What do you think?
Rate this book
Watercolors
Luminous Brooks had mastered surviving in gray.
Gray paintings. Gray routines. Gray love. Gray versions of herself that never asked for too much and never felt too loud. After losing her job, falling behind on rent, and watching life close in around her piece by piece, the last thing she expected was an inheritance from a grandmother that failed her decades ago—a massive old-money lake house sitting in the middle of Lynn Beach.
Beautiful.
Quiet.
And filled with memories she spent years trying not to touch.
The rules are live there or lose it.
So Lumi does what she’s always done. She stays small. Minds her business. Keeps her head down. Pretends the water surrounding the property doesn’t make her chest tighten every time she looks at it.
Then there’s her neighbor.
Ashlee “Wave” Reeves— the golden boy of swimming. The man the world watched win over and over again. But retirement left him standing still in a life that no longer fits the way it used to. Now his days revolve around keeping peace, raising the teenage daughter he’s still learning, and trying to figure out who he is outside of being everybody’s idea of perfect.
Lumi was never supposed to become part of that.
But somewhere between late-night talks, paint-stained fingers, quiet laughs across the lake, and tension that lingers long after the moment is over, Wave starts becoming the one place Lumi feels safe enough to unravel.
And that terrifies her.
Because water remembers.
It remembers the summer that changed everything.
The grief she never spoke out loud.
The little girl she used to be before fear made a home inside of her.
Now, with love slowly coloring in the parts of herself she buried years ago, Lumi has to decide if she’s willing to keep surviving in gray… or finally learn how to live in color.
Watercolors is a slow-burning Black romance about healing, softness, grief, yearning, and love that touches every version of who you’ve been.
Gray paintings. Gray routines. Gray love. Gray versions of herself that never asked for too much and never felt too loud. After losing her job, falling behind on rent, and watching life close in around her piece by piece, the last thing she expected was an inheritance from a grandmother that failed her decades ago—a massive old-money lake house sitting in the middle of Lynn Beach.
Beautiful.
Quiet.
And filled with memories she spent years trying not to touch.
The rules are live there or lose it.
So Lumi does what she’s always done. She stays small. Minds her business. Keeps her head down. Pretends the water surrounding the property doesn’t make her chest tighten every time she looks at it.
Then there’s her neighbor.
Ashlee “Wave” Reeves— the golden boy of swimming. The man the world watched win over and over again. But retirement left him standing still in a life that no longer fits the way it used to. Now his days revolve around keeping peace, raising the teenage daughter he’s still learning, and trying to figure out who he is outside of being everybody’s idea of perfect.
Lumi was never supposed to become part of that.
But somewhere between late-night talks, paint-stained fingers, quiet laughs across the lake, and tension that lingers long after the moment is over, Wave starts becoming the one place Lumi feels safe enough to unravel.
And that terrifies her.
Because water remembers.
It remembers the summer that changed everything.
The grief she never spoke out loud.
The little girl she used to be before fear made a home inside of her.
Now, with love slowly coloring in the parts of herself she buried years ago, Lumi has to decide if she’s willing to keep surviving in gray… or finally learn how to live in color.
Watercolors is a slow-burning Black romance about healing, softness, grief, yearning, and love that touches every version of who you’ve been.
610 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 7, 2026
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
May 8, 2026
I read this in 12 hours.. all 640 pages because it was that good. This book is going to make you sit in your feelings some serious. I was so invested in these characters. Lumi, Wave, Ashley, Kit, Lowe, Kendrell, Vari … they all added much needed substance to this story. New beginnings, old wounds resurfacing, found family, and just living life the best you know how by yourself until God puts people in your corner that you no longer have to do it alone.
This book was amazing. My first Evelyn Latrice book and it definitely won’t be my last.
This book was amazing. My first Evelyn Latrice book and it definitely won’t be my last.
May 12, 2026
4.5 ⭐️ Evelyn has once again demonstrated her inventiveness when it comes to black characters. I enjoyed how Wave and Ashley entered Lumi's gloomy life and added color. I wish there had been more of Lumi's past—we know she experienced trauma but I just wanted to see more of the relationships in her family, like we got with Wave. It was refreshing and unique to read about swimming and skating as outlets outside of the usual sports. The slow pacing was comforting, and I loved how each character represented a color. With Lumi, Wave was very patient and attentive. Ashley was very direct and vulnerable, and that's exactly the kind of love Lumi needed to heal herself in a way she was unaware of. I appreciate how the chapter header became more colorful with every chapter, reflecting Lumi's inner feelings and growth.
May 10, 2026
drowning in waveland 🏊🏾♀️🌊
And when it comes to representation of “US” - Evelyn does that continuously. Watercolors is the reminder that “pain won’t define me anymore” as eloquently stated by Lumi. When I open a book by Evelyn, I know I am going to get a story that is engaging, thought provoking, riddled with gems and centered in black love. This one, yeah, exceeded my expectations – not just because of the HEA but because it was like peeling back the layers that had been hidden and realizing, that I too deserve to live in color. So thank you, Evelyn for penning this beautiful story.
Lumi, Wave, and Ashley stole my heart – equally. There would be no Watercolors without those three. The side characters brought a good balance to the story, as well. But their story demonstrates love in multiple facets – not just in a romance stance, but in family, friendships, healing, growth, and even through the challenges. My heart was consistently shattered throughout but healed, at the same time. As someone who constantly lives in the grey, I saw a ton of myself – staying in the background, hiding from the world, avoiding all attention. That was basically Lumi’s character. Lumi suffered a breakup, lost her job, and was forced to return to the very place that caused her significant heartache. Returning to Lynn Beach brought all the harsh memories to the forefront, and I was concerned it would cause more setbacks than good. Seeing Lumi take back ownership of her life and allowing color to take up space was heartwarming.
Wave and Ashley? LOVED them! The father-daughter duo bulldozed their way into Lumi’s life, and I was so tickled. This was another display of love. I truly believe Ashley’s bond with Lumi healed both of their hearts. Ashley was Lumi’s “lil girl” in every sense of the phrase and every black girl deserves to be someone’s “lil girl”. Their banter, safety, and security shown so positively on page was what I needed. #girlhood I don’t have many words for Wave – but he was a WHOLE man! When Wave told Lumi “if you want my heart...you can have that too” I was swooning. It took a strong man to show Lumi and at times, Ashley, they were worthy of love and not a victim of their circumstances.
Watercolors is a slow burn, but it burned oh so good! I appreciated the pace, the development of the characters, the tension, and eventual “aha moments.” I enjoyed every bit of this story; a few parts had me fighting the tears, and there is heavy content so practice self-care. May all the colors of the rainbow provide the light in dark places. Another must read story!
https://readnliftwithshar.medium.com/...
**arc / beta review
And when it comes to representation of “US” - Evelyn does that continuously. Watercolors is the reminder that “pain won’t define me anymore” as eloquently stated by Lumi. When I open a book by Evelyn, I know I am going to get a story that is engaging, thought provoking, riddled with gems and centered in black love. This one, yeah, exceeded my expectations – not just because of the HEA but because it was like peeling back the layers that had been hidden and realizing, that I too deserve to live in color. So thank you, Evelyn for penning this beautiful story.
Lumi, Wave, and Ashley stole my heart – equally. There would be no Watercolors without those three. The side characters brought a good balance to the story, as well. But their story demonstrates love in multiple facets – not just in a romance stance, but in family, friendships, healing, growth, and even through the challenges. My heart was consistently shattered throughout but healed, at the same time. As someone who constantly lives in the grey, I saw a ton of myself – staying in the background, hiding from the world, avoiding all attention. That was basically Lumi’s character. Lumi suffered a breakup, lost her job, and was forced to return to the very place that caused her significant heartache. Returning to Lynn Beach brought all the harsh memories to the forefront, and I was concerned it would cause more setbacks than good. Seeing Lumi take back ownership of her life and allowing color to take up space was heartwarming.
Wave and Ashley? LOVED them! The father-daughter duo bulldozed their way into Lumi’s life, and I was so tickled. This was another display of love. I truly believe Ashley’s bond with Lumi healed both of their hearts. Ashley was Lumi’s “lil girl” in every sense of the phrase and every black girl deserves to be someone’s “lil girl”. Their banter, safety, and security shown so positively on page was what I needed. #girlhood I don’t have many words for Wave – but he was a WHOLE man! When Wave told Lumi “if you want my heart...you can have that too” I was swooning. It took a strong man to show Lumi and at times, Ashley, they were worthy of love and not a victim of their circumstances.
Watercolors is a slow burn, but it burned oh so good! I appreciated the pace, the development of the characters, the tension, and eventual “aha moments.” I enjoyed every bit of this story; a few parts had me fighting the tears, and there is heavy content so practice self-care. May all the colors of the rainbow provide the light in dark places. Another must read story!
https://readnliftwithshar.medium.com/...
**arc / beta review
May 7, 2026
ARC Review
Y’all, I took my time with this book and absolutely devoured it! Evelyn unfolded their story so beautifully. The way she paints friendship, found family, and soul bonds is truly amazing. A man seeing a woman, knowing she’s his, and helping her come into herself will always do it for me. The words of affirmation, the patience, and the way he kept the ball in her court had me swooning.
Wave was hit with a major secret in the beginning, but instead of spiraling, he faced it head-on. I loved that about him. And although they definitely bumped heads at times, I loved watching their connection grow naturally and seeing how easy they fell into each other.
I highly recommend picking this one up and meeting Lumi, Wave, Ashley, and Vari. You will not be disappointed. 💕
Y’all, I took my time with this book and absolutely devoured it! Evelyn unfolded their story so beautifully. The way she paints friendship, found family, and soul bonds is truly amazing. A man seeing a woman, knowing she’s his, and helping her come into herself will always do it for me. The words of affirmation, the patience, and the way he kept the ball in her court had me swooning.
Wave was hit with a major secret in the beginning, but instead of spiraling, he faced it head-on. I loved that about him. And although they definitely bumped heads at times, I loved watching their connection grow naturally and seeing how easy they fell into each other.
I highly recommend picking this one up and meeting Lumi, Wave, Ashley, and Vari. You will not be disappointed. 💕
May 10, 2026
The water you feel, see, embrace, and touch. The water weighed you down, but only if you let it. The water if nothing else, healed you. Watercolors is definitely one for the books and will leave its mark.
Stamped,
The Urban Fiction Librarian
Stamped,
The Urban Fiction Librarian
May 11, 2026
This was such an enjoyable read 🌊🎨💕 4.5
I absolutely loved the first 80%, and while I felt a little indifferent about the last 20%, it was still a really good story overall. The found family trope is one of my favorites, and Evelyn does it so well. I already can’t wait to read more about this family.
I absolutely loved the first 80%, and while I felt a little indifferent about the last 20%, it was still a really good story overall. The found family trope is one of my favorites, and Evelyn does it so well. I already can’t wait to read more about this family.
May 12, 2026
Watercolors had me emotionally unemployed for two straight days. Before work, during work, in the bath, on breaks… if I had free time, my Kindle was OPEN. I was in Lynn Beach minding everybody’s business like somebody auntie with a folding chair on the porch.
Evelyn Latrice really sat down and gave us grief, healing, friendship, family, found family, love plus emotional damage wrapped up in one beautiful story. One minute I was giggling and kicking my feet, the next minute I was staring at the ceiling stressed out asking Evelyn why she thought any of this was okay for my blood pressure.
Lumi touched my heart deeply. If you’ve experienced trauma young, parts of her story are going to hit differently. Watching her carry heartbreak, fear, disappointment, loneliness while still trying to figure herself out made me want to climb into the book and hug her myself. Seeing her slowly stop shrinking herself plus start taking up space again was beautiful in such a tender way.
Now Wave… Lord help me. That man was caring, patient, emotionally aware, intentional, fine — like that was just regular behavior. The way he loved Lumi softly without trying to force or rush her healing had me MELTING. But baby when he blew up on Lumi? Oh I was side-eyeing him so hard I almost had to put the book down. Thankfully Kit, Marlowe plus MY man Kendall gathered him immediately because sir… absolutely not.
KENDALL? Yeah that became my baby by the end of the book. I love me an underdog because they may stumble, but when it matters they SHOW UP. Kendall called Wave out exactly the way a big brother should — no sugarcoating, no babying him, just raw honesty. At first I just knew he was going to get on my nerves, somehow Evelyn had me rooting for him hard by the end.
