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Yazir and Nina #1

Yazir & Nina

Nina Joy Jeffries is a beautiful twenty-three year old in a dull, monotonous, and belittling relationship with military man Seth Brooks. Only sticking around to please her judgmental mother, Nina finds herself to be a caged bird longing to be released; even if only for one night.
Yazir Willis is a hardworking, assiduous, and very ambitious young man, who has worked hard for everything he's obtained; especially his title as the king of Los Angeles, and owner of Blue Dream Rolling Papers. Yazir possesses a trait that many people desire, and that's his unwavering faith in his abilities to get anything and anyone.
When Yazir meets Nina, he becomes tireless in his efforts to win the outgoing but confined beauty over. Nina finally allows Yazir, at his request, to take her out just once, in which he promises to leave her be once it's over. However, road flares fly when the two spend that one night together, leaving both parties longing to be with the other. There is only one problem though; Nina's overbearing fiancé, and her censorious mother Samantha.
Will Nina go against her mother and infuriate Seth, all for the love of the boastful, rich, and wild, Yazir? Or will she surrender to the criticisms of her mother, and the tight grip of her fiancé? And will Yazir be able to put his lothario lifestyle behind him for Nina? Or will his womanizing cause his pursuit of her to be in vain?

246 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 23, 2016

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Shvonne Latrice

85 books1,339 followers

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5 stars
438 (76%)
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88 (15%)
3 stars
39 (6%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
Profile Image for Mika Verrett.
292 reviews56 followers
June 7, 2026
✨Book Review✨

We’re in Shvonne’s back catalog and BABYYYYY… we got an FMCs that actually stands on business! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

And let me tell you right now… I ate this book UP.

We meet Nina Jeffries, who after losing the love of her life at just sixteen years old, has never truly believed she’d experience that kind of love again. Now she’s engaged to a man named Seth, who is nine years older than her and seems more interested in controlling her than loving her. But because he feels safe, stable, and has the approval of her mother, Nina convinces herself that maybe this is enough.

That is until Seth loses his temper during one of his work events and forces Nina to take a hard look at whether this is really the life she wants.

Then we meet Yazir Willis 😮‍💨

My boy started from the bottom for real. Growing up with his older brother Sameer and their single mother, life was far from easy. But Yazir always knew he was destined for more.

Fast forward a few years and he’s made his dreams a reality. The money is flowing, his business is thriving, and women have never been hard to come by.

Settling down?

Not even on his radar.

Until Nina.

And when I say this man was DOWN BAD immediately… 😂

Love at first sight doesn’t always work for me, but it absolutely worked here because Yazir wasted zero time making it known that Nina was exactly what he wanted.

The only problem?

He’s still got Gabriella and Kiara lingering around, and Gabriella especially refuses to read the room. Sis was holding on to hope with both hands when that man had already moved on. 😭

Now while Yazir and Nina had me fully invested, we also have Sameer and Aubrie.

And whew…

Something is brewing there.

Sameer has a secret that could blow up everything he’s built with Aubrie, and let’s just say by the end of this book, that situation has coming to light. 😬

Listen, one of the biggest reasons I loved this story so much is because Nina is NOT a weak FMC.

My girl stood on business.

She wasn’t accepting apologies just because a man said he was sorry. She wasn’t letting people disrespect her and then smiling through it. She had boundaries, self-respect, and expectations, and I loved every second of it.

And when Yazir messed up?

She made that man WORK for forgiveness.

As she should. 👏🏾

Now that ending?? 😮‍💨😮‍💨

BABY.

It’s about to hit the fan in book two.

Seth has officially lost what little sense he had left. That man is completely unhinged. And honestly, if Nina’s mama wasn’t constantly pushing her to forgive him and keep giving him chances, I don’t even think we’d be here.

I will never understand mothers encouraging their daughters to stay in situations where they’re being mistreated. That part made me HOT.

And then Sameer’s situation…

Yeah. His spot is about to get COMPLETELY blown up. He already warned folks what would happen if they didn’t fall in line, but apparently some people like learning lessons the hard way. 🤷🏾‍♀️

Overall, this was such a good time.

If you love:
✨ Rags-to-riches MMC
✨ Love at first sight
✨ Hood romance
✨ Strong FMC
✨ Family drama
✨ Messy side characters
✨ Protective men
✨ Cliffhangers that make you immediately grab the next book

Then definitely pick this one up.

Because trust me… the second that ending hit, I was already running to book two


Book: Yazir and Nina: A California Hood Love
Author: Shvonne Latrice
Genre: Urban Fiction
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🥵🥵🥵
7 reviews
September 24, 2024
What in thee entire F! I’m so discombobulated, I immediately have to finish this story. How dare you leave me and such a cliffhanger! I don’t want to say too much but, Seth is 🚮. I’m side eyeing Sameer 🤨 he had ample time to tell Aubrie what was up, felt like he swindled her. Like let me know to make an informed decision or at least so I can keep my head on swivel!
729 reviews16 followers
July 29, 2019
Started it out a little bit too slow, but ended right...

I tried at least tree time to stop reading this because it was so slow to start and finally at about 90% mark, it became interesting with both Cherelle and Seth...
Yazir, well I don't know yet for sure. He is bae but he talks ruthless and thug and boss and king pin but so far not too much actions have proved he is all of that. Handsome, down to earth and very determined and intelligent is so far hi only attributes.
Nina, gullible, low self esteem, childish, and just down right boring was the beginning of this book on her. Then she became open as soon as she be with Yazir and you could see the changes and the new person but probably a little bit too late maybe...
Seth, you are just CRAZY. Reasoning to be like that does not make sense and can't to see what happens.
Sameer, you are foul and a fool if you think silence will work on your favor.
Aubrie, let it go and trust for once that you have a very good man in your hand and you should jump on it..
Can't wait to see what karma has for Seth, Grabriella, Cherrelle, Matthew and even MS. Roberts, because she deserved a big ass whooping putting Nina to all that, all because she is twisted and demented.
June 18, 2026
These characters are something else…..

I don’t like Nina at all.. she was annoying the heck out of me. She keeps saying how she love Seth so much but her actions and feelings didn’t match. She was mostly trying to please her mother. Smh then when she and Yazir get together she keeps telling him about his age and how he’s so young but yet you acting like a ditzy girl when he doing what you told him to do. So annoying.

Now Yazir, I understand you not being in a relationship before and living like a bachelor now but serious was that easy to messed up. Smh

I think Nina took him back way too easy.

Sameer and this secret! Now wtf???? You know you were dead ass wrong smh.

Matthew character doesn’t even make sense to me. He just a dumb ass nigga who jealous of his cousin.

That cliffhanger was crazy though
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
374 reviews1 follower
January 28, 2025
warmup

This book feels like a warm-up for the series, setting the stage by introducing us to Nina, who is stuck in a dull and belittling relationship with Seth, a controlling military man. Things take a turn when she meets Yazir, a charming but womanizing man whose ways initially tear them apart. However, Yazir’s determination to win Nina back leads to a dramatic shift, pushing Seth to his breaking point. The story builds up to an intense and satisfying cliffhanger, leaving readers eager to see what happens next. It’s a solid start, packed with emotion, drama, and intrigue!
322 reviews
January 28, 2025
This book feels like a warm-up for the series, setting the stage by introducing us to Nina, who is stuck in a dull and belittling relationship with Seth, a controlling military man. Things take a turn when she meets Yazir, a charming but womanizing man whose ways initially tear them apart. However, Yazir’s determination to win Nina back leads to a dramatic shift, pushing Seth to his breaking point. The story builds up to an intense and satisfying cliffhanger, leaving readers eager to see what happens next. It’s a solid start, packed with emotion, drama, and intrigue!
Profile Image for TACORA MCCLUNEY.
2,559 reviews11 followers
August 9, 2025
So much Drama

Cherelle and Seth are the ones that needs to be together because both of those dummies are bat 💩 crazy. Cherelle is so delusional that it's scary and Sameer should have told Aubrie about the situation when they started getting closer. Now he bout to loose his girl. Seth gotta know that Nina's mama is gonna call Yazir, at least I hope she does. When Yazir finds out it's gonna be a wrap for Seth. Matt sitting there letting Heaven fill his head up and they're both gonna be taking naps down under. 👄👄
Profile Image for P AI AG.
64 reviews
June 24, 2024
I really admire Yazir because he's such a go-getter. He shared his dreams and they actually came true, plus more! Nina is trying to find her own path while still considering her mom's wishes. She's went on a date with a man who just can't seem to let her go. This is the second series of books I've read from this author, and I love how she writes as if it's a Netflix series with limited episodes. The cliffhangers at the end of each book always leave me eager to dive into the next one.
Profile Image for KaalaPatrice.
159 reviews5 followers
February 11, 2023
page Turner

I love that Nina stood her ground and was strong. That’s what stood out the most to me. Although she was confused about how she felt about Seth, she is still a strong woman. Instead of. Dying and immediately taking Yazir back, she made he sweat a little, got her own apartment and didn’t let his bad actions stop her from living. I love that.
Profile Image for Neka.
1,456 reviews5 followers
April 14, 2025
Loved it

I enjoyed book 1 Yazir made me upset for a second. I felt bad for Nina. Nina’s mother got on my nerves and she pissed me off. Gabi need to get her stuff together because she is delusional as hell. Sameer should’ve told Aubrie the truth. I can’t wait to read part 2 to find out what happens next.
Profile Image for Shekie Johnson.
1,123 reviews13 followers
July 20, 2017
Oh wow

Now look at Seth.. A typical dude. Mistreat the good girl that you have and when somebody else comes along, you wanna do hurtful things to ppl.. I can't wait for Yazir to find out what's going on.
68 reviews
October 16, 2019
Starting off exciting

Seth has went off the deep end which I'm not surprised. I'm sure Nina and Yazir about to take us on a crazy relationship ride. I'm ready to dive into the next part.
Profile Image for &#x1f496;&#x1f4da;BOOKZAMILLION&#x1f4d6;&#x1f498;.
1,390 reviews96 followers
August 2, 2021
This was a great read.

I loved this book. I was frustrated at how easily she accepted the date with Seth, meanwhile Yazir was suffering. I did not like Seth. Now Cherelle…I don’t know what to say about her. Why does this author have a psychopath or two in almost every book.
860 reviews2 followers
April 14, 2023
confuse

I am confuse i don’t know if I like the book or not . One chapter I like it and is into it the next I am not . I may have to read book number 2 in order to decide . The crazy part is the oldest character are the one been the most irrational
Profile Image for Yovonda Coleman.
458 reviews
September 2, 2024
Crazy exes

Some people just can't let go! Seth is very controlling & crazy. Yazir might kill Seth this time. Sameer should have been up front about Cherelle. Let me get on to book 2.
Profile Image for Denisha Roberts.
220 reviews9 followers
July 25, 2017
Great read

This was a really good read just like all you other books and scant wait to read more from you
Profile Image for Lawrynn Brooks.
208 reviews6 followers
March 16, 2018
Wow

No clue why it took me this long to read this but this book was so damn good! Yazir is bae, flaws and all!!!
284 reviews1 follower
January 23, 2019
Good book

This book was good. I like that is was different from the other books that Shvonne has written but still held my attention.
Profile Image for Margie.
411 reviews2 followers
July 19, 2019
Great read

I can't believe I was sleeping on This series love and just now reading it, Seth is crazy as they come and meer bout to see just how much brie don't play
Profile Image for Shakela.
698 reviews5 followers
January 11, 2022
mad at myself

Why am I just reading this book! I am mad at myself that I have waited this long especially with this being my favorite author! I knew Seth wasn’t right smh 🤦🏽‍♀️
794 reviews1 follower
July 3, 2023
Great read

Definitely a great read Shvonne Latrice always delivers a great read. Love thus story from start to finish definitely purchasing part two.
26 reviews
March 24, 2024
love this Read

I love all the main characters ! So happy that Nina forgave Yazir . I hope Aubrie will hear Sameer out. All around great read and can’t wait to start book 2
Profile Image for Ulyssesa Thomas.
1,527 reviews5 followers
June 4, 2025
Great Read

That was good. Things are about to get very interesting for these couples. I can't wait to read book 2.
437 reviews1 follower
March 29, 2024
Great Ending

Nina really bossed up I have to say I really liked her no nonsense attitude. All of the couples made it through each individual storm. I really enjoyed this series.
Profile Image for Michelle  Davis.
310 reviews21 followers
April 1, 2016
Ms. Shvonne Latrice has proven once again why she should be counted amongst the elitist of ALL writers regardless of genre!!! Ms. Latrice introduces us to Nina a young girl who experiences a great deal of tragedy at an extremely young age. With the tragic events that unfold during her teenage years, she changes into someone that needs validation from her mother to erase the stains and feelings of guilt that have plagued her since that fateful night. Yazir can only be described as a determined, hustling young man that wouldn't allow anyone or anything deter him from reaching his ultimate goal of being successful. When these two meet Nina feels deep down that she isn't meant to be with her current fiance' Seth. But she continuously finds excuses, the most prevalent one being not disappointing her mother again. When Yazir and Nina first encounter one another the sparks of heat seem to ignite the pages because their chemistry was so scorching. Her best friends Aubrie and Madison are the friends that every girl should have in her corner at least once in a lifetime. They ride with her but tell her the truth when they know she is doing something that is detrimental to her happiness. Hence the reason for their intense hatred of her controlling, manipulative, and unstable fiance', Seth. I understand that every mother wants the best for their child but I think Samantha took this concept and twisted it in such a manner that she was blinded to the very evil that existed inside of the "dream guy" she thought Seth to be. I lowkey disliked Ms. Samantha. It was almost as if she was attempting to punish Nina for making mistakes as a teenager all while attempting to foist a life on her daughter that even she didn't have the stomach to see through when she found herself in a similar situation. Overall this was an EXCELLENT book. Ms. Latrice has a talent that can only be said to be SECOND to NONE. I'm not biased to a particular publishing group but I must say that here lately Leo Sullivan presents seems to have raised the bar making it difficult if not almost impossible for others to catch up. I can't wait to see what creative ideas that Ms. Latrice comes up with for us next!! This book proves that Ms. Latrice's ticket to "VETERAN STATUS" has been stamped, signed, sealed, and delivered by the powers that be!!! Kudos Ms. Shvonne!!!!
Profile Image for Tanielle.
Author 0 books38 followers
August 17, 2017
Nina's in a relationship with Seth who's controlling so the relationship is struggling with only her mother being in her ear to continue with him even with him laying hands on her. She meets Yazir who's the total opposite of Seth but more than what she had with her ex Philip who she thought was the love of her life. Yazir's young but worked hard to get where he wanted to be. His money and power, of course, led to women and trying to end it with them backfired on him.

He told Nina but she thought it'd be smart to go out with Seth. That led to Seth going crazy by the end. The situation with Sameer and Aubrey should've come out from jump but since he didn't tell her it seems he'll have to fight to get her back. The situation with the cousin is really about the only thing that I think many can relate to when it comes to family, not so much that extreme but I'd read the next to see just what comes out of the situation.
Profile Image for Pamela Johnston Ward.
1,818 reviews60 followers
March 25, 2016
Yazir and Nina

I loved Yazir and Nina together. Their chemistry together is overwhelming. I despised Seth from the very first page of the book. Nina's mom also rubbed me the wrong way, by always taking his side. She needed to get a life and mind her own business. Sameer needs to get some act right about himself and do right by Aubrie. I can't wait to read part 2 to see where the story takes me. Shvonne did a great job with this one.
Author 129 books146 followers
March 25, 2016
Great Read!!

Yaz & Nina was definitely a great read. That chemistry is uncanny. Yaz really loves her. Nina finally has true love. Despite the mistakes. Sameer needs to get his ish togethdry. I'm mad he didn't tell Aubrie. And now she had to find out in the worst way. Aubrie is a very loyal friend. I want to read more about Madison and Dansey. They would be great love interest. Gabi and Kiana gone be a problem. Seth I want Yaz to body him ASAP. This book was a 5 star read.
Profile Image for Shronda.
619 reviews2 followers
April 5, 2016
5 stars

Great Read... I'm glad that Nina gave Yazir another chance. I feel that he really loves her. And hopefully Sameer and Aubrie can work it out. He should have been honest with her in the beginning. Seth on the other hand just has lost it. He has a whole family some where else but is losing his mind over someone that he has yet to be honest with and the relationship is over. Hopefully he doesn't hurt Nina or her mother.
Profile Image for Angela Taylor.
1,146 reviews2 followers
Read
September 12, 2020
Nice very nice

Wow omg this series is gonna be lit. My girl Nina is catching a whole lot of hell. I hope yaz finds her and I see Seth is a dead man walking. Now my other girl I hope she let meer explain before she just take that bitch word. U did good on yet another book and I’m looking forward to reading more of them. Sitting here patting my feet while sipping on Pepsi and eating popcorn while waiting on the next book to read
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews