had her begging to climb that tree. 😆
Kay Shanee has done it again. I just love single mom tropes and men that step up!!! Cause period!
Graham saw Naryah from across the street and was like yeah she gonna be my wife. Naryah gave him a hard time especially since she dealt with narcissistic ex husband. She didn’t trust her judgement. But Graham continued to apply pressure. Protected and loved both her and Keelan. And you can’t forget Que. definitely the star of the show.
I love how Kay Shanee writes black romance and her character are always 30+ and MMC are eaters 🤏🏿🙂↔️
Great quick read. Naryah had never been shown the love, affection and attention that Graham swooped in and showed her. Y'all that man said he heard the voice of The Lord say, "that's your wife!" Whew Chile...Since constantly being blinded by the red flags from previous relationships, the first man that should have ever loved her - her father, and her narcissistic ex she didn't know the good thing standing in her face. She had to come to the realization all on her own the Graham was indeed a different breed. Happy Reading Y'all!💋
Graham was definitely a different breed especially in comparison to Naryah’s ex. Graham saw Naryah and knew she was going to be his and pursued her with intention and was there for her as a protector when needed. I loved them together and appreciated the patience he showed with her when she expressed her issues and showed her why it was okay to trust and fall in love with him.