This story knew exactly what it was doing. It didn’t yank at the heart, it tugged slow and steady until you realized you were already undone. Grief sat in every corner of the pages, not loud, not dramatic, just heavy and honest. Essence was surviving on promises made in love and pain, holding herself together with sheer will and that kind of strength always breaks me a little.
De’Angelo was the soft landing. No rushing, no savior complex, just presence. The reminder of I don’t promise outcomes, I promise effort, presence, and love was needed. That’s grown, healed and intentional love. That's someone who is careful with their words and doesn't provide false hope. The kind that understands grief doesn’t need fixing, it needs room to breathe.
Their connection felt earned. Quiet. Safe. Like love after loss should feel. This wasn’t about replacing what was lost, it was about honoring it while allowing something new to exist. Tender, patient and emotionally rich the kind of book that leaves your chest aching in the best way. Let me go ahead and finish my cry, it’s a justified release.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Cute love story. De’Angelo loved her at first sight, he knew what she needed. Knew she needed support, a strong shoulder and love. Poor Essence, had been through so much in her life. Finding her first love and him being taken away from her and then she gets devastating news about her son Dax. I as a parent can’t phantom that kind of struggle.