What do you think?
Rate this book
Shifting
116 pages, Paperback
Published May 4, 2026
About the author
Jean Isabella
6 books11 followersJean Isabella is a contemporary Black romance author from South Louisiana. She writes grown, sensual Black love stories about women who know themselves, men who love with intention, and relationships with real heat, real emotion, and no interest in being surface-level. Her work is for readers who want romance that feels adult, sexy, grounded, and real.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
May 4, 2026
ARC REVIEW
First off bravo for having a couple over 40 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
This book reminds me of that Jill Scott saying “ if you can tell me what to do then tell me what to do. But if you can’t tell me what to do. You CANT tell me what to do 😂😂😂
The FMC is a lot like a lot of us women that hold the world on their shoulders. And sometimes we gotta learn how to let that go.
No spoilers but… I just love that. this book shows the attentiveness, and the thoughtfulness a good partner has. And that you have to really find the correct partner. Someone who really sees you.
First off bravo for having a couple over 40 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
This book reminds me of that Jill Scott saying “ if you can tell me what to do then tell me what to do. But if you can’t tell me what to do. You CANT tell me what to do 😂😂😂
The FMC is a lot like a lot of us women that hold the world on their shoulders. And sometimes we gotta learn how to let that go.
No spoilers but… I just love that. this book shows the attentiveness, and the thoughtfulness a good partner has. And that you have to really find the correct partner. Someone who really sees you.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This story isn’t about the beginning of love. It’s about what happens after years together, when life, routine, and unspoken tension start to create distance between two people who once felt inseparable.
Cornell and Miranda feel real. Their history, chemistry, frustration. All of it. You can feel the weight of everything they’ve built together, and at the same time, the cracks forming underneath.
The writing is intimate and reflective, pulling you directly into the characters’ thoughts in a way that makes you feel like you’re experiencing the relationship alongside them. The longing, the desire, the disconnect… it’s all layered in a way that feels honest and mature.
Even as an erotic novella, this story is character-driven, emotional, and grounded in real-life relationship dynamics. If you enjoy stories that explore love beyond the surface level, this one is absolutely worth the read. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Cornell and Miranda feel real. Their history, chemistry, frustration. All of it. You can feel the weight of everything they’ve built together, and at the same time, the cracks forming underneath.
The writing is intimate and reflective, pulling you directly into the characters’ thoughts in a way that makes you feel like you’re experiencing the relationship alongside them. The longing, the desire, the disconnect… it’s all layered in a way that feels honest and mature.
Even as an erotic novella, this story is character-driven, emotional, and grounded in real-life relationship dynamics. If you enjoy stories that explore love beyond the surface level, this one is absolutely worth the read. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review of advance copy received from Author
I love this story down. I usually read stories that are about the beginning of love, but not this one. This story is about love after years of being in love.
Miranda is like any other black woman who stays on go, always making the world go round. She's always handling everything, even though there's no need. Cornell is patient, very patient. Some men wouldn't have been able to handle a woman like Miranda. I love the fact that he never gave up on her, and he took the time to force her to live and let her hair down.
The storyline felt very real. Miranda and Cornell faced real-life problems. It shows the frustrations and the love they had to push through to reach a common ground.
First time reading Jean Isabella's material, and I am very pleased. In my opinion, it is a slow burn, but it was worth the wait. This storyline had me rooting for them and smiling and all.
Miranda is like any other black woman who stays on go, always making the world go round. She's always handling everything, even though there's no need. Cornell is patient, very patient. Some men wouldn't have been able to handle a woman like Miranda. I love the fact that he never gave up on her, and he took the time to force her to live and let her hair down.
The storyline felt very real. Miranda and Cornell faced real-life problems. It shows the frustrations and the love they had to push through to reach a common ground.
First time reading Jean Isabella's material, and I am very pleased. In my opinion, it is a slow burn, but it was worth the wait. This storyline had me rooting for them and smiling and all.
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐️Smutty
⭐️Baecation
⭐️ Reigniting Spark
This book was deep. It went into the changes a relationship has over the years. Miranda is an overworked boss woman who barely has time for anything including her Husband. They’ve been together for over half their lives and at this point the relationship is real mechanical. They need a much needed vacation to get back to them. Her husband, Conner, will finally show her who’s really the boss.
This story was very well written. I love when Erotic Novels have a plot. Baby the plot was plotting and the Smutt was smutting. This was a really good read and I definitely plan on sharing it with my book club. 4.5 rating.
⭐️Baecation
⭐️ Reigniting Spark
This book was deep. It went into the changes a relationship has over the years. Miranda is an overworked boss woman who barely has time for anything including her Husband. They’ve been together for over half their lives and at this point the relationship is real mechanical. They need a much needed vacation to get back to them. Her husband, Conner, will finally show her who’s really the boss.
This story was very well written. I love when Erotic Novels have a plot. Baby the plot was plotting and the Smutt was smutting. This was a really good read and I definitely plan on sharing it with my book club. 4.5 rating.
May 5, 2026
She back at it again cousins!!!! I love her writing and the story lines always chef kiss. This is novella had me with all the feels. When a man really loves his wife he masked sure she is taken care of in all aspects. If that man wanted to he would oh and Mr. Bridgewright did just that and more. This a love story about a husband wanting to get his wife back to her peaceful self. We as women over work our minds and bodies trying to be everything for everybody. Miranda is a blessed woman and I hope to one day experience this magnitude of love, dedication and straighten up obsession over my marriage. A 5⭐️ read hands down!!!
August 20, 2026
I’m grown but I still felt like this was toooo grown for me 🫣😏
I feel that I can definitely relate to Miranda in the sense that work can follow you home. Always reaching for the phone/laptop because that’s what you’re used to. The boss mode doesn’t easily shut off. And then there’s the household and the kids and everything else that sometimes other things just get put on the back burner.
But her man!! Her husband!!! I was like period shut that shit down and let ya woman relax! I love how he put her in her place, respectfully too! And took control. Cuz yes like THAT is attractive as hell.
Bout to tell my man I need a cottage getaway 👀
5/5 ⭐️
I feel that I can definitely relate to Miranda in the sense that work can follow you home. Always reaching for the phone/laptop because that’s what you’re used to. The boss mode doesn’t easily shut off. And then there’s the household and the kids and everything else that sometimes other things just get put on the back burner.
But her man!! Her husband!!! I was like period shut that shit down and let ya woman relax! I love how he put her in her place, respectfully too! And took control. Cuz yes like THAT is attractive as hell.
Bout to tell my man I need a cottage getaway 👀
5/5 ⭐️
May 4, 2026
Simply put, this is grown folks' business ok! I appreciate this POV, years down the line, and not the start of the relationship. This is what happens when love is REAL! This story is grounded, intimate, and layered just the right way to make you feel like you are part of the relationship.
It's a slow burn, but so worth it because that burn was HOT!
This is my first time reading Jean Isabella's work, but I will definitely be spinning the block.
It's a slow burn, but so worth it because that burn was HOT!
This is my first time reading Jean Isabella's work, but I will definitely be spinning the block.
August 3, 2026
Relatable
I loves this book for many reasons. One, being the age of these characters. Being in my kid 40s, I seek out books where the characters are a reflection of my age (which adds a level of relatability). Second, Miranda and her position at work and those responsibilities that sneak into our personal lives and their impact, been there done that and know the feeling all too well. Good for Cornell for putting his foot down. On to the next Jean Isabella book!
I loves this book for many reasons. One, being the age of these characters. Being in my kid 40s, I seek out books where the characters are a reflection of my age (which adds a level of relatability). Second, Miranda and her position at work and those responsibilities that sneak into our personal lives and their impact, been there done that and know the feeling all too well. Good for Cornell for putting his foot down. On to the next Jean Isabella book!
September 9, 2026
Miranda and Cornell. Married couple reconnecting. Cute concept, but this wasn't for me. For a book advertised as steamy, getting to the first sex scene around 50% felt like a slow burn! I guess I am use to a certain type of trope. I like my man fighting for his. Cornell already had her. I love independent women but I think the MMC should have made her fell comfortable enough so she wasn’t always occupied with work. Nonetheless I could not finish. DNF
July 30, 2026
I ABSOLUTELY love this book.
This is about a man who said enough is enough I want my woman back.
And he dared her to say anything.
But I love this story for so many reasons, the main one being it is a real look at life and love from a mature perspective. With all of the spice you could ask for. I implore you to get this book it is a great love story.
This is about a man who said enough is enough I want my woman back.
And he dared her to say anything.
But I love this story for so many reasons, the main one being it is a real look at life and love from a mature perspective. With all of the spice you could ask for. I implore you to get this book it is a great love story.
July 21, 2026
This was my first read from Ms. Isabella and I really enjoyed it! I love a good 40 and up romance and this one did not disappoint! Cornell and Miranda have been married for years. Long enough that Cornell takes notice when Miranda is drowning from the throws of life and always having to be everything for everyone. He decides to take matters into his own hands by taking them on vacation. While there he not only gets to the root of the issue but realizes that Ms. Miranda really likes a more assertive Cornell. Yes even after decades of marriage a couple can grow and change together and be just as spicy as the young folks!
July 14, 2026
I’M SHIFTED
LOVED THE REKINDLING IN THIS STORY. IT WAS REFRESHING TO READ BECAUSE A MAJORITY OF BOOKS AT THIS POINT WOULD’VE JUST CHEATED ON THEIR MATE. SO I DEFINITELY APPRECIATED THE STORY MORE THAN YOU KNOW. MIRANDA & NELL FOR YOU TO BE IN YOUR 50S, Y’ALL STILL GOT IT….LOL. THE ANTICIPATION WAS ON POINT & THE BOOK WAS SPICY. I’D DEFINITELY RECOMMEND.
LOVED THE REKINDLING IN THIS STORY. IT WAS REFRESHING TO READ BECAUSE A MAJORITY OF BOOKS AT THIS POINT WOULD’VE JUST CHEATED ON THEIR MATE. SO I DEFINITELY APPRECIATED THE STORY MORE THAN YOU KNOW. MIRANDA & NELL FOR YOU TO BE IN YOUR 50S, Y’ALL STILL GOT IT….LOL. THE ANTICIPATION WAS ON POINT & THE BOOK WAS SPICY. I’D DEFINITELY RECOMMEND.
September 14, 2026
BABYYYY, A FLY COULDN’T EVEN SURVIVE IN THE ROOM WITH THESE TWO! THE HEAT WOULD’VE TAKEN IT OUT! 😭🔥
Selfish by Jean Isabella gave me everything I love about GROWN FOLKS’ ROMANCE! The chemistry was undeniable, the spice was hitting in ALL the right places, and the love was intentional!
You said PACK?! YES, DADDY, I’M PACKING! You said PUT MY PHONE DOWN?! YES, DADDY, IT’S ALREADY ON DO NOT DISTURB! 😭😂 Because BABY, the way this man was loving on his woman had me ready to follow instructions, too!
But beyond the spice, what truly made this story special was the heartfelt moments and the beautiful representation of intentional Black love. There’s something refreshing about reading a story where a Black man loves, values, and pours into a Black woman the way she deserves. No guessing games, just genuine affection, passion, and a love that feels purposeful.
Jean Isabella, you delivered a beautiful balance of heat and heart, and I enjoyed every bit of it!
Selfish by Jean Isabella gave me everything I love about GROWN FOLKS’ ROMANCE! The chemistry was undeniable, the spice was hitting in ALL the right places, and the love was intentional!
You said PACK?! YES, DADDY, I’M PACKING! You said PUT MY PHONE DOWN?! YES, DADDY, IT’S ALREADY ON DO NOT DISTURB! 😭😂 Because BABY, the way this man was loving on his woman had me ready to follow instructions, too!
But beyond the spice, what truly made this story special was the heartfelt moments and the beautiful representation of intentional Black love. There’s something refreshing about reading a story where a Black man loves, values, and pours into a Black woman the way she deserves. No guessing games, just genuine affection, passion, and a love that feels purposeful.
Jean Isabella, you delivered a beautiful balance of heat and heart, and I enjoyed every bit of it!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews