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Heartbreak U
Four diverse young women meet after attending a very popular HBCU; each at a crossroads in their lives. Born and raised in the heart of Brooklyn, Franki doesn’t take crap from anyone. After relentlessly being hurt by the men in her life, she finds herself using them for the one thing she believes they’re good for. Sex. But when she’s labeled for her promiscuity and a new tragedy strikes, how will she recover? Paris, on the other hand, has led a life of privilege out in Beverly Hills; one that didn’t include very many minorities in her circle. When her mother sends her off to an HBCU in hopes that she’ll reconnect with her people, she finds herself culture shocked. Asha, the local girl, is a complete slacker when it comes to school and anything else that doesn’t align with her future plans of becoming a basketball wife. She is a user and a mastermind manipulator that will ultimately have to pay a price. Then lastly there’s Hope, the good girl. Raised by her father and brought up in the church, she’s been sheltered most of her life. But when she falls hard for the big man on campus and gets her heart crushed to pieces, will she persist? Told from each character’s distinct point of view, this narrative is about each young woman navigating the dynamics of sex, love and heartbreak in college. Being outcasts in their own right, these four young women ultimately forge a very unique bond.
274 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 11, 2019
440 people are currently reading
396 people want to read
About the author
Johnni Sherri
22 books238 followersBorn in Baltimore, Maryland, where she grew up on the outskirts of the city, Johnni Sherri has always been a true lover of the arts. As a natural born introvert, reading, writing and drawing had quickly become her favorite pass times. After graduating from East Carolina University with her bachelor’s degree, she remained in North Carolina where she currently resides with her husband and three beautiful children. And although today, she works in corporate America, she still continues to make time for one of her greatest passions, writing.
After secretly writing many short stories over the years, in 2016 Johnni Sherri began penning her first novel just for amusement. On a whim, she entered a short story contest in 2017 and won her first publishing contract. With this opportunity she was able to release her very first five star series titled, Protect My Sister’s Heart, which is set to be re-released in 2018. With her writing, she strives to detail the complex realities of young urban love in a way her readers can relate to. Her goal is always to paint a picture with every page, leaving booklovers yearning for more. However, fully understanding that Urban Fiction and African American Romance is not for everyone, she feels that if she can touch just one heart or mind with her work, than the late night typing is well worth it.
After secretly writing many short stories over the years, in 2016 Johnni Sherri began penning her first novel just for amusement. On a whim, she entered a short story contest in 2017 and won her first publishing contract. With this opportunity she was able to release her very first five star series titled, Protect My Sister’s Heart, which is set to be re-released in 2018. With her writing, she strives to detail the complex realities of young urban love in a way her readers can relate to. Her goal is always to paint a picture with every page, leaving booklovers yearning for more. However, fully understanding that Urban Fiction and African American Romance is not for everyone, she feels that if she can touch just one heart or mind with her work, than the late night typing is well worth it.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 201 reviews
October 13, 2023
What an ending! This book follows four college roommates who are attending an HBCU, and they could not be more different from each other. Different upbringings and personalities couldn’t have made them more closer. It’s messy I tell you, MESSY. I’m starting the second book right now! Trust me, there were so many moments where I wanted to hop in this book and strangle each and every last one of them, especially Asha. She’s the one who truly needs to repent! It is a coming of age story so I try to grant them so leeway. But that’s what makes this book so captivating, the deeper you get into the story you’re screaming at them asking them why! These characters in this book are something else. I love Franki the most though, my love! I’m growing to love Paris, but how could you not like Hope?!
January 12, 2020
Actual Rating: 4.5/ 5 stars
“Heartbreak U” is the first book I’ve read by author Johnni Sherri but it definitely won’t be my last. This story focuses on four young women who end up being college roommates at an HBCU. Paris, Frankie, Asha, and Hope are all very different from one another and it makes one very drama filled story!
This coming of age book was recommended to me so many times and I definitely regret not reading it sooner. It really had me thinking about my own college experience, although mine was definitely not as eventful lol. I went through so many emotions while reading. It was absolutely hilarious, especially when it comes to Paris. There were many shocking moments. I wanted to reach in and shake a few characters from time to time. That ending was definitely jaw dropping. The one thing I can say is that I went in expecting them to be closer than they were. Overall, it was a very enjoyable read that kept me engaged from start to finish. I can’t wait to start the finale.
Trigger warning: Sexual assault
“Heartbreak U” is the first book I’ve read by author Johnni Sherri but it definitely won’t be my last. This story focuses on four young women who end up being college roommates at an HBCU. Paris, Frankie, Asha, and Hope are all very different from one another and it makes one very drama filled story!
This coming of age book was recommended to me so many times and I definitely regret not reading it sooner. It really had me thinking about my own college experience, although mine was definitely not as eventful lol. I went through so many emotions while reading. It was absolutely hilarious, especially when it comes to Paris. There were many shocking moments. I wanted to reach in and shake a few characters from time to time. That ending was definitely jaw dropping. The one thing I can say is that I went in expecting them to be closer than they were. Overall, it was a very enjoyable read that kept me engaged from start to finish. I can’t wait to start the finale.
Trigger warning: Sexual assault
January 22, 2024
I was not expecting that twist at the end…
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 11, 2024
4.5 ⭐️ MESSY but i am here for all this mess has to offer lmaoo
May 19, 2020
Wow! What an ending!
This was my first time reading this author and I can honestly say that I’m not disappointed in the least! These young college students went through so much on their quest to find love! This was definitely a page turner! On to part 2! Great job!❤️
This was my first time reading this author and I can honestly say that I’m not disappointed in the least! These young college students went through so much on their quest to find love! This was definitely a page turner! On to part 2! Great job!❤️
July 26, 2021
⭐⭐⭐3.5 Stars
These four young ladies presented a very interesting tale very reminiscent of people we all knew during our college days. Asha was so easy not to like. But, there has to be a back story as to why she acted the way she did...her brother Malachi on the other hand was very likeable....I'm curious to see if he and Paris keep their relationship going after that bomb he dropped on her at the end.... Poor Hope...with her inexperience, she forgot to tell Meeko to use a condom....now she's pregnant....I can't wait to see what happens with this couple, because he really did fall in love with her and she found out about the bet....Then there's Franki & Josh (Churchboy)....Josh has help Franki through some very tough incidents and it is evident that the two of them have chemistry. I can't wait to see what happens with their relationship. I'm also wondering will Franki's assault go unaddressed or will there be some kind of resolution?
These four young ladies presented a very interesting tale very reminiscent of people we all knew during our college days. Asha was so easy not to like. But, there has to be a back story as to why she acted the way she did...her brother Malachi on the other hand was very likeable....I'm curious to see if he and Paris keep their relationship going after that bomb he dropped on her at the end.... Poor Hope...with her inexperience, she forgot to tell Meeko to use a condom....now she's pregnant....I can't wait to see what happens with this couple, because he really did fall in love with her and she found out about the bet....Then there's Franki & Josh (Churchboy)....Josh has help Franki through some very tough incidents and it is evident that the two of them have chemistry. I can't wait to see what happens with their relationship. I'm also wondering will Franki's assault go unaddressed or will there be some kind of resolution?
March 14, 2021
This book was everything! I can't wait for more. Impatiently waiting...
January 4, 2021
Clutch ya pearls
OMG... I get it... I been hearing about this author and had no idea what the hype was all about! Let me tell you... I GET IT!! This book owes me so many hours of sleep! This book was filled with surprises! The characters had me back in college with them and I was so excited about their adventures and new friendships. I truly am looking forward to reading the previous work this author released, but for now... I need more! 🎉🎊👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽🍾🥂 Well done Ms. Sherri!!!
OMG... I get it... I been hearing about this author and had no idea what the hype was all about! Let me tell you... I GET IT!! This book owes me so many hours of sleep! This book was filled with surprises! The characters had me back in college with them and I was so excited about their adventures and new friendships. I truly am looking forward to reading the previous work this author released, but for now... I need more! 🎉🎊👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽🍾🥂 Well done Ms. Sherri!!!
March 28, 2019
Omg this book was so doggone good! I can’t wait until the next book! I knew this was going to be good because Jhonni never disappoints!!!
April 9, 2019
I enjoyed this reading story as these 4 college students from diverse backgrounds experienced all types of drama. Looking forward to the discussion. Great beginning to series.
March 10, 2021
Going straight to part II...the finale
As an HBCU grad, I wanted to see if I would be nostalgic reading this book and then I realized that the name of the book is Heartbreak U...the name itself has meaning. Oooh weee I wasn't ready for some of the events that occurred in the book, some of them gave me pause. My favorite so far is Josh. I love everything about him and look forward to hearing more about him in part II. Let's see what is next in Heartbreak U, the finale.
As an HBCU grad, I wanted to see if I would be nostalgic reading this book and then I realized that the name of the book is Heartbreak U...the name itself has meaning. Oooh weee I wasn't ready for some of the events that occurred in the book, some of them gave me pause. My favorite so far is Josh. I love everything about him and look forward to hearing more about him in part II. Let's see what is next in Heartbreak U, the finale.
December 22, 2023
IM ORDERING THE SECOND BOOK RIGHT NOW OMG
March 25, 2019
Four women from different tracks in life become roommates as freshmen enrolled in an HBCU.
Franki is tough but her outer shell gets broken to pieces when she meets Josh, a guy who isn't her type, but just what she needs.
Hope is the goodie two shoes who catches the eye of one of the most popular guys on campus. Will she give her heart and put her morals to the wayside?
Asha is into hustling and gets what she wants but will the player get played?
Paris is as prissy as they come and not acquainted with her culture. Will she become too immersed when she meets a guy far removed from her spoiled world?
I was hesitant to start this but only because I wasn't sure about the plot which follows four heroines. I'm more so use to one hero and heroine BUT this surprised me! Sherri does an excellent job of intermingling the various characters and giving readers enough background story on each so you can know why they act the way that they do. Franki, Hope, Paris, and Asha are so different but I loved how their own personal stories were told and even at times through each other's eyes. Whew chale, and the heroes!? Lort, just as diverse as the ladies but all bae material! You will definitely find yourself swooning for each and everyone of them.
This plot may seem like young adult based on them being in college, but all the characters are mature and their various experiences make them very relatable and real. The college setting is only a backdrop that acts as a melting pot to bring the characters together. The plot was well written and pacing was just right. There was some switching between POV but I was able to follow the narration.
The end was very climatic and ends on a cliffhanger. Gasps! Lort, I can't wait to see how it all pans out in book 2!
Franki is tough but her outer shell gets broken to pieces when she meets Josh, a guy who isn't her type, but just what she needs.
Hope is the goodie two shoes who catches the eye of one of the most popular guys on campus. Will she give her heart and put her morals to the wayside?
Asha is into hustling and gets what she wants but will the player get played?
Paris is as prissy as they come and not acquainted with her culture. Will she become too immersed when she meets a guy far removed from her spoiled world?
I was hesitant to start this but only because I wasn't sure about the plot which follows four heroines. I'm more so use to one hero and heroine BUT this surprised me! Sherri does an excellent job of intermingling the various characters and giving readers enough background story on each so you can know why they act the way that they do. Franki, Hope, Paris, and Asha are so different but I loved how their own personal stories were told and even at times through each other's eyes. Whew chale, and the heroes!? Lort, just as diverse as the ladies but all bae material! You will definitely find yourself swooning for each and everyone of them.
This plot may seem like young adult based on them being in college, but all the characters are mature and their various experiences make them very relatable and real. The college setting is only a backdrop that acts as a melting pot to bring the characters together. The plot was well written and pacing was just right. There was some switching between POV but I was able to follow the narration.
The end was very climatic and ends on a cliffhanger. Gasps! Lort, I can't wait to see how it all pans out in book 2!
March 16, 2020
College Life/ Girls go wild
Heartbreak U by Johnni is interesting story. This is my first time reading from this author. Johnni does a good job. It’s well written and phenomenal page.
Ashe, Hope, Franki and Paris are coming from the different background but each of them have the story to tell. It’s about college life, dramatically, heartbreaking, domestic violence, and etc.
Ashe always thinks that she’s better than other females but she doesn’t know what she wants to do with her lives. She thinks that she finds a good man to treats her right but she guess wrong. Hope is a religion and good spirit but when she starts dealing with Meeko; she’s acting totally different. Franki is a wild and party person. She is a something else but she’s having a better connection with Josh. Paris is a diva but she feels abandoned and hurt by her mom. Paris and Malachi are opposite sides.
I can’t wait to read part two of this book. I’ll definitely continue to support and read more from this author.
Good read
College Life/ Girls go wild
Book Nerd
💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙
Heartbreak U by Johnni is interesting story. This is my first time reading from this author. Johnni does a good job. It’s well written and phenomenal page.
Ashe, Hope, Franki and Paris are coming from the different background but each of them have the story to tell. It’s about college life, dramatically, heartbreaking, domestic violence, and etc.
Ashe always thinks that she’s better than other females but she doesn’t know what she wants to do with her lives. She thinks that she finds a good man to treats her right but she guess wrong. Hope is a religion and good spirit but when she starts dealing with Meeko; she’s acting totally different. Franki is a wild and party person. She is a something else but she’s having a better connection with Josh. Paris is a diva but she feels abandoned and hurt by her mom. Paris and Malachi are opposite sides.
I can’t wait to read part two of this book. I’ll definitely continue to support and read more from this author.
Good read
College Life/ Girls go wild
Book Nerd
💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙
September 27, 2023
This is the story of four young women (Hope, Frankie, Asha and Paris) who meet during Freshman year at an HBCU. Housing may have made them roommates, but life and the college experience made them friends.
Out of all the characters, I most related to Hope…raised in the church and sheltered from so many things. College was a whole new different world, and Hope struggled to find the middle ground.
Asha was an around the way girl, who saw college as a means to an end…one that included a basket for a husband. Unfortunately, she went about it the wrong way and has to been be humbled a time or two.
I felt sorry for poor Miss Paris, because she was basically thrown into the mix by her mother, who was adamant about her biracial daughter learning more about her roots. Hey strength helped her to endure and eventually acclimate amongst her people.
Then there's Frankie, the one who has a solid wall up. She used sex as a weapon, until one frightful night, which would change it all.
This was my introduction to @johnnisherri, and I'm looking forward to reading more. Her way of storytelling is uniquely inspirational. My least favorite character was Paris' mother, because she basically threw her daughter to the wolves. My favorite character was Josh, because he saw being the flaws. You'll have to read the book to find out how.
Out of all the characters, I most related to Hope…raised in the church and sheltered from so many things. College was a whole new different world, and Hope struggled to find the middle ground.
Asha was an around the way girl, who saw college as a means to an end…one that included a basket for a husband. Unfortunately, she went about it the wrong way and has to been be humbled a time or two.
I felt sorry for poor Miss Paris, because she was basically thrown into the mix by her mother, who was adamant about her biracial daughter learning more about her roots. Hey strength helped her to endure and eventually acclimate amongst her people.
Then there's Frankie, the one who has a solid wall up. She used sex as a weapon, until one frightful night, which would change it all.
This was my introduction to @johnnisherri, and I'm looking forward to reading more. Her way of storytelling is uniquely inspirational. My least favorite character was Paris' mother, because she basically threw her daughter to the wolves. My favorite character was Josh, because he saw being the flaws. You'll have to read the book to find out how.
March 11, 2021
Wow! Speechless!
Baaaaaabbbbby this book was something else! Asha, Paris, Hope, and Franki are 4 young women from different walks of life. They all are roommates for their freshman year at an HBCU. What a freshman year these ladies had! I enjoyed all of their stories! I loved all of the woman except for Asha! Homegirl got on my last nerve. I loved how different the ladies were and how college life really had them step out of their comfort zone. I REALLY liked the guys as well. Josh was book bae throughout. Towards the end I was giving Malachi and Meeko the side eye. I cannot wait to read part 2, the finale! I highly highly highly recommend this book! You won’t be disappointed! This was my first book by Johnni Sherri and she definitely has made a fan out of me! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Baaaaaabbbbby this book was something else! Asha, Paris, Hope, and Franki are 4 young women from different walks of life. They all are roommates for their freshman year at an HBCU. What a freshman year these ladies had! I enjoyed all of their stories! I loved all of the woman except for Asha! Homegirl got on my last nerve. I loved how different the ladies were and how college life really had them step out of their comfort zone. I REALLY liked the guys as well. Josh was book bae throughout. Towards the end I was giving Malachi and Meeko the side eye. I cannot wait to read part 2, the finale! I highly highly highly recommend this book! You won’t be disappointed! This was my first book by Johnni Sherri and she definitely has made a fan out of me! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
May 15, 2019
I. Was. Not. READY! When I initially started reading, I thought okay, it's okay. I am tracking with the characters. The errors are minimal. I didn't feel like it was over the top but it definitely kept me engaged. This coming of age story of these four young ladies that meet at an HBCU will have you reminiscing or at the minimum wondering about college life if you didn't go. Asha, Paris, Franki and Hope will have you ready to talk to your kids about going off to college and its perils. I was considering giving it a three star rating but that ending...I literally screamed out loud and rolled away from the computer! I did NOT see that coming. Is there a book two? I must know what happened.
August 3, 2021
Heartbreak U
Well okay now! I really enjoyed reading this book. In Heartbreak U we follow four strong and uniquely vulnerable black women as they navigate there first year of college. I will advise that the book deals with sexual assault and domestic violence so if you aren't comfortable or is a trigger for you proceed with caution.
What I love about this series is the author developed some really dynamic characters that just pull you in. I love that this series center around women who are not only seeking there educated but its at an HBCU. No spoilers from me please give this book a read you won't regret it.
Well okay now! I really enjoyed reading this book. In Heartbreak U we follow four strong and uniquely vulnerable black women as they navigate there first year of college. I will advise that the book deals with sexual assault and domestic violence so if you aren't comfortable or is a trigger for you proceed with caution.
What I love about this series is the author developed some really dynamic characters that just pull you in. I love that this series center around women who are not only seeking there educated but its at an HBCU. No spoilers from me please give this book a read you won't regret it.
November 6, 2019
What an ending
I would of gave this book 4 stars but it didn’t get good to me until 86% in. I like to give honest reviews. The book wasn’t bad. I just couldn’t get into. Maybe because the characters lacked closeness. I couldn’t put it down after that tho. I can’t wait to find out what happens in part 2. I keep reading because I loved the authors other books, so I wanted to push through. Very slow start but it was definitely worth the read.
I would of gave this book 4 stars but it didn’t get good to me until 86% in. I like to give honest reviews. The book wasn’t bad. I just couldn’t get into. Maybe because the characters lacked closeness. I couldn’t put it down after that tho. I can’t wait to find out what happens in part 2. I keep reading because I loved the authors other books, so I wanted to push through. Very slow start but it was definitely worth the read.
March 15, 2019
I could not turn these pages fast enough and at certain moments in the book I really tried to read s-l-o-w just so I wouldn’t finish it too soon. Finished it in a day! The characters were relatable and their individual stories intriguing. Yeah, I’m looking forward to the follow up because that ending left me stunned!
February 16, 2021
I was hesitant at first but the build up was impeccable!! Wow the stories/journeys of four young black women, from 4 totally different paths, each with their own trauma but still able to bond was something special. I loved the twists, the turns, the dramas, all were fairly unpredictable. A must read.
February 26, 2024
The ending
😫😫😫😩. This ending!!! WTH. I’m glad it wasn’t shot but dang MARRIED. JOHNNI HAS ME STRESSED. Love all the girls except Ash. It’s always that one female in college that was a total breach. And that is definitely her. This is a great coming to age book for college girls. Recommend this!!
😫😫😫😩. This ending!!! WTH. I’m glad it wasn’t shot but dang MARRIED. JOHNNI HAS ME STRESSED. Love all the girls except Ash. It’s always that one female in college that was a total breach. And that is definitely her. This is a great coming to age book for college girls. Recommend this!!
June 19, 2019
Omg I loved this book. First book by Johnni but not my last. I attended an HBCU, Bennett which is right across the street from NCAT and I spent alot of time at NCAT so it brought back tons of memories of when I was in college. Cant wait to read part 2.
July 12, 2019
College life is an very eventful step in life. These girls soon find out that all they have is each other!
Although it started off slow I'm glad I kept with it. Each character had a story to tell that had you want more.Looking forward to the sequel.
Although it started off slow I'm glad I kept with it. Each character had a story to tell that had you want more.Looking forward to the sequel.
April 15, 2021
Blindsided
Okay, I did not see that ending at all. So we allow a few couples to come together, then fall apart, and then the ending throws a wrench in the story? I'm ready to see what this is about...
Okay, I did not see that ending at all. So we allow a few couples to come together, then fall apart, and then the ending throws a wrench in the story? I'm ready to see what this is about...
January 22, 2021
Whew what a ride
College is definitely a time of self discovery and growing pains. I’m still on the fence about Asha but the other ladies are definitely growing on me. Can’t wait to see how this plays out
College is definitely a time of self discovery and growing pains. I’m still on the fence about Asha but the other ladies are definitely growing on me. Can’t wait to see how this plays out
January 11, 2024
So good, and way better than I thought it would be. This book had me hooked and with that abrupt ending,wanting more.
June 21, 2024
Criminally underrated; 4.5 stars
September 30, 2025
WHAT
The ending has me floored. WHAT?! This book kept my interest the whole time. Never a dull moment with these four girls. I am excited to dive into the next book.
The ending has me floored. WHAT?! This book kept my interest the whole time. Never a dull moment with these four girls. I am excited to dive into the next book.
September 12, 2019
Wow!
This book was amazing! I loved reading about the four girls and their separate journeys. Asha was my least favorite. The ending has my jaw on the floor! I can't wait for part 2!
This book was amazing! I loved reading about the four girls and their separate journeys. Asha was my least favorite. The ending has my jaw on the floor! I can't wait for part 2!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 201 reviews