What do you think?
Rate this book
Hollis
Wendell Lewis Hollis, Jr. meets Meadow Harmony Chambers freshman year of college, and for twenty years she is his constant, his best friend, his equal, the woman who knows him before the ego, before the marriage, before the very public unraveling of a life he believes he has mastered. He never blurs the lines. Meadow is the homie, solid and brilliant in a way that feels permanent. Until everything else falls apart.
Divorce forces Hollis to confront his pride and the damage of choices he cannot undo. It humbles him, refines him, and through every whisper, every setback, every rebuilding season, Meadow remains exactly where she has always been. Healing sharpens his vision. The hugs linger now. His hands rest at her waist without thought. The ease they have shared for decades deepens into something charged, a quiet tension neither of them can deny.
Loving each other is not the complication. The world around them is. History does not disappear simply because feelings evolve, and turning a twenty-year friendship into something intimate requires courage, clarity, and intention.
This time, Hollis is not standing beside Meadow as her friend. He is standing in front of her as her man. The past may speak, but Hollis stands louder.
Divorce forces Hollis to confront his pride and the damage of choices he cannot undo. It humbles him, refines him, and through every whisper, every setback, every rebuilding season, Meadow remains exactly where she has always been. Healing sharpens his vision. The hugs linger now. His hands rest at her waist without thought. The ease they have shared for decades deepens into something charged, a quiet tension neither of them can deny.
Loving each other is not the complication. The world around them is. History does not disappear simply because feelings evolve, and turning a twenty-year friendship into something intimate requires courage, clarity, and intention.
This time, Hollis is not standing beside Meadow as her friend. He is standing in front of her as her man. The past may speak, but Hollis stands louder.
234 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 17, 2026
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
Did Not Finish
April 2, 2026Friends to lovers requires a certain dynamic to be enjoyable to me if one or both parties is scary and just waiting in the wings I CANT DO IT cus why are yall wasting other people time scary asses 👎🏾👎🏾👎🏾
March 20, 2026
The story was good
I enjoyed the chance to get back to this beauty/ barbershop storyline. This story was kind of off the beaten path and yet the theme and plot kept me coming back. It is also a friends to lovers story, I think you will enjoy.
I enjoyed the chance to get back to this beauty/ barbershop storyline. This story was kind of off the beaten path and yet the theme and plot kept me coming back. It is also a friends to lovers story, I think you will enjoy.
March 21, 2026
I really enjoyed this book
I'm so happy we didn't have to wait long for the will they/won't they explore a relationship portion. Marlee got right to it lol
I'm so happy we didn't have to wait long for the will they/won't they explore a relationship portion. Marlee got right to it lol
April 24, 2026
Why was this read such a good time? Although I knew it would get messy at some point, the friendship, the banter, the love… OMG!! 😍
When Hollis and Meadow met, Meadow thought that he was fine and wanted to see what was up. However, Hollis wondered what this cutie knew about the J’s she was rockin’. After some playful banter, they become quick best friends, building a bond that no one could break. Although they were besties there was an underlying attraction there, that neither of them was willing to explore. I loved how we were able to grow with them both as they navigated their college years, and beyond.
When the bottom fell out for Hollis, Meadow was steady by his side. Was she upset with him for the dumb ass decisions he made? Yes. Did she give him hell? Yes. But she would not allow him to go through that darkness alone and was there with him every step of the way. Somewhere during Hollis’ healing and therapy, he began to see his friend differently and thought about what ifs. I was a bit surprised that their coupling happened so quickly, but hey, come on with the come on!! 😜 What about Naomi? That too surprised me. I was sure there would be a knockout drag out situation, but I believe deep down, everyone knew that these two were meant for each other. 🥰
Now, Duke what’s up with you sir? I know Blacc’s story is next, but that little snippet got me a lil turnt up!! Looking forward to it! 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾
When Hollis and Meadow met, Meadow thought that he was fine and wanted to see what was up. However, Hollis wondered what this cutie knew about the J’s she was rockin’. After some playful banter, they become quick best friends, building a bond that no one could break. Although they were besties there was an underlying attraction there, that neither of them was willing to explore. I loved how we were able to grow with them both as they navigated their college years, and beyond.
When the bottom fell out for Hollis, Meadow was steady by his side. Was she upset with him for the dumb ass decisions he made? Yes. Did she give him hell? Yes. But she would not allow him to go through that darkness alone and was there with him every step of the way. Somewhere during Hollis’ healing and therapy, he began to see his friend differently and thought about what ifs. I was a bit surprised that their coupling happened so quickly, but hey, come on with the come on!! 😜 What about Naomi? That too surprised me. I was sure there would be a knockout drag out situation, but I believe deep down, everyone knew that these two were meant for each other. 🥰
Now, Duke what’s up with you sir? I know Blacc’s story is next, but that little snippet got me a lil turnt up!! Looking forward to it! 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾
May 6, 2026
Admittedly this book had me very conflicted. It features one of my favorite tropes- friends to lovers- but the manner in how the relationship came to be was a big no for me.
Hollis had been best friends with Meadow for over 20 years and never even considered her romantically until after his marriage fell apart and he had to change careers from his behavior. While Meadow had been suppressing her feelings for him since they met. I dislike that she essentially was on the sideline to witness all of his firsts (marriage & children) and didn't get to have those moments with a significant other.
Marlee wrote this really well as it pulled varying emotions from me, and in the end, I enjoyed reading Hollis. I just hate that Meadows HEA was having her dream business and a reformed trifling man after 20 years.
Hollis had been best friends with Meadow for over 20 years and never even considered her romantically until after his marriage fell apart and he had to change careers from his behavior. While Meadow had been suppressing her feelings for him since they met. I dislike that she essentially was on the sideline to witness all of his firsts (marriage & children) and didn't get to have those moments with a significant other.
Marlee wrote this really well as it pulled varying emotions from me, and in the end, I enjoyed reading Hollis. I just hate that Meadows HEA was having her dream business and a reformed trifling man after 20 years.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 18, 2026
Life after you FAFO
This was a beautiful friends to lovers read. It wasn't simple bcuz dis man had to go through life to learn how to become the man he is. The reward was actually getting everything he needed in one woman who was always right there! 💜💛💚 NTMA did a great job!
This was a beautiful friends to lovers read. It wasn't simple bcuz dis man had to go through life to learn how to become the man he is. The reward was actually getting everything he needed in one woman who was always right there! 💜💛💚 NTMA did a great job!
May 11, 2026
This one got on my nerves in both good and bad ways. It was kinda predictable towards the end but I will say this one had way more drama (let’s just say lock your car doors so you don’t get unexpected visitors lol). Definitely a best friends turned lovers/ soul mates story.
March 21, 2026
Hollis
I truly enjoyed this friends to lovers journey from beginning to end. I loved that we got a true backstory and look into Hollis and Meadow and how their friendship and bond formed. They truly were each other’s constant. I loved their friendship and how they supported each other and were there for each other. I loved their way that Meadow held Hollis accountable for his actions and choices and didn’t make excuses for him.
I could relate to them both and could fully understand their thought processes. Meadow was such a good person and friend and was not shy about thinking about how the change in her relationship with Hollis would affect other people. She didn’t want to cause drama or discord and that made me love her character even more.
I loved the personal growth with the characters and seeing them be able to have those hard conversations with honesty. I also loved how Hollis and Meadow were determined to maintain their status as best friends even after they crossed that line. Their foundation of friendship without judgement and holding each other accountable while also being a safe space made it an easy transition for them and allowed them to have a strong foundation once they became lovers. I think that is important when it comes to a friends to lovers story, you have to keep that friendship first because once it’s no longer coming first, then you start moving differently with your person and that can fracture the foundation that was previously unbreakable.
I’m enjoying this series and can’t wait to see what Bailey has come up with for Blacc and what Marlee what come up with for Duke.
I truly enjoyed this friends to lovers journey from beginning to end. I loved that we got a true backstory and look into Hollis and Meadow and how their friendship and bond formed. They truly were each other’s constant. I loved their friendship and how they supported each other and were there for each other. I loved their way that Meadow held Hollis accountable for his actions and choices and didn’t make excuses for him.
I could relate to them both and could fully understand their thought processes. Meadow was such a good person and friend and was not shy about thinking about how the change in her relationship with Hollis would affect other people. She didn’t want to cause drama or discord and that made me love her character even more.
I loved the personal growth with the characters and seeing them be able to have those hard conversations with honesty. I also loved how Hollis and Meadow were determined to maintain their status as best friends even after they crossed that line. Their foundation of friendship without judgement and holding each other accountable while also being a safe space made it an easy transition for them and allowed them to have a strong foundation once they became lovers. I think that is important when it comes to a friends to lovers story, you have to keep that friendship first because once it’s no longer coming first, then you start moving differently with your person and that can fracture the foundation that was previously unbreakable.
I’m enjoying this series and can’t wait to see what Bailey has come up with for Blacc and what Marlee what come up with for Duke.
April 6, 2026
Kicks
Foremost, I appreciate the nostalgia of Whip N’ Fade’s promotional magazine cover art & model he’s a looker 👀 too 🤎💛🤎🥰🤩🤭‼️ Meanwhile, this third W.N.F installment wasn’t as entertaining as previous books. Nonetheless, “Hollis (Whip N’ Fade - Book 3 of 4)” was a slow burn, Kick’s the aluminum can journey through the life & times of Meadow & Hollis’ secret sneaker head infatuation romance. Ummm, cute couple and their banter was palpable. Yet their storyline was inundated with unnecessary & or convoluted details. However, Meadow & Hollis were the perfect mate for each other and anticipated HEA. Hollis’ book though, didn’t necessarily convey his reservations for not pursuing his “day one”….or possibly it was revealed & I fell asleep 🧐🤭🤷🏾♀️‼️
Foremost, I appreciate the nostalgia of Whip N’ Fade’s promotional magazine cover art & model he’s a looker 👀 too 🤎💛🤎🥰🤩🤭‼️ Meanwhile, this third W.N.F installment wasn’t as entertaining as previous books. Nonetheless, “Hollis (Whip N’ Fade - Book 3 of 4)” was a slow burn, Kick’s the aluminum can journey through the life & times of Meadow & Hollis’ secret sneaker head infatuation romance. Ummm, cute couple and their banter was palpable. Yet their storyline was inundated with unnecessary & or convoluted details. However, Meadow & Hollis were the perfect mate for each other and anticipated HEA. Hollis’ book though, didn’t necessarily convey his reservations for not pursuing his “day one”….or possibly it was revealed & I fell asleep 🧐🤭🤷🏾♀️‼️
April 25, 2026
Loved the concept and the trope…
Whip N’Fade was a whole vibe and a cool idea to center a series around! Friends to lovers has always been one of my favorite tropes, and the evolution of Hollis and Meadow over a 20 year timespan proved to be quite the journey!
Although, for as loud and wrong as Sasha was, she sure went away quietly and I was looking for more of a resolution there. But I guess she didn’t deserve the consideration Naomi received. One of the highlights of the story for me was their overdue conversation! Counseling goes a long way towards healing and a good light was shown on that here with Hollis and his growth/healing. This was a NTMA and I will most definitely be checking out the other releases in this series!
Whip N’Fade was a whole vibe and a cool idea to center a series around! Friends to lovers has always been one of my favorite tropes, and the evolution of Hollis and Meadow over a 20 year timespan proved to be quite the journey!
Although, for as loud and wrong as Sasha was, she sure went away quietly and I was looking for more of a resolution there. But I guess she didn’t deserve the consideration Naomi received. One of the highlights of the story for me was their overdue conversation! Counseling goes a long way towards healing and a good light was shown on that here with Hollis and his growth/healing. This was a NTMA and I will most definitely be checking out the other releases in this series!
June 28, 2026
Best Friends
What a wonderful storyline! Hollis was a good guy who lived his life with excitement and enthusiasm. He met Meadow their first year of college and automatically friend-zoned her because she wasn’t built like the type of women he liked and pursued. Meadow, although she could have seen him as boyfriend material, was okay with being friend-zoned and their friendship became the most authentic, precious, and honest relationship either of them had. Talk about patience…that was true love. Great book!
What a wonderful storyline! Hollis was a good guy who lived his life with excitement and enthusiasm. He met Meadow their first year of college and automatically friend-zoned her because she wasn’t built like the type of women he liked and pursued. Meadow, although she could have seen him as boyfriend material, was okay with being friend-zoned and their friendship became the most authentic, precious, and honest relationship either of them had. Talk about patience…that was true love. Great book!
April 10, 2026
Whew. The courage it takes to be the one who stayed.
Meadow, my girl, you were brave and bold in your decision to love someone in whom you know everything about. You knew the good, the bad, the ugly, and the indifferent. To maintain that level of posture and being able to separate friendship from desire is commendable. Hollis I was on a wing and a prayer, paying that you did what was honorable. I’m proud that he changed the trajectory of his actions.
Meadow, my girl, you were brave and bold in your decision to love someone in whom you know everything about. You knew the good, the bad, the ugly, and the indifferent. To maintain that level of posture and being able to separate friendship from desire is commendable. Hollis I was on a wing and a prayer, paying that you did what was honorable. I’m proud that he changed the trajectory of his actions.
July 8, 2026
Hollis covers all bases!
I enjoyed Hollis & Meadow’s story. I loved the Whip & Fade callbacks.
Hollis managed a LOT of work before the story began, and it was great to see the growth of their love and how his learned lessons played into this EPIC secret crush to friendzone to eventual marriage of best friends story.
I was not fond of the AI narration as some pronunciation tweaks should have been made. Otherwise, this was great!
Very much looking forward to the next story!
I enjoyed Hollis & Meadow’s story. I loved the Whip & Fade callbacks.
Hollis managed a LOT of work before the story began, and it was great to see the growth of their love and how his learned lessons played into this EPIC secret crush to friendzone to eventual marriage of best friends story.
I was not fond of the AI narration as some pronunciation tweaks should have been made. Otherwise, this was great!
Very much looking forward to the next story!
April 6, 2026
Homcoming
What a great friends to lovers story! I always say, “It’s not what you do, but what you do NEXT.” I think I lived the way that everyone allowed Hollis to redeem himself while holding him accountable for the choices he made.
***I am patiently waiting on Duke’s story. I know he going to put us through it.
What a great friends to lovers story! I always say, “It’s not what you do, but what you do NEXT.” I think I lived the way that everyone allowed Hollis to redeem himself while holding him accountable for the choices he made.
***I am patiently waiting on Duke’s story. I know he going to put us through it.
April 13, 2026
Decent
The book was a decent read overall. I could've done less with the "my man my man my man" stuff when Meadow was speaking or thinking. It would've been nice to see what happened with Sasha. She was essentially stalking him and she just stopped because of Meadow. Doesn't really make sense.
The book was a decent read overall. I could've done less with the "my man my man my man" stuff when Meadow was speaking or thinking. It would've been nice to see what happened with Sasha. She was essentially stalking him and she just stopped because of Meadow. Doesn't really make sense.
April 4, 2026
Always A Great Time at Whip n Fade
I'm realizing that the more I read books from Ms. Marlee Rae, that Black Love is Really the BEST kind of love! Loved this story..Can't wait to read whatever comes next from Ms. Marlee Rae
I'm realizing that the more I read books from Ms. Marlee Rae, that Black Love is Really the BEST kind of love! Loved this story..Can't wait to read whatever comes next from Ms. Marlee Rae
April 10, 2026
Finally
Hollis and Meadow are perfect from the beginning of them meeting in college. They stayed true best friends and was there for each other. I'm glad they finally got together.
Hollis and Meadow are perfect from the beginning of them meeting in college. They stayed true best friends and was there for each other. I'm glad they finally got together.
April 8, 2026
page turner
I enjoyed this book. The kids had me laughing so hard. I look forward to reading more books by this author.
I enjoyed this book. The kids had me laughing so hard. I look forward to reading more books by this author.
June 10, 2026
Always a Good Read!
Marlee Rae is a terrific author that cranks out on book after another. This book leaves me satisfied and I look forward to the next one. Blessings!
Marlee Rae is a terrific author that cranks out on book after another. This book leaves me satisfied and I look forward to the next one. Blessings!
April 5, 2026
3.75⭐️ I was actually wishing Meadow had a more promising option at the beginning like Hollis did. Clearly the heart wants what the heart wants in the end🤷🏾♀️
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews