Jess had always been the good girl. Church, school then a little more church was her life. She wasn’t the girl to get asked on dates or even have a lot of friends. She mainly kept to herself until she was noticed by the one guy she had been dreaming about since she hit puberty. Deon was a force that Jess had no choice but to allow to come in and sweep her away. He was too charming, too handsome, and too tempting. He didn’t have rules and he didn’t let Jess’ young age stop him from getting what he wanted, which was her. Jess fought him off for as long as she could but finally gave in. Her life seemed to change overnight. She became confident. She was able to get the clothes that she wanted and be the girl that other guys liked and females wanted to befriend. Deon was her king and she just wanted to make him happy. She went against her parents’ wishes and everything she believed in to be with him and she would have taken on the world for him if she had to. He gave her everything she ever wanted and she found herself so wrapped up in him that she could see nothing else. Her fairy-tale soon turned into a nightmare once she learned she wasn’t the only girl he was loving. Next were the fights and the drama. Trying to leave Deon became a war that she wasn’t prepared to fight. What do you do when someone you love so much hurts you? How can you leave them when you can’t even go a day without them? Love is many things but it should never hurt. For Jessenia her life was nice until it wasn’t. She fell in love with a man that really didn’t love her at all and the battle to get back to herself wasn’t going to be an easy one. He said he loved her and she believed him. His type of love was pain most of the time and she started to bleed his love right out of her until one day she noticed the love was gone. To leave Deon, Jess has to find herself and find her strength. Will she succeed or will she forever be wrapped up in a man that really loves no one but himself?
I meant to read this earlier; if I had finished before now, I would have enjoyed it more. The book is extremely dark, with Jess slowly coming to pin all her hopes and dreams on a guy who doesn't deserve it. She makes several mistakes, which drives many of the people she cares for away from her. Jess is tormented by women who did the same thing she did with Deon. The ending is happy, but the road is harsh.
Lawd this book really took me through some emotions. It took me so long to finish because I had to keep taking a break with how things were coming about. Deon was straight bitch made and knew exactly what he was doing. So many people find themselves in similar situations whether young or old, male or female. The situation with Jess's parents allowed her to use it as an excuse for how things went about with her life. Giving her heart to the wrong one ultimately almost cost her so much more. I loved Willow and Mauri. They actually both wanted what was best for Jess even though she didn't see it at all times. I was too pissed with Jess and how she handled everything with Mauri. It was as if some people didn't understand the meaning of loyalty when it came to Jess and Danilo. I would love to see more of Jess and Mauri. It's always easy for those looking in to tell someone to leave but when the person has had enough one can only pray they'll make it out at least with their life. Deon should've gotten way more time then he did and I was hoping someone would take him through the same pain he easily inflicted on Jess and others.
The moral of this sad but oh so real story is love is not supposed to hurt. I could feel all the love she had for Deon, but he never loved her in a sane way. It was always obsession, and sad part is he was truly sick!! His entire family and hers knew she was getting abused and did nothing. The first person I blame is her mother!! Jess found love in a place she should have never had to look, the arms of a man while still being a child. This story is a heartbreaking reality of what a lot of women go through. I honestly think if I had to experience one of my children going through this I would be in jail and so would my husband because the love show them and teach them everyday there's no way we could stand back and watch this. It was hard to read this book the first time but second time, clearly showed me an entire village let Jess down and Deon. Very good read once again this author never disappoints.
Where do I begin? Dominique is an amazing writer. I've lives in Jess's shoes and I'm blessed to have found strength to leave. This book was REAL! I was an emotional wreck reading it and I was upset with Jess for always going back. That made me wonder... Did my family feel the same towards me? And that Deon..he was a monster. Outta all the villains I've read about, he's by far the worst. I'm happy Jess was given a second chance at life and Mauri proved that good men does exist. Kudos to this 5 star read!
I pray this story opens someone's eyes and they leave while they can
I love how this story hit on older men taking advantage of teenage girls. Deon was a pedophile no way around it but in the Black community it's swept under the rug. As someone who's watched my mother go through a domestic violence situation, this story hit home for me. Mauri was a good man as well. Most would have given up on Jess by then. I hope that anyone that's in domestic violence situation uses this story as a warning to get out while they can.
This book was very heavy! It shined a light on the complexity of domestic violence and what the victims deal with from a psychological and emotional standpoint. Jessensia was worth so much but she couldn’t see it and Deon preyed on that. It was hard reading how she couldn’t accept Mauri’s pure and unconditional love for her but I’m glad they made their way back to each other. There were quite a few grammatical and spelling errors but this was a great story.
This book was an emotional roller coaster from beginning to end! Whew. Jess was such a beautiful girl but fell for the wrong guy. That goes to show love starts at home. Not getting the live and attention from home lead her in the arms of a bad boy. Dean was a POS ! I knew his Karma was coming and I couldn’t wait. Mauri was perfect for Jess. I’m glad he was patient with her and loved her without limits.
Agggh I hate that there are a really Deon's in the world .That really plot on children and have a family's that condones it. I'm glad Jess made it . Sometimes putting church before your children cause them to look for love in all the wrong places. I'm happy Mauri had her back. Dominique I need a him and the cousin bumping into each other in prison scene. I'd love a follow up story.
This hurt. He never seen any wrong. And even if he did he want to always spin it in his flavor. Didn't understand where he got it from. He treated them all the same. Jess was just Queen B he just would not leave her. Love her name Jessenia pretty Was happy for Willow I enjoyed even the hurt
This was an amazing story that unfortunately I've heard before. It shocked me to read it here tho. I'm happy that it ended this way for Jess most women in similar situations don't get to finish telling their story. Thank you for writing this hopefully it will help others in domestic violence situations.
This book moved me in so many ways. It was like a movie. I was holding my breath! I was scared for Jess and wanted to kill Deon. I learned abuse is real and mental abuse is way worse! I never experienced this but, have friends and family that have. Thank you for this good read.
This book made you think reprocess and refocus on self worth.. We can love hard but if love don’t love you back what am I fighting for… Letting go it not easy but it’s a must to do because you will always have a bleeding heart and that’s not what love is to do .. Praying for everyone who has this journey to found the pathway Out.. Blessings Dominique
It's crazy what love will make you do? To love someone even more than yourself and take the abuse because you feel you deserve it! My mind was blown over this story. Just thinking how gullible a child is and the men that prey on them! It makes me hold my children tighter at night hoping to protect them from this cruel world! Great book
I've read slot of books but this one by far has me all emotionally traumatized. Thank you for such a great storyline it's great that you gave a very realistic view of what a lot of us from the inner city actually live. I hope this story helps just one person.
As I read this book I was thinking of my own life and what I went thru. I was overwhelmed with tears even though it has been 17 years it still hits home! I thank GOD everyday for my freedom and life. Thank you for sharing this with us.
This book was an emotional rollercoaster for me. It was so good and was so hard to read at times. I'm hoping and praying that a lot of women read this story. Very important to know your self worth n.
This book took me on a roller coaster of emotions. Glad I picked up this read. Deon was a mess and needed therapy. I’m kind of sad we didn’t get to much background on why he was the way he was.
Jess has to learn the hard way of life and love. But once she finally got it together and feel for Mauri. Jess still had unfinished business with Deon and it almost cost her life. Thanks to god with saving her. Abuse is no joke please ladies leave before it worst
I didn't want this this book to end! Deon was disgusting and I wish he would've received more time. I like Willow and Mauri they have always been there for Jess no matter what. So love that see was good after she was shoot definitely need an update.
This book was amazing. It definitely had some cringe worthy moment, but this book was very true to life. This book out a spot light on domestic violence, I hope this book give someone who is experiencing domestic violence the courage to leave.
This book touch my heart. I think all young women should read this book. Everything sweet in the beg always end up sour at the end..Domestic Violence is a serious issues. If you are going thru it please get help. Your life is worthy.....
I wanted to rip my kindle up. Deon made me so mad he got away easy with doing all bad stuff to so many women they should have came together and tortured his ass. I hate domestic violence and pray women understand that it’s not love.
This was a hard read. You be saying that it couldn't be me I would leave. But the truth is you can't say what you will do if you haven't been in an abusive relationship. I want to shake Jessenia up for putting up with Deon. It was a true page turner.
Everytime I read this book it takes me on such a roller coaster of emotions. It took Jess so long to realize that being hurt wasn’t love. Deon was the devil himself. Mauri was so patient and forgiving.
This book was like an emotional rollercoaster for me. There were even parts that I couldn’t even read. Deon was a piece of work. I’m so glad Jess had Mauri.
Just awesome! I couldn’t put it down and I am so happy with the way things ended. Deon was really the devil and deserved much more than he got. I need me a Mauri.