Lil Girl truly became Lumi’s baby in every way that mattered. She came into Lumi’s life with that slick little mouth, big personality, even bigger heart — unknowingly bringing so much healing with her. Their bond felt warm, safe, gentle, full of love. Watching them care for each other touched me deeply. Every Black girl deserves to feel loved, protected, seen, cherished the way Lil Girl plus Lumi loved each other.
Slow burn for sure. BABY IT WAS COOKING LOW AND SLOW. Every interaction, tension, vulnerability, patience, softness had me giggling one minute plus clutching my chest the next.
By the end I felt healed, stressed, comforted, attacked, loved, emotionally dragged all at once.
Evelyn Latrice, count your days respectfully because this book did something to me.
P.S. Vari plus Ashley’s story definitely has more left to tell. I NEED that standalone immediately because I am not ready to let them go yet.
Evelyn Latrice really sat down and gave us grief, healing, friendship, family, found family, love plus emotional damage wrapped up in one beautiful story. One minute I was giggling and kicking my feet, the next minute I was staring at the ceiling stressed out asking Evelyn why she thought any of this was okay for my blood pressure.
Lumi touched my heart deeply. If you’ve experienced trauma young, parts of her story are going to hit differently. Watching her carry heartbreak, fear, disappointment, loneliness while still trying to figure herself out made me want to climb into the book and hug her myself. Seeing her slowly stop shrinking herself plus start taking up space again was beautiful in such a tender way.
Now Wave… Lord help me. That man was caring, patient, emotionally aware, intentional, fine — like that was just regular behavior. The way he loved Lumi softly without trying to force or rush her healing had me MELTING. But baby when he blew up on Lumi? Oh I was side-eyeing him so hard I almost had to put the book down. Thankfully Kit, Marlowe plus MY man Kendall gathered him immediately because sir… absolutely not.
KENDALL? Yeah that became my baby by the end of the book. I love me an underdog because they may stumble, but when it matters they SHOW UP. Kendall called Wave out exactly the way a big brother should — no sugarcoating, no babying him, just raw honesty. At first I just knew he was going to get on my nerves, somehow Evelyn had me rooting for him hard by the end.
Lil Girl truly became Lumi’s baby in every way that mattered. She came into Lumi’s life with that slick little mouth, big personality, even bigger heart — unknowingly bringing so much healing with her. Their bond felt warm, safe, gentle, full of love. Watching them care for each other touched me deeply. Every Black girl deserves to feel loved, protected, seen, cherished the way Lil Girl plus Lumi loved each other.
Slow burn for sure. BABY IT WAS COOKING LOW AND SLOW. Every interaction, tension, vulnerability, patience, softness had me giggling one minute plus clutching my chest the next.
By the end I felt healed, stressed, comforted, attacked, loved, emotionally dragged all at once.
Evelyn Latrice, count your days respectfully because this book did something to me.
P.S. Vari plus Ashley’s story definitely has more left to tell. I NEED that standalone immediately because I am not ready to let them go yet.
May 10, 2026
I adore Evelyn Latrice’s work — To the Moon is one of my all‑time favorite romances, and I still think about Tangled Hearts. She knows how to write emotion, tension, and characters who stay with you long after the last page.
But Watercolors just didn’t land for me.
The story follows Lumi, Wave, and Ashley. Lumi returns to Lynn Beach, a place filled with painful memories. Wave, a retired Olympic swimmer, also returns home after retirement and discovers he has a daughter. As Lumi tries to heal and Wave learns how to navigate fatherhood, a romance forms between them.
The message is powerful, and I know many readers will connect deeply with the themes. But the execution wasn’t there. At over 600 pages, the story still felt like it lacked depth. Instead of being immersed in the characters’ emotional worlds, I felt like I was being told about their emotions, motivations, and experiences. Scenes were summarized instead of lived. Moments that should have hit hard were explained rather than shown through action and dialogue.
For a book this long, that level of telling isn’t justifiable — it made the story feel more like a lecture than a narrative.
The characters felt flat, the emotional beats muted, and the perspective didn’t feel unique in the way Evelyn’s stories usually do. I’m used to shedding tears when I read her books, and this time… not one. The subject matter deserved more emotional weight, more interiority, more lived‑in humanity.
To sum it up, it felt like a story trying to check off the boxes romance readers expect rather than offering a unique take on the single dad romance trope.
I still love Evelyn Latrice and will absolutely read whatever she writes next but Watercolors wasn’t the reading experience I hoped for.
But Watercolors just didn’t land for me.
The story follows Lumi, Wave, and Ashley. Lumi returns to Lynn Beach, a place filled with painful memories. Wave, a retired Olympic swimmer, also returns home after retirement and discovers he has a daughter. As Lumi tries to heal and Wave learns how to navigate fatherhood, a romance forms between them.
The message is powerful, and I know many readers will connect deeply with the themes. But the execution wasn’t there. At over 600 pages, the story still felt like it lacked depth. Instead of being immersed in the characters’ emotional worlds, I felt like I was being told about their emotions, motivations, and experiences. Scenes were summarized instead of lived. Moments that should have hit hard were explained rather than shown through action and dialogue.
For a book this long, that level of telling isn’t justifiable — it made the story feel more like a lecture than a narrative.
The characters felt flat, the emotional beats muted, and the perspective didn’t feel unique in the way Evelyn’s stories usually do. I’m used to shedding tears when I read her books, and this time… not one. The subject matter deserved more emotional weight, more interiority, more lived‑in humanity.
To sum it up, it felt like a story trying to check off the boxes romance readers expect rather than offering a unique take on the single dad romance trope.
I still love Evelyn Latrice and will absolutely read whatever she writes next but Watercolors wasn’t the reading experience I hoped for.
May 14, 2026
Perfection!
This may be my favorite Evelyn Latrice story to date!
I loved everything about it. The family, the friendship, the community, all within just a few characters was everything. The pacing was so easy to follow and navigate. I went into this story ready to brace myself from the impact of childhood trauma, but it was written so well, and softly, that it was easy to digest. This was so much more than a typical romance. This was a healing journey. This was growth. This was an awakening. I'm so happy that everyone was able to realize what was important and not letting fear or pride get in their way of peace and happiness. I would love to follow the journey of this family. Especially Kendall & Ashley. This was a phenomenal read!
This may be my favorite Evelyn Latrice story to date!
I loved everything about it. The family, the friendship, the community, all within just a few characters was everything. The pacing was so easy to follow and navigate. I went into this story ready to brace myself from the impact of childhood trauma, but it was written so well, and softly, that it was easy to digest. This was so much more than a typical romance. This was a healing journey. This was growth. This was an awakening. I'm so happy that everyone was able to realize what was important and not letting fear or pride get in their way of peace and happiness. I would love to follow the journey of this family. Especially Kendall & Ashley. This was a phenomenal read!
May 10, 2026
Watercolors Variation In Life ! 🙌
This was a five star read for me ! Author Evelyn tapped into something for this book the amount of emotions and correlation to artistry in any form was on point. The story is about Luminous aka “Lumi” and Ashlee aka “Wave” who cross paths in a meant to be kind of way were it’s fate. Life changing things are happening both coming to grips with such drastic things that they weren’t prepared for and definitely didn’t expect in unfortunate/fortunate ways. Then comes in Jr Ashley aka Splash aka Ms. Slick mouth who made the puzzle fit literally in the best way. Ashley herself has so much to learn and growing up to do with the mistakes and sorrows she’s dealing with. This is where a special drop in of Javari aka “Vari” plays within the story of just two young people falling in love within the story of Lumi and Waves story. It was a double wammy the way Author Evelyn interconnected sharing two different couples story and it didn’t take away from the main love story of Lumi and Wave it was an added bonus that made the story make sense even more. The chemistry between them and their moments had me cheesing like a fool. I honestly am still wrapping my brain around this book because so much has happened and I’m stuck in their world still processing and breaking down and loving things.
There were parts in the story that made me just want to sit on the couch and say whyyy……wholeheartedly had me stressing. In the end Evelyn leaves some questions for us and it honestly makes you think on the book and yourself I enjoyed the questions. The characters having a love/passion for Art, Swimming and skate boarding was so well rounded. I feel I’m rambling in this review and maybe that shows how scrambled in the best way I am about this book. Just read it you won’t have regrets !!!
This was a five star read for me ! Author Evelyn tapped into something for this book the amount of emotions and correlation to artistry in any form was on point. The story is about Luminous aka “Lumi” and Ashlee aka “Wave” who cross paths in a meant to be kind of way were it’s fate. Life changing things are happening both coming to grips with such drastic things that they weren’t prepared for and definitely didn’t expect in unfortunate/fortunate ways. Then comes in Jr Ashley aka Splash aka Ms. Slick mouth who made the puzzle fit literally in the best way. Ashley herself has so much to learn and growing up to do with the mistakes and sorrows she’s dealing with. This is where a special drop in of Javari aka “Vari” plays within the story of just two young people falling in love within the story of Lumi and Waves story. It was a double wammy the way Author Evelyn interconnected sharing two different couples story and it didn’t take away from the main love story of Lumi and Wave it was an added bonus that made the story make sense even more. The chemistry between them and their moments had me cheesing like a fool. I honestly am still wrapping my brain around this book because so much has happened and I’m stuck in their world still processing and breaking down and loving things.
There were parts in the story that made me just want to sit on the couch and say whyyy……wholeheartedly had me stressing. In the end Evelyn leaves some questions for us and it honestly makes you think on the book and yourself I enjoyed the questions. The characters having a love/passion for Art, Swimming and skate boarding was so well rounded. I feel I’m rambling in this review and maybe that shows how scrambled in the best way I am about this book. Just read it you won’t have regrets !!!
May 14, 2026
Emotion in Color
OMG.... this read was indeed breathtaking! The cover captured my attention, but the characters snatched me into the pages and did not let me go, even when the words "The End" appeared. This book will live rent free in my mind and heart. The hurt and healing, the love and loss, the pain and promises, the damage and the dreams, the gray and blue, purple, green, and gold... Evelyn delivered a true work of art, literally and figuratively. Every page carried the heaviness of life, building each chapter of lessons. It reminds you that sometimes your journey is more important than your arrival. Lumi & Wave created Waveland where they owned it all. Highly recommend! 💜💚💛👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽💐
OMG.... this read was indeed breathtaking! The cover captured my attention, but the characters snatched me into the pages and did not let me go, even when the words "The End" appeared. This book will live rent free in my mind and heart. The hurt and healing, the love and loss, the pain and promises, the damage and the dreams, the gray and blue, purple, green, and gold... Evelyn delivered a true work of art, literally and figuratively. Every page carried the heaviness of life, building each chapter of lessons. It reminds you that sometimes your journey is more important than your arrival. Lumi & Wave created Waveland where they owned it all. Highly recommend! 💜💚💛👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽💐
May 11, 2026
4.5 ⭐️
This was absolutely such a beautiful story! Although I appreciated the love aspect, my favor moments in this book was the healing that took place. Coming into Lynn Beach not wanting to be there and Lumi was able to create this family dynamic with these people across the lake. The trauma, grief, loss; she overcame it all!
Ashley and Lumi relationship was so beautiful to watch as well. They both needed each other to overcome what they were going through! This was just such a beautiful journey and I can’t wait to see here the author takes us next!
This was absolutely such a beautiful story! Although I appreciated the love aspect, my favor moments in this book was the healing that took place. Coming into Lynn Beach not wanting to be there and Lumi was able to create this family dynamic with these people across the lake. The trauma, grief, loss; she overcame it all!
Ashley and Lumi relationship was so beautiful to watch as well. They both needed each other to overcome what they were going through! This was just such a beautiful journey and I can’t wait to see here the author takes us next!
May 13, 2026
Good
Pros: This was a really good story. I loved Wave,Lumi and Ashley. I loved how they became a little family. There were a few times that I LOL’d.
Cons: The overuse of ‘You always’ was so annoying. I skimmed a lot because it felt like a lot of rambling. Also the story about Lumis best friend kind of felt just thrown in there.
Pros: This was a really good story. I loved Wave,Lumi and Ashley. I loved how they became a little family. There were a few times that I LOL’d.
Cons: The overuse of ‘You always’ was so annoying. I skimmed a lot because it felt like a lot of rambling. Also the story about Lumis best friend kind of felt just thrown in there.
May 11, 2026
I don't know how to explain what I just read outside of beautiful. Everything was thought about and executed wonderfully. The way the past of these characters shape them in their present day selves, but each one of them developed so beautifully in spite of. Luminous "Lumi" being so bright and bold & VIVIDLY seeing colors, but that being taken from her by those who were supposed to pour into that instead of doing the complete opposite. Ashlee "Wave" doing what "others" generally wouldn't recognize Black people being good at and EXCELLING... looking to find/make everything perfect from that point forward instead of just.. being. Ashley, having her world turned upside down so quickly and being angry about everything bc honestly, HOW DO YOU HANDLE ALL OF THAT AT SEVENTEEN? & even Vari, who clearly had a lot of love to give even though it is so clear her never received it in the same capacity. Even the side characters pulled on my heart in one way or another. You couldn't tell me that Marlowe didn't have kids because the way he showed up for his brother and HIM stepping into fatherhood was beautiful. And WHO would have thought that Kendall would make so much sense in all of the ways that it mattered? Seeing him originally gave, "OMG is he the fuck up?" & by the end of the book it's like, "Wait... maybe I want to see a little more of him??" & KIT had me hooting and hollering bc yes auntie lol.
Wave was thrown into fatherhood and was trying to figure that out, while at the same time falling in love for what seemed like the first time. Lumi trying to rebuild her life in the same place that broke her bc honestly, what other options did she have? At the same time, she's also falling in love and not just with some man, but with her 'Lil girl' bc yes... she TRUTHFULLY, she had her heart first & her daddy was just a bonus lol. Ashley, caught in the throws of grief, trying to cope with new information about herself AND figuring out how to love this man that I feel like I could lose at ANY MOMENT because of my decision making. & Vari was the biggest stepper!!
This story really took me through there. There was so many times I found myself getting emotional from the way that Evelyn presented these characters on page. The way that women and specifically Black women write these men... my God! I wish I could find the words to say more without giving the story away. This is one of those books that I won't stop talking about and wanting to discuss. This is one those books that I can find myself re-reading. Thissss is one of those books that I would purchase should it ever come to audio. a MASTERPIECE, if you will. UGH!!!! I miss them already.
Wave was thrown into fatherhood and was trying to figure that out, while at the same time falling in love for what seemed like the first time. Lumi trying to rebuild her life in the same place that broke her bc honestly, what other options did she have? At the same time, she's also falling in love and not just with some man, but with her 'Lil girl' bc yes... she TRUTHFULLY, she had her heart first & her daddy was just a bonus lol. Ashley, caught in the throws of grief, trying to cope with new information about herself AND figuring out how to love this man that I feel like I could lose at ANY MOMENT because of my decision making. & Vari was the biggest stepper!!
This story really took me through there. There was so many times I found myself getting emotional from the way that Evelyn presented these characters on page. The way that women and specifically Black women write these men... my God! I wish I could find the words to say more without giving the story away. This is one of those books that I won't stop talking about and wanting to discuss. This is one those books that I can find myself re-reading. Thissss is one of those books that I would purchase should it ever come to audio. a MASTERPIECE, if you will. UGH!!!! I miss them already.
May 11, 2026
I read this book as slow as I could while still completely inhaling it at the same time. By chapter 3, I already knew I was about to fall in love with this story. Evelyn Latrice really outdoes herself with every release. Lumi and Wave have been sitting heavy on my mind for the last three days. Lumi was carrying something deep in her soul . The loss of herself, the loss of her foundation, and the pain of never being tended to. Her story was heartbreaking, but it also shaped her into exactly who she needed to be for Wave. I don’t think this story would’ve unfolded the way it did without Ashley. Ashley was what both of them needed, and the deeper I got into the book, the more emotional I became. I found myself in tears a lot. Tears of heartbreak, tears of Joy, Tears of laughter. I still feel like I can’t fully unpack everything this story gave me because it left me wanting more. Also…Aja basically disappeared after getting dismissed at that party and I’m still laughing about it lol. You could tell she was jealous of Ashley from the jump, and there was simply no room for that energy. And Vari? Oh, he did not come to play about Ashley at all. That man made it clear young Splash was HIS. Period.
I really hope this story isn’t over because I still have questions. So many questions. This is one of those books that’s going to stick with me for a long time. My top 5 for the year is officially locked in after this one. Done deal.
I really hope this story isn’t over because I still have questions. So many questions. This is one of those books that’s going to stick with me for a long time. My top 5 for the year is officially locked in after this one. Done deal.
May 14, 2026
There was a lot to unpack regarding this book and I am still not fully there after finishing it up yesterday. Ashlee a.k.a. Wave, life got flipped upside down after an adult fun night. He met his twin, literally, in looks and attitude. Ashley, was dealing with grief after losing her mother and a lot of anger. Some things we didn't learn until later but true thinkers figured it out before the reveal. The trauma and sense of neglect led her across the pond to Lumi...
Lumi, who is also dealing with loss, neglect, and trauma has been handed a house and fortune she did not want due to the demons it held. Now my girl had me in my feelings from the jump. Each discovery broke me in a different way. Her relationship with Ashley was what her soul needed to live a life that she never had a chance to live. Add in Wave... he helped cure the hold that her past had her in by being patient and observant.
Now Vari... He helped Ashley see that all boys aren't the same and he is just like her. A person in a place that others feel they should not be in. A hard worker and grown before his time for real. He is not a product of his upbringing put a believer that there is better out there and he is going to work his butt off to get it. He is who her father is... a man of his word.
Evelyn, takes us on another journey much deeper than the last but we are healed at the end.
Lumi, who is also dealing with loss, neglect, and trauma has been handed a house and fortune she did not want due to the demons it held. Now my girl had me in my feelings from the jump. Each discovery broke me in a different way. Her relationship with Ashley was what her soul needed to live a life that she never had a chance to live. Add in Wave... he helped cure the hold that her past had her in by being patient and observant.
Now Vari... He helped Ashley see that all boys aren't the same and he is just like her. A person in a place that others feel they should not be in. A hard worker and grown before his time for real. He is not a product of his upbringing put a believer that there is better out there and he is going to work his butt off to get it. He is who her father is... a man of his word.
Evelyn, takes us on another journey much deeper than the last but we are healed at the end.
May 10, 2026
Just Beautiful
Watercolors by Evelyn Latrice was chef’s kiss! 😩✨ This story was complex, emotional, healing, heartbreaking, and beautiful all at once. The way Evelyn handled heavy topics like grief, childhood trauma, and sexual abuse with such care and delicacy deserves so much praise. Nothing felt rushed. Even at 646 pages and a true slow burn, the pacing was PERFECT because every moment mattered and every character was given the space to fully develop and grow.
This book had me sweating through my eyes one minute, giggling and kicking my feet the next, then sitting there completely overwhelmed with butterflies. Wave Ashlee Reaves… whew. Thats a GOOD man Savannah!! But honestly? I loved the women in this story even more. Usually FMCs frustrate me, but both women were written so beautifully flawed, raw, and real. Their bond, their love for one another, and the way they leaned on each other to survive the traumas life handed them was everything.
Evelyn Latrice didn’t just write a romance story… she created something healing, layered, and unforgettable. This is one of those books that stays with you long after you finish the last page. 💕
Watercolors by Evelyn Latrice was chef’s kiss! 😩✨ This story was complex, emotional, healing, heartbreaking, and beautiful all at once. The way Evelyn handled heavy topics like grief, childhood trauma, and sexual abuse with such care and delicacy deserves so much praise. Nothing felt rushed. Even at 646 pages and a true slow burn, the pacing was PERFECT because every moment mattered and every character was given the space to fully develop and grow.
This book had me sweating through my eyes one minute, giggling and kicking my feet the next, then sitting there completely overwhelmed with butterflies. Wave Ashlee Reaves… whew. Thats a GOOD man Savannah!! But honestly? I loved the women in this story even more. Usually FMCs frustrate me, but both women were written so beautifully flawed, raw, and real. Their bond, their love for one another, and the way they leaned on each other to survive the traumas life handed them was everything.
Evelyn Latrice didn’t just write a romance story… she created something healing, layered, and unforgettable. This is one of those books that stays with you long after you finish the last page. 💕
May 10, 2026
6 Start Read at Minimum!
Evelyn Evelyn Evelyn….. This book right here!!! I can see this book being a part of require literature. Soooo many messages and life lessons displayed throughout this read. So many think pieces! Life is full of colors and as people we have to decide which wave(s) we’ll ride not solely to survive but thrive as well. Wave and Lumi, Ashley and Vari, Wave’s siblings and aunt, Lumi’s raggedy family, and CHAR all played significant roles as supporting characters. The way Evelyn used them all to display different messages, forms of love, growth, expectation, etc. was chefs kiss! This will for sure be a reread for me! I loved EVERY bit of it!!! Highly recommended to ALL PEOPLE, Black, Non Black, young, seasoned, religious, non religious, so on and so on. Shoutout to Evelyn Latrice, thank you so very much for being obedient and writing what the characters told you to write. Can’t imagine the mental strain you endured to produce this, so again, thank you!!!
Evelyn Evelyn Evelyn….. This book right here!!! I can see this book being a part of require literature. Soooo many messages and life lessons displayed throughout this read. So many think pieces! Life is full of colors and as people we have to decide which wave(s) we’ll ride not solely to survive but thrive as well. Wave and Lumi, Ashley and Vari, Wave’s siblings and aunt, Lumi’s raggedy family, and CHAR all played significant roles as supporting characters. The way Evelyn used them all to display different messages, forms of love, growth, expectation, etc. was chefs kiss! This will for sure be a reread for me! I loved EVERY bit of it!!! Highly recommended to ALL PEOPLE, Black, Non Black, young, seasoned, religious, non religious, so on and so on. Shoutout to Evelyn Latrice, thank you so very much for being obedient and writing what the characters told you to write. Can’t imagine the mental strain you endured to produce this, so again, thank you!!!
May 7, 2026
A MASTERCLASS IN HEARTBREAK AND HEALING
A Five 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 read!
If you are looking for a story that doesn't just pull at your heartstrings but completely alters them, this is the one. I am officially an emotional wreck trying to process the beautiful, messy, and restorative journey of these characters. This wasn't just a story; it was a profound exploration of what it means to heal.
The chemistry between the characters is magnetic, but it’s the “found family” and the injection of laughter in the middle of the pain that makes this book five stars. It’s a reminder that forgiveness isn't just about the people who hurt us, it's about the grace we give ourselves.
Ms. Evelyn Latrice delivers a soul-stirring exploration of what happens when we stop running and finally start living. It’s a poignant reminder that returning to where you started is sometimes the only way to finally move forward.
A Five 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 read!
If you are looking for a story that doesn't just pull at your heartstrings but completely alters them, this is the one. I am officially an emotional wreck trying to process the beautiful, messy, and restorative journey of these characters. This wasn't just a story; it was a profound exploration of what it means to heal.
The chemistry between the characters is magnetic, but it’s the “found family” and the injection of laughter in the middle of the pain that makes this book five stars. It’s a reminder that forgiveness isn't just about the people who hurt us, it's about the grace we give ourselves.
Ms. Evelyn Latrice delivers a soul-stirring exploration of what happens when we stop running and finally start living. It’s a poignant reminder that returning to where you started is sometimes the only way to finally move forward.
May 7, 2026
Wave and Lumi….ARC REVIEW
From living in the gray and black for so long because of family trauma, Lumi had to learn that it was okay to let people in without fear. Meanwhile, recently retired Olympic swimmer Wave is thrown for a loop when he gets the surprise he never expected while also trying to figure out who he is beyond the pool.
When Wave and Lumi meet by chance and become neighbors, what starts off as unexpected turns into something transformative. Wave teaches Lumi how to live outside of the gray, and Lumi shows Wave what life can look like beyond being an Olympian.
This book was beautiful in every way. The way you can truly feel and see the characters as you read isn’t something every story delivers, but Evelyn did it effortlessly from beginning to end. Every chapter just Chef’s kiss.
It doesn’t allow 6 stars but this book is Officially my first 6-star read, and it Deserves Every single star.
Top tier read—definitely recommend.
From living in the gray and black for so long because of family trauma, Lumi had to learn that it was okay to let people in without fear. Meanwhile, recently retired Olympic swimmer Wave is thrown for a loop when he gets the surprise he never expected while also trying to figure out who he is beyond the pool.
When Wave and Lumi meet by chance and become neighbors, what starts off as unexpected turns into something transformative. Wave teaches Lumi how to live outside of the gray, and Lumi shows Wave what life can look like beyond being an Olympian.
This book was beautiful in every way. The way you can truly feel and see the characters as you read isn’t something every story delivers, but Evelyn did it effortlessly from beginning to end. Every chapter just Chef’s kiss.
It doesn’t allow 6 stars but this book is Officially my first 6-star read, and it Deserves Every single star.
Top tier read—definitely recommend.
May 11, 2026
Softness, Blackness, and Endless Possibilities
Evelyn Latrice has a way of writing Black characters that feels intentional, emotionally mature, and culturally nuanced without stripping away their Blackness to make them more “digestible.” That’s what continues to pull me into her stories every single time.
Whether it’s a Black skateboarder, swimmer, or golfer, she takes spaces and identities that are often viewed as unconventional for us and expands them in such a beautiful, emotionally grounded way that it creates endless possibilities instead of limitations.
Wave loved Lumi through consistency, patience, emotional safety, and action. Not just words. The softness in this story never came across as weakness. It felt healing. This book was emotionally rich, vulnerable, beautifully written, and one of those stories that quietly settles into your heart once you finish it.
Evelyn Latrice has a way of writing Black characters that feels intentional, emotionally mature, and culturally nuanced without stripping away their Blackness to make them more “digestible.” That’s what continues to pull me into her stories every single time.
Whether it’s a Black skateboarder, swimmer, or golfer, she takes spaces and identities that are often viewed as unconventional for us and expands them in such a beautiful, emotionally grounded way that it creates endless possibilities instead of limitations.
Wave loved Lumi through consistency, patience, emotional safety, and action. Not just words. The softness in this story never came across as weakness. It felt healing. This book was emotionally rich, vulnerable, beautifully written, and one of those stories that quietly settles into your heart once you finish it.
May 12, 2026
I thoroughly enjoyed this book overall and I give it 5 stars because I was immersed in the story.
BUT the story didn’t start hitting for me until about 250 pages in. I see what the author was trying to do but it fell flat and read like a textbook. It felt unrealistic for ALL the characters to be so introspective and “deep” especially the daughter who was only 17. Like they only spoke in short sentences and not fully flushed out thoughts. That was the first half.
Once there was more dialogue and less reflection, it became more real with real human interaction and connection.
I loved the book though. Not enough to read again like 19th Hole but I was hooked nonetheless. Sometimes the FMC can get on my nerves when the “conflict” of the story happens but I loved Lumi’s thought process and felt she was fully justified in her feelings. I even thought Ashley’s stubbornness in being in a new environment, in a new world was fitting given her age.
BUT the story didn’t start hitting for me until about 250 pages in. I see what the author was trying to do but it fell flat and read like a textbook. It felt unrealistic for ALL the characters to be so introspective and “deep” especially the daughter who was only 17. Like they only spoke in short sentences and not fully flushed out thoughts. That was the first half.
Once there was more dialogue and less reflection, it became more real with real human interaction and connection.
I loved the book though. Not enough to read again like 19th Hole but I was hooked nonetheless. Sometimes the FMC can get on my nerves when the “conflict” of the story happens but I loved Lumi’s thought process and felt she was fully justified in her feelings. I even thought Ashley’s stubbornness in being in a new environment, in a new world was fitting given her age.
May 13, 2026
ELU is 🤎
Watercolors x @evelynlatrice
{ARC Review)
She is a thick one… >600 📃
Even in the deep, she gives us a little comic relief.
Going from single to fatherhood abruptly was never part of the plan.
We see Lumi, but if we’re being honest, they were all living in the gray. Ashley brought the light and color their hearts desperately needed.
Especially the blues 🥴. The connection.
Lumi entered quietly, never demanding attention, never trying to be seen. But she carried the patience and calm that would be required for the life she was unknowingly about to endure.
And Wave? He stepped into her life so naturally, as if he had always been meant to stand beside her. Fatherhood, though, didn’t come as easily. The beginning was shaky. Uncertain. Heavy in ways he never expected. But even through the missteps, the exhaustion, and the fear, he kept trying.
Watercolors was yet another story filled with intensity, intimacy and reflection. 😮💨
✨5✨
Watercolors x @evelynlatrice
{ARC Review)
She is a thick one… >600 📃
Even in the deep, she gives us a little comic relief.
Going from single to fatherhood abruptly was never part of the plan.
We see Lumi, but if we’re being honest, they were all living in the gray. Ashley brought the light and color their hearts desperately needed.
Especially the blues 🥴. The connection.
Lumi entered quietly, never demanding attention, never trying to be seen. But she carried the patience and calm that would be required for the life she was unknowingly about to endure.
And Wave? He stepped into her life so naturally, as if he had always been meant to stand beside her. Fatherhood, though, didn’t come as easily. The beginning was shaky. Uncertain. Heavy in ways he never expected. But even through the missteps, the exhaustion, and the fear, he kept trying.
Watercolors was yet another story filled with intensity, intimacy and reflection. 😮💨
✨5✨
May 12, 2026
actual tears
Ev is slowly becoming one of my favorites truly. I can’t get enough of any of her work. For starters I love that it’s never your typical dope boy troop. I love that the slow burn never feels so slow that I’m trying to skip through the story. Such a great story telling, character development. Also, I love the way she tells a story in mostly white spaces but shows black characters excelling and changing the world in their own right. I legit laughed, cried and everything in between. I wanna see how Vari & Ashley play out so I know another story is going to come. I also wanna see my Lumi have her own baby. But I’m so glad she has her “lil girl” the way they lived each other. Ugh the tears!
Ev is slowly becoming one of my favorites truly. I can’t get enough of any of her work. For starters I love that it’s never your typical dope boy troop. I love that the slow burn never feels so slow that I’m trying to skip through the story. Such a great story telling, character development. Also, I love the way she tells a story in mostly white spaces but shows black characters excelling and changing the world in their own right. I legit laughed, cried and everything in between. I wanna see how Vari & Ashley play out so I know another story is going to come. I also wanna see my Lumi have her own baby. But I’m so glad she has her “lil girl” the way they lived each other. Ugh the tears!
May 13, 2026
Healing Growth Realness
This probably will go down as one of my favorite books this year . This is an author that will touch you with her work no matter what ! I am in literal awe after reading this book. Like I always say I never do reviews to tell the story . But this FMC touched everyone in the book in a special way all while dealing with some unimaginable trauma . The MMC had to finally realize it’s okay to not be perfect and to just be and live !! And Ashely Jr lol( make sure to read to know why my girl a jr. she lost and then found in the most beautiful way !!! I love these characters . Though life and certain people did them dirty . They found what they needed in each other 😮💨
This probably will go down as one of my favorite books this year . This is an author that will touch you with her work no matter what ! I am in literal awe after reading this book. Like I always say I never do reviews to tell the story . But this FMC touched everyone in the book in a special way all while dealing with some unimaginable trauma . The MMC had to finally realize it’s okay to not be perfect and to just be and live !! And Ashely Jr lol( make sure to read to know why my girl a jr. she lost and then found in the most beautiful way !!! I love these characters . Though life and certain people did them dirty . They found what they needed in each other 😮💨
May 8, 2026
One thing Evelyn gonna do is make you FEEL 🥹 I absolutely loved this book. My heart feels like it’s bursting with emotions. I laughed, cried, screamed and swooned 🥰🥰. I really had to sit in my feelings after and let it all sink in. This was written so beautifully and these characters will stick with me forever
This is a slow burn so enjoy the ride and just vibe every page was written with care and intention 🫶🏽
This story allows you to be seen without having to do too much. It’s about healing, grief, and growth
It is raw, passionate, emotional yet intentional. You’ll find out what happens when gray finally meets some color. Highly Recommend
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is a slow burn so enjoy the ride and just vibe every page was written with care and intention 🫶🏽
This story allows you to be seen without having to do too much. It’s about healing, grief, and growth
It is raw, passionate, emotional yet intentional. You’ll find out what happens when gray finally meets some color. Highly Recommend
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
May 11, 2026
Love out loud & in color!
“Gray don't run nothing no more....”
Love out loud and in color! This emotional slow burn was raw, healing, sexy, and DEEP. Wave and Lumi had me clutching my chest, but baby…Wave and Ashley?! That father/daughter bond did me in. I loved everything about this story. It's raw, layered, and emotionally rich, tackling grief, childhood trauma, and abuse with so much care and intention. Wave's and Lumi's story is on that feels like medicine for soul AND is sexy as hell.
Evelyn Latrice is officially 2 for 2 this year because this was another easy 5⭐️ read for me.
“Gray don't run nothing no more....”
Love out loud and in color! This emotional slow burn was raw, healing, sexy, and DEEP. Wave and Lumi had me clutching my chest, but baby…Wave and Ashley?! That father/daughter bond did me in. I loved everything about this story. It's raw, layered, and emotionally rich, tackling grief, childhood trauma, and abuse with so much care and intention. Wave's and Lumi's story is on that feels like medicine for soul AND is sexy as hell.
Evelyn Latrice is officially 2 for 2 this year because this was another easy 5⭐️ read for me.
May 12, 2026
5 star read
Evelyn Latrice is one of my favs 😘🥰🥹 she writes love leaders to black people and creates a world where we can exist in any space in any career as exactly who we are. I was so invested in these characters
- the for now gives me hope but I wish we heard from jasmine and although it was obvious I was hoping I was wrong and Ashley situation wasn’t what it was. Maybe a little scandal , arrest swx tape anything else 😩😩😩😩 but I get it that is a reality
Idk what happened with editing but this my first time reading one of Evelyn books Ana it’s so many typos. So I couldn’t actually gone it 5 stars.
Evelyn Latrice is one of my favs 😘🥰🥹 she writes love leaders to black people and creates a world where we can exist in any space in any career as exactly who we are. I was so invested in these characters
- the for now gives me hope but I wish we heard from jasmine and although it was obvious I was hoping I was wrong and Ashley situation wasn’t what it was. Maybe a little scandal , arrest swx tape anything else 😩😩😩😩 but I get it that is a reality
Idk what happened with editing but this my first time reading one of Evelyn books Ana it’s so many typos. So I couldn’t actually gone it 5 stars.
May 15, 2026
2.5/3 ⭐️
The plot in this story was good however, the book was 70% inner dialogue and very little dialogue between characters which led me to start skimming through at around 54%. I felt like the characters were in their head and talking to themselves for most of the book. I honestly feel like this book could have been 300 pgs because many times I felt like I was reading but nothing of significance was happening. The daughter’s secret scenario could have been made into a novella since it didn’t really add to the story in my opinion. This may be the last book I try by this author because I don’t think her writing style is for me, it was so poetic it started to feel forced.
The plot in this story was good however, the book was 70% inner dialogue and very little dialogue between characters which led me to start skimming through at around 54%. I felt like the characters were in their head and talking to themselves for most of the book. I honestly feel like this book could have been 300 pgs because many times I felt like I was reading but nothing of significance was happening. The daughter’s secret scenario could have been made into a novella since it didn’t really add to the story in my opinion. This may be the last book I try by this author because I don’t think her writing style is for me, it was so poetic it started to feel forced.
May 8, 2026
Another hit
Evelyn , oh Evelyn, this was so good. I think I had a little bit of every emotion! I laughed, Ashley is def one of my favorite FMCs , and her and Lumi together? “Two bad bitches”on the toooown💕 I love them real bad! Now my Lumi, girl my heart 🫣 ! Don’t get me started on Wave and mf BIG DAWG Vari! 600 pages wasn’t enough. I hope to see vari dem later! 5 big stars !
Oh and another thing-the very first line in the first chapter, just fed my soul!🤞🏽 stop playing with my girl! Iykyk! 🤍 ITS FICTION 🤍
Evelyn , oh Evelyn, this was so good. I think I had a little bit of every emotion! I laughed, Ashley is def one of my favorite FMCs , and her and Lumi together? “Two bad bitches”on the toooown💕 I love them real bad! Now my Lumi, girl my heart 🫣 ! Don’t get me started on Wave and mf BIG DAWG Vari! 600 pages wasn’t enough. I hope to see vari dem later! 5 big stars !
Oh and another thing-the very first line in the first chapter, just fed my soul!🤞🏽 stop playing with my girl! Iykyk! 🤍 ITS FICTION 🤍
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews