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The Truth #2
The Lies: The Lies We Tell About Life, Love, and Everything in Between
Sometimes, the worst lies are the ones we tell ourselves.
They build and build, into a facade of transparency and false truth that we present to the world… until it comes crashing down because of that one person who sees right into you.
“Just one more time.”
“It’s not even like that.”
“I’m not tripping about it.”
“I’m fine. Really.”
Growth and Forgiveness. Maturity and Grace. Moving on, and moving forward. All come into play when something that was supposed to be a one-time indulgence becomes something more – something almost destroyed by lies they never told each other.
They build and build, into a facade of transparency and false truth that we present to the world… until it comes crashing down because of that one person who sees right into you.
“Just one more time.”
“It’s not even like that.”
“I’m not tripping about it.”
“I’m fine. Really.”
Growth and Forgiveness. Maturity and Grace. Moving on, and moving forward. All come into play when something that was supposed to be a one-time indulgence becomes something more – something almost destroyed by lies they never told each other.
252 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 30, 2017
303 people are currently reading
458 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews
March 5, 2024
The Lies: The Lies We Tell About Life, Love, and Everything in Between was the epitome of a black romance. This book was so good and beautifully written. Brandy and Kyle's story definitely tugged at my heartstrings. What was suppose to be a one time hook up between buddies turns into a friends with benefits arrangement and we all know how those end. Long story short, Kyle catches feeling. Brandy catches feeling too but, misunderstands their situation and, inadvertently, friend zones Kyle. He gets pissed off, Brandy's feelings are hurt, and an adult conversation is finally had about how they really feel about each other. Whew chile! These two almost made me pull my hair out but, the end result made the frustration worth it. I loved how Kyle continuously looked out for Brandy well being. He was the one who recognized she was battling depression and talked her into speaking with someone. Not only did he encourage her to go to therapy but, he paid for it. Now, that's the kind of grown man energy I like to see! And, of course, Iris, Gia, and Derek came through with the LOL moments. They kept me hollering throughout this entire book. The Lies: The Lies We Tell About Life, Love, and Everything in Between was a wonderful story. It was full of romance, emotional drama, and hot sex. The chemistry between Brandy and Kyle sucks you in from page one. Read this book! You will not be disappointed.
May 6, 2024
I loved this book… I think because I can relate to Brandi… I love how their relationship started… I love that he fell for her with ease.. I loved their fire together.. their chemistry.. I love the friend group… I love the mental health talk.. this is a book I’ll buy for my shelf..
“I don’t know what this is right now,” she said, and I looked at her just in time to see her wiping tears from her eyes. “But I woke up feeling… you know. Because you know me. And I went for a run, and I cut my braids out, and I tried all the little tips that you gave me, about getting out of it. Nothing worked. And I just… all I wanted to do was talk to you. All I wanted was my friend, and I couldn’t stand another second of not talking to you after weeks and weeks of vibing with you damn near every day. I miss you.”
“I don’t know what this is right now,” she said, and I looked at her just in time to see her wiping tears from her eyes. “But I woke up feeling… you know. Because you know me. And I went for a run, and I cut my braids out, and I tried all the little tips that you gave me, about getting out of it. Nothing worked. And I just… all I wanted to do was talk to you. All I wanted was my friend, and I couldn’t stand another second of not talking to you after weeks and weeks of vibing with you damn near every day. I miss you.”
February 11, 2022
Brandi x Kyle
***Potential Spoilers***
This story was not what I expected. Though it was good, I preferred the first installment.
Brandi was this badass single mother who seemed like she had it all together, but deep down, sis had some pretty dark issues she was dealing with. Depression, anxiety....mental illness in general, scares me, and it's something I wish I could understand. But, seeing Brandi taking those measures to take care of her mental health just warms my heart.
Kyle was just this misunderstood former athlete who was trying to co-parent. I know Audrey was the baby moms, but my goodness, I hated her. She was toxic, manipulative, and so effing entitled. Like Ma'am, plealeeaseee.
I loved Kyle and Brandi and their journey to love and healing. That's one of the things I loved about CCJ. Her plots are so real and super relatable.
***Potential Spoilers***
This story was not what I expected. Though it was good, I preferred the first installment.
Brandi was this badass single mother who seemed like she had it all together, but deep down, sis had some pretty dark issues she was dealing with. Depression, anxiety....mental illness in general, scares me, and it's something I wish I could understand. But, seeing Brandi taking those measures to take care of her mental health just warms my heart.
Kyle was just this misunderstood former athlete who was trying to co-parent. I know Audrey was the baby moms, but my goodness, I hated her. She was toxic, manipulative, and so effing entitled. Like Ma'am, plealeeaseee.
I loved Kyle and Brandi and their journey to love and healing. That's one of the things I loved about CCJ. Her plots are so real and super relatable.
April 1, 2017
Dang I did not want this book to end.
Boy oh boy oh boy. CCJ what can you say about her beside she knows how to weave a story and keep you entertained, give you chemisty between the hero and the heroine. She gives you laughs,hot love scenes, lovable sub characters. She turns out a story and keeps you wanting more. What I Iove about this book is the friendship between the main characters and lets get this thing going. I really did not want this book to end.
Brandi is a single mother raising a teenage son. Trying to balance work, home and taking care of her son while dealing with betrayal from her son's father and battling her low moments that is coming far more frequently. Kyle who is co parenting with his sons mother and their on again and off again relationship. Trying to change people perception of him that he can't settle down with one person. Harmless flirtation between friends turns into something more. Can these two handles what comes next and the outside forces that can end them before they begin.
Love it all. BRAVO CCJ BRAVO
Boy oh boy oh boy. CCJ what can you say about her beside she knows how to weave a story and keep you entertained, give you chemisty between the hero and the heroine. She gives you laughs,hot love scenes, lovable sub characters. She turns out a story and keeps you wanting more. What I Iove about this book is the friendship between the main characters and lets get this thing going. I really did not want this book to end.
Brandi is a single mother raising a teenage son. Trying to balance work, home and taking care of her son while dealing with betrayal from her son's father and battling her low moments that is coming far more frequently. Kyle who is co parenting with his sons mother and their on again and off again relationship. Trying to change people perception of him that he can't settle down with one person. Harmless flirtation between friends turns into something more. Can these two handles what comes next and the outside forces that can end them before they begin.
Love it all. BRAVO CCJ BRAVO
March 6, 2023
4.5 stars
July 26, 2017
Devoured! I put off reading this book because to be 100% honest, I'm trying to slow my roll on reading books that I KNOW are going to be good. Kind of saving them for those times when I'm in a slump and I know that there will be very few things to get me out of it. But I always seem to find myself back at Christina's books, and stories like "The Lies We Tell About Love, Life and Everything in Between" are exactly the reason why I just keep coming back.
I went into this book already knowing that I was going to enjoy Brandi and Kyle because they were already introduced as friends to the main characters in the first book in this series. What I WASN'T expecting, was for this book to be so deep and affecting. This book wasn't just about two people being attracted to one another and acting on that attraction. It was about friendship, support, encouragement and uplifting.
In "The Lies We Tell," Christina touched on a very sensitive topic in the black community, depression. It is something that is very real and alive in our community but for whatever reason, it is treated as taboo. As a Black person, especially a Black Woman in America, you aren't allowed to be sad, you aren't allowed to show weakness, you aren't allowed to be vulnerable. There's this mentality that depression isn't real, you have no reason to be sad, we have endured so much and have so much more to overcome, you don't have time to "be in your feelings." But the truth of the matter is, we're human just like everyone else and go through the same stresses and chemical imbalances as the next person, and this book tackles that head on and doesn't treat it as if it's a throwaway topic.
I think it's what made me love Kyle as a character and love interest so much. Besides the fact that he's an amazing partner, he was also a great and supportive friend. He saw that Brandi was going through something and didn't treat her like she was crazy or weak, he offered suggestions and encouragement. He was there for her to push her when she needed to be pushed and to comfort her when she needed to be comforted. It was REFRESHING!
In an effort to not spoil the entire story, I will say, I would love to read more about these characters or any others that may be introduced in this world. Christina just has a way of completely immersing you in the characters and their lives from the very moment you turn the first page and it just makes for an entertaining and memorable read. I finished this book and couldn't believe it was already over because I had just started it. But that is the power of CCJ. Writing books that completely wrap you up and steal all of your time in a way that you don't care because it is time utilized on content that is absolutely worth it.
I went into this book already knowing that I was going to enjoy Brandi and Kyle because they were already introduced as friends to the main characters in the first book in this series. What I WASN'T expecting, was for this book to be so deep and affecting. This book wasn't just about two people being attracted to one another and acting on that attraction. It was about friendship, support, encouragement and uplifting.
In "The Lies We Tell," Christina touched on a very sensitive topic in the black community, depression. It is something that is very real and alive in our community but for whatever reason, it is treated as taboo. As a Black person, especially a Black Woman in America, you aren't allowed to be sad, you aren't allowed to show weakness, you aren't allowed to be vulnerable. There's this mentality that depression isn't real, you have no reason to be sad, we have endured so much and have so much more to overcome, you don't have time to "be in your feelings." But the truth of the matter is, we're human just like everyone else and go through the same stresses and chemical imbalances as the next person, and this book tackles that head on and doesn't treat it as if it's a throwaway topic.
I think it's what made me love Kyle as a character and love interest so much. Besides the fact that he's an amazing partner, he was also a great and supportive friend. He saw that Brandi was going through something and didn't treat her like she was crazy or weak, he offered suggestions and encouragement. He was there for her to push her when she needed to be pushed and to comfort her when she needed to be comforted. It was REFRESHING!
In an effort to not spoil the entire story, I will say, I would love to read more about these characters or any others that may be introduced in this world. Christina just has a way of completely immersing you in the characters and their lives from the very moment you turn the first page and it just makes for an entertaining and memorable read. I finished this book and couldn't believe it was already over because I had just started it. But that is the power of CCJ. Writing books that completely wrap you up and steal all of your time in a way that you don't care because it is time utilized on content that is absolutely worth it.
December 9, 2024
This was such a cute feel good story, and it was surprisingly sexy. I wasn’t looking forward to reading it because the follow up book is often not as good. Kyle & Brandy were a pleasant surprise. Their story was funny, touching, sexy and realistic.
June 14, 2025
OMG! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 This was absolutely amazing! 😊 I honestly didn’t expect it to be this good. I really enjoyed part one, but part two was even better! It tugged at my heartstrings and really resonated with me, bringing back so many memories. It felt like when you go to the hairdresser and they wash your hair—you get so relaxed that you drift off for a nice little nap. It was just so soothing without a nap 🤷🏾
April 1, 2022
I absolutely loved Kyle and Brandy! I love a great story that highlights healing through therapy. Kyle was so misunderstood and I’m happy Brandy gave him a chance. It was a refreshing story.
August 2, 2025
I didn’t like these characters, sorry I love CCJ ZOWNN but whew the lack of maturity, common sense consideration and conversation was annoying. Like the whole shock that the man you are freaking on spending time with and he’s making an effort to get to know you on a deeper level and you think he doesn’t like you????? Like oh yeah baby it’s wind and depressive thoughts in that noggin. I hated these characters but the writing was fine.
November 2, 2020
This book was soo good. CCJ continues to amaze me with how she interfaces issues black men and women personally deal with interwoven with two individuals falling in love. Brandi and Kyle were the definition of feeling like you're ready for a long term relationship but not knowing if a long term relationship is ready for you. I loved their banter and flirtatious nature.
**Audiobok Review**
Wesleigh Siobhan performed the #%%$^ out of Brandi. Her narration really took you threw the highs and lows Brandi was feeling as a friend, mother, and lover. Emmanuel Ingram gets better and better with each book. He brought the deliciousness of Kyles flirtation to life.
**Audiobok Review**
Wesleigh Siobhan performed the #%%$^ out of Brandi. Her narration really took you threw the highs and lows Brandi was feeling as a friend, mother, and lover. Emmanuel Ingram gets better and better with each book. He brought the deliciousness of Kyles flirtation to life.
February 6, 2021
As always CCJ touches on an issue that is usually ignored in the black community, that being mental health. As usual she handles it with measured sensibility and insight. BRAVO!!!
CCJ, The confrontation scene between new girlfriend and ex girlfriend had me hollerin'!!! The protagonist sounded just like my lady.🤣🤣🤣 And one foot in the sink and on your tippy toes with the other?!?!? I'M ON IT...TOOOONIGHT!!!!🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
GET THIS BOOK Y'ALL!!!!🔥👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥👍🏾
CCJ, The confrontation scene between new girlfriend and ex girlfriend had me hollerin'!!! The protagonist sounded just like my lady.🤣🤣🤣 And one foot in the sink and on your tippy toes with the other?!?!? I'M ON IT...TOOOONIGHT!!!!🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
GET THIS BOOK Y'ALL!!!!🔥👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥👍🏾
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 1, 2017
The Real Truth!!!
This story was incredible! It was heartwarming, sweet, funny and felt so real that I couldn't help but root for Kyle and B throughout the entire book. It showcased the good, bad and ugly in situationships! #BlackLoveMatters
Full review to come!
This story was incredible! It was heartwarming, sweet, funny and felt so real that I couldn't help but root for Kyle and B throughout the entire book. It showcased the good, bad and ugly in situationships! #BlackLoveMatters
Full review to come!
August 15, 2017
Yes indeed. This book was an exceptional look at friends to lovers that turns into an exclusive relationship. One on one love. The writing style is LOVELY and concise. Even though this was my first novel by the author Christina C. Jones, I will soon be reading more of her books.
February 16, 2023
Y’all know I’m a sucker for a good friends to lovers/friends with benefits romance!!! I liked the first book in this series (Iris/Rob), but I LOVED Brandi and Kyle!!! Both Brandi and Kyle are single parents with their own set of baggage. Any time their friend group hangs out, these two flirt hard but nothing comes of it. They both end up alone on Valentine’s Day, and one thing leads to another. We all know that sooner or later, somebody starts catching feelings, and it was refreshing that it was the man caught up on wanted to be more!
CCJ always layers her stories with real life topics that are very relatable. Kyle is trying to figure out a new dynamic with the mother of his son/former fling, and Brandi is wrestling with undiagnosed depression and a formerly deadbeat baby daddy who is truly trying to make amends for his past. Despite all of that, they’ve found solace in each other. I loved seeing Kyle encourage Brandi to acknowledge that she needed to seek help for her depression. Mental health rep is so important and he knew love wasn’t enough to heal her. Likewise, Brandi helped Kyle by actually seeing him for who he was and not the persona his friends saw.
I can’t skip the fact that CCJ KNOOOWS how to write some spice!!!! Brandi and Kyle were HOT together! I’m glad they got it together so they could finally have the partner they’d always wanted.
TROPES: black romance/BIPOC/own voices; friends to lovers/friends with benefits; reformed playboy; single parents (both H/h); great friend group; he falls first; mental health rep (depression)
CCJ always layers her stories with real life topics that are very relatable. Kyle is trying to figure out a new dynamic with the mother of his son/former fling, and Brandi is wrestling with undiagnosed depression and a formerly deadbeat baby daddy who is truly trying to make amends for his past. Despite all of that, they’ve found solace in each other. I loved seeing Kyle encourage Brandi to acknowledge that she needed to seek help for her depression. Mental health rep is so important and he knew love wasn’t enough to heal her. Likewise, Brandi helped Kyle by actually seeing him for who he was and not the persona his friends saw.
I can’t skip the fact that CCJ KNOOOWS how to write some spice!!!! Brandi and Kyle were HOT together! I’m glad they got it together so they could finally have the partner they’d always wanted.
TROPES: black romance/BIPOC/own voices; friends to lovers/friends with benefits; reformed playboy; single parents (both H/h); great friend group; he falls first; mental health rep (depression)
September 4, 2018
Something different
I love how the author positively touches on mental health and therapy for women of color. The communication between the characters was actually amazing. Very mature. I admired the support Brandi received from her friends during her tough times and her romantic partner suggesting therapy was different and refreshing. Reading this book definitely motivates me to continue my search for a new therapist.
I love how the author positively touches on mental health and therapy for women of color. The communication between the characters was actually amazing. Very mature. I admired the support Brandi received from her friends during her tough times and her romantic partner suggesting therapy was different and refreshing. Reading this book definitely motivates me to continue my search for a new therapist.
February 15, 2021
I thought it was Rob for me, but Kyle is the one! I'm a sucker for single parent(s) finding love and CCJ wrote the hell outta this. I can totally relate with Brandy (B) always having to be the strong one and putting her feelings to the side to be super mom and friend. Sometimes we just go on autopilot mode to get things done and be there for the people we love. But we need a break too! The way Kyle was aware of B's mental health and wanting to help her overcome it. The way her friends always checked on her. Mental health is real and everyone needs to acknowledge and take care of this.
Wesleigh Siobhan and Emmanuel Ingram did amazing voicing out Kyle and B. The different tones they do for the side characters are great and even more so when they voiced the kids in the story. I'm definitely loving their dynamic together. Now I wanna know if/when Derrick and Gia's story is coming cuz I wanna listen to that too!
Wesleigh Siobhan and Emmanuel Ingram did amazing voicing out Kyle and B. The different tones they do for the side characters are great and even more so when they voiced the kids in the story. I'm definitely loving their dynamic together. Now I wanna know if/when Derrick and Gia's story is coming cuz I wanna listen to that too!
January 18, 2024
Feel-Good Story
If you are looking for a feel-good story with a little bit of drama! This story is for you. Kyle and Brandy would be considered relationship goals. They handled each other (baby daddy, baby mama) situation very mature.
Kyle is a former NBA player who was injured and had to end his career and now has a three year old son with his EX. who is clearly not making co-parenting very easy for him.
Brandy is a single mom who is battling depression (which she doesn't know is depression) and has a son by the name of Zion of her ex. Who just recently three years ago came back into her and her son lives and has turned their world upside.
But the relationship between Kyle and Brandy is steamy! And I highly recommend it.
If you are looking for a feel-good story with a little bit of drama! This story is for you. Kyle and Brandy would be considered relationship goals. They handled each other (baby daddy, baby mama) situation very mature.
Kyle is a former NBA player who was injured and had to end his career and now has a three year old son with his EX. who is clearly not making co-parenting very easy for him.
Brandy is a single mom who is battling depression (which she doesn't know is depression) and has a son by the name of Zion of her ex. Who just recently three years ago came back into her and her son lives and has turned their world upside.
But the relationship between Kyle and Brandy is steamy! And I highly recommend it.
January 4, 2024
Christina C Jones knows how to write a man cause even I was feeling Kyle. Like book one, this one had no real drama, just the natural progression of two people falling in love. I loved it.
February 7, 2025
4.5⭐️ Loved Kyle and Brandy’s story. It took some time for them to get on the same page but they figured it out.
February 6, 2026
4.5 ⭐️
July 27, 2021
I loved this book from start to finish. CCJ always seems to weave a message into the romance and wow did this one deliver. Let’s talk about a bit.
In this read we met in more detail our hero Kyle, a former NBA player turned freelance artist. He also is co-parenting a basketball wonder kid of a son named KJ. Now Kyle is letting his slip show because he continued to entertain and feed an on again off again relationship with his son’s mother. All I could do at some of their interactions was shake my head. All I will say is that it never works!!
Our heroine is Brandi, a successful hairstylist and mother of her son Zion. She is attempting to co-parent with a once absentee father in Scott. Listen, Brandi got on my last good nerve in the beginning of this read. She has a lot of unresolved issues that are screaming to be addressed.
Therapy is focused on in this read a lot which for me I was all for. In the black community it is still deemed as something that is for the “crazy.” Which couldn’t be further from the truth but what we saw in this read is the internal struggle that happens when you are unsure about taking the step to make the appointment and the additional obstacle of the funding of the visits. These are real things!! CCJ be knowing how to perfectly combine reality, love, drama, friendship and the spicy time into a great read. 5 stars
In this read we met in more detail our hero Kyle, a former NBA player turned freelance artist. He also is co-parenting a basketball wonder kid of a son named KJ. Now Kyle is letting his slip show because he continued to entertain and feed an on again off again relationship with his son’s mother. All I could do at some of their interactions was shake my head. All I will say is that it never works!!
Our heroine is Brandi, a successful hairstylist and mother of her son Zion. She is attempting to co-parent with a once absentee father in Scott. Listen, Brandi got on my last good nerve in the beginning of this read. She has a lot of unresolved issues that are screaming to be addressed.
Therapy is focused on in this read a lot which for me I was all for. In the black community it is still deemed as something that is for the “crazy.” Which couldn’t be further from the truth but what we saw in this read is the internal struggle that happens when you are unsure about taking the step to make the appointment and the additional obstacle of the funding of the visits. These are real things!! CCJ be knowing how to perfectly combine reality, love, drama, friendship and the spicy time into a great read. 5 stars
July 14, 2019
There’s something about it...
Something about the black men that CCJ creates in her stories. They aren’t perfect, they aren’t faultless, but they are so many things that often gets left out of all the descriptions of black men. This book about Brandi and Kyle highlights all the awesomeness that can come from black men and the amazing- ness of single black women. Kyle is there for Brandi when she doesn’t even know that she needs it. Great story of friendship!
Something about the black men that CCJ creates in her stories. They aren’t perfect, they aren’t faultless, but they are so many things that often gets left out of all the descriptions of black men. This book about Brandi and Kyle highlights all the awesomeness that can come from black men and the amazing- ness of single black women. Kyle is there for Brandi when she doesn’t even know that she needs it. Great story of friendship!
February 19, 2018
Christina C. Jones' novels are so realistic-none of the fluff that sometimes comes with romance novels. She presents real adults, with real adult situations (drama, sex, bitterness, sex, parenting, sex, etc.) Brandi and Kyle are truly a new-age couple, navigating the dating scene while keeping each other humble, passionate and on their toes. I love this author's work.
November 20, 2018
Again!!!
I love Christina C Jones’s books because they deal with real life. Often in the African American community we don’t deal with mental illness we’ll; at all! This books shows how it’s ok to take care of your mental health as well as your physical
I love Christina C Jones’s books because they deal with real life. Often in the African American community we don’t deal with mental illness we’ll; at all! This books shows how it’s ok to take care of your mental health as well as your physical
April 9, 2017
Invigorating story with genuine characters & a nice storyline. Kyle & Brandi were an example of great friends learning to enjoy each other. Another very good relaxing read by Christina C. Jones!
April 18, 2017
Decent read
This was a quick read. The storyline was pretty predictable, no real drama or wow moments. I thought that there were good avenues that could have been explored.
This was a quick read. The storyline was pretty predictable, no real drama or wow moments. I thought that there were good avenues that could have been explored.
January 7, 2021
Another amazing read...
Queen Christina did not hold back in this Kyle & Brandi's story and their storyline was authentic cause it happens all the time. The bm and bd ain't "together" but they're "together" and repeat that toxic vibe until someone really gets hurt or in this case somebody finally gets tired. Having it narrated through audible gave it a non-picture movie vibe. The narrator's did an awesome job.
Brandi was a woman and mom navigating raising her son, working, being a good friend and trying not to have a mental breakdown. She was still carrying the hurt from Scott leaving her pregnant and alone while him and his while family added as of she our her soon didn't exist for 10 years, smdh. Then he returns trying to fix what he broke and be a better man than he was. Like most women who haven't had closer, 3 years after he returns she's still angry, still holding on to that hurt and he's just the greatest father in the world to their son.
Kyle the former NBA player turned freelance artist who can't seem to get people to see past the ish he did 10 years ago when he started in the league. Now he it's an amazing father to his son, great friend, but he can't seem to greet the relationship thing together cause he and his bm Audrey keep repeating the toxic cycle of screwing and not screwing. For him he figured stuck to what he knows otherwise like most bm's she'll make his life a living hell, plus it's familiar.
Aubrey kinda like Brandi is still holding on to hurt and anger from 10 years ago when Kyle cheated. He promised to never to again, 2 years later she takes him back and the toxic cycle begins. Luke most women she ain't really over the hurt, hasn't really forgiven him for the hurt, but she'd be damn if he moves pin and the next chick gets what she deserves so the cycle continues.
Kyle and Brandi needed each other, they didn't realize it at first but they did. They helped each other heal, realize the error of their ways when it came to their co-parenting relationships, etc. The sex😁😜! They had an amazing friendship, that neither realized had kinda turned into a relationship cause it was so organic, it just flowed. Plus they were low-key with it and in the beginning that's the best way to go, no outside interference.
Then Iris figured out that they were a thing and ruined it with her self doubt, pissed me off cause it brought back all Brandi's insecurities and self doubt😠
Rob wasn't any better feature he was ready to fight Kyle because he assumed he would hurt her but hell even I knew she'd be the one to hurt him.
Brandi was wrong for accepting that date, period. Glad her friend Gia cradled her on her ish and set her straight. Scott apologizing to her and really showing her that yeah he dropped the ball but he's trying to do right by their son and her.
Audrey was just bitter and didn't realize it until her son brought it to her attention, of and Brandi checked her real nice and nasty😂. I'm Glad she finally figured out she had been in the wrong all alone and that Kyle was offer that toxic relationship and only wanted to co-parent worth her.
Kyle was the man! Showing up when needed even when he want asked. Paying because he wants to help even when he wasn't asked. Supporting and encouraging Brandi through her breakdowns. Glad she got Then making sure she right therapy cause that it so needed in our communities.
This was a must read and you will not be disappointed, and you greet to catch up on Rob & Iris💞. The perfect combination of reality, love, drama, friendship and sex.
Queen Christina did not hold back in this Kyle & Brandi's story and their storyline was authentic cause it happens all the time. The bm and bd ain't "together" but they're "together" and repeat that toxic vibe until someone really gets hurt or in this case somebody finally gets tired. Having it narrated through audible gave it a non-picture movie vibe. The narrator's did an awesome job.
Brandi was a woman and mom navigating raising her son, working, being a good friend and trying not to have a mental breakdown. She was still carrying the hurt from Scott leaving her pregnant and alone while him and his while family added as of she our her soon didn't exist for 10 years, smdh. Then he returns trying to fix what he broke and be a better man than he was. Like most women who haven't had closer, 3 years after he returns she's still angry, still holding on to that hurt and he's just the greatest father in the world to their son.
Kyle the former NBA player turned freelance artist who can't seem to get people to see past the ish he did 10 years ago when he started in the league. Now he it's an amazing father to his son, great friend, but he can't seem to greet the relationship thing together cause he and his bm Audrey keep repeating the toxic cycle of screwing and not screwing. For him he figured stuck to what he knows otherwise like most bm's she'll make his life a living hell, plus it's familiar.
Aubrey kinda like Brandi is still holding on to hurt and anger from 10 years ago when Kyle cheated. He promised to never to again, 2 years later she takes him back and the toxic cycle begins. Luke most women she ain't really over the hurt, hasn't really forgiven him for the hurt, but she'd be damn if he moves pin and the next chick gets what she deserves so the cycle continues.
Kyle and Brandi needed each other, they didn't realize it at first but they did. They helped each other heal, realize the error of their ways when it came to their co-parenting relationships, etc. The sex😁😜! They had an amazing friendship, that neither realized had kinda turned into a relationship cause it was so organic, it just flowed. Plus they were low-key with it and in the beginning that's the best way to go, no outside interference.
Then Iris figured out that they were a thing and ruined it with her self doubt, pissed me off cause it brought back all Brandi's insecurities and self doubt😠
Rob wasn't any better feature he was ready to fight Kyle because he assumed he would hurt her but hell even I knew she'd be the one to hurt him.
Brandi was wrong for accepting that date, period. Glad her friend Gia cradled her on her ish and set her straight. Scott apologizing to her and really showing her that yeah he dropped the ball but he's trying to do right by their son and her.
Audrey was just bitter and didn't realize it until her son brought it to her attention, of and Brandi checked her real nice and nasty😂. I'm Glad she finally figured out she had been in the wrong all alone and that Kyle was offer that toxic relationship and only wanted to co-parent worth her.
Kyle was the man! Showing up when needed even when he want asked. Paying because he wants to help even when he wasn't asked. Supporting and encouraging Brandi through her breakdowns. Glad she got Then making sure she right therapy cause that it so needed in our communities.
This was a must read and you will not be disappointed, and you greet to catch up on Rob & Iris💞. The perfect combination of reality, love, drama, friendship and sex.
May 11, 2021
I mean, CCJ be coming to snatch all your edges with these deep stories, and besides having my hairline pulled back a bit, I'm not even mad🤭.
She is also so great about giving our Black men the praise they deserve and letting them be the Kings they are, without it being too stuffy or overdone; while still letting them make mistakes and it not ruining them. Man can she write a damn good book👍🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾.
This was so good. Hard topics like mental health are ones that can be either done horribly wrong or generously graceful and of course, Ms. Jones did the damn thing. I love her writing style and how, although she's a writing beast, she gives a freshness to each of her books that's always so invigorating to devour.
Ms. Brandi was by far one of my fav side characters in Iris and Robs story (The Truth), so I knew her story would bring all the feels. I knew she was feeling Kyle, Mr. Ex-NBA player turned owner of designing personal basketballs, yet the way this story started kind of blew me away, mainly because of how relatable it was. And on Valentines Day at that...they were both done for from the beginning😏.
I ached for Brandi and her mental state. She was such a great mother and strong person and many times Black women can't show ANY weakness once those traits have been displayed (or ever really), so her personal struggles took a back seat to everything and everyone else. Oh, but Mr. Kyle. What he nor Brandi expected was for him to call her on her shit and have her confront her demons, yet not make her feel like shit for it. He supported her by not only being open and honest about his own demons, but he gave her tips to help. He was a true friend...and the benefits he was slinging her way were an added bonus, that neither minded😏. I love when a relationship is built off a true genuine friendship. Swoon😁.
That damn Audrey, Kyle's baby mama🙄, was kind of driving me up the wall. I guess I get it, but dang, move on. Brandi put her in her place real quick 🤭.
KJ (Kyle's son) seemed to be the greatest 4 almost 5 year old. I have a brother who's hearing impaired and excelled at all the sports and was super smart, so for CCJ to add in a child with a need like that was near and dear to my heart. Zion (Brandi's son) was great too. I could tell from the high praises from the previous book that he was a good kid. I'm glad he took up for lil KJ by giving that other boy the business.
I was a bit disappointed in Rob for how he came at Kyle, yet I know he was trying to protect his girlfriends best friend; doesn't mean he was right, yet it was understood.
I need a story on Gia and Manny because it's not all work related going on there🤔.
Friends, love, family, feuding, forgiving, laughter, drama, raising kids, and much more...this was full of juicy goodness and I can't wait to read even more of CCJ. Highly recommend this series.
She is also so great about giving our Black men the praise they deserve and letting them be the Kings they are, without it being too stuffy or overdone; while still letting them make mistakes and it not ruining them. Man can she write a damn good book👍🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾.
This was so good. Hard topics like mental health are ones that can be either done horribly wrong or generously graceful and of course, Ms. Jones did the damn thing. I love her writing style and how, although she's a writing beast, she gives a freshness to each of her books that's always so invigorating to devour.
Ms. Brandi was by far one of my fav side characters in Iris and Robs story (The Truth), so I knew her story would bring all the feels. I knew she was feeling Kyle, Mr. Ex-NBA player turned owner of designing personal basketballs, yet the way this story started kind of blew me away, mainly because of how relatable it was. And on Valentines Day at that...they were both done for from the beginning😏.
I ached for Brandi and her mental state. She was such a great mother and strong person and many times Black women can't show ANY weakness once those traits have been displayed (or ever really), so her personal struggles took a back seat to everything and everyone else. Oh, but Mr. Kyle. What he nor Brandi expected was for him to call her on her shit and have her confront her demons, yet not make her feel like shit for it. He supported her by not only being open and honest about his own demons, but he gave her tips to help. He was a true friend...and the benefits he was slinging her way were an added bonus, that neither minded😏. I love when a relationship is built off a true genuine friendship. Swoon😁.
That damn Audrey, Kyle's baby mama🙄, was kind of driving me up the wall. I guess I get it, but dang, move on. Brandi put her in her place real quick 🤭.
KJ (Kyle's son) seemed to be the greatest 4 almost 5 year old. I have a brother who's hearing impaired and excelled at all the sports and was super smart, so for CCJ to add in a child with a need like that was near and dear to my heart. Zion (Brandi's son) was great too. I could tell from the high praises from the previous book that he was a good kid. I'm glad he took up for lil KJ by giving that other boy the business.
I was a bit disappointed in Rob for how he came at Kyle, yet I know he was trying to protect his girlfriends best friend; doesn't mean he was right, yet it was understood.
I need a story on Gia and Manny because it's not all work related going on there🤔.
Friends, love, family, feuding, forgiving, laughter, drama, raising kids, and much more...this was full of juicy goodness and I can't wait to read even more of CCJ. Highly recommend this series.
May 6, 2017
First there came The Truth. Now here come the lies. The ones we hide behind...and even tell ourselves. Brandi and Kyle try to navigate said lies as well as juggle their parenting schedules to figure out what could be...if anything between them.
Wow...
This was an unexpected find and that's saying a lot when I consider this author's plethora of work. I didn't think I could be shocked by conflict presented so seemlessly in a plot of Jones', but guess I was wrong. Brandi was a unique find as a character for sure. She was a lot of work and I'm happy Kyle was just mannly, yet sensitive enough to take her on. What a dynamic duo, a very unexpected duo at that. I'm shocked at what I found under their layers: who they weren't and also might have pretended to be.
I'm so happy this author took on a very sensitive topic, especially in the Black community. In not giving to much away, tackling real life issues along with Black love shows such relatable characters you couldn't help rooting for. I found myself peeling away layer by layer of Brandi and Kyle as I read and was so pleased by the end of the book by the conflict resolution that took place. A satisfying conclusion if I ever saw one!
Wow...
This was an unexpected find and that's saying a lot when I consider this author's plethora of work. I didn't think I could be shocked by conflict presented so seemlessly in a plot of Jones', but guess I was wrong. Brandi was a unique find as a character for sure. She was a lot of work and I'm happy Kyle was just mannly, yet sensitive enough to take her on. What a dynamic duo, a very unexpected duo at that. I'm shocked at what I found under their layers: who they weren't and also might have pretended to be.
I'm so happy this author took on a very sensitive topic, especially in the Black community. In not giving to much away, tackling real life issues along with Black love shows such relatable characters you couldn't help rooting for. I found myself peeling away layer by layer of Brandi and Kyle as I read and was so pleased by the end of the book by the conflict resolution that took place. A satisfying conclusion if I ever saw one!
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