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Niya: Rainbow Dreams
Do you know who you are? Are you comfortable in your skin? Outed by her best friend in front of the whole neighborhood, Niya is trying to come to terms with being a lesbian. When she falls for her straight neighbor, Jamilla, there is no more denying who she really is. Niya will do whatever it takes to prove her love, even if it means taking a life. What will happen when family issues, fame, the struggle for love, and reality set in? How will Niya deal with a Hip-Hop career as she tries to repair her broken heart and family issues?
Signing to Green Note Records may just bring fulfillment and love when the sexy R&B diva Brazil Noelle swoops in and aims for her heart. Niya has always been the hero, but is she willing to be saved? Will her feelings for Jamilla block what could actually be her chance to get back the love she always gives?
Jamilla is drowning in the reality of her home life. Forced to face a real life monster on a daily basis, the shame of her past is slowly killing everything beautiful about her. Just when she thinks life isn't worth living, she befriends Niya and becomes confused by the extremely close, nconventional friendship, and the high sexual tension that sends her head spinning. Will her fling with a male “straighten” her out for good, or will it help her to realize that love has no boundaries? How long can this game of friendship last when love is the stronger opponent?
Join the tormented twosome on an undeniable thrill ride as they travel down the rocky road of self-discovery. Niya and Jamilla will combat their fears, violence, distractions, extortion, love, denial, family, and sometimes each other, in this emotionally charged and action-packed coming of age tale.
416 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 5, 2013
19 people are currently reading
226 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
March 7, 2013
NIYA RAINBOW DREAMS WAS A GREAT READ FROM BEGINNING TO END, IT TAKES YOU ON AN EMOTIONAL ROLLER COASTER RIDE. FROM HAPPY, SAD, TURNED ON, TURNED OFF, IN LOVE TO PURE HATE THIS BOOK DOES IT. THIS IS A BOOK THAT ALL PEOPLE CAN RELATE TO THERE IS A NIYA, JAMILLA, ROXIE & SMILEY EVERY WHERE.. THE STRENGTH THAT NIYA FELT WHEN SHE WAS FREE OF HER BURDEN IS ALL TOO FAMILIAR TO ME I FELT THAT SAME STRENGTH & WEIGHT LIFT OFF OF MY SHOULDERS. JAMILLA IS A GREAT GIRL THAT ENDEARED SOMETHINGS THAT NO CHILD SHOULD. I FEEL LIKE SHE'S FIGHTING HERSELF IN HER TRUE FEELINGS.. ROXIE GIRRRRLLLLLLLLLL.... IS ALL I'M GOING TO SAY I WISH SMILEY WOULD'VE REALLY PUT THE SMACK DOWN ON THAT A*S BUT YOU CAN ONLY TELL A LIE FOR SO LONG!
I'M SO READY FOR PART 2 EVEN THOUGH THIS 1 JUST CAME OUT TODAY.. THIS IS A WELL WRITTEN BOOK & I WOULD RECOMMEND IT TO EVERYONE 5 STARS FOR SURE!!
GREAT JOB EROTIC BLISS & FABIE GIVE ME MORE!
-V. BROWN
I'M SO READY FOR PART 2 EVEN THOUGH THIS 1 JUST CAME OUT TODAY.. THIS IS A WELL WRITTEN BOOK & I WOULD RECOMMEND IT TO EVERYONE 5 STARS FOR SURE!!
GREAT JOB EROTIC BLISS & FABIE GIVE ME MORE!
-V. BROWN
March 20, 2013
NIYA is more than a novel about a lesbian girl and her straight (maybe) friend. Its a tale of true love and friendship, in the midst of finding your true self.
Niya has been outted by her best friend Rodney, for being a lesbian. A term she hasn't really come to embrace even though she knows she likes girls. Jamilla, is a shy quiet girl, who believes that she is straight but can't understand what it is about Niya that intrigues her. The two build a friendship that is built on love, respect and trust. There is some sexual feelings, mainly on Niya's end but the beauty of their friendship oversees all of that.
I was completely moved by this story and I know there will be a part 2 in the future. I can't wait to see what path their friendship/relationship travels. This is a story that will go down as one of the greatest stories ever told! Kudos to Fabiola and Erotic Bliss for penning such an amazing story!!
Niya has been outted by her best friend Rodney, for being a lesbian. A term she hasn't really come to embrace even though she knows she likes girls. Jamilla, is a shy quiet girl, who believes that she is straight but can't understand what it is about Niya that intrigues her. The two build a friendship that is built on love, respect and trust. There is some sexual feelings, mainly on Niya's end but the beauty of their friendship oversees all of that.
I was completely moved by this story and I know there will be a part 2 in the future. I can't wait to see what path their friendship/relationship travels. This is a story that will go down as one of the greatest stories ever told! Kudos to Fabiola and Erotic Bliss for penning such an amazing story!!
April 26, 2017
Niya
This was a great read!! Niya and Jamilla have a love like no other with each other. They need each other, yet they can't be together due to Jamilla. She knows what she wants but doesn't want to face the facts that go along with it. Niya is ready to love Jamilla like she has never loved before, but she knows that it will be one sided for now. This is a book of love and Fabiola did a great job with it!
This was a great read!! Niya and Jamilla have a love like no other with each other. They need each other, yet they can't be together due to Jamilla. She knows what she wants but doesn't want to face the facts that go along with it. Niya is ready to love Jamilla like she has never loved before, but she knows that it will be one sided for now. This is a book of love and Fabiola did a great job with it!
March 10, 2013
On first glance you see the title and the gorgeous stud on the cover and you think this may just be another lesbian tale. Well Niya, Rainbow Dreams is far from that. This book follows Niya and Jamilla, two lost young girls, who come together through writing. Niya is the tomboy with the rough edge, who isn't ready to come out as a lesbian just yet. While Jamilla is dealing with her own demons all alone with no family support. As they began to admit and accept who they are, life becomes so much better for them. This was a very different read for me and I enjoyed it to the very last word. This book was like a roller-coaster ride for my emotions and I would love to read more about Jamilla and Niya in the future. This is a must read and I definitely recommend it!
August 30, 2017
Hmmm. This did suck me in, eventually. But a couple things put me off at first. Namely, the casual murder. Like, I guess it's kill or be killed on the streets... but Niya didn't even seem bothered by it, nor did she or anyone else seem to worry about getting caught...? Also in the beginning of Niya and Jamilla's relationship, there were a couple of instances where Niya definitely overstepped the boundaries of consent... That was an issue that didn't continue, though. Can't say the same thing for murder, however. (Admittedly, I'm just trying to read books about lesbians, and I've never read urban fiction before so maybe I'm in over my head here.)
March 18, 2013
This Was A Great Read Niya was a girl trying to come to terms with her sexuality ,something she didn't want to come out with,until she finally open up to a girl named Jamiar who was going threw her on personal demons of what her stepfather did to her when she was 7,and her mother who acted like she cared more about his feeling and her step sister than her on child.Niya and Jamiria became close being each other backbone.both having love for each other 5stars
March 9, 2014
Awesome read!!!!!! Fabiola
I give a five star because this was a great to read in one day by far good story line and true life events going on right now with some one I know. First time I reading ur work I say I like this book and I will continue to read ur work keep writing good books.
I give a five star because this was a great to read in one day by far good story line and true life events going on right now with some one I know. First time I reading ur work I say I like this book and I will continue to read ur work keep writing good books.
April 24, 2017
Interesting
Niya: Rainbow Dreams by Fabiola Joseph is a good read. This is not my first book reading from this author. Fab did a good job. The storyline and grammar are on the point. This book is definition of friendship, love and roller coaster. It's also dealing with drama and emotional.
I am looking forward to read more books from this author. I hope there is be part 3 of Niya: Rainbow Dreams because I want to know what's going on Niya and the characters.
Nice Read!
Sandra
Niya: Rainbow Dreams by Fabiola Joseph is a good read. This is not my first book reading from this author. Fab did a good job. The storyline and grammar are on the point. This book is definition of friendship, love and roller coaster. It's also dealing with drama and emotional.
I am looking forward to read more books from this author. I hope there is be part 3 of Niya: Rainbow Dreams because I want to know what's going on Niya and the characters.
Nice Read!
Sandra
April 27, 2017
This book was very good. Niya and Jamilla were a hot mess but there love was very genuine. Niya wanted Jamilla in a way that wasn't possible. Jamilla loved Niya with all her heart and soul but not the way Niya wanted it. Niya wanted all of her the way you want someone in a relationship and Jamilla couldn't give her that whole heartly. The story line was very well written and you understood the direction that this author was aiming for. All around a great read......
September 4, 2013
Fabiola Joseph has done it again. She has created a book that makes you sit down and think. Niya Rainbow Dreams is like a coming of age tale. Niya is trying to come to terms with the person that she is. She doesnt want to exactly be labeled a lesbian, but she knows very well that is only interested in women. It seems like everyone around her knows her secret that she is trying to keep hidden but she just cant seem to bring herself to actually admitting it out loud. On top of trying to come to terms with who she is she mets Jamilla whose living situation is anything but normal. While Jamilla struggles to be invisible in a household of people she cant turn to nor does she trust, she takes her time to write out her inner most thoughts in a notebook. When the two meet Jamilla sort of forces Niya to face who she is while Niya helps her overcome her own obstacles by being someone she can trust. While Jamilla claims to be straight Niya still has her eyes on her, but will their friendship turn into much more?
This was a really fast read, that I think a lot of people can relate to it doenst have anything to do with being gay or straight or bi it just has to do with knowing who you are and being proud of that. As Niya tried to come to terms with who she is for fear o not being accepted I think that a lot of people who may be going through similar issues can relate with her. The book was not only a good read but it lets people know that its ok to be just who you are regardless of who is going to accept it. I like how Jamilla and Niya seemed to find each other and help each other out with their issues. Even though Jamilla claimed to be straight she still found comfort in the friendship that Niya gave her. Really good book I would recommend it to anyone and anyone struggling with who they are. I wish would have been longer but I cant wait for part 2. Great job!
This was a really fast read, that I think a lot of people can relate to it doenst have anything to do with being gay or straight or bi it just has to do with knowing who you are and being proud of that. As Niya tried to come to terms with who she is for fear o not being accepted I think that a lot of people who may be going through similar issues can relate with her. The book was not only a good read but it lets people know that its ok to be just who you are regardless of who is going to accept it. I like how Jamilla and Niya seemed to find each other and help each other out with their issues. Even though Jamilla claimed to be straight she still found comfort in the friendship that Niya gave her. Really good book I would recommend it to anyone and anyone struggling with who they are. I wish would have been longer but I cant wait for part 2. Great job!
December 24, 2013
Niya Rainbow Dreams by Erotic Bliss and Fabiola Joseph
Who Cares What The World Thinks?
Niya is an impressionable roughneck teenage girl with demons in her closet. She has a tough exterior hanging with local drug dealers and making a rep for herself. On the inside she is struggling with her inner self. The crazy part is everyone knows her secret, but she is in denial. When she gets outted about being a lesbian she has to face her worst fears.
Jamilla, a neighbor of Niya's, has her own issues but she is drawn to Niya but though she has never spoken to her. The need for Niya is not on a sexual level but something much deeper. Jamilla works up the nerve to speak to Niya after she witnesses an argument that puts her business out to everyone. Niya isn't the friendliest to Jamilla but after a while they hit it off. The two are kindred spirits and become a life saver for each other. As we learn, it's not all cookies and cream in Jamilla's life either.
This was a good look at the internal struggles one has with sexuality as well as how things done in the past can affect the present. I enjoyed the interaction between the two friends. I wish it was longer because it seems like there was a lot more to be told. I like Fabiola's style of the alternating chapters. At least she toned down the whole reliving the same incident from the alternating characters POV. That was a big plus for me. I recommend this book to all regardless of sexual orientation. All women can relate to this book on some level
SiStar Tea
ARC Book Club Inc.
4 star rating
Dec review
Who Cares What The World Thinks?
Niya is an impressionable roughneck teenage girl with demons in her closet. She has a tough exterior hanging with local drug dealers and making a rep for herself. On the inside she is struggling with her inner self. The crazy part is everyone knows her secret, but she is in denial. When she gets outted about being a lesbian she has to face her worst fears.
Jamilla, a neighbor of Niya's, has her own issues but she is drawn to Niya but though she has never spoken to her. The need for Niya is not on a sexual level but something much deeper. Jamilla works up the nerve to speak to Niya after she witnesses an argument that puts her business out to everyone. Niya isn't the friendliest to Jamilla but after a while they hit it off. The two are kindred spirits and become a life saver for each other. As we learn, it's not all cookies and cream in Jamilla's life either.
This was a good look at the internal struggles one has with sexuality as well as how things done in the past can affect the present. I enjoyed the interaction between the two friends. I wish it was longer because it seems like there was a lot more to be told. I like Fabiola's style of the alternating chapters. At least she toned down the whole reliving the same incident from the alternating characters POV. That was a big plus for me. I recommend this book to all regardless of sexual orientation. All women can relate to this book on some level
SiStar Tea
ARC Book Club Inc.
4 star rating
Dec review
November 17, 2013
True Feelings.
Authors Fabiola Joseph and Erotic Bliss co-wrote this compassionate story of two females struggling with inner demons. On the outside Niya gives off an air of confidence and hangs with the rough crowd in the neighborhood. Yes she has admitted to herself that she a lesbian, but she still battles with why and won’t acknowledge it out loud.
Jamilla is also keeping deep secrets and emotions hidden inside. Feelings of shame consume her and she feels like an outsider within her own family. Jamilla’s only form of solace come from writing in her notebook.
Niya and Jamilla form a close bond which at first seem to overwhelm them, but as their friendship blossoms the shields they had become use to hiding behind slowly give way to close friendship. Trust, shame and lust fuel this story leading to spiritual love that peaks the curiosity of the flesh. But will taking their feelings to a higher level lead to the destruction of their friendship?
I totally enjoyed this story! I only wish it was a little longer. I felt the synopsis was a little too long and detailed but on a whole this is a well written story. Emotionally driven characters and the perfect amount of drama that didn’t outdo the main premise.
A recommended read.
Locksie November 14, 2013
ARC Book Club Inc.
Star Rating 4.5****
Authors Fabiola Joseph and Erotic Bliss co-wrote this compassionate story of two females struggling with inner demons. On the outside Niya gives off an air of confidence and hangs with the rough crowd in the neighborhood. Yes she has admitted to herself that she a lesbian, but she still battles with why and won’t acknowledge it out loud.
Jamilla is also keeping deep secrets and emotions hidden inside. Feelings of shame consume her and she feels like an outsider within her own family. Jamilla’s only form of solace come from writing in her notebook.
Niya and Jamilla form a close bond which at first seem to overwhelm them, but as their friendship blossoms the shields they had become use to hiding behind slowly give way to close friendship. Trust, shame and lust fuel this story leading to spiritual love that peaks the curiosity of the flesh. But will taking their feelings to a higher level lead to the destruction of their friendship?
I totally enjoyed this story! I only wish it was a little longer. I felt the synopsis was a little too long and detailed but on a whole this is a well written story. Emotionally driven characters and the perfect amount of drama that didn’t outdo the main premise.
A recommended read.
Locksie November 14, 2013
ARC Book Club Inc.
Star Rating 4.5****
March 7, 2013
Wow ok let me get myself together. This book was Fiyah. It was about this girl name Niya who wasn’t comfortable about letting people know that she was a lesbian. She’s trying to come to term with herself.
Jamilla was being abused, and the way she tried to deal with her situation was through her writing. She had to live with the abuser and a stepsister that she couldn’t stand. How did Jamilla cope with her situation? Who help Jamilla?
She lived close to Niya and they became friends. But was Jamilla so caught up that she was questioning her own sexuality.
This book had me on the edge of my bed. As I was reading this I could just picture Niya and was like damm she go swag (lol) I was a proofreader on this book and let me just say damm It was like crack. I literally would check my email every morning to read the rest. It’s so many thing I can say but not going to spoil it for you. It has a great storyline that people can relate to, it was well written. You can enjoy it weather you are a lesbian, gay or straight. I can’t wait for the next installment to come out. I’m going to be in the authors’ inbox every other day (LOL) so if you haven’t read this book 1-click you will enjoy it.
Sistahs On Lit!
Jamilla was being abused, and the way she tried to deal with her situation was through her writing. She had to live with the abuser and a stepsister that she couldn’t stand. How did Jamilla cope with her situation? Who help Jamilla?
She lived close to Niya and they became friends. But was Jamilla so caught up that she was questioning her own sexuality.
This book had me on the edge of my bed. As I was reading this I could just picture Niya and was like damm she go swag (lol) I was a proofreader on this book and let me just say damm It was like crack. I literally would check my email every morning to read the rest. It’s so many thing I can say but not going to spoil it for you. It has a great storyline that people can relate to, it was well written. You can enjoy it weather you are a lesbian, gay or straight. I can’t wait for the next installment to come out. I’m going to be in the authors’ inbox every other day (LOL) so if you haven’t read this book 1-click you will enjoy it.
Sistahs On Lit!
March 12, 2013
"Niya Rainbow Dreams" by Fabiola Joseph and Erotic Bliss was...wow where do I begin? It is the story of Niya and Jamilla. Niya is in denial about being a lesbian, something that everyone around her seems to know but her. Will she finally accept who she is? Jamilla is a young girl suffering from a broken home. Deciding to ignore the reality of her situation, she escapes in the form of journal entries. Together these two girls form a tight friendship....but what happens when the lines of friendship become blurred with lust, love, and murder? Read and find out!
I had been anxiously waiting for "Niya", as I call it, to be released. I remember reading a small excerpt and thinking this is definitely like nothing I've ever read before. I immediately became intrigued especially after hearing that some of the characters were based on real people. This book took me on an emotional rollercoaster. I laughed, cried, got angry ..the whole nine. The entire story vividly played in my mind. Whether you are gay or straight there is a great message to be found within the pages of "Niya Rainbow Dreams." I can't wait to read the next installment. 5 stars!
~New Beginnings Book Club~
I had been anxiously waiting for "Niya", as I call it, to be released. I remember reading a small excerpt and thinking this is definitely like nothing I've ever read before. I immediately became intrigued especially after hearing that some of the characters were based on real people. This book took me on an emotional rollercoaster. I laughed, cried, got angry ..the whole nine. The entire story vividly played in my mind. Whether you are gay or straight there is a great message to be found within the pages of "Niya Rainbow Dreams." I can't wait to read the next installment. 5 stars!
~New Beginnings Book Club~
October 20, 2013
Opposites Attract
Niya and Jamilla live in the same building. They don't know each other personally. They have one thing in common - they both are fighting a battle. Niya is battling with her sexuality. She's been trying to hide her secret but everyone seems to know. After Jamilla witnessed Niya's best friend betray her, she decides to say something to her. Slowly, they become friends.
Niya doesn't realize Jamilla is dealing with her own issues until she reads her journal. Jamilla is dealing with her tormentor on a daily basis. This is tearing her down. This friendship is what both girls need. Will they be able to help each other with their problems?
“Niya: Rainbow Dreams” is a quick read about love and friendship. Erotic Bliss and Fabiola Joseph have written a book with a great flow. This is one book I'd recommend. Regardless of your sexual orientation, this is a book anyone could relate to.
Reviewed by: Jas
Niya and Jamilla live in the same building. They don't know each other personally. They have one thing in common - they both are fighting a battle. Niya is battling with her sexuality. She's been trying to hide her secret but everyone seems to know. After Jamilla witnessed Niya's best friend betray her, she decides to say something to her. Slowly, they become friends.
Niya doesn't realize Jamilla is dealing with her own issues until she reads her journal. Jamilla is dealing with her tormentor on a daily basis. This is tearing her down. This friendship is what both girls need. Will they be able to help each other with their problems?
“Niya: Rainbow Dreams” is a quick read about love and friendship. Erotic Bliss and Fabiola Joseph have written a book with a great flow. This is one book I'd recommend. Regardless of your sexual orientation, this is a book anyone could relate to.
Reviewed by: Jas
June 28, 2013
Who is Niya? Can you stand before yourself and see you completely? Niya did not. Living life in the shadows, Niya wasn't confused about her sexuality. However she couldn't utter the words aloud. She is caught up in appearances and lives her life in deep denial. Jamilla lives in the same brownstone as Niya and they have one thing in common. Silence. After the silence is broken on one of Niya's roughest days, the two become more than friends. Could Jamilla be Niya's true soul-mate?
In this novella there were a variety of issues plaguing both girls. Niya's grandmother was her stability. Jamilla lived in turmoil with her mother and stepfather. I enjoyed reading this book. I was a great intro into the lives of Niya and Jamilla. 4.7 stars
In this novella there were a variety of issues plaguing both girls. Niya's grandmother was her stability. Jamilla lived in turmoil with her mother and stepfather. I enjoyed reading this book. I was a great intro into the lives of Niya and Jamilla. 4.7 stars
April 11, 2013
I absolutely loved "Niya, Rainbow Dreams (The Dreamers"! The characters were great and fit in perfectly with the storyline. I simply adored Niya; she was my favorite character and a well rounded person. I really wish, Jamilla, would have opened up more and truly expressed her true feelings for Niya. The couple was like "night and day" but in my eyes, would have been a perfect match. I believe Jamilla's past would not allow her to open up, be herself and allow her to express her inner feelings. I wish that I could have read more about Niya and Jamilla. I didn't really like how the story ended, I felt as if so much was missing. I read this book so fast and BOOM! It was over!
March 24, 2013
Anything that Fabie pen will be great. She has a mind that is always out side of the box. That's what makes her book so great. I'm always looking out for her next book. This one didn't fall short at all. Erotic Bliss and Fabiola killed it. It had me a emotional roller coaster and I loved every minute of it. I couldn't put it down. I was mad that it ended, i wanted it to keep going. A true love story that anyone can relate too. Get this book its worth your money and time. I can't wait until part 2 drops.
March 30, 2014
Fabiola eloquently weaves the tale of love no matter the race or sexuality. You receive of glimpse into the raw emotions of fear, uncertainty, and doubt. She holds a mirror up to her characters and allow them to examine themselves on a less superficial level. Thank you for continuing to share your gift with the world. The quietest one in the room often has the most vivid imagination, and you allow it to spill all over your pages.
July 9, 2013
This story was nothing like i thought it would be 5 stars all the way but what else you expect from this great author! Niya was confused from the very beginning and the friendship that her and Jamilla forms is out of this world.... The twist and turns that goes with this story is crazy. Is everyone who they say they are or is everyone pretenders want to know read to find out. Job well done ladies keep up the good work where is part 2.
July 22, 2016
I absolutely loved this book. I've read it twice and both times I wasn't able to put it down long enough to make it last more than one day. After reading about Niya's struggle with acceptance of herself... it helped me try a little harder to love who I am. Every part of who I am. It even gave me a love story to dream about. I have been waiting impatiently to see what happens to Niya and Jamilla and I cannot wait to read the second book!
March 7, 2013
A different read for sure but Fabiola did her thing. Niya has a strong personally her direction was guided by who she really was and accepting that. the friends around her needed as much guidance but she held them together. Jamilla on the other hand needed a rock and Niya was that for her after all she's been through.
March 5, 2016
Niya was a good read. This story was like a test of the wills between love & friendship between two fragile and damaged girls trying to find their places in life. This book touches on being sad, happy, mad but one thing remained the same. Friendship. Very good read
August 3, 2013
I really enjoyed this book, Fabiola has penned a true coming of age story. Great read!
Read
April 16, 2014This was a quick read. Can't wait to get to part 2.
January 14, 2019
I waited for this book, because the author has already established herself as a favorite of mine. I cleared my reading list for this book. When it arrived right around Christmas I knew it would be one of my favorite gifts.
The cover displays our main character in all her majestic swag. Simple graphics let me know she’s a a musician of some sort and a true creative because she gripped a notebook 📓. The rhyme book is a forgotten treasure in the age of technology. Then again...so is good literature. This novel offered both.
Niya and Jamilla’s love story is one the sweetest coming of age stories I’ve ever read. In true Fabie form, it’s decorated with some darkness, but what’s a love story without a little murder?
The soundtrack offered by our narrators is smooth r&b plus a little 90s style hip hop. Niya’s rhymes had me nodding my head like I could hear the beat. The love letters between her and Jamilla are just heart wrenching.
This book is an excellent read for anyone who loves love. I experienced the full spectrum of emotions. I cried with them. Got mad and tossed the book. Then I retrieved it apologetically, cradled it and renewed our connection. It was like going through my first teenage love affair all over again. The height of raw emotion and unfiltered tongues animated the imagery like a motion picture right between the lines.
It was very well written. Only a few small typos but nothing that threw me out of the plot. Niya is a bloody Valentine in the Brooklyn and a modern queer Romeo and Juliet.
The cover displays our main character in all her majestic swag. Simple graphics let me know she’s a a musician of some sort and a true creative because she gripped a notebook 📓. The rhyme book is a forgotten treasure in the age of technology. Then again...so is good literature. This novel offered both.
Niya and Jamilla’s love story is one the sweetest coming of age stories I’ve ever read. In true Fabie form, it’s decorated with some darkness, but what’s a love story without a little murder?
The soundtrack offered by our narrators is smooth r&b plus a little 90s style hip hop. Niya’s rhymes had me nodding my head like I could hear the beat. The love letters between her and Jamilla are just heart wrenching.
This book is an excellent read for anyone who loves love. I experienced the full spectrum of emotions. I cried with them. Got mad and tossed the book. Then I retrieved it apologetically, cradled it and renewed our connection. It was like going through my first teenage love affair all over again. The height of raw emotion and unfiltered tongues animated the imagery like a motion picture right between the lines.
It was very well written. Only a few small typos but nothing that threw me out of the plot. Niya is a bloody Valentine in the Brooklyn and a modern queer Romeo and Juliet.
March 24, 2019
I can't finish this. Nonconsensual sex is rape, whether it's with men or with women, and the bullshit the main character says about how she doesn't believe her friend doesn't want to fuck her, because when she ignores her friend's clear no and slides a finger inside her, her friend is wet- that is the same bullshit pedophiles say, the same bullshit rapists say; wetness is a physiological response. It happens sometimes, even if we do not want to have sex, and no means no, period. There is nothing about consent, no questions asked in more than one of the sex scenes in this book, and I'm only 32% into the book. "Proving" your friend's sexuality by raping them? No. Not ok if you're a lesbian, not ok if you're a straight person, just not ok, not ever.
July 16, 2020
Sometimes love ain't enough
“Ours is not to question why. Our purpose in life is to do or die, I thought. I couldn’t wait to get the fuck out of that house and just do, ’cause in the house . . . I was dying.”
+ • + • + • +
It made me smile, made me cry, made my heart ache & made me optimistic riding the emotional rollercoaster from the first word to the last about finding & forging the redemption & resilience, security, strength, promise & power of being & feeling loved.
It was just so realistic & relatable. I appreciate the rawness, vulnerability & innocence in how it was appreciated without being distorted &/or diminished from what it addressing!! Awesome & Amazing!!
“Ours is not to question why. Our purpose in life is to do or die, I thought. I couldn’t wait to get the fuck out of that house and just do, ’cause in the house . . . I was dying.”
+ • + • + • +
It made me smile, made me cry, made my heart ache & made me optimistic riding the emotional rollercoaster from the first word to the last about finding & forging the redemption & resilience, security, strength, promise & power of being & feeling loved.
It was just so realistic & relatable. I appreciate the rawness, vulnerability & innocence in how it was appreciated without being distorted &/or diminished from what it addressing!! Awesome & Amazing!!
October 15, 2025
I really liked this book and the emotional roller coaster it takes the reader on through different lenses. A few reasons why I didn’t rate it a 5. The music lyrics for the songs she was writing were a little hard to read not knowing the cadence or the beat behind the lyrics. If I was reading this in high school I definitely think I would’ve like the book even more. Also I truly hate how the book ended. It leaves you on a cliff hanger with no real answer of what happens with Rodney, Jamilia, and Nina. Wish it would’ve had a few more chapters to seal the deal. Overall a good book and can definitely be movie worthy
May 21, 2017
boyyy oh boyy reading this book now . i feel like im watching a movie. and i want me a niya. the fact of being torn about who u are and admitting it, to the worry about being accepted by friends and family. to falling for someone u cant have . i Can relate to everything
update: may 21
Okay...
This book was amazing. Soulful, loving and real. Niya 😘👭❤❤💋makes u want to love her and never let go. Jamilla makes u want to punch her in the throat and watch her choke. How can u be sooooooo stupid...(cocks head to the side.?.humm) she deserves to feel the pain given. She deserves to be jealous with her scared, confused, selfish, using for own self gain ass..( sorry i get mad when i talk about her ughhh )😡😡😡. She had a woman who would kill die and ride for her.(sounds very familliar for me)
Ultimately not knowing and admitting who she is would be the reason Niya leaves her dumb ass..
Niyas journey to understanding who she is and coming out the closet and not giving a fuck is real life. Im glad she met Brazil. Im glad she moving on..
Now to my authorFabiola Joseph point me to book2 3 and 4 lol .. Im sooo ready to know exactly what happens next.
I cant describe how happy i am tonhave found an author who writes Rainbow Urban Fiction ( or is it...lol cause this is real life shit👀👀👀) parts of me is mad i finished the book... Thank you for painting a real live show in my head as i swept through the pages of ur master piece..
update: may 21
Okay...
This book was amazing. Soulful, loving and real. Niya 😘👭❤❤💋makes u want to love her and never let go. Jamilla makes u want to punch her in the throat and watch her choke. How can u be sooooooo stupid...(cocks head to the side.?.humm) she deserves to feel the pain given. She deserves to be jealous with her scared, confused, selfish, using for own self gain ass..( sorry i get mad when i talk about her ughhh )😡😡😡. She had a woman who would kill die and ride for her.(sounds very familliar for me)
Ultimately not knowing and admitting who she is would be the reason Niya leaves her dumb ass..
Niyas journey to understanding who she is and coming out the closet and not giving a fuck is real life. Im glad she met Brazil. Im glad she moving on..
Now to my authorFabiola Joseph point me to book2 3 and 4 lol .. Im sooo ready to know exactly what happens next.
I cant describe how happy i am tonhave found an author who writes Rainbow Urban Fiction ( or is it...lol cause this is real life shit👀👀👀) parts of me is mad i finished the book... Thank you for painting a real live show in my head as i swept through the pages of ur master piece..
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