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Afterwards #5
Young, Rich and Black
When Chris “Deuce” Scaife, Jr. and the campus revolutionary, Zora Diallo have an unexpected and powerful encounter just before winter break, no one could have been more surprised than they were. While they’re home for the holiday, what started as a temporary fling continues and strengthens. But will their new bond survive their return to campus? Back at school, Deuce’s reputation as a wealthy and directionless player, and Zora’s as a young-woman-to-watch mean that their friends, priorities and maybe even their values might be sharply at odds. Can the power of their newfound passion for each other withstand their differences? Zora is looking to change the world, but Deuce is just enjoying being young, rich and Black. And ultimately, maybe the pull of their divergent paths will be stronger than the pull toward each other ...
202 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 23, 2017
211 people are currently reading
305 people want to read
About the author
Nia Forrester
56 books980 followersI live in Philadelphia, PA where by day I work on public policy reform, and by night I read authors who move me, and write woman-centered fiction.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews
November 2, 2017
I LOVED this story. Like, LOVED. I read it in one sitting, while I was supposed to be working-- I was just that immersed in the world Nia created.
There's no doubting at this point that Nia Forrester is an incredibly, incredibly gifted writer. And what she was able to do with Deuce and Zora-- Deuce being a minor character from the Afterwards series-- only further illustrates what we already knew.
As I've said before, Nia's character development is pretty much unrivaled. What she's able to convey, the depth of emotion, thought-process and the internal struggles of her characters as they make life decisions, both small and large, is just... super impressive. It's impressive because even in all of that, she never loses sight of making sure the story has entertainment value. She writes characters that stick, that you think and wonder about long after you've finished the book, and Deuce and Zora are certainly no exception. In fact, I'm betting they'll emerge as favorites for a lot of reasons, namely because of the purity of their love as they struggle with external issues that cause them to question if that intense passion is enough to sustain them outside of their bubble.
Beyond that, this book is super timely, given the turmoil that we find ourselves in as a society. I always say it's really important that artists capture the times, as vividly as possible. In that way artists (musicians, writers, visual artists) are historians. That's what Nia did with this story. Nia writes with quiet intelligence. She doesn't yell to the reader about how smart she is, or how deeply she thinks about things that affect us as humans, or how we as humans relate to those everyday dips and curves of life. Yes, her writing is introspective and compelling, even poetic at times, but mostly, her writing is approachable. It's warm. Even when she grapples with heavy issues-- like feminism, sexuality, abuse, and in this book in particular, the Black Lives Matter movement and value of acknowledging the humanity of black folk from all walks of life-- her prose remains grounded, clear and digestible.
Deuce and Zora's story never felt heavy but it was complex, as both young characters came into their own, seeking balance and perspective and ultimately, finding a little of both of things in their unexpected love for one another. Deuce is easily, in my opinion, one of the best men she's written-- sexy and assured, even when he's questioning himself, vulnerable but sturdy-- but most of all in love with his woman, and not afraid to show it. It's always cool to read about a dude who isn't intimated by the realness and intensity of his feelings, even though he's young and inexperienced with commitment. That was Deuce-- all in, from the beginning. But he wasn't sappy or corny, which is a feat as a writer.
As for Zora, she was layered and beautiful, inside and out, even as she struggled with who she was becoming, and how to become that person and maintain her love for Deuce. What's cool about her character is she represents the balance that's needed for those invested in the movement for justice. The need to live and enjoy life, even the often strenuous push for social change. The need to just... be and actually be able to enjoy what the fight for the recognition of black humanity is ultimately about in the first place-- the ability to breathe freely. I think Nia touches on that here through Zora.
I'm sure readers will be wanting to hear more from Deuce and Zora because there is a lot more story to tell, should Nia be inclined to continue with them. Then again, it's usually that way with Nia's characters because you just don't want to let them go.
Young, Rich & Black perfectly illustrates why Nia Forrester is not only one of the best, but most needed voices, not just in romance, but in fiction period.
There's no doubting at this point that Nia Forrester is an incredibly, incredibly gifted writer. And what she was able to do with Deuce and Zora-- Deuce being a minor character from the Afterwards series-- only further illustrates what we already knew.
As I've said before, Nia's character development is pretty much unrivaled. What she's able to convey, the depth of emotion, thought-process and the internal struggles of her characters as they make life decisions, both small and large, is just... super impressive. It's impressive because even in all of that, she never loses sight of making sure the story has entertainment value. She writes characters that stick, that you think and wonder about long after you've finished the book, and Deuce and Zora are certainly no exception. In fact, I'm betting they'll emerge as favorites for a lot of reasons, namely because of the purity of their love as they struggle with external issues that cause them to question if that intense passion is enough to sustain them outside of their bubble.
Beyond that, this book is super timely, given the turmoil that we find ourselves in as a society. I always say it's really important that artists capture the times, as vividly as possible. In that way artists (musicians, writers, visual artists) are historians. That's what Nia did with this story. Nia writes with quiet intelligence. She doesn't yell to the reader about how smart she is, or how deeply she thinks about things that affect us as humans, or how we as humans relate to those everyday dips and curves of life. Yes, her writing is introspective and compelling, even poetic at times, but mostly, her writing is approachable. It's warm. Even when she grapples with heavy issues-- like feminism, sexuality, abuse, and in this book in particular, the Black Lives Matter movement and value of acknowledging the humanity of black folk from all walks of life-- her prose remains grounded, clear and digestible.
Deuce and Zora's story never felt heavy but it was complex, as both young characters came into their own, seeking balance and perspective and ultimately, finding a little of both of things in their unexpected love for one another. Deuce is easily, in my opinion, one of the best men she's written-- sexy and assured, even when he's questioning himself, vulnerable but sturdy-- but most of all in love with his woman, and not afraid to show it. It's always cool to read about a dude who isn't intimated by the realness and intensity of his feelings, even though he's young and inexperienced with commitment. That was Deuce-- all in, from the beginning. But he wasn't sappy or corny, which is a feat as a writer.
As for Zora, she was layered and beautiful, inside and out, even as she struggled with who she was becoming, and how to become that person and maintain her love for Deuce. What's cool about her character is she represents the balance that's needed for those invested in the movement for justice. The need to live and enjoy life, even the often strenuous push for social change. The need to just... be and actually be able to enjoy what the fight for the recognition of black humanity is ultimately about in the first place-- the ability to breathe freely. I think Nia touches on that here through Zora.
I'm sure readers will be wanting to hear more from Deuce and Zora because there is a lot more story to tell, should Nia be inclined to continue with them. Then again, it's usually that way with Nia's characters because you just don't want to let them go.
Young, Rich & Black perfectly illustrates why Nia Forrester is not only one of the best, but most needed voices, not just in romance, but in fiction period.
May 30, 2017
I really enjoyed this NA book about a college-aged hero and heroine. It wasn’t just a love story. It dealt with issues of racism that young people and society at large have to address, but did so from the point of view of a diehard female activist and a pampered rich kid (the hero).
One of the things I liked about it was that Forrester addressed how some people tend to try to tell others how they should be activists. Also, that we tend to judge the wealthy in harsh terms, projecting our own beliefs, prejudices, and expectations on them. Yes, being rich is nice. No doubt about it, but it was interesting to see how even being wealthy can come with its own limitations and expectations on behavior.
This couple was perfect together. Opposite but the same. Their sexual chemistry was off the charts, and though they’re both young, I can imagine them living together and fighting the good fight in their future HEA.
One of the things I liked about it was that Forrester addressed how some people tend to try to tell others how they should be activists. Also, that we tend to judge the wealthy in harsh terms, projecting our own beliefs, prejudices, and expectations on them. Yes, being rich is nice. No doubt about it, but it was interesting to see how even being wealthy can come with its own limitations and expectations on behavior.
This couple was perfect together. Opposite but the same. Their sexual chemistry was off the charts, and though they’re both young, I can imagine them living together and fighting the good fight in their future HEA.
February 6, 2017
Young, Rich and Black, while a love story at its core, takes a look at the ongoing stereotypes and prejudices prevalent in our society while addressing issues of racial profiling, colorism, classism, and ageism. Nia Forrester seamlessly incorporates all of these issues and much more in less than 200 pages. Forrester has a gift and has definitely solidified her place as one of the most talented writers out there now. Deuce and Zora’s story is captivating and hopeful for the best of what love is in a world full of chaos, hatred and injustice. Forrester’s ability to capture not only the misconceptions presented by supporting characters but to also depict the preconceived notions that Deuce and Zora have about one another before and during their acquaintance is remarkable.
Deuce and Zora both learn that there is more than meets the eye to the connection they share. Through their differences they help each other open up to a new world they would not likely be privy to without having met. Like yin and yang, they balance each other out. Deuce in many ways has been sheltered by his family’s wealth and has not directly experienced some of the realities of what it means to live while Black in America. Zora, on the other hand, has experienced the full spectrum of what that means and as a result is committed to being an activist inciting awareness at sometimes the cost of being carefree. The two while on the surface appear totally opposite but find through time that they are exactly what the other needs.
I am convinced that there is no topic or couple that Nia Forrester is not able to write well. Even if the reader doesn’t like the storyline her writing leaves you seeing things in a new light and sometimes different viewpoint than your own. Young, Rich and Black is no different. Where some would question what struggle someone like Deuce would experience, Forrester presents his story in such a compelling way that you cannot possibly finish reading without having empathy for him. I absolutely loved this book and believe it is one of Nia Forrester’s best works. This novella is truly a 5 star read.
Deuce and Zora both learn that there is more than meets the eye to the connection they share. Through their differences they help each other open up to a new world they would not likely be privy to without having met. Like yin and yang, they balance each other out. Deuce in many ways has been sheltered by his family’s wealth and has not directly experienced some of the realities of what it means to live while Black in America. Zora, on the other hand, has experienced the full spectrum of what that means and as a result is committed to being an activist inciting awareness at sometimes the cost of being carefree. The two while on the surface appear totally opposite but find through time that they are exactly what the other needs.
I am convinced that there is no topic or couple that Nia Forrester is not able to write well. Even if the reader doesn’t like the storyline her writing leaves you seeing things in a new light and sometimes different viewpoint than your own. Young, Rich and Black is no different. Where some would question what struggle someone like Deuce would experience, Forrester presents his story in such a compelling way that you cannot possibly finish reading without having empathy for him. I absolutely loved this book and believe it is one of Nia Forrester’s best works. This novella is truly a 5 star read.
June 21, 2017
Every time I read one of Nia's books I never rushed through it. Her stories pull me in and make me feel like I've known the characters all my life. I take my time getting to know everyone. This story was another five star read with colorful characters and a great storyline.
Nia is easily one of my favorite authors. I enjoyed each chapter and of course Zora was my favorite character. She's complex, witty with a slight attitude. Loved her and Deuce too! It was nice to see Jamal make an appearance with his fine self. I'm waiting for her to pen a story with three best friends or sisters. :hint hint:
Nia is easily one of my favorite authors. I enjoyed each chapter and of course Zora was my favorite character. She's complex, witty with a slight attitude. Loved her and Deuce too! It was nice to see Jamal make an appearance with his fine self. I'm waiting for her to pen a story with three best friends or sisters. :hint hint:
January 24, 2017
Young in Love
Loved it. Refreshing to read about college aged romance, where respect, admiration, affection and love are at the forefront. Deuce and Zora are a couple that you want to see succeed. 1-click and see what happens!
Loved it. Refreshing to read about college aged romance, where respect, admiration, affection and love are at the forefront. Deuce and Zora are a couple that you want to see succeed. 1-click and see what happens!
February 26, 2021
Absolutely here for this love story!! Too short for me! I thoroughly enjoyed this nonetheless. Nia is a genius with the pen, damn.
August 12, 2020
Great story! Do opposites really attract or just repel after "winter break" ends? Deuce and Zora are an unlikely millennial romantic pair. He's easygoing and she's more serious, both are ambitious but in different ways.
Deuce (aka Christopher Scaife, Jr.) is a child of wealth and privilege: grew-up in a suburb of New York, vacations to the Hamptons, and a world traveler. He's known as a carefree player with a dating preference for the lighter end of the color spectrum.
Deuce reflects on Zora: "On an average day, Deuce found her and the rest of that power-to-the-people crowd to be amusing; and on a bad day, annoying" (kindle p. 13).
Zora Diallo is the child of an intercultural marriage (African-American mother and Senegalese father) with middle-class roots and who has a dedicated racial consciousness. She's the co-chair of a local chapter of Black Lives Matter (BLM). She's known as the cute chocolate sista activist on campus.
Zora considers her mother's impression of her: "She was the only one in the family who wasn't in denial about the fact that Zora wasn't exactly living the life of a good, Muslim girl. Hell, she even ate pepperoni on her pizza" (kindle p. 94).
Deuce and Zora have considerable social-political differences and it's a source of contention for both of them. Will they be able to build a bridge of understanding or collapse any attempts at unity?
What was really enjoyable about this book was it showed the diversity of African-American thoughts and opinions in a very realistic way. There's a brilliant explanation on BLM as a movement that is deserving of a standing ovation (hence, the author is an attorney). Also, liked how both of the characters' childhoods played a role in their courtship. Great work was done in this novella!
Deuce (aka Christopher Scaife, Jr.) is a child of wealth and privilege: grew-up in a suburb of New York, vacations to the Hamptons, and a world traveler. He's known as a carefree player with a dating preference for the lighter end of the color spectrum.
Deuce reflects on Zora: "On an average day, Deuce found her and the rest of that power-to-the-people crowd to be amusing; and on a bad day, annoying" (kindle p. 13).
Zora Diallo is the child of an intercultural marriage (African-American mother and Senegalese father) with middle-class roots and who has a dedicated racial consciousness. She's the co-chair of a local chapter of Black Lives Matter (BLM). She's known as the cute chocolate sista activist on campus.
Zora considers her mother's impression of her: "She was the only one in the family who wasn't in denial about the fact that Zora wasn't exactly living the life of a good, Muslim girl. Hell, she even ate pepperoni on her pizza" (kindle p. 94).
Deuce and Zora have considerable social-political differences and it's a source of contention for both of them. Will they be able to build a bridge of understanding or collapse any attempts at unity?
What was really enjoyable about this book was it showed the diversity of African-American thoughts and opinions in a very realistic way. There's a brilliant explanation on BLM as a movement that is deserving of a standing ovation (hence, the author is an attorney). Also, liked how both of the characters' childhoods played a role in their courtship. Great work was done in this novella!
February 16, 2017
What I love about Nia Forrester's writing is that she always causes me to examine my feelings about issues affecting our society while still telling a great story. She did it again in Young, Rich & Black. It was interesting to see Deuce's perspective on his privileged life, and it was even more interesting to see how he reacted to other's preconceived notions about him. Zora seemed to be going through the same thing, just with a different set of circumstances and expectations. To me, this story was about navigating expectations. Zora and Deuce had expectations that they imposed on themselves as well as those imposed on them by others. It was a pleasure seeing them figure out those that mattered and those that didn't.
February 6, 2017
A Wonderful Read!!!
Whenever one of my favorite authors decide to revisit characters from some of her bestsellers; one can only expect pure bliss and it was blissful. Duece and Zora's story was fun and meaningful with part of the story touches on the Black Lives Matter movement. A very pleasant and enjoyable read.
Whenever one of my favorite authors decide to revisit characters from some of her bestsellers; one can only expect pure bliss and it was blissful. Duece and Zora's story was fun and meaningful with part of the story touches on the Black Lives Matter movement. A very pleasant and enjoyable read.
November 18, 2024
APB Perspective Review
This book came at the right time ! I needed this story, I needed the message , and I loved this story.
This book came at the right time ! I needed this story, I needed the message , and I loved this story.
November 29, 2020
Well Done
Really well done, and exceptionally so since this is a novella. Writing about "young love" may seem difficult being that the main characters are relatively pups, but Nia Forrester pulls it off seamlessly.
But it, read it and enjoy!!👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥
Really well done, and exceptionally so since this is a novella. Writing about "young love" may seem difficult being that the main characters are relatively pups, but Nia Forrester pulls it off seamlessly.
But it, read it and enjoy!!👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥
January 25, 2017
Love in the face of Diversity
She did it again. Wow, I'm truly overwhelmed right now. This was a story of young college students finding love but facing political views as well as finding themselves with a mutual respect of their differences. I am a TRUE lover of Nia's work but this book pulled at my heart strings like no other because of all the social changes happening right now in our society. It's a must read per my perspective.
She did it again. Wow, I'm truly overwhelmed right now. This was a story of young college students finding love but facing political views as well as finding themselves with a mutual respect of their differences. I am a TRUE lover of Nia's work but this book pulled at my heart strings like no other because of all the social changes happening right now in our society. It's a must read per my perspective.
February 21, 2017
Title: Young, Rich and Black: An Afterwards Novella
Author: Nia Forrester
Publisher: N. F.
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Young, Rich and Black: an Afterwards Novella" by Nia Forrester
My Thoughts...
A beautiful college romance where this story brings out a little bit of it all...'respect, affection, admiration and above all love.' In the end will these two...[Chris Chaife] Deuce and Dora Diallo get their HEA?
The reader will be pulled into this story from page one that will keep your attention all the way to the end as this author brings out the 'current political climate that definitely brought out the 'Young, Rich & Black' of today's current issues.' This was definitely a good read where the reader will find Zora mostly being displayed as in a serious feeling while Deuce is more wild, loose but ambitious and knew what he wanted... and in the end ...both giving the reader one a good story of a young maturing love.
I really enjoyed reading and seeing how this author was able to present us a story that dealt with college students who found love while facing political views as they find themselves with a mutual respect of their differences.' Bringing these two together...Deuce and Zora were definitely a most unlikely couple but when they came together they seemed to 'better each other.' But will it take some time to get to this part? Will these two be able to get to the part that will give them both what they want and needed for each other? By the end we get a read that is not only 'timely and sweet' but also well informed, riveted and one engaging story.
To find out how this story line will come out you will have to pick up this good novella read to see for yourself how well this author presents it all to the readers and leaving the reader with thoughts of just 'what will happen next.'
Author: Nia Forrester
Publisher: N. F.
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Young, Rich and Black: an Afterwards Novella" by Nia Forrester
My Thoughts...
A beautiful college romance where this story brings out a little bit of it all...'respect, affection, admiration and above all love.' In the end will these two...[Chris Chaife] Deuce and Dora Diallo get their HEA?
The reader will be pulled into this story from page one that will keep your attention all the way to the end as this author brings out the 'current political climate that definitely brought out the 'Young, Rich & Black' of today's current issues.' This was definitely a good read where the reader will find Zora mostly being displayed as in a serious feeling while Deuce is more wild, loose but ambitious and knew what he wanted... and in the end ...both giving the reader one a good story of a young maturing love.
I really enjoyed reading and seeing how this author was able to present us a story that dealt with college students who found love while facing political views as they find themselves with a mutual respect of their differences.' Bringing these two together...Deuce and Zora were definitely a most unlikely couple but when they came together they seemed to 'better each other.' But will it take some time to get to this part? Will these two be able to get to the part that will give them both what they want and needed for each other? By the end we get a read that is not only 'timely and sweet' but also well informed, riveted and one engaging story.
To find out how this story line will come out you will have to pick up this good novella read to see for yourself how well this author presents it all to the readers and leaving the reader with thoughts of just 'what will happen next.'
September 2, 2017
Another wonderful read from Nia Forrester. This a brief interlude in a love story with so many layers that after you've finished it you feel utterly satisfied but still a little greedy for more cause it was so good. Nia has always been a writer that makes a reader think but not at the expense of feeling, rather in conjunction with it. Like a hand and glove: the perfect fit. Zora and Deuce are characters you root for immediately because their romance feels more like one you might have shipped in real life; writing it in your head for two of your favorite people. The title gives a rather straightforward hint to at least one of the characters back story but trust me when I say that is a small measure of its potency in character building. The transitions these characters realize are not only heartwarming, they are realistic and in Deuce's case for me at least, especially cool. I still haven't read all of Ms. Forrester's books (I always save the good stuff for a rainy day) but I'd have to say that Deuce is definitely in the top two of my fave male characters she's written. He's young, rich, and black but he's a heck of a lot more and all of it worth the read here or in any future stories I suspect. Highly recommend.
February 5, 2017
Loved it.
February 5, 2017
Nina Forrester has delivered yet another winner! Young, Rich & Black: an Afterwards Novella is a fantastic story that pulls you in from the first page.
Deuce and Zora are two very complex characters who are still trying to find their place in the world. There's who everyone assumes they are, and who they really are--and often the two images don't mesh. I loved the contrasts between Deuce and Zora--they've had such different lives and interests but there is something to the old saying that opposites attract.
Deftly written and very relevant given the current political climate, Young, Rich & Black takes on today's issues instead of pretending they don't exist, and still delivers a satisfying love story.
Deuce and Zora are two very complex characters who are still trying to find their place in the world. There's who everyone assumes they are, and who they really are--and often the two images don't mesh. I loved the contrasts between Deuce and Zora--they've had such different lives and interests but there is something to the old saying that opposites attract.
Deftly written and very relevant given the current political climate, Young, Rich & Black takes on today's issues instead of pretending they don't exist, and still delivers a satisfying love story.
February 2, 2017
Zo and Duece are like the younger siblings that you dream to mentor, mold and shape. They are everything that you imagine it should be if you could rewind time and redo your college years. That is if you were rich, the son of man who built an entertainment empire or the daughter of a movement that is the forefront of our current culture and someone who just know what she knows.
This story was sweet without being sugary, deep without feeling like you're drowning in an emotional abyss and hopeful without feeling like although they are young and just beginning on this journey called life, they didn't deserve "grown up" love. They absolutely deserve love and they deserve each other. Can't wait to read more from this couple. They have an awesome start but have so much more room to grow into their love.
This story was sweet without being sugary, deep without feeling like you're drowning in an emotional abyss and hopeful without feeling like although they are young and just beginning on this journey called life, they didn't deserve "grown up" love. They absolutely deserve love and they deserve each other. Can't wait to read more from this couple. They have an awesome start but have so much more room to grow into their love.
January 29, 2017
Every time I start a book, and the characters are younger than me I think that I won't be able to relate to them. I am so proven wrong with this book. Deuce and Zora were so unlike any two 20 year olds that I have ever know. They were far beyond the maturity level that 20 year olds possess. Deuce was the kind of young man that you want your son to become, and Zora was the confident young woman that any daughter would aspire to be. I can't wait to see how the story of these two and their budding relationship progress....well done.
P.S. This is no novella. It's short by Nia Forrester standards, but make no mistake, this is a full blown story.
P.S. This is no novella. It's short by Nia Forrester standards, but make no mistake, this is a full blown story.
January 28, 2017
Oh my goodness, I so enjoyed this Novella, I wouldn't even call it that personally because it gave you so much and didn't necessarily leave you hanging. Deuce & Zora remind me of a young Shawn & Riley, not the storyline but that they are two people from different backgrounds have different interests, different goals but are drawn to one another in-spite of those differences. I loved it & will always appreciate the work Nia Forrester puts out!!
February 5, 2017
Duece Scaife just as laid back as his daddy. Loved this novella a quick look into the life of Chris Scaife oldest son.
June 2, 2019
Like father like son!
Deuce is definitely his fathers child in all the best ways. Even seeing the way he is with Zora just made me think about Chris and Robyn. This story is very intriguing to me because you can clearly see they come from two very different worlds but when it comes to love none of that really matters. If it’s meant to be in the end it always will❤️ Can’t wait to read the rest of their story!
Deuce is definitely his fathers child in all the best ways. Even seeing the way he is with Zora just made me think about Chris and Robyn. This story is very intriguing to me because you can clearly see they come from two very different worlds but when it comes to love none of that really matters. If it’s meant to be in the end it always will❤️ Can’t wait to read the rest of their story!
February 19, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Awwww Deuce!! I adored him when he was introduced in book 1. So I was happy to read about the older, almost grown up version of him.
As for Zora, I’m conflicted. There was so much I liked about her. I’m really hoping and I’m certain it will happen in book 2, but I think more needs to be unpacked with her. I hated her judgmental stance towards Deuce. It was like she decided who he was and treated him that way, ignoring all the ways he was showing her a new better version of himself.
Fingers crossed, her attitude improves in book 2.
I love the storyline surrounding them- both of their struggles. Especially the BLM, police brutality, cultural differences, privilege and wealth. A truly well written story. If it wasn’t after 1 am, I would begin book 2.
Awwww Deuce!! I adored him when he was introduced in book 1. So I was happy to read about the older, almost grown up version of him.
As for Zora, I’m conflicted. There was so much I liked about her. I’m really hoping and I’m certain it will happen in book 2, but I think more needs to be unpacked with her. I hated her judgmental stance towards Deuce. It was like she decided who he was and treated him that way, ignoring all the ways he was showing her a new better version of himself.
Fingers crossed, her attitude improves in book 2.
I love the storyline surrounding them- both of their struggles. Especially the BLM, police brutality, cultural differences, privilege and wealth. A truly well written story. If it wasn’t after 1 am, I would begin book 2.
February 1, 2017
YR&B! Powerful
This novella was a nice way to shed light onto the young man who will likely lead Scaife Enterprise into the next phase.. Deuce Scaife like his father held a menacing presence in this story, in a good way. I liked the young man he'd grown into. He never came across in the story as pretentious or arrogantly. The episode in the beginning with Deuce and his friend being pulled over for driving while black was real life. Zora's role in the BLM campaign was another nice touch with reality.. The eventual relationship with Deuce and Zora felt really nice. This story was more like real friends we've grown to love instead of a novella. The cameo appearances with Robyn, Chris and Jamal was nice. Deuces little brothers and sisters even made an appearance. This was a well told, well rounded story about a young couple dealing with very powerful subjects that impact black lives: The BLM movement, power, privilege, loving, and owning who you are without reservations.
This novella was a nice way to shed light onto the young man who will likely lead Scaife Enterprise into the next phase.. Deuce Scaife like his father held a menacing presence in this story, in a good way. I liked the young man he'd grown into. He never came across in the story as pretentious or arrogantly. The episode in the beginning with Deuce and his friend being pulled over for driving while black was real life. Zora's role in the BLM campaign was another nice touch with reality.. The eventual relationship with Deuce and Zora felt really nice. This story was more like real friends we've grown to love instead of a novella. The cameo appearances with Robyn, Chris and Jamal was nice. Deuces little brothers and sisters even made an appearance. This was a well told, well rounded story about a young couple dealing with very powerful subjects that impact black lives: The BLM movement, power, privilege, loving, and owning who you are without reservations.
June 2, 2020
Good quick read. I enjoyed the story of Zora And Deuce! Great writing definitely holds your attention.
April 22, 2019
Deuce is like a more charming laid back version of his father. Even though Chris Sr. wasn't really in his life in the beginning, you can still see him in Deuce. In his chill and laid back manner, his no nonsense attitude, his self awareness and confidence. It's just not as INTENSE and INTIMIDATING.
Reading about Deuce and Zora was fun and cute. I loved that Nia put a lot of emphasis on the BLM movement but didn't make it sound preachy or overly righteous. It fit right into the story and into Zoras story.
I don't really have much else to say other than that the book was GOOD. Nia made a Novella that isn't even 200 pages feel like a full length novel complete with complete character development, plot and feels!
I hadn't realized that this book recently came out and that I was supposed to read Jamal's books before this, but tbh I wasn't really spoiled on anything because the one thing that could be considered as a 'spoiler' I saw coming from a mile away simply by reading Aftewards and Afterburn.
Reading about Deuce and Zora was fun and cute. I loved that Nia put a lot of emphasis on the BLM movement but didn't make it sound preachy or overly righteous. It fit right into the story and into Zoras story.
I don't really have much else to say other than that the book was GOOD. Nia made a Novella that isn't even 200 pages feel like a full length novel complete with complete character development, plot and feels!
I hadn't realized that this book recently came out and that I was supposed to read Jamal's books before this, but tbh I wasn't really spoiled on anything because the one thing that could be considered as a 'spoiler' I saw coming from a mile away simply by reading Aftewards and Afterburn.
March 12, 2017
I did enjoy this novella focussed on Deuce, Chris Scaife's eldest son, (from Afterwards) although it had more of a focus on the experience of modern African-Americans as well as the romance. But it wasn't my fav so far out of the 'Afterwards' series. Whilst I liked Deuce and Zora, because it was only a novella, you didn't feel you knew them as well as the characters from the full-length books. It's for this reason I guess, that I'm not normally a novella fan. But it was fun to have brief revisits with some of the great characters from earlier books. But I probably wouldn't have read this one if I hadn't already read some of the other books.
February 25, 2017
Wow...just wow! I actually exhaled after I read the last line of the story. Loved these characters so much! Nia Forrester did such a beautiful job telling their story. This is what makes her one of my faves.
March 3, 2017
Quick Read
This was a cute quick read. Loved getting to hear about Deuce and I feel like Ive watched him grow before my very eyes. Defintely reminds me of a younger version of his father albeit he isn't as big of an asshole.
This was a cute quick read. Loved getting to hear about Deuce and I feel like Ive watched him grow before my very eyes. Defintely reminds me of a younger version of his father albeit he isn't as big of an asshole.
February 27, 2017
Excellent story on young love. I'm glad Nia decided to write about these two. Nia is definitely one of my favorite authors to read for Black Love!!
February 18, 2017
Two Amazing Millennials
I've loved Chris Scaife Sr since I was introduced to the character so I'm not surprised by how much I love Deuce! Deuce and Zora's characters were absolutely amazing. I love how we got a glimpse of both of their worlds and how they're blended together.
I've loved Chris Scaife Sr since I was introduced to the character so I'm not surprised by how much I love Deuce! Deuce and Zora's characters were absolutely amazing. I love how we got a glimpse of both of their worlds and how they're blended together.
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