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Til Death
- GenresAfrican American Romance
416 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 16, 2026
About the author
Tay Mo'Nae
99 books1,115 followersTay Mo'Nae is a 27-year-old Urban Romance author who pens about Black Love. She create stories to help her readers escape reality and create a movie in their head. She loves writing about characters that at least one reader can relate too.
With 50 books under her belt, Tay Mo'Nae hopes to gain at least one new reader with every release and have them connect to her characters and story in some way. If she would have to explain her writing she would say she loves "penning complicated characters that find a path to love".
With 50 books under her belt, Tay Mo'Nae hopes to gain at least one new reader with every release and have them connect to her characters and story in some way. If she would have to explain her writing she would say she loves "penning complicated characters that find a path to love".
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
June 22, 2026
This was really good
I want to start by saying I believe this is a dark romance, and a trigger warning should be read before starting this book. Tay really developed the characters here because that prologue and time jump had me overly concerned! Xylina and Yosiah were a bit doomed to start with their arranged marriages. Xylina was a spoiled brat who always got her way until Yosiah came along. She kept making bad decisions one after the other, and my girl couldn't catch a break until mid-book. Yosiah lets his guard down and tries with Xylina, and it feels like smooth sailing, but then we hit a dark patch at the tail end of his birthday to about 80% in, and whew, I was nervous and forgot there are dark elements here. I will say, as entertained as I was, there are some filler scenes that I wish could've been used to explore more with Yosiah and Xylina and the current issues at hand. Overall, the story flowed and kept me constantly turning the pages, so I didn't want to put the book down! The ending was just what this couple needed amid the chaos. Also, Xylina was not an easy character to read at the beginning, and that slowly changed as you moved through the story. I will add that I read this in one day and have no regrets! The age gap was a bit concerning for me, but again, the dark elements in the book and the time jump helped. Good read and looking forward to what Tay releases next!
I want to start by saying I believe this is a dark romance, and a trigger warning should be read before starting this book. Tay really developed the characters here because that prologue and time jump had me overly concerned! Xylina and Yosiah were a bit doomed to start with their arranged marriages. Xylina was a spoiled brat who always got her way until Yosiah came along. She kept making bad decisions one after the other, and my girl couldn't catch a break until mid-book. Yosiah lets his guard down and tries with Xylina, and it feels like smooth sailing, but then we hit a dark patch at the tail end of his birthday to about 80% in, and whew, I was nervous and forgot there are dark elements here. I will say, as entertained as I was, there are some filler scenes that I wish could've been used to explore more with Yosiah and Xylina and the current issues at hand. Overall, the story flowed and kept me constantly turning the pages, so I didn't want to put the book down! The ending was just what this couple needed amid the chaos. Also, Xylina was not an easy character to read at the beginning, and that slowly changed as you moved through the story. I will add that I read this in one day and have no regrets! The age gap was a bit concerning for me, but again, the dark elements in the book and the time jump helped. Good read and looking forward to what Tay releases next!
June 20, 2026
You all
This story was maddening. I wanted to strangle both of them. Dodging the craziness would have been a relief for Xylina with her unhinged parents and trying to make a man love her. If only that had been an option. And Yosiah wasn't my favorite either. The ending was better than I expected. Hang in there.
This story was maddening. I wanted to strangle both of them. Dodging the craziness would have been a relief for Xylina with her unhinged parents and trying to make a man love her. If only that had been an option. And Yosiah wasn't my favorite either. The ending was better than I expected. Hang in there.
June 28, 2026
tay Monae books are a hit or miss and to me this was a miss. She really is a diverse writer with a diverse catalogue. But this book was boring. The plot wasn’t anything special. Both the FMC and MMC were unlikable. If I had to read “hubby” one more time I would cry. I skimmed through the last 4 chapters.
June 26, 2026
DNF
Could not finish the book. Couldn’t get over the age gap. She’s still a child and he’s a grown man. Then the FMC was ANNOYING!! I just couldn’t. This is the first book my this author that I didn’t finish.
Could not finish the book. Couldn’t get over the age gap. She’s still a child and he’s a grown man. Then the FMC was ANNOYING!! I just couldn’t. This is the first book my this author that I didn’t finish.
July 25, 2026
Maddening is how I would describe this read. I will for warning you. You will need your tissues.
I have not read a more frustrating MMC as Yosiah Bedford in a while. This man was cold, dismissive, and thoughtless when not selfish.
The entire time you be reading this book, your heart will be breaking for the FMC who is living in a hell of her own making. I was like, "Girl, pack ur ish and go!"
She was a 19-year-old brat and saw Sia on Forbes' most eligible bachelors. Her father arranged the marriage to get the Bedfords out of debt. In turn, her husband neglected and ignored her every day since he signed his name on that paper.
But don't get hung up on the age gap 😳. There's a time jump to compensate for this. And justly, because if I had to read about how poorly he treated her during that period, I would have tossed my Kindle across the room.
As they say, "everything that glitters ain't gold," and Xylina was hiding so much behind her smiles. Her persona was just a coping mechanism, and she just wanted to be seen. The twist is that she was infatuated with the man and very much wanted to make their marriage work.
I don't know about this being a dark romance. I think he was just an a**. And if the FMC walked away, I would have been happy too! Because punishing that girl for 4+ years, using her as a body fluid receptacle while you make up your mind whether you want to remain in a relationship or not. Yeah, no.
I said what I said and as always: don't take my word for it. Read the book, form your own opinions, and support your authors! 🫶🏿📖👏🏾
I have not read a more frustrating MMC as Yosiah Bedford in a while. This man was cold, dismissive, and thoughtless when not selfish.
The entire time you be reading this book, your heart will be breaking for the FMC who is living in a hell of her own making. I was like, "Girl, pack ur ish and go!"
She was a 19-year-old brat and saw Sia on Forbes' most eligible bachelors. Her father arranged the marriage to get the Bedfords out of debt. In turn, her husband neglected and ignored her every day since he signed his name on that paper.
But don't get hung up on the age gap 😳. There's a time jump to compensate for this. And justly, because if I had to read about how poorly he treated her during that period, I would have tossed my Kindle across the room.
As they say, "everything that glitters ain't gold," and Xylina was hiding so much behind her smiles. Her persona was just a coping mechanism, and she just wanted to be seen. The twist is that she was infatuated with the man and very much wanted to make their marriage work.
I don't know about this being a dark romance. I think he was just an a**. And if the FMC walked away, I would have been happy too! Because punishing that girl for 4+ years, using her as a body fluid receptacle while you make up your mind whether you want to remain in a relationship or not. Yeah, no.
I said what I said and as always: don't take my word for it. Read the book, form your own opinions, and support your authors! 🫶🏿📖👏🏾
June 22, 2026
"Til Death" feels like "Blackbird" by Nina Simone meets "Love Me Like You Do" by Elle Goulding. The Hopelessness of feeling discarded and empty bridged with the anticipation of a love deep enough to salve the widest wounds.
This book is not for everyone. In order to enjoy it, you require empathy, patience, and understanding. Xylina is young, impulsive, and entitled. She is the type of young woman society judges harshly and offers no chance of redemption. Her impulsive entitlement leads to a 5 year contractual marriage with Yosiah. Yosiah is very stern, stoic, and career driven. Neither character is convetionally likeable initially. However, as their story unravels, I found myself swooning.
Tay Monae took her time with creating each of these characters, while simultaneously preparing us to meet the final Barker sister. She cleverly created multi layered characters who lack effective communication skills and vulnerability. I think the start of this story is very different than what I am accustomed to from Tay, and it is not a bad thing. I was intrigued and it kept me focused. The signature Tay Monae 5hings are still in the book; questionable contraceptive use, flawed characters, and a tight knit familial bond. This book may be one of my favorite books of this year. These characters are deeply embedded in my heart.
This book is not for everyone. In order to enjoy it, you require empathy, patience, and understanding. Xylina is young, impulsive, and entitled. She is the type of young woman society judges harshly and offers no chance of redemption. Her impulsive entitlement leads to a 5 year contractual marriage with Yosiah. Yosiah is very stern, stoic, and career driven. Neither character is convetionally likeable initially. However, as their story unravels, I found myself swooning.
Tay Monae took her time with creating each of these characters, while simultaneously preparing us to meet the final Barker sister. She cleverly created multi layered characters who lack effective communication skills and vulnerability. I think the start of this story is very different than what I am accustomed to from Tay, and it is not a bad thing. I was intrigued and it kept me focused. The signature Tay Monae 5hings are still in the book; questionable contraceptive use, flawed characters, and a tight knit familial bond. This book may be one of my favorite books of this year. These characters are deeply embedded in my heart.
June 18, 2026
🥹🥹my girl is back!
Whew, I was real concerned about these two because of the prologue. A few times throughout the story I didn’t see the light at the end of the tunnel. But in true Tay Monae fashion, she brought things together in the end! I kind of predicted the plot twist but the way it happened was superb!! Also, I wanted an epilogue or another chapter or two because I truly enjoyed this one! I love an arranged marriage and a grumpy + sunshine storyline! If Xylina didn’t do one thing, she kept Yosiah on his toes! It was clear early on that Xy liked Yosiah more. But due to her upbringing she didn’t go about things the right way. I’m glad both characters acknowledged their shortcomings and were willing to do the work for their marriage. Even when Yosiah finally stood up to his mama, that was another example of being “all in”. I may have teared up a little at the end. 🥰💍
Ps. Aaliyah deserved worse than what she got! 🤬🥴
Whew, I was real concerned about these two because of the prologue. A few times throughout the story I didn’t see the light at the end of the tunnel. But in true Tay Monae fashion, she brought things together in the end! I kind of predicted the plot twist but the way it happened was superb!! Also, I wanted an epilogue or another chapter or two because I truly enjoyed this one! I love an arranged marriage and a grumpy + sunshine storyline! If Xylina didn’t do one thing, she kept Yosiah on his toes! It was clear early on that Xy liked Yosiah more. But due to her upbringing she didn’t go about things the right way. I’m glad both characters acknowledged their shortcomings and were willing to do the work for their marriage. Even when Yosiah finally stood up to his mama, that was another example of being “all in”. I may have teared up a little at the end. 🥰💍
Ps. Aaliyah deserved worse than what she got! 🤬🥴
June 21, 2026
It wasn’t what I expected but this book was definitely worth the wait and I loved character growth
July 24, 2026
ALL I HAVE TO SAY IS GROWTHHHHH.🌱🌱
Ohhh how we love BLACK LOVE. I’m gonna try to keep this review as short as possible. I LOVED Xylina and Yosiah. They had their challenges as individuals and as a couple but it was a pleasure reading their story and growth (especially Xylina). I loved how the author made both characters take accountability for their actions and how they could do better growing forward.
For Xylina she had a lot of growing up to do and I do mean ALOTTTTT. And while she eventually learns and grows it does take some time and there are some set backs but she eventually gets it together.I appreciate the author allowing her to learn through first hand experience especially when it came to her little secret.🤫 I will say I loved how much she lovedddd her man, even from the beginning she was so sure about them.
Yosiah I also loved. As a bull headed Taurus I can be very stubborn so I honestly understand his. He also had every right to treat Xy the way he did in the beginning. But I loved how he allowed her to be vulnerable whenever she felt the need. Especially the kitchen scene. He was so understanding and willing to listen to her while being her voice of encouragement to be who she already was even with her flaws. And don’t even get me started on the spice in that scene, let alone the rest. All I’m gonna say is… (🌶️🌶️🌶️.5). Hope you enjoy Xy and Yosiah as much as I did.
Ohhh how we love BLACK LOVE. I’m gonna try to keep this review as short as possible. I LOVED Xylina and Yosiah. They had their challenges as individuals and as a couple but it was a pleasure reading their story and growth (especially Xylina). I loved how the author made both characters take accountability for their actions and how they could do better growing forward.
For Xylina she had a lot of growing up to do and I do mean ALOTTTTT. And while she eventually learns and grows it does take some time and there are some set backs but she eventually gets it together.I appreciate the author allowing her to learn through first hand experience especially when it came to her little secret.🤫 I will say I loved how much she lovedddd her man, even from the beginning she was so sure about them.
Yosiah I also loved. As a bull headed Taurus I can be very stubborn so I honestly understand his. He also had every right to treat Xy the way he did in the beginning. But I loved how he allowed her to be vulnerable whenever she felt the need. Especially the kitchen scene. He was so understanding and willing to listen to her while being her voice of encouragement to be who she already was even with her flaws. And don’t even get me started on the spice in that scene, let alone the rest. All I’m gonna say is… (🌶️🌶️🌶️.5). Hope you enjoy Xy and Yosiah as much as I did.
June 17, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 Star Review
This book was such an emotional and entertaining arranged marriage romance! The age-gap dynamic and forced proximity trope created so much tension, especially watching two people who couldn’t be more different slowly learn how to understand and love each other.
The FMC starts off as a spoiled, bratty princess who has always gotten what she wanted, but underneath the attitude was a woman who was deeply hurt and neglected. Watching her grow, mature, and find her own strength throughout the story was one of my favorite parts. Her parents’ habit of throwing money at problems instead of giving her the love and attention she needed added so much depth to her character.
The MMC was far from perfect, and I appreciated that. He had his own flaws, walls, and struggles that he needed to confront. His journey of learning to communicate, compromise, and become a better partner made his character development just as rewarding as the FMC’s.
Their relationship wasn’t an instant fix it was messy, complicated, and filled with moments where they both had to face their own issues. The forced proximity gave them the chance to see beyond first impressions and build something real.
The MMC’s mother added another layer of conflict with her intense attachment and difficulty accepting her son’s independence. The family dynamics brought plenty of drama and tested the couple in ways that made their growth even more satisfying.
A beautiful story about healing, growth, breaking unhealthy patterns, and finding love when you least expect it. If you enjoy arranged marriages, age gaps, grumpy/sunshine energy, and characters who actually evolve, this one is definitely worth the read! 💕
This book was such an emotional and entertaining arranged marriage romance! The age-gap dynamic and forced proximity trope created so much tension, especially watching two people who couldn’t be more different slowly learn how to understand and love each other.
The FMC starts off as a spoiled, bratty princess who has always gotten what she wanted, but underneath the attitude was a woman who was deeply hurt and neglected. Watching her grow, mature, and find her own strength throughout the story was one of my favorite parts. Her parents’ habit of throwing money at problems instead of giving her the love and attention she needed added so much depth to her character.
The MMC was far from perfect, and I appreciated that. He had his own flaws, walls, and struggles that he needed to confront. His journey of learning to communicate, compromise, and become a better partner made his character development just as rewarding as the FMC’s.
Their relationship wasn’t an instant fix it was messy, complicated, and filled with moments where they both had to face their own issues. The forced proximity gave them the chance to see beyond first impressions and build something real.
The MMC’s mother added another layer of conflict with her intense attachment and difficulty accepting her son’s independence. The family dynamics brought plenty of drama and tested the couple in ways that made their growth even more satisfying.
A beautiful story about healing, growth, breaking unhealthy patterns, and finding love when you least expect it. If you enjoy arranged marriages, age gaps, grumpy/sunshine energy, and characters who actually evolve, this one is definitely worth the read! 💕
June 21, 2026
Xylina, Xylina, Xylina, you got on my last nerve, but your growth over the course of the book earned yourself a fan.
The basic premise of this book is that our 29yo MMC Yosiah is forced to marry 19yo bratty FMC Xylina. The story then fast forwards five years and that’s where the story picks up. Despite ultimately liking the book, I didn’t like the decision to start the story after a five year time jump. Nothing of narrative importance happens during that time, so why not just start the story with everyone already five years older? Start it when they’re 24 and 34 versus making that man marry a teenager who can’t even legally drink.
That’s really my only main critique of the book. Xylina was so vapid and empty headed in the beginning I thought there was no way she and Yosiah, a man of substance, would ever work out. But Xylina just needed someone in her life to show interest in who she really was, so she could begin her journey of self discovery and growth.
By the end Xylina had me laughing and cackling at her antics. She was the perfect combination of who she used to be and who she grew to be.
The basic premise of this book is that our 29yo MMC Yosiah is forced to marry 19yo bratty FMC Xylina. The story then fast forwards five years and that’s where the story picks up. Despite ultimately liking the book, I didn’t like the decision to start the story after a five year time jump. Nothing of narrative importance happens during that time, so why not just start the story with everyone already five years older? Start it when they’re 24 and 34 versus making that man marry a teenager who can’t even legally drink.
That’s really my only main critique of the book. Xylina was so vapid and empty headed in the beginning I thought there was no way she and Yosiah, a man of substance, would ever work out. But Xylina just needed someone in her life to show interest in who she really was, so she could begin her journey of self discovery and growth.
By the end Xylina had me laughing and cackling at her antics. She was the perfect combination of who she used to be and who she grew to be.
July 9, 2026
Yosiah and Xylina, We Are Going To Make It
This book played with all my emotions!!!…I shook my head more than I wanted to at the beginning of the book, but I continued to remind myself that a child was out in a position with the expectation of being an adult!!!…
I humbled myself knowing that very child needed guidance, genuine love and still needed to be parented!!!…
I was angry learning that Yosiah treated her as he did after the marriage!!!…I understood his point, but he had 1 foot in and 1 foot out and set expectations for her, that he ignored himself!!!…
When Xylina decided she was going to behave differently, I loved how open Yosiah was to being in his marriage, but he still had a foot out the door, but then daddy had a conversation and things changed for the better!!!…Definitely seen a difference when Yosiah put his mother, her opinions, suggestions and thoughts out of their marriage!!!…
There was just no hope for Xylina’s parents and their absence was a blessing nearly wrapped up for her!!!…
Savannah was such an amazing friend and I’m glad she was there for Xylina through it all!!!…
This book played with all my emotions!!!…I shook my head more than I wanted to at the beginning of the book, but I continued to remind myself that a child was out in a position with the expectation of being an adult!!!…
I humbled myself knowing that very child needed guidance, genuine love and still needed to be parented!!!…
I was angry learning that Yosiah treated her as he did after the marriage!!!…I understood his point, but he had 1 foot in and 1 foot out and set expectations for her, that he ignored himself!!!…
When Xylina decided she was going to behave differently, I loved how open Yosiah was to being in his marriage, but he still had a foot out the door, but then daddy had a conversation and things changed for the better!!!…Definitely seen a difference when Yosiah put his mother, her opinions, suggestions and thoughts out of their marriage!!!…
There was just no hope for Xylina’s parents and their absence was a blessing nearly wrapped up for her!!!…
Savannah was such an amazing friend and I’m glad she was there for Xylina through it all!!!…
June 25, 2026
I couldn't stand Xylina at the beginning of this book. I felt she was bratty and selfish. I couldn't understand how somebody would be so pressed about a man, especially to a point where you are forcing marriage on them. I didn't expect, in the time jump, that there would be no progress in the connection between the two. Josiah stood on literal business with the dynamic, but it was so good to see the ice melt and them find love outside their circumstances. Xylina matured so much as this book progressed; I really grew to love the character because she eventually found herself and her purpose. I also like how Josiah immediately protected her and began to see her for who she is on the inside, not the person who forced their arrangement. It wasn't instant love, it wasn't even a slow burn, but baby, when the love hit the page, it was tea—highly recommended this story. It's on Kindle Unlimited, there is no excuse😂
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 20, 2026
This book was soooooo worth the wait. Xylina, the FMC, was not an easy character to digest. At first glance, she appears entitled and childish among other things. Like a child, when you see a toy that they like, she completely alters Yosiah’s plans and life. I have to give it to the MMC, Yosiah; he was really not messing with Xylina, and I couldn’t blame him. However, upon deep reflection, you see a woman who just wants to be seen and loved. This book and Xylina definitely pushed my buttons. I have never read a character like Xy. There were a couple of times I had to remind myself how come I enjoyed this same personality in my male characters and not here. That’s when I could really appreciate the complexity of Xy. Both characters had their flaws, and in the end, I’m glad they were able to lay down their guards and see what was in front of them.
July 5, 2026
Arranged marriage turns to real love
Yosiah was forced to marry Xylina for 5 years to satisfy a debt for his father. He wanted nothing more but the time to pass so he could end this fake marriage. In the last few months of the marriage he started seeing Xylina differently and wanted to really give the marriage a try.
Xylina had a troubled upbringing. Her mother really cared for her and her father showed is love by always tossing money her way. She found her self feeling lonely without any love and support from her family. She decided that getting pregnant would make Yosiah stay and not end their marriage. Yosiah learned what she had done and she almost lost him for good. Deciding to do what's right he decided to continue to work on their relationship since he starting to like the person Xylina was becoming
Yosiah was forced to marry Xylina for 5 years to satisfy a debt for his father. He wanted nothing more but the time to pass so he could end this fake marriage. In the last few months of the marriage he started seeing Xylina differently and wanted to really give the marriage a try.
Xylina had a troubled upbringing. Her mother really cared for her and her father showed is love by always tossing money her way. She found her self feeling lonely without any love and support from her family. She decided that getting pregnant would make Yosiah stay and not end their marriage. Yosiah learned what she had done and she almost lost him for good. Deciding to do what's right he decided to continue to work on their relationship since he starting to like the person Xylina was becoming
July 19, 2026
I’ve had this book downloaded since the day it came out - but just started reading this week and I hate that I didn’t start it earlier…this book was SOOO good!!
So much going on but it kept me entertained and engaged in the story!
Xylina and Yosiah were a lot! Initially, I thought it was her that did too much, but Yosiah did too much as well! The circumstances in how they got together was wild! Xylina never “read the room” she reminded me of a Clueless movie character! Daddy has money and she’s a spoiled Daddy’s girl! Yosiah was about business - he was trying to grow his business and somewhat uptight but with good reason!
As time goes on feelings change - but what I love is that it wasn’t your typical forced proximity! When they come together and the circumstances that finally put all the pieces together was so good!!
So much going on but it kept me entertained and engaged in the story!
Xylina and Yosiah were a lot! Initially, I thought it was her that did too much, but Yosiah did too much as well! The circumstances in how they got together was wild! Xylina never “read the room” she reminded me of a Clueless movie character! Daddy has money and she’s a spoiled Daddy’s girl! Yosiah was about business - he was trying to grow his business and somewhat uptight but with good reason!
As time goes on feelings change - but what I love is that it wasn’t your typical forced proximity! When they come together and the circumstances that finally put all the pieces together was so good!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 17, 2026
Damn
So I'm gonna say it. I absolutely hate Xylina the first half of the book, like the most bratty character ever, but seeing her growth and development and exactly why she was how she was made me feel bad for her. So she grew on me, like a fungus haha, her parents ain't shit. I love that she was a person who never gave up, and at the root of everything she just wanted to be loved and cared for. Yosiah was a great man but he also had somethings to work on and we saw that with what his dad and ex stated. I love the age gap of course and that the characters felt real, this was a fun read
So I'm gonna say it. I absolutely hate Xylina the first half of the book, like the most bratty character ever, but seeing her growth and development and exactly why she was how she was made me feel bad for her. So she grew on me, like a fungus haha, her parents ain't shit. I love that she was a person who never gave up, and at the root of everything she just wanted to be loved and cared for. Yosiah was a great man but he also had somethings to work on and we saw that with what his dad and ex stated. I love the age gap of course and that the characters felt real, this was a fun read
June 24, 2026
Loved!!!!
First let me say the Lady K and Kinsley appearance… much appreciated!!!
This book was not what I expected, in the best way tho! Yosiah and Xylina both wore my nerves thin! Yosiah was too hard on my girl, I get it, but damn- we are in the final hour and now you wanna give it a chance?!?! 🤣🤣🤣 And Xylina, poor lil tink tink, she had it BAD for Siah! I wanted to scream “Girl stand upppp”. Anyways, this was a good read! I finished in record time and enjoyed every moment! I need Tay to give us an additional epilogue with details on Xylina’s mom, and how she got beat tf! Cause that definitely should have been included! 5 ⭐️ from me!!!
First let me say the Lady K and Kinsley appearance… much appreciated!!!
This book was not what I expected, in the best way tho! Yosiah and Xylina both wore my nerves thin! Yosiah was too hard on my girl, I get it, but damn- we are in the final hour and now you wanna give it a chance?!?! 🤣🤣🤣 And Xylina, poor lil tink tink, she had it BAD for Siah! I wanted to scream “Girl stand upppp”. Anyways, this was a good read! I finished in record time and enjoyed every moment! I need Tay to give us an additional epilogue with details on Xylina’s mom, and how she got beat tf! Cause that definitely should have been included! 5 ⭐️ from me!!!
July 26, 2026
Great read
This story was intriguing from start to finish. It's easy to become a reflection of how you were raised. Yosiah & Xylina relationship ship was unconventional, but both were seeking more out of life just at different stages! Xylina had a lot to learn, but failure wasnt an option, while Yosiah was an overachiever almost to a fault.
Thankfully, they were able to grow within their relationship, though Xylina had to do it without the support of her family, while Yosiah's mama was quite vested (overbearing)!
I suggest you read this story as I don't want to give away too much!
This story was intriguing from start to finish. It's easy to become a reflection of how you were raised. Yosiah & Xylina relationship ship was unconventional, but both were seeking more out of life just at different stages! Xylina had a lot to learn, but failure wasnt an option, while Yosiah was an overachiever almost to a fault.
Thankfully, they were able to grow within their relationship, though Xylina had to do it without the support of her family, while Yosiah's mama was quite vested (overbearing)!
I suggest you read this story as I don't want to give away too much!
June 22, 2026
Maybe this trope isn’t for me cause I normally like Tays books. I’ve never disliked an FMC as much as Xylina!! I can’t with the forced marriage AND forced pregnancy. If she would have changed and they would have decided to have a baby together or if she would have admitted to him was happened before he found out (cause she probably had no plans to tell him) it would have been better. Her getting her money back from the dad at the end was also a turn off for me cause she had no problem with his shady ways when it was used to her benefit and trapping Yosiah. It was an all around no for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 27, 2026
a forced marriage between a cyber tech genius and a spoiled brat influencer that was only supposed to last 5 years. she wanted him from the start, he wanted to just get it over with to help save his dad. 5 years later, she tries to do whatever she can to make him fold and stay with her.
i loved the character development with the FMC. i had a love hate relationship with her 😭 but her growth in this book was really nice to see especially when the truth about her parents came out. overall this was a great read. i love tay monae’s work
i loved the character development with the FMC. i had a love hate relationship with her 😭 but her growth in this book was really nice to see especially when the truth about her parents came out. overall this was a great read. i love tay monae’s work
Did Not Finish
July 26, 2026I feel like the story is kinda choppy. Things have taken a turn with the FMC’s dad & to me it doesn’t make sense (his change in financial status, his marriage, his feelings towards the FMC) I would’ve loved to see small clues that insinuated this potential things being true. I also cannot stand Xylina she gives the darkskin version of Hilary Banke & Whitley Gilbert without the depth that they had. I also see how the story is trying to turn into a “dark romance” & again no that tome should’ve been set from the beginning not halfway through the book in my opinion.
June 17, 2026
New Favorite Alert!
It took them awhile to get there, but Yosiah and Xylina are one of my new favorite couples. I loved Xylina’s growth. Her ability to self- reflect and course-correct made me smile, especially having been raised by such horrible parents. She really had no support system.
The book had to end somewhere, but I would have loved to read more about their relationship on good terms.
Maybe Roman the playboy will get a book.
It took them awhile to get there, but Yosiah and Xylina are one of my new favorite couples. I loved Xylina’s growth. Her ability to self- reflect and course-correct made me smile, especially having been raised by such horrible parents. She really had no support system.
The book had to end somewhere, but I would have loved to read more about their relationship on good terms.
Maybe Roman the playboy will get a book.
June 17, 2026
I really enjoyed this book. Now I didn’t like the MMC in the beginning I was trying and I understood why he didn’t wanna try with the FMC but my girl was just misunderstood. She didn’t have love and support as a child and she really wanted him and was going to do what she had to do to keep him. Now trapping him was crazy but she made up for it. I really started to like the MMC when he started to get to know her and to see the shift in their relationship I was sooooo happy. By the end he didn’t play about my girl and they got their H.E.A I loved it 🩷
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 15, 2026
Four years?!
So Ms. Tae Mo’Nae brought us a story of an arranged marriage between his spoiled brat of a daughter to an unwilling older son of a blackmailed businessman. In the beginning, Yosiah didn’t like Xelina’s dad and made a promise to make him pay for the stress that he caused his family. Although the book seemed long, it was well written. The character development of Xelina was awesome. After four and a half years, she and Yosiah really started getting it together.
So Ms. Tae Mo’Nae brought us a story of an arranged marriage between his spoiled brat of a daughter to an unwilling older son of a blackmailed businessman. In the beginning, Yosiah didn’t like Xelina’s dad and made a promise to make him pay for the stress that he caused his family. Although the book seemed long, it was well written. The character development of Xelina was awesome. After four and a half years, she and Yosiah really started getting it together.
July 17, 2026
Love a forced marriage
Forced Marriage troupes are chef kiss. Being forced to marry someone you don't know is terrible especially when they come off as a entitled spoiled snobby brat. Marry a stranger to help out your family or watch your fanily suffer. Xylina is spolied who always gets her way Yosiah is a level headed Man who thinks about everything and already has his lifr planned.
Forced Marriage troupes are chef kiss. Being forced to marry someone you don't know is terrible especially when they come off as a entitled spoiled snobby brat. Marry a stranger to help out your family or watch your fanily suffer. Xylina is spolied who always gets her way Yosiah is a level headed Man who thinks about everything and already has his lifr planned.
July 25, 2026
Im rating this book based on the emotions I experienced while reading it but not the romance. I could not stand Yosiah. I understand that Xylina’s character very much gave spoiled and bratty but he gave no grace for damn near five years. I felt for her but I loved her character development. I wanted part of her character development to be leaving Yosiah is the rearview mirror. Him and his bald headed mama. Anyways read the book so you can be stressed out like I was.
June 24, 2026
Great Read!!!
I couldn’t put this book down. The way you built these characters up should definitely be studied. I couldn’t believe Philip ol dead beat a** amd Cylina momma ain’t worth a damn. I loved how you didn’t spend too much time on Aaliyah hating behind. Overall this was a great read. Also loved hearing about Legend and my favorite twins.
I couldn’t put this book down. The way you built these characters up should definitely be studied. I couldn’t believe Philip ol dead beat a** amd Cylina momma ain’t worth a damn. I loved how you didn’t spend too much time on Aaliyah hating behind. Overall this was a great read. Also loved hearing about Legend and my favorite twins.
June 26, 2026
whew xylina and yosiah
Chileee idk about Xylina lol. It was definitely a challenge to root for her but knowing why she is that way helped…some lol. I felt for Yosiah - even though he could be cold he cared. This was a different take on an arranged/forced marriage which I appreciated. It was a good story that kept me engaged!
Chileee idk about Xylina lol. It was definitely a challenge to root for her but knowing why she is that way helped…some lol. I felt for Yosiah - even though he could be cold he cared. This was a different take on an arranged/forced marriage which I appreciated. It was a good story that kept me engaged!
July 1, 2026
whew.
I honestly didn’t know where this was going. At
First I could see how no one would really
Like Xy but she definitely grows on you. And I enjoyed the growth but I would have loved to see them have the baby and her intro to motherhood. But nonetheless, it was a great ending and I enjoyed it!
I honestly didn’t know where this was going. At
First I could see how no one would really
Like Xy but she definitely grows on you. And I enjoyed the growth but I would have loved to see them have the baby and her intro to motherhood. But nonetheless, it was a great ending and I enjoyed it!
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