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Joliet
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April 23, 2026
This was phenomenal storytelling very thought-provoking, and in many ways it shined a light on some of my own personal blind spots concerning DV. I gave it 5 stars because the storytelling is something special. While I definitely have some issues with how certain things were handled, it’s a great story overall. I loved how real and raw Rae approached the dynamic between Lovie and almost all the men who weren’t Rich, but I also feel like the lens through which we viewed them was far less harsh than the one used for a few of the other characters.
My first and biggest issue is that while, yes, Lovie is a victim, it felt as if she never fully accepted responsibility for the other relationships in her life. Like with Faye sure, she could have been more motherly, but when and how would you have liked that to happen? Lovie was very critical of the women in her life. She constantly called Faye a liar while also being dishonest herself. Her and Terrica’s dynamic needed more development for me. I can hold space and extend grace because Lovie was deeply wounded and harmed, but I also feel like if you’re only looking through the lens of your own hurt, when do you acknowledge the devastation you’ve caused as well?
DV relationships are extremely volatile, and the nature of abusers often fosters isolation. As a friend, how do you expect people to show up if they are consistently met with resistance from the beginning? Without putting herself in danger, Terrica did all that she could while still navigating her own life changes. I think it’s unfair to expect people to fight for you while you’re not even beginning that fight for yourself. There were too many moments where Terrica was framed as the villain in Lovie’s story, and even then, Lovie offered her no protection or defense. There were a lot of assumptions that, as a reader, I felt we never truly saw play out.
Next, while I understand this is technically a romance, it did feel a little “white knight-ish.” Yes, Lovie eventually found her voice and gained some footing, but I have issues with the motivation behind it. No matter how good of a man Rich is, it felt like her growth was driven by a man, and given her vulnerable state, that didn’t fully land for me. I never really saw Lovie stand firmly on her own. Yes, Rich was everything, but I struggle when a female main character goes through so much and the end result is simply “love and a man.” Where are your dreams? Where are the things you want for yourself that aren’t tied to him? Like Rich was able to see you because he had experience with a traumatized woman just like you and because you opened up to him differently than anyone else in your life. I feel like she was vocal with Rich because he forced that whereas she expected everyone else to just know and see her trauma. When it’s like these ladies know you but it’s limited because the experiences they’ve had with you are small and minor. They saw who you were destined to be and then the tiny tattered pieces you became because of AJ, when they attempted to guide you and were ignored. She never revealed herself completely to the women in her life she scrutinized so viciously because of this alleged judgement that I personally don’t feel as if we saw enough on page to agree with.
I did love that Rich finally received the love he deserved and was prioritized. However, it was difficult to see so much grace and compassion extended to a man simply because he “saw” her, while she remained judgmental and harsh toward the women in her life. I expected her to be more and to do more. I also struggled with her dynamic with Arnez. Yes, they were mirrors of each other the only difference being that one saw her villain in his full, heinous truth, while the other was still in the early stages of denial. Still, it felt like she gave her longtime best friend and her aunt a lot of criticism, only to later attempt to form a connection with someone who clearly wasn’t interested. I did love the interconnected generational love stories and I’m glad we got a happy enough ending.
My first and biggest issue is that while, yes, Lovie is a victim, it felt as if she never fully accepted responsibility for the other relationships in her life. Like with Faye sure, she could have been more motherly, but when and how would you have liked that to happen? Lovie was very critical of the women in her life. She constantly called Faye a liar while also being dishonest herself. Her and Terrica’s dynamic needed more development for me. I can hold space and extend grace because Lovie was deeply wounded and harmed, but I also feel like if you’re only looking through the lens of your own hurt, when do you acknowledge the devastation you’ve caused as well?
DV relationships are extremely volatile, and the nature of abusers often fosters isolation. As a friend, how do you expect people to show up if they are consistently met with resistance from the beginning? Without putting herself in danger, Terrica did all that she could while still navigating her own life changes. I think it’s unfair to expect people to fight for you while you’re not even beginning that fight for yourself. There were too many moments where Terrica was framed as the villain in Lovie’s story, and even then, Lovie offered her no protection or defense. There were a lot of assumptions that, as a reader, I felt we never truly saw play out.
Next, while I understand this is technically a romance, it did feel a little “white knight-ish.” Yes, Lovie eventually found her voice and gained some footing, but I have issues with the motivation behind it. No matter how good of a man Rich is, it felt like her growth was driven by a man, and given her vulnerable state, that didn’t fully land for me. I never really saw Lovie stand firmly on her own. Yes, Rich was everything, but I struggle when a female main character goes through so much and the end result is simply “love and a man.” Where are your dreams? Where are the things you want for yourself that aren’t tied to him? Like Rich was able to see you because he had experience with a traumatized woman just like you and because you opened up to him differently than anyone else in your life. I feel like she was vocal with Rich because he forced that whereas she expected everyone else to just know and see her trauma. When it’s like these ladies know you but it’s limited because the experiences they’ve had with you are small and minor. They saw who you were destined to be and then the tiny tattered pieces you became because of AJ, when they attempted to guide you and were ignored. She never revealed herself completely to the women in her life she scrutinized so viciously because of this alleged judgement that I personally don’t feel as if we saw enough on page to agree with.
I did love that Rich finally received the love he deserved and was prioritized. However, it was difficult to see so much grace and compassion extended to a man simply because he “saw” her, while she remained judgmental and harsh toward the women in her life. I expected her to be more and to do more. I also struggled with her dynamic with Arnez. Yes, they were mirrors of each other the only difference being that one saw her villain in his full, heinous truth, while the other was still in the early stages of denial. Still, it felt like she gave her longtime best friend and her aunt a lot of criticism, only to later attempt to form a connection with someone who clearly wasn’t interested. I did love the interconnected generational love stories and I’m glad we got a happy enough ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 8, 2026
Wow this was deep. Rae that pen something serious!!! It’s always satisfying finding a 5-6 star read. Usually I have so much to say but it’s a lot but I enjoyed every moment of it. The story was beautiful the characters were beautifully flawed I really enjoyed this. One thing for sure Lovie was always a fighter.
May 4, 2026
6⭐️
The way Rae breaks us down and slowly builds us up is amazing. This is easily the best book I’ve read so far this year.
The love, passion, gentleness between them two poured off the page. Rich is a mix of all my favorite Rae MMCs, even the traits that grow on you. Two lost souls that never received real love, only forced love, found solace amongst themselves.
This is a story I can reread multiple times and probably leave with another interpretation. Choosing to write this in 1st person was the best experience. Oh to live in the mind of Lovie or Rich. She just wanted to be the person he was for everyone.
The way Rae breaks us down and slowly builds us up is amazing. This is easily the best book I’ve read so far this year.
The love, passion, gentleness between them two poured off the page. Rich is a mix of all my favorite Rae MMCs, even the traits that grow on you. Two lost souls that never received real love, only forced love, found solace amongst themselves.
This is a story I can reread multiple times and probably leave with another interpretation. Choosing to write this in 1st person was the best experience. Oh to live in the mind of Lovie or Rich. She just wanted to be the person he was for everyone.
April 25, 2026
4.5 stars
One thing about Rae Lyse is that she’s going to give a story that breaks us down but always puts us back together and Joliet is another banger that she’s given us.
We have Lovie who leaves her lavish life in New York as an NFL WAG to go back home to Texas to rebuild herself. While back home Lovie crosses path with Rich aka Pup. Rich is a fighter and the local community man who everyone comes to with their problems. Him and Lovie begin a friendship that brings them both the peace they were searching for.
I absolutely loved everything about this story even the parts that frustrated me. I admire Lovie finally finding her voice and gaining the strength to stand up for herself. I only wish she would’ve done it without a man telling her to but I understand that people in the world need that support to gain that strength. Rich I wasn’t too sure about. I definitely saw him as someone who was just gonna be complacent with everything he thought his life was going to be but he’s a fighter and I’m glad he fought for the life he truly wanted and deserved.
Overall this is another masterpiece by Rae and I can’t wait to see what else she puts out into the universe.
One thing about Rae Lyse is that she’s going to give a story that breaks us down but always puts us back together and Joliet is another banger that she’s given us.
We have Lovie who leaves her lavish life in New York as an NFL WAG to go back home to Texas to rebuild herself. While back home Lovie crosses path with Rich aka Pup. Rich is a fighter and the local community man who everyone comes to with their problems. Him and Lovie begin a friendship that brings them both the peace they were searching for.
I absolutely loved everything about this story even the parts that frustrated me. I admire Lovie finally finding her voice and gaining the strength to stand up for herself. I only wish she would’ve done it without a man telling her to but I understand that people in the world need that support to gain that strength. Rich I wasn’t too sure about. I definitely saw him as someone who was just gonna be complacent with everything he thought his life was going to be but he’s a fighter and I’m glad he fought for the life he truly wanted and deserved.
Overall this is another masterpiece by Rae and I can’t wait to see what else she puts out into the universe.
May 8, 2026
Love in spite of....
Whew this was a slow burn, but an insta love at the same time.
Lovie aka Slim has been through a lot in her 24 years of life. After 2 years of pure hell in what on the surface seems to be a fairytale engagement, she finally escapes. She returns home, to a place that never quite felt like home, but she knows it's a safe place to put herself back together. When she runs into Rich aka Pup unexpectedly her feelings are still super raw. There is an immediate "connection" between them that neither of them is sure what to do with. Both of their lives are literally a chaotic mess.
Rae has a gift of peeling back the onion of her characters, their layers are so deep. Although the timeline is short on page, it feels longer because we learn so much about the mindset of the mcs. Rich was satisfied with taking care of his family and hell half the town without receiving hardly anything in return. No one cared to really get to know him as a man, and he was fine with that until Slim made him crave more. She scared him, because for the first time he wanted more out of life. More than being the town side heaux 🙈 He didn't want to go out like the men before him, he wanted to experience love and family with Slim even if it felt impossible.
I enjoyed feeling Slim and Rich fall, even if to some it was "too soon," I felt like they both deserved love. All that push and pull was crazy. Despite me predicting how Slim would handle their situation, it was still angsty and that scene was vividly wild. Even though I was scared for Slim I was happy she finally stood up for herself and showed she could "hit back" too and not just physically.
Another deep read from Rae.
Whew this was a slow burn, but an insta love at the same time.
Lovie aka Slim has been through a lot in her 24 years of life. After 2 years of pure hell in what on the surface seems to be a fairytale engagement, she finally escapes. She returns home, to a place that never quite felt like home, but she knows it's a safe place to put herself back together. When she runs into Rich aka Pup unexpectedly her feelings are still super raw. There is an immediate "connection" between them that neither of them is sure what to do with. Both of their lives are literally a chaotic mess.
Rae has a gift of peeling back the onion of her characters, their layers are so deep. Although the timeline is short on page, it feels longer because we learn so much about the mindset of the mcs. Rich was satisfied with taking care of his family and hell half the town without receiving hardly anything in return. No one cared to really get to know him as a man, and he was fine with that until Slim made him crave more. She scared him, because for the first time he wanted more out of life. More than being the town side heaux 🙈 He didn't want to go out like the men before him, he wanted to experience love and family with Slim even if it felt impossible.
I enjoyed feeling Slim and Rich fall, even if to some it was "too soon," I felt like they both deserved love. All that push and pull was crazy. Despite me predicting how Slim would handle their situation, it was still angsty and that scene was vividly wild. Even though I was scared for Slim I was happy she finally stood up for herself and showed she could "hit back" too and not just physically.
Another deep read from Rae.
April 28, 2026
Already my best read of 2026
Rae Lyse has a way with words, character development and storytelling, she’s top tier and this story deserves all the stars.
Lovie and Rich man in sucker for a man who’s protective, provider and a lover that’s a combination that can’t be beat and Rich is that and then some. Lovie is just what a man like Rich needs, she’s soft, loving and she don’t listen 😂😂😂
I enjoyed this book so much, everything about pulled at my heart. The family, the love, the highs and lows. It’s over and I still want more. I was smiling and giggling so much reading this book and I couldn’t put it down .
Rae Lyse has a way with words, character development and storytelling, she’s top tier and this story deserves all the stars.
Lovie and Rich man in sucker for a man who’s protective, provider and a lover that’s a combination that can’t be beat and Rich is that and then some. Lovie is just what a man like Rich needs, she’s soft, loving and she don’t listen 😂😂😂
I enjoyed this book so much, everything about pulled at my heart. The family, the love, the highs and lows. It’s over and I still want more. I was smiling and giggling so much reading this book and I couldn’t put it down .
May 1, 2026
LOVED IT! THATS my review lol if i could give the book more than 5 ⭐️, i would. The story was perfect. Lovie and Rich are fictional characters that I’ll never forget 🥹🥰🫶🏽
May 3, 2026
6 stars!
This book was outstanding. The way it made me feel. The emotions literally crawled off the pages and into my heart. I haven’t read a book this good in a very long time.
Rich Lovelace 🥹
Baby 🥰
Lovie has one hell of a story and just to see the character development and the journey. Seeing that baby bird start to fly. Omggg so amazing.
I just want to write so much but I don’t want to spoil this amazing story.
I will say this I love when an author doesn’t spend a lot of time on irrelevant characters. Let the story shine through the main characters and that’s exactly what this book did.
This book was outstanding. The way it made me feel. The emotions literally crawled off the pages and into my heart. I haven’t read a book this good in a very long time.
Rich Lovelace 🥹
Baby 🥰
Lovie has one hell of a story and just to see the character development and the journey. Seeing that baby bird start to fly. Omggg so amazing.
I just want to write so much but I don’t want to spoil this amazing story.
I will say this I love when an author doesn’t spend a lot of time on irrelevant characters. Let the story shine through the main characters and that’s exactly what this book did.
May 7, 2026
3.75⭐️ this was bingeable, fun and a romance through and through. like the romance carried the entire book and I’m not mad at it.
April 23, 2026
Tough Roots, Beautiful Blooms
BETA REVIEW:
Rae Lyse has a way of reminding us that real love takes time. Her slow-burn Black Romance stories are like flowers at the beginning of their season; they will bloom, but patience is required to witness their true beauty and essence. This is especially true for Rich Lovelace, Jr. and Lovie Sinclair.
Lovie is the piece of Rich’s life he never realized was missing. The men in her past were "weeds" that tried to choke her potential before she had a chance to grow, but when she encounters Rich, he sees a woman who needs to be watered, fed, nurtured, and pruned. He uproots those weeds—and the memories of them—to give her the room to fully bloom. Together, they fight to create a colorful, vibrant bouquet that was well worth the wait. 💚💛💜💐🥳
BETA REVIEW:
Rae Lyse has a way of reminding us that real love takes time. Her slow-burn Black Romance stories are like flowers at the beginning of their season; they will bloom, but patience is required to witness their true beauty and essence. This is especially true for Rich Lovelace, Jr. and Lovie Sinclair.
Lovie is the piece of Rich’s life he never realized was missing. The men in her past were "weeds" that tried to choke her potential before she had a chance to grow, but when she encounters Rich, he sees a woman who needs to be watered, fed, nurtured, and pruned. He uproots those weeds—and the memories of them—to give her the room to fully bloom. Together, they fight to create a colorful, vibrant bouquet that was well worth the wait. 💚💛💜💐🥳
May 2, 2026
Pup and Slim
The way Author Rae Lyse crafted two layered and complex characters on these six hundred or so odd pages- chefs kiss and worth every bit of time you take to read this story. Rich and Lovies lives are formed from the onset by the beliefs and experiences of those around them for better or worse. By the time they get together you wonder what might be possible against all odds. This slow burn is worth the read.
The way Author Rae Lyse crafted two layered and complex characters on these six hundred or so odd pages- chefs kiss and worth every bit of time you take to read this story. Rich and Lovies lives are formed from the onset by the beliefs and experiences of those around them for better or worse. By the time they get together you wonder what might be possible against all odds. This slow burn is worth the read.
May 8, 2026
Rich and Lovie’s 🐾💕 story was raw, emotional, and still incredibly charming. Every moment between them felt authentic and deeply earned. The writing was phenomenal…. I knew by the 30% mark that this was going to be a 5-star read.
May 3, 2026
Absolutely phenomenal!
Like every Rae Lyse story before it, this one is going to live in my heart forever. Such a beautiful, raw, love story.
Like every Rae Lyse story before it, this one is going to live in my heart forever. Such a beautiful, raw, love story.
May 6, 2026
This book is literally one of the best books I've read this year.
Day's later and I'm still on this wave. I love Lovie and Rich bad!! Rich was a provider through and through but what he didn't know he needed Lovie gave him. Lovie wasn't coming off of Rich and he needed that! When it came to Lovie Rich didn't play and the thing that stuck out most to me was how they both poured into each other.
They are a match made in heaven.
Day's later and I'm still on this wave. I love Lovie and Rich bad!! Rich was a provider through and through but what he didn't know he needed Lovie gave him. Lovie wasn't coming off of Rich and he needed that! When it came to Lovie Rich didn't play and the thing that stuck out most to me was how they both poured into each other.
They are a match made in heaven.
April 24, 2026
FAVORITE BOOK
This book means everything to me. This is amazing writing. I enjoyed this book so much. The story is so compelling and you can really connect to the characters and feel their pain and fears. I laughed, cried, and swooned while reading this book. I love this book so much. Rae Lyse is my favorite author and I’ve read all her books and this one might’ve taken “for the night” spot as my favorite.
Lovie and Rich are two broken souls running from one thing or another. When they finally cross paths they see eachother in ways no one else has or ever tried to. When their past that they can’t outrun tries to tear them apart the two has to decide if what they have is worth fighting for or letting go while still smiling at the memory of what they had.
I love slim and pup so much. Their love was everything !
Lovie aka Slim was such an amazing FMC. It was amazing witnessing her growth and character development. My heart broke for her so many times. Everyone who was supposed to love her before she met Rich either hurt or neglected her. Faye nor Kenny did right by her because they were both more preoccupied on other things. Neither of them cared enough to care. Despite that, I loved witnessing Slim gain her confidence back and finding her voice again. I just love her! My girl was not afraid to go after what she wanted.
Rich was such a man! I love him so much. I loved how he saw Slim immediately and I mean really see her and nurtured her without expecting anything in return. The way he was raised had him fighting the good kind of loved he deserved but the lover boy in him always won. I love how vulnerable he got with lovie and how he took care of everyone from the kindness of his heart. He was a natural protector and provider and I’m glad he found someone who finally deserved all of him.
Faye and Kenny sucked! They were so neglectful and always worrying about the wrong thing. Arnez was whiny and behaved like a child most times. What she was mad about was silly given the situation. She was mad at the wrong person. AJ deserved worst ! Beatrice is just yuck ! I am so sick of Blake. Every cameo he has in some of the books he always show how much of a soulless snake he is.
This book was amazing and a must read !
This book means everything to me. This is amazing writing. I enjoyed this book so much. The story is so compelling and you can really connect to the characters and feel their pain and fears. I laughed, cried, and swooned while reading this book. I love this book so much. Rae Lyse is my favorite author and I’ve read all her books and this one might’ve taken “for the night” spot as my favorite.
Lovie and Rich are two broken souls running from one thing or another. When they finally cross paths they see eachother in ways no one else has or ever tried to. When their past that they can’t outrun tries to tear them apart the two has to decide if what they have is worth fighting for or letting go while still smiling at the memory of what they had.
I love slim and pup so much. Their love was everything !
Lovie aka Slim was such an amazing FMC. It was amazing witnessing her growth and character development. My heart broke for her so many times. Everyone who was supposed to love her before she met Rich either hurt or neglected her. Faye nor Kenny did right by her because they were both more preoccupied on other things. Neither of them cared enough to care. Despite that, I loved witnessing Slim gain her confidence back and finding her voice again. I just love her! My girl was not afraid to go after what she wanted.
Rich was such a man! I love him so much. I loved how he saw Slim immediately and I mean really see her and nurtured her without expecting anything in return. The way he was raised had him fighting the good kind of loved he deserved but the lover boy in him always won. I love how vulnerable he got with lovie and how he took care of everyone from the kindness of his heart. He was a natural protector and provider and I’m glad he found someone who finally deserved all of him.
Faye and Kenny sucked! They were so neglectful and always worrying about the wrong thing. Arnez was whiny and behaved like a child most times. What she was mad about was silly given the situation. She was mad at the wrong person. AJ deserved worst ! Beatrice is just yuck ! I am so sick of Blake. Every cameo he has in some of the books he always show how much of a soulless snake he is.
This book was amazing and a must read !
April 29, 2026
4.5 ⭐️. I feel like there’s so much I can say about this book. This was one of those books you gotta phone a friend to rant. I was so locked in while losing sleep. I had all the emotions. There were parts that frustrated and annoyed me. Like the way the fmc clung to the mmc. Like she was as super territorial even before anything was established. I can also admit I’m use to the mmc moving in that manner so this was new. They both were in phases in their life that wasn’t use to being unconditionally loved. Rich was pushing her away to avoid heartbreak while she refused to let him go. I can appreciate the character growth. Some parts I wish were handled differently. I wanted more of her growth to be self and not dependent on him. She went from an abusive, toxic situation to a slightly unhealthy attachment. She broke my heart in the car scene. All in all I can’t lie and say I didn’t want more of them. The epilogue was only like a month out. I need more! Ugh but anyways yall read this book lol.
April 26, 2026
Yeah… this one got me.
I fell in love with these characters because they felt real. Not perfect, not polished, just people trying to move through life the best way they know how.
Rich Lovelace Jr? That man has been carrying the weight of everybody for so long because that’s what he saw growing up. Take care of everyone, no questions asked. No thanks needed. He thought that was just his life… until Lovie showed up in his kitchen not doing what he expected 😭 and everything started to shift.
And Lovie? Baby she is strong. Even when she’s fighting for her truth, you can feel her strength in every decision she makes. Her journey was not easy to read at times. The domestic violence elements hit hard and had me emotional, I’m not even gonna lie. But the way Rae Lyse tells this story, she doesn’t leave you in that heaviness. She brings you back into the light through love, healing, and connection.
Watching Pup and Slim figure each other out? Whew. It felt like new love with old soul energy. I laughed, I felt soft, I rooted for them the whole time.
This book gave emotion, depth, and real love in a way that stuck with me.
I fell in love with these characters because they felt real. Not perfect, not polished, just people trying to move through life the best way they know how.
Rich Lovelace Jr? That man has been carrying the weight of everybody for so long because that’s what he saw growing up. Take care of everyone, no questions asked. No thanks needed. He thought that was just his life… until Lovie showed up in his kitchen not doing what he expected 😭 and everything started to shift.
And Lovie? Baby she is strong. Even when she’s fighting for her truth, you can feel her strength in every decision she makes. Her journey was not easy to read at times. The domestic violence elements hit hard and had me emotional, I’m not even gonna lie. But the way Rae Lyse tells this story, she doesn’t leave you in that heaviness. She brings you back into the light through love, healing, and connection.
Watching Pup and Slim figure each other out? Whew. It felt like new love with old soul energy. I laughed, I felt soft, I rooted for them the whole time.
This book gave emotion, depth, and real love in a way that stuck with me.
May 7, 2026
Joliet
This story was a slow burn, but not! There was lots of trauma and angst, but I feel like it was balanced out with the connection and journey for Slim and Pup. They met almost immediately and the spark was undeniable and so sweet that it made the slow drag of revealing all the secrets and trauma more palatable. I liked Slim, but at times she was irky right along with Arnez, Kenny, Faye and pretty much everyone in the book lol The only one who didn’t annoy me was Pup…it’s a good read for sure and I wish the ending wasn’t so abrupt but still a nice love story.
This story was a slow burn, but not! There was lots of trauma and angst, but I feel like it was balanced out with the connection and journey for Slim and Pup. They met almost immediately and the spark was undeniable and so sweet that it made the slow drag of revealing all the secrets and trauma more palatable. I liked Slim, but at times she was irky right along with Arnez, Kenny, Faye and pretty much everyone in the book lol The only one who didn’t annoy me was Pup…it’s a good read for sure and I wish the ending wasn’t so abrupt but still a nice love story.
April 26, 2026
When I say this book has put me in a tizzy. It was so much. I felt like I was watching it as if it were a film. The writing is so beautiful. I was going through first hand heartbreak. The angst was so much!!!! A love like this!!!
- Forbidden
- slow burn
- hurt/comfort
- past trauma
-inevitable love
-Angst!!!!!!
Check triggers before reading!!
- Forbidden
- slow burn
- hurt/comfort
- past trauma
-inevitable love
-Angst!!!!!!
Check triggers before reading!!
April 27, 2026
Let’s start off by saying this book is 5 stars. Shit even more. I’ve been waiting for a book to give me the same feelings and emotions as At The End of It All and it did exactly. A underground fighter and ex-WAG cross paths in a small town within Houston and it becomes magic moving forward. This was pure storytelling so the slow burn is needed. I wasn’t mad at it. It was perfect. The banter, and the flirting… it was everything. Like sometimes authors need to put a bunch of hunching in a book to make it engaging and interesting but it wasn’t that. It was pure romance. It does have trigger warnings but it doesn’t ruin it for you to where it’s happening presently. You will read about flashbacks from previous events but you have to read it to understand how both main characters endured the things they went through. Someone mentioned how the fighter becomes the lover and the lover becomes the fighter and that’s so true. You will scream, cuss, cry and feel so emotional cause you’re rooting for Pup and Slim. They belong each other. They need each other and it’s honestly them against the world. We have many side characters that try tear these lover apart… and you have to see if they allow those people to win or not. Even the way it ends was perfect! I wouldn’t change anything.
May 9, 2026
4.5⭐️
Really enjoyed this journey with Slim and Rich! It was emotional yet beautiful seeing both of the peep of layers of themselves to be together!!
Really enjoyed this journey with Slim and Rich! It was emotional yet beautiful seeing both of the peep of layers of themselves to be together!!
April 28, 2026
Rich and Slim🥰 Their first time making love and their break up 😫 Lord, that break up had me crying so hard! Rich is broken and seems himself as unlovable and Slim is also broken but they see each other.
April 27, 2026
Rae, Rae,Rae this book was so worth the 40 days and nights we had to wait for a new release. You are exactly who you think you are! This book was damn good easily a five star read! Damn I loved Lovie and Rich and that hardly ever happens!
May 4, 2026
Well, she’s done it again. & with lucky number seven we have another 5 star (6 bc... honestly) read from ME for Miss Rae Lyse. It’s so easy to give her 5 stars with all of the emotions you go through with her. Giving a 5 star to books that have re-readability (I made that up?) & for her I OFTEN end up in reading slumps & immediately wanting to reread. I’ve already found myself going through the book to reread some of my favorite parts.
I don’t know what it is about the main characters that she writes. The guy who knows damn near nothing but tough love, doesn’t even know if he knows love forreal… but is ALWAYS so tender with his baby😩. Like, the way Pup was with Slim immediately is… something. He was almost immediately doing things to make her come to him so that he could spend some time… & my girl was clearly clocked in because she immediately caught on. Her solidified it. He saw her! Like, caught on to things that even those she lived in the house with didn’t catch on to. & the way he cared for her?😭
“I don’t have a problem giving you what you want, as long as you open your mouth and say what it is.”
Bc yeah, that exactly! & he NEVER PLAYED ABOUT THAT!
& my Lovieeee🥰… baby just wanted to know what real love was. Because she had so much to give & was constantly giving it to those who showed none back. She was so young going through so much heartbreak from those around her until Rich. Bc it’s FOREVER fuck AJ & also, Kenny… bc who was he feeling like? After going through the childhood that she had… & then experiencing what she did with AJ, it was crazy to think that her & Pup could even possibly be a thing.. & then so fast? But, they were LITERALLY made for each other.
“It just means that you were born for me. It took some time for us to find each other, that’s all, baby.” “… but you were never his… or… or Kenny’s to take care of. You were always mine to take care of—just mine. That’s all that means.” 😭😭
“I took care of us. I…I took care of you. I made him pay. I made AJ pay.” “… you always take care of me. I just wanted to take care of you for once.”
EXACTLY!
What always gets me is that these are slow burns but they are also in such a short period of time when you really look at the big picture. This was within a month lol. & I am never mad bc I am a firm believer in when you know you know! UGH!!!!!! I’m already ready to reread omg! Raeeeee, the woman you are!!!!
I don’t know what it is about the main characters that she writes. The guy who knows damn near nothing but tough love, doesn’t even know if he knows love forreal… but is ALWAYS so tender with his baby😩. Like, the way Pup was with Slim immediately is… something. He was almost immediately doing things to make her come to him so that he could spend some time… & my girl was clearly clocked in because she immediately caught on. Her solidified it. He saw her! Like, caught on to things that even those she lived in the house with didn’t catch on to. & the way he cared for her?😭
“I don’t have a problem giving you what you want, as long as you open your mouth and say what it is.”
Bc yeah, that exactly! & he NEVER PLAYED ABOUT THAT!
& my Lovieeee🥰… baby just wanted to know what real love was. Because she had so much to give & was constantly giving it to those who showed none back. She was so young going through so much heartbreak from those around her until Rich. Bc it’s FOREVER fuck AJ & also, Kenny… bc who was he feeling like? After going through the childhood that she had… & then experiencing what she did with AJ, it was crazy to think that her & Pup could even possibly be a thing.. & then so fast? But, they were LITERALLY made for each other.
“It just means that you were born for me. It took some time for us to find each other, that’s all, baby.” “… but you were never his… or… or Kenny’s to take care of. You were always mine to take care of—just mine. That’s all that means.” 😭😭
“I took care of us. I…I took care of you. I made him pay. I made AJ pay.” “… you always take care of me. I just wanted to take care of you for once.”
EXACTLY!
What always gets me is that these are slow burns but they are also in such a short period of time when you really look at the big picture. This was within a month lol. & I am never mad bc I am a firm believer in when you know you know! UGH!!!!!! I’m already ready to reread omg! Raeeeee, the woman you are!!!!
April 30, 2026
Slim & Rich 🩷🥊
I truly don’t know where I’m supposed to go or what I’m supposed to do after reading such a phenomenal book. I also, don’t think any words could do this justice but I’m going to try.
Rae Lyse’s knack for blending social work and romance makes for a generational talent and it will ALWAYS be my #1 favorite thing about her writing. I know that every time I flip the first page of her books I’m getting a story that’s real, raw, complex, and everything that comes with it—good or bad. Lovie & Rich’s story is that exactly.
I feel like… No, I KNOW these two have their own personal piece of land in my mind and heart after reading this. I love Lovie so much—I just wanted to hug and protect her the whole way through. Rae’s inclusion of the inner child and the mentions of her mother always being “over her shoulder” spoke to something in me. All the details that went into Lovie Sinclair AND her experience that has been her life was so masterfully fleshed out—she’s a perfectly imperfect woman that has lived many lives.
And Rich—another mmc that balances out his lady perfectly in every way possible. If it’s one thing that Rae is going to do it’s write a man that is assertive and dominant without a trace of hyper masculinity in sight. They’re selfless at their core and their love, care, and deep respect for women is oh so genuine. Yes, they’re flawed in their own unique ways but all the other things about them make up for it in ways that count. Again, I love these two, their passion, baggage, and yearning DEEP. 🥹🤧
Supporting characters are another of Rae’s strong suits so I will say Yessenia, Arnez, Faye, Senior, and Smitty were all exceptionally layered and alluring to me as well, especially Faye & Senior. I don’t want to give any of the next mentioned attention that they don’t deserve fr so this sentence will be the only time I say that I wish the worst on AJ, Tony, Kenny, Jamari, Melo, Beatrice, and a little bit of Terrica too.
I definitely see myself reading this time and time again just like all her other works. 8⭐️
I truly don’t know where I’m supposed to go or what I’m supposed to do after reading such a phenomenal book. I also, don’t think any words could do this justice but I’m going to try.
Rae Lyse’s knack for blending social work and romance makes for a generational talent and it will ALWAYS be my #1 favorite thing about her writing. I know that every time I flip the first page of her books I’m getting a story that’s real, raw, complex, and everything that comes with it—good or bad. Lovie & Rich’s story is that exactly.
I feel like… No, I KNOW these two have their own personal piece of land in my mind and heart after reading this. I love Lovie so much—I just wanted to hug and protect her the whole way through. Rae’s inclusion of the inner child and the mentions of her mother always being “over her shoulder” spoke to something in me. All the details that went into Lovie Sinclair AND her experience that has been her life was so masterfully fleshed out—she’s a perfectly imperfect woman that has lived many lives.
And Rich—another mmc that balances out his lady perfectly in every way possible. If it’s one thing that Rae is going to do it’s write a man that is assertive and dominant without a trace of hyper masculinity in sight. They’re selfless at their core and their love, care, and deep respect for women is oh so genuine. Yes, they’re flawed in their own unique ways but all the other things about them make up for it in ways that count. Again, I love these two, their passion, baggage, and yearning DEEP. 🥹🤧
Supporting characters are another of Rae’s strong suits so I will say Yessenia, Arnez, Faye, Senior, and Smitty were all exceptionally layered and alluring to me as well, especially Faye & Senior. I don’t want to give any of the next mentioned attention that they don’t deserve fr so this sentence will be the only time I say that I wish the worst on AJ, Tony, Kenny, Jamari, Melo, Beatrice, and a little bit of Terrica too.
I definitely see myself reading this time and time again just like all her other works. 8⭐️
April 25, 2026
This was a 4.8 🙌
My girl Rae did it again yall ! This author makes me think and decompartmentalize and save things anytime I take a trip in her art of writing. The tale of Lovie aka “mama’s” aka “Slim” and Rich aka “Pup” aka “Mr fix it who can never say no to his slim” are just a dynamic that by society’s “standards” wasn’t suppose to happen. Both going through such dire times of trying to survive in this world that at times it’s like their programmed to be that way or have things happen to them. Very realistic juxtapositions in place for them that many in life have gone through or experienced. It was up to them to break the barrier and generational trauma/curses placed on them that they never asked for. When you think about it they were put in circumstances they thought they deserved. The lessons I learned or picked up from this story was self love, knowing your worth, knowing you deserve happiness and love, starting over again while creating a backbone, forgiveness to yourself of your faults and sins, dream big even if unbelievable. So many things to process from this book and hidden gems. Loved the lil cameo tea from past characters of Rae ! My next thoughts are on the “loose ends” if you can really call it that like lovie and her past friendship with Terrica and Meechie if that would ever reconcile. As well as what the future holds for this couple but I think my imagination will make use of that.
I’m proud of Rae and the stories she shares/writes that represent the things that happen in our community and structures that are placed to keep us stagnant. I took my time with this story finished it in three days and loved the longevity of it all with telling both sides of them. Overall thank you again for sharing your art 👏! People will love and enjoy Pup and Slim the same way I have so welcome on this expedition of laughs, cries, anger and love 🤎.
My girl Rae did it again yall ! This author makes me think and decompartmentalize and save things anytime I take a trip in her art of writing. The tale of Lovie aka “mama’s” aka “Slim” and Rich aka “Pup” aka “Mr fix it who can never say no to his slim” are just a dynamic that by society’s “standards” wasn’t suppose to happen. Both going through such dire times of trying to survive in this world that at times it’s like their programmed to be that way or have things happen to them. Very realistic juxtapositions in place for them that many in life have gone through or experienced. It was up to them to break the barrier and generational trauma/curses placed on them that they never asked for. When you think about it they were put in circumstances they thought they deserved. The lessons I learned or picked up from this story was self love, knowing your worth, knowing you deserve happiness and love, starting over again while creating a backbone, forgiveness to yourself of your faults and sins, dream big even if unbelievable. So many things to process from this book and hidden gems. Loved the lil cameo tea from past characters of Rae ! My next thoughts are on the “loose ends” if you can really call it that like lovie and her past friendship with Terrica and Meechie if that would ever reconcile. As well as what the future holds for this couple but I think my imagination will make use of that.
I’m proud of Rae and the stories she shares/writes that represent the things that happen in our community and structures that are placed to keep us stagnant. I took my time with this story finished it in three days and loved the longevity of it all with telling both sides of them. Overall thank you again for sharing your art 👏! People will love and enjoy Pup and Slim the same way I have so welcome on this expedition of laughs, cries, anger and love 🤎.
May 5, 2026
We Aint Pouring Sugar Over Sh!t
Reading Joliet felt like Rae Lyse sat down with me, asked exactly what I love in a story, and then delivered it perfectly. A small age gap, just the right amount of yearning, a true slow burn, a strong plot, and funny banter. We in the hood but not caught up in the usual chaos, with a dash of spice. Perfection.
What really made this story stand out is how relatable the characters are. I didn’t just read about them, I felt them. It was like I knew these people in real life.
Both main characters are broken in their own ways, but still manage to find joy and real love. My sweet girl Lovie… I wanted to reach into the pages, hold her, and give her all the care she missed so early in life. More than anything, I loved that she found herself. Her self-love journey meant just as much, if not more, than the romance.
And whew… Rich? Pup where? That’s a full-grown Cane Corso right there! Exactly my kind of MMC: rough around the edges but soft where it counts. He understands people, moves with intention, and genuinely wants to be good to those around him. The way he recognized when someone was hurting and refused to take advantage of it spoke volumes. Just like Lovie, he made me want to hug him and let him finally rest.
Seeing Ace and Josiah’s names pop up, even briefly, made me smile. They’re still two of my favorite MMCs in Rae Lyse’s world. But you know who I didn’t want to see? Blake. If this were full-on urban fiction, I’d be ready to have him handled immediately!
The only reason this wasn’t a full 5 stars for me is that I wanted more of Slim and Pup’s story, especially the aftermath. I wasn’t ready to let them go.
Reading Joliet felt like Rae Lyse sat down with me, asked exactly what I love in a story, and then delivered it perfectly. A small age gap, just the right amount of yearning, a true slow burn, a strong plot, and funny banter. We in the hood but not caught up in the usual chaos, with a dash of spice. Perfection.
What really made this story stand out is how relatable the characters are. I didn’t just read about them, I felt them. It was like I knew these people in real life.
Both main characters are broken in their own ways, but still manage to find joy and real love. My sweet girl Lovie… I wanted to reach into the pages, hold her, and give her all the care she missed so early in life. More than anything, I loved that she found herself. Her self-love journey meant just as much, if not more, than the romance.
And whew… Rich? Pup where? That’s a full-grown Cane Corso right there! Exactly my kind of MMC: rough around the edges but soft where it counts. He understands people, moves with intention, and genuinely wants to be good to those around him. The way he recognized when someone was hurting and refused to take advantage of it spoke volumes. Just like Lovie, he made me want to hug him and let him finally rest.
Seeing Ace and Josiah’s names pop up, even briefly, made me smile. They’re still two of my favorite MMCs in Rae Lyse’s world. But you know who I didn’t want to see? Blake. If this were full-on urban fiction, I’d be ready to have him handled immediately!
The only reason this wasn’t a full 5 stars for me is that I wanted more of Slim and Pup’s story, especially the aftermath. I wasn’t ready to let them go.
May 8, 2026
this was (SPOILERS‼️‼️‼️)
A nice, detailed, and long story that was full of secrets, lies, and so much more. It was a very slow burn but it kept me wanting to know what was going to happen next. I loved aunt Faye and how she loved on Arnez and Rich was heart warming. She didn’t belong with Kenny and speaking of him…he was trash from the start. The way he felt about Rich had me heated every time he showed his feelings. Rich!!! I love him! He loved his “baby.” The passion between these two burned up the pages. I didn’t want Lovie to be just another 🐱 problem like the other women. I didn’t want her to take his money at first but then I realized she was the only one giving him something in return that wasn’t just sex. Lovie!! She went through and saw so much in her life that I wanted her to get everything she wanted in the end. I felt her love for Rich. He was everything she needed. He elevated her. Encouraged her and he couldn’t stop himself. He cried so much and I loved that even though he was raised up so brutally he still showed his emotions for Lovie.
I was annoyed with Senior and his way of thinking and I hated how Slim had to ask him for permission to have Rich. He had Rich mind so messed up. The ending was well played and I knew that was the only place that amount of money could come from. I was praying Rich wouldn’t go end Lovie’s ex. Also, I kept wondering what the big reveal would be. What Rich could have done to have people feeling how they did about him. Never thought it would be what it was but I felt his sister knew him best. She should have never gotten him involved.
A nice, detailed, and long story that was full of secrets, lies, and so much more. It was a very slow burn but it kept me wanting to know what was going to happen next. I loved aunt Faye and how she loved on Arnez and Rich was heart warming. She didn’t belong with Kenny and speaking of him…he was trash from the start. The way he felt about Rich had me heated every time he showed his feelings. Rich!!! I love him! He loved his “baby.” The passion between these two burned up the pages. I didn’t want Lovie to be just another 🐱 problem like the other women. I didn’t want her to take his money at first but then I realized she was the only one giving him something in return that wasn’t just sex. Lovie!! She went through and saw so much in her life that I wanted her to get everything she wanted in the end. I felt her love for Rich. He was everything she needed. He elevated her. Encouraged her and he couldn’t stop himself. He cried so much and I loved that even though he was raised up so brutally he still showed his emotions for Lovie.
I was annoyed with Senior and his way of thinking and I hated how Slim had to ask him for permission to have Rich. He had Rich mind so messed up. The ending was well played and I knew that was the only place that amount of money could come from. I was praying Rich wouldn’t go end Lovie’s ex. Also, I kept wondering what the big reveal would be. What Rich could have done to have people feeling how they did about him. Never thought it would be what it was but I felt his sister knew him best. She should have never gotten him involved.
May 6, 2026
If Rae Lyse doesn't do anything she is going to write characters that are so layered and full of depth and all you can do is read and let those layers take time unveiling themselves into something absolutely beautiful.
From the first chapter I was locked in. I didn't even know that much about Lovie but my heart truly went out to her. Living a life where you're supposed to be this perfect public figures lady while behind close doors its all a facade was so heart wrenching. As her story progressed I couldn't help but to respect her for knowing that this life was not one that she deserved and leaving it behind.
Then we meet Rich and the connection was instant with him and Lovie. Its like two lost souls that finally found each other even when they themselves had no idea what was happening. Rich also had his own demons and things that were working against him. From his upbringing to the life he thought he was destined to live it was a power struggle with his mind and his heart.
I loved how as much as Lovie and Rich where the MCs all the side stories added to the book instead of taking away from it.
This book will wreck you but it will put you back together as well. Two people with so many odds stacked against them coming together and choosing each other no matter what. I loved it so much. I absolutely love when a FMC realizes her worth and when the MMC comes along and worships the ground she walks on.
As for Melo Barnes, Uncle Kenny, Blake, Terrica and AJ, fuck all y'all!
Yea this one will stay with me for awhile.
From the first chapter I was locked in. I didn't even know that much about Lovie but my heart truly went out to her. Living a life where you're supposed to be this perfect public figures lady while behind close doors its all a facade was so heart wrenching. As her story progressed I couldn't help but to respect her for knowing that this life was not one that she deserved and leaving it behind.
Then we meet Rich and the connection was instant with him and Lovie. Its like two lost souls that finally found each other even when they themselves had no idea what was happening. Rich also had his own demons and things that were working against him. From his upbringing to the life he thought he was destined to live it was a power struggle with his mind and his heart.
I loved how as much as Lovie and Rich where the MCs all the side stories added to the book instead of taking away from it.
This book will wreck you but it will put you back together as well. Two people with so many odds stacked against them coming together and choosing each other no matter what. I loved it so much. I absolutely love when a FMC realizes her worth and when the MMC comes along and worships the ground she walks on.
As for Melo Barnes, Uncle Kenny, Blake, Terrica and AJ, fuck all y'all!
Yea this one will stay with me for awhile.
April 27, 2026
It’s Slim & Pup for Me 😍🥹
I started this book in my swing… and finished it in my feelings 😭💕
I always say no one writes like Rae Lyse. Her pen is unmatched. This is book 7 in her catalogue, and every story she’s written has stayed with me in some way.
This story is not just romance. It’s layered, raw, and emotionally heavy in a way that sneaks up on you.
The way Rae writes love, you feel it on every page, and Rich and Lovie are no different.
“I know…but there’s a little Lovie inside me that’s been neglected, and Rich knows that. So he holds her, nurtures her, wipes her tears, protects her, and teaches her all the things the men in her life didn’t. So, in return, that little Lovie is gonna give him the unconditional love you talked about. That’s what I’m gonna do with him.”
The chemistry is undeniable, but what really stands out is the emotional depth. The way the characters connect, push, pull, and navigate their realities feels real. It’s like watching two people try to love each other while life keeps getting in the way.
That’s what I appreciated most about Slim and Pup. The slow burn of it all was well worth the 600+ pages. I took my time with this one, and I’m still not ready to let them go.
I’ll be right here waiting on the next 5 star read. No pressure. 💕
I started this book in my swing… and finished it in my feelings 😭💕
I always say no one writes like Rae Lyse. Her pen is unmatched. This is book 7 in her catalogue, and every story she’s written has stayed with me in some way.
This story is not just romance. It’s layered, raw, and emotionally heavy in a way that sneaks up on you.
The way Rae writes love, you feel it on every page, and Rich and Lovie are no different.
“I know…but there’s a little Lovie inside me that’s been neglected, and Rich knows that. So he holds her, nurtures her, wipes her tears, protects her, and teaches her all the things the men in her life didn’t. So, in return, that little Lovie is gonna give him the unconditional love you talked about. That’s what I’m gonna do with him.”
The chemistry is undeniable, but what really stands out is the emotional depth. The way the characters connect, push, pull, and navigate their realities feels real. It’s like watching two people try to love each other while life keeps getting in the way.
That’s what I appreciated most about Slim and Pup. The slow burn of it all was well worth the 600+ pages. I took my time with this one, and I’m still not ready to let them go.
I’ll be right here waiting on the next 5 star read. No pressure. 💕
